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Grimoire Thief #1
Hero's Gambit
What would you sacrifice for the gift of magic? And if denied, would you steal it?
Ever since I was old enough to hold a blade, I knew I wanted to become a Magical Knight.
For years I trained, waiting for the day I would receive a grimoire of my own. But magic can neither be controlled nor predicted, and when it was my turn to take the test… I failed.
I’m Null, a person born without a core. With this, all my plans have been upended, and the future lies veiled in mystery. However, a chance encounter one evening challenges everything I’d come to believe.
As it turns out, I do possess a certain kind of magic. Powerful, rare, and a threat to the Mage Council, my newfound ability is one many would kill for. There’s just one catch...
I’ll have to become a thief in order to use it.
This Light Novel includes:
Fantasy - Cultivation Magic System
Epic Fantasy Setting
Interior Art
Progression Fantasy Elements
Crafting and Spells
Unconventional Relationships
Mature Language and Content
Ever since I was old enough to hold a blade, I knew I wanted to become a Magical Knight.
For years I trained, waiting for the day I would receive a grimoire of my own. But magic can neither be controlled nor predicted, and when it was my turn to take the test… I failed.
I’m Null, a person born without a core. With this, all my plans have been upended, and the future lies veiled in mystery. However, a chance encounter one evening challenges everything I’d come to believe.
As it turns out, I do possess a certain kind of magic. Powerful, rare, and a threat to the Mage Council, my newfound ability is one many would kill for. There’s just one catch...
I’ll have to become a thief in order to use it.
This Light Novel includes:
Fantasy - Cultivation Magic System
Epic Fantasy Setting
Interior Art
Progression Fantasy Elements
Crafting and Spells
Unconventional Relationships
Mature Language and Content
528 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 30, 2024
A servicable story.
The cover blurb was a bit misleading; I enjoyed the story in the book more than I expected based on the misleading plot synopsis provided.
The protagonist is mostly good - the author makes a clear effort to create a "smart and determined" hero, which is my favourite archetype. The effort is somewhat (but not completely) undermined by the fact that the protagonist makes several rather dumb mistakes. Example: And that's not an isolated incident; there's actually several times the protagonist is caught flat footed by something that in retrospect feels pretty obvious, which is fine in general, but not if you're trying to sell me on the protagonist being a genius.
(More generally, if you want to follow the genius hero archetype, then you really want the conflict to be about the hero overcoming stronger opponents with his intelligence - going into conflicts eyes open, knowing that opposition is stronger, but with a plan to overcome that. But too often in this story the protagonist makes a mistake, gets surprised, and has to muscle his way through. Which would be fine for a different hero archetype, but is jarring here. Not a huge issue, but a minor false note.)
The world building is pretty good. A few novel twists, and the author is surprisingly good about not tediously explaining everything. For example: And to be clear, these mysteries are very, very good examples of the writer's craft! A rich, three dimensional world needs complexity and back story, and not all of it should be explained immediately (or at all).
The romance elements are fine. The author took a bit of an easy path by having the main love interest (Alex) be utterly devoted to the protagonist when the story starts, so there's no need to sell them falling in love, and a decent job is done of portraying a couple who are very much in love. And a perfectly servicable job is done of introducing the secondary love interest and charting the growing feelings. If I have a quibble:
And the overall plot just isn't that interesting. Protagonist is (seemingly randomly) an incredibly powerful mage; probably the strongest born in centuries. And he wants to be a good guy and help people, and some bad guys want to capture him and find out the secrets to his power. Which is...fine, but just feels awefully narrow in scope. I can see why the protagonist cares, but I'm not sure why I, as the reader, should care.
On balance, the positives are pretty good, and the negatives are minor. It's a perfectly acceptable book, but...I dunno, it all leaves me a bit cold. The setbacks are just a bit too obviously the protagonists fault; the victories not quite cool enough. The climax of the book should have felt like a crushing victory - a real moment of awesome for the protagonist - and on paper it was, but it didn't quite feel like it.
All of which means that while I did enjoy the story, when the book ended on a cliffhanger (...which I don't really care for in general), I'm a bit hesitant to bother reading the sequel.
Recommended if you're bored and want a random fantasy novel that isn't annoying or anything.
The cover blurb was a bit misleading; I enjoyed the story in the book more than I expected based on the misleading plot synopsis provided.
The protagonist is mostly good - the author makes a clear effort to create a "smart and determined" hero, which is my favourite archetype. The effort is somewhat (but not completely) undermined by the fact that the protagonist makes several rather dumb mistakes. Example: And that's not an isolated incident; there's actually several times the protagonist is caught flat footed by something that in retrospect feels pretty obvious, which is fine in general, but not if you're trying to sell me on the protagonist being a genius.
(More generally, if you want to follow the genius hero archetype, then you really want the conflict to be about the hero overcoming stronger opponents with his intelligence - going into conflicts eyes open, knowing that opposition is stronger, but with a plan to overcome that. But too often in this story the protagonist makes a mistake, gets surprised, and has to muscle his way through. Which would be fine for a different hero archetype, but is jarring here. Not a huge issue, but a minor false note.)
The world building is pretty good. A few novel twists, and the author is surprisingly good about not tediously explaining everything. For example: And to be clear, these mysteries are very, very good examples of the writer's craft! A rich, three dimensional world needs complexity and back story, and not all of it should be explained immediately (or at all).
The romance elements are fine. The author took a bit of an easy path by having the main love interest (Alex) be utterly devoted to the protagonist when the story starts, so there's no need to sell them falling in love, and a decent job is done of portraying a couple who are very much in love. And a perfectly servicable job is done of introducing the secondary love interest and charting the growing feelings. If I have a quibble:
And the overall plot just isn't that interesting. Protagonist is (seemingly randomly) an incredibly powerful mage; probably the strongest born in centuries. And he wants to be a good guy and help people, and some bad guys want to capture him and find out the secrets to his power. Which is...fine, but just feels awefully narrow in scope. I can see why the protagonist cares, but I'm not sure why I, as the reader, should care.
On balance, the positives are pretty good, and the negatives are minor. It's a perfectly acceptable book, but...I dunno, it all leaves me a bit cold. The setbacks are just a bit too obviously the protagonists fault; the victories not quite cool enough. The climax of the book should have felt like a crushing victory - a real moment of awesome for the protagonist - and on paper it was, but it didn't quite feel like it.
All of which means that while I did enjoy the story, when the book ended on a cliffhanger (...which I don't really care for in general), I'm a bit hesitant to bother reading the sequel.
Recommended if you're bored and want a random fantasy novel that isn't annoying or anything.
March 20, 2023
Not bad, but
Not a bad story, the plot could have been better as it’s obvious and plot armored with the MC being a puppet. Could put more taught in in. He could killed the thieves and problem solved.
Similar the magic and fighting has a lot of holes. Just keep it mor simple and it would been a better book. Less is more and quality beats quantity. Fight scenes was poorly and tedious long. Just skipped them at the end.
Liked the characters and wanted more of them.
Same cons as the earlier series Towers of Acalia. Feel like it could be a good 1-2 books before everything just blows up.
Not sure if I continue, maybe if I don’t have anything else. I feels like a setup for disappointment.
Not a bad story, the plot could have been better as it’s obvious and plot armored with the MC being a puppet. Could put more taught in in. He could killed the thieves and problem solved.
Similar the magic and fighting has a lot of holes. Just keep it mor simple and it would been a better book. Less is more and quality beats quantity. Fight scenes was poorly and tedious long. Just skipped them at the end.
Liked the characters and wanted more of them.
Same cons as the earlier series Towers of Acalia. Feel like it could be a good 1-2 books before everything just blows up.
Not sure if I continue, maybe if I don’t have anything else. I feels like a setup for disappointment.
April 30, 2023
Enjoyable read, with in-universe justifications for most things. The magic system is consistent and the explanations do not bog down to useless technical ramblings. I especially appreciate that the story is not just an excuse to frame the sexual encounters, and that every one of them are fully consensual. The elves are a departure from standard fantasy, and that's a good thing, makes them stand apart, and I'm looking forward to see them developed some more.
Interestingly, while there's hints that there are physical monsters out in the world, most of the monsters are entirely human, which makes them both more dangerous, and the protagonists' motivations more compelling.
Interestingly, while there's hints that there are physical monsters out in the world, most of the monsters are entirely human, which makes them both more dangerous, and the protagonists' motivations more compelling.
December 28, 2023
Really?
Overall I liked the book and the world the author is building.
That being said, I really hate how apparently every mage and guard in the whole freaking city is corrupt. Like seriously, that is so improbable it is ridiculous.
The book was left on a cliffhanger, which no one EVER likes, and with the way everything happened it made no sense. Given the secrecy of the councils movements and dealing, it makes absolutely no sense that the “archon” would have had troops on the way to intercept them already. That’s a massive plot hole that’s too convenient and stupid for me.
Not sure if I will keep going with the series or not at this point.
Overall I liked the book and the world the author is building.
That being said, I really hate how apparently every mage and guard in the whole freaking city is corrupt. Like seriously, that is so improbable it is ridiculous.
The book was left on a cliffhanger, which no one EVER likes, and with the way everything happened it made no sense. Given the secrecy of the councils movements and dealing, it makes absolutely no sense that the “archon” would have had troops on the way to intercept them already. That’s a massive plot hole that’s too convenient and stupid for me.
Not sure if I will keep going with the series or not at this point.
January 26, 2023
absolutely amazing
I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but having read atlas Kane before, I new it was going to be good. Well I didn’t give it enough credit. It was an absolutely perfect harem book. It prioritized the story, developed the relationships naturally, limited the number of detailed sex scenes (let’s be honest, nobody needs to read 20 scenes with the same people having sex), and made you believe in the characters as if they were more than words in a book. I can’t recommend this book enough! Stop what you are doing and buy this book! Quick!
I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but having read atlas Kane before, I new it was going to be good. Well I didn’t give it enough credit. It was an absolutely perfect harem book. It prioritized the story, developed the relationships naturally, limited the number of detailed sex scenes (let’s be honest, nobody needs to read 20 scenes with the same people having sex), and made you believe in the characters as if they were more than words in a book. I can’t recommend this book enough! Stop what you are doing and buy this book! Quick!
February 13, 2023
Fun spin on a tried and true idea
I’ve normally not been a massive fan of this authors books but this was really good. I like the progression idea going from having to hold the book and speak the spell, and the pinnacle of not needing to hold or speak it at the end. The clear cut goal and progression is nice. Overall the mc is good and so are Alex and syl. Having the mc in an already established relationship with a memorable and smart character was a new one for any harem type adventure novel. It was nice to see. Can’t wait for the next
I’ve normally not been a massive fan of this authors books but this was really good. I like the progression idea going from having to hold the book and speak the spell, and the pinnacle of not needing to hold or speak it at the end. The clear cut goal and progression is nice. Overall the mc is good and so are Alex and syl. Having the mc in an already established relationship with a memorable and smart character was a new one for any harem type adventure novel. It was nice to see. Can’t wait for the next
June 7, 2024
Love the narrator for this series it good but the mc is smart and stupid at the same time. He gets in fights and kills people but is so stupid about it he gets caught. Wants to be a magic knight because his dad was and has a stupid view of how things and most people really are. How he thought he could stay at home and go about life as normal 🤔 after finding out he can use magic was so foolish I was cussing at the book but he is a child so I guess it can be overlooked but wow the stupidity is real but I can't stop listening tho its still good
March 20, 2023
OPMC + Batman utility belt ==> entertaining but predictable
Not top shelf (5 stars) and would have gotten four… except he just keeps pulling the same rabbit out of the hat… again and again… one trick pony:
He’s in a pickle… good thing he remembered to bring his depickler!
Repeat until end of book.
I don’t think I’ll be buying the sequels… it’s not like I don’t know how they’ll go.
But for those that did enjoy this… I’m sure they’ll enjoy more of the same.
Not top shelf (5 stars) and would have gotten four… except he just keeps pulling the same rabbit out of the hat… again and again… one trick pony:
He’s in a pickle… good thing he remembered to bring his depickler!
Repeat until end of book.
I don’t think I’ll be buying the sequels… it’s not like I don’t know how they’ll go.
But for those that did enjoy this… I’m sure they’ll enjoy more of the same.
January 29, 2024
Not for young readers.
I will start with this... This book is X rated. I stopped reading after one too many fairly detailed sex scenes. A well placed, discrete set scene is OK, but the detail and number of them in this book take away from what could be an excellent story. The magic system seems pretty unique and well thought out. The writing, character development, and plot are well done. For me, the over abundance of sex is too much.
Read at your own discretion!
I will start with this... This book is X rated. I stopped reading after one too many fairly detailed sex scenes. A well placed, discrete set scene is OK, but the detail and number of them in this book take away from what could be an excellent story. The magic system seems pretty unique and well thought out. The writing, character development, and plot are well done. For me, the over abundance of sex is too much.
Read at your own discretion!
January 16, 2023
Another awesome book!!!
It should come as no surprise not anyone who has read this author this is a fabulous story!!!! This story is full of unique and yet familiar magic, awesome characters and adult fantasy activities throughout!!!! I loved the tie into Towers!!!! Keep up the great storytelling!!!
It should come as no surprise not anyone who has read this author this is a fabulous story!!!! This story is full of unique and yet familiar magic, awesome characters and adult fantasy activities throughout!!!! I loved the tie into Towers!!!! Keep up the great storytelling!!!
January 26, 2023
Could have been good
Ok so the book had potential. The story was good but the for being as highly trained as he was supposed to be the MC was an absolutely Nieve moron that continually overlooked obvious things because he couldn't get past the bad guys being bad when they where supposed to be good. It ruined it for me. I made it to 80% and couldn't tolerate it anymore.
Ok so the book had potential. The story was good but the for being as highly trained as he was supposed to be the MC was an absolutely Nieve moron that continually overlooked obvious things because he couldn't get past the bad guys being bad when they where supposed to be good. It ruined it for me. I made it to 80% and couldn't tolerate it anymore.
February 7, 2023
Mot
Great book. It kept my interest through out the whole book. Liked the concept of how the magic worked and can see the potential depending on how Arthur sums up the multiple book thing. Ex. As he masters a book it becomes permanent like the astral mages books. Therefore end game he came summon them from core. I'm looking forward to next book!!!!
Great book. It kept my interest through out the whole book. Liked the concept of how the magic worked and can see the potential depending on how Arthur sums up the multiple book thing. Ex. As he masters a book it becomes permanent like the astral mages books. Therefore end game he came summon them from core. I'm looking forward to next book!!!!
April 5, 2023
Overall I quite enjoyed this. The relationships aren't rushed, and the characters are interesting. There's not much detail given on the magic system though, it feels a bit hand-wavy, which is a bit of a shame. The world seems like it could be interesting, and I look forward to more world building in the next book.
January 12, 2024
Would have been just as good without the sex scenes
Sometimes books need sex, to drive the plot along or to cover up for the lack of concrete plot. This book had a good plot and good pacing and was well written, and probably would have a wider reach in terms of audience if there weren't any explicit scenes. Just seems like a weird decision to make, idk. Good book though!
Sometimes books need sex, to drive the plot along or to cover up for the lack of concrete plot. This book had a good plot and good pacing and was well written, and probably would have a wider reach in terms of audience if there weren't any explicit scenes. Just seems like a weird decision to make, idk. Good book though!
May 29, 2024
Fun variation on magic
Alternate universe, magic, leveling, fantasy races, harem adult situations
Nico discovers he has a unique ability, one that makes those in power envious and greedy to control him. Add in a good deed to an elven woman in need, and things rapidly spin out control. Harbinger, indeed. Enjoyed.
Alternate universe, magic, leveling, fantasy races, harem adult situations
Nico discovers he has a unique ability, one that makes those in power envious and greedy to control him. Add in a good deed to an elven woman in need, and things rapidly spin out control. Harbinger, indeed. Enjoyed.
January 16, 2023
I loved reading this book. The story is rich and keeps you glued to the screen. The characters are believable, the baddies are baaad and the heroes sublime. The magic descriptions are well written and fact filled. Overall worth my 5 stars 💥💥💥💥💥
February 7, 2023
Thank you Atlas Kane
I have completely enjoyed this story and look forward to book 2, Nico seems to get himself into some tight spots, lol, not sure how you got them all out of that tower though. Lol Still a very fun story, thanks.
Sincerely
Rick Shiverdecker
I have completely enjoyed this story and look forward to book 2, Nico seems to get himself into some tight spots, lol, not sure how you got them all out of that tower though. Lol Still a very fun story, thanks.
Sincerely
Rick Shiverdecker
February 12, 2023
All kinds of awesome.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth reading.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth reading.
April 7, 2023
Great read
Be interesting if he gained a position of authority! Will he use his dad's grimoire? I think he can use more than two at once! I thought he would use that fire spell to burn the councils remains.
Be interesting if he gained a position of authority! Will he use his dad's grimoire? I think he can use more than two at once! I thought he would use that fire spell to burn the councils remains.
April 13, 2023
MC cannot cast magic but later learns he cannot learn only one kind of magic but every kind where he can get his hands on a grimoire.
Author loves excessive descriptions of fights... for me that is boring
Author loves excessive descriptions of fights... for me that is boring
December 30, 2023
The standard "no magic in a magic world" takes an interesting turn. When Nico's magic is revealed, he can't use a new grimoire, he has to use one that's already been activated by another mage. Plenty of action, betrayal and politics. Really looking forward to where things go from here.
November 21, 2024
The MC is kind of annoying but it was boring for a while and when he finally discovers his power it's anticlimactic and boring. It showed what the possibilities are but they weren't good enough to keep my interest. Writing was decent, just not for me.
March 24, 2026
3.5 The plot is serviceable and the world building has potential, this is more like a prologue I hope we get more definition on things in future books. It comes across as very light novel inspired. The MC can be an idiot at times...I will probably read the next one in the future.
January 20, 2023
Fun read
Enjoyed the world here. Liked how the magic works and the variety of it. Nice amount of action and a pretty competent Mc. Looking forward to the next book.
Enjoyed the world here. Liked how the magic works and the variety of it. Nice amount of action and a pretty competent Mc. Looking forward to the next book.
January 23, 2023
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
February 9, 2023
An enjoyable adventure
The story and characters along with their relationships were a joy to read. Additionally, the lore and magical abilities kept things interesting throughout.
The story and characters along with their relationships were a joy to read. Additionally, the lore and magical abilities kept things interesting throughout.
February 18, 2023
💜💙💛💚
What a great start to a series!! I am really excited to see what happens next. Looking forward to their next adventures.
What a great start to a series!! I am really excited to see what happens next. Looking forward to their next adventures.
March 3, 2023
great read
This book was exciting to read. It has strong characters and a steady flow. Look forward to book 2 soon
This book was exciting to read. It has strong characters and a steady flow. Look forward to book 2 soon
March 14, 2023
Good book
I loved the story and the main characters had enough spice to make the story tangible for me in my opinion.
I loved the story and the main characters had enough spice to make the story tangible for me in my opinion.
March 19, 2023
2.75 stars?
It was ok. Typical Harem story. I found myself speed reading through the last third of the book just to finish. Might read the next one, but not any time soon.
It was ok. Typical Harem story. I found myself speed reading through the last third of the book just to finish. Might read the next one, but not any time soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews