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Dark Wizard's Case Lib/E
Alexander Dumsky, or Alex Doom, was a dark wizard. At the age of seventeen, he was convicted of a litany of crimes so long that even the seasoned investigators, judges, and prosecutors involved in the case could only shudder. Not a single attorney could be found to defend him in court. But four years later, Alex was released from prison to become the Professor of Dark Magic. They'd thrown him into the deepest hole they could find, one built for the sole purpose of holding wizards, and then they let him back out again . . . Why him? Why then? Oh, you're not surprised to hear talk of wizardry? Well, then you probably know that the Magic Lens, which was invented in 2032, let humans see and use magic again. Or do you know?
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Published February 25, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 2, 2020
i'm a fan of the author's iron will series that's why i thought to give this a try. this was so bad... didn't care about the mc, didn't care about the world, didn't care about the plot. meh dnf.
January 19, 2020
This book is almost physically unpleasant. The terrible characters, the unfunny jokes, the disjointed style, the complete lack of plot... If you like the Dragon Heart series, stay well clear of this.
April 4, 2021
This is really 3.5 stars for me.
There's a lot about the MC I didn't like.
But, then again, he is more of an anti-hero.. I mean, he's a dark wizard.
The story is good.
The Narrator is good.
There's a lot about the MC I didn't like.
But, then again, he is more of an anti-hero.. I mean, he's a dark wizard.
The story is good.
The Narrator is good.
January 14, 2020
Liked it
Picked this up after reading the Dragon heart series which is really good so decided to give this a try. Basically a magical murder mystery, it was entertaining, a few good laughs, good characters, well written, engaging, would read a sequel.
Picked this up after reading the Dragon heart series which is really good so decided to give this a try. Basically a magical murder mystery, it was entertaining, a few good laughs, good characters, well written, engaging, would read a sequel.
September 19, 2020
Not your typical LitRPG story. To be honest, I'd not give it an LitRPG rating at all, not even a gamelit rating, since the only thing this book has that intersects with the whole LitRPG thing is ratings that equate to levels, but even that is only tangential. Nobody who is a huge LitRPG fan is going to mistake this book for one that is part of the genre.
On the other hand, it is an interesting story, and while it has portions that read like a super hero novel (one subgenre I avoid like the plague), it does have spells, and of course the most interesting part, it has duly prescripted spells that anyone is allowed to cast, and a warning system that alerts wizards in charge when an unrecognized one is cast, and that's where a lot of the humor in this one comes from. The main character doesn't seem to use standard spells for anything, and the constant alerts are amusing to say the least. Of course the whole use a criminal to catch a criminal is a well known tactic, and the way this one turns out is typical of such gambits, but the ride to get there is filled with all kinds of mayhem.
On the other hand, it is an interesting story, and while it has portions that read like a super hero novel (one subgenre I avoid like the plague), it does have spells, and of course the most interesting part, it has duly prescripted spells that anyone is allowed to cast, and a warning system that alerts wizards in charge when an unrecognized one is cast, and that's where a lot of the humor in this one comes from. The main character doesn't seem to use standard spells for anything, and the constant alerts are amusing to say the least. Of course the whole use a criminal to catch a criminal is a well known tactic, and the way this one turns out is typical of such gambits, but the ride to get there is filled with all kinds of mayhem.
October 6, 2019
Fun fast paced with grit
This is a great start to a series it’s fun while showing just enough to enthrall you with the world that you will want to vacation there again the characters especially the main one are highly entertaining as long as you are not easily offended and the minor ones are just as enchanting I’m so here for the next book
This is a great start to a series it’s fun while showing just enough to enthrall you with the world that you will want to vacation there again the characters especially the main one are highly entertaining as long as you are not easily offended and the minor ones are just as enchanting I’m so here for the next book
October 8, 2019
If Harry Dresden was a badass
So this book has a Harry Dresden vibe to it but it is more of a dark side. It really is a great story, a little rough at some parts but a sold 4.5 for me as I finished it in two days.
So this book has a Harry Dresden vibe to it but it is more of a dark side. It really is a great story, a little rough at some parts but a sold 4.5 for me as I finished it in two days.
September 14, 2022
What's the big idea and/or unique approach of this book?
This book was strong on plot, strong on world building, decent on character depth and a little too crass for me (probably PG13, so not crazy, but distracting at times). The main character puts up a front of vulgarity to the world to hide, so he regularly goes over the top on purpose.
Was I entertained/did it keep my attention?
Yes, very much so. Fast paced and fun.
Would I recommend it to others?
If you like action comedy, with a mystery driving the action, then you will like this one.
May 13, 2020
Unlike most people, I liked this book, but hated the "Dragon Heart" series which preceded it. In fact, I had to quit that series because I just couldn't make myself read it. This one though grabbed me. I liked the world and the characters. I do feel that the author needs to focus more on character evolution though and a little less on the psyche side of things.
June 30, 2022
Not bad, but not good enough to keep going. The MC has a special sort of "charm" as an anti-hero and the plot is good, but... I don't know, I just couldn't find it interesting enough. Too much going on but also too little at the same time? The writing was good despite the numerous (minor) mistakes. Not my cup of tea I guess.
April 13, 2023
World changes and magic comes back to it. A dark wizard is freed from prison to help a team of guardians. (think men in black)
Snarky MC, kind of cyberpunk tendency feel. As usual i am not a big fan of flashbacks but this time it was okay from the amount.
Unexpected good but got a bit too chaotic towards the end. Therefore only 3 stars.
Snarky MC, kind of cyberpunk tendency feel. As usual i am not a big fan of flashbacks but this time it was okay from the amount.
Unexpected good but got a bit too chaotic towards the end. Therefore only 3 stars.
April 30, 2026
There is one thing....
Man! I enjoyed reading this book. Where's book 2?
Part D&D, part Shadowrun.
What the heck is the thing with the raccoon?
I gotta be missing something.
Get the book, read the book and if you have a shred of dark humor in you, you'll love the story.
Adding the author to my following list.
Man! I enjoyed reading this book. Where's book 2?
Part D&D, part Shadowrun.
What the heck is the thing with the raccoon?
I gotta be missing something.
Get the book, read the book and if you have a shred of dark humor in you, you'll love the story.
Adding the author to my following list.
September 21, 2020
This was one heck of an urban fantasy
Very well written, engaging urban fantasy thriller. Loved the MC's apolitical no-nonsense way of talk and doing things. And I freaking love the author for his dare.
Very well written, engaging urban fantasy thriller. Loved the MC's apolitical no-nonsense way of talk and doing things. And I freaking love the author for his dare.
February 18, 2022
Not very good
Comical and somewhat entertaining, not something I would follow. The characters ocassjonaly have serious depth, but then become shallow and unrealistic. Not a very good read, but been scraping for some decent entertainment.
Comical and somewhat entertaining, not something I would follow. The characters ocassjonaly have serious depth, but then become shallow and unrealistic. Not a very good read, but been scraping for some decent entertainment.
May 17, 2023
Awesome
This book was awesome. The MC is kind of a jerk, but it goes well with the storyline. It's a combination of urban fantasy and detective story. Give it a shot. You'll not regret it.
I can't wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
This book was awesome. The MC is kind of a jerk, but it goes well with the storyline. It's a combination of urban fantasy and detective story. Give it a shot. You'll not regret it.
I can't wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
April 23, 2020
Great
Great. Is all I have to say. This was just such a good book. I hope it you haven't read it that you can read it soon.
Great. Is all I have to say. This was just such a good book. I hope it you haven't read it that you can read it soon.
June 20, 2020
Refreshingly different 👍👍
October 30, 2020
Fantastic
Another great book from a great artist! If you like his other series give this a try it’s worth it.
Another great book from a great artist! If you like his other series give this a try it’s worth it.
November 14, 2022
DNF. An egregious example of "telling" instead of "showing" makes this one not ready for prime-time.
October 16, 2024
Grate
Great book please write more. I've read everything you have out. IMHO this needs more the world is wide open.
Great book please write more. I've read everything you have out. IMHO this needs more the world is wide open.
March 9, 2020
Take a dumb, impossible concept. Double down on it. Dnf.
March 3, 2020
I wasnt expecting a masterpiece here. I was just looking for a fun and maybe interesting read. I didn't get very far. While I hadnt seem mention of it being one it's separated from being a litrpg by the thinnest, dingiest of hares. The MC is... annoying. I put it down when the mid 23s guy was only just kept from trying to preposition what he believed to be a 16 year old girl working in a convenient store. That level of creepy is just unnecessary.
February 21, 2020
Greate book
I will say that this book was greate! Funn to read and the mc is lovely! If you like a good urban fantasy and litrpg this is the book for you
I will say that this book was greate! Funn to read and the mc is lovely! If you like a good urban fantasy and litrpg this is the book for you
October 14, 2019
Attention. Unauthorized used of reviewing.
This I liked. Alexander Dumsky is really a nice character, made the read enjoyable. Liked him more than Hadjar from Dragon Heart.
The story is nice with a good mystery to it making you want to keep reading and discover more about the world, it's magic and the characters wich are also very well thought.
It was fun.
This I liked. Alexander Dumsky is really a nice character, made the read enjoyable. Liked him more than Hadjar from Dragon Heart.
The story is nice with a good mystery to it making you want to keep reading and discover more about the world, it's magic and the characters wich are also very well thought.
It was fun.
October 7, 2019
Excellent start to a new series
Great translation and a very good start to an interesting adult series. The story does comprise some flashbacks but they are well crafted and add to the story.
Great translation and a very good start to an interesting adult series. The story does comprise some flashbacks but they are well crafted and add to the story.
March 23, 2022
I want more!
A thoroughly intelligent, emotionally and spiritually scarred, protagonist.
Battles with demons and wizards. Humor, snark, romance.
If you enjoy a bad boy, this book is for you.
Mr Klevanski please, please, please write a sequel.
A thoroughly intelligent, emotionally and spiritually scarred, protagonist.
Battles with demons and wizards. Humor, snark, romance.
If you enjoy a bad boy, this book is for you.
Mr Klevanski please, please, please write a sequel.
October 25, 2019
Interesting story and characters.
As was already mentioned, it is somewhat similar to Dresden Files, but darker. Also, MC can be an asshole at times, which fits his personality perfectly.
I loved the ending.
As was already mentioned, it is somewhat similar to Dresden Files, but darker. Also, MC can be an asshole at times, which fits his personality perfectly.
I loved the ending.
January 16, 2020
Like Dresden Files, but better.
Great book. Solid anti hero. Russian influences are clear in the world building but it still comes across great and is a fun read. Highly recommend.
Great book. Solid anti hero. Russian influences are clear in the world building but it still comes across great and is a fun read. Highly recommend.
January 18, 2020
Fun Frolic on the Dark Side
Full of great twists and turns. Loved Alex Doom and Gribovsky as well as O’Hara and the major...I mean Lt Col. Loved hating Kyle too. Just a really fun and humorous book.
Full of great twists and turns. Loved Alex Doom and Gribovsky as well as O’Hara and the major...I mean Lt Col. Loved hating Kyle too. Just a really fun and humorous book.
October 28, 2022
The descriptions of women are terrible. The jokes are terrible. The main character is unlikeable. Until the detective arch, the book is drab. The main characters abilities in relation to others is unclear for too long. DNF at ~45%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews