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The Duke of Montenegro #1
The Blue Blood Mage
Daniel Hawthorne was having the worst day of his life after his ex-wife took everything. Literally on the edge. Suddenly, his whole world shifts, and he finds what most people only dream about. Magic.
Join Daniel as he is transported to another world and adopted into an aristocratic House. He will face the machinations of nobles, the hope of commoners, and the looming threat of a horde of goblins.
All while staving off the advances of those seeking to marry him for his money and power, under the cloud of a failed marriage.
Join Daniel as he is transported to another world and adopted into an aristocratic House. He will face the machinations of nobles, the hope of commoners, and the looming threat of a horde of goblins.
All while staving off the advances of those seeking to marry him for his money and power, under the cloud of a failed marriage.
- GenresFantasy
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2023
390 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 23, 2023
Not bad
It is a good story that is frustrating simple. Divorce, scheming cheating ex-wife, financial ruin, cheating ex- best friend, end of life contemplation, Krav Magra back story that goes nowhere, instead of jumping off a cliff let's use a gun, nevermind... let's just escape into the forest and get magically sent to a new world. And that's just the beginning of the frustrating simple story. Honestly, it's not bad, and it filled my day off with some fun, time-consuming fluff. Book 2, where are you?
It is a good story that is frustrating simple. Divorce, scheming cheating ex-wife, financial ruin, cheating ex- best friend, end of life contemplation, Krav Magra back story that goes nowhere, instead of jumping off a cliff let's use a gun, nevermind... let's just escape into the forest and get magically sent to a new world. And that's just the beginning of the frustrating simple story. Honestly, it's not bad, and it filled my day off with some fun, time-consuming fluff. Book 2, where are you?
August 25, 2024
meh
It was an okay read, but nothing particularly interesting about it. More like a 2.2/5. The second book is already available and it’s quite a short read so I might give it a try
It was an okay read, but nothing particularly interesting about it. More like a 2.2/5. The second book is already available and it’s quite a short read so I might give it a try
October 21, 2023
Absolutely wonderful
Very well written tale of a man plucked from our world to that of magic and aristocracy. Chosen to become the next Duke Montego and blessed with books on magic, he embarks on the journey from where the previous Duke was murdered across the lands to his new lands. As he travels, he builds a loyal following and strengthens his magic. He encounters various leaders - both good and bad.
The MC seems to understand the challenges and responsibilities inherent in nobility and acts accordingly. While occasionally forcing issues and embracing violence, he acts in a reasonable manner without excessive plot armor. The supporting characters are consistent and behave in expected fashion.
The primary source of antagonism is that this world of magic is currently driven by women as they are more likely to possess strong magic and are dismissive of the men around them. While this feels forced as men DO possess magic, it does drive the story forward.
Very well written tale of a man plucked from our world to that of magic and aristocracy. Chosen to become the next Duke Montego and blessed with books on magic, he embarks on the journey from where the previous Duke was murdered across the lands to his new lands. As he travels, he builds a loyal following and strengthens his magic. He encounters various leaders - both good and bad.
The MC seems to understand the challenges and responsibilities inherent in nobility and acts accordingly. While occasionally forcing issues and embracing violence, he acts in a reasonable manner without excessive plot armor. The supporting characters are consistent and behave in expected fashion.
The primary source of antagonism is that this world of magic is currently driven by women as they are more likely to possess strong magic and are dismissive of the men around them. While this feels forced as men DO possess magic, it does drive the story forward.
February 17, 2024
Subpar if mildly entertaining
So the title is blue blood mage right? So you're expecting either a story about a blue mage or a blue collar type worker. Nope, neither one. Title makes absolutely no sense when I gave up around 90% of the way through. You have some Joe schmo who gets some into a different world by a dying patriarch. At that point all we know is that our protagonist knows krav maga and his wife was a horrible human being. Throughout the story the protagonist drops these gigantic red flags about what a horrible human being his wife was and he just but he just wanted to make her happy.... It's just bad writing. The crowd my god thing never even comes up again. So what the f*** was the point? There are a half dozen times in the story where the characters just start speaking about some event that was never written about or even hinting at and you're just supposed to play catch-up.
Oh, did I forget to mention that this Joe schmo is also a master of noble manners and politics with no explanation?
Ultimately it's poorly written. It's nonsensical. It's a poor magic system and it's boring. Besides it being a mildly entertaining tale that's horribly told it has nothing to recommend it.
So the title is blue blood mage right? So you're expecting either a story about a blue mage or a blue collar type worker. Nope, neither one. Title makes absolutely no sense when I gave up around 90% of the way through. You have some Joe schmo who gets some into a different world by a dying patriarch. At that point all we know is that our protagonist knows krav maga and his wife was a horrible human being. Throughout the story the protagonist drops these gigantic red flags about what a horrible human being his wife was and he just but he just wanted to make her happy.... It's just bad writing. The crowd my god thing never even comes up again. So what the f*** was the point? There are a half dozen times in the story where the characters just start speaking about some event that was never written about or even hinting at and you're just supposed to play catch-up.
Oh, did I forget to mention that this Joe schmo is also a master of noble manners and politics with no explanation?
Ultimately it's poorly written. It's nonsensical. It's a poor magic system and it's boring. Besides it being a mildly entertaining tale that's horribly told it has nothing to recommend it.
November 4, 2023
If you’re just reading to read 👍🏾
It could’ve been stronger. As a reader I want details yes, I want nuance yes, but what else? There were so many other details that could’ve went into the action, or what about the school? Honestly, truthfully, him being from a different timeline didn’t really change or impact the story either. Why couldn’t he have been a distant, relation, not known that the marks just suddenly appeared on and sought to change the world? The “battle” in the throne room was even weak. I hope the Duke of the Black Mountain comes back swinging in book 2.
It could’ve been stronger. As a reader I want details yes, I want nuance yes, but what else? There were so many other details that could’ve went into the action, or what about the school? Honestly, truthfully, him being from a different timeline didn’t really change or impact the story either. Why couldn’t he have been a distant, relation, not known that the marks just suddenly appeared on and sought to change the world? The “battle” in the throne room was even weak. I hope the Duke of the Black Mountain comes back swinging in book 2.
October 22, 2023
Enjoyed this book immensely.
This book got me engaged with the story quickly and I did not want to put it down. I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
This book got me engaged with the story quickly and I did not want to put it down. I am very much looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
August 19, 2024
OK book.
The story is OK. The writing is not great.
Maybe it is just me, as I am really surprised at the number of positive reviews.
I was often left confused to what exactly was going on, as it tends to leave things out but brings them up later or have the MC take an action that is never explained why or how he knew something.
A prime example is when he first finds himself in a new world. He exits a tunnel to be blinded by light and sees a carriage. But where is the carriage? In a bigger cave, a forest, a desert? We aren't told. After a bit, it mentions the rain that has been falling on him. Where did that come from? I still didn't know if we were inside or outside, let alone that it has been raining for some time. Then, when describing the carriage, it seems huge inside, larger than a carriage would be.
Things like this happen often throughout the book. Things just seem missing. I had to flip back pages and reread just to confirm that the author expects you to know about things not mentioned earlier. I'd like to know what happens next, but my brain is tired of fighting with the writing.
The story is OK. The writing is not great.
Maybe it is just me, as I am really surprised at the number of positive reviews.
I was often left confused to what exactly was going on, as it tends to leave things out but brings them up later or have the MC take an action that is never explained why or how he knew something.
A prime example is when he first finds himself in a new world. He exits a tunnel to be blinded by light and sees a carriage. But where is the carriage? In a bigger cave, a forest, a desert? We aren't told. After a bit, it mentions the rain that has been falling on him. Where did that come from? I still didn't know if we were inside or outside, let alone that it has been raining for some time. Then, when describing the carriage, it seems huge inside, larger than a carriage would be.
Things like this happen often throughout the book. Things just seem missing. I had to flip back pages and reread just to confirm that the author expects you to know about things not mentioned earlier. I'd like to know what happens next, but my brain is tired of fighting with the writing.
November 16, 2024
Popcorn read.
The author doesn’t waste any time with this book, quickly getting to the heart of the matter: a man changes worlds and finds himself the heir to a vast estate. And he is very, very rich. And he is very, very powerful. He will dominate. It’s a fairly easy read, with some interesting elements (a matriarchal society thanks to the magic that women seem to possess in his realm), but his relative power and the reactions of those around him ultimately didn’t sit well with me. The politics (both internal to the kingdom and with neighboring realms) seem quite light and more like a hodgepodge of hastily arranged elements. Even though I’m not a native English speaker, some passages left me perplexed due to their rapid pace and setup, forcing me to read them twice to understand what I was missing. And I still didn’t understand.
At times, it feels like the author thought, “Okay, I need a disruptive event here. Let’s say the Goblins attack.”
Read it like an action movie. Is it a shame?
The author doesn’t waste any time with this book, quickly getting to the heart of the matter: a man changes worlds and finds himself the heir to a vast estate. And he is very, very rich. And he is very, very powerful. He will dominate. It’s a fairly easy read, with some interesting elements (a matriarchal society thanks to the magic that women seem to possess in his realm), but his relative power and the reactions of those around him ultimately didn’t sit well with me. The politics (both internal to the kingdom and with neighboring realms) seem quite light and more like a hodgepodge of hastily arranged elements. Even though I’m not a native English speaker, some passages left me perplexed due to their rapid pace and setup, forcing me to read them twice to understand what I was missing. And I still didn’t understand.
At times, it feels like the author thought, “Okay, I need a disruptive event here. Let’s say the Goblins attack.”
Read it like an action movie. Is it a shame?
September 8, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised
Honestly I was expecting this book to be fair ( I did not notice the authors name so I was not optimistic).
I really enjoyed this book. A very pleasant read that keeps your attention wondering what will happen next.
I enjoyed the humor and the only thing that disappointed me was that book two isn’t out yet.
Side note: Ben I REALLY hope that he can marry a certain commoner he met at the tavern:)
Thanks for this book It was a relaxing and very pleasant read.
Honestly I was expecting this book to be fair ( I did not notice the authors name so I was not optimistic).
I really enjoyed this book. A very pleasant read that keeps your attention wondering what will happen next.
I enjoyed the humor and the only thing that disappointed me was that book two isn’t out yet.
Side note: Ben I REALLY hope that he can marry a certain commoner he met at the tavern:)
Thanks for this book It was a relaxing and very pleasant read.
November 13, 2023
Good story line and i only caught one pledgerism
This story, while much like the book in this genre, has an interesting storyline with only one direct quote that I caught, from other books I have read. Mr Pollard created a culture in his story that did not bring in a lot of American cultural ideals that would have disrupted the believablity of his story. Introducing a maternal midevil society gave the book a different twist. Entertaining read if not entirely as original as hoped fore.
This story, while much like the book in this genre, has an interesting storyline with only one direct quote that I caught, from other books I have read. Mr Pollard created a culture in his story that did not bring in a lot of American cultural ideals that would have disrupted the believablity of his story. Introducing a maternal midevil society gave the book a different twist. Entertaining read if not entirely as original as hoped fore.
December 17, 2023
The Blue Blood Mage is a rather amusing story, and one I think most LitRPG fans will enjoy. It ended rather abruptly, but I guess that's probably because of how it was being written, it's hard to bring a book to a close if you're writing in continuation mode, chapter follows chapter.
In any case, other than the abrupt ending, the story works well, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
In any case, other than the abrupt ending, the story works well, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
October 17, 2023
I enjoy competent MCs
A down but not out guy in modern times , is whisked away to a magical universe..... Yada yada yada, right? Heard this before. But there's something to be said about an MC that knows how to get results. He works hard, willing to listen to others opinions, and not afraid to get his hands dirty. I hope this review helps this Author continue his work. I'm all In for book 2.
A down but not out guy in modern times , is whisked away to a magical universe..... Yada yada yada, right? Heard this before. But there's something to be said about an MC that knows how to get results. He works hard, willing to listen to others opinions, and not afraid to get his hands dirty. I hope this review helps this Author continue his work. I'm all In for book 2.
October 21, 2023
Good, but could be brilliant with a good editor
This is an interesting story, but it needs a good edit. The author clearly knows how to write, but he sometimes assumes that we all follow his thought process and understand everything he is writing. Juuust a bit more explanation and situating the scene and how his grace came to a certain conclusion would help enormously to better understand the story. I could figure it out for the most part though.
This is an interesting story, but it needs a good edit. The author clearly knows how to write, but he sometimes assumes that we all follow his thought process and understand everything he is writing. Juuust a bit more explanation and situating the scene and how his grace came to a certain conclusion would help enormously to better understand the story. I could figure it out for the most part though.
June 10, 2024
Pretty damn redpilled...loved it!
A decent guy gets divorce-graped, then wakes up in a world ruled by misandrist female magic-users. HILARITY ensues, as the body count skyrockets! Totally looking forward to book 2.
I recommend that you also check out "Fallen Off the Bifrost" by Jay Barrell. It is similarly red-as-blood, but the MC actually has a GOOD wife...until he wakes up as an orphan child in a magical proto-Viking Norway, lol.
A decent guy gets divorce-graped, then wakes up in a world ruled by misandrist female magic-users. HILARITY ensues, as the body count skyrockets! Totally looking forward to book 2.
I recommend that you also check out "Fallen Off the Bifrost" by Jay Barrell. It is similarly red-as-blood, but the MC actually has a GOOD wife...until he wakes up as an orphan child in a magical proto-Viking Norway, lol.
July 4, 2024
this book is technically well written, but the story is pretty bad.
The main character is a weird amalgamation of background skills and experience. A Harry Stu if I’ve ever seen one.
The main character also has an extremely odd relationship with his past and his current life. And seems to break the rules or follow them at his leisure.
Most of the book is repetitive and obnoxious.
The main character is a weird amalgamation of background skills and experience. A Harry Stu if I’ve ever seen one.
The main character also has an extremely odd relationship with his past and his current life. And seems to break the rules or follow them at his leisure.
Most of the book is repetitive and obnoxious.
November 5, 2024
Promising storyline, shortchanged by too many fortuitous encounters and jarring scene changes
I really really wanted to like this story, but honestly it feels like the author cut out 100 pages that could have set up scenes or had transitions, made more believable encounters instead of a world class chef 10 sentences after the MC says he’d like a chef. Don’t drop all these golden eggs right in the MC’s lap let him work for it.
I really really wanted to like this story, but honestly it feels like the author cut out 100 pages that could have set up scenes or had transitions, made more believable encounters instead of a world class chef 10 sentences after the MC says he’d like a chef. Don’t drop all these golden eggs right in the MC’s lap let him work for it.
October 6, 2023
A really good story and I'm eager to see the tale unfold into the MC's future. There is enough detail about working with the magic system to add to the interest but without the crutch of long LitRPG stat blocks padding the length of the work. If you do like the LitRPG genre you will probably like this work and appreciate the breath of fresh air.
October 22, 2023
Great 1\2 a book
I really enjoyed this book. But, there is a terrible cliff hanger. It felt like the author ripped a book in half and only published the first half. This is the 3rd book In a row this week that I have read like this. I think I will go back to my favorite authors. What ever happened to authors writing whole stories?
I really enjoyed this book. But, there is a terrible cliff hanger. It felt like the author ripped a book in half and only published the first half. This is the 3rd book In a row this week that I have read like this. I think I will go back to my favorite authors. What ever happened to authors writing whole stories?
October 30, 2023
I only made it a couple of chapters in. So many unbelievable/unrealistic issues with this book. Also, in case you didn’t know, the main character is super cool and all the ladies want him, but he’s so cool that he isn’t interested. Do yourself a favor and get a sample before committing, even with Kindle unlimited.
November 8, 2023
Okay power fantasy
This is straight power fantasy. Characters are made dumb to make the MC seem smart. The MC faces no real challenges, and everything he needs falls into his lap. If you are into that then you might enjoy this. I found it mildly entertaining but by the end I was ready for it to be done.
This is straight power fantasy. Characters are made dumb to make the MC seem smart. The MC faces no real challenges, and everything he needs falls into his lap. If you are into that then you might enjoy this. I found it mildly entertaining but by the end I was ready for it to be done.
November 12, 2023
Great MC
When does book two come out? These are the kinds of stories that are so hard to find. Stories where a male MC using his smarts and creativity to solve problems. Someone who takes on the responsibility to help their people and do the right thing rather than the easy thing. I cannot wait to read book 2!
When does book two come out? These are the kinds of stories that are so hard to find. Stories where a male MC using his smarts and creativity to solve problems. Someone who takes on the responsibility to help their people and do the right thing rather than the easy thing. I cannot wait to read book 2!
November 29, 2023
Too much "and then this happened..."
There is a great youtube where the writers of South Park talk about their writing practice and their simple rule is if your connection between scenes is an "and" the story has a problem. This book has a really interesting set of ideas, but is sadly lacking "because" and "but" connections.
There is a great youtube where the writers of South Park talk about their writing practice and their simple rule is if your connection between scenes is an "and" the story has a problem. This book has a really interesting set of ideas, but is sadly lacking "because" and "but" connections.
December 23, 2023
Fantastic
I started to read this book and I was instantly immerse in the excellent story line. I was surprised when I came to the end it felt the same as when a power outage interrupts your favorite TV show and you are begging for it to come back. Hurry with the other books I can't wait.
I started to read this book and I was instantly immerse in the excellent story line. I was surprised when I came to the end it felt the same as when a power outage interrupts your favorite TV show and you are begging for it to come back. Hurry with the other books I can't wait.
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June 3, 2024Fun and intense read
Great book. Kept my attention throughout. Could bearly put it down. Well written with no or few typos. I highly recommend this to all fantasy readers that that like a week,to strong MC with lots of action and a bit of political intrigue. Can't wait for the next addition
Great book. Kept my attention throughout. Could bearly put it down. Well written with no or few typos. I highly recommend this to all fantasy readers that that like a week,to strong MC with lots of action and a bit of political intrigue. Can't wait for the next addition
July 5, 2024
Ok Simple story. Needs better editing.
Basic simple plot and story for this genre.
Needs better editing and the plot just created events to move itself forward. Felt silly how MC just started having perfect action, dialogue, and knowledge to move the story along. Simple fun story.
Basic simple plot and story for this genre.
Needs better editing and the plot just created events to move itself forward. Felt silly how MC just started having perfect action, dialogue, and knowledge to move the story along. Simple fun story.
September 11, 2023
I loved the story and the potential of this series. The humor, dialogue, character development, setting descriptions, and other elements are great! I'm looking forward to seeing how the sparkly relationship at the end of the book unfolds in the sequel.
October 4, 2023
What a grand tale
I selected this book due solely to the title. It turned out to be not what I thought, but a good read and may be a really good series. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
I selected this book due solely to the title. It turned out to be not what I thought, but a good read and may be a really good series. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
October 14, 2023
AWESOMENESS!!!
This was just a blast to read. The magic mechanics were well thought out and constant. The interplay between characters was perfect. It started out stiff and became more flexible as the characters made history.
This was just a blast to read. The magic mechanics were well thought out and constant. The interplay between characters was perfect. It started out stiff and became more flexible as the characters made history.
October 18, 2023
Entertaining Read
Daniel, barely surviving a bad divorce, is swept to another world where he finds himself the heir to a long deceased Duke. Battle, magic, intrigue, and gender role reversal ensue. I like the action, humor, and magic. I look forward to another book.
Daniel, barely surviving a bad divorce, is swept to another world where he finds himself the heir to a long deceased Duke. Battle, magic, intrigue, and gender role reversal ensue. I like the action, humor, and magic. I look forward to another book.
October 20, 2023
Meh.
The main character, note I do not say hero, wandered around. Okay, now what? The characters were all perfect for their roles, perfect to the point of cardboard.
The book is a pleasant time waster.
The main character, note I do not say hero, wandered around. Okay, now what? The characters were all perfect for their roles, perfect to the point of cardboard.
The book is a pleasant time waster.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews