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Theft of Decks #1
Theft of Decks
When the deck is stacked against you? Change the game!
In the frontier town of Isarn, Chase will never be more than the lowly Darkborn thief he is. Banned from training, banned from acquiring better cards, if the Lightborn had their way, he’d be banned from life itself.
He’s not alone though, and the one thing he and his friends have is determination. Losing a hand to a brutal punishment only fueled his obsession to get access to his own amazing, reality-bending cards.
That is the path to power and a future for them all. Nobody cares where you came from when you’re rich enough. For now, though, they're facing both established powers, churches and age-old prejudices. It’s time to get to work, and if the Lightborn won’t share and play nice?
Sometimes the only way to get dealt a better hand is to steal the whole damn deck!
D&D meets Magic the Gathering in this epic fantasy deckbuilding LitRPG.
In the frontier town of Isarn, Chase will never be more than the lowly Darkborn thief he is. Banned from training, banned from acquiring better cards, if the Lightborn had their way, he’d be banned from life itself.
He’s not alone though, and the one thing he and his friends have is determination. Losing a hand to a brutal punishment only fueled his obsession to get access to his own amazing, reality-bending cards.
That is the path to power and a future for them all. Nobody cares where you came from when you’re rich enough. For now, though, they're facing both established powers, churches and age-old prejudices. It’s time to get to work, and if the Lightborn won’t share and play nice?
Sometimes the only way to get dealt a better hand is to steal the whole damn deck!
D&D meets Magic the Gathering in this epic fantasy deckbuilding LitRPG.
547 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 29, 2024
It started out so interesting then I got so bored towards the end.... It was a slog
July 23, 2024
A Gripping and Heartfelt Underdog Tale.
I loved Theft of Decks from start to finish. The world is vividly immersive through Chase's eyes, and I felt like I really knew his band of friends. They tackle their harsh beginnings with courage and humor, and their banter is uplifting and perfectly balanced with conflict. The pacing kept me gripped through each chapter.
The deck-building aspect is revealed in an organic and believable way, with real consequences for both carded and non-carded inhabitants. This added heart to the story, making me care deeply for the characters and those suffering injustices at the hands of the self-righteous. The action builds tension masterfully, making me feel like I was right there. The author's talent truly shines.
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 and can't wait to listen to the audio version and dive into book 2. If you love well-crafted underdog stories with rich world-building and engaging characters, this is a must-read!
I loved Theft of Decks from start to finish. The world is vividly immersive through Chase's eyes, and I felt like I really knew his band of friends. They tackle their harsh beginnings with courage and humor, and their banter is uplifting and perfectly balanced with conflict. The pacing kept me gripped through each chapter.
The deck-building aspect is revealed in an organic and believable way, with real consequences for both carded and non-carded inhabitants. This added heart to the story, making me care deeply for the characters and those suffering injustices at the hands of the self-righteous. The action builds tension masterfully, making me feel like I was right there. The author's talent truly shines.
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 and can't wait to listen to the audio version and dive into book 2. If you love well-crafted underdog stories with rich world-building and engaging characters, this is a must-read!
November 23, 2024
My first time with this author. Learned about him from a facebook ad.
I will start by saying I have taken a strong liking to LitRPG. I love the fantasy genre and I have passed many an hour going head to head with a Dungeon Master over the years. I have also play a lot of Magic the Gathering as well. Damn, I am almost a full blood geek.
This book has all those components, it is of the fantasy genre, the characters advance as a D&D one would and the cards they earn as they level up is pure MTG.
The story itself flows well, the main characters are marvelous. They grow from chapter one right through til the end of the book. There is an interesting ending that had me offering small curses to Lars for ending book one the way he did. I am definitely on the wait list for book two. Hope it is not too long in coming.
If you are a fan of any of the geek sports I am convinced you will consume this one just as I did.
I will start by saying I have taken a strong liking to LitRPG. I love the fantasy genre and I have passed many an hour going head to head with a Dungeon Master over the years. I have also play a lot of Magic the Gathering as well. Damn, I am almost a full blood geek.
This book has all those components, it is of the fantasy genre, the characters advance as a D&D one would and the cards they earn as they level up is pure MTG.
The story itself flows well, the main characters are marvelous. They grow from chapter one right through til the end of the book. There is an interesting ending that had me offering small curses to Lars for ending book one the way he did. I am definitely on the wait list for book two. Hope it is not too long in coming.
If you are a fan of any of the geek sports I am convinced you will consume this one just as I did.
Read
May 10, 2025Not a review, this is just to remind myself why I didn't finish this book. There is something extremely heavy about the underdog being ground down mercilessly and I don't want to experience that atm. The establishing of the world and characters is entirely centered around prejudice, injustice, oppression and powerlessness. I needed hope to go further. I was expecting things to go bad after the heist at the beginning, but the manner in which the author just crushed his characters, literally, didn't sit well with me. I know that's when the real story is supposed to start but I put down the book in distaste and couldn't bring myself to pick it up again.
May 20, 2025
There are a few rather gimmicky writing styles out there that, generally speaking, boil down to taste as much as anything else. The overly wordy writing style that feels like a HS student's book report. The mysterious mysterio writing style where you have to figure out every little thing about the world because spelling out the world building is a mortal sin.
On average, I don't prefer either of these writing styles. If you're going to introduce me to new races, a new magic system, or a powerful political entity, then introduce them properly. Likewise, in my opinion, you can pare down superfluous melodramatic prose to once every hundred words or so.
DNF - 10% "I was bored"
On average, I don't prefer either of these writing styles. If you're going to introduce me to new races, a new magic system, or a powerful political entity, then introduce them properly. Likewise, in my opinion, you can pare down superfluous melodramatic prose to once every hundred words or so.
DNF - 10% "I was bored"
August 13, 2024
Book one
Interesting deck building book. It's new and different.
I always got the feeling that the MC can read no matter how many times the story said that he couldn't. He never had trouble reading his stats.
Early in the story it is said that it takes time for stats to kick in, usually over night. That gets thrown out pretty quickly as the MC gets the stats immediately and doesn't have much of a problem using them.
Besides those two items this was a pretty decent read. I'll be looking forward to book two.
7/10
Interesting deck building book. It's new and different.
I always got the feeling that the MC can read no matter how many times the story said that he couldn't. He never had trouble reading his stats.
Early in the story it is said that it takes time for stats to kick in, usually over night. That gets thrown out pretty quickly as the MC gets the stats immediately and doesn't have much of a problem using them.
Besides those two items this was a pretty decent read. I'll be looking forward to book two.
7/10
March 13, 2025
This is a great story. It's not your traditional Deck building as monsters don't drop cards and people can't trade them at will. Still a great story and system. The characters are well fleshed out with realistically weaknesses and flaws. The only real flaw I noticed is that this book is clearly written in partial releases like Royal Roads or something similar. Midway through the book they experience a giant battle with a game changing conclusion. That would have been a better place to stop and make the rest a full other book. Still lots of fun and action.
October 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this and almost gave it a 5. The events do not unfold the way I predicted and that's refreshing. Also, I like how the author avoided so many pointless circular conversations that so many other series suffer from.
My only gripe is that they gang willing throws themselves into the lion's den over and over. It works out in the end, but sheesh it's nerve-wracking. I feel there could be a different way to go about it, but it that makes it enjoyable at the same time.
I love the character development and the excerpts/responses at the beginning of each chapter
My only gripe is that they gang willing throws themselves into the lion's den over and over. It works out in the end, but sheesh it's nerve-wracking. I feel there could be a different way to go about it, but it that makes it enjoyable at the same time.
I love the character development and the excerpts/responses at the beginning of each chapter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2024
This book is sooo awesome
This is a really unique book. It's refreshing because the characters are fighting against all odds... And losing. There is so much struggle and triumph. Halfway through the book is so epic that it could have been the climax of the book, but it just. keeps. going. I literally could not put it down. I love the characters, but the story itself is captivating. 10/10 recommend!
This is a really unique book. It's refreshing because the characters are fighting against all odds... And losing. There is so much struggle and triumph. Halfway through the book is so epic that it could have been the climax of the book, but it just. keeps. going. I literally could not put it down. I love the characters, but the story itself is captivating. 10/10 recommend!
July 24, 2024
This was fun. I haven't had this much fun since that Varic Vallenar scene in the Engineer. I loved those Arnault snippets, that incoherent descent into madness, though I might say some of his rumblings were spot on. I hated Sera then loved her. Then there was chas inquisitor deCaret... I look forward to the next book in the series
October 8, 2024
beautifully written
I loved this book from start to finish. The characters are developed well, the action is well paced and the dialogue is sprinkled with equal parts humor and depictions of the base tendencies of humans. I’ve always loved “card based magic” books and this book is now amongst my favorites.
I loved this book from start to finish. The characters are developed well, the action is well paced and the dialogue is sprinkled with equal parts humor and depictions of the base tendencies of humans. I’ve always loved “card based magic” books and this book is now amongst my favorites.
June 8, 2025
I just couldn't get into this it was basically a mixture of western/modern day oliver twist with a one handed thief I just didn't care about the whole deck building angle just doesn't do it for me when it's supposed to be a LitRPG the are more like listening to a fantasy book because the lack of stats , levels and points is what I'm looking for I might have stuck with it but it was boring 😴 dnf
July 18, 2024
Awesome!
A fantastic read! If you’re a fan of litrpg, deck building or progression fantasy of any sort, then this will be your vibe. A cracking read and I very much look forward to Book 2!
A fantastic read! If you’re a fan of litrpg, deck building or progression fantasy of any sort, then this will be your vibe. A cracking read and I very much look forward to Book 2!
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January 15, 2025Dealing out a solid sequel
Lars manages to follow up book one with a fantastic entry to his theft of decks series.
Well done on creating a group of compelling characters and exciting world.
Lars manages to follow up book one with a fantastic entry to his theft of decks series.
Well done on creating a group of compelling characters and exciting world.
April 2, 2025
awesome book, it's just that the "card element" is not really there, you can replace the word card with "magic power" or just "power" and the book will be completly the same. which is still great mind you, just not hitting the premiss right
4.5/5
4.5/5
April 19, 2025
It's good
I really like the cast of characters. Humor, action, intrigue, and magic.
I don't feel like the intro at the start of every chapter really added much value.
I'm definitely going to read book 2.
I really like the cast of characters. Humor, action, intrigue, and magic.
I don't feel like the intro at the start of every chapter really added much value.
I'm definitely going to read book 2.
June 29, 2024
Fantastic litrpg book chase is not your average white hat good guy and made me love him even more, Lars is a really talented story teller
July 13, 2024
Awesome!
Check out this book! Such a great addition to the LitRPG cards as magic subgenre. Riveting and heartbreaking by turns
Check out this book! Such a great addition to the LitRPG cards as magic subgenre. Riveting and heartbreaking by turns
July 16, 2024
awesome!
This was such a great read! I really loved all of the characters and the world they are in. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
This was such a great read! I really loved all of the characters and the world they are in. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
July 17, 2024
Fun Deckbuilder LitRPG
Great world, interesting characters and an excellent use of the deck building mechanic in a LitRPG story, what else could you want!
Great world, interesting characters and an excellent use of the deck building mechanic in a LitRPG story, what else could you want!
December 1, 2024
Not bad. Worth reading once but probably won’t continue the series. I wish the Card action had started earlier. The MC and his crew didn’t get cards until about halfway through the book.
January 15, 2025
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action. Card based magic system.
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action. Card based magic system.
January 12, 2026
the world building is top tier
January 13, 2025
Ohhhh man getting this was an absolute no brainer. I love Lars Machműller's World of Chains and am currently trying to find and read every deckbuilding litRPG out there. And the book is absodamnlutely FannnTastic!!! What better way is there for a thief to get a full deck of cards then actually stealing it. I mean he's got all the right skills. I loved Chase from the very first page as he contemplates how apt his name fits him, as he runs from the city guards through the market. This book even has a couple of heists to do, giving every reader an edge-of-your-seat kinda feelin. Along with plenty of pedal-to-the-metal action too... It's all to save his clan, his family from the Tyranny of the Light Born and to change the world too!!!
Here's a quote that tickled me:
“Don’t say anything unless you absolutely have to. Just hand him the orders and give him that snooty look that says you’re better than he is.” She glowered at him. He gave a low laugh in response. “That’s the one.”
Here's a quote that tickled me:
“Don’t say anything unless you absolutely have to. Just hand him the orders and give him that snooty look that says you’re better than he is.” She glowered at him. He gave a low laugh in response. “That’s the one.”
January 23, 2025
Theft of Decks two is a fantastic continuation. The crew's successful heist has landed them in deep trouble, and watching them navigate the fallout is gripping. The story is driven by their struggle to survive and stay one step ahead, and the characters really shine under pressure.
The expanding world of Ordei adds another layer of intrigue. I enjoyed seeing how the characters adapted their strategies and used the decks in creative ways.
Overall, it’s a fast-paced, engaging read that builds upon the first book in exciting ways. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
The expanding world of Ordei adds another layer of intrigue. I enjoyed seeing how the characters adapted their strategies and used the decks in creative ways.
Overall, it’s a fast-paced, engaging read that builds upon the first book in exciting ways. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 13, 2025
Great Expansion
A wonderful effort from Lars as we follow our group into the Elemental city, with so much already happened in the first series , this does really well to keep the story fresh and exciting as a safe space is required. The plot also invests a lot more into the deeper meaning behind the politics and how the deck of cards work. Masterful world building and character development keeps me happy and waiting on more.
A wonderful effort from Lars as we follow our group into the Elemental city, with so much already happened in the first series , this does really well to keep the story fresh and exciting as a safe space is required. The plot also invests a lot more into the deeper meaning behind the politics and how the deck of cards work. Masterful world building and character development keeps me happy and waiting on more.
March 28, 2025
Good to great
So I almost never give 5 stars. I'm the outlier who gives 3 for a solid read and 4 is if was really good. Why 5? I feel like the author built upon his foundation. Told a great story with fantastic characters. No notes. Keep it up.
So I almost never give 5 stars. I'm the outlier who gives 3 for a solid read and 4 is if was really good. Why 5? I feel like the author built upon his foundation. Told a great story with fantastic characters. No notes. Keep it up.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews