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The Sworn Sword #1
Assassin Awakens
Level up. Stay sharp. Never let the system reveal who you really are.
My life was stolen from me—not that it was worth much to begin with.
Just another nameless body dragged into the system, a kidnapped mind forced to play their game of survival in a world I never chose. They gave me Farmer. Bottom-tier stats. No weapons. No future.
But I refuse to die here.
Now I'm grinding levels in a soldier's barracks, training to fight for elven NPCs who think they're more real than I am. The Titans—the original players—nearly shattered this world before the system locked them away. Magic was outlawed. Anyone caught casting gets executed on sight.
Too bad for me, because while my strength and stamina climb, something else is growing too. Something that shouldn't exist.
My display reads Assassin.
The system knows Class Mage.
Every spell I cast brings me closer to detection. Every level gained makes me harder to hide. The elves are watching. The system is learning.
And if they discover what I really am, I'm dead.
But if I can stay hidden long enough to master what's inside me...
I might do more than just survive this game.
Detection Critical.
My life was stolen from me—not that it was worth much to begin with.
Just another nameless body dragged into the system, a kidnapped mind forced to play their game of survival in a world I never chose. They gave me Farmer. Bottom-tier stats. No weapons. No future.
But I refuse to die here.
Now I'm grinding levels in a soldier's barracks, training to fight for elven NPCs who think they're more real than I am. The Titans—the original players—nearly shattered this world before the system locked them away. Magic was outlawed. Anyone caught casting gets executed on sight.
Too bad for me, because while my strength and stamina climb, something else is growing too. Something that shouldn't exist.
My display reads Assassin.
The system knows Class Mage.
Every spell I cast brings me closer to detection. Every level gained makes me harder to hide. The elves are watching. The system is learning.
And if they discover what I really am, I'm dead.
But if I can stay hidden long enough to master what's inside me...
I might do more than just survive this game.
Detection Critical.
522 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
235 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 11, 2025
Zero to hero. Forbidden magic. Assassin shit.
Okay, yes, it does read like a debut novel: The narrative is a little start/stop, it’s heavy on the existential self-reflection, and the MC immediately accepts his litRPG fate without question.
Great, now that’s all out of the way and we can get to the good stuff: The litRPG mechanics in Assassin Awakens are a refreshing take on otherwise familiar game tropes. The need for concealing Aeryn's class and magical abilities – given that magic is forbidden – adds a layer of tension to the narrative and the progression system.
The branching skill system is nicely executed, too, allowing abilities to evolve organically toward different class specializations through focused training and quests Aeryn completes. What I loved: NPCs understand and operate within the same mechanical framework as the characters, rather than existing outside it. This creates a Mythspire world where the game mechanics aren't just overlaid on the story but become fundamental elements that drive both character development and plot. Hell yeah Miles Hunter.
In the end, Assassin Awakens reads like the tutorial and first meaningful mission of an Assassin’s Creed game. There’s a real opportunity for Miles Hunter to have a generational litRPG trilogy run here IMO but it will take an increased worldbuilding and plot scale, stronger supporting cast that don’t feel like NPCs, and more pages where the story gets to just flow. Time for book two to be full scale war and rebellion.
Also, if you’re ever bummed about your dating life, just be glad you’ve never gone out and had your date ripped away into a VR world halfway through.
Okay, yes, it does read like a debut novel: The narrative is a little start/stop, it’s heavy on the existential self-reflection, and the MC immediately accepts his litRPG fate without question.
Great, now that’s all out of the way and we can get to the good stuff: The litRPG mechanics in Assassin Awakens are a refreshing take on otherwise familiar game tropes. The need for concealing Aeryn's class and magical abilities – given that magic is forbidden – adds a layer of tension to the narrative and the progression system.
The branching skill system is nicely executed, too, allowing abilities to evolve organically toward different class specializations through focused training and quests Aeryn completes. What I loved: NPCs understand and operate within the same mechanical framework as the characters, rather than existing outside it. This creates a Mythspire world where the game mechanics aren't just overlaid on the story but become fundamental elements that drive both character development and plot. Hell yeah Miles Hunter.
In the end, Assassin Awakens reads like the tutorial and first meaningful mission of an Assassin’s Creed game. There’s a real opportunity for Miles Hunter to have a generational litRPG trilogy run here IMO but it will take an increased worldbuilding and plot scale, stronger supporting cast that don’t feel like NPCs, and more pages where the story gets to just flow. Time for book two to be full scale war and rebellion.
Also, if you’re ever bummed about your dating life, just be glad you’ve never gone out and had your date ripped away into a VR world halfway through.
September 23, 2025
Imagine you're out on a date in mainstream USA, and then suddenly wake up and find yourself bound and shackled in a wooden cart with a blue box in your face? You have no idea how you got here, but you're in an immersive virtual world that supposedly went out of business years ago!
Your names been changed, you've now got a class as a farmer, and you've been drafted into the army as a serf! Aeryn (the new name) hasn't gotten a clue about what's going on or why, but he's about to start on an interesting and imaginative journey in this new world.
Aeryn will learn new classes, grow in abilities, make a few friends and find himself hip deep in a widespread conspiracy to overthrow the Kingdom... and end up growing from a simple ignorant farmer drafted into the army as a soldier into a Royal Assassin, all while also having to hide a forbidden secondary class that could get him executed if people knew he had it.
This book has some great character building, a magic and skill growth system that is complex and consistent, some twisted and engaging political intrigue, plot complications, some interesting side characters that flesh out the story lines, and that build a solid foundation and setting for the future books to come.
I was lucky enough to get a pre-release copy of this book, and I'm hoping I get the chance for book two as well, so I don't have to wait as long to see what happens next!
As an avid reader myself, I think you should definitely give this book and new author a chance! I'm glad I did.
Your names been changed, you've now got a class as a farmer, and you've been drafted into the army as a serf! Aeryn (the new name) hasn't gotten a clue about what's going on or why, but he's about to start on an interesting and imaginative journey in this new world.
Aeryn will learn new classes, grow in abilities, make a few friends and find himself hip deep in a widespread conspiracy to overthrow the Kingdom... and end up growing from a simple ignorant farmer drafted into the army as a soldier into a Royal Assassin, all while also having to hide a forbidden secondary class that could get him executed if people knew he had it.
This book has some great character building, a magic and skill growth system that is complex and consistent, some twisted and engaging political intrigue, plot complications, some interesting side characters that flesh out the story lines, and that build a solid foundation and setting for the future books to come.
I was lucky enough to get a pre-release copy of this book, and I'm hoping I get the chance for book two as well, so I don't have to wait as long to see what happens next!
As an avid reader myself, I think you should definitely give this book and new author a chance! I'm glad I did.
September 17, 2025
Assassin Awakens completely drew me in - it’s an exciting and immersive read, especially for fans of LitRPG and progression fantasy. The world feels rich and alive, with a lot of care put into the setting, magic systems, and the political landscape. Everything is detailed without being overwhelming, making it easy to lose yourself in the story.
The protagonist is engaging and relatable, and I loved watching their growth and challenges unfold throughout the book. The pacing is excellent - balanced between action, strategy, and character-driven moments - so there’s never a dull moment. The tension is consistently maintained, and the stakes always feel real without giving anything away.
What really stood out to me was the author’s ability to blend adventure, intrigue, and emotional depth. The book keeps you on your toes while still letting you connect with the characters and care about their journey.
Overall, Assassin Awakens is a compelling, smart, and highly entertaining read that’s perfect for fans of LitRPG, progression fantasy, or anyone looking for an engaging adventure.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 – A gripping, immersive debut that makes me excited to see what comes next.
The protagonist is engaging and relatable, and I loved watching their growth and challenges unfold throughout the book. The pacing is excellent - balanced between action, strategy, and character-driven moments - so there’s never a dull moment. The tension is consistently maintained, and the stakes always feel real without giving anything away.
What really stood out to me was the author’s ability to blend adventure, intrigue, and emotional depth. The book keeps you on your toes while still letting you connect with the characters and care about their journey.
Overall, Assassin Awakens is a compelling, smart, and highly entertaining read that’s perfect for fans of LitRPG, progression fantasy, or anyone looking for an engaging adventure.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 – A gripping, immersive debut that makes me excited to see what comes next.
October 18, 2025
This is a debut novel and though there are things that could be fine turned I did find it an enjoyable read. At the end of the book that author is reported as a fan of Robin Hobb and I keep seeing that I was reading this book. Though, Miles, didn't torture our main character anywhere as much as poor Fitz, I did get familiar vibes. The way the author interwove LitRPG aspects with traditional fantasy tropes was well done. I have found that the LitRPG books over the past several years have really been doing this well and this is another example. If you enjoy tropes of zero to hero, found family, forbidden magic, all wrapped up in a complex kingdom-based story, this book may just pique your interest. I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter in this series.
October 27, 2025
this was a strong opening chapter to the Sworn Sword series, it had that litrpg elements that I was hoping for and enjoyed from this type of book. It was a unique concept and worked with the world that was going on. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. I was engaged with the adventure and how it was used in the fantasy world elements. Miles Hunter wrote this well and left me wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2025
Book is as advertise slow in the beginning, picks up in the middle, and an exciting end.
I did have the one issue of this book well several of them, but the main issue is that the plot plotted along too slowly. Too much exposition and not enough action. Didn’t need to spend too much of that time in the main characters head. Book needs more stat and spell growth. If it’s going to possibly be a real RPG contender. Will read the next book and see if I have a more favorable opinion.
I did have the one issue of this book well several of them, but the main issue is that the plot plotted along too slowly. Too much exposition and not enough action. Didn’t need to spend too much of that time in the main characters head. Book needs more stat and spell growth. If it’s going to possibly be a real RPG contender. Will read the next book and see if I have a more favorable opinion.
December 30, 2025
Way too many inconsistencies in this book. Magic has been outlawed for a thousand years. Death penalty if you’re found out. But they can still see their stats and abilities. They still have healers. Who can even replace blood. Isn’t that magic? Then there’s the fact that people with higher levels can read all your stats. Which several people do but only the good guys figure out he has magic. The other thing that bothers me is the king a thousand years ago outlawed magic and everyone just said okay. What a joke. Humans are not like that . I don’t care what what world they’re living in.
October 14, 2025
A very Start and Stop narrative
While things are moving, the writing is great. But then there’s a pause for reflection and it feels like it drags. The chapters are each very well bundled, but that pacing meant I kept forgetting I was enjoying the book.
As for the plot itself, it’s really well done and really well structured. I’m looking forward to the sequel, despite my grievances above.
While things are moving, the writing is great. But then there’s a pause for reflection and it feels like it drags. The chapters are each very well bundled, but that pacing meant I kept forgetting I was enjoying the book.
As for the plot itself, it’s really well done and really well structured. I’m looking forward to the sequel, despite my grievances above.
October 1, 2025
This book reminded me of Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hob (a book series i love) with a LITRPG feel
It was well written and had a great format that made it easy to read. Was light on the stats and LITRPG you find in other books and had some confusion in the plot that was taken care of later in the book, still a very enjoyable red and looking forward to book 2
It was well written and had a great format that made it easy to read. Was light on the stats and LITRPG you find in other books and had some confusion in the plot that was taken care of later in the book, still a very enjoyable red and looking forward to book 2
October 17, 2025
Solid
Solid first book.... Good emotional depth... More portal litrpg then VR though it frames it as VR.... Good plotting, character creation
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, Nocturne and Warborn
Solid first book.... Good emotional depth... More portal litrpg then VR though it frames it as VR.... Good plotting, character creation
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, Nocturne and Warborn
November 18, 2025
assassin awakes
Unlike some progression fantasies, the focus of this story was on the story and not on a constant recital of numbers. Story and character development was nicely done with nice action. I must say it is a bummer to have to wait until March for continuation.
Unlike some progression fantasies, the focus of this story was on the story and not on a constant recital of numbers. Story and character development was nicely done with nice action. I must say it is a bummer to have to wait until March for continuation.
December 15, 2025
Excellent Read! Good Characterization and Plot
Really enjoyed! This author used LitRPG structure but has plenty of talent to handle Sword and Sorcery without that structure. Looking forward to the next installment.
Really enjoyed! This author used LitRPG structure but has plenty of talent to handle Sword and Sorcery without that structure. Looking forward to the next installment.
January 10, 2026
Not a bad book for an author's debut. Series has potential but sort of basic at the start. Good enough that I'll read book two (3/2026) and book three (5/2026).
Hoping it gets more complex but a good days' read.
Hoping it gets more complex but a good days' read.
October 8, 2025
Really good
This was a really fun book. It is fairly standard LitRPG fair, but that's a really good thing in this cas3.
Highly recommended.
This was a really fun book. It is fairly standard LitRPG fair, but that's a really good thing in this cas3.
Highly recommended.
October 16, 2025
Good story!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were in toon with each other. I look forward to reading the next book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were in toon with each other. I look forward to reading the next book.
October 26, 2025
This sounded like a depressing grind and indeed, it was.
December 5, 2025
Really interesting take on waking up in a game. Good philosophical ideas and concepts. I loved parts of this book and sometimes was incredibly bored by the parts I hated if that makes sense.
December 17, 2025
Awesome
I really enjoyed the pace of this book. The journey of the MC is complex but satisfying. The worst part is waiting for the series to continue
I really enjoyed the pace of this book. The journey of the MC is complex but satisfying. The worst part is waiting for the series to continue
January 9, 2026
Enjoyable read
Comfortable tropes, good mechanics, believable characterization. Looking forward to the rest of the series from this first time author !
Comfortable tropes, good mechanics, believable characterization. Looking forward to the rest of the series from this first time author !
January 9, 2026
Loved it
Found it hard to put the book down. I cannot wait to read the next in the series. Highly recommended.
Found it hard to put the book down. I cannot wait to read the next in the series. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2026
Assassin Awakens Book 1
Very innovative story love the characters and the unsolved mystery surrounding how he became part of a game world. Look forward to book number 2!!!
Very innovative story love the characters and the unsolved mystery surrounding how he became part of a game world. Look forward to book number 2!!!
January 16, 2026
Too wordy
While I enjoyed the story, the amount of introspection was really boring. I think if the story lost about a third of its length it would be much improved
While I enjoyed the story, the amount of introspection was really boring. I think if the story lost about a third of its length it would be much improved
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews