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Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles #1
Wizard Defiant
Wizard scouts are the elite, deep-recon forces of the Intergalactic Empire. They are a mix of technology and magic like abilities.
Richard has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become one of these legendary soldiers. All he has to do is make it through the Wizard Scout Academy. But with a TAC officer who hates his guts, will he even be allowed to graduate. To make matters worse, the Empire has been attacked and soon finds itself in a major war. With heavy losses in the wizard scout corps, even the Academy cadets are starting to look good to the Empire’s High Command.
Just when Richard thinks things can’t get any worse, he is suddenly sent by ‘the One’ to help a beautiful elf priestess fight a demon and its army of undead. Wizard scouts may be the best of the best, but Richard is still a cadet in training. Will his skills and technology be enough to overcome dragons, demons, trolls, ghouls, and various undead from his worst nightmare? With only the aid of his battle computer, Nickelo, and the magic of an elf priestess, will his wizard scout abilities be enough to turn the tide?
With the fate of two galaxies riding in the balance, Richard is honor bound to do his best in spite of the odds. The question is, will his best be good enough?
Richard has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become one of these legendary soldiers. All he has to do is make it through the Wizard Scout Academy. But with a TAC officer who hates his guts, will he even be allowed to graduate. To make matters worse, the Empire has been attacked and soon finds itself in a major war. With heavy losses in the wizard scout corps, even the Academy cadets are starting to look good to the Empire’s High Command.
Just when Richard thinks things can’t get any worse, he is suddenly sent by ‘the One’ to help a beautiful elf priestess fight a demon and its army of undead. Wizard scouts may be the best of the best, but Richard is still a cadet in training. Will his skills and technology be enough to overcome dragons, demons, trolls, ghouls, and various undead from his worst nightmare? With only the aid of his battle computer, Nickelo, and the magic of an elf priestess, will his wizard scout abilities be enough to turn the tide?
With the fate of two galaxies riding in the balance, Richard is honor bound to do his best in spite of the odds. The question is, will his best be good enough?
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2015
225 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Rodney W. Hartman
21 books111 followers Rodney Hartman is a retired US Army veteran with over twenty years of experience in military operations ranging from Infantry Private in the paratroops to Chief Warrant Officer flying helicopters during the Persian Gulf War. Mr. Hartman worked for many years as a computer programmer before retiring and pursuing a career as a fulltime writer. Mr. Hartman lives in North Carolina with his wife and family along with their cat, McKenzie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 2, 2015
Not sure why all the great reviews. Simplistic book with some major flaws.
Good
- The tec / magic works better than expected, although isn't particularly thrilling
- Basic ideas are sound. Think Master Chief impersonation.
Bad
- Our hero is bland
- Too many clumsy data dumps even within the "school" context. They continue out of it
- Dialogue is clumsy especially between computer and wizard
- Characters are very 1D
- Characters are very stereotyped
- Characters are often dim. Especially our protagonist.
Good
- The tec / magic works better than expected, although isn't particularly thrilling
- Basic ideas are sound. Think Master Chief impersonation.
Bad
- Our hero is bland
- Too many clumsy data dumps even within the "school" context. They continue out of it
- Dialogue is clumsy especially between computer and wizard
- Characters are very 1D
- Characters are very stereotyped
- Characters are often dim. Especially our protagonist.
June 5, 2017
Cool premise, cool world, pretty smart idea for a plot. Main character is really stupid, and needs everything spelled out to him, tension is pretty weak in a large part because of this when it should be really tense in this series...a disappointment.
May 8, 2015
Great mix of Sci-fi and fantasy
A great story about a man's struggle through "boot camp" while learning about power and his adventure where magic works along with his "powers"!
The book was very hard to put down, very well written and it just kept me up most of the night!
Now, when is book 2 coming out?
A great story about a man's struggle through "boot camp" while learning about power and his adventure where magic works along with his "powers"!
The book was very hard to put down, very well written and it just kept me up most of the night!
Now, when is book 2 coming out?
August 28, 2016
3.5 stars. Interesting science fiction action / fantasy adventure story. I knew it would be great, because my brother recommended it to me. I didn't have a problem with the switch from military boot camp to underground tunnels with mystical creatures, but many readers only liked one aspect and not the other.
Likes:
* 832, 22 year old, Richard "Rick" Shepard, combat savvy, magic savant loner
* Nickelo "Nick", Richard's battle computer
Dislikes:
* Richard's impatience and impulsiveness
* Some of Nick's snide comments and sarcasm
* Snarky dialogue between Rick and Nick sometimes went on too long
* D.F.R. ~ dropped from rolls, washed out
* Whatever...
With-reservations:
reference to sexual situation, language, violence, battle scenes
Likes:
* 832, 22 year old, Richard "Rick" Shepard, combat savvy, magic savant loner
* Nickelo "Nick", Richard's battle computer
Dislikes:
* Richard's impatience and impulsiveness
* Some of Nick's snide comments and sarcasm
* Snarky dialogue between Rick and Nick sometimes went on too long
* D.F.R. ~ dropped from rolls, washed out
* Whatever...
With-reservations:
reference to sexual situation, language, violence, battle scenes
abandoned
December 14, 2017I'm not gonna sit here and say how stupid this is
how the protagonist finds out that the equivalent of 250 battle cruisers has been spent on him,that the attention of the emperor was on him
and he doesn't even bat an eye,it's like he is fucking retarded
i just wanna say to the writer
go fuck your self
how the protagonist finds out that the equivalent of 250 battle cruisers has been spent on him,that the attention of the emperor was on him
and he doesn't even bat an eye,it's like he is fucking retarded
i just wanna say to the writer
go fuck your self
August 13, 2017
Very meh, doubt I'll continue the series.
January 24, 2020
This book had the problem having a great idea with poor execution. To me, it read like I think young adult novels read - short, choppy sentences. There was a lot of info dumping going and, while it was explained away as conversational, it was still info dumping. Thus, eye glazing on my part.
It feels, to me, like a young adult novel - it isn't - the main character isn't really a young adult - but the sentences are short and choppy and things are not well described but, rather, told. (Info dumping . . . )
I loved the interactions between Richard and his computer, though it too seemed unrealistic as computers are rarely that snarky. The relationship between Richard and the elf was . . . quickly established and felt as though one was supposed to just take it on face value rather than the joy of watching it actually develop.
In fact, even though I realize that this is Science Fiction and not supposed to be unrealistic, things happen here that just don't make sense even in the world as created. The drill sergeant and his attitude toward Richard is unbelievable and plot serving. The relationships between the cadets is . . . blah.
This feels like two stories combined . . . In fact, it IS two stories combined but they are not combined smoothly or in such a way as to be truly cohesive.
This ended up being a solid 3 star read for me. While I enjoyed the characters and plot enough to want to know how it ended (and I was even willing to read all the pages to get there . . . ), I am not invested enough to read through the remaining series to get to the ultimate end of the series.
It feels, to me, like a young adult novel - it isn't - the main character isn't really a young adult - but the sentences are short and choppy and things are not well described but, rather, told. (Info dumping . . . )
I loved the interactions between Richard and his computer, though it too seemed unrealistic as computers are rarely that snarky. The relationship between Richard and the elf was . . . quickly established and felt as though one was supposed to just take it on face value rather than the joy of watching it actually develop.
In fact, even though I realize that this is Science Fiction and not supposed to be unrealistic, things happen here that just don't make sense even in the world as created. The drill sergeant and his attitude toward Richard is unbelievable and plot serving. The relationships between the cadets is . . . blah.
This feels like two stories combined . . . In fact, it IS two stories combined but they are not combined smoothly or in such a way as to be truly cohesive.
This ended up being a solid 3 star read for me. While I enjoyed the characters and plot enough to want to know how it ended (and I was even willing to read all the pages to get there . . . ), I am not invested enough to read through the remaining series to get to the ultimate end of the series.
March 20, 2018
Very good book, I liked it and will continue with the series. It is an easy 3.5 to 4 star, it is very much like a John Ringo book but without the sexism. I look forward to the next book in the series. If you liked this one than I am sure you will continue with this series but he has another book in the same style/world with a female main character (Trinity Unleashed), also very good.
Update
After reading some of the other reviews (I read the Trinity Unleashed book first) I think people are pulling this book apart and looking for plot holes. Okay, so when you introduce any type of time travel aspect (not really time travel but a time difference) then you are going to have some type of plot holes in a most any book. I was not concerned by any of the so-called plot holes that people found in this book and I also liked the main characters as well as the others. I did the audio version of this book so not sure if that makes a difference.
Update
After reading some of the other reviews (I read the Trinity Unleashed book first) I think people are pulling this book apart and looking for plot holes. Okay, so when you introduce any type of time travel aspect (not really time travel but a time difference) then you are going to have some type of plot holes in a most any book. I was not concerned by any of the so-called plot holes that people found in this book and I also liked the main characters as well as the others. I did the audio version of this book so not sure if that makes a difference.
June 24, 2016
Wizard Defiant is an interesting combo of space military mixed with high fantasy. Part of the reason I read this book was the cheesy title and the old school cover after someone had pointed it out to me. The concept was interesting and the first half of the book really gave me a Star Ship Troopers feel which I liked; I had issues with the last half though.
You spend the first half of the book at a wizard scout academy that is military based. It has a lot of what you expect in that sort of atmosphere; drill sergeants that are nasty, rigorous routine, impending war and the whole shebang. The last half was a little different in that you are in a “time bubble” with demons, zombie and a whole cast right out of a Tolkien novel. I found myself a little confused in the last half of the book for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that something called “The One” set all this up and we never get any sort of idea of who or what this “The One” is and why it’s involved in Richard’s life or this interdimensional struggle that Richard was thrust into. Granted the MC is just as confused as the reader is but still it stunted the story for the reader in my opinion. The second reason I was confused was that the first half and the second half just seemed so unrelated to each other. I just did not get why Richard was thrust into this time bubble thing when he’s a long way from fully trained. It just didn’t make sense to me to send in a rookie when you have experience people that could have done the job. I’m not sure that the Sci-fi and the high Fantasy blended well in this story.
With this said I have to say I really liked the first half and not the last half. I’m not sure yet I want to continue with the series, I’m still a bit on the fence.
This book has no sex, the violence isn’t very graphic and the language is very pg13. Many YA readers would have no problems reading this novel.
You spend the first half of the book at a wizard scout academy that is military based. It has a lot of what you expect in that sort of atmosphere; drill sergeants that are nasty, rigorous routine, impending war and the whole shebang. The last half was a little different in that you are in a “time bubble” with demons, zombie and a whole cast right out of a Tolkien novel. I found myself a little confused in the last half of the book for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that something called “The One” set all this up and we never get any sort of idea of who or what this “The One” is and why it’s involved in Richard’s life or this interdimensional struggle that Richard was thrust into. Granted the MC is just as confused as the reader is but still it stunted the story for the reader in my opinion. The second reason I was confused was that the first half and the second half just seemed so unrelated to each other. I just did not get why Richard was thrust into this time bubble thing when he’s a long way from fully trained. It just didn’t make sense to me to send in a rookie when you have experience people that could have done the job. I’m not sure that the Sci-fi and the high Fantasy blended well in this story.
With this said I have to say I really liked the first half and not the last half. I’m not sure yet I want to continue with the series, I’m still a bit on the fence.
This book has no sex, the violence isn’t very graphic and the language is very pg13. Many YA readers would have no problems reading this novel.
August 24, 2017
I like the premise and am intrigued by the mystery, though absent a red herring, I think I know in general where some of it is heading already. That said, even if I'm right, it will be interesting to see how those elements play out in detail.
My main complaint is simply that the writing style has a lot of the subtle marks of a first-time author, which is exactly the case here so no real surprise. I'm going to give it one more book, fingers crossed that it gets more refined in the next one.
Also, for everything that IS explained, one thing that stood out to me and was never acknowledged was when the computer commented on sensing the "Evil" on a being. How is the computer sensing evil? What is its context for even acknowledging such a thing in such an objective way?
My main complaint is simply that the writing style has a lot of the subtle marks of a first-time author, which is exactly the case here so no real surprise. I'm going to give it one more book, fingers crossed that it gets more refined in the next one.
Also, for everything that IS explained, one thing that stood out to me and was never acknowledged was when the computer commented on sensing the "Evil" on a being. How is the computer sensing evil? What is its context for even acknowledging such a thing in such an objective way?
November 3, 2015
love this series cant wait for third book
September 8, 2020
I picked this up on a whim - it was on a free promotion and so the only cost was my time.
It was fun. In the way that sometimes at the cinema you fancy seeing a Schwarzenegger movie. This is a literary equivalent. It is escapism that does not test the cerebral juices. If you want clever and thought provoking Fantasy/SciFi look elsewhere.
If you want a bit of rip roaring fun then this ticks many of the boxes. The writing is okay, the characters cliched with little depth but you know a part of me didn't really care.
Will I remember it in 6 months - maybe not but I enjoyed the ride and my time was not wasted.
Would I have been happy to pay £2-3. Yes is the answer for the reasons above - it is what it is and unashamedly so. The author spent time and effort writing this book and it is worth more than a cup of coffee. Heck - a birthday card costs more. So if you like fast, ridiculous action with a military 'Full Metal Jacket' meets 'Zombieland' vibe then read the Look Inside and decide for yourself.
It was fun. In the way that sometimes at the cinema you fancy seeing a Schwarzenegger movie. This is a literary equivalent. It is escapism that does not test the cerebral juices. If you want clever and thought provoking Fantasy/SciFi look elsewhere.
If you want a bit of rip roaring fun then this ticks many of the boxes. The writing is okay, the characters cliched with little depth but you know a part of me didn't really care.
Will I remember it in 6 months - maybe not but I enjoyed the ride and my time was not wasted.
Would I have been happy to pay £2-3. Yes is the answer for the reasons above - it is what it is and unashamedly so. The author spent time and effort writing this book and it is worth more than a cup of coffee. Heck - a birthday card costs more. So if you like fast, ridiculous action with a military 'Full Metal Jacket' meets 'Zombieland' vibe then read the Look Inside and decide for yourself.
September 7, 2021
This book and its premise really drew me. I thought the idea was very cool. The problem is although the idea seems awesome the execution was horrific. First off I despise the MC. He's basically a doormat. He frequently states he's above average in intelligence. The truth is he is so obtuse I would classify him as being a moron. Second the story is a rambling incoherent mess. Here's and example without any spoilers. There's this Mcguffin that the bad guys stole. It's impossible to destroy it so they hide it under guard. Later the good guys use it as a shield because the bad guys won't risk destroying it. ugh
Third problem is all the characters are so one dimensional and flat you can't tell one from the other.
Lastly the dialogue is so mind-numbingly terrible I had to start skipping it. I just couldn't take the pain from so much constant eye rolling.
After finishing the book I looked up the author and see he is a retired Marine with no writing education what-so-ever. Though it's a cool effort the lack of any writing education or skill is obvious.
Third problem is all the characters are so one dimensional and flat you can't tell one from the other.
Lastly the dialogue is so mind-numbingly terrible I had to start skipping it. I just couldn't take the pain from so much constant eye rolling.
After finishing the book I looked up the author and see he is a retired Marine with no writing education what-so-ever. Though it's a cool effort the lack of any writing education or skill is obvious.
July 11, 2018
Admittedly, this isn't a great book. However, I wouldn't go as far as to call it bad. Despite some of its weaknesses, I still enjoyed it and I enjoyed it enough to finish it.
The past few books I've started seemed good at first, but all ended up being a chore to read. I didn't get that with this novel. In fact, I've already purchased the next book in the series. I found it very easy to overlook the faults of this book enough to just enjoy the story for what it is.
Some of the writing is bad. Some of the plot points are week. Still, I've found this book entertaining.
If you're someone who enjoys science fiction and fantasy, this book is a mix a both. Sadly, it's not the strongest case, but it's still a worthwhile read.
The past few books I've started seemed good at first, but all ended up being a chore to read. I didn't get that with this novel. In fact, I've already purchased the next book in the series. I found it very easy to overlook the faults of this book enough to just enjoy the story for what it is.
Some of the writing is bad. Some of the plot points are week. Still, I've found this book entertaining.
If you're someone who enjoys science fiction and fantasy, this book is a mix a both. Sadly, it's not the strongest case, but it's still a worthwhile read.
May 14, 2019
I hope someday to find a nice magic/technology future hybrid series that i can enjoy. Wizard Defiant at first seemed like it was going to satisfy that desire, having a good blend of magic and science with a good, if completely unoriginal character. I forgave the mary sue nature of the hero, hoping for the plot to develop some new complexity that would bring it all home. Unfortunately it went the complete opposite direction in a sudden shift to Dungeons and Dragons. I mean this almost literally. Our future magic/technology soldier runs across a D&D priestess and is stuck in an actual dungeon. Everything after that is pretty bland dungeon crawling fashion.
September 8, 2020
This is so bad that the rating should be in the negative 100.
First, the MC is a brainless idiot and the author doesn't know what to do with him one paragraph he is described as a person that thinks before he acts two sentences later he acts without thinking and is described as such a person.
Second, we have an AI partner that has the intelligence of two bugs so that doesn't help the story at all.
Third, the action is awful just plain boring everything explodes like a bad movie.
Will try the second book because I already have the audio version of it.
And advice for the ppl that are thinking of giving it a try those 5-star ratings are lying to you don't waste your time.
First, the MC is a brainless idiot and the author doesn't know what to do with him one paragraph he is described as a person that thinks before he acts two sentences later he acts without thinking and is described as such a person.
Second, we have an AI partner that has the intelligence of two bugs so that doesn't help the story at all.
Third, the action is awful just plain boring everything explodes like a bad movie.
Will try the second book because I already have the audio version of it.
And advice for the ppl that are thinking of giving it a try those 5-star ratings are lying to you don't waste your time.
September 1, 2023
Help me read more books
Holy Cow!
This book had it all, scifi, fantasy, mechs (well, sorta, we only saw one), Space travel (well, we never saw that either, but it was talked about), and some really snarky AI that kept things from getting too serious. We catch a glimpse at the end of the tech behind the magic, but it's such a brief look, it really doesn't explain much. I really want to read more in this series now. This book was fantastic, and I urge any scifi fans, or even magic fans to go grab a copy, it's a great read, and when I get things sorted out, I'll be reading more books from this author. Very enjoyable story in this one.
Holy Cow!
This book had it all, scifi, fantasy, mechs (well, sorta, we only saw one), Space travel (well, we never saw that either, but it was talked about), and some really snarky AI that kept things from getting too serious. We catch a glimpse at the end of the tech behind the magic, but it's such a brief look, it really doesn't explain much. I really want to read more in this series now. This book was fantastic, and I urge any scifi fans, or even magic fans to go grab a copy, it's a great read, and when I get things sorted out, I'll be reading more books from this author. Very enjoyable story in this one.
February 16, 2020
Good world building - character not so much
I have a long record of "suspending disbelief" so had no trouble accepting the situations of the worlds presented. The main guy is a 20+ military experienced combat "foot" soldier. I found sole of his thoughts & dialog more juvenal than I expected with that background. Some interactions with other students had a hint of boarding school - junior high school attitudes. Maybe it's because I have no experience as a 20+ male.
I have a long record of "suspending disbelief" so had no trouble accepting the situations of the worlds presented. The main guy is a 20+ military experienced combat "foot" soldier. I found sole of his thoughts & dialog more juvenal than I expected with that background. Some interactions with other students had a hint of boarding school - junior high school attitudes. Maybe it's because I have no experience as a 20+ male.
September 7, 2020
Somewhat unusual
Lots of action snark and a little magic add in a military academy, sadistic instructors and a battle suit with a mind of its own, literally. This story has a somewhat extraordinary storyline and great characters, it draws you in from the start it's difficult to say more without spoilers but expect elves demons, zombies hellhounds there's even a dragon of sorts a great read recommended,Baz
Lots of action snark and a little magic add in a military academy, sadistic instructors and a battle suit with a mind of its own, literally. This story has a somewhat extraordinary storyline and great characters, it draws you in from the start it's difficult to say more without spoilers but expect elves demons, zombies hellhounds there's even a dragon of sorts a great read recommended,Baz
April 20, 2021
Summary: SF come Fantasy coming of age, light hearted and fast paced a reasonable plot , a silly but fun premise
Plotline: In several parts but nicely done, doesn't bear too much thinking
Premise: Odd ball, sort of works if its not thought through too much
Writing: light, very readable fast paced
Ending: Well he didn't get his girl but otherwise all good. More to come I suspect
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: In several parts but nicely done, doesn't bear too much thinking
Premise: Odd ball, sort of works if its not thought through too much
Writing: light, very readable fast paced
Ending: Well he didn't get his girl but otherwise all good. More to come I suspect
Pace: Never a dull moment!
July 13, 2018
Amalgam
This novel is a compilation of Star Wars, Hobbit, and Harry Potter. Complete with wizards, demons, elves and other denizens of magic. Reading the book was an interesting adventure in to human nature and into the computer nature. There is “the one” who intervenes to provide help or to provide punishment. Definitely worth the read; it is a quick one.
This novel is a compilation of Star Wars, Hobbit, and Harry Potter. Complete with wizards, demons, elves and other denizens of magic. Reading the book was an interesting adventure in to human nature and into the computer nature. There is “the one” who intervenes to provide help or to provide punishment. Definitely worth the read; it is a quick one.
March 17, 2021
I hate military bootcamp fantasies, glorifying abuse and systematized dehumanization is not my thing, but this one was very tame (boring?) in comparison with some stuff out there. All that kept me reading though was curiosity about the magic/technology system, but when zombies showed up I could't even sustain that and skipped to the end.
Nope, this is not for me.
Nope, this is not for me.
October 31, 2016
Psionics, Magic, and tech
Enjoyable read, space opera with magic and psionics. Always an interesting mix when done with care. Not too sure about the involvement of a creator vs demons setup, but I can roll with it. A good read.
Enjoyable read, space opera with magic and psionics. Always an interesting mix when done with care. Not too sure about the involvement of a creator vs demons setup, but I can roll with it. A good read.
March 22, 2017
The first book of the Wizard Scout chronicles was interesting enough that I picked up the rest of the series.
It is a quick read, but the writing is a bit rough. The underlying story and characters were worth following. Read my full review here.
It is a quick read, but the writing is a bit rough. The underlying story and characters were worth following. Read my full review here.
July 16, 2018
Amazing
I've read lots of fantasy books as of late and this does a superb job of combining sci fi and fantasy. It kept me completely entralled I couldnt sleep until I finished the book.
I've read lots of fantasy books as of late and this does a superb job of combining sci fi and fantasy. It kept me completely entralled I couldnt sleep until I finished the book.
dnf-lost-interest
September 1, 2020A good start, but aftet half alost interest as it went too much into "rpg-like" .. maybe I will pick it up later.
Its a pitty he went too much into fantasy, as he got a solid scify at the beginning.
1st 40% a 4* , but as i didnt finish I will not rate
Its a pitty he went too much into fantasy, as he got a solid scify at the beginning.
1st 40% a 4* , but as i didnt finish I will not rate
October 16, 2021
A brilliant first book in a series I already love.
If you love the mage king of mars books, you will love this book.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one 😀
If you love the mage king of mars books, you will love this book.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one 😀
January 23, 2022
Yeah, no, started out pretty promising, but lost me over the course of the first book.
At some point, I think, it just became too tedious always reading of the suit telling us that we had 18% of our power left, now 15%, and YES WE HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON OUR RESOURCES I F***ING GET IT.
At some point, I think, it just became too tedious always reading of the suit telling us that we had 18% of our power left, now 15%, and YES WE HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE ON OUR RESOURCES I F***ING GET IT.
September 7, 2023
Enjoyable story of a cadet trainee equipped with near magical technological equipment including an AI adviser encounters a strong magical elf on an important mission. 1st book of 8 plus ... Purchased this item on August 20, 2020, from Amazon for free.
October 16, 2023
Rollicking Good Story
Although I'd still like to know who or what "the One" is, the knowledge would have detracted from the intensity of the book. Anyone who willingly served in the military should love this novel, I know I did.
Although I'd still like to know who or what "the One" is, the knowledge would have detracted from the intensity of the book. Anyone who willingly served in the military should love this novel, I know I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews