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Dumpstermancer #1
Discarded
They threw him away, but Power lurks in the trash...
Magic has been franchised. Magical conveniences are sold everywhere like designer coffee. Everyday life is filled with technical and magical wonders. Only, the magic is murdering people.
Thoth Corp's hot new spell is turning people into ravening monsters. Their only hope to quietly rectify the situation before the epidemic spreads is the spell architect they framed and sent to prison.
Eli's response to his former partners wasn't polite.
Homeless, forbidden government-regulated magic and barely surviving out of dumpsters, Eli struggles to rebuild his life. Fairytale rats thought long extinct with the rest of the fey rescue Eli from murderous Vigilantes, but at a cost. They force him to save fairy matrons stolen away by Thoth's monsters, thrusting Eli between his old company and a shadow war waged against humanity.
To stop the war, cure Thoth's victims and rescue the city, Eli need only find some way to make magic out of trash.
Magic has been franchised. Magical conveniences are sold everywhere like designer coffee. Everyday life is filled with technical and magical wonders. Only, the magic is murdering people.
Thoth Corp's hot new spell is turning people into ravening monsters. Their only hope to quietly rectify the situation before the epidemic spreads is the spell architect they framed and sent to prison.
Eli's response to his former partners wasn't polite.
Homeless, forbidden government-regulated magic and barely surviving out of dumpsters, Eli struggles to rebuild his life. Fairytale rats thought long extinct with the rest of the fey rescue Eli from murderous Vigilantes, but at a cost. They force him to save fairy matrons stolen away by Thoth's monsters, thrusting Eli between his old company and a shadow war waged against humanity.
To stop the war, cure Thoth's victims and rescue the city, Eli need only find some way to make magic out of trash.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2018
21 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Allen
33 books208 followersMichael J. Allen is a USA Today bestselling author of multi-layer science fiction and fantasy novels. Born in Oregon and an avid storm fan, he lives in far too hot & humid rural Georgia with his two black Labradors: Myth and Magesty. On those rare occasions he tears himself away from reading, writing and conventions he can be found enjoying bad scifi movies, playing D&D or the occasional video game, getting hit with sticks in the SCA or hanging out with the crew of Starfleet International’s U.S.S. DaVinci.
To learn more about Michael, check out his website at www.deliriousscribbles.com
To learn more about Michael, check out his website at www.deliriousscribbles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 17, 2021
Never underestimate the power of a good title, y’all. I read this entirely because its series name was Dumpstermancer – and ended up finding a surprise favorite.
In Discarded (Dumpstermancer #1) by Michael J. Allen, talented spell architect Elias Graham has just been released from a hellish magical prison, having served a sentence of 100 years. For a crime he didn’t commit. After he was framed by his closest friends.
And all he’d wanted to do was use his magic to help people.
Now, barred by law from using magic and without a friend in the world, Eli’s only option is to live on the streets. Still bitter from the betrayal, he only wants to go as unnoticed and unbothered as possible – but the magical forces around him have other plans. Thoth Corp, the magic-dealing corporation he helped build, has been secretly turning people into monsters, and the local fey – long thought extinct – need his help before those monsters wipe them out.
But Eli is the most unwilling of heroes…
Simply put, Discarded is unlike any fantasy I’ve ever read, urban or otherwise.
In a genre where most heroes are gung ho for their adventure (even if they take some convincing to start it) and are usually sent off with some kind of aid or magic weapon, Eli stands out as a character who doesn’t want to leave his alley and starts out with literally nothing of use, not even access to his own magical ability. He’s as vulnerable as any other homeless person struggling to survive on the scraps of society, and it is from this that the novel’s strength is derived.
That its protagonist is homeless already makes Discarded stand out from other fantasy novels, but the brunt of its strength is in how brutally and vividly realized Eli’s homelessness is. He isn’t the sort of character who overcomes challenges easily Because He’s The Main Character. He’s the sort of character for whom staying warm, sheltered, and fed is a struggle on top of his magical struggles. When the author describes the conditions he faces, the reader can feel the cold in his alley and fear the results of a nearby woman’s misunderstood scream, and enough of those conditions go wrong for him that the reader has no confidence that he’ll succeed, or succeed in the way he wants to. (Especially considering that the forces that worked to frame him in the first place are still actively working against him.) All this combined makes the book intensely suspenseful – and that’s even before you consider the magical plotline.
Speaking of which, the magic of this setting is fascinating. This is a modern setting parallel to our own where magic has been (mostly) tamed and franchised, where even non-magically-talented people can buy spell boards and components at the magical equivalent of the Apple Store and use them to do any number of petty miscellaneous things. It’s a setting where “mananets” convey magic with the same efficiency of electrical lines – which are still present in this world, as magic and technology coexist, if a bit awkwardly. (Eli holds that magic is just science that hasn’t been figured out yet, but many in the setting view the two as naturally separate.) Eli himself was once at the center of this magical boom, being one of the founders of magical super-franchise Thoth Corp, and this forms another huge part of his character.
Eli could be a hard character to like. He’s an intensely bitter person, and so stubborn about it that he refuses help from even well-meaning people. Some of this comes down to pride – even homeless, he holds himself to a high standard of self-sufficiency – but much of it comes down to the fact that he was so thoroughly betrayed before the story started. After all, his forays into magic began because he wanted to help people with it, until his companions decided to take his company on a more duplicitous, careless route and got rid of him in such an extreme way that it resulted in him spending the equivalent of a century in a magical prison known as The Wasteland, where his punishment was to simply suffer other prisoners in a desert with limited resources. His soul is so scarred by the horrible depth of those circumstances that he sees no point in going out of his way to do any form of good, if there’s a chance it could result in that.
And so while the reader might sometimes be frustrated by his obstinance, the reader also completely understands why it’s there, and this makes him a lot more sympathetic than he would be otherwise.
The fey characters merit a mention, too, for while they are the creatures of fairy tales, they’re not the nice Victorian ones. These fey are straight out of folklore, manipulative with their own codes of etiquette and honor, and while these characters are likable – and essential, in that they force Eli to join his own story – they pose threats to his well-being just as often as they offer boons, and are as much responsible for the story’s tension as they are its victories.
If I were to complain about anything in this book, it’s that there are enough typographical errors to notice, but they read more like the uncaught artifacts of dictation software than lack of skill, and they weren’t distracting enough to detract from the story. (And honestly the only reason I’m mentioning this is because I feel like I should have at least one negative thing to say in this review, lest it read like the unbalanced gushing of an unabashed fangirl. Plus, given the rest of the review, it’s not like the author’s skill is in question.)
In short, read this book. Urban fantasy readers will find a vividly realized world with all the magical quirks and suspense that they know and love, while non-fantasy readers will find an unexpectedly earnest look at the practical struggles of homeless life. Discarded is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year, and absolutely recommended.
In Discarded (Dumpstermancer #1) by Michael J. Allen, talented spell architect Elias Graham has just been released from a hellish magical prison, having served a sentence of 100 years. For a crime he didn’t commit. After he was framed by his closest friends.
And all he’d wanted to do was use his magic to help people.
Now, barred by law from using magic and without a friend in the world, Eli’s only option is to live on the streets. Still bitter from the betrayal, he only wants to go as unnoticed and unbothered as possible – but the magical forces around him have other plans. Thoth Corp, the magic-dealing corporation he helped build, has been secretly turning people into monsters, and the local fey – long thought extinct – need his help before those monsters wipe them out.
But Eli is the most unwilling of heroes…
Simply put, Discarded is unlike any fantasy I’ve ever read, urban or otherwise.
In a genre where most heroes are gung ho for their adventure (even if they take some convincing to start it) and are usually sent off with some kind of aid or magic weapon, Eli stands out as a character who doesn’t want to leave his alley and starts out with literally nothing of use, not even access to his own magical ability. He’s as vulnerable as any other homeless person struggling to survive on the scraps of society, and it is from this that the novel’s strength is derived.
That its protagonist is homeless already makes Discarded stand out from other fantasy novels, but the brunt of its strength is in how brutally and vividly realized Eli’s homelessness is. He isn’t the sort of character who overcomes challenges easily Because He’s The Main Character. He’s the sort of character for whom staying warm, sheltered, and fed is a struggle on top of his magical struggles. When the author describes the conditions he faces, the reader can feel the cold in his alley and fear the results of a nearby woman’s misunderstood scream, and enough of those conditions go wrong for him that the reader has no confidence that he’ll succeed, or succeed in the way he wants to. (Especially considering that the forces that worked to frame him in the first place are still actively working against him.) All this combined makes the book intensely suspenseful – and that’s even before you consider the magical plotline.
Speaking of which, the magic of this setting is fascinating. This is a modern setting parallel to our own where magic has been (mostly) tamed and franchised, where even non-magically-talented people can buy spell boards and components at the magical equivalent of the Apple Store and use them to do any number of petty miscellaneous things. It’s a setting where “mananets” convey magic with the same efficiency of electrical lines – which are still present in this world, as magic and technology coexist, if a bit awkwardly. (Eli holds that magic is just science that hasn’t been figured out yet, but many in the setting view the two as naturally separate.) Eli himself was once at the center of this magical boom, being one of the founders of magical super-franchise Thoth Corp, and this forms another huge part of his character.
Eli could be a hard character to like. He’s an intensely bitter person, and so stubborn about it that he refuses help from even well-meaning people. Some of this comes down to pride – even homeless, he holds himself to a high standard of self-sufficiency – but much of it comes down to the fact that he was so thoroughly betrayed before the story started. After all, his forays into magic began because he wanted to help people with it, until his companions decided to take his company on a more duplicitous, careless route and got rid of him in such an extreme way that it resulted in him spending the equivalent of a century in a magical prison known as The Wasteland, where his punishment was to simply suffer other prisoners in a desert with limited resources. His soul is so scarred by the horrible depth of those circumstances that he sees no point in going out of his way to do any form of good, if there’s a chance it could result in that.
And so while the reader might sometimes be frustrated by his obstinance, the reader also completely understands why it’s there, and this makes him a lot more sympathetic than he would be otherwise.
The fey characters merit a mention, too, for while they are the creatures of fairy tales, they’re not the nice Victorian ones. These fey are straight out of folklore, manipulative with their own codes of etiquette and honor, and while these characters are likable – and essential, in that they force Eli to join his own story – they pose threats to his well-being just as often as they offer boons, and are as much responsible for the story’s tension as they are its victories.
If I were to complain about anything in this book, it’s that there are enough typographical errors to notice, but they read more like the uncaught artifacts of dictation software than lack of skill, and they weren’t distracting enough to detract from the story. (And honestly the only reason I’m mentioning this is because I feel like I should have at least one negative thing to say in this review, lest it read like the unbalanced gushing of an unabashed fangirl. Plus, given the rest of the review, it’s not like the author’s skill is in question.)
In short, read this book. Urban fantasy readers will find a vividly realized world with all the magical quirks and suspense that they know and love, while non-fantasy readers will find an unexpectedly earnest look at the practical struggles of homeless life. Discarded is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year, and absolutely recommended.
May 30, 2019
This book was unlike anything I have ever read before. Magic has become accessible to everyone in the world as long as you have the right equipment. However what would you give to become beautiful. Eli discovers just how twisted magic can become. When Eli is falsely accorded and sent to the wasteland upon his rerun he discovers tang the spell he has crates to help people with physical disfiguring, such as burn victims, become “beautiful” has been drastically altered. The spell could go so wrong it could turn you into a monster! So what is the price of beauty. However how will he help his friends when if he himself gets caught using magic he could find himself back in the wasteland?!
This book will take you on a wild ride with many unique characters and magical creatures on Eli’s quest to fix his spell along with helping his friends along the way! I really enjoyed the narrator, David S. Dear, he did a very good job of bringing the characters alive and made sure to make it easy for us to discern each character by giving each one their own quirk or accent with his voice! It felt like listening to a full cast audio book. If you are looking for a good book filled with lots of magic and magical creatures then this is the book for you!
This book will take you on a wild ride with many unique characters and magical creatures on Eli’s quest to fix his spell along with helping his friends along the way! I really enjoyed the narrator, David S. Dear, he did a very good job of bringing the characters alive and made sure to make it easy for us to discern each character by giving each one their own quirk or accent with his voice! It felt like listening to a full cast audio book. If you are looking for a good book filled with lots of magic and magical creatures then this is the book for you!
April 29, 2019
I have a new favorite author. Ok it’s like this I’m addicted to reading so waiting for one of my favorite authors to come up with new books is killing me. But then Michael Allen asked if I would review his book I said sure it’s a dream come true for me. So I was home reading my new book. And I was enchanted. It has magic, it has intrigue, action, and above all else it will keep you so entertained. That you want to read it all the way through without putting it down. I did.
For a short synopsis: the main character is very stubborn. He was also ostracized, and living in the street because of a crime he didn’t commit. He’s wants to be left alone but people keep coming to him for help. The company who set him up is selling bad spells which is causing harm that can lead to major problems. All in all a great book, great characters. And a main character that you love and drives you nuts at the same time.
For a short synopsis: the main character is very stubborn. He was also ostracized, and living in the street because of a crime he didn’t commit. He’s wants to be left alone but people keep coming to him for help. The company who set him up is selling bad spells which is causing harm that can lead to major problems. All in all a great book, great characters. And a main character that you love and drives you nuts at the same time.
Read
July 26, 2018Taking a new spin on the genre, this is an enjoyable Urban Fantasy book suitable for readers of various ages. Situated in a world where magic became accepted, commercialized, and in the way of so many things, reserved for those with money, we follow Eli whose colleagues turned on him for insisting magic be used to help people - regardless of their cash flow. A charmingly witty and delightfully engaging alternative-near future urban fantasy, this first in a new series by a prolific author of both science fiction and fantasy is set in the Pacific Northwest. Eli is restricted from the one thing that made his life wonderful - magic. Homeless and living out of a dumpster, Eli must figure out a way to survive, fix the problems his old company has created, and save beings that everyone thought extinct.
July 28, 2018
If you love magic then you should read Discarded! It takes us into a world full of magic, where it's used in every day life. Our main character Eli, whom was a partner to Thoth Corps, is homeless and is struggling to rebuild his life. He is saved but at a cost. Eli is thrown in between his old company and a shadow war waged against humanity.
To stop the war, Eli needs to find a way to make magic out of garbage.
In conclusion, I really liked the story. It was great and I would recommend to my magic loving friends! Michael J. Allen has done an amazing job on creating a wonderful book, and hopefully a start of a new series!
To stop the war, Eli needs to find a way to make magic out of garbage.
In conclusion, I really liked the story. It was great and I would recommend to my magic loving friends! Michael J. Allen has done an amazing job on creating a wonderful book, and hopefully a start of a new series!
June 27, 2018
Wow! From the moment I opened this Science Fiction book, I found myself, intrigued and could not take my eyes away. With each page, I became entranced, I could not wait to find out what was to come. The idea that someone who has lost it all, who is living homeless could be the key to saving a world from destruction by using his architectural magic abilities using trash to change it all is simply mind-blowing. This was a wonderfully charming, witty, and mind opening read and I can't wait to read more from this series. If you haven't read this book it is a must read you won't be disappointed.
May 4, 2019
An interesting Urban Fantasy with tons of magic and intriguing characters. Going to try and book up a more thorough review in the next few days. A very fun listen, despite the fact that it took me forever to finish it. (That was 100% life getting in the way and not the book)
August 3, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it immensely. The background culture was interesting...a society where magic has been mainstreamed and made available to the masses. I haven’t seen a take on widespread magic use quite like this one before. The main protagonist’s story was interesting and the book moved quickly with good descriptions of people and places. I was a little annoyed by the main characters attitude toward others but his background story explained his actions well. Overall a great read and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment. .
June 15, 2019
He was put in prison for crimes he didn't commit. Now he wants nothing to do with magic... or a home. But when the magic is inside of you, you cannot stop it. No longer is he a wizard, nor is he a Necromancer, but he is a Dumpstermancer.
This book is so much fun, filled with great characters, an intriguing plot, and a fantastic storyline. You'll root for the characters, and laugh along the way. I'm really looking forward to a book two to this series.
This book is so much fun, filled with great characters, an intriguing plot, and a fantastic storyline. You'll root for the characters, and laugh along the way. I'm really looking forward to a book two to this series.
December 7, 2020
What I liked:
-The ideas and story had a lot of potential.
-The diversity of the cast of characters.
What I didn't like:
-Eli is not relatable in any single way. He's whiny, arrogant, and stubborn to a point of excess.
-Magic rules are never fully solidified, making it difficult to follow at times.
-Wasteland is never fully explained nor described, making it even more difficult to relate to Eli.
-Random characters are suddenly referred to by name when they had not been named prior.
-The scene with the Otterin was pointless in the overall plot of the book.
-There's no actual resolution to the plot.
-The flow of the story was stilted and difficult to follow in some parts.
-The ideas and story had a lot of potential.
-The diversity of the cast of characters.
What I didn't like:
-Eli is not relatable in any single way. He's whiny, arrogant, and stubborn to a point of excess.
-Magic rules are never fully solidified, making it difficult to follow at times.
-Wasteland is never fully explained nor described, making it even more difficult to relate to Eli.
-Random characters are suddenly referred to by name when they had not been named prior.
-The scene with the Otterin was pointless in the overall plot of the book.
-There's no actual resolution to the plot.
-The flow of the story was stilted and difficult to follow in some parts.
December 26, 2018
Ok, this one was a bit weird for me. I like fantasy books, and like the way different authors handle magic. I like how various people describe how magic works, how people use it, and its powers/limitations. That said, I did like the book overall, but was not overly-wowed by it. For my due diligence, I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I do my best to leave out any spoilers in my reviews so as not to give anything away about the actual content of the book. As you can see, I rated it at four stars. At first, I gave it three, but bumped it up a star. See below.
One thing about this universe reminds me of the wizarding world of the Harry Potter universe. In that world (set apart from the muggle world), magic is everywhere, and used for everyday, mundane things -even doing dishes. I really enjoyed how the universe here was created with a world where magic is in everything in people's daily lives. I also enjoyed how, owing to human nature, the haves and the have-nots are separated with respect to magic. Magic is commercialized, packaged, put on lunchboxes, etc. - for the rich. The poor have no, or limited access to magic. The main character is ostracized for wanting to use magic to help everyone, not just the rich. This would upset the balance of economic power that has been created in this universe, and thus he's a marked man.
I found the main character lacking, though. Not lacking in his description, backstory, etc., but lacking some kind of connection, a hook, that kept me engaged, or really even caring what happened to him. He just didn't appeal to me. I do like the way he wants to help people, even though he's been treated so poorly by just about everyone. That was one redeeming quality he had for sure. He always seemed to say or do something 'inappropriate' to the situation. He always seems to say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, often making his situation worse. I guess this is a plot device in the story, but I didn't follow it very well.
This is the second of Michael J. Allen's books I've read, and I see a pattern so far in these two books. I really like the overall story. I love the universe he's created. I love his descriptions and characterization. This story could continue for a dozen books or more, with an infinite number of possible outcomes. For me to want to continue reading the series, the main character is going to have to go through some personality changes, and at least make an effort not to anger everyone he meets. The second book in the series is out now, and I'll likely read that as well to see how the author grows the character, and where he takes the story. This is why I bumped the story up to four stars from my original rating of three. The author leaves a lot of room for growth in not only the main character, but in the universe in which the story is set. This part is really what pushes me to want to read the second book in the series - the possibility that the main character will grow into someone really great.
One thing about this universe reminds me of the wizarding world of the Harry Potter universe. In that world (set apart from the muggle world), magic is everywhere, and used for everyday, mundane things -even doing dishes. I really enjoyed how the universe here was created with a world where magic is in everything in people's daily lives. I also enjoyed how, owing to human nature, the haves and the have-nots are separated with respect to magic. Magic is commercialized, packaged, put on lunchboxes, etc. - for the rich. The poor have no, or limited access to magic. The main character is ostracized for wanting to use magic to help everyone, not just the rich. This would upset the balance of economic power that has been created in this universe, and thus he's a marked man.
I found the main character lacking, though. Not lacking in his description, backstory, etc., but lacking some kind of connection, a hook, that kept me engaged, or really even caring what happened to him. He just didn't appeal to me. I do like the way he wants to help people, even though he's been treated so poorly by just about everyone. That was one redeeming quality he had for sure. He always seemed to say or do something 'inappropriate' to the situation. He always seems to say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing, often making his situation worse. I guess this is a plot device in the story, but I didn't follow it very well.
This is the second of Michael J. Allen's books I've read, and I see a pattern so far in these two books. I really like the overall story. I love the universe he's created. I love his descriptions and characterization. This story could continue for a dozen books or more, with an infinite number of possible outcomes. For me to want to continue reading the series, the main character is going to have to go through some personality changes, and at least make an effort not to anger everyone he meets. The second book in the series is out now, and I'll likely read that as well to see how the author grows the character, and where he takes the story. This is why I bumped the story up to four stars from my original rating of three. The author leaves a lot of room for growth in not only the main character, but in the universe in which the story is set. This part is really what pushes me to want to read the second book in the series - the possibility that the main character will grow into someone really great.
June 18, 2018
Recently released from the prison of Wasteland on a trumped-up sham conviction, Elias (Eli) Graham is thrust onto the streets in a perilous future with nothing to his name...a name which was once attached to an illustrious career and a fat bank account. But that's all gone now. "This is my life now. Survive first, be picky later." As he navigates his way through homelessness and scrounges what he can to eat out of dumpsters (and occasional charity), his former protege, Darrin Silus, is on the hunt to find solutions for Thoth Corp's retail magic spells that are going horribly, horribly wrong. So wrong, that it creates the very real possibility of war and annihilation. In a world where magic means power, Eli's expertise as an architect of spells is able to save his life...but can save it again, along with the lives of everyone and everything else in existence?
Discarded weaves its power with the concept of commercializing magic in a refreshing and unique twist that I found instantly intriguing. Michael J. Allen writes with a genuine attention to detail, building an America of the future that convenes comfortably as fantasy and science fiction in a way that feels as fully-fleshed and alive as the characters existing in it. Eli is something of a rogue; extremely rough around the edges (for reasons that become understandable as I got to know him better) and a MC that is forced to balance on a delicate line between moderately decent and incredibly bad. He's authentic and I loved that. The elements of impending war and a fantasy realm that lurk within Discarded's pages are brilliant, bridging the human to fairytale gorge in a crisp tone. It's a first-rate story that allowed me to enjoy a long weekend of escapism, and I'd recommend it to any who love to read skillfully crafted fantasy and science fiction.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
Discarded weaves its power with the concept of commercializing magic in a refreshing and unique twist that I found instantly intriguing. Michael J. Allen writes with a genuine attention to detail, building an America of the future that convenes comfortably as fantasy and science fiction in a way that feels as fully-fleshed and alive as the characters existing in it. Eli is something of a rogue; extremely rough around the edges (for reasons that become understandable as I got to know him better) and a MC that is forced to balance on a delicate line between moderately decent and incredibly bad. He's authentic and I loved that. The elements of impending war and a fantasy realm that lurk within Discarded's pages are brilliant, bridging the human to fairytale gorge in a crisp tone. It's a first-rate story that allowed me to enjoy a long weekend of escapism, and I'd recommend it to any who love to read skillfully crafted fantasy and science fiction.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
June 14, 2019
I liked the premise of this story – underdog takes on a major corporation, literally from the dumpster. The opening totally captured my attention. I love the idea of magic becoming a household item, helping people with all sorts of things. When Adam participated in live human testing of a beauty product, and that all goes wrong, I wanted to follow his story to see what he’d do next. The plot, however, had other ideas.
Jumping abruptly to Eli, he’s homeless, just out of prison, just trying to get his feet under him. And he’s a bit of a jerk. An angry jerk. I had a hard time warming up to Eli but I did eventually come to respect him. But, gosh! He’s got a lot of buttons to push, one could just accidentally trip over them.
Adam eventually rejoins the story line and provides some balance to Eli’s rough character. They want to bring down Thoth Corp, which is our Big Baddie for the story. They are joined by other characters, like Sunny (who kinda freaked me out). I just couldn’t figure out Sunny. She doesn’t fit in a nice, neat little box (which is usually good), but I’m with Eli on this one: something ain’t right about Sunny.
All around, the story holds promise for an interesting series. I didn’t love all the characters, but I didn’t hate them either. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: David S. Dear gave a decent performance. He had distinct voices for each of the characters. His female voices could use a little work. The pacing was a little off. Well, sometimes it was spot on and sometimes there were awkward pauses. There were no technical issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Michael J. Allen. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Jumping abruptly to Eli, he’s homeless, just out of prison, just trying to get his feet under him. And he’s a bit of a jerk. An angry jerk. I had a hard time warming up to Eli but I did eventually come to respect him. But, gosh! He’s got a lot of buttons to push, one could just accidentally trip over them.
Adam eventually rejoins the story line and provides some balance to Eli’s rough character. They want to bring down Thoth Corp, which is our Big Baddie for the story. They are joined by other characters, like Sunny (who kinda freaked me out). I just couldn’t figure out Sunny. She doesn’t fit in a nice, neat little box (which is usually good), but I’m with Eli on this one: something ain’t right about Sunny.
All around, the story holds promise for an interesting series. I didn’t love all the characters, but I didn’t hate them either. 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: David S. Dear gave a decent performance. He had distinct voices for each of the characters. His female voices could use a little work. The pacing was a little off. Well, sometimes it was spot on and sometimes there were awkward pauses. There were no technical issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Michael J. Allen. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
September 16, 2018
I received this complimentary book in exchange for an honest review.
Discarded by Michael J. Allen follows Darrin, a freshly-released criminal, as he attempts to reassimilate to a society fraught with magic with the most mundane of uses. Having sworn to lay off magic after it landed him in the Wasteland for a century, Darrin is conflicted when people from his past and present start reaching out to him for help, help that would require him to use magic once more. Should he do what he feels is right, even if it's for the society who left him for dead, or should he remain discarded?
Let me begin by saying that I appreciate the diversity in this book: the protagonist is a middle-aged black man, and the other characters comprise successful women in high-ranking positions and ethnic minorities existing without having to conform to the author's prejudices. Although seemingly forced at times, the colorful cast of characters is a breath of fresh air for the genre.
The one thing I can't get past, though, is the protagonist's motivation (or lack thereof), something that severely affected my enjoyment of the book. Darrin seems to be stubborn for being stubborn's sake, and all of his actions are seemingly decided by, "Is this going to show that my character's stubborn? Yes? I'll do it then!" That repetition, paired with how slowly the plot moves along, makes this a tedious read.
Allen created an amazing world full of potential, but the way he goes on and on and on about trivial, unimportant details instead of telling us more about this world, on top of presenting us with a flat protagonist, really makes Discarded fall short. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars because I feel like it could've been done so much better!
Discarded by Michael J. Allen follows Darrin, a freshly-released criminal, as he attempts to reassimilate to a society fraught with magic with the most mundane of uses. Having sworn to lay off magic after it landed him in the Wasteland for a century, Darrin is conflicted when people from his past and present start reaching out to him for help, help that would require him to use magic once more. Should he do what he feels is right, even if it's for the society who left him for dead, or should he remain discarded?
Let me begin by saying that I appreciate the diversity in this book: the protagonist is a middle-aged black man, and the other characters comprise successful women in high-ranking positions and ethnic minorities existing without having to conform to the author's prejudices. Although seemingly forced at times, the colorful cast of characters is a breath of fresh air for the genre.
The one thing I can't get past, though, is the protagonist's motivation (or lack thereof), something that severely affected my enjoyment of the book. Darrin seems to be stubborn for being stubborn's sake, and all of his actions are seemingly decided by, "Is this going to show that my character's stubborn? Yes? I'll do it then!" That repetition, paired with how slowly the plot moves along, makes this a tedious read.
Allen created an amazing world full of potential, but the way he goes on and on and on about trivial, unimportant details instead of telling us more about this world, on top of presenting us with a flat protagonist, really makes Discarded fall short. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars because I feel like it could've been done so much better!
December 25, 2018
I agreed to review the second in the Dumpstermancer series, Duplicity. When I told Allen that I hadn't read Discarded. He generously sent it to me via Bookfunnel. This is my honest review of Discarded.
The central theme of Discarded is magic for profit. This is the first time I have ever seen the corporatization of magic in a fantasy novel. There is nothing inherently wrong with making a profit. The problem arises when profit becomes a service provider's only consideration. In the real world, we have seen people robbed of their life savings by schools for profit that didn't provide students with any skills. Thoth, the corporation that is the antagonist in Allen's series, doesn't care whether the spells they sell actually benefit their clients. Protagonist Elias Graham, who had once been a spell designer for Thoth, cared very much about helping people. Thoth didn't just fire him. They completely destroyed his life.
All of this had happened before the novel begins. Discarded opens with Elias on the street after having served a prison term. As we know from the title of the series, Elias eventually learns to use the resources available to him as a homeless mage. Some readers might have a visceral response of disgust to the concept of a dumpstermancer. I was intrigued by the idea of a homeless individual in an urban fantasy being empowered by magic.
Discarded is one of several indie published fantasy novels that I read this year which I found to be both well-written and provocative. I look forward to reading and reviewing the sequel, Duplicity, early in 2019.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
The central theme of Discarded is magic for profit. This is the first time I have ever seen the corporatization of magic in a fantasy novel. There is nothing inherently wrong with making a profit. The problem arises when profit becomes a service provider's only consideration. In the real world, we have seen people robbed of their life savings by schools for profit that didn't provide students with any skills. Thoth, the corporation that is the antagonist in Allen's series, doesn't care whether the spells they sell actually benefit their clients. Protagonist Elias Graham, who had once been a spell designer for Thoth, cared very much about helping people. Thoth didn't just fire him. They completely destroyed his life.
All of this had happened before the novel begins. Discarded opens with Elias on the street after having served a prison term. As we know from the title of the series, Elias eventually learns to use the resources available to him as a homeless mage. Some readers might have a visceral response of disgust to the concept of a dumpstermancer. I was intrigued by the idea of a homeless individual in an urban fantasy being empowered by magic.
Discarded is one of several indie published fantasy novels that I read this year which I found to be both well-written and provocative. I look forward to reading and reviewing the sequel, Duplicity, early in 2019.
For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...
May 16, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
Here, Eli used to be huge in the magic world as a spell architect but his sorld and bank account collapsed when he was wrongly convicted and sent to prison. Freshly released, he cannot practice magic or he will be returned to prison and he must register with his address, so he chooses not to live anywhere. He survives by dumpster diving and homeless shelters. Eli is bitter about everything [and who can blame him, he got a raw deal]. He is approached for help from his former apprentice to architect a some magic which will counteract a magic spell which is supposed to beautify someone but instead turns them into magical creatures. Eli refuses but eventually does acquiesce.
My favorite character in this book was not Eli - he was angry [understandable], surly [I get it] and just unempathetic. But, I absolutely loved Sunny, the woman who runs the homeless shelter. She exudes sunshine in contrast to Eli and is very charming. I enjoyed the world building and the positive uses for magic [helping burn victims, etc.]. At times, the story was a bit slow moving and I did not care the cliffhanger ending but overall, I liked it and would be interested in seeing how it continues.
I listened to this book - the narrator did a very good job and kept the story engaging.
Here, Eli used to be huge in the magic world as a spell architect but his sorld and bank account collapsed when he was wrongly convicted and sent to prison. Freshly released, he cannot practice magic or he will be returned to prison and he must register with his address, so he chooses not to live anywhere. He survives by dumpster diving and homeless shelters. Eli is bitter about everything [and who can blame him, he got a raw deal]. He is approached for help from his former apprentice to architect a some magic which will counteract a magic spell which is supposed to beautify someone but instead turns them into magical creatures. Eli refuses but eventually does acquiesce.
My favorite character in this book was not Eli - he was angry [understandable], surly [I get it] and just unempathetic. But, I absolutely loved Sunny, the woman who runs the homeless shelter. She exudes sunshine in contrast to Eli and is very charming. I enjoyed the world building and the positive uses for magic [helping burn victims, etc.]. At times, the story was a bit slow moving and I did not care the cliffhanger ending but overall, I liked it and would be interested in seeing how it continues.
I listened to this book - the narrator did a very good job and kept the story engaging.
July 3, 2018
This is an interesting story of magic and fantasy. A man full of magic who once had it all until betrayal and greed took it all away. After years of imprisonment he returns to a different world. A world where he is considered the criminal. Yet those with true magic seek him out for help. No matter how much he longs to be left alone it seems that magic will always find him. Eli soon finds himself fighting for magic and making friends even when he does not want to. Someone must right the wrongs of those like the Thoth company that have betrayed not only him but the true magic as well.
I was quickly pulled into this world and its characters. The author writes a gripping tale full of well defined characters. The action and emotions are nicely woven together. I enjoyed meeting each of the characters and watching their personalities emerge as the story unfolds. It was also nice to see the interaction between Eli and each of the characters. This world is an interesting take on magic and many of the creatures associated with it. As the story goes on we get to see Eli come to grips with his abilities and the new world he has come back to and in the end, it leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next story in this series to see just where things will go from here.
I was quickly pulled into this world and its characters. The author writes a gripping tale full of well defined characters. The action and emotions are nicely woven together. I enjoyed meeting each of the characters and watching their personalities emerge as the story unfolds. It was also nice to see the interaction between Eli and each of the characters. This world is an interesting take on magic and many of the creatures associated with it. As the story goes on we get to see Eli come to grips with his abilities and the new world he has come back to and in the end, it leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next story in this series to see just where things will go from here.
May 26, 2019
The Story:
Magick is now mainstream and accessible to all - well those with money that is, and Eli our overly stubborn main character is out on the streets after serving time for a crime he did not commit- a crime that his former company Thoth Corp set him up with as he wanted magic to be accessible to all but they only saw the profit margins. Interesting and intriguing story line if it wasn't for Eli.
I have to admit I disliked our main character Eli - he seems to be stubborn for being stubborn's sake, and that annoyed me to me no end! The story was slow starting and really didn't pick up pace much. I was a little confused with all the magical terms, which didn't seem to have much of an explanation - maybe I missed it, but it hampered my enjoyment. This type of book is not my usual genre
The Narration:
David S. Dear did a great job at making Eli sounds as boring and stubborn as he was, I had a few issues with some words - they may have been meant to sound like that - rats sounded likes rets for example,. and without a Kindle version of the book to read as I listened I have no idea if it was intentional from the author or just my hearing! Other than that the production was without background noise or distortion.
Overall the story was a 3.5 for me, narration a 4 - making this an overall 4 star listen
Magick is now mainstream and accessible to all - well those with money that is, and Eli our overly stubborn main character is out on the streets after serving time for a crime he did not commit- a crime that his former company Thoth Corp set him up with as he wanted magic to be accessible to all but they only saw the profit margins. Interesting and intriguing story line if it wasn't for Eli.
I have to admit I disliked our main character Eli - he seems to be stubborn for being stubborn's sake, and that annoyed me to me no end! The story was slow starting and really didn't pick up pace much. I was a little confused with all the magical terms, which didn't seem to have much of an explanation - maybe I missed it, but it hampered my enjoyment. This type of book is not my usual genre
The Narration:
David S. Dear did a great job at making Eli sounds as boring and stubborn as he was, I had a few issues with some words - they may have been meant to sound like that - rats sounded likes rets for example,. and without a Kindle version of the book to read as I listened I have no idea if it was intentional from the author or just my hearing! Other than that the production was without background noise or distortion.
Overall the story was a 3.5 for me, narration a 4 - making this an overall 4 star listen
December 13, 2020
Discarded by Michael J. Allen was a book I was eager to read. I have read books by this author before, and he has a way of capturing your attention. That being said, on to the Discarded.
Discarded is about an ex-con released onto the streets. Eli is a homeless mage trying to get caught up on what he missed while keeping his nose clean. When magic is for-profit all kinds of things can go wrong. Elias is a spell architect that worked for Thoth corporation as a designer. This corporation didn't care about the fallout of the spells they just cared about the money and power they got from it. Eli having a problem with this so they fire him. With his life destroyed he now has to climb back up the ladder of life. Homeless, jobless, and not allowed to practice magic in fear of returning to jail. He needs to find a way to save humanity and the people he loves from Thoth and a shadow war being waged against humanity.
Discarded is a wonderful book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you like books by Jim Butcher you are sure to love this series. Allen, you did it once again getting me hooked and loving every word.
Discarded is about an ex-con released onto the streets. Eli is a homeless mage trying to get caught up on what he missed while keeping his nose clean. When magic is for-profit all kinds of things can go wrong. Elias is a spell architect that worked for Thoth corporation as a designer. This corporation didn't care about the fallout of the spells they just cared about the money and power they got from it. Eli having a problem with this so they fire him. With his life destroyed he now has to climb back up the ladder of life. Homeless, jobless, and not allowed to practice magic in fear of returning to jail. He needs to find a way to save humanity and the people he loves from Thoth and a shadow war being waged against humanity.
Discarded is a wonderful book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you like books by Jim Butcher you are sure to love this series. Allen, you did it once again getting me hooked and loving every word.
January 15, 2019
I finished reading the book DISCARDED by MICHAEL and it was totally thrilling and it is full of magics. The storyline goes like this- Recently released from the prison of Wasteland on a trumped-up sham conviction, Elias (Eli) Graham is thrust onto the streets in a perilous future with nothing to his name...a name which was once attached to an illustrious career and a fat bank account. But that's all gone now. As he navigates his way through homelessness and scrounges what he can to eat out of dumpsters (and occasional charity), his former protege, Darrin Silus, is on the hunt to find solutions for Thoth Corp's retail magic spells that are going horribly, horribly wrong. Now eli has to do something ...
Great job writter. ( @TheDScribber )
http://www.twitter.com/TheDScribbler
If you want you could buy this Book DISCARDED ( #Dumpstermancer ) .The links are given below.I am giving 2 links.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FGG6JSBc...
http://www.books2read.com/dmnc1
Great job writter. ( @TheDScribber )
http://www.twitter.com/TheDScribbler
If you want you could buy this Book DISCARDED ( #Dumpstermancer ) .The links are given below.I am giving 2 links.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FGG6JSBc...
http://www.books2read.com/dmnc1
April 22, 2019
The setting for this book is an interesting one, most magic has gone corporate, widely used in products and with access to it regulated in a similar manner to the electricity supply.
It is into this world that Eli returns, having been framed for a death by his former partners in the magical business because he was more interested in the magic itself than the potential to profit from it, while he tries to keep himself isolated he ends up being dragged into problems with his old company after he is saved by some non-human magical creatures.
The performance of the narrator served to nicely enhance the overall story, tones for the various characters were suitably distinctive and he managed to portray the honourable but world-weary nature of the main character well too.
Overall, an enjoyable first book in the series, I would be interested to see the direction that the author takes things in subsequent books and how he fleshes out the magical systems of this world.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
It is into this world that Eli returns, having been framed for a death by his former partners in the magical business because he was more interested in the magic itself than the potential to profit from it, while he tries to keep himself isolated he ends up being dragged into problems with his old company after he is saved by some non-human magical creatures.
The performance of the narrator served to nicely enhance the overall story, tones for the various characters were suitably distinctive and he managed to portray the honourable but world-weary nature of the main character well too.
Overall, an enjoyable first book in the series, I would be interested to see the direction that the author takes things in subsequent books and how he fleshes out the magical systems of this world.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
July 28, 2021
Interesting twist on majic in this one. I'll give it 5 stars simply because I really enjoy this author and I was able to make it to the end, which I sometimes struggle just to stay engaged while reading books even decent ones, so the plot has to be super capturing for me! This one was engaging in a weird way for me lol, the main character who was pure and good hearted had a somewhat senseless personality and it was a little self sabotaging even with a magic ability. Although, it became a little frustrating with him it was oddly realistic in a sense that some people that have pure intentions but just can't seem to stop getting in their own way or even make situations worse. Just goes to show that not everyone is perfect, not even in a book with magic! I did want to read on to see how it would all play it out and I will say that it was worth reading in my opinion. Overall if you're looking for something different, with a realistic character (not perfect or even smart) this is an interesting to read still!
August 25, 2018
This was a very entertaining story. The main character is a bit sullen, but it is understandable given his background. Still, he has a good heart and seems motivated by his desire to help others. He is a character I can get behind.
I also liked all the supporting characters: the rhet, Sunny, and Razcolm are all great characters in their own right and help to make the story more enjoyable.
The plot works well and is believable. The rising tension works and the plot reveals occur as necessary for the story.
I would probably give this story 5 stars but for the magic system. I think the magic system is interesting and unique, but I don't fully understand it. I got lost at times when the character is describing how he is using magic. I don't need to understand it completely, but I need to know enough to be able to follow the description of what is happening magically. This wasn't enough for me to not enjoy the story, but it was distracting.
I also liked all the supporting characters: the rhet, Sunny, and Razcolm are all great characters in their own right and help to make the story more enjoyable.
The plot works well and is believable. The rising tension works and the plot reveals occur as necessary for the story.
I would probably give this story 5 stars but for the magic system. I think the magic system is interesting and unique, but I don't fully understand it. I got lost at times when the character is describing how he is using magic. I don't need to understand it completely, but I need to know enough to be able to follow the description of what is happening magically. This wasn't enough for me to not enjoy the story, but it was distracting.
May 26, 2020
Michael J. Allen is a literary genius. I am hooked and glad that there is a continuation of this series. Allen portrays science fiction and fantasy at its best. My initial thought of the novel was that of suspension as I am new to the genre. However, this novel starts off gradually with a great opening scene that pulls you in to find out why people even in a seemingly futuristic setting are still so vain.
While fantasy, "Discarded" holds a sort of prophetic telling to it. Greed, vanity, bad decisions are still a part of society. Decisions to help other and try to keep one's self out of trouble a normal plot but throwing magic into it provides new twists. "Discarded" reminds me of a sense of Harry Potter but for grown people. Put magic, technology, and human tendency of those in power to be greedy; all kinds of foolishness and mayhem ensues. And I must say I am completely here for it. Looking forward to Dumpstermancer #2
While fantasy, "Discarded" holds a sort of prophetic telling to it. Greed, vanity, bad decisions are still a part of society. Decisions to help other and try to keep one's self out of trouble a normal plot but throwing magic into it provides new twists. "Discarded" reminds me of a sense of Harry Potter but for grown people. Put magic, technology, and human tendency of those in power to be greedy; all kinds of foolishness and mayhem ensues. And I must say I am completely here for it. Looking forward to Dumpstermancer #2
July 28, 2021
This Discarded book #1 from the Dumpstermancer series was another great read. Having read the first book in this series, made me understand book #2 much more since I had read the second one before reading Discarded. Discarded is much easier to read and understand. It has funny parts to it too. As someone who likes beauty, I really like the concept of a glamour spell. Elias is once again stuck with rivals. Magic in the society that he lives in, isn't frowned upon and one can easily practice it without seeming abnormal. But that allows the magic spells to be manipulated for misuse and create revenue for example among other things. The story takes more of a heroic role whereby Elias, who is a homeless man, yet he has the power to save the innocent from the destruction. However, he faces many obstacles in doing so. He ends up making friends and enemies. Elias has to save innocent subjects from the tainted spells. Can he do it? Read on to find out more! Gifted book.
March 19, 2019
I finished reading another book by Michael J Allen called Discarded.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Michael's books, and this is another great story from Michael.
This book grabs your attention right off the bat with a different style of magic, which is a common occurrence.
The character is interesting, but at times I was frustrated by his behavior.
I didn't want to put it down once I started.
Here is the link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Discarded-Dump... If you like fantasy books, then I think you would like this one.
Full disclosure: I received this book for free; however I am under no obligation to write a positive or any review on my social media or blog.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Michael's books, and this is another great story from Michael.
This book grabs your attention right off the bat with a different style of magic, which is a common occurrence.
The character is interesting, but at times I was frustrated by his behavior.
I didn't want to put it down once I started.
Here is the link to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Discarded-Dump... If you like fantasy books, then I think you would like this one.
Full disclosure: I received this book for free; however I am under no obligation to write a positive or any review on my social media or blog.
July 9, 2018
Discarded tells the story of a genius magician who once was living in the limelight. After having a falling out with his companions, he's thrust in prison and tortured before being discarded back into city life. Eli, our genius magician, has wit, character, and humor. He cares about nothing except for the good of humanity, however, at every corner he turns and every person he tries to assist there seems to be something sinister lurking behind the curtain. Eli is so full of bad luck and misfortune you wonder if he will ever figure his way out of his troubles. Using items that have been discarded into dumpsters much like himself, Eli finds ways to conjure spells to save the city and people he loves the most, even those who despise him now. If you're a fan of Jim Butcher and you've enjoyed reading about the misfortunes of Harry Dresden, you will find much in common with Elias Graham and fall in love instantly. The pacing here is perfect and there's plenty to keep you interested and on the edge of your seat while giving you the occasional good laugh.
July 20, 2019
An interesting Urban Fantasy with tons of magic and intriguing characters. If you love magic then you should read Discarded! It takes us into a world full of magic. To a society where magic has been mainstreamed and made available to the masses. Our main character Eli is thrown in between his old company and a shadow war waged against humanity. To stop the war, Eli needs to find a way to make magic out of garbage. This book is so much fun, filled with great characters, an intriguing plot, and a fantastic storyline. You'll root for the characters, and laugh along the way. I'm really looking forward to a book two to this series.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed the story. It was great and I would recommend to my magic loving friends!
In conclusion, I really enjoyed the story. It was great and I would recommend to my magic loving friends!
September 30, 2020
Discarded by Michael J. Allen is a beautifully written!work of art. He's so descriptive that he'll wrap you up in the little details but very rarely does it feel as if the story line goes stagnant.To me, it just helped me fall into the story. At each transition of the point of views, I was able to fully meld with the character. I especially identify with the 2nd setting bc that was so accurate of my life before. It's so well written it makes me wonder how Mr. Allen imagined such things I didn't expect anyone that hadn't lived it tu understand. This is so relatable I feel like it's a parody of life today as it closely resembles actual events but in a world where instead of going out and buying physical luxuries, they deal in luxuries of magic. Prepare to transcend into a different world!
September 21, 2021
If you love magic then this is definitely a book you want to read! I love to spend my time in another world, and this transported me straight there. It's suitable for all ages, so I plan on letting my teenage sister read it next.
The first in a new series by well-known fantasy and science-fiction author, Michael J. Allen, and the series is off to a great start. Eli is separated from the thing that made his life whole - magic. Homeless and living in a dumpster, Eli must find a way to survive, and solve the challenges he and the world face.
I really enjoyed this book and I'll make sure that I follow the rest of the series too. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes reading fantasy, or is just looking for something new to try!
#Dumpstermancer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FGG6JSB
The first in a new series by well-known fantasy and science-fiction author, Michael J. Allen, and the series is off to a great start. Eli is separated from the thing that made his life whole - magic. Homeless and living in a dumpster, Eli must find a way to survive, and solve the challenges he and the world face.
I really enjoyed this book and I'll make sure that I follow the rest of the series too. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes reading fantasy, or is just looking for something new to try!
#Dumpstermancer
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FGG6JSB
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