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Pentacle #3
Extemporaneous Peregrination
Danny is finally headed back home to Diadem to see his family and settle some old wrongs. The men of Diadem have been sacrificing their own potentials for the sake of the country for long enough, and Danny has the perfect solution.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2018
70 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 11, 2019
It's rare for me to hate a book. This is because, in order to hate something, you need to care about it. Most of the time when I read unenjoyable books I don't care enough to hate it. But this book is different for one reason, this series had so much promise.
The flaw of this book is the same flaw that I see so often in the LitRPG genre. The author is more interested in levelling up the protagonist than in fleshing out characters, developing relationships, layering up the elements of the overarching story, or any of the other vital aspects that all novels require. This series is an excellent example of this problem because it started by doing the exact opposite of this.
The first 80% of the opening novel explored the concept of what it would be like to be a man resurrected into a world with magic where he has his full memories and is struggling to find the balance between exploring them and finding his place in this new world. There was a lot of development done with his family, with the world in general, and a lot of effort was made in making the reader care about his predicament and the fates of the secondary characters. Then suddenly he passes his adepts exam and all of that is thrown away. Danny is then thrown in with characters who haven't had the work put in to make the reader care about them and he begins a cycle of encountering problems that he needs to level up to defeat.
This new cycle is more reminiscent of a video game and continues for the next two books, with each cycle chipping away at the goodwill the first book bought. More and more this series is starting to feel like a video game where only the protagonist and levelling up is important, and everyone else devolves into the role of NPCs that have barely any impact on the story. The problem is, this can work or a video game because the player has a direct stake in the game, that involvement carrying him through. In novels we don't have that stake because the reader is here for the story, not to play a game.
It's the reason why so many LitRPG novels just don't work and sadly its the problem with this series as well.
It's a massive shame because the first novel started so well, but this novel just didn't work as a story by the closing chapters and I realised I was done.
Therefore, I can genuinely say I hate this novel because I cared enough about how this series started to be frustrated by how it potentially ends for a reader who is not sure he will come back to this series.
So it's 1-star for the overall book and an extra star for the embers of what this series could be that still burn in there somewhere and flared up sporadically.
The flaw of this book is the same flaw that I see so often in the LitRPG genre. The author is more interested in levelling up the protagonist than in fleshing out characters, developing relationships, layering up the elements of the overarching story, or any of the other vital aspects that all novels require. This series is an excellent example of this problem because it started by doing the exact opposite of this.
The first 80% of the opening novel explored the concept of what it would be like to be a man resurrected into a world with magic where he has his full memories and is struggling to find the balance between exploring them and finding his place in this new world. There was a lot of development done with his family, with the world in general, and a lot of effort was made in making the reader care about his predicament and the fates of the secondary characters. Then suddenly he passes his adepts exam and all of that is thrown away. Danny is then thrown in with characters who haven't had the work put in to make the reader care about them and he begins a cycle of encountering problems that he needs to level up to defeat.
This new cycle is more reminiscent of a video game and continues for the next two books, with each cycle chipping away at the goodwill the first book bought. More and more this series is starting to feel like a video game where only the protagonist and levelling up is important, and everyone else devolves into the role of NPCs that have barely any impact on the story. The problem is, this can work or a video game because the player has a direct stake in the game, that involvement carrying him through. In novels we don't have that stake because the reader is here for the story, not to play a game.
It's the reason why so many LitRPG novels just don't work and sadly its the problem with this series as well.
It's a massive shame because the first novel started so well, but this novel just didn't work as a story by the closing chapters and I realised I was done.
Therefore, I can genuinely say I hate this novel because I cared enough about how this series started to be frustrated by how it potentially ends for a reader who is not sure he will come back to this series.
So it's 1-star for the overall book and an extra star for the embers of what this series could be that still burn in there somewhere and flared up sporadically.
September 17, 2018
Nice read, needs some polish.
I enjoyed reading this, it was entertaining yet it needs some polish. There are quite a few grammatical errors within that disrupted the story flows. All in all this is a good book. Read this!
I enjoyed reading this, it was entertaining yet it needs some polish. There are quite a few grammatical errors within that disrupted the story flows. All in all this is a good book. Read this!
November 20, 2018
Wait, What?
Book one? Great intro with a massive cliffhanger . Book two? Better book, long story, great work. The main story meat. So... book three: starts out great, then it gets... weird. Not bad, but not great. The decisions made, the actions taken, the work done... yeah, not explained well, and not what you’d expect our lead boy to do. Kept shaking my head, and uttering the title phrase fairly often. Honestly a 3.5/5 book, but I’m thinking I may have missed something, so I rounded up.
Worth reading though, and watch for the next book.
Book one? Great intro with a massive cliffhanger . Book two? Better book, long story, great work. The main story meat. So... book three: starts out great, then it gets... weird. Not bad, but not great. The decisions made, the actions taken, the work done... yeah, not explained well, and not what you’d expect our lead boy to do. Kept shaking my head, and uttering the title phrase fairly often. Honestly a 3.5/5 book, but I’m thinking I may have missed something, so I rounded up.
Worth reading though, and watch for the next book.
September 12, 2018
Good read, but wish it was longer.
So I've been a fan of the magic system in this world, kinda litrpgish but not at all, and the progression and originality of it is great. This book is different from the others as in the MC is vulnerable and basically has too come up with any way to survive and the solutions are great. I'm trying not too spoil anything but the story continues into past lore that has been talked about before becomes a danger again for not just the MC but everyone and everything.
And I'm seeing these hate reviews and don't understand their reasonings. MC is nvr a bumbling idiot. He's not a damsel in distress ever. And the dwarfs are an important part of finding the new lore and if you didn't catch it, read it all again. and there is trauma shown, if you noticed the times he attacks with illusion, he brings up his feelings about it, though it isn't overdone ever. Maybe in the next book since the author did end the book soon after his traumatic experience.
My issues are that it ended too soon. That the happy ending shouldn't have been the end but the middle and problems brought up should have been more detailed. Like the last bit of the book just feels rushed (and yes the MC is rushed himself into things so that's a part of it) and the end didn't feel too great. I just wanted more direct conflict and resolutions. I know I'll get it in the next book though so I'll just have to wait. Great read and looking forward to the next 7.5/10
So I've been a fan of the magic system in this world, kinda litrpgish but not at all, and the progression and originality of it is great. This book is different from the others as in the MC is vulnerable and basically has too come up with any way to survive and the solutions are great. I'm trying not too spoil anything but the story continues into past lore that has been talked about before becomes a danger again for not just the MC but everyone and everything.
And I'm seeing these hate reviews and don't understand their reasonings. MC is nvr a bumbling idiot. He's not a damsel in distress ever. And the dwarfs are an important part of finding the new lore and if you didn't catch it, read it all again. and there is trauma shown, if you noticed the times he attacks with illusion, he brings up his feelings about it, though it isn't overdone ever. Maybe in the next book since the author did end the book soon after his traumatic experience.
My issues are that it ended too soon. That the happy ending shouldn't have been the end but the middle and problems brought up should have been more detailed. Like the last bit of the book just feels rushed (and yes the MC is rushed himself into things so that's a part of it) and the end didn't feel too great. I just wanted more direct conflict and resolutions. I know I'll get it in the next book though so I'll just have to wait. Great read and looking forward to the next 7.5/10
September 3, 2018
I am torn
Like the story, 4 stars may be a bit high, but it is starting to get a little different or maybe weird, I guess. MC is way OP, and the story seemed to be rushed or maybe forced is a better word. Another thing I missed was the humor. It was a bit more contrived. Dude, I know you are busy and your fans want the next book now. But, book 3 did not measure up to books 1 and 2, just saying.
Like the story, 4 stars may be a bit high, but it is starting to get a little different or maybe weird, I guess. MC is way OP, and the story seemed to be rushed or maybe forced is a better word. Another thing I missed was the humor. It was a bit more contrived. Dude, I know you are busy and your fans want the next book now. But, book 3 did not measure up to books 1 and 2, just saying.
February 22, 2019
Ugh
Well it started off great and i was glued to it.... half way through i didnt even want to finish it...but but never leave a book unfinished..
Well it started off great and i was glued to it.... half way through i didnt even want to finish it...but but never leave a book unfinished..
January 15, 2019
This book feels rushed and not as polished as the previous ones in the series.
The complexity of the system is also rearing it's head with the frequency of Mary Sue moments.
I also haven't heard anything about a sequel, so I don't know if the series is just wading or if it's dead on the water.
2.5 stars rounded up
The complexity of the system is also rearing it's head with the frequency of Mary Sue moments.
I also haven't heard anything about a sequel, so I don't know if the series is just wading or if it's dead on the water.
2.5 stars rounded up
October 30, 2018
Danny goes through a maelstrom of trials and tribulations. More to come.
The things Danny has to go through are terrible and wonderful. He learns much and the story leaves a wondering what will follow.
The things Danny has to go through are terrible and wonderful. He learns much and the story leaves a wondering what will follow.
September 6, 2018
Great book.
Great book that I couldn't get enough of. My only conplaints were a few minior curse words and I didn't want the book to end. I'm want the next one 😉.
Great book that I couldn't get enough of. My only conplaints were a few minior curse words and I didn't want the book to end. I'm want the next one 😉.
September 15, 2018
Awsome
Truly enjoyed this book felt a bit sort but that's probly just because I wanted there to be more :)
Truly enjoyed this book felt a bit sort but that's probly just because I wanted there to be more :)
October 30, 2018
Fun read
There are some editing issues, but the story makes up for it. It’s a great addition to the series and I truly hope the next lives up to the first three.
There are some editing issues, but the story makes up for it. It’s a great addition to the series and I truly hope the next lives up to the first three.
January 9, 2019
Things were too fast paced while lacking actual plot that mattered as far as I could tell by the end of it.
April 29, 2019
Great book
Very good book can’t wait for more hope there is more
Loved them all through that bit when the elves queen got her eye back was one of the better bits of the story.
Very good book can’t wait for more hope there is more
Loved them all through that bit when the elves queen got her eye back was one of the better bits of the story.
December 31, 2019
Still pretty decent, and looking forward to more :)
January 2, 2022
I guess the protagonist got too strong, so they had to find a way to show him that he actually isn't the biggest fish in the pond.
He was slapped around so much in this book, and couldn't do anything about it, and when he could so something, he did nothing.
Also for some reason, I thought this was a trilogy, so I assumed everything would have been tied up by the end. I don't know why I though such.
What happened in book two also happened here. The protagonist took 'C' and extrapolated it to 'P' without we (the reader) seeing how he came to those conclusions. It almost looks like he is pulling ideas from his butt, almost.
I guess I will read the sequel later. I hope he doesn't just lay there and take it this time round, when he could do something.
3/5 Stars
He was slapped around so much in this book, and couldn't do anything about it, and when he could so something, he did nothing.
Also for some reason, I thought this was a trilogy, so I assumed everything would have been tied up by the end. I don't know why I though such.
What happened in book two also happened here. The protagonist took 'C' and extrapolated it to 'P' without we (the reader) seeing how he came to those conclusions. It almost looks like he is pulling ideas from his butt, almost.
I guess I will read the sequel later. I hope he doesn't just lay there and take it this time round, when he could do something.
3/5 Stars
March 14, 2022
I think my favourite part of this series was that it never stopped imagining what magic could do.
Magic when open ended is limited only by what you can imagine into reality. Sadly most books get caught up in the plot and the imagination stops at fireballs.
Not so here. Every situation prompts new innovations in magic to solve each problem. Most aren't 'new' solutions but it sure was a fun ride.
I do think the litrpg elements (levels) in this series were redundant; used only for a couple of power up breakpoints and power measurement in the first half of the first book. But hey, I had a good time reading and the books ended too soon.
Magic when open ended is limited only by what you can imagine into reality. Sadly most books get caught up in the plot and the imagination stops at fireballs.
Not so here. Every situation prompts new innovations in magic to solve each problem. Most aren't 'new' solutions but it sure was a fun ride.
I do think the litrpg elements (levels) in this series were redundant; used only for a couple of power up breakpoints and power measurement in the first half of the first book. But hey, I had a good time reading and the books ended too soon.
February 18, 2019
Great book, I don’t know what those other people were reading
This was a great book. A good continuation of the series with a needed plot points to move the story and age up the supporting characters. I don’t know what book those people who complained about Danny being weak or dumb were reading but that’s not this book. His ‘weakness’ in the first section of the book is well explained, and overcome making him stronger. Good stuff.
This was a great book. A good continuation of the series with a needed plot points to move the story and age up the supporting characters. I don’t know what book those people who complained about Danny being weak or dumb were reading but that’s not this book. His ‘weakness’ in the first section of the book is well explained, and overcome making him stronger. Good stuff.
January 18, 2019
Disappointed with book 3
This book started great and was enjoyable until half way through. He seemed to forget he was writing a fantasy book because it essentially becomes a sci-fi and the character becomes a lot less likable. I won’t buy the next book.
This book started great and was enjoyable until half way through. He seemed to forget he was writing a fantasy book because it essentially becomes a sci-fi and the character becomes a lot less likable. I won’t buy the next book.
March 20, 2019
So much happened in this book. It ended up being a bit of a roller coaster.
I really hope that Mr Harper spends a bit more time on Danny's relationships in the future.
It's a bit ridiculous how little time was spent with Danny in any kind of group.
I really hope that Mr Harper spends a bit more time on Danny's relationships in the future.
It's a bit ridiculous how little time was spent with Danny in any kind of group.
September 10, 2018
Sigh..
Book was good but i feel like we waited all this time and the story hasnt really moved much. The part with the dwarfs didnt feel needed at all.
Book was good but i feel like we waited all this time and the story hasnt really moved much. The part with the dwarfs didnt feel needed at all.
March 9, 2022
The storyline comes across as forced , not a natural flow to it.
July 30, 2022
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
April 9, 2019
Danny is finally headed back home to Diadem to see his family and settle some old wrongs. The men of Diadem have been sacrificing their own potentials for the sake of the country for long enough, and Danny has the perfect solution.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews