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Bronze League #1
Djinn Tamer: Starter
Tame. Train. Battle.
Jackson Hunt wants nothing more than to be a professional monster tamer — skilled trainers who raise and battle magical creatures called djinn. He longs for the day when he comes of age and can leave home to pursue his dreams of taming djinn.
Unfortunately for Jackson, dreams and reality don’t always coincide.
To help his grandmother make ends meet, Jackson spends his days doing manual labor on a breeder’s ranch — just about as far removed from the bright lights and roaring crowds of the (Djinn Fighting League) as it gets. But no matter how hard Jackson and his grandma try, it’s never enough.
Facing bank foreclosure, Jackson is desperate to save his home but has no idea how… until he discovers a young, untrained djinn left behind for him by his dead mother.
As time runs out, Jackson works tirelessly to raise and develop a bond with his djinn. But monster taming isn’t as easy as the pros make it look. Along the way, Jackson and his friends will delve into the shady world of underground fighting, experience the agony of defeat and learn what it takes to be a true monster tamer.
Will Jackson and his djinn level up fast enough or is his dream destined to die before it even truly begins?
Jackson Hunt wants nothing more than to be a professional monster tamer — skilled trainers who raise and battle magical creatures called djinn. He longs for the day when he comes of age and can leave home to pursue his dreams of taming djinn.
Unfortunately for Jackson, dreams and reality don’t always coincide.
To help his grandmother make ends meet, Jackson spends his days doing manual labor on a breeder’s ranch — just about as far removed from the bright lights and roaring crowds of the (Djinn Fighting League) as it gets. But no matter how hard Jackson and his grandma try, it’s never enough.
Facing bank foreclosure, Jackson is desperate to save his home but has no idea how… until he discovers a young, untrained djinn left behind for him by his dead mother.
As time runs out, Jackson works tirelessly to raise and develop a bond with his djinn. But monster taming isn’t as easy as the pros make it look. Along the way, Jackson and his friends will delve into the shady world of underground fighting, experience the agony of defeat and learn what it takes to be a true monster tamer.
Will Jackson and his djinn level up fast enough or is his dream destined to die before it even truly begins?
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2019
273 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Derek Alan Siddoway
28 books119 followersDerek Alan Siddoway is the author of Teutevar Saga, a medieval western/frontier fantasy series, and Gryphon Riders, a young adult fantasy trilogy. He was born and raised in the American West at the foot of the Uinta Mountains. An Undaunted and Everyday Author, Derek spends his free time reading, obsessively filling notebooks, adventuring outdoors and celebrating small victories. He's also a sucker for Star Wars and football, namely the University of Utah and Minnesota Vikings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 12, 2019
A fun world, frustrating MC
I look forward to what this series has to offer as I'm a big fan of the premise, but the main character is quite irritating in his lack of character consistency.
Supporting cast was more endearing as they spent enough time without wild changes to actually draw us in.
I look forward to what this series has to offer as I'm a big fan of the premise, but the main character is quite irritating in his lack of character consistency.
Supporting cast was more endearing as they spent enough time without wild changes to actually draw us in.
October 4, 2019
I'm not a big Pokemon fan but I really enjoyed this. Jackson can be a bit dense at times but you find yourself rooting for him and Asina.
May 12, 2022
Light-hearted Pokémon-Inspired fun!
My only nitpick is that the MC, Jackson, has dreamt of becoming a tamer his entire life, and yet knows remarkably little about what that entails, and is beign taught by other characters, some of which couldnt care less about the art of taming. This is obviously used to teach the reader about the world this story takes place in and it worked great for Ash in Pokémon. Difference is, Ash is 10 years old, while Jackson is almost 18. I found this to prod at my suspension of disbelief, and can't help but think it could have been handled in a more clean way.
Despite this I really enjoyed the story and will be diving headlong into the sequel!
My only nitpick is that the MC, Jackson, has dreamt of becoming a tamer his entire life, and yet knows remarkably little about what that entails, and is beign taught by other characters, some of which couldnt care less about the art of taming. This is obviously used to teach the reader about the world this story takes place in and it worked great for Ash in Pokémon. Difference is, Ash is 10 years old, while Jackson is almost 18. I found this to prod at my suspension of disbelief, and can't help but think it could have been handled in a more clean way.
Despite this I really enjoyed the story and will be diving headlong into the sequel!
April 14, 2020
I read all the reviews, and what struck me most was how quickly people forgot these were teenagers in the story. Acting whiny and belligerent and stupid is par for the course. And Derek portrayed that really well. The characters were believable and for the most part likeable and even when you hated them it was quality writing that caused such a reaction. I hated Fiona. And Derek made me hate her with the way he portrayed her. That was very well done! I'm not so old that I don't remember what it was like to be 17. And I promise it wasn't pretty!
As for the storyline, I've never read or played or really had anything to do with things like Pokemon so while peripherally I can understand what other readers meant, it held no real meaning for me. I just really loved the Djinn. What a creative way to use the mythological name of Djinn. And who wouldn't want one after reading this! I know I'd love to have one like Asena. I'd love to have a Lyote to train and love and play with. Now, for me, that's excellent writing that made me want one of the creatures used in this novel.
i also want to say that I'm turning 65 in a few weeks, and I'm a full fledged Grandma all on my own. Yet Derek made me miss my Grandma so much I actually cried. And she died when I was 17, a truly long time ago. His portrayal of Jackson's Grandma Jane was spot on. She was demanding, and critical, and couldn't be more loving. Exactly what you'd expect from a Grandma saddled with a 17 year old boy who lost his mom (my grandson is 16 so I know of what I speak, although, thank heavens my daughter is still with us to raise him! :-) ).
I would give this book 10 stars if I could.. Am I overplaying it? It probably sounds like it. But I love a good story that has action and friendship and trials and tribulations that teenagers have to go through to come out whole on the other side. A story with all the excitement needed to keep your interest, and without needing sex to do it! And Derek Siddoway did this so well, so very well, that once i actually got into the book I couldn't put it down.
Very very well done, Derek! So very very well done! Can't wait for Book 2, Djinn Tamer: Rivals.
As for the storyline, I've never read or played or really had anything to do with things like Pokemon so while peripherally I can understand what other readers meant, it held no real meaning for me. I just really loved the Djinn. What a creative way to use the mythological name of Djinn. And who wouldn't want one after reading this! I know I'd love to have one like Asena. I'd love to have a Lyote to train and love and play with. Now, for me, that's excellent writing that made me want one of the creatures used in this novel.
i also want to say that I'm turning 65 in a few weeks, and I'm a full fledged Grandma all on my own. Yet Derek made me miss my Grandma so much I actually cried. And she died when I was 17, a truly long time ago. His portrayal of Jackson's Grandma Jane was spot on. She was demanding, and critical, and couldn't be more loving. Exactly what you'd expect from a Grandma saddled with a 17 year old boy who lost his mom (my grandson is 16 so I know of what I speak, although, thank heavens my daughter is still with us to raise him! :-) ).
I would give this book 10 stars if I could.. Am I overplaying it? It probably sounds like it. But I love a good story that has action and friendship and trials and tribulations that teenagers have to go through to come out whole on the other side. A story with all the excitement needed to keep your interest, and without needing sex to do it! And Derek Siddoway did this so well, so very well, that once i actually got into the book I couldn't put it down.
Very very well done, Derek! So very very well done! Can't wait for Book 2, Djinn Tamer: Rivals.
Read
October 3, 2024This was a nostalgia trip! Growing up I dreamed of being a Pokemon master. This book just took me back to being a kid playing and watching Pokemon, Monster Rancher, Digimon, Robopon, etc. The Djinn made me think of the Golden Sun series also a favorite of mine. Combination of Pokemon and Golden Sun? You've got my attention. This is a fun story that I'd recommend to anyone who grew up with a love of the previously mentioned games and shows. The audiobook was well done. I enjoyed the narrator quite a bit. Do you have to be a fan of those games and shows I mentioned before to like this? No its a well done story and is just plain fun, but it certainly helps if you were. I'm going to show this book to my niece and certainly going to check out the other books in the series. I was given a code for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2019
Perfect for fans of Pokemon!
February 15, 2024
As I have been very into the monster taming genre lately, this book caught my attention, so I decided to give it a go. The story follows a teenager named jackson, who dreams of becoming a Djinn Tamer, and the difficult challenges he faces as he tries raising money via Djinn battles after getting a Djinn for himself, on top of having to bond with said DJinn.
Overall, this is a decent book. It feels pretty much exactly like Pokemon, but more for people who grew up on Pokemon than for kids. The creatures in the setting, called Djinn, are pretty much similar to Pokemon, they resemble real life animals, but it seems that there are no "normal" animals in the setting, all of them are Djinn. The book feels more mature n that some Djinn are prey for others, some are raised to be later served as food, some may even die in Djinn battles, plus there are curse words, smoking, illegal underground fights, etc, but nothing too adult. The underground fights were an interesting concept and provided us with character development and some action.
In terms of characters, most were overal likable, such as level-headed best friend Kay and a new friend, the amiable and well meaning Antony, a.k.a Appleby, and the tough but fair Fiona, plus we feel for Jackson's grandmother Jane, and the character of Cassius is very intriguing and I hope we see more of him in future books. Main character Jackson, well, he has good intentions, but it can get a bit tiresome just how impulsive and dumb this kid is throughout the whole book, so it's a good thing he has good instincts in battle, and I appreciate how the book took the time to really build up the trust between Jackson and his Djinn.
If any flaws, I'd say the book's a bit too simple. I would have liked a bit more to it, to add a bit more pep, especially as it took a while to get going. Another thing is how we did get some descriptions for some characters but not for others, and this also counts for Djinn, as some were described to us but others not, so sometimes I had no clue what I was supposed to be imagining. It's not till after I finished the book that I learned that the author has Pokemon-style pictures of several Djinn, but even then, some of the ones from the book weren't seen in there, so I'd appreciate it if the author had been more descriptive.
In the end, the book might not have been groundbreaking or excellent, but it was good. I enjoyed it for what it was, it entertained me, and I'm looking forward to reading the second book.
Overall, this is a decent book. It feels pretty much exactly like Pokemon, but more for people who grew up on Pokemon than for kids. The creatures in the setting, called Djinn, are pretty much similar to Pokemon, they resemble real life animals, but it seems that there are no "normal" animals in the setting, all of them are Djinn. The book feels more mature n that some Djinn are prey for others, some are raised to be later served as food, some may even die in Djinn battles, plus there are curse words, smoking, illegal underground fights, etc, but nothing too adult. The underground fights were an interesting concept and provided us with character development and some action.
In terms of characters, most were overal likable, such as level-headed best friend Kay and a new friend, the amiable and well meaning Antony, a.k.a Appleby, and the tough but fair Fiona, plus we feel for Jackson's grandmother Jane, and the character of Cassius is very intriguing and I hope we see more of him in future books. Main character Jackson, well, he has good intentions, but it can get a bit tiresome just how impulsive and dumb this kid is throughout the whole book, so it's a good thing he has good instincts in battle, and I appreciate how the book took the time to really build up the trust between Jackson and his Djinn.
If any flaws, I'd say the book's a bit too simple. I would have liked a bit more to it, to add a bit more pep, especially as it took a while to get going. Another thing is how we did get some descriptions for some characters but not for others, and this also counts for Djinn, as some were described to us but others not, so sometimes I had no clue what I was supposed to be imagining. It's not till after I finished the book that I learned that the author has Pokemon-style pictures of several Djinn, but even then, some of the ones from the book weren't seen in there, so I'd appreciate it if the author had been more descriptive.
In the end, the book might not have been groundbreaking or excellent, but it was good. I enjoyed it for what it was, it entertained me, and I'm looking forward to reading the second book.
February 19, 2019
I read all the reviews, and what struck me most was how quickly people forgot these were teenagers in the story. Acting whiny and belligerent and stupid is par for the course. And Derek portrayed that really well. The characters were believable and for the most part likeable and even when you hated them it was quality writing that caused such a reaction. I hated Fiona. And Derek made me hate her with the way he portrayed her. That was very well done! I'm not so old that I don't remember what it was like to be 17. And I promise it wasn't pretty!
As for the storyline, I've never read or played or really had anything to do with things like Pokemon so while peripherally I can understand what other readers meant, it held no real meaning for me. I just really loved the Djinn. What a creative way to use the mythological name of Djinn. And who wouldn't want one after reading this! I know I'd love to have one like Asena. I'd love to have a Lyote to train and love and play with. Now, for me, that's excellent writing that made me want one of the creatures used in this novel.
i also want to say that I'm turning 65 in a few weeks, and I'm a full fledged Grandma all on my own. Yet Derek made me miss my Grandma so much I actually cried. And she died when I was 17, a truly long time ago. His portrayal of Jackson's Grandma Jane was spot on. She was demanding, and critical, and couldn't be more loving. Exactly what you'd expect from a Grandma saddled with a 17 year old boy who lost his mom (my grandson is 16 so I know of what I speak, although, thank heavens my daughter is still with us to raise him! :-) ).
I would give this book 10 stars if I could.. Am I overplaying it? It probably sounds like it. But I love a good story that has action and friendship and trials and tribulations that teenagers have to go through to come out whole on the other side. A story with all the excitement needed to keep your interest, and without needing sex to do it! And Derek Siddoway did this so well, so very well, that once i actually got into the book I couldn't put it down.
Very very well done, Derek! So very very well done! Can't wait for Book 2, Djinn Tamer: Rivals.
As for the storyline, I've never read or played or really had anything to do with things like Pokemon so while peripherally I can understand what other readers meant, it held no real meaning for me. I just really loved the Djinn. What a creative way to use the mythological name of Djinn. And who wouldn't want one after reading this! I know I'd love to have one like Asena. I'd love to have a Lyote to train and love and play with. Now, for me, that's excellent writing that made me want one of the creatures used in this novel.
i also want to say that I'm turning 65 in a few weeks, and I'm a full fledged Grandma all on my own. Yet Derek made me miss my Grandma so much I actually cried. And she died when I was 17, a truly long time ago. His portrayal of Jackson's Grandma Jane was spot on. She was demanding, and critical, and couldn't be more loving. Exactly what you'd expect from a Grandma saddled with a 17 year old boy who lost his mom (my grandson is 16 so I know of what I speak, although, thank heavens my daughter is still with us to raise him! :-) ).
I would give this book 10 stars if I could.. Am I overplaying it? It probably sounds like it. But I love a good story that has action and friendship and trials and tribulations that teenagers have to go through to come out whole on the other side. A story with all the excitement needed to keep your interest, and without needing sex to do it! And Derek Siddoway did this so well, so very well, that once i actually got into the book I couldn't put it down.
Very very well done, Derek! So very very well done! Can't wait for Book 2, Djinn Tamer: Rivals.
December 8, 2019
This book is a lot of fun. To really enjoy it, you probably need to be a fan of the LitRPG style, or at least willing to give it a go, as there are numerous references to levelling up, stats etc. But for those that enjoy the LitRPG style, this just adds to the fun of the story, giving you extra detail of the Djinn at various stages during combat.
The story follows Jackson Hunt, a 17yr old guy whose Mum was a world renowned researcher of Djinn, before she allegedly died in a plane crash.
Now he lives with his Grandmother Jane, in their parents house. You find out throughout the course of the story (no major spoilers), that he and his Grandmother are in financial trouble, and could lose the house, as due to various circumstances, they were not left much money when Jackson’s Mum died.
Jackson only has one real dream, he wants to be a Djinn Tamer, so when he finds a secret safe in his Mother’s office, and in that safe, a gift for his 12th Birthday (6yrs old now), which is none other than a brand new Lyote.
It takes Jackson a short while, but soon, he has some control over the Lyote, than he calls “Asena”.
I don’t want to give too much of the story away, I will let you read this.
I am new to the concept of ‘Djinn’, I saw this and was rather fascinated by the concept of it, and I have been getting into the LitRPG more and more just recently.
This is a great book, it is fast paced, with a good storyline, great action, the battles are exceptionally well described, and the characters are really great. A lot of thought has gone into the descriptions of the actual Djinn, and how they operate, as well as their combat system.
A couple of things that were missing, that could have made this the perfect book – as someone who is new to the Djinn concept, there is a definite lack of background knowledge of how they came to be, and the world that we live in, cohabitating with these amazing creatures. The world is also different, country names were different (a guy had an Australian accent but came from some other strange place that doesn’t exist), and there was no real explanation for this either – there was a definite lack of world building. Having said this, overall, it didn’t really detract all that much from the story, as you got so caught up in the actual story of Asena, Jackson, and the other major characters, Kay, Fiona etc.
Again, there was no real discussion of the rings that Djinn Tamers wear to keep their Djinn, how they came about, or where they come from, they just exist – some background of these things would have been fun for the story.
I am being very nit-picky though.
The character work was outstanding, from the main characters such as Jackson, his best friend Kay, to Fiona, their friend from the Djinn Ranch. Even the Djinn themselves, who each have their own personalities, were very well written. For me, having watched ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ with my kids, this really reminded me of that, but with other types of monsters instead of just Dragons. It was a lot of fun to read.
I did like that even though they fought the creatures, that they looked after them, making sure that (unless in the Underground), they did not suffer, and were cared for, even though they were fighting the creatures.
This was a really interesting, exciting and well thought out book, I went through it in only a day, and I have already bought books 2 and 3 and I am into book 2 already.
If you are a fan of Djinn related combat you will love this, and if you like LitRPG, then this is definitely for you.
Otherwise, if you just want a really great read, something that is fast, full of action, but a lot of fun also, then you will really enjoy this book, it is definitely worth having a read.
The story follows Jackson Hunt, a 17yr old guy whose Mum was a world renowned researcher of Djinn, before she allegedly died in a plane crash.
Now he lives with his Grandmother Jane, in their parents house. You find out throughout the course of the story (no major spoilers), that he and his Grandmother are in financial trouble, and could lose the house, as due to various circumstances, they were not left much money when Jackson’s Mum died.
Jackson only has one real dream, he wants to be a Djinn Tamer, so when he finds a secret safe in his Mother’s office, and in that safe, a gift for his 12th Birthday (6yrs old now), which is none other than a brand new Lyote.
It takes Jackson a short while, but soon, he has some control over the Lyote, than he calls “Asena”.
I don’t want to give too much of the story away, I will let you read this.
I am new to the concept of ‘Djinn’, I saw this and was rather fascinated by the concept of it, and I have been getting into the LitRPG more and more just recently.
This is a great book, it is fast paced, with a good storyline, great action, the battles are exceptionally well described, and the characters are really great. A lot of thought has gone into the descriptions of the actual Djinn, and how they operate, as well as their combat system.
A couple of things that were missing, that could have made this the perfect book – as someone who is new to the Djinn concept, there is a definite lack of background knowledge of how they came to be, and the world that we live in, cohabitating with these amazing creatures. The world is also different, country names were different (a guy had an Australian accent but came from some other strange place that doesn’t exist), and there was no real explanation for this either – there was a definite lack of world building. Having said this, overall, it didn’t really detract all that much from the story, as you got so caught up in the actual story of Asena, Jackson, and the other major characters, Kay, Fiona etc.
Again, there was no real discussion of the rings that Djinn Tamers wear to keep their Djinn, how they came about, or where they come from, they just exist – some background of these things would have been fun for the story.
I am being very nit-picky though.
The character work was outstanding, from the main characters such as Jackson, his best friend Kay, to Fiona, their friend from the Djinn Ranch. Even the Djinn themselves, who each have their own personalities, were very well written. For me, having watched ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ with my kids, this really reminded me of that, but with other types of monsters instead of just Dragons. It was a lot of fun to read.
I did like that even though they fought the creatures, that they looked after them, making sure that (unless in the Underground), they did not suffer, and were cared for, even though they were fighting the creatures.
This was a really interesting, exciting and well thought out book, I went through it in only a day, and I have already bought books 2 and 3 and I am into book 2 already.
If you are a fan of Djinn related combat you will love this, and if you like LitRPG, then this is definitely for you.
Otherwise, if you just want a really great read, something that is fast, full of action, but a lot of fun also, then you will really enjoy this book, it is definitely worth having a read.
September 14, 2020
Monster Fighting 101
I have read other books based on leveling up monsters and fighting them. It does have some similarities to Pokemon in that the monsters can evolve besides just straight leveling up.
The monsters in the story are called Djinn. They do combine features of animals that exist in our world as well as other attributes and special attacks. Jackson Hunt is almost turning 18, he and his grandma are trying to save up so that he can go to advanced school. He works as a ranch hand at a local Djinn ranch and helps take care of and clean up after Djinn. One day after work when Jackson comes home, there is a man there. His grandma tells him that they are going to lose the house and will have to move into a small apartment. Jackson and his grandma have had money issues since his mother disappeared before his 12th birthday.
That night Jackson can’t sleep, and he decides to go and find a way to make money. When he goes into his mom’s office, he straightens a picture and then it falls to the ground. Behind the picture is a Bioscan safe. After many tries, Jackson is able to open and find a card and gift from his mom for his 12th birthday. It is a rare Djinn. Jackson must continue to work, figure out how to build his bond with it and learn to become a Djinn Tamer. Since he is unlicensed, this means the underground fighting circuit.
I have read other books based on leveling up monsters and fighting them. It does have some similarities to Pokemon in that the monsters can evolve besides just straight leveling up.
The monsters in the story are called Djinn. They do combine features of animals that exist in our world as well as other attributes and special attacks. Jackson Hunt is almost turning 18, he and his grandma are trying to save up so that he can go to advanced school. He works as a ranch hand at a local Djinn ranch and helps take care of and clean up after Djinn. One day after work when Jackson comes home, there is a man there. His grandma tells him that they are going to lose the house and will have to move into a small apartment. Jackson and his grandma have had money issues since his mother disappeared before his 12th birthday.
That night Jackson can’t sleep, and he decides to go and find a way to make money. When he goes into his mom’s office, he straightens a picture and then it falls to the ground. Behind the picture is a Bioscan safe. After many tries, Jackson is able to open and find a card and gift from his mom for his 12th birthday. It is a rare Djinn. Jackson must continue to work, figure out how to build his bond with it and learn to become a Djinn Tamer. Since he is unlicensed, this means the underground fighting circuit.
September 25, 2019
A typical tale about a boy and his dream of becoming a Djinn tamer.
Jackson Hunt really wants to become Djinn tamer and after losing his mother when he was 12 years old it is all he can think about. His grandma tries dissuade him and to make him go into secondary school as she promised his mother but it is not what Jackson wants. Through deceit, luck and hard work Jackson makes at least the start of his dream a reality but what has it cost him and what will it cost the people around him?
The book was more YA then I expected from the beginning and played on a lot of tropes from that genre, but overall it was well written and lays the groundwork for 3 main characters.
Oliver Wyman does a great job with narration but it is hard for me to not associate his voice with Monster Hunter International series, if not for that personal association I probably would have given him 5 stars on the narration. This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Jackson Hunt really wants to become Djinn tamer and after losing his mother when he was 12 years old it is all he can think about. His grandma tries dissuade him and to make him go into secondary school as she promised his mother but it is not what Jackson wants. Through deceit, luck and hard work Jackson makes at least the start of his dream a reality but what has it cost him and what will it cost the people around him?
The book was more YA then I expected from the beginning and played on a lot of tropes from that genre, but overall it was well written and lays the groundwork for 3 main characters.
Oliver Wyman does a great job with narration but it is hard for me to not associate his voice with Monster Hunter International series, if not for that personal association I probably would have given him 5 stars on the narration. This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
February 3, 2022
Overall a rather simple and predictable story, if the reader has played a pokemon game. Still enjoyable due to the subject matter, having more depth than said game storywise.
I want to continue reading the series.
I’d like a bit more detail in regard to the progression of the djinns and the fights, but it was fine overall. But on that level it felt a bit tacked on and probably would’ve worked well without it. But as it is part of the world due to the technology it felt fitting and not jarring at all, even though there was no “game” around it. So, it’s scifi fantasy with technology allowing for these aspects.
Jackson was jarring in the beginning, especially considering how big a fan of djinn battles he is, but knowing pretty much nothing about taming a djinn. I do realize this was for the benefit of the reader, but made that character rather dumb. He grew on me, even though he piled his lies quite high until it blew in his face.
The connection to Appleby as his friend was too shallow, as that character didn’t get enough lines to show his personality, except for J telling the reader how nice that guy supposedly is. The rest of the characters felt fine and fitting.
I want to continue reading the series.
I’d like a bit more detail in regard to the progression of the djinns and the fights, but it was fine overall. But on that level it felt a bit tacked on and probably would’ve worked well without it. But as it is part of the world due to the technology it felt fitting and not jarring at all, even though there was no “game” around it. So, it’s scifi fantasy with technology allowing for these aspects.
Jackson was jarring in the beginning, especially considering how big a fan of djinn battles he is, but knowing pretty much nothing about taming a djinn. I do realize this was for the benefit of the reader, but made that character rather dumb. He grew on me, even though he piled his lies quite high until it blew in his face.
The connection to Appleby as his friend was too shallow, as that character didn’t get enough lines to show his personality, except for J telling the reader how nice that guy supposedly is. The rest of the characters felt fine and fitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
All the worst of poke with none of the good
So this novel slavishly adhere to all of the tropes and cliches abundant in pokemon without introducing anything new or improving on anything.
There are no animals only djinn, djinn are paradoxically referred to as monsters, animals and djinn. Make up your mind! We don't call animals monsters, and if only djinn exist why are people calling them monsters if the fill the same niche? Similarly why are they called djinjn in the first place? A djinn is a being of smoke and fire and has nothing him common with the creatures in this book aside from a slim affinity for ring.
You may as well called them dragons, because a electric horse has as much in common with a giant fire breathing magic lizard as a djinn.
If you're going to use an already existing name for a magical creature you REALLY should make sure it at least resembles the source material. If you're not going to do that you should use a generic name like monster or beast or create a new name altogether.
So this novel slavishly adhere to all of the tropes and cliches abundant in pokemon without introducing anything new or improving on anything.
There are no animals only djinn, djinn are paradoxically referred to as monsters, animals and djinn. Make up your mind! We don't call animals monsters, and if only djinn exist why are people calling them monsters if the fill the same niche? Similarly why are they called djinjn in the first place? A djinn is a being of smoke and fire and has nothing him common with the creatures in this book aside from a slim affinity for ring.
You may as well called them dragons, because a electric horse has as much in common with a giant fire breathing magic lizard as a djinn.
If you're going to use an already existing name for a magical creature you REALLY should make sure it at least resembles the source material. If you're not going to do that you should use a generic name like monster or beast or create a new name altogether.
April 12, 2019
Firefox, I choose you! 3.5/5 Stars Rounded Up
Djinn Tamer is my second attempt at the LitMon area of Gamelit. I really enjoyed it in the day it took me to read. Your typical YA MC with, as a strange refresher, an actual YA, immature mindset for the main male character Jackson. Ultimately, the story has a few strange points of logic that take away from the overall rating.
Jackson Hunt is a struggling 17 year old that wants desperately to become a Djinn Tamer. Djinns are basically a cross between Pokemon and Golden Sun with a dash of Monster Rancher. Animals that exist in nature that can be stored in magical items that show their stats and eventually, can communicate telepathically with their tamer. From here, you know the standard fare.
Training, fighting, plot, power of friendship, stupid mistakes that finally come back to bite the MC in the ass... profit?
Fun, but predictable first story for the most part. Will be reading more.
Djinn Tamer is my second attempt at the LitMon area of Gamelit. I really enjoyed it in the day it took me to read. Your typical YA MC with, as a strange refresher, an actual YA, immature mindset for the main male character Jackson. Ultimately, the story has a few strange points of logic that take away from the overall rating.
Jackson Hunt is a struggling 17 year old that wants desperately to become a Djinn Tamer. Djinns are basically a cross between Pokemon and Golden Sun with a dash of Monster Rancher. Animals that exist in nature that can be stored in magical items that show their stats and eventually, can communicate telepathically with their tamer. From here, you know the standard fare.
Training, fighting, plot, power of friendship, stupid mistakes that finally come back to bite the MC in the ass... profit?
Fun, but predictable first story for the most part. Will be reading more.
November 2, 2019
Jackson Hunt knows his family home is in trouble if he doesn't come up with a way to make some money so he sets out to train a Battle Djinn and win a big tournament to pay off the mortgage.
This story is set in a Pokemon type universe where competitors train and fight the monsters with elemental affiliations and special attacks and powers. The Jackson and his friends are likable and his djinn has a lovable puppy like loyalty and affection for her master.
The tale takes on a quest-like format as he trains the djinn up from a first level neophyte building it's skill, endurance and battle know how until it becomes a much more competent and capable competitor bu the edge of your seat, all or nothing final battle.
This is only book one of the series, so there's likely to be plenty more of the same later, but this story stands alone well and definitely made me want to look into what else there is to see in the Djinn universe.
This story is set in a Pokemon type universe where competitors train and fight the monsters with elemental affiliations and special attacks and powers. The Jackson and his friends are likable and his djinn has a lovable puppy like loyalty and affection for her master.
The tale takes on a quest-like format as he trains the djinn up from a first level neophyte building it's skill, endurance and battle know how until it becomes a much more competent and capable competitor bu the edge of your seat, all or nothing final battle.
This is only book one of the series, so there's likely to be plenty more of the same later, but this story stands alone well and definitely made me want to look into what else there is to see in the Djinn universe.
May 28, 2020
Irritating Teenagers and Monster Duels
A whiney teenager is given a djin by his deceased mother and enters the world of djin fighting in an effort stop the bank foreclosing on his grandmother's house.
This story really surprised me as the plot certainly didn't go the way that was anticipated which really was pleasantly unexpected. The djin fighting was unusual and interesting, think Pokemon type duel, the annoying teenager grew up fast and ceased to be annoying, and the storyline, well that would be giving the game away.
The narrator does a good job but his whiney teenager impression just about drove me nuts. At least it does not continue throughout. Sound quality was good and the book whispersyncs effortlessly between audiobook and ebook.
As it is aimed at yound adults, this story does not contain anything of a sexual nature nor swearing. Although the story does continue, this book is self contained and can be read as a stand alone.
A whiney teenager is given a djin by his deceased mother and enters the world of djin fighting in an effort stop the bank foreclosing on his grandmother's house.
This story really surprised me as the plot certainly didn't go the way that was anticipated which really was pleasantly unexpected. The djin fighting was unusual and interesting, think Pokemon type duel, the annoying teenager grew up fast and ceased to be annoying, and the storyline, well that would be giving the game away.
The narrator does a good job but his whiney teenager impression just about drove me nuts. At least it does not continue throughout. Sound quality was good and the book whispersyncs effortlessly between audiobook and ebook.
As it is aimed at yound adults, this story does not contain anything of a sexual nature nor swearing. Although the story does continue, this book is self contained and can be read as a stand alone.
August 19, 2020
First, a few people have touched on the main character here, but it gets better (I've actually read all 3 books already and retroactively doing these reviews).
This first book starts off very lighthearted and the authors seem to be trying to figure out what and who they want Jackson to be. Certainly what kept be engaged was my passion for Pokemon when I was younger and the action parts of the story which were well done.
And Kay, she just seems so adorable :)
This first book is the origin story and it does seem somewhat predictable the direction that this will take. This doesn't take away from the enjoyment though. When you get to the end of the book, you want to find out what is next at least I did.
Overall, if you end of enjoying the first book you will enjoy the next two.
If you end of not enjoying the first book, well, maybe give the 2nd book a shot as it does pick up and Jackson comes around a little bit more to being a complete character.
This first book starts off very lighthearted and the authors seem to be trying to figure out what and who they want Jackson to be. Certainly what kept be engaged was my passion for Pokemon when I was younger and the action parts of the story which were well done.
And Kay, she just seems so adorable :)
This first book is the origin story and it does seem somewhat predictable the direction that this will take. This doesn't take away from the enjoyment though. When you get to the end of the book, you want to find out what is next at least I did.
Overall, if you end of enjoying the first book you will enjoy the next two.
If you end of not enjoying the first book, well, maybe give the 2nd book a shot as it does pick up and Jackson comes around a little bit more to being a complete character.
September 15, 2023
Without any training, any skills, just an urgent need for money, Jackson risks his Mom's last gift, a very precious (but unskilled/untrained Djinn). There is no organized system, no leveling up skills or abilities, no martial arts training, no real world building with descriptions of the geopolitical, economic, social, religious, etc. systems in place in this fantasy world.
The main character, Jackson is an idiot. Cashes checks that his rare and special Djinn can't cash. Risks everything just because he likes Djinn fights (where the trainer does nothing, risks nothing and the Djinn is in danger of death/fractures/physical damage etc.) Reminded me of those sick people that fight dogs/roosters/other animals just to bet on them (while the animals die, suffer, etc.)
I do not recommend this fantasy novel series. It has no inside maps, no illustrations, no character summaries, just every once in a while places Djinn information in a copy/paste manner.
The main character, Jackson is an idiot. Cashes checks that his rare and special Djinn can't cash. Risks everything just because he likes Djinn fights (where the trainer does nothing, risks nothing and the Djinn is in danger of death/fractures/physical damage etc.) Reminded me of those sick people that fight dogs/roosters/other animals just to bet on them (while the animals die, suffer, etc.)
I do not recommend this fantasy novel series. It has no inside maps, no illustrations, no character summaries, just every once in a while places Djinn information in a copy/paste manner.
October 5, 2019
Great Pokemon-like teen urban fantasy! Quite entertaining and the characters were fun! Very classic plot - kid wants to help save the family house and wants to get his dream job in order to do so. The protagonist, Jackson, is a "typical" teenager coming of age and learning responsibility. The three supporting characters, Kay, Fiona, and his Djinn Asina are fun and contribute greatly to the story. The book is titled LitRPG and the Djinn (the name for the collectible creatures) each have statistics and RPG leveling characteristics. This was my first read by Siddoway and Cerna and I look forward to the next in the series. Great narration by Oliver Wyman (a favorite narrator due to the MHI series) for the audible version.
October 14, 2019
Starter: A Monster Battling LitRPG (Djinn Tamer - Bronze League Book 1), my first read from author Derek Alan Siddoway & A.J. Cerna, I got this book back in June of this year & never got around to reading it until I was given the audiobook in September. book & now I’m voluntarily reviewing it & since I own both the Audible & Kindle editions I was able to follow along while being read to. Oliver Wyman’s narration added to the well-written book's enjoyment. I can't wait to read the next book. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 3, 2019
Good story concept but the mc was annoying.
The story was well placed and had a good amount of action. The litrpg elements were light and seemed to fall under augmented reality litrpg.
The bad part was the mc. The mc was a whiny moody know it all, who didn't actually know anything.
Read the story because it is good. I recommend it. Just be prepared for a mc that is bad enough to drop a book by one to two stars.
The story was well placed and had a good amount of action. The litrpg elements were light and seemed to fall under augmented reality litrpg.
The bad part was the mc. The mc was a whiny moody know it all, who didn't actually know anything.
Read the story because it is good. I recommend it. Just be prepared for a mc that is bad enough to drop a book by one to two stars.
August 18, 2019
A non stop read.
I actually found this book through an ad. Like a fair few recently this book really surprised me. I enjoyed the style, the pacing and the characters. The theme is something I have been looking for in a book for a while, as I have loved pokemon, digimon and the underrated monster rancher franchise since I was a small child. This for me was the perfect blend of pokemon and monster rancher. I read it from start to finish in one evening.
Highly recommend.
I actually found this book through an ad. Like a fair few recently this book really surprised me. I enjoyed the style, the pacing and the characters. The theme is something I have been looking for in a book for a while, as I have loved pokemon, digimon and the underrated monster rancher franchise since I was a small child. This for me was the perfect blend of pokemon and monster rancher. I read it from start to finish in one evening.
Highly recommend.
June 30, 2019
Was so good I couldn’t put it down!
I love the story line and how much the main characters grew in the book. I loved the descriptions of the monsters that fought. I also liked how the jobs were described. Most of the monsters turned out to be large pets as long as they were treated correctly. I also liked the physic bond that they had.
I love the story line and how much the main characters grew in the book. I loved the descriptions of the monsters that fought. I also liked how the jobs were described. Most of the monsters turned out to be large pets as long as they were treated correctly. I also liked the physic bond that they had.
July 31, 2019
Fun story
This was a good story, one to help bring back the days of the original pokemon. A tad bit predictable. Not that , that's a bad thing per say. I would recommend this book to fans of monster capturing and battling games and shows. People who can't get enough of pokemon or what have you.
This was a good story, one to help bring back the days of the original pokemon. A tad bit predictable. Not that , that's a bad thing per say. I would recommend this book to fans of monster capturing and battling games and shows. People who can't get enough of pokemon or what have you.
December 22, 2021
Didn't finish.
Book starts off throwing a lot of Poke-Djinn! Names at you as well as types and stats with little to no explanation or description of what the creatures look like as well as a story when the main character, someone who is supposedly obsessed with Djinn - Knows nothing about how to form a bond with a djinn or the mechanics of training one.
Book starts off throwing a lot of Poke-Djinn! Names at you as well as types and stats with little to no explanation or description of what the creatures look like as well as a story when the main character, someone who is supposedly obsessed with Djinn - Knows nothing about how to form a bond with a djinn or the mechanics of training one.
March 30, 2022
It is exactly what is advertised. A more real world version of Pokemon. The system doesn't seem as complex though. Characters are fun and reasonably smart/dumb for their age. The narrator didn't have as much range as I've become use to. So some characters sound the same. Over all good story and I look forward to reading the next one... I'll probably get the whole trilogy next.
June 16, 2020
This book is really well written! I enjoyed every minute of it. As the description says, if you like pokemon or Digimon you are going to love this!
Follow Jackson along on his journey to become a Djinn Tamer and save his family's home.
Follow Jackson along on his journey to become a Djinn Tamer and save his family's home.
October 3, 2020
Really didn't enjoy reading this one. Although well written, the MC is mediocre and doesn't inspire confidence at any point in the book. Hopefully it gets better by the end of the next few books because the first one was rather disappointing.
March 28, 2021
As fun as this book is, it is brutally predictable in some very key places. Also, what a town full of inconsiderate cads! The good natured, filthy rich family donates prize money that could have saved a family that they claim to care about house? Wtf is that? Still, a decent to good read. 👍🏽
July 8, 2019
Good Read.
Interesting read. It reminded me of the Pokemon game with the creature collecting, training and battling. Good story. My pick up the next book in the future.
Interesting read. It reminded me of the Pokemon game with the creature collecting, training and battling. Good story. My pick up the next book in the future.
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