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Shadow Rogue #1
Rise of the Shadow Rogue
Betrayal cuts deepest when someone you love wields the knife.
For Kellik, a once-rising star of Port Gloom's guild of thieves, it also leaves him floating in the bay, bleeding out and without hope or allies.
Saved by an urchin and healed by a disgraced saint, Kellik is consumed by a single desire: to find out why his guild master ordered him cut down moments after passing his initiation trial.
Burning with injustice Kellik recruits any and all rogues to his side: fallen assassins, dark elf witches, and unnervingly polite necromancers. Together they journey through the shadowy underbelly of Port Gloom in pursuit of bloody revenge, daring to face impossible odds and uncover the grim truth: not only the reason for the guild's unnatural monopoly on crime, but why his guild master might have been justified in ordering his death after all.
Warning: this is an 18+ book intended for mature readers, and contains detailed sex scenes between the male protagonist and multiple women.
For Kellik, a once-rising star of Port Gloom's guild of thieves, it also leaves him floating in the bay, bleeding out and without hope or allies.
Saved by an urchin and healed by a disgraced saint, Kellik is consumed by a single desire: to find out why his guild master ordered him cut down moments after passing his initiation trial.
Burning with injustice Kellik recruits any and all rogues to his side: fallen assassins, dark elf witches, and unnervingly polite necromancers. Together they journey through the shadowy underbelly of Port Gloom in pursuit of bloody revenge, daring to face impossible odds and uncover the grim truth: not only the reason for the guild's unnatural monopoly on crime, but why his guild master might have been justified in ordering his death after all.
Warning: this is an 18+ book intended for mature readers, and contains detailed sex scenes between the male protagonist and multiple women.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
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411 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 21, 2019
Mike Truk continues to surprise in a genre full of mediocre amateur writing and shallow plots.
While I wouldn't go so far as to call it a masterpiece, its very entertaining. As far as harem fantasy goes, this (along with the author's other works) are at the very top of the quality pile.
If you know anything about the genre, that may sound like I'm damning his work with faint praise. I'm not.
This is genuinely a good book. I strongly suggest looking past the generic sounding title.
The plot appears at first glance to be simple and entertaining.
An up and coming rogue was backstabbed by his father figure. He wants to find out why, and get revenge.
In doing so, he makes a bunch of friends (many of whom are hot women of various races) and grows as a person.
Simple, right?
Except not. There's a whole second narrative working away beneath the scenes.
As we get to know our rogueish friend, we learn that he's and this extends to his female partners. He seems to be able to
As far as I can tell, he's basically a middling rogue with
I'm on the edge of my seat to find out what people will think when the truth of their happy coterie is revealed. The main character's reaction most of all, because he clearly has fairly strong feelings on the topic as seen when a similar concept is explored through another character.
Suffice to say, I had a lot of fun reading all the character interactions through this lens and re-evaluating exactly what these people are like in more normal circumstances.
In the end, I give it four out of five because it simply introduced too many interesting characters for the book length. The author avoided the usual harem fantasy trap of making the female characters bland and uninteresting, existing only to be another conquest... but in doing so, has filled the book with fascinating and interesting people that simply don't have enough 'screen time'. I suspect this complaint will vanish as the series continues.
A final note: In the final scene, where he 'discovers' that he's I sort of scratched my head. I mean, the pieces were there, but the and
Strengths:
GREAT fight scenes.
Interesting, well written characters.
A coherent, cohesive and interesting plot.
Weaknesses:
Leaves off at a very non-ideal point. The final scene reads like the penultimate chapter of another book. A minor complaint.
Slightly too many main/secondary characters for a book of its length.
While I wouldn't go so far as to call it a masterpiece, its very entertaining. As far as harem fantasy goes, this (along with the author's other works) are at the very top of the quality pile.
If you know anything about the genre, that may sound like I'm damning his work with faint praise. I'm not.
This is genuinely a good book. I strongly suggest looking past the generic sounding title.
The plot appears at first glance to be simple and entertaining.
An up and coming rogue was backstabbed by his father figure. He wants to find out why, and get revenge.
In doing so, he makes a bunch of friends (many of whom are hot women of various races) and grows as a person.
Simple, right?
Except not. There's a whole second narrative working away beneath the scenes.
As we get to know our rogueish friend, we learn that he's and this extends to his female partners. He seems to be able to
As far as I can tell, he's basically a middling rogue with
I'm on the edge of my seat to find out what people will think when the truth of their happy coterie is revealed. The main character's reaction most of all, because he clearly has fairly strong feelings on the topic as seen when a similar concept is explored through another character.
Suffice to say, I had a lot of fun reading all the character interactions through this lens and re-evaluating exactly what these people are like in more normal circumstances.
In the end, I give it four out of five because it simply introduced too many interesting characters for the book length. The author avoided the usual harem fantasy trap of making the female characters bland and uninteresting, existing only to be another conquest... but in doing so, has filled the book with fascinating and interesting people that simply don't have enough 'screen time'. I suspect this complaint will vanish as the series continues.
A final note: In the final scene, where he 'discovers' that he's I sort of scratched my head. I mean, the pieces were there, but the and
Strengths:
GREAT fight scenes.
Interesting, well written characters.
A coherent, cohesive and interesting plot.
Weaknesses:
Leaves off at a very non-ideal point. The final scene reads like the penultimate chapter of another book. A minor complaint.
Slightly too many main/secondary characters for a book of its length.
July 11, 2019
Rating 2.0 stars - DNF
I made it about halfway through the book. I didn't hate it, but I realized this story wasn't for me at about a third of the way through. A couple of things happened and I just didn't feel like reading anymore. If it was shorter, I might have just pushed through. I picked this book up mainly because of the cover. I never read the synopsis. It wasn't until I started reading that I realized this is the same author that wrote the 5 trials. As it turns out I gave that book 2 stars as well.
I was a little confused at first because again I picked up this book solely based on the cover and for the first couple of chapters I couldn't figure out what that picture had to do with the story. The story follows Kellick who is working as a thief, he is in the middle of his trial trying to steal a seal in order to be admitted into the Family of thieves. Things go wrong but he is able to escape with his life and the seal. When he comes back to his people, he is betrayed and left for dead. He wakes up in the sewer/mud pit and is able to talk his way into getting some help. After he is better, he tries to figure out why he was betrayed. He also has to pay back the people that helped him.
The premise and the story were interesting. The Harem aspect of the story seemed out of place. I thought the story would be better without it. Just like what happened in the five trials that made me upset, happened again in this story.
This author does terrible harem stories. I have read about angry sex, makeup sex, love, lust, desire, taboo. The first sex scene he wrote about though was something completely different
I was a little curious to find out why Kellik was betrayed but not enough to finish reading. I am not sure if the explanation was amazing it would make up for the problems I have with the story. This author is just not for me.
I made it about halfway through the book. I didn't hate it, but I realized this story wasn't for me at about a third of the way through. A couple of things happened and I just didn't feel like reading anymore. If it was shorter, I might have just pushed through. I picked this book up mainly because of the cover. I never read the synopsis. It wasn't until I started reading that I realized this is the same author that wrote the 5 trials. As it turns out I gave that book 2 stars as well.
I was a little confused at first because again I picked up this book solely based on the cover and for the first couple of chapters I couldn't figure out what that picture had to do with the story. The story follows Kellick who is working as a thief, he is in the middle of his trial trying to steal a seal in order to be admitted into the Family of thieves. Things go wrong but he is able to escape with his life and the seal. When he comes back to his people, he is betrayed and left for dead. He wakes up in the sewer/mud pit and is able to talk his way into getting some help. After he is better, he tries to figure out why he was betrayed. He also has to pay back the people that helped him.
The premise and the story were interesting. The Harem aspect of the story seemed out of place. I thought the story would be better without it. Just like what happened in the five trials that made me upset, happened again in this story.
This author does terrible harem stories. I have read about angry sex, makeup sex, love, lust, desire, taboo. The first sex scene he wrote about though was something completely different
I was a little curious to find out why Kellik was betrayed but not enough to finish reading. I am not sure if the explanation was amazing it would make up for the problems I have with the story. This author is just not for me.
May 5, 2019
Freaking adrenaline rush in the ending chapters
The book was slow to get into at first and takes time to setup things but the last few chapters were freaking adrenaline rush. I mean the action scenes revelations happened in last are mind boggling. Excited to read what happens next. A worth read, lost one star because writing style was little difficult at the beginning and i have know idea whether it improved or I took a liking to writing slowly.
The book was slow to get into at first and takes time to setup things but the last few chapters were freaking adrenaline rush. I mean the action scenes revelations happened in last are mind boggling. Excited to read what happens next. A worth read, lost one star because writing style was little difficult at the beginning and i have know idea whether it improved or I took a liking to writing slowly.
April 22, 2019
Right from the first page you know you’re in for a treat. The writing is excellent, thrusting the reader into a fantastic world of daring heists, thieves’ guilds, intriguing city politics, and a shadowy realm of unlikely alliances and deadly betrayals. The world-building is a highlight here, with creative attention to the naming conventions of faraway places, religious sects, everyday items, and the classes of people that keep society humming.
We are immediately thrust into the action with Kellik, an able thief breaking into a place few would dare go, in an opening scene rife with action, suspense, and the lingering sense that something is about to go terribly wrong. Before long, we delve into the heart of the surrounding city and our hero starts on a journey full of difficult challenges and endearing connections.
A pervasive theme in this story, though not always obvious, is free will. Yes, there are characters forcing their dastardly plans on unwilling others, but there’s another issue percolating in the background that comes out in full-force mid-book. It’s an interesting take on… you’ll have to see for yourself. No spoilers!
The story features plenty of action scenes with well-choreographed battles and difficult negotiations where not everyone comes away unscathed. Some scenes are gruesome and brutal, while others are a downright thrill.
Throughout his journey, Kellik allies with a series of amazing women. These characters come together in ways that are both believable and thoroughly entertaining. Kellik’s harem grows to include an impressive lineup for one book: A healer. An assassin. A dark elf. A half-orc warrioress. And so much more! The girls all have unique personalities and motivations, as well as kick-ass strengths and abilities.
The sex scenes are explicit and great fun, with each written to explore the unique affections and predilections of the girls themselves. This was a great start to an epic adventure. Now bring on book 2!
We are immediately thrust into the action with Kellik, an able thief breaking into a place few would dare go, in an opening scene rife with action, suspense, and the lingering sense that something is about to go terribly wrong. Before long, we delve into the heart of the surrounding city and our hero starts on a journey full of difficult challenges and endearing connections.
A pervasive theme in this story, though not always obvious, is free will. Yes, there are characters forcing their dastardly plans on unwilling others, but there’s another issue percolating in the background that comes out in full-force mid-book. It’s an interesting take on… you’ll have to see for yourself. No spoilers!
The story features plenty of action scenes with well-choreographed battles and difficult negotiations where not everyone comes away unscathed. Some scenes are gruesome and brutal, while others are a downright thrill.
Throughout his journey, Kellik allies with a series of amazing women. These characters come together in ways that are both believable and thoroughly entertaining. Kellik’s harem grows to include an impressive lineup for one book: A healer. An assassin. A dark elf. A half-orc warrioress. And so much more! The girls all have unique personalities and motivations, as well as kick-ass strengths and abilities.
The sex scenes are explicit and great fun, with each written to explore the unique affections and predilections of the girls themselves. This was a great start to an epic adventure. Now bring on book 2!
October 28, 2019
Okay! Time for another review!
This book is very interesting to read after the five trials. You can see some real growth with the author's style. I think that the 'medievil' game of thrones style slang actually works really well. In fact the dialogue in general was top tier, everyone was believable with their script. The main improvement over the last book was the main character. Actually charismatic without veering into gary stu territory (though he does come close). The sex and action is roughly at the same level as the five trials which is well written and engaging.
Now the problem with this book is easily the fact that the characters are actually quite shallow. Beyond the main character everyone is sort of one dimensional and tropey. Not to mention there are far too many characters for one book, which means they get less of the sorely needed character development shared between them. The five trials had a lot of characters too but they were a lot more interesting than the ones here.
I am sorely hoping this book series doesn't fall into the Wild Wastes mold f having a literal army of fuck buddies that are impossible to keep track of. This book is very long, so while it starts off very interesting, you'll find it harder and harder to care about what is going on because there are so many people who you aren't invested in. Still worth a look though, has some very competent world building even if the exposition is a little rushed at times. This has the potential to be a fascinating world.
Overall it's solid 3/5 just like the last book but for different reasons.
This book is very interesting to read after the five trials. You can see some real growth with the author's style. I think that the 'medievil' game of thrones style slang actually works really well. In fact the dialogue in general was top tier, everyone was believable with their script. The main improvement over the last book was the main character. Actually charismatic without veering into gary stu territory (though he does come close). The sex and action is roughly at the same level as the five trials which is well written and engaging.
Now the problem with this book is easily the fact that the characters are actually quite shallow. Beyond the main character everyone is sort of one dimensional and tropey. Not to mention there are far too many characters for one book, which means they get less of the sorely needed character development shared between them. The five trials had a lot of characters too but they were a lot more interesting than the ones here.
I am sorely hoping this book series doesn't fall into the Wild Wastes mold f having a literal army of fuck buddies that are impossible to keep track of. This book is very long, so while it starts off very interesting, you'll find it harder and harder to care about what is going on because there are so many people who you aren't invested in. Still worth a look though, has some very competent world building even if the exposition is a little rushed at times. This has the potential to be a fascinating world.
Overall it's solid 3/5 just like the last book but for different reasons.
April 18, 2019
A really interesting new series.
The author has done a wonderful job of making this book unique and interesting. The characters are interesting and the author has worked at making each of them different with their own quirks. The pacing was good and action scenes are well done. Overall I enjoyed it a lot and I highly recommend this book.
The author has done a wonderful job of making this book unique and interesting. The characters are interesting and the author has worked at making each of them different with their own quirks. The pacing was good and action scenes are well done. Overall I enjoyed it a lot and I highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2019
Fantastic
Fan-fucking-tastic....... An epic masterwork. I can't believe how much depth and world building was packed into this novel. Honestly; it can almost reads as a standalone. However, there is so much that can be expanded on in future volumes I'd be disappointed if I don't get a sequel. Again. The MC is a straight beast, who grows to be such. It's a natural progression, and each member of the harem adds to the narrative. More!!!!
Fan-fucking-tastic....... An epic masterwork. I can't believe how much depth and world building was packed into this novel. Honestly; it can almost reads as a standalone. However, there is so much that can be expanded on in future volumes I'd be disappointed if I don't get a sequel. Again. The MC is a straight beast, who grows to be such. It's a natural progression, and each member of the harem adds to the narrative. More!!!!
April 23, 2019
Really good read
Ok so initially I was disappointed because i wanted a sequel to the other book this author started forever and a day ago before he started this series. But have to say that this new one one is fantastic. Really great premise with a great MC and lots of action and some adult content thrown in for good measure. Can’t wait for book 2 of this series.
Ok so initially I was disappointed because i wanted a sequel to the other book this author started forever and a day ago before he started this series. But have to say that this new one one is fantastic. Really great premise with a great MC and lots of action and some adult content thrown in for good measure. Can’t wait for book 2 of this series.
April 16, 2019
A new and exciting world
Wow Mike Truk introduces us into an exciting new world filled with intrigue, suspense, and drama that is as captivating as it is exhilarating. I can't wait for book 2.
Wow Mike Truk introduces us into an exciting new world filled with intrigue, suspense, and drama that is as captivating as it is exhilarating. I can't wait for book 2.
April 24, 2019
Honestly most of the book wasn't terrible or great, I enjoyed some points and got irritated by others. The characters and the world were pretty interesting, story overall was pretty good, but never really dragged me in. Definitely I would call it a middle ground 2.5-3 star book, and I applaud Mike Truk because this is a great improvement over The Five Trials and I hope to see him continue his growth as an Arthur.
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There were not real relationships between the main character and his interests, it was just sex and I as much as I liked some of the characters, I really didn't care if most of them died. There could even of been a few relationships that developed but it felt like the author didn't know how to handle them or was scared to commit.
The battles all started good, but you know if D&D when the DM makes an encounter way to strong so he starts throwing you bones so that the party isn't wiped. That is how the battles toward the end of the book felt.
Finally, I really didn't care for the end. It was really cliche and was what I figured it would be from the beginning. The MC was all in shock and the bad guy is doing his monologue and really I was just ready for it to end.
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There were not real relationships between the main character and his interests, it was just sex and I as much as I liked some of the characters, I really didn't care if most of them died. There could even of been a few relationships that developed but it felt like the author didn't know how to handle them or was scared to commit.
The battles all started good, but you know if D&D when the DM makes an encounter way to strong so he starts throwing you bones so that the party isn't wiped. That is how the battles toward the end of the book felt.
Finally, I really didn't care for the end. It was really cliche and was what I figured it would be from the beginning. The MC was all in shock and the bad guy is doing his monologue and really I was just ready for it to end.
August 1, 2022
This was somehow just as trashy and lurid as I thought it'd be, and also just a straightforwardly fun fantasy novel with a fun cast of characters held together by increasingly horrible circumstances. Circumstances that never seem to get less life-threatening, no matter who protagonist Kellik brings to his side. Makes for a consistently exciting narrative!
Also kinda like how most of the girlfriends Kellik recruits along the way are usually powerful enough to pulp him with the slightest thought, and they have no objections to reminding him of that whenever they initiate sexual relations with him. It's a fun subversion on the male power fantasy you kinda expect from a book like this.
Definitely recommended for fans of light novels/anime/manga in this same harem-y vein, as well as fans of lengthy, "chuuni" eroge.
Also kinda like how most of the girlfriends Kellik recruits along the way are usually powerful enough to pulp him with the slightest thought, and they have no objections to reminding him of that whenever they initiate sexual relations with him. It's a fun subversion on the male power fantasy you kinda expect from a book like this.
Definitely recommended for fans of light novels/anime/manga in this same harem-y vein, as well as fans of lengthy, "chuuni" eroge.
April 26, 2019
3.5 to maybe 4 stars, I was a little confused at first because I was thinking this was the second book in the author's Tsun series but it is a stand alone. After I final figured out it was not a squeal I start to like it as a stand long more and more. It is a pretty good book with likable characters and good story/plot. It did take me a little to get into it and I had to go back once and re-read a section to get some of the characters straight in my head but once that was done I began to enjoy the story and would for sure read the next book in this series.
March 27, 2020
First off the story is gripping, its fast action packed with a wealth of characters that you enjoy. The story is addictive, well told, and the audio version expertly narrated. 90% of this book is damn near perfect. I say 90% because it also has graphic sex scenes with every woman character in his team. Also unbelievably so, I mean a random female captain he's just met whose ship he endangered just has to shag him? And its always the women who are sexual predators? If I want erotic fiction I'll buy erotic fiction, this did not need to be graphically included in this book, and detracts from the story and the only reason it doesn't out right ruin it, is I skipped forwards ignoring these bits. It reeks of cheap sensationalism to appeal to adolescent male teenagers. Its not needed, fantasy fans will seek out and read good fantasy without out cheap meaningless sex scenes. If anything this will put off and alienate a lot of potential fans, far more than it will attract.
Note to author, if you want to write erotic fiction write erotic fiction but leave it out of fantasy fiction please.
Back to the rest of the book, the none sex parts are excellent. I loved the story and the character progression. The betrayed thief seeking answers, made a better person against his will, or at least without knowing it, and now wants to address the wrongs he once sought to be a part of. It manages to raise thought provoking moral questions, which make the main character more human, more relate-able. The plot also has him making mistakes, friends falling in battle, or running away. Not everyone's perfect, not everyone makes it. This makes the tale more believable, more addictive, it makes action scenes come alive with potential and danger. In this the author is a genius, he gives you a lot of characters and fleshes them out enough that you are rooting for all of them not just the main character, then he allows one of the most deadly unstoppable indestructible of the characters die. Suddenly all bets are off, every battle scene now has you on the edge of your seat practically willing your favourite characters to survive, but not sure that they will. It makes it come alive in a manner missing from a lot of fantasy books where you always know the good guys will survive and win. (Unless its Grimdark) If it didn't have the graphic sex scenes this would be my new all-time favourite book.
SUMMARY
Addictive, well written, great plot, and the audio version expertly narrated. Should be on every fantasy fans must read list, just fast forwards past the insipid, pointless, sensational graphic sex scenes and try and pretend they aren't there.
Note to author, if you want to write erotic fiction write erotic fiction but leave it out of fantasy fiction please.
Back to the rest of the book, the none sex parts are excellent. I loved the story and the character progression. The betrayed thief seeking answers, made a better person against his will, or at least without knowing it, and now wants to address the wrongs he once sought to be a part of. It manages to raise thought provoking moral questions, which make the main character more human, more relate-able. The plot also has him making mistakes, friends falling in battle, or running away. Not everyone's perfect, not everyone makes it. This makes the tale more believable, more addictive, it makes action scenes come alive with potential and danger. In this the author is a genius, he gives you a lot of characters and fleshes them out enough that you are rooting for all of them not just the main character, then he allows one of the most deadly unstoppable indestructible of the characters die. Suddenly all bets are off, every battle scene now has you on the edge of your seat practically willing your favourite characters to survive, but not sure that they will. It makes it come alive in a manner missing from a lot of fantasy books where you always know the good guys will survive and win. (Unless its Grimdark) If it didn't have the graphic sex scenes this would be my new all-time favourite book.
SUMMARY
Addictive, well written, great plot, and the audio version expertly narrated. Should be on every fantasy fans must read list, just fast forwards past the insipid, pointless, sensational graphic sex scenes and try and pretend they aren't there.
August 26, 2019
I am overdue for a review on this one since I've read it more than a month ago. But now that I'm about to review its follow-up, I have to say a few words on this one. I'll try to do it without being polluted by the next tome.
First of all, I really enjoyed this book. It's dark and uncompromising, and the fight scenes are some of the best I've seen in a very long time! Top notch stuff right there!
The intrigue is nice and deep, if a little bit over the top at times. The reveal at the end is very nicely brought about. Not earth-shattering, but still, satisfyingly surprising. High stakes.
As usual, Mike absolutely kills dialogue for me! Superb, realistic to a T. If you only need one reason to read this author's books, it is for the dialogues. The support characters are quite interesting, even though they probably will blossom a bit more in the next books.
Well, yeah, it's a harem, and yeah, I did fast-forward most of the sex scenes, even though I will admit they were rather well written. It wasn't that big of a deal. The MC does tend to get distracted very easily by a pair of legs or tits, though. I guess it's the name of the game.
What I also liked quite a lot was the fast pacing. All the book happens in just a few days, and shit just never stops hitting the fan. Love it!
To sum up, a very good entry in its genre/sub-genre/whatever.
If you're into dark Fantasy, are not too faint of heart, and don't object to a guy having sex with multiple willing women, then yeah, you should like this one.
4/5
First of all, I really enjoyed this book. It's dark and uncompromising, and the fight scenes are some of the best I've seen in a very long time! Top notch stuff right there!
The intrigue is nice and deep, if a little bit over the top at times. The reveal at the end is very nicely brought about. Not earth-shattering, but still, satisfyingly surprising. High stakes.
As usual, Mike absolutely kills dialogue for me! Superb, realistic to a T. If you only need one reason to read this author's books, it is for the dialogues. The support characters are quite interesting, even though they probably will blossom a bit more in the next books.
Well, yeah, it's a harem, and yeah, I did fast-forward most of the sex scenes, even though I will admit they were rather well written. It wasn't that big of a deal. The MC does tend to get distracted very easily by a pair of legs or tits, though. I guess it's the name of the game.
What I also liked quite a lot was the fast pacing. All the book happens in just a few days, and shit just never stops hitting the fan. Love it!
To sum up, a very good entry in its genre/sub-genre/whatever.
If you're into dark Fantasy, are not too faint of heart, and don't object to a guy having sex with multiple willing women, then yeah, you should like this one.
4/5
September 8, 2019
Fun, standard fantasy world
The action moves fast, a little too fast and it weakens the attempt to add depth to the major characters. The world itself doesn't suffer as much but the ecosystem doesn't favor the development of human beings, so much so that I wondered about the arrival of humans in this obviously alien world. Geopolitical and economics are mercantile fantasy standard, which makes the world building easier, I imagine. It works and it gives a fair framework for most of the major characters and the sketchy history. The cross species procreation is weird but it's not uncommon in the fantasy realm, so it gets a pass.
The sex that comes the way of the main character is a bit much but in the heat of the non-stop action and his age, as well as the situations, cultures and personalities of his partners, it actually fits the story. It is distracting and a little overdone but it's not badly written.
The story crams itself into a small time frame and it surprised me every time the passage of time is referenced. It explains the lack of character development but highlights it at the same time. It's a wash on that point anyway. Fun to read but the multiple powers, physical descriptions and almost harem-creation are flaws that either will get corrected or get worse. The dialectic (static or dynamic) will not be denied in writing or life, I think. Definitely reading the next book.
The action moves fast, a little too fast and it weakens the attempt to add depth to the major characters. The world itself doesn't suffer as much but the ecosystem doesn't favor the development of human beings, so much so that I wondered about the arrival of humans in this obviously alien world. Geopolitical and economics are mercantile fantasy standard, which makes the world building easier, I imagine. It works and it gives a fair framework for most of the major characters and the sketchy history. The cross species procreation is weird but it's not uncommon in the fantasy realm, so it gets a pass.
The sex that comes the way of the main character is a bit much but in the heat of the non-stop action and his age, as well as the situations, cultures and personalities of his partners, it actually fits the story. It is distracting and a little overdone but it's not badly written.
The story crams itself into a small time frame and it surprised me every time the passage of time is referenced. It explains the lack of character development but highlights it at the same time. It's a wash on that point anyway. Fun to read but the multiple powers, physical descriptions and almost harem-creation are flaws that either will get corrected or get worse. The dialectic (static or dynamic) will not be denied in writing or life, I think. Definitely reading the next book.
August 10, 2020
Picked this up on a whim because the outline sounded intriguing, only to read afterwards that it was a "harem" type book.
What on earth is that... Well, think of the average fuckboy's weekly regiment 😂
It's a good story in my opinion, well-written adventure, nice world building, I enjoyed it.
Was it necessary for the main character to have sex with EVERY WOMAN HE MEETS? No. It got to the point where I expected him to get seduced by the green woman in one of the final chapters, just because... He looks at her? Will he kill her? Will he have sex with her? IDK man, it could go either way.....
I'm not sure if he started out wanting to write a harem book, or it just ended up that way, but most of the sex seemed wholly unnecessarily - he could have stuck to a couple of scenes and then focused on building emotional relationships with the rest of the women. The plot itself could have carried this book without a problem. In fact, adding the spontaneous sex stuff made the women one dimensional because there's only so much time with each of them and when a whole ass scene is her grinding on his penis, personality doesn't really.... Shine through, you know.
It detracts from the story in my opinion, which is otherwise pretty cool.
What on earth is that... Well, think of the average fuckboy's weekly regiment 😂
It's a good story in my opinion, well-written adventure, nice world building, I enjoyed it.
Was it necessary for the main character to have sex with EVERY WOMAN HE MEETS? No. It got to the point where I expected him to get seduced by the green woman in one of the final chapters, just because... He looks at her? Will he kill her? Will he have sex with her? IDK man, it could go either way.....
I'm not sure if he started out wanting to write a harem book, or it just ended up that way, but most of the sex seemed wholly unnecessarily - he could have stuck to a couple of scenes and then focused on building emotional relationships with the rest of the women. The plot itself could have carried this book without a problem. In fact, adding the spontaneous sex stuff made the women one dimensional because there's only so much time with each of them and when a whole ass scene is her grinding on his penis, personality doesn't really.... Shine through, you know.
It detracts from the story in my opinion, which is otherwise pretty cool.
November 13, 2020
I was told this book wasn't as bad as the vibes I was getting from the cover and blurb. So I will give it a try.
I don't know how I feel about this book so far. I like a good revenge novel as the next person, but this is just off.
I usually like my protagonists having an ability (magic, etc) that they use in clever ways to fix a problem. I suspect that there will be a big reveal at the end / near the end, concerning our protagonist.
We will see, and I will know if I will continue the series.
Well my prediction was off.
I might pick up the sequel, though I will have to take into consideration how long it took me to finish this book. I lost interest many times and was finding other things to do.
3/5 Stars
I don't know how I feel about this book so far. I like a good revenge novel as the next person, but this is just off.
I usually like my protagonists having an ability (magic, etc) that they use in clever ways to fix a problem. I suspect that there will be a big reveal at the end / near the end, concerning our protagonist.
We will see, and I will know if I will continue the series.
Well my prediction was off.
I might pick up the sequel, though I will have to take into consideration how long it took me to finish this book. I lost interest many times and was finding other things to do.
3/5 Stars
May 8, 2021
4.5 stars.
Holy crap.
Let me start by saying this is completely new for me. I found it because of the audio narrator (Ryan West is one of my favorites), and saw the goodreads shelves it was under: Harem, RPG, Erotica... and while I’m not even a little new to Erotica, Harem (instead of RH) and RPG are new for me, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel.
It did not start slow, and it kept up that fast and exciting pace through the whole story. Sometimes it reminded me a little of D&D, but in a fun and really cool action way. The fight scenes were crazy and descriptive and I was surprised by how much I liked them.
The sex scenes were hot. Hands down. I liked that the scenes felt fairly natural (except the last one, in my opinion... though I actually laughed), and not like he was trying to sleep with everyone. I will say I started to think “does he have a golden d or something?” But who cares! I’m excited to see where the relationships he has formed go in the next installment, as well as the story!
Cause the ending... damn.
Holy crap.
Let me start by saying this is completely new for me. I found it because of the audio narrator (Ryan West is one of my favorites), and saw the goodreads shelves it was under: Harem, RPG, Erotica... and while I’m not even a little new to Erotica, Harem (instead of RH) and RPG are new for me, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel.
It did not start slow, and it kept up that fast and exciting pace through the whole story. Sometimes it reminded me a little of D&D, but in a fun and really cool action way. The fight scenes were crazy and descriptive and I was surprised by how much I liked them.
The sex scenes were hot. Hands down. I liked that the scenes felt fairly natural (except the last one, in my opinion... though I actually laughed), and not like he was trying to sleep with everyone. I will say I started to think “does he have a golden d or something?” But who cares! I’m excited to see where the relationships he has formed go in the next installment, as well as the story!
Cause the ending... damn.
June 11, 2022
A fantasy novel for adults. I went in with low expectations on this book and was very pleasantly surprised. The story is good, fun, and adult. This is not the fantasy novels you read in junior high. People die quickly and bloodily. People curse and adults engage in consensual sexual activities, and those activities are not kisses that then fade to black. This book is explicit. Was it necessary? Probably not, but it fit with the overall tone of the book quite well. If you're not into that element of the story you can skip those sections without missing any real plot development. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a fantasy novel that is different from what they read as a teenager.
May 20, 2019
Heroic Revenge
This book has been a great read. The author has used wild fantasy to its fullest in weaving a tale of revenge for a youth who was left to die after having been framed and sentenced by those whom he thought were his friends and comrades. As “Kellik”, the youthful hero, survives his demise he assembles an amazing gang to support his cause. Great banter, thoughtful conversations and descriptive battles support the enjoyment that comes from reading an exceptional story. Looking forward to the next book.
This book has been a great read. The author has used wild fantasy to its fullest in weaving a tale of revenge for a youth who was left to die after having been framed and sentenced by those whom he thought were his friends and comrades. As “Kellik”, the youthful hero, survives his demise he assembles an amazing gang to support his cause. Great banter, thoughtful conversations and descriptive battles support the enjoyment that comes from reading an exceptional story. Looking forward to the next book.
May 22, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Well-written and well-paced, the characters are interesting, although the secondary characters need a bit more depth. A small quibble, as they had backstories, but I feel that they will progress more a book or two in. I assume this'll be a trilogy, but I can also see it being wrapped up in two books; I guess we'll see.
Short version is that I'll happily read the next one. One tiny grammar issue that bothered me like that bit of popcorn in your gums: "customs" is how the excise-related organization is spelled, not "custom's".
Short version is that I'll happily read the next one. One tiny grammar issue that bothered me like that bit of popcorn in your gums: "customs" is how the excise-related organization is spelled, not "custom's".
December 15, 2020
This is a great book. I can’t recommend this book to my friends because it is definitely for mature audiences. But it is so great. If the sex scenes weren’t in it I would tell all my friends that you have to read this book. It’s not a perfect book, but it is so entertaining and well written that I have to give it 5 stars. I will definitely be reading more from Mike Truk and more in this series. In fact I have already bought the next 2 books in this series. If you are a fan of fantasy and your ok with sex and epic battle scenes I highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2022
This comes across as being a YA book but there are some very adult paragraphs. The story is a hotch potch of tried and trusted fantasy tropes. And hackneyed wording. There is a core of a great story but is let down by the overall writing style and characters. Oh and then almost at the end of the book, I found out the age of the hero and then his romantic escapades with nearly every female character he met, doubled in their incredibility. Unfortunately unable to recommend to the normal crew at this time. ’my blood splattered against the wall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2019
Great story
Can't wait for the next book. This was well written and the characters are all interesting. Nice twist at the end as well. Although there was a couple of things like him having sex right before the battle was not good because it would weaken him. Also losing the main fighter in his groups was disappointing really liked that character. But a good story and was enjoyable to read.
Can't wait for the next book. This was well written and the characters are all interesting. Nice twist at the end as well. Although there was a couple of things like him having sex right before the battle was not good because it would weaken him. Also losing the main fighter in his groups was disappointing really liked that character. But a good story and was enjoyable to read.
January 4, 2020
Wow!
This was epic! I have seem this recommended in my list of books for a while. I have to say that this is definitely a book worth recommending! I thought the brief synopsis may have been too detailed but it definitely is not. This is definitely one of the most impressive and well done books of its covered genres. I'm definitely impressed and looking forward to the next book!!!
This was epic! I have seem this recommended in my list of books for a while. I have to say that this is definitely a book worth recommending! I thought the brief synopsis may have been too detailed but it definitely is not. This is definitely one of the most impressive and well done books of its covered genres. I'm definitely impressed and looking forward to the next book!!!
May 31, 2020
Magnificent
A tremendous story with multi-faceted and rich characters moving through an intense, dark, and action-filled plot. Add a fantastic environment and a powerful magic system, and you’ve got a riveting story with amazing attributes. Polished writing and editing make it even more professional. Definitely recommended only for adults, and even then not for the faint of heart. The rest of you will love it.
A tremendous story with multi-faceted and rich characters moving through an intense, dark, and action-filled plot. Add a fantastic environment and a powerful magic system, and you’ve got a riveting story with amazing attributes. Polished writing and editing make it even more professional. Definitely recommended only for adults, and even then not for the faint of heart. The rest of you will love it.
April 30, 2019
Great Book
First person reader is awesome. I finished the book. Fortunately this seems to be the new thing for writers.
Betrayal, crossbow bolt to the chest, drama, axe to the face, adventure, whoops there goes a limb, and seasoned with a good dose of lovin. I'm not sure what more you could want? But if you said a War Troll well, there's one here to.
First person reader is awesome. I finished the book. Fortunately this seems to be the new thing for writers.
Betrayal, crossbow bolt to the chest, drama, axe to the face, adventure, whoops there goes a limb, and seasoned with a good dose of lovin. I'm not sure what more you could want? But if you said a War Troll well, there's one here to.
May 23, 2019
I'm leaving a review here because Amazon hates me. I love this book. Mike Truk does an amazing job of making the book feel alive. His descriptions of the the scenes are detailed and every scene flows together so well. And man no spoilers but the ending is legit amazing.
Easily one of the better novels I've had the pleasure of reading.
Easily one of the better novels I've had the pleasure of reading.
May 25, 2019
A bit of a perplexing read
It's sort of a mess, but a fun read. I want to rate it higher, but the pervasive feeling of nothing making any sense really just grows as the book progresses. When they win and when they lose never really makes sense and people die like flies, but it barely anyone throughout. Overall I'm just left with way too many questions and too few answers.
It's sort of a mess, but a fun read. I want to rate it higher, but the pervasive feeling of nothing making any sense really just grows as the book progresses. When they win and when they lose never really makes sense and people die like flies, but it barely anyone throughout. Overall I'm just left with way too many questions and too few answers.
September 22, 2019
Rogue in action.
Wow. Tjis was an amazing book with everything you need. It had all the action, adventure, magic, plot twists and awesome friendships you could expect. Great characters and one of a kind hero building into something awe inspiring. Couldn't have liked it better. More please.
Wow. Tjis was an amazing book with everything you need. It had all the action, adventure, magic, plot twists and awesome friendships you could expect. Great characters and one of a kind hero building into something awe inspiring. Couldn't have liked it better. More please.
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