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The Last Swordsman: An epic fantasy coming of age tale filled with mystery and suspense
Nikolis’ parents are dead – murdered before his eyes. What’s worse, they were traitors to the crown. At least that’s what he hears the village folk saying moments before he is whisked away to the castle of Highkeep. There he finds himself before the aged King Alginor, a man brought to a boil by his very presence.
With his fate hanging in the balance, Nikolis accepts an apprenticeship with the castle’s master of arms, a decision that catapults him on a journey fraught with danger, treachery, self-discovery and burgeoning love, where his wit and the edge of a blade may be all that protects him from a world that is spiraling out of control...
With his fate hanging in the balance, Nikolis accepts an apprenticeship with the castle’s master of arms, a decision that catapults him on a journey fraught with danger, treachery, self-discovery and burgeoning love, where his wit and the edge of a blade may be all that protects him from a world that is spiraling out of control...
- GenresFantasy
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2019
284 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 17, 2019
Wonderful medieval tale.
I love the medieval age and this book satisfied me on many levels. Other reviewers mentioned fantasy and "coming of age" but I see this as the tale of a boy growing to manhood in a demanding era, finding his honor and commitment to duty as he hones his military skills.
Events occurred that grew to reveal the depth of the story, and far from an abrupt ending I was very happy with the resolution.
I gave it five stars because I loved the book, but it did have grammar and proof glitches that were not comfortable and there were continuity anomalies.
I am very content that this book stands alone, not part of a [trilogy]. Although I would love to know the further tales of a few of these characters, I am more content that this is the end rather than stretch it out with weakened story lines.
I love the medieval age and this book satisfied me on many levels. Other reviewers mentioned fantasy and "coming of age" but I see this as the tale of a boy growing to manhood in a demanding era, finding his honor and commitment to duty as he hones his military skills.
Events occurred that grew to reveal the depth of the story, and far from an abrupt ending I was very happy with the resolution.
I gave it five stars because I loved the book, but it did have grammar and proof glitches that were not comfortable and there were continuity anomalies.
I am very content that this book stands alone, not part of a [trilogy]. Although I would love to know the further tales of a few of these characters, I am more content that this is the end rather than stretch it out with weakened story lines.
January 3, 2020
Great book. Hated Ending
This is the first book I have been able to thoroughly plunge into in a while. Great characters. A heroic protagonist you can cheer for, but not one that would make you gag, like a Hallmark movie. Absolutely loathsome antagonists that you love to hate. Writing is good but needs a decent editor. The word "nay" was spelled "neigh". Lots of these things can be written up to Spellcheck which isn't worth the app it comes on. However, I was all set for a good series, or at least a trilogy to flesh out what comes next. I was bitterly disappointed unless Corman has something further in the offing. There were years to be filled in, and though I can admire a slam ending, this was like an elegant ball gown cut down to a mini-skirt. Come on, Corman. What happened? You painted your character into a corner and couldn't get him out? -- Still Mad in New Mexico.
This is the first book I have been able to thoroughly plunge into in a while. Great characters. A heroic protagonist you can cheer for, but not one that would make you gag, like a Hallmark movie. Absolutely loathsome antagonists that you love to hate. Writing is good but needs a decent editor. The word "nay" was spelled "neigh". Lots of these things can be written up to Spellcheck which isn't worth the app it comes on. However, I was all set for a good series, or at least a trilogy to flesh out what comes next. I was bitterly disappointed unless Corman has something further in the offing. There were years to be filled in, and though I can admire a slam ending, this was like an elegant ball gown cut down to a mini-skirt. Come on, Corman. What happened? You painted your character into a corner and couldn't get him out? -- Still Mad in New Mexico.
June 30, 2020
3.0/5.0
The Last swordsman, a standalone novel by Benjamin Corman, has roots in classic fantasy and takes its notes from its well worn predecessors. The story was interesting but there needed to be more interaction between the characters to really show relationships and growth.Time skips forward several time but leaves the reader confused about how long has elapse or the current age of the Main Character. I think the writing was strong though, and depite the few errors here and there, could see real promise in the authors. Just as a personal preference I did not like the ending as it felt rushed and extremely unsatisfying.
July 28, 2025
Too ya and dull for my taste
DNF at 56%
It seems ill advised to start the story with the protagonist as an outcast in the present time and then tell his past as a reviled son of a traitor, as there seems not much to look forward to for the reader..
The plot seems somewhat off. A king who loathes the mere sight of the MC still keeps him around and is constantly pissed off by it. The crown prince and his two cousins are way too cosy with him and the MC gets a lot of chances despite his fuck ups. The MC's infatuation story arc with the king's cousin is just suicidal. I kept skimming more and more until I gave up as nothing interesting happened at all..
DNF at 56%
It seems ill advised to start the story with the protagonist as an outcast in the present time and then tell his past as a reviled son of a traitor, as there seems not much to look forward to for the reader..
The plot seems somewhat off. A king who loathes the mere sight of the MC still keeps him around and is constantly pissed off by it. The crown prince and his two cousins are way too cosy with him and the MC gets a lot of chances despite his fuck ups. The MC's infatuation story arc with the king's cousin is just suicidal. I kept skimming more and more until I gave up as nothing interesting happened at all..
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August 18, 2019I loved this book and was so very upset to see it end. It started a bit slow and muddled, but when the storytelling started, it picked up speed and never quit. I fell in love with the characters and wanted so badly to see a happy ending. Alas, the ending was as happy as it could have been given the events that unfolded. I would have loved to see an epilogue or just one more chapter to see how things resolved with the barbarians, but can live with how things settled in the end. Thanks for a great story!
September 12, 2019
0mg this book sucks
I read reviews good and bad about this book .. decided to read it anyways because I love coming of age tales and the hardships that ate mc has to overcome or fail !! The author of this book does great job of describing and setting the screen for are intrepid mc but fails miserably . The mc starts as a child grows up through hardships but seems to be getting stupid and stupider as the book goes!! I could only read half the book because it sucks sooo.. BAD!!! If i could give it minus stars i would
I read reviews good and bad about this book .. decided to read it anyways because I love coming of age tales and the hardships that ate mc has to overcome or fail !! The author of this book does great job of describing and setting the screen for are intrepid mc but fails miserably . The mc starts as a child grows up through hardships but seems to be getting stupid and stupider as the book goes!! I could only read half the book because it sucks sooo.. BAD!!! If i could give it minus stars i would
March 6, 2025
Solid fantasy story, leaves you wanting more.
Really enjoyable story with a very likable hero. Bit anticlimactic at the end but the epilogue is really nicely done. There’s a huge amount of loose ends, which I assume are left to allow a sequel (certainly I would read it/them). I feel a bit guilty only giving the book 3 stars but 5 is for awesomeness (like Battlemage or every book in the Throne of Glass series), and 4 is for really bloody good, and this isn’t quite there. Still, a very strong 3 and I’d recommend to anyone fancying a solid, easy read.
Really enjoyable story with a very likable hero. Bit anticlimactic at the end but the epilogue is really nicely done. There’s a huge amount of loose ends, which I assume are left to allow a sequel (certainly I would read it/them). I feel a bit guilty only giving the book 3 stars but 5 is for awesomeness (like Battlemage or every book in the Throne of Glass series), and 4 is for really bloody good, and this isn’t quite there. Still, a very strong 3 and I’d recommend to anyone fancying a solid, easy read.
June 25, 2019
If there were half stars this would be 4 1/2 stars
This is a very good book. The story is compelling and thoughtful. The characters , aside from the protagonist, could use a bit more development and the ending was a bit rushed so not a full 5 stars from me.
But, the read is very definitely worth the time.
This is a very good book. The story is compelling and thoughtful. The characters , aside from the protagonist, could use a bit more development and the ending was a bit rushed so not a full 5 stars from me.
But, the read is very definitely worth the time.
August 1, 2019
Very good promise starting out. It’s a free kindle unlimited book but still should have had some more editing done. The story as a whole but the author rushed into the ending. With the final 10 chapters spanning over 3 years that we miss out on. This had the makings of a very good book series, however it seems like it will be just the one release.
June 1, 2019
Good read
Reminds me of a couple of other series, but as they are some of my all time favourites, no bad thing. I'm assuming this will be part of a series, so I'll suggest the author makes the evil villians a bit less clichéd and moronic. Also please don't skip 14 years.
Reminds me of a couple of other series, but as they are some of my all time favourites, no bad thing. I'm assuming this will be part of a series, so I'll suggest the author makes the evil villians a bit less clichéd and moronic. Also please don't skip 14 years.
October 12, 2019
Excellent
This is a excellent story. The tale of the rise of a swordsman from lowly origins, and the trials that shaped the course of his life. A worthy read. Hopefully to be continued!
This is a excellent story. The tale of the rise of a swordsman from lowly origins, and the trials that shaped the course of his life. A worthy read. Hopefully to be continued!
November 25, 2019
Ok story
Had promise but the story location skipped around too much without enough fillers. Characters just weren't fleshed out enough. Author shows promise. Just didn't get there.
Had promise but the story location skipped around too much without enough fillers. Characters just weren't fleshed out enough. Author shows promise. Just didn't get there.
November 25, 2019
Waiting for the next book!!!
This book was well written, 1t was filled with great action , and tender scenes of love. There was an undercurrent of magic that was never fully developed. So, it could lead to a future series. I look forward to that
This book was well written, 1t was filled with great action , and tender scenes of love. There was an undercurrent of magic that was never fully developed. So, it could lead to a future series. I look forward to that
June 8, 2019
Awesome
Awesome read with the coming of age as trying to overcome the stigma of his parents union and their traitorous image.
Awesome read with the coming of age as trying to overcome the stigma of his parents union and their traitorous image.
November 16, 2019
Good read
Choppy, large jumps in time passing, main character who seems especially clueless but despite all that it pulls you in and leaves you wanting more! Nicely done
Choppy, large jumps in time passing, main character who seems especially clueless but despite all that it pulls you in and leaves you wanting more! Nicely done
December 27, 2019
A rush job
First part was good, but then the author tends to ramble. The second part seemed like a rush job. There are parts of it which makes no sense
First part was good, but then the author tends to ramble. The second part seemed like a rush job. There are parts of it which makes no sense
January 4, 2020
Great Story.
I was drawn into this story almost immediately. The authors vivid portrayal of the people places and main characters journey made for a great reading experience.
I was drawn into this story almost immediately. The authors vivid portrayal of the people places and main characters journey made for a great reading experience.
April 25, 2025
Good story but Confusing at times also shame there’s no follow ups
July 3, 2025
Great
Enjoyed this book. Really did. Fast and furious. A sense of truth and more to come .Thanking you for this one
Enjoyed this book. Really did. Fast and furious. A sense of truth and more to come .Thanking you for this one
July 23, 2025
excellent read!
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters became real people; the plot and action kept me enthralled. Do yourself a favour and read it.
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters became real people; the plot and action kept me enthralled. Do yourself a favour and read it.
August 2, 2025
Great read
Lots of interesting plots and not a hard plot to follow. Good ending and I was happy they finished the story. So many just continue into the next book
Lots of interesting plots and not a hard plot to follow. Good ending and I was happy they finished the story. So many just continue into the next book
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews