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The Lost Reavers #1
The Lost Reavers
The curse that made Lord Hugh of Stasiek the most dangerous man in the empire also destroyed his will to live. He now yearns for nothing more than dissolution, to lose himself in strong wine, reckless gambling, and in the arms of countless beautiful women. Yet when the call comes from the one man he cannot disobey - his elder brother, the duke - he puts aside his dreams of death and rides forth to secure the fate of a seemingly insignificant border town. Joined by a small cadre of uniquely lethal and gorgeous women, Hugh crushes every obstacle before him, only to discover an insidious and malignant force that defies even the power of his blade. A force that, if left unchecked, will consume not only the town and everyone Hugh has come to care for, but sweep down into the duchy itself and bring forth an age of fire and ruin. Only Hugh's curse - that fey, wretched source of his ungodly might - gives him a chance of preventing this dire fate. But choosing to consciously embrace that power - the same that near drove him to death - could have consequences far beyond anything he could imagine... Warning and minor This is an 18+ book intended for mature readers. It contains graphic sex, medieval violence, and harem relationships.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2019
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301 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 1, 2020
Masterwork
Mr. Truk has invited us into a truly gritty fantasy realm. The settings and descriptions are so vivid they breath through the page. I enjoy all the characters, but the MC is a masterwork of violent psychological pathos. Can't wait to see where the adventure goes next, and how deep into Hughs mind we go.
Mr. Truk has invited us into a truly gritty fantasy realm. The settings and descriptions are so vivid they breath through the page. I enjoy all the characters, but the MC is a masterwork of violent psychological pathos. Can't wait to see where the adventure goes next, and how deep into Hughs mind we go.
April 30, 2020
No cliffhanger but unresolved issues but I think there is to be a sequel.
My first harem read. While I liked the relationship buildup I was a little bit disappointed with the H. I know he is cursed or whatever, but he seemed a bit slutty, fantasising or even trying to get it on with other women that he came across. I loved the ladies, quite unique in personalities and personal issues but my favorite is Zarja, of course. I loved how she rallies everyone else including the H, I kinda wished she was the main character. I loved the Lost Reavers, I wish I could see them in their element, they would make a very interesting read. One other thing that I wished was properly explained is that the book is time set in the past (historical romance type) with dukes, nobles and servants, but it doesn't say whether multiple partner relationships are a norm or culturally acceptable and the harem ladies and everyone else seem to not consider it weird or scandalous.
3.5 - 4 Stars because I really liked the story but, over and above the mentioned issues, It felt like I skipped the world built or introduction.
My first harem read. While I liked the relationship buildup I was a little bit disappointed with the H. I know he is cursed or whatever, but he seemed a bit slutty, fantasising or even trying to get it on with other women that he came across. I loved the ladies, quite unique in personalities and personal issues but my favorite is Zarja, of course. I loved how she rallies everyone else including the H, I kinda wished she was the main character. I loved the Lost Reavers, I wish I could see them in their element, they would make a very interesting read. One other thing that I wished was properly explained is that the book is time set in the past (historical romance type) with dukes, nobles and servants, but it doesn't say whether multiple partner relationships are a norm or culturally acceptable and the harem ladies and everyone else seem to not consider it weird or scandalous.
3.5 - 4 Stars because I really liked the story but, over and above the mentioned issues, It felt like I skipped the world built or introduction.
January 11, 2020
Mainly about emotional turmoil
The start was pretty cool, and kind of unique. It really got old though hearing again and again how damaged everyone was and how they had to work through their issues together and open up.
There’s a little fighting, which is done generally. The protagonists powers are pretty cool, but he’s super whiney about the downsides.
There’s lots of harem stuff, which gets a bit repetitive. All the women are super hot. Surprise.
It had potential, but just turned into work wading through the above to get to the thin plot and sparse action.
The start was pretty cool, and kind of unique. It really got old though hearing again and again how damaged everyone was and how they had to work through their issues together and open up.
There’s a little fighting, which is done generally. The protagonists powers are pretty cool, but he’s super whiney about the downsides.
There’s lots of harem stuff, which gets a bit repetitive. All the women are super hot. Surprise.
It had potential, but just turned into work wading through the above to get to the thin plot and sparse action.
November 8, 2023
Is this an objectively bad book?
I would say no; for some people it's probably perfect. But it didn't land well for me. I don't mind (even quite liked) the grimdark setting, and I quite like the idea of flawed protagonists trying to recover from trauma or put themselves back together.
But in the event, I just found this story depressing. It's grimdark, but less in an over the top Warhammer 40k way, and more in a "people suck and are mean to each other". The protagonist is very flawed, and any effort towards recovering seems to be of the "two steps forward, two or maybe three steps back" variety.
Again, some people may not mind it, but I personally really dislike books where I'm siezed by an overwhelming urge to slap the protagonist. Example:
At one point the protagonist is forming an expedition to head to a small town. There's a woman he clearly has a connection with, who very much wants to go with him, and there's no real reason given in the story why he should refuse. Plus it's obvious, from the structure of the story, that she *will* end up going with him. And yet we spend an inordinate amount of time with him refusing to let her go, and her sneaking along and following him anyhow, and them arguing about it, and it's just...tedious. The entire thing could have been "hey, I want to come along" "huh, really? Okay". But instead we got pages and pages of conflict that ended up with the same result, didn't advance the plot, and didn't reveal anything about the characters.
Similarly, the protagonist has a drinking problem (fine), and we spend just enormous amounts of time watching him get drunk and behave poorly. Which...okay, it's a story about a flawed protagonist, and this is a flaw, and we need to establish that, but did we need this much establishment?
Meh.
I would say no; for some people it's probably perfect. But it didn't land well for me. I don't mind (even quite liked) the grimdark setting, and I quite like the idea of flawed protagonists trying to recover from trauma or put themselves back together.
But in the event, I just found this story depressing. It's grimdark, but less in an over the top Warhammer 40k way, and more in a "people suck and are mean to each other". The protagonist is very flawed, and any effort towards recovering seems to be of the "two steps forward, two or maybe three steps back" variety.
Again, some people may not mind it, but I personally really dislike books where I'm siezed by an overwhelming urge to slap the protagonist. Example:
At one point the protagonist is forming an expedition to head to a small town. There's a woman he clearly has a connection with, who very much wants to go with him, and there's no real reason given in the story why he should refuse. Plus it's obvious, from the structure of the story, that she *will* end up going with him. And yet we spend an inordinate amount of time with him refusing to let her go, and her sneaking along and following him anyhow, and them arguing about it, and it's just...tedious. The entire thing could have been "hey, I want to come along" "huh, really? Okay". But instead we got pages and pages of conflict that ended up with the same result, didn't advance the plot, and didn't reveal anything about the characters.
Similarly, the protagonist has a drinking problem (fine), and we spend just enormous amounts of time watching him get drunk and behave poorly. Which...okay, it's a story about a flawed protagonist, and this is a flaw, and we need to establish that, but did we need this much establishment?
Meh.
December 7, 2021
I started reading this while I'm waiting for TTTT5 and I'm glad I did. Lost Reavers show that the quality I saw on TTTT was not a fluke, Mike Truk is a solid author and Lost Reavers allowed me to pinpoint where his writing truly shines: women characters and world-building.
TTTT is, for me, his best work, but LR has his best characters (that I read until) now. The protagonists in both series are solid (I like Noah more, but Hugh is good enough), but are the women that truly shine. They are complex, broken or damaged people who have to deal with the turns of their lives and it shows in the manner they act, e.g., they feel like real people.
The world-building is also excellent. Unlike TTTT, the story is more contained in the geographical extension, but the world feels enormous and relevant. I prefer TTTT magical systems but, from what I gather, LR's soft magical systems are nothing at what one scoffs and soft doesn't mean random.
What Mr Truk offers is real people in a well-defined world.
It's a shame that he's moving away from harem-fantasy because his work is the best in the genre in my opinion.
TTTT is, for me, his best work, but LR has his best characters (that I read until) now. The protagonists in both series are solid (I like Noah more, but Hugh is good enough), but are the women that truly shine. They are complex, broken or damaged people who have to deal with the turns of their lives and it shows in the manner they act, e.g., they feel like real people.
The world-building is also excellent. Unlike TTTT, the story is more contained in the geographical extension, but the world feels enormous and relevant. I prefer TTTT magical systems but, from what I gather, LR's soft magical systems are nothing at what one scoffs and soft doesn't mean random.
What Mr Truk offers is real people in a well-defined world.
It's a shame that he's moving away from harem-fantasy because his work is the best in the genre in my opinion.
January 2, 2020
A wonderful new fantasy series of inner and outer struggles.
I received an ARC of the book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The setting is the same as The Rise of the Shadow Rogue but in a different country. The story mainly deals with recognizing the burdens each person carries and how they strive past that and their foes. The concept of Hugh's power feels unique and overall balanced due to the burden he has to carry when using it. I was hooked after the first battle.
This does include a harem and is 18+ right out the gate, but it isn't overused much. The ladies are lovely as always with Mike's books.
I received an ARC of the book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The setting is the same as The Rise of the Shadow Rogue but in a different country. The story mainly deals with recognizing the burdens each person carries and how they strive past that and their foes. The concept of Hugh's power feels unique and overall balanced due to the burden he has to carry when using it. I was hooked after the first battle.
This does include a harem and is 18+ right out the gate, but it isn't overused much. The ladies are lovely as always with Mike's books.
January 3, 2020
Amazing as always
Wanted to be annoyed again since this wasn’t book three of his other series but honestly I really can’t. Once again the author weaves a complex tale of a really interesting MC. Some spoilers here but the way that he can conjure the ghosts of his dead companions is brilliant and while he is still human it has given him almost super human power. Each character is broken in their own way but it just makes them that much more likable or at least relatable. And I did think this was a stand alone I am really happy to see that it isn’t since I will be very much looking for the next one.
Wanted to be annoyed again since this wasn’t book three of his other series but honestly I really can’t. Once again the author weaves a complex tale of a really interesting MC. Some spoilers here but the way that he can conjure the ghosts of his dead companions is brilliant and while he is still human it has given him almost super human power. Each character is broken in their own way but it just makes them that much more likable or at least relatable. And I did think this was a stand alone I am really happy to see that it isn’t since I will be very much looking for the next one.
January 5, 2020
A Hell of a good rollicking ride!
First, right out of the gate, I'm an admitted Mike Truk fan. Second, if you're considering this book, stop. You shouldn't be considering it, you should ALREADY be reading it! Mike Truk is a very evocative writer. He infuses his writing with detail and passion. You can see the world's of fantasy that he creates with a crystalline sharpness, whether it's his description of a fight scene, pastoral glen or harem sex. This is a writer that you should not miss
First, right out of the gate, I'm an admitted Mike Truk fan. Second, if you're considering this book, stop. You shouldn't be considering it, you should ALREADY be reading it! Mike Truk is a very evocative writer. He infuses his writing with detail and passion. You can see the world's of fantasy that he creates with a crystalline sharpness, whether it's his description of a fight scene, pastoral glen or harem sex. This is a writer that you should not miss
January 7, 2020
Fortuna wept!
Another masterclass, like the rest of the authors books you will not be disappointed, there is never a dull moment. Absolutely spot on, like other authors who I consider my favourites, it gets to a point now where they bring out a new story and I don’t even bother reading the blurb, because I know I’m In for a very good ride. And THIS is a prime example of that! Do yourself a favour and read his books!
Another masterclass, like the rest of the authors books you will not be disappointed, there is never a dull moment. Absolutely spot on, like other authors who I consider my favourites, it gets to a point now where they bring out a new story and I don’t even bother reading the blurb, because I know I’m In for a very good ride. And THIS is a prime example of that! Do yourself a favour and read his books!
January 10, 2020
Fast-paced and highly entertaining
I liked the characters, their intelligence, interactions, and willingness to learn from each other. It's a nice break from reading stories where the main characters just struggle a lot and everyone dies anyway.
Erotic scene can come across a bit cartoonish but that can be entertaining in its own way, and they're not so pervasive that they take up much of the story.
I liked the characters, their intelligence, interactions, and willingness to learn from each other. It's a nice break from reading stories where the main characters just struggle a lot and everyone dies anyway.
Erotic scene can come across a bit cartoonish but that can be entertaining in its own way, and they're not so pervasive that they take up much of the story.
January 11, 2020
Take a chance - you won’t regret it
So the cover intrigued me but I wasn’t really sure it would be worth the read.....Boy was I wrong! This book grabbed my attention from the start and never let go!! I could talk for days on why this is one of the best things I’ve read so far in 2020 but I won’t. An anti hero, a curse, bandits, magic and hot women. What other reasons do you need?
So the cover intrigued me but I wasn’t really sure it would be worth the read.....Boy was I wrong! This book grabbed my attention from the start and never let go!! I could talk for days on why this is one of the best things I’ve read so far in 2020 but I won’t. An anti hero, a curse, bandits, magic and hot women. What other reasons do you need?
January 13, 2020
Amazing story
I will admit there are times now reading some harem lit where it gets stale. The writer may have a decent plot, but the characters aren't fleshed out or have no dynamic, the language is weak, or the ending can be predicted 10 pages in. All of that falls flat with the Lost Reaves. It's a well written story with moments of true growth for its MC and the women with him. Highly recommended.
I will admit there are times now reading some harem lit where it gets stale. The writer may have a decent plot, but the characters aren't fleshed out or have no dynamic, the language is weak, or the ending can be predicted 10 pages in. All of that falls flat with the Lost Reaves. It's a well written story with moments of true growth for its MC and the women with him. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2020
Interesting premise and world building. Could have done without the graphic sex but that’s easy enough to skim over and I understand that some enjoy it and it goes with the territory.
Writing is a step up from some of the dire KU books out there that I’ve slogged through because the underlying idea is good so having both an interesting world and having it described to me intelligently was a bonus.
Will certainly be on the lookout for part 2 and have started on another of Truks books.
Writing is a step up from some of the dire KU books out there that I’ve slogged through because the underlying idea is good so having both an interesting world and having it described to me intelligently was a bonus.
Will certainly be on the lookout for part 2 and have started on another of Truks books.
September 6, 2020
Nope, no good.
This kind of book relies on one thing above all else, the likability of its main character. The character does not need to be good or kind of nice or a hero, they can be mean or dark or lazy or cowardly. They just have to be likable. You have to WANT to relate to them, it makes the rest of the book work. This guy is not likable, and so you never care about what is happening.
This kind of book relies on one thing above all else, the likability of its main character. The character does not need to be good or kind of nice or a hero, they can be mean or dark or lazy or cowardly. They just have to be likable. You have to WANT to relate to them, it makes the rest of the book work. This guy is not likable, and so you never care about what is happening.
January 2, 2020
Plot, Talecraft, and Solid Interaction
The author has continued to evolve and tells a story with good depth. I feel there were a couple of points where the intimate scenes happened a bit quickly with not too much rationale but was easily compensated by following increasing plot development.
The author has continued to evolve and tells a story with good depth. I feel there were a couple of points where the intimate scenes happened a bit quickly with not too much rationale but was easily compensated by following increasing plot development.
January 2, 2020
Great Start!
Thank you for a solid start to a new series. I appreciate the tight plot, the well developed characters and strong writing style. I particularly like the balance of violence and emotional ties the author weaves into the story. It reads like a great graphic novel.
Thank you for a solid start to a new series. I appreciate the tight plot, the well developed characters and strong writing style. I particularly like the balance of violence and emotional ties the author weaves into the story. It reads like a great graphic novel.
January 4, 2020
To Me? A 5
In some ways it was hard to give this book a five, in others not so hard. Although I don't understand who the supreme being is here, it's probably enough to know the characters have one. As for the hanged god, its a guess as to whether he is a god or a demon. I would have appreciated a little more clarity in some of this kind of things.
In some ways it was hard to give this book a five, in others not so hard. Although I don't understand who the supreme being is here, it's probably enough to know the characters have one. As for the hanged god, its a guess as to whether he is a god or a demon. I would have appreciated a little more clarity in some of this kind of things.
January 16, 2020
Fun Ride
Characters transform in depth through the story, very enjoyable. Main character is not a f******* idiot, cant explain how refreshing it is to have a character fail after taking the right precautions because the enemy is actually well thought out and not because the plot demands it. Very well done Mr. Truk.
Characters transform in depth through the story, very enjoyable. Main character is not a f******* idiot, cant explain how refreshing it is to have a character fail after taking the right precautions because the enemy is actually well thought out and not because the plot demands it. Very well done Mr. Truk.
August 9, 2020
Holy crap
I'm actually a little passed i didn't read this sooner. Someone has already written a great review of this book, so I won't bother elaborating. I will however, heartily reccomend this book... even if it is a little dark in places. Feels like I got RE:Zeroed, but man what a ride.
I'm actually a little passed i didn't read this sooner. Someone has already written a great review of this book, so I won't bother elaborating. I will however, heartily reccomend this book... even if it is a little dark in places. Feels like I got RE:Zeroed, but man what a ride.
December 28, 2019
Best one yet
I genuinely loved this book. The trials faced by the MC were a real test of his character and they forced him to grow. I love books where the MC is forced out of his/her comfort zone. Great book and highly recommended.
I genuinely loved this book. The trials faced by the MC were a real test of his character and they forced him to grow. I love books where the MC is forced out of his/her comfort zone. Great book and highly recommended.
December 28, 2019
F-bomb on first page. No humor.
Not my cup of tea. Made it to chapter 5. Just another f-bomb dropper. Some books really should come with a warning label. Some thought this was humorous. I didn't find anything funny about it
Not my cup of tea. Made it to chapter 5. Just another f-bomb dropper. Some books really should come with a warning label. Some thought this was humorous. I didn't find anything funny about it
July 16, 2021
I thought I knew what was coming when they met on the bridge. I was wrong, marvelously terribly wrong. The tale twists through fantastic fights and real relations as the mysteries, joys and horrors are uncovered. I can't wait to continue.
February 16, 2020
Long Leadup to Wow
Visceral characters and scenes, with a haunted MC and characters who must overcome their issues (including opening their hearts and minds) in order to succeed and survive. The plotting and world here are excellent, as is the potential for a great series.
My only quibble was how long we had to wait to see what all of the MC’s issues are, but since that biggie is tied to a number of threads I can shrug it off in book 1. Subsequent books will have enough issues if their own to plot, because the action (and reaction) just keeps coming, even after the climax. (Pun intended.)
Definitely Recommended for 17+
Visceral characters and scenes, with a haunted MC and characters who must overcome their issues (including opening their hearts and minds) in order to succeed and survive. The plotting and world here are excellent, as is the potential for a great series.
My only quibble was how long we had to wait to see what all of the MC’s issues are, but since that biggie is tied to a number of threads I can shrug it off in book 1. Subsequent books will have enough issues if their own to plot, because the action (and reaction) just keeps coming, even after the climax. (Pun intended.)
Definitely Recommended for 17+
October 17, 2023
Nope. I can't. Gave up at chapter 13.
My own fault. I went in fully aware of what it was, but hoping against hope that this time, I'd get some weight. It didn't happen.
There are plenty very interesting pieces lying around, but none of them fit together to make a whole. And maybe that's what frustrates me all the more.
Ah well. Don't mind me.
I didn't like it, but that shouldn't stop you from giving it a go...
My own fault. I went in fully aware of what it was, but hoping against hope that this time, I'd get some weight. It didn't happen.
There are plenty very interesting pieces lying around, but none of them fit together to make a whole. And maybe that's what frustrates me all the more.
Ah well. Don't mind me.
I didn't like it, but that shouldn't stop you from giving it a go...
December 24, 2019
I read this as an ARC reader and in my opinion it’s one of the best books to date by this author. I read it in one sitting. Full of action and an excellent storyline that leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait for book 2. Bravo Mike Truk!!!!
January 9, 2020
Another book that doesn't disappoint from Mike Truk. Well-written and edited, and a flawed hero who has legitimate cause for PTSD but comes through when he has to.
Essentially, I have no complaints, and I look forward to a continuation. I also wonder if we'll see some crossover with the gang from Gloomhaven...
Essentially, I have no complaints, and I look forward to a continuation. I also wonder if we'll see some crossover with the gang from Gloomhaven...
January 15, 2020
Great book
Yet another great book by Mike! He has an amazing talent for pulling the reader into the story where you don’t want to put his books down! Keep up the good work Mike and I look forward to the next great book by you!
Yet another great book by Mike! He has an amazing talent for pulling the reader into the story where you don’t want to put his books down! Keep up the good work Mike and I look forward to the next great book by you!
January 20, 2020
Better than any litrpg book
This was a breath of fresh air. Original story that doesn't rely on retarded video game concepts like leveling up. This is much more believable. Waiting for the sequel!
This was a breath of fresh air. Original story that doesn't rely on retarded video game concepts like leveling up. This is much more believable. Waiting for the sequel!
January 29, 2020
Another enjoyable tale that could run into many books
A interesting story which needs it's next volume URGENTLY.
I await the next installment's arrival with the real fear it will be months in coming.
A interesting story which needs it's next volume URGENTLY.
I await the next installment's arrival with the real fear it will be months in coming.
February 9, 2020
Pick this up.
The one thing I've come to like about this authors works is the character devlopment. This book definitely showed more of the same and I look forward to future installments.
The one thing I've come to like about this authors works is the character devlopment. This book definitely showed more of the same and I look forward to future installments.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews