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Shattered Kingdoms #1
Age of Ancients
Dabu’s life has been far from easy. Born with a crippling lung illness, he has never been as strong as his father or brother, both of whom have disappeared after attempting to challenge the Trials of Ancients. In the wake of the Tyrant King’s war, his village has come under the control of the Purus, a vicious gang of magically enhanced cutthroats and murderers. The Trials offer the promise of power to any who can clear them, but Dabu has been forbidden from entering.
After a violent encounter leaves his family in danger, Dabu faces a difficult decision — either leave the village to challenge the Trials or stay and risk starvation. The Trials are monstrously difficult, filled with dangerous beasts, deadly obstacles, and tribes of challengers who control the areas within. But if he can make it out alive, Dabu will gain the power he needs to finally drive the Purus from his home.
This book contains GameLit elements, such as stat sheets, a form of leveling, and experience gain.
After a violent encounter leaves his family in danger, Dabu faces a difficult decision — either leave the village to challenge the Trials or stay and risk starvation. The Trials are monstrously difficult, filled with dangerous beasts, deadly obstacles, and tribes of challengers who control the areas within. But if he can make it out alive, Dabu will gain the power he needs to finally drive the Purus from his home.
This book contains GameLit elements, such as stat sheets, a form of leveling, and experience gain.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 5, 2021
Good, but MC drives me crazy
This book is well-written with some really cool ideas for the world and plot. Unfortunately the main character completely ruined it for me. He is an idiot who kind of stumbles along and is always in need of saving. The book describes him as a smart problem solver, but he never come up with any clever strategies and instead keeps making stupid mistakes over and over. Also, he is a pacifist and whines constantly about the need to kill things to survive.
This book is well-written with some really cool ideas for the world and plot. Unfortunately the main character completely ruined it for me. He is an idiot who kind of stumbles along and is always in need of saving. The book describes him as a smart problem solver, but he never come up with any clever strategies and instead keeps making stupid mistakes over and over. Also, he is a pacifist and whines constantly about the need to kill things to survive.
February 6, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: While well written I found the pacing to be really slow.
Plot: This is a story of revenge. In a land where the strongest rule the weak undergo trails to become strong and then turn into the very thing they had been fighting against.
Characters: I don't mind ignorant characters, but when you add stupid on top of it I quickly reach a point where I don't care about the characters. This happened with the MC.
5/10
Mistakes: While well written I found the pacing to be really slow.
Plot: This is a story of revenge. In a land where the strongest rule the weak undergo trails to become strong and then turn into the very thing they had been fighting against.
Characters: I don't mind ignorant characters, but when you add stupid on top of it I quickly reach a point where I don't care about the characters. This happened with the MC.
5/10
February 16, 2021
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
May 3, 2021
Proving yourself is an age old tale but what if you came out with magic?
Proving yourself is an age old tale but what if you came out with magic?
Would you risk your life in the Trials for a chance at magic, if you can survive? If you can kill and grow in strength, abilities, and skill? What if you had trouble breathing and even walking was difficult?
The chance to overcome his physical limitations drives Dabu, while revenge for her family drives Uhane to grow her power and survive the trials.
Defeating creatures for their cores is the only way to grow and survive the Trials. The energy of those cores works within the Trials to unlock and power magic, it’s random whether you become a Super or a Mage and which initial abilities you will be granted.
I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the next arc. Dabu’s backstory is a tough one but he continues to struggle, grow stronger, and is determined to save his mother and sister from the gang ruling their village. That need to survive is not about him but about his remaining family, and the challenges in the Trials will be much more emotional and horrible than Dabu could have ever imagined.
The chance to overcome his physical limitations drives Dabu, while revenge for her family drives
Proving yourself is an age old tale but what if you came out with magic?
Would you risk your life in the Trials for a chance at magic, if you can survive? If you can kill and grow in strength, abilities, and skill? What if you had trouble breathing and even walking was difficult?
The chance to overcome his physical limitations drives Dabu, while revenge for her family drives Uhane to grow her power and survive the trials.
Defeating creatures for their cores is the only way to grow and survive the Trials. The energy of those cores works within the Trials to unlock and power magic, it’s random whether you become a Super or a Mage and which initial abilities you will be granted.
I really enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the next arc. Dabu’s backstory is a tough one but he continues to struggle, grow stronger, and is determined to save his mother and sister from the gang ruling their village. That need to survive is not about him but about his remaining family, and the challenges in the Trials will be much more emotional and horrible than Dabu could have ever imagined.
The chance to overcome his physical limitations drives Dabu, while revenge for her family drives
March 10, 2021
Not an extremly bad book, but also not a very good one.
Pro:
- story is okay, for parts even good
- spelling/grammar/wordchoice are overall good
Con:
- Worldbuilding is shallow, what there is is mostly a mild form of infodump
- Behaviour of the main char ist "plot stupid", that is, he almost never thinks and/or plans beforehand, a lot of the reason for his decisions seems to be "to get where the story is going".
e.g. he gets his magic but doesn't try anything with it for ~ a day (for no real reason), even after he was attacked by a beast,
- he also often doesn't seem to be creative/able to adapt, for example, when fighting beasts he allways just goes for the hamstrings, and then random spots? never once for the throat
- characters just know background when needed, often it is not clear how he/she could even have it
- some wordchoices break immersion (modern slang words like "Super" for Chi-User, or concepts that don't fit the world like mouth-to-mouth or missused ones like "magnetism" for attraction and repulsion in general)
Pro:
- story is okay, for parts even good
- spelling/grammar/wordchoice are overall good
Con:
- Worldbuilding is shallow, what there is is mostly a mild form of infodump
- Behaviour of the main char ist "plot stupid", that is, he almost never thinks and/or plans beforehand, a lot of the reason for his decisions seems to be "to get where the story is going".
e.g. he gets his magic but doesn't try anything with it for ~ a day (for no real reason), even after he was attacked by a beast,
- he also often doesn't seem to be creative/able to adapt, for example, when fighting beasts he allways just goes for the hamstrings, and then random spots? never once for the throat
- characters just know background when needed, often it is not clear how he/she could even have it
- some wordchoices break immersion (modern slang words like "Super" for Chi-User, or concepts that don't fit the world like mouth-to-mouth or missused ones like "magnetism" for attraction and repulsion in general)
March 10, 2021
Bad read with mc didn't like and was way he too useless and needing offers help all the time couldn't do anything by himself seemed and gravity ability and what was wear exactly same really as mc in rise of omnisciense series.
And constant going on about skin color was very tedious.
And worse bet author does a load in this series sigh.
Author seems always have in book series.
# MC some kind of disability of body or mind or both. (Memory loss.)
#. Always a female love interest starts out more knowledgeable and powerful. And stuck with from basically beginners.
#. MC Rarely do anything alone always has love interest with them everywhere goes. (Boring)
#. Also male mc kinda dumb and just lead around.
Dame cover picture alsome but not match book at all so kinda misleading, for one the mc male is dark skinned (sigh. ) and never holds energy blade like picture shows, also female in it guessing she his love interest? And if is so she has no ability or item like that weapon she was holding.
And constant going on about skin color was very tedious.
And worse bet author does a load in this series sigh.
Author seems always have in book series.
# MC some kind of disability of body or mind or both. (Memory loss.)
#. Always a female love interest starts out more knowledgeable and powerful. And stuck with from basically beginners.
#. MC Rarely do anything alone always has love interest with them everywhere goes. (Boring)
#. Also male mc kinda dumb and just lead around.
Dame cover picture alsome but not match book at all so kinda misleading, for one the mc male is dark skinned (sigh. ) and never holds energy blade like picture shows, also female in it guessing she his love interest? And if is so she has no ability or item like that weapon she was holding.
July 30, 2021
You expect it to be lighthearted but man this is a bit dark in a good way. Dive in it’s one to enjoy.
Excellent story excellent main characters. I will not dive into some of the major plot points but man when you get to them make sure you have a bucket of popcorn or something to chew on. I’ll give the book 5 stars I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I do worry about advancement of one character versus the other you’ll understand once you read the book. How is this going to work out is my main question? Overall the story is a little cruel a little violent but not over the top violence. Like I said the characters are likable the villains are ones you will hate but understand. The enemies they fight in the story intriguing. The advancement system is what I can get with especially when you get to the end it really opens up. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this.
Excellent story excellent main characters. I will not dive into some of the major plot points but man when you get to them make sure you have a bucket of popcorn or something to chew on. I’ll give the book 5 stars I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I do worry about advancement of one character versus the other you’ll understand once you read the book. How is this going to work out is my main question? Overall the story is a little cruel a little violent but not over the top violence. Like I said the characters are likable the villains are ones you will hate but understand. The enemies they fight in the story intriguing. The advancement system is what I can get with especially when you get to the end it really opens up. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this.
August 3, 2021
Just kill him already
So, I’m a little frustrated and disgusted by the MC. Weak boy is weak, and continues to be mentally weak. ‘Oh, I can’t *kill* a person!!’ Seriously? Your friend is being sold into slavery, you were tossed off a cliff, and lord knows what has been going on with your mother back home and the bandits that have dominated your town for years, but you can’t step up and do the hard things?
Clean prose and it’s well written. I just can’t really stand how impotent the MC is in a life/death situation.
Spoilers
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Yes, he’s your father. But he admitted killing your brother *and* hiding in the trial for years while your family suffered *AND HE TRIED TO KILL YOU…TWICE!!!*. You broke both his arms and he tried to bite you!! Your village has been enslaved and starved. How exactly do you think it’s going to work when you return to free them?
So, I’m a little frustrated and disgusted by the MC. Weak boy is weak, and continues to be mentally weak. ‘Oh, I can’t *kill* a person!!’ Seriously? Your friend is being sold into slavery, you were tossed off a cliff, and lord knows what has been going on with your mother back home and the bandits that have dominated your town for years, but you can’t step up and do the hard things?
Clean prose and it’s well written. I just can’t really stand how impotent the MC is in a life/death situation.
Spoilers
*
*
*
*
*
*
Yes, he’s your father. But he admitted killing your brother *and* hiding in the trial for years while your family suffered *AND HE TRIED TO KILL YOU…TWICE!!!*. You broke both his arms and he tried to bite you!! Your village has been enslaved and starved. How exactly do you think it’s going to work when you return to free them?
October 9, 2021
It’s nice to return to the system of Rise to Omniscience, it’s one I enjoy and I think is done pretty well.
This one I set either much later or earlier than the RoO and people need to take a trial for their powers now. World is unbalanced and hopefully our MC will come along and fix everything again!
Dabu is a pacifist wonderstruck boy at first who has never seen anything of the world except his tiny home town. The trials, and Uhane introduce him to something bigger and let him experience a lot of stuff he never has before, including basic knowledge. This makes him come across as quite dull and weak. He gets saved a lot and really doesn’t come into his own until the last third of the book. His super power is really underutilized as well. I really like Uhane though.
Looking forward to more.
This one I set either much later or earlier than the RoO and people need to take a trial for their powers now. World is unbalanced and hopefully our MC will come along and fix everything again!
Dabu is a pacifist wonderstruck boy at first who has never seen anything of the world except his tiny home town. The trials, and Uhane introduce him to something bigger and let him experience a lot of stuff he never has before, including basic knowledge. This makes him come across as quite dull and weak. He gets saved a lot and really doesn’t come into his own until the last third of the book. His super power is really underutilized as well. I really like Uhane though.
Looking forward to more.
January 28, 2021
Omniscience is coming!
Another fantastic entry in Aaron’s universe! So glad to be finally learning about Dabu. He was an interesting character in the main series and I have always wanted to learn more. These times were always mentioned in the main series and it is great learning about it all. The world building and system is top notch as per usual. The characters are relatable and deep. The fighting sequences are intense and easy to visualize. The monsters (both human and beast) are powerfully and challenging (some borderline impossible which is perfect!). Cannot wait for the next book Time of Titans!
Another fantastic entry in Aaron’s universe! So glad to be finally learning about Dabu. He was an interesting character in the main series and I have always wanted to learn more. These times were always mentioned in the main series and it is great learning about it all. The world building and system is top notch as per usual. The characters are relatable and deep. The fighting sequences are intense and easy to visualize. The monsters (both human and beast) are powerfully and challenging (some borderline impossible which is perfect!). Cannot wait for the next book Time of Titans!
February 19, 2021
Great story, as always.
A great story from Oster, as expected. I really enjoyed the world building in this one in particular. It‘s similar enough to Rise to Omniscience to know they’re the same world, but different enough that it marks itself as a clearly and distinctly different story, not just another addition trying to ride off the back of another success. I really enjoyed the subtle tid bits of information and hints about the world in this book that I can realistically see growing into the world in RTO, given the huge gap in time in between the two stories.
A great story from Oster, as expected. I really enjoyed the world building in this one in particular. It‘s similar enough to Rise to Omniscience to know they’re the same world, but different enough that it marks itself as a clearly and distinctly different story, not just another addition trying to ride off the back of another success. I really enjoyed the subtle tid bits of information and hints about the world in this book that I can realistically see growing into the world in RTO, given the huge gap in time in between the two stories.
August 13, 2021
Bad book
Is this the way of the world now where the male is all ways weaker than the female or is it that the writer is weak? I believe that the writer is trying to appease the ladys and everyone else so much that he has become a puppet to politically correctness ,will not ever read another of his or her books!!
Is this the way of the world now where the male is all ways weaker than the female or is it that the writer is weak? I believe that the writer is trying to appease the ladys and everyone else so much that he has become a puppet to politically correctness ,will not ever read another of his or her books!!
January 27, 2021
AMAZING
I was lucky to be a part of the advanced read of this book, and I loved the new way we get to see Dabu. I also like that this story is so different from Morgan’s, especially the way Dabu’s ability manifests. Another great book and a great start to a new series!! :)
I was lucky to be a part of the advanced read of this book, and I loved the new way we get to see Dabu. I also like that this story is so different from Morgan’s, especially the way Dabu’s ability manifests. Another great book and a great start to a new series!! :)
February 4, 2021
Great book
An amazing book following up on a character from RTO very interested in seeing where his path takes him, will read everything from the author as the story line is very intriguing
An amazing book following up on a character from RTO very interested in seeing where his path takes him, will read everything from the author as the story line is very intriguing
February 7, 2021
Dabu's Story
Can't wait to see where he takes us with this story. Set in the same world as supermage so there are many similar leveling elements but new a new story with new characters. This was very well written definitely a great start to a new series
Can't wait to see where he takes us with this story. Set in the same world as supermage so there are many similar leveling elements but new a new story with new characters. This was very well written definitely a great start to a new series
February 13, 2021
Another Great Book
I've come to the Conclusion that you just can't go wrong reading a book written by Aaron Oster . I really enjoyed the characters in this book and I'm looking forward to see what happens in future books.
I've come to the Conclusion that you just can't go wrong reading a book written by Aaron Oster . I really enjoyed the characters in this book and I'm looking forward to see what happens in future books.
February 15, 2021
Read +reviewed! Do the same
Litrpgesh story of teenagers getting their skills and powers. Interesting twists and turns. Wish there were more fights and skill theory. Definitely will buy and read next book in series
Litrpgesh story of teenagers getting their skills and powers. Interesting twists and turns. Wish there were more fights and skill theory. Definitely will buy and read next book in series
March 8, 2021
A THRILLER
Weak to Super!!! ... Romance or Adventure? ... Vengeance for Vengeance sake or For Justice ... Very good Characterization ... Great Story Line ... enough Questions to keep you reading.
Bring on the next please.
Weak to Super!!! ... Romance or Adventure? ... Vengeance for Vengeance sake or For Justice ... Very good Characterization ... Great Story Line ... enough Questions to keep you reading.
Bring on the next please.
March 10, 2021
I love it when someone creates a new word.
I have this rating because it deserved it. It's original and creative. A little darker than I like but life can become dark if you let it.
I have this rating because it deserved it. It's original and creative. A little darker than I like but life can become dark if you let it.
January 27, 2021
Wow
A fantastic new story for fans of the RTO universe and newcomers alike.
Whatever you do, do not sleep on this one!
A fantastic new story for fans of the RTO universe and newcomers alike.
Whatever you do, do not sleep on this one!
January 27, 2021
Amazing series opener!!
This is an amazing opener to a amazing new series! The story sucks you in from the beginning and makes you not want to put the book down.
This is an amazing opener to a amazing new series! The story sucks you in from the beginning and makes you not want to put the book down.
January 28, 2021
amazing
i loved the book and was happy to get to see him again and learn his backstory can’t wait for book two and book 9 for RTO and book 5 in buryoku
i loved the book and was happy to get to see him again and learn his backstory can’t wait for book two and book 9 for RTO and book 5 in buryoku
January 31, 2021
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG and cultivating type of books
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG and cultivating type of books
February 1, 2021
Great story!
Hearing the history of the kingdom and finding out the origins of Dabu make this worth reading. Looking forward to the next one!
Hearing the history of the kingdom and finding out the origins of Dabu make this worth reading. Looking forward to the next one!
February 5, 2021
A great stand alone
What a story. A great stand alone that ties in with the fantastic rise to omniscience series. Can be read alone or before or after! Can’t wait to read the next
What a story. A great stand alone that ties in with the fantastic rise to omniscience series. Can be read alone or before or after! Can’t wait to read the next
February 8, 2021
Great as always
Great as usual thanks for writing books that are enjoyable and fun to read! Can't wait for the next ones!
Great as usual thanks for writing books that are enjoyable and fun to read! Can't wait for the next ones!
February 12, 2021
Another good book
I always liked Dabu love learning his backstory. Looking forward to book two. I’ve read all of Aaron’s books and they are all great.
I always liked Dabu love learning his backstory. Looking forward to book two. I’ve read all of Aaron’s books and they are all great.
February 20, 2021
Amazing world building
This book is a great foundation for the amazing world this author is building in his multiple series. Can't wait for book two.
This book is a great foundation for the amazing world this author is building in his multiple series. Can't wait for book two.
February 27, 2021
Great read
Love the weak to strong storyline, so this was a great read for me. Looking forward to the next book
Love the weak to strong storyline, so this was a great read for me. Looking forward to the next book
February 28, 2021
A great story
The story was fun and entertaining throughout and contained a number of unexpected and delightful plot twists! Overall this book was a joy to read.
The story was fun and entertaining throughout and contained a number of unexpected and delightful plot twists! Overall this book was a joy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews