What do you think?
Rate this book
Year of the Sword #1
Lord January
Time is money. Time is a Weapon. Time is running out.
Grant Leap is an orphaned, mortal farmhand in a world where cultivation methods and Weapons of Power are jealously guarded and only passed down among family. He’s not content with his lot; as a Januarian, someone living in District January, he should be living the good life just like everyone else. Food, parties, food, entertainment, and food are the minimum requirement. As an orphan, specifically a reviled Leap, there’s not even a chance of being treated as a human.
When a celestial event pours time magic into his field, coalescing into a lost Weapon of Power, Grant leaps at the opportunity to advance beyond even the scope of standard cultivation. At the first touch of the weapon, the orphan gains everything he’s ever wanted: a Sword and a Name. Also, a pesky mandatory quest with his life as the price of failure. It doesn’t take him long to realize that the best thing for him to do is to sell it and live on borrowed Time.
Yet, that would never happen. The blade offers him the first major choice he’s ever had to make: surrender to his desires… or live like a King.
Grant Leap is an orphaned, mortal farmhand in a world where cultivation methods and Weapons of Power are jealously guarded and only passed down among family. He’s not content with his lot; as a Januarian, someone living in District January, he should be living the good life just like everyone else. Food, parties, food, entertainment, and food are the minimum requirement. As an orphan, specifically a reviled Leap, there’s not even a chance of being treated as a human.
When a celestial event pours time magic into his field, coalescing into a lost Weapon of Power, Grant leaps at the opportunity to advance beyond even the scope of standard cultivation. At the first touch of the weapon, the orphan gains everything he’s ever wanted: a Sword and a Name. Also, a pesky mandatory quest with his life as the price of failure. It doesn’t take him long to realize that the best thing for him to do is to sell it and live on borrowed Time.
Yet, that would never happen. The blade offers him the first major choice he’s ever had to make: surrender to his desires… or live like a King.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2022
About the author
Dakota Krout
88 books2,907 followersAuthor of the best-selling Divine Dungeon, Completionist Chronicles, and Full Murderhobo series, Dakota Krout was chosen as Audible's top 5 fantasy pick of 2017, has been a top 5 bestseller on Amazon, and a top 6 bestseller on Audible.
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 5, 2022
Okay, fat-asses! Here's your LitRPG coming to get you into shape! It's time to WORK OUT even though all those other cultivators are just stuffing face in your face.
Have you got a cursed intelligent sword Drill-Seargenting you into shape? No? Well, now you do! Hut, hut, hut...
Honestly, I've never been tortured so humorously. And the fact that this is a bonafide LitRPG that doubles as a satire for other LitRPGs just makes this a special kind of specialized fun.
It's light, weird, and funny. I'm not complaining. :)
Have you got a cursed intelligent sword Drill-Seargenting you into shape? No? Well, now you do! Hut, hut, hut...
Honestly, I've never been tortured so humorously. And the fact that this is a bonafide LitRPG that doubles as a satire for other LitRPGs just makes this a special kind of specialized fun.
It's light, weird, and funny. I'm not complaining. :)
January 16, 2022
Annoying
This book is obviously meant to be a parody of litrpg and for the most part, the author does a good job with the writing.
My issue with this book is the nativity (mostly stupidity) of the MC. I generally dislike books with stupid MCs, but I absolutely LOATHE books with stupid MC’s with no consequences for their actions. This book is just such a book. He blurts out personal, world ending secrets, all the time, to people he just met. Like am I supposed to be rooting for a dumbass???
This book is obviously meant to be a parody of litrpg and for the most part, the author does a good job with the writing.
My issue with this book is the nativity (mostly stupidity) of the MC. I generally dislike books with stupid MCs, but I absolutely LOATHE books with stupid MC’s with no consequences for their actions. This book is just such a book. He blurts out personal, world ending secrets, all the time, to people he just met. Like am I supposed to be rooting for a dumbass???
January 14, 2022
Not worth your time
This is just not a very good book. MC is persecuted for being born on a leap day, apparently in the land he lives being grossly obese is a sign of status, and everyone is just a silly cartoon character.
I guess you could read this if you were hoping for a laugh but it isn't really funny just ridiculous.
This is just not a very good book. MC is persecuted for being born on a leap day, apparently in the land he lives being grossly obese is a sign of status, and everyone is just a silly cartoon character.
I guess you could read this if you were hoping for a laugh but it isn't really funny just ridiculous.
January 31, 2022
This has got to be the dumbest book DK has ever written. The MC is introduced as your classic underdog who is treated badly. So far so good, now We expect to read about his struggle. You could not be more wrong. There is No struggle.. The MC must have infinite luck stat. He just walks along and stumbls into not one but two legendary Items/quests on the same Day. He is fact so Lucky, that his enemy, a master swordsman, impales himself on his sword - for no reason. No reason what so ever is given, this just hapoens ss he is standing there with the sword. This dumb as @uck book continues in the vein. Do not read this garbage
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2022
Publishing Date: 2022
Genre: LitRPG
Rating: 4.2
Review: I like everything this author writes which leaves me with not a lot to say.
Grant Leap is the lowest of the low, which makes sense as the only place to go is up, unless he fails in a quest that drops him to less than zero…dead.
The world building building is good and has innumerable ways in which to expand as Grant moves through kingdoms. The characters are many with care given to each individual build.
The only reason this failed a full 5 star rating were the numerous grammatical and continuity errors throughout. Really, care should be given when editing a work prior to publishing. All Dakota needs to do is put together some Beta reads or hire a better editor. Heck, I would do it for free.
This should be a fun series.
Genre: LitRPG
Rating: 4.2
Review: I like everything this author writes which leaves me with not a lot to say.
Grant Leap is the lowest of the low, which makes sense as the only place to go is up, unless he fails in a quest that drops him to less than zero…dead.
The world building building is good and has innumerable ways in which to expand as Grant moves through kingdoms. The characters are many with care given to each individual build.
The only reason this failed a full 5 star rating were the numerous grammatical and continuity errors throughout. Really, care should be given when editing a work prior to publishing. All Dakota needs to do is put together some Beta reads or hire a better editor. Heck, I would do it for free.
This should be a fun series.
February 16, 2022
This was a decant read that by having a few annoying, frustrating and confusing things was not bad.
But..
Everything in this book is too many too long and frustrating especially when coming from author, who hasn't finished offer series doing not even close seems before seemingly abandoned for this series so don't be surprised if stops before finishes series..
Cultivating in this book is hard to follow mean one time it's numbers next it's a season for same thing, so on just seems unnecessarily complicated. I mean better ifer show them as numbers or seasons not suddenly change as way is makes impossible know what they are or follow them which found very frustrating.
Also mc is an ideat and constantly not just killing his enemy's got very annoying fast some could understand but most was stupid, and telling his secrets to offers very stupid indeed. (Don't use welp is lazy bad grammar and sounds bad.)
But having said that I did enjoy the book for the most part so hoping book 2 is good.
But..
Everything in this book is too many too long and frustrating especially when coming from author, who hasn't finished offer series doing not even close seems before seemingly abandoned for this series so don't be surprised if stops before finishes series..
Cultivating in this book is hard to follow mean one time it's numbers next it's a season for same thing, so on just seems unnecessarily complicated. I mean better ifer show them as numbers or seasons not suddenly change as way is makes impossible know what they are or follow them which found very frustrating.
Also mc is an ideat and constantly not just killing his enemy's got very annoying fast some could understand but most was stupid, and telling his secrets to offers very stupid indeed. (Don't use welp is lazy bad grammar and sounds bad.)
But having said that I did enjoy the book for the most part so hoping book 2 is good.
January 13, 2022
if I was in January this book is my feast
I devoured this book like it was second breakfast. This is an interesting take and I can’t wait to hear more of grants tale. I really wish I could get sarge in my life. Great job Dakota! I look forward to the rest of the year
I devoured this book like it was second breakfast. This is an interesting take and I can’t wait to hear more of grants tale. I really wish I could get sarge in my life. Great job Dakota! I look forward to the rest of the year
January 17, 2022
good
The book was enjoyable and not bad. But the fan service (in the odd geeky sense, not sexual) and the overly convenient plot twist were not great additions. It’s still probably worth reading for most people, but far from his better work like the divine dungeon series.
The book was enjoyable and not bad. But the fan service (in the odd geeky sense, not sexual) and the overly convenient plot twist were not great additions. It’s still probably worth reading for most people, but far from his better work like the divine dungeon series.
March 7, 2022
A pseudo cultivation gamelit novel, light and does not take anything seriously.
If you're looking for a serious novel or a cultivation novel you'd best look elsewhere, if you're looking for light (and perhaps slight) entertainment you might enjoy this book.
If you're looking for a serious novel or a cultivation novel you'd best look elsewhere, if you're looking for light (and perhaps slight) entertainment you might enjoy this book.
January 13, 2022
A solid first book
Started out a little slow but the pace picked up quickly. Grants a interesting character for sure. Excited to see where his journey goes and what happens in February.
Started out a little slow but the pace picked up quickly. Grants a interesting character for sure. Excited to see where his journey goes and what happens in February.
January 13, 2022
another great start
Another great start of a series and it’s written by an exceptionally talented author. Can’t wait for the next one
Another great start of a series and it’s written by an exceptionally talented author. Can’t wait for the next one
April 27, 2024
Not sure if LitRPG’s are my thing. This one wasn’t for me, but it did have its moments. Even if the dialogue made my skin crawl a few too many times.
January 14, 2022
Typical cultivation tropes. MC is relegated to a lower caste for reasons completely outside of his control, yet somehow nobody in town has anything better to do other than chase him down and terrorize him. He snivels, they harass, insult, bully and cheat. Unlike other cultivation novels, however, the MC'S lower status serves no societal purpose as the group of people born on leap-day is far too small to meaningfully improve anyone's quality of life. Legally, a 4 year old child, yet also legally sub-human, below even a leper, grant is a metaphor for the annoying stupidity of cultivation novels to the point of satire. Fortunately, salvation is close at hand as his fortune changes through an unlikely event that leaves him as the head of a noble house that doesn't exist with special rights that also don't exist, but hey, the system is the system. Oh, and there's a quest! Save the world in a set amount of time or die.
January 31, 2022
Okay, I got to chapter ten and just quit.
This is taking a gimmick and riding it for all it's worth. And then once it has ridden it to death, it just keeps going. Add in a pathetic, foolish, useless main character and here we are. At no point was my interest peaked. Given the shear amount you despise ALL the characters, I have no idea what tone this book was trying to achieve. All I know was I just did not care enough to try to find out.
This is taking a gimmick and riding it for all it's worth. And then once it has ridden it to death, it just keeps going. Add in a pathetic, foolish, useless main character and here we are. At no point was my interest peaked. Given the shear amount you despise ALL the characters, I have no idea what tone this book was trying to achieve. All I know was I just did not care enough to try to find out.
February 12, 2022
This book has a very interesting world setup, and it is one that I look forward to reading more about. The MC, Grant Monday nee Leap is a naive MC, who often gets himself into trouble by speaking before he thinks, but he also has a good view of the world, despite having been abused for the first 19 years of his life. He also tends to be incredibly lucky at certain times, which I have seen some reviews complain about - but, honestly, what MC doesn't benefit from some instances of deus ex machina in their stories? The number of lucky instances didn't seem out of place to me, making sense in most situations given the larger world at play.
For those who have heard that this book is full of fat-shaming, I would like to say that it is not. Yes, every character in District January is obese, most of them morbidly so, such that Grant, who is stated at having only 35% body fat, is considered thin and therefore sick and a beggar. However, it is important to consider this in the larger context of the world. District January used to be the provider of sugar and grains for the rest of the world - all twelve districts. However, after the barriers between the districts were erected 999 years ago, they were only allowed to provide those goods to Districts February and March. Thus, they suddenly had a huge surplus. Over the course of the years, and under the guidance of Lord January, they shifted to a culture of overeating and indulgence, which led to everyone being overweight. As in medieval times, those with more money could afford more food, and so they were naturally heavier than those who were poorer. Grant Leap, as the poorest of the poor, is unable to afford much food - by their standards - and is thus considered thin by their standards. And, yes, while he trains and becomes healthier, he does begin to look upon the behaviors of other Januarians engorging themselves on food with disgust, he does not blame them for it because he understands that they don't know any different.
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading more in the series. The reason I deducted a star from my rating was that there were several instances where typos took me out of the fantasy. There weren't a lot of them, probably less than a dozen that broke the fantasy for me, but several of them were egregious and should have been caught in editing (e.g., a conversation between two people and the wrong name being used or having two different spellings for one character's name).
For those who have heard that this book is full of fat-shaming, I would like to say that it is not. Yes, every character in District January is obese, most of them morbidly so, such that Grant, who is stated at having only 35% body fat, is considered thin and therefore sick and a beggar. However, it is important to consider this in the larger context of the world. District January used to be the provider of sugar and grains for the rest of the world - all twelve districts. However, after the barriers between the districts were erected 999 years ago, they were only allowed to provide those goods to Districts February and March. Thus, they suddenly had a huge surplus. Over the course of the years, and under the guidance of Lord January, they shifted to a culture of overeating and indulgence, which led to everyone being overweight. As in medieval times, those with more money could afford more food, and so they were naturally heavier than those who were poorer. Grant Leap, as the poorest of the poor, is unable to afford much food - by their standards - and is thus considered thin by their standards. And, yes, while he trains and becomes healthier, he does begin to look upon the behaviors of other Januarians engorging themselves on food with disgust, he does not blame them for it because he understands that they don't know any different.
I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading more in the series. The reason I deducted a star from my rating was that there were several instances where typos took me out of the fantasy. There weren't a lot of them, probably less than a dozen that broke the fantasy for me, but several of them were egregious and should have been caught in editing (e.g., a conversation between two people and the wrong name being used or having two different spellings for one character's name).
March 15, 2026
Too samey, humors gets annoying fast.
This is a review of the series, not just book 1.
The writing is good, some of the characters could've been interesting if it weren't for the series' biggest issue...
The humor is basically: we take a cliché, we turn it up to 200 and we run with it for the entire book. The next book gets a new cliché. Book 1's cliché is: fat people. They love food, they hate exercise and everybody is comically fat. That's pretty much it.
The concept of days/months is an interesting and new concept, which I appreciate. I don't appreciate that it all ties back into the same old cliché again: January means fat, February means *insert cliché* and so on.
The main character is also a cliché: he's the dumb oaf who fails at everything. I mean, in the end he usually kind of sort of wins through sheer luck (? not really though), but in the process he usually takes the dumbest, most annoying path one can come up with and fails at most things he tries. Sometimes he succeeds only for there to be a reveal: everything he did was set into motion by a dumb *HILARIOUS* mistake the protagonist made earlier and in the end he fails again only to be saved by sheer luck to achieve a pyrrhipc kind-of-victory.
It wouldn't be so bad if half of every novel didn't consist of the character being: kidnapped, defeated, robbed, defeated again, kidnapped again, knocked unconscious from behind, kidnapped yet again, oh: and did I forget kidnapped and robbed? It happens comically often and he barely cares. He gets robbed and almost killed? He's certainly not going to try to get revenge or take his belongings back: he'll just forget about it only to be kidnapped/ambushed again by somebody else.
If at least there were some sort of growth to the main character, other than his combat abilities (which he only uses as a last resort anyways, preferring to be robbed/kidnapped [see earlier point]) - but he really just stays the same: somewhat dumb, kind of incompetent, not very nuanced or interesting or even nice for the most part. Usually he says something dumb, everybody hates him, rinse and repeat.
Oh, and: protagonist is fat but doesn't consider himself fat. Haha, funny. I guess it's not really my kind of humor. I was under the misguided impression that the series would eventually evolve from this and make the character progress from being a laughingstock, but no such luck.
This is a review of the series, not just book 1.
The writing is good, some of the characters could've been interesting if it weren't for the series' biggest issue...
The humor is basically: we take a cliché, we turn it up to 200 and we run with it for the entire book. The next book gets a new cliché. Book 1's cliché is: fat people. They love food, they hate exercise and everybody is comically fat. That's pretty much it.
The concept of days/months is an interesting and new concept, which I appreciate. I don't appreciate that it all ties back into the same old cliché again: January means fat, February means *insert cliché* and so on.
The main character is also a cliché: he's the dumb oaf who fails at everything. I mean, in the end he usually kind of sort of wins through sheer luck (? not really though), but in the process he usually takes the dumbest, most annoying path one can come up with and fails at most things he tries. Sometimes he succeeds only for there to be a reveal: everything he did was set into motion by a dumb *HILARIOUS* mistake the protagonist made earlier and in the end he fails again only to be saved by sheer luck to achieve a pyrrhipc kind-of-victory.
It wouldn't be so bad if half of every novel didn't consist of the character being: kidnapped, defeated, robbed, defeated again, kidnapped again, knocked unconscious from behind, kidnapped yet again, oh: and did I forget kidnapped and robbed? It happens comically often and he barely cares. He gets robbed and almost killed? He's certainly not going to try to get revenge or take his belongings back: he'll just forget about it only to be kidnapped/ambushed again by somebody else.
If at least there were some sort of growth to the main character, other than his combat abilities (which he only uses as a last resort anyways, preferring to be robbed/kidnapped [see earlier point]) - but he really just stays the same: somewhat dumb, kind of incompetent, not very nuanced or interesting or even nice for the most part. Usually he says something dumb, everybody hates him, rinse and repeat.
Oh, and: protagonist is fat but doesn't consider himself fat. Haha, funny. I guess it's not really my kind of humor. I was under the misguided impression that the series would eventually evolve from this and make the character progress from being a laughingstock, but no such luck.
February 11, 2024
Lord January (Year of the Sword #1) by Dakota Krout:
Lord January, the first installment in Dakota Krout's Year of the Sword series, transports readers to a captivating world of magic, intrigue, and adventure. With this novel, Krout showcases his skill as a master storyteller, weaving a rich tapestry of characters, plot twists, and epic battles that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Krout's writing style is engaging and immersive, with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters that bring the world of Lord January to life.
In this novel, readers follow the journey of the protagonist as they navigate the dangerous streets of the city of January, where magic and politics intertwine in a deadly game of power and betrayal. As the protagonist uncovers secrets and confronts adversaries, they must rely on their wits and strength to survive in a world where danger lurks around every corner.
The world-building in this installment is exceptional, with Krout crafting a detailed and immersive setting that feels both familiar and unique.
Moreover, the character development in Lord January is outstanding, with the protagonist undergoing a profound transformation as they face adversity and overcome challenges. The relationships between characters are nuanced and dynamic, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Lord January (Year of the Sword #1) is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy, offering a captivating blend of action, intrigue, and adventure. With its gripping narrative, well-rounded characters, and immersive world-building, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.
April 1, 2022
Book: 3.5 stars. Series: 3.5 stars. Bumped to 4 for each book introducing a fresh culture.
I like Dakota Krout because his writing is aware that there is something inherently absurd about the litRPG sub-genre. I wouldn't call any of his books technically comedies but they have no fear of leaning into the ridiculous when they feel like it.
Grant Leap lives in what I will call Calendar World which has been fractured into 12 distinct colonies ruled by the lords of the months. Grant was born on leap year day, which puts him among a despised minority. Fabulous secret powers were revealed to him the day he held aloft his magic sword (tee-hee) but also a quest requiring him to defeat all twelve lords of the months within a years time or die.
All of the lords have put their unique stamp on their domains so every book promises to have a new culture. So far we have societies obsessed with eating (Jan), physical fitness (Feb), and games of chance (Mar).
Grant is the rare litRPG hero who sincerely doesn't like killing, and the world magic supports that by giving experience rewards for defeating enemies which doesn't mandate killing them. That being said, there's still a whole lotta killing going on.
This series appears to be deliberately written a bit more simplistically than his other works, so be prepared with a "YA" mindset when starting it.
I like Dakota Krout because his writing is aware that there is something inherently absurd about the litRPG sub-genre. I wouldn't call any of his books technically comedies but they have no fear of leaning into the ridiculous when they feel like it.
Grant Leap lives in what I will call Calendar World which has been fractured into 12 distinct colonies ruled by the lords of the months. Grant was born on leap year day, which puts him among a despised minority. Fabulous secret powers were revealed to him the day he held aloft his magic sword (tee-hee) but also a quest requiring him to defeat all twelve lords of the months within a years time or die.
All of the lords have put their unique stamp on their domains so every book promises to have a new culture. So far we have societies obsessed with eating (Jan), physical fitness (Feb), and games of chance (Mar).
Grant is the rare litRPG hero who sincerely doesn't like killing, and the world magic supports that by giving experience rewards for defeating enemies which doesn't mandate killing them. That being said, there's still a whole lotta killing going on.
This series appears to be deliberately written a bit more simplistically than his other works, so be prepared with a "YA" mindset when starting it.
January 23, 2022
I wonder if a book will be released each month, and the title will correspond to the month it;s released in. I see book two is being released in February, and has February in the name...
I see this book follows the Eastern standard with people treating you like trash when you can't cultivate... But I wonder, with Krout's fixation on PG-13 content, if the protagonist will show his tormentors the error of their ways (I highly doubt it).
The book seemed to be about a society where the more food (and thus more fat you are) the more powerful / desirable you will be perceived (like some countries of old).
This book is just off. It feels too much like a young adult or kiddie book. Krout knows that his audience are adults, yet he writes these books that have levels of humor that nine year olds can get, and poor decision making protagonists.
I found myself doing things other than reading. I will force myself through this book, and drop the series.
This is a torture to read.
I'm done this wasn't for me at all.
I won't be reading the sequel, or any other book in this series.
1.5/5 Stars
I see this book follows the Eastern standard with people treating you like trash when you can't cultivate... But I wonder, with Krout's fixation on PG-13 content, if the protagonist will show his tormentors the error of their ways (I highly doubt it).
The book seemed to be about a society where the more food (and thus more fat you are) the more powerful / desirable you will be perceived (like some countries of old).
This book is just off. It feels too much like a young adult or kiddie book. Krout knows that his audience are adults, yet he writes these books that have levels of humor that nine year olds can get, and poor decision making protagonists.
I found myself doing things other than reading. I will force myself through this book, and drop the series.
This is a torture to read.
I'm done this wasn't for me at all.
I won't be reading the sequel, or any other book in this series.
1.5/5 Stars
January 26, 2022
The book starts strong and hits the classical genre tropes - an underdog stumbles across a mysterious artefact that gives him power and puts him on a quest. This is standard since the legend of King Arthur :-)
The world and setting is also quite interesting, even fresh, and with Sarge there's the comical relieve character that also explains the world.
But somehow the novel doesn't get together well. There are a couple holes in the story that are weird and hard to process ().
What puts me off the most though is the lack of anyone to like or identify with. The society of district January is cruel, fat and mean. They put weapons and fighting first but then nobody knows how to fight or trains. The different houses don't mean anything. The protagonist is dumb and transforms from a snotbread eater to an invincible killing machine within weeks.
I don't regret reading this book, and let's see what the next parts of the series bring.
The world and setting is also quite interesting, even fresh, and with Sarge there's the comical relieve character that also explains the world.
But somehow the novel doesn't get together well. There are a couple holes in the story that are weird and hard to process ().
What puts me off the most though is the lack of anyone to like or identify with. The society of district January is cruel, fat and mean. They put weapons and fighting first but then nobody knows how to fight or trains. The different houses don't mean anything. The protagonist is dumb and transforms from a snotbread eater to an invincible killing machine within weeks.
I don't regret reading this book, and let's see what the next parts of the series bring.
April 16, 2022
*Audiobook review* Basically, I asked for my money back.
Dakota Krout is losing his edge and I am not just talking about the book "Year of the sword". However, his new series is a confirmation that he has lost his spark. Lord January, has issues with plot, setting, character development etc. This is mainly due the author's inability in explaining the world he has created. Which, in my opinion was annoying as it was based on TIME. Currency, surname, powers etc are all based on days, weeks, months, year, hours, minuet etc. While unique, it became annoying very quickly. The author does an amazing just in creating a main character that is dumb, weak willed, pathetic and apparently super lucky. The MC is also the villages' whipping boy. The amount of hate expressed on a character was just sad. Heck, if I lived in that world I wouldn't be surprised if the whole village decided hang the guy on the day he was born...all because he was born on a leap day. I think the author does a poor job as to explain WHY that is a bad thing. This series feels disjointed and ridiculous. A Really disappointment and if you really want to feel the cringe fact; then I recommend reading it.
Dakota Krout is losing his edge and I am not just talking about the book "Year of the sword". However, his new series is a confirmation that he has lost his spark. Lord January, has issues with plot, setting, character development etc. This is mainly due the author's inability in explaining the world he has created. Which, in my opinion was annoying as it was based on TIME. Currency, surname, powers etc are all based on days, weeks, months, year, hours, minuet etc. While unique, it became annoying very quickly. The author does an amazing just in creating a main character that is dumb, weak willed, pathetic and apparently super lucky. The MC is also the villages' whipping boy. The amount of hate expressed on a character was just sad. Heck, if I lived in that world I wouldn't be surprised if the whole village decided hang the guy on the day he was born...all because he was born on a leap day. I think the author does a poor job as to explain WHY that is a bad thing. This series feels disjointed and ridiculous. A Really disappointment and if you really want to feel the cringe fact; then I recommend reading it.
January 26, 2022
An absolutely unique and mind tweaking read.
If this would your first introduction to LitRPG/cultivation, I might recommend another book as your brain will already have enough difficulty coping with the idea that units of time are used for money and months are titled positions as well as the territories that they represent, and how unique dates may refer to weapons as well as titled position..
Confusing? Yes. Yet, somehow all of this just works!
In addition, it examines the idea of our vices. In January, the main vice is glutteny. As was once true for the royalty of England (according to legend), one's girth is the absolute way to prove one's wealth and social position. I fully expect each of the 12 kingdom to have its own vice. Perhaps they will follow the 7 deadly sins or maybe they will be paired opposites. We shall see where Dakota Krout takes us.
If this would your first introduction to LitRPG/cultivation, I might recommend another book as your brain will already have enough difficulty coping with the idea that units of time are used for money and months are titled positions as well as the territories that they represent, and how unique dates may refer to weapons as well as titled position..
Confusing? Yes. Yet, somehow all of this just works!
In addition, it examines the idea of our vices. In January, the main vice is glutteny. As was once true for the royalty of England (according to legend), one's girth is the absolute way to prove one's wealth and social position. I fully expect each of the 12 kingdom to have its own vice. Perhaps they will follow the 7 deadly sins or maybe they will be paired opposites. We shall see where Dakota Krout takes us.
January 12, 2022
At the beginning this book seems like a regular cultivation novel. Then comes the food. So much food. So much gluttony, obesity, excess... and that's just in the first 50 pages!
With a system based off of the calendar, it is easy to understand the structure and how things are organized in this world. It is still very approachable for anyone new to LitRPG, but also fun and fresh for any established fan.
As an aside, the gluttony is not a positive thing, but a widespread ailment in this first book. It's more a commentary on complacency and control of the masses than any type of body image diatribe.
If you like snarky swords, dissing turkey bacon, and cultivation, then read this book.
I devoured it in two days.
With a system based off of the calendar, it is easy to understand the structure and how things are organized in this world. It is still very approachable for anyone new to LitRPG, but also fun and fresh for any established fan.
As an aside, the gluttony is not a positive thing, but a widespread ailment in this first book. It's more a commentary on complacency and control of the masses than any type of body image diatribe.
If you like snarky swords, dissing turkey bacon, and cultivation, then read this book.
I devoured it in two days.
May 22, 2022
2 1/2 stars. It got caught in the story right from the start. The main character is a bit naïve and rough around the edges but usually has good intent. There's action and the character has a hard time giving up good food, particularly when everyone else is eating and there is peer pressure, and to exercise enough (many of us have experienced that). I like that the character doesn't just power through everything. It's a struggle within himself as well as external factors.
But when he gets to a certain point and it seems like maybe he has a stepping stone to where he wants to be, I found the book floundered a bit. It seems repetitive and the obstacles are just to fill in some time. In the end it does pick up some.
A good start, just tapered off a bit.
But when he gets to a certain point and it seems like maybe he has a stepping stone to where he wants to be, I found the book floundered a bit. It seems repetitive and the obstacles are just to fill in some time. In the end it does pick up some.
A good start, just tapered off a bit.
January 15, 2022
Grant is a servant of the lowest levels. Literally. He is actually level 0. He is mistreated by pretty much everyone. After a particularly horrible New Years party, Grant finds a sword. Not just any sword, this is a wielded weapon that gives him an epic level quest. He has one year to complete an endgame quest, or else.
This is a brand new 12 part series. One book for each district (month). It does not appear to be connected with Dakota’s other books. It still has his fun sense of humor and adventure. It has a great idea with everything being based on time. I have already preordered Lady February! Travis Baldree does an amazing job as always!
Content warning: none
This is a brand new 12 part series. One book for each district (month). It does not appear to be connected with Dakota’s other books. It still has his fun sense of humor and adventure. It has a great idea with everything being based on time. I have already preordered Lady February! Travis Baldree does an amazing job as always!
Content warning: none
January 18, 2022
More fun "lit RPG" material - promised to appear in 12 books, one for each month. In this first book the main character goes from being a lowly serf to someone who can defeat some of the best fighters in his area by skill and craft.
The world in which this character finds themselves is very strange - everyone is focused on eating as much as possible. And they are all huge as a result. The "fighters" are often so tired after swinging their weapons a few times.
I'm somewhat concerned that by the time he makes it to book 12, the main character will have to be the equivalent of a god, assuming the power progression from the evidence of this one book.
The world in which this character finds themselves is very strange - everyone is focused on eating as much as possible. And they are all huge as a result. The "fighters" are often so tired after swinging their weapons a few times.
I'm somewhat concerned that by the time he makes it to book 12, the main character will have to be the equivalent of a god, assuming the power progression from the evidence of this one book.
February 13, 2022
WE GET IT, YOU HATE FAT PEOPLE.
An otherwise unremarkable litRPG with a fairly silly calendar-based system premise. The usual puns and pop culture references worked in.
This would ordinarily be a humdrum 3 star review, but the author spends the entire book painting every single character that isn't the protagonist as a disgusting glutton. I mean almost literally every character, by the way.
The author's portrayal is a neverending one of equating obesity to greed and moral failure. When it doesn't feel hateful, it feels fetishistic.
We get it, Dakota, you hate fat people. Badly enough to write a whole book about it.
An otherwise unremarkable litRPG with a fairly silly calendar-based system premise. The usual puns and pop culture references worked in.
This would ordinarily be a humdrum 3 star review, but the author spends the entire book painting every single character that isn't the protagonist as a disgusting glutton. I mean almost literally every character, by the way.
The author's portrayal is a neverending one of equating obesity to greed and moral failure. When it doesn't feel hateful, it feels fetishistic.
We get it, Dakota, you hate fat people. Badly enough to write a whole book about it.
February 20, 2022
This has to be the weirdest LitRPG book I've ever read. I'm really not sure how to explain this one, other than it's strange enough, that despite it's way out there subject matter, I still want to read the next one in the series, just to see what kind of nonsense comes out of it. This book is nuts. If you're a fan of the cultivation LitRPG books, this one might be in your genre, but it sure won't be like any other cultivation book you've ever read. For those who don't typically care for cultivation stories, you may want to forget all that and give this story a read, I'm sure you'll be completely flabergasted if nothing else.
January 16, 2022
not what I was expecting
As always, captivating writing style and spot on editing. Par for the author. Also, a very unusual take on the cultivation.
Honestly, I had this at 3 stars when I started writing this review. Simply because I’m not sure if I’ll stick with this series. I changed it to 4 stars because I want to support innovating plots & stories. I felt this story did that. It kept me coming back even though I wasn’t really interested in the conclusion. That feat deserves an extra star.
As always, captivating writing style and spot on editing. Par for the author. Also, a very unusual take on the cultivation.
Honestly, I had this at 3 stars when I started writing this review. Simply because I’m not sure if I’ll stick with this series. I changed it to 4 stars because I want to support innovating plots & stories. I felt this story did that. It kept me coming back even though I wasn’t really interested in the conclusion. That feat deserves an extra star.
January 14, 2022
The story is basically my 600 pound life meets a cultivation story of a simpleton MC that does not grow or listen and has a epic load of author plot armor, The world is super small because the author described the capital that was pitiful in numbers of people. Most small towns in America would dwarf it is size. This is not a Litrpg, sure you have stats but the MC can't allocate any points, it's just there, might as well not even list anything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews