Tabula Rasa by Paul L. Centeno -- Starting April 24th 2025

[Jenn]

In the far reaches of the future, where the once-majestic godlands are withering and the planet’s life force is being snuffed out, a tale of redemption and resilience unfolds. Meet antihero Ordulis Cavo, a convict shackled by the weight of war crimes beyond treason. As the world faces peril from a power-hungry sorceress seeking Anima—an arcane energy of unimaginable potential—enigmatic forces call upon Cavo to thwart her. With his motley crew of heroes, Cavo’s journey is more than a fight against external evils; it’s a voyage inward, challenging his own nature and the dark history that binds him. Every choice has the power to alter the course of existence, where even a villain might just be a hero in disguise. But evil begets evil. Can the convict rewrite his destiny, or is he fated to be the instrument of ultimate destruction?

[Dannii]

I listened to the audio for this but have been away from my computer for the past few days so updating all my thoughts now :) Not a new fave but I really had a good time with this storyline.

[Dannii]

This audio narration is one of the best I've ever listened to! I really love the voices and sound effects used. It's really aiding in immersing me.

[Dannii]

Ordulis was (view spoiler)[such an incredible character and I really loved his growth, throughout this. I knew he wasn't just a thug and a guilty convict but a character to love going through his own trials. His tough demeanour softened throughout the course of this and I loved his interactions with those he came across. He swore and had such a dry humour, which felt so at odds in his new surroundings but really worked here. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

It might have just been AI but (view spoiler)[the flying entity he couldn't be apart from (I listened to this via audio so forget the name) was so subtly funny. I loved the interactions between it and Ordulis as they softened fought but I could sense a love there. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

I really loved exploring the land but (view spoiler)[as we ventured further into it the rules made less and less sense to me. I kinda had to just get borne along on the story and stop questioning parts of it to truly enjoy it all. Restoring the lands and saving them from evil is such a classic fantasy concept so it was really fun seeing it play out with more sci-fi elements, however. (hide spoiler)]