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Ryan

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Myriad Revelations

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 21-12-24

tl;dr: Less slice-of-life, much world-building, plot lines resolved, character growth in spades, can’t wait for the next one.

Here’s how I rank the books in the series from best to least favourite: 3, 1, 2, 4.

While I rank this book least amongst the series so far, it’s packed full of fantastic world building and plot development.

What lost points for me is that the slice-of-life aspect took a step back; while I appreciate that the author wouldn’t want to repeat content, as that wouldn’t feel particularly satisfying, it felt like the author was rushing to fit in various plot points (which were great). I wanted to see certain side characters overcome their challenges in more detail.

That said, this book still has some solid character development, but I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll say no more about it.

With the new perspective that this book gives us, I’m excited to see where the series takes us next, especially as there’s at least one event that I’ve been eagerly anticipating for a while now!

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More than the sum of its parts

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 19-12-24

Between the contradictory statements being uttered back to back, the false modesty the storyteller slathers over the explanations of Jack’s prowess and the litany of variations of the phrase ‘Jack is an unrivalled genius’, it’s fair to say that the writing quality isn’t very good.

The side characters also behave like they’re only there to support Jack, which leads a bunch of things to be resolved cheaply.

The author also writes children like he’s never met a real one…

And yet, despite all of that, I really enjoy this series; it really is more than the sum of its parts!

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Hot damn!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-12-24

An amazing entry, maybe the best yet! Can’t believe where it ended, but I shouldn’t be greedy, it already contains SO MUCH!

You did such a good job! Looking forward to the next one, but please, take the time to rest so that you don’t burn out 🙂

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Classic adventures with on the job training

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 29-11-24

Firstly, Andrea did a FANTASTIC job with the narration; as always, she truly brings the characters to life!

This book sees a nice blend of character interactions that reminds you that there’s a whole world going on outside of the main story beats.

There are a bunch of varied fights and a lot of training. I often get combat fatigue in stories like this but the author manages to keep it feeling fresh by showcasing new features and not labouring over the minutiae.

I think this is aided by breaking the violence up into smaller chunks and interspersing them with training and quips.

This book wasn’t as weighed down with emotional baggage as previous instalments, instead getting on with some solid adventuring. Most likely leaving us primed for having our hearts ripped out at some later date…

Lots of answers to older questions in this book too.

So yeah… why are you still reading this, start reading the book already!

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Fun story, but an inexperienced piece

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-09-24

The story has lots of fun elements, with interesting world building, mechanics and environments, but the main character is clearly an author insert, with the MC being a weabu (a kind of Japanaphile), IT nerd with a “cuddle friend” who struggles with a deep rage that he thought he’d left behind.

Very minor spoiler from the first couple of chapters: he then meets another weabu, who’s hot and maybe into him.

While the “weabu for whom everybody clapped” aspect can range from overly self indulgent to cringey, it’s not the worst example in the genre. What is unfortunate is that the dialogue feels too artificial. I just don’t feel like these are conversations between human beings.

There are numerous instances where characters just go along with things for no other reason than the plot needs it to.

Not to mention the places where characters don’t seem to be concerned with their own mental anguish, and are instead super concerned and understanding of the MC’s mental state.

With all that said, I’m an armchair reviewer who couldn’t write a book as good as this one, and at the end of the day, it was enjoyable enough that if there’s a sequel and it comes with my audible membership, I’ll give that a go too.

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Beware of Fishing

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 28-08-24

Light & wholesome without ignoring the grim realities. Solid plot progression with some great additions to the cast.

As always, the narration was flawless!

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Gripping!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 23-08-24

A wonderful sequel! The plot complexity is balanced just right, the world building and lore drops are made organically, leaving you eager for more.

The pacing is masterful, following action and tension with more relaxed scenes; the lows allowing you to appreciate the highs.

The character development is spot on.

I think this series is my favourite of Jim’s works!

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A spellmonger’s work is never done

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 14-08-24

A great entry to the series, packed full of politics, mentoring, world building, danger, subterfuge and events with far reaching consequences.

I’ve no idea when the series will end, but I’m glad it won’t be soon!

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Amazing, seriously, so good

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-08-24

Picks up right where we left off and it does not let up. Seriously, so many cool things happen in this one. It’s tense, emotional, funny and it just keeps keeping things fresh.

So yeah… go for it.

Thankfully I’m not gasping for the next one like a man who can’t pay the water barons. It’s actually refreshing. I’m definitely reading it day one though.

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The story is still great, but it didn’t feel ready to end

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-08-24

If you liked the previous entries, you’ll have a great time with this one, but the ending feels mostly like setup for the next one.

I guess this is unavoidable when adapting from an episodic release model.

I’m looking forwards to the next instalment!

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