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Elliott

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Decided to take a try…

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

Reviewed: 08-22-23

I liked the cover—always a sucker for isekai and giant world spanning trees, the cool-gadgety-arm, and the general vibe. Then I dove in…

And wow. VERY happy I did. No spoiler review.

STORY: It’s a story about a young man who has a mysterious past who falls through a portal and lands into a medieval rolling green hills fantasy world on steroids… like giant spiders eating six-foot-tall bunnies kind of steroids. Which was fun, and had a bunch of diff mons

+The premise (no spoiler) was about Dren having to climb a giant world-spanning tree to get more power to stop a big bad guy. It’s a trio, and they

+I like the isekai bit

+I loved the ‘gods’ and showing the greater battle at stake. The evil didn’t feel bland—I was conflicted for Marcus’ (the true bad guys) character especially when I listened to his POV’s. I have a feeling I know where’s it’s going… (Msg me if you have an ideas)

-I wish I had another 3-4 hours so I could have gotten them in a certain section, but still…

+It left me excited for more, and was no cliff hanger like most ones lately.


CHARACTERS: This leads me to characters. Most LitRPGS are super fun, but have a fair amount of flat 1-dimensional characters, especially for a book 1 (even some of my favorite series). Or very cool characters that take a longggg time to develop (not naming names). Dren off the bat was oozing character, from his dialogue to his take-action personality. He’s clever and quirky without being obnoxious. Kara was the only one I wished to see a little more out of… but her power, and how she brings the other two together made her really likable. Vox was too quiet at times, but I like his crafting abilities, his connection to Alice, and I see a cool arc coming with him.

++Stand outs, FAVORITE: Max is awesome. I love the concept of a ‘faulty AI’ guiding the MC.

+Honorable mention: Dren and Alice.

MAGIC: Unique system, with channels, and a ‘sparkwell’ for depth. Elemental as well, which I like, including elements of Flesh and Metal which aren’t seen much. Pretty positive it’s blending in with the other series that Matthew wrote and I enjoyed (but seems pretty different at times too—maybe a precursor?).

NARRATION: Uh, it’s Michael Kramer? What else need I say. I’m a Travis Baldree fan first, but Michael crushes it with this. His Max voice is stuck in my head. I feel like I can tell he had a lot of fun. I read in an interview after listening to this, that he said he was ‘in awe’ of the story. Which is high praise from MK who does Sanderson’s Stormlight Archives, and Wheel of Time.

And last but not least….

+1 for PANCAKES (lol @ the bloopers)

Anyway, I was hesitant since I’ve been burned before and am VERY picky on LitRPGS, and while this is a little shorter than I’d like, if this is book one? Then wow. It’s shaping out to be one of my favorite series yet… If you’re a fan of Cradle, Dungeon Crawl Carl, HWFWM, Ripple System, you’re going to love this. Don’t think, just dive in :) Trust me.

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8 people found this helpful

A return to Farhaven! A+ fantasy

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

Reviewed: 02-18-23

Full disclosure, I’m a Patreon of the saga but became a huge fan after reading the first book a few years ago this is combo of book 1 and 2 read by the amazing Tim Gerard Reynolds, plus a little sneak peak of a new title Matthew is soon to release titled “Skythief”. I got an advanced copy but also snagged one and just barreled through the pages. It’s been 2 years since I’ve read book 1 and 2, but it was a delight to return to Farhaven, explore the elemental cities, and follow along with all the twists and turns. I know the story well and love it, but 50+ hrs I found so many forgotten treasures, from side characters I’d forgotten, to laugh out loud moments, I found myself falling in love with Farhaven and our three intrepid main characters all over again. TL;DR: great story, loved the return to a grand magical world, lots of twists, 50+ hours of fantasy adventure, you can’t go wrong. Get your copy and return to Farhaven!

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9 people found this helpful

Ah-maz-ing, better than the last!

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

Reviewed: 01-20-22

I wasn’t sure what to expect with an author narrating… I also don’t always read fantasy. But I started listening to it on my break from work, and I literally couldn’t stop. So here we are, and now I’m writing a review. Little slow to start, but once he got into the real “trials” I was completely hooked. Fun story, very likable characters, as another reviewer said superb action, and lots of fun twists. Oh, and I always like some tongue and cheek humor here and there. Best part of my day so far, now unfortunately... back to work. Highly recommend to any fantasy fans who like "losing themselves" and coming up for air later. Enjoy!

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1 person found this helpful

Wow. Just wow.

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

Reviewed: 07-01-21

I listen to a lot of fantasy, but rarely take the time to review unless I’m annoyed, or blown away. I’ve enjoyed the rest of the Saga so far, but this one… I loved the character arcs so much. Ayva has been annoying me a little bit, but in this one, every character has their time to shine.

So Pros:

+ Characterization is so rich and layered. I love the arcs as I mentioned. Small spoiler: Helix and Darius have quickly become one of my favorite duos. They’re both quirky and charming in their own right. Both sort of “outcasts” mischief makers, yet both end up arguably doing some of the most noble acts of the book. I want more stories of these two together. Faye had a smaller part, but I liked her evolution.

Most standout character for - Mathelstan. For me it had to be the notorious thief-lord of water. His “shades” of gray were really interesting. If you’re looking for a book where you can loathe a character one moment, then respect, then admire, yet see his foibles—this is it.

ALSO NEW RONIN! (No spoilers)

+ Writing. This prose flows quickly. The chapters aren’t as chopped up as previous books. They each end on a crescendo.

+Plot - Not much to say, enjoyed the premise a lot. I see aa a lot of fantasies where they overcome all odds, but this was a nice mix of fighting impossible battles, and inspiring my “noble fantasy reader”, while having some grim and grittiness that made it real/believable.

+setting - loved the scenes in the city of water. The pirate battles, the salty city, the wharfs.

+ Less moody. Bastion I loved, but had some moody parts, this didn’t have any of that.

Cons:

⁃I felt a character sacrificed a lot more than she had to. (No spoilers) I wish a character could have not been duped. I see why she was, and why it’s in her persona, but still…
⁃I want more.

I can definitely see Matthew Wolf’s growth as an author in Tides of Fate. If you’re questioning getting it, don’t. If you even semi-enjoyed b1 2 or 3, this is a WHOLE new ball game. It will grip you and make you fan. It did for me. I can’t wait for the next in the Saga now. Truly one of my favorite series. I became a Patreon backer after this and got a glimpse to inside the next books, and it looks like there’s much more to come. Very excited.

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3 people found this helpful

Finally

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

Reviewed: 02-16-21

Matt Wolf brings the story of Kail and his ronin in a revealing prequel to Matt's epic Ronin saga. We finally get to met all the ronin and see a pivotal point in Kail's backstory.

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2 people found this helpful

Amazing!

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

Reviewed: 02-16-21

Visions was amazing, I loved learning about Rydel’s backstory and more about the Terma and the Hidden.  I’m also a sucker for training montages, and stoic bad*** warriors, so this kind of a soft spot for me.  Magic, dragons, elements, and a romance that both endearing and heart wrenching.  What a great addition to the Saga!

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1 person found this helpful

Loved the next installment!

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

Reviewed: 02-16-21

Ayva really comes into her own. And watching the Ronin interact and grow is one of my favorite parts of the series. I was crestfallen when the Ronin were pulled apart, Citadel of Fire left us on the precipice of something grand. Of the Ronin reforming,
but seeing Gray and Darius’ bond grow, Darius roguish charm and Grays honorable white knight side was really fun interaction. I got to see another side of Gray too with his demons of letting others down. The Algasi are cool, the Enchantress... so many fun things and Tim breathes such life into it. I felt ripped away at the end when it came to a halt, but I was okay with that. I hear book four is right around the corner, I can wait - a little bit!
Long story short:: HIGHLY recommend 5 stars, this series starts slower but builds up pace as it goes. Very character driven story. Easily becoming my top 5 alongside Brandon Sanderson, Rothfuss and the like. Oh ya, Faye is still my fav.

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Top marks

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

Reviewed: 01-08-21

That story was incredible. Twists and turns I was never expecting! I've read a ton of fantasy, and it surprised me with its elegance and surprise twists. So freakin cool. Miriam is someone I want to see more of. What a cool, surprising story. Wolf has done it again.

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1 person found this helpful

Fun, fast magical romp

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

Reviewed: 06-04-20

There are some books you read and you can’t put down, this one I couldn’t stop listening to.  I was up until the wee hours saying “Just one more chapter” in Gray, Ayva and Darius’ adventure.  I’ll admit, I enjoyed book one, The Knife’s Edge, but I devoured book two.  It’s 25 hours and I think I spent the last 25ish hours listening, however let’s get into the nitty gritty. So the goods and the bads run down:

Goods:
⁃Characters: So much more complexity to the characters. I had a few favorites, but if you enjoyed book one, but felt there were things a little flat, Gray, Ayva, Darius and company are much richer and their arcs felt truly rewarding watching them grow.
⁃Plot: Great pacing.  At times, rich and slow, slowly fleshing out the magic system, characters, world.  But then quick and plenty of action too.
⁃Humor: The story had some serious “laugh out loud” moments, and a plethora of times I gave a sharp exhale through my nose, especially when It came to Faye and her interaction with the others.  E.g. (SPOILER) When a certain character meets them in the inn of Maris’ Luck and her quips directed at Darius. It was one of my favorite scenes in a book ever.
⁃Twists: Some good ones.  Nothing crazy, but mostly every scene with Faye had me “expecting the unexpected” and still being thrown for a loop.
⁃Love the new Ronin, and love Faye.

Bads:
- Not many honestly.  Only one scene when (SPOILER) a character who I won’t say who dies, and I was a little bummed. I felt like, and wish I could have seen their demise.  Though for why that person had to die, I totally understood and it felt a good (if sad) balance to a triumphant final scene
⁃I also wish chapter one and chapter two were swapped.  Starting out with Zane was a little confusing, and I was wondering “Where’s my main character?” But it was a small thing and didn’t interrupt from the flow much.

Comments on other critiques:
- I like inventive curse words and made up places, like Darius’ “Dice” as a curse, its a fun flavor added to the world building for me and makes sense with his gambling nature
- One commenter said Gray is less powerful in book two, and as much as I want Gray showing the full prowess of Kail his predecessor, summoning bridges and bringing down dragons, I read there is 7 more books in the series.  You can’t have him OP. There has to be growth.  And I also disagree, he does some pretty amazing things (JIAN?? Darkwalker battle anyone?). Plus now he’s learning to summon wind on command, and not just out of dire need like book one.  So I don’t agree.

Overall: Great improvement on book one, amazing story. Don’t think twice. If you love high fantasy, dragons, elements, authors like Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, you won’t regret it.

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9 people found this helpful

Finally

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

Reviewed: 01-12-20

I love audio books for my long commute and was waiting for this series to come out. It's just as good this time around as it was the first time I read it. I hope the rest of the series will be in audio book form soon!

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4 people found this helpful