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klparmley's review
3.0
I like the story. I got a little tired of his detailed description of spells. World building is important. But, I don’t need to know all of it. It’s ok for some things the author knows to simply be implied in the story. Other people love those details.
That said, I expect I'll read the next book.
That said, I expect I'll read the next book.
lilbirdh's review
4.0
I love a good fantasy story and this book was excellent! Very different from previous fantasy books I have read, interesting!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
thinde's review
4.0
This is one of the better urban fantasy stories, mainly because the characters are fleshed-out and interesting. The magic system seems structured enough that it makes sense and has limits/costs but at the same time is capable of surprising the reader.
There are a lot of unanswered questions raised by this [presumably] first book in the series. Some of these gaps actually hampered the story... such as how much did his wife know when Eli was convicted and how much does she know about Thoth Corp's current illegal activities?
If book two were available now, I'd probably carry on reading - mostly to see what happened to the young Ret girl and to spend some more time with Sonny.
There are a lot of unanswered questions raised by this [presumably] first book in the series. Some of these gaps actually hampered the story... such as how much did his wife know when Eli was convicted and how much does she know about Thoth Corp's current illegal activities?
If book two were available now, I'd probably carry on reading - mostly to see what happened to the young Ret girl and to spend some more time with Sonny.
jessicafee86's review
4.0
An interesting Urban Fantasy with tons of magic and intriguing characters. Going to try and book up a more thorough review in the next few days. A very fun listen, despite the fact that it took me forever to finish it. (That was 100% life getting in the way and not the book)
meingee's review
4.0
This is an interesting story of magic and fantasy. A man full of magic who once had it all until betrayal and greed took it all away. After years of imprisonment he returns to a different world. A world where he is considered the criminal. Yet those with true magic seek him out for help. No matter how much he longs to be left alone it seems that magic will always find him. Eli soon finds himself fighting for magic and making friends even when he does not want to. Someone must right the wrongs of those like the Thoth company that have betrayed not only him but the true magic as well.
I was quickly pulled into this world and its characters. The author writes a gripping tale full of well defined characters. The action and emotions are nicely woven together. I enjoyed meeting each of the characters and watching their personalities emerge as the story unfolds. It was also nice to see the interaction between Eli and each of the characters. This world is an interesting take on magic and many of the creatures associated with it. As the story goes on we get to see Eli come to grips with his abilities and the new world he has come back to and in the end, it leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next story in this series to see just where things will go from here.
I was quickly pulled into this world and its characters. The author writes a gripping tale full of well defined characters. The action and emotions are nicely woven together. I enjoyed meeting each of the characters and watching their personalities emerge as the story unfolds. It was also nice to see the interaction between Eli and each of the characters. This world is an interesting take on magic and many of the creatures associated with it. As the story goes on we get to see Eli come to grips with his abilities and the new world he has come back to and in the end, it leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next story in this series to see just where things will go from here.
moonastrid's review
4.0
This book was unlike anything I have ever read before. Magic has become accessible to everyone in the world as long as you have the right equipment. However what would you give to become beautiful. Eli discovers just how twisted magic can become. When Eli is falsely accorded and sent to the wasteland upon his rerun he discovers tang the spell he has crates to help people with physical disfiguring, such as burn victims, become “beautiful” has been drastically altered. The spell could go so wrong it could turn you into a monster! So what is the price of beauty. However how will he help his friends when if he himself gets caught using magic he could find himself back in the wasteland?!
This book will take you on a wild ride with many unique characters and magical creatures on Eli’s quest to fix his spell along with helping his friends along the way! I really enjoyed the narrator, David S. Dear, he did a very good job of bringing the characters alive and made sure to make it easy for us to discern each character by giving each one their own quirk or accent with his voice! It felt like listening to a full cast audio book. If you are looking for a good book filled with lots of magic and magical creatures then this is the book for you!
This book will take you on a wild ride with many unique characters and magical creatures on Eli’s quest to fix his spell along with helping his friends along the way! I really enjoyed the narrator, David S. Dear, he did a very good job of bringing the characters alive and made sure to make it easy for us to discern each character by giving each one their own quirk or accent with his voice! It felt like listening to a full cast audio book. If you are looking for a good book filled with lots of magic and magical creatures then this is the book for you!
brittjt01's review
5.0
Michael J. Allen is a literary genius. I am hooked and glad that there is a continuation of this series. Allen portrays science fiction and fantasy at its best. My initial thought of the novel was that of suspension as I am new to the genre. However, this novel starts off gradually with a great opening scene that pulls you in to find out why people even in a seemingly futuristic setting are still so vain.
While fantasy, "Discarded" holds a sort of prophetic telling to it. Greed, vanity, bad decisions are still a part of society. Decisions to help other and try to keep one's self out of trouble a normal plot but throwing magic into it provides new twists. "Discarded" reminds me of a sense of Harry Potter but for grown people. Put magic, technology, and human tendency of those in power to be greedy; all kinds of foolishness and mayhem ensues. And I must say I am completely here for it. Looking forward to Dumpstermancer #2
While fantasy, "Discarded" holds a sort of prophetic telling to it. Greed, vanity, bad decisions are still a part of society. Decisions to help other and try to keep one's self out of trouble a normal plot but throwing magic into it provides new twists. "Discarded" reminds me of a sense of Harry Potter but for grown people. Put magic, technology, and human tendency of those in power to be greedy; all kinds of foolishness and mayhem ensues. And I must say I am completely here for it. Looking forward to Dumpstermancer #2
shaka2u's review
5.0
Michael J. Allen is a literary genius. I am hooked and glad that there is a continuation of this series. Allen portrays science fiction and fantasy at its best. My initial thought of the novel was that of suspension as I am new to the genre. However, this novel starts off gradually with a great opening scene that pulls you in to find out why people even in a seemingly futuristic setting are still so vain.
While fantasy, "Discarded" holds a sort of prophetic telling to it. Greed, vanity, bad decisions are still a part of society. Decisions to help other and try to keep one's self out of trouble a normal plot but throwing magic into it provides new twists. "Discarded" reminds me of a sense of Harry Potter but for grown people. Put magic, technology, and human tendency of those in power to be greedy; all kinds of foolishness and mayhem ensues. And I must say I am completely here for it. Looking forward to Dumpstermancer #2
While fantasy, "Discarded" holds a sort of prophetic telling to it. Greed, vanity, bad decisions are still a part of society. Decisions to help other and try to keep one's self out of trouble a normal plot but throwing magic into it provides new twists. "Discarded" reminds me of a sense of Harry Potter but for grown people. Put magic, technology, and human tendency of those in power to be greedy; all kinds of foolishness and mayhem ensues. And I must say I am completely here for it. Looking forward to Dumpstermancer #2
kronesse's review
4.0
This book was unlike anything I have ever read before. Magic has become accessible to everyone in the world as long as you have the right equipment. However what would you give to become beautiful. Eli discovers just how twisted magic can become. When Eli is falsely accorded and sent to the wasteland upon his rerun he discovers tang the spell he has crates to help people with physical disfiguring, such as burn victims, become “beautiful” has been drastically altered. The spell could go so wrong it could turn you into a monster! So what is the price of beauty. However how will he help his friends when if he himself gets caught using magic he could find himself back in the wasteland?!
This book will take you on a wild ride with many unique characters and magical creatures on Eli’s quest to fix his spell along with helping his friends along the way! I really enjoyed the narrator, David S. Dear, he did a very good job of bringing the characters alive and made sure to make it easy for us to discern each character by giving each one their own quirk or accent with his voice! It felt like listening to a full cast audio book. If you are looking for a good book filled with lots of magic and magical creatures then this is the book for you!
This book will take you on a wild ride with many unique characters and magical creatures on Eli’s quest to fix his spell along with helping his friends along the way! I really enjoyed the narrator, David S. Dear, he did a very good job of bringing the characters alive and made sure to make it easy for us to discern each character by giving each one their own quirk or accent with his voice! It felt like listening to a full cast audio book. If you are looking for a good book filled with lots of magic and magical creatures then this is the book for you!
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