Downtown Druid (Book 1 Stubbed)

Downtown Druid is surprised me with how fast I liked it. 

This is good from the start and keeps getting better with each chapter. Very interesting to read. Defenetly worth trying. 

Interesting world building that you would like to explore. Magic, races and gods feels fresh. I read a lot here and this was something new to me and I pretty much enjoyed it. It's still feels like a mystery but you very well grasp borders and logic of powers and don't feel like something was hiding from you on purpose. And it is still very interesting to read and explore. 

Humor is good, very much on my taste. Action is solid, clear and believable. Very well paced introduction to character that let you remember them and develop a sertan feeling for them. 

Will recomend this one for anyone who like fantasy. It's easy and pleasant reading that gets even better with time. 

I had my concerns about how fast character gets powerful and then went into higher level from where he was. I was scared that author trying to escalate too fast. But again and again author doesn't dissapoint and just create another interesting arc of the story that I find no less interesting. So I'm looking forward to what's coming next. 

A excellent, mystery led world-building is done throughout the first book, with a relatively clear overall plot goal. The mechanics of the world are interesting, as as the cultures, races and habits of its residents. It's very well done and throughly recommend reading it. 

Book 2 Onwards | 3-Stars 
As a critique I don't feel the aforementioned excellence persists nearly as well from the last ~ten chapters of book one, onwards. The plot opens up, many more elements such as magic come to play in the story, but these elements mostly work for the MC rather the whole robust world using and taking advantage of them, using them defensively, etc. 

I personally also do not feel the MC's reasoning is motivated enough for his actions. If possible it would be better to script this desire for revenge early on in book one, and more reasoning why the revenge need be intricate rather than immediate. Ultimately, as a reader, I feel the overarching plot in book 2 begins to be decided, one chapter at a time, instead each of its chapters serving a planned purpose. 

In Summary:
Book One is extremely impressive with its robust world-building, diverse races, as well as their unique cultures. I would highly recommend it. 


P.S. I don't understand the name "Downtown Druid" and think it somewhat kills the later reveal in book one. Given the setting is "The Pit" or "The Maw" it might make sense to create a name of that setting rather than the MC's power. 

As far as I can see, 'Downtown' has no real relevance other than starting with a D. 

I realize its a bit early for a review.

But so far so good, the story already has interesting worldbuilding only a dozen chapters in.

Other than that im confident in recommending this story. The previous story i read from this author (Deadman) was very enjoyable. Its a stub nowadays but I would also recommend it if you got Amazon.

Im expecting a good story from this author and hope this fiction gets traction quickly.

*Edit* I was not dissapointed, go read it already :D

Color me surprised.  The story starts slowly, set in a dreary and somewhat boring setting, with a main character who is just unique enough to be different but not enough to be inspired.  It was just enough to keep me reading but not enough to subscribe or put it in my favorites list.

That is, until it was.  The action ramps up pretty quickly.

The main character is pretty devious and pretty bright.  He gets out of situations he should never be able to get out of and he is developing his abilities and power (social and otherwise) in a "realistic" way.  The story gets really good though when our MC starts planning crazy responses for crazy situations.  He isn't a hero nor is he really a fighter, but I think that makes the conflict solution more interesting to read about.

The author has done a good job making the cast feel realistic and the environment (while boring, it is an underground prison after all) feel real and lived in.

This one has shot up my list towards the top and I can honestly say I am excited with each new release.  It is very well written and I can't wait to see where the story goes.

I do hope we make it out of the prison eventually as the title alludes to.

I enjoyed the read. Nice world building with good story telling and character building. I felt things did wrap up a bit quickly at the end but is still worth the read. The length of the story was good but it felt like there was a bit too much buildup for the amount of time the ending took.

Overall a good time and a fun read. 

Atmosphere is very believable. All the characters act in a plot consistent way. Not bloated. Awesome story so far, one of best to be found on RR. Grammar and style are near perfect. Even the smallest interactions between MC and side characters are very consistent to general setting. Just read it and enjoy.

Excellent in all categories. Satisfying progression that doesn't sacrifice character development, believability, or stray into deus ex territory. 

Main character is actually savvy as shit and genuinely makes some good plans. More importantly, other characters are complicated, not always simply established as good or evil in relation to Dantes, and have their own motivations- making interactions with them much more interesting. 

Story is also reasonably lighthearted despite its gritty setting.

5 Stars from me so far. I'm only mad that I found this one too early. Thanks for writing!

So far this is the ONLY work that promises a more "realistic" aspect and it really delivers on that. I was already losing hope in finding one like that, all the others I've read start off well, delivering what they promise, but then they lose their way somehow. And that's VERY frustrating.

The promise of a "realistic" work may seem silly, but for those like me who are tired of works where only the MC is good and everything else is useless other than to emphasize that only the MC is good, convenience always appears and things like that, this work will certainly not disappoint you.

When Deadman ended, I looked for other stories by the author. And then promptly forgot about them. I recently picked this back up and I'm so glad that I did. Dantes is as complex a characters as in Deadman and the situation as bleak. And yet, it never devolves into grimdark, maintaining a core of decency and hope despite the desperate and dark surroundings. That's a gift (because I kind of hate grimdark).

Dantes is in a rough spot, has been for years, but this story starts his journey to taking more control of his own destiny. I love his approach to problems, killing when needed, but generally trying to find a way around if he can. And it took me longer than I care to admit to tweak to "druid" being an actual thing happening. And I love how that manifest and grew over time.

Anyway, I found this deeply engaging and I hope it can maintain that level of intrigue and interest now that

I have every confidence in the author keeping it engaging all the way to a solid end, at least if his work with Deadman is anything to go by (and I suspect that it is).

Amazingly well written. Many smart characters both in enemies and friends. Really original setting and just amazing dynamics between the protagonist and the world he thrives in. Have followed this story for the very beginning and been stalking every chapter that came out. This writer remains one of my favourites on RR. Always producing quality.