Transcendental Misappropriation

Pentacle Series, Book 1

By: Robert Harper

Narrated by: Michael Goldstrom

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Danny's life was going well. He had a steady job and plans to buy his own place. That was until some rogue junk mail decided he needed a change of scenery.

Now Danny's got a new start in another world, and he needs to make sure he doesn't squander this opportunity at making the most of this new life.

©2017 Robert Harper (P)2018 Podium Publishing

Bad Ending!!

The only reason I gave this book 2 stars for the story is because of the terrible ending. Most of the story would be 4 to 5 stars. I just personally hate gimmick ending like this. It’s just a way of saying you won’t read the next book unless I make you read it! It is just sad to see such a good story ending like this, having to rely on gimmicks to sell the next book.

Good MC backstory and and interesting tale

Robert Harper creates an fascinating world with interesting characters and an appealing story. Michael Goldstrom narration performance is also quite good at mimicking the various characters which further works like a listening magnet.

It's hard to get a fix on where this fantasy will fit in terms of a sub-genre. While specified as Contemporary, there are strong elements of litRPG with it's character leveling-up aspects but also hints of a fledgling mini-Harem emerging. Book 1 is mostly a coming-of-age story which, if done right, I'm a sucker for. This book has done it right. The author moves the story along fairly evenly and creates the right mixture of mundane and arcane progression, character interactions along with an ample amount comic interjections to keep the story fun.

Great story but stops short

Wonderful story with great voice acting. Had me from the first chapter till near the end I heard about the ending complaints from reviews and it’s a bit annoying not a fan. However the ride through the story is great and I can’t wait for the next book, albeit with a better ending

I loved this Book and this Audiobook!

While it is rare, it happened here. Both the book *and* the audiobook were fantastic. Well read, well written, cool unique story. Nicely done Mr. Harper. Hoping for Book 2 (and 3) on Audiobook also!

Interesting

If you like isekai you might like this series. I’m on book two. This has exploration of a magic system and exploration of social system where three women are born for every one boy.

Spoilers
Usually I’m more critical of books that replace plot with exploration. But this book kept me interested. A hero plot does open up much later. There are some kind of complicated political dynamics in the second book. It was a bit weird because it popped up quickly and the MC seemed to understand what was going on even though I was confused. However there is still room for this thing to turn into a harem book. I don’t think it will and hope it doesn’t. The oppressiveness of living in a male protected system seems to be a theme. The women being overprotective was a constant irritant.

Over all I hope this turns out well. There are some good laughs.

good story - length and time till next book...

Only bad thing about this book is waiting fot the next one. It may go the way of forgetting about it and the author like so many great ideas.

better then I expected

I didn't expect much going in but the story is interesting. definitely worth a listen

loved the story, cant wait for more

author and narrator did a good job. i was enamoured until the end. the way the author ended the book was fine in my opinion. however, to some it may seem abrupt and out of nowhere.

I was skeptical

So I read the other reviews for both books in this series, and was put off by the characterization of the MC as spineless. I decided to put this book off for a few weeks, but eventually gave it a chance since I had listened to everything else recommended. There are several spots where the MC just rolls over to the domineering henpeckery of many of the women in this story. Nonetheless, the story as a whole is very well written, and the MC does eventually come in to his own and grow a spine. I had to remember that even though the protagonist is an adult in a child's body, he decides to act like a child to remain unnoticed. Eventually he does come out and take more control and stand up for his actions. Definitely looking forward to the third book.

great concept and bloody well done

it was an awesome new take on a magical new world done extremely well from the perspective of an average guy