Michael R. Miller (1)

I started skimming at 75% into the book and ended up quitting at 80% after the MMC Zoran went back to kill more 10 level higher enemies with rudimentary skills at level 13 instead of utilizing an escape so he survived the experience.

The MMC was quite unlikeable the entire story, and his self-reflection and 3rd party therapy from an AI didn't really help change my view. The story started off with him sneaking off to play virtual video games in some slum motel after his family tried to have an show more intervention since he was playing games in excess. In the game, Zoran often ignored the (mostly omniscient) AI helping him, thinking that his level 10 skills were better than another recommendations she could make and often selfishly battling and looting, even at 65% into the story.

Overall, between the personality and the fact that he was expected to kill mostly 20 level enemies alone with not even expert game skills but just beginner ones, I thought the overall character growth with the action plot were just repetitive and unbelievable to me. There was an insane amount of luck and so many close calls with death that I couldn't stand to finish the book. show less

Book Review…..Ascendant, book 1 Songs Of Chaos by Michael R. Miller

Holt Cook has always served the Order Hall of the Crag dutifully, keeping their kitchen pots clean. Until he discovers a dark secret: dragons do not tolerate weakness among their kin, killing the young they deem flawed. Moved by pity, Holt defies the Order, rescues a doomed egg and vows to protect the blind dragon

But the Scourge is rising. The undead are roaming the lands and leaving destruction in their wake. Holt has one show more chance to survive. To tip the balance in the battles to come Holt must learn to harness the mysterious power of his dragon's core.

Holt was never meant to be a dragon rider but with the dragon riders being slaughtered and betrayal lurking in the shadows can Holt figure it out in time and prove to the world that a servant is worthy after all.

Ascendant was a great coming of age fantasy story! It's fast paced and full of adventure! Everything that I look for in a book with dragons is in here! Great magic that is unique and intriguing, danger, vivid battle scenes and of course fantastic dragons! The world and character building were done wonderfully. There wasn't a bunch of information all at once. The world came to life a little at a time and the characters are the same way. In the end it created a wonderful picture and the characters have a realistic feel they are flawed but easy to root for. But one of the things I really enjoyed was the bond between the dragons and the riders! The ending wasn't a cliffhanger but there's some much more I want to know about this world and the characters. I can't wait to see what the next book brings!

Thank you Books Forward PR and Michael R. Miller for sharing this fantastic story with me! show less

This book is the type that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It has a bit of everything...adventure, a wonderful world, great storyline, and engaging characters. Instantly, I was invested in this story, but I will admit that a big part was due to the fact that I listened to this book as an audiobook. The narrator, Peter Kenny did an amazing job of narrating this book. His voice is clear, and he was able to bring each character their own voice.

Holt and Ash make a great team. Together show more they grew to a good team and found their strength. Holt is someone that readers will be able to relate to as well as cheer for. Ash may have been the runt of the dragon brood, but you would never believe that as he grew up into a full-grown dragon. The only complaint that I have is that I did find that this book did seem to be a bit too long. Yet, I do look forward to continuing the journey with Holt and Ash in book two. show less

9/10
The first book of The Dragon’s Blade trilogy introduces the cast of main and secondary characters and sets the stage for multiple subplots within the main story. The author weaves his world-building into the story. The characters are complex, with strengths, flaws, and mixed motivations. Looking forward to book 2.