| Title | : | Esoterica 1: Liams Awakening: A Lovecraftian Fantasy Harem Adventure (Esoterica Chronicles, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 225 |
| Publication | : | Published August 28, 2021 |
Liam Elloway is the survivor of a terrible accident, but when he gets swept up into the world of the occult and enrolled at a strange academy for practitioners of dark magic, things get really interesting really quickly. As the first necromancer enrolled at the school in years, and the only harem mage known to exist in centuries, all eyes are on Liam as he begins to discover his destiny. But can his sneering headmistress be trusted? And between the gorgeous celestial girl, the raven-haired vampire, and the pink-haired, red-horned demoness, who will be dubbed "best girl"?
Pick up this novel to find out! Don't forget to check back at Virgil Knightley's author page on the 14th and 28th every month for more content!
FINAL WARNING: Due to the adult content, readers under 18 should be prohibited from picking up this book.
Esoterica 1: Liams Awakening: A Lovecraftian Fantasy Harem Adventure (Esoterica Chronicles, #1) Reviews
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Decent Writing, Neat Ideas, Dissatisfying Experience
The writing style was good. The grammar and mechanics were decent with few errors overall, but a few major ones that really stalled reading. Interesting ideas for the world and plot. Also liked the way characters were written, including harem member differences. However, almost everything about how each conflict (whether interpersonal or plot related) arose, was handled, and resolved was dissatisfying for a variety of reasons. I like the MC in the context of his actions and those thoughts of his which are actually presented. However, the lack of action or reaction to some events left me confused and aggravated. The real issue there arises when he doesn't react to something he previously stated as caring about. I can't adequately express ther reasons for my dissatisfaction.
As for the harem, I was a little upset that the MC joined a pre-existing lesbian relationship, but it was expressed that it was more of a best friends with benefits type situation. A new harem member even got intimate with an existing one before the MC, but (another 'but' that barely excuses it) the MC was okay with it for various reasons and aware that it was going to happen. The book was barely a harem, and came close to being more of polyamory that happened to only have a single dude. His soulmate even expressed the desire to keep their relationship open, so as to not label it, but (another 'but') she conveniently couldn't see herself being with any man other than him. -
At my request I received a copy of this audiobook in order to give a fair and unbiased review.
Genre: Harem in magic school where MC is only necromancer.
Power dynamics in harem: Chaos, everyone loves the MC and does what is best for him, but there are many strongwilled girls.
Explicit/adult material: Explicit. Vampire, daddy, sexy girls.
Summary:
Liam is going through a tough time, recently his family all died in an accident that he was the only person to survive from. Suddenly monsters are attacking him, and he is taken away from his life as he know it to learn magic.
Apparently he has the potential to become a strong necromancer and he is taken to a school to train directly under the head mistress as necromancy is a rare art. We follow him and his friends and lovers as he learns more about himself, his new world, his friends and the school head mistress.
Narrators
Voice diversity: Each character had clearly distinct and memorable voices making it trivial to follow conversation from narration alone.
Pacing and intonation: Excellently done. The storytelling is immersive and alive.
Sex scenes: Very well done.
Bruno Anderson and Peggy Greyson does a magnificent job. I have no notes.
Overall: 5 / 5 stars.
The book’s strengths.
- The women have strong and distinct personalities. Though they are clearly into the MC they never feel like interchangeable hot bodies.
- Maybe part of the above. But the characters are flawed. Noone is perfect and yet everyone is.
- Humour. There are a ton of small references and plays on words that had me chuckling throughout.
- There are familiars. I am a sucker for cute and powerful pets.
- Great narration
The book’s weaknesses.
- Nothing comes to mind. I just look forward to the next of the series!
Overall: 5/5 stars
A story that could stand on its own, but also builds a great foundation for a series. I want more! -
great read
Saw a review of the book from a fellow avid reader and knew I had to check it out. A fun read that definitely lives up to its blurb. Getting ready to read the next one now. -
Good for what it is
But a perfect read, but a hell of a lot better than most in the genre. The MC isn't a beta or an idiot, and the females aren't one dimensional. Little cringe in stone places, but good for the most part. -
Surprisingly Good
Good character development. Check
Fun world building. Check
Powerful unearned powers. Check
Fun times with ladies. Check
A super fun read. Check -
Wonderful book!
Wicked fun book with just enough lust and teasing at relationships! I loved it! I would recommend this book to anyone!
