Spell Thief

A Progression Fantasy Epic

By: J Pal

Narrated by: John Pirhalla

Stack your Deck. Climb the Gaia Tower. Defeat its Guardians.

Almost half a century has passed since prison ships en route to Australia discovered the mysterious Tower rising out of the Indian Ocean, known as Gaia. Monarchies, republics, and trading giants came together to build a city around it and contain the monsters spilling out of the rune-covered structure.

The few that dared enter and climb it learned the magic of Gaia's runic cards.

Now, most people enter the tower seeking fame, fortune, or power. Not Diya Sen. He climbs hoping to find clues about his missing brother and to solve Gaia's mysteries. However, the warring noble houses stand in his way.

His mission won't be easy. Many sources of power are outside his reach as an ordinary man. But if the direct approach doesn't help Diya achieve his goals, perhaps the talents of a Spell Thief will.

Don't miss the start of the Tower of Cards series from best seller J Pal. This is progression fantasy utilizing a runic-card-based magic system with tons of customization. Perfect for fans of All the Skills and Towers of Heaven, as well as games such as Slay the Spire, Hearthstone, and Gwent.

©2023 Aethon Books (P)2023 Aethon Audio

entertaining deck building rpg

tower climbing deck building rpg. world is neat with some cool monsters. deckbuilding mechanics are alright. good interpersonal interactions. highly stratified society a bit stereotypical but classics r still entertaining. I'll continue the series

Narrator Makes Some Odd Line Reads

I'm halfway through, but far enough to make the following observation. As another reviewer has mentioned, this narrator makes some odd choices. He sometimes puts the emphasis on the wrong word. This can give the phrase a different meaning than the context suggests. But sometimes it just makes the phrase seem discordant. A lexicographer calls this bruising the ear, which is an apt description of how these missteps strike me as a listener.

Part of what makes it particularly disappointing here is that the narrator generally does a good job. He clearly knows how to read a line and mostly does it well. If Christopher Walken was narrating, you'd get 10 wonky line reads per minute. Pirhalla's narration does not approach Walken levels of wonk. But, while Pirhalla may not be topping out the wonkiness scale, he's definitely registering levels on the scale. It's noticeable and breaks immersion frequently enough that at least two reviewers have now bothered to point it out.

With that said, I enjoyed Spell Thief and I don't regret my $7.49 (thanks KU). There is a ton of room for the story to grow and I’m looking forward to it.

fun story

was pleasantly surprised. well crafted story. looking forward to book 2 and the rest of the story.

I never want it to end!

Easily one of my favorite series I’ve read. I love the characters and really enjoy the progression system. I can’t wait for the next book.

The magic system is wonderful

Fun, unique spin. And enjoyable blend of culture and storytelling. Dynamic magic system and enjoyable challenges.