The New Dark Lord: An Isekai Progression Fantasy

The New Dark Lord, Book 1

By: Ian B. Urns, A. C. Erinle

Narrated by: Grant Cartwright

In the first installment of this epic of magic and battle, a powerful necromancer comes to the aid of a nation in peril—but is he a savior or a threat?

Over fifteen decades, Silenos has become an experienced magician of House Shaiagrazni, revered for his intellect and power. But when he dares summon a fearsome Entity, things quickly go awry, and he's transported from his sleek tungsten chamber into a cold, barren stone room in an unfamiliar world. There, he's surrounded by a crowd of ignorant savages who call him "Savior" . . .

Ensharia, a paladin in this backward nation, leads him to its royal rulers, who beg his help fighting off the Dark Lord's forces. An army of rotting abominations is pouring over their border, far outnumbering their defending troops. There's nothing for Silenos to gain by assisting these people, with their primitive technology and weak magic, against such superior warriors. But he decides they need a great leader such as himself.

When Ensharia accompanies Silenos into battle and witnesses his mastery of the dark arts, she's horrified. But when Silenos's necromancy saves countless lives, she resolves to put her misgivings aside. As they plunge into a sea of carnage, Ensharia will find her endurance and spirit tested like never before.

Meanwhile, before Silenos can reach the heights of greatness he strives for, the former commander himself will have to learn how to fight. He'll confront barbarians, revolutionaries, and the stirring of not only his hunger for unlimited power but also emotions long locked away . . .

The first volume of the hit progression-fantasy series—with more than 500,000 views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

©2025 Ian B. Urns and A. C. Erinle (P)2025 Podium Audio

Not a inspiring story or development

The world and magic system was not developed well after several hours into the story. If the MC is supposed to be a dark hero or anti hero it just doesn’t land well, more like listening to a criminal explain how he isn’t but really no redeeming qualities left the story couple hours in tried several times to go back but just couldn’t get into it at any level.

Insufferable

You want girl bosses because we got girl bosses. Auth couldn’t write a competent man or a charming woman and if their life depended on it.

It’s just a bit awkward

I like the concept but there feels like no clear concept of progression and the mechanics are unclear. The power dynamics don’t really follow an objective path either. I’ll follow the author as again, ideas are good but it didn’t follow through this time.