Matabar

A Progression Fantasy Epic

De: Kirill Klevanski

Narrado por: Adam Stubbs

A forgotten people. A lost bloodline. A true Mage will rise.

Ardan Egobar is a young hunter from a remote mountain tribe. Destined for nothing more than the quiet rhythms of the wild.

But when fate drags him from his village into the heart of the New Monarchy Empire, everything changes. He steps into a melting pot of orcish mobsters, cigar-smoking dwarven bankers, and fashionforward elves—all on the brink of world war.

As Ardan grapples with his forgotten bloodline and discovers an intricate magic system, he begins a slow, compelling ascent, transforming from an innocent youth into a rising mage whose power may one day reshape history.

From Kirill Klevanski, the bestselling author of Dragon Heart, comes this epic new Progression Fantasy adventure about a young wizards rise to power, featuring a detailed magic system, expansive world-building, slow-build power progression, epic action, and unforgettable characters.

©2025 Aethon Books (P)2025 Aethon Audio

Amazing story telling

Kinda slow to start but worth sticking with it if you like high fantasy mixed with urban fantasy

the plot

a little slow in some parts, great story though. Characters are great as well, definitley reccomend

Never been so torn writing a review.

This might be long so first I want to say Adam Stubbs is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators. He's the reason I decided to give this a try.

On to this story - First off, this is very well written and an absolute masterclass in world building. Solid characters and multiple interesting magic systems. It has the potential to be an epic long running series. That said, I think I hated it...

If I had written this review at the halfway mark, I would have said it was perfect, an incredible intro to a new world. But as the MC grows in the latter half I kept waiting for the progression, both in power and personality, which never comes... Seemed like he regresses in fact, becoming less competent and more cowardly compared to his days in the wild. He makes almost no decisions which impact the story and spends most of the 2nd half getting pushed around. He only survives due to multiple antagonist choosing not to kill him. Adding to the difficulties the author burdens him with multiple issues like a complete lack of social awareness, or a strange lack of fine motor control so he can't shoot a gun straight (despite coming from a legendary warrior race).

All of this does not come off as a failure in the writing, it seems absolutely intentional on the author's part. He seems insistent on his character being a passive/reactive participant in the world, rather than a driving force. I assume this is an attempt to break away from common tropes in the genre. Unfortunately, while common themes can be overdone, tropes are tropes for a reason... they're enjoyable. I read for fun and ultimately I did not have fun listing this story.

If you see the description and want a progression fantasy story with MC from a powerful lost race, carving his own path to power while figuring out what happened to the rest of his people and fighting those responsible, this is not the book for you.

If you want an urban fantasy story about a crime investigator with minor magical abilities, who struggles to find his place and get answers while being a pawn in the games of the powerful. then this is your book.

I may get the next one depending on where reviews suggest the story goes, but it won't be near the top of my list.

when is the sequel coming out!

This was amazing from start to finish, and stands out in an ocean of mediocre fantasy. well done! highly recommend!

One of my favorite stories

i found matabar on royal road, and it became my favorite web novel on the site, the world building is so rich, the characters feel like actual people, the mysteries feel well tought, the magic of the world is so interesting, the combination of low and high fantasy is so well made, simply great. we warned, the story gets real dark at times, I make this warning because this is generally what trows me of stories like this, but is so well written that i can power through it because I'm hooked by what's happening. i can't recommend this book enough and it's very well narrated to, so if you're looking for a good story, do try it, and if you to get into it, you can continue reading it in royal road, the quality doesn't drop off and it's well worth the time.
P.D: I forgot to add, some people have told me this story feels too verbose at times, but I assure you, it is like that by design, and it makes complete sense when you get into the story.
another P.D: this first book is very foundational, i promise the story start to really pick up later on, it's well worth it, trust me.