Rise of the Weakest Summoner: Volume I

By: J. R. Saileri

Narrated by: Jonathan Waters, Ellory Lane

Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

One fateful day, a caravan was passing by the village of Teira, which had been raided and set ablaze by bandits. Within the burning rubble, a young woman found a baby, the sole survivor of the attack, and decided to take it with her and raise it as her own. As she was leaving with the little child in her hands, two falling stars lit up the night sky, and she named the boy Asterios.

Years passed, and the boy grew up in a caring and warm home, developing a passion for all magical beasts, choosing the path of a Summoner as his way of life. While his love and knowledge also grew boundless, his practical abilities clearly pointed out his complete lack of compatibility with that school of magic, but he never wavered in his resolution.

Follow Asterios as his life of perpetual failure suddenly takes an unexpected turn, after just seconds short of his death, a powerful summon answers his call and saves his life. Wait...doesn't it look like...a girl? Are those beast ears and a tail?

©2021 J.R. Saileri (P)2023 Royal Guard Publishing LLC

Summoning Magic & Saving Grace!

J.R. Saileri's Rise of the Weakest Summoner: Volume I, narrated by the talented Jonathan Waters and Ellory Lane, takes readers on an adventure full of magic, passion, and summoning. Saileri's writing is detailed and captivating, and Waters and Lane do an excellent job of bringing the story to life. With unexpected plot twists and a charming protagonist, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy fiction.

greatness in a bottle

an awesome reverse isekai where the MC is weak to start but after a close call with death is able to finally summon powerful allies. oh I forgot to mention they are adorable monster girls. book 2 and 3 are great as well. such a fun series

A great new series

I had been putting off reading this one for more than a year now, but after getting the audio book, I'm finding that I wish I had read it sooner. It feels like a good intro to harem lit, and the one spicy chapter is marked as such and can be avoided if that makes you uncomfortable. I will definitely continue reading this series

Cool start to a series

So the book starts off a little slow, but that's true of most bk 1's. I also had to get used to the narrator's voices for the different characters. That's probably more ME that the audiobook because I just came off binge listening to another series. The overall story was pretty good and was a nice way to occupy 8.5 hours. I will be getting the omnibus to continue the series and to save a credit or two.
I received a free code for this audiobook in exchange for and honest review. As I said above I will be getting the omnibus to continue the series. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

super fun!

super fun and keeps you hooked the whole way through! I love the summon mechanics and the direction this story seems to be headed!

5 stars

Another great book by J R Saileri. You will not be disappointed. Also the dual narration really brings the story to life. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

a lovely series

this gives me huge familiar of zero vibes.
such a great series, complex world with lots of character building.

Great listen

I read this book first and enjoyed it enough to listen to it again. I enjoy the story and thought the writing was well done. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing this story off the pages.

Rise of the Weakest Summoner: Volume I

Introduction:

Hailing from the ice-laden world of HowlStrom, I, Kiba Snowpaw, a Furry Ice Wolf with a deep love for literature and ice magic, had the pleasure of immersing myself in the gripping tales of "Rise of the Weakest Summoner". This fantasy tale, infused with harem, romance, and magic, is like an avalanche, once you begin, there's no stopping until the end.

Basic Plot Summary:

The narrative revolves around a young boy named Asterios, discovered amid the debris of his pillaged village. As he matures under the tender care of his rescuer, he embraces the path of a Summoner. His love for magical beasts is insurmountable, though his abilities often seem inadequate. But life has its twists, and following a near-death experience, a formidable summon, in the form of a girl with beastly attributes, rushes to his side. The journey of self-discovery, struggle, and hope begins.

Analysis/Evaluation:

J.R. Saileri’s storytelling prowess captivated me right from the beginning. Each scene, particularly those imbued with magic, sparkled like the icy realms I adore. I could sense the raw emotions Asterios experienced, making his growth throughout the story deeply resonant.

Characters:

Asterios: He is a complex character filled with ambition, love, and an undying spirit. The way he battles his own self-doubt and embraces his unique summoning capabilities shows incredible growth and depth.

Miria: A Werepanther girl with an essence of mystery. Her simultaneous vulnerability and strength are magnetic, and her dynamic with Asterios is tantalizing. It's the balance of her ferocity and tenderness that makes her so enchanting.

Structure:

The narrative follows a linear structure, interspersed with rich backstory. Each chapter transitions smoothly, maintaining the story's flow while intensifying the drama. This clear structure makes the intricate plot details easy to follow and visualize.

Impact:

This book leaves an indelible mark on readers. It's not just about magical abilities but the magic of perseverance and the endless bounds of the human (and beastly) spirit. It teaches that even in the face of adversity, one can rise if they genuinely believe in their cause.

Hook and Thesis:

The powerful imagery of a destroyed village, a lone survivor, and two falling stars not only sets the story’s tone but piques curiosity right from the start. It establishes the theme of overcoming insurmountable odds and finding light in the darkest moments.

Praise and Critique:

Praise: The world-building is immaculate. I could vividly picture each landscape, creature, and magical phenomenon. The character dynamics, particularly between Asterios and Miria, were brilliantly portrayed, creating a deep emotional connection.

Critique: While the story has a lot going for it, there are instances where the usage of certain tropes feels a tad overdone. There’s a fine balance between honoring a genre's traditions and over-relying on them. However, given it's just the first volume, one hopes for more originality in the sequels.

Evaluation:

Having played countless games and read myriad stories in my 36+ years, "Rise of the Weakest Summoner" holds its own as a promising series starter. Though some tropes might feel familiar, the story's heart is undeniable. Asterios's journey from an uncertain boy to a young man discovering his path in magic is both relatable and inspiring.

Comparison:

While the book undeniably shares similarities with some Japanese light novels, particularly in its characterization and tropes, it's the unique blend of Western storytelling and this Eastern influence that gives it its flair. It’s reminiscent of tales like "No Game, No Life" yet manages to carve out its own identity.

Conclusion:

In the vast sea of fantasy novels, "Rise of the Weakest Summoner: Volume I" is a shining gem. J.R. Saileri's commitment to character development, intricate world-building, and raw emotional storytelling ensures that readers, whether furry like me or not, will be eagerly awaiting the next installment. It’s a tale that shows that sometimes, the weakest can indeed rise to be the strongest, given the right circumstances, a little magic, and a lot of heart.

Rags to riches?

I've listened to this book 2 or 3 times.
It is a great story! Awesome HaremLit!
Our genius MC is a summoner and going to a magic academy where he is the best student there but also has the weakest magic and can't summon anything bigger than a chicken. So, of course he is shunned and ridiculed.
Something happens and he gets expelled and because of *spoiler alert* (won't say) he gets super powerful summoner magic.
I was able to get this book for free with the expectation of an honest review.
Big 5 stars.
I think I'm going to listen to it again before the month is done.