Sovereign Soul

Scale & Sea, Book 1

By: James T. Callum, K.H. Sohmer

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 21 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Deklin will become a villain to rival the gods… somebody should probably tell him.

For now, Deklin's just a fourth-year magi looking for a post-midterm vacation from Earth. When a failed portal spell strands Deklin on a dangerous, massive worldshard, he unwillingly embarks on an adventure where spire climbers compete for ever higher standings, and cultivators bind magical aspects to strengthen their spirits.

Transformed into a dragonblood and branded as an outlaw, Deklin is forbidden from advancing past the first threshold alongside his growing band of exiles. To seek anything more is to risk execution and slavery.

To attain limitless progression, Deklin and his group must defy the Lightbound kingdoms and their corrupted heroes and carve out a cursed and forgotten path of darkness.

Dive into the Scale & Sea series. This portal fantasy fusion of LitRPG and cultivation blends tower climbing, stat leveling, and guild building garnished with nostalgic humor.

©2023 James T. Callum and K.H. Sohmer (P)2023 Podium Audio

Good humor

Great overall but the different way of saying items in the story throws off the flow

the furt moments were the best

great writing, amazing story with the perfect amount of comedy. Would read again. Love this author.

Great Book… one problem

I really hope to see more of this kind of content from James Callum! It’s got a good character cast and I love the expansion on the BeastBorn universe.

I do, however, have one major gripe. James, stop putting item titles in people's dialogue. People don’t stop mid-sentence, drop their voice several octaves, and use a narrator's voice when referencing a named object. It’s freaking weird and very jarring, especially when it’s repetitive. Nick Podehl doesn't need his narrator's voice to butt into a description or section of dialogue every time a potentially unknown or "named" object is mentioned. Things like a "warrant" only need to be pointed out and explained once. Then just say it like a normal person. That voice should be reserved for what is essentially a codex entry to define a new object or substance WHEN A CHARACTER IS READING SOMETHING! I’M SERIOUS! MAKE IT STOP! PLEASE!

Also, write faster. I need a constant flow of books in both of your series. Thank you!

a villian's journey

it was a wonderful villains journey started a bit slow but definitely picked up and had me on the edge of my seat by the end. I will be patiently waiting for the continuation of the adventures of kimchi and her soul companion.

Ouch

The overall concept was interesting enough. There are magi that exist on modern Earth. These magi can realm walk (project) to other worlds, and when they die on those worlds, are transported back to their bodies that remained behind. Sadly, that premise has very little relevance to the actual story, maybe moreso in subsequent novels.

I normally really like Nick Podel, but this is not his best work. I don't know if the author italicized items and skill names, but the constant change of voice both showcases Nick's skill as an narrator and disrupts the flow for the listener.

The story is also mildly woke. I can tolerate it if it doesn't extend beyond where it's at, but authors often get deeper and deeper into virtue signaling as the saga progresses.

PLEASE STOP EMPHASIZEING THE ITEMS

Whenever an "item" is mentioned even by a character, the narrator drops several octaves and really puts an emphasis on it. It disrupts the story and gets old quickly. The story isn't bad though, nor is the narration, I believe it's a writer's choice.

Unfocused mess

This doesn’t feel like a cohesive story but an unfocused collection of ideas for stories that are not fully fleshed out.

Who is the target audience? With fart jokes and a cute animal you’d think it’s a kids book. Then it had an in depth explanation of why slavery is wrong, which feels like young adult. But then you have a race through a 90s mall with a sense of nostalgia that screams “only 90s kids will remember”. Those 90s kids are at least in their mid 20s.

Character motivation and personality is unclear as he begins as a selfless hero-type. Then claims he has no morals as he lies, cheats, and steals. Then he becomes an anti-hero. I’ve seen stories do this but there was attempt the reconcile the shifting moral compass so it doesn’t feel like a single character.

Also this is advertised as the first book of a series but it has an inordinate number of references to previous stories. Maybe this is a spin-off, but if so there should be some mention of it in the description.

On the bright side, the lit rpg elements seemed reasonable and well balanced without 5 minute long blurbs where they read off stats. The dialogue was good, the puzzles in the tower were good, the supporting characters were well developed with hints of depth. There are bones of some really good books in this book.

This would have greatly benefitted from an editor or a structure or a plan.

definitely written from a male perspective

it's not really necessary to point out that a women "crosses her arms under her breasts" and not every woman is concerned about getting too fat.

also, the "key item" voice was entirely unnecessary and pulls the listener out of the story, especially when a character is speaking.

Weird

This is like not so serious at all. Fart magic, Greed magic, and other weird magic afoot. Very much enjoyable and childishly funny.

Nick Stop!

The story is great! Looking forward to the next, but Nick stop emphasizing the stats, skills and inventory!