Wizard Defiant

Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles, Book 1

By: Rodney Hartman

Narrated by: Guy Williams

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Wizard scouts are the elite, deep-recon forces of the Intergalactic Empire. They are a mix of technology and magic-like abilities.

Richard has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become one of these legendary soldiers. All he has to do is make it through the Wizard Scout Academy. But with a TAC officer who hates his guts, will he even be allowed to graduate? To make matters worse, the Empire has been attacked and soon finds itself in a major war. With heavy losses in the wizard scout corps, even the Academy cadets are starting to look good to the Empire's High Command.

Just when Richard thinks things can't get any worse, he is suddenly sent by "the One" to help a beautiful elf priestess fight a demon and its army of undead. Wizard scouts may be the best of the best, but Richard is still a cadet in training. Will his skills and technology be enough to overcome dragons, demons, trolls, ghouls, and various undead from his worst nightmare? With only the aid of his battle computer, Nickelo, and the magic of an elf priestess, will his wizard scout abilities be enough to turn the tide?

With the fate of two galaxies riding in the balance, Richard is honor bound to do his best in spite of the odds. The question is, will his best be good enough?

©2015 Rodney Hartman (P)2016 Rodney Hartman

Unfulfilled potential

I found the premise interesting and the beginning of the book, about the basic training, similar to many other novels. No problem, the differences could have made the book fun. Unfortunately, too dumb to live, is what I though of the hero. He doesn't seem to learn that quickly, especially when on his first mission.
Characters are pretty undeveloped, though that's common for military fiction. The narrator made the book listenable .The snarky AI in the combat armor helmet was just plain juvenile. I won't follow the series.

Innovative!

I was immediately captivated by the world and the story. I couldn't stop listening and I can't wait to start book 2. Bravo for conjuring one of the most interesting worlds I've seen in quite some time. And thank you.

Willing to give the second book a go.

There are some striking flaws in this book, but I found it enjoyable nonetheless. The MC is flat, the word "whatever" is way overused, and some of there are some logic gaps near the end. The story is interesting, and I am hoping the author was playing the long game, because the end did not deliver with any answers. I think it was a missed opportunity to really hook me into the next book at the end. I am hoping that this being an early work of the author, he might improve going forward. I will give book 2 a try.

Magazines not clips

Great story. The voice from the female and the computer are pretty close to the same. Which can be confusing if you're not paying attention.

The biggest notice is Rodney calling gun magazines "Clips" if you know guns then you laugh a bit or maybe cringe every time they say it. I look forward to listening to the rest of the series though!

Better than I expected

This was a wonderful blend of Sci-fi and Fantasy. The world building and “magic” system were fascinating. I only have two complaints. Firstly, near the end of the novel when the author reused a number of phrases repeatedly such as J-22 Explosives and BOOM. Lastly, the narrator was bad. All the voices sounded the same and he didn’t carry the character’s emotions in the reading either.

Despite those minor complaints I have already bought book 2 and if it is as good as this one I will be pleased.

Edit: I have listened to the next 3 books in the series and enjoyed each book more than the last, so if you're into Sci-fi / Fantasy like Star Wars but with a bit more fantasy to it you will love this series.

Close miss

To be honest I can't say how disappointed I am. After the first third of the book I would have thought that this could end up being a favorite of mine. The combination of a coming of age story without the age part (all. Characters are already adults) and a clever integration of fantasy into sci-fi. Until we hit a point with some of the worst foreshadowing I have ever seen and the book Turned into the video game doom while throwing out one trope after the other. In an alternate dimension there is an interesting version of this story about how to use magic abilities on deep recon missions. Here we are stuck with the 90s video game version.

Terrific, entertaining story, just finished Book 3

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Initially concerned it would be yet another inexperienced hero learning the ropes. Although that was the case it was handled deftly, with enough 'outside the box' storyline it wasn't an issue. Character development was paced nicely, along with the story.

What did you like best about this story?

Many things: the integration of science and magic, the different threads, the interaction between the hero and his battle computer, and much more.

What does Guy Williams bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have read negative reviews about Guy, and I have to admit that sometimes his over-clarity of enunciation ( I'm sure there's a correct term for that!) was jarring, but he characterised and brought personality to all major players. I thoroughly enjoyed his style, tone, injection of seriousness and humour, and overall performance. His depiction of Nic is particularly enjoyable. I would listen to him again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The build up to many scenarios was tension-filled, to the point I had to take a break! In a good way! Some situations I could not see a solution to, but a plausible solution presented itself nonetheless.

Any additional comments?

Worthwhile read. Some frustrations, but these eventually make sense and add to the plots.

Nice Story, Great Narrator

An enjoyable listen with an interesting premise. Still the narrator performance is what really makes this worth listening to.

WOW!

I loved this book. I couldn't stop listening. I want more! So very well done. I was so caught up in the action. It was over way too soon.

Great story.

I was pleasantly surprised at the story and the reader was great! Wasn't sure if I was going to like the magic with sci-fi but I liked the linesman series so thought what the heck, I will give it a shot. the story was very entertaining and the characters had depth. it could have been a little better without quite as many magical aids like the bag (you will understand if you purchase) but all together a very entertaining story. i will be continuing the series.