Skulduggery 1: Building a Criminal Empire

Better than expected. Started off a bit slow and the characters havent really engaged me as much as they should, especially Dar. Disappointing that Penny never learned that Hagen set up her dad and aunt so she could end him, but he met his death anyway. It is kind of weird how the elven priestesses control the day/night cycle and have such potent magic that they rule the other races with an iron hand. There was foreshadowing that Wade has found an artifact that can upset the balance of power, so its likely that he will grow his empire and magic power to eventually usurp the arrogant elves as the masters of magic. I see that there are 7 books in this series, so I will go on to the next one but we'll see how many earn reading time as the story develops or stalls out.

I can't say this book is perfect, but this is a great first book from Logan Jacobs. I must admit that I've had a difficult time staying engaged with some of his stories, but this has the feel of something with a bit of staying power. For one, the concept of building a criminal empire out of alcohol is something I can't recall being done too many times (I'm not saying it hasn't been done, but I sure haven't come across anything quite like this), so it's somewhat refreshing.Also, the world isn't all high fantasy pretty like you sometimes get, but demonstrates a bit of the grit that lets you feel some of the hardship that people from history probably experienced. At the same time, it does go too overboard with it. I've been turned off from multiple series where things were just too "hard" for me to enjoy, but this doesn't do that.I honestly can't tell if they are done for humor or other reason, but some of the fantasy/magical nuances in the setting made me laugh, and I really liked the characters. I did spot a random typo or two ("cooper" instead of "copper" being one example), but these were few and far between.I can't wait for the next book!

Long review... you've been warned. Let me start by saying I liked this book. It was a fun read, and the plot, why unconventional sort of works.That said, there are some negative aspects of the book that I just couldn't shake. *minor spoilers ahead *The pacing was brutal. There were portions of the book where the author would pause the current action in the story to go over some aspect of the world and how it relates to the character, and he will do it in great detail. I appreciate the attempt at world building, but the way the author went about it simply stalled the action and the pace of the book.Additionally, I find it odd that no one else thought to sell alcohol illegally. The United states of America abolished alcohol in the 1920s. Almost immediately after alchohol was declared illegal, everybody had alcohol... you simply had to know where to look.To say that dwarves and halflings forgot how to make alchohol in the span of 18-25 yrs? Seems far fetched. Maybe the author has a way to explain that in the sequel.The MC made some choices that were inconsistent with his character, that seemed to be just for the sake of the plot. The author tries to make it seem like the choice was made due to some love at first sight thing, but the way it was done was to weak. The attempt to cover the out of character decisions as a result of love, just did more to showcase for lack of a better term "plot armor ."That's all I have to write. I know it's a hefty review but I think it has potential and I hope the author finds a way to fix its holes.

I’ll admit, I was expecting a “meh” narrative. Plucky human against the oppressors? Done. But this one’s been done well; a great portrayal of street-level survival struggles, with enough mystery to hint at the grander, world-shaking events to come. Only complaint is that the magic system is so soft and undefined; the elves being able to screw around with the day/night scale on a daily basis is a flat-out broken power, and says interesting things about how the world might work. Anyway, would definitely read the next book.

My first Logan Jacobs book, and I’m glad I took a chance on a new author.For me, Skulduggery started off a little slow, at times it was difficult to read; not that it was poorly written, it just didn’t grip me initially.About 40% into the story things started to click. The characters became more interesting, and the plot developed nicely.This series has a lot of potential, book 2 will be purchased soon.

I hope to see more of this. Dont read this expecting explosive action as it is more about dirty business than anything,b ut that doesnt mean there is no action. If anything, when there is action it is purposeful. The MC is also skilled but is no one man army, and this is proven constantly.I also love how this book does not rush when exploring relationships, both political and personal.I already said this, but I really hope to see more of this.

While the way the author goes into detail or drops in world building can bog the story down, the author makes up for this by the half with events speeding up as the book heads into its climax. It’s not the best written book out there, but it’s pretty well done and it’s worth giving a try for some light fantasy fair. Best parts are the main characters and the author’s twist on the usual fantasy races.

World building was fun characters are enjoyable. The diffent levels of magic go higher and higher really fast. Smart main character and some good point of view changes that really enriched the main story.

Better than the other books of his that I've read. There are harem elements, but unlike some books, they take a back seat to the actual story. (I'm not saying that was a problem with his books specifically.) It was developed slower and more naturally than many I've read, and the author didn't fall into the cliche of one man surrounded by many women.Look, there IS more to this book than the harem elements; he just did it so much BETTER than so many I've seen.

Excellent plot and character development. I read the story in one setting and can not wait to start the second installment.

Wow really like how the story is progressing so far and I like the world politics that author chose to do can't wait for book 2

Not the most pleasant world we find the MC in, humans at the bottom of the ladder of beings who inhabit this city. 5e MC is a thief who is very good at his job and he has two loyal friends to help him. This book seems to be the start of a world building series where the MC works towards the goal of freedom, wealth and a good woman or two. The story has a few chapters where other characters are the MC so it follows them and gives you insights into what they are doing and thinking especially about Wade the actual main character. I mostly don’t like when that happens but in this case it really gives you the motivation of the character- so keep an eye on the chapters with characters names on them as they are from that characters point of view. A really enjoyable read, hope there is more to come.

I read the entire book in a day, the next book in two days. Its the start of really really good series that keeps the characters enjoyable and deep. Its a slow burner that is great from start to finish. Very much enjoyed all the books.