Commerce Emperor: A Progression Fantasy Epic

This will be a spoiler free reviewThis book was incredibly gripping. Maxime J Durand is an excellent author, and his amazing character work skills really shine in this book, perhaps more so than they ever have before. The main character is likeable and unique with a fascinating moral outlook and silver tongue that masks the flaws beneath, and the supporting cast all have such depth to them that I feel they could be protagonists of their own. The magic system and worldbuilding were also deep and well-thought-out, and the premise of the book is truly lived up to and explored. The antagonists were perhaps less explored than their heroic counterparts but no less deep, and I finished the book excited for the next one to come! One slight aside I must add is that the 'progression' part of the title was far less impactful than the 'fantasy epic' part, so fans of harder progression fantasy may be disappointed. I would point them to the author's other works such as Underland or Apocalypse Tamer/Kairos for LitRPG, all of which are quite good in their own right.In short, if you liked the author's previous works, or have been wanting an epic fantasy adventure brimming with enthralling characters that deviates from the standard mold, then I thoroughly recommend Commerce Emperor.

What an expected read!There is the old adage about judging a book by its cover -- well, I did that -- in addition to judging it for being on KU. Boy was I surprised.I truly don't know why this is on KU; this really feels like a book I'd expect to have to buy for like $10 on Amazon or $15 at a brick and mortar place. I am also thankful though, because if it wasn't on KU, I probably would have never seen it.Everything about this book feels solid in my opinion. The worldbuilding feels fresh and interesting. The characters feel nuanced and "fleshy." The writing is refined and even quotable. And the pacing is such that it feels like it values my time at every stop.The worldbuilding was the thing I noticed out of the gate with this book. There were a lot of fresh ideas (or reconceptualizations) that I'd never seen before in here that I thought were cool such as exorcists, essence, and blights. We learned a decent amount about the world and what is going on, but its also very apparent that there is a lot that needs to be unpacked, which is a good feeling.I think the characters are the next stand out thing to me. It did take me most of the book to settle on the opinion that they're all pretty solid. The cast is decently large but we also quickly come to realize that the whole cast is carrying wagonload of luggage with them. Also, because the cast varies so nicely, I think there is probably someone that any reader can probably root for. We have our sly but somewhat sleazy MC, a reticent female noble, a single mother blacksmith, a driven apothecary/doctor, and even more.If there is one critique I'd level at the book its just that the cover maybe doesn't fully do it justice. The cover is good and it hints to a lot of things in the book but I also feel like it doesn't fully capture the mood/atmosphere of the story or the level of worldbuilding. I have no clue what a "better" cover would look like though unfortunately, so I can't help with offering other suggestions unfortunately -- good covers are HARD.Easy 5/5. I'll be looking for book 2.PS: I loved this line in the book: "Only fools write for themselves, John*," he scolded me as if I were a child. "The wise write for the world." (*: Changed name)

The concept and theme of the book is very original even when they are based on a well-used idea. Not really a progression book but, it could become one, depending on where the writing goes. Good read.

This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the Monk. I anxiously await the sequel.

This story was an amazing surprise. I enjoy reading and truly love fantasy stories, but most of the stuff you find on amazon while good is really light or generic. This is probably in my top five of anything I have found on here. The world building has an excellent balance of historical weight and mystery without being overly exposition heavy. The characters are all interesting and most importantly interact with the world and each other in a believable multi-faceted way. Add in the subtle tone that all great fantasy has, not just a battle of steel or ideals, but a rising clash of hope verses despair. All the makings of an epic fantasy tale. I can not wait to see where this journey goes from here!

Durand has always done good work and it has only gotten better with time, this story is the current culmination of his skill as an author and it shows, it's incredibly compelling and I recommend it to everyone who likes fantasy and a bit of cleverness.

Maxime J Durand landed on my shortlist of favorite authors for his riotously funny Vainquer and Apocalypse Tamer series. Vainquer would get 6 stars if I could.While this work is well written, novel in concept and a good read, it does not attempt to be funny. For an author capable of such soaring heights, I am disappointed by this work.Mr Durand, if ever you should read this, your forte is humor. In a genre bereft of Pratchett, Douglas Adams and so many other humorous greats, you are among the few still breathing to give us something new and simply wonderful. Please find your star once again.

What an intriguing type of magic that makes you think. Very interesting world building with do many layers. The merchant has an amazing power.

This is start to a fantastic series by Maxime.Robin and his friends are quite fun to read about and the whole war against the demons is very interesting to read about.Looking forward to book 2

I really enjoyed reading this book and I am really looking forward to reading the next one hopefully very soon too!

Durand once again blends humour and wit with genuinely heartwarming moments.Highly recommend picking up the Audible narration if that's your thing.