Duke Pendragon

My Thoughts on Duke Pendragon

"Duke Pendragon" has been quite a ride, and after diving into the available chapters, I've come away with some mixed feelings. It's a novel that presents an intriguing premise but stumbles in its execution, leaving me wanting more.

First Impressions

The initial setup grabbed my attention. We have a soldier reincarnated into the body of a disgraced duke, tasked with rebuilding his family's legacy. This body swap element, coupled with the "shambles to glory" storyline, felt fresh. The early chapters painted a picture of a ruthless protagonist navigating a world of political intrigue and military challenges. I was definitely hooked.

What Works Well

The world-building, while not perfect, does offer some unique twists. I appreciate the author's deviation from typical fantasy tropes, like goblins being cunning scouts and orcs being formidable warriors. I also found some of the side characters, like Killian and the great aunt ghost, to be genuinely entertaining and well-developed. When the plot focuses on rebuilding the dukedom and the MC's personal growth, it shines.

Areas of Concern

However, the novel quickly loses its luster as several issues emerge. The writing can be inconsistent, with plot holes and lazy writing becoming increasingly apparent. The portrayal of women is a significant concern. Some female characters felt one-dimensional, and the "harem" aspect seemed forced and unnecessary. I noticed several instances where female characters acted out of character to advance the plot, which was disappointing. Additionally, the power scaling feels off at times, with the dragon Soldrake being either too overpowered or conveniently weakened depending on the plot's needs.

Final Verdict

"Duke Pendragon" had the potential to be something special, but ultimately falls short due to inconsistent writing, problematic character portrayals, and a rushed ending. While the initial premise and some of the side characters are enjoyable, the flaws become too glaring to ignore. I'd recommend approaching this novel with caution and tempered expectations. It's a decent read if you're looking for a generic fantasy with some unique elements, but don't expect a masterpiece.