Irwin's Journey - The Cardsmith [Book 1,2,3,4 stubbed]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Progression, magical cards, weak to strong, card reforging!The young, sickly Irwin has seen nothing but bad luck in his short life. When his brother finally returns with a magical card for him, his luck is about to change. But will it change for the better? Irwin is sent off together with another group of youths to placate a group of sorcerers. With just a weird utility card granted by his brother, he can only pray to stay alive long enough.

This is a card-gathering story. Crafting is not the main focus at first, but as the story progresses, it becomes increasingly important to the MC.

Slow-paced, starts dark, weak-to-strong (but slow)

For those who like to know these things, the story is currently about 12 books long and will likely grow to about 15 before completion. I will very likely write more in the same universe after that, though I will be letting my Patrons help with that decision.

Release schedule: [Fri and Sun] Roughly 22:00 - On Patron [Fr,Sa,Su]

Booksone,two, andthreehave been stubbed! They are now onAmazonand Kindle Unlimited! More books will be removed as they are released. Future chapters will still be released on RoyalRoad first.

The Audiobook for book one is also finally up!

I am still a non-native English speaker (hard to change), so even with the edits and rewrites, you might find some oddities. Let me know, and I'll fix them right up.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2022
Author: Carrarn

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.6/ 5.0
Followers: 3,629
Views: 2,091,497

Chapters(267 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

kvnRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Author has created an impressive and expansive setting that I find myself wanting to learn all about. This story excels in building a massive environment without feeling overwhelming or shallow. It genuinely feels like there is depth to every world held within, and not like they are placeholders or artificial filler. The story feels well planned and works well within this world.
The story, while having one main character, ocassionally jumps to a side character's POV. While some may dislike this storytelling device, I find that the author incorporates it well. These POVs do well at highlighting and contextualizing the main character's accomplishments and events we witness, or at keeping track of what is going on elsewhere in the setting that is important both to the main character and to the story. They may reveal information to the reader that the main character does not know, but never enough to remove the mystery that the main cast is trying to solve. The author keeps these side character POV segments relatively short, and a chapter will never lack the main characters own perspective. They are constructive towards the story while not removing the spotlight from the main character.
The authors design of the card & magic system works perfectly. There is not much more to say about this, it just works. It is well thought out and logically structured while remaining sufficiently flexible to allow a wide breadth of fantastic powers.
You will encounter some grammatical faults, but they are benign. The story remains simple enough to read and digest despite the few errors present. It is hard to blame the author for these considering that they are a nonnative english speaker. This is the only fault I really have with this story, and it is minor and inconsequential enough to not detract from my overall rating.
Some may dislike the beginning of this story. The main character has a very rough start to his story, and if you are not a fan of that sort of thing, it may be difficu
TempestWalkingRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I love stories of all types but this story holds a special place in my heart. It feels like the author took a sliver of themselves and forged Irwin and the world of the Portal Gallery from it. I genuinely cannot express how much this story has inspired me to revamp my own story with a fresh set of eyes on how to guide readers along the human experience in a magical world
XtraRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The magic system is interesting but like others said it feels like the system doesn't work logistically. This is very minor and doesn't detract too much from the story. The story could use better planning but overall it is fun and give it a shot because it really makes you root for the protagonist and gets you invested.
Sometimes it does get one dimensional in characters, but it can be overlooked and is no big deal. It does get better in many areas.
It is fast pace but it could benefit by giving more "rest time". The character being in danger all the time moves the story plot and holds your interest but I think there are moments where the protagonist needs more than a break. They're constantly thrown in danger which is good for the story but you miss out on opportunities to see the purpose.
antsclRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A story with engrossing characters that builds the depth of the world(s) and the protagonist’s opponents nicely as it develops. Although the main character does after a while become OP, by then you’re invested in the story and the mysteries. And he has flaws which reflect his age (terrible tactically).
Definitely worth reading.
cptdfridayRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I love it... and I'm greedy... I want more chapters... some books are just too good. Just don't stop! Don't ever stop! I don't know what more to say but, I have to give at least 50 words so here's me rambling like a fool. And still not enough words... This is why I read other's stories and don't write them myself. No imagination on my side.
CrowbeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'd recommend this for sure. Lots of good points but here's few:
A solid take on card based powers that doesn't feel forced.
Interesting characters that generally make decisions like people instead of fitting to the plot.
Good world building that is fed to you slow and steady.
Solid pacing overall, in terms of conflict escalation and power progression.
Avoids cringy tropes so far
DrFaytRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I made a RR account specifically to review this story!
EDIT FOR CLARITY: I read to chapter 121 before making the account hence the review thinking I have only read to chapter 1!
I have bounced off several card based stories, but this one does it right. A few quick things I love:
It feels very realistic with how cards are treated. Both in economic value and the way they are treated culturally.
The characters and setting all make since, no "why wouldn't they just do X". And yet the story still has very satisfying moments and large arcs. Kind of the best of both a plotter or a pantser.
Really like the pacing and direction. A lot of stories that change setting/goals ((scrappy survival into magical school into battle arena into empire building etc etc)) struggle to keep the momentum and... vibe ((if I can use that word)), but here it feels very natural and well done.
Many stories try to instill that the MC had a rough start or a weak period and they move out of it so fast as to make it not feel real, but the author really makes you feel like Irwin is struggling and has drawbacks for a significant part of the story, so his victories feel more deserved.
Overall just a great story and I feel extremely invested in all the characters. Can't wait to keep reading!
Also the Author is a great guy. I was struggling to catch up before the stub and he helped out when a friend of mine contacted him on my behalf. So if you are said friend or the author reading this: Thank you both so much for helping me read this fantastic story!
FoarmRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The story is slowly but steadily growing on me. I like it that the mc has to struggle physically and mentally and doesn't get everything by luck. Some things he gets by luck, but his luck has a strong shadow side too.
A hard to put away story. That keeps you wondering.
GenPowerEveryNightRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'll try to keep it short and sweet. This is a great novel that any person could read, even if they aren't overly interested in the power-archetype of cards!
The pacing is consistent and keeps you entertained. The characters have weight to them and they draw you in, especially the MC with all of the challenges and the time crunch he faces to achieve his goals. The banter between them is funny and shows the way they're growing, whether that is through pure dialogue, their actions, or their inner thought processes which are shown in some specific chapters.
The story is great and the plot is intertwined heavily. Every action taken is a step towards their general goal (no spoilers) and each character progresses with the MC as they grow, even if they aren't doing it together.
Overall a very well written story that has lots of good characters and plot points! Definitely give it a chance.
LiliaeaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The world building is very unique and the story well crafted! I read the first three books on Kindle and was happy to see Irwin's Journey continues here! I am invested in what happens from Giard, to the Portal Gallery, Scour, and who knows maybe the main branches someday. I find myself smiling as reading this series! Thank you so much to the brilliant author!! I highly recommend this series.