The Duke's Decision

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Avery is the new Duke of York, a single man in possession of a good fortune and unnatural powers.

No, he is not a wizard. Wizardry is perfectly natural, after all, some of it quite commonplace - necromancy has such practical industrial applications, though the old Duke of York wasn't a particularly big fan of the necroindustrial revolution that has swept the empire ruling the isle of Great Britain. York itself is a somewhat backwards duchy, abundant in land and people, but its economic development was severely delayed by the old Silver Duke, who had little tolerance for wizards and little interest in issuing peasant-hunting licenses to promote regular harvests of the duchy’s human resources.

Will Avery betray his ancestor's memory? Can an underdeveloped York stand its ground against its neighbors? And, as a single man in possession of a good fortune, will he marry? These are all matters of grave political importance that could shake the foundations of life in the largest duchy of England at a time when the empire itself is in a delicate state.

Conventional wisdom dictates that Avery should turn to conventional wizardry to solve his duchy's problems and conventional marriage to solve his political problems.

Click here to start reading!

Book 1 finished posting on Royal Road on Valentine's Day 2025. A novelette "interlude" is in progress on Patreon. A full sequel is expected eventually.

Current front cover art was generated by Degeneracy, with the similar Volume 3 header cover generated by Walshbear. Launch cover was created by A. A. Medina.

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2024
Author: Tom Writing Quietly

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0
Followers: 1,635
Views: 357,697

What readers say about The Duke's Decision

“"The Duke's Decision" is a captivating tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of politics, magic, and social intrigue, set against the backdrop of a crumbling empire. With a diverse cast of complex characters, each with their own distinct voice and m…”
matt003Royal Road5.0 / 5
“I'm gonna try to keep it short but as someone who's a fan of the author's previous work, him choosing to write a harem novel was surprising. You'd be hardpressed to find a more hated genre but somehow he makes it work. Great story and I'm putting this away…”
theguynextdoorRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

matt003Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
"The Duke's Decision" is a captivating tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of politics, magic, and social intrigue, set against the backdrop of a crumbling empire. With a diverse cast of complex characters, each with their own distinct voice and motivations, this story is a true masterpiece.
The author's writing style is effortless and engaging, with a subtle approach to magic that adds depth and realism to the world-building. The dialogue is witty and nuanced, making it easy to become invested in the characters' struggles and alliances.
While the large cast of characters may be challenging to keep track of at times, the author's skillful use of POV chapters and character development makes it easy to become attached to each one. The story's pace is well-balanced, with a mix of humor, poignancy, and political intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Overall, "The Duke's Decision" is a must-read for anyone who loves political intrigue, complex characters, and subtle magic, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling and thought-provoking story.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Recommendation: If you enjoy political intrigue, complex characters, and subtle magic, this is a must-read. Be prepared for a large cast of characters and a slower burn, but the payoff is well worth the investment.
theguynextdoorRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm gonna try to keep it short but as someone who's a fan of the author's previous work, him choosing to write a harem novel was surprising. You'd be hardpressed to find a more hated genre but somehow he makes it work.
Great story and I'm putting this away so I can binge it in the future, it's really fucking good.
For the people worrying about the protagonist being your typical dense harem doormat stereotype, I wouldn't worry for now. He's for sure a good guy (and shy at the start) but seems reasonably intelligent and makes rational decisions without letting anyone just walk over him.
IliaVolyovaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I clicked on an ad not expecting much. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the first chapter. The story got better as it went on.
The author is technically excellent, with flawless grammar and good prose. The story has a good hook to draw you in and interesting conflict to keep you interested.
The characters feel alive, each with their own motivations and personalities.
The world feels alive. Its history and different moving pieces affecting each other as they would in the real world. Although we have seen a very small part of the world and much could change. I want to learn more about the Empire, the Emperor, rise of necroindustry, the fishers, and the aristocratic disease. I'm sure many more intriguing concepts will be introduced later.
I am very interested in where this story is going and will continue to read.
My only complaint is the lack of information so far about the MC's background and capabilities, although I suspect that's an intentional choice by the author.
Another critique is the number of characters introduced in such a short time. I admire the author’s ambition in having a large caste of characters and I believe a large caste makes an intrigue/political thriller feel much more alive. However, I had trouble keeping track of all the characters as I binged the story. I do feel that the characters are unique and well distinguished and so I have no idea how to improve in this regard.
Nanu089Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
As I said not enough chapters to declare this a 5 star masterpiece for that I will wait till the end of the 1st Arc, as this is lining up to be a political intrigue I want to see if the writing is strong enough to justify the tag. Other than that if you want medieval, kingdom building, aristocracy this is one of the best world building I have seen in quite a while so my suggestion read this after the end of arc 1 and then decide if this is for you or not.
celerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
In many respects, the best piece of writing i have read on this site. Deep world building, compelling characters with interesting and varied relationships, and most of all fun politics. Very strongly recommended to anyone who enjoys politics, economics, or brutal satire of the rich and powerful. A well-deserved five stars.
walshbearRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The Duke's Decision & The Dark Mill is an immersive dive into dark magics, politics, and alliance-building.
Each of the large cast of POV characters is distinct and well-defined, and all have their endearing qualities. Character dialogue is a highlight, and it was easy to find myself rooting for one or another (go Fiona!)
Another thing that I love is the subtlety of the magic in this world. There's a real sense that the characters have lived around it their whole lives, and it's woven into the fabric of society in a realistic way. Tom never beats you over the head with magic systems. Conversely, this makes the hints that we do get hit that much harder.
The prose is never over-decorated, aligning well with that subtlety, but it nevertheless has moments of great humor and poignancy. I wish I could change the Grammar rating to a Prose rating; there are really no grammatical issues here to speak of.
If I had to compare, I would say this book falls closest to Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in its period nature and integrated treatment of magic. If you're interested in a story that's less whiz-bang and rewards close reading, this is your book.
longwindedone1Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
It is my pleasure to review this story. I have read through chapter 7 so far. This review contains spoilers (this is the way).
This story is set in a rich world that blends elements of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. The story begins with Duke Avery ready to announce his marriage plans in front of prospective brides and their families. This pretty much sets the tone in Avery's world (regarding the stakes of his decision).
The story excels in its world-building details. There are well-done descriptions of all kinds of things (the hall, the suitors, and gossip). This world is diverse. It has a mix of human, halfling, and otherworldly characters (a story after my own heart). The world feels large and in charge (and lived-in).
There is a cool subplot with Rose and Anna (on their journey to York). Their developing friendship add additional layers of intrigue. I have always admired people who can write this sort of thing and Tom does it well.
Overall, this story is a well crafted story. It has compelling character and intricate world-building. If you are a fan of romance and fantasy (with some politics), this story is for you. Thank you to Tom for expanding my horizons.
DrakonycRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
Looks like an interesting novel. Not for me, but had to leave a review to say good job for adding the tags to the chapter 2 synopsis, where I was sent. A lot of people don’t do so and it can be kind of annoying so thanks for doing so.
FurioRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
The novel is very well written, the industrial necromancy is an interesting idea but the whole plot is quite meaningless and the MC is unpleasant. He means well and fights a system that sees ordinary people only as a source of bodies, but at an emotional level is crippled.
Furthermore the curse of the Harem novels strikes again, with the exception of Fiona and Sabine the others wives become for the reader a long list of names without individuality
Paradoxically is easier to sympathize with the rejected girl
That will became the murderer and will be killed. A tragic fate that could be avoided if Avery would interact with her with a little more diplomacy, explaining and softening the blow of the rejection. His cold fish attitude is the real culprit of the drama.
falling_waterRoyal Road
★★★★ 3.5
This story has lots of original details in the setting. Many of them go basically unused.
It has a central conceit with the duke's marriage decisions, and it just wasn't even necessary.
The story has a lot of characters, and not enough chapters for most of them to really do much.
The writing is good in some ways, but I feel like the author could do better. Overall, I liked their previous work "Accidental War Mage" a bit better.