Two of Knaves [Deckbuilder]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

June 2024 update: I've decided to discontinue updates on Two of Knaves for the foreseeable future. I've struggled to continue this series because getting into the mindset of a selfishly-driven anti-hero lead well enough to convincingly portray Darcent's attitude and the environment in which he lives, as well as his generally poor outlook tends to seriously affect my own mood in a negative way. It turns out that writing about a world where everyone is a selfish asshole is just not for me, and I'd rather focus my energy on stories where people grow and work together to do what they believe is right, rather than what they know is wrong. Aside from that, it's also difficult to justify time spent on this project when despite its high average rating, it is still the least popular and least engaged with of my ongoing series both on and off Royal Road, and I have my next serial project already lined up.

What's posted now comprises the first book, which extends up to Chapter 79, as well as the first 20 or so chapters of the second book. If you decide to read, I hope you enjoy, but do so knowing this story is not currently my priority.

A failed seer and a struggling brawler find their paths inextricably linked

Darcent of Stitch Alley earned himself a full ride to the premier magic academy for Soul Seekers, powerful mages who cast spells by bonding with the Deck of Wills. Until he flunked out, bonding only with cards the academy deemed too unsavory for sensible mages.

Annalisa of Dunnemarsh is a devilborn touched by the planes - and interested only in what she can smash with her fists. Obsessed with becoming the strongest fighter in the city, if only she could pull her thoughts together long enough to focus her strength.

Both outcasts drawn together by fate and mishap, the pair turn loose on the mean streets of Dragonmaw,the city that swallows all. And in each other, they find more than mere kinship and camaraderie. They find a path to power that can only be tread together.

Information

Status: Cancelled
Year: 2023
Author: ScottWarren

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.7/ 5.0
Followers: 1,251
Views: 362,820

Chapters(102 total)

What readers say about Two of Knaves [Deckbuilder]

“So to start: "Deckbuilder" is... not a WRONG description here, but it's a little off-center as well. The magic system in this story is heavily based on the Tarot (except with a lot more suits and complexity.) The main character is a magically-empowered read…”
lordnikelasRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“I really really enjoy this story. I think it'll definitely be a novel I read fondly, standing out among all the novels and books I've read (brag 😎). I'm sure I'll frequently return and reread. I like the characters more than anything. I enjoy the setting,…”
BlueMonarchRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(10)

lordnikelasRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
So to start: "Deckbuilder" is... not a WRONG description here, but it's a little off-center as well. The magic system in this story is heavily based on the Tarot (except with a lot more suits and complexity.) The main character is a magically-empowered reader called a Soul Seeker, who can both give magically backed divination readings, and use the powers of certain cards for combat (and other things.)
There's a lot of depth to the magic system and the world so far, and I'm having a lot of fun reading. Worth a look.
BlueMonarchRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I really really enjoy this story.
I think it'll definitely be a novel I read fondly, standing out among all the novels and books I've read (brag 😎). I'm sure I'll frequently return and reread.
I like the characters more than anything. I enjoy the setting, which I'm sure is explored in the authors other works.
I like seeing the characters gain more standing, power, and experience. From where they began in the story, to where they are now. I'm excited to see what the future holds for them.
And while I'm also enjoying the large mysteries at play in the background. More than anything I'm invested in seeing Darcent and Annalisa grow closer, how their relationship grows (and I wouldn't mind a bit of romance). And how it will change, and/or strengthen, as they rely on one another in Dragonmaw.
I like learning more about the Deck of Wills alongside Darcent, seeing Anna become a greater Champion, and I enjoy their interactions with other characters. All of which have wormed into, and warmed my heart.
Yay! :)
Bulimia4BooksRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I read a few reviews and I don’t think I can add much that hasn’t already been said. I love the gritty style, the MC on the line between self preservation and morals.
The deck of wills is super interesting, never read a deck builder before and I’m very much enjoying it. The world is very lived in and well crafted. In authors notes there is talk of other stories in the same world and I must find them.
TLDR: bingeworthy magical criminal/adventuring fun with cards
LogOffRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Specifically, 74! (If that joke didn't make sense to you, shame on you for not reading titles)
Two of Knaves is an adventure novel focused on our two primary characters finding success in the gritty underside of Dragonmaw. But you already knew that. Let's talk about some things you might not have known:
1. This story is not a LitRPG or System story. The word 'deckbuilder' can feel a little scary because 99% of the time it's just another skill progression story with a little reflavouring, but I promise there's an actual thought out magic system here. Honestly, I would remove 'deckbuilder' from the title because it adds a level of detachment from the punchlines of 'Two of Spades.' But I digress.
2. The main character isn't huddling in a corner digging for new cards. Darcent is a man of action, and more importantly, is fortunately (for us) impoverished. The only way this guy is growing more powerful is the same way all heroes grow: combat, thematic importance, and characterization.
3. Grammer is good. Not just good for the site, but good for the internet as a whole. I think I've seen a few typos, but I honestly can't remember.
4. Pacing! Oh my god, the pacing. Warren strikes a perfect balance that lands right on the tip of whirlwind. Life is moving fast for our protagonists, as it usually does for the poor and ambitious, but they still have time in between all the important stuff that they use to... y'know. Establish plot, character, tone? All that good stuff authors on this site tend to either ignore or write exclusively about.
5. We've got a unique magic system! I've always been fascinated with fate, gambling, and specifically cards as a means of doing magic, and someone's finally pulled it off! The tarot deck is a genuinely fascinating piece of real-life superstition, and seeing it utilized so creatively gives me warm and fuzzy feelings
You should read this, for your sake. But remember, fate can't be cheated. Only paid off.
XtraRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
There are a lot of excellent things about the story with strong and interesting protagonist, well executed ideas and solid story telling.
There are only very few flaws that don't take away too much from the story such as how another review said the chapters are abbreviated and there is a lot to take in.
His main long-term goal isn't very clear which makes it hard for the reader to empathize with his goal other than survival.
The side characters felt a bit like props because the reader wasn't given much to get invested in them. However, this isn't that big of an issue because the setting is full of betrayal and the protagonist isn't very extroverted so it is understandable. As a result some of the side characters feel bland since there's nothing unique or special about them. They're just characterized by their role in the story to serve the protagonist's agenda instead of feeling like they got their own lived lives.
The descriptions for settings could be improved because it doesn't leave you with much impression.
The ideas in this book is absolutely amazing and makes this book worth reading. The writing is fantastic and well crafted, showing how good writing involves organization and things that keep reader interested.
aceyRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story is really good! The overall vibe I get is similar to a practical guide to sorcery (and I've been looking for something similar, so this is great). Considering the author's written twelve (?) other books, their prose lives up to it. I also really like the fact that the magic system is based off of tarot cards. I've been looking for another prog fantasy that does this well after reading Lord of the Mysteries but didn't find a good one until this.
I'll come back to leave an advanced review later since I'm a bit lazy. Overall, it's a very refreshing read and on my favorites
AbstrusityRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Quite an interesting story. I recommend you get through at least the first arc before passing judgement, because I felt my interest rather low at the start before it took its narrative in a more interesting direction. Generally good quality of writing, though if I had one critique to give it would be the relative speed of the plot. Nearly every chapter is very immediately focused on the next element of the main plot and few offer much variety in pacing.
PadanFainRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A fantastic story that has it all.
I've binged the whole thing in 4 days and it isn't nearly enough.
I like that the story doesn't have turn mecanics or litrpg elements. The MC is just the right amount of shady, and still have some morals.
The world and magic system is interesting but Id like a bit wider world building than just the one town.
RahsianRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is a fresh and deeply satisfying read.
I binge-read nearly 90 chapters in two or three days and couldn't believe how engaging it was.
Here's what you can expect:
1. An interesting world with incredible depth and delicious lore. There are super interesting takes on the usual races like elves (snobby imperialists in this story) and orcs (something something radiation??), and 'demonic' races like the planes-touched (imagine various elemental versions of the Nightwalker from x-men).
2. A roguishly clever MC that quickly gains the power to back up his wiseass attitude. He's a good guy deep down, but doesn't let that hurt his bottom line. I love these pragmatic but good types of MCs. :)
3. A dynamic cast of characters that feel REAL. Yup. All of the characters have so much... well, they have character! The fact that they are all unique races with different cultures, history, and dynamics also make each of them really interesting. There are a lot of factions and motivations at play and in motion.
As others have mentioned, the Scott's writing experience and expertise shines through and makes for a very smooth and fun reading. You can trust him to deliver on each chapter.
It's a must read in my book!!!
SecretSamurai009Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is a well written story set in a gritty and dangerous city. It feels as if the protagonist is always in danger of being knifed in the back.
And speaking of the protagonist, the characters are unique and well developed. Darcent and Annalisa are easy to root for and I look forward to following their development.
I'm only 16 chapters in and I'm thoroughly hooked.