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Almost three thousand years after an extinction level event on Earth, mankind seeks to regain its former glory, in a new world where magic and technology collide.


Laney Herder, a commoner in the realm of Wexbury, finds herself thrust into the world of nobles and knights. At the side of her Lady Celeste, Knight of the Realm, she goes on an epic journey from being a simple chicken farmer to one of the greatest heroes of the realm, while helping the Lands of Sparo avoid a second Great Mage War.


Can kindness and innocence, defeat the oncoming storm?

430 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2015

119 people are currently reading
571 people want to read

About the author

Erik Schubach

203Ìýbooks437Ìýfollowers
International bestselling author of #lesfic f/f romance, scifi, urban fantasy, paranormal & more. Consummate geek & sarcasm connoisseur. Any pronouns are fine.

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Bestsellers:

Fantasy:
Adept (Techromancy Scrolls #1) by Erik Schubach

Scifi/Paranormal:
Leviathan (Worldship Files, #1) by Erik Schubach Return of the Asgard (The Valkyrie Chronicles, #1) by Erik Schubach Facets of April (April #1) by Erik Schubach

Urban Fantasy:
Intern (Elfed In New York #1) by Erik Schubach Blood and Secrets (Coven Tales #1) by Erik Schubach Red Hood The Hunt (Urban Fairytales #1) by Erik Schubach Trolls (The Bridge, #1) by Erik Schubach

Romance/Romantic Comedy:
Case of the Collie Flour (Unleashed #1) by Erik Schubach Night Shift (Emily Monroe Is Not The Chosen One #1) by Erik Schubach Music of the Soul (Music of the Soul #1) by Erik Schubach Water Gypsy (London Harmony #1) by Erik Schubach


With over 100 titles to choose from from various series and genres, I'm sure I've written something for you. Check out the whole list here .

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5 stars
379 (47%)
4 stars
261 (32%)
3 stars
113 (14%)
2 stars
28 (3%)
1 star
17 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Kara.
720 reviews1,265 followers
December 6, 2016
Oh, Erik. You've written lots of lesbian themed books. OK....we trust you by now...you're not lecherous. Please....please!!...learn to let women who love each other to love each other earlier in your book...and, for god's sake....write something steamy for the great characters you create!

Oh, Celeste...I really (really!) want you loaned out to Meghan O'Brien, or Julie Blair, for a weekend novella!

Ok - rant over.

This is a really terrifically fleshed out sci-fi book. Very descriptive, and Hollie Jackson's narration really works well. Reminds me of the magic of the Dune trilogy without the crap of the sucky movies.

Techromancy #1 has two wonderful main characters, lots of terrific supporting characters, and a storyline that is fun to participate in. I definitely recommend it, which earns 4*, but I'm not likely to listen again, so it's not 5*. I do, though, look forward to #2 in the series being released on Audible.
Profile Image for TheAvidReader.
98 reviews
May 10, 2021
I loved this dystopian book very much. It has everything, magic, post apocalyptic, different cultures etc. The adventure is incredible and of course it's Lesfic. Absolutely in love with this entire series. I have had them for a while just getting to review
Profile Image for Nolly  Frances Sepulveda.
383 reviews23 followers
August 16, 2015
Engaging

I am truly pleased with this new series from Erik, the story was well paced and the characters are easy to fall in love with. Laney and Celeste are good for one another and their friends and comrades are a delightful bunch. Looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,509 reviews124 followers
June 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this strange fantasy storyline and the unique world building here!

We have people living as if it were, say, Medieval times - but it is infact in a strange future where magics exist, after an impact devastated the world as we know it, blasting apart the moon, and burying much technology and knowledge from 'before' with it.

We meet a young 19 year old Serf, Laney, who works hard for her ailing mother and young brother, taking care of their chicken farm and looking for scrap metals, which she is magically adept at sensing. Only there is far more to her, and her powers, as we learn in the story.

She is honest and good hearted, but also brave. We get to go along with her training to be a Knights squire and hone her abilities, and falling hard and fast for Lady Knight, Celeste, two years older than her, but very skilled and knowledgeable with magics and battle.

The have a lot in common, and Laney herself brings a unique perspective to the royal court, after coming from such humble beginnings. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, the system they live in, and the light teasing and jibbing that happened between the knights and squires. It definitely has that found family trope, we all know and love.

The romance is very sweet and young adult in nature. Lots of night time snuggling and head kisses, without a sexual overtone, which I actually rather liked. Although at times I wondered if they were ever going to go beyond that stage, so it became a little awkward the longer it went on. The slightly older knight Celeste being Laney's mentor and coach, and how everyone would constantly call out Laney as being short/small/petite etc, became a bit much. But eh, that is a small nitpick in an otherwise interesting story that kept me captivated.

I would definitely love to read more installments, but I fear it's one of those series where I'll always be holding my breath for the latest dangers and scrapes our MC's will be getting into! lol!
Profile Image for Alex.
68 reviews12 followers
June 9, 2017
I swear, if hear ONE more smile, blush or nod I'm going to need a straitjacket! The start had me really invested, the world is interesting and the main protagonists are like-able. I had it pinned in my mind as a 4star audiobook... Then it went rapidly downhill. This book is likely great for teenagers anywhere from 13 to 18. Past 18 I doubt anyone would have the patience or restraint to deal with this kind of literacy. It had a lot of potential, it just needed tons of editing.

For me it was good until the book stopped adding anything substantial over vast parts of the story and it dragged. As it dragged on- as if I was previously in a blinded state of awe by the universe; I progressively became aware of how terrible its written. Character interaction is repetitive and simplified exclusively to excessive use of nod, wave, grin, smile, blush etc. Most characters are flat as pancakes. The depth suffers because the interaction reads like a 16year old's past-time fanfiction, which attributes to the flatness of the characters as you cannot distinguish between them from any kind of behavior. To top this off the sentence structure is abhorrent and is worse than what a teenager would dare to hand-in for a school assignment. It could go "and and and" in one single short sentence, just as well as "then then then". And no, I'm not joking. I found myself in dear need of a snugly fastened straitjacket for my impending mental breakdown.

Luckily, it never came to that. After repeatedly pushing my self to endure I finally reached my limit and had to quit around the 60% mark, it became too painful. I cringed nearly every sentence as it added to the lingering headache it managed to produce. Loved the universe, but the poor writing just absolutely wrecked it for me, I have no words how much it ruined a surprisingly good story. Young readers may not care, but if you are used to good structurally built novels, AKA an adept adult reader, this will hurt you.

However, if you are young or have ever dreamed of a knight in shining armor, then this might be for you. Oh, and she's tall and has killer curves too. The good part about the story is the world, and definitely Lady Knight Celeste, who had most of us (perverts) drooling all over.
Profile Image for Inked Reads.
824 reviews19 followers
August 14, 2015
The setting and world presented in this book really grabbed my imagination and got it working. I loved the whole concept of the story and plot and the characters grew on me quickly. Celeste and her flirty charm kept a smile on my face whenever she was in a scene while Laney captured my heart with her adorable shyness. Wonderful character development and beautifully executed interactions kept me turning pages.

My only complaints on this one were some editing issues that occasionally brought me up short and paused progression of the story for either grammar issues or spelling complications. The second was more along a personal preference line than an issue with the book or author directly, it seemed to me the connection that was apparent between the main characters (to the point of even having supporting characters commenting on it) took far too long to develop. I would have liked to see some kind of movement toward involvement from them earlier in the story. Otherwise I enjoyed the story and would love to read more in the same setting!

**I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads**
~Rhayne
3 reviews
May 7, 2016
Bumping hips. Winking. Smirking. Chuckling. Giggling. Blushing. Playfulness ad nauseam. My Lady, my lady, my lady... Every interaction is overflowing in unrealistic, anachronistic behavior. Weird pseudo-archaic speech one second, modern F-bombs the next. Everybody's forward thinking and conscientious. The heroine can do everything, token flaws only to make her cute. "I'm worried that this thing that's actually laudable about myself is wrong." "No, you are indeed adorable."

The author has interesting ideas, but the execution is lazy and hamfisted. The writing is full of extraneous adverbs/adjectives, word repetition, and occasional poor grammar and word choice.
Profile Image for Marissa Shortt.
113 reviews
February 21, 2020
I was introduced to this series by a friend who advised me that this one was great to get into. Such a great introduction! Laney Herder is the commoner who is exalted to higher standings through her use of magic in a time where this is how things are run and made. Poorer castes exist to serve the nobles and some are not as kind as others. Wars with Rogues are always at hand and it seems that alliances are uneasy at best. When Laney ignites and defeats enemies beyond her skill, she becomes noticed by the Lady Celeste and whisked away into a new life full of danger and unseen enemies from new places only dreamed of. I don't want to give too much away but the Gypsies are an interesting faction I can't wait to learn more about. Starting the second one soon, and cannot wait!!
966 reviews12 followers
January 24, 2020
Enjoyable first book

I always enjoy this authors books. His romance plot is similar for most of his series but still fun. In this series set in a post apocalyptic world, magic is real and growing. I enjoyed the characters and the plot growth. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
352 reviews43 followers
March 31, 2019
Loved listening to this! I love Hollie Jackson as a narrator. Exceptionally good!!
Profile Image for charles clayson.
1,260 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2021
As like most books that I have read by this author.These books have been scintillating and On the edge of the seat thrilling!
Profile Image for Ch.
584 reviews70 followers
Read
January 10, 2016
"Even the smallest thing can turn the fiercest battle when it is not expected. Even the smallest thing can have a huge effect on the outcome of any event."

Let me start this by saying I really like the cover of this one. I think this is my favorite book cover from Erik's titles. The colors and image complement one another, but let's keep it simple, the shot and edit was amazing, pure eyegasm.

At first I was hesitant if I would like this, as much as I love reading fantasy/magic stories I have high expectations and sometimes it's either I like it or not, black or white. I was a bit confused at first and I definitely took my time adapting to this new world. I like almost everything about this book: A) the world building, set 3000 years from now it's crazy scary how the mundane things in todays time were and could be deemed valuable in the future, this book just got me thinking. B) the social structures, though my head is still spinning from all the titles and I admit I would be confused more than I was if not with the aid of the map in the beginning of the book. Directions weren't my best asset. C) The characters. I love all of them, it's refreshing that we don't get those jerks/assholes just to add spice to the story and make our heroine's life miserable than it already is. Laney was an engaging voice. There was realness in her and seeing her change and grow throughout the story was amazing. Laney's attraction to Celeste was cute (am i allowed to even use "cute" in a sentence with celeste) I wish more story and importance was given to Margret's past, it kinda feel like "boom there your mother has a secret" for like 5 pages then it's totally forgotten, maybe more could be said in a sequel if there is. D.) Romance. I am sold on the romance here, a hundred percent. It wasn't forced and the story wasn't focused too much on Celeste/Laney. There were cute subtle moments and dialogues but it wasn't overdone and too obvious. I just sometimes want to pull these two out of the book and just (insert the "now kiss meme" out of frustration. My little heart was being teased too much.

Overall, I like the story and the ending, especially that. Though some scenes were slow and dragging i really would like to have more of these characters.



Profile Image for C.M. Castillo.
AuthorÌý4 books6 followers
June 11, 2018
This first in the series is an excellent read. The author creates engaging and interesting characters. Of the 4 in the series, to date, this is definitely the best of the lot.
Profile Image for Flowerscat.
92 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2016
I really wanted to love this book - I so really did. The lead characters are so likeable. However there isn't much of a story, and it's just too predictable in parts The characters are little bit too perfect for my liking - they haven't been developed fully - there could have been a lot more depth. There is a lot of 'telling' instead of 'showing'. This is the second Erik Schubach book I've picked up and found full of potential but lacking in depth (the first being Return of the Asgard) - unfortunately I don't think I'll be picking up any more books from this author.

p.s. If you want a quick, fun read, with a straightforward story line, then ignore this review & read the book :)
87 reviews
March 1, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. I've read several by this author and have loved every single one of them... but this book was excellent. If I could rate it higher than a 5, I would. Laney is one of my new favorite characters, I love her personality and strength. I also love how the author writes about relationships, they are always more about emotions than sex, which is the case here also. Very little relationship in this book, but the emotions are definitely there.

The only downside to this book, is that it ended. I need to know what happens next! :) Please Mr.Schubach, write more, and soon! I need my Laney fix. *heads off to re-read the book again*

*edit - I just read Squid Hugs... there is a bonus chapter in the end for the next Techromancy Scrolls book. Erik, you are just plain evil :) Such a cliffhanger-y teaser chapter.
Profile Image for Joan Clark.
219 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2015
I was already a fan of Mr. Schubach's books but this was so very different than any of his other literary works. This book grabbed me from the very beginning. I loved the world he created and the explanations for what happened to Earth as we know it. The details and fantastical story was fascinating. The romance is sweet and understated. The main focus is on their developing bond, adventures, and life changes. Laney is selfless, sweet, smart, and courageous. Celeste is brave, intelligent, empathetic, and protective. Celeste is my new book crush! This has become my new favorite series by this author and I will be looking out for more. You will not be disappointed if you give this new series a chance!
62 reviews
March 3, 2017
Awesome Adventure

This book is a good start to what looks to be, a great adventure/fantasy series. The story takes place a few hundred years in the future following a catastrophic impact to the earth, which wipes out much of the population and destroys most of technology. The result is a place where most live medieval lives, augmented here and there by magic. It is quite cleverly done. It is interesting thinking how our modern conveniences would be perceived by someone with no real reference. The characters are well-drawn and mostly relatable. This is a fun and light story, with enough adventure and magic to keep it interesting.
Profile Image for Diamond Wilson.
AuthorÌý12 books10 followers
January 2, 2018
Good world building

This book kept me intrigued and reading until the end. The action kept me invested in the book, as did the characters; the romantic connection left something wanting, but I enjoyed the heroic episodes and how the characters worked together to overcome. There are a handful of spelling and grammar errors in this book that drew me out of the story from time to time, but all in all, I enjoyed this story and the way the author built the world and heightened the challenges the characters must overcome. I can't wait to read more from Erik and see how he incorporates the platypus into the next story!
AuthorÌý2 books1 follower
May 5, 2016
This is another amazing series. It is set 2,000 years past post apocalypse. The settlement is set very mid-evil European style with our no seen things being rediscovered. The world has discovered magic and can be used with metals and elements.
The story of the herder and Techno Knight coming together to save the herder is great and the adventures they have. The love story takes a back seat as the adventure is the main plot. It is a must read just to look at the wonders that we have.

“For as long as I shall live, I will swear upon the courage of Lord Samuel in this campaign.�
Profile Image for Blythe.
41 reviews
April 25, 2016
A literary mastermind strikes again!

Here is yet another masterpiece from such a talented author.

Immerse yourself in a post apocalyptic world where technology and swords are used simultaneously and magic isn't just something from fairy tales.

The story was spectacular and the characters are easy to fall in love with. I just wish they were real so I could befriend them all.

Kudos on another fantastic book Mr. Author sir. Platypi everywhere are full of pride :)
Profile Image for Luci Fest.
6 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2015
Fun Read

This is an action filled beauty and it has a super cheesy epilogue! I've had trouble enjoying other books by Erik Schubach but this book had all the things I wanted in a sci-fi fantasy. Action, adventure, magic, futuristic science (well in this version of the future), and lesbian romance!
Profile Image for NormaCenva.
1,157 reviews85 followers
September 5, 2021
I absolutely LOVE this world. I devoured the whole Series and any other spin-off's in no time, this was just great and very entertaining and emotional at times.
27 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2022
A million stars

I would give this book endless stars if I could. It kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning.
Profile Image for L E.
763 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2021
Really, you had us wait to the last few paragraphs of this book for them to say those magical words! Loved it, sometimes the wait is the best part.

I never seem to be amazed at this author, I came upon him by chance on the Valkyrie series and have been hooked ever since. I think I have read close to 50 of his books and love finding those amazing characters that add to the overall stories.

Happy to be on another series and looking forward to Laney's growth not to mention her new relationship.
Profile Image for M L Brooks .
583 reviews9 followers
March 13, 2024
A great start to a fantastic series

So this is actually the second time in reading this series however I realised I never reviewed it the first time around. The world of the techromancy scrolls is fascinating. A post apocalyptic world after the fall of the modern day and the rise of magic. It's an interesting mishmash of magic and technology in a quasi medieval world. Laney is an excellent protagonist and she shows some excellent growth throughout the series.
Profile Image for Lynn.
126 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2020
Unique, Fun, and couldn't pit it down!

Laney Herder, a serf, chicken farmer, and scavenger taking care of her little brother and sick mother takes on the adventure of a lifetime by standing up to marauders and changing her life forever. She is aided by Lady Celeste, Techno Knight and Lord Bowen, Knight of Wexbury. Laney uses her newly discovered magic skills to protect herself and is rewarded by being offered Techno Knight Ascendant and the squire to her Lady Celeste. The adventure awaits! Find out how a strong, independent young woman turn hers and her family's life around! Amazing tale! So glad it is a first in a series!!!
299 reviews
August 5, 2023
DAMN .....

Just WOW !!!!! I really enjoyed this book ! I didn't know if I would or not. But I really did. So now I have to get the next one of course.


Only thing is I wish he wouldn't have jumped ahead six months. I would have liked to read what happened. When Lady Lane first saw her mother. And talked to her after getting back.

Other than that ....... So go ahead and take a chance. I bet you won't be disappointed !!!

jrwii
10 reviews
March 6, 2023
Loved it

Great start! Can’t wait for the next volume! Should have read this before, he did such a great job with the Elfed series.
218 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2016
I am not sure what I just read.

I gave this book 3 stars but I was being liberal. Fantasy, science fiction, yes, plenty of both. Romance? NO! Where was the romance? Too many completely unnecessary characters. I can't even remember their names. Neither can the writer because David becomes Jace after the first chapter. No chemistry between the "main characters" and that fault falls on the writer. The two are never alone. Never share a kiss much less anything else. There was nothing. We got one point of view only. Disappointing. I will read the next book because I actually bought the book and hate to waste the money. I have a bit of hope the writer will make my purchase worthwhile but I'm not holding my breath. Some parts were impossible to even understand. Stop rushing. They are your characters. Get them right.
Profile Image for Samuel.
AuthorÌý11 books58 followers
December 24, 2017
Adept was one of the books I picked up in the 12 days of Bookmas, and the premise intrigued me. Some hundred years ago something devastating happened to Earth and the Moon, and the world was plunged into a dystopian world where magic came back.
The pure genius of this book was to balance the magic with the old technology of the yesteryears. Which I think, Erik did a marvelous job in his storytelling.
The main character Laney is no mary sue, she is clumsy, a bit awkward and is in fact a brilliant character. Not to go into spoiler territory but I love the romantic side of this story as it felt real. Her supporting cast, were fully fleshed out and I like each and everyone of them.
The dialogue and interactions between the cast were real and organic, and I could see the whole world in my mind's eye.
Excellent book and I look forward to reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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