Lord January

A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword, Book 1)

By: Dakota Krout

Narrated by: Travis Baldree

Time is money. Time is a weapon. Time is running out.

Grant Leap is an orphaned, mortal farmhand in a world where cultivation methods and Weapons of Power are jealously guarded and only passed down among family. He’s not content with his lot; as a Januarian, someone living in District January, he should be living the good life just like everyone else. Food, parties, food, entertainment, and food are the minimum requirement. As an orphan, specifically a reviled Leap, there’s not even a chance of being treated as a human.

When a celestial event pours time magic into his field, coalescing into a lost Weapon of Power, Grant leaps at the opportunity to advance beyond even the scope of standard cultivation. At the first touch of the weapon, the orphan gains everything he’s ever wanted: a Sword and a Name. Also, a pesky mandatory quest with his life as the price of failure. It doesn’t take him long to realize that the best thing for him to do is to sell it and live on borrowed Time.

Yet, that would never happen. The blade offers him the first major choice he’s ever had to make: surrender to his desires...or live like a king.

©2022 Dakota Krout (P)2022 Mountaindale Press

Wonderful new world & magic system from Dakota!

Great MC, and awesome calendar based magic system. Really loved how the world's culture is meshed into the magic and they consider time to be money! Flew through listening to Travis narrate the first in another new series I'm now closely following.

Absolutely wonderful!

Slow start but stay with it and you will love it! Can’t wait for the next!

Humorous and innovative

When I began listening to the story I was not sure what to think about it. The world was a bit odd, but that was the point. The title alone should let you know that the calendar or to be more precise time is important to the story. That was an interesting, and delightful choice. There are twists and turns and struggles with unexpected outcomes. One thing I noticed and was exceptionally pleased about was the complete lack of profanity. In our modern era where its use has become far too common place, much like obesity, I was glad to hear its absence. Thank you Dakota for another great work! I look forward to the sequel!

Dakota Krout dude, oh yeah

I never really used to like fantasy novels (I stuck mostly to sci-fi and "real-world" books), but Dakota Krout swayed me out of the fantasy avoidance that I had. Lord January is a wonderful representation of character building that Krout does in all of his novels...and I honestly forgot I was reading a "fantasy" book. Try this if you enjoy character building, funny fantasy (this is a major part of why I love this book), or are just a fan of other Dakota Krout work! Can't wait for book 2.

intrsting story

Dakouta Krout is always with the chance and as usual does not disappoint looking forward to the rest of the series

Yes! Another hit by krout!

Fantastic start to a new series! And the fact that it looks like we will be getting a new book every month is super exciting! hope he can stay on schedule!

Can't tell if it is related to the divine dungeon, certain elements hint at it. Can't wait to learn more next month!

Dakota is a machine

Another great story and again with a great performer. Are there going to be 12 of these? How does Dakota pump these out? Is he a robot? He should teach Rothfuss some focusing skills.

Surprisingly Good

Given the whole time focused nature of it, I thought the theme would get old, but I find myself enjoying it. Fun characters, enjoyable plot that has unexpected changes. I recommend checking it out.

Loved it. Good and clean.

Very little language and no real sexual content in the book. Funny and exiting. Word

what a fun book

this book is fun. worth your time. great start to a new series. and the puns. get it!!