Card Mage: Slumdog Deckbuilder

I know the author of this book and do some proofreading for him. My review is still 100% honest and not biased. (TBH, I would probably not proofread books I don't enjoy, so there is that as well.)

A book about a card game. That sounds pretty light-hearted, yes? We play, it's fun times. Yes, well, no. In this, playing some monster summoning card game is one of the few ways the inhabitants of the city-sized slums have a chance of making a better life for themselves. Owning a card, even a weak one, is a giant thing. But here people need to team up to have a full deck and be able to play.
Hick dreams of doing exactly that; slowly buying cards, winning games, eventually helping his dad and his younger siblings move on from poverty.
And that is pretty much what I can say without spoiling half the book.

The thing about Benedict Patrick is that he will wreck you. When something bad happens, it actually happens. When the characters have to make hard decisions, there won't be some convenient way out. So even if you feel this book can't be THAT serious... yes, well, it is.
Don't get me wrong, the book is dynamic, it has action, it has so much suspense it's unreal, but you will be constantly reminded of the weight of the things.

The lore of this is insane too. I don't know how many books there will be, but there are so many interesting things about the world we have to learn. (Trust me, I have made a whole list of questions and theories I have. I wonder how right I will be about things.)
At this point, a lot of the story was the personal struggle of Hick, his first steps on the road he chose for himself. Or the one he was given. But there are hints, some more subtle than others, about a lot of other people with agendas that are far more sinister.
But trust me. Nothing about this is a coincidence. You know how some books have this undefined lore about them, just so the world feels deeper, but we never actually find out anything real? Just namedropping. This one will not be like that. I guarantee it.

Very specific thing I have to say; if you like the pure child sidekick character, you will love one of Hick's friends. We get some really precious children like that and that is why I am always extra nervous about his books. Because we need to protect them.

All in all, an unusual premise, impeccable mood and setting, action all the way, you just know it will get even better. I definitely recommend it to everyone, eeven if you don't play any of those monster card games. The rules are explained well and the story is chef's kiss.