Honest review of The Order of Architects: A Portal Progression Fantasy Series

by Yuri Vinokuroff (Author) Oleg Sapphire (Author)

Updated at: 20/02/2025

In "The Order of Architects (Book 3)," the portal fantasy series continues with a protagonist regaining their former power in a new body. Retaining past experience, they aim for a swift return to prosperity, initially planning to build their empire through honest craftsmanship. However, the authors Yuri Vinokuroff and Oleg Sapphire hint at a more pragmatic approach, suggesting the protagonist's Architect skills may not be enough to overcome numerous enemies, potentially leading to morally gray choices. This installment promises a thrilling blend of fantasy, action, and intriguing moral dilemmas as the architect strives for power and revenge in a world full of danger. The story unfolds with the promise of more adventures to come in books 4, 5, and 6.

The Order of Architects (Book 3): A Portal Progression Fantasy Series

4.8 / 679 ratings

Review The Order of Architects

Okay, so I just finished The Order of Architects (Book 3), and wow, what a ride! This series continues to be a blast, a real page-turner that blends fun, action, and laugh-out-loud moments in a way that's just incredibly satisfying. The authors, Yuri Vinokuroff and Oleg Sapphire, have crafted a truly unique protagonist – a smart-alecky architect who, despite his lofty profession, isn't above a little (or a lot of) mayhem when the situation calls for it. I love how he tackles problems; he’s resourceful, clever, and always thinking several steps ahead, which makes for some genuinely thrilling and inventive solutions.

One of the things I appreciate most is the pacing. The story moves at a brisk clip, keeping you constantly engaged. There's a fantastic blend of magic and explosions – yes, really! – and the world-building, while rich and detailed, never overshadows the plot. While some readers have pointed out the occasional flashback or tangent, I personally found them mostly enjoyable, offering glimpses into the protagonist's past and motivations that added depth without derailing the main narrative. In fact, Book 3 seemed to streamline these elements, keeping the focus squarely on the present action. I especially appreciated this because the earlier books did feel a bit bogged down at times.

The character development is also strong. The protagonist's evolution throughout this book is particularly noticeable, and seeing him navigate his new circumstances is fascinating. I’m really invested in his journey, and I genuinely care about his success (or at least, his survival!). I also enjoyed the supporting characters; there's a great cast of individuals who contribute to the story's dynamism, and I'm hoping some of the more fleeting encounters will develop into longer, more meaningful relationships in future books. The potential for this is clearly there.

However, I do understand some readers' concerns. The shorter length, as several reviews mentioned, is a valid point. While the books are certainly entertaining, the price point relative to the page count is something to consider. And the editing, according to some comments, could use improvement. These are points to keep in mind, especially if you're sensitive to these things. I personally didn't find them overly distracting, though I can see how they might be for others.

Despite those minor drawbacks, I wholeheartedly recommend this series. If you enjoy portal fantasy with a generous helping of humor, action, and a protagonist who's both brilliant and a little bit reckless, The Order of Architects is a must-read. The ending of Book 3 leaves you craving more, and I’m already eagerly awaiting the next installment. It's a fun, engaging read that I think most fantasy fans will thoroughly enjoy. The wait for the next book is already killing me!

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