[WSA 2025 Entry]
For Liam Maddach, life was never fair. Born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, he spent his days trapped in a failing body, his only escape being the world of MMA, studying every technique, every fighter—dreaming of one day being World Champion.
Then, he died.
But instead of nothingness, Liam awakens in a new world—a world of noble houses, imperial politics, and martial glory. His new body is massive, powerful, but also burdened by excess weight and a ruined reputation. As the seventh son of House Maddach, a great combat family, Liam is days away from being exiled and stripped of his nobility.
Now, given a second chance at life, Liam has one goal: to become the greatest fighter in the world. But this isn't just about proving himself in the arenas of the Empire—Liam’s battles will take him through the shadows of ancient secrets, where whispers of Otherworlders and a forgotten past shape the fate of the world itself.
As noble houses scheme for the vacant Imperial Throne, and as the mysterious God Emperor watches from the depths of time, Liam’s rise will set events in motion that will change the Empire forever.
But before any of that—he must survive his first fight.
This book is loosely inspired by Frank Herbert's Dune.
Author here with a shameless review, you can ask me any questions right here. This is probably the readiest I have been when writing a novel, so you can bet that it will be good.
This book presents a fascinating concept of reincarnation, offering a fresh perspective on the idea of a second chance at life. However, it poses an intriguing dilemma—what if the life you are given is entirely different from the one you knew? And what if the person you reincarnate into is someone despised by others? These questions create an engaging and thought-provoking premise that immediately captured my interest. While the story excels in its premise and character exploration, I believe the world-building could be further developed. The narrative often focuses heavily on dialogue, which, while engaging, sometimes limits the reader’s ability to fully immerse themselves in the setting. More vivid descriptions of the surroundings, the atmosphere, and the world itself would enhance the storytelling, providing a richer and more immersive experience. That being said, the book holds great potential. If the world-building is expanded upon, it could elevate the story even further, drawing readers more deeply into its unique and intriguing premise.