Hmm.

I can't say that this book is terrible, though parts of it certainly make me want to. It's kind of a mixed bag. There are some parts, few and far between, that are well written and flow together well. Unfortunately, it's marred by poor logic and nonsensical plot points. I did listen to the end and can't rightly say it was good.

In no universe would the game described in this book be successful. Who in their right mind would subject themselves to it? It doesn't sound fun or interesting. It reminds me of those extremely niche games that a few, very hardcore, veteran players of it say is amazing, but everyone else thinks is awful. This even has the corrupt developer aspect, so the comparison is very apt. The bit that got me the most about the world is the "carebear" aspect. Players that want to play the game for the game and not take part in the player-vs-player content. The main character is a "trader", yet has such contempt for these players it made me laugh. Those players are literally the ones creating goods for the markets he's supposed to be trading in. There is no building relations, finding the deal, logistics, owning the markets. It's not until the end-ish of book two that this is even attempted, and oh my word. Rather than come at the idea logically, the main character "dominates" the problem and the story just plain doesn't ask what the "carebears" do in response. The story just moves on with a shrug. We are asked to believe the "carebears" just moaned about it and provided no pushback what-so-ever.

Ill-logical and nonsensical.

The title is a total mislead. He barely does any trading, and he is definitely not a rogue, in any definition for the word you may have. Maybe three or four events across the entire three books does the character actually engage in trade, and it's always portrayed as something impressive, but it really isn't. The tactics used wouldn't have worked outside the plot, and every time there are plot mechanics that get him negative attention that needs to be resolved. These mechanics always go against the grain of all logic, book and/or reality, and have you rolling your eyes.

To be honest, I bought this book not expecting much, as I'm familiar with the author. I knew going in that it probably wouldn't be my thing, and I'm sad to say I was right. The world seems built around a dark fantasy that doesn't have any grounding in reality. That in itself is fine, but there's also little consistency or followable logic used. Together, it makes for a story where suspending your disbelief is impossible. I give the story three stars (instead of the two it deserves) because of the moments (in book two specifically) that deserve note (Ziggurat, for example). I give the performance three stars because if you cannot do a godfather accent, you should not do a godfather accent, nor should you make all the "bads" a version of said accent,

Edit.
I need to clarify that the in book one, the character does attempt to do some research and trade, but it's all towards the first "scheme" and trade event mentioned. It wasn't really explored. There are minor moments like this where the character looks like he might explore the aspect for which the book is named, but they become glossed over quickly.

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