LitRPG Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ramon Mejia
LitRPG Podcast 289 - The Wandering Inn 7, Arise: Alpha, Portal to Nova Roma, Path of Relics: Aether Shard
Sept. 14th, 2022
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 289 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-289
New Releases and Reviews:
Rains of Liscor: The Wandering Inn, Book 7
Fantastic narration for slice of life story
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3RVNPm5
Arise: Alpha: A Dark LitRPG Adventure
Good urban fantasy action, lighter on the LitRPG side
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3S0swA7
Portal to Nova Roma: Venice
Slow start but packs in the action later
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3LdZs5T
Path of Relics: Aether Shard (The Lore Seeker Odyssey Book 1)
Not for me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3Bt7UuY
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rbgdut7cghvVBy572lG6o
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/LitRPG-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJPS6S5
Other LitRPG facebook pages
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/940262549853662/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 288 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-288
New Releases and Reviews:
The Mysteries of the Relict Pyramid (Reality Benders Book #9): LitRPG Series (14:08)
Gnat is back
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3Ov8xqR
Dungeon Walkers 3 (18:37)
The slice of life nature of the story was still entertaining
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3zAdwm0
He Who Fights with Monsters 6 (23:51)
A LitRPG Adventure (He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 6)
Yaay. It's pretty much the best expression when I get to enjoy another book in the series.
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3PwrdrH
LitRPG Podcast 287 - Delvers LLC: Hostile Takeover, Battle Mage Farmer, Shadow Sun Consolidation
June 24th, 2022
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 287 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-287
New Releases and Reviews:
Delvers LLC: Hostile Takeover (08:52)
Another good entry in the series
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3xmQ2hY
Domestication: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Battle Mage Farmer Book 1) (11:57)
OP MC who becomes a farmer
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3mCEz8Y
Shadow Sun Consolidation (18:52)
Now with more space battles
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/39oKMlV
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Out Now!
Unchained Potential (The Whispering Crystals: A LitRPG Series Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3NkEemO
Chrysalis: The Antventure Begins: A LitRPG Evolution Series
https://amzn.to/3OgJ8SR
Storm Haven: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Fae Nexus Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3wyMxoe
Ruin: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3zeEShL
Fatehaven Farm 1: A LitRPG Fantasy
https://amzn.to/39Rng1e
Roots and Steel: A Monster Hunting LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3OzILCk
Assassin's Wrath: Revenge: A LitRPG / GameLit Progression Fantasy Novel
https://amzn.to/39KgOsZ
An Outcast in Another World 3: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 3 - Rising Insanity)
https://amzn.to/3NSK8eW
The Primal Hunter 2: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3tVom31
Nova Terra: Worldbearer: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Titan Series Book 10)
https://amzn.to/3wobpQM
Portals of Change: A LitRPG / Gamelit Portal Fantasy Novel (The Nameless Chronicles Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3nfYPNU
Dragon City. Dragon Heart (A LitRPG Wuxia) series: Book 15
https://amzn.to/3tcR7HZ
Master of Dragons: A Reincarnation LitRPG Adventure (Dragon Core Chronicles Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3PsM67G
Dreadfortress: A LitRPG Adventure (Badges of Dorkdom Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3qPWzzm
Mayor of Mythos: An Isekai LitRPG Fantasy
https://amzn.to/3NlTY93
The Final Chapter: A LitRPG Adventure (Master Hunter K, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3xck4G7
Crafter's Fate 2: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/39wfbP5
Moonlight Relic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3LCxrUl
Reluctant Dungeon: A Dungeon Core GameLit Fantasy (Monster Haven Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3MivA7c
Dungeon Market: A Magic Shop Fantasy Adventure (The Ballad of Shady Greg Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3A173kv
Sorcerer Eternal: Singularity Online 7
https://amzn.to/3HMfMZY
Silence: A LitRPG Adventure (Unbound Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3Mv2Bht
Tokens and Towers 2: (A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3NEjXcU
Portal to Nova Roma: Venice
https://amzn.to/3ydvudo
Onyxgate: (Sky Realms Online Book 6): A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3McKzj5
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Silence - Unbound Book 2
https://amzn.to/3HLxbC1
The Nova Online Trilogy - A Complete Sci-fi LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3OhSGwM
Solo Leveling: Vol. 4
https://amzn.to/3zZftcg
Biomancer 2
https://amzn.to/3QI80V0
The Hedge Wizard - A LitRPG / Progression Fantasy Adventure (The Hedge Wizard, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3A1iCbB
Nova Terra: Catalyst - The Titan Series Book 9
https://amzn.to/3yfuR2U
System Return - Natural Laws Apocalypse Series Book 2
https://amzn.to/3bqpntl
Apocalypse Core - A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
https://amzn.to/3nci1Mq
Zee Knocked Down - OVR World Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3yghteO
Prime Numbers - Sigma Worlds Book 6
https://amzn.to/3HVzuCv
Albury - Alpha Physics Book 4
https://amzn.to/39SwnP1
Dreadfortress - A LitRPG Adventure (Badges of Dorkdom, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3zXi6ez
Master of Dragons - A Reincarnation LitRPG Adventure (Dragon Core Chronicles, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3Nh6k1U
The Primal Hunter 2 - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3QMq8x5
The Frost Ridge - The Way Book 4
https://amzn.to/3yiGN4a
Climbing the Dragon's Tower 3 - Dragon Riders of Lon
https://amzn.to/39W50nc
Ruin - A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3HQ6Qmd
Chrysalis: The Antventure Begins - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3buITFa
Eating Right - Foodstuffs LitRPG Book 3
https://amzn.to/3xOcGjn
Apocalypse: Quest System
Systems of the Apocalypse, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3yhfpDs
Mastering Magic - Jeff the Game Master Book 3
https://amzn.to/3OtJvce
Apocalypse Game - The Chessboard War, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3OhGcoX
The RPG Apocalypse 2
https://amzn.to/3zXyJad
The Forgotten Core - The Dungeon of Stories Book 4
https://amzn.to/3QMXStW
Chimera Summoner - Goblin Summoner Book 4
https://amzn.to/39NHE3l
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rbgdut7cghvVBy572lG6o
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/LitRPG-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJPS6S5
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/940262549853662/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 286 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This week I'm reviewing:
Underdog Book #8,
Third Apocalypse: A Generic Reincarnation Apocalypse
Connection Unknown
This week I review: Master of the Hoard, He Who Fights with Monsters 5, Blessed Time 3, The Second Coming of Gluttony, Red Mage Book 3
This week I highlight a missed series, link to some LitRPG interviews, tell you about the titles that have recently come out and review: Death's Favorite Warlock 3, Portal to Nova Roma, The Primal Hunter, Return of the Shattered Constellation
This week I review:Mars System Reboot, We Hunt Monsters, Sleeping Ranker, Rescue System
Feb. 26th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 281 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-281
New Releases and Reviews:
Black Centurion: A LitRPG Novel (13:13)
An ok trip into a Roman RPG world.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/34VYxGz
Eternal Dominion Book 2: Traction (21:09)
Good story, though I had enjoyed it less than book 1
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3LlclLe
Tower Climber Terry: A LitRPG Series (27:04)
A directionless story set in a fantasy RPG world
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3soaEE0
Brambles and Thorns (The Infinite World Book 4) (39:08)
A good slice of life serial story
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3GDxDQq
Heavenly Demon Cultivation Simulation (Webcomic) (41:56)
An interesting mix of Save Point regression and cultivation fantasy world.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://www.webtoons.com/en/action/murim-rpg-simulation/list?title_no=3779
https://flamescans.org/series/heavenly-demon-cultivation-simulation/
New Releases
A Royal Ending: A New Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 9)
The Houndsman 2: A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure
Valentine Core: A Holiday Dungeon Core Novella
World Keeper: Information is Power
Dungeon Heart: Hell Gate
Insight: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga (A Touch of Power Book 4)
We Hunt Monsters
Heroes of the Final Frontier (Book #1): The World of Waldyra LitRPG Cycle
Dungeon Core 101: Midterms
Drone Captain - A Sci-fi LitRPG: Drone Rising 2
Tempest: A LitRPG Adventure (Elemental Mastery Book 1)
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound 2: A LitRPG Adventure
Lady February: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword Book 2)
Climbing the Dragon's Tower 3: LitRPG Fantasy (Dragon Riders of Lon)
Dungeon Core for Hire
Chaos (Sparta Online Book 2)
Immersion Online: The Symbiont : Book 3 (Immersion Online: Lit RPG)
Discovering Power: A LitRPG Adventure (Realms of Power and Fury Book 1)
Defiance of the Fall 4: A LitRPG Adventure
Pyrite Seraph: A Mecha LitRPG (Captain Overdrive Book 2)
Advanced Heroes of Last Resort: A LitRPG Adventure
9 Hells: An Epic LitRPG Urban Fantasy Novel (Apocosmos Book 5)
Villain Core (Superhero Dungeon Book 1)
Clear Threat (Disgardium Book #10): LitRPG Series
Alpha Physics! Book 4 - Albury: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Defiance of the Fall 4: A LitRPG Adventure
Solo Leveling, Vol. 3 (Novel)
The Chosen Ones A LitRPG Adventure (Master Hunter K, Book 2)
The Crypt Lord's Call Godguild Book 1
Castle Manager The Fantasy World of Dorbin Book 3
Valentine Core A Holiday Dungeon Core Novella
Mephisto's Magic Online Omnibus Books 1-3 in a Fantasy LitRPG Series
Edda Gaia and the Origins of Ragnarok
Ether Flows, Book 2
Royal Blood A BloodHaven LitRPG
Lady February A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword, Book 2)
Daemonorg Colossus A Dark LitRPG/LitFPS SciFi-Shooter
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound 2 A LitRPG Adventure
The Plaguelands - Salvos Book 3
The Skeletal Champion - Pandemonium Dungeon Apocalypse
Dragon's End - A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series (Warlords of the Circle Sea, Book 5)
Cyber Squad Level 2
Mist Wardens - Beastborne Book 3
Wild Wild Quest - The Good Guys Series Book 12
Apocalypse: Dungeon System - Systems of the Apocalypse Book 3
Path to the Glory - Dragon Heart Series Book 12
Enter System - Natural Laws Apocalypse Series Book 1
Ascension - Legends Online Book 8
Christmas Core - A Holiday Dungeon Core Novella
Critical Failures IX - Caverns and Creatures, Book 9
Godsword - Goblin Summoner, Book 3
Fall of a Dungeon House - City of Masks, Book 1
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rbgdut7cghvVBy572lG6o
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/LitRPG-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJPS6S5
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/940262549853662/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 280 - Lord January, Luck's Voice 4, Airship Privateers, Paths of Power, Eternal Dominion: Restart, Disillusionist
Feb. 3rd, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 280 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-280
New Releases and Reviews:
Lord January: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword Book 1) (10:55)
Not my favorite book from the author
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3G8UUJR
Dangerous Gamble (Luck's Voice Book 4) (23:17)
A delightful read whose action and pacing was on point
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3HfpAdG
Airship Privateers (Secrets of the Old Ones Book 2) (25:53)
A nice short read
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3IJSVNS
Paths of Power: Initialization Book 1 (27:57)
A good read once it got past the slow beginning
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3rjfnYs
Eternal Dominion Book 1: Restart (33:06)
Great regressor MMO story
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3sa0QNW
Disillusionist The LitRPG Misadventures: Fetch Quests and Bog Gods (38:22)
Bad cover, Illusionist MC, decent adventure
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/32LyUXW
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Dakota Krout and the good folks at Mountaindale Press are releasing both the audiobook and ebook for Anything - Full Murderhobo 2, a month ahead of Amazon/Audible on their own platform. There are several bundles where you can save money if you haven’t had a chance to pick up the 1st book/audiobook in the series. This is a great way to support one of the best authors in the genre and save yourself some money.
https://www.mountaindalepress.store/
Out Now!
Otherworlder - A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure (Epic Blade Book 1)
https://amzn.to/33WpiJY
Invasion: An Apocalyptic LitRPG (Viceroy's Pride Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3sCzTnQ
Dungeon of Chance: All-In: A Dungeon Core Novel (Serious Probabilities Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3IpWFUw
Mech Slasher: A Mecha LitRPG (Captain Overdrive Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3KCLwBy
Climbing the Dragon's Tower 2: LitRPG Fantasy (Dragon Riders of Lon)
https://amzn.to/3EFEo3j
The RPG Apocalypse 2
https://amzn.to/3KyRx2a
Eternal Dominion Book 3: Concessions
https://amzn.to/3HqM7Vh
Tower Climber Terry: A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3oncXWR
Oni Umeshu Mojito: A GameLit Urban Fantasy (High Table Hijinks Book 4)
https://amzn.to/34zzmJ9
Flat Out: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse: Australia Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3AY2Nkz
Shaman's Call- Spirit Song: A Litrpg Adventure
https://amzn.to/3siKhiE
City of Skye (Primacy Online Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3AYgwHK
Sun Forsaken: A Souls-like LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3uqIQBw
Trick Of The Night: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3sfUaxF
Brambles and Thorns (The Infinite World Book 4)
https://amzn.to/34xjaYS
We The People: A Kingdom Building LitRPG
https://amzn.to/35DkutQ
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Mercenary Manager -The Fantasy World of Dorbin, Book 2
https://amzn.to/34t2YrM
Virtual Horizon - Thousand Tales, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3rrlgT6
The Path of Eternal War
The Heavenly Throne, Book 7
https://amzn.to/3Ljbw5A
An Old Man's Journey: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3LbTG4b
Summoner - Quick Change, Volume 3
https://amzn.to/34atlmH
Awaken Online: Happy
https://amzn.to/34h1tgD
Idea - Starting Point Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3IZ8otB
Cooldown - Unfrozen Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3upOTGj
Lich Hollow - Fae Nexus, Book 2
https://amzn.to/35Nx8qp
The Seventh Realm, Part 2
A LitRPG Fantasy series (The Ten Realms, Book 9)
https://amzn.to/34jieHT
Otherworlder
https://amzn.to/3AUT0vx
Monster Hunt NYC 2
https://amzn.to/3rnpcVc
Upcoming LitRPG:
A Royal Ending: A New Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 9) (Feb. 7th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3lYnCWL
The Houndsman 2: A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 8th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ex9Y8D
Valentine Core: A Holiday Dungeon Core Novella (Feb. 8th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ATfHAc
Dungeon Heart: Hell Gate (Feb. 8th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3nL3fNu
Insight: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga (A Touch of Power Book 4) (Feb. 9th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3Gsq6UB
We Hunt Monsters (Feb. 10th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3HlvpXb
Black Centurion: A LitRPG Novel (Feb. 14th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3s0r4DS
Drone Captain - A Sci-fi LitRPG: Drone Rising 2 (Feb. 14th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3InxEcy
Tempest: A LitRPG Adventure (Elemental Mastery Book 1) (Feb. 14th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3AVg2Cp
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound 2: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 15th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/31S3Nt5
Lady February: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword Book 2) (Feb. 16th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3KyOuqK
Chaos (Sparta Online Book 2) (Feb. 17th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3Is936C
Immersion Online: The Symbiont : Book 3 (Immersion Online: Lit RPG) (Feb. 21st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/34xfW7I
Blessed Time 3: Dakkora's Legacy: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 22nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/33ingDD
Defiance of the Fall 4: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 22nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3s02vHb
Pyrite Seraph: A Mecha LitRPG (Captain Overdrive Book 2) (Feb. 24th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3J66XcX
Clear Threat (Disgardium Book #10): LitRPG Series (Feb. 25th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3oNAMri
Alpha Physics! Book 4 - Albury: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy (Feb. 28th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3pStZvD
The Dungeon Phoenix: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 4) (Feb. 28th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3sjHNkl
The Butcher's Masquerade: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 5 (Feb. 28th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/32UqHAC
Dreadlord Wizard: A LitRPG Adventure (Badges of Dorkdom Book 1) (March 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3eBT4Wu
System Finale: An Apocalyptic Space Opera LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 12) (March 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ez8Npy
OutRanked (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (March 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3tQKmN6
Age of Iron: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Rise of Mankind Book 3) (March 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3JqbVSK
Prime Numbers: Sigma Worlds Book 6, a LitRPG series (March 2nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/319okJn
Anything (Full Murderhobo Book 2) (March 2nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3tQl3dT
Apocalypse Knights 2: A LitRPG Fantasy (March 7th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3HsqmUY
The Primal Hunter: A LitRPG Adventure (March 8th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3sJ1ELE
Virgil's Fire: A Portal Fantasy LitRPG (Dr. Druid Book 2) (March 9th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3H0mqL2
An Impossible Task and A Vile Solution: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Bone Knight Book 7) (March 11th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3GViB9B
Henry Morgan's Fort (A Buccaneer's Due Book #3): LitRPG Series (March 14th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/340KvT3
Trojan Nightmare: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Apocalypse Cultivation Book 1) (March 15th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/32Kxix0
Towers of Acalia: The Reincarnated Core Volume VI (March 16th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3LaqlHg
Fractured Earth: An Apocalyptic LitRPG (Viceroy's Pride Book 3)
(March 16th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3L6hvud
Lost Soul: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (The Tian Trilogy Book 1) (March 22nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ojx7kk
Dokeshi March: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword Book 3) (March 23rd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3GTQpnI
Flex in the City: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 13) (March 24th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3mJvD1U
An Unwitting Prince: A LitRPG Adventure (A New Home Book 1) (March 29th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/32MCII8
Killer Play (Unfrozen Book #4): LitRPG Series (March 30th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ewYsdJ
Into the Fire: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 2) (April 5th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3seh4pg
He Who Fights with Monsters 5: A LitRPG Adventure (April 5th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3onthqs
The Legate (Project Stellar Book 6): LitRPG Series (April 11th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3siLO8i
Kairos: A Greek Myth & Pirate LitRPG (The Last Gods Book 1) (April 12th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3AXJSWR
The Raid on Inferno (The Range Book #4): LitRPG Series
(April 14th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/34uWRTO
The Hybrid War (Alpha Rome Book 4): LitRPG Series (April 18th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3opRcFA
Mastering Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 3) (April 26th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ulKkgf
Electriterra - A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure (Epic Blade Book 2) (April 26th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3J7FLup
Mana Harvest 2: A Light Novel Farming LitRPG (Sword to Ploughshare Duology)
(April 30th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/34uW6dq
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Lord January: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword Book 1)
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.
My Opinion: 427 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The story combines a kind of physical cultivation with RPG progression. The main character (MC) is a Leap, one of the few people born on a leap day, Feb. 29th. As such he is relegated to a slave position in his society and for his entire life forced to work for his master. At least until a magic sword lands in front of the MC and he gets the quest to defeat the lord of the land, Lord January as a first step to restore the world to balance. What follows is a journey for the MC to learn the ways of the sword, get into shape, and stumble through the world to get to his goal while avoiding the forces that want to stop him. It's a lot of training and fighting, and a good bit of world building.
The RPG stuff is consistent. The MC increases his stats and cultivation levels through completing quests, defeating opponents, or killing them. Training also improves stats. A unique aspect to the progression system is that cultivation time (in increments of seconds, minutes, hours, or days) are used for progression but also as a currency in the world. It lines up with the calendar/time theme of the series.
There are some criticisms of the novel from readers.
That the main character is unrealistically naive, which is partially true. The MC is a person that is treated almost as a slave, and is regularly beaten by the city population seems to still be a kind, trusting person. And despite being repeatedly told not to tell people his weaknesses or secrets, he does so throughout the story never really learned his lesson. It felt like a way to create problems for the MC but the behavior was consistent, I guess.
Another criticism is that the novel fat shames. This is also kinda true, though I think it's more of a conflict between the described society the MC lives in and what the magic sword thinks. The setup for the background is that the country the MC lives in is full of overweight people. The bigger you are and the more you eat is a direct reflection of your wealth cultivation power. It's been that way for hundreds of years and the country once farmed enough food for the now magically separated 12 calendar named divisions. The fat shaming comes from the magical sword, Sarge, that trains the MC. I mean there are some serious insults about how the people of the district are killing themselves, being lazy, should be ashamed for letting themselves get obese, and how much better a person the MC is when he loses weight. Sarge, I think, is based on a military drill Sergeant persona from before that country became the way it was, so from his perspective everything he says is correct. But it still felt weird as throughout actual history being fat really was a sign of wealth and prosperity as only the rich could afford enough food, especially meat and sweets. Also, in the fictional January district, no one ever starved as the abundance of food meant it was given out for free, which doesn't seem bad. Also there's this odd revelation that the leader intentionally shifted the culture from being clever and industrious to hedonism and gluttony. Like somehow big people couldn't still be clever or hard working.
Overall, the story was ok. It's the first in a planned 12 book series and as such the author may be stretching out character development with that in mind. The action is regular and there's good world building which was enough, for me at least, for the story to be fundamentally entertaining. However, I found it hard to root for such a naive character as it felt like he should have been more untrusting and vengeful for how poorly he was treated by just about everyone. But his journey has really only begun and I'm assuming that's part of his eventual character development. While entertaining it was not my favorite book from the author.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Lord January: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3G8UUJR
Dangerous Gamble (Luck's Voice Book 4)
Life had gotten both better and more chaotic for Doc— he’d already been happy with Fiala and Sonya as his wives, but then Ayla and Lia joined his family. To top it off, he collared the willing dryad, Rosa. With five wives at his side, Doc had a full house of love.
He was still in the town of Deep Gulch, needing to achieve the mission Luck had given him. When Sheriff Grange killed Mayor Goodman, it removed the least of Doc’s troubles while showing that Grange was clearly a problem. Even with the Mayor out of the way, there was still plenty to take care of.
The first annual poker tournament at the Lily was coming up. The cardsharp, Mr. Suez, was one of Doc’s biggest roadblocks to freeing the town. He had a plan for him, but it would be a gamble... luckily, his patron goddess was Lady Luck.
Even if he dealt with Suez, Doc would have to handle Grange as well. The sheriff wanted him gone so he could move on Lia. On top of that, the Church of Apoc was still a threat. In Deep Gulch, that meant Adam McIan, Preacher of Apoc, would have to be removed. Doc had managed to lie to and placate the preacher, but he knew it would come to a head soon.
With all the troubles building, a dangerous gamble would have to be made. Doc knew he had allies of his own— some of the townsfolk; the Oresmelter clan in town; and of course, his lovely and talented wives. Trusting in his goddess, Doc embarked on his plan to rid Deep Gulch of the Darkness.
My Opinion: 509 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A delightful read whose action and pacing was on point and did a good job of creating tension from non-combat situations like a gambling tournament. The story also gave me the resolutions I’d found a little wanting in the last book and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the bad guys finally get their comeuppance.
The adult content still exists, but is very skippable if it isn’t your thing as it’s not for me.
Overall, a good read.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Dangerous Gamble (Luck's Voice Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3HfpAdG
Airship Privateers (Secrets of the Old Ones Book 2)
Trent Noguero plays as Vale dePardon in the massive, culture-redefinining deep dive VR game, Secret of the Old Ones. The game feels like reality, a better version of reality. The primary form of entertainment on Earth is to either play SOO or watch those who do.
After becoming a streamer and a professional gamer, Trent abruptly discovered how dark and ruthless the real world can be.
Now he does what he can to search for those who threatened his loved ones. His regular job remains growing his career as Vale, a member of one of the most powerful streaming parties in SOO. The new PVP event in Secret of the Old Ones offers unprecedented opportunities for player advancement and quest rewards.
But a growing faction of inhuman players are threatening human-controlled lands, razing cities to the ground. Human characters like Vale might actually lose the war.
And with everything else going on in his life, Trent feels a growing suspicion that something is amiss in the real world, something related to the game...
My Opinion: 173 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A very nice short read that advances the MMO adventuring of the main character (MC) and his group of friends and adds a nice dash or real life danger. The story hits all its plot points pretty succinctly which means there’s less fluff. Enjoyed the read, especially the ending and only wish I could learn to use the rapier as well as the MC.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Airship Privateers (Secrets of the Old Ones Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3IJSVNS
Paths of Power: Initialization Book 1
A mid 30s Truck driver must make hard choices on his quest to get home to his family while the world as we know it comes to an end. 700 miles, no truck and just his loyal dog to accompany him, can he survive in this new world? A world where The System spawns monsters and mutates plants and animals to absorb and refine essence? Let us find out.
My Opinion: 379 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an RPG apocalypse story that allows the people that are caught in it to use one of three paths to power: divine, cultivation, or mana. Because it combines three types of progression it also ends up info dumping a bit to describe all of them. Which is probably the biggest draw back of the first 25% or so of the story. There’s a lot of info dumping compared to the action. Thankfully this changes once the main character (MC) meets up with other apocalypse survivors and he deals with all the bad people that produces.
On the game mechanic side of things it's ok. There are lots of notifications, skill descriptions, item descriptions, character sheets, and even a town building after the beginning of the story. The MC chooses cultivation and the story spends a significant amount of time with the MC clearing meridians, strengthening his bones, blood, skin, muscles, and all the normal cultivation stuff. When he does this, he increases his cultivation level and unlocks various bonuses and increases his ki pool.
Overall, a good read once it got past the slow beginning. It doesn’t do anything new and the cultivation aspect was overly explained sometimes, but once the MC meets some other people there’s more action and tension with other survivors, and the apocalypse aspect becomes more prominent which compliments the general monster fighting.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Paths of Power: Initialization Book 1
https://amzn.to/3rjfnYs
Eternal Dominion Book 1: Restart
Year 2286 Alex Bell has put in 20 years of work in the VR game Eternal Dominion a full dive fantasy VRMMO game that accounts for around 20% of the world's economy. He had risen to the top as a vice guild leader and thanks to his work his guild was steps away from truly standing with the other top guilds. Only fate decided to rip it all away at the last moment. After his fall Alex awakens to see his 18 year old self looking back at him in the mirror. It's 2266 and Eternal Dominion is set to launch in a matter of hours, this time things will be different. This time he will succeed in life and make sure his friends and family are along for the ride even if he has to drag them along to do so.
My Opinion: 254 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Great regressor MMO story
This is a great regressor book where the main character relives his life just as what will become the world's most popular MMO starts. He uses his foreknowledge to make person and guild gains to build wealth and power. It’s a smart story that has the gains not only shown in-game but in real life. There’s enough real world consequences with game gold being transferable to real money that the antagonists feel like a real threat, even if the MC knows how to deal with them for the moment. I also appreciated how the MC was planning long term both with his in-game guild, real life money making opportunities, building real life assets, and dealing with the consequences of having wealth. The story is well balanced between real life events, in-game action, guild building, and it even has some crafting.
Overall, a great read that kept the pacing tight and entertaining.
Score: 8 out of 10
Eternal Dominion Book 1: Restart
https://amzn.to/3sa0QNW
Disillusionist, The LitRPG Misadventures: Fetch Quests and Bog Gods
What's the smart move when playing a support class mage with no offensive magic to speak of? Undertake a solo adventure in a monster infested bog of course! Who needs a well-rounded party when you have second-hand daggers, illusions, and flexible morals?
Dean, probably, but he's not about to admit that.
The last adventurer sent to the Pitmerdan bog for some routine fantasy-world community service failed to complete their quest, so now Dean's goddess has made it his problem. Spending days in a backwater bog town isn't Dean's idea of fun in the first place, with its stinking cold waters and lack of creature comforts. Even the quest-giver seems to think this is some sort of hazing from Dean's faction.
What started out as an unpleasant fetch quest becomes a nearly impossible struggle for control when Dean finds himself at odds with everyone who was supposed to support him and the forces of a lesser deity. He'll surely be able to thwart their plans with his ability to produce convincing illusions that cause absolutely no damage. Taking into account his allies, the alcoholic alchemist and a tavern maid, he's got this in the bag.
My Opinion: 197 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Bad cover, Illusionist MC, decent adventure
The story is pretty decent. It has an unusual main character (MC), an illusionist character with a boost to those class spells but little else in the way of magic and minimal combat skills. The character uses those skills to game the other players and NPCs in this short quest. There’s not much world building but it’s not a particularly long story so it focuses on the quest and how the MC uses his limited skills intelligently.
Game stuff is consistent. The author sets up the MC to use his illusion magic alot without running out of resources but also tracks what spells costs. There are also notifications and quest. I didn’t like the formatting for the notifications, it was all in caps with a # in front of it, which felt unnecessary and cumbersome. But it's a minor gripe.
Overall, a fine story for its page length. Nothing groundbreaking but I appreciated the smarter feel for the MC as caster.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Disillusionist, The LitRPG Misadventures: Fetch Quests and Bog Gods
https://amzn.to/32LyUXW
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
This week we review: He Who Fights with Monsters 4, The Otherworlder Exploring the Dungeon Vol. 1, Guardian of Aster Fall 2, Overgeared
LitRPG Podcast 278 - Apocalypse Gates 8, Cleaver's Edge, An Outcast in Another World, Player Who Can't Level Up
Dec. 30th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 278 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-278
New Releases and Reviews:
One Nation, Under... (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 8) (08:16)
That’s all folks
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3GENgYq
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1) (10:29)
An ok story
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3phlefC
An Outcast in Another World: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 1 - Human Insanity) (17:06)
Level high addiction concept
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3HllRuV
Player Who Can't Level Up (Webcomic) (22:05)
Perpetual Level 1 figures out his power
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://readmanganato.com/manga-kw988331
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
The annual GameLit Society charity drive has ended and the LitRPG community raised over $2,000that went to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-all-cast-heal-2021
LitRPG Deals - may be limited by country
Immersion Online Books 1 and 2 $0.99
https://amzn.to/3FJvjI4
Randy Gady spotted some great LitRPG deals on Amazon for US customers.
Veridian Gate Online Books 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are all free at this time!
https://amzn.to/3zbyc23
He Who Fights With Monsters Books 1, 2, 3 are all .99 each at this time!
https://amzn.to/3mH8PQA
Out Now!
Uncontrollable: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3B4D9JR
Frostworld 3: Embers & Glory: A LitRPG/GameLit Viking Adventure
https://amzn.to/3mJaxBo
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #9): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3AXzNIJ
Age of Bronze: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Rise of Mankind Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3excegn
Climbing the Dragon's Tower: LitRPG Fantasy (Dragon Riders of Lon Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3HfXgHM
The Crypt Lord's Conquest: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (Godguild Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3qvy5dH
Don’t Slip Up (Fantasia Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2ZTXGn3
The Sage's Tower: An Epic Fantasy LitRPG Novel (The Plainswalker Series Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3DOSD5i
Christmas Core: A Holiday Dungeon Core Novella
https://amzn.to/3qC88sX
Threadbare Volume 5: The Phantom of the Lop Ear
https://amzn.to/3mDLz64
Evolution: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2YiogFN
Dungeon Item Shop: Volume 3
https://amzn.to/32GgNlM
The Path to the Stars: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3mGsHmR
The Idle System (A LitRPG series Book 8): Redo
https://amzn.to/3mGZCHW
Arcane Summoner: An After Apocalypse LitRPG Light Novel
https://amzn.to/3eALADa
The Guild's Demands: A Young Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3ouwnK2
Level Zero (Alpha Rome Book 3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3iqyI4N
He Who Fights with Monsters 4: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3A2DJH1
The Eighth Realm: A LitRPG Fantasy series (The Ten Realms Book 10)
https://amzn.to/3pF3Q4R
New LitRPG Audiobooks
He Who Fights with Monsters 4 - A LitRPG Adventure (He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3sJ6KYe
Defending Earth - In the System, Book 3
https://amzn.to/32y45G0
Legacy of Merlin - The Abduction Cycles, Book 6
https://amzn.to/3ED8d4B
Extra Credit
https://amzn.to/3HkSVmD
Isekai Assassin: Volume 2 - Isekai Assassin, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3FFS9Ar
CivCEO 6 - The Accidental Champion, Book 6
https://amzn.to/32G7Oky
Arena Manager - An Isekai LitRPG Teambuilder
https://amzn.to/3z96Idg
Irrelevant Jack 5
https://amzn.to/317xJRF
Overlord, Vol. 2 - The Dark Warrior
https://amzn.to/3FDuBvL
Delay - Alpha Physics, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3mJtPpE
Uncontrollable - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3qBBirV
Nova Terra: Stormbringer - The Titan Series, Book 7
https://amzn.to/3JqRkxs
Lich's Bargain - Cat Core, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3eB7aHD
Assault - Invasion Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/346Qk1w
The Warring Core - The Dungeon of Stories, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3z8JdRo
Easy Meat - Foodstuffs LitRPG Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3EFAo2N
Cashing In: Luck's Voice, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3FItKdn
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Retired S Ranked Adventurer : Volume IV (Light Novel) (The Shatterfist Book 4) (Jan. 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3JqeV1s
GoodGame (Unfrozen Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 3rd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/30R8uTL
Prime War: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 3) (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3zafOGB
In Pursuit of a Manuscript (A Buccaneer's Due Book #2): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3nP56S3
Prime War: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 3) (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3CMCUnz
Viridian Gate Online: Empirical Endgame (The Viridian Gate Archives Book 8) (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3r2fRSW
War Core, Book 2: Expeditionary Force (A LitRPG, Dungeon Core Adventure) (Jan. 5th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3JuUNuU
Eating Right (Foodstuffs LitRPG Book 3) (Jan. 5th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3HoLVVM
Shaman's Call- Spirit Song: A Litrpg Adventure (Jan. 10, 2022)
https://amzn.to/30Z2kkn
Lord January: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Year of the Sword Book 1) (Jan. 12th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3qwZwUk
A Capital's Perils: A New Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 8) (Jan. 17th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3wkbzXO
Mardis Dane: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 3) (Jan. 18th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/32qkyLX
The Chosen Ones: A LitRPG Adventure (Master Hunter K, Book 2) (Jan. 19th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3sJ3UT8
Apocalypse Online 3: An apocalyptic gamelit adventure (Jan. 20th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3qwfGxj
Otherworlder - A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure (Epic Blade Book 1) (Jan. 25th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/33WpiJY
Invasion: An Apocalyptic LitRPG (Viceroy's Pride Book 2) (Jan. 26th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3sCzTnQ
Climbing the Dragon's Tower 2: LitRPG Fantasy (Dragon Riders of Lon) (Jan. 30th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3EFEo3j
A Royal Ending: A New Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 9) (Feb. 7th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3lYnCWL
The Houndsman 2: A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 8th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ex9Y8D
Black Centurion: A LitRPG Novel (Feb. 14th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3s0r4DS
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound 2: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 15th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/31S3Nt5
Blessed Time 3: Dakkora's Legacy: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 22nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/33ingDD
Defiance of the Fall 4: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 22nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3s02vHb
Clear Threat (Disgardium Book #10): LitRPG Series (Feb. 25th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3oNAMri
Alpha Physics! Book 4 - Albury: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy (Feb. 28th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3pStZvD
Dreadlord Wizard: A LitRPG Adventure (Badges of Dorkdom Book 1) (March 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3eBT4Wu
System Finale: An Apocalyptic Space Opera LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 12) (March 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ez8Npy
Age of Iron: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Rise of Mankind Book 3) (March 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3JqbVSK
Prime Numbers: Sigma Worlds Book 6, a LitRPG series (March 2nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/319okJn
The Primal Hunter: A LitRPG Adventure (March 8th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3sJ1ELE
Henry Morgan's Fort (A Buccaneer's Due Book #3): LitRPG Series (March 14th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/340KvT3
Trojan Nightmare: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Apocalypse Cultivation Book 1) (March 15th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/32Kxix0
Flex in the City: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 13) (March 24th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3mJvD1U
An Unwitting Prince: A LitRPG Adventure (A New Home Book 1) (March 29th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/32MCII8
Killer Play (Unfrozen Book #4): LitRPG Series (March 30th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3ewYsdJ
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
One Nation, Under... (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 8)
Alvin and his wives had been busy over the last few weeks. They’d gone out of their way to visit settlements they’d helped in the past, all while killing a string of mini-bosses across what had been the American west. Life looked good for Team Asshole… until the devs made a mistake.
Without any warning, Sammi stopped showing up. At first, they brushed it off as her being too busy, or maybe in trouble. That changed when a new dev showed up and tried to assert his dominance. That man was killed twice— first by Alvin blowing his head off his shoulders, then by Mousie running him through with both of her swords.
With the gloves off, Team Asshole started breaking things they’d left alone. They circumvented rules left and right, cheated fast travel, and did everything else they could. A third dev appeared and pleaded for a chance to explain.
Sammi hadn’t been fired, they were told. Instead, there was an unexpected development— Sammi was the first alpha tester. Now that they knew their friend was fine— and might even join them soon— Alvin and his wives backed off their shenanigans to give the new dev, Renato, a chance.
It wasn’t long after that that they received a message from Sammi. She was in New Orleans, stuck in the Superdome with a Loa named Erzulie, and she needed their help. With no hesitation, they loaded up their helicopter, Sky Blade, and set off to rescue Sammi and those with her.
After barely pulling off the rescue of Sammi and half a dozen other women, Team Asshole returned to their base. In the aftermath, Sammi joined Team Asshole fully, accepted as another wife by Alvin and with Gothy’s enthusiastic approval.
My Opinion: 811 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The last book in the Apocalypse Gate series is as good as the ones that came before it. It has action, adventure, and it ties up as many storylines as it can before it ends. It’s been a slice of life adventure for a while but at least with this book there’s some revelations about the purpose of the entire thing. You could tell that a few storylines were a little rushed, but I’d prefer that to never getting any kind of resolution. It’s been a good series.
As normal, there’s sex in the story, a bit more I think than previously just because several new characters were introduced that would have normally been spread out over a couple books. But relative to the entire story, it’s still not more than 10%.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
One Nation, Under... (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3GENgYq
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1)
Adventurers seek dungeons for riches. Heroes storm great fortresses. Gods clash far above.
Arek cooks lasagna and tops it with a dash of finely chopped basil.
An orc who has seen more than his fair amount of fighting, Arek wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his days cooking and away from the chaos of combat.
However, when Ming and her group of adventurers hire him as their full-time chef, his plans of avoiding violence crumble. He longs to leave his blood-soaked mistakes in his past, but old friends and foes have different ideas.
Cleaver's Edge is the first book in a Fantasy / LitRPG lite series with a cooking element that's perfect for the Holiday Season. It contains status windows and other RPG elements, but it is not set within a videogame. It will appeal to anyone that enjoys reading a slice-of-life fantasy about a group of adventurers as well as fans of Food Wars!.
This novel also contains real recipes, and we highly recommend you give them a taste if you’re hungry!
My Opinion: 436 pages, $3.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
This is a story that combines cooking with general fantasy adventuring. There are a couple of story threads about the main character (MC) and his group going through dungeons, taking ranking tests, and doing other fairly mundane tasks. The adventuring, fights, were all pretty average. Nothing bad, nothing outstanding. The characters were fine, each with their own flaws that they made progress on, there was good dialogue, and monster fighting.
The thing that is supposed to make the story stand out the most is the cooking aspects. That part is only ok for me. It wasn’t bad. The cooking scenes could be followed along well, the recipes were real and could even be followed as the author gave ingredient lists and instructions. But the cooking stuff lacked any kind of tension or importance. It didn’t impact the rest of the story in any way shape or form. I felt like the author was trying to bring in a Food Wars vibe with contests between chefs as a kind of conflict, but the contests never felt like the MC was ever going to lose so there wasn’t any tension. The other cooking scenes were just the MC cooking dishes for his team and they enjoyed eating. The only part I thought had more potential was when the MC actually took time to learn about a new recipe, research ingredients, and test his work. There was some actual growth there for him as a chef. But other than that small part of the story there wasn’t really any kind of growth, RPG or otherwise for the MC. I wished there was more of a journey of discovery and learning for the cooking element or at least some loss for the MC if he’s in a cooking competition that he could learn from.
On the game mechanics side of things, it's almost non-existent. The novel description says LitRPG lit, but it all really amounted to the MC or another character looking through a special tool to estimate someone’s abilities based on that person’s subconscious belief about themselves. It didn’t use levels or any other hard form of progression, just percentiles based on who that person had subconsciously compared themselves to. The aspect could have really been eliminated from the story with no consequence. There was some power progression for the other members of the MCs team as he helped them train their magic and fighting skills. However, it just felt forced that the teammates raised their percentile in magic or defense or whatever since it’s based on self belief, and as a system it always felt a bit loose. Even in the story it was noted that the information could be fooled/altered by magic or self delusion.
Overall, the story was still good. A bit lower on the scale, but it’s fine. I’d hoped for something a bit more outstanding on the cooking side, but there’s nothing done poorly in any element, just not particularly outstanding either.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3phlefC
An Outcast in Another World: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 1 - Human Insanity)
Rob didn't think of himself as anyone special, but when a pitch-black portal tried to wrap his best friend in chains, he stepped up without thinking and found himself ensnared instead. His moment of heroism results in being torn away from everyone he knew and loved, kidnapped by an unknown force that leaves him with a note in his pocket stating: "Good luck."
After being thrown into the wilderness of Elatra, a hostile fantasy world ruled by levels, stats, progression, and bizarre video game logic, he finds himself entirely out of his depth. Armed with nothing but a sword and the clothes on his back, he sets out on his the first day, and almost dies. On the second day, he almost dies again. On the third, he began to notice a worrying trend. And almost dies.
It doesn't get any easier from there.
Overcoming the wilds is just the first step in his journey; the society of Elatra is incredibly hostile to humans, having just come off of a devastating war that left over half the population dead, and getting the locals to kindle their faith and trust the last human in existence is a struggle in and of itself. Between being powerless in a world that hates him and suffering under a System that is altering his mind in unwanted ways, Rob quickly finds that monsters aren't nearly the biggest thing to worry about.
As far as LitRPG Isekai adventures go, Rob drew the short straw in many ways. But that's okay - all the bullshit in the world won't keep him down. He'll carve out a place in this world with his bare hands if necessary. He'll survive, and then he'll thrive.
Whether anyone wants him to or not.
My Opinion: 696 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a fairly good transported to a fantasy LitRPG world story. The main character (MC) has a certain sense of humor that will either land or not for a reader. The story itself is adventure focused with some world building that puts humans on the evil side with an innate characteristic that makes quick leveling addictive to the point they just have to kill like it was a drug, which pushes for wars with other races to feed this need. It's honestly a bit of a stretch, one that felt like it would have led to the destruction of the species, but it’s a unique twist on why humans level grind.
The MC gets lots of new powers, levels, and abilities to help him survive in the rough world and eventually gets in touch with one of the races that hates humans and has to earn their trust despite the wars they lost against humanity. The RPG is very regular and there are lots and lots of notifications, levels, and skill and ability descriptions. Some of the powers are kinda neat but you could tell some existed to get the MC out of an upcoming situation.
Overall, the story was good. Good character interactions once the MC reached the elves, lots of social development there, regular action-adventure. There were some lulls in the story pacing here and there, but still a fine read.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
An Outcast in Another World: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 1 - Human Insanity)
https://amzn.to/3HllRuV
Player Who Can't Level Up (Webcomic)
Kim Gi-Gyu awakened as a player at the age of 18. He thought his life was on track towards success, climbing the tower and closing the gates... But, even after clearing the tutorial, he was level 1.
He killed a goblin a day, and he was still level 1.
Even after 5 years, he was still level 1.
"Who would have thought that this kind of player would exist."
No one knew.
My Opinion: 51 chapters, FREE, No English Publisher
This is a webcomic about a society where dungeons exist in a modern world and players/awakened delve them for fame and profit. The main character (MC) was thought to have great potential when he first awakened to his power but five years later he’s still level 1 and is considered the greatest failure of society. He has to work as a guide in the dungeon because he’s not allowed to delve further. Then one day everything changes when he finally figures out his unique power. From there the story is mostly a dungeon dive combined with some story development for new antagonists, unique XP gaining methods, and the MC just becoming more and more powerful. Overall fun stuff with a unique path to power for the MC.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Player Who Can't Level Up
https://readmanganato.com/manga-kw988331
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 277 - The Wandering Inn 5, Mother of Learning, Apocalypse Game, Trapped In A Webnovel As A Good-For-Nothing
Dec. 12th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 277 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-277
New Releases and Reviews:
The Last Light: Book 5 (The Wandering Inn) (07:02)
Great when it focused on characters I liked
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3rJClZ0
Mother of Learning: ARC 1 (11:51)
Time loop story
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3GCHHd8
Apocalypse Game: A LitRPG Adventure (The Chessboard War Book 1) (17:15)
Interesting faction idea but the story felt too forced for me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3yupNXb
Trapped In A Webnovel As A Good-For-Nothing (I Woke up as the Villain) (Webcomic) (25:10)
Casual action with trapped in a novel story
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://tapas.io/series/i-woke-up-as-the-villain/info
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Jakob Tanner has put the 1st book in his popular Tower Climber series on sale, 50% off, for the month of December. He even notes that at that price you can even get the related audiobook for a discounted price too.
https://amzn.to/3dKRPnv
The annual GameLit Society charity drive has started. The money collected on GoFunMe goes to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-all-cast-heal-2021
Out Now!
Castle Manager: An Isekai LitRPG Progression (The Fantasy World of Dorbin Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3cMiOyC
Defiance of the Fall 3: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3tRZTdC
Hunters Dream Online: The Pierced Veil
https://amzn.to/3nNf6ed
Into Twilight: An Apocalyptic LitRPG (Viceroy's Pride Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3oSrsBg
Future: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3Bh8ppr
An Outcast in Another World: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 2 - Shared Insanity)
https://amzn.to/3CQVlXJ
The Rise of Chess (Fair Quest Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3r8nqaS
Awaken Online: Happy
https://amzn.to/3mMIFfD
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3tXpWzV
Primeval Knowledge: A LitRPG Adventure (Salvos, Volume 4)
https://amzn.to/3IFVv8m
Aster Fall: A LitRPG Progression Epic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3F39WS2
Rebels: An Epic Fantasy Gamelit Adventure (Darkthorn Academy Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3lVlkY7
The Healer of Magic and Lance: A LitRPG Progression Fantasy Adventure (Tosin the Legendary Healer Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3oLXeRF
Nautical Noobs: Noobtown Book 6 (A LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3DNi1so
Hellscape: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3rXhd1B
The Frost Ridge. First Circle [RealRPG Wuxia Series The Way] Book #4
https://amzn.to/3pfKljc
Trials of a Spawnling Grunt: A LitRPG Saga - Book One: Farm Crops. Run Dungeons. Reinvest Loot.
https://amzn.to/3yjfhSr
Stagger Home (The Aussie Mana Apocalypse Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3cJnBRk
Demon City. Dragon Heart (A LitRPG Wuxia) series: Book 13
https://amzn.to/3rWakOd
Revelations - A Fantasy LitRPG (Beast Realms Book 3)
https://amzn.to/30kV8Pj
This Plot is Bananas! (This Triology is Broken Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3IGU2i5
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Town Under - The System Apocalypse: Australia Book 1
https://amzn.to/3IJEx95
Original Enchantment - True Calling LitRPG Book 1
https://amzn.to/3s3PegO
Cleaver's Edge - A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3ylw0ED
A Demon's Pride: A LitRPG Adventure - Salvos Book 2
https://amzn.to/31VPfZ4
Alpha Zero - Alpha LitRPG Book 1
https://amzn.to/3rYtwuE
Crafting Death - Towers and Rifts Series Book 2
https://amzn.to/3pTMaBl
The Zealot - Immersion Online Book 2
https://amzn.to/3pQuUwH
Revelations - A Fantasy LitRPG (Beast Realms Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3ILwNna
Defiance of the Fall 3 - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/31Y3ehi
Hold the Line - A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (War Core, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3GH6e0D
The Reincarnated Core Volume 4 - Towers of Acalia Book 4
https://amzn.to/3GCobNQ
The Path Through the Heavens - The Heavenly Throne Book 6
https://amzn.to/3oPP8HS
Artificial Jelly Book 2
https://amzn.to/3ILTSG2
Brace for the Wolves - Challenger's Call Book 2
https://amzn.to/3oQqG9f
Everwood: Weight of It All Series, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3yk3nYk
Core Establishment - Dimensional Dungeon Cores Book 1
https://amzn.to/3F1PwZ6
Upcoming LitRPG:
Uncontrollable: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3B4D9JR
Frostworld 3: Embers & Glory: A LitRPG/GameLit Viking Adventure (Dec. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mJaxBo
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #9): LitRPG Series (Dec. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AXzNIJ
Apocalypse Gates Book 8: One Nation, Under…
(Dec. 15th, 2022)
Don’t Slip Up (Fantasia Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2ZTXGn3
The Sage's Tower: An Epic Fantasy LitRPG Novel (The Plainswalker Series Book 2) (Dec. 20th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3DOSD5i
Evolution: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 2) (Dec. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YiogFN
The Guild's Demands: A Young Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 7) (Dec. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouwnK2
Level Zero (Alpha Rome Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iqyI4N
He Who Fights with Monsters 4: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3A2DJH1
GoodGame (Unfrozen Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 3rd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/30R8uTL
In Pursuit of a Manuscript (A Buccaneer's Due Book #2): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3nP56S3
Prime War: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 3) (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3CMCUnz
Viridian Gate Online: Empirical Endgame (The Viridian Gate Archives Book 8) (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3r2fRSW
Shaman's Call- Spirit Song: A Litrpg Adventure (Jan. 10, 2022)
https://amzn.to/30Z2kkn
A Capital's Perils: A New Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 8) (Jan. 17th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3wkbzXO
Mardis Dane: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 3) (Jan. 18th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/32qkyLX
A Royal Ending: A New Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 9) (Feb. 7th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3lYnCWL
Black Centurion: A LitRPG Novel (Feb. 14th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3s0r4DS
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound 2: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 15th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/31S3Nt5
Blessed Time 3: Dakkora's Legacy: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 22nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/33ingDD
Defiance of the Fall 4: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 22nd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3s02vHb
Clear Threat (Disgardium Book #10): LitRPG Series (Feb. 25th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3oNAMri
Alpha Physics! Book 4 - Albury: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy (Feb. 28th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3pStZvD
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The Last Light: Book 5 (The Wandering Inn)
(This novel is the e-book version of the free web serial. You may read the entire ongoing story at wanderinginn.com free of charge.)
[Kings] awake and [Emperors] build new lands. Change is coming to the world, from the King of Destruction moving to a certain [Doctor] finding more friends from home.
The Wandering Inn has a [Princess] who solves problems rather than creates them, and her name is Lyonette. Yet what happens when the [Innkeeper] returns to manage her inn? Lyonette must learn to be a good employee rather than manage everything herself, and sharing power is never easy...
Nor is it ever simple in war, but that is where Geneva Scala remains. In bloodier and increasingly brutal battlefields, The Last Light of Baleros is now growing in fame, but there is no future there. She is desperate, working against hostile forces who see her intervention as dangerous, and still bears the wounds of her previous war to save lives. But she is no longer alone.
My Opinion: 1791 pages, $3.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
When the collected serial story focused on my favorite characters, I loved the story. But there’s a good portion of the novel that shifts to side characters just introduced or ones briefly introduced in the last book. The stories aren’t bad and I enjoyed them, but I thought the ones that focused on Erin, Rioka, the Antinium or any of the original characters from the 1st book, were just great, especially that ending. Great stuff full of action and some resolution for the plotline developed for some of my favorite characters.
Overall, still a really good book that is a serial story collection so it bounces around a bit as it fleshes out new and old characters and their plotlines.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
The Last Light: Book 5 (The Wandering Inn)
https://amzn.to/3rJClZ0
Mother of Learning: ARC 1
Zorian Kazinski has all the time in the world to get stronger, and he plans on taking full advantage of it.
A teenage mage of humble birth and slightly above-average skill, Zorian is attending his third year of education at Cyoria's magical academy. A driven and quiet young man, he is consumed by a desire to ensure his own future and free himself of the influence of his family, resenting the Kazinskis for favoring his brothers over him. Consequently, Zorian has no time for pointless distractions, much less other people's problems.
As it happens, though, time is something he is about to get plenty of.
On the eve of Cyoria's annual summer festival, Zorian is murdered, then abruptly brought back to the beginning of the month, just before he was about to take the train to school. Finding himself trapped in a time loop with no clear end or exit, he will have to look both within and without to unravel the mystery set before him. He does have to unravel it, too, because the loop clearly wasn’t made for his sake, and in a world of magic even a time traveler isn't safe from those who wish him ill.
Fortunately for Zorian, repetition is the mother of learning…
My Opinion: 644 pages, $4.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
The story has a slow start and the regressor/time loop aspect doesn’t start until you're about 20% in. Before that the story is just ok as it just describes a new mage starting school. After the 20% mark though, it's a slice of life adventure with the main character (MC) using all his relative years starting over to accrue higher level training and magic skills to overcome the big disaster he’s trying to avoid. There are a few twists in the story as new allies and enemies appear, but it's mostly training, with some occasional action. It was interesting to see how the MC varied his interactions with people and events he’d dealt with in the past for new results. Though I will note that the story ends on a bit of a cliff hanger. It’s the nature of a serial story collected from its online source that there isn’t a baked-in plot arc, just a decent place to pause the story till the next book.
Overall, good story, not a LitRPG story, and it doesn’t claim to be, but it is a close cousin as progression fantasy since the MC very clearly becomes more powerful through rigorous training and study.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Mother of Learning: ARC 1
https://amzn.to/3GCHHd8
Apocalypse Game: A LitRPG Adventure (The Chessboard War Book 1)
The Apocalypse Game has begun, and all of humanity is up for grabs. To the victor go the spoils.
My name is Killian Dunn. I'm eighteen, a high school senior, a gamer, and, oh yeah, the Harbinger of the Apocalypse. Not exactly what I had in mind as a career path.
Reality took a nosedive when Armageddon came knocking. It brought with it classes, levels, and skills, as well as a horde of Lovecraftian abominations to use them on.
I never wanted any of this, but the sick god who orchestrated this whole nightmare has my family. Their lives are forfeit if I refuse to play his game.
He left me no choice but to accept my role and play my part—not as just another piece on the chessboard, but as the king—the Demon Lord of the Black.
But if I'm the villain, then there must also be a hero. On the side of White stands the Archangel, and they're as determined as I am to win.
The prize? A single wish.
With it, I can protect my family, fix everything that's broken, and save the whole damn world.
I just have to destroy it first.
My Opinion: 562 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
In general I’ve really enjoyed the RPG Apocalypse sub genre of LitRPG, but this one didn’t work for me. The setup is ok, but felt very forced in several respects.
The main character (MC) doesn’t get a choice in becoming the Demon Lord and over and over again reveals this big secret despite ample evidence that people are going to assume he’s evil for just having the class, which never made sense to me in the first place. Still, his response? To learn from his error and keep his secret from people he’s literally only known for hours? Nope, just whine about it being unfair. I mean, I get that part of the plot revolves around him finding people to fill his faction roles, but that’s definitely what it felt like. Forced decisions to advance a plot, not natural ones.
Additionally, the game mechanics, while shown throughout the story never really felt like the numbers shown were really impactful. The MC invests stat points and grows in levels but he never seems to struggle and despite any deficiencies in either experience fighting or stats always wins and his powers felt like they exceeded what a low level character should be able to do. Especially since everyone and everything have had a month jump start to grow more powerful. The other aspects of the game mechanics were decent and I thought the faction expansion stuff was original.
Overall, the action was fine, but too much of the story, for me anyways, felt forced. I never felt a sense of danger for the MC or anyone really. Which was weird considering it's supposed to be set in the RPG Apocalypse. Other folks really enjoyed the story, it just didn’t work for me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Apocalypse Game: A LitRPG Adventure (The Chessboard War Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3yupNXb
Trapped In A Webnovel As A Good-For-Nothing (I Woke up as the Villain)
While working overtime through several nights, he fell asleep for a short while. When he woke up, he seemed to be possessing the villain of the webnovel he was reading.
“Well, how typically cliché… to the point where I’d end up dead if I were to follow the predetermined fate. Darn it.”
He need to find a way to survive.
The first way to survive as a good-for-nothing villain in the webnovel.
“Convince as many people as possible to be on my side.”
The second way to survive as a good-for-nothing villain in the webnovel.
“Become strong enough to protect myself.”
Lastly, the third way to survive as a good-for-nothing villain in the webnovel.
“Never become friendly with that proud and insane ‘Returnee Master’.”
But what should he do?
Even before he possessed the body, the original owner already caused an incident.
“Use your money to kill the ‘Returnee Master’ who has yet to regain his power? Are you crazy? Then who will stop the Demon King?”
This is the beginning of the modern-day survival + dungeon-raider fantasy story of Choi Yu-Seong, the possessed villain who wants to live a laid-back lifestyle!
My Opinion: 55 officially - 76 chapters elsewhere, 3 chapters free, Official English Publisher - Tapas
This is a story where the main character (MC) is a normal person who finds himself trapped in the body of the villain of the story they were reading. The MC knows his character is fated to die at the hands of the hero unless he changes things. And he uses the RPG interface and his own foreknowledge to change his characters path. It’s a bit like a regressor story in that the MC uses knowledge he wouldn’t normally have to gain an advantage and grow powerful.
The story setting and pacing are pretty casual. The setting is of a modern world where dungeons appear and a society where people have classes and powers clear those dungeons for profit and experience. The MC mostly focuses on exploiting his knowledge of the story to gain enough power to survive the challenges he knows are coming. But at the same time, he works hard to not change things so much that the story shifts and he loses his advantage.
The RPG aspects are fairly light with letter rankings (S, A-F) to describe overall power and skills instead of numbered levels. The MC sees notifications about his own character sheet that initially describes him as a mediocre ranker, but with the MCs knowledge about the world from reading the story he works hard to gain unusual new skills and boosts in power. Each skill and power also gets its own notification so there’s lots of that going around.
Overall, I enjoyed the casual reading pace with regular action and the exploit using nature of the story.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Trapped In A Webnovel As A Good-For-Nothing (I Woke up as the Villain)
https://tapas.io/series/i-woke-up-as-the-villain/info
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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Other LitRPG facebook pages
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/940262549853662/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 276 - The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound, Gates of Thunder, Forest of Skills, Town Under, Regressor Instruction Manual
Nov. 25th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 276 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-276
New Releases and Reviews:
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound: A LitRPG Adventure (18:18)
Serial RPG Apocalypse with town building and monster waves
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3tS6pkd
Gates of Thunder (Loner Book #1): LitRPG Series (22:01)
Uncomplicated slice of life adventure
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3kbEuZ5
Forest of Skills (25:34)
Crunchy skill raising focused
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3HMJbmn
Town Under: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse: Australia Book 1) (29:20)
My new favorite story from the author
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/32kCs2B
Regressor Instruction Manual (Webcomic) (37:04)
Villain MC schemes his way to survival
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://www.asurascans.com/comics/regressor-instruction-manual/
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Audible's Black Friday Sale includes some of the best LitRPG and GameLit titles.
*Note you need to be an Audible subscriber to see the deals and it may be restricted to the US.
Poster made by the wonderful Ryan DeBruyn
https://www.audible.com/ep/black-friday-week-sale-2021
Other Black Friday Deals
The Great Centurian series - $0.99 each
https://amzn.to/3FFyEYa
Illusion: The Blacklight Chronicles: Book One - $0.99 (starts 11/26)
https://amzn.to/3cQRj6Q
Nemesis (Sparta Online Book 1) $1.00 (starts 11/26)
https://amzn.to/30Smm04
Glitchworld Ground Zero FREE
https://amzn.to/3CRr4In
A.R.S.E Augmented Reality System Explosion FREE (starts 11/26)
https://amzn.to/3CPOE84
Aethermarked $0.99 (starts 11/26)
https://amzn.to/3pheqO7
Luke Chmilenko’s Ascend Online comic book project on Kickstarter still has 11 days for you to support it. It was fully funded in 7 hours so you should check it out.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aetherworld/ascend-online-the-comic-series-chapter-1
Plagiarism List
This one is stolen from The Rogue Dungeon series with a slapped on stolen cover.
Stolen from the Stonehaven League series by Carrie Summer
Out Now!
Dungeon Core Online: Remastered Edition - Book Two
https://amzn.to/3GSnDnH
Alpha Resplendent (Alpha LitRPG Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3GRSwsB
The Guardian of the Verge (The Range Book #3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/39dvmNP
The Bright Finish This
https://amzn.to/3vv2uel
The Houndsman: A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3zlNvUe
Cyber Squad - Level 2: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
https://amzn.to/31nvlWI
The Warring Core (The Dungeon of Stories Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3q9fRQE
Valhalla Online 5: Burn It Down: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3CMJUQC
Isle of Destiny (A Buccaneer's Due Book #1 LitRPG Series)
https://amzn.to/39XvVvt
Alpha Physics! Book 3 - Disquiet: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy
https://amzn.to/3vv2meR
Mercenary Manager: A Dark Isekai LitRPG Teambuilder (The Fantasy World of Dorbin Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2YiR9ll
Two Boys: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The King's Soul Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3BQc1yJ
Hero Killer: A LitRPG Adventure (Neverstone Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3DQhuGx
Lich Hollow: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Fae Nexus Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3k8AbxI
The Last Light: Book 5 (The Wandering Inn)
https://amzn.to/3j6ChxI
Path of The Dragon Mage: Exiled: A LitRPG Fantasy
https://amzn.to/3FHQ1HZ
Star Divers: Myra's Song (A Sci-Fi LitRPG/GameLit Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3HRvLFG
Dungeon Item Shop: Volume 2
https://amzn.to/3HRMngr
Godsword: A Deckbuilding LitRPG (Goblin Summoner Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3DTWO0O
Left Out By The System: Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Lonely Apocalypse Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3HOGmkF
Ember Mage: A LitRPG Fantasy
https://amzn.to/3E2tFAg
Arrival: A LitRPG Series (Cycle of Ruin Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3FHMPMo
Tech Duinn and the Birth of a Void God: An Ether Collapse Series (Ether Flows Book 1)
https://amzn.to/30VKnD5
Growth Hero 3
https://amzn.to/3FMiCM8
They Called Me Maddest: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (MAD Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3nNrpqV
My RNGesus is Omnipotent!: A Gamelit/LitRPG Novel
https://amzn.to/3FOhAiC
Apocalypse Game: A LitRPG Adventure (The Chessboard War Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3xp9o5x
Rise of the Last Star: Nebula - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3cNJdvO
Mana Harvest: A Light Novel Farming LitRPG (Magicrops Book 1)
https://amzn.to/30ZYlDC
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Last Light - The Wandering Inn Book 5
https://amzn.to/3nOGoAU
CivCEO 5 - Accidental Champion Book 5
https://amzn.to/3xgFr7I
The Demonic Games - Disgardium Book 7
https://amzn.to/3nMbhpT
Reincarnation Trials: A LitRPG Apocalypse
Systems of Salvation, Book 1
https://amzn.to/30RKgs0
Viridian Gate Online - Resurrection: A LitRPG Adventure (The Heartfire Healer Series, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3cJ5if7
The Houndsman - A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure (The Houndsman, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3xmHirB
Brace for the Wolves - Challenger's Call Book 2
https://amzn.to/3xiAprf
Apocalypse: Fairy System - Systems of the Apocalypse Book 2
https://amzn.to/3COHnWj
Citadel - UnderVerse Book 5
https://amzn.to/3cH6Oyi
Downfall and Rise - Challenger's Call Book 1
https://amzn.to/3nJ3CZo
Sentenced to Troll 4
https://amzn.to/3cIInjZ
Beta Test - The NanoWielder Saga Book 1
https://amzn.to/3DPU6cq
Path to the Unknown - Dragon Heart Book 11
https://amzn.to/3FJKpNj
The Mountain Valley War: 2nd Dive Concludes
World Tree Online, Book 3
https://amzn.to/30TkOCD
Dungeon Core Online - Remastered Edition, Book Two
https://amzn.to/3G1Awef
Game Break - Hayden's Book 1 (Updated 17 March 2018)
https://amzn.to/32myCWM
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3G1ADqb
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure
The Archemi Online Chronicles, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3r5NnYi
A System Reborn - A LitRPG Adventure (Rise of the Glass Cannon Mage, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3CO1nIE
Roll - Hexworld, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3p1A2h2
The Rebel - Project Stellar Series, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3r5NCCG
Dungeon World Series Complete Box Set: Books 1 Through 5
https://amzn.to/3oXP2wD
Eden's Gate: The Scourge - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3HRew7p
Upcoming LitRPG:
Castle Manager: An Isekai LitRPG Progression (The Fantasy World of Dorbin Book 3) (Nov. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3cMiOyC
Defiance of the Fall 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tRZTdC
Hunters Dream Online: The Pierced Veil (Dec. 1st, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3nNf6ed
Into Twilight: An Apocalyptic LitRPG (Viceroy's Pride Book 1) (Dec. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3oSrsBg
Future: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 5) (Dec. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3Bh8ppr
An Outcast in Another World: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 2 - Shared Insanity) (Dec. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CQVlXJ
The Rise of Chess (Fair Quest Book 2) (Dec. 3rd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3r8nqaS
Awaken Online: Happy (Dec. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mMIFfD
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1) (Dec. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tXpWzV
Aster Fall: A LitRPG Progression Epic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 2) (Dec. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3F39WS2
Stagger Home (The Aussie Mana Apocalypse Book 4) (Dec. 13th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3cJnBRk
Uncontrollable: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3B4D9JR
Frostworld 3: Embers & Glory: A LitRPG/GameLit Viking Adventure (Dec. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mJaxBo
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #9): LitRPG Series (Dec. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AXzNIJ
Don’t Slip Up (Fantasia Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2ZTXGn3
Evolution: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 2) (Dec. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YiogFN
The Frost Ridge. First Circle [RealRPG Wuxia Series The Way] Book #4 (Dec. 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3pfKljc
The Guild's Demands: A Young Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 7) (Dec. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouwnK2
Level Zero (Alpha Rome Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iqyI4N
He Who Fights with Monsters 4: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3A2DJH1
GoodGame (Unfrozen Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 3rd, 2022)
https://amzn.to/30R8uTL
In Pursuit of a Manuscript (A Buccaneer's Due Book #2): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3nP56S3
Prime War: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 3) (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3CMCUnz
Viridian Gate Online: Empirical Endgame (The Viridian Gate Archives Book 8) (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3r2fRSW
Shaman's Call- Spirit Song: A Litrpg Adventure (Jan. 10, 2022)
https://amzn.to/30Z2kkn
A Capital's Perils: A New Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 8) (Jan. 17th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3wkbzXO
Mardis Dane: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 3) (Jan. 18th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/32qkyLX
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound: A LitRPG Adventure
Randidly Ghosthound felt lost and alone even before the System transformed the Earth. Before every person had to deal with the sudden presence of Levels, Skills, monsters, and the very real possibility of death...
Due to unusual circumstances, Randidly starts in an isolated Dungeon far beyond his Level, forced to rely on the mysterious Traveler Shal in order to learn and survive with the dangerous new status quo for his world.
But survive he does, only to leave the Dungeon and discover that while he experienced several hellish months in the Dungeon, only half a day passed on Earth. Randidly's capabilities are now more than enough to help build a small enclave of survivors, but that doesn't mean balancing his sense of responsibility against the plots of an unfriendly town will be easy.
And although he doesn’t know it, he needs to prepare. Because the System has sent down a Tribulation, which waits in the shadows and monitors his every move...
Don't miss the start of this hit LitRPG Fantasy series with over 50 Million views on Royal Road. For the first time, The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound is now available with loads of new content on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible narrated by Macleod Andrews.
My Opinion: 574 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a very good RPG Apocalypse story that originated online as a web serial. So the story is inherently kinda slice of life with regular arcs that push the main character (MC) to grow his power by facing off against the monsters brought by the apocalypse and help the towns that develop fight back against waves and waves of monsters. There’s lots of character and power growth, skills that grow, and for others levels and classes that give a variety of abilities. It’s a really good read that is as popular as a collected novel as it was online where new chapters continue to be published.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3tS6pkd
Gates of Thunder (Loner Book #1): LitRPG Series
Arktania is a virtual game with a steampunk style. It's a place where magic spells, enchanted artifacts, steam-powered machines, firearms and mechanical golems are a part of everyday life.
Gamer Andrew Falk begins his journey in a small village on the border of Orcish territory. The locals are the keepers of many secrets, but their behavior is too realistic for characters in a game; so realistic, in fact, that Andrew starts to treat them as if they were real people. Maybe because of the way he plays, or maybe just thanks to good luck, he becomes one of a mysterious class of people known as "sliders,” allowing him to control electricity and earn the favor of Elenia, the goddess of fate.
But as he advances through levels, the pain threshold in his character settings gradually begins to drop, making the game increasingly more dangerous. Andrew is facing a hard choice: either to keep on playing, risking eventual death by pain shock, or to abandon his gamer pod altogether. Still, his digital adventures just won’t let him go, immersing him ever deeper into VR…
My Opinion: 465 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is a Russian Translated novel and tonally it reminds me of the 1st book in Way of the Shaman. It's an uncomplex slice of life adventure with a guy who just got his top of the line VR rig and plays the best VR game around. You follow his adventures as he goes to his starter town, gets hints about his characters randomly generated background, fights monsters, does quests, and defends the town from a player invasion from a rival MMO faction. There are hints about some creepy real world implications for his ‘broken’ trait and the end definitely does that Russian LitRPG twists that keeps you guessing about plot changes. But mostly it’s just a fun adventure in this MMO world with the main character. It was an easy read that I was able to knock out in a couple of enjoyable sittings.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Gates of Thunder (Loner Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3kbEuZ5
Forest of Skills
Skills are everything. When he accepted the hit, Russ would not have believed whose interests he was actually serving. Now, with the job done, an otherworldly being is giving him with one hand what was just taken from him with the other. His life. Skills are everything and what doesn't kill you makes your skills stronger. Placed into the world of skills, Russ found himself faced with a new life governed by a system he did not completely understand. It is, however, a completely new start. Will Russ continue doing what he does best? Or will he be able to achieve the things that he had always wanted but considered to be a lost cause in his old life? Why not some of both? This is a litrpg story where the main character acquires skills and levels them up by using them. He gets ability choices as he levels up and as a reader you will be going through the choices with him, in most cases.
My Opinion: 279 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A transported to a RPG fantasy world with an interesting start. The main character (MC) is an assassin that kills the chosen one of another god and gets sent to an RPG fantasy world as a consequence. The MC reincarnates as a weak sickly half elf that has to use his new RPG abilities and to survive and live in this world. The beginning is mostly about the MC power leveling a few abilities and picking powers, then exploring this world and doing anything he needs to survive, including hurting people for information and robbing bandits for coins. Mid and late story picks up the action as the Mc gets a new companion and becomes involved in bigger issues in the world.
Game mechanics are mostly about raising skills to get abilities and feats as the skills increase. There are stats, but they’re slow to grow and increases come in fractions (0.01) with a normal score of 1 as a standard.
One of the only weird spots was the oddly forced relationship that happens about 50% in. It shifted from casual acquaintance to adventuring partner to marriage within a couple of chapters. It wasn't a bad shift as the MC had someone to talk to regularly and their relationship was cute enough, but it did shift quickly.
Overall, it's a slice of life story that mostly focuses on the things the MC does to increase his skills in the forest area he finds himself in. Entertaining if you enjoy a more crunchy adventure story, some build theory, and good action.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Forest of Skills
https://amzn.to/3HMJbmn
Town Under: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse: Australia Book 1)
What's worse than Australian wildlife? Mutated Australian wildlife.
The System Apocalypse has come to Australia, altering native organisms and importing even more menacing creatures to the most dangerous continent on Earth. For Kira Kent, plant biologist, the System arrives while she's pulling an all nighter at work with her pair of kids in tow.
Now, instead of mundane parental concerns like childcare and paying the bills, she's got to figure out how to survive a world where already deadly flora and fauna have grown even more perilous - all while dealing with the minutiae of the System’s pesky blue screens and Levels and somehow putting together a community of survivors to forge a safe zone to shelter her son and daughter.
It almost makes her miss the PTA fundraising sales. Almost.
Town Under is the first book in a new series, The System Apocalypse: Australia. It's set in the same universe as Tao Wong's The System Apocalypse and starts in the same time period as Life in the North but focuses on the changes in the deadliest of continents, Australia. Fans of the original series, LitRPG, fantasy, science-fiction and post-apocalyptic novels will want to take a look
My Opinion: 487 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an entertaining story from a couple of my favorite authors. Tao Wong’s flexible System Apocalypse story world lends itself well to an expanded universe. K.T. Hanna does a good job of taking the few hard rules and making the setting her own by putting the story in Australia and having a relatable female main character (MC) who is a mom who has to not only survive the RPG apocalypse, but also make sure her kids do too. The story itself is pretty slice of life with regular action, some town building, and good class progression.
A few minor gripes which I don’t think are deal breakers for any of the readers that will enjoy this. The first half of the story could have been a bit tighter. The pacing started to drag a bit as the MC kept trying to find other survivors. But once the antagonists shift from just mutated animals to other more complex forces and people, things pick up again. Though I’ll note that the big quest conflict isn’t actually resolved by the end of the story and instead is left as a cliffhanger, which some readers will find frustrating.
Other than those minor things, the story was rather good and I think it’s my favorite story from K.T. Hanna. The RPG stuff is in line with what appears in the main System Apocalypse series and the MC and the other survivors all have their own well developed RPG classes with lots of numbers and notifications.
Overall good stuff.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Town Under: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse: Australia Book 1)
https://amzn.to/32kCs2B
Regressor Instruction Manual (Webcomic)
One day, I was summoned to this world.
Beasts poured out, and an incredible crisis came.
My talents couldn’t have been worse.
[The player’s talent level is at rock bottom.] [Almost all the numbers are hopeless.]
Whether you have to become a warrior or a wizard.
Whether you’ve gone back in time.
You have to take advantage of everything in order to survive.
“What about it?”
“I’ll use everything I have to survive!”
My Opinion: 23 chapters, FREE, No Official English Translator
This is a good webcomic that is based on a popular web novel about a villain main character that is transported to a RPG dungeon along with others. The twist for this is that the MC is a villain who has no compulsion about betraying, manipulating, or scheming to make sure that he’ll survive the monsters that they are forced to fight. Additionally, he has special skill that lets him see other people’s character sheets and he figures out one of the people with him is a regressor, or someone that is reliving his life with future knowledge. So the MC is determined to ride the gravy train with this guy and manipulate others to create a powerful team that will help him survive.
Overall, it’s a good read with clean artwork that conveys the emotion of the MC and the action in the story. It was also nice to just get a story with someone that doesn’t mind getting dirty or scheming his way to survival and power.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Regressor Instruction Manual
https://www.asurascans.com/comics/regressor-instruction-manual/
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 275 - Bleeding Edge, Jake's Magical Market, APOCALYPSE ONLINE, Leveling with the Gods
Nov. 5th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 275 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-275
New Releases and Reviews:
Bleeding Edge (EDGE Force Book 1) (10:51)
Conflicting Fantasy system ruined the game elements for me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3q6PYRz
Jake's Magical Market (19:20)
RPG apocalypse with card power system
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2ZPgzr4
APOCALYPSE ONLINE: An Apocalyptic Litrpg Adventure (25:55)
An Ok RPG Apocalypse story
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3q6LKJu
Leveling with the Gods (Webcomic) (30:26)
Tower Climber Regressor story
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://readmanganato.com/manga-ml989546
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
The fine folks at Shadow Alley Press have reached their Kickstarter goal and their card game project is fully funded. Go check out their Kickstarter campaign if you are interested in helping them reach their stretch goals. You only have a few hours left.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadowalleypress/gentlemans-war-a-card-game-of-thievery-cheatery-and-fun
Atheon, who publishes some LitRPG books, has also started a Kickstarter campaign for their own game. 26 days left for them.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aethongames/dungeons-and-flagons-a-ttrpg-companion-drinking-game
Soundbooth Theater and Matt Dinniman collaboration. LitRPG Horror serial that released on Oct. 31st and will release new episodes monthly.
Sample at https://youtu.be/SiZPjJ4Vq3E
Download full episode for FREE: https://soundbooththeater.com/shop/audiobooks/kaiju-battlefield-surgeon-episode-one-the-mural/
Out Now!
Old-School (Unfrozen Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3hILvzn
Drakon Prince: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure
https://amzn.to/3CO4AZZ
Rise to Glory (A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3BQcVv7
Bleeding EDGE (EDGE Force Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2YWTP7S
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VII
https://amzn.to/2XvoqZT
The Nemesis of the Living (An NPC's Path Book #5): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2Uk0ibk
The Centennial Tournament: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Infinite Realm Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3lAVmZ5
Empire Ascendant: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3khJZpC
Nova Terra: Stone King: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Titan Series Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3j38LbW
Libriohexer: A Completionist Chronicles Series (Wolfman Warlock Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3vhFDm5
Blessed Time 2: Coda: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3zku3qS
Town Under: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse: Australia Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3j6x09l
Towers of Acalia: The Reincarnated Core Volume V https://amzn.to/2ZFUnzs
Glory to the Dominion! (Disgardium Book #9): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3Cnqgeb
Forest of Skills
https://amzn.to/3GWVV9k
The Fantasy Soldier: A LitRPG Adventure (The Sniper series book 1)
https://amzn.to/3EPyAEY
The RPG Apocalypse
https://amzn.to/3GY76yW
Arena Manager: An Isekai LitRPG Teambuilder (The Fantasy World of Dorbin Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3GSZ3mM
CivCEO 8: A 4x Lit Series (The Accidental Champion)
https://amzn.to/3bIgOa2
Critical Failures IX (Caverns and Creatures Book 9)
https://amzn.to/3BPuWJ9
A Hero Reborn : A LitRPG Adventure (The Reborn series Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3k9eZYv
Community of Fear: A Paranormal LitRPG Dungeon Core (Spirit Core Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3bIvTsn
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Death's Favorite Warlock 2 - Death's Favorite Warlock, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3nY7699
Carnival of Fear - A Paranormal LitRPG Dungeon Core (Spirit Core, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3bFXRoq
Monsters and Legends - Infinite Realm, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2ZYSmyM
CivCEO 4 - The Accidental Champion, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3k8QnyP
Battleborne Book 2: Wrack and Ruin
https://amzn.to/3CNcm5Z
Cyber Squad - Level 1
A Gamelit/LitRPG Lite Cyberpunk Adventure
https://amzn.to/3BReQi5
Blessed Time 2 - Coda: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2ZYGU6s
Seventh Realm Part 1 - A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms, Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3GRX2av
Sword of the Moon King - A Gamelit/LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3o28Azc
Dungeon Walkers 2
https://amzn.to/3EM9W89
Level Up, Kaiju! - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2YgqBRx
Wyrmshard - Savage Dominion Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2ZT011V
The Dungeon Leader - The Dungeon Slayer, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3k6Fcqx
The RPG Apocalypse - The RPG Apocalypse, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3nY2dgy
Drakon Prince - A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure
https://amzn.to/3o11knb
Clan Dominance - The Sleepless Ones, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3k6FfTf
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tS6pkd
Dungeon Core Online: Remastered Edition - Book Two (Nov. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3GSnDnH
Alpha Resplendent (Alpha LitRPG Book 4) (Nov. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3GRSwsB
The Guardian of the Verge (The Range Book #3): LitRPG Series (Nov. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39dvmNP
Gates of Thunder (Loner Book #1): LitRPG Series (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lzTRKI
The Bright Finish This (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vv2uel
The Houndsman: A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zlNvUe
Cyber Squad - Level 2: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (Nov. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/31nvlWI
The Warring Core (The Dungeon of Stories Book 3) (Nov. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3q9fRQE
Valhalla Online 5: Burn It Down: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vheShK
Isle of Destiny (A Buccaneer's Due Book #1 LitRPG Series) (Nov. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39XvVvt
Alpha Physics! Book 3 - Disquiet: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy (Nov. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vv2meR
Mercenary Manager: A Dark Isekai LitRPG Teambuilder (The Fantasy World of Dorbin Book 2) (Nov. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YiR9ll
Two Boys: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The King's Soul Book 2) (Nov. 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3BQc1yJ
Hero Killer: A LitRPG Adventure (Neverstone Book 2) (Nov. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3DQhuGx
Lich Hollow: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Fae Nexus Book 2) (Nov. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3k8AbxI
The Last Light: Book 5 (The Wandering Inn) (Nov. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3j6ChxI
Defiance of the Fall 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tRZTdC
Future: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 5) (Dec. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3Bh8ppr
Awaken Online: Happy (Dec. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mMIFfD
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1) (Dec. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tXpWzV
An Outcast In Another World (Book 2, Title Pending) (Dec. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vesn1K
Aster Fall: A LitRPG Progression Epic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 2) (Dec. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3F39WS2
Uncontrollable: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3B4D9JR
Frostworld 3: Embers & Glory: A LitRPG/GameLit Viking Adventure (Dec. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mJaxBo
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #9): LitRPG Series (Dec. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AXzNIJ
Don’t Slip Up (Fantasia Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2ZTXGn3
Evolution: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 2) (Dec. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YiogFN
The Frost Ridge. First Circle [RealRPG Wuxia Series The Way] Book #4 (Dec. 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3pfKljc
The Guild's Demands: A Young Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 7) (Dec. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouwnK2
Level Zero (Alpha Rome Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iqyI4N
He Who Fights with Monsters 4: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3A2DJH1
Prime War: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 3) (Jan. 4th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3CMCUnz
A Capital's Perils: A New Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 8) (Jan. 17th, 2022)
https://amzn.to/3wkbzXO
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Bleeding Edge (EDGE Force Book 1)
EDGE Force: A clandestine organisation that leverages the best and brightest humanity has to offer to defend against the threats that can't be fought by normal means.
JD Rideout is a washed-up writer with the best years of his career behind him. Nursing the wounds of a marriage breakdown, his kids are the only thing keeping him going.
When JD wakes up on a tropical island in the middle of the Whitsundays on Queensland's Central Coast, chained to the ceiling, he knows something is very wrong. He feels like a character in one of his novels.
Those who fight for EDGE Force unlock the ability to level up and gain powerful skills to help them fight against threats to our reality.
JD is given a pistol and an axe, along with a new callsign: Hatchet. Uprooted from his life and forced to fight for the fate of the world, Hatchet may just be planet Earth’s last line of defence.
As Hatchet, he’s tasked with fighting back against a shadowy cult that has reappeared after 15 years in hibernation. But fighting the cult isn’t the only thing that drives Hatchet. These cultists are using the essence of an ancient entity to reshape reality into whatever their twisted imaginations can bring forth. This entity is reaching out to Hatchet too, propelling him towards an epic showdown with the forces of the Fellowship of Cosmic Truth.
During the course of his mission Hatchet encounters an unexpected ally - a German Shepherd dog named Kaiser - who might just be smarter than Hatchet. Kaiser has his own reasons for fighting the cult and the two form an unlikely alliance.
My Opinion: 379 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The story starts out as an action LitRPG story with horror elements. So, Resident Evil with action RPG skill trees. It has a very efficient opening and it doesn't waste time on a long winded multi chapter explanation about why the main character (MC) is there. The MC is kidnapped, assigned an RPG interface and system and he has a mission to solve. Then a basic run down of skill trees and the MC is off on his adventure. Which mostly amounts to killing off zombies and cultists and fighting towards rescuing some woman as a quest. A rather good start to the story.
About 30% the story takes an odd pause as the MC gets some mystical vision that let's him talk to the fictional character he'd written. The section explores a bit about the nature of reality and simulations. It was interesting I guess but it also really felt out of place in the story and was a definite speed bump in the action. It sets up a system that’s developed later to explain just where all the monsters are coming from and a kind of ‘power of the imagination’ magic system that has nothing to do with LitRPG and is more of an urban fantasy element.
On the game mechanic side of things, it's an action RPG skill tree system with various branches that can be invested in: Edged weapons, Automatic weapons, Handguns, Stealth, etc. Familiar stuff to any gamer. As the story progresses and the MC levels he can invest points in the trees to unlock better powers that help him take on bigger foes. I'm a crafting fan and while this story does have it, it's a simplistic version. With trash broken down into crafting components then magically used along with some upgrade materials to make new stuff. No real knowledge needed, just button pushing. There are lots of notifications and detailed information throughout the story. However, because of the other story element, the one where the MC gains power rather rapidly and magically because of the ‘power of imagination’, his progression sometimes feels unearned and there are several points in the story where the MC frankly shouldn’t have won, especially when he’s saved by the power ‘plot armor’ that keeps him from truly dying. I mean it’s a funny gamer/writer joke but it did ruin how important the game stuff felt.
Overall, the story has good action and lots of notifications. But for me, the RPG stuff felt like it didn’t matter after about half way through the story. The ‘power of imagination’ element where both the enemy and allies sort of magic their way through conflicts and get powers with no basis in the RPG elements just sort of ruined things for me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Bleeding Edge (EDGE Force Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3q6PYRz
Jake’s Magical Market
Meddling gods. A magical card system. An apocalypse no one could have predicted.
Jake is working at the neighborhood market under his apartment when the world ends. He expected nuclear war, a computer virus, or even climate change burning everyone to a crisp to bring about the downfall of civilization. But cruel and arbitrary gods from another world? Who would have guessed that?
When these cruel gods shuffled Earth like a deck of cards, nothing was in the same place anymore. Monsters, dungeons, and magical items appear scattered across the globe. And suddenly, everyone has access to a new, strange magical card system that gives them magical powers.
Jake, wasting his day slacking off in the cooler, as he usually did, found himself alone in a completely new and very dangerous world. Can he learn to survive? Can he collect enough cards and create a good enough deck to fight back against the monsters that have overtaken his former home? And why are these strange people that look a lot like elves knocking on the door of the market he is hiding in and asking to buy some of his goods?
The gods may have stacked the deck against him, but Jake just might have a few cards up his sleeve that will help him survive.
My Opinion: 773 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a serial story with several types of progression systems. The setting is the RPG apocalypse where earth is broken up and mixed with dungeons and monsters roam freely. Because the story is a slice of life and a serial, as it's collected it almost feels like two large arcs.
The first 40%, RPG Apocalypse with dungeon diving, card collecting and leveling, minor merchants stuff (the magical market bit), some relationship building to build up the are the main characters (MV) finds himself in and a slower introduction to the new rules of the world. After the 40% mark though, the story shifts as the MC is pushed into a new environment with the benefit of all the work he put into developing his cards. It's here that he has to develop and grow in power without using a more fantasy/cultivation magic system. It's definitely forced, but also provides a change of scenery and expands the world building. Still lots of action adventure and some good world building but I was really disappointed that the RPG progression from the card system takes a big back seat for the majority of the story and ends up feeling more like a currency system and point of power division among classes.
On the game mechanic side of things, I really enjoyed the first half of the story. The card system is pretty robust with a huge variety of cards based on people’s fantasy races or what kind of monster they are. Killing monsters or clearing dungeons gets you special magical cards with spells, martial abilities, passive bonuses, and more. The cards can be upgraded/leveled by sacrificing other cards or combined with their own type to evolve them.This allows for some really good creativity as cards can be swapped out for different synergies and strategies. Later in the story, about 40% in, another system emerges that takes ambient magical energy to cast spell-like abilities, and power carved runes that have a variety of effects. The MC still grows in power, but it's not put in RPG terms like leveling anymore and though the card system still exists it really isn’t used by the MC except to gain access to new magic domains. Much later other power sources emerge but these are the two developed by the main character (MC).
Overall, there’s a lot to enjoy in the story. Good action-adventure, good world building, good character and relationship development. There are places the story felt really forced to push the MC in a direction that would change locations or have him start over, but I also understand that comes with a serial story trying to keep things interesting. However, I was disappointed with the loss of the card system that I’d come to enjoy. I mean, it doesn’t disappear but the MCs progression leaves it behind after the 40% mark. Still, good story, though overall its more gamelit than LitRPG.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Jake's Magical Market
https://amzn.to/2ZPgzr4
APOCALYPSE ONLINE: An Apocalyptic Litrpg Adventure
At first everyone thought it was a game...
But aliens have arrived and they are turning people into fertilizer.
Brad and Sam are gamers and when they started playing the hot new game Apocalypse Online they had no idea that the game was a preview of reality! With the help of a benevolent alien AI and nanotechnology, our heroes will have a chance to survive the apocalypse. They just have to survive, level up and find other survivors.
Jake is no gamer. But when he finds out aliens have arrived, he'll do anything to protect his little sister Sam.
Will they be able to grow strong enough for the second wave or will they become alien plant food?
APOCALYPSE ONLINE is a litrpg/gamelit post-apocalypse fantasy series filled with action, adventure, aliens and snarky AIs.
My Opinion: 507 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an ok RPG apocalypse story. It doesn’t do anything wrong but doesn’t bring anything really new to the table either. It’s very slice of life with the story following three separate main characters (MC) as they deal with the sudden invasion of aliens that mimic a recently popular hard mode MMO.
As far as the story goes, there’s not much plot.The characters just wander, fight a small variety of monsters and some oddly antagonistic anti-RPG pill people, and take some upgrades or level. For much of the story I kinda wondered where it was going or if the main characters would ever get some big quest that would give them direction to solve the apocalypse or fight back. Instead it was some minor side quests to find upgrade stations and save some survivors. It felt more like a tutorial than the main game.
On the game mechanic side of things, it's not bad. People that pop the pill they’re sent get an RPG interface and an A.I. that help them understand the system. These folks can take the aether from killing monsters or people and use it to level, get a class, get gene therapy for some bonuses, or use it as a kind of currency to make items at a 3D printer. Nothing really new except for the gene therapy. I was a little disappointed that the characters didn’t level more, only hitting level 1 for the most part, but I guess that’s part of them being on hard mode for the RPG apocalypse. The alternative to leveling in the story is cultivation, which was disappointing as it’s not developed as much as other cultivation stories I’ve read.
Overall, there’s nothing outstanding or negative about the story. I think a more focused plot would have brought together some of the elements of the story better and created some tension. But it’s an ok story.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
APOCALYPSE ONLINE: An Apocalyptic Litrpg Adventure
https://amzn.to/3q6LKJu
Leveling with the Gods
He became stronger, faster than anyone else… but he lost. In the end, there was only despair for Kim YuWon.
In his last moments, he was given another chance… Through the sacrifice of his comrade, his fate had not been sealed yet.
Returning back to the past, he attempts to climb the Tower again with his unmatched talent.
To fight the ancient evils that threatens to destroy the Tower.
My Opinion: 30+ Chapters, FREE, No English Publisher
A regressor story with tower climbing. The first part of the webcomic is about the tests to get into the tower with the main character (MC) using his foreknowledge about the tests to get a big advantage and power up. It’s an action oriented story that keeps testing just how far the MC can be pushed without him feeling too overpowered.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Leveling with the Gods
https://readmanganato.com/manga-ml989546
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 274 - Purgatory: The Devil's Game, Dungeon Walkers 2, Battlefield Reclaimer, Biomancer, Solo Spell Caster
Oct. 15th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 274 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-274
New Releases and Reviews:
Purgatory: The Devil's Game (13:26)
Early reservations but turned out to be a great story
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3Bjkx9d
Dungeon Walkers 2 (25:33)
Still entertaining
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2XdPInz
Battlefield Reclaimer: A LitRPG Progression Epic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 1) (30:32)
A good dungeon dive story
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3AMcgJO
Biomancer (New Era Online: Biomancer Book 1) (36:10)
New character, new class, same fun storytelling
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3voDkxJ
Solo Spell Caster (40:01)
Ordinary guy awakens power in modern RPG manga
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://readmanganato.com/manga-jf987262
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
The fine folks at Shadow Alley Press have started a Kickstarter campaign to produce and distribute their very own card game. It has some fantastic character art featuring some of your favorite characters from the Shadow Alley stable of books and your favorite LitRPG Authors. Go check out their Kickstarter campaign, there are some great rewards.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadowalleypress/gentlemans-war-a-card-game-of-thievery-cheatery-and-fun
Out Now!
Sentenced to Troll 4
https://amzn.to/3ork3Kw
Purgatory: The Devil's Game
https://amzn.to/3mjdebb
An Old Man's Journey: A VRMMO LITRPG adventure
https://amzn.to/3A5pFfE
Commando: A LitRPG / LitFPS Adventure (Battlegrounds Online Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3D7QFNp
Land of Drunken Pharaohs: A GameLit Urban Fantasy (High Table Hijinks Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3oqu9vp
APOCALYPSE ONLINE 2: A Post-Apocalypse Litrpg Adventure
https://amzn.to/3D3IMIX
Collapse (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3zpieAtc
The Archon (Project Stellar Book 5): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3AD5hDt
Defending Earth (In the System Book #3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3xMxXYC
Legion's Fifth Vault: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3DkADkr
Daemonorg Colossus: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3yLOHAK
Infinite Dark: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Fantasy: (Cowboy Necromancer Book Two)
https://amzn.to/3g1xaNG
Jake's Magical Market
https://amzn.to/3aJxIEU
Core Establishment (Dimensional Dungeon Cores Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2YRXaG1
Somnia Online Books 4-7: A LitRPG Fantasy Series Omnibus (Somnia Online Omnibus Editions Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3BNojrR
Biomedical Self Engineering: Book 3
https://amzn.to/3vjfXpf
Lewd Dungeon: Book XXIII - New Players
https://amzn.to/2Xi7k1L
Into the Black: Book XXX - Hellspace
https://amzn.to/3FLWAtX
Legacy of Merlin: A GameLit/LitRPG Portal Fantasy Adventure (The Abduction Cycles Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3j7BwnI
Reborn as a Baron Lord 3: A LitRPG Steampunk (The Steampunk World of Gearnix)
https://amzn.to/3n1fEM2
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Legion's Fifth Vault
A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy, Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3FOc2Wm
Initialization
A LitRPG Adventure (Master Hunter K, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3pbMf4u
Wagga - Alpha Physics, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3FRgRhF
Manipulating Magic - Jeff the Game Master, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2Xi0GIR
ChronoTemplar - A Crunchy LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3lMqCWp
A Fist Full of Credits - A New Apocalyptic LitRPG Series (System Apocalypse - Relentless, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3FUFfig
Trinity of the Hive (Books 1-3)
A Complete Dark Fantasy LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2YYjPQQ
Isekai Magus 3: A LitRPG Progression Saga
The Fantasy World of Nordan, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3AKzPmj
This Guild Is Batty! - This Trilogy Is Broken (A Comedy LitRPG Adventure, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3j75FUo
Condition Evolution 4 - A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure
https://amzn.to/3aKmj7Q
Killing Them Awfully - The Good Guys, Book 11
https://amzn.to/3p541Xd
Cause for War - Reality Benders, Book 7
https://amzn.to/3DJLkfI
Dungeon of Envy - The Seven Deadly Demons, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3p2nSX0
Magus - Apocosmos, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3DCWS4q
Serra Online - A LitRPG Adventure (The Castillion Chronicles, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3mVOLJz
Engineering Ludus
https://amzn.to/3pbNwZk
Darklands Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3DGkR2s
Friends with Bunny Feets - Threadbare, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3p3MApX
Respawn: The Last Crossing - Respawn, Book 6
https://amzn.to/3vfby6R
Soulstream - Rise to Omniscience, Book 10
https://amzn.to/3p8E2hI
Cyber-Mage Realization - Overtaken Online, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3DMZe0w
Lords of the Ruins - The Range, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3lKvD1y
Upcoming LitRPG:
Old-School (Unfrozen Book #2): LitRPG Series (Oct. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3hILvzn
Drakon Prince: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Oct. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CO4AZZ
Rise to Glory (A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure) (Oct. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3BQcVv7
Bleeding EDGE (EDGE Force Book 1) (Oct. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YWTP7S
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VII (Oct. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2XvoqZT
The Nemesis of the Living (An NPC's Path Book #5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Uk0ibk
They Called Me Maddest: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jTab8v
The Centennial Tournament: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Infinite Realm Book 3) (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lAVmZ5
Nova Terra: Stone King: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Titan Series Book 8) (Oct. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3j38LbW
Libriohexer: A Completionist Chronicles Series (Wolfman Warlock Book 2) (Oct. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vhFDm5
Blessed Time 2: Coda: A LitRPG Adventure (Oct. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zku3qS
Empire Ascendant: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 6) (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3khJZpC
Mana Harvest: A Sword to Ploughshares LitRPG (The Sword to Ploughshares Saga Book 1) (Oct. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lzUp3e
Town Under: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse: Australia Book 1) (Nov. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3j6x09l
Towers of Acalia: The Reincarnated Core Volume V (Nov. 3rd, 2021) https://amzn.to/2ZFUnzs
Glory to the Dominion! (Disgardium Book #9): LitRPG Series (Nov. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3Cnqgeb
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tS6pkd
The Guardian of the Verge (The Range Book #3): LitRPG Series (Nov. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39dvmNP
Gates of Thunder (Loner Book #1): LitRPG Series (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lzTRKI
The Bright Finish This (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vv2uel
The Houndsman: A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zlNvUe
Valhalla Online 5: Burn It Down: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vheShK
Isle of Destiny (A Buccaneer's Due Book #1 LitRPG Series) (Nov. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39XvVvt
Alpha Physics! Book 3 - Disquiet: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy (Nov. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vv2meR
Two Boys: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The King's Soul Book 2) (Nov. 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3BQc1yJ
Hero Killer: A LitRPG Adventure (Neverstone Book 2) (Nov. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3DQhuGx
The Last Light: Book 5 (The Wandering Inn) (Nov. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3j6ChxI
Defiance of the Fall 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tRZTdC
Future: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 5) (Dec. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3Bh8ppr
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1) (Dec. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tXpWzV
An Outcast In Another World (Book 2, Title Pending) (Dec. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vesn1K
Aster Fall: A LitRPG Progression Epic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 2) (Dec. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3F39WS2
Uncontrollable: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3B4D9JR
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #9): LitRPG Series (Dec. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AXzNIJ
Don’t Slip Up (Fantasia Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2ZTXGn3
The Frost Ridge. First Circle [RealRPG Wuxia Series The Way] Book #4 (Dec. 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3pfKljc
Evolution: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 2) (Dec. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YiogFN
The Guild's Demands: A Young Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 7) (Dec. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouwnK2
Level Zero (Alpha Rome Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iqyI4N
He Who Fights with Monsters 4: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3A2DJH1
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Purgatory: The Devil's Game
Throughout the history of man, God and Lucifer have matched wits in games to decide the fate of man's immortal soul. Victor Goodspeed has just learned he's a pawn in the most recent game with his own soul at stake. Now, he needs to fight his way through Purgatory if he wants to find his place in the afterlife.
This novel is a LitRPG adventure through the afterlife.
My Opinion: 553 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The start of the story wasn’t my favorite and I was a little put off by the religious element/theme. In my experience, introducing Christian themes like: a monotheistic god, the devil, angels, hell, heaven, and purgatory aren’t done well. Either the story makes fun of them or it’s all too serious and turns into sermonizing. I’m happy to say that isn’t the case here. By the 8% mark when the dungeon diving happens it's pretty evident that every person in purgatory is going through their own version of a dungeon and the eventual late story developments make that more important to character growth than just a dungeon dive for RPG power. The other religious elements aren’t discarded, but they aren’t used to sermonize either.
The end, the last 27% or so, was great and I read that entire section almost non-stop. I’m all for a good dungeon dive, and the mid section of the story is that. But it's the end of the story that really kicked it up a notch for me. The story gets more philosophical or at least introspective in dealing with the MCs dungeon and it introduces a few twists that I thought were good limiters on the RPG powers but still fit well within the framework of what gamers would be used to. Moreover, elements and antagonists that I’d been concerned were going to be forgotten were resolved very satisfactorily.
On the game mechanic side, there’s lots of RPG progression once the MC starts to dungeon dive. Rewards for killing demons are currency crystals and experience. Crystals are a currency that can be used to buy special powers or abilities, gear, or just good food and alcohol. Gear, abilities, and stats can be upgraded with experience points and the number of abilities and powers (physical or spiritual proficiencies) that a character can have expands as stats increase. There’s even a bit of enchanting, though it’s never as powerful as I was hoping it was going to be. Still there’s a very nice detailed system that’s pretty consistent and that doesn’t let the MC feel too powerful despite some of the big gains he gets as he fights through his own personal purgatory dungeon.
Not to say the story was perfect. There were a few early issues with choices the character made were a little annoying. The MC had lived as a successful savvy businessman well into his 50s and is supposed to have been a lifelong gamer. So a few early choices he made seemed out of character as they were naive and noobish. However, I fully recognize that the choices were made to setup goals and antagonists for the MC and to create a reason to explain to the reader about game mechanics, but they still felt out of place. But by the end of the story the pay off for the setup was done so well that I kinda forgave the early annoyance.
Overall, the story struck a good balance between the concept of purgatory, a middle battleground where sinners could redeem themselves, with the action RPG elements in LitRPG. And the late story philosophy elements really worked well for me and bumped it up from ‘good’ to ‘great’. The story works really well as a standalone story though there is room for another novel if readers enjoy the work and support the novel.
Score: 8 out of 10
Purgatory: The Devil's Game
https://amzn.to/3Bjkx9d
Dungeon Walkers 2
Alistern “Stern” Masterson never expected to have the sort of life he found himself living. He was an irregular— a person who looked like the undead and had unusual perks— and his life hadn’t been very pleasant, so he’d written off the idea of ever finding anyone who understood him. Then, an old lady had asked for help, and he’d given it…
Stern was able to rescue Cyra Walot’s shards from the Bloodstone dungeon, after which he was brought before the city magistrate on false charges. Cyra helped him clear his name, and he was set free with the newly reborn Cyra beside him.
Although the rabbit lykian had lived a rough life and died horribly inside the dungeon, she wasn’t about to let that stop her from following her own dream. Seeing her determination, Stern offered to help her. Together, they ran the starting dungeons so that Cyra could develop the skills she would need to survive as a Walker.
Stern and Cyra found a friend in Trish Moxy, an accomplished leatherworker. That friendship blossomed and grew, becoming something that none of them had expected.
The new triad relationship and fledgling crew trained together in Darkstone, preparing to take on the next set of dungeons. These would be much harder, but they felt like they had a chance if they worked together.
After Darkstone, they set out for Waterrock. They were intent on finding people to fill out their crew, knowing they would need more allies for what the future held.
(This book contains non-standard relationships and touches upon adult situations.)
My Opinion: 471 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is mostly a slice of life adventure story with the same characters and dungeon diving mechanics from book 1. The main group expands a bit by taking on new members and the 1st half of the book really does a lot of backstory and character development for them. Most of the action hits mid and late story and it's all fine. I only wish the 2nd book had as clear an antagonist as book 1.
Overall, good if you’re ok with a more casual slice of life pacing.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Dungeon Walkers 2
https://amzn.to/2XdPInz
Battlefield Reclaimer: A LitRPG Progression Epic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 1)
A LitRPG Progression Epic
Across the world of Aster Fall, there are unique classes, but not all of them can be trained. They require quests and accomplishments that simply don't exist in the world. Some say the World Law itself is broken and that the world is falling apart.
In comes Sam Hastern.
His family has been cursed by one of these classes for the last fifty years. No one has ever managed to level it, condemning them to the lowest paying jobs and life in a barren village.
The class is called Battlefield Reclaimer.
There's one more little problem.
Sam's about to have it even worse, when a dungeon exploration leaves him looking distinctly non-human.
My Opinion: 886 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The start of the story was the hardest for me because it shifted perspectives between multiple characters within the same paragraph sometimes. But once the story focused on just the main character’s (MC) perspective or at least creating small notes to differentiate perspective, it was easier to read.
The story is a slice of life story where the MC and his family are stuck with a broken class that no one knows how to advance. So they’re stuck being poor because they can’t advance their main class, only their general class and even that gets stuck at low levels. Then one day the MCs father and the MC go explore a ruin and while things go terribly wrong, it also presents the MC the opportunity to explore what it means to be a Battlefield Reclaimer. This all really means that most of the early story is a dungeon dive with regular action/adventure and some class ability and magic exploration.
The game mechanics are solid and you regularly see level ups, skill and class ability upgrades, and a fairly crunchy notification system. The Battlefield Reclaimer class is interesting and pulls in magic and crafting and combines them well. There’s a little wand waviness with some XP limits, but even that is part of the larger world lore that gets explained.
Overall a really good action oriented story with more to come.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Battlefield Reclaimer: A LitRPG Progression Epic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3AMcgJO
Biomancer (New Era Online: Biomancer Book 1)
A new series in the New Era Online universe from the author who brought you Life Reset!
John Slater never had any interest in video games. Now he’s got to beat one to save his brother.
A battle-hardened, ex-special forces soldier, John was never a fan of games, unlike his brother. But now, he’s got to learn and learn fast if he has any chance of saving his younger sibling. Magic, monsters and levels are new to him, and his real-world skills aren’t as useful as he thinks.
Lucky for him, he’s used to adapting on the fly. And soon, the world will know why his squadmates called him Seraph, the death angel.
Note: Events in Biomancer happen after Life Reset. The two plot lines are not directly connected however and can be read independently.
My Opinion: 609 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
While this is a story set in an existing story universe, it can be easily read as a standalone. If you’ve read the Life Reset series, you’ll get a few easter eggs and the magic/class/town building systems will be very familiar. But the author brings a unique class to the story with some neat powers and abilities that combine a curse build with a bit of organic crafting and building.
The setup for the story is pretty concise and the main character (MC) gets into the story pretty quickly and while there’s some background motivation that’s explained, most of the story is a level grind with lots of fights that boost the MCs XP to unlock levels and class abilities and the exploration the game system.
Overall, it’s a solid story that fans of the Life Reset series will enjoy. There are familiar notes but it's still a good story with a unique character class.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Biomancer (New Era Online: Biomancer Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3voDkxJ
Solo Spell Caster
The ordinary salaryman Park Do-hyuk, finally got the awakening he had always wished for in a life or death situation! Unbelievably, the memories and experiences from the game he spent his entire life in his twenties playing became these powers of awakening! What’s more, it was a 1 in a billion ‘Triple Awakening’! The extraordinary player Park Do-hyuk’s journey picks up now, as he aims to reach the world’s peak. ** This will be the complete webtoon adaptation of the popular web novel by the author Cheongcho.
My Opinion: 63 chapters, FREE Online, No English Publisher
This is a slice of life dungeon crawl LitRPG story set in the modern world. Dungeons exist and must be conquered or monsters will spill out, so society has evolved to put guilds and players in positions of power to beat them, gain treasures, and level up. The main character (MC) is a nobody that suddenly awakens his power and becomes an over powered character with not one but three classes. He attracts attention from the biggest guilds and makes enemies of those he spurns and advances past. A good regularly released mana.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Solo Spell Caster
https://readmanganato.com/manga-jf987262
https://www.asurascans.com/comics/solo-spell-caster/
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 273 - Starting Point #1, He Who Fights with Monsters 3, Underdog Book #7, I'm The Only One Loved By The Constellations!
Oct. 1st, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 273 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-273
New Releases and Reviews:
Idea (Starting Point Book #1): LitRPG Series (14:26)
A bit dark but can be read as a stand alone
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ifZbSS
He Who Fights with Monsters 3: A LitRPG Adventure (19:56)
Good, but last 10% is a bit random
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3uyD8eX
Arbiter (Underdog Book #7): LitRPG Series (23:45)
Heading towards an ending
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3oq3UVD
I'm The Only One Loved By The Constellations! (Manga) (26:47)
Regressor story with a twist
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://manganato.com/manga-mb989636
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
For the month of October only, Michael Chatfield is offering autographed copies of The Two Week Curse (in both hardcover and paperback), Sacremon, and The Tenth Awakens for members of select Patreon tiers!
All signed books will be shipped in November and will arrive in time for the holidays! There are a limited number of each book available, so get yours before they're gone!
Currently, Patrons are enjoying 8th Realm sneak peek chapters as well as 7th Realm Part 1 audiobook chapters. https://www.patreon.com/michaelchatfieldwrites
From the Author Shinhofen page.
I am celebrating my 5th year of being a published author, so we are going to do a giveaway.
The giveaway will run until October 3rd, when the winners will be selected randomly.
To enter you need to comment in this thread who is your favorite female character in any of my series and why. The 'why' is important here, and you can only choose one female.
We will be giving away 10 prizes:
6 winners will get to pick a challenge coin
1 winner will get a copy of the first two books from Aether's Revival, signed, in paperback
1 winner will get a copy of the first five books from Binding Words, signed, in paperback
1 winner will get a copy of Resurrection Quest, signed, in paperback
1 winner will get the red shirt treatment in one of my future releases.
This contest is open on Discord, and here, so feel free to enter in both locations.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/364674377283655
𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 - 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚: 𝘾𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 - 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙏𝙬𝙤 - 𝘽𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙙!!
The Quintessence: Crucible continues with the release of Blighted. This second book in the epic cultivation saga picks up right where Awakened left off as Aryc quests to regain lost power, uncover further secrets of the Culling and discover his place in the universe.
To celebrate the release of Book Two, the author has lowered the price of Book One – Awakened to $0.99, which will allow you to grab the eBook for cheap and then add the Whispersync audiobook narrated by Nick Podehl for $7.49.
https://amzn.to/3D9ZwOZ
Sentenced to Troll series sale! Pick up book 1 for free for the next 5 days.
Books 2 and 3 are also on sale for $.99 in the US and UK.
https://amzn.to/3A2nhpZ
Out Now!
The Quintessence: Crucible Book 2 - Blighted: (A Cultivation Progression Fantasy)
https://amzn.to/3D9ZwOZ
Rising World
https://amzn.to/3CYTTCW
Tower Climber 4 (A LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/2Y9ciha
Immersion Online: The Zealot : Book 2 - A LitRPG Novel (Immersion Online: Lit RPG)
https://amzn.to/37Na74p
Kingdom of Sails: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2VSjE7A
Black Sand Baron (The Ripple System Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3CrjZy2
Soulstream (Rise To Omniscience Book 10)
https://amzn.to/3iFMXTX
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #8): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3rfXY1a
Resurrection: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3epmFD0
Cat Core, Book 2, Lich's Bargain (A Dungeon Core, LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3C2K1bU
Rival Crowns (Challenger's Call Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3jjmsE3
Order: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3iGViXE
Entriss Online - A VR LitRPG Fantasy (Watson's Worlds Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3orltVE
I am a Mimic (Mimic Series Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3B3TYou
System Return (Natural Laws Apocalypse Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2ZKhhWt
Legendary Dungeon Seed: The Mage's Academy (Vol. 3)
https://amzn.to/2Yir7yv
Warforged Sorcerer: A VR LitRPG Novel (Singularity Online Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3omqApX
The Path of Eternal War: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 7)
https://amzn.to/2YamZAN
Black Spire: A GameLit/LitRPG Series Novella
https://amzn.to/3opMdpj
Shaman's Call- Frostburn: A Litrpg Adventure
https://amzn.to/3A2HWdN
The Crypt Lord's Call: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (Godguild Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3FaMVNa
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Black Sand Baron - The Ripple System Book 2
https://amzn.to/3B7zA5O
The Ridden - A Gamelit Apocalypse Fantasy Novel
https://amzn.to/3A2L74Q
Age of Stone - Rise of Mankind Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2Ybgnlf
The Reincarnated Core Volume 2 - Towers of Acalia, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3mjePxW
Nova Terra: Earthshaper - The Titan Series, Book 6
https://amzn.to/3D3RPJT
Corporate Warfare - All Trades, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3mk4SQG
Age of Ancients - Shattered Kingdoms, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2YckUDG
Resurrection - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3D2P1wx
Reality Benders Series Boxed Set - Books 1-4
https://amzn.to/3l0Uluf
Realm Between Series (Books 1-3)
https://amzn.to/3B9yEy0
Disgardium Series # , Disgardium Series Boxed Set
Books 1-4
https://amzn.to/3outHvY
Couch Potato Crisis - Couch Potato Chronicles, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3ouuBIS
Blue Screens of Death - A System Apocalypse Short Story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories)
https://amzn.to/3iqD10a
The Last Physicist - A Gamelit/Portal Fantasy Adventure (The Archon, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3D1VMyQ
Dead-Rock Highlands - Overtaken Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/39XQWGw
Reborn: Apocalypse (Volume 3)
https://amzn.to/3ilWNtC
Rise of the Deathstalkers 2 - A GameLit Post-Apocalyptic Adventure (Deathstalker Demigods)
https://amzn.to/3FdEccS
Awakening - A LitRPG/GameLit Series
https://amzn.to/3D4hiDc
Cat Core - Cat Core, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3F9ccHA
Entriss Online: A LitRPG Adventure - Watson's Worlds, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3ouvzVw
Honor & Iron, Frostworld Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/39XxQA5
Upcoming LitRPG:
Sentenced to Troll 4 (Oct. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ork3Kw
Purgatory: The Devil's Game (Oct. 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mjdebb
An Old Man's Journey: A VRMMO LITRPG adventure (Oct. 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3A5pFfE
Commando: A LitRPG / LitFPS Adventure (Battlegrounds Online Book 2) (Oct. 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3D7QFNp
Land of Drunken Pharaohs: A GameLit Urban Fantasy (High Table Hijinks Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3oqu9vp
APOCALYPSE ONLINE 2: A Post-Apocalypse Litrpg Adventure (Oct. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3D3IMIX
Collapse (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Oct. 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zpieAtc
The Archon (Project Stellar Book 5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AD5hDt
Defending Earth (In the System Book #3): LitRPG Series (Oct. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3xMxXYC
Legion's Fifth Vault: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 5) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3DkADkr
Daemonorg Colossus: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 4) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yLOHAK
Infinite Dark: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Fantasy: (Cowboy Necromancer Book Two) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3g1xaNG
Old-School (Unfrozen Book #2): LitRPG Series (Oct. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3hILvzn
Drakon Prince: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Oct. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CO4AZZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VII (Oct. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2XvoqZT
The Nemesis of the Living (An NPC's Path Book #5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Uk0ibk
They Called Me Maddest: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jTab8v
Blessed Time 2: Coda: A LitRPG Adventure (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zku3qS
The Centennial Tournament: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Infinite Realm Book 3) (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lAVmZ5
Empire Ascendant: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 6) (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3khJZpC
Mana Harvest: A Sword to Ploughshares LitRPG (The Sword to Ploughshares Saga Book 1) (Oct. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lzUp3e
Towers of Acalia: The Reincarnated Core Volume V (Nov. 3rd, 2021) https://amzn.to/2ZFUnzs
Glory to the Dominion! (Disgardium Book #9): LitRPG Series (Nov. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3Cnqgeb
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tS6pkd
The Guardian of the Verge (The Range Book #3): LitRPG Series (Nov. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39dvmNP
Gates of Thunder (Loner Book #1): LitRPG Series (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lzTRKI
The Houndsman: A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zlNvUe
Isle of Destiny (A Buccaneer's Due Book #1 LitRPG Series) (Nov. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39XvVvt
Defiance of the Fall 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tRZTdC
Future: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 5) (Dec. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3Bh8ppr
Prime War: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 3) (Dec. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3FciVR6
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1) (Dec. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tXpWzV
Aster Fall: A LitRPG Progression Epic (Guardian of Aster Fall Book 2) (Dec. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3F39WS2
Uncontrollable: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3B4D9JR
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #9): LitRPG Series (Dec. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AXzNIJ
Don’t Slip Up (Fantasia Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2ZTXGn3
Evolution: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 2) (Dec. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YiogFN
The Guild's Demands: A Young Adult LitRPG Fantasy (Adventures on Brad Book 7) (Dec. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouwnK2
Level Zero (Alpha Rome Book 3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3iqyI4N
He Who Fights with Monsters 4: A LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3A2DJH1
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Idea (Starting Point Book #1): LitRPG Series
Vasily Mahanenko's new LitRPG series set in the universe of his World of the Changed!
Modern times. Genius physicist Artyom Kuchaev found himself facing the darker side of the world we live in. Integrity is met with a laugh, the rat race instead full of people out to grab whatever they can. Where big money is on the line, no betrayal, even of loved ones, is a bridge too far. But Artyom couldn’t bring himself to conform. Instead, he decided to make a change in himself if not in the world around him. His work, surroundings, country...
However, the world wasn’t ready to let the genius go. It was benefiting too much from him. In one moment, everything was turned upside down: Artyom’s freedom was exchanged for prison, his noisy colleagues for morose cellmates, and his spacious labs for tiny offices in a restricted research institute. All that remained was his drive to make the world a better place. And that just left the tiny detail of how to actually make that happen.
My Opinion: 393 pages, $3.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
Though connected to the author’s other stories, this can very easily be read as a standalone story as it takes place in our modern world and it is meant to setup how all those other story universes started. On its own, it's a real life LitRPG story where a genius who plans to defect to the U.S. is kidnapped and finds himself part of a conclave of semi-immortal scientists that are forced to advance technology and research. It was interesting to read about the way people in power would take advantage of technology that included mind scanning, cloning, and artificial reality control systems.
Game mechanics come in the form of an interface that hands out quests and monetary rewards that can be traded for information, items, and other resources. It’s nothing too new if you’ve ever read any of the authors other stuff but this story sets up how it all starts.
Overall, while it can be read as a stand alone, I think readers of the author’s Alchemist and World of the Changed series will appreciate it the most.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Idea (Starting Point Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3ifZbSS
He Who Fights with Monsters 3: A LitRPG Adventure
For all that Jason’s new life is amazing, he is about to learn that his new power, wealth, and influence comes at a price...
Riding high on success, he and his team are looking to the future, preparing themselves for the challenges to come. Nothing, however, could prepare him for the lessons his enemies have to teach. When magic is involved, the stakes can be even greater than life and death.
While Jason’s personal enemies make plans, the greater foes plaguing his new home have been pushed to the brink. With one powerful card left to play, they are on a collision course with Jason and his team. With no one to help and more than their lives on the line, Jason and his companions must fight with more monsters than ever in the race to grow stronger. With an invincible enemy already anticipating them, they will learn that sometimes winning the battle is more important than surviving it.
My Opinion: 895 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Great action adventure with some surprising early story twists that put the main character (MC) in a different kind of trouble. The consequences were also carried through the story well and I was glad to see that the trouble changed the MC to a degree. There are some reader complaints about the end of the novel, the last 10% or so, which are either short side stories or brief setup stuff for future storylines. I understand the complaints but I didn’t mind as I understood that this novel is a collection of serial stories originally published online and as such you get this type of storytelling sometimes.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
He Who Fights with Monsters 3: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3uyD8eX
Arbiter (Underdog Book #7): LitRPG Series
The skies of the Dark Continent teem with ravening beasts. Thousands of refugees are at the gates of Foreston seeking salvation from a mysterious scourge.
The Wastes are infested with herds of bloodthirsty necromorphs that devour every living thing in their path. A Dark Gateway has opened in the Stone Forest, allowing a horde of otherworldly monsters to come flooding through.
Adversaries from time immemorial are gathering armies and amassing forces. Ancient enemies are forming alliances. The world of the Great System stands once again on the precipice of change. A new war is coming.
My Opinion: 469 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Another romp through action and adventure. The story keeps pushing to expand the cast and scope of the story with larger problems, larger fights, and town building. It is still entertaining, but I noticed that I started to wonder where the series was going as I was reading. Though the English publisher says that there’s only a book or two left in the series.
Overall, still a fine read but I’m starting to feel the series drag a little.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Arbiter (Underdog Book #7): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3oq3UVD
I'm The Only One Loved By The Constellations! (Manga) The hunter from the Seoul Tower, Baek Ho-Min, fell into despair after obtaining the trash skill ‘Reminiscence'.
However, he keeps receiving the love of the Constellations every time he activates the skill! “Ah! Why do the Constellations only love me?” A fantasy story of the serious Constellations inside his head,
My Opinion: 22 chapters, FREE, No English Publisher
A regressor story with an interesting twist, the main character (MC) doesn’t initially have access to any of the future knowledge he earned in his previous lives. Instead, he dies and ends up in a kind of mindscape where he talks to his past selves as they watch the latest incarnation struggle through life. That is until the current incarnation of the MC gets a random, trash ability that lets him connect with past memories. It’s a good twist and there are good stakes for the MC without him being too OP as he gets involved in bigger and bigger plot lines, enemies, and allies.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
I'm The Only One Loved By The Constellations!
https://manganato.com/manga-mb989636
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 272 - Dungeon Core Online, Blessed Time, Original Enchantment, Aethermarked, The Tutorial Is Too Hard
Sept. 17th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 272 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-272
New Releases and Reviews:
Dungeon Core Online: Remastered Edition - Book One
The humor makes or breaks this dungeon core story
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/39iMulk
Blessed Time: A LitRPG Adventure
Slow start but good time travel use
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3kjJjzV
Original Enchantment (True Calling LitRPG Book 1)
Slice of life trapped in a game story
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3BoKROU
Aethermarked: A Dark Fantasy GameLit Isekai
Some Good parts but it has issues
Score: 4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3lq760l
The Tutorial Is Too Hard (Webcomic)
When hard mode is too hard
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://www.asurascans.com/comics/the-tutorial-is-too-hard/
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
(video)
LitRPG Podcast at DragonCon 2021. I spent lots of time with some of my favorite authors.
There was definitely a different vibe at the convention this year. Few people, everyone was a little more cautious about touching. Thankfully, the convention went out of their way to provide a safe environment. You had to have proof of a vaccination or a day of test that you didn’t have Covid to even get a DragonCon badge. Plus, there was more hand sanitizer than I ever thought I’d see.
There was still some great cosplay around but I went to a few panels that some LitRPG authors were on, but mostly we just ate, drank, and hung out. A nice highlight was a special gathering from Mountain Dale Press for their authors and fans, and a special trip to Medieval Times.
Out Now!
An Outcast in Another World: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 1 - Human Insanity)
https://amzn.to/39lsfmI
Betrayal of the Arcani: Beginnings (A Real LitRPG series)
https://amzn.to/3fX91rx
The Entropic Core (The Dungeon of Stories Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3BivZCD
The Dungeon Fairy: Four Days: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3myulYt
Forbidden Zone: An Apocalyptic Space Opera LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 11)
https://amzn.to/3ffNOIP
Immortal (Titan Online #2) - A Superhero LitRPG Story
https://amzn.to/2WpIyMg
Original Enchantment (True Calling LitRPG Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3lWEpKy
Level Up, Kaiju!: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3kw1i54
Biomancer (New Era Online: Biomancer Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3zlIZFW
Frostworld 2: Honor & Iron: A LitRPG/GameLit Viking Adventure
https://amzn.to/3fYS540
He Who Fights with Monsters 3: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3iaPp3o
Transformed: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Arcana Unlocked Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3jnyuMZ
Back to One: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 7)
https://amzn.to/379UfZD
Manipulating Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3yXVIxY
Cinnamon Bun (Volume Three): A Wholesome LitRPG
https://amzn.to/2URCnjD
Undeath: An Epic LitRPG Progression Fantasy Novel (Apocosmos Book 4)
https://amzn.to/38ocY45
An Agonizing Day and A Dread Knight: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Bone Knight Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2VSTphS
Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! (Arachnomancer Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2ZdkspD
Minced Meat (Foodstuffs LitRPG Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3lzcq1M
The Invasion (Tower of Power Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3lFi2rn
Artificial Jelly: A LitRPG Dungeon Mob Searching for Hope
https://amzn.to/39iWyuk
A (Very) Evil Dungeon (Dungeon Core Mountain Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2VQTOS1
APOCALYPSE ONLINE: An Apocalyptic Litrpg Adventure
https://amzn.to/3AlCL9N
Battlefield Reclaimer
https://amzn.to/3tTCMiO
The Realm Between: God of Death: A LitRPG Saga (Book 9)
https://amzn.to/39j3pnz
The Seventh Realm Part 2: A LitRPG Fantasy series (The Ten Realms Book 9)
https://amzn.to/3CkyTq3
Dungeon of the Old Gods: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3tQQtim
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3kkpaK1
8d6 - Caverns and Creatures
https://amzn.to/3tNRojD
Oh, Great! I Was Reincarnated as a Farmer
https://amzn.to/3CitnnC
Land of War - Dragon Heart, Book 10
https://amzn.to/2Zdgihv
He Who Fights with Monsters 3
A LitRPG Adventure (He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3km3ux2
Cinnamon Bun: Volume 3
https://amzn.to/3Ex3thS
Overlord, Vol. 1 (Light Novel): The Undead King
https://amzn.to/3nKxeG4
Lost Bonds - Binding Words Book 6
https://amzn.to/3lDxT9A
Dungeon Core Online - Remastered Edition - Book One
https://amzn.to/3CmfJjx
The Grand Game Book 1 - A Solo Adventure in a New World
https://amzn.to/3hJrkBv
The Crafter's Dynasty - A Dungeon Core Novel (Dungeon Crafting, Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2XoQCgM
Lion's Quest 4: Charmed
https://audiobookguild.com/products/lions-quest-04-charmed
Upcoming LitRPG:
Immersion Online: The Zealot : Book 2 - A LitRPG Novel (Immersion Online: Lit RPG) (Sept. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37Na74p
Kingdom of Sails: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 2) (Sept. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VSjE7A
Black Sand Baron (The Ripple System Book 2) (Sept. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CrjZy2
Soulstream (Rise To Omniscience Book 10) (Sept. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iFMXTX
Arbiter (Underdog Book #7): LitRPG Series (Sept. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eoJPsZ
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #8): LitRPG Series (Sept. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rfXY1a
Resurrection: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 1) (Sept. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3epmFD0
Phinean & Jaleal's Unsanctioned Adventure (A LitRPG Novel) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AB23A8
Cat Core, Book 2, Lich's Bargain (A Dungeon Core, LitRPG Adventure) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3C2K1bU
Rival Crowns (Challenger's Call Book 7) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jjmsE3
Order: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 4) (Oct. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iGViXE
Idea (Starting Point Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CKgBzx
Collapse (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Oct. 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zpieAtc
The Archon (Project Stellar Book 5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AD5hDt
Defending Earth (In the System Book #3): LitRPG Series (Oct. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3xMxXYC
Legion's Fifth Vault: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 5) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3DkADkr
Daemonorg Colossus: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 4) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yLOHAK
Infinite Dark: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Fantasy: (Cowboy Necromancer Book Two) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3g1xaNG
Old-School (Unfrozen Book #2): LitRPG Series (Oct. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3hILvzn
Drakon Prince: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Oct. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CO4AZZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VII (Oct. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2XvoqZT
The Nemesis of the Living (An NPC's Path Book #5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Uk0ibk
They Called Me Maddest: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jTab8v
Blessed Time 2: Coda: A LitRPG Adventure (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zku3qS
The Centennial Tournament: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Infinite Realm Book 3) (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lAVmZ5
Empire Ascendant: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 6) (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3khJZpC
Mana Harvest: A Sword to Ploughshares LitRPG (The Sword to Ploughshares Saga Book 1) (Oct. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lzUp3e
Defiance of the Fall 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tRZTdC
Glory to the Dominion! (Disgardium Book #9): LitRPG Series (Nov. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3Cnqgeb
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tS6pkd
The Guardian of the Verge (The Range Book #3): LitRPG Series (Nov. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39dvmNP
Gates of Thunder (Loner Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3lzTRKI
The Houndsman: A Base-Building LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zlNvUe
Cleaver's Edge: A LitRPG Fantasy Cooking Adventure (Morcster Chef Book 1) (Nov. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3tXpWzV
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Dungeon Core Online: Remastered Edition - Book One
James thought he would be just another adventurer in the world’s most anticipated dungeon delving VRMMORPG. But when he logs in, he soon finds out that he won’t be diving the dungeon – he will be creating it. Pretty awesome right?
At least that was what he thought when he boldly chose ‘Random’ as his dungeon type…
Then he summoned his first mob. A fearsome, bloodthirsty demonic… Chicken.
Still, Demonic Farm Animals are the least of his worries. The person who is supposed to be teaching him the ropes is a weirdly advanced AI pixie who drinks too much and is overly fond of gambling. Oh and some mysterious figure seems to be watching and judging his every move – so signing that NDA is feeling like less and less of a solid choice.
Either way, James is up for the challenge. Even if it means building a dungeon around kamikaze sheep, enraged cows, unhygienic pigs and yes… Dickens.
At least his next randomly selected mob type can’t be worse… right?
This is the revised, edited and novelized retelling of the popular Royal Road web serial Dungeon Core Online by Glyax.
My Opinion: 417 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a straightforward dungeon core novel with a demonic farm theme. It's an online serial story compiled and edited and as such its kinda slice of life sometimes. Especially in the beginning where it’s heavily front loaded with game details. So much so that the main character (MC) spends the first 20% (like 80 pages) getting in the game, becoming a dungeon core, and figuring out his dungeon build before the adventurers dungeon dive. There’s also a particular sense of humor in the story, puns, gaming jokes, and weird naming jokes that will either make you laugh or annoy you.
It’s not until about 70% in that any sort of larger plot comes into the story, but it’s something that doesn’t change much in this book as much as sets up conflicts in future stories.
Overall, a good slice of life dungeon core story.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Dungeon Core Online: Remastered Edition - Book One
https://amzn.to/39iMulk
Blessed Time: A LitRPG Adventure
Some disasters can only be avoided if you know they’re coming...
On Karell, you are either blessed by the gods, granted a unique power and the ability to gain experience and levels, or you are forgotten. Micah Silver was a boy picked for greatness. Chosen by the gods to bear a mythic power, he longed to take his place amongst the heroes and legends he grew up reading about.
Unfortunately, his primary blessing only allows him to travel into the past by sacrificing his class, wealth, and levels--a psychological burden that Micah is reluctant to shoulder. But, even if Micah is unwilling, fate has a way of forcing you to face your destiny... and running away can cost you everything.
Over and over again...
Experience the start of a time-loop LitRPG Series where a reluctant hero is forced to fight against an impossible catastrophe. Using his talents for enchanting items and summoning creatures, he must retrace his steps and grow stronger in a potentially futile effort to prevent tragedy and protect his family.
My Opinion: 412 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Definitely a slow burn story where the premise of the MC having the ability to travel back in time exactly 5 years doesn’t come into play until you’re 25% into the story. Until then, the story is pretty slice of life with the MC training his magic and fighting in a group with team mates until something goes terribly wrong years later which prompts the MC to finally use that time travel ability. From there it’s the MC reliving those years with various interesting outcomes based on what things he changes. The core of the story is the same, with the training and experimentation meant to make the MC powerful enough to avert a terrible future.
The time travel aspect of the story works well, though the last 15% or so felt a little stretched as the MC had resolved the big issue by then. Still, overall an entertaining story if you don’t mind the slow start.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Blessed Time: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3kjJjzV
Original Enchantment (True Calling LitRPG Book 1)
"Oh devs who art in the issue queue. Hallowed be thy code. Thy commits merge without conflict. Thy will be done in production as it is on local. I'm sure you guys are busy and all, but I can't log out."
As a programmer, Ike knows all about Virtual Dive Experiences (VDX), but when he suddenly wakes up in a virtual game he's never heard of, he’s too busy struggling to survive to worry about how he got there. Luckily, he's got a trick up his sleeve: The ability to program custom enchantments for his gear.
He’ll need that and more to figure out what’s going on, since there’s no tutorial and True Calling plays by its own rules: Your class and race are chosen for you, the NPCs are indistinguishable from the players, every quest is unique, and the GMs keep leaving Ike’s prayers unanswered.
My Opinion: 314 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a slice of life trapped in a game story. Most of the story has the main character (MC) casually fighting monsters, questing, and grouping. The thing that separates the story a little from others is that the MC has an artificer class and that he crafts a lot. It's a fine story if you like crafting like I do and I did appreciate some of the details of the class and how the MC maximized them to gain some measure of power.
There were a few things that were a little off putting. I don’t think the story really needed to trap the MC in the game, it didn’t add anything to the story since his life was never threatened and he was the only person trapped. The only thing it connects to the story is a very minor thread with a business possibly trying to get the MC to break an NDA that forbade him from telling others he was trapped, which didn’t make sense that he signed in the first place. Also, this story thread doesn’t go anywhere until the very very end. Additionally, there were a few wand wavy moments towards the end that felt like they didn’t make sense from a game. I mean, not if levels and game mechanics were really important.
Overall however, it’s a fine slice of life story if you like crafting.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Original Enchantment (True Calling LitRPG Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3BoKROU
Aethermarked: A Dark Fantasy GameLit Isekai
Friendless, broken by grief, tired of the real world, Jin-ee represents the perfect candidate for the new on-site 24/7 fully immersive gaming sensation, Aethermarked. Of course becoming Phallania Trevellian is more than she ever dreamed, and more than she bargained for. From the moment she submerges into a vat of conductive nanogel and chooses her first spell, she’s captivated at the reality and wonder of the wide magical world around her, a new life so different from what she'd had in the real world.
That is, until the game refuses to let her out. Jin-ee has no choice but to become her character, and trust that the people behind the game are honestly trying to free her, rather than use her as a televised marketing sensation to drive up sales. Things take a turn down a dark path when Phallania faces down eldritch horrors, and battles fiends for her very survival. It is only then she realizes that what she thought was a game may be more than she bargained for.
Warning: Things get dark at times. There might sometimes be content that you find traumatic. This LitRPG Isekai contains scenes of torture and minor fade-to-black sexual content.
My Opinion: 557 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
Good parts but it has issues
While there were good elements to the story, it ultimately didn’t feel cohesive and there were aspects that I found annoying as all heck.
First the good. The story does a good job of fleshing out the backstory of the MMO character that the main character (MC) is playing. I especially think the first memory revealed, the bit with the character playing a chess-like board game with her dad, was well done. She gets a few happy memories that help with world building and hint at the scheming type of governments. But the MMO/fantasy character also gets troubled memories that balance our her backstory. Good stuff dribbled through the novel.
Additionally, the game system is fleshed out enough that a reader could build their own character. You can tell the authors put the time in to think of a balanced system between factions.
Now for, well not the bad, but stuff that didn’t work for me or was just annoying.
The very beginning of the story, the setup for why the MC goes full immersion, was rather annoying. It felt like the author took inspiration from Charlie and the Chocolate factory and had the main character (MC) apply for a rare spot where a famous game company would pay her bills and salary and give her a free month in their first full immersion game. It was a lot of pomp and very suspect questions about her not having family and just felt so unreal it was off putting. Additionally it tries to setup that the MC will get famous from all the streams watching her, but none of that ever matters.
Thankfully that opening setup doesn’t last too long and by the 4% mark the MC is making her character and the reader gets a character sheet.
The early part of the story isn't half bad. I didn't care for the forced romance where the MC asks for the game to copy a memory of a bad ex-boyfriend (also to block her memory that she asked) to insert as her early romance but it wasn't a big enough part to matter. The MC gets her class, some backstory cut scenes, and some action as she goes on a couple missions.
What messed things up for me was the VERY predictable trapped in the game by the AI plot that shows up around the 14% mark. I mean really? The story was doing fine without it. If anything, as the story continues on, the trapped in the game part really interrupts what could have been an interesting storyline about intrigue, guile based abilities, and factions vying for control and power in this country. The MC can’t die in the game or she’ll die IRL, or so we’re told. But that setup means that no matter the terrible things that happen to the MC the reader knows she’ll never die, so there’s no real tension to the threats she faces. It’s one of the reasons I dislike the ‘die in the game die in real life’ setup. One of the main ways a gamer learns about the game system is by their character dying. It's an experience every gamer can relate to and that it doesn't exist in a story set in an MMO feels disconnected to a reader's expectation.
About half way through, the story seems to abandon the game aspect to a large degree as it introduces time travel and some other predictable twists in the story are revealed. Not to say the notifications or leveling disappears, just that the RPG elements feel more like a substitute for magical fantasy powers and not a real system where character build choices matter.
In general, time travel is a hard thing to get right and unfortunately this story doesn’t. The story ends up using them to have the MC just pop from place to place getting into trouble, revealing some new layer of the world she is in. She eventually escapes using time travel or some magical power she didn’t earn in the system that she needs at that moment.
The other story twists, which I won’t spoil, were predictable and it always seemed that the story was struggling to maintain the game elements or even a connection to what was supposed to be an MMO. Eventually, the plot holes relating to that struggle started to pile up and I just wished the story hadn’t had the game stuff at all. I especially disliked how the main antagonist was developed and handled. That the MC let the guy live after what he did to her (this is the traumatic content warned about) didn’t feel at all natural and the big ‘twist’ about who he was felt very very forced.
Also, a small technical pet peeve unique to LitRPG/GameLit: There was also no real need to show the full character sheet and its pages and pages of details every time the character leveled. Instead, just the changes would have been ok or just a reminder of some important abilities if they were going to come up. Mostly it felt like page filler.
Overall, even though there were some good elements, the story didn’t work for me. Worse, as the story progressed, I ended up not liking it. It felt like it was fighting with itself trying to decide whether it wanted to be a ‘trapped in the game’ story or a fantasy story with time travel. That plus the disjointed way time travel ended up resolving issues, pushed it past ‘this doesn’t work for me’ to ‘I just don’t like the story anymore’.
Score: 4 out of 10
Aethermarked: A Dark Fantasy GameLit Isekai
https://amzn.to/3lq760l
The Tutorial Is Too Hard
One day, amidst a boring life, an invitation message appears before my eyes.
[Would you like to enter the tutorial world?]
Following it is a difficulty-selection window.
Easy, Normal, Hard, Hell.
I select Hell-Difficulty without hesitation.
And I regret it.
I know it said Hell-Difficulty, but this is just TOO MUCH!!!!.
My Opinion: 26 chapters, FREE, No Official English Publisher
A slice of life story where the bunch of people find themselves transported into an place where they have RPG powers and have to fight monsters, avoid traps, and dungeon run to survive. It’s not as broad as a RPG Apocalypse story, as it’s told from the perspective of the main character (MC) who is the only ones that chose the hardest difficulty setting for this challenge. He mostly goes through these tests, figures out ways to exploit little things to help him survive, level up and gain powers. But there’s also a gradually revealed plotline outside his hard setting space, where he sees that others who are on easier settings have their own instances and he can communicate with them through a chat/message board. It’s a nice way to flesh out other experiences and also develop an evil group plotline.
Overall, it’s a good webcoming with clean crisp artwork that really conveys the action. I only wish there were faster updates to the story.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
The Tutorial Is Too Hard
https://www.asurascans.com/comics/the-tutorial-is-too-hard/
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Other LitRPG facebook pages
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 271 - Battleborne Book 2, The Good Guys Book 12, War Core, Expansion Pack, Defiance of the Fall 2, Enter System, Dungeon House
Aug. 27th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 271 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 7 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-271
New Releases and Reviews:
Battleborne Book 2: Wrack and Ruin (13:00)
Lots of action
Score: 7.7 out of 101
https://amzn.to/3iT3Tqd
Wild Wild Quest: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 12) (16:25)
Some Quests get completed, finally
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2W4kQ7Y
War Core, Book 1: Hold the Line (A LitRPG, RTS, Dungeon Core Adventure) (20:38)
Not really dungeon core, Felt like watching a RTS match
Score: 5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2VYYnKd
Expansion Pack: A litRPG Anthology (The Rogue Dungeon) (25:33)
Good variety of short stories
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2XWoHoF
Defiance of the Fall 2: A LitRPG Adventure (29:07)
Continues to be great
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3z72P7K
Enter System (Natural Laws Apocalypse Book 1) (31:51)
Town Building Good, Apocalypse part lacking
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3zoghEn
Dungeon House (Manga) (38:17)
Clear the dungeon or Die
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://reaperscans.com/series/dungeon-house/
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Dave Willmarth has let us know that Shadow Sun Book 1 is an Amazon Prime Deal until November 11th.
Just a quick reminder that the graphic novel Kickstarter project for Tao Wong’s System Apocalypse is ending in a few days. If you want to back the fully funded project, now is the time. There are lots of neat little rewards for backing it.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1291219509/the-system-apocalypse-hardcover-graphic-novel
Also, Pirateaba, author of the Wandering Inn series has a Kickstarter for a connected graphic novel for that story univers. Already funded at $38K.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cloudscape/the-last-tide-an-innverse-graphic-novel-from-pirateaba
Out Now!
Reincarnation Trials: A LitRPG Apocalypse (Systems of Salvation Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3jTwY47
Questing for Titles: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories)
https://amzn.to/3ervgVA
Blessed Time: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2UEnot0
Viridian Gate Online: Schism: A litRPG Adventure (The Heartfire Healer Series Book 2)
https://amzn.to/37HCAJ6
Skurfaifer (Alpha Rome Book 2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3hFRg1a
Neverstone: A LitRPG Adventure (The Mad Elf Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3vf7dyP
The Crew (Captains & Cannons Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3vf79z5
Towers of Acalia: The Reincarnated Core Volume IV
https://amzn.to/3AB4tPe
Path to the Glory. Dragon Heart (A LitRPG Wuxia series): Book 12
https://amzn.to/2URD3FH
Seven Heroes - Book 3 of Main Character hides his Strength (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3myUOoR
Dungeon Core Online: Remastered Edition - Book One
https://amzn.to/3ymRRtM
The Shadow Labyrinth: A LitRPG Adventure (Kingmaker Saga Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3zi6n7g
This Guild is Batty! (This Trilogy is Broken (A Comedy Litrpg Adventure) Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3BmC7sJ
CivCEO 7: A 4x Lit Series (The Accidental Champion)
https://amzn.to/38l4zyB
Extra Credit
https://amzn.to/3BihrSp
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga - Life in Exile Book 4
https://amzn.to/3jn1Yu4
The Path of the Strongest Mortal The Heavenly Throne, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3kvbk6p
The Mad Elf - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2UPSXQT
Lichbane: A Deckbuilding LitRPG - Goblin Summoner Book 2
https://amzn.to/3jlmStD
Rise of the Deathstalkers - A GameLit Post-Apocalyptic Adventure (Deathstalker Demigods Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3gC4j2u
Origin - Land of the Elementals Book 3
https://amzn.to/3mzI4y3
Broken Council - System Apocalypse Book 10 (The System Apocalypse)
https://amzn.to/3gEWetY
Titan - UnderVerse Series Book 4
https://amzn.to/3zpQN9C
Blessed Time - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3mK1mRk
Date - A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces, and Magic, Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3Dlldwi
Bio Dungeon: Hemostasis - The Body's Dungeon Book 3
https://amzn.to/3jgK2kV
The Corrupted Core - The Dungeon of Stories Book 1
https://amzn.to/3mBrttP
Daemonorg Prison-Lab - Overtaken Online, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3kqFc48
The Wastes of Keldora - Factory of the Gods Book 1
https://amzn.to/2WysiJ8
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Entropic Core (The Dungeon of Stories Book 2) (Aug. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3BivZCD
The Dungeon Fairy: Four Days: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 4) (Sept. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3myulYt
Forbidden Zone: An Apocalyptic Space Opera LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 11) (Sept. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ffNOIP
Immortal (Titan Online #2) - A Superhero LitRPG Story (Sept. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2WpIyMg
Original Enchantment (True Calling LitRPG Book 1) (Sept. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lWEpKy
Level Up, Kaiju!: A LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 3rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3kw1i54
Biomancer (New Era Online: Biomancer Book 1) (Sept. 6th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zlIZFW
Frostworld 2: Honor & Iron: A LitRPG/GameLit Viking Adventure (Sept. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3fYS540
He Who Fights with Monsters 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iaPp3o
Transformed: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Arcana Unlocked Book 3) (Sept. 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jnyuMZ
Back to One: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 7) (Sept. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/379UfZD
Manipulating Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 2) (Sept. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yXVIxY
Cinnamon Bun (Volume Three): A Wholesome LitRPG (Sept. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2URCnjD
Undeath: An Epic LitRPG Progression Fantasy Novel (Apocosmos Book 4) (Sept. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/38ocY45
An Agonizing Day and A Dread Knight: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Bone Knight Book 6) (Sept. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VSTphS
Immersion Online: The Zealot : Book 2 - A LitRPG Novel (Immersion Online: Lit RPG) (Sept. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37Na74p
Kingdom of Sails: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 2) (Sept. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VSjE7A
Soulstream (Rise To Omniscience Book 10) (Sept. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iFMXTX
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #8): LitRPG Series (Sept. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rfXY1a
Resurrection: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 1) (Sept. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3epmFD0
Empire Ascendant: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 6) (Sept. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3kpM8jh
Phinean & Jaleal's Unsanctioned Adventure (A LitRPG Novel) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AB23A8
Cat Core, Book 2, Lich's Bargain (A Dungeon Core, LitRPG Adventure) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3C2K1bU
Arbiter (Underdog Book #7): LitRPG Series (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eoJPsZ
Rival Crowns (Challenger's Call Book 7) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jjmsE3
Order: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 4) (Oct. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iGViXE
Betrayal of the Arcani: Beginnings (A Real LitRPG series) (Oct. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3fX91rx
Idea (Starting Point Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CKgBzx
They Called Me Maddest: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (Oct. 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jTab8v
Collapse (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Oct. 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zpieAtc
The Archon (Project Stellar Book 5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AD5hDt
Defending Earth (In the System Book #3): LitRPG Series (Oct. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3xMxXYC
Legion's Fifth Vault: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 5) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3DkADkr
Daemonorg Colossus: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 4) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yLOHAK
Infinite Dark: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Fantasy: (Cowboy Necromancer Book Two) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3g1xaNG
Drakon Prince: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Oct. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CO4AZZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VII (Oct. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2XvoqZT
The Nemesis of the Living (An NPC's Path Book #5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Uk0ibk
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Battleborne Book 2: Wrack and Ruin
Maximilian Storm has embraced his new life as a Battleborne. Reincarnated on a strange world in a powerful chimera body, he has gathered friends, made enemies, and developed wondrous new magical and physical abilities. He’s even discovered that a couple of his men, Smitty and Dylan, have chosen to join him on this world.
Max is on a mission to secure and expand his newly conquered kingdom, Stormhaven. But War Chief An’zalor wants his mine back. When he sends a small army of orcs to capture it, Max’s party, along with his dwarven and orc allies, must help him defend his new territory.
An epic quest is discovered, sending Max and his core party into the wilds to track down and retrieve a powerful artifact. New friends are discovered, and new challenges met along the way. When Max ventures off on his own, he discovers a lost territory, and an ancient dwarven secret that may change the lives of everyone. A secret that might also end his own life, and his reign.
My Opinion: 392 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The action RPG adventure continues for our main character (MC). There’s a bit more base building and city management than last time but plenty of action still. The MC mostly explores the world around his settlement and accrues resources, items, and new citizens but fights for those resources. There’s also a new parallel side story of another transported human and I enjoyed the more evil perspective that broke up the main narrative.
Overall, good stuff and an easy read.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Battleborne Book 2: Wrack and Ruin
https://amzn.to/3iT3Tqd
Wild Wild Quest: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 12)
Straight out of the West (or, you know, somewhere through a gloom portal), in a thunder of hooves (but they’re kinda like giant turtle hooves, if you can picture it?), comes Montana Coggeshall, gun (sword) slinger.
Sure, he’s survived Fiends’ Night and an all-out goblin war. But for his people in Coggeshall to truly be safe, Montana needs to go out and find the source of all these crazy attacks.
Along the way, Montana will be tested by feuding families, money-hungry miners, hookers with hearts of gold, and more than a few idiot tour guides. Turns out everything Montana’s been through up until now wasn’t hell. It was practice.
Wild, Wild Quest is rabble rousin’ LitRPG like you’ve never read before. If you like genre-twisting plots full of mind-bending battles, pick up this page turner today.
Forget going to 11. This book goes to 12.
My Opinion: 426 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Lots of action and finally a few quests completed
Finally some actual progress on a questline and not some old one everyone has forgotten about but stuff related to the last book. The story is still action focused and there is some really nice action here. The story is a little front loaded with town management stuff that doesn’t mean much in this entry but I was just so glad to see several quests given and actually completed in the same book. There are some complaints about no progress on big series storylines or real RPG progression and while that’s true, this is a serial slice of life series so I hadn’t expected much advancement there.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Wild Wild Quest: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 12)
https://amzn.to/2W4kQ7Y
War Core, Book 1: Hold the Line (A LitRPG, RTS, Dungeon Core Adventure)
Earth is under siege.
For decades, the governments of our world have been fighting a desperate and secret battle to keep hordes of alien invaders away from our planet.
When the guardian of the United States falls, a new champion must be chosen. Sadly, the choice of a champion isn’t ours to make, and the Galactic Conflict Authority selects a human, seemingly at random, to lead the United States of America’s efforts at holding back the tide.
Hugh Logan is in the middle of teaching a class when he is taken against his will and informed that he is now the newest member of Earth’s defense against alien invasion. He must give up everything to become our champion. He must give up everything to prevent our destruction. He must become… a War Core.
War Core is a Dungeon Core series with LitRPG and RTS elements.
My Opinion: 260 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The novel has a unique premise to justify the RTS base building, that aliens and humans are secretly fighting each other over parts of the universe. It almost sets earth leaders as the bad guys since they basically murder the main character to get him in the War Core and completely unneeded, but it is unique. The story doesn’t really feel like a dungeon core novel at all as it has more in common with an RTS game where the player appears over predetermined terrain and from a simple base gathers resources, builds units, and expands and fights. Still the story sticks faithfully to the RTS elements but there lies the problem. I thought the fights were kinda boring. The MC is removed from any sense of danger or tension since he’s a disembodied being looking out over the battlefield and frankly I never had a good time watching RTS matches. Not to say that there aren’t some interesting strategies that the MC employs to win the fights, it just wasn’t engaging for me.
But that’s me. If you love watching resource gathering and sometimes dry descriptions of units being built, then you may like the story more than me. But for me, I found the majority of it rather boring.
Score: 5 out of 10
War Core, Book 1: Hold the Line (A LitRPG, RTS, Dungeon Core Adventure)
https://amzn.to/2VYYnKd
Expansion Pack: A litRPG Anthology (The Rogue Dungeon)
Monsters rise. Heroes fall. Worlds Collide. Welcome to the Dungeon…
Hearthworld Online is a futuristic fantasy RPG brimming with monsters and magic and valiant heroes, but now it has become so much more than just a game. When Roark von Graf—a magical freedom fighter from another world—suddenly finds himself in the body of a lowly Dungeon Troll, Hearthworld becomes the last bastion against an arcane tyrant from beyond the stars. The fates of three worlds hang in the balance as countless lives are caught up in the interdimensional war Roark has inadvertently sparked. Who knew one little online troll could cause so much trouble?
Eight amazing authors. Eight incredible new tales. All set in the best-selling Rogue Dungeon Universe. Rogue Dungeon: Expansion Pack is an anthology for fans, by the fans!
My Opinion: 194 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The variety of short stories introduces readers to several Shadow Alley authors, gives backstory to popular characters, or creates one off stories that may develop into full novels later.
My favorite story is Candyland, a kind of a candy playland themed dungeon. It has just enough backstory as a defunct G rated location abandoned once the game was rated Pg13 that it was unique. But it still had all the good dungeon core stuff as teenagers decide to farm the denizens there.
Overall, the short stories range from fine to good and your enjoyment may vary depending on if you like a particular character or type of story.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Expansion Pack: A litRPG Anthology (The Rogue Dungeon)
https://amzn.to/2XWoHoF
Defiance of the Fall 2: A LitRPG Adventure
Earth is crumbling from the pressures of not only the invaders, but from nature itself...
Zac has managed to secure his island for the time being, growing into a true powerhouse through his endless struggles. However, becoming the strongest man in the world does not come without complications.
A target has been placed on his back. Natives, aliens—everyone has their eye on the throne. Even the System itself seems intent on forcing him into one desperate situation after another.
Zac knows he is running against the clock in his mission to find his family, prompting him to set out to New Washington in search of answers. Meanwhile, powerful beings from a long-forgotten cult gather in the dark, their goal unknown.
My Opinion: 638 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A great addition to the series. The story keeps up the action from book 1, but adds more types of conflict as the main character (MC) and his faction finally meet up with the world government, a group of old world officials trying to create a dominating alliance. I really liked the opportunity for different types of conflict and scheming created in the story. The author really used the more worldly alien characters well to instigate and give the MC an advantage.
Game mechanics expand to include more town building and social quests but there’s still all the progression that comes with the action as waves of monsters continue to try to overcome the MCs town.
Overall, the story was great. The expanded conflicts kept things from getting predictable.
Score: 8 out of 10
Defiance of the Fall 2: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3z72P7K
Enter System (Natural Laws Apocalypse Book 1)
What do you do when the world as you know it changes dramatically with little notice? When the Natural Laws no longer apply in all cases and the only thing to explain why is a “System” that seems to have access to everyone in the world?
Marc's home from college on break, spending his time laughing about some of the crazy news stories he's found online, and gaming. When a message appears in his line of sight, blocking out absolutely everything else, he nearly freaks out. The message warns that the world has been in a variant Natural Laws beta test for millennia and that it's about to revert to the norms.
Deciding that even if he is insane, it's not going to hurt anything to try to prepare, he settles in to do so. Despite the atrocious lack of skill the System has with the English language, he manages to work his way through enough help files to get a clue of what's coming. After sharing his discovery with a few friends, they all start to prepare together.
Once the change begins, the small group races to create a Safe Zone, an area where monsters will not spawn and where they can gather other survivors in an attempt to rescue as much of the town as possible. Along the way they discover that the new System can award classes that resemble those of the games the group has played, as well as magic for those capable of grasping it.
With monsters spawning throughout the town, everyday animals being mutated into dangerous creatures, and a System that desperately needs English language lessons, they'll do their best to save as many of the local residents as they can.
My Opinion: 544 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A fairly standard RPG Apocalypse story. It has regular action, an RPG system that gives levels, loot, classes and there is base building. The characters honestly succeed a little easily early on considering none of them are trained fighters but gamers. The young adults also get their base up and running within a day or so without being high level. The apocalypse aspect is the least interesting as besides one jerk that gets killed it's not that dark or apocalyptic.
The action is fine, the base building is thorough and is used well and becomes a big part of the story. There are plenty of RPG aspects, in personal class development, and particularly base building. The MC also has a couple of unique classes and it’s neat to see how he develops it. The romance aspect felt a little forced and unnecessarily drawn out, but it wasn’t terribly off putting.
Overall not a bad story, just nothing too surprising. If you’re a big fan of base building you’ll like that aspect of the story alot.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Enter System (Natural Laws Apocalypse Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3zoghEn
Dungeon House
One day, my house got connected to a dungeon. It's dangerous outside because of the monsters, but in order to survive, I have to clear the dungeon within the time limit! "I don't want to die. I want to survive." Kim HyunBok has to try and clear the dungeon by himself now that all the other explorers have died. Having awakened his powers, he starts taming monsters. With the skeletons Chris, Kai, and Kessle who have regained their memories, our protagonist's life-risking adventure to clear the dungeon starts now!
My Opinion: 23 ch, FREE, Fan Translation
This is a dungeon dive manhwa that has the main character (MC) trapped in his apartment until he or someone else clears the dungeon that connected to his house. He sits, rightfully scared, instead of working through the dungeon until all the other potential clearers are kills. Only then does he dare fight through the dungeon finding magic, monsters, and the power to clear the dungeon by himself. It’s a slice of life dungeon crawl that has a few unique aspects, like monster taming, necromancy, and magic cast via cards as well as use of a system store and trading system to make some coin that is used to power up and accomplish the goals set before the MC.
Overall, good stuff that I binge read through in a single day.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Dungeon House
https://reaperscans.com/series/dungeon-house/
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 270 - The Wandering Inn 4, Disgardium Book #8, The Crow Cycle, Lion's Quest 4, Adventures of Dan Book 2, Heroes of Last Resort
Aug. 13th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 270 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-270
New Releases and Reviews:
Winter Solstice: Book 4 (The Wandering Inn) (16:29)
Entertaining but Smaller story arcs this time
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3CaNyov
Enemy of the Inferno (Disgardium Book #8): LitRPG Series (20:31)
Story feels like it's stretching out but still good
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3BXAnar
The Crow Cycle Book #1: LitRPG Series (23:40)
Standalone story set in popular Russian RPG universe
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3CtjVP9
Lion's Quest 4: Charmed (29:32)
I’m not the intended audience anymore
Score: 6 out of 10
https://michaelscottearle.com/products/lions-quest-04-charmed
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy GameLit (The New World Adventures of Dan Book 2) (36:45)
Disappointed
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3AuFFZq
Heroes of Last Resort (The Other Guys Book 1) (39:45)
Push past the start
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3g0Bhtp
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Mountaindale Press at Dragon Con!
Come join us Friday, September 3rd in Atlanta, GA from 2-5 pm at White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails. Free food and drinks (alcoholic drinks for purchase) and a chance to hang with your favorite authors, purchase their books, and get them personalized.
Let me know what books you'd like to purchase at the event from the authors listed below!
Dakota Krout
Carl Stubblefield
Christian J. Gilliland
Christopher Johns
David Petrie
Jay Boyce
Ryan DeBruyn
Xander Boyce
White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails
270 Peachtree St NW, 100
Atlanta, GA 30303
Johnathan Brooks, author of a number of LitRPG Dungeon Core stories, has announced several things.
He’ll be at the 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧 from August 27 - 29 this year; He will be selling signed paperbacks and some canvas prints of some of his cover artwork.
www.cscomiccon.com
He’s also been working with a game development company to create a new game (based on his Dungeon Crafting series) that will be featured in the Steam store, called The Crafter's Defense! It's a Dungeon Defense-type game that uses some of the mechanics of a Tower Defense game and adds action elements, as the defenders and pathway aren't static and can be manipulated.
The first builds for the game will be available for everyone to try out in September, so add it to your Wishlist on Steam so that you'll be informed when it's available!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1715780/The_Crafters_Defense/
Out Now!
War Core, Book 1: Hold the Line (A LitRPG, RTS, Dungeon Core Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3CP9YM8
Alpha Physics! Book 2 - Delay: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy LITrpg
https://amzn.to/3eqZBUu
Eden's Gate: The Scourge: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3zVJHtE
Frameup: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure (VR Hero Book 3)
https://amzn.to/35QQEPF
Blue Screens of Death: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories)
https://amzn.to/2UQSj5c
Apocalypse: Dungeon System (Systems of the Apocalypse Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3lcA1GI
The Plaguelands: A Monster Evolution LitRPG (Salvos, Volume 3)
https://amzn.to/2UTwl1q
Bushido Online: Pacchi Festival: A LitRPG Saga
https://amzn.to/2RKq2MA
Expansion Pack: A litRPG Anthology (The Rogue Dungeon)
https://amzn.to/2UQSddQ
The Starlight Fleet (Rogue Merchant Book #7): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3whjTq5
Dungeon Heart: Halls of Stone
https://amzn.to/3z90jO9
Defiance of the Fall 2: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3vipafM
Alpha Transcendent (Alpha LitRPG Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2WDfwZM
Time of Titans: A GameLit/LitRPG Series (Shattered Kingdoms Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3xJd4yB
Executor Rising: A LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3j7KzVa
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book Four: The Scheme
https://amzn.to/3sejFPv
Golem Dungeon (Orb Keeper #1) - A Dungeon Core LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3lYkZ89
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior's Path: A LitRPG/Cultivation Novel - Book 6
https://amzn.to/3iJPxbH
A Fist Full of Credits: A New Apocalyptic LitRPG Series (System Apocalypse - Relentless Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3iJkpcg
Myriad Stars: Sage, book 3. A LitRPG Universe
https://amzn.to/3iIzD16
Drone Ensign: A Sci-fi LitRPG Story (Drone Rising Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3xHUYfn
Irrelevant Jack 5
https://amzn.to/37EsrNl
This Cursed Sword is E Ranked: A LitRPG Fantasy Progression Saga (The Prince of Apocalypse Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3CMqTPC
Old-Fashioned Huntsman: A GameLit Urban Fantasy (High Table Hijinks Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3m1wewl
Crossroads: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3iMxuBL
Enter System (Natural Laws Apocalypse Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3g4rfaq
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Tower Climber 3 - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3g1qv64
Goldenshield - An Epic GameLit Fantasy (Realm Quest Saga, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3seKR0s
Defiance of the Fall 2 - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3jMaOAM
Apocalypse: Generic System
Systems of the Apocalypse, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3shkCqs
Dungeon Heart: Halls of Stone
https://amzn.to/3AHO1Nq
Golem Dungeon - Orb Keeper 1 LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3CMNLyn
Final Odyssey - Legends Online Book 7
https://amzn.to/3yKMkhn
The Noob - Immersion Online Book 1
https://amzn.to/3iJHX0L
The Font of Life: A Mecha LitRPG Adventure
Overdrive, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2XlUy1L
Isekai Magus 2 - A LitRPG Progression Saga (The Fantasy World of Nordan)
https://amzn.to/3iJzVor
Gods of Ash and Amber - A Gamelit Novel (Seeds of Chaos Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3yMpWV8
The Guardian of the Dead -An NPC’s Path Book 4
https://amzn.to/3ACTPaX
City of the Undead - In the System Book 2
https://amzn.to/3sdKrHR
Winter's War - A LitRPG Saga (Tales of a Northblood Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3AxrRNM
Fate of Excalibur - The Abduction Cycles Book 5
https://amzn.to/3sdicZC
Lotus Lake - Rise of the Mystic Mage Book 1
https://amzn.to/37DSc0j
Re-Roll: A LitRPG Adventure - New Realm Online Book 1
https://amzn.to/3m7gf05
Upcoming LitRPG:
Reincarnation Trials: A LitRPG Apocalypse (Systems of Salvation Book 1) (Aug. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jTwY47
Questing for Titles: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories) (Aug.15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ervgVA
Blessed Time: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2UEnot0
Viridian Gate Online: Schism: A litRPG Adventure (The Heartfire Healer Series Book 2) (Aug. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37HCAJ6
Skurfaifer (Alpha Rome Book 2): LitRPG Series (Aug. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3hFRg1a
Neverstone: A LitRPG Adventure (The Mad Elf Book 1) (Aug. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vf7dyP
The Crew (Captains & Cannons Book 2) (Aug. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vf79z5
Towers of Acalia: The Reincarnated Core Volume IV (Aug. 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AB4tPe
The White Knight (Tower of Babel Book 3) (Aug. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3m1uNhv
Legendary Dungeon Seed: The Mage's Academy (Vol. 3) (Aug. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vSejtz
The Merchant System (Book Two) (Aug. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iANyqh
The Entropic Core (The Dungeon of Stories Book 2) (Aug. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3BivZCD
Forbidden Zone: An Apocalyptic Space Opera LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 11) (Sept. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ffNOIP
Original Enchantment (True Calling LitRPG Book 1) (Sept. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lWEpKy
Rival Crowns (Challenger's Call Book 7) (Sept. 6th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ugp6Rn
Frostworld 2: Honor & Iron: A LitRPG/GameLit Viking Adventure (Sept. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3fYS540
He Who Fights with Monsters 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iaPp3o
Back to One: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 7) (Sept. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/379UfZD
Resurrection: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 1) (Sept. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3epmFD0
Manipulating Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 2) (Sept. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yXVIxY
An Agonizing Day and A Dread Knight: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Bone Knight Book 6) (Sept. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VSTphS
Immersion Online: The Zealot : Book 2 - A LitRPG Novel (Immersion Online: Lit RPG) (Sept. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37Na74p
Soulstream (Rise To Omniscience Book 10) (Sept. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iFMXTX
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #8): LitRPG Series (Sept. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rfXY1a
Empire Ascendant: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 6) (Sept. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3kpM8jh
Phinean & Jaleal's Unsanctioned Adventure (A LitRPG Novel) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AB23A8
Cat Core, Book 2, Lich's Bargain (A Dungeon Core, LitRPG Adventure) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3C2K1bU
Arbiter (Underdog Book #7): LitRPG Series (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eoJPsZ
Order: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 4) (Oct. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iGViXE
Betrayal of the Arcani: Beginnings (A Real LitRPG series) (Oct. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3fX91rx
Idea (Starting Point Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CKgBzx
They Called Me Maddest: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (Oct. 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3jTab8v
The Archon (Project Stellar Book 5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3AD5hDt
Kingdom of Sails: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 2) (Oct. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VSjE7A
Defending Earth (In the System Book #3): LitRPG Series (Oct. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3xMxXYC
Daemonorg Colossus: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 4) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yLOHAK
Infinite Dark: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Fantasy: (Cowboy Necromancer Book Two) (Oct. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3g1xaNG
Drakon Prince: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Oct. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3CO4AZZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VII (Oct. 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2XvoqZT
The Nemesis of the Living (An NPC's Path Book #5): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Uk0ibk
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Winter Solstice: Book 4 (The Wandering Inn)
Home. It is time to go home, but home changes.
Erin Solstice is going home, but everyone else seems to be leaving. The Goblin Lord is following Rags and Garen Redfang to the mountain of Goblins where the Great Chieftain, Tremborag waits.
Ceria and Pisces are far from home, the home of [Mages] where they once met. Wistram Academy. Under winter's umbrella, the two meet, and explore how they were first friends, and enemies in Wistram Days, as well as what forced the two apart.
Ryoka Griffin runs north, and her travels lead her to meet possible allies, or at least...another friend from home. The first winter of innworld comes with strange meetings, reunions, and Christmas cheer...and perhaps too much snow.
My Opinion: 1109 pages, $3.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
Entertaining but Smaller story arcs this time
This is an entertaining entry in the series but it does highlight the serial origins of the story. The first half is split between Rag, the smart goblin, and her journey to lead and prepare her tribe to fight the Goblin Lord, and backstory for the mage characters Pisces and Ceria as they attend the famous Wistram Academy. The last half of the book returns to Erin and her journey back to her inn and catches up with Rioka the runner. The story brings in some of the side characters from the last book as they meet the main cast, but for the most part the book feels like a collection of side stories. They are good stories but there’s not much progress on any major storylines. Nor are there any really big conflicts. The storyline with Rags had the most action, but there were other kinds of conflicts in the stories that kept things entertaining.
Oh, just as a side note. I thought the Christmas stuff was very cute.
Overall, while the book is entertaining, it really did feel like a collection of short stories put together. Which isn’t bad since I liked all the characters. It’s just a reminder that this is originally a serial series published online which means tighter smaller story arcs sometimes.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Winter Solstice: Book 4 (The Wandering Inn)
https://amzn.to/3CaNyov
Enemy of the Inferno (Disgardium Book #8): LitRPG Series
After returning to Cali Bottom and the wider world of Disgardium, Alex realizes that the Demonic Games were a vacation compared to the problems he now faces.He has to help the beta players stuck in the Nether and decide what to do with his friends who ‘betrayed’ him; identify a real traitor and prepare for the citizenship tests; and reach the Inferno to obtain Coals of Hellflame and destroy the Nucleus, whose legates, now free, have gained new powers thanks to the pantheon of dark gods who have joined the Destroying Plague. And as it turns out, there’s more to the third Sleeping God than meets the eye…
My Opinion: 449 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Story feels like it's stretching out but still good
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The eighth book in the series continues to push the conflict between the game company, the old gods, and the sleeping gods. There’s long scale conflict from the start and some decent training/leveling stuff. But the real change is the shift for the main character (MC) to the complete other side of the realm. It was interesting to see the MC play as a demon in that realm and I look forward to seeing how that plays out in future stories.
I’m starting to feel like the series is stretching out a bit too long without an end in sight, but it’s still entertaining enough that I’ll stick with it for a few more books.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Enemy of the Inferno (Disgardium Book #8): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3BXAnar
The Crow Cycle Book #1: LitRPG Series
The Crow Cycle is set in the world of Waldyra, its events echoing the story of Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones, a cult LitRPG series by the same author. Nonetheless, The Crow Cycle has a completely standalone plot. Each series is connected to the main storyline and shows certain characters from different points of view, revealing information about their past or explaining the background of events already known to the reader from earlier series.
The world of Waldyra treats its inhabitants differently. Some of them, appearing out of nowhere, suddenly receive unique achievements and quests; they become living legends and idols while basking in the limelight. And there are those who call Waldyra home. They do not play, but rather live in this colorful magic world. They do not get anything unique or legendary in return.
Perhaps they are just unlucky? Or maybe they don't need the hype, and they are content with their simple existence? Or could there be something special about a peaceful and well-planned life? Who knows... As the old saying goes, "Only time will tell."
At the foot of the foreboding Gray Peak lies a desolate valley. These are the backwoods of the world of Waldyra—they offer nothing valuable to players, who rarely visit as a result. Yet this is the very place where the calm and good-natured dwarf named Crow is headed. Straight after leaving the Crèche, he hopes to make a living there. This hero does not crave epic battles with monsters. Quite the contrary. He wants to be a merchant and develop his blacksmithing skills, while staying far away from fighting, long voyages, and clan squabbles. But, as it often happens, if you want peace, be ready for war...
My Opinion: 333 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full Disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available
This is a story set in the Waldyra (formerly Valdira) universe. You don’t need to have read the Clan Dominance series, but there are some easter eggs in the story if you have. Otherwise this can be read as a completely standalone story.
The story is a slice of life tale about a player who restarts in the VRMMO and uses his high level knowledge to build a character that focuses on early stat gains, blacksmithing, and commerce as goals. The area the player chooses to restart is a newly built outpost that doesn’t even have a player town to support it. Which is exactly what the main character (MC) wants as it gives him a chance to buy land early before trade starts. Most of the early story is about the low level MC toiling away for reputation, non-level gained stats, and any small resource he can gain from the area while sticking to the safe zone of the local outpost. It's probably my favorite part of the story since it shows off a well prepared character willing to do all kinds of small tedious work to gain benefits that will snowball later. Mid story shows off the MC leveling, hitting local mobs, but still trying to gain resources for his goals. More action here. Late story shows off the gains for the MC along with an introduction to other players coming in. There’s a little tie in to the events in the main series, Clan Dominance, but nothing that spoils the story if you haven’t read that series.
Overall, it’s a good slice of life story with a frontier, start from the ground up, kind of vibe. An easy entry into the story universe that can easily be read on its own.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
The Crow Cycle Book #1: LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3CtjVP9
Lion's Quest 4: Charmed
Leo Lennox is the world’s best gamer.
But what if he isn’t really playing a game?
In the real world, the line between game and alternative reality becomes more blurred, and Leo seeks answers from the web of conspiracy surrounding Zarra.
In Ohlavar Quest, Leo and his faithful friends must protect the newly crowned queen from necromancers across the sea. Leo knows he’s outmatched, so he enlists the help of two deadly and very beautiful women. One who dances with swords and flirty words, and one who wields dark magic and aims to seduce him.
My Opinion: 700ish pages, $9.99, Only Available on author’s site
Perhaps my expectations were too high for this book. It has been 4 years since book 3 in the series came out and it was so good that I expected something similar with this one. Instead the story just didn't work for me.
I think part of the issue for me is just the large bit of time between publishing the books. 4 years is a long time and I might have lost a connection to side characters. An additional issue may be that book 3 was written at a very different time for the author. One where he was catering to the LitRPG audience on Amazon. Now though, he's moved on. The author turned lemons into lemonade after he was banned from the Amazon platform and does phenomenally well publishing on his own platform. His audience these days is more of a fantasy harem crowd and that change in writing shows here. There's graphic sex in the story now, the RPG elements (though they show up regularly) don't feel like they mean as much, and the story feels pushed to a degree towards some revelations that might have taken longer if the series had played out like was originally planned.
Overall, while there was nothing wrong with the writing itself, I was just a bit disappointed with the story. Characters that I’d liked, like Cornalic, felt less fleshed out than in previous books. The romantic relationships came to a head, though it felt a bit rushed (and graphic). The action is all right, but there was definitely less of an RPG world vibe for the story, which does mesh with the ending, but it still felt less game-like than in past books. The end sort of makes up for the adventures but not enough to save it for me. I wish I liked it more. I’m a huge fan of the author and have always rooted for his success. Though I'll note there are plenty of other readers who thought it was fine. So, go check it out for yourself, but it didn’t work for me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Lion's Quest 4: Charmed
https://michaelscottearle.com/products/lions-quest-04-charmed
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy GameLit (The New World Adventures of Dan Book 2)
One Man, One Bat, One Apocalypse
When the end of the world arrives, people know they can always count on a hero.
A John, and there is always a John.
Be it a Sheppard, Sheridan, Lee, Constantine, or Spartan.
One True John to save the world, but until they can find him, they'll have to make do with Dan.
As undead pour into the suburbs and more monsters flood the cities, will Dan and the crusaders be able to stem the tide?
My Opinion: 154 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
I liked book 1 of the series. The main character (MC) while kind of an idiot, was likable enough that I wanted to see him survive the RPG apocalypse. Not this time though. Book 2 strips away most of the stuff I liked about book 1 without replacing it with anything else. The MC is still kind of a goof but his interactions with the crusaders felt like a complete waste of time and I would have liked it better if he was still on his own. There wasn’t really a sense of danger or tension anywhere in the story and why the MC kept taking orders from the crusaders was beyond me. Story just didn’t work for me anymore.
Score: 6 out of 10
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy GameLit (The New World Adventures of Dan Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3AuFFZq
Heroes of Last Resort (The Other Guys Book 1)
Jack Jensen is a middle-aged nobody who lives a lackluster life in an even more uninteresting town. Having sampled every job the small town of Merrill, Wisconsin has to offer, he has excelled at nothing but growing his beer gut and his luxurious curly, chestnut brown hair. His life is one of unrealized potential and lack of direction.
Things change one morning when his brother, an Army Major, lands his helicopter in the parking lot of Jack’s less-than-profitable gaming store in a desperate bid to thrust the perennial slacker into the role of saving the country, the world, and even more unlikely, himself.
My Opinion: 320 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Push past the start
The opening of the story was honestly a little off putting. It didn’t quite make sense why the military couldn’t send well trained soldiers into the other worldly portal and a regular guy could just cause he played games. Also, the opening relies a bit too much on 80s pop culture references, like the authors felt like that was a trope of the genre based on Ready Player One or something.
But push past that and once you actually get into the new world the story improves. You can tell from the character creation section that the authors are pulling more from a table top experience for the story since the character has background traits that influence him and add bonuses. From there on, it's a slice of life story where the main character (MC) has to face off against an alien group looking to expand into earth by completing quests on a RPG fantasy world.
The game mechanics are regular and should be pretty familiar to any LitRPG reader. There’s regular skill and level gains with the MC choosing a rogue class, though his class doesn’t really mean much since he can learn any skill he wants to including weapon skills, bardic instruments powers, and gatherings skills. The combat notifications took a bit away from what could have been better combat (this does lessen as the story goes on). Which brings me to another odd complaint. There’s a lot of bonuses/skill perks that the MC gets for doing basic things. There’s some story justification attempted, like the MC suddenly knowing how to sneak because he hunted with his grandpa or getting a special skill for first aid cause he was a scout. It’s background information that feels shoved in to justify new powers that the MC really didn’t earn in the story. The sheer number of notifications does lessen as the story hits the midpoint of the story thankfully.
The beginning of the story really doesn’t have much focus. The first part is spent over complicating why the MC is on the RPG world, yet when he gets there he doesn’t do much. There’s one brief fight but mostly a bunch of notifications for doing basic things like starting a campfire, bandaging his wound, or cooking. Then there are just random adventures that don’t have much to do with the main quest to save earth except to get his gamer friends into the world.
It’s not till about 40% in that there’s some direction where the MC and his friends work towards some goals. Which in this case is mostly finishing quests and searching for more pearls to get more of the MCs gamer friends into the world. At this point it feels like the author’s find their pacing and have settled into what kind of story they want. A balance of RPG notifications is found, the action-adventure becomes more prominent, the quests become a bit more cohesive, and dialogue/banter improves as the MC gets his friends in the game. It’s still not a super deeply plotted story, but the slice of life adventure gets a bit more focus.
Overall, it’s a decent story. It takes a while for the authors to find their footing, but it happens as the story leans into the action adventure more.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Heroes of Last Resort (The Other Guys Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3g0Bhtp
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 269 - The Winds of Cooper, Master Hunter K, World of Magic, The Grand Game, Great Doctor Ling Ran
July 30th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 269 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-269
New Releases and Reviews:
The Winds of Cooper (Caverns and Creatures) (06:31)
A short adventure
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3x1Oc3X
Initialization: A LitRPG Adventure (Master Hunter K, Book 1) (08:58)
Lots of fighting
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3iQdb4X
Awakening: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 1) (13:31)
Ok story, big draw is the magical theory development
Score: 7.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2VfNRgR
The Grand Game, Book 1: A LitRPG Adventure (18:29)
Gets better as it goes on
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3l1XCtM
Great Doctor Ling Ran (21:59)
Medical doctor with interface
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Online Manga: https://readmanganato.com/manga-ki988265
Webnovel: https://www.webnovel.com/book/great-doctor-ling-ran_11912235406605505
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
(none)
Out Now!
Wild Wild Quest: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 12)
https://amzn.to/3xUy7xD
Winter Solstice: Book 4 (The Wandering Inn)
https://amzn.to/2V3ZW91
Heroes of Last Resort (The Other Guys Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3ldNdv6
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy GameLit (The New World Adventures of Dan Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3zWdHoS
Hero/Villain: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3feRlar
Isekai Magus 3: A LitRPG Progression Saga (The Fantasy World of Nordan)
https://amzn.to/3x7OOp4
Hexworld 2: Play: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3ed0wGS
They Called Me Madder: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series https://amzn.to/3ggOK0V
Conviction (The Aussie Mana Apocalypse Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3wIZHgr
The Crafter's Dynasty: A Dungeon Core Novel (Dungeon Crafting Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3qrztNW
Nova Terra: Stormbringer: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Titan Series Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3epnZ8W
Frostworld: Ice & Blood: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure https://amzn.to/3dnBlT2
Nemesis (Sparta Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3zRifNs
Nothing but bones: Undead AI: Part 1
https://amzn.to/3ffToef
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Winter Solstice - The Wandering Inn Book 4
https://amzn.to/3feJCsX
Business as Usual - All Trades Book 2
https://amzn.to/2UXDTAZ
Ice & Blood - Frostworld Series Book 1
https://amzn.to/3fgX13F
Dungeoneer - Weight of It All Series Book 2
https://amzn.to/2Wsxq15
Sarton Station - Derelict Book 3 (A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3l9sfO2
Isekai Assassin: Volume 1 - Isekai Assassin
https://amzn.to/3x95Gva
Showdown - Underdog Book 6
https://amzn.to/3yhmTDY
Nova Terra: Liberator - The Titan Series Book 5
https://amzn.to/3C1Vubp
Dragon's Knight - A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series (Warlords of the Circle Sea)
https://amzn.to/2VgHcD0
Beginner Quest - Towers and Rifts Book 1
https://amzn.to/3fdIA0l
Mortimer - Everybody Loves Large Chests Vol.6
https://amzn.to/3feFs49
Questing for Titles - A System Apocalypse Short Story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories)
https://amzn.to/3j8bnV8
Upcoming LitRPG:
Alpha Physics! Book 2 - Delay: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy LITrpg (July 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3eqZBUu
Eden's Gate: The Scourge: A LitRPG Adventure (July 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zVJHtE
Frameup: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure (VR Hero Book 3) (Aug. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/35QQEPF
Blue Screens of Death: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories) (Aug. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2UQSj5c
Apocalypse: Dungeon System (Systems of the Apocalypse Book 3) (Aug. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3lcA1GI
The Plaguelands: A Monster Evolution LitRPG (Salvos, Volume 3) (Aug. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2UTwl1q
Bushido Online: Pacchi Festival: A LitRPG Saga (Aug. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RKq2MA
Expansion Pack: A litRPG Anthology (The Rogue Dungeon) (Aug. 3rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2UQSddQ
The Starlight Fleet (Rogue Merchant Book #7): LitRPG Series (August 6th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3whjTq5
Enemy of the Inferno (Disgardium Book #8): LitRPG Series (Aug. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wgi64I
Dungeon Heart: Halls of Stone (Aug. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3z90jO9
Defiance of the Fall 2: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vipafM
Alpha Transcendent (Alpha LitRPG Book 3) (Aug. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2WDfwZM
Time of Titans: A GameLit/LitRPG Series (Shattered Kingdoms Book 2) (Aug. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3xJd4yB
Executor Rising: A LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 2) (Aug. 13th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3j7KzVa
Questing for Titles: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories) (Aug.15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ervgVA
Blessed Time: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2UEnot0
Neverstone: A LitRPG Adventure (The Mad Elf Book 1) (Aug. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vf7dyP
The Crew (Captains & Cannons Book 2) (Aug. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vf79z5
Legendary Dungeon Seed: The Mage's Academy (Vol. 3) (Aug. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vSejtz
The Merchant System (Book Two) (Aug. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iANyqh
The Entropic Core (The Dungeon of Stories Book 2) (Aug. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3BivZCD
Forbidden Zone: An Apocalyptic Space Opera LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 11) (Sept. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ffNOIP
He Who Fights with Monsters 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iaPp3o
Back to One: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 7) (Sept. 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/379UfZD
Resurrection: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 1) (Sept. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3epmFD0
Manipulating Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 2) (Sept. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yXVIxY
Skurfaifer (Alpha Rome Book 2): LitRPG Series (Sept. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3hFRg1a
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #8): LitRPG Series (Sept. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rfXY1a
Empire Ascendant: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 6) (Sept. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3kpM8jh
Cat Core, Book 2, Lich's Bargain (A Dungeon Core, LitRPG Adventure) (Sept. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3C2K1bU
Arbiter (Underdog Book #7): LitRPG Series (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eoJPsZ
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The Winds of Cooper (Caverns and Creatures)
With Cooper facing a public execution, his friends pull a Hail Mary stunt to rescue him. When they inevitably bungle that, their chances for survival don't amount to a fart in the wind.
But the wind has never met a fart like this before.
Join Cooper, Tim, Julian, Dave, and Ravenus on another crazy Caverns & Creatures adventure!
My Opinion: 30 pages?, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Another fun and highly curse-wile adventure with the C&C gang. This time it starts with Copper getting ready to be hung and the results of the group trying to free him. It’s an interesting exploration of the evil uses of diplomacy and bardic tricks. As usual, the story has lots of cursing, potty humor, and very funny dialogue.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
The Winds of Cooper (Caverns and Creatures)
https://amzn.to/3x1Oc3X
Initialization: A LitRPG Adventure (Master Hunter K, Book 1)
Without so much as a warning, humanity in its entirety was suddenly moved to another dimension. Every person without exception.
But this new world with all its opportunities and gifts of wondrous abilities, was a stadium. A deadly arena of an unimaginable scale. And Humanity were to be its latest gladiators. Every man, woman and child was given a weapon and ordered to fight. Stuck in this dimension without a way out, only two options existed for the would be hunters: Fight with monsters to complete the many trials ahead, or perish.
Faced with hordes of powerful monsters, thrown into battle with complete strangers at random, the unfair game of survival began. And from the very beginning, billions of lives were extinguished in mere moments. But even within this abyss of despair was a small ray of hope: If even one person were to complete every raid, then humanity would be redeemed and restored back to its former glory.
No save points, no revives, no retries. Everyone had just one life to make their way through the gauntlet of raids prepared to test their mettle. Within this marathon of death, one man becomes aware of an exception to the rules of the game.
My Opinion: 394 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a fairly straightforward regressor serial where the main character (MC) is the last surviving human after a series of life or death tests in the future. His reward? He’s sent back to the start of the tests with all his future knowledge. He uses that knowledge to gain an advantage during each of the tests and becomes super OP because he knows all the little tricks and equipment pieces, and hidden aspects of the tests. That’s the story, on repeat, each chapter. There’s no real character development, but it's still an entertaining story that emphasizes action, a variety of different monsters to be fought, and a realistic percentage of terrible people that would try to betray their teammates during the tests to gain an advantage for survival.
Game mechanics. Pretty straightforward with the people that survive each test or chapter gaining stats and currency based on how much they contributed to the completion of the test scenario. Hit hidden objectives? Get bonus points and currency and rare items and weapons. After the 3rd chapter, the stat gains for the MC doesn’t really have a real impact. It’s just a way to keep showing that he’s getting more and more powerful. But the system is consistent and of more importance are all the rare items, titles, and abilities the MC gets as he already knows about hidden objectives in the tests and special items he can purchase.
Overall, a good action focused story that is easy to pick up and put down as each chapter is almost self contained.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Initialization: A LitRPG Adventure (Master Hunter K, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3iQdb4X
Awakening: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 1)
The future lies within our minds...
Paralyzed in a workplace accident, Lox’s life is looking bleak. He can't even use the cutting-edge hardware that would allow him to play in the full-immersion-games that have become so popular. This all changes when he hears from New Universal Frontiers, the company with the best game out there: World of Magic.
They offer him the ability to use their hardware despite his injuries, but at a cost... he can never leave the game.
Once in the game world, Lox quickly realizes that there is a lot more to this new realm than just a game. Given a class that everyone thinks is useless due its inherent dangers, Lox begins a long and painful series of trials, some of them explosive, almost all of them dangerous as he masters his magical abilities.
As Lox explores the depths of this world's magic system, he soon discovers there is a lot more going on here than anyone ever expected.
My Opinion: 371 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a mix of dungeon diving and lots of magical theory. I mean lots of it too. The main character (MC) is uploaded to an RPG fantasy MMO world. He gets the class Magical Engineer because he was an engineer on earth. He spends quite a bit of time playing with the fundamentals of his class, the combining and organizing of magical aspects, to create new spells with near endless combinations of effects. He experiments, fights monsters, and when his spells blow up or just aren’t effective enough to kill his enemies, he dies and is resurrected at a chosen altar he is bound to. He also has a mindscape where he can practice and go to learn fundamental truths about himself. There are some interesting aspects to this part of the story but not much is done with it. The story is supposed to shift to the MMO setting after the 25% where the MC meets two other players and goes on adventures with them. Though I’ll also note that for an MMO, there aren’t many players the characters interact with and not much of the stuff you’d expect from an MMO.
For the most part this is a slice of life story with a big emphasis on magic and class theory with some regular action and questing. It’s good if you like magical theory and spell casting. But there’s no real character development. The MC is the same person at the end of the story as he was at the start. By the end of the novel, it felt more like a DnD game with a small group of players instead of the MMO world that the characters were supposed to be in. There was little to no interaction with other players, no PvP, no guilds, or other things you’d expect to see in an MMO. Though there were vague threats about high level players that took delight in torturing people that had been uploaded permanently to the world or issues resulting from streaming their adventures, none of that amounted to anything. In fact, it seemed like a lost opportunity for some interesting conflicts.
There are some sub-plots about the MC fully integrating into the world and losing all the game stuff, but that’s backtracked fairly quickly. Also a small bit about the MC awakening NPCs into realizing they can actually be real beings. Again, not much done here with either potentially interesting story thread.
Overall, it's an ok story. The biggest draw is likely the magic and class developments for the MC. The actual adventures are fairly linear with no real repercussions for failure but there was a decent variety and semi-regular action.
Score: 7.1 out of 10
Awakening: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2VfNRgR
The Grand Game, Book 1: A LitRPG Adventure
One man. Assassin. Caster. A new world. And a Game that is as brutal as it is complex.
Michael finds himself in the realm of the Forever Kingdom, with no memory of how he got there and who he is. Even so, he must participate in the Grand Game and forge a new destiny for himself.
Dropped into a dungeon of monsters, and strange magics, would you survive in a Game where to lose means death?
Alone, and with little more than his wits to aid him, Michael must advance as a player, slay his foes, and gain experience. All while navigating the intrigues around him and discovering his purpose.
A world of Powers, Forces, and mysterious factions. A Game with endless opportunities for advancement and power.
Join Michael on his epic adventure as he deals with the Game’s challenges, the machinations of the Powers, and the ambitions of his fellow players.
The start of an exciting new portal fantasy epic!
My Opinion: 434 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a rather good story that gets better as it goes on. The first half is mostly a solo journey through caves with the main character (MC) choosing a stealth class to avoid the dangers of going with less savory players in a forced dungeon dive. There’s enough setup to get the dive started pretty quickly but the good stuff doesn’t really happen till you get to about halfway through the novel. At that point the MC hits a point where he’s figured out his build and gotten some decent equipment and skills. The story expands to include other players and a faction plot line between several groups of kidnapped players. It was surprisingly good with enough hints given about betrayer and hidden agendas that it felt good to follow through on the results.
Game mechanics - This is rather well done and though the fundamentals of the system aren’t new with levels, classes, skills, pools of resources (mana, stamina, mental points, etc), and other similar LitRPG mechanics. The story has a smart MC who uses stealth and the system gives players three class slots, so the eventual combinations of chosen classes gives lots of room for customization and unique builds. There’s plenty of detail about stats, class building, synergizing abilities, equipment and ability notifications, etc. for those that really like that. But the thing I appreciated was that the MC was never too overpowered and used his skills intelligently so that the growth that eventually happens felt earned.
Overall, the story has a good bit of action and adventure with some mid story shifts to larger group/faction stuff. It was never tedious and I finished the story in just a couple of sittings.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
The Grand Game, Book 1: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3l1XCtM
Great Doctor Ling Ran
Ling Ran, whose goal is to become the world's greatest doctor, suddenly obtained the golden finger system! And this is a system with a high degree of medical expertise! With the help of the system, what medical height can the intern Ling Ran reach?
My Opinion: 47 chapters, Free Online Manga, No English Publisher for Online Manga, English Publisher for the Webnovel
This is a review for the manga version online. There’s a webnovel version that has an official english publisher that you may or may not like more. But for me, the manga version was surprisingly fun and interesting. I wasn’t sure just how the RPG mechanics were going to work with a rookie doctor training in a hospital but they come through pretty well. The system gives rewards to the main character (MC) as he completes medical related quests. The rewards range from energy serums, that help him get through long shifts, to specialist surgical techniques. The big boosts in skills don’t go unnoticed by the other doctors and there are pretty logical consequences for him becoming such a good doctor suddenly. There are of course some forced scenarios so he can continue to be challenged, but it's still an interesting manga that combines the interest of a medical drama with game mechanics.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Online Manga: https://readmanganato.com/manga-ki988265
Webnovel: https://www.webnovel.com/book/great-doctor-ling-ran_11912235406605505
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 268 - Everwood, Dungeon Crawler Carl 4, Reality Benders 8, Easy Meat, 990K Ex-Life Hunter
July 16th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 268 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-268
New Releases and Reviews:
Everwood (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
Best of the series so far
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ekzbUg
The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4
More Crazy Adventures
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3xGkLW1
Devourer (Reality Benders Book #8): LitRPG Series
Crossover Goodness
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3yRWg8w
Easy Meat (Foodstuffs LitRPG Book 1)
Good PvP focused story
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3xIkthA
990K Ex-Life Hunter
https://tappytoon.net/manga/990k-ex-life-hunter/
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
(none)
Out Now!
The Path through the Heavens: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3rhs1We
Citadel : A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2RKAeoi
Seventh Realm Part 1: A LitRPG Fantasy series (The Ten Realms Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3gXpU6h
Prison of Gourmet: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Path of Crafting Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3pLSBWx
Cyber-Mage Realization: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3wvKGPv
Lichbane: A Deckbuilding LitRPG (Goblin Summoner Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3kpxhpm
The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4
https://amzn.to/3uaNAbo
Pyresouls Apocalypse: Futures Grave: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG/Gamelit Story (Pyresouls Apocalypse, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3h7VKMv
Broken World: A LitRPG Adventure (Master Hunter K Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3divNIX
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #7): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2PC5EMA
Awakening: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 1)
https://amzn.to/32pxBKt
Rend: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3gUFX4Q
The Realm Divers: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3B8Yna4
The Game of Gods 4: Pieces of Divinity - A LitRPG / Gamelit Post-Apocalypse Fantasy Novel
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Rend - A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3xIDwbC
Hive Mind - A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3hKsI7k
Sixth Realm, Part 2 - A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms, Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3wDNM3z
Eat, Slay, Love - The Good Guys Book 10
https://amzn.to/3kpJ7zt
Solo Leveling, Vol. 1 (Novel)
https://amzn.to/36FHUMs
Dragon Drop - Blasphemy Online Book 3
https://amzn.to/3B8SlGt
Heavy - Weight of It All Series Book 1
https://amzn.to/36FjHGk
The Wasteland - Zero Circle (Way Series Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3xM63wG
Family - The Idle System (A LitRPG series Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3z8WMiR
Darklands Online - Darklands Online Book 1
https://amzn.to/3xJ5WSB
Pawn - A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2Tf3hkN
Starred Tower - System Misinterpret Book One (A Post Apocalyptic Cultivation LitRPG)
https://amzn.to/3epWs79
Condition Evolution 1-3 - A Litrpg Gamelit Adventure Compendium
https://amzn.to/2UKTCTo
Player vs Player - Gamified Book Two
https://amzn.to/3hIknkv
Real-Time Starcommander 3 - Biowar: A Strategy Gamelit Novel
https://amzn.to/3xM6JCe
Life in Exile Books 1-3 - A LitRPG Series Box Set
https://amzn.to/3eovVqY
Dungeon of Chance: Double or Nothing Serious Probabilities Book 2
https://amzn.to/3xNwbrk
Synergy - Somnia Online Book 7
https://amzn.to/3z6o8ps
The Rising of the Shield Hero Volume 1
https://amzn.to/3hIcWtF
The Song Matron: A LitRPG Journey Uniworld Online Trilogy Book 3
https://amzn.to/2Uj19cf
Court of Thorns - A LitRPG Story (The Eternal Journey Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3z4Tf52
Hellion - Awaken Online Book 8
https://amzn.to/3B4ybxr
Dragon Seekers - Legends Online Book 6
https://amzn.to/3wIucmJ
Reborn: Evolution 2 - Warlock Chronicles Book 2
https://amzn.to/3z0jolm
Adventures in Clothing - A System Apocalypse Short Story
https://amzn.to/3koasC9
Upcoming LitRPG:
Isekai Magus 3: A LitRPG Progression Saga (The Fantasy World of Nordan) (July 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3x7OOp4
Hexworld 2: Play: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ed0wGS
They Called Me Madder: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ggOK0V
Conviction (The Aussie Mana Apocalypse Book 3) (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wIZHgr
The Crafter's Dynasty: A Dungeon Core Novel (Dungeon Crafting Book 6) (July 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3qrztNW
Nova Terra: Stormbringer: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Titan Series Book 7) (July 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3epnZ8W
Frostworld: Ice & Blood: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dnBlT2
Hunt: A Divine Dungeon Series (Lion's Lineage Book 1) (July 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vX7A1p
Wild Wild Quest: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 12) (July 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3xUy7xD
The Merchant System (Book Two) (July 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iANyqh
Alpha Physics! Book 2 - Delay: A Post Apocalypse Progression Fantasy LITrpg (July 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3eqZBUu
Frameup: A LitRPG Superhero Adventure (VR Hero Book 3) (Aug. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/35QQEPF
Blue Screens of Death: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories) (Aug. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2UQSj5c
Corsair's Prize: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Dungeon of Evolution Book 2) (Aug. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3cBkzPj
Bushido Online: Pacchi Festival: A LitRPG Saga (Aug. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RKq2MA
Expansion Pack: A litRPG Anthology (The Rogue Dungeon) (Aug. 3rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2UQSddQ
Enemy of the Inferno (Disgardium Book #8): LitRPG Series (Aug. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wgi64I
Dungeon Heart: Halls of Stone (Aug. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3z90jO9
Executor Rising: A LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 2) (Aug. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zjaBMl
Defiance of the Fall 2: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vipafM
Time of Titans: A GameLit/LitRPG Series (Shattered Kingdoms Book 2) (Aug. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3xJd4yB
Back to One: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 7) (Aug. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wlxFs6
Questing for Titles: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories) (Aug.15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ervgVA
Blessed Time: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2UEnot0
Neverstone: A LitRPG Adventure (The Mad Elf Book 1) (Aug. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vf7dyP
The Crew (Captains & Cannons Book 2) (Aug. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vf79z5
The Starlight Fleet (Rogue Merchant Book #7): LitRPG Series (August 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3whjTq5
Legendary Dungeon Seed: The Mage's Academy (Vol. 3) (Aug. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vSejtz
The Entropic Core (The Dungeon of Stories Book 2) (Aug. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3BivZCD
He Who Fights with Monsters 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iaPp3o
Resurrection: A LitRPG Adventure (Epiphany Realms Book 1) (Sept. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3epmFD0
Manipulating Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 2) (Sept. 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yXVIxY
Skurfaifer (Alpha Rome Book 2): LitRPG Series (Sept. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3hFRg1a
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #8): LitRPG Series (Sept. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rfXY1a
Empire Ascendant: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 6) (Sept. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3kpM8jh
The Plaguelands: A Monster Evolution LitRPG (Salvos, Volume 3) (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2UTwl1q
Arbiter (Underdog Book #7): LitRPG Series (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eoJPsZ
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Everwood (The Weight Of It All - Book 3)
Into the Everwood, Prep's Dungeon Dive is here! Closing towards the end of Prep, Terrence and his team are now working harder than ever to Rank Up and progress in their Affinities.
When an old acquaintance decides to stand in their way, will the team be able to deal with the threat? Packs of monsters will stand in their way, but will their fellow students be their most significant burden to overcome?
For Tom and his group, the death of their friend is only the beginning. They're ready to leave the Dungeon for good, but will the Dungeon let them?
Will Omar, the leader of the expedition?
Find out in the latest installment of 'The Weight Of It All,' Everwood.
My Opinion: 314 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Best of the series so far
This is the best of the series so far. Finally, there’s the action and monster fighting that I’d wanted all along. Not only does the group do a rather good dungeon dive, there are other conflicts that add good tension to the story. There’s still the magical academy element but it's mostly used for training and to push how the characters progress with their powers without needing them to rank up.
Overall, a really good entry in the series that only took a single sitting to get through.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Everwood (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3ekzbUg
The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4
New Achievement! Total, Utter Failure.
You failed a quest less than five minutes after you received it. Now that’s talent.
A floating fortress occupied by warrior gnomes. A castle made of sand. A derelict submarine guarded by malfunctioning machines. A haunted crypt surrounded by lethal traps.
It was supposed to be easy. One bubble. Four castles. Fifteen days. Capture each one, and the stairwell is unlocked.
Here's the thing. It's never easy. Carl and his team can't go it alone. Not this time. They must rely on the help of the low-level, I-can't-believe-these-idiots-are-still-alive crawlers trapped in the bubble with them. But can they be trusted?
Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the fifth floor of the dungeon.
My Opinion: 476 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Another really good entry in the competitive RPG apocalypse series. More action, adventure, and weird ass mayhem. The progression is front loaded mostly and there are some interesting twists in how Carl and Princess Donut face the challenges thrown at them on this level. But I’m really looking forward to plot development teased through the series and finally setup at the end of the book. Good stuff all around.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4
https://amzn.to/3xGkLW1
Devourer (Reality Benders Book #8): LitRPG Series
The aggressive invaders from another galaxy cannot be stopped. The Composite keeps capturing system after system wiping out everything in its path, and there is no sign of a force capable of standing up to it.
In the search for allies, Gnat embarks on a long journey aimed at uniting the various branches of the human race. And though the potential for alliance is there, how can he convince them to set off to fight a suicidal war with such a disastrous balance of forces?
Beyond that, things aren’t as easy as they initially seemed with the humans from the far-off Empire, and they have a compelling reason not to enter this war which does not concern them. There's also the status of sole ruler of humanity at stake, which is not the kind of achievement that can be shared.
And that means one of the human leaders will have to back down.
My Opinion: 491 pages, $6.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an entry in the series that deserves some kudos. It brings in characters/forces from another of the author’s series, Perimeter Defense, rather smoothly and uses them well. You don’t have to have read that series to enjoy this book, there’s been enough setup of them in the last one to have them as a new and important faction in the story. I appreciated the update on the characters and the explanation on how that story world blends into this one.
Other than that, most of the story is a slice of life adventure with the main character (MC) advancing a bit on several storylines including the Composite and some setup for a next book conflict. Good stuff, if a little lighter on the action.
Overall, a good read. Especially if you’ve already read the Perimeter Defense series and liked those characters.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Devourer (Reality Benders Book #8): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3yRWg8w
Easy Meat (Foodstuffs LitRPG Book 1)
Welcome to the challenge. You’re an absolute nobody here—nothing; a zero; a useless lump of meat filled with bones. You’re but a delicious morsel for your antagonists and those who got lucky at the start. The only goal you can have in your miserable existence is to kick the bucket as soon as possible.
My Opinion: 355 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Good PvP geared story
This is a story set in a modern setting where a large group of people suddenly fine themselves in a new world pitted against one another in a kill or be killed game. The MC finds he is classified as "meat" or a classless individual meant to be fodder for the others, giving big rewards when killed. The MC has to find a way to survive his encounters with these other players and learn about the rules of this new world.
Game mechanics skew towards a PvP RPG system. Players get resource units with each kill of a player or monster that are used to gain a level, upgrade stats, upgrade/ repair equipment, learn system skills. Additionally, all material resources like weapons, armor, and medicines come from loot crates dropped by killed people and monsters. The story makes getting these crates from kills a key part of the progression system.
Story wise, it's a slice life survival story with the beginning to mid story focused on the Mc figuring out where he was, the rules of the system, and how to become powerful. The rest of the story pits the MC against many monsters and players as he gains resources, levels, and weapons. Really pushing past what his classless role was meant to be. The story is really action focused past the first 10% of the story and once the MC started actively fighting it was really good.
Overall, once past the beginning awkwardness the story was pretty good with regular action, smart fights, and a variety of tactics to gain power. Good stuff.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Easy Meat (Foodstuffs LitRPG Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3xIkthA
990K Ex-Life Hunter
The ordinary F-rank hunter, Gang HyeonJoon, had always prayed for the strength to change his life. One day, his prayers were answered… [The Final Sword Saint praises your bravery.][The Master in the Shadows is your….] “Enough! This is too much!” 990 thousand past lives appeared in front of him!
My Opinion: 23 chapters, Weekly Updates, Official English Translation
This is an online manga about a dungeon diver who upon the verge of death after a betrayal by his group finds a connection to his past lives and gains various traits and powers from them. It’s a simple slice of life dungeon dive story set in the modern world. RPG mechanics are fairly simple with ranks,ability levels, equipment with descriptions and a society that has integrated dungeon diving into societies structure and the more powerful a diver you are the more status you have in the world. Overall a good story with regular action and clean good looking art panels.
https://tappytoon.net/manga/990k-ex-life-hunter/
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 266 - Death's Favorite Warlock 2, Beta Test, Second Shot, ChronoTemplar, Luck's Voice Book 3, He Who Fights with Monsters 2, Oh Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer
June 11th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 266 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 7 new reviews just for you and a ton of plagiarized stories to be on the lookout for.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-266
New Releases and Reviews:
Death's Favorite Warlock 2
An entertaining follow up
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2RKvH5t
Beta Test: 1st of the NanoWielder Saga
Just a miss for me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3iz7EBt
Second Shot (Fantasia Book #1): LitRPG Series
Doesn't get too interesting till late in the story
Score: 6.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3v9AY3W
ChronoTemplar: A Crunchy LitRPG Adventure
First 25% a bit of a slog, but the story gets much better after
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ghElR4
Breaking the Bank (Luck's Voice Book 3)
The story continues
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2SfMb5W
He Who Fights with Monsters 2: A LitRPG Adventure
Serial origins show, but rather good still
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ucavSV
Oh Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer: A LitRPG Adventure : (Unorthodox Farming: Book 1)
XP farming with farming exploits
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3uGSDzR
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
So Many Plagiarized Books - 39 found just since May 31st
Hey. Just wanted to let you know that someone is trying to steal your story Reality Benders. It has a different cover and blurb but even in the blurb it directly references "the game that bends reality". When you look inside, you can see it's just a very badly scanned copy of the book that starts somewhere around the 23% mark of the official novel. Feel free to leave some 1 star reviews for this plagiarism and complain to Amazon. I’ve let Magic Dome Books, folks who publish the English version of Reality Benders, know about the novel and I hope they can get it pulled soon.
The 3rd book in the World of Changes series is also plagiarized, likely by the same people considering the bad sideways scans of the story.
Plagiarist Reality Benders Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973W6SK1/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973MDWV9/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973M4QNM/
Plagiarist of World of Changed book 2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973N2NK3/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973JQTP5/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973J7M8K/
Plagiarist of World of Changed book 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973RVSZ2/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973PS95H/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973PQ41D/
Plagiarist of The Rogue Dungeon Book 2 starts at about the 34%
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973KFRVK/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973K62CV/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0973HDXTC/
Plagiarist of The Rogue Dungeon Book 4
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097379J9Q/
Plagiarist of Underpowered Howard
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09734VTRT/
Plagiarist of How to Kill a God: A LitRPG Novel Kindle Edition
by C.G. Gaudet
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0972J49H5/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0972H8JH7/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0972KJB8H/
Plagiarist of Stonehaven League Book 7
https://www.amazon.com/Litrpg-Adventure-Story-Demon-Attacks-ebook/dp/B0971P6BSZ/
https://www.amazon.com/Desire-Litrpg-Adventure-Echoes-System-ebook/dp/B0971N5SPJ/
https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Fighting-Fantasy-Fantastic-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0971MBGYB/
??? Same text from litRPG material I can’t ID- Miles something
https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Miles-Tabletop-Science-Fiction-ebook/dp/B096WXRQHY/
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Miles-Crewmates-Captors-Playing-ebook/dp/B096WW2XGV/
https://www.amazon.com/Fate-System-Rules-Light-Storytelling-Beginners-ebook/dp/B096WP1B1S/
https://www.amazon.com/Fate-System-Journey-Playing-Fantasy/dp/B096TRWQSB/
Plagiarist of Paradise Clash: Bounty Hunter Kindle Edition
by L.E. Price
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Bounty-Hunter-Paradise-Science-ebook/dp/B096W6NHKG/
https://www.amazon.com/City-Hunter-Conflict-Science-Fiction-ebook/dp/B096W5X7R5/
https://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunter-Trips-Paradise-Litrpg-ebook/dp/B096W1ZV84/
Plagiarist of Sphiel's Song (A GameLit Virtual Fantasy Adventure) Kindle Edition
by Alara Branwen
https://www.amazon.com/Mandy-Sutherland-Journey-Escaping-Adventure-ebook/dp/B096W4N7SJ/
https://www.amazon.com/Story-Mandy-Sutherland-Anxiety-Science-ebook/dp/B096W4J65Z/
https://www.amazon.com/Mandys-Adventure-Fighting-Overcome-Anxiety-ebook/dp/B096W4CVQJ/
??
https://www.amazon.com/Wizards-Adventure-Finding-Dragon-Gamelit-ebook/dp/B096P7QVNK/
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Wizard-Searching-Science-Fiction-ebook/dp/B096PBCFJG/
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Wizard-Searching-Science-Fiction-ebook/dp/B096P8213Q/
Plagiarist of War in the Greenwood: A LitRPG Novel Kindle Edition
by Galen Wolf
https://www.amazon.com/Greenwoods-War-Adventure-Playing-Fantasy-ebook/dp/B096PGWFG5/
https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Greenwood-LitRPG-Litrpg-Novels-ebook/dp/B096PDZ1BZ/
https://www.amazon.com/Game-Greenwood-Stories-LitRPG-Adventure-ebook/dp/B096PDHX2X/
Plagiarist of Orc Spawn: Betrayal: A LitRPG/GameLit Story Kindle Edition
by Franklin Kendrick
https://www.amazon.com/Orc-Spawn-Thorne-Monster-Slaught-ebook/dp/B096MWFMXH/
https://www.amazon.com/LitRPG-Orc-Spawn-Uncover-Origin-ebook/dp/B096MW53FT/
??
https://www.amazon.com/LitRPG-Adventure-Victoria-Familys-Journey-ebook/dp/B096KTNMXN/
??
https://www.amazon.com/Future-Adventure-Naughty-Violence-Language-ebook/dp/B096BK8JPC/
Out Now!
Ruins of Camelot: A GameLit/LitRPG Portal Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3cBrWGq
Gamified - Book Two: Player vs Player (A Fantasy LitRPG)
https://amzn.to/2RCtUiK
Thief's Bounty: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Dungeon of Evolution Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3f9OHDm
The Price of Power: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga
https://amzn.to/2Qrk1Uh
Hexworld: Roll: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3moQBC9
King: An Epic LitRPG Progression Fantasy Novel (Apocosmos Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2RCXB2J
A Daring Plan and A Cold Shoulder: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3srK22K
Myriad Stars: Sage, book 2. A LitRPG Universe
https://amzn.to/3vd5ivr
Intellectum [RPG Apocalypse: Book 2]
https://amzn.to/3vcjvJ0
The Dungeon Leader: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2NZlOym
I'm the Bad Guy: World Domination: A Supervillain LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3fF4Q2n
Trial: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3eJqgez
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3t6hTyz
Beastborne: Mist Wardens: An Epic Portal Fantasy LitRPG Saga (Beastborne Chronicles, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2PE9btP
The Dreamweaver (Rogue Merchant Book #6): LitRPG Series https://amzn.to/2QDmHi4
Defiance of the Fall: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3uVwQEZ
Everwood (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3wtk9C3
Rebirth: A Fantasy LitRPG GameLit Adventure (Enora Online Book 8)
https://amzn.to/35cI65d
Zero Car - A Cultivation LitRPG (Ocean Slayers Racing Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3xeW3LV
Tower Climber 3 (A LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3ixepnj
The Corrupted Core (The Dungeon of Stories Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3ggZSuh
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Defiance of the Fall A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3xlRbEZ
Exiled Lands Beastborne, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2SrVBv3
True Smithing 2 - True Smithing Series Book 2
https://amzn.to/3iBL9M0
Tales of a Northblood - Winter's Breath: A LitRPG Saga
https://amzn.to/3vbNXSJ
God's Choice - Sigma Worlds, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3wgPAjD
Goblin Summoner - A Deckbuilding LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3pMzyeP
Dungeon Walkers 1
https://amzn.to/3zlsSc4
Noob Game Plus - Noobtown, Book 5
https://amzn.to/2SrWsff
Savage Dominion - Savage Dominion Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3git1FI
The Call of the Forces - The Heavenly Throne, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3grVpUC
Labyrinth of Fright - Underdog Series, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3gdjsaO
The Realm Between - God of Land (Realm Between Series, Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3znpPjy
Artificial Jelly - Artificial Jelly Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3iGTuyl
Condition Evolution 3: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
Condition Evolution, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3pS8fzJ
The Aussie Mana Apocalypse: A LitRPG Novel
The Aussie Mana Apocalypse, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3gdjDTw
Upcoming LitRPG:
Masters of Strata (Deepest Dungeon #2) - A LitRPG series (June 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wjPese
Adventures in Clothing: A System Apocalypse short story (June 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3cBavWI
Viridian Gate Online: Resurrection: A litRPG Adventure (The Heartfire Healer Series Book 1) (June 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3faIqqS
Wyrmshard: A LitRPG Adventure (Savage Dominion Book 2) (June 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/35fYj9E
Terramyr Online: An Undiscovered Country: A LitRPG Adventure (June 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3goWgqu
City of Skye (Primacy Online Book 6) (June 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3c3HRfT
Citadel : A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 5) (June 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RKAeoi
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yvjcLG
Prison of Gourmet: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Path of Crafting Book 2) (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3pLSBWx
Wild Wild Quest: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 12) (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uakqJE
Engage (EvoBorne - A LitRPG Saga Book 4) (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dpCpWn
Cyber-Mage Realization: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 3) (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wvKGPv
The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4 (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uaNAbo
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #7): LitRPG Series
(July 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2PC5EMA
Devourer (Reality Benders Book #8): LitRPG Series (July 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RQnsou
Pride (Dinosaur Dungeon Book 2) (July 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aUpXw7
Awakening: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 1) (July 13th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32pxBKt
Isekai Magus 3: A LitRPG Progression Saga (The Fantasy World of Nordan) (July 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3x7OOp4
Hexworld 2: Play: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ed0wGS
They Called Me Madder: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ggOK0V
Frostworld: Ice & Blood: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dnBlT2
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VI (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3akJWUG
Tower of Steel and Shadow: A LitRPG Progression Fantasy (July 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RB2mKs
The Merchant System (Book Two) (July 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3iANyqh
Corsair's Prize: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Dungeon of Evolution Book 2) (Aug. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3cBkzPj
Bushido Online: Pacchi Festival: A LitRPG Saga (Aug. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RKq2MA
Enemy of the Inferno (Disgardium Book #8): LitRPG Series (Aug. 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wgi64I
Executor Rising: A LitRPG Adventure (Magnus Book 2) (Aug. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3zjaBMl
Defiance of the Fall 2: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vipafM
Back to One: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 7) (Aug. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wlxFs6
Neverstone: A LitRPG Adventure (The Mad Elf Book 1) (Aug. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vf7dyP
The Crew (Captains & Cannons Book 2) (Aug. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vf79z5
The Starlight Fleet (Rogue Merchant Book #7): LitRPG Series (August 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3whjTq5
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Death's Favorite Warlock 2
Kill after kill, Lars’s bloody hands have grown stronger by the day as he’s soaked in the EXP from every cultivator whose life he’s taken. What was once horrific is now becoming an addiction, but just getting strong enough to survive was only the start.
When an elder cultivator powerful enough to destroy Lars with a gesture spirits him away to the Sect of the Spring Rain, he ends up as the subject of a twisted plot to uncover and exploit his secret cultivation technique.
Can he navigate the treacherous power struggles of the sect within or will he be killed off by the factions vying for power? What happens if his grisly methods are exposed? One thing is for certain, he must prove once again that you shouldn't mess with a warlock who grows more powerful with every life he takes.
Join Lars as he continues to carve his own bloody path to power in this cultivation-themed xanxia inspired LitRPG and Gamelit adventure.
My Opinion: 340 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
Lars is back and delves deeper into the cultivation world when he tries to join a martial arts sect. There are some very good fights, lots of humorous banter, and some new RPG related powers that the main character (MC) gets. If you enjoy a martial arts story with a RPG bent and have a sense of humor, you’ll enjoy the follow up to the popular story.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Death's Favorite Warlock 2
https://amzn.to/2RKvH5t
Beta Test: 1st of the NanoWielder Saga
Monsters are real. Magic works. Its a dry run for the apocalypse. Will you survive The Beta Test?
The wild places have become more and more dangerous as animals and plants have become altered. Some are larger, some exhibit strange powers but many are dangerous. Cody, a down on his luck veteran of the US Army, goes to the forest to die. He's going to earn an insurance payout for his family and maybe help protect some of the countless squatters forced from their homes when automation took their jobs. It will be a good death. That isn't quite the way things work out.
The artificial intelligence thinks it is operating a game. The players are the residents of the forest. They all undergo forced character creation and try to survive while learning their new powers. Cody is determined to break out of the test zone and builds a team that work closely together to survive the new game-like reality.
The NanoWielder Saga combines modern technology with emergent magic. Many normal animals are altered into super predators. The most dangerous monsters of all are the gamers.
Beta Test contains game elements. Both characters and monsters level up and gain new powers as they grow in experience. Some of the crew learn to create simple magic items and learn to use magical runes.
My Opinion: 225 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
There are a few issues that might turn off readers but if they don’t you’ll likely enjoy the good action and depth of the RPG system. However, the issues below were enough to just push the story to the point where it didn’t work for me. But plenty of other readers have enjoyed the story.
One of the early issues, for me, is that the early part of the story is a bit of an info dump and it takes too long to get to the actual story. About 14% before you finish the setup, the main character (MC) finishes his character creation, and you get to any action. There's also a bit about an AI secretly releasing nanites all over the world to create monsters and justify the RPG apocalypse thing.
The other part I actually disliked is the scene where a mother was transformed into a monster and she murders her husband and two young children. It didn't add anything to the story and was frankly off putting enough to make some readers stop reading. I think part of my issue is that the scenes where parents kill their children or children kill their parents are dark and that darkness isn’t carried through the other scenes in the story. It's the apocalypse, so a level of darkness is expected, but the level established by those deaths isn’t maintained throughout the story. The rest of the fights, while brutal and show the MC getting constantly hurt, don’t reflect the vileness I’d expect if this was a full blown dark story. Most of the people in the story are surprisingly good, don’t take advantage of others, and are even willing to risk their lives to help strangers.
There's certainly a depth to the game mechanics of the story. A customized system that will feel familiar. The MC has a templar class that is a combat class with healing, but the MC wields a modern firearm in addition to an axe and he has a bound dog companion that levels too. The RPG progression is regular, though you can tell some of the mechanics, like the nanocredits gained, are fleshed out as the story progresses.
Overall, while the combat in the novel is good with a variety of monsters, it's not enough to carry the story for me. The inconsistent level of darkness was a big turn off too. Either go full dark apocalypse where the evils of humanity show through or cut it out as it’s a distraction.
Score: 6 out of 10
Beta Test: 1st of the NanoWielder Saga
https://amzn.to/3iz7EBt
Second Shot (Fantasia Book #1): LitRPG Series
I was on a date with the girl of my dreams when life took a strange turn and I found myself sucked into a virtual game world. It was pretty much a nose dive out of my own world of comforts, where I had everything: money, love and a bright future on the horizon. I'm not a gamer and I’ve never been one to run from reality, but it seems fate has decided that my real life no longer belongs to me. Now I'm rotting away in some dumpy medieval village where everyone I meet wants to kill me.
But I won’t give up and I won’t lose hope. I'll get to the bottom of this! What’s it all for, and who's the mastermind behind it? I don’t plan on just rolling over and accepting any “gift” fate wants to bestow upon me, and if I have to turn this whole damn world inside out, so be it!
Think there are no more offbeat and original plotlines in the world of LitRPG? Well, friends, you’re in for a big surprise!
My Opinion: 461 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
A Russian translation story that adds a twist to the trapped in the game format by making the main character (MC) a scanned copy of a real person uploaded to the game without his permission. The game world is PvP centric, with added permadeath since all the players are just scanned copies.
My initial impression was a little confused since it takes till about the 10% mark to explain the premise. But after that point, the setup is clear, even if the ultimate goal of the story isn’t. Instead, most of the novel is a bit slice of life as you follow the MC as he tries to escape the players trying to enslave newbies, figures out the game system, levels up, and recruits others to help him to stay alive against the monsters and other players trying to kill him, and eventually reaches a larger community that he gets involved with. There’s a little bit of a storyline to do with the real world, but for most of the novel, there doesn’t seem to be a clear plot. It’s not until about 66% into it that you get something rather interesting. It relates to real life, the creators of the system, and the real purpose behind the game. It’s a pretty good twist that adds purpose to what comes after in addition to some good town defense stuff. But it’s honestly something that took way too long to get to.
The game mechanics are fine. Nothing particularly innovative, but solid RPG progression with some smart spell combos and group tactics. There’s an emphasis on PvP and the tactics associated with that, so that might be a highlight for some.
Overall, unless you just fall in love with the early PvP aspect of the story or some of the group fights, it’s a challenge to see where the story is going until you’re almost done with it. There’s some rather good stuff after that 66% reveal that kept me interested, but I found it challenging to stay fully engaged with the story up to that point.
Score: 6.8 out of 10
Second Shot (Fantasia Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3v9AY3W
ChronoTemplar: A Crunchy LitRPG Adventure
You don't always get a second chance... unless you're a pawn for an eldritch horror that: (A) can bend time, and (B) is a sore loser.
Justin Thyme is not a good man, nor one destined for glory. He was meant to die in obscurity, yet another level 82 Templar that was just about to get chewed up by a horde of skittering monstrosities clawing at humanity's last enclave.
One short conversation with a time-splitting monstrosity later, and Justin finds himself flung five years into the past—right when the Earth was first chosen to host the 9,947th Gladiatorial Games.
Justin must now do all that he can to help save the world from crumbling under the twin pressures of monsters and murderers. But it's not all about grinding experience, gaining the most levels, and kicking the most ass. He can’t even stand out too much, lest he draw the attention of the other eldritch horrors observing Earth’s struggles for their amusement.
No, it’s all about making the right connections, sowing the seeds of hope, culling the pests causing despair… oh, and exploiting the hell out of the System with his ‘borrowed’ ability to tweak time to his advantage.
My Opinion: 431 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
First 25% a bit of a slog, but the story gets much better after
The first 10% of the story is frankly a bit tedious. It sets up a regressor story using an alien that lost a bet on how long humanity would last on their instigated RPG apocalypse to send the main character (MC) back in time to help people do better. Then once back on earth at the very start of the RPG apocalypse, it's a huge info dump about game mechanics instead of any kind of emotional response to the chance to start over or character development.
The rest of the story is fairly slice of life with the MC finding places to educate about the new rules of the world and the hardness that comes with evil people suddenly getting power. There are semi-regular fights, but despite the fact that the MC disables all his notifications, there’s a load of unneeded text that breaks up the battle a bit too much. Additionally, there’s a continued deluge of info dumps from the MC as he describes other people’s classes, their abilities, all the stuff they could hypothetically do, and all the minuta that honestly would have been better to just show. For example, I don’t need to know the stats of all 7 pieces of equipment the MC wears, and I don’t need a full character sheet including descriptions of all the powers when the MC only gets one new power.
This peters out about 25% into the story and it actually gets much better from here on in.
The story still has a bit too much minuta sometimes, but a lot of the info dumping goes away. The fights get really good as the MC gets a team and faces foes that are his equal. There’s a really good variety of class builds that skew towards PvP, but are interesting to read about. There’s a good bit of cruelty and evil that fits the apocalypse style story. I also liked seeing the wider view of how the MCs information changed the timeline and how well the entire earth does, though it's never clear how the MC knows about the changes. Eventually you even get a bit of background on who the MC was during his first life, which surprisingly wasn’t a good person at all. Like a terrible, terrible, human being. My only complaint here is that the reader doesn’t get to see his redemption arc from. The story ends in a pretty good and unexpected way which capped things off nicely.
Overall, the first 25% of the story is pretty rough sometimes and I didn’t really care for much of it. But the rest of the novel really redeemed itself and I eventually really got into it. I’m not sure everyone will want to slog through the beginning but if you like an RPG apocalypse story that focuses heavily on PvP and has some neat builds, then it might be worth the slog.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
ChronoTemplar: A Crunchy LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3ghElR4
Breaking the Bank (Luck's Voice Book 3)
Doc was happy with his new life— he’d married Fiala and Sonya, had allies who were steadfastly beside him, and was building the name of Lady Luck. Things were moving in the right direction, and life was good.
Powerful enemies were starting to rise against him. Doc knew that Sheriff Grange and McIan, the preacher of Apoc, would be problems eventually, but the two he had to deal with first were Suez and Goodman. Suez was still a mystery to Doc, and the man had effectively split the town with Goodman. Goodman was a larger concern, being the head of the only bank in town and the mayor of Deep Gulch.
Doc’s lucky strike in the wilds helped give him leverage in town. Using the windfall from his mine, he moved to break the town free from the deep pockets that had it in a stranglehold.
When Lia, Ayla, Sophia, and his wives left town to work on their outdoor knowledge and shooting, Doc was left to mind the Lily and keep healing the wounded. He thought things would be fine, until Spot, one of the deputies, came stumbling in mortally wounded.
Pushing himself more than he should, Doc poured his energy, vitality, and his life into saving Spot. Darkness closed in around him as he used almost everything he had to bring the deputy back from death’s door.
After escaping death by the barest of margins himself, Doc had no idea what was coming for him next, but he had faith that his goddess would help see him through it.
(This book contains adult situations, including but not limited to: sex, gambling, abuse, drug use, harem, and murder. It also contains graphic sex scenes, which portray elements of BDSM. You’ve been warned.)
My Opinion: 500 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A fine continuation of the slice of life series. In particular I liked the sneaky backstabbing section. It was a nice bit of intrigue that had a good twist. There's also lots of tying off of loose story threads as the MC prepares to leave his town, though it doesn't happen in this book.
As usual, warning that there are sex scenes and polyamorous relationships in the story.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Breaking the Bank (Luck's Voice Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2SfMb5W
He Who Fights with Monsters 2: A LitRPG Adventure
The path from retail middle management to inter-dimensional wizard adventurer wasn’t easy.
But Jason Asano is settling into his new life. Now, a contest draws young elites to the city of Greenstone to compete for a grand prize. Jason must gather a band of companions if he is to stand a chance against the best the world has to offer.
While the young adventurers are caught up in competition, the city leaders deal with revelations of betrayal as a vast and terrible enemy is revealed. Although Jason seems uninvolved, he has unknowingly crossed the enemy’s path before. Friends and foes made along the way will lead him to cross it again. Inevitable conflict looms....
My Opinion: 564 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The 2nd book in the series, while still very entertaining, also shows much more clearly that this is a section of a continuing serial story and not a fully plotted out novel.
Though a portion of the story, the mid-big adventure in subspace, had clear goals, quests, and character growth, much of the rest of the story didn’t. Not to say that it was unstructured, just that it was a bit looser on plotting with some random feeling sections with good banter, fights, or just casual sightseeing. There were also several story threads that were started in the novel that didn’t end up with any additional development, which matches the slice of life serial storytelling. While it’s likely these threads are developed further in the story, they are left hanging in this collected novel version.
Besides those small points, the story on the whole continues to be full of action, adventure, power development, and the addition of the more reasonable romance options allowed for some fun playful banter in the group. Good stuff overall.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
He Who Fights with Monsters 2: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3ucavSV
Oh Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer: A LitRPG Adventure : (Unorthodox Farming: Book 1)
What do you have when you blend a pinch of litrpg, a touch of farming simulator, a sprinkle of epic fantasy, a whole cup of Isekai, and a dash of Home Alone?
You have Arnold’s life.
Accidentally murdered by a cleric in another universe during a botched resurrection, Arnold, a semi-pro gamer, wakes upon an altar to find himself incarnated into the overweight body of a farmer who could have been his fatter twin. He’s not the hero. He’s not the villain. He’s certainly not the chosen one who is there to save the world. He’s a clerical error.
It could be a bad joke, but apparently, it happens so often that they have a standard procedure for returning you. That standard procedure doesn't apply to Arnold.
Now stuck on a new earth, in a new universe, with no way home, Arnold must use his gaming skills to figure out how to level his farmer class to 100 and gain a second class which doesn't make him want to beat his head against the wall. There is just one small problem: farmers don't gain experience from killing monsters. Like at all.
Follow Arnold on his hilarious journey as he stubbornly comes to grips with his new reality and tries to change his destiny from that of your typical farmer.
My Opinion: 660 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a great reincarnated to an RPG fantasy world story where the main character (MC) has the farmer class foisted upon him. His goal, to reach level 100 hundred in the class so that he can take a 2nd class that feeds what he thinks a reincarnation should be. Only the system is stacked against him and he has to figure out every exploit to gain the XP he needs which spirals into some truly fun and funky adventures with an emphasis on a kind of trap filled farmer dungeon being used to lure in increasingly powerful monsters. Beyond the action, there’s good character development, town building, lots of RPG exploitation, and some good world building mid story that develops some series villains. The sense of humor, if it lands with you, will have you chuckling throughout.
Score: 8 out of 10
Oh Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer: A LitRPG Adventure : (Unorthodox Farming: Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3uGSDzR
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 265 - Planet Hero: Sidekick, The Good Guys Book 11, The Alchemist Book #5, Alpha Physics!, Starred Tower, Cooldown
May 22nd, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 265 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-265
New Releases and Reviews:
Planet Hero: Sidekick
Super Hero LitRPG 2
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3udGmmW
Killing Them Awfully: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 11)
Epic end fight
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3uhdY3m
Tartila Mine (The Alchemist Book #5): LitRPG Series
Good pay off
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3b2uInG
Alpha Physics! Book 1: Wagga: A LITrpg Apocalypse, changed earth progression fantasy
Off putting start but rather good overall
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3tvjNcl
Starred Tower: System Misinterpret Book One - A Post Apocalyptic Cultivation LitRPG
Post RPG Apocalypse, cultivation, and dungeon dive
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3vvSPCG
Cooldown (Unfrozen Book #1): LitRPG Series
Sci-fi space LitRPG Russian translation
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3tIsr7p
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Out Now!
Awaken Online: Hellion
https://amzn.to/3sTKlUW
The Guardian of the Dead (An NPC's Path Book #4): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/36GKl1W
Crafting Death: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3bniHtA
Manufacturing Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3azHc54
Another Online: Clockwork
https://amzn.to/3xBu1eD
The Guns of Keldora: A Crafting Automation LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 4)
https://amzn.to/37rRm6O
The Rebel (Project Stellar Book 4): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2YSpJ25
Resurrection City: A Town Building Fantasy LitRPG (Ciphercraft Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3yvlw5m
Aether Frontier - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3vBAiF5
Iaxiabor's Revenge: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 6)
https://amzn.to/39PxBbd
Terra Nova: A LitRPG Series (Magnus Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3mU13S2
Revenant: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3aeHyOX
Showdown (Underdog Book #6): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2NZ3qGw
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 3 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series)
https://amzn.to/3sUT2hw
Lords of the Ruins (The Range Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2YZmTsx
He Who Fights with Monsters 2: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2MR4hZ3
The Demonic Games (Disgardium Book #7): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2O9AWcL
Shackled: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Arcana Unlocked Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3mV78Oi
Alpha Ascendant (Alpha LitRPG Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3fwofTi
Heist Master: A Gamelit/LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3wr2SK4
Apocalypse Hero: A Dark Fantasy GameLit
https://amzn.to/2RuEcl7
Oh Great! I was Reincarnated as a Farmer: A LitRPG Adventure : (Unorthodox Farming: Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3bJ19aM
Dungeon of Chance: Double or Nothing: A Dungeon Core Novel (Serious Probabilities Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3vb7xzv
Unusual Enemies (The Whispering Crystals: A LitRPG Series Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3uavbuv
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Berserker - A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Adventure (Apocosmos, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2TclZcn
The Power of Nine - A Mecha LitRPG Adventure (Overdrive, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3v55o8p
He Who Fights with Monsters 2 - A LitRPG Adventure (He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3fFRmDA
Land of Pain - Dragon Heart Series, Book 9
https://amzn.to/2ShndCw
Hallowed Bones - Elemental Dungeon, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3vd1Ukd
Occult Place to Die - Blasphemy Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3oF6Xrp
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook - Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 3
https://amzn.to/3u80Rk7
Revenant - A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3vdq7H7
They Called Me Mad - A LitRPG Apocalypse Series
https://amzn.to/347OBG2
The Torch That Ignites the Stars - Arcane Ascension Book 3
https://amzn.to/3yu5Jna
Scorching Sun - Underworld, Book 6
https://amzn.to/3bNzJRd
High Gloom - Bad Guys Series Book 6
https://amzn.to/3f9OZtJ
Terra Nova - A LitRPG Series Magnus Book 1
https://amzn.to/3u9afUR
Nova Terra: Guardian - The Titan Series Book 4
https://amzn.to/3ub7Qc0
Evolution - A Fantasy LitRPG (Beast Realms, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3bO0RzI
Manufacturing Magic: A LitRPG Adventure Jeff the Game Master, Book 1
https://amzn.to/346AzEu
Player Reached the Top - Book 4
https://amzn.to/3yxP1U7
The Realm Between: Neverending Dungeon - Realm Between Series Book 6
https://amzn.to/2QI3604
Small Unit Tactics - Book 2
https://amzn.to/3wuS91d
Towers of Heaven - A LitRPG Adventure Book 3
https://amzn.to/3fBpC2X
Apocalypse Hero - A Dark Fantasy GameLit
https://amzn.to/2RGDWiJ
Upcoming LitRPG:
Gamified - Book Two: Player vs Player (A Fantasy LitRPG) (May 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RCtUiK
Thief's Bounty: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Dungeon of Evolution Book 1) (May 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3f9OHDm
The Price of Power: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (May 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Qrk1Uh
Hexworld: Roll: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (May 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3moQBC9
King: An Epic LitRPG Progression Fantasy Novel (Apocosmos Book 3) (May 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RCXB2J
A Daring Plan and A Cold Shoulder: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (May 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3srK22K
Myriad Stars: Sage, book 2. A LitRPG Universe (May 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vd5ivr
Intellectum [RPG Apocalypse: Book 2] (May 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vcjvJ0
The Dungeon Leader: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 3) (May 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZlOym
I'm the Bad Guy: World Domination: A Supervillain LitRPG Adventure (May 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3fF4Q2n
Trial: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 2) (June 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3eJqgez
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 3) (June 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3t6hTyz
Beastborne: Mist Wardens: An Epic Portal Fantasy LitRPG Saga (Beastborne Chronicles, Book 3) (June 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2PE9btP
The Dreamweaver (Rogue Merchant Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 4th, 2021) https://amzn.to/2QDmHi4
Second Shot (Fantasia Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3fHAttM
Defiance of the Fall: A LitRPG Adventure (June 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uVwQEZ
Everwood (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (June 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wtk9C3
Viridian Gate Online: Resurrection: A litRPG Adventure (The Heartfire Healer Series Book 1) (June 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3faIqqS
Terramyr Online: An Undiscovered Country: A LitRPG Adventure (June 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3goWgqu
The Retired S Ranked Adventurer: Volume II (The Shatterfist Book 2) (June 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2TbIDBG
City of Skye (Primacy Online Book 6) (June 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3c3HRfT
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3yvjcLG
Tower of Ruin: Volume II: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG (Pandemonium - Afterlife - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series Book 2) (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3eZ6YmT
Wild Wild Quest: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 12) (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uakqJE
Engage (EvoBorne - A LitRPG Saga Book 4) (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dpCpWn
Cyber-Mage Realization: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 3) (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3wvKGPv
The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4 (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uaNAbo
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #7): LitRPG Series
(July 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2PC5EMA
Pride (Dinosaur Dungeon Book 2) (July 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aUpXw7
Awakening: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 1) (July 13th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32pxBKt
Hexworld 2: Play: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ed0wGS
They Called Me Madder: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ggOK0V
Frostworld: Ice & Blood: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dnBlT2
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VI (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3akJWUG
Tower of Steel and Shadow: A LitRPG Progression Fantasy (July 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RB2mKs
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Planet Hero: Sidekick
So you want to fight crime? Save people from villains? Be the good guy? If the answer is yes to all these questions, then the life of a Sidekick just might be for you. Warning: Not responsible for potential death or dismemberment.
Davis might come to regret the day he decided to become a Sidekick, but now that he has already put in the time to complete the certification program, he was going to see it through. But first, he needs to survive in the wilds for a couple of weeks with his fellow wannabe sidekicks. Nothing like teen angst and drama to make a man feel his years.
If he succeeds and makes it as a sidekick, he gets to look forward to working with the cantankerous Hammer Jack, a hero of some repute. Though whether that is good or bad is yet to be determined. The time has come for Davis to embrace his new life and take his place on Planet Hero as a lowly sidekick.
Disclaimer: This is a LitRPG or GameLit novel containing video game elements and rules.
My Opinion: 253 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The 2nd entry into this super hero LitRPG series seems to draw on a popular animated superhero academy series in its first half with a group of teen superhero recruits and the main character (MC) testing to become sidekicks in a forest filled with monsters. The MC has a great power set which makes the fights good, but honestly, I really disliked all the new teen characters and would have been really ok with seeing them not survive the stupid situations they put themselves in. Thankfully, the 2nd half of the story was much better without them in much of it and there are some really good twists to how the MC resolves the last conflict.
I also liked the 2nd narrative story that flashed back to the start of the nano-apocalypse on earth that spawned both superheroes and all the monsters that would destroy the world as we know it. It was a really nice way to flesh out the history of the world and inject a little apocalyptic vibe to the story.
Overall, the story loses a little bit of enjoyment because of some of the characters that I just plainly disliked, but there is still some good stuff here if you’re into superheroes.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Planet Hero: Sidekick
https://amzn.to/3udGmmW
Killing Them Awfully: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 11)
He’s tried to ignore them for too long.
But the long-simmering conflict between Montana’s holding at Coggeshall and the Night Goblins who also occupy the valley is about to boil over.
Usually, goblins aren’t anything to write home about: an enemy without much size, intellect, or weaponry. But these goblins? Well, that’s just not the case.
These are goblins with limitless resources, never-before-seen tactics, and horrifying monsters at their disposal. Worst of all, they don’t fear death in the slightest.
They just might force a good guy to become what he has always struggled to defeat.
Killing Them Awfully is chaotic warfare, nonstop battles, and more monsters with digestive issues than totally necessary. Ready? Let’s go to war!
My Opinion: 388 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Woah, this definitely feels like part 2 of the last book as it picks up a moment after that one and continues a rather frantic pace of action and adventure. There’s lots of action, especially towards the end and while some of the big battle felt like it came out of nowhere, it was still a really good story that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering just how the main character (MC) would overcome the odds.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Killing Them Awfully: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 11)
https://amzn.to/3uhdY3m
Tartila Mine (The Alchemist Book #5): LitRPG Series
What are you supposed to do when the whole world joins forces against you? Give up, find some hole to duck into, and beg for your life to be spared? But even despite how obvious the answer to that question might be, many an adult had been dashed on the rocks twelve-year-old Tailyn Vlashich was supposed to climb. Ahead of him lay a secret laboratory belonging to the ancients; behind was a horde headed by his sworn enemy. But through it all, Tailyn had those who loved him, those who believed in him, and that support was enough to carry him to the ends of the earth.
There was just one question left to answer: who was the Absorber? And what did he want with Tailyn?
My Opinion: 297 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is the conclusion to the Alchemist series, though not necessarily the end to the adventures of the main character. There’s lots of action and adventure. And those teasers for that other character from the author’s other series showing up absolutely pay off. If you’ve enjoyed this series then this last book is a must read.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Tartila Mine (The Alchemist Book #5): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3b2uInG
Alpha Physics! Book 1: Wagga: A LITrpg Apocalypse, changed earth progression fantasy
In the apocalypse, the first weapon he’ll have to upgrade is himself.
The end of the world as we know it couldn’t come at a worse time for Adrian.
One minute, he’s an operations manager who’s overseeing a construction job in the wilderness. The next, an unknown energy force changes the very nature of life itself, from the smallest organism to the top of the food chain. The earth’s surviving inhabitants, its environment, and the very laws of physics have all undergone fundamental transformations.
Many of those changes aren’t pretty. Plenty of them are deadly.
Luckily for Earth, this has happened to other species before, and everyone receives an interface that survivors of similar events have used to navigate through an alien landscape.
Adrian’s going to need every advantage he can get. He’s stranded in the middle of nowhere, there are days, maybe weeks of travel between him and his family, and in a world full of monsters and mayhem, survival means beating the learning curve…
My Opinion: 370 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Besides a slightly off-putting start, the RPG Apocalypse story was rather good. There’s a good mix of detailed skill/magic system building and fighting. The slower solo fighting in the beginning mixes well with the later community development and group fighting with it all culminating in a big exciting fight. The only thing missing from the Apocalypse side of things was probably the terrible nature of humanity rearing its ugly head at the limited resources and breakdown of the law.
On the game mechanic side, it's a mixed bad since not everyone in the RPG apocalypse has the same system. Some got a standard interface which was more like a class system, while others got a more advanced interface that leveled base stats more slowly but provided better advice, and let the person customize their build with dedicated work and greater long term benefits. Overall though, either system was very well developed and there was a nice effort by the players to exploit their builds just like real gamers would.
Overall, the story is a good mix of action and apocalypse adventure that I think most LitRPG readers would enjoy.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Alpha Physics! Book 1: Wagga: A LITrpg Apocalypse, changed earth progression fantasy
https://amzn.to/3tvjNcl
Starred Tower: System Misinterpret Book One - A Post Apocalyptic Cultivation LitRPG
An Apocalypse. An epic change in biology. Humanity’s new powers. No instructions. So, everyone created their own!
Born over a century after ‘The Rise,’ Jeff scavenges with his tyrannical mother for survival. Banned from cultivating freely, Jeff wants none of this life; his one objective is to join the immortal rankers as they attempt to climb the Northern Tower. On the day of his escape, a powerful guild attacks Leah’s group, and Jeff is thrown through a unique dungeon portal— a portal that hasn’t been used in nearly a hundred years.
In the pursuit of Jeff’s ultimate goal, he must choose whether to follow the Church, join a guild or try it all on his own. Predators don’t only come from dungeons, and he must dig through mountains of misinformation for one straight answer.
When spells and skills unleash chaos, a special blue screen powers up, and Jeff’s journey to the peak or the grave begins.
My Opinion: 514 pages, $5.49, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The first 10% of this story is not great as it doesn’t feel anything like LitRPG (that eventually changes) and is a bit confusing and feels rather unnecessary. It sets up an older super powerful female character and a world where humanity has been broken as a tower filled with monsters appeared and only those that fought and cultivated there grew powerful enough to get floating towers of their own. The rest of humanity tries to scrape by scavenging and working in the rubble of a crushed world. There’s some other stuff setup, but it doesn’t get any kind of pay off for most of the book and honestly would have been better to be sprinkled as a flashback from this character instead of front-loaded in one massive info dump.
It’s really not till the 11% mark that the story becomes LitRPG as a different main character (MC), a teen with pointy ears, who falls into a training room hidden in a separate and safe subspace that gives him quests and rewards that help him become stronger. There are a good amount of notifications from then on that it feels more game-like, with an RPG interface, quests, and stats increases. The training (physical and cultivation) and room upgrades are interesting enough to keep you reading.
With the exception of a few cut away scenes with the character from the 1st 10%, the story sticks with this teen character as he finds his first city and learns about just how cruel the world can be as he tries to clear a dungeon for the first time. The story emphasizes the dark cruelty of a post apocalyptic world, there’s dungeon diving, some RPG progression through the training room, some cultivation, and some decent fighting.
Overall, the story is rather good, even if the beginning was a little off putting for me. I really got into the story after the 11% mark, and I’d happily read a second book if it was available.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Starred Tower: System Misinterpret Book One - A Post Apocalyptic Cultivation LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3vvSPCG
Cooldown (Unfrozen Book #1): LitRPG Series
If you’re going to stick your hand into somebody else’s refrigerator, you better be ready to deal with the consequences. Especially when, instead of perishable foodstuffs, the icebox in question contains people who are “provisionally alive.”
They haven’t died yet — death has not yet made up its mind about them. And even though most of them will never open their eyes again, a lucky few do stand the ghost of a chance of returning to this world. What a pity then that among these fortunate souls, there is one man who thought his earthly affairs concluded for all eternity.
His case file bristles with cautionary attributes such as “serial killer,” “extremist” and “mentally unstable.” And yet could this be the best candidate for an assignment that has already claimed the lives of several veteran operators? Who knows…
My Opinion: 535 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is a Russian translation story whose setup puts a vigilante investigator into cryostasis instead of being killed by corrupt officials. He wakes up 24 years later and is tasked with going into a full immersion space VRMMO to solve the locked room mystery murder of a prominent clan member of the game. However, in practice this is really just a setup for the series and this is mostly a slice of life story where the MC adventures, tries to gain as many achievements to catch the attention of the clans as he can, and pops out of game to update his employer and plan what goals he has in game. There’s a little intrigue but generally it's an interesting and action-ish adventure with a survival sabotage game mode in the last 25%.
The entire setup takes a bit, but the MC is creating his character and going over stats,class descriptions, weapon descriptions, and sci-fi mechanics by the 9% mark. He chooses a class that’s considered terrible but the MC makes it work somehow. There’s lots of detail about all the mechanics which I appreciated, but it also made the later fights more meaningful since a lucky shot didn’t override the setup game rules and the MC died in game from poor decisions or just overmatched enemies. Money also plays a big role and becomes another motivating factor for the MC to power up.
There’s a certain irreverent sense of humor that some readers will enjoy and plenty of Russian background notes that gave the story a unique flavor.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Cooldown (Unfrozen Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3tIsr7p
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 264 - Shadow Sun Unification, Lotus Lake, Unbound, Dungeon Walkers 1, Face Genius
April. 30th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 264 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-264
New Releases and Reviews:
Shadow Sun Unification: Shadow Sun Book Five (11:22)
The author has no qualms about killing off characters
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/330f33M
Lotus Lake: Rise of the Mystic Mage (16:05)
Casual regressor story, mostly in VR game
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/32N3DQJ
Unbound: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Arcana Unlocked Book 1) (25:04)
Felt more like a messy DnD game with DM fudging rolls
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2QLGKdx
Dungeon Walkers 1 (37:17)
Mostly dungeon dive, with romantic relationship building last 25%
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/32IIx65
Face Genius (44:42)
Slice of life, High school RPG powers
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://manganelo.com/manga/pc923856
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Dakota Krout got an exclusive interview with Business Insider and he guest appeared on the Author & Dragon’s podcast to talk about his success as a LitRPG author and publisher.
https://youtu.be/n0ucIz-PL4c
https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-self-publish-dakota-krout-millions-how-to-write-books-2021-4
Out Now!
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #6): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3giqxrk
*Formerly World of Valdira, New book in series)
Primal Sorcerer: Singularity Online 4
https://amzn.to/3geVc8D
The Devil Archetype (Rogue Merchant Book #5): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2Nd3faa
Killing Them Awfully: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 11)
https://amzn.to/3ay1YTW
Heart of the Forest: Ceres Horizon Book Two - A Gamelit/LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3uVAf6T
Age of Stone: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Rise of Mankind Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3mea1Jx
The Guild Core 3: War Torn (A Dungeon Adventure)
Towers of Heaven: A LitRPG Adventure (Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2OWEy2z
Derelict, Book 3, Sarton Station (A Litrpg Dungeon Core Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3aSTW7N
Forge of Eternity: Alpha Testing
https://amzn.to/3ucqLEc
Dead-Rock Highlands: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3eI2Iql
The Game of Gods 3.5: A Tower Novella - A LitRPG / Gamelit Dystopian Fantasy Novel
https://amzn.to/2ShdwEm
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 3
https://amzn.to/3aUN1uN
ChronoTemplar: A Crunchy LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2RfPbOw 1
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Flowers of Esthelm - The Wandering Inn Book 3
https://amzn.to/3nCEC4m
Blast Off - A Fun Science Fiction LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3nBVvfn
City of Fallen Souls - UnderVerse Series Book 3
https://amzn.to/2S97DJ8
The Fallen God - A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3nAlS5o
Concordat Online
https://amzn.to/3e4Ac2W
The Source - A LitRPG GameLit Fantasy Adventure (Enora Fireborne, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3eZvjrt
Real-Time Starcommander, Book 2
Ground Assault: A Strategy Gamelit Novel
https://amzn.to/3aScftP
Restoration - The Rise of Resurgence, Book II
https://amzn.to/3gT7eoO
Tower Climber 2 - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3u96dwx
Carl's Doomsday Scenario - Dungeon Crawler Carl, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3gW1pXs
Glendaria Awakens Trilogy - A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure: Dungeon Player, Dungeon Crisis, Dungeon Guild
https://amzn.to/3eLUygy
Asgard's Fall - Digital Rebirth Chronicles, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3eIrM0k
In Service of the Pharaoh - League of Losers Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3gRLSYB
Dungeon Duel - A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon, Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3temkI0
Upcoming LitRPG:
Awaken Online: Hellion (May 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sTKlUW
The Guardian of the Dead (An NPC's Path Book #4): LitRPG Series (May 3rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36GKl1W
Crafting Death: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 2) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bniHtA
Manufacturing Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 1) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3azHc54
Planet Hero: Sidekick (May 4th, 20201)
https://amzn.to/3xwefS6
Another Online: Clockwork (May 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3xBu1eD
Starred Tower: System Misinterpret Book One - A Post Apocalyptic Cultivation LitRPG (May 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2QunAZF
The Guns of Keldora: A Crafting Automation LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 4) (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37rRm6O
The Rebel (Project Stellar Book 4): LitRPG Series (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YSpJ25
Aether Frontier - A LitRPG Adventure (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3vBAiF5
Iaxiabor's Revenge: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 6) (May 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39PxBbd
Terra Nova: A LitRPG Series (Magnus Book 1) (May 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mU13S2
Revenant: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse Book 2) (May 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aeHyOX
Showdown (Underdog Book #6): LitRPG Series (May 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZ3qGw
Tartila Mine (The Alchemist Book #5): LitRPG Series (May 13th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2PRaS76
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 3 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series) (May 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sUT2hw
Lords of the Ruins (The Range Book #2): LitRPG Series (May 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YZmTsx
He Who Fights with Monsters 2: A LitRPG Adventure (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MR4hZ3
The Demonic Games (Disgardium Book #7): LitRPG Series (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2O9AWcL
Shackled: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Arcana Unlocked Book 2) (May 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mV78Oi
The Price of Power: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (May 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Qrk1Uh
Hexworld: Roll: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (May 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3moQBC9
King: An Epic LitRPG Progression Fantasy Novel (Apocosmos Book 3) (May 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RCXB2J
A Daring Plan and A Cold Shoulder: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (May 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3srK22K
The Dungeon Leader: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 3) (May 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZlOym
Trial: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (VR Hero Book 2) (June 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3eJqgez
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 3) (June 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3t6hTyz
Beastborne: Mist Wardens: An Epic Portal Fantasy LitRPG Saga (Beastborne Chronicles, Book 3) (June 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2PE9btP
The Dreamweaver (Rogue Merchant Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 4th, 2021) https://amzn.to/2QDmHi4
Second Shot (Fantasia Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3fHAttM
Defiance of the Fall: A LitRPG Adventure (June 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uVwQEZ
Terramyr Online: An Undiscovered Country: A LitRPG Adventure (June 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3goWgqu
City of Skye (Primacy Online Book 6) (June 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3c3HRfT
Tower of Ruin: Volume II: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG (Pandemonium - Afterlife - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series Book 2) (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3eZ6YmT
Wild Wild Quest: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 12) (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uakqJE
Engage (EvoBorne - A LitRPG Saga Book 4) (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dpCpWn
The Gate of the Feral Gods: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 4 (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uaNAbo
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #7): LitRPG Series
(July 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2PC5EMA
Pride (Dinosaur Dungeon Book 2) (July 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aUpXw7
Awakening: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 1) (July 13th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32pxBKt
Hexworld 2: Play: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ed0wGS
They Called Me Madder: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ggOK0V
Frostworld: Ice & Blood: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dnBlT2
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VI (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3akJWUG
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Shadow Sun Unification: Shadow Sun Book Five
Allistor just wants to restore the human race. He’s doing his best with the resources he’s gathered to locate other survivors around the world and unite them. His intentions are good, and he pushes hard. The drake eggs are hatching, and his people have dreams of both a murder chicken cavalry and a drake-mounted air force. A small army of class trainers are helping to make his citizens stronger than ever, better able to survive the hazards of their new reality.
But fate, and the aliens who keep throwing stronger and more deadly challenges at him, are working against Allistor. The threat of vengeance from the Fomorian Matron, the machinations of Loki and Hel, and the jealousy of a fellow human with a lesser noble title, all add to the pressure.
When seeming good fortune turns to tragic loss, Allistor must push through and remain strong in order to face the very beings responsible for the apocalypse on earth. The murderers of humanity.
And in this confrontation, even victory has dire consequences.
My Opinion: 347 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
Another highly entertaining entry in the Shadow Sun series. The scope of the story is only getting bigger as more territory comes under the control of the MC and his faction. But becoming more powerful means that bigger enemies show up to and the author has no qualms about killing off beloved characters. The story has several good antagonists and a setup of a mysterious new one for future stories. But I liked how some major figures finally got taken down and only wonder where the series goes from here.
Action, adventure, and territory expansion are the big highlights of the series and this isn’t any different. Good stuff.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Shadow Sun Unification: Shadow Sun Book Five
https://amzn.to/330f33M
Lotus Lake: Rise of the Mystic Mage
Reborn five years in the past. A second chance to do everything over. What would you do?
For Ashlyn, being reborn five years in the past is both a boon and a bane. She’s reborn in the wreckage of tragedy, forced to deal with a life that she messed up before. Now, all she has to show for her life is five years of accumulated knowledge in the greatest virtual reality game ever released - Elysium - and the pain of friendships lost.
This time, Ashlyn is going to make a difference. This time, she’s going to fix the mistakes she made and save the relationships she lost. And to do that, she’s going to use all the knowledge she gained from the future to blaze her way to the top with a new class: the Mystic Mage.
My Opinion: 393 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a slice of life story where the main character (MC) goes back in time, five years, to relive her life just as the VR game she’d dedicated herself to learning the secrets of the game once it opened to the public. She uses her vast knowledge of the game to avoid the character creation traps the devs had laid for starting players, and gets a head start on creating a powerful character using secret quest lines, an understanding of the RPG rules, and exploits.
That’s the story really. No super serious plot to save the world, get rich, or save people using that foreknowledge. It's a casual and very detailed look into the VR game with some PvP and small group battles, but mostly just bunny killing (like 60% of the story) to get special rewards. You can tell there’s some setup for future relationships and bigger quests, but it’s mostly casual adventuring and XP grinding.
On the game mechanics side of things, everything is pretty detailed with lots of numbers and RPG mechanics in every chapter. That the MC knows the game inside and out is used well as she gets to explain the VR game to newbies and points out the good and bad character builds as well as how she plans to exploit what she knows about the game. It's good stuff that anyone that likes crunchy LitRPG will enjoy.
The big draw of the story, the regressor aspect, gives the MC a confidence that she didn’t have her first time around and it was interesting to see her compare her 1st time around with who she was after being sent back in time. I’d hoped for more IRL use of her future knowledge like investing in stocks, saving people from calamities, or making up for regrets. However, since 90% of the story takes place in the game and the MC didn’t go back in time far enough to save her parents from a terrible car accident, she instead focuses instead on becoming mildly powerful in game as the story tracks her first day there.
Overall, the story is well written and the adventures are entertaining. If you just need a serious plot, this might not be the story for you. But I don’t mind reading a slice of life story and the regressor aspect was interesting enough that I wanted to see what the MC would do next to take advantage of her foreknowledge.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Lotus Lake: Rise of the Mystic Mage
https://amzn.to/32N3DQJ
Unbound: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Arcana Unlocked Book 1)
A game too good to be true. A golden opportunity. A nightmare he can’t escape.
If Arthur Mallory plays one more steaming pile of garbage disguised as a virtual role-playing game, he might hang up his gaming hat for good. When he discovers the new “deep dive” game Worlds Unbound, he decides it might be worth a try. If it sucks, he'll just return it the next day and cancel the financing.
The game is everything he could have wanted, even without elves or dwarves or character creation. The magic system has him hooked.
He’s willing to overlook the mangled sleep schedule and crippling nightmares if it means feeling that power running through his veins. But when an accident leaves his headset broken, he realizes he might be cut off from the magic – and the game – for good.
He’s not going to let that happen.
My Opinion: 511 pages, $4.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
*Felt more like a messy DnD game with DM fudging rolls
There is a consistency to the RPG elements of the story that some LitRPG readers will appreciate. But the messy story and magic structure, along with the many times that rolls felt fudged, left me not enjoying the novel on the whole.
Storywise, this is supposed to be a VR story where the first full immersion game comes out and the main character (MC) just happens to get the last copy from his local store. It costs $75K but only if he keeps it past the trial period. The MC plays the game and goes on a series of adventures, not as himself or a character he creates, but as an existing character in the VR world. This means the MC has this person’s full memories downloaded into his mind and all the lore and world backstory that goes along with it. Along the way, the MC suffers from several glitches but cruises through several magic systems as he adventures and levels.
On its own, this isn’t a terrible story. But several aspects ruined what could have been good explorations of either RPG stuff or the story world.
One of the most glaring of which was the VR aspect, which added nothing to the story. Worse, it detracted from what could have been a better Fantasy RPG story. The VR system, which on its face didn’t make sense, was really just a way to justify why there were stats, classes, and notifications and add an weird side element of the MC being controlled IRL and being hurt by the game because of the memory downloads. It’s not actually a terrible side story, but nothing was done with it. Less than 10% of the story has the MC in the real world and there were no real consequences to any of that. On the whole, because the MC took the role of a resident of the fantasy world, I think it would have meshed better if the story didn’t have the VR aspect at all. It would have let the MC learn about the world in a more natural way, through investigations or conversations, instead of many of the game mechanics and world lore automatically being known by the MC without any work whatsoever.
Another aspect of the story that ruined what could have been a good story was the messy exploration of magic and fudged rolls made in the story. I was initially quite pleased with the original choices that the MC made for his class skills. Min/maxing, plus an unusual magic system made me think the story was going to develop a thinking man’s magic character. Instead, as the story progressed it became obvious that the MC kind of had a two year old’s attention span for sticking to one kind of magic as he goes from system to system in what seems like every 10-15% of the story. The story itself, while cool in places, was very slice of life and followed a similar pattern of leaping from questline to questline without much follow through, which made the story feel rather messy. This coupled with the many instances where a failed roll for information, a spell effect, or something similar was miraculously counted as success because of ‘other circumstances’ or ‘tier differences’, really dropped my enjoyment of the story as the game elements felt less important.
A small gripe which probably won’t impact most readers, a majority of the game information (quests, item descriptions, spell descriptions, notifications, etc.) were differentiated from normal story text with underlines. Multiple paragraphs in a row of underlined text. It was a formatting choice that really bothered my eyes for some reason and I would have preferred Italics, text boxes, brackets, or even just a different font to convey game stuff.
On the game mechanics side of things, the story went out of its way to be consistent and show lots of numbers on a fairly regular basis. So, plus there. All the standard LitRPG was there: classes, stats, item descriptions, quest notifications, etc. Added elements included showing rolls for knowledge checks, spell successes, and magical theory checks. However, as mentioned before, many of these rolls felt fudged since failures often turned into successes to keep the story going. I will note that some of the magic explorations that the MC went through, without getting spoilery, were neat on their own. But having so many transitions, all in one book, meant that none of them really got much depth or a chance for a full bodied exploration.
Overall, while some of the story arcs in the novel were genuinely entertaining, there were too many elements that made the story less enjoyable for me. It really felt like the novel was based on a custom table top game where the DM was trying to keep the players coming back after each session by switching storylines, opening up unique magic systems, and fudging rolls so that there were few failures. Which didn’t work for me as a reader.
Score: 6 out of 10
Unbound: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Arcana Unlocked Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2QLGKdx
Dungeon Walkers 1
Dungeon Walkers brave the depths of the dungeons for personal gain— clearing a dungeon means dungeon points to purchase gear with, but more importantly, perks. Perks are the main reason Walkers put their lives on the line. Every time a dungeon is cleared the first time, a Walker gets a choice of three perks that could change their lives.
Not every Walker makes it out alive. When someone dies in the dungeon, their soul is fragmented into four shards, which can be purchased for dungeon points. Collecting all four shards and taking them to a temple of the Goddess means the dead can live again. There is a sub-sect of Walkers that makes it their goal to bring the dead back from the dungeons— they’re called the Rescue Squad.
Stern is intent on joining the ranks of Rescue Squad. Finally done with his six months at the academy, he is about to make his first run through a dungeon. It will not be easy— he doesn’t have a crew, or a team, to run it with. Stern is an irregular— someone born with unusual perks— and unfortunately, looking like the blighted. Being seen as blighted has made Stern’s life hell, but he keeps pushing on, intent on making his goal real.
Despite his hardships, he’s been blessed with the unusual perk of his life-long friend, Pawly. Pawly is a polydactyl Maine Coon, who is protective of her friend and eager to help him reach his goal. With his friend beside him, Stern is ready to start his adventure.
(This book contains non-standard relationships and touches upon adult situations.)
My Opinion: 481 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
**Mostly dungeon dive, with romantic relationship building last 25%
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is one of the easiest LitRPG stories to read. The dialogue and world building are done so well it’s effortless to get lost in the dungeon dive story and the pages just fly by. Within 5% of the story I like the main character (MC), I’m aware of his perceived weakness, and there’s enough world building done through conversation that I understand why the MC is going into a dungeon. It’s just smooth writing that draws you in and gets on with the adventure.
Most of the story is a slice of life dungeon diving with some occasional backstory on the MC and his companion, and some world building. The dialogue and action is good and there’s enough conflict between other characters to make the non-dungeon sections interesting.
The last 25% of the story is almost entirely relationship building, leading predictably to a polyamorous relationship. It’s not poorly written and other readers who love romantic relationships will probably like this last 25% a bit more than me. I would have liked to have seen that built up relationship developed over the course of the entire novel and not kinda squished all together at the end with very little adventuring breaking it up. I will also note that though the story does infer sexual relationship, there are no graphic sex scenes in the story. Which may be a negative for some readers and a plus for others.
On the game mechanic side of things, it’s mostly an upgrade system rather than a detailed class or skill system. Three upgrade options come after completing a dungeon for the 1st time and depending on how well the dungeon was completed the dungeon also gives out dungeon points that can be traded for special goods, weapons, armor and other gear like runes. It's not a complex system and since each dungeon diver gets specific upgrade options for them, there’s a lot of possible builds for each character.
Overall, the story is entertaining, though for me it does get a little predictable towards the end. Readers that like a casual slice of life adventure story will enjoy the story, with fans of the author’s other works likely to really enjoy the end of this novel.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Dungeon Walkers 1
https://amzn.to/32IIx65
Face Genius
The protagonist gets hit by lightning while playing a game beta and gains a special ability to transform into his handsome character from the game in real life. Follows his adventures living as both himself and the game's alter ego!
My Opinion: Ch 30+, FREE, No English License
This is a slice of life high school LitRPG manga where the main character (MC) is a teen in high school who gets an RPG interface. He has the class powers of the game character he was playing IRL, a healer, and looks just like his handsome character from the game while his powers are activated. The story follows him as he tries to help his hospitalized mom, adjusts to his new appearance and the corresponding changes to how the world treats him, and uses his powers to complete quests and generally help people when he can. It’s a very casual slice of life story where the MC being good looking is almost as big a super power as his ability to heal or do RPG quests for XP.
The only downside to the story is that the translations only get updated every couple of weeks.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Face Genius
https://manganelo.com/manga/pc923856
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 263 - Apocalypse: Fairy System, Goblin Summoner, Nullform, SSS-Class Suicide Hunter
April. 16th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 263 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-263
New Releases and Reviews:
Apocalypse: Fairy System (Systems of the Apocalypse Book 2) (10:15)
Great humor, Great action, slightly less RPG
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3e2e8Vw
Goblin Summoner: A Deckbuilding LitRPG (16:40)
Nice try but got bored rather quickly
Score: 5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2RmKen8
Nullform (Book #1): RealRPG Series (27:02)
Not LitRPG, Not GameLit, but dark and dystopian
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2PPltzH
SSS-Class Suicide Hunter (33:27)
Tower climbing, Regressor, Power Copy, Awesomeness
Score: 8 out of 10
https://tapas.io/series/sss-class-revival-hunter/info
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
(None)
Out Now!
Volper (Alpha Rome Book 1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3atfGpC
City of the Undead (In the System Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3aiMFgr
Hive Mind: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3mbVIVS
Nothing but bones 2: The chaos rifts
https://amzn.to/3x1I8JI
Alpha Physics! Book 1: Wagga: A LITrpg Apocalypse, changed earth progression fantasy
https://amzn.to/3gurWv1
A Demon's Pride: An Action-packed Isekai LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (Salvos, Volume 2)
https://amzn.to/3aisgca
The Path of the Strongest Mortal: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 5)
https://amzn.to/37uRQsW
Forge of Eternity: Alpha Testing
https://amzn.to/3mVaLE3
Tales of a Northblood: Winter's War: A LitRPG Saga
https://amzn.to/3x1HUT1
The Last Physicist: A Gamelit/Portal Fantasy Adventure (The Archon Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3al1csG
Heart of the Void: Sosaku Online - Book 2
https://amzn.to/3mV9Sey
Tough Guy: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (My Chemical Hero Book 1)
https://amzn.to/32o9Hz4
Into the Black: Book XXVIII - Shadows Fall
https://amzn.to/3mTY2RS
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Fifth Realm - A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms, Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3wXskYJ
Library of Daemonium - A LitRPG/GameLit Portal Fantasy Series (The Abduction Cycles Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3e88CAJ
Irrelevant Jack 4
https://amzn.to/3dlPFeF
The Dungeon Fairy: Three Lives
A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3gus2Tp
Limitless Seas, Book 1 - Privateer (A LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/32mMvBi
Tree Savior - Divine Seed Series, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3ee5CD7
Drawing the Line - Underhill Chronicles Book 2
https://amzn.to/3dnv3mb
Headshot Online - The Complete Series: (A LitRPG Box Set: Books 1-3)
https://amzn.to/3eb9W60
Unexpected Dev-elopments - Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut, Book 7
https://amzn.to/3dnvq03
Upcoming LitRPG:
Lotus Lake: Rise of the Mystic Mage Book 1 (April 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3x1Cg3h
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #6): LitRPG Series (April 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3giqxrk
*Formerly World of Valdira, New book in series)
Primal Sorcerer: Singularity Online 4 (April 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3geVc8D
The Devil Archetype (Rogue Merchant Book #5): LitRPG Series (April 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Nd3faa
Killing Them Awfully: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 11) (April 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ay1YTW
Heart of the Forest: Ceres Horizon Book Two - A Gamelit/LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (April 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uVAf6T
Age of Stone: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Rise of Mankind Book 1) (April 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mea1Jx
The Guild Core 3: War Torn (A Dungeon Adventure) (April 30th , 2021)
Towers of Heaven: A LitRPG Adventure (Book 3) (April 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2OWEy2z
Awaken Online: Hellion (May 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sTKlUW
The Guardian of the Dead (An NPC's Path Book #4): LitRPG Series (May 3rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36GKl1W
Crafting Death: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 2) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bniHtA
Manufacturing Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 1) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3azHc54
Starred Tower: System Misinterpret Book One - A Post Apocalyptic Cultivation LitRPG (May 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2QunAZF
The Guns of Keldora: A Crafting Automation LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 4) (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37rRm6O
The Rebel (Project Stellar Book 4): LitRPG Series (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YSpJ25
Iaxiabor's Revenge: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 6) (May 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39PxBbd
Terra Nova: A LitRPG Series (Magnus Book 1) (May 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mU13S2
Revenant: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse Book 2) (May 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aeHyOX
Showdown (Underdog Book #6): LitRPG Series (May 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZ3qGw
Tartila Mine (The Alchemist Book #5): LitRPG Series (May 13th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2PRaS76
Lords of the Ruins (The Range Book #2): LitRPG Series (May 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YZmTsx
He Who Fights with Monsters 2: A LitRPG Adventure (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MR4hZ3
The Demonic Games (Disgardium Book #7): LitRPG Series (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2O9AWcL
Shackled: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Arcana Unlocked Book 2) (May 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mV78Oi
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 3 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series) (May 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sUT2hw
The Price of Power: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (May 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Qrk1Uh
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #6): LitRPG Series (May 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/38fGiKG
Hexworld: Roll: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (May 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3moQBC9
King: An Epic LitRPG Progression Fantasy Novel (Apocosmos Book 3) (May 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2RCXB2J
A Daring Plan and A Cold Shoulder: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (May 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3srK22K
The Dungeon Leader: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 3) (May 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZlOym
Second Shot (Fantasia Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3fHAttM
Defiance of the Fall: A LitRPG Adventure (June 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3uVwQEZ
Terramyr Online: An Undiscovered Country: A LitRPG Adventure (June 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3goWgqu
City of Skye (Primacy Online Book 6) (June 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3c3HRfT
Tower of Ruin: Volume II: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG (Pandemonium - Afterlife - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series Book 2) (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3eZ6YmT
Engage (EvoBorne - A LitRPG Saga Book 4) (July 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dpCpWn
Awakening: A LitRPG/GameLit Series (World of Magic Book 1) (July 13th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32pxBKt
Hexworld 2: Play: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ed0wGS
They Called Me Madder: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series (July 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ggOK0V
Frostworld: Ice & Blood: A GameLit/LitRPG Adventure (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3dnBlT2
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book VI (July 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3akJWUG
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Apocalypse: Fairy System (Systems of the Apocalypse Book 2)
After Jebediah Trapper completed the Impossible Tutorial (by cheating), The vet's been in something of a slump, his PTSD gradually guiding him down the path of self harm. Crippled, stripped of his power and homeless, he's got no reason to keep breathing.
Until a little girl is in trouble.
My Opinion: 418 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is the follow up to the hit story Apocalypse: Generic System and while some of the RPG game mechanics have been reduced, the story still delivers an entertaining punch from start to finish. The 2nd book in the series leaves the self contained pocket universe that humans went through for the system apocalypse trials and puts the main character (MC) fully in the normal universe where earth has been stitched into an alien world. It’s one part RPG fantasy world and part RPG apocalypse story. The MC, having had the powers he’d gained after the system trial has to figure out a new way to gain power so that he can survive in the harsh new world where humans are the minority species and have so little power they’re abused by everyone.
The story remains a slice of life, but book 2 definitely feels more planned out than book 1, as there’s lots of setup early for cool payoffs at the end. More, the pacing of the story is pretty fast with action, adventure, and loads of good world building done in just about every chapter. Personally, I really liked the smaller cast because it let the personality of the MC and his fairy companion really shine with great humorous dialogue and character development.
On the game mechanic side, things are a little muted. In book 1, the MC loses his access to the system but the author very cleverly restores a muted version of it and gives the MC access to a slower paced, but potentially more powerful growth system. It’s all done wonderfully and even turns into a good bit of secret world building lore. It’s enough to satisfy my thirst for RPG development without being a huge fuss for the author to track.
Overall, this story is great. I burned through it in a couple of sittings and am glad that there’s more to read online.
Score: 8 out of 10
Apocalypse: Fairy System (Systems of the Apocalypse Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3e2e8Vw
Goblin Summoner: A Deckbuilding LitRPG
Life and death decided by the draw of a card!
When an accident claims his life, Gareth finds himself reborn on Acamida. Dropped into a world where sorcerers draw magical power from a deck of cards, summoning monsters and flinging spells, Gareth must adapt to having arcane power at his fingertips. It’s just a shame he’s found himself with the weakest cards around—goblins!
Joined by a fallen goddess, a deposed demon king and surly local, Gareth sets out into Acamida. In a realm where experience points and levels are very real, Gareth must grow stronger if he intends to have his second life last longer than his first. With monsters around every corner and dungeons beneath his feet, Acamida is a dangerous place.
As Gareth finds new cards and grows in power, the rumbles of war stir in the west. If he’s going to survive Gareth will need to master his deck and find the strength hidden within his goblin allies.
My Opinion: 662 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a transported to a Fantasy RPG world story with card game mechanics used as the RPG progression and battle system. While I really appreciated the work that went into using a new kind of game system and thought the rules and system were implemented well, there were story issues that made this a less than entertaining read. To be frank, I got bored.
First the positives. The card game mechanics are well thought out and you could tell they were based on popular card games like: Hearthstone and Magic the Gathering. Each deck holder had a specific theme for the monsters and spells they could summon, clear costs and effects for those cards, and the ability to upgrade the decks and the deck holders feats and mana. There were such clearly thought out rules, that the author even had a formalized ruleset at the back of the book. While there wasn’t anything groundbreaking with the system, it was consistent and anyone that likes card games will recognize and appreciate the effort it took to create something custom like it.
Action, when not using the card game system, wasn’t half bad and the larger late story battles felt appropriately complex considering their scale.
The negatives. The story was frankly predictable. Nothing ever happened that I couldn’t see coming chapters away. I kept hoping there would be some great twist or an unexpected character death or some surprise, but nope.
Part of this has to do with an inherent conflict between the card game system and the kind of story told. For me, playing a good card game is part building a good deck with tricks and strategies. The other part is the luck of the draw that keeps an element of randomness and forces me as a player to make intelligent decisions to play the best I can with the hand I’m given. That random element is a fundamental part of the tension of the game. But in the story, that tension doesn’t really exist. Most of the card battles lacked any real tension because the main character (MC) couldn’t lose. I mean, there was no story mechanic for him to lose without being killed in battle, so he couldn’t lose and thus there was plenty of plot armor where he or another character was saved because they miraculously drew just the right card at the right time to win. Often these cards were never seen before or had such a low chance of being drawn, it rightly felt like a story cheat that they came up. This also made the action, when the card game was used, feel predetermined.
Now, these aspects could have been made up for if the characters in the story had been more interesting or if they were better world building or dialogue. But again, this fell flat for most of the story. The main characters felt a bit flat without complex motivations and for much of the story felt a bit like caricatures. Though there was a concerted effort to make the dialogue funny and bantering between characters, it often ended up feeling forced and artificial because the main characters in the story had almost no time to break down what should have been near insurmountable cultural differences. The three main characters: a man from our world reborn, a thousands year old goddess who sorted though souls, and a native lizard girl each had very very different life experiences, cultures, and languages. Yet, within moments of meeting each other, or at least not being enemies, they are joking and bantering like they all grew up together and have the same cultural references for each corny joke or pun. I get what the author was trying to do, create a fun group that would banter between fights and adventures, but it felt forced to me considering the character’s disparate backgrounds.
Overall, while I appreciate the effort to try a new game mechanic, it wasn’t enough to make the story entertaining. I didn’t dislike the story, but found it to be predictable and forced in several aspects and thus lost interest and got bored with it.
Score: 5 out of 10
Goblin Summoner: A Deckbuilding LitRPG
https://amzn.to/2RmKen8
Nullform (Book #1): RealRPG Series
In this world, everyone starts with no memory and no recollection of their past life. In this world, you have nothing — even your limbs are rented, and you'll have to pay up every day. In this world, you must complete tasks assigned to you by the System or be fined and stripped of everything, including your arms and legs. In this world, you're under unrelenting supervision. But in dark corners hidden from the System's watchful eye, violence, brutality, and lawlessness abound.
In this world, you're assigned a number. You're a volitional Nullform. Now it's up to you to adapt to this reality and try to survive without ending up crippled. Just don't mess up, or you'll be wishing you were dead as you dig yourself deeper into an endless pit of debt. This world will not take pity on you. You'll have to work tirelessly to earn the right to live another day…
Read the first book in a new series from the author who brought you Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones.
My Opinion: 350 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review, I purchased a copy when it became available.
The promotional material from the publisher highlights this as ‘RealRPG’ and clearly credits the story as being among the first stories that lead to LitRPG even leading to the authors more popular LitRPG series. So, in that respect it makes sense that this is not LitRPG or even GameLit. There are no RPG aspects though so even calling it ‘RealRPG’ seems like a stretch.
The story is most closely related to post apocalyptic or maybe cyberpunk that takes place in a dystopian world where the main character (MC) wakes up with new arms and legs attached to him with no memory of who he is or where he is. The slice of life story follows the MC as he learns the rules of this world where every aspect of survival is provided, but at a cost, and if you can’t pay or go too far into debt the arms and legs you’re renting are taken back by force. It’s a pretty dark story that classifies workers into categories of usefulness which have slang terms like zombie, goblin, orc, halfing, but are only name and have no physiological connection to the fantasy races. The MC has to figure out a way to keep out of debt and that’s what the story is. Him experiencing this dark world, the AI driven system that runs things and assigns jobs, and the people that exist in it with the logical extrapolations would result from such a system.
The tag ‘RealRPG’ has been used by the publisher to describe LitRPG stories set in the real world, whether RPG apocalypse or just in a modern real world setting (ie: Level Up series).
Unfortunately, besides a very minor opportunity to play old games like chess or tic tac toe for extra money, there are no game aspects at all and certainly no RPG aspects. There are notifications, and a system that assigns jobs and tracks debts for things like food, medicine, and water. But nothing resembling an RPG progression system where the MC gets stronger by spending system points, or even tracks his stats, or a level up system.
While I can see how influences from the story may have inspired other authors to write LitRPG or add RPG systems, this is not LitRPG or GameLit story. That doesn’t make it a bad story. The dark dystopian setting and the allegory of an all encompassing system that’s supposed to provide necessities but ends up classifying workers and is full of holes people can take advantage of, is not badly written. It certainly is depressing and dark and it will appeal to readers that enjoy that. But, the story didn’t work for me since I was expecting some kind of LitRPG story or even a GameLit story.
Score: 6 out of 10
Nullform (Book #1): RealRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2PPltzH
SSS-Class Suicide Hunter
In the mysterious, RPG dungeon-like Tower, Confucius Kim lives a mundane existence, envying all the star hunters. One day, his wish for more is granted with a legendary skill to copy others’ abilities… at the cost of his life. Before he can make sense of it, he’s killed by the #1 hunter, the Flame Emperor! But this activates his skill and now he’s copied a new one, the ability to travel back in time upon death. How will Confucius use these skills to outplay the competition and rise to the top?
My Opinion: Ch 23 (officially) 33 (fan translations), Ch 1-3 free, English License - Tapas
This is a modern world LitRPG story where people with powers and levels beat up monsters in a tower climb to try and help humanity fight off the apocalypse and gain power for themselves. The main character (MC) has the power to copy others skills/abilities, including one that lets him go back in time after he dies. This adds a regressor aspect to the story where the MC uses future knowledge to change the time stream and even better as a tactical way to beat the enemies and monsters he faces. There’s lots of action and a bit of intrigue as the MC maneuvers his way through complex situations and power struggles. It’s one of my favorite weekly reads.
Score: 8 out of 10
SSS-Class Suicide Hunter
https://tapas.io/series/sss-class-revival-hunter/info
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
LitRPG Podcast 262 - Completionist Chronicles 6, Reality Benders Book 7, Ravenous, Dungeoneer, Concordat Online, A Returner Magic Should Be Special
April. 2nd, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 262 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-262
New Releases and Reviews:
Inflame (The Completionist Chronicles Book 6) (10:33)
New zone, new quests to complete
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3dtVvJM
Cause for War (Reality Benders Book #7): LitRPG Series (14:05)
Lots of setup
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3vWOzgA
Ravenous: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse Book 1) (17:25)
Zombie apocalypse from the zombie POV
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3lXA2N4
Dungeoneer (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (24:26)
Casual magical academy story with a bit of action
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3sNUKls
Concordat Online (28:59)
Slice of life fantasy MMO with battle pets
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3rJXi2C
A Returner Magic Should Be Special (36:56)
Magical Academy Regressor Webcomic
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://www.tappytoon.com/en/comics/returners-magic-should-be-special
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Big congratulations to Dakota Krout on his latest release in the Completionist Chronicles series, Inflame. It shot right up to the top of the Amazon charts. Out of the millions of books available, the novel hit #5 out of all of them. The audiobook, which is available as well also hit #6 on the top selling charts. Congrats buddy!
Out Now!
The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3bltQeL
The Call of the Coven: A LitRPG novel (Shadow Kingdoms Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3sOt4w4
A Lost God and A Hostile Land: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Bone Knight Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2Opz7bG
Sovereign's Choice (The Gods' Game, Volume V): A LitRPG novel
https://amzn.to/3s5Ag7D
Serpentlord (Rise To Omniscience Book 9)
https://amzn.to/3v7zzMP
Visceral: A GameLit Fantasy Adventure (Nullifier Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2YwXW7e
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 3
https://amzn.to/36rZbcm
Ash. The Legends of the Nameless World. Progression Gamelit Story
https://amzn.to/36n3SnR
The Arbiter: Midgard
https://amzn.to/2PkYRqI
Evolution - A Fantasy LitRPG (Beast Realms Book 2)
https://amzn.to/31JhAhS
The Power of Word (Avila Online)
https://amzn.to/39At77O
Goblin Summoner: A Deckbuilding LitRPG
https://amzn.to/2OkVQ9i
Land of War. Dragon Heart series: Book 10
https://amzn.to/3sJV0BD
Winterborn 3: Shadow Blade
https://amzn.to/3fHDxpM
They Called Me Mad: A LitRPG Apocalypse Series
https://amzn.to/39AtOxW
Apocalypse: Fairy System (Systems of the Apocalypse Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3fykqP9
The Idle System (A LitRPG series Book 7): Family
https://amzn.to/3wn6jC4
NecroNancy: UnTed Book 2 (Tower Lords)
https://amzn.to/31DIBnd
World Keeper: Era of the Gods
https://amzn.to/3sLcePk
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Inflame - The Completionist Chronicles Book 6
https://amzn.to/3sWzF88
Corruption - Unbound Deathlord Book 3
https://amzn.to/3md2F98
The First Peak of the Force - The Heavenly Throne Book 3
https://amzn.to/3cGfEgu
Dungeon Worlds - Reborn Online Series Book 1
https://amzn.to/3memJIq
This Class Is Bonkers! A Comedy LitRPG Adventure (This Trilogy Is Broken, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/39SsVRB
Small Unit Tactics Book 1
https://amzn.to/3fDM5Oy
Warsinger - A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/39DBpvI
Viridian Gate Online - Path of the Blood Phoenix (The Firebrand Series, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3dsyWoT
Ravenous: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG
Necrotic Apocalypse, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2PTB8gQ
The Dungeon Destroyer - The Dungeon Slayer Book 2
https://amzn.to/3ugre85
The Broken Battlemage - The Doomsday System Book 1
https://amzn.to/3rK21Bo
The Keepers of Limbo - Range Series Book 1
https://amzn.to/3wiXkSz
Windwalker - Ciphercraft Book 2
https://amzn.to/3winAwd
Metamorphosis - Greyblood, Book 2 (A LitRPG Series)
https://amzn.to/3mdEnff
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rbgdut7cghvVBy572lG6o
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/LitRPG-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJPS6S5
LitRPG Podcast 261 - He Who Fights with Monsters, Real-Time Starcommander 2, The Good Guys Book 10, Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2, Worn and Torn Newbie
Feb. 20th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 261 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-261
New Releases and Reviews:
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure (08:26)
Slow start, but great story
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3r3jbte
Real-Time Starcommander 2: Ground Assault: A Strategy Gamelit Novel (15:07)
Now with land battles
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3s4KvbY
Eat, Slay, Love: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 10) (20:25)
Slice of life with Meh ending
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2OJgMHg
Carl's Doomsday Scenario: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2 (24:22)
Maintains the quirky weirdness
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3kMR1kT
Worn and Torn Newbie (28:24)
Regressor story with MMO Player exploiting
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/58325/worn-and-torn-newbie
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
(none)
Out Now!
Dungeon of the Old Gods: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG (Pandemonium - Tales of the Dark Lords - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series)
https://amzn.to/3rm2fiP
Sands of Blood and Bone: A LitRPG Adventure (Defying Divinity Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3saFyhc
Dungeoneer (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/2PE825f
Tower Climber 2 (A LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3ro6hXF
Battle for the North (Rogue Merchant Book #4): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3pXJ2Ta
Exodus of Gnomes (God Core #2) - A Dungeon Core LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3biC4nk
Aetherocalypse: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3c8zsYj
Magus: A Supernatural LitRPG Saga (Apocosmos Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3bn8cq9
The Font of Life: A Mecha LitRPG Adventure (Overdrive Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2JYMptX
Cause for War (Reality Benders Book #7): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2MGeqaq
Monster Hunting 401: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Titan Termination Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2PdTWaj
Condition Evolution 4: A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure
https://amzn.to/2ORw1O7
Asses to Asses (Caverns and Creatures)
https://amzn.to/38V0Jg3
Towers of Acalia: The Reincarnated Core Volume II
https://amzn.to/2QigXtf
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Rise to Glory
https://amzn.to/3lv7HxF
Mark of the Founder: A litRPG Saga (Beastborne Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2NxLLFp
CivCEO 3 - Accidental Champion Book 3
https://amzn.to/3c32VnX
Reborn: Evolution (Warlock Chronicles, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3qXSKFm
The Tribute - Project Stellar Series Book 3
https://amzn.to/38YB46a
Village of Hawkshead - The Abduction Cycles Book 1
https://amzn.to/3s0g4DI
Tower of Ruin: Volume I (Pandemonium - Afterlife - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3lzu30J
Exodus of Gnomes - God of Gnomes Series Book 2
https://amzn.to/3sh5CYR
Seas the Day - Bad Guys Series Book 5
https://amzn.to/3f23OyT
Street Cultivation 3
https://amzn.to/313hSzO
This Quest Is Broken! - This Trilogy Is Broken Book 1
https://amzn.to/3f1jUsy
Dinosaur Warlord 3 - Dinosaur Warlord a 4x LITRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3c34jHb
The Boneless Dungeon - Experiment
https://amzn.to/3c0YOsk
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4) (March 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bltQeL
Ravenous: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse Book 1) (March 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3biS0pE
Inflame (The Completionist Chronicles Book 6) (March 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bkEJNg
The Call of the Coven: A LitRPG novel (Shadow Kingdoms Book 2) (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sOt4w4
A Lost God and A Hostile Land: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Bone Knight Book 4) (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Opz7bG
Sovereign's Choice (The Gods' Game, Volume V): A LitRPG novel (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3s5Ag7D
Serpentlord (Rise To Omniscience Book 9) (April 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3v7zzMP
Visceral: A GameLit Fantasy Adventure (Nullifier Book 2) (April 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YwXW7e
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 3 (April 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36rZbcm
Nullform (Book #1): RealRPG Series (April 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouDBdz
City of the Undead (In the System Book #2): LitRPG Series (April 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aiMFgr
Volper (Alpha Rome Book 1): LitRPG Series (April 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3atfGpC
Killing Them Awfully: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 11) (April 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ay1YTW
The Devil Archetype (Rogue Merchant Book #5): LitRPG Series (April 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Nd3faa
Ash. The Legends of the Nameless World. Progression Gamelit Story (April 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36n3SnR
The Guild Core 3: War Torn (A Dungeon Adventure) (April 30th , 2021)
Awaken Online: Hellion (May 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sTKlUW
Crafting Death: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 2) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bniHtA
The Path of the Strongest Mortal: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 5) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37uRQsW
Manufacturing Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 1) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3azHc54
The Guns of Keldora: A Crafting Automation LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 4) (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37rRm6O
The Rebel (Project Stellar Book 4): LitRPG Series (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YSpJ25
Iaxiabor's Revenge: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 6) (May 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39PxBbd
Showdown (Underdog Book #6): LitRPG Series (May 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZ3qGw
Lords of the Ruins (The Range Book #2): LitRPG Series (May 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YZmTsx
He Who Fights with Monsters 2: A LitRPG Adventure (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MR4hZ3
The Demonic Games (Disgardium Book #7): LitRPG Series (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2O9AWcL
The Guardian of the Dead (An NPC's Path Book #4): LitRPG Series (May 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36GKl1W
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 3 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series) (May 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sUT2hw
The Price of Power: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (May 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Qrk1Uh
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #6): LitRPG Series (May 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/38fGiKG
The Dungeon Leader: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 3) (May 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZlOym
City of Skye (Primacy Online Book 6) (June 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3c3HRfT
Tower of Ruin: Volume II: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG (Pandemonium - Afterlife - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series Book 2) (June 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3eZ6YmT
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure
Jason wakes up in a mysterious world of magic and monsters.
It’s not easy making the career jump from office-supplies-store middle manager to heroic interdimensional adventurer. At least, Jason tries to be heroic, but it's hard to be good when all your powers are evil.
He’ll face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, monsters...and that’s just on the first day. He’s going to need courage, he’s going to need wit, and he’s going to need some magic powers of his own. But first, he’s going to need pants.
My Opinion: 680 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The beginning of this serial transported to an RPG world LitRPG is a bit ponderous but once the main character (MC) meets some other people the pacing and action pick up.
The banter between characters is a highlight of the story with jokes and friendly jabs breaking up the fights and slice of life adventures. I also really enjoyed the mid story logic arguments/discussions about moral responsibility, divine power, and aristocratic power. They provided a good opportunity to world build and show just how different the MC is from the locals and also a different way for him to grow.
There's regular power progression as the MC completes quests and good world building to explain why he has that RPG interface. The MC's power set: stealth, curses, and stackable DOTs, are used well and there's even a little moral struggle as the Mc grapples with the gruesome nature of his powers versus what other adventures can do.
Overall, a great read once the MC meets other people and the adventuring starts. It kept me up reading late into the night to keep up with the adventuring.
Score: 8 out of 10
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3r3jbte
Real-Time Starcommander 2: Ground Assault: A Strategy Gamelit Novel
From gamer to battlefield commander, the war grows!
Recruited from Earth and tasked with putting his gaming skills to work commanding vast fleets of starships, Evan secured a victory considered impossible. Now the Hegemony is asking him to repeat that accomplishment before the deadly forces of the Children consume their empire.
Whilst searching for a suspected enemy base, Evan discovered a secret the Children are desperate to hide. One that will determine the entire course of the war. Victory will require winning in an entirely new theatre of battle.
With a new suite of units at his fingertips, the ground assault begins!
My Opinion: 186 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is the 2nd book in one of the only GameLit novels to utilize real time strategy game mechanics like: base building, resource gathering, and unit production. It doesn’t have RPG aspects like leveling, instead power is gained in the books through strategic use of mechanics to build space and land based automated fighting units to defeat enemies. As the story progresses new units are unlocked as the main character’s (MCs) faction, the Hegemony, trusts him or the MC’s crew scans defeated enemy spaceships.
There was a little story manipulation, sci-fi justifications and cultural histories, to explain the RTS mechanics existence in the story. Like book 1, the space fights had both sides using similar technology to create and deploy their fleets, with strong stakes to add tension to the RTS battles outcome.
However, the land based RTS battles, while still having good action, only had one side using the game mechanics. Why this happens is explained away well with appropriate and logical background for the robotic Children side. But I would have liked to have seen a better use of the mechanics since they were built up so much.
Other aspects of the story were better than book 1. In particular I liked how the Children of the Hegemony, the antagonist, were developed. A believable, if predicted, history gave depth to the enemy faction, and clear and consistent motivations leant enough of a twisted culture to explain some quirks that made that faction interesting. Plus there’s a good lead into the next foe for the MC.
Overall, it's still an enjoyable story. It loses a little on the RTS side but makes up for it with the expanded universe building.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Real-Time Starcommander 2: Ground Assault: A Strategy Gamelit Novel
https://amzn.to/3s4KvbY
Eat, Slay, Love: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 10)
An endless night, full of hungry shadows.
The most dangerous night of the year is upon Coggeshall. Fiends’ Night, when the boundary between Vuldranni and hell is the weakest.
And so hell comes out to play.
To survive the night, Montana must put his entire holding on lockdown, and turn hastily made cave apartments into an actual, inviting home for thousands of Coggeshall residents. Most of whom don’t really know or like each other. And all of whom have different ideas of what needs to be done on Fiends’ Night.
So, intent on becoming the duke his people deserve, Montana spends the night flitting about Imperial balls, handing out gifts to children, squeezing through kobold tunnels, and building with the dwarves. It’s his hand-shaking, baby-kissing time to shine.
Oh, except that The Master he just took care of in Osterstadt? That was the wrong one.
The real Master is hiding in Coggeshall, and Montana has to catch him before the entire holding becomes his dinner.
Eat, Slay, Love is high-drama, fast-paced LitRPG at its finest. Pick up this page-turner today for palace intrigue, deals with the devil, and yes, even a little romance.
My Opinion: 428 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
*Slice of life with Meh ending
Finally, there’s some resolution to the whole ‘kill the Master’ quest. It didn’t end quite like I expected, and most of the story felt like it was dipping into a couple slice of life storyline with the Halloween/Christmas kinda event called Fiend’s Night. But it was a good chance to just see the MC talk to various characters he’d been neglecting on some adventures and get them involved with the quests. I wished there was more action, but what was there was good. Though I could see some readers a little annoyed with the way the story ended, I thought it showed a little growth on the MCs part even if it was a little wand wavy.
Overall, still a good read.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Eat, Slay, Love: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 10)
https://amzn.to/2OJgMHg
Carl's Doomsday Scenario: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2
"The training levels have concluded. Now the games may truly begin."
The ratings and views are off the chart. The fans just can't get enough. The dungeon gets more dangerous each day. But in a grinder designed to chew up and spit out crawlers by the millions, Carl and Princess Donut need to work harder than ever just to survive.
They call it the Over City. A sprawling, once-thriving metropolis devastated by a mysterious calamity. But these streets are far from abandoned. An undead circus trawls the ruins. Murdered prostitutes rain from the sky. An ancient spell is finally ready to reveal its dark purpose.
Carl still has no pants.
They call it Dungeon Crawler World. For Carl and Donut, it's anything but a game.
My Opinion: 364 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The second book in the authors twist on dungeon diving and the RPG apocalypse. It manages to maintain the quirky weirdness of the 1st book and adds in an element of horror into the quests. There’s slightly less emphasis on the RPG progression, though there are many levels gained and the team members finally get a class. Instead the story focuses on action, the next level of the dungeon, and some interesting questlines used to push the main character (MC) into some twisted scenarios he and Princesses Donut will have to survive. Its a creative work that I enjoyed.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Carl's Doomsday Scenario: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2
https://amzn.to/3kMR1kT
Worn and Torn Newbie
15 years remain till termination of service. The ending is known only to me.
'I am a veteran'.
My Opinion: 34+ chapters, FREE, No English license
This is a regressor story, a story where someone dies and then wakes up at an earlier point in their life with all their future memories. It focuses on the main character (MC)s chance to become the strongest and most powerful player in an MMO that he’d devoted his life to, just as its starting. He knows all the game's secrets since he’d devoted all his time to studying and leveling in it. Now he just has to accomplish it all while facing off against the games most powerful monsters, PKers, Guilds, and PvP sports teams.
It’s a really good story that focuses on the exploit nature of the game with the MC overcoming the odds stacked against him not only by the game and boss monsters, but also by the competitive players also striving to be the best and rake in money from their streams.
Art work is really solid and conveys the MMO experience pretty well.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Worn and Torn Newbie
https://mangadex.org/title/58325/worn-and-torn-newbie
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Contributor Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
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Other LitRPG facebook pages
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 260 - Challenges of a Scribe, Heavy, Arachnomancer Book 1, Disgardium Book #6 , LEVELING UP, BY ONLY EATING!
Feb. 5th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 260 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-260
New Releases and Reviews:
Challenges of a Scribe: A LitRPG Duology: Book Two (14:28)
It felt rushed after the good opening
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3pPNeE9
Heavy (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (20:38)
Score: 7.1 out of 10
YA magical academy story with gradual RPG progression
https://amzn.to/3sLy2tI
Wrong Divinity: Oh Sht! I Fcking Hate Spiders! (Arachnomancer Book 1) (24:41)
Some humor, but misses for me because of inconsistencies
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3bkO87B
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series (34:01)
Less plot advancement but lead in to book 7
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3prsB13
LEVELING UP, BY ONLY EATING! (37:32)
An MC who just can’t stop eating
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/48217/leveling-up-by-only-eating
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Felicia Day, narrator of Rule of Cool, hosted a Q&A with several LitRPG authors on her Twitch channel.
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/933490028
The author of Gunrod the Barbarian asked us to let readers know that he’s updated kindle file and cover for what was formerly “Gunrod the Barbarian” to now “Realm of the Tower”.
As I said before, the only difference in the text is that the first chapter of Gunrod was deleted, along with the last paragraph or two. Other than that, it's exactly the same.
Michaelle Scott Eearl has just released Lion's Quest 1 on his website in ebook forms, he just re-recorded the audio for book 1, he'll be releasing audio for books 2 and 3 in the future, and he's going to be releasing new books in the series soon!
Lion's Quest is one of my very favorite LitRPG series from MSE so this is exciting news.
https://michaelscottearle.com/collections/ebooks/products/lions-quest-undefeated-book-1
PSA - Author go claim your audiobook rights on ACX, the platform used by Audible to upload audiobooks. It looks like there’s a new scam where Thieves claim the audiobook rights of popular books then upload terrible audiobooks either read by a complete amature or by computer voice. Alternatively, they also try to get a legitimate narrator to produce the audiobook or claim to be an agent of the author falsely. Both LitRPG producers Spectrum Audioboooks and Dante King have reported this happening to them.
Out Now!
A Snake's Rise (A Snake's Life Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2MBtzKD
The Dungeon Fairy: Three Lives: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2ZrtlbX
Eat, Slay, Love (The Good Guys Book 10)
https://amzn.to/36KaXza
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book V
https://amzn.to/2NFY1mX
Pangea Online 3: Vials and Tribulations
https://amzn.to/3bivn3p
Beginner Quest: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2MiEJDW
Legacy Systems: Shamanic Rites
https://amzn.to/3bgVmIF
G.E.S.S.: Genetically Engineered Super Soldier (The Phoenix Project Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2OsOsbm
Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3rqVxrG
AVARICE ONLINE: KEL'VAN RED HAND
https://amzn.to/3kPWaIH
The Weaponized: A Sci-Fi LitRPG (Part V)
https://amzn.to/3v1U794
Titan: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2OwDodC
Daemonorg Prison-Lab: A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter (Overtaken Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2OwDAJS
Gentleman's Wars 2: A Tower Defense LitRPG Series (The Great Game)
https://amzn.to/2O5NW3m
Warfang: (Sky Realms Online Book 5): A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/30viSwJ
Noob Game Plus: Noobtown Book Five
https://amzn.to/3qgcMuo
Elemental Alpha: An Illustrated LitRPG Military Fantasy Adventure (Nonstandard Progression Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3eaRj3G
Growth Hero
https://amzn.to/3blE6Db
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Real-Time Starcommander: A Strategy Gamelit Novel
https://amzn.to/3sQ0Xgf
Teresa: Everybody Loves Large Chests (Vol.5)
https://amzn.to/3sXrAzF
Enemy of the World - Main Character Hides His Strength Book 1
https://amzn.to/3c502Sh
The Tree of Ascension: A LitRPG Apocalypse - Peril's Prodigy Book 2
https://amzn.to/3ebrQXJ
Dungeons & Dillholes - A Glitchworld Original
https://amzn.to/3edl3Nf
Guilds at War - The LitRPG Saga Continues (The Eternal Journey, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3bljM56
Alterlife Box Set: Alterlife Books 1-3
https://amzn.to/3qqdKUN
Gold, Girls, and Glory: The Complete Series
https://amzn.to/3kXtAFC
Nomad Core - Core Control Book 2
https://amzn.to/3qoT7IG
Ruler - Light Online Series Book 5
https://amzn.to/3bnlvXD
The Wizard of Quintz - A LitRPG Adventure (Dead Server 7 - Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3rsLHFW
Zee Locked In - OVR World Online Book 1
https://amzn.to/3bmYXpC
Upcoming LitRPG:
Dungeon of the Old Gods: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG (Pandemonium - Tales of the Dark Lords - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series) (March 7th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rm2fiP
Sands of Blood and Bone: A LitRPG Adventure (Defying Divinity Book 2) (March 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3saFyhc
Dungeoneer (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
(March 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2PE825f
Tower Climber 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (March 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ro6hXF
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure (March 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2M3B0Kh
Battle for the North (Rogue Merchant Book #4): LitRPG Series (March 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3pXJ2Ta
Exodus of Gnomes (God Core #2) - A Dungeon Core LitRPG (March 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3biC4nk
Aetherocalypse: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 3) (March 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3c8zsYj
Magus: A Supernatural LitRPG Saga (Apocosmos Book 2) (March 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bn8cq9
The Font of Life: A Mecha LitRPG Adventure (Overdrive Book 3) (March 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2JYMptX
Lucky Slots (A Litrpg/Gamelit Fantasy Adventure) (March 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3q86WM5
Cause for War (Reality Benders Book #7): LitRPG Series (March 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MGeqaq
Ravenous: A Zombie Apocalypse LitRPG (Necrotic Apocalypse Book 1) (March 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3biS0pE
Inflame (The Completionist Chronicles Book 6) (March 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bkEJNg
The Call of the Coven: A LitRPG novel (Shadow Kingdoms Book 2) (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sOt4w4
A Lost God and A Hostile Land: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Bone Knight Book 4) (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Opz7bG
Sovereign's Choice (The Gods' Game, Volume V): A LitRPG novel (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3s5Ag7D
The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4) (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bltQeL
Serpentlord (Rise To Omniscience Book 9) (April 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3v7zzMP
Visceral: A GameLit Fantasy Adventure (Nullifier Book 2) (April 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YwXW7e
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 3 (April 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36rZbcm
Nullform (Book #1): RealRPG Series (April 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouDBdz
City of the Undead (In the System Book #2): LitRPG Series (April 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aiMFgr
Volper (Alpha Rome Book 1): LitRPG Series (April 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3atfGpC
Killing Them Awfully: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 11) (April 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ay1YTW
The Devil Archetype (Rogue Merchant Book #5): LitRPG Series (April 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Nd3faa
Ash. The Legends of the Nameless World. Progression Gamelit Story (April 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36n3SnR
The Guild Core 3: War Torn (A Dungeon Adventure) (April 30th , 2021)
Awaken Online: Hellion (May 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sTKlUW
Crafting Death: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 2) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bniHtA
The Path of the Strongest Mortal: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 5) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37uRQsW
Manufacturing Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 1) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3azHc54
The Guns of Keldora: A Crafting Automation LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 4) (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37rRm6O
The Rebel (Project Stellar Book 4): LitRPG Series (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YSpJ25
Iaxiabor's Revenge: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 6) (May 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39PxBbd
Showdown (Underdog Book #6): LitRPG Series (May 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZ3qGw
Lords of the Ruins (The Range Book #2): LitRPG Series (May 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YZmTsx
He Who Fights with Monsters 2: A LitRPG Adventure (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MR4hZ3
The Demonic Games (Disgardium Book #7): LitRPG Series (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2O9AWcL
The Guardian of the Dead (An NPC's Path Book #4): LitRPG Series (May 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36GKl1W
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 3 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series) (May 21st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3sUT2hw
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones (Book #6): LitRPG Series (May 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/38fGiKG
The Dungeon Leader: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 3) (May 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZlOym
City of Skye (Primacy Online Book 6) (June 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3c3HRfT
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Challenges of a Scribe: A LitRPG Duology: Book Two
The destruction of Edward’s hometown forces him and his family to flee and confront the difficulty of rebuilding their lives. On their travels, Edward works to overcome the challenge of reintegrating with his siblings and parents. They try to work together in search of a brighter future, all feel the strain of losing their home and livelihood. Edward is not the same boy as when he left home and must balance his hard-fought independence with his role as brother and son.
Despite optimism for the future and escaping the destruction of Azalon, a dark threat looms over the family’s hope of rebuilding. Edward’s skills continue to progress, but will it be enough to protect the family’s fragile beginnings? Overcoming his own fears and personal demons is the biggest challenge Edward must face as he chooses a future with his family, or one of an adventurer.
My Opinion: 190 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
It felt rushed after the good opening
I thought book 1 in the series was great. It was smart, well paced, had characters I loved, and there was well earned RPG power progression. So, I looked forward to the 2nd book in the series and I really enjoyed the start of the story. It had good pacing, good world development, and I expected that to continue throughout the novel. But it doesn’t.
The story itself felt like it wanted to get through an outline quickly. The beginning is great, but about a quarter way through it starts to feel rushed as the MC goes out to adventure and time starts to get skipped as you follow the MC through adventures. Worse there’s some level jumping as the MC sort of lucks into big power jumps. The individual adventure’s aren’t bad, but they don’t seem to have a point to them. It’s very slice of life with a little forced plotting towards the end to create some last minute tension and resolve the thing with the lich once and for all.
On the RPG side, things are frustrating too. The ‘scribe’ aspect where the MC uses hard work to unravel other magical spells disappears entirely. Instead, it’s more of a level grind with the MC fighting and adventuring and using his level ups, and gaining of magical gear to grow more powerful. Most fights end up relying on his ‘stop’ and ‘slow’ and ‘bolt’ spells repetitively to win with only a few instances of intelligent use of abilities. Towards the end, because of the rushed storylines even that RPG progression disappears with the MC jumping multiple levels, 5-10 at a time, in summary scenes.
As a small side note, there are some semi-regular grammar and spelling issues. Small things that spell check wouldn’t catch. ‘Food’ instead of ‘Wood’, ‘Was was’, and small things like that. It didn’t really bother me, but I know it will drive some people crazy.
Overall, while I still enjoyed the story and burned through it in a single sitting. I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as book 1. After the great opening, it just felt like it rushed through a story meant to cover 3 or 4 more books.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Challenges of a Scribe: A LitRPG Duology: Book Two
https://amzn.to/3pPNeE9
Heavy (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
An Affinity.
Most humans never get one, but the Goddess gives everyone the opportunity when they turn 16. With an Affinity, humans are given access to their internal energy and Skills. Magical powers that allow you to interact with the world in ways you could never imagine.
When Terrence receives his Affinity, he is shocked to discover it has never been seen before within the Kingdom. Worse yet, his Affinity reinforces the thing he was made fun of for his entire life. His weight.
Follow Terrence as he uses his Affinity to progress with the hopes of becoming a Dungeoneer – someone who explores and conquers Dungeons.
Discover a unique world where Terrence and his friends learn about their new abilities, their Affinities, AND themselves. Their Skills will grow, and if they work hard enough, they might eventually Rank up!
My Opinion: 308 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a YA magical academy story that uses RPG progression. There are a couple side stories, with a different MC, that setup other storylines. But for the most part you follow the MC as he learns he's one of the few in his village to get a special power, the ability to see people and objects weight, and see him train it. There's a few small action scenes but a majority of the story is the MC and his friends in a magical academy taking mandatory training. There's a bit of world building that explains the RPG rules, sets up potential conflicts, explains the magic rules, and dungeoneering. But that's all.
The RPG stuff is consistent and the reader sees plenty of notifications. But there's no rank up of the MC or his friends, which was a bit disappointing since that means his powers don't evolve past the ability to see what something or someone weighs.
Overall, it's not a bad story there just wasn't much real progress, just general setup. On the whole it felt alot like a serial story that ends before much happens. Perhaps in books 2 more conflict happens.
Score: 7.1 out of 10
Heavy (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/3sLy2tI
Wrong Divinity: Oh Sht! I Fcking Hate Spiders! (Arachnomancer Book 1)
Dhane kicked the bucket in spectacular fashion, every bone crushed, every organ popped against the full force of a 40-ton garbage truck speeding through a red light.
The only part of him intact—whole—entirely unaffected by the grisly affair, was his soul. Souls are durable things, you see, like kids: they bounce.
And bounce he did, into the abyss between worlds, drifting until one excited soul watcher fished him out and found him a new home, a heaven for gamers and nerds and everything in between.
It was all he could have ever wanted in the afterlife, down to choosing his class, killing mobs, and exploring a beautiful, fantasy world chock full of mysteries yet to be discovered.
At least . . . it would have been those things if that first day had gone a little, tiny bit differently.
Instead, he now finds himself locked in the middle of an eternal conflict between Light and Shadow—humans and monsters—potentially being the enemy to all.
My Opinion: 347 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Some humor, but misses for me because of inconsistencies
You can tell there’s a lot of heart put into the story and there’s a certain charm if the jokes and sense of humor land with you. But there are also issues. Consistency with the world building, subtly unrealistic dialogue or interactions written for a joke.
Good things: There is a consistent sense of humor and good gamer jokes. When you see details about game mechanics, they are thorough. There's semi-regular action and some interesting class features.
Issues: The main character just magically knows a bunch of stuff about the world and even the game mechanics of the world without ever having had to work for the information. It ruins the opportunities for exploration, learning, and world building.
The dialogue, especially from monsters, felt too modern. There were lots of modern American slang and colloquialisms that didn’t feel like they fit. For those humans that were sent to the light side, it would make sense, but it’s a part of the lore that the dark side doesn’t have that or at least they hadn’t for a long time.
The story starts out with the main character (MC) as being part of the dark side, with the monsters. Which is a neat premise. But then he spends the next section of the story pretending to be with the light side, training with the humans, and even getting a light side affiliation, which is supposed to be impossible. Instead of working within the limitations of being dark side associated, the MC has no real penalty or challenge and does what everyone else does.
At one point the Mc is arrested by some light side priestess, which isn't setup well. But worse, he magically knows her secret true name which gives him some vaguely defined power over her. Both, true names & how he knows it, which felt completely made up on the spot without any setup within the game mechanics.
There's also no gradual character progression. One chapter the MC is a low level noob, the next he's a high level badass able to bluff others into believing he's a king, demand his own release, and win a fight with conveniently undisclosed leveled opponents.
Also, there’s a fundamental flaw in the world building that doesn’t setup the concept that people from a modern earth suddenly randomly believe another speaking, thinking person or being was made to be evil and there to be killed just because that's what they'd been told.
Overall, the story misses for me because of inconsistent and seemingly made up in the moment game mechanics. On the story side, there are some good points but book 1 in the series seems to exist mostly to introduce the bad guys and explain why the MC has to defend the shadow faction from them while teasing town building for book 2. If forced story moments and inconsistent game mechanics don't bother you, you may enjoy the story more than me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Wrong Divinity: Oh Sht! I Fcking Hate Spiders! (Arachnomancer Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3bkO87B
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series
Scyth and the followers of the Sleeping Gods have lost the Holy War. The new gods, who call themselves the True Gods, celebrate, unaware that the Sleepers have one more temple left. But how long until they find out? After all, Scyth’s enemy Mogwai, once the strongest player on the planet, knows about Kharinza. The Supreme Legate of the Destroying Plague thirsts for vengeance and is eager to regain his former positions, becoming stronger every day, while Scyth, deprived of his invulnerability, has lost his former advantages.
At the same time, the citizenship tests are approaching, and Cali Bottom turns out not to be quite so welcoming to the Awoken after all. Behemoth demands the impossible of Scyth, and the one thing that can help the Initial of the Sleepers is the Demonic Games…
My Opinion: 513, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is an extension of the upcoming 7th book in the series, with a bunch of events going longer than planned according to the author. There's still good action scenes, RPG progression, but the plot moves less than other books.
There are decent smaller points of progression. I especially liked the unarmed combat progression scene. The other plotlines still progress, like the IRL threat, people trying to claim the reward for exposing him as a Threat, or progression on the Sleeping Gods quest. They just progress a little slower.
Overall fairly good stuff but the novel feels like a bunch of setup for a bigger plot, which it is. Folks who want immediate progression on the series plot may have to wait till book 7.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3prsB13
LEVELING UP, BY ONLY EATING!
The main character is stricken by a rare condition that affects only two people in the entire world, bulimia. He organizes his daily meals to survive, but his hope of survival grows dimmer as the days go by. He consults a doctor, who suggests playing the Alternate Reality Game ‘Athenae’, where he can eat as must as he wants without gaining any weight. He plays the game to save his life and grow in strength by doing nothing but eating! A Gourmet Fantasy Life!
My Opinion: 50+ chapters, FREE, NO English Licence or publisher
A slice of life story with an obese main character who just can’t stop eating IRL. His doctor suggests trying the latest MMO, where you can actually taste what you eat in order to help the MC overcome his physiological addiction. The story follows the MC as he travels through the game, only really seeking to eat delicious food and ends up in situations where he becomes OP. Casual, kinda funny, and good art makes this a good read.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
LEVELING UP, BY ONLY EATING!
https://mangadex.org/title/48217/leveling-up-by-only-eating
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Contributor Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 259 - Underworld - Scorching Sun, Age of Ancients, World Tree Online 4th Dive, Salvos : Vol. 1
Feb. 19th, 2021
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 259 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-259
New Releases and Reviews:
Underworld - Scorching Sun: A LitRPG Series (12:56)
Great moments
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/37dZrMp
Age of Ancients : A GameLit/LitRPG Series (Shattered Kingdoms Book 1) (18:50)
Good action
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3rIEwcd
World Tree Online: The Order of Epic Grinders: 4th Dive (23:19)
Plots a little weak, but fun to return to characters I like
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3jAOZ6K
Salvos : Vol. 1, Curious Beginnings (A Monster Evolution LitRPG/Gamelit Story) (27:26)
Fantasy Monster MC
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2ZkuFNx
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (30:29)
(Pic 0)
A segment from Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Apocalypse: Generic System
Fun for the win.
Score: 9.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ax2D8a
Death's Favorite Warlock
Murder and Milkshakes
Score: 8.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3bvyQvV
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Tao Wong is expanding the places you can find his stories. This now includes the online webcomic site Tapas, which now has the comic version of Tao’s ‘A Healer’s Gift’ story.
https://tapas.io/series/a-healers-gift/info
Tao Wong, author of the System Apocalypse LitRPG series, has started a kickstarter campaign to produce print runs of a separate comic story set in the same universe. Rewards for backers: digital comics, physical prints of comic, audiobooks, even a conversation with Tao himself.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1291219509/the-system-apocalypse-a-post-apocalyptic-litrpg-comic
Out Now!
The Motors of Keldora: An Automation Crafting LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3rqVRag
Challenges of a Scribe: A LitRPG Duology: Book Two
https://amzn.to/3jZOqng
Rule of Cool: A LitRPG Novel
https://amzn.to/3rvhl5N
Dungeon Duel: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 5) https://amzn.to/3taCfbi
Dagger of Doom: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2VDRmuv
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/37B8pTn
A Hard Truth and An Unwise Decision: Boneknight Series Book 3 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG) (Bone Knight)
https://amzn.to/2LgT5UH
Cat Core: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure
https://amzn.to/3pyLYVN
Library of Daemonium: A GameLit/LitRPG Portal Fantasy Adventure (The Abduction Cycles Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3doCObZ
Real-Time Starcommander 2: Ground Assault: A Strategy Gamelit Novel
https://amzn.to/3bcf4VK
Cowboy Necromancer: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3axRqnF
Hellbound (Saga Online #2) - A Fantasy LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3dsHpKm
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Emissary Bard - World of Chains Book 3
https://amzn.to/2ZxhOI5
The Nightmare Game System - A LitRPG Horror
https://amzn.to/2Nc3yC8
Rule of Cool - A LitRPG Novel
https://amzn.to/3uf7thV
Land of the Enemy - Dragon Heart Book 8
https://amzn.to/37s07hu
The Tournament - Vampire Sorcerer Book 2
https://amzn.to/2OM8VYR
Aether's Guard - Aether's Revival Book 2
https://amzn.to/3amCt82
Adventures of a Scribe
https://amzn.to/3tYmp3Z
Delvers LLC: Golden Handcuffs
https://amzn.to/3df1HGX
Daily Jobs, Coffee and an Awfully Big Adventure
The System Apocalypse Short Story
https://amzn.to/3jPGO6P
Hellbound: Saga Online #2 - A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3rTstsz
The Dungeon Slayer - The Dungeon Slayer, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2NvDuBm
Holy War - Disgardium Book 5
https://amzn.to/3rURyDK
Card Mage - Silent Society
https://amzn.to/3aZ0Ozy
Dungeon Guild - A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure (Glendaria Awakens Trilogy Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3b9MLHJ
The Otherworld: Underdog Series Book 4
https://amzn.to/3qlfMq5
Isr Kale's Journal: The Alchemist Book 4
https://amzn.to/3s70gyB
Upcoming LitRPG:
A Snake's Rise (A Snake's Life Book 3) (Feb. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MBtzKD
The Dungeon Fairy: Three Lives: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 3) (Feb. 24th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2ZrtlbX
Eat, Slay, Love (The Good Guys Book 10) (Feb. 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36KaXza
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book V (Feb 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NFY1mX
Dungeon of the Old Gods: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG (Pandemonium - The Dark Lords - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series) (Feb. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rphS8M
Pangea Online 3: Vials and Tribulations (Feb. 28th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bivn3p
Beginner Quest: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 1) (March 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MiEJDW
Legacy Systems: Shamanic Rites (March 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bgVmIF
Dungeon Core Apocalypse (A LitRPG Series) (March 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ubzCXh
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure (March 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2M3B0Kh
Battle for the North (Rogue Merchant Book #4): LitRPG Series (March 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3pXJ2Ta
The Font of Life: A Mecha LitRPG Adventure (Overdrive Book 3) (March 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2JYMptX
Lucky Slots (A Litrpg/Gamelit Fantasy Adventure) (March 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3q86WM5
Cause for War (Reality Benders Book #7): LitRPG Series (March 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MGeqaq
Sovereign's Choice (The Gods' Game, Volume V): A LitRPG novel (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3s5Ag7D
The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4) (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bltQeL
Visceral: A GameLit Fantasy Adventure (Nullifier Book 2) (April 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YwXW7e
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 3 (April 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36rZbcm
Nullform (Book #1): RealRPG Series (April 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouDBdz
City of the Undead (In the System Book #2): LitRPG Series (April 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aiMFgr
Volper (Alpha Rome Book 1): LitRPG Series (April 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3atfGpC
Killing Them Awfully: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 11) (April 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ay1YTW
The Devil Archetype (Rogue Merchant Book #5): LitRPG Series (April 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Nd3faa
Ash. The Legends of the Nameless World. Progression Gamelit Story (April 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36n3SnR
The Guild Core 3: War Torn (A Dungeon Adventure) (April 30th , 2021)
The Path of the Strongest Mortal: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 5) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37uRQsW
Manufacturing Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 1) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3azHc54
Sands of Blood and Bone: A LitRPG Adventure (Defying Divinity Book 2) (May 6th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3saFyhc
The Guns of Keldora: A Crafting Automation LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 4) (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37rRm6O
The Rebel (Project Stellar Book 4): LitRPG Series (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YSpJ25
Iaxiabor's Revenge: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 6) (May 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39PxBbd
Lords of the Ruins (The Range Book #2): LitRPG Series (May 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YZmTsx
The Demonic Games (Disgardium Book #7): LitRPG Series (May 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2O9AWcL
The Guardian of the Dead (An NPC's Path Book #4): LitRPG Series (May 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36GKl1W
The Dungeon Leader: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 3) (May 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZlOym
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Underworld - Scorching Sun: A LitRPG Series
Passing through the Vampire Gate, Elorion enters the true heart of the Underworld for the first time. The sooner he completes his mission, the sooner he and the girls can return home. The task is impossible at his current level, so he follows the lich down the only viable path. A path laden with bodies and blood.
My Opinion: 358 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A good chunk of the story is the kind of slice of life push into the vampire world to become a Trueblood via competing in a tournament fighting. So there's lots of good fights and a good world building there. But that aspect wasn't particularly surprising since the MC had to reach that goal to fulfill a major quest he'd been given. So the outcome wasn't really in question but it was entertaining to see how the MC reached his goal. But there were some great scenes and moments.
There were some great moments. The sacrifice of the character’s humanity, to a degree, to blend in as a vampire. The exploration of a group that had been portrayed as totally evil and the fallacy of absolutes. The social temptation to stay with the beast vampires. The abject horror of mass murder. There were some great emotional moments.
Overall, the story was really good with nice RPG power progression, an exploration of a vampire culture, and some advancement of a questline. Though parts of it were a little predictable, great moments elevated the story.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Underworld - Scorching Sun: A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/37dZrMp
Age of Ancients : A GameLit/LitRPG Series (Shattered Kingdoms Book 1)
Dabu’s life has been far from easy. Born with a crippling lung illness, he has never been as strong as his father or brother, both of whom have disappeared after attempting to challenge the Trials of Ancients. In the wake of the Tyrant King’s war, his village has come under the control of the Purus, a vicious gang of magically enhanced cutthroats and murderers. The Trials offer the promise of power to any who can clear them, but Dabu has been forbidden from entering.
After a violent encounter leaves his family in danger, Dabu faces a difficult decision — either leave the village to challenge the Trials or stay and risk starvation. The Trials are monstrously difficult, filled with dangerous beasts, deadly obstacles, and tribes of challengers who control the areas within. But if he can make it out alive, Dabu will gain the power he needs to finally drive the Purus from his home.
This book contains GameLit elements, such as stat sheets, a form of leveling, and experience gain.
This is a standalone series. No prior reading is necessary.
My Opinion: 334 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A nice opening book for a new LitRPG series. It follows a familiar pattern of a loser teen who gets a little luck but though much sacrifice and motivation goes on a kind of dungeon crawl to become powerful enough to go up against his tormentors and problem makers.
The RPG stuff was consistent with a decent mix of interesting powers. The time jumps were a little annoying in that they pushed the MC to new power levels without the reader seeing him earn it, but it was a minor thing. The mix of magic and chi was enough to keep that aspect of the game mechanics interesting. Plenty of crunch here without too many notifications to bog down the story.
The end was a little predictable, but overall the story had good action, a good bit of world building, and a nice setup for future storylines.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Age of Ancients : A GameLit/LitRPG Series (Shattered Kingdoms Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3rIEwcd
World Tree Online: The Order of Epic Grinders: 4th Dive
It just never gets any easier, or at least, not in Bye-bye Jacko’s world.
After striking a bargain with Epic, the stakes have never been higher. If Bye-bye wins, Epic promised to put the defeated players back to rights in the real world. If Epic wins, things will get so much worse. And Epic really wants to win this one. To win, the rogue A.I. will strike at the first Citizens Bye-bye ever helped.
It’s the Undead Apocalypse and Hurlig Ridge is right in the path of destruction. Failure this time could have more consequences than even Bye-bye can imagine.
My Opinion: 627 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A pretty slice of life entry into the series. I enjoyed returning to this story world and the banter and action from characters I like continues to exist. In addition there’s a good section in the middle that has added town building. Bye-bye also gets a new class upgrade which was pretty cool.
The plot was a little weak, so it definitely leans more towards general slice of life adventuring, with the exception of the very very end. I could have also used fewer notifications, spell descriptions, and ability descriptions so early in the story. The abilities were fairly well established and there were so many all at once that it broke up the text a little too much.
Overall, it's a good story if you’re a fan of the series though the plot development left a little something to be desired.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
World Tree Online: The Order of Epic Grinders: 4th Dive
https://amzn.to/3jAOZ6K
Salvos : Vol. 1, Curious Beginnings (A Monster Evolution LitRPG/Gamelit Story)
The Netherworld: it is a hellish landscape inhabited only by Demons, creatures born from the dark abyss. It is also the only world Salvos knows.
Joining the ranks of newborn demons, Salvos is thrown into the violent, anarchy-ruled landscape of that world. To survive, she will have to learn, she will have to adapt, and she will have to evolve. She will gain experience to reach new Levels of power.
Her curiosity aids her but her pride could be her fall. It is the nature of the Netherworld to avoid or conquer any threats faced— after all, the law of evolution is survival of the fittest, and Salvos is a survivor. And perhaps, eventually, she will leave this world behind for a better place.
But… is that what Salvos even wants?
My Opinion: 373 pages, $3.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
A LitRPG serial that first appeared on RR with a monster main character (MC), who is an evolving demon, that eventually comes to the mortal plain against her will. She has to fight, learn about quirky humans, and evolve her fire powers while she tries to find a way back to the Nether realm. There’s lots of fighting, with the first quarter or so of the story a straight monster evolution story. The RPG stuff is fairly consistent and there’s an interesting evolution of the MCs fire based powers and a good motivation for all the leveling done once the MC is on the mortal plane. The comradery between the people the MC eventually groups with is reasonable and laced with natural seeming biases that gave a little depth to the world building and characters.
Overall, it’s a really good story with good RPG stuff, good action, and pacing that kept me turning pages looking forward to reading about what happened next.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Salvos : Vol. 1, Curious Beginnings (A Monster Evolution LitRPG/Gamelit Story)
https://amzn.to/2ZkuFNx
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Contributor Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Apocalypse: Generic System
by Macronomicon
Fun for the win.
In case anyone was curious about my ratings. I live fun books, epic over the top stuff, epic fails, the party running like heck after hearing a click followed shortly by "Oops". Dumb jokes, plucky heroes that get curb stomped that get back up for more. This one drew in all sorts of stuff I like, the hero obviously read Dresden files, some anime references, a system apocalypse setup gamifying things, and lots of explosions and gore. Great fun. I had a blast.
Score: 9.4 out of 10
Apocalypse: Generic System
https://amzn.to/3ax2D8a
Death's Favorite Warlock
by Charles Dean
Murder and Milkshakes
This isn't a colorful world. Funny in places, disturbing in others. A strange mashup where the MC has RPG progression in a world of beastkin cultivators. There's a lot of mysteries in play and Charles Dean gives out glimpses here and there of them. His companion in his head Ophelia has been asking him to kill people since he was a young child.
There were some great battles and the world does have the cultivation elements and feeling. I enjoyed the quick read that wasn't too heavy or too light. I look forward to the next one. I hope it has more color and some explosions. Definitely some gore and reminds me of that shadow the hedgehog game I wouldn't let my kids play and Catharsis - one of my favorite LitRPG books.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Death's Favorite Warlock
https://amzn.to/3bvyQvV
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 258 - This Quest is Broken!, Life Reset 6, Savage Dominion, The Realms Book 7, Solo Bug Player
Feb. 5th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 258 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 8 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-258
New Releases and Reviews:
This Quest is Broken! (This Trilogy is Broken (A Fantasy Litrpg Adventure) Book 1) (08:37)
Slice of life tabletop feel
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Ln1Pc8
Life Reset: Salvation (Life Reset - Neo Book 6) (17:29)
An ending
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3oVukfv
Savage Dominion: A LitRPG Adventure (20:24)
Another good story
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2LNSB98
Ravaged Land: The Realms Book 7: (An Epic Progression Fantasy LitRPG Novel) (27:46)
Leading to an end
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3tecnv5
Solo Bug Player - Online Webcomic (33:30)
Reincarnated into your favorite game world
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/47139/solo-bug-player
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (38:01)
(Pic 0)
A segment from Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Death Cultivator 2
Fun, weird, and a smidge creepy
Score: 8.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/36Lz9B7
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure
Starting up a community
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3tnrGSt
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel (Serious Probabilities Book 1)
Loot boxes and Kaiju
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3aztSgT
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Apparently Felicia Day has narrated a LitRPG story. She did a YouTube video announcing her narration of the story Rule Of Cool written by Mathew Siege
NEW PROJECT ALERT! I narrated an audiobook! My first that I didn't write! Plus it's a LitRPG book! What is that? Watch the video, then pre-order here on Audible: https://geni.us/RuleOfCool So excited for people to listen, the book is so FUNNY and GEEKY I know you guys will dig it!
https://youtu.be/TpA9cjtQ5ks
Out Now!
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
Unveil: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Path of Crafting Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3987p9W
God's Choice: Sigma Worlds Book 5, a LitRPG series
https://amzn.to/35nsc8B
Broken Council: A Space Opera, Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 10)
https://amzn.to/38KErxX
Mind's Journey 2: Of Monsters and Men (A Gamelit Fantasy Adventure - Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2NRF6pu
Underpowered Howard: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/36IfPF0
The Problems with Polymorphing: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3q6Dnu2
World Tree Online: The Order of Epic Grinders: 4th Dive
https://amzn.to/36sMM7V
The Realm Between: God of Life: A LitRPG Saga (Book 8)
https://amzn.to/2Ma6cI3
The Dark Lord Bert 2
https://amzn.to/2Mudqqu
Qi, Vampires, and Shearing: A LitRPG novel
https://amzn.to/3tswK7T
Age of Ancients : A GameLit/LitRPG Series (Shattered Kingdoms Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3ati7sg
Legendary Dungeon Seed: The Mage's Academy (Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2YLSz4m
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Artificial Dungeon - For Sale by Owner
https://amzn.to/3aEA8UV
Underpowered Howard - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/39Pttb1
Silver Fox & the Western Hero
Warrior's Oath: A LitRPG/Wuxia Novel, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3pSXkF7 .
Into the Wild - An Epic LitRPG Series (Axe Druid, Book 6)
https://amzn.to/36JsqHG
Dungeon Core 101 - A Gamelit Adventure (Dungeon Core 101, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3cHsKuh
Dream Stream Reality: Publisher's Pack - Books 1-2
https://amzn.to/2YP8Kh6
Cipher's Quest - A LitRPG Adventure (Ciphercraft, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2MBqlqv
Sunscorch - Rise to Omniscience Book 8
https://amzn.to/3cFckmk
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Motors of Keldora: An Automation Crafting LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 3) (Feb. 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rqVRag
Underworld - Scorching Sun: A LitRPG Series (Feb. 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39QDYeh
Challenges of a Scribe: A LitRPG Duology: Book Two (Feb. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3cx0LxD
Rule of Cool: A LitRPG Novel (Feb. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rvhl5N
Dungeon Duel: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 5) (Feb. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3taCfbi
Dagger of Doom: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 5) (Feb. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VDRmuv
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series (Feb. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37B8pTn
A Hard Truth and An Unwise Decision: Boneknight Series Book 3 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG) (Bone Knight) (Feb. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2LgT5UH
A Snake's Rise (A Snake's Life Book 3) (Feb. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MBtzKD
Eat, Slay, Love (The Good Guys Book 10) (Feb. 25th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36KaXza
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book V (Feb 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NFY1mX
Dungeon of the Old Gods: A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG (Pandemonium - The Dark Lords - A Dark Dungeon Realm LitRPG Series) (Feb. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rphS8M
Beginner Quest: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Towers & Rifts Book 1) (March 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MiEJDW
Battle for the North (Rogue Merchant Book #4): LitRPG Series (March 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3pXJ2Ta
The Font of Life: A Mecha LitRPG Adventure (Overdrive Book 3) (March 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2JYMptX
Lucky Slots (A Litrpg/Gamelit Fantasy Adventure) (March 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3q86WM5
Cause for War (Reality Benders Book #7): LitRPG Series (March 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2MGeqaq
Sovereign's Choice (The Gods' Game, Volume V): A LitRPG novel (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3s5Ag7D
The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4) (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bltQeL
Visceral: A GameLit Fantasy Adventure (Nullifier Book 2) (April 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YwXW7e
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 3 (April 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36rZbcm
Nullform (Book #1): RealRPG Series (April 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3ouDBdz
City of the Undead (In the System Book #2): LitRPG Series (April 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3aiMFgr
Volper (Alpha Rome Book 1): LitRPG Series (April 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3atfGpC
The Demonic Games (Disgardium Book #7): LitRPG Series (April 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2O9AWcL
Ash. The Legends of the Nameless World. Progression Gamelit Story (April 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36n3SnR
The Guild Core 3: War Torn (A Dungeon Adventure) (April 30th , 2021)
Manufacturing Magic: An Epic LitRPG Series (Jeff the Game Master Book 1) (May 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3azHc54
The Rebel (Project Stellar Book 4): LitRPG Series (May 10th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YSpJ25
Iaxiabor's Revenge: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 6) (May 11th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/39PxBbd
Lords of the Ruins (The Range Book #2): LitRPG Series (May 14th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2YZmTsx
The Guardian of the Dead (An NPC's Path Book #4): LitRPG Series (May 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36GKl1W
The Dungeon Leader: A LitRPG Level-up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 3) (May 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2NZlOym
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
This Quest is Broken! (This Trilogy is Broken (A Fantasy Litrpg Adventure) Book 1)
The Questing Stones have come to Nowherested, and Evelia Greene is finally ready to receive her life's quest. Perhaps she'll be a great warrior, or a wealthy merchant, or a brilliant mage. Perhaps her quest is simply to live a quiet life, constantly honing a craft to the heights of perfection.
Or perhaps the Questing Stones will grant her the Legendary mission of popping over to the next village to pick up a loaf of bread.
Wouldn’t that be ridiculous?
Eve can’t even begin to guess how or why she’s come by such an absurd life goal, nor how a level 1 Messenger Girl is supposed to complete anything labeled as Legendary, but at least she can be sure of one thing. No matter how many wolves or goblins attack, no matter how many speeding tickets she racks up, no matter how many bakeries spontaneously combust as she steps into town, one way or another, Eve is going to get that gods-damned bread.
There just might be a few Side Quests along the way.
|This book contains game elements, good jokes, bad jokes, worse jokes, and language strong enough to lift weights. Please enjoy.|
My Opinion: 408 pages, $2.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
This is a slice of life fantasy RPG story that reminded me of a tabletop D&D campaign. Mostly casual adventures with good RPG progress, a DM that tries to inject a plot, and just gives out cool rewards without worrying strict rules.
On the story side of things, it's pretty good. There’s regular action, good banter between characters, a little world building, and hints of plot. Mostly the story is slice of life, following the characters as they adventure. Nothing groundbreaking or epic, but good general adventuring.
While the story is entertaining, because of the way the game mechanics are built it often feels contrived. I want to be clear, that most of the rules are very well developed and you can tell the author took great care in developing, tracking, and following them. But there are some aspects that just felt like they were being used to push character and story development instead of existing as solid independent rules. The biggest mechanic being the class and quest systems that arbitrarily assign people tasks and classes based on their activities or sometimes not even that. It’s all chalked up to capricious gods or systems with a quirky sense of humor, but it ended up feeling like a DM was running a tabletop campaign and bending or creating rules, quests, and rewards to keep the campaign running and fun.
For example, all the group members eventually get rare or epic classes as part of their arcs. Or that the MC advances her quest (of getting a loaf of bread) while helping out her friend, even though her quest has nothing to do with him or his quest. Or that the characters unlock their classes through very random acts (ie: using a defensive ability offensively, beginning to heal an emotional wound) that felt less like they had earned power and more like the author just wanted to give them a cool class. There are plenty more examples, but it didn't make the story bad, just made me realize the game stuff, though it had lots of numbers, was ultimately more wand wavy than I liked and the powers the characters got felt less earned.
Overall, the slice of life story was still entertaining but I lost some enjoyment knowing that the game mechanics, to a degree, existed to advance the story and not as a hard set of rules I could count on or understand fully.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
This Quest is Broken! (This Trilogy is Broken (A Fantasy Litrpg Adventure) Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Ln1Pc8
Life Reset: Salvation (Life Reset - Neo Book 6)
The conclusion to the epic Life Reset saga!
Insurmountable odds ... hidden powers maneuvering behind the scenes ... all culminating in a final, titanic, clash.
The mighty city of Everance lay in the GreenPiece clan’s path, but as Oren soon discovers, he’s got even bigger obstacles to overcome before reaching his final goal.
My Opinion: 582 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The final book in the Life Reset series, it has town building, massive armies duking it out, and best of all a pretty good ending that tied up the storyline satisfactorily. There’s a little wand waviness towards the end, but I didn’t mind since it was the end of the story and it was used to wrap things up. Always a little sad when a good series ends, but it’s a good ending.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Life Reset: Salvation (Life Reset - Neo Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3oVukfv
Savage Dominion: A LitRPG Adventure
Maulkin didn't know dying would mean a new eternity of dungeon delving, monster slaying, and glory hunting. If he had, he wouldn't have been so worried about kicking the bucket on a date gone even more wrong than usual.
Reborn in the wild world of Amaranth, Maulkin finds himself in a hulking demi-human body with a sword of a size to match. Marked as an Eternal, a fledging immortal of boundless potential, Maulkin soon discovers he's been given a mission by the elder pantheon of this new realm:
Grow stronger. Ascend to godhood. Spread chaos in their name.
Oh and fend off that inbound apocalypse, if he can find the time.
Who wants an easy afterlife anyway?
My Opinion: 613 pages, $4.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
The story leans a bit more towards fantasy than the other major LitRPG work of the author, Ascend Online, and there is definitely a bit more wand-waviness when it comes to crafting and occasionally spell usage. But on the whole, it’s a good story full of action-adventure, a little romance, a good power progression, and lots of good world building.
The three main characters (MC), Eternals, have a good balance of personalities and powers without being pegged into particular classes. The addition of later characters to the group add good variety, even if they feel like anime personalities (Tsundere and others). The characters all have full personalities and those that are native to the world do a good job of filling in cultural perspectives, and histories which include unpleasant truths about the world and their peoples which made the characters feel more real.
Action is a major part of the story and there’s hardly a chapter without some kind of fight. One of the MCs even gets grumpy and antsy if he doesn’t get to beat up something regularly. The fights are well thought out and paced well and are good reads.
The RPG stuff is interesting. It’s not nearly as deep and logical as the system used in Ascend Online, but has some interesting and original powers available to the Eternal characters. There’s actually a bit too much openness sometimes which leads to a little wand waviness in solving problems with intentionally undefined to unexplored options. Additionally, the rules for the powers are occasionally not followed with the healing Restoration power being the prime example of saving multiple characters from death one after another, even if it is supposed to have a long cool down. It felt a little like a tool to stop characters from dying, even though they’re supposed to be immortal and just preventing random respawning until a respawn point was unlocked. Other powers, like the crafting one, felt like they were a little wand wavy since it allowed one of the MCs to magically create items in great detail, even when it wasn’t reasonable that he would know how it was made, and the how to make aspect was automatically downloaded into his mind. But beyond those things, the mechanics were fairly solid with health being shown regularly, and good descriptions of the powers used. Decently crunchy.
Overall, despite a few small issues with the game mechanics, the story was good. Really enjoyed the action-adventure, world building, and character development.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Savage Dominion: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2LNSB98
Ravaged Land: The Realms Book 7: (An Epic Progression Fantasy LitRPG Novel)
WHEN THE GODS WAGE WAR, THE INNOCENT SUFFER.
THE REALMS FACE ANNIHILATION, and their greatest defender has gone missing.
When Gryph is torn from the Realms by the Light, an ancient secret society sworn to end the threat of the High God Aluran, he has one mission.
Get back to the Realms, at any cost.
The Light offer Gryph a quest. “Help us resurrect the Source and together we can free all the peoples of the Realms.”
But things are not what they seem and Gryph soon discovers that even in the Light, shadows fester.
Shadows that could doom the Realms to eternal darkness.
To save his sister, his friends, and the people of the Realms, Gryph must win the war of the gods.
Score: 438 pages, $5.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
Leading to an end
The latest entry into the series is an interesting mix of a story reset and a continuation of things. The first half of the story feels a bit fresh since it returns to the real world for a bit and has a bit of a time jump, and once the main character (MC) does return to the Realms he’s got new powers and allies. However, after the 50% mark, things go back to normal as he reunites with his old friends. There’s a little fallout from the time lost on earth, but I was a little disappointed that more terrible things hadn’t happened while the MC was gone. It would have been interesting to see bigger setbacks. Instead, it almost feels like the time jump didn’t happen in some respects. The rest of the story was good. Still full of RPG action-adventure as the MC and his friends oppose Aluran and the new bad guys, the Light. The ending wasn’t satisfying for me though. Instead of any kind of resolution, it really just felt like a lead into the last book in the series. Lots of open plotlines left dangling.
Overall, a good read still. There were a few parts I really liked, like the new historic opening between the Gaul and Romans, or the new godhood powers. On the whole though, it seemed like the novel was meant to push the series to a conclusion in the next book.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Ravaged Land: The Realms Book 7: (An Epic Progression Fantasy LitRPG Novel)
https://amzn.to/3tecnv5
Solo Bug Player
A sudden death after all-nighters and ridiculous amounts of work playing a game?! What greeted me after opening my eyes was the reality that I was in the world of . And on top of that, I was stuck in the body of a perfectly vulgar, obese, extra of a lord. The worst of the worst. I reincarnated in Jared’s body! Dammit! All those protagonists in books or movies are born to stupidly well-off families, being raised with wealth and riches! “I’ll get to the top as soon as I can!” I’ll succeed and grow! Whether I use bugs or hacks, it’s all a-okay! The start of a challenging world of intense dieting and bug abuse begins now!
My Opinion: 40 chapters, FREE, No Official English Translation
A kind of reincarnation story where an MMO player who had hit #1 for years and amassed a great deal of knowledge on the game and died suddenly. Yet, he wakes up in the body of a level 1, obese, minor noble in the game world turned real. Now he has to deal with being a level 1 NPC, being obese with all the debuffs that entails, and he has to use his massive knowledge of the game, its secrets, and exploits to become powerful enough to defeat the demon army he knows is coming or he’ll die permanently, again.
The sense of humor of the comic is a good mix with the OP knowledge of the game world. Though the main character (MC) knows much, he doesn’t have the physicality to produce instant results. Instead, he has to scheme, plan, and work hard to implement his plans to not only renew his fiefdom but undo all the neglect the noble whose body he inhabit did. There’s also some surprising depth to some of the side character’s background.
On the RPG side, there’s character sheets for everyone and the MC has to deal with his low stats through training, dieting, and real social change. Levels matter as do the limitations imposed by their lack for the MC.
The art style of the web comic is great and not cookie cutter or cg. Lots of bold colors and a nice style.
Solo Bug Player
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/47139/solo-bug-player
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Contributor Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Death Cultivator 2
by eden Hudson
Fun, weird, and a smidge creepy
eden Hudson writes odd fiction. Alice in wonder land meets kung fu hustle with a dash of fifth element. And then there's the cultivating death. For a junior dark lord Hake's a pretty nice guy. Such a creative bunch of aliens. Doing the right thing dancing with the dark side. Great reading. I had fun. A fast read.
Score: 8.8 out of 10
Death Cultivator 2
https://amzn.to/36Lz9B7
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure
by Xander Boyce
Starting up a community
Worthwhile reading. It was peaceful. Harvest moon with a giant drake lady for a partner. I didn't mind but it was odd reading LitRPG with little actual conflict. I look forward to reading more about Miranda valley.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3tnrGSt
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel (Serious Probabilities Book 1)
by Jonathan Brooks
Loot boxes and Kaiju
Jonathan Brooks has dungeon core books down. This new variation made for a pretty good story. Not a lot of character development but interesting just the same. It looks like the dungeon core, hero, world boss environment was imposed by some unknown agency. It's fantasy and light LitRPG reading. I enjoyed it, even though it feels a bit formulaic.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel (Serious Probabilities Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3aztSgT
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 257 - Death's Favorite Warlock, Real-Time Starcommander, Black Dawn
Jan. 15th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 257 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-257
New Releases and Reviews:
Death's Favorite Warlock (09:54)
An interesting mix of RPG and cultivation.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3qdnthK
Real-Time Starcommander: A Strategy Gamelit Novel (15:25)
Good story for RTS fans
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ig0iRe
Black Dawn: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Fae Nexus Book 1) (21:29)
Good RPG Apocalypse story
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3bH9g8z
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (26:08)
(Pic 0)
A segment from Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Rebel (Last Chance Book 2)
Accelerated death lessons
Score: 8.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/35nkTOd
Iron Prince (Warformed: Stormweaver Book 1)
Knocked it out of the park
Score: 9.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/35kIgrt
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐔𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐍
Roark von Graf may have ended up in his dungeon by accident but you can get there by the might of your pen. The fan-favorite dungeon core LitRPG series is putting together an anthology of stories and you’re invited! Fans of the Rogue Dungeon series from James Hunter and eden Hudson can submit a short story to be included in the anthology. Introduce yourself to a whole new fan base or finally become the published author you’ve wanted to be. The deadline for submissions is January 20, 2021.
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://shadowalleypress.com/submissions/
Or do your research and pick up the first book in the series: https://geni.us/RogueDungeon1
Out Now!
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 2)
https://amzn.to/32hZTGT
Activation: Book 1 of of the Invasion Series - A Nanomachine Magical World LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3prlTIP
Savage Dominion: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3s1BjW6
Murk's Rapture: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3hUCu5f
Unity: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3r9mtws
Couch Potato Crisis - (Couch Potato Chronicles Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3ntMnIj
The Knights of Dawn: A LitRPG novel (Shadow Kingdoms Book 1)
https://amzn.to/39gHzko
Salvos : Vol. 1, Curious Beginnings (A GameLit/LitRPG Evolution Story)
https://amzn.to/39A75kM
Village of Hawkshead: A GameLit/LitRPG Portal Fantasy Adventure (The Abduction Cycles Book 1)
https://amzn.to/38HSKDC
Dungeon Core Academy 7 (A LitRPG Series)
https://amzn.to/35DSp2M
Monsters and Legends: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga (Infinite Realm Book 1)
https://amzn.to/35H9WHc
Into the Black: Book XXVII - Normalcy
https://amzn.to/3ilfxZ1
CivCEO 6: A 4x Lit Series (The Accidental Champion)
https://amzn.to/3oXMb5i
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Life Reset: Conquest (Life Reset - Neo Book 5)
https://amzn.to/38qViFP
Aces High - Reality Benders, Book 6
https://amzn.to/38pOad1
Soul Bond - A LitRPG Gaming Adventure (The Dimensional Wars, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3ovrc9M
Nova Terra: Titan and Greymane
The Titan Series, Books 1-2
https://amzn.to/3q3q9hT
Glitch King - A LitRPG Adventure (Mythrune Online, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3ntKniU
Omens - A LitRPG Series (The Ashen Plane, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3hWxs85
The Song Mistress: A LitRPG Journey - Uniworld Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2JXrFme
Awakening - A LitRPG Story (Outworld, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3pWxpfk
Watcher’s Fate - Life in Exile, Book Three
https://amzn.to/3oxj092
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: Serious Probabilities Book 1
https://amzn.to/3nMrsQA
CivCEO 2 - Accidental Champion Series Book 2
https://amzn.to/39tV7ci
The Heaven's Boxer: A Mecha LitRPG Adventure (Overdrive, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2N6irFz
The World Outside - Arcane Kingdom Online Book 7
https://amzn.to/3oMXVrl
Quick Change: A litRPG Publisher's Pack
Books 1-2
https://amzn.to/3qpJN7I
Condition Evolution 2 - A LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3oMZsxB
Upcoming LitRPG:
Blast Off: A Fun Science Fiction LitRPG Adventure (Interstellar Online Book 1) (Jan. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3nt5oub
Shadow Seer (Rogue Merchant Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32iROlC
Shadeslinger (The Ripple System Book #1) - A Fantasy LitRPG series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/35Fxvk3
The Call of the Forces: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mKlK28
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ufn4gZ
Life Reset - Salvation (NEO Book 6) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book IV (Jan. 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3p4KmUS
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 2 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series) (Jan. 22nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3gc9WmM
Rifleman: A LitRPG / LitFPS Adventure (Battlegrounds Online Book 1) (Jan. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3nVKkx8
The Crafter's Dominion: A Dungeon Core Novel (Dungeon Crafting Book 5) (Jan. 27th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3srQrwo
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Jan. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
Unveil: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Path of Crafting Book 1) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3987p9W
God's Choice: Sigma Worlds Book 5, a LitRPG series (Feb. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/35nsc8B
Broken Council: A Space Opera, Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 10) (Feb. 1st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/38KErxX
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (The Adventures of Dan Book 2) (Feb. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VFpTIK
Underpowered Howard: A LitRPG Adventure (Feb. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36IfPF0
The Problems with Polymorphing: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 3) (Feb. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3q6Dnu2
Eat, Slay, Love (The Good Guys Book 10) (Feb. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36KaXza
The Motors of Keldora: An Automation Crafting LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 3) (Feb. 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rqVRag
Rule of Cool: A LitRPG Novel (Feb. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rvhl5N
Dagger of Doom: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 5) (Feb. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VDRmuv
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series (Feb. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37B8pTn
A Hard Truth and An Unwise Decision: Boneknight Series Book 3 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG) (Bone Knight) (Feb. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2LgT5UH
Jeff the Game Master: A LitRPG Series (Feb. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3oofnBY
Battle for the North (Rogue Merchant Book #4): LitRPG Series (March 9th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3pXJ2Ta
The Font of Life: A Mecha LitRPG Adventure (Overdrive Book 3) (March 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2JYMptX
Lucky Slots (A Litrpg/Gamelit Fantasy Adventure) (March 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3q86WM5
The Guild Core 3: War Torn (A Dungeon Adventure) (March 31st , 2021)
https://amzn.to/3nuIAdu
Sovereign's Choice (The Gods' Game, Volume V): A LitRPG novel (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3s5Ag7D
The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4) (March 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3bltQeL
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Death's Favorite Warlock
"Kill. Kill them all." It's the first four words Lars usually wakes up to every morning as the voice in his head nags him, telling him she's just giving him a 'quest' that will help him 'level.'
But even if he wanted to do it, he can't. They're cultivators -- beings with ancestral bloodlines that have powers he could only dream of and that may as well be gods while he is stuck as a puny human.
Even if he could kill them, the people who bullied him, beat him, treated him like a punch-bag pariah for being the 'tailless worthless human' that he was to them, he wouldn't. It just wasn't in Lars's nature.
That is, until a vicious group of murderous psychopaths called a 'sect' descend on his village. The vicious group brutally kills everyone he's known his entire life, taking a select few with them as slaves.
Lars must now trust he isn't going insane and find a way to complete the voice's quests and level up, so that he can save his mother from her cruel and heartless captors in this cultivation themed LitRPG and Gamelit adventure.
My Opinion: 490 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
- An interesting mix of RPG and cultivation.*
Full disclosure: I may have been anthropomorphized as a martial arts porcupine in the story but my undeserved death will not color the review.
This is an interesting new story from the author. It kind of pits RPG mechanics against cultivation with humor, an interesting storyline, and good action-adventure. There are many places the author lovingly pokes at both genres but it's a good mix. The storytelling pacing and tropes will be familiar to anyone that’s a fan of cultivation, but the author definitely puts his own spin on things. There are even some nods to other series the author has written for those that look carefully.
The only thing I could point to as a minor issue, was the beginning. I wished it did a little more to connect me to the character early in the story with more detail about his upbringing and the trials he went through as someone that couldn’t cultivate. But there was loads of good character development that still made me like the character, it just took longer to connect.
Overall, it’s a good story that tries to branch into cultivation without leaving the RPG stuff. Even someone like me, who isn’t a huge cultivation fan, enjoyed it.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Death's Favorite Warlock
https://amzn.to/3qdnthK
Real-Time Starcommander: A Strategy Gamelit Novel Yesterday a wannabe pro-gamer, today an alien admiral.
Evan was desperate to hit the big time playing Star Commander, the world’s most popular real-time strategy game. While Evan works hard to get the pros to notice him, it's very different eyes that are captivated by Evan's progress.
The Kirran Hegemony is at war. Outclassed at every step, the aliens turn to the most warlike race they know—humanity! Abducted from Earth, Evan finds himself fighting for his life, using his skills to command Hegemony forces in desperate battle.
Now, helped by fellow humans, Evan must prove victory can be grasped from the jaws of impossible odds.
My Opinion: 180 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Good story for RTS fans
This is an almost great space RTS story. It has a Last Starfighter kind of premise with five people being taken from earth because they’re good players of a popular RTS and the aliens need help fighting an enemy that doesn’t conform to their outdated and stagnant strategies.
The RTS elements of gathering materials and fabricating different ships to beat your opponent come through really well and clearly without feeling tacked onto a generic sci-fi story. Instead, the game mechanics feel totally natural and I really enjoyed the author’s knowledge of specific tactics used in these games and how that kind of thinking was applied to the space combat.
Though the pacing was a little predictable, it was still well done with the game stuff introduced in the first half and more space fighting action in the last with nice little surprises in the story. The only complaint I had, besides the occasional technical writing issue, was with the storytelling is the novel length. It felt a bit short for the genre and I could have seen it being twice the length and still very enjoyable with more solid resolutions to the big story conflicts. Still, it’s a good setup for a series or a test to see if there’s readership for this kind of story.
Overall, a really good read if you like space fights and an especially good if you’re a fan of RTS games.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Real-Time Starcommander: A Strategy Gamelit Novel
https://amzn.to/3ig0iRe
Black Dawn: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Fae Nexus Book 1)
Magic, mayhem, and moonshine.
Gage came home to the Ozarks to mend fences with the friends he’d left behind. But when a solar storm reconnects Earth to the Fae Nexus, the world is engulfed in magical energy, altering the laws of nature… violently. Fuel, ammunition, and electronics explode, leaving the world in a dark apocalypse.
As the flames die down, demons emerge through the Fae Nexus, swarming Gage’s hometown and enslaving the survivors.
To fight back, Gage and his reunited friends harness Fae powers, becoming the Wizard, Ranger, and Fighter they’ve always played in their favorite roleplaying game.
With the help of a pair of moonshiners turned Alchemists and the ghost of a long-dead gunslinger, Gage and his friends have to level up fast to free their families and defend their home against the demonic horde.
He may have walked away once, but this time the only thing Gage is leaving behind are his regrets and a pile of dead demons.
My Opinion: 353 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Good RPG Apocalypse story
An entertaining RPG Apocalypse story with three sibling main characters (MC). Their backstory issues didn’t work for me but they also didn’t detract from the good things in the story: action, adventure, and interesting magic theory.
The RPG mechanics come in nice and crunchy early in the story with a clear level system with stats, classes, and notifications. For me, the best part of the story was the creative spell crafting which doesn't show up till mid story. One of the MCs goes with the wizard class but has to create his own spells by studying fae symbols to put together spell parts. Rolls were made to determine learning and spell crafting success. It was a flexible mechanic that allowed for creative problem solving and combat without losing the RPG aspects and becoming wand wavy.
On the story side, things were good overall. The setup for the RPG apocalypse wasn’t original, but the action of the invaders and kind of backcountry response from the characters made it feel different. There were a few places the pacing slowed down too much for too long, but on the whole the pacing had tension and there was plenty of motivation for the characters to progress in the story. There were also plenty of good fights with later fights using surprising defensive tactics.
Overall, a good read.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Black Dawn: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Fae Nexus Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3bH9g8z
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Contributor Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Rebel (Last Chance Book 2)
by K.T. Hanna
Accelerated death lessons
Such an odd story. A strange dreamlike mix of superheroes, supernatural, and spy thrillers. The plucky MC tries to live her school life amidst strange missions never quite knowing who she can trust. There's a sense of mystery that's always there. At times it reads a bit like some cultivation novels where the author keeps the reader off balance while handing out clues at a pretty good rate. This reminds me some of Inception.
Score: 8.4 out of 10
Rebel (Last Chance Book 2)
https://amzn.to/35nkTOd
Prince (Warformed: Stormweaver Book 1)
by Bryce O'Connor
Knocked it out of the park
Midway through the book I thought, this reminds me of Ender's game (one of my favorite books). My one minor dig: the beginning didn't suck me in. The book had a good solid ramp. It did have a high tech cultivating feel with evolving tech armor/weapons that the Users are bonded with. That brought the anime God Eater to mind. The academy bit was well done with a gang of friends centered around Rei (MC). Not so many sneaking around breaking school rules. Mostly hard work and training. Some good antagonists. And lots and lots of great fights. The end felt like a perfect landing with the wonderful what's next feel. I can definitely recommend as a great read that has a complete book feel. Roll credits.
Score: 9.3 out of 10
Iron Prince (Warformed: Stormweaver Book 1)
https://amzn.to/35kIgrt
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
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Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
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Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/LitRPG-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJPS6S5
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 256 - Alpha Zero, Apocalypse: Generic System, Fortune Favors the Kobold, Reincarnated as a Sword, Sixth Realm Part 2, Pilgrim 2
Dec. 25th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 256 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-256
New Releases and Reviews:
Alpha Zero (Alpha LitRPG Book 1) (07:29)
From broken to badass
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3pfGa3G
Apocalypse: Generic System (14:27)
Anything but Generic
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/37S1lTX
Fortune Favors the Kobold (18:53)
Drunken Tim Antics
Score:7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/34G931g
Reincarnated as a Sword (21:20)
Light yet fun adventures
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://sevenseasentertainment.com/books/reincarnated-as-a-sword-manga-vol-1/
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (25:56)
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Sixth Realm Part 2: A litRPG Fantasy series (The Ten Realms Book 7)
On to the seventh realm
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2WJLaBA
Pilgrim 2
It's hard to quit when you're an Assassin
Score: 8.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3aFqBOX
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
C.M. Carney has put the first book in his Quintessence series on sale for $0.99 until 12/29. A good deal for a good book.
https://amzn.to/3rpzXEh
The annual charity drive from the Gamelit Society on Facebook has ended and they raised $3,468 which has been donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Thanks everyone that donated.
Out Now!
High Gloom: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Bad Guys Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2HTOc1N
Into the Wild: An Epic LitRPG Series (Axe Druid Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3nxsalp
A Doomed Fight and Not So Great Landing: Boneknight Series Book 2
https://amzn.to/3p2Zkdb
Legacy Systems: Next Gen Gamer
https://amzn.to/3rvHVfo
Condition Evolution 3: A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure
https://amzn.to/38ON1uH
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Condition Evolution - A LitRPG/Game-Lit Adventure
https://amzn.to/3rp0Yb0
Land of Demons - Dragon Heart Book 7
https://amzn.to/38uKOEm
Path to Villainy - An NPC Kobold's Tale
https://amzn.to/38DxmOs
Inheritance - A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave)
https://amzn.to/3aGheyp
Awakened: The Quintessence: Crucible, Book One (An Epic Cultivation LitRPG Saga)
https://amzn.to/3aDEihn
Upcoming LitRPG:
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Wasteland [RealRPG Wuxia Series] Book #1 (Dec. 29th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2KZfFRh
Keys of Four Elements (Primacy Online Book 5) (Dec. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2GilM1g
Labyrinth of Fright (Underdog Book #5): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2TZ6qlo
Glitch King: A LitRPG Adventure (Mythrune Online Book 2) (Jan. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38fK0TF
Black Dawn: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Fae Nexus Book 1) (Jan. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38j4fQk
Entriss Online - A VR LitRPG Fantasy (Watson's Worlds Book 1) (Jan. 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2LZ23pG
Carl's Doomsday Scenario: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2 (Jan. 6ht, 2021)
https://amzn.to/33Mr11I
Legacy Systems: Desert Trials (Jan. 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/34J6NGz
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32hZTGT
Activation: Book 1 of of the Invasion Series - A Nanomachine Magical World LitRPG Adventure
(Jan. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3prlTIP
Unity: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 3) (Jan. 15th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3r9mtws
Couch Potato Crisis - (Couch Potato Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 15th, 2021)
Shadow Seer (Rogue Merchant Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32iROlC
The Call of the Forces: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3mKlK28
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ufn4gZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book IV (Jan. 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3p4KmUS
Underpowered Howard: A LitRPG Adventure (Jan. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36IfPF0
Rifleman: A LitRPG / LitFPS Adventure (Battlegrounds Online Book 1) (Jan. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3nVKkx8
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Jan. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (The Adventures of Dan Book 2) (Feb. 2nd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VFpTIK
Eat, Slay, Love (The Good Guys Book 10) (Feb. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/36KaXza
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 2 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series) (Feb. 5th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3gc9WmM
The Motors of Keldora: An Automation Crafting LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 3) (Feb. 8th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rqVRag
Rule of Cool: A LitRPG Novel (Feb. 16th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3rvhl5N
Dagger of Doom: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 5) (Feb. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2VDRmuv
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series (Feb. 17th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/37B8pTn
Jeff the Game Master: A LitRPG Series (Feb. 23rd, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3oofnBY
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Alpha Zero (Alpha LitRPG Book 1)
I should not exist.
All children like me are stillborn, or die in infancy. Those who cannot grow stronger, die. No empty child has ever reached a year of age, yet I am now thirteen.
It has been a long and miserable thirteen years, where the best I can manage to do is walk with difficulty. Sometimes, I cannot even manage that.
My clan has paid dearly for every minute of my life. And money is not so easy to obtain, here at the edge of civilization.
Perhaps I might have lived in this state for many years. A cripple, strong in mind but feeble in body. But when some unexpected guests came to our estate, everything changed. I would die at last – or, I would learn to survive on my own.
My Opinion: 625 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The philosophy of the story and mechanics reminded me of the Underdog series, where the MC seems to be broken because of his zero level and unable to survive in a world where levels means everything. But that flaw turns into the characters secret boon as he discovers a way to exploit the system for unheard of rewards. There’s still lots of hard work, creative thinking, and in the case of this novel fishing, but it's that kind of game mechanic exploitation story.
It has an interesting, if almost purely cultivation start. But at the 14% mark, the RPG aspects of the martial arts world are explained including: stats, levels, and cultivation cores. More details and specifics related to the MCs unique progression path are given as the story goes on and the details become relevant. I also liked how the ideas were translated by the MC from the native world concepts, with their own particular names, into earth culture and gaming terms. It reinforced the reincarnated into a new world background.
Overall, it’s an interesting story where you see great strides in progression from a character who starts off crippled. I will note that if you need a story with lots of fight scenes, this won’t do it for you. There’s not much combat till the last quarter of the story, though there are many other types of conflicts and a good bit of tension from other sources.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Alpha Zero (Alpha LitRPG Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3pfGa3G
Apocalypse: Generic System
Jeb Trapper tried to kill himself. The gun jammed.
Two months later the vet is participating in underground trials of ecstacy to treat his PTSD.
Everything seemed to be going great until...
The System has Been Installed<<<
Now he's got to choose the difficulty of his tutorial.
Just one problem.
He's high as a kite, and nothing seems Impossible.
My Opinion: 379 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Game mechanics. Fairly good with unique classes for just about all the characters like: mystic taxidermist, and trap smith. Early in the story stats and levels matter with descriptions about just how physically changing gaining even a few stat points can be. However, after the MC hits level 20 and picks his class the RPG stuff matters a lot less. Instead, the MC develops power through use of his class abilities and cleverness. After that point he never seems to run out of fuel for his spell or abilities or really hit any kind of limit beyond what's artificially created to create tension.
Still the story cranks up the epic goodness as it pushes some good twists that keep you turning page after page.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Apocalypse: Generic System
https://amzn.to/37S1lTX
Fortune Favors the Kobold
Tim and the C&C gang get more than they bargained for when they follow a lead given to them by a friendly kobold.
Will they find the hidden treasure? Will Tim find his pants? Will any horses survive?
Find out in this exciting addition to the Caverns & Creatures collection!
My Opinion: 39 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A short story told from a very drunken Tim’s POV with all the expected oddities and blackouts that entails. The story is an entertaining quickie.
Score:7.3 out of 10
Fortune Favors the Kobold
https://amzn.to/34G931g
I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated aka Reincarnated as a Sword
When he realized it, the protagonist was in another world and had become a sword that was stabbed on an altar in a great plain, crowded with devil beast. The world he was in had a game like system; HP, MP, Strength, Vitality, Agility, Intelligence, Dexterity, Titles and Equipment. Following his instinct as a living sword, he traveled to find the one who could be his wielder, until he met with a cat girl that was about to be attacked by a bear type devil beast.
My Opinion: 41+ chapters; $9.99 (light novel) $12.99 (manga), 8 vol. Light novel, English Publisher
This is a lighter slice of life story with a main character (MC) who was reincarnated as a sword on a fantasy RPG world. He’s OP as heck, but gets stuck somewhere and eventually gets picked up by a young catgirl slave who he saves and frees. The two go on adventures exploring the world and leveling. Simple setup, light, yet fun and funny adventures.
There’s an official english version of the light novel on Amazon and a kinda expensive manga version, though that’s only been translated to volume 6. The most updated webcomic is fan translated up to volume 8.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated
Tensei Shitara Ken Deshita
Manga
https://sevenseasentertainment.com/books/reincarnated-as-a-sword-manga-vol-1/
Light Novel
https://amzn.to/3rvGsFU
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Contributor Ian Mitchell, a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Sixth Realm Part 2: A litRPG Fantasy series (The Ten Realms Book 7)
by Michael Chatfield
On to the seventh realm
I really like Michael Chatfield's books. I really really want more action in this one. The writing is good and I like the story so far. But I like cultivation. This one is slow, bouncing around again visiting lots of interesting people and showing off cool weapon systems. I can't say it was fun. Some hints late that interesting things await. In the next realm. Mostly Alva development with some Erik and Rugrat cultivating. I was thinking, where's the explosions and body count through much of the first 40% of the book.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2WJLaBA
Pilgrim 2
by Harmon Cooper
It's hard to quit when you're an Assassin
Too many damn assassins after you. I really enjoyed the interactions between Danzen (MC), Kudzu (fox), and Jelmay (cat). Reading this was smooth, almost like a dream. I didn't feel a lot of dramatic tension, even when difficult things were going on (perhaps too smooth). A lot of story packed in. The fights were intense and short. A lot of fun to read. I got worried towards the end as there didn't seem to be enough book left to finish it, but it was well done. Great story and series, I think I liked book one more. This one was more almost awesome.
Score: 8.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3aFqBOX
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 255 - The Range Book #1, A Lonely Dungeon, Interworld Network Book #3, The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor, Delvers LLC: Golden Handcuffs, Path to Villainy
Dec. 18th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 255 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
Special thanks to Adam Rosen who recommended A Lonely Dungeon to us to read.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-255
New Releases and Reviews:
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (09:53)
Action apocalypse with some game mechanics for progression
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3mvOk6m
A Lonely Dungeon (20:06)
Dungeon Core w/o Dungeon Divers
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/37s6Bx1
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (25:38)
Entertaining but could tell when the twists would happen
Score: 7.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor (32:37)
VR LitRPG manga sets the standard
Score: 8 out of 10
https://tapas.io/series/legendarymoonlightsculptor/info
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (38:45)
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Delvers LLC: Golden Handcuffs
The gang's all here
Score: 8.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/37s7i9B
Path to Villainy: An NPC Kobold's Tale
It's the heroes fault
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3nx4Bcq
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐔𝐒 - 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐏𝐆!
James Hunter, Author of Viridian Gate Online, Rogue Dungeon, and Bibliomancer, announced that the Viridian Gate Online 1 – 3 Audiobooks (Cataclysm, Crimson Alliance, and Jade Lord) as well as VGO: Firebrand 1 – 2 Audiobooks are now available in the Audible Plus Catalog! That means all five books are 100% free to listen to for Audible members—no money, no credits, just awesome LitRPG goodness.
Out Now!
Retribution: The Rise Of Resurgence Book IV
https://amzn.to/37dTeiZ
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Dungeon Destroyer: A LitRPG Level-Up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 2)
https://amzn.to/36XEtjR
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
Dinosaur Warlord 3 (Dinosaur Warlord a 4x LITRPG Series)
https://amzn.to/334hNxA
Dungeon Heart (The Singing Mountain Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Juq5Ix
The Guild Core 2: Core Sworn (A Dungeon Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3p87di6
Sidekick: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3p3KMe4
Mana Daemons: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Essence Wave Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3mqCPxb
Collide (EvoBorne - A LitRPG Saga Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3gYreEb
Sunscorch (Rise To Omniscience Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3r1LYjf
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior Redeemed: A LitRPG/Wuxia Novel - Book 5
https://amzn.to/38g3wzy
Apocalypse: Generic System
https://amzn.to/2J41IkC
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book Three: Abyss
https://amzn.to/3r23i7L
Mutamancer (Tower Lords Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3an3596
Fortune Favors the Kobold
https://amzn.to/3oXDoQs
Monster Hunting 301: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Titan Termination Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2KdrCCQ
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Tears of Alron -Alchemist Series, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3p0WzZQ
World-Tree's End - World-Tree Trilogy, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2K8Y75o
Aether Knight - A LitRPG Light Novel
https://amzn.to/3alNTsU
The One-Armed Warlock: Book Two
https://amzn.to/3mvJFl5
Rise - Last Chance, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3rigHsu
Break - EvoBorne Book 1
https://amzn.to/3muCBF6
Bio Dungeon: Parasyte The Body's Dungeon, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3apP0rw
Station Cores Complete Compilation
A Dungeon Core Epic Books 1 through 5
https://amzn.to/3p0WFRc
Glory to the Brave - Ascend Online Book 4
https://amzn.to/3mv2Jjh
Dragon Heart: Land of Magic - Dragon Heart, Book 6
https://amzn.to/3asN7KV
Dragon's Realm: A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2LEKbQM
Grempire - The Rules Book 3
https://amzn.to/3gYK7qB
Awaken Online: Inferno - Tarot Series Book 3
https://amzn.to/38eH6P5
CivCEO - Accidental Champion Series Book 1
https://amzn.to/3h0p1bG
The Forgotten Faithful -UnderVerse Series Book 2
https://amzn.to/38iR0zn
Upcoming LitRPG:
Alpha Zero (Alpha LitRPG Book 1) (Dec. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36IN5MH
High Gloom: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Bad Guys Book 6) (Dec. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HTOc1N
Into the Wild: An Epic LitRPG Series (Axe Druid Book 6) (Dec. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3nxsalp
A Doomed Fight and Not So Great Landing: Boneknight Series Book 2 (Dec. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p2Zkdb
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Keys of Four Elements (Primacy Online Book 5) (Dec. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2GilM1g
Labyrinth of Fright (Underdog Book #5): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2TZ6qlo
Glitch King: A LitRPG Adventure (Mythrune Online Book 2) (Jan. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38fK0TF
Black Dawn: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Adventure (Fae Nexus Book 1) (Jan. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38j4fQk
Carl's Doomsday Scenario: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2 (Jan. 6ht, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33Mr11I
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32hZTGT
Unity: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 3) (Jan. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3r9mtws
Couch Potato Crisis - (Couch Potato Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 15th, 2020)
Shadow Seer (Rogue Merchant Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32iROlC
The Call of the Forces: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3mKlK28
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ufn4gZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book IV (Jan. 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3p4KmUS
Underpowered Howard: A LitRPG Adventure (Jan. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36IfPF0
Rifleman: A LitRPG / LitFPS Adventure (Battlegrounds Online Book 1) (Jan. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3nVKkx8
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Jan. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (The Adventures of Dan Book 2) (Feb. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VFpTIK
Eat, Slay, Love (The Good Guys Book 10) (Feb. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36KaXza
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 2 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series) (Feb. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gc9WmM
Dagger of Doom: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 5) (Feb. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VDRmuv
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series (Feb. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37B8pTn
Jeff the Game Master: A LitRPG Series (Feb. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3oofnBY
Wasteland [RealRPG Wuxia Series] Book #1 (Feb. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2KZfFRh
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series
Yesterday Altai was a war hero. Today he is a prisoner who chose exile to Rhapsody instead of death. This planet, the Range, knows no mercy. Here, thousands of prisoners fight each other for a place under the strange, cold sun. Here, the leftover alien biomechanisms and out-of-control Terran war machines roam in the ruins, and human life is measured in virtual experience that can be exchanged for armor and implants.
Surviving in the Limbo slaughterhouse, upgrading to the tenth level and getting into the Green Zone is all any dead man can hope for. Except not everyone succeeds. Altai will have to make a lot of effort just to take a breather, and remaining high in the audience’s favor is something worth striving for. After all, the Range, among other things, is the most popular reality show, one of the few where everything is real, and death...death only raises the ratings.
My Opinion: 347 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
Definitely patterned off of survival action multiplayer games with some RPG elements. Early story is about scrounging for basics like food, clothing, shelter, and anything to defend yourself from other prisoners and survivors in a derelict world filled with destroyed building, trailers, and vehicles. Big emphasis on killing/defending self from other survivors and prisoners for XP to level and to gain resources.
The beginning of the story was a little wordy with unneeded background information and quirky internal dialogue making some paragraphs pages long. But once other players, survivors and prisoners that are sent to the world, come into the picture and we get descriptions and dialogue, the story gets good. There's a good consistent tension from the survival premise and the constant expectation of being hunted adds to that. There’s also loads of action in the story.
There's also a story thread with the planet's players being watched by subscribers and a Mega Corp building television plotlines by manipulating, bribing, and coercing gangs. This means viewers can donate coin to players they like, who can eventually spend it if they survive. It added a nice bit of variety to the influences that propel the action.
The game mechanics were surprisingly simple and well described without being an info dump. They also lean more towards a Apocalypse survival shooter with levels. So levels don't confer stats or affect the player on a physical level. Instead, higher levels unlock features like the System store where viewer donated or quest earned coin could be spent on implants, weapons, armor, food, and other items to survive. Levels also gain a player access to other areas of the world. Also, killing higher level players means more XP and likely being able to scavenge better gear, which has its own description but no stats beyond durability and threat.
Overall, the story is pretty fast paced once the other players are introduced and the MC starts interacting with them. There’s hardly a chapter without action or tension and the bad guys are appropriately terrible and its good to see them get beaten. The RPG stuff, while not deep or impactful on a physical level, was enough that power progression came through. A good read if you like action apocalypse type stories with a little hunger games-esq side motivations.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3mvOk6m
A Lonely Dungeon
When a new dungeon is born, it wants nothing more than to have the most vicious monsters, the most cunning traps and the most shiny of loot. There is only one problem, but it's a rather big one; it finished its first floor years ago, but it still hasn't been visited by any adventurers! In order to find someone or something to explore its floors, or perhaps just to find someone to talk to, this dungeon will have to go way off script. But it soon discovers that going off script brings problems of its own, and that adventurers are not the only thing this world is missing.
A story about a dungeons journey of exploration and self discovery in a dark and devastated world.
My Opinion: 139 pages, $2.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
It’s a dungeon core novel where the core doesn’t have anyone coming through his dungeon, so he has to use alternative methods to the normal System to gain mana, create new monsters, expand his dungeon, and grow his crystal.
The beginning of the story was a little interesting if you like the design aspect of a dungeon core novel. But at a certain point it got repetitive since no one was coming into the dungeon.
About half way through the story there's some good world building explaining the complete lack of life around the dungeon and shifts the focus more towards world exploration, investigation about why all life is gone, and experimentation. It's this shift that won me over as the dungeon explores more speculative ideas, like how all life could end in a magi-tech world or how it could possibly come back. There's also magical theorizing and experimentation that was interesting. But best of all, there's finally some conflict. It's not the standard adventurers invade a dungeon stuff but something a but more epic and grand.
By the end of the story I was won over, though I'll admit I had to push through the 1st half a bit.
Overall, it's a good speculative LitRPG story whose 1st half would be entertaining for the most die hard of fans of dungeon design, but whose last half would be entertaining to just about anyone that likes a good speculative end of the world story.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
A Lonely Dungeon
https://amzn.to/37s6Bx1
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series
The legendary seal which was keeping the Horsemen of the Apocalypse under lock and key has been broken. Planet Earth is engulfed in a surge of natural disasters which have already claimed thousands of lives. While Sergei is getting ready to fight back, traveling across worlds to learn archery from the powerful giant Vill, the horsemen’s minions also come awake, ready to take on the mythical Guards of the Interworld Network in the name of their dreadful masters.
The enemy circle around Sorrow - Sergei’s hometown - keeps tightening, because this is one place he keeps coming back to. So that’s where the four horsemen are about to head in order to confront the new demigod.
My Opinion: 467 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review and purchased a copy when it became available.
The story follows the formula established by previous books and continues the mix of casual slice of life and intense plot. The early casual stuff was light and fun and the plot sections (four horsemen and Omega) increased in intensity (about ever 25%) until the end when it seemed like an unwinnable situation for the main character (MC) until a last minute twist gave the MC the power he needed to completely overcome the previously unbeatable new foe.
World building is still done well with the MC exploring a few new places and learning new skills. His personal life oddly still goes on, despite being hunted by bad guys, and makes for a nice casual break from the more serious plot.
Game mechanics are more muted since the MC is getting more and more OP with the Avatars he has and he doesn’t need to gain traditional power through the system established. There are still level gains for skills and the MC does a bit of training.
If you enjoyed the previous book, this one follows the same pattern, and the character developments and world building are done just as well. I enjoyed it a little less since I could predict when the twists were coming. It didn’t ruin them as the author comes up with some good original ones, but the pacing was a little predictable this time.
Score: 7.1 out of 10
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor
The man forsaken by the world, the man a slave to money and the man known as the legendary God of War in the highly popular MMORPG Continent of Magic. With the coming of age, he decides to say goodbye, but the feeble attempt to earn a little something for his time and effort ripples into an effect none could ever have imagined. Through a series of coincidences, his legendary avatar is sold for 3 billion 90 million won ($2.7 million), bringing great joy to him, only to plunge him into despair at losing almost all of it to vicious loan sharks. With revelation of money through gaming, he rises from the abyss with new found resolve and steps forward into the new age of games led by the first ever Virtual Reality MMORPG, Royal Road.
This is the legend of Lee Hyun on his path to becoming Emperor with only his family loving heart, his boundless desire for money, his unexpected mind, his diligently forged body and the talent of hard work backing him. This is the legend of the lowest becoming the strongest. This is the legend of WEED.
My Opinion: 169+ chapters, First 7 chapters free then paywall English Publisher - Tapas for 1st 53 chapters
One the first highly popular Korean VR stories (2007) that started the trend that would become LitRPG. The world would even inspire the popular online story platform Royal Road.
I’d read the light novel version of the story but eventually gave up on it because of the quality of the translation. However, the manga/webcomic version is just awesome and the translation is much better since it’s just word bubbles. While the art style shifts a bit between volume 1 & 2, the visuals convey the action well and added a layer of comedic fun that made this one of those ‘just one more chapter’ kinda reads. I was surprised by the art style itself as it pictured the MMO the story takes place in as a very western style medieval setting.
Score: 8 out of 10
Vol. 1 ch 1-53
The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor
https://tapas.io/series/legendarymoonlightsculptor/info
Vol 1. Ch 54 +
https://mangadex.org/title/14676/the-legendary-moonlight-sculptor/chapters/1/
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Delvers LLC: Golden Handcuffs
by Blaise Corvin
The gang's all here
I enjoyed Golden Handcuffs. This really felt like an interim story. Most of the major characters got a section and it transitions from the major events in book 3 to the teams next big thing. We find out more about Dolos, the High priestess and other powerful beings. A lot of sparring and the team gets to field test Henry's newest battle vehicle. I enjoyed the read and it really whet my appetite for the next book. A bit more slice of life than previous books, it makes me want to reread the first three again. I hope 5 comes quickly.
Score: 8.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/37s7i9B
Path to Villainy: An NPC Kobold's Tale
by S.L. Rowland
It's the heroes fault
I mostly had fun. I like the concept and the execution. I did have a feeling of linearity. I expected the npc kobold to get more surprises. Revenge isn't very sustainable as the central motivation for a series. Protecting the kobolds from the heroes I could get behind. I hope in the future volumes I can tell what the MC was trying to accomplish. A quick read and definitely something different.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3nx4Bcq
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 254 - Ben's Damn Adventure, Pizza Mage, A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection, Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2, I’m an Evil God, The Guild Core 1, Sixth Realm Part 1
Dec. 4th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 254 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 8 new reviews just for you.
Special thanks to Ben Tew who recommended Ben’s Damn Adventure to us to read.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-254
New Releases and Reviews:
Ben's Damn Adventure: The Prince Has No Pants (14:07)
Readers seem to either hate it or enjoy it
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3qiSpOo
Pizza Mage: Chapter One of a LitRpg Saga (22:03)
So many issues
Score: 4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ocOEbu
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG) (Bone Knight) (25:14)
Promising Premise Didn’t Pay Off
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3g0OyAO
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (33:36)
More obstacles adds more triumph
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3gbc3qZ
I’m an Evil God (38:20)
The Evil God scores
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/44409/i-m-an-evil-god
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (43:09)
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Adventure)
Don't skip the stuff at the end
Score: 8.9 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3mE71FT
Sixth Realm Part 1: A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms Book 6)
I like the characters
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3lHlvn5
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
The SBT app is now available for Android on the Google Play store! If you've already purchased productions from their website, you can now download them directly to your Android and play them through the app! Apple/iPhone Users – don’t worry, you too will have an SBT app in the very near future.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobile.soundbooththeater&hl=en_US≷=US
The very popular novel Battleborne will be on Amazon Prime Reading in the UK and Australia, which means if you’re an Amazon Prime member you get it for free. This is different from Kindle Unlimited and hopefully means more exposure for the novel.
United Kingdom: Dec. 1st - March 2nd
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Battleborne-Dave-Willmarth-ebook/dp/B08C4Y9DV7/
Australia: Dec. 1st - June 2nd
https://www.amazon.com.au/Battleborne-Dave-Willmarth-ebook/dp/B08C4Y9DV7/
Annual Gamelit Society Fundraiser, organized by author Blaise Corvin, is happening again. The fundraising has gone on for the last four years and this year its being dong
Last year they raised $4500 for sick kids. This year they will be donating to Shriners Hospitals for Children in memory of Paul Campbell Jr., a well-known member of the GameLit and LitRPG community, who passed just last month.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/gamelit-society-philanthropy-2020
In other philanthropy news, author Dave Willmarth announced last week that he’d be donating the next $1,000 is royalties from his books to charity. Thanks to the suggestions of the community, reader support, and his own research, those funds have been donated to the Wounded Warrior project and See International.
https://www.seeintl.org/about/
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Out Now!
Windwalker: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (Ciphercraft Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3m9kyFg
Sixth Realm Part 2: A litRPG Fantasy series (The Ten Realms Book 7)
https://amzn.to/37uS6Hy
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
The Broken Battlemage: The Doomsday System book 1, a LitRPG series
https://amzn.to/357aKW9
The Mischievous Merchant: A Bard's Tale (A LitRPG Story)
https://amzn.to/3nXAGu2
DLC: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 4)
https://amzn.to/34KKlxk
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
Afterlife The Tower: A LitRPG Dark Fantasy (Pandemonium Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2VEGVql
Hallowed Bones (Elemental Dungeon #3)
https://amzn.to/3geyUBP
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Idle System: The War A LitRPG Series, Book 6
https://amzn.to/37CTic3
The Enchanter: Project Stellar, Book 2
https://amzn.to/36JZrnD
Caesar's Shadow - A LitRPG Series (Gods & Kings Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2VDPBxp
Alterlife III: A Suspenseful VR Thriller
https://amzn.to/2IfgN2n
The Fifth Survivor: Episode 3
https://amzn.to/3qsnXkZ
The Rules: The Complete Series A LitRPG Epic
https://amzn.to/39NItqj
A Bond Broken - The Infinite World, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2JC3iud
Derelict: Book 2, Counterattack
https://amzn.to/36KLINv
The Song Maiden - A LitRPG Journey (Uniworld Online Trilogy, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/342wIsD
Another Online - All Hail the Queen
https://amzn.to/3lHUyzF
Solomon's Crucible
https://amzn.to/3qpfpeN
Upcoming LitRPG:
Retribution: The Rise Of Resurgence Book IV (Dec. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37dTeiZ
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Dungeon Destroyer: A LitRPG Level-Up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 2) (Dec. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36XEtjR
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
Dinosaur Warlord 3 (Dinosaur Warlord a 4x LITRPG Series)
(Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/334hNxA
Couch Potato Crisis - (Couch Potato Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
Dungeon Heart (The Singing Mountain Book 1) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Juq5Ix
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
The Guild Core 2: Core Sworn (A Dungeon Adventure) (Dec. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p87di6
Sidekick: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 2) (Dec. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p3KMe4
Alpha Zero (Alpha LitRPG Book 1) (Dec. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36IN5MH
High Gloom: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Bad Guys Book 6) (Dec. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HTOc1N
Dungeon Seeker: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Dec. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2JDGF8z
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Keys of Four Elements (Primacy Online Book 5) (Dec. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2GilM1g
Labyrinth of Fright (Underdog Book #5): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2TZ6qlo
Carl's Doomsday Scenario: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2 (Jan. 6ht, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33Mr11I
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32hZTGT
Shadow Seer (Rogue Merchant Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32iROlC
The Call of the Forces: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3mKlK28
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ufn4gZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book IV (Jan. 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3p4KmUS
Underpowered Howard: A LitRPG Adventure (Jan. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36IfPF0
Rifleman: A LitRPG / LitFPS Adventure (Battlegrounds Online Book 1) (Jan. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3nVKkx8
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Jan. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
True John Crusade: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (The Adventures of Dan Book 2) (Feb. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VFpTIK
Eat, Slay, Love (The Good Guys Book 10) (Feb. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36KaXza
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars 2 (A Real LitRPG Roman Series) (Feb. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gc9WmM
Dagger of Doom: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 5) (Feb. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VDRmuv
Path of Spirit (Disgardium Book #6): LitRPG Series (Feb. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37B8pTn
Jeff the Game Master: A LitRPG Series (Feb. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3oofnBY
Wasteland [RealRPG Wuxia Series] Book #1 (Feb. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2KZfFRh
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Ben's Damn Adventure: The Prince Has No Pants
A comedy.
All life on Earth has been stolen away by The System, transported to another world at the behest of a distant galactic empire, who lived in terror of humanity's potential.
Ben was a normal, slightly above average man, and had been about to go on the first real vacation of his adult life. Now he must contend with danger and mystery in a world of monsters, magic and treasure, armed with nothing but his wits, and the special item given to him by The System.
This is his adventure.
Welcome to The World.
My Opinion: 267 pages, $3.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a pretty solid story whose reviews seem to either really like the story or really dislike it. I can understand the divide since much of the fun of the story relies on getting the sense of humor of the writer. If the humor lands, you’ll like it. If not, it’ll be a skip.
The story is a super slice of life and it feels like the serial story that it is with more of it being available online. There’s a vague plot about humanity escaping the dimension but it mostly focuses on the MC and his sometimes crazy and weird adventures figuring out the rules, fighting some monsters, a little dungeon diving, and some rather odd interactions with the beings that live in the dimension.
The story is a Transported to RPG world, where everyone one on earth is sent to a new dimension. The setup takes a good bit to get through (like 15%) and the main character (MC) spends another 30% in character creation or in a too long introduction to the various locations he’s not going to and oddly a good bit in the ocean. On their own, the scenes could be boring, but the snarky dialogue and the humor that puts humanity as the most deadly biological entities in the universe pulls me through. But I can absolutely see other readers not sticking around past these scenes.
After the 50% mark when the RPG aspects show up they’re not super heavy, but there are levels, classes, races, and lots of twists that keep you guessing what’s going to happen next. The game stuff reminds me of the way the RPG system is handled in The Wandering Inn with classes and special abilities rising when the character does things related to their class, but it also being handled in a more fantasy way without clearly defined XP.
Overall, the beginning of the story doesn’t feel like LitRPG, maybe more light gamelit. But the humor and dialogue were just interesting enough to keep me reading until that started and then I was more entertained. Entertaining if you’re ok with the serial feel of the story.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Ben's Damn Adventure: The Prince Has No Pants
https://amzn.to/3qiSpOo
Pizza Mage: Chapter One of a LitRpg Saga
Join Dave as he lands a new job at Fantanic, the worlds leading gaming company testing state of the art and fully immersive gaming hardware as an in-game goblin and the 8th newest player to the realm of Spectacle Online.
My Opinion: 23 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This short story has an original RPG class and decent premise. But nothing is really done well. There are numerous technical writing issues like dialogue without quotes, shifting tenses, and missing capitalizations, run on sentences, and other issues. It ultimately feels like someone's first time writing something.
On the story side, nothing really exciting happens. Half the story described the main character (MC) as a pizza delivery man and how he gets recruited to test long term immersion gaming. It takes half the short story to get to the game world. The MC chooses to be a goblin mage and fights a few monsters. Too much time is spent on the MC being amazed about the pain sensations, the realism of the game, or basic game mechanics. The ability to create pizza comes in the last few pages and then it just ends.
Score: 4 out of 10
Pizza Mage: Chapter One of a LitRpg Saga
https://amzn.to/3ocOEbu
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG) (Bone Knight)
Max's coworkers treat him like hot garbage and his manager is a superficial dolt. It might be worth it if he made any money but he doesn't. Unfortunately for him, his fate was sealed before he was even born and it's way worse than working part-time in a coffee shop.
Confronted out of the blue by a cackling demonic entity from another world, like a lot of things in his life, Max doesn't take it seriously. So when he's yanked by his bones into that world, he's given every disadvantage the demon can dish out.
Finding that he's fallen feet first into an old RPG game his dad played on the NES back in the 90s, Max is immediately given two quests: Find the imprisoned girl with the green eyes, and survive. He's not sure which one's worse.
My Opinion: 210 pages, $0.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
-Premise Didn’t Pay Off-
There were some technical issues with reading on the phone but they've been straightened out. So if you had missing pages and gave up, you might try it again.
The main character is sent to a retro video game world as a Monster Main Character (MC) with a series goal of saving the world before time runs out. So the MC starts as a level 1, 1 HP, skeleton but he has access to all the jobs available in the game. He just has to stop getting killed by low level monsters to level up enough to take advantage of this boon.
I really liked the setup. Access to all the classes, even with a weak starting body. I expected the MC to utilize that to switch classes and complete quests to unlock more classes to switch to, like in FF Tactics. Instead, the story is mostly slice of life adventuring and leveling with video game joke nods. The MC is a skeleton, but it isn't used as well as I hoped it would be. I'd expected some monster evolutions or special monster abilities. But beyond him not being poisoned, it didn’t amount to much. The fact that the MC can access all the classes wasn’t developed at all except as a novel goal. Instead, the MC picks a Bruiser class and trudges along with it even though it only increases his vitality stat a point a level and leaves the rest of his stats at 0, which to me should mean he does no damage. Also that the MC can be killed but doesn’t really die, he revives after a short time, lessened the tension and consequence of him being weak early on.
There’s a pretty decent sense of humor in the story and the characters weren’t uninteresting. But there’s way too much talking and not enough doing and not nearly enough action for most of the story. Especially if there is a story goal of level grinding and advancing classes.
Overall, the promising story setup didn’t pay off and while the adventuring wasn’t bad, it wasn’t particularly good either. It just didn’t end up working for me. Though if you are looking for something with more dialogue the story might work for you.
Score: 6 out of 10
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG) (Bone Knight)
https://amzn.to/3g0OyAO
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2
Carl thought his life was on track, until disaster struck. Now he looks like a 35 year-old and is out of points, so he needs to scramble to change the situation before any one finds out the truth.
The question is, what should he do next? Buy more businesses, or focus on his love life? And always in the background is his family, wondering what happened to their father and grandfather and if he will ever talk to them again?
Biomedical Self-Engineering is a LitRPG slice of life adventure, following Carl as he discovers new ways of living when he is nearing the end of his own. There are no explicit scenes, very little swearing and no harems.
My Opinion: 418 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The start of the story could have used a little bit of a recap, and while it starts in the same slice of life manner the previous book did, it also grows as it goes on. In book 1, the progression system was fresh but the main character (MC) had few obstacles which made his endeavors feel less triumphant. In book 2, the author really went out of his way to throw in some problems that MC had to overcome, including medical issues, relationship issues, and other speculators. It made the story a bit better with some antagonists in the story.
A few small things that bugged me. The quotes at the start of each chapter bugged me. They had little or nothing to do with the chapters that followed and were sometimes whole pages long. They distracted rather than added to the story. Second, I would have liked a clear villain that opposed the MC. There were more challenges and obstacles for the MC which made the victories sweeter, but some clearer antagonists to overcome and defeat would have been even better.
Overall, while the emphasis to gain points lessened as the story went on, the other aspects I liked about the story progressed well and there were more obstacles and challenges for the MC. Enjoyed the slice of life story a bit more than book 1.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2
https://amzn.to/3gbc3qZ
I’m an Evil God
By Shidai Man Wang
Across the realms, is the manliest and most handsome evil god in history! The peerless beautiful man Xie Yan crossed over and fell into the vixen’s lair. In order not to be drained of his entire life-force, he travels between various realms, cuts down a son of god, and repels the confederacy Yang Yi… This is the story of how he eventually becomes an evil god.
My Opinion: 96+ chapters, FREE - Weekly updates, No English Publisher
This was recommended to me by LitRPG author Charles Dean, and I thank him for it. It’s a combination of Reincarnation, Cultivation, Wuxia, and RPG system. The main character (MC) dies in our world and reincarnates into the body of a low level loser on a cultivation martial arts world who is soon to die from being drained of his essence by his cultivating wife. It's a whole thing about the type of cultivation she does. Regardless, the MC not only has to survive this drain in the future but learn how to cultivate and become powerful enough to live in this world where the powerful rule.
Thankfully the MC has a RPG like system where he can collect points for strong emotions directed towards him and then purchase levels in any cultivation, martial, or spiritual technique he’s learned. The story follows the MC as he does good, bad, and devious all to make people feel strongly towards him and collect points. Additionally, there’s a sub system that lets him travel to parallel universes where he can complete quests to gain more techniques and points. These parallel universes range from ancient china to modern worlds and have a variety of problems, and cultivation levels. It’s a good break from the Wuxia main world and allows for some weird and interesting side stories.
Overall, it’s a very fun read that has regular updates.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
I’m an Evil God
https://mangadex.org/title/44409/i-m-an-evil-god
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Adventure)
by TJ Reynolds
Don't skip the stuff at the end
I loved this one. Something about level of detail I think. Often descriptive text feels bolted on. Not here. Feels organic. The part of the story in Ban's dungeon really impressed me. A bit like perfect accessories, decor, spices. A lived in hobbit home vs. the living room with plastic covers on the couch. So Ban and Kai's meeting/training montage was a joy to read/fun for me and not just filler I want to skip. I love Jonathan Brooks various dungeon core books and I like this one aspect of TJ's book better. Personal preference like me preferring bowling over golfing. The multiple POV's didn't bother me (they often do). That was handled well. Hmm. I think this is enough. Not my top 5 (wasn't intense enough for that). But I had a great time reading this.
Score: 8.9 out of 10
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3mE71FT
Sixth Realm Part 1: A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms Book 6) by Michael Chatfield
I like the characters
I like Rugrat, Eric, and what they've built. Especially at the beginning, the POV jumped around way too much for my taste. It seems strange for me to say I had character overload. There's a tournament, which I rather enjoyed. Also some raids on Orcs in a sixth realm dungeon. A decent continuation. Rugrat and Eric are fun characters. The skeleton, not so funny any more. The many sub threads made things feel more diffuse. I felt this way in later Emerilia books as well.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Sixth Realm Part 1: A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3lHlvn5
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
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Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rbgdut7cghvVBy572lG6o
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/LitRPG-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJPS6S5
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 253 - Thanksgiving Deals, Luck’s Voice 2, Berserker, Dungeon of Chance, Live Dungeon!
Nov. 26th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 253 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 7 new reviews just for you.
Special thanks to a new patreon supporter Master Tony Bates. (lol)
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-253
New Releases and Reviews:
Cashing in (Luck’s Voice - Book 2) (18:06)
Entertaining for those that liked book 1
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/39tRUv9
Berserker: A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Adventure (Apocosmos Book 1) (23:53)
Good trading, misses on other fronts
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2KkfTCa
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel (36:06)
Randomness adds some flare
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Ifpx81
Live Dungeon! (42:40)
Healer’s delight
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/24659/live-dungeon
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (46:40)
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Master of None (All Trades Book 1)
A pair of jacks to open
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3o3Fe25
Business as Usual (All Trades Book 2)
Jack expands his business
Score: 8.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/366H8Zu
Corporate Warfare (All Trades Book 3)
Jack has strong enemies. He hits Hard
Score: 8.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2V6Z7Zi
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
News includes possibly finishing the Lion's Quest series.
Michael Scott Earle has had a complicated history with Amazon and since he left the platform he’s done tremendously well with Kickstarter and Indiegogo to fund his writing, audiobooks, physical books, and artwork. His campaigns have raised tens of thousands of dollars each. But he’s planning to change things in 2021.
Stepping back from using crowdfunding to publish and just directly sell his ebooks and audiobooks to the public. This will let him publish more books since using the crowdfunding method requires previous rewards be handed out before a new campaign could be arranged, limiting the number of books/audiobooks he could produce.
“You guys have been really great fans and support me and buy the books at a higher price point. This indicates I can raise the prices on books and still make enough money to pay the bills. So, I’m raising the prices of my ebooks to $10 and audiobooks to $15.”
Instead of using Audible or even Bandcamp, MSE is going to directly sell his audiobooks through Bookfunnel, so he can keep 95% of the revenue as opposed to 85% on Bandcamp and 40% on Audible. If you’ve already bought the audiobooks, they should show up on that Book Funnel app after he’s submitted a spreadsheet showing you’ve purchased the product previously.
“Books I’m planning on publishing in 2021 (maybe not in this order, but probably in this order, but maybe not):
SJ 12 direct to my website
SJ 13 direct to my website
SJ 14 (should be the last book) direct to my website
Tamer 8 Through Kickstarter
LQ 4 direct to my website
LQ 5 direct to my website
LQ 6 (Should be the last book) direct to my website
SK7 Through Indiegogo
New series through either KS or Indiegogo
Either ME3 or SK8 through either KS or Indiegogo”
LitRPG Black Friday Deals
If there are any audiobook listeners out there, Audible is having a Black Friday sale starting today and lasting through the 30th. There are 27 Sci-Fi & Fantasy audiobooks on sale for $6 and if you buy 4 or more, you'll get a $5 coupon for the future!
Why am I mentioning this? Well, of those 27 Sci-Fi & Fantasy audiobooks, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 is one of them! If you are into LitRPG as well, 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐞'𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞 by A.F. Kay is also on sale.
https://www.audible.com/ep/black-friday-sci-fi-fantasy
Jonathan Brooks Following the day of giving thanks, I'm giving away a ton of eBooks on 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 for FREE! Take some time away from the frantic shopping to read some of my first-in-series, including Dungeon World, Bio Dungeon: Symbiote, and The Crafter's Dungeon!
Dungeon Player -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077MRMJ6S
The Song Maiden -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CV6MRWX
The Station Core -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F7XK2J8
Dungeon World -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PBMF7BS
The Dungeon Fairy -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084VSHGQR
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881Z38JR
The Crafter's Dungeon -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T72VCHH
Black Friday Weekend Special!
Codename: Freedom: Survive Week One $0.99!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725PVK63
The Underworld Collection: A LitRPG Series $0.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081X9K968
Joshua Kern The Game of Gods is on sale this week, and then on Cyber Monday the first book in each of my series will go on sale for $0.99.
The Game of Gods - $0.99 till 11/27
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PGWWVT3
The Dungeon Alaria - $0.99 on 11/30
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TVFQ7JW
Both books of my zombie gamelit harem series are 99 cents each in the US. Book 1 is 99p for UK readers. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083QHVJXP
Frank Albelo’s series will be on Sale starting Black Friday and run to Sunday night!! All of these are also available on KU!
Grab you some epic fantasy LitRPG with the Muraglen Saga!
Book 1 ($0.99):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HL8Y9K6
Dive into the dark world of the Calforn's mutant Gamelit system!
Book 1 ($0.99): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QNZQ838
Tim Kaiver ‘s Ciphercraft - Book one, Cipher's Quest is 99 cents through Friday.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D6VR918
Steven Rowland has a special signed paperback of Path to Villainy for anyone who supports him at the Bronze Tier ($5/month) or above (US) or the Gold Tier (International) during November or December.
https://www.patreon.com/slrowland
A LitRPG Author Passes
From Taj El 11/24/2020
“I have come bearing sad news. Our writing brother Paul Campbell Jr., Author of Peaks of power I & II, has passed away today. He was battling double pneumonia since late last week and after spending two nights in the hospital was sent home to convalesce. During the late afternoon today, he called a friend to complain of having trouble breathing and an ambulance was called. He was pronounced dead after attempts to resuscitate failed. He is survived by his loving daughter Aubrey Campbell age 7.
...Hold the ones you love close and make sure you know you love them.”
Out Now!
The Weaponized: A Sci-Fi LitRPG (Part III)
https://amzn.to/3q2oKc7
Pizza Mage: A LitRpg Short Story
https://amzn.to/33j2Nfn
I'm The Bad Guy: A Supervillain LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3q2lv4x
The Sigilist: Root Words: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/2V2uvbJ
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Trial by Magic: PrimeVerse Series, Book 3
https://amzn.to/39i92Uc
Forest of Desire: Alchemist Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/33icp9T
Beastmaster: A Fantasy LitRPG - Gamified, Book 1
https://amzn.to/36bFUwh
Gauntlet - Legends Online, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3fCYPDi
Defender - Light Online Series, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3791Eb5
True Smithing - True Smithing, Book 1
https://amzn.to/37p17SP
First Sorcerer - Singularity Online, Book 1
https://amzn.to/364aQOP
War of the Posers: Bad Guys Series, Book 4
https://amzn.to/369cn6c
Ethria 2: The Golem Crafter - An Epic LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/39fqpVT
Upcoming LitRPG:
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG)
(Nov. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dxcNW9
Windwalker: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (Ciphercraft Book 2) (Nov. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3m9kyFg
Sixth Realm Part 2: A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms Book 6) (November 30th, 2020)
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
The Broken Battlemage: The Doomsday System book 1, a LitRPG series (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/357aKW9
The Mischievous Merchant: A Bard's Tale (A LitRPG Story) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3nXAGu2
DLC: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 4) (Dec. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34KKlxk
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
Retribution: The Rise Of Resurgence Book IV (Dec. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37dTeiZ
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Dungeon Destroyer: A LitRPG Level-Up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 2) (Dec. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36XEtjR
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
Dinosaur Warlord 3 (Dinosaur Warlord a 4x LITRPG Series)
(Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/334hNxA
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
The Guild Core 2: Core Sworn (A Dungeon Adventure) (Dec. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p87di6
Sidekick: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 2) (Dec. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p3KMe4
High Gloom: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Bad Guys Book 6) (Dec. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HTOc1N
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Keys of Four Elements (Primacy Online Book 5) (Dec. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2GilM1g
Labyrinth of Fright (Underdog Book #5): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2TZ6qlo
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32hZTGT
Shadow Seer (Rogue Merchant Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32iROlC
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ufn4gZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book IV (Jan. 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3p4KmUS
Rifleman: A LitRPG / LitFPS Adventure (Battlegrounds Online Book 1) (Jan. 26th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3nVKkx8
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Jan. 30th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Cashing in (Luck’s Voice - Book 2)
Doc Holyday never expected to be in a new world with a new name, but Lady Luck made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Her deal came with perks; he gained the ability to heal and he could periodically avoid taking damage from any single attack. Lady Luck had assured him that the list of perks would grow over time. The offer also came with a major drawback, however— Doc had to help save the world.
While that would be a tall order for anyone, Doc was never one to back down from a challenge. Luckily, pun intended, Doc struck it rich on a mining expedition, staking a claim worth more than the whole town of Deep Gulch.
Using his new wealth, Doc hired the local clan of dwarves to work the claim. He offered them not only a better wage, but respect as well. Similarly, he was able to hire the secretary away from what had been the wealthiest man in town, and freed several of the town’s merchants from the crippling debt they’d been saddled with.
All of this has made him a target for the bigwigs who run the town. Doc isn’t worried, though, because he has friends to help him along. But will they be enough to handle Goodman and Suez? And the Church of Apoc, which is bound to notice him?
(This book contains adult situations, including but not limited to: sex, gambling, abuse, drug use, harem, and murder. It also contains graphic sex scenes, which portray elements of BDSM. You’ve been warned.)
My Opinion: 459 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review but purchased a copy when it became available.
There are graphic sex scenes in the novel, though it’s relatively small part of the story.
A slice of life entry into the series, this novel advances the romance and relationships between the main character (MC) and some of the ladies. I expected a little more advancement on conflicts between the MC and the antagonistic forces in the town, especially with the church. But what was there was satisfying and it’s always fun to see jerks get a little comeuppance. Beyond that there are a few new powers but a good amount of set up for future conflicts. On the whole a good read for fans of the series.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Cashing in (Luck’s Voice - Book 2)
https://amzn.to/39tRUv9
Berserker: A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Adventure (Apocosmos Book 1)
Alex is a game developer though he'd much rather stream RPG classics or spend time with Louie. That's his adorable corgi.
He also hates people. Not in a homicidal way but rather in an extremely-antisocial one.
Unless you hurt Louie.
In such an instant, Alex is pulled in the Apocosmos, where our whole world is just a blip in a colorful tapestry of million others.
A multiverse ruled by a strict system.
Where Norse, Greek, and Celtic pantheons clash.
Where dwarves craft, dragons hoard, and vampires don't glitter.
A world that is as cruel as epic.
Alex wants none of that though. He just wants to earn an early retirement somewhere in Spain.
There's money to be made in the Apocosmos.
Alex will take advantage of the market just like he did in his MMORPG days, in what seems like an error-proof plan.
But it's a zero-sum game and some people would do anything to eliminate competition.
My Opinion: 445 pages, $4.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review but purchased a copy when it became available.
Trading aspect good, but misses in other areas
From the cover art and the opening prologue I expected an action filled fantasy story with lots of fights and a main character who was a berserker badass. However, that’s not what you get.
Instead, the story is split between a future version of the main character (MC) who is powerful and a berserker gladiator and the current version of the MC in a modern world who spends most of the story day trading craftable items to pay his medical bill. The MC, who is a programmer, doesn't have the background to do this trading though. So, while well described, it still felt out of left field that he was so good at it right away and knew all the pitfalls.
The story occasionally gets interrupted by scenes from the future where the MC is a badass berserker in a gladiatorial ring. It doesn't make sense that these interludes exist since they don't add anything to the story, not even any action until the very very end. Instead they felt disconnected. Like someone spiced in the talking parts of Gladiator into a movie about commodities trading. The two story lines don’t even meet up since the badass berserker version of the MC is years or decades older.
Another issue is that all of the fights, the combat scenes, felt contrived. They're not badly written, but they felt forced to gain the MC an ability or in one instance, get his corgi dog the ability to speak. Especially the last few fights that felt a little bit like padding since they didn't add much to the story besides getting the MC his berserker ability, which didn't make sense either.
I would have rather the story focused on the most interesting element. The trading aspect. It's not something that is seen often and felt the most original. It would have been more fun to see him leverage that for revenge or power in addition to paying bills.
Character wise, there are good fun characters in the story. The MC has a decent personality but inconsistent motivations and background between gymrat fighter, system crafting day trader, and regular job programmer/gamer. There are other good side characters that are fun, with the talking corgi being the best. Dialogue between the corgi, Louie, and the MC is always funny and a highlight. Other characters feel weirdly inserted, like the friend the MC hadn’t talked to in 2 years that turns out to be part of the System parallel world as a rich heir that for no really explained reason spends vast resources on the MC to protect him, outfit him, get him abilities, and eventually risk his life to help the MC.
The game mechanics in the story aren't bad but they're not particularly innovative either. Lots of item, and character descriptions but it's mostly standard RPG stuff applied to a modern world. The notifications are a bit longer and detailed than they needed to be and often took up multiple pages of the story. The saving grace on this front is the intelligent use of the trading/selling system. The MC uses it to predict the best times and days to buy, craft, and sell resources for a profit. It’s a system I haven’t seen much before and I thought it felt interesting.
Overall, the story felt disjointed, the action felt forced, and the Berserker title to the story felt like a false flag since it's barely part of the story. It's saved from a worse score because of the fun talking Corgi, and the neat trading mechanic.
Score: 6 out of 10
Berserker: A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Adventure (Apocosmos Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2KkfTCa
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel
In a world dictated by probabilities, Clay was an anomaly…
Thousands of Heroes protect the land, defending against the periodic incursions by gigantic monsters known as World Threats. This was the way it had always been and Clay Shuntwise was perfectly fine with that. Running deliveries for his family’s shop in the sleepy town of Renton, the young teenager barely even thought about Heroes and their role in keeping the world safe.
That was, at least, until the world came crashing down on him.
Reborn into the brand-new and unfamiliar form of a Dungeon Core, Clay struggles through learning more about Heroes and the dungeons they delve through to get stronger. According to the guide that was trying to help him understand his new life, however, because he was a former Hero, Clay should already know most of what he needed to succeed; all of the finer parts regarding the relationship between Heroes and dungeons, including information about probabilities and drop rates, should be common knowledge.
The problem? Despite wishing that he had been that lucky in his past life, Clay had never been a Hero…but now he might be forced to become one, though not quite in the way he ever expected.
My Opinion: 415 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The latest dungeon core story from the author is not only entertaining but tries to add some randomness to the sub-genre through a well used Gacha-type. Adding in some well thought out mechanics that let the dungeon murder the adventuring heros without perminetly killing them, it creates an interesting way to incorporate the dungeon into the world lore. Brooks’ game mechanics, as usual, are well thought out and a core part of the world and his storytelling is interesting enough to make me read the entire story in a single sitting and wanting more. Thanks for the good read.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel
https://amzn.to/2Ifpx81
Live Dungeon!
An old MMORPG called Live Dungeon. Before the service was terminated, Kyotani Tsutomu made full use of 5 notebook PCs to clear the game and was invited to a different world. And then, Tsutomu was speechless when he saw a live relay of a dungeon capture in the different world. They bulldozed through without any thought of strategy. The misfortune of getting the healer position. Tsutomu reinstated the White Mage that had always been his favorite in games and aimed to conquer the dungeon to find the key to his escape from the different world.
My Opinion: 31+ Chapters, FREE, No English Publisher
There are a couple of rules that force a different kind of conflict. 1) A world rule, god’s rule, that no player ever maliciously attacks another player. This means low-lifes can troll or insult the MC to their heart’s content and he can’t respond with the force he wants to. However, the wording of the rule leaves interesting loopholes the MC eventually uses. 2) Healers are treated and utilized poorly. Since they do little damage, don’t use much armor, and the common tactics of groups in dungeons means that healers are treated as tools and have a short life expectancy since monsters target them frequently. The MC is determined to show them how to fight properly based on his gaming experience and how to be the best healer.
Of the LitRPG webcomics I’ve read, this focuses very heavily on proper group tactics and the role of a healer. It's a little tedious in places if you already know the information, but it’s an overall good story that sticks to its premise.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Live Dungeon!
https://mangadex.org/title/24659/live-dungeon
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
A pair of jacks to open
I loved reading this. Yeah, I was a little troubled because everything seemed easy too for Jack and often it was almost a sketch of events. At the same time, this worked very well as it kept the story moving at a very fast pace. So leaving out details yielded fast movement. The LitRPG elements often were unobtrusive and almost seamless. I was confused regarding stat gains for jobs being associated to the job. It made sense later on and there was a stats for each job at the end. Great reading. Keeping the detail low did get in the way of emotional depth. But the action was great. Hmm. So I had fun reading, but prefer more variation in pacing and depth of character.
Master of None (All Trades Book 1)
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3o3Fe25
Jack expands his business
Okay. Well I binged book 2. I'm liking these a lot. Reminds me a bit of the Irrelevant Jack series. This time we learn a bit about the world. Also reminds me some of Michael Chatfield's Emerilia as Jack is getting into all sorts of business ventures. Battles are interesting. A bit more character development and emotional intensity. Well done. I really shouldn't start books late at night.
Business as Usual (All Trades Book 2)
Score: 8.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/366H8Zu
Jack has strong enemies. He hits Hard
Every book feels like a level up. Jack's involved with Dez now. He's got a solid group.The fights are good with action and danger. The series feels like Emerilia. I like the interesting quick change class/ job mechanic. This story is tight with better pacing and variation in intensity and feel. I like real world part of the story. Not too heavy, enough to know that the real world matters. Great reading.
Corporate Warfare (All Trades Book 3)
Score: 8.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2V6Z7Zi
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 252 - Delvers 4, Tallrock, The Infinite World Book 3, Dungeon Seeker, Dragon Heart 8, Dungeon Crawler Carl
Nov. 20th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 252 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
Special thanks to a returning patreon supporter Ryan DeBruyn.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-252
New Releases and Reviews:
Delvers LLC: Golden Handcuffs (Book 4) (08:35)
Good action, but also setting up the next book
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2UuJ4Er
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Farming Livia Book 1) (14:48)
Good farming, but not much action or challenges
Score: 7.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ee7TxB
Moonlight Banishes Shadows (The Infinite World Book 3) (23:36)
Don’t regret a moment of lost sleep
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/36NhRTb
Dungeon Seeker (28:40)
Such a dark and gory webcomic
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/19141/dungeon-seeker
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (33:32)
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Dragon Heart: Land of The Enemy. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 8
Hadjar goes on a field trip
Score: 8.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/335x6pE
Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
Carl's boxers
Score: 8.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3m3cWnq
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
(none)
Out Now!
Dinosaur Warlord 2 (Dinosaur Warlord a 4x LITRPG Series)
https://amzn.to/36ycION
Hive Queen: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3ezqSme
The Experimental Alchemist: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3p4wZns
-This is a republish of an earlier novel released under the name Zones of Alacria - The Dragon Gate (Experimental Alchemist Book 1). The new novel is a combination of the original one and what seems like the planned 2nd book in the series. It’s twice as long as the original and if you enjoyed the original, you’ll likely enjoy this republish undisclosed omnibus-ish thing.
This isn’t disclosed in the novel description and the author also changed their author name slightly to make a clean break from the previous work though you can see the out of print version on the K.R. Dimmick author page https://www.amazon.com/K-R-Dimmick/e/B07VQMZ6B5?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1605918338&sr=1-1-spell
Fair Dinkum Dungeon Diving (The Aussie Mana Apocalypse Book 2)
https://amzn.to/34HqBdD
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel
https://amzn.to/2Ifpx81
Lair: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 1)
https://amzn.to/35Rw6pA
Street Cultivation 3
https://amzn.to/3nlts2y
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Lair - Henchman, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3fvqZQB
Seran's Reach - Enora Online, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3pPYvWr
Shroud of the Wahrsager - Enora Online, Book 6
https://amzn.to/3nHE0cl
Caym: A Fantasy LitRPG (Enora Online, Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3lRLE3A
The Heroic Villain 3
https://amzn.to/35P7uPo
Altered Realms - A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Ascension, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2UMGSbO
Fairyed - A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2IVrOWS
Upcoming LitRPG:
Berserker: A LitRPG Urban Fantasy Adventure (Apocosmos Book 1) (Nov. 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2KkfTCa
Cashing in (Luck’s Voice - Book 2) (Nov. 25th, 2020)
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG)
(Nov. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dxcNW9
Sixth Realm Part 2: A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms Book 6) (November 30th, 2020)
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
The Broken Battlemage: The Doomsday System book 1, a LitRPG series (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/357aKW9
DLC: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 4) (Dec. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34KKlxk
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Dungeon Destroyer: A LitRPG Level-Up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 2) (Dec. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36XEtjR
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
Dinosaur Warlord 3 (Dinosaur Warlord a 4x LITRPG Series)
(Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/334hNxA
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
The Guild Core 2: Core Sworn (A Dungeon Adventure) (Dec. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p87di6
Sidekick: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 2) (Dec. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p3KMe4
High Gloom: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Bad Guys Book 6) (Dec. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HTOc1N
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Keys of Four Elements (Primacy Online Book 5) (Dec. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2GilM1g
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Labyrinth of Fright (Underdog Book #5): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2TZ6qlo
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32hZTGT
Shadow Seer (Rogue Merchant Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32iROlC
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ufn4gZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book IV (Jan. 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3p4KmUS
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Delvers LLC: Golden Handcuffs (Book 4)
After helping save a country on Ludus from a demon invasion, Henry and Jason could use a break. Unfortunately, life moves on, and new problems will appear, especially for their friend, the new ruler of Berber. Being orb-Bonded adventurers wielding powerful magic means they have the responsibility to do what others cannot.
Some members have left, and there will be new additions. The Delvers LLC team is solid. But while Henry creates new magi-tech and Jason perfects his deadly power, evil forces are gathering. The men from Earth had better enjoy what down time they have, because it’s not likely to last.
Events on Ludus and out among the rest of the universe are spiraling towards something terrible. Henry Sato, Jason Booth, and Nora Hazard might find themselves being drawn towards the center of the conflict, or knowing their luck, fall right into it.
My Opinion: 314 pages, $5.98, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a good, action-ish transition to a new big arc for the series. The first 20% is mostly reminders about who everyone is, what happened in the last book, and the month between those events and the start of this novel. It’s a good catch up but also lays down new problems for the expanding cast and meshes in some of those new characters. Mid story positions the group for expanded adventures with a leading quest that provides most of the action in the novel. I liked that the author added a way to sneak in some close personal combat and a little powering up as those have been traits of the series. The late story does a bit of world building but really is the setup for book 5. It’s a giant tease for action I’d like to read about immediately but still have to wait for.
Overall, the story does a good job transitioning the story into a new arc of adventure. The action is still there, there’s some crafting, and setup for new adventures and challenges for Henry, Jason, Nora and the crew. Good stuff.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Delvers LLC: Golden Handcuffs (Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2UuJ4Er
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Farming Livia Book 1)
An untapped frontier. Reaping and sowing. Redemption through growth.
Matt is running from a life that he no longer wants, and he’s found a solution. By logging in to the newest game, Livia, he gains chances that he can’t get anywhere else. Matt chooses to cut out a new life for himself on the edge of civilization, by venturing to the frontier town of Tallrock. As soon as he gains his class, the newly minted Cycle Mage has one goal: farming.
Now known in-game as Kastigan, he gains a starting bonus parcel of virgin land that he will need to convert to farmland from the ground up. Kastigan needs to decide what to grow, what animals to raise, and who to hire; all while dealing with a Legion Commander who hates him for no apparent reason, surviving in the wild land where monsters roam freely, and uncovering lost relics from a forgotten time.
If he succeeds, he will create a new home for himself. If he fails, he will lose not only his farm, but all the workers, crops, and beasts that he has spent every last penny to acquire.
My Opinion: 379 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A VRMMO story where the MC is looking to make a living selling/auctioning items. He chooses to try the rare farming route instead of traditional adventuring. Along the way he meets a lizard-woman who is a beast tamer and together they explore, farm, breed stock, and adventure.
The first 15% is a bit of an info dump and I had to push through some of the more unneeded details. But by the 20% mark, the story gets on track for the adventure, exploration, and farming. The only real negative is the lack of action or any antagonists. Up until the 70% mark, there's not any real obstacles to what the MC does and there's no antagonist in the story.
Game mechanics are detailed, especially the magic system with elemental affinity determining which spells could be taken and how powerful they were. I also liked the beast bonding process. There was specific resource use and some real risk of failure and it made any success feel rewarding. Mini games are used for skill use. There's a bit of crafting and use of magic to farm. Other MMO game stuff is fairly standard: levels, skills, abilities, health, mana, etc.
Overall, it’s an ok story. The lack of action or any real challenges for the MC meant there wasn’t really any tension. Even the IRL problems the MC was dealing with seemed to be put off till the next book. And maybe that’s where the challenges for the MC will come up. But for now, the story does farming well, has solid and consistent game mechanics with some cool potential future features. If you can enjoy a slice of life story with little conflict but lots of farming and animal husbandry, this may work well for you.
Score: 7.1 out of 10
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Farming Livia Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3ee7TxB
Moonlight Banishes Shadows (The Infinite World Book 3)
Feeling unwanted and still reeling from his encounter in the Garden of Clarity, Trent Embra leaves the city to find out what else the world has to offer. Making his own decisions for the first time, an adrift Trent latches onto the Quest in his Status telling him to survive alone on the wilds for two weeks. With only the doctrine of Sergeant Cullen to guide him, and a sword to depend on, Trent puts his back to Al’drossford and heads south to find out how different life as an Adventurer is compared to the one he has been leading.
My Opinion: 508 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Don’t regret a moment of lost sleep
The story returns to the solo and small group dungeon dives and leaves behind the larger politics. There’s still a few scenes that develop the narrative of the Al’drossford city, but for the most part book 3 is a lot like book 1, in that it focuses on action adventure. Trent’s story of self discovery is a little muted, but his power leveling and skill building is great. The author also resets giving the main character (MC) a group and I think it works well for the most part. The game mechanics are done well, though there’s nothing new that hadn’t been described in previous books.
Overall, the story is great and I practically devoured this massive story in one sitting, staying up into the wee hours of the morning to finish the adventures that are told. Don’t regret a single moment of lost sleep.
Score: 8 out of 10
Moonlight Banishes Shadows (The Infinite World Book 3)
https://amzn.to/36NhRTb
Dungeon Seeker
Junpei Takeda, a high school student, is childhood friends with Noriko Tatsumiya and the bully Kido Shouta. One day, during the usual course of bullying Junpei, they were suddenly summoned to a different world by the whim of "God". Summoned Heroes with cheats, or so he thought. But it turns out Junpei's stats were even worse than an average farmer. Tricked into a deathly labyrinth by the only one he trust, he walks the journey for revenge.
My Opinion: 33 chapters, Completed Series, No English Publisher
This is a very dark RPG dungeon dive story that is initially setup like many Isekai stories. A group of teens are teleported from their world to another, only in this case it's by a megalomaniac deity who is bored and very cruel. The main character (MC), Junpei, is given substandard starting stats while his bully classmates are given nicely boosted ones along with powerful classes. Once on the new world, the MC clings to his humanity despite the hardship of the world and pairs with the one childhood friend that was brought to the world. He’s tricked into sacrificing himself to a dungeon and that starts the cruel, brutal journey of a guy hell bent on revenge. Most of the story takes place in the dungeon and the MC has to fight these terribly powerful monsters and gradually give up everything that makes him human in pursuit of his goal. There’s lots of fighting, levels, abilities, and dark and tragic stories along the way. Yet, the ending is pretty satisfying once you get there and this is one of the few magas I’ve read with an actual clear ending.
Overall a good read, if you are ok with gore, and dark themes.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Dungeon Seeker
https://mangadex.org/title/19141/dungeon-seeker
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Dragon Heart: Land of The Enemy. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 8
by Kirill Klevanski
Hadjar goes on a field trip
Still my favorite LitRPG series. Hadjar Darkhan is a smart tough guy. I hate to say but I've lost track of why he came to this school with his partner Einen of the Islands. Eventuakly he is to compete in a tournament, But in this volume, he and Einen are off to find treasure, a crypt, and a martial arts inheritance. Nothing goes as planned of course. These books have some of the best battles. They aren't crunchy but they do have a lot of style and an a cinematic feel to the. Lot's of awesome action.
Score: 8.7 out of 10
Dragon Heart: Land of The Enemy. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 8
https://amzn.to/335x6pE
Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
by Matt Dinniman
Carl's boxers
I like the quirky humor. Sometimes it's squirm worthy. Carl and donut make a great team. It's a bit of inverted tower series. The beginning reminded of Labyrinth. This one is by the same author that brought the world kaiju surgeon. It's fun, gross in places. The game aspect is there but fortunately doesn't dominate things. A good read. I wish I hadn't started it at 11pm. Plus some great explosions!
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
https://amzn.to/3m3cWnq
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 251 - The Wandering Inn: Volume 3 - Part 1, The Alchemist Book #4, The World Is Full of Monsters Now Therefor I Want to Live As I Wish, Tower Climber, Sacred Cat Island
Nov. 13th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 251 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you, including the return of our contributor Ian Mitchell.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-251
New Releases and Reviews:
The Wandering Inn: Volume 3 - Part 1 (10:24)
Great storytelling
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/32FRQ7i
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series (16:56)
Now with Town Building
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
The World Is Full of Monsters Now, Therefor I Want to Live As I Wish (21:21)
A cuter RPG Apocalypse
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/36344/the-world-is-full-of-monsters-now-therefore-i-want-to-live-as-i-wish
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (24:07)
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Tower Climber (A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1)
Power up and climb the tower
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2UsDvq0
Sacred Cat Island
A magical time
Score: 8.9 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3lBHJI8 1
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Disgardium series by Dan Sugralinov is now on Kindle Unlimited. All five books. And the upcoming books will also be there, according to the publisher Magic Dome Books. So if you have KU and have been putting off trying this series, now is your chance to read it.
https://amzn.to/2ICBepw
Dakota Krout talks on the UpperPen Podcast about writing and starting his publishing company.
https://youtu.be/Epu4ARDQgIw
Out Now!
Myriad Stars: Worship (Wu Ji Chronicles, Book 4). A LitRPG Universe
https://amzn.to/3n0z7em
The Trains of Keldora: An Automation Crafting LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3n0b4Mp
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Date: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2RG7pGc
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
Imprisoned Online: Feeding the Trolls (A LitRPG Adventure Book 2)
https://amzn.to/35RWIqn
Bugs and Loopholes: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2FBL0az
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Farming Livia Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3ee7TxB
EXODUS: The Prodigal Son: A Real RPG Story (EXODUS: A Real RPG Story Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3eckj91
Contingency (Star Divers Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2JzFczN
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3kzmepH
Somnia Online: Synergy: a LitRPG Fantasy Series
https://amzn.to/3lA3CHC
Dungeon of Envy: A LitRPG level-up saga
https://amzn.to/3eZYj1v
Delvers LLC: Golden Handcuffs
https://amzn.to/38HnCo0
Moonlight Banishes Shadows (The Infinite World Book 3)
https://amzn.to/36znEM7
Liked Book 1 and 2, but author also just changed cover art for the entire series.
Darklands Online
https://amzn.to/35vpfDk
Light Online Book Five: Ruler
https://amzn.to/32ID8fQ
Artificial Jelly: Book One
https://amzn.to/38EYZZ5
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Dinosaur Warlord - An Epic LITRPG 4x
https://amzn.to/32IFR93
Labyrinth to Tartarus: A LitRPG Saga - The Eternal Journey, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3nh722m
Dungeons and Noobs - Noobtown, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3nrazvh
Vampire Gate - Underworld, Book 5
https://amzn.to/35wiyB8
Tree Guardian - Divine Seed Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3pAfL1R
Respawn: Blade of the Ancients - Respawn, Book 5
https://amzn.to/32IBbA2
Hidden Wishes Books 1-3 - A Gamelit Urban Fantasy
https://amzn.to/36OP0hB
The Dungeon Fairy: Two Choices: A Dungeon Core Escapade
The Hapless Dungeon, Fairy Book 2
https://amzn.to/3kwWQ3U
Upcoming LitRPG:
Dinosaur Warlord 2 (Dinosaur Warlord a 4x LITRPG Series) (Nov. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/36ycION
Hive Queen: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 2) (Nov. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ezqSme
The Experimental Alchemist: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p4wZns
Fair Dinkum Dungeon Diving (The Aussie Mana Apocalypse Book 2) (Nov. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34HqBdD
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel (Nov. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Ifpx81
Lair: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 1) (Nov. 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/35Rw6pA
Street Cultivation 3 (Nov. 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3nlts2y
Sixth Realm Part 2: A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms Book 6) (November 30th, 2020)
Berserker - Book 1 (Nov. 24th, 2020)
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
The Broken Battlemage: The Doomsday System book 1, a LitRPG series (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/357aKW9
DLC: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 4) (Dec. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34KKlxk
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG)
(Dec. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dxcNW9
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
The Guild Core 2: Core Sworn (A Dungeon Adventure) (Dec. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p87di6
Sidekick: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 2) (Dec. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p3KMe4
High Gloom: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Bad Guys Book 6) (Dec. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HTOc1N
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Keys of Four Elements (Primacy Online Book 5) (Dec. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2GilM1g
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Labyrinth of Fright (Underdog Book #5): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2TZ6qlo
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32hZTGT
Shadow Seer (Rogue Merchant Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32iROlC
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ufn4gZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book IV (Jan. 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3p4KmUS
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The Wandering Inn: Volume 3, Part 1
“No killing Goblins.”
So reads the sign outside of The Wandering Inn, a small building run by a young woman named Erin Solstice. She serves pasta with sausage, blue fruit juice, and dead acid flies on request. And she comes from another world. Ours.
It’s a bad day when Erin finds herself transported to a fantastical world and nearly gets eaten by a Dragon. She doesn’t belong in a place where monster attacks are a fact of life, and where Humans are one species among many. But she must adapt to her new life. Or die.
In a dangerous world where magic is real and people can level up and gain classes, Erin Solstice must battle somewhat evil Goblins, deadly Rock Crabs, and hungry [Necromancers]. She is no warrior, no mage. Erin Solstice runs an inn.
She’s an [Innkeeper].
My Opinion: 974 pages, $2.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
The Wandering Inn is a serial story that’s published online and collected together for novels. Because of the format, there isn’t always a cohesive plot throughout. Instead, you get breaks from the main series characters and their adventures for fascinating novella length story arcs with one-off characters that may become more later. This may annoy some readers who prefer the traditional three act structure, but I adore every single chapter as the storytelling is gripping and the short story breaks add so much great world building.
In this volume in particular I really enjoyed the [Doctor] story that imagined what it would be like to be a medical student sent to this fantasy RPG world. The character didn’t have magical healing powers, only her medical knowledge and her own version of the hippocratic oath and more practice on the wounded than she ever imagined. It was a great speculative story that combined the RPG skill gains with a WWI kind of war with streams of wounded and limited resources to save lives.
The other story arcs were well told and interesting, though I’ll admit that they didn’t connect up like I’d expected at the outset, at least not in this volume. But the returning characters, especially Erin, were still delightful reads and the other new characters were fascinating and did much to world build.
Overall, the story telling is great and I enjoyed every minute of my multi-day read.
Score: 8 out of 10
The Wandering Inn: Volume 3 - Part 1
https://amzn.to/32FRQ7i
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series
These were dark times for Tailyn Vlashich, the twelve-year-old alchemist. He’d been banished from the empire. The academy had summarily dismissed him. A deadly killer had been dispatched to hunt him. He’d been dropped all the way down to level one. But while there weren't many adults who would have been able to cope with the litany of problems Tailyn was facing, they weren’t him. And he had help—two mentors, his girl, and a friend. Not only that, but there was an ancient journal hidden somewhere in the academy dean’s office that held the secret to the location of the dragon’s blood. It was time to drop by and get their hands on it. All they had to do was clear one small hurdle: how were they going to get into the planet’s most heavily guarded building?
My Opinion: 323 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The story takes a turn towards town building as the main character (MC) and his group find themselves struggling to survive and build power in a new city. The story is pretty slice of life with a few quest threads from previous books popping up and getting resolved towards the end of the story. But mostly, it’s the MC gathering funds, exploring old ruins for artifacts, and building up his power and the ancient town he’s become owner of. It really wasn’t until the very end of the novel that the shift to town building made sense in the story though. Overall, still an entertaining read but not my favorite book of the series.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
The World Is Full of Monsters Now, Therefor I Want to Live As I Wish
On his way home from his office, the main protagonist drove and ran over a big dog. At that moment, he heard the sudden sound of a voice inside his head. ≪ The monster has been subjugated, gaining experience points. ≫ 「Eh?」 Before anyone knew, the world has changed. Monsters appear, this is a game-like world where levels, skills, and status exist. This is an adventure where the modern world becomes fantasy and where the main protagonist has to strive hard for his survival.
My Opinion: 12 chapters +, Free, Fan Translated - No Official English Publisher
This is an RPG Apocalypse mana that’s been translated by fans. Because its a scanned manga, you need to read it from right to left. Like most RPG Apocalypse stories, the story focuses on how the main character (MC) survives, kills monsters, and deals with other survivors. The story, in general, is dark with lots of people being graphically killed, but there’s also an odd light tone sometimes to the story. The MC gets some pets, exploits the heck out of his inventory system, but takes the stealth class route. It's a good story with action each chapter and the MC doesn’t make dumn decisions to save people and play the hero and stays true to the Apocalypse part of the story.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
The World Is Full of Monsters Now, Therefor I Want to Live As I Wish
https://mangadex.org/title/36344/the-world-is-full-of-monsters-now-therefore-i-want-to-live-as-i-wish
Ebook
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-world-is-overflowing-with-monster-im-taking-a-liking-to-this-life/?pg=8
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Tower Climber (A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1)
by Jakob Tanner
Power up and climb the tower
A pretty exciting start for a tower climber cultivation novel. Some time at a climber academy, when he has encounters and he come back roughed up, he can always say You should see the other guy - If you can find the pieces...Still a low ranking climber. He has an OP talent. I like his female partner's pet. Off to a good start, I hope this series does well and continued. Good world and plenty of mysteries.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://www.amazon.com/Tower-Climber-LitRPG-Adventure-Book-ebook/dp/B08LZZDXQ5
(Pic 7)
Sacred Cat Island
by Harmon Cooper
A magical time
I had a great time on Sacred Cat Island. Suitable for a younger crowd. It had an anime feel to it. Two young boys wandering around a community populated by retirees and cats. There are many mysteries to discover. It reminded me a bit of the town parts of kingdom hearts (without the combat). The nature of the world is hinted at. This isn't necessary to enjoy the adventure. A bit of danger. The pov of the book is the older if the two brothers. I enjoyed it. It did have a bit of a studio ghibli film feel. A bit of magic and mystery around everyday life. May the next book come out soon. This first book felt like a complete story. Light LitRPG mechanics that mainly track the growth of the main character. I'm looking forward to the audiobook release later this year.
Score: 8.9 out of 10
https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Cat-Island-Harmon-Cooper-ebook/dp/B08LDSMGMT
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 250 - 20 Sided Eye Book 4, How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, The Nightmare Game System, Artificial Dungeon, Unbound Deathlord 3
Nov. 6th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 250 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you, including the return of our contributor Ian Mitchell.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-250
New Releases and Reviews:
Death Is the Destiny of All (The Twenty-Sided Eye Series Book 4) (09:00)
A nice return
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/34XHzVf
How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps (13:16)
Short, Mostly Parody Humor
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/38bA6E6
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (18:50)
RPG Apocalypse with neat twists
Score: 8 out of 10
Official English Webcomic - Webtoons
https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/omniscient-reader/list?title_no=2154
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (24:33)
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
The Nightmare Game System: A LitRPG Horror
The title says it all.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2IaKYXS
Artificial Dungeon: For Sale By Owner
The merchant of death
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3k7oioO
Unbound Deathlord: Corruption (Unbound Deathlord Series Book 3)
Wow
Score: 8.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3mXnp3V
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
(None)
Out Now!
Crimson Sands: Sosaku Online - Book 1
https://amzn.to/3k8lrwz
City of Fallen Souls: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3oQeljp
The Master of Metal: A LitPPG Wuxia Series (The Cards of Fate Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2REKzyx
The Nightmare Game: The original MMORPG Murder, Mutilation, Offensive, Repulsive Player Game
https://amzn.to/2JmuHQq
The Wandering Inn: Volume 3 - Part 1
https://amzn.to/367MTF4
Dragon Heart: Land of The Enemy. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 8
https://amzn.to/2I87RLI
Tales of Dungeons, All Hallows (Tales of Hallows Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3l7S5ir
Defend & Conquer: A 4x Lit Scifi Series
https://amzn.to/2GEKZ6c
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Three in the Heart - Headshot Online, Book 3
https://amzn.to/353neho
Myriad Stars: Tribulation
(Wu Ji Chronicles, Book 3) A LitRPG Universe
https://amzn.to/3578A8Z
Upcoming LitRPG:
Myriad Stars: Worship (Wu Ji Chronicles, Book 4). A LitRPG Universe (Nov. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3n0z7em
The Trains of Keldora: An Automation Crafting LitRPG Adventure (Factory of the Gods Book 2) (Nov. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3n0b4Mp
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Date: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 6) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RG7pGc
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
Imprisoned Online: Feeding the Trolls (A LitRPG Adventure Book 2) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/35RWIqn
Bugs and Loopholes: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 3) (Nov. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FBL0az
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Farming Livia Book 1) (Nov. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ee7TxB
EXODUS: The Prodigal Son: A Real RPG Story (EXODUS: A Real RPG Story Book 1) (Nov. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eckj91
Contingency (Star Divers Book 2) (Nov. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2JzFczN
Hive Queen: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 2) (Nov. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ezqSme
The Experimental Alchemist: A LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p4wZns
Dungeon of Chance: Even Odds: A Dungeon Core Novel (Nov. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Ifpx81
Fair Dinkum Dungeon Diving (The Aussie Mana Apocalypse Book 2) (Nov. 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34HqBdD
Lair: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 1) (Nov. 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/35Rw6pA
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
Berserker - Book 1 (Nov. 24th, 2020)
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
The Broken Battlemage: The Doomsday System book 1, a LitRPG series (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/357aKW9
DLC: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 4) (Dec. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34KKlxk
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG)
(Dec. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dxcNW9
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
The Guild Core 2: Core Sworn (A Dungeon Adventure) (Dec. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p87di6
Sidekick: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 2) (Dec. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3p3KMe4
High Gloom: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Bad Guys Book 6) (Dec. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HTOc1N
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Keys of Four Elements (Primacy Online Book 5) (Dec. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2GilM1g
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Labyrinth of Fright (Underdog Book #5): LitRPG Series (Jan. 4th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2TZ6qlo
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 2) (Jan. 12th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32hZTGT
Shadow Seer (Rogue Merchant Book #3): LitRPG Series (Jan. 18th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/32iROlC
Watcher's Repose: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 4) (Jan. 19th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/2Ufn4gZ
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book IV (Jan. 20th, 2021)
https://amzn.to/3p4KmUS
Ascension: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 8) (Jan. 31st, 2021)
https://amzn.to/353gaS6
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Death Is the Destiny of All (The Twenty-Sided Eye Series Book 4)
The gloves are off, and the invasion has begun.
Rook has turned his attention onto the newly-formed Kingdom of the Iron Dice. In his mind, Joe has become a nuisance that must be squashed. How will Joe’s castle prevail when not one, but two armies march upon it?
Joe and Zoya no longer have a shield of ignorance to hide behind. If they face Rook, it will be with the full knowledge of their own true mortal peril. They may be Champions, with near-immortality, but they are still just two micro-sentients facing a god-like being.
The adventure continues as Joe and Zoya journey back to their kingdom in hopes of bringing order to a dungeon that has been falling into chaos. How will they prioritize which fire to put out? Or will everything they have built burn down to ashes?
If Joe and Zoya don’t build levels, strength, and abilities quickly, then the kingdom will fall.
From an Amazon Bestseller in Superhero Science Fiction, Kip Terrington continues The Twenty-Sided Eye Series. Combining his various passions, this series involves: world building, an Artificial Intelligence, LitRPG / GameLit, merging with the machine: Cyberpunk, science fiction, fantasy, character development, booger humor, and some moral dilemmas to boot.
My Opinion: 378 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Even without a recap, it was easy to fall back into the story and remember why I liked the characters and general world. I’ll admit, the story has lost some of the grand world building sections but they existed to build up the world and that’s been done. The story more closely follows the main character (MC) and his adventures leveling, building up and defending his kingdom, and his interactions with the various forces that want to take over his place of power. There’s good action-adventure and kingdom building and fun interactions between characters I liked. Overall, a good read.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Death Is the Destiny of All (The Twenty-Sided Eye Series Book 4)
https://amzn.to/34XHzVf
How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps
For thousands of years, there has been a cycle: a Demon King rises and conquers, and a Hero is reborn a hundred years later to defeat him. Each time, civilizations are ground to dust beneath the Demon King's hordes, but humanity has remained secure in the belief that a Hero of legend will always save them. There's just one slight problem. It's only been 23 years since the Demon King's latest rise, and this time, he's already conquered more than half the world. If humanity simply waits for the Hero's return, there may be no world left for him to save.
And so, Yui Shaw sets out with an ambitious plan. A 10-step plan.
She'll find a way to obtain the Hero's legendary sword. She'll earn obscure classes, gain levels, and increase her skills. She'll travel to the meticulously-crafted dungeons that seem designed for one specific Hero to complete. And, if she's truly (un)fortunate, she might even find a fairy.
She might not be a Hero—but if she can fake it long enough, she might still be able to save the world.
My Opinion: 151 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a casual read that mostly pokes fun at chosen one hero stories. The setup takes place on a magical RPG fantasy world where the demon Lord is advancing more quickly than expected and the hero that's supposed to be summoned to defeat him isn't going to show up in time. So the MC decides he'll be the one to fight the demon Lord by cheating and exploiting his way to gather the traditional hero items. The story makes plenty of jokes poking fun at the genre with lots of Zelda references thrown in too.
On the game mechanic side, there's enough for this to be LitRPG. Levels, skills, classes, items, dungeons. However after the 20% mark, there's a lot of time jumping that bumps up the Mcs level in leaps and bounds. Which makes some of the level gains feel a little unearned. On the plus side, the MC uses less common classes and skill combos to power level and eventually gather the hero items he needs.
Overall, the story is fine. If the humor lands with you, you'll enjoy it. The parody got a little old for me and I found myself a little less interested once leveling started to feel predetermined and months of time were summarized to give the MC new powers. Still, entertaining enough. I’ll note the audiobook did a better job of entertaining.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps
https://amzn.to/38bA6E6
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
(Show Comic Pages)
Back then, Dokja had no idea. He had no idea his favorite web novel 'Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse' was going to come to life, and that he would become the only person to know how the world was going to end. He also had no idea he would end up becoming the protagonist of this novel-turned-reality. Now, Dokja will go on a journey to change the course of the story and save humankind once and for all.
My Opinion: 18 Chapters +, Free/Paywall, English Publisher
Note: There’s also a translated light novel version of the story that is ongoing. The review is for the webcomic.
Ok. This only has about 18 chapters right now, but it’s sooo good. Every chapter takes a twist I wasn’t expecting and even though the main character (MC) technically has foreknowledge of what’s happening with the end of the world he doesn’t feel OP. Such a good combination of elements: RPG Apocalypse, Reincarnator, Streaming, Intelligent MC.
Art is good too. Brings the apocalypse alive. A little graphic with the deaths, but its the apocalypse. What else would you expect?
I only wish there were hundreds of chapters for me to read right now.
Score: 8 out of 10
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
Official English Webcomic - Webtoons
https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/omniscient-reader/list?title_no=2154
Official English Translation - Webnovel
https://www.webnovel.com/book/omniscient-reader_12524375106746605
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
The Nightmare Game System: A LitRPG Horror
The title says it all.
For me, I found the beginning difficult. It wasn't the writing, just darker than I'm used to. I had trouble with resident evil 5 for a while. This book reminded me a bit of the Resident evil series. Maybe I'm a wimp about horror. If so, the horror aspect's pretty good. I found Blair the AI annoying. Once I got in a ways, I found my groove and by the end of the book I can see a pretty good setup for a series. I thought overall it was well written. It was also painful for me as I can get squeamish at times and well the mc won't win the nice guy of the year award. I'm more fond of heroes.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
The Nightmare Game System: A LitRPG Horror
https://amzn.to/2IaKYXS
Artificial Dungeon: For Sale By Owner
The merchant of death
This story is pretty much one long bad day for the merchant MC even though the story covers a longer stretch of time. His landlord/neighbor covets his store and will stop at nothing to get it. It's a decent read. It pretty much feels like the mc bumbles through things and doesn't make many choices of his own. Mix orphans, a dungeon, and an evil landlord then watch the blood and tears flow.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Artificial Dungeon: For Sale By Owner
https://amzn.to/3k7oioO
Unbound Deathlord: Corruption (Unbound Deathlord Series Book 3)
Wow
Some serious head bending things await readers. After finishing reading this I need to go back and reread parts to understand the ending. I enjoyed the read but now I've got an Inception/Slaughter House 5 feeling and wonder what just happened.
Score: 8.8 out of 10
Unbound Deathlord: Corruption (Unbound Deathlord Series Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3mXnp3V
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rbgdut7cghvVBy572lG6o
Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/LitRPG-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJPS6S5
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 249 - Underdog Book #4, The Land of the Undying Lord, A Bond Broken, I'm Destined For Greatness!
Oct. 30th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 249 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you. Special thanks to listener Cory Covert who recommended The Land of the Undying Lord.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-249
New Releases and Reviews:
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (15:35)
Almost stand alone entry
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3e1hTu5
The Land of the Undying Lord (The Infinite World Book 1) (19:29)
A great story and I’m glad that I went back and gave it a shot.
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2HEgE7S
A Bond Broken: The Infinite World Book Two (25:44)
It drops from great to a good story.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2HDPdv5
I'm Destined For Greatness! (30:22)
Overall, a good casual stuff with some decent action.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/41098/i-m-destined-for-greatness
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Soundbooth Theater Direct Independent Distribution is Now Live!
Soundbooth Theater, one the greatest LitRPG audiobook narration companies, has expanded their platform. Not only do they produce quality audiobooks but now they’ve setup an independent platform to sell some of them directly to listeners at a significant savings.
Note: Not every Soundbooth Audiobook is available for direct sale due to some exclusivity contracts with other platforms. But there’s quite a selection available.
- Other audiobook platforms charge listeners $19-25 or more per audiobook and take 60-75% of that revenue from authors and narrators.
- Soundbooth charged $10-14 per audiobook and that money goes directly to the folks who made it.
Right now you can now purchase and play audiobooks and Audio Deep Dives directly from the Soundbooth Theater website! In the coming days, you'll also be able to enjoy them through Android and Apple apps as well (don't worry, whatever you purchase now will show up in the library when you download the app).
Now through November 15th, any time you purchase three or more items, use the code LAUNCH15 at checkout to receive 15% off your whole order. You can use the code as many times as you want, as long as you have at least three items in your cart each time.
https://soundbooththeater.com/audiobooks/
Michael Chatfield recently did an AMA on the Reddit LitRPG group and also one on the author’s Facebook page. Check them out for information about Chatfields work and him answering questions.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=398803564469194
More Plagiarized stories
I could only find 1 obviously plagiarized story in the LitRPG/GameLit categories and that was put up 10/16. So, did we win? Did we make stealing stories from the web and publishing them so unprofitable it wasn’t worth it? Or did Amazon just close a bunch of the plagiarized account? Or did they just move onto other genres like cultivation?
The Fables is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story of the same name..
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-fabled_18183206405597305
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Fabled-Don-Harlow-ebook/dp/B08LBX2Y66
Out Now!
Lightningbreaker: Book One of the Axis Mundi Chronicles: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3oHH6yy
Tales From the Upgrade: A LitRPG, Dungeon Core tale.
https://amzn.to/35QMxmc
Tower Climber (A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3oCAcdX
The Sigilist: Mark of a Mage: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/35Ry0qe
Tolara A New Life
https://amzn.to/2JhG8bT
Beastborne: Exiled Lands: An Epic Portal Fantasy LitRPG Saga (Beastborne Chronicles, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3oL6u6i
Sacred Cat Island
https://amzn.to/2HwMioj
Respawn: The Last Crossing (Respawn LitRPG series Book 6)
https://amzn.to/3lAqZAf
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
The Ridden
https://amzn.to/3lUgisx
Tales of Dungeons 4
https://amzn.to/3jDli3i
Dragon Heart: Land of The Enemy. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 8
https://amzn.to/3eciCZf
Came out end of Sept. but missed it
Game Shift: Hayden's Book 3
https://amzn.to/2HQNPW7
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Auction of Souls - Fantasy GameLit RPG Series (Pixel Dust, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3oJFlAY
The Ruined Temple (A LitRPG Adventure)
Eternal Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/31ZkzmX
Crota - A LitRPG Novel (The Gods' Game, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3oKvKdd
Mind Games - A LitRPG Apocalypse (RealRPG, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/37WyJsX
An Equation with One Unknown - Invasion, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3kM2Ab3
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2Joh4QL
Dream Druid - Arcane Kingdom Online, Book 6
https://amzn.to/3jICXqp
Fragment of Divinity - A LitRPG Adventure (Defying Divinity, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3eezfn2
Fusion - Somnia Online, Book 6
https://amzn.to/3oGOf27
A Snake's Path - A Snake's Life, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3eaHvVc
Downfall and Rise - Challenger's Call, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3kKAKvZ
Children of Fear: A Paranormal LitRPG Dungeon Core
Spirit Core, Book 2
https://amzn.to/34HinSN
Something - Full Murderhobo, Book 1
https://amzn.to/32fyxBB
Four Beheadings and a Funeral - The Good Guys Series, Book 9
https://amzn.to/3mD4r2p
Upcoming LitRPG:
Crimson Sands: Sosaku Online - Book 1 (Oct. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3k8lrwz
How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps (Nov. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37YxPMG
City of Fallen Souls: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 3) (Nov. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3oQeljp
The Master of Metal: A LitPPG Wuxia Series (The Cards of Fate Book 1) (Nov. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2REKzyx
The Nightmare Game: The original MMORPG Murder, Mutilation, Offensive, Repulsive Player Game (Nov. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2JmuHQq
Death Is the Destiny of All (The Twenty-Sided Eye Series Book 4) (Nov. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3mENh4E
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Date: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 6) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RG7pGc
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
Imprisoned Online: Feeding the Trolls (A LitRPG Adventure Book 2) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/35RWIqn
Bugs and Loopholes: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 3) (Nov. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FBL0az
Tallrock: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Farming Livia Book 1) (Nov. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ee7TxB
EXODUS: The Prodigal Son: A Real RPG Story (EXODUS: A Real RPG Story Book 1) (Nov. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eckj91
Fair Dinkum Dungeon Diving (The Aussie Mana Apocalypse Book 2) (Nov. 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34HqBdD
Lair: A Superhero LitRPG Adventure (Henchman Book 1) (Nov. 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/35Rw6pA
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
DLC: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 4) (Dec. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34KKlxk
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG)
(Dec. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dxcNW9
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
High Gloom: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Bad Guys Book 6) (Dec. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HTOc1N
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Keys of Four Elements (Primacy Online Book 5) (Dec. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2GilM1g
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series
After battling the hyenas, Eric gets a notification that something called a Place of Power has been found. That is the only clue that might help him get back to his native world.
But there's a problem. The system needs mana to calculate a route. Eric simply doesn't have any and he doesn't know when he will. That is because, due to the strange laws this world lives by, Eric's mana supply isn't filling up. But the Great System also exists here, though its laws are only partially functioning.
Having found himself in this alien and dangerous world without magic or the support of his loyal Gorgie, Eric understands that the kid who saved him, Badger, is currently his only source of useful information. That is a chance to understand and gain knowledge about this world and, in all likelihood, find a way to rustle up some mana.
My Opinion: 385 pages, $6.99, Not available on Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy of this book when it became available.
This is a nice almost stand alone entry into the series. The main character (MC) has been transported to another dimension where his mana doesn’t regenerate and the entire novel revolves around him not only finding a way to get his mana back, but helping the beastkin like locals that he meets, and finding a new source of power to help him grow. There’s lots of action and adventure but little connection to the main quest events of previous books. It’s a nice change of pace and enjoyable still in its own right. The buy price is a bit expensive though but once its in KU it’s a good addition for fans of the series or folks that just want to dip there toes into an almost stand alone entry.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3e1hTu5
The Land of the Undying Lord (The Infinite World Book 1)
The Infinite World, ever-changing and ever growing. New nations and races rose and fell almost daily. New Classes were discovered, as old ways were lost. Monsters and beasts roamed the earth and were slain by soldiers and adventurers who were in turn killed by stronger threats. Heroes and villains created new epics and were forgotten when their successors appeared. This was the way of the Infinite World.
Summoned into this chaotic place, a young boy with no name and no past must learn to survive. Bound to a master who doesn't care whether he lives or dies, he must become stronger. The question is how? Do the people around him value him for who he is or merely for what he represents? The world holds endless possibilities, only time will tell what the future holds for the boy.
My Opinion: 519 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a great story that is full of action, adventure, and eventually lots of good RPG progression. It’s never advertised itself as LitRPG, but it truly is and in the best possible way. The story pacing reminds me of the Drizzt Do'Urden novels I’d read as a kid, just chock full of adventure, comradery, and regular introspection. The first part, maybe 30%, does a good bit of world building and character flaw ground laying. It's pretty slice of life as the reader is introduced to the world, the main character, a human summons, and everyone else. But once the story gets to the big dungeon, called a trail in the story, the plotting comes through fairly well with a clear novel goal and ending that is satisfying. The main character in particular is very likable and it's easy to root for the poor kid and I was really happy for him whenever something good went his way.
The RPG side of things is a little slow at first with stated levels for characters and classes, but little progression. There’s some Skill acquisition but it’s not till the story hits that major dungeon that the RPG progression takes off for everyone with people specializing in classes, merging old ones and new, and getting skill stones and special equipment needed to survive the harrowing dungeon run. There are lots of notifications, ability, levels, and monster descriptions as well as a whole reasonable cultural setting for the RPG system. Anyone that likes their LitRPG crunchy will enjoy this.
Overall, it’s a great story and I’m glad that I went back and gave it a shot based on a friend’s recommendation.
Score: 8 out of 10
The Land of the Undying Lord (The Infinite World Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2HEgE7S
A Bond Broken: The Infinite World Book Two
Having experienced his first survival type Trial, Trent Embra is eager to explore what else the world has to offer. There is only one problem. Not everyone comes away from a month of constant fighting untouched. Trent's friend, Tersa is unhinged by her time in the Land of the Undying Lord, and Sergeant Cullen means to see her fixed. Trent, enlisted to help, is dragged towards another Trial, mostly willingly. Only time will tell if Tersa still has a place in the Guard, and what the Infinite World has in store for Trent
My Opinion: 292 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
I thought book 1 in this series was great. There was a good plotted out story arc once the group reached the dungeon and I enjoyed all the world building action, adventure, and comradery the story had to offer.
In book 2, most of that returns but the story itself is very slice of life and it doesn’t have that same plotted feel. Instead, you follow the main character (MC) mostly as he continues training, hits a few dungeons (trials in the book), and develops his character arc a little but. There are other characters from book 1 that have their own side journeys, but they frankly felt tacked on a little. Like the author was giving the reader updates so they could see what they were doing until they reconnected with the MC, which doesn’t happen this book. There were also some new characters introduced that had no development or connection to the MC and just kinda existed on their own, in this book.
The RPG side of things is pretty much the same as it was in book 1. There is new information in gaining advanced classes and a story point of how classes influence the personality of the person who gets them.
Overall, for me, it drops from great to a good story. The characters are still likeable. The RPG progression, action, and adventure were satisfying. However, there wasn’t nearly as much plot advancement as I was expecting and that may be due to the fact that this novel is a bit over half the size of book 1 and feels in some ways like half a novel when compared to that first book.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
A Bond Broken: The Infinite World Book Two
https://amzn.to/2HDPdv5
I'm Destined For Greatness!
When you succeed at everything you try, you have no choice but to seek challenges elsewhere, like in a game. By using the trash jobs that no one pays any attention to, with the right attitude you're bound to accomplish your goals! even succeeding at the most impossible of quests, the main character bets everything he has. "With my skills I'll beat this game!"
My Opinion: 48+ chapters, FREE, No English Distributor or official translator
An entertaining slice of life webcomic about a bored player of an MMO that likes to use unusual or even trash builds for his characters. He loses a big PvP tournament because of a bad crit roll and decides to rebuild his character using Luck as his main stat. The adventures that follow show that even in this hardcore MMO, having lady luck on your side brings some interesting results.
Art: Pretty good art. It's in full color with clean line work. Looks a bit digital and the backgrounds aren’t amazing, but it gets the fun and action across.
The story is pretty slice of life, just following the main character as he adventures. There’s some nice humor here and there, but it really is just seeing how this Luck stat build goes, how his interactions with the NPCs play into his development, and a few relationships he develops as he plays.
Overall, a good casual stuff with some decent action.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
I'm Destined For Greatness!
https://mangadex.org/title/41098/i-m-destined-for-greatness
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 248 - Apocalypse Gates 7, Dross Brings the Bones, Hung Ogre, Murim Login
Oct. 16th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 248 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you and a list of 11 plagiarized stories to watch out for.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-248
New Releases and Reviews:
Unexpected Dev-elopments (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 7) (11:58)
More action this time
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2FEn06E
Dross Brings the Bones: Adversary Volume I: A LitRPG Series (15:40)
Early issue, but it gets better
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/345rD39
Hung Ogre (Caverns and Creatures) (24:15)
Snicker...Hung Ogre
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/36SZvlo
Murim Login (26:17)
A good webcomic if you’re in the mood for something that takes place in the martial arts past.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/48600/murim-login
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
LitRPG Sales
Disgardium Book 1 $0.99
https://amzn.to/3lVBPBb
More Plagiarized stories
Master of Myths is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story of the same name. Character names were changed.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/master-of-myths_17333521205419905
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Myths-Ben-Rice-ebook/dp/B08L3Y4FPK/
Prime Treachery is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story, PRIME: Treachery. Character names were changed.
Original: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Treachery-Peter-Rittman-ebook/dp/B08L5K2RPH/
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Saul-Age-God-J-Wilker-ebook/dp/B08L87DVSQ/
Saul Age of God is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story, Sol Vestitor: New Age of God. The main character name was changed from Sol to Saul.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/sol-vestitor-new-age-of-god_18005400905907305
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Saul-Age-God-J-Wilker-ebook/dp/B08L87DVSQ/
Hero Gamer is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story, HeroXGamerXHero. The main character name was changed from Jamal to Jared.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/heroxgamerxhero_16929735005791905
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Gamer-Gideon-Grey-ebook/dp/B08L25W9LD/
Survivor’s Path is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story, Virtual Reality: Survivor's Path.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/virtual-reality-survivor's-path_17528952405329005
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Path-Braxus-ebook/dp/B08L2F3XZ5/
Game of Worlds is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story of the same name. It kinda bugs me that some reviews actually recognize this is stolen but give this a 5 star review anyways.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-game-of-the-worlds_17099191005454805
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Worlds-Jim-Gates-ebook/dp/B08L186132/
Nonstop Leveling is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story of the same name. The plagiarist changed the name of the author and character name Ferris to Farold.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/nonstop-levelling_14849074906902205
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L9QCV5S/
Oblivion's Conqueror is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story Lynx Alpha Nigellus. The Conqueror of Oblivions. The plagiarist changed the name Acker with Aycker.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/lynx-alpha-nigellus.-the-conqueror-of-oblivions_17605775606869305
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Oblivions-Conqueror-Cory-Branton-ebook/dp/B08L89K1LY/
Master of the Seventh Gate is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story of the same name. The plagiarist changed the name of the author.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-master-of-seventh-gate_17906584806630305
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Seventh-Gate-Grant-Walson-ebook/dp/B08L7M5KV2/
Messenger of Death is stolen from an ongoing Web Novel story of the same name. The plagiarist changed the name of the author and renamed the main character from Alexander to Arkhan.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-messenger-of-death_17828991705110105
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Messenger-Death-Rain-Fox-ebook/dp/B08L5H7MCS/
Bearskin is taken from an ongoing Web Novel story of the same name. The plagiarist changed the name of the author and renamed the main character from Folke to Faren, but oddly only on the Amazon synopsis. Inside the name reverts lazily back to Folke.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/bearskin_16988557305038905
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Bearskin-Will-Warson-ebook/dp/B08L5MTKL8/
Out Now!
86-Neon: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (King's League Book 2)
https://amzn.to/33qODsV
Carnival of Fear: A Paranormal LitRPG Dungeon Core (Spirit Core Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3dgjGLk
Condition Evolution 2: A LitRPG / Gamelit Adventure
https://amzn.to/3m7c8hl
The Weaponized: A Sci-Fi LitRPG (Part II)
https://amzn.to/2H9Yxqm
The Font of Life: Scifi LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3j6DSjZ
Caesar's Shadow - A LitRPG Series (Gods & Kings Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2H5AuZO
The Great Centurion: Punic Wars (A Real LitRPG Roman Series)
https://amzn.to/3k6ptpb
I AM GAMER IV: Book 4 of an Epic Time Travelling LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/37bHH5e
Vagrant Sword: A LitRPG / Cultivation Saga (Legends of Ascension Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3lVrLs4
Rebuild: A LitRPG Redemption Saga (Banhammer Chronicles Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3574cW9
Apocalypse Archer: A LitRPG Novelette (Ciphercraft Origins Book 1)
https://amzn.to/37bKbR6
The War Throughout the Dungeon: And Those Who Hate and Love (The City and the Dungeon Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2IDVAip
The Golden Newb: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (Sun & Shadow Online Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3o1ozwT
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Earthdom - A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2Hdv926
Sandqueen - Rise to Omniscience, Book 7
https://amzn.to/3nUURtr
The Final Quest - Bloodfeast, Book 3
https://amzn.to/31ikaMi
86-Neon - An Epic Lit RPG Adventure (King's League, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3j1OMrb
Modern Paladin: Publisher's Books 1-2
https://amzn.to/3438rmm
Zero God: Awakening - Vanta Fantasies, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2T3oJFu
Upcoming LitRPG:
Sacred Cat Island (Oct. 20th, 2020)
Respawn: The Last Crossing (Respawn LitRPG series Book 6) (Oct. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3lAqZAf
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
The Ridden (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3lUgisx
Crimson Sands: Sosaku Online - Book 1 (Oct. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3k8lrwz
The Master of Metal: A LitPPG Wuxia Series (The Cards of Fate Book 1) (Nov. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2REKzyx
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Date: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 6) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RG7pGc
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
Bugs and Loopholes: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 3) (Nov. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FBL0az
Dungeon Seeker: A Reborn Online Book 2 LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
A Grim Demise and Even Worse Resurrection : Boneknight Series Book 1 (A Dark Fantasy LitRPG)
(Dec. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dxcNW9
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Unexpected Dev-elopments (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 7)
Alvin was happy to finally give Gothy one of the things she’d been begging for all along— a plane— so he was understandably upset when it died in its first, short-lived flight as they helped the Red River Army Depot fend off a horde of zombies from Dallas.
Gothy was happy to get a replacement for the plane, however, and the armored vehicle sporting a BIG gun pleased Alvin as well. With the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in their possession, he couldn’t help but wonder what could possibly be a real challenge in the future.
Alvin made the decision that they would all take a few days to learn what the Bradley was capable of before they ventured further east. Its Bushmaster gun delivered a hell of a kick to anything with armor, though Alvin wondered how they could acquire TOW missiles or high-explosive ammunition to boost their damage even more.
After Alvin and his group wiped a miniboss out without so much as breaking a sweat, Alvin should have been expecting more changes to the game he now inhabited. After all, he seemed to be a nexus of Dev-elopements as the game went on.
(This book contains adult situations, in all their horror and glory, including but not limited to: sex, abuse, drug use, and murder. It also contains graphic sex scenes, which portray elements of BDSM and harem. You’ve been warned.)
My Opinion: 479 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review but purchased a copy when it became available.
Like normal, this novel has adult sex scenes. It's less than 10% of the story and they are their own chapters making it skippable.
A delightful action oriented edition of this slice of life RPG apocalypse series. While the main character and his group go to an awful lot of places there are few travelogues scenes. Instead, the group uses the fast travel system to pop into familiar areas to troubleshoot and update the reader of those groups. There are still new groups contacted and even some new people (fan requested?) to add to the group so it's not all old familiar faces. But the action is definitely kicked up a notch no matter where the group heads to and there are hints of new powerful individuals heading into the game which should spice up future novels.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Unexpected Dev-elopments (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 7)
https://amzn.to/2FEn06E
Dross Brings the Bones: Adversary Volume I: A LitRPG Series
I’m in the game.
I don’t know how I got here, but I know I have a purpose.
From what I understand, you’re going to try to stop me.
If I were you, I would do the same thing.
Because I am coming for you.
And I'm going to kill you.
My Opinion: 320 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The opening chapter is not written well. The short choppy sections, the 1st person present tense that seems to break the fourth wall, and the poorly formatted game notifications all made me want to put the novel down. But if you get past that the writing gets better and the story gets pretty good.
The story becomes a slice of life survival and action adventure tale. With the early part of the story focusing on the main character (MC) trying to get the resources he needs just to live and fight in this harsh world where he starts with nothing and another entity is sending people to kill him. It's a surprisingly rough start for the MC. It continues on this path of quests that slowly reveal the big twist in the story but keep up the action and even a few interesting puzzles as the MC adventures.
On the game mechanic side of things you can see the author's familiarity with tabletop RPGs and the story often felt like there was a DM throwing challenges at the MC. The game mechanics are heavily inspired by DnD 5e. The abilities and powers will be familiar to anyone whose used that system with HP tracking modified slightly. There are plenty of stats and notifications. Though the formatting for the notifications was not done well and would have come across better if they were left justified instead of centered. One issue I had with them in particular was how the author tracked XP was that it was updated by total after a quest but it didn't say that's what it was doing. So for most of the story it seemed like the MC was getting massive amounts of XP after each quest was finished and it wasn't being tracked properly.
Overall, once you get past the rough start the story is interesting and by the end the story has developed enough plot for you want to read a 2nd book.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Dross Brings the Bones: Adversary Volume I: A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/345rD39
Hung Ogre (Caverns and Creatures)
Once again our heroes awaken to find themselves drunkenly unaware of the previous night's events and how they came to get into their current predicament.
But no amount of Diplomacy is going to save them against the appetite of the hung and hungry ogre who has captured them.
With nothing but their wits to aid them, will the C&C gang be able to escape being boiled alive?
My Opinion: 30 pages (?), $2.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
Another entertaining and inappropriate side story with the Caverns and Creature’s crew. There are an unusual number of penis jokes in this one but has the humor you should be used to if you’ve read anything by the author.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Hung Ogre (Caverns and Creatures)
https://amzn.to/36SZvlo
Murim Login
Large numbers of monsters come out the gate which is the boundary of the world. After many sacrifices, People won the fight against monsters through their awakening. Jin Taekyung is alive as an 'F class hunter' which is the lowest level. After Jin has a hard time, he gets an old capsule then he goes into the capsule that is the martial heroes' world. And the game system gives him special abilities, he starts growing up to become the best martial hero.
My Opinion: 41+ Chapters, FREE, No English Publisher
A good webcomic if you’re in the mood for something that takes place in the martial arts past. The main character gets a game console and is sent back thousands of years to the past in the body of a reprobate noble. He’s trapped there until he meets certain game requirements so he trains and becomes powerful using the RPG system only to be drawn into the game world’s war. Lots of fighting, some interesting martial arts stuff, and lots of game notifications and mandatory quests. The MC eventually returns to the real world (like chapter 39) and there are interesting cross overs from the game that come about.
The art is really good with full color panels, good expressions that convey emotions and humor, nice backgrounds and since it’s historical even the architecture and clothing matches the period.
Overall an entertaining read if you’re in the mood for a historic setting that’s a bit different.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Murim Login
https://mangadex.org/title/48600/murim-login
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 247 - City of Goblins, Pal-Tee Planet Book 2, Twilight of Midgard, The Strongest Florist
Oct. 9th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 247 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-247
New Releases and Reviews:
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (09:33)
Transported to goblin RPG Apocalypse world
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
Guardians (Pal-Tee Planet Book 2) (15:34)
Good action, but overall a miss for me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2GnG8Wt
Twilight of Midgard: A LitRPG Fantasy Series (20:29)
SAO premise, very bored
Score: 5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3cPUMSA
The Strongest Florist (24:32)
Tough guy can only be florist in MMO
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/46688/the-strongest-florist/chapters/
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
LitRPG Sales
Vestiges: Portal to the Apocalypse is FREE
https://amzn.to/33MyZZ0
𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, is on sale this week. Right now, you can get the ebook for only $0.99!
https://amzn.to/30Rbw72
Harmon Cooper Annual Box Set Sale!
The Feedback Loop (Books 1-3) $0.99
https://amzn.to/3ltMO4E
The Last Warrior of Unigaea Box Set $0.99 https://amzn.to/30QST3o
Cherry Blossom Girls Box Set $0.99
https://amzn.to/2GzneMV
More Plagiarized stories
The Primal Hunter is taken from an ongoing Royal Road story of the same name. The plagiarist changed the name of the author and added cover content claiming its an “#1 International Bestseller”, which is false on many levels.
Original: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/36049/the-primal-hunter
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KYDJP1L/
Rangers of Fantastica is taken from an ongoing Watts Pad story of the same name. The plagiarist changed the name of the author.
Original: https://www.wattpad.com/story/240851155-rangers-of-fantastica
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Rangers-Fantastica-Mike-Hatch-ebook/dp/B08KTP9M2S/
Synergy is taken from an ongoing Royal Road story of the same name. The plagiarist changed the name of the author.
Original: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/35374/synergy
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Synergy-Ray-Carson-ebook/dp/B08KSFKGHF/
Out Now!
Awaken Online: Inferno (Tarot #3)
https://amzn.to/31UjQUE
Gundertaker: Monster Girl Galaxy (Book One)
https://amzn.to/3ddTd0V
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
Pawn: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2FLJ2nE
Hung Ogre (Caverns and Creatures)
https://amzn.to/36SZvlo
Veil Online - Book 2: An Epic LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3jPC8gf
Dross Brings the Bones: Adversary Volume I: A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2GLyYM9
Cinnamon Bun (Volume Two): A Wholesome LitRPG
https://amzn.to/34CRtKK
Quick Change Volume 2: Spire
https://amzn.to/30RUcin
The Tower: Volume 1
https://amzn.to/30RVQk3
Word Fu! An Epic LitRPG Fantasy Novel: Chapter 1-10
https://amzn.to/3nzE12X
Dungeons & Dillholes: Humorous Sci-Fi GameLit / LitRPG Glitchworld 1-3
https://amzn.to/3iMzkiP
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Pyramid Game - Fantasy GameLit RPG Series (Pixel Dust, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3iPoDMa
Uru's Third Temple: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure
Divine Apostasy, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2GAyoRD
Chrysalis (A Fantasy LitRPG) - Beast Realms, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3lvP3UZ
Invasion - Limitless Lands, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3dcXTEp
Upcoming LitRPG:
86-Neon: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (King's League Book 2) (Oct. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33qODsV
Carnival of Fear: A Paranormal LitRPG Dungeon Core (Spirit Core Book 3) (Oct. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dgjGLk
Respawn: The Last Crossing (Respawn LitRPG series Book 6) (Oct. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3lAqZAf
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
The Master of Metal: A LitPPG Wuxia Series (The Cards of Fate Book 1) (Nov. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2REKzyx
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Date: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 6) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RG7pGc
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
Dungeon Seeker: A Reborn Online Book 2 LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series
Ivan Susanin, a typical guy and unemployed techie, is initiated by the System and transported, together with a thousand other players, to an unknown location beyond Earth. Ivan has an interface, a spear, and basic weapon skills. All he has to do to return to Earth is complete a simple quest and reach the second level. But experience points are only awarded for kills in this game, and the clock is ticking. Whoever doesn’t score within 24 hours will remain in the location forever.
The game takes places in the ruins of a massive city, where the undead lurk in the central districts and the outskirts are raided by the descendants of past owners. The undead are strong, while the goblins rarely move around alone and aren’t worth much XP. The most valuable prey under these conditions are formal allies, i.e. the other players. If a player is capable of killing a fellow human, of course. Even if they aren’t planning to go against their own nature by murdering innocents, who said that they will have a choice? It’s kill or be killed!
Those who complete the quest will be returned to Earth, where they can rest and prepare for the next attempt. Beyond the local objective is also a global one. In the center of the city stands a temple to a fallen god, and until one of the players captures the Altar, the mission will be repeated again and again. But when all you’re holding is a spear, your allies can’t be trusted, and resurrection is nearly impossible, this isn’t much more than a delayed death sentence…
For the first seven players, who become the Earth Gods, this mission is a chance to rapidly gain power and take charge of a united Pantheon. A chance to escape death and protect our world from invasion. Although there is only one altar and the Gods make others do their work. Ivan must make a choice and decide whose pawn he will become. Or should he take a risk, refuse their patronage and keep his options open?
My Opinion: 328 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is a Russian translated novel that is most closely related to the RPG Apocalypse sub genre. It has a thousand people from earth transported to a different world where they get RPG powers and an interface and are given quests to survive and other objectives. Only the world isn’t empty and the main character (MC) has to survive the goblin hordes that are trying to kill all the humans. It’s kinda like an RPG Apocalypse, just not set on earth.
The scope of the story goes from the survival of the MC and him learning about this new system he’s gotten to large groups of humans trying to survive on this new world against an army of goblins. It doesn’t have a proper ending, instead it feels like a ‘part 1’ or a place a serial story was just paused to become a novel.
The game mechanics are an intricate part of the story and their exploration is a good bit of the early section of the novel. But there’s nothing too new with any many familiar elements like levels, stats, abilities that increase with practice, XP from killing. There is a loot system that is a little different with cards dropping from killed opponents that contain system equipment or more rarely skills.
Overall, this is an action focused story that has a good apocalypse survival vibe when the characters are on the goblin world. Aside from the abrupt ending, its pacing is pretty good, though I liked the solo journey section more than the later one.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
Guardians (Pal-Tee Planet Book 2)
After their invasion of the Academy and Sig's betrayal, Zundy and his crew head off toward Cointown, where they are supposed to meet a contact of the crime boss, Big Fish.
Things in the Giantlands are never as they seem, and their careful plans are soon derailed. With a new crew member in tow, Zundy and company set out on a harrowing journey to clear the first section of their Great Journey toward the Green Sea.
Massive Guardians stand in their way, however, the first major test for any crew. Does Zundy have what it takes to lead his crew to victory? Or, will he, like so many others, fail to make the cut, and prematurely end his quest for the Viridian Core?
My Opinion: 296 pages, $4.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
In the review for book 1, I mentioned that in the later half of it, I’d started to lose a little interest. The story shifted from an underdog coming of age to a more slice of life story with some regular fighting. Book 2 continues that trend with some seemingly random adventures broken up with some fighting and dungeon crawling. Unfortunately it completely loses the part I loved about book 1 the best, the gritty violence of a kid who despite all the abuse heaped upon him, triumphs over the odds and makes his weakness into his greatest strength. I mean, the main character (MC) still fights and upgrades his power structure and adventures but the tone of the story is definitely more casual and it just didn’t entertain as much as book 1. I found myself struggling to care about the MC and his quest, and while the fighting was still a highlight, there wasn’t enough to carry the story. It was a near thing, but it just missed being entertaining this time for me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Guardians (Pal-Tee Planet Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2GnG8Wt
Twilight of Midgard: A LitRPG Fantasy Series
Somewhere between the glitched logout, the illegible devnote, and the missing teammates, Roland decided he needed a nap.
At the height of Twilight III, the team was a five-man avalanche of brutal violence, a squad of peerless gankers and griefers. They were the Greatest Villains of the Nine Realms.
This is the story of the sequel.
Twilight of Midgard IV has just dropped, and Roland and his team are about to hit the first level cap.
This team of veterans and friends will face their greatest challenge yet, wrestling their useless early game builds into something functional while guiding a noob down the path of min-maxing and violence.
But, when the squad receives a mysterious note, they learn that not everything in Twilight IV is as it seems.
My Opinion: 177 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Boy was I bored with this one. It reads like you are watching a YouTube video of someone playing an MMO. The main character (MC) and her group are on a quest and fight monsters. Except, there's no context for the quest, nor is there any character development or world building. There's decent banter between group members and the fights are very MMO. But as a story it was frankly boring.
About 20% in the story shifts to a trapped in the game permadeath bit that doesn't make sense, but it's there. It’s also kinda predictable and by the end of the story there isn’t really a resolution. Maybe I’ve read too many stories that try to copy the premise of Sword Art Online, but I just wasn’t entertained by this one.
Score: 5 out of 10
Twilight of Midgard: A LitRPG Fantasy Series
https://amzn.to/3cPUMSA
The Strongest Florist
Hwang Jae-Ho joins a game and wants to open a flower shop, thus begins his long journey of being a florist in a virtual world.
My Opinion: 18+ Chapters, Free, No English Publisher
The main character (MC) of this webcomic is a musclebound tough guy who just wants to open a flower shop. But IRL, he lives with his dad who’s trained him to be an amazing fighter, plus he has severe allergies and whatever the opposite of a green thumb is. Only by trying the most realistic MMO ever can he fulfill his dream of growing plants and opening up a flower shop.
The story is a super casual slice of life story set in an MMO. It doesn’t take itself seriously at all and is very funny sometimes. The RPG stuff is very regular but the MC is kinda OP. The art is in full color and it does add a bit something extra, even if it does also likely make the production take a bit longer.
The Strongest Florist
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/46688/the-strongest-florist/chapters/
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 246 - Dungeon Crawler Carl, Cookmancer Online, The Aussie Mana Apocalypse, Saikyou no Shokugyou wa Yuusha demo Kenja demo naku Kanteishi (Kari) rashii desu yo?
Oct. 2nd, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 246 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-246
New Releases and Reviews:
Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
Another odd but highly entertaining novel from Matt Dinniman.
Score: 7.9 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2GndVPz
Cookmancer Online: A LitRPG / GameLit Novel (VR Verse Book 1)
Not Much Depth
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3jij3mC
The Aussie Mana Apocalypse: A LitRPG Novel
Humorous RPG Apocalypse
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2GpSfT4
It Seems the Strongest Job is Not Hero nor Sage, but Inspector (Provisional) Instead?
Saikyou no Shokugyou wa Yuusha demo Kenja demo naku Kanteishi (Kari) rashii desu yo?
Casual read with MC with non-combat class
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://mangadex.org/title/22104/saikyou-no-shokugyou-wa-yuusha-demo-kenja-demo-naku-kanteishi-kari-rashii-desu-yo
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
More Plagiarized stories
Even claim copyright. All these stories are abandoned which makes them targets of this kind of theft.
Game Changer is taken from an abandoned Royal Road story of the same name. The plagiarist even claimed to be the same author.
Original: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/11561/game-changer-day-dreams
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Game-Changer-Argus-ebook/dp/B08K82M3VG/
The False Summoned is taken from an abandoned Royal Road story of the same name. The plagiarist even claimed to be the same author.
Original: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/32552/the-false-summoned
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/False-Summoned-Flameruner-ebook/dp/B08K7M65TD/
Over Leveled is taken from the web novel story of the same name, just as one word Overleveled
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/overleveled_17409494606860805
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Over-Leveled-Hank-Waters-ebook/dp/B08K4NK2W9/
Out Now!
Tycoon - Trudging the Path to a Modest Life in a Fantasy World: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Book Two)
https://amzn.to/2YIgaDl
Zero.Hero 2: A Super Powered LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2Fnh9ST
The Great MacGuffin: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 1)
https://amzn.to/32jo4W2
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Guardians (Pal-Tee Planet Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2GnG8Wt
Bio Dungeon: Parasyte (The Body's Dungeon Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3ioiSoo
Nova Terra: Liberator - A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Titan Series Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2SjByLt
Vainqueur the Dragon II: The Year of the Rogues
https://amzn.to/3inK0Uz
Twilight of Midgard: A LitRPG Fantasy Series
https://amzn.to/3cPUMSA
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Hive Knight - A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive)
https://amzn.to/2Sw2rMF
Sea of Sorrow - Dragon Heart Series, Book 5
https://amzn.to/34f6TEY
Brightblade - A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Series, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3nl8Bxg
Leader - Light Online Series, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2EQZ9A7
A Cat and His Human - League of Losers, Book 1
https://amzn.to/36ufZAf
Echoes of the System: A LitRPG Adventure
Stonehaven League, Book 7
https://amzn.to/3cQmNtg
Upcoming LitRPG:
Awaken Online: Inferno (Tarot #3) (Oct. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31UjQUE
Undertaker (Monster Girl Galaxy 1) (Oct. 5th, 2020)
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
Pawn: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 5) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FLJ2nE
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
86-Neon: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (King's League Book 2) (Oct. 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33qODsV
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
The Master of Metal: A LitPPG Wuxia Series (The Cards of Fate Book 1) (Nov. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2REKzyx
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Date: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 6) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RG7pGc
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
Dungeon Seeker: A Reborn Online Book 2 LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
The apocalypse will be televised!
A man. His ex-girlfriend's cat. A sadistic game show unlike anything in the universe: a dungeon crawl where survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible.
In a flash, every human-erected construction on Earth—from Buckingham Palace to the tiniest of sheds—collapses in a heap, sinking into the ground.
The buildings and all the people inside have all been atomized and transformed into the dungeon: an 18-level labyrinth filled with traps, monsters, and loot. A dungeon so enormous, it circles the entire globe.
Only a few dare venture inside. But once you're in, you can't get out. And what's worse, each level has a time limit. You have but days to find a staircase to the next level down, or it's game over. In this game, it's not about your strength or your dexterity. It's about your followers, your views. Your clout. It's about building an audience and killing those goblins with style.
You can't just survive here. You gotta survive big.
You gotta fight with vigor, with excitement. You gotta make them stand up and cheer. And if you do have that "it" factor, you may just find yourself with a following. That's the only way to truly survive in this game—with the help of the loot boxes dropped upon you by the generous benefactors watching from across the galaxy.
They call it Dungeon Crawler World. But for Carl, it's anything but a game.
My Opinion: 446 pages, $3.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is another odd but highly entertaining novel from Matt Dinniman.
This time earth is turned into a dungeon with only a fraction of the population surviving the initial transformation. The survivors must dungeon dive while being watched by an intergalactic audience. Dungeon Crawler Carl, the main character (MC), and his cat companion, Princess Donut the Queen Anne Chonk, must survive the monsters, the other players, and figure out a way to entertain the audience to get sponsors which may mean the difference between life and death.
The story plays like a twisted version of the hunger games mixed with a dungeon crawl. There's all manner of weird monsters and a social aspect that adds a nice twist to the story. The plotting is pretty slice of life with no major goals beyond surviving and the story ends on a little bit of a cliff hanger like a serial story pausing between arcs.
The game stuff is regular and intricate part of the story world. Lots of notifications and item and spell descriptions. Levels, stats, etc all exist but take a bit of a backseat this book.
Overall, I thought the story was really good. Like all of the author's work, he gives a standard trope, the dungeon crawl, a quirky, odd, sometimes gruesome twist which I found interesting.
Score: 7.9 out of 10
Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure
https://amzn.to/2GndVPz
Cookmancer Online: A LitRPG / GameLit Novel (VR Verse Book 1)
The goal was simple: level up and earn enough points to pay for my mother’s medical needs.
I’m Kayla and I wanted to soar through the air and command the wind as a feared and respected Airmancer in an online Gothic fantasy world. I’d collected what experience we needed, but someone decided victory shouldn’t be mine. I got hacked, and they used my points on a build used for mule accounts. Now, apparently, I cook. I do magic with my food, but not by choice.
Not only do I have to deal with that, but I have to survive a world filled with the undead, vampires, and a group of people who think I should suffer some more.
With the help of my friends—a flesh-golem, fairy illusionist, and a shape shifter—we put a plan in place to prove to my enemies I can win and help my mom with flour power.
If you love unique classes, strong female protagonists, non-harem GameLit/LitRPG elements, and a self-contained story, you’ll love Cookmancer Online!
My Opinion: 266 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Not Much Depth
I didn’t like this story. It’s not badly written, but I never connected with the main character (MC) and actually kinda didn’t like her. Her backstory pushes her into this victim role that didn’t feel right.
The story world is set in a far flung future where humanity is saved from environmental and social destruction by an A.I. that now works with governments to preserve and better humanity. All the major woes, like housing and food have all been solved. Yet, this same A.I. unfortunately, can’t seem to tell when a scummy ex-boyfriend is lying or that there’s a pattern of bad behavior on his part. The real world honestly lacks in much detail or depth and unfortunately that pattern follows the story into the game world. There’s not only a lack of depth to the game mechanics, but the game world in general. I mean, beyond playing the game for social credits, what’s the point? Sure the MC is supposed to be working to save enough credits for her mom’s surgery, but wouldn’t getting a job and saving actual money be better?
On the subject of the game mechanics, the story is pretty light. I mean, there are plenty of scenes in the game, and characters have builds and you can tell the author has gaming experience from how the fights are described. But the game mechanics just lack depth and balance. Additionally, I just expected more cooking from a build called Cookmancer. Instead the MC summons any ingredients she wants in the air and drops them on people and monsters, seemingly without cost of any kind.
Overall, the novel didn’t work for me. It didn’t satisfy that LitRPG itch for me. I actively disliked the beginning of the story and while the end was good enough to mitigate some of that, it was an uphill battle. The story feels like a write to market attempt from someone that’s more used to writing another kind of novel. There are really big emotional stakes and development but little depth to the world or game and in the plot, the game just felt of secondary concern which made the story less than entertaining for me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Cookmancer Online: A LitRPG / GameLit Novel (VR Verse Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3jij3mC
The Aussie Mana Apocalypse: A LitRPG Novel
A GameLit Western.
Set in the Australian Outback.
At the end of their gap years, Keat Walker and his mates repeat their camping trip to Broken Hill. Repeating their schoolies trip seemed like the perfect chance to have a yarn about their adventures over the last year. Then the apocalypse happened.
Mana infuses the world overnight, and a country already containing the world's ten most poisonous snakes, crocodiles, and sharks, is overrun with monsters. Dungeons spring up, boss mobs roam the landscape, and there isn't a wiki to be found.
Facing the Australian outback, Keat has his best mate Nugget, Nugget's sister Mel (who he definitely did not have a thing with), Mel's new boyfriend from Melbourne, and a British backpacker.
Armed with only a BBQ fork he made in woodshop, his new class of Jackaroo, and the potential to tame the monsters now roaming the outback, Keat must find a way towards Broken Hill.
My Opinion: 135 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a slice of life RPG apocalypse story set in Australia. It has a very regional start which may be an issue for some readers, but once it gets into the RPG apocalypse stuff it shines with good humor and fun adventures.
There are some storytelling issues. It takes a bit too long to get to the RPG apocalypse. The story uses the space before that to develop backgrounds, reference places and events, and establish relationships between characters. I understand why it was all done but I was frankly bored with it and felt a good bit could have been cut out without harm to the story. Especially since many of the location and cultural references were lost on me.
Reading this as someone that didn't grow up in Australia and hasn't visited it, it was challenging to imagine the place the story was set. Not only were there lots of local references and locations, few of them were described. I didn't have any idea if the locations were deserts, beach resorts, or mountains. Additionally, the use of regional slang, with no translation, made some scenes very confusing. This isn't bad necessarily, it just made connecting with the story challenging for me at the start.
Once you get into the actual RPG apocalypse though, most of those issues don't mean much. The story shows what it is, an action oriented story with lots of humor. I mean, the MC deliberately takes the class he's least suited to as a middle finger to the universe and his soul bound scaling weapon is a BBQ fork. The mid and end story plot is a little predictable but that doesn’t take away too much from the sheer fun of the story.
As far as game mechanics, it's mostly standard DnD rules with custom classes. There are stats, character sheets, levels XP, etc. The only unique game mechanic is the tenant system,where controlling property or towns means paying rent in the form of XP and gold. I think it's supposed to be some commentary on housing or land ownership in Australia, but the mechanic doesn't really come into play in this book, but seems like it'll serve as motivation for future adventures. In practice you can tell however that the mechanics are sometimes ignored in favor of a fun story.
Overall, a fun story once you get into the actual RPG apocalypse part of the story.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
The Aussie Mana Apocalypse: A LitRPG Novel
https://amzn.to/2GpSfT4
It Seems the Strongest Job is Not Hero nor Sage, but Inspector (Provisional) Instead?
Saikyou no Shokugyou wa Yuusha demo Kenja demo naku Kanteishi (Kari) rashii desu yo?
An average student got summoned to another world and granted the strongest job.
No, not Hero, not Sage either.
It's Inspector.
With ability to inspect anything and gather information accurately, surely this is the strongest job there is!
My Opinion: 25+ chapters, Free, No English Publisher
This is a scanned and translated manga. There’s no official english publisher and this is fan translated so you need to read it from right to left.
I was a little bit wary of this, it's a transported to an RPG game worlds mana with a slightly younger main character (MC). I wasn’t sure if I’d like the teen MC, but the story hits a lot of the slice of light beats I like. It has plenty of RPG mechanics, a non-OP MC, a tiny bit ecchi, but it also has a good sense of humor. The art is black and white, but the lines are crisp and both action and humor are conveyed well. It’s slice of life, so don’t expect too much of a plot, but it’s still a fun story about an MC with a non-combat abilities that we’d see as normal as gamers but in this world are considered uber rare. I liked the unusual class for the MC, Inspector, and adventures he goes on were fun as a casual read.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Saikyou no Shokugyou wa Yuusha demo Kenja demo naku Kanteishi (Kari) rashii desu yo?
https://mangadex.org/title/22104/saikyou-no-shokugyou-wa-yuusha-demo-kenja-demo-naku-kanteishi-kari-rashii-desu-yo
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(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 245 - Unbound Deathlord 3, The Guild Core 1, Discovery, Dungeon Reset
Sept. 25th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 245 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-245
New Releases and Reviews:
Unbound Deathlord: Corruption (Unbound Deathlord Series Book 3) (08:29)
Long story, such good twists
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2RPJ4h5
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultivation Epic) (15:10)
I enjoyed the depth of the character and world building
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3cmgBJ9
Discovery (Hall of Heroes Book 1) (24:43)
Cyberpunk elements didn't mesh well with the LitRPG for me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/32LbCOS
Dungeon Reset (33:04)
Slice of Life dungeon survival
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://www.tappytoon.com/en/comics/dungeon-reset
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
More Plagiarized stories
Even claim copyright. All these stories are abandoned which makes them targets of this kind of theft.
Epoch Rise is stolen from the web novel Epoch: A Berserker’s Rise
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/epoch-a-berserker's-rise_17655581906250605
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Epoch-Rise-Gray-Peterger-ebook/dp/B08JJF8TGL/
Wargrounds Online is taken from the web novel WORLD OF WARGROUNDS
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/world-of-wargrounds_17735456006749505
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Wargrounds-Online-Jack-Grater-ebook/dp/B08JQL97KL/
Doom Warrior is taken from Doom Guy Isekai, a royal road story.
Original: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/34854/doom-guy-isekai
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/Doom-Warrior-Jans-Stead-ebook/dp/B08JVJ5ZHW/
World War VRMMO is taken from a web novel called VRMMO: World War 3
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/vrmmo-world-war-3_14295872406974605
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/World-War-VRMMO-Hank-Hassan-ebook/dp/B08JVFC569/
Alive in Another World is taken from a web novel called Restarting Life In Another World
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/restarting-life-in-another-world_16806590806448605
Plagiarized: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08K3JV95P/
Out Now!
The Crystal Bard: A LitRPG Adventure (Kingmaker Saga Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3mSlRcn
Labyrinth to Tartarus: A LitRPG Saga (The Eternal Journey Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3j69GGq
Artificial Dungeon: For Sale By Owner
https://amzn.to/3kPQ2z3
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Eastbound and Town - A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Good Guys Series, Book 8)
https://amzn.to/2G3N6jc
Irrelevant Jack 3
https://amzn.to/3kHElKB
Fragments - The Game of Gods, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2G20ft5
Lord of the Dead (A LitRPG Saga) - The Eternal Journey, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3mMtxNh
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones, Book 2
https://amzn.to/33ND91q
The Hunters Paralogue - Deus Ex Deathtrap
https://amzn.to/32ZnhtQ
Battleborne
https://amzn.to/3hXKj8G
Party Hard - Fantasy GameLit RPG Series (Pixel Dust, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3ctqXa0
Sentenced to Troll Compendium, Books 1-3
https://amzn.to/3j5MeJt
Upcoming LitRPG:
Cookmancer Online: A LitRPG / GameLit Novel (VR Verse Book 1) (Sept. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i7ZLim
Tycoon - Trudging the Path to a Modest Life in a Fantasy World: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Book Two) (Sept. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YIgaDl
Zero.Hero 2: A Super Powered LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Fnh9ST
The Great MacGuffin: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 1) (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32jo4W2
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Awaken Online: Inferno (Tarot #3) (Oct. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31UjQUE
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
Pawn: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 5) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FLJ2nE
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
The Master of Metal: A LitPPG Wuxia Series (The Cards of Fate Book 1) (Nov. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2REKzyx
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Date: A LitRPG Adventure (Monsters, Maces and Magic Book 6) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RG7pGc
Isr Kale's Journal (The Alchemist Book #4): LitRPG Series (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HyoMH3
Dungeon Seeker: A Reborn Online Book 2 LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Keepers of Limbo (The Range Book #1): LitRPG Series (Dec. 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZPbA6V
Drawing the Line: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 2) (Dec. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FIxstF
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Unbound Deathlord: Corruption (Unbound Deathlord Series Book 3)
With great corruption comes great power.
Jack is pretty sure that's the way the saying goes. That's a good thing too, for the war in Ter’nodril which he’d hoped would spell the beginning of the end for the DIR, instead left him corrupted, body and soul.
The good news is that the Fallen had used the Blight that now fills his veins as a weapon in their war against the gods themselves. So he’s sure that he can find a way to use it to destroy Valia Online, once and for all.
He even knows exactly who he'll test its power against first: Manhart.
As he must answer a question he’s wanted to ask since they first met: what sound will the lich make when he’s dying?
My Opinion: 736 pages, $5.9.9, Available on Kindle Unlimited
Long story, good twists
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
It's been over 2.5 years since book 2 came out and honestly, I'd forgotten most of the story. Thankfully, the author has a nice recap section at the start to get you up to speed. It's good enough that you could jump into book 3 and not feel like you missed much.
The story is still very slice of life but well written with all the crunchy LitRPG details I like. The main character (MC) continues to plot his revenge, this time using the blight he was infected with and any resource he can get his hands on, including other players. He might only have months before he loses his character but he plans to go out with a bang. That is, if he can survive the NPC armies looking to bind him, the vampires looking for revenge, and the player clans looking to cash in on the bounty on his head.
The game mechanics shift a little bit. Not the fundamental MMO style, but the patch made the notifications, ability, and item descriptions easier to understand. Otherwise, the MC is still trying to build the most badass character he can, exploiting every mechanic possible to get his revenge. There is an expansion in the mechanics as the MC eventually creates a clan and learns about those aspects and clan battles.
Overall, the story continues its action focused slice of life storytelling. Despite its massive page count the story flies by as the MC gets into sticky situations and has to think, plot, and fight his way out.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Unbound Deathlord: Corruption (Unbound Deathlord Series Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2RPJ4h5
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultivation Epic)
The hero dreamed of ascending. The monk craved redemption.
The dungeon only wished to keep things tidy.
Kai was the least likely young man to ascend. Raised on his uncle’s potato farm, he began his career as an adventurer with empty pockets and little skill. But a foolish attempt to prove his bravery leads Kai to unlock hidden power within himself and acquire a most unlikely ally.
Rhona is a battle-scarred soldier who’s as likely to toss a quip as she is to throw a punch. After setting aside a promising career in the army to pursue the Path of the Bleeding Tiger, she sets out to stop a war and seek atonement for a bloody past.
When Bancroft the Earth Core awakens, he can’t wait to clean up his dungeon and begin building things anew. A recovered item from his past reminds him that more is at stake, however, putting an end to such pleasantries.
Join The Guild Core, a small band of friends determined to restore the world to an age of dragons, heroes, and honor.
The Guild Core is a novel by TJ Reynolds Fantasy LitRPG author of Eternal Online books 1-3. The Guild Core was inspired by the Divine Dungeon series, the Wheel of Time, and classic films like The Labyrinth and The Neverending Story.
This story takes place in an Epic Fantasy world governed by gaming mechanics. It contains light to moderate LitRPG, Gamelit, Cultivation and Dungeon Core elements. Features realistic violence, 3 MC POVs, and more than a few quaint jokes. Language and adult content is appropriate for teen readers.
My Opinion: 506 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
I enjoyed the depth of the character and world building
Full disclosure - I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
A slice of life, multi narrative story, set on a fantasy RPG world. I normally don’t like multi narrative stories, but this one is done well.
The main characters include Kai, the half dragon teen who accidentally heals and bonds with a dungeon core. The core itself, sentient, but without most of its former power or memories who does less dungeon building and more adventuring. Third, a disillusioned former female soldier, Rhona, who has given up the way of the sword for a lost unarmed style and goes on a journey of self discovery.
Two of the narratives, Kai and the Core, are fairly close together, commenting on the same events, with slight divergence as the core or the teen goes off to do something alone. But for the most part their story revolves around building up the dungeon to survive the country that wants them destroyed or controlled and getting the teen, Kai, ascended, the story version of leveling up mixed with a basic cultivation. Eventually they get a larger goal, which I won’t spoil.
The three narratives come together eventually, but for most of the story the former soldier, Rhona, kinda just does her own thing, giving background on the world, building her character, and doing a slice of life action story thing. I really liked this third narrative the best and think Rhona had the best backstory, goals, and power set.
The RPG stuff is a bit custom with three levels to each rank with a small bit of cultivation to get to a new rank. There is essence instead of XP. But you still see ability and spell descriptions with essence costs and character sheets, stats, levels, and classes.
Things I liked:
There's a good bit of depth to both the characters and the world building. The author takes the time to develop meaningful backgrounds for the main characters, a complex history for the world, its races, and its nations. The combat was great with visceral well thought out fights and the characters being challenged. The general adventures were well thought out and entertaining. I really enjoyed Rhona’s class and her fighting style.
Things that left me wanting:
There's not much dungeon core stuff. By that I mean, making monsters, traps, and having people come through and trying to kill them. About 10% of the story is that. There's other things the dungeon core does, but in this book not much murder of adventures coming to dungeon dive. The story instead has a dungeon core as a character who adventures with his friend.
The cultivation aspect was minimal too. It showed up when the main character (MC) hit a new rank. He'd get instruction on messing with his core, he'd follow the instructions and be done. There was no mediation to gather ether, no improvement to body, mind, or spirit. It was all very skippable and it felt a little superficial. It honestly could have been eliminated from the story with no consequence.
Overall, it’s a good story. I genuinely enjoyed the depth of the character and world building, the fights, and the slice of life adventuring. I expected more/something different from the dungeon core and cultivation aspects, but once I understood what the story was going to be I just rolled with it and had a good time.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultivation Epic)
https://amzn.to/3cmgBJ9
Discovery (Hall of Heroes Book 1)
Life was peaceful in the Valley of Fjall.
Until the Outsiders arrived.
This is the story of a young boy, alone in the world, when a strange visitor changes everything. This is the story of a man, alone in the mountains, until a chance encounter shows him a new side of reality. This is the story of the Hall of Heroes, and how it will never be the same.
Prepare to experience LitRPG from a different perspective as you dive into the Hall of Heroes. A dynamic, expansive world, filled with mystery and adventure. Join the party and begin to explore a massive world, where there is still a lot of area ripe for Discovery.
My Opinion: 459 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Cyberpunk elements didn't mesh well with the LitRPG for me
The beginning of the story is a bit unclear about what’s happening in the world but by the 10% mark or so, you start to get the idea that in an MMO a few players accidently gain access to an experimental section of the game, where for some eventually explained reasons, there’s a world where it feels like a simulation of a medieval fantasy village. The story is about how introducing players changes the behavior of the villagers, who don’t know they live in a virtual space, and what would happen if one or more of the villagers took a player's interface. It has a definite Cyberpunk vibe with A.I. trying to break free of their human masters, the NPC villagers starting to recognize how different Players are, and the game company trying to control a system they don’t understand.
Also, the story is not LitRPG for a good long time. Honestly, if I hadn’t gotten a message from the author warning about just how long it was going to take to get to the RPG stuff, I wouldn’t have continued reading past the 15% mark in the story. It has a softer Cyberpunk opening emphasizing the effect of players on the hidden area and its inhabitants. About 25% in you start to get a mention of levels, notifications, some game mechanics, and skill points gained but you don’t actually see a full character sheet until about 40% in. After that you see regular notifications, characters gain levels, stats increase, etc. However, even after the 40% mark the RPG stuff does feel secondary to the cyberpunk theme.
I didn’t dislike the story. On a technical writing level it was good, there was regular action, and I actually liked most of the characters. They had good personalities and the world was fleshed out well once I understood what was happening. However, coming into it expecting LitRPG I was a bit disappointed by the long wait to get there. It felt like the authors wanted to mesh elements of cyberpunk, medieval fantasy, and MMO LitRPG together and it didn’t work for me. I actually think those three don’t mesh together well at all. Cyberpunk is inherently transgressive and often involves breaking the game/cyber system or hacking it to oppose an oppressive authority/rule system. LitRPG, in a general sense, embraces the game rules and makes them as interesting and important as physics or a magic system. Characters seek to understand the rules and work within them to do amazing things and become powerful. When cyberpunk breaks those rules it makes the RPG system meaningless and unimportant. While elements of the story were enjoyable, especially the well thought out characters, on the whole it didn’t work, at least not as LitRPG.
Score: 6 out of 10
Discovery (Hall of Heroes Book 1)
https://amzn.to/32LbCOS
Dungeon Reset
Once it starts up, the dungeon goes through a process called “Reset the Next User”. Why doesn’t this reset process apply to me?! I am the only one left from that endless reset of this dungeon. With simple skills and an overwhelming weapon, Jung-down's game starts inside the dungeon
My Opinion: Chapter 43+, Free & Unlockable Chapters
*Note: There’s a web novel version, but I couldn’t find a good link.
This is definitely one of the more silly stories I’ve read. It starts out pretty serious with the main character (MC) and others being transported to a RPG world and being forced to fight monsters as they clear levels of a dungeon. It's brutal, with most people dying to traps or monsters. The MC is left behind to die after he falls into a pit trap and the surviving group members to the next level. Everyone thinks the MC is dead, including the evil rabbit dungeon guide, and the 1st level is reset. Only the MC isn’t dead and gets healed as the dungeon resets and has to survive on his own in a place filled with monsters and traps. However, the MC doesn’t have any combat skills and is pretty useless, so he develops some seemingly more useless skills like digging dirt which he grinds into the ability to make tunnels, bricks, and even magically craft dirt furniture. It’s a silly turn that pushes the MC into situations where he’s unlocking seemingly useless skills to survive the dungeon, all to the consternation of the evil dungeon guide. The story is full of humor as the MC keeps surviving these events and becomes more powerful even without a direct combat skill.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Dungeon Reset
https://www.tappytoon.com/en/comics/dungeon-reset
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 243 - Pyresouls Apocalypse, Fragment of Divinity, Second life Ranker
Sept. 11th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 243 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-243
New Releases and Reviews:
Pyresouls Apocalypse: Rewind: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG Series (Pyresouls Apocalypse, Book 1) (12:08)
If you like Dark Souls, you’ll like this more than me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2ZeBGzV
Fragment of Divinity: A Litrpg Adventure (Defying Divinity Book 1) (18:19)
Has 1st novel issues, but good monster anatomy details
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3bp8Em0
Second life Ranker (30:48)
Good action oriented tower climbing webcomic
Score: 7.6 out of 10
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
S.L. Rowland sent out a message to readers this week.
“I ordered a new cover that better reflected the tone of Path to Villainy. Hopefully, more people will give it a chance now.”
https://amzn.to/3kamTOJ
Michael Chatfield, author of the Emerilia series, the Ten Realms series has given an update about his release schedule.
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a bunch of updates!
-
The Trapped Mind Project audiobook is on sale on Kobo right now: https://readerlinks.com/l/1427381
-
The Sixth Realm part 1 will be available on Amazon on September 18 and a week earlier for people in the ‘I want MOAR’ and above tiers on Patreon: http://bit.ly/2tNWDRv
-
I don’t have a release date for part 2 yet, but should be within a few months, at most
-
Possessor of the Heart, the second Death Knight audiobook, is now available on Audible and most audiobook stores: https://readerlinks.com/l/1427487
-
I’m starting to share chapters from the Fifth Realm audiobook on Patreon. The first one is free and the rest are available for people in the ‘Ahead of the curve WITH AUDIO’ and above tiers. I don’t have a release date for Audible yet, but hoping it’s done within a few months: https://bit.ly/3lDuiYu
More Plagiarized stories
Even claim copyright. All these stories are abandoned which makes them targets of this kind of theft.
A Fantastic World is stolen from the Web Novel story, “Peaceful” Life in a Different World
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/%22peaceful%22-life-in-a-different-world_17285112706341205
Fake: https://amzn.to/32kEQUA
Andromeda Quest is stolen from Web Novels from the story Searching for Andromeda written by Chainslock.
Original: https://www.webnovel.com/book/searching-for-andromeda_16703804805901905
Fake: https://amzn.to/35vEhcS
Steel Titan is stolen from the Royal Road from the story Titan of Steel.
Original: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/26480/titan-of-steel
Fake: https://amzn.to/2Fmx2Jp
Retrograde Gaming is stolen from Web Novels and is a translated novel of the same name and posted by Flamboyant May.
Original : https://www.webnovel.com/book/retrograde-gaming_16465699806151305
Fake Book: https://amzn.to/3ij3FG6
Out Now!
A Snake's Path (A Snake's Life Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3hkvtcS
Something (Full Murderhobo Book 1)
https://amzn.to/34CIvyM
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
PrimeVerse: Trial by Magic: A GameLit/ LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/31XuhqE
Fragment of Divinity: A Litrpg Adventure (Defying Divinity Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3bp8Em0
Sandqueen (Rise to Omniscience Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3mf2qdy
The Realm Between: God of Land: A LitRPG Saga (Book 7)
https://amzn.to/32k8YiY
Blasphemy Online Volume 2: Occult Place to Die
https://amzn.to/3k9SmRb
The Rift Hopper: A LitRPG Adventure (The Game Book 1)
https://amzn.to/33j2Fvm
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Crimson Queen: A Fantasy LitRPG Series
Mephisto's Magic Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3hnYkMi
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 2
https://amzn.to/33g1zAy
Level Up: Update - The Knockout, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2ReEybA
Save Point: Reload - Sci-Fi litRPG Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/33gLc6O
The Grind
https://amzn.to/2FpwRwR
Adventures on Brad Books 4-6
A LitRPG Fantasy Series (Adventures on Brad Omnibus, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2Zv415e
Upcoming LitRPG:
Glory to the Brave (Ascend Online Book 4) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/35wdBbI
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultavation Epic) (Sept. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33zXNUx
Claimed (Olympus Reborn Book 3) (Sept. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Y1MBwl
Labyrinth to Tartarus: The LitRPG Saga Continues (The Eternal Journey Book 3) (Sept. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3kHWGYX
Tycoon - Trudging the Path to a Modest Life in a Fantasy World: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Book Two) (Sept. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YIgaDl
Zero.Hero 2: A Super Powered LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Fnh9ST
The Great MacGuffin: A LitRPG Adventure (Beta Tester Book 1) (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32jo4W2
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Awaken Online: Inferno (Tarot #3) (Oct. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31UjQUE
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Dungeon Seeker: A Reborn Online Book 2 LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Note Update to listing, used to be another series.
Biomedical Self-Engineering : Book 2 (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FbX7uP
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Pyresouls Apocalypse: Rewind: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG Series (Pyresouls Apocalypse, Book 1)
When Pyresouls released, it was a brutal new virtual reality game with a twist: be the first to beat the game and win billions of dollars. But after the Burgon Beast couldn’t be defeated, Pyresouls turned very real and unleashed an apocalypse of undead, monsters, and a System of levels and stats onto the world.
For many years since, Jacob Windsor has fought with sword and shield to survive Post-Collapse Earth where only ancient, Guilt-soaked weaponry can harm the monsters from Pyresouls.
While defending his bunker with some of the last refugees of humanity, yet another friend loses his life to secure one final hope. An enigmatic artifact capable of sending one person through time.
In a cruel twist of fate, Jacob becomes humanity’s best chance for survival. He takes the plunge into the past of the terrifying, fractured realm of Pyresouls, where every player is out for blood, and the monsters are more vicious than anything on Post-Collapse Earth.
Armed with knowledge of game mechanics, secret loot and enemy weaknesses, along with well-honed swordsmanship from years of battle, Jacob has every possible advantage against the competition. But the choices he makes have long-reaching ripple effects on the timeline.
Can Jacob beat the clock while grinding out Levels and manage to avert the apocalypse, or will his every action darken the timeline even further?
My Opinion: 500 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a regression story mixed with Dark Souls game style. The main character (MC) goes back to the time when he just started playing a new VR game and tries to avert the apocalypse when the big boss escapes the game and all the Dark Souls like systems come out into the real world. To save everyone, he’ll have to use all his foreknowledge of the game to speed run through the game and beat the big boss. That’s sort of it. I mean, there’s lots of faithful Dark Souls mechanics in the story as the MC goes through the various stages, upgrades equipment and stats with collected souls. The end was a bit disappointing and was a cliffhanger, but I won’t spoil how. Overall, the story just didn’t work for me. There’s nothing wrong on a technical writing level, it’s just that the Dark Souls game mechanics weren’t particularly entertaining for me. The pacing was a bit too slow, and the power gain felt insubstantial and incremental, which is very faithful to the Dark Souls system but not my favorite kind of RPG system. Additionally, the popping back to the future thing didn’t really add anything for me, it was just distracting.
If you love Dark Souls and want to read a novel based on that game play style and system, you’ll like this more than me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Pyresouls Apocalypse: Rewind: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG Series (Pyresouls Apocalypse, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2ZeBGzV
Fragment of Divinity: A Litrpg Adventure (Defying Divinity Book 1)
A paramedic turned arcane warrior.
An unforgiving world that weeds out the weak.
A secret that will bring the Gods to their knees.
James has no idea why he was ripped from his life as a paramedic and transported to a strange new world with rules like those of a video game. But he knows he has to adapt quickly, as ending up in a spider’s belly was never high on his to-do list
With only a vague quest, a mysterious brand, and promises of help from a cantankerous old lady to guide him, James must level up into the warrior this strange, yet beautiful world so desperately needs. New allies join him on his journey, as they venture to the Dwarven City high in the Crimson Mountains in pursuit of the first clue.
Can James figure out the rules of this land in time to save it from its prophecy? Or will the dark secrets contained in his mysterious brand consume him?
My Opinion: 331 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full Disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
A slice of life, transported to a fantasy RPG world story.
The story feels like someone's first novel. In the version I got, there were a few formatting issues, occasional technical writing errors, and story and progression details weren’t properly tracked for consistency. Like the bridges that are part of the directions given to a location but when the main character (MC) eventually gets there, there are no bridges in the city, or the MC getting stat gains but them not showing the next time you see a character sheet. Also, there were some sudden shifts in the story and real wand wavy moments in the mid and end show the story is something someone wrote for fun over a period of time. Now that doesn't mean the story isn't entertaining, just that it is more of a slice of life story.
You follow the MC as he gets sent to the fantasy RPG world, fights monsters, harvests parts, learns spells and skills, and explores and learns about the world. There's a subplot about him completing a quest with the hope of being sent home, but it's just a way to get him to explore.
About 33% into the story it shifts from casual exploration and training to more intense scenarios and shifts again abruptly towards the 60%. It honestly felt like the author got a little bored with the casual start and wanted to try a more serious plot chase or he just had story points he wanted to hit and kinda rushed his character to get there. I'll admit the tension increased but the shift also felt a bit random.
One of the main things that sets the story apart in a positive way would be the detailed description of anatomy, healing, and medicine in the story. It shows the authors medical knowledge and does add something to the story when precise description of monster anatomy is used to harvest monster parts, or human anatomy is used to describe how a broken rib and punctured lung is healed. There's also a sense of humor that pokes fun at LitRPG and RPG tropes. But the gamer mentality and fun of RPG playing comes through well.
The RPG mechanics are fairly standard. Levels, XP, classes, skills, notifications. The MC gets an early boost to get him to level 10. While that rapid level gain was supposed to end there, the author just shifts to letting the MC beat much higher level monsters/enemies to continue the MCs rapid leveling. There are a few classes that are neat, though how the MC gets them is a bit wand wavy.
One of the things that lessened my enjoyment of the story were some seriously wand wavy moments towards the end. With the MC facing enemies and traps 30 times his level, but still coming out alive and virtually unharmed. Or serious consequences for bad decisions that were said to be permanent (which I liked), then magically erased (which disappointed me).
Overall, I have a good enough time reading the story, especially liking the casual tone of the first ⅓ of the novel. It does have some mid and late story issues, but distinguishes itself by adding in realistic anatomy and medical knowledge to healing and monster harvesting.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Fragment of Divinity: A Litrpg Adventure (Defying Divinity Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3bp8Em0
Second Life Ranker
Yeon-woo had a twin brother who disappeared five years ago. One day, a pocket watch left by his brother returned to his possession. Inside, he found a hidden diary in which was recorded “By the time you hear this, I guess I will be already dead….”
Obelisk, the Tower of the Sun God, a world where several universes and dimensions intersect. In this world, his brother had fallen victim to betrayal while climbing up the tower. After learning the truth, Yeon-woo decided to climb the tower along with his brother’s diary.
“From now on, I am Cha Jeong-woo.”
My Opinion: 68+ chapters, Free, No official English licence
*Note: There’s also a fan translated light novel version of the story but the review is for the webcomic
This is a tower climbing story that starts off strong and gets the main character (MC) to the RPG elements quickly. From the get-go the MC is strong, not overwhelmingly, but strong enough that he’s kind of a badass and uses the advantages he’s given to maximize the bonuses he gains as he goes through the tower. There’s also regular action and the pacing is well done. The revenge theme is a recurring motivator for the MC but it doesn’t detract from the logic and cool headedness of the MC. The social and physical conflicts between the MC and other players is also a nice break from the monster fights.
The RPG stuff is normal. Stats and abilities mostly with items that can be purchased, won, or found that may boost those abilities or stats. Lots of notifications.
The artwork was decent but did a good job of conveying emotions and action.
Overall, this is an action filled webcomic that I read in almost a single sitting.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Second life Ranker
https://zeroscans.com/comics/188504-second-life-ranker
Light novel: https://www.scribblehub.com/read/128568-second-life-ranker/chapter/132994/
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 242- Aether’s Guard, Disgardium 5, Tower of Damnation 2, Skeleton Soldier Couldn’T Protect The Dungeon
Sept. 4th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 242 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 7 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-242
New Releases and Reviews:
Aether’s Guard - Aether’s Revival Book 2 (08:40)
A bit less action, but a good book
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2QItCCZ
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (12:51)
Some interesting twists
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book Two, Arcana (15:10)
No Tower Climbing, Odd shifts in story, good action
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/34Y4sbB
Skeleton Soldier Couldn’T Protect The Dungeon (19:14)
Monster MC with Regression time powers
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://www.tappytoon.com/en/comics/skeleton-soldier-failed-defend-dungeon
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (23:46)
(Pic 0)
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Gamified - Book One: Beastmaster (A Fantasy LitRPG)
Mom's an NPC, oh no!
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3lQ7J2I
Battleborne
I love the troll regeneration
Score: 8.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Z6OEj5
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 2 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
Metal man makes a new pet
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3jPXry1
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
LitRPG Deals
Dave Willmarth was nice enough to let us know about a couple of his book that will be on sale.
- Battleborne will be $1.49 AUD on zon Australia for all of September
- And Shadow Sun Progression (Book 4) will be $.99 in both US and Canada for all of Sept
More Plagiarized stories
Even claim copyright. All these stories are abandoned which makes them targets of this kind of theft.
God of Harems is stolen from Lust Knight on the Wuxia World and
https://m.wuxiaworld.co/Lust-Knight/
Tartarus Online is taken from a Royal Road and Scribble Hub story of the same name, Tartarus Online
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/22476/tartarus-online
The Law God is a copy and past of a story on Web Novel of the same name, Law God written by Krizantem. Only the rip off version changed the main character’s name from Artic to Arcon.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-law-god---artic_14534871605679405
Dragon Blood Type is stolen from the webnovel story Blood Type: Dragon. Also only changing the main character’s name from Elric to Leic.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/blood-type%3A-dragon_15065424106754005
Nightmare Speedrun is stealing from Isekai Speedrun found on the Royal Road and Scribble Hub.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21107/isekai-speedrun
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/3413/isekai-speedrun/
The Assassin System is a rip off of Assassination System
https://www.webnovel.com/book/assassination-system_10852246906190705
Isekai Warfighter taken from the story of the same name found on scribblehub written by steryx.
https://www.scribblehub.com/series/72601/isekai-warfighter/
The Order is a rip off the Royal Road story of the same name written by P.K Dionysus.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21121/the-order
Out Now!
Veil Online - Book 1 (a LitRPG MMORPG Adventure Series)
https://amzn.to/2GsNS9M
Reborn: Evolution: A LitRPG Series (Warlock Chronicles Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Gul4xB
Zee Locked-In (OVR World Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3hXsGX7
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior's Oath: A LitRPG/Wuxia Novel - Book 4
https://amzn.to/2EOFBg1
Daily Jobs, Coffee and and an Awfully Big Adventure: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories Book 3)
https://amzn.to/356VRDA
Myriad Stars: Sage, book 1. A LitRPG Universe
https://amzn.to/3lOPLhi
The Weaponized: A Sci-Fi LitRPG (Part I)
https://amzn.to/35784bo
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Rookstorm Online Book 1: New Game Adventure: Rookstorm Online Saga, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2QU3B3C
Glitchworld
https://amzn.to/32YS34L
Dungeon Bound - Dungeon Bound, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3gZ517B
Bloodline: ScourgeWorld, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3hSrJ2p
The Boneless Dungeon : Rebirth
https://amzn.to/3h1rFMu
Aether's Blessing - Aether's Revival, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3i9MBCc
The Crafter's Darkness: A Dungeon Core Novel
Dungeon Crafting, Book 4
https://amzn.to/32QrLBC
Upcoming LitRPG:
A Snake's Path (A Snake's Life Book 2) (Sept. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hkvtcS
Something (Full Murderhobo Book 1)
(Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34CIvyM
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
PrimeVerse: Trial by Magic: A GameLit/ LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31XuhqE
Fragment of Divinity: A Litrpg Adventure (Defying Divinity Book 1) (Sept. 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bp8Em0
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultavation Epic) (Sept. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33zXNUx
Claimed (Olympus Reborn Book 3) (Sept. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Y1MBwl
Labyrinth to Tartarus: The LitRPG Saga Continues (The Eternal Journey Book 3) (Sept. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3kHWGYX
Tycoon - Trudging the Path to a Modest Life in a Fantasy World: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Book Two) (Sept. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YIgaDl
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Awaken Online: Inferno (Tarot #3) (Oct. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31UjQUE
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
The First Peak of the Force: A LitRPG Wuxia Series (The Heavenly Throne 3) (Nov. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hSt0GJ
Quest for the Ember Relic: A Phoenix Online LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
The Twilight Hatchling: A LitRPG Adventure (Dream Stream Reality Book 2) (Dec. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i0VoX6
In Service of the Pharaoh (League of Losers Book #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QSdgaR
The Tribute (Project Stellar Book 3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32UEALb
The Dark Champion (Interworld Network Book #3): LitRPG Series (Dec. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hWduK4
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #2): LitRPG Series (Dec. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/359GV7X
Spear of Destiny: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 5) (Dec. 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Z4XPAE
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Aether’s Guard (Aether’s Revival Book 2)
Gregory’s life changed when his aether sparked to life during the Age Day ritual. He left his old friends and his old life behind, and was taken to the Magi Academy to start training to serve the Vela Empire. Suddenly alone and out of place, he prepared for the worst.
When the beautiful novice, Yukiko Warlin, asked if they could be friends, his life changed again. After six months of duplicity from the people who they had thought of as friends, Gregory and Yukiko isolated themselves from all the other novices.
Gregory chose a path considered impossible for his training, and Yukiko followed, pushing each other to strive ever harder. When Yukiko’s betrothal was annulled, the two friends were free to express the deeper feelings that had developed between them.
The first tournament for the novices was brutal on the two young lovers. Both of them were pushed to the absolute limit, but they endured. When they took the top two spots, their fellow novices dropped the pretense of friendship, when neither would bow to the machinations of their peers.
Now, the rest of their first year stands before them. It’s become clear that they should join a clan, but where can they find one that would treat them both fairly and equally?
(This book contains some adult themes.)
My Opinion: 662 pages, $4.99 , Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review, I purchased a copy when it became available.
A good book that builds on the last by increasing the depth of relationships between the two main characters Gregory and Yukiko, and adding in new people to their group. There is a feeling of familiarity as the story repeats the threats from other students and the tournament. The biggest world building shift is the addition of guilds which offer protection and larger threats. There are also lots of little stories in the slice of life novel that flesh out the everyday aspect of life for the citizens and how the characters fit in with them.
Same light RPG aspects with a dash of cultivation with plants, drinks, and meditation that increase aether.
While there was a bit less action than book 1, it's a good story that developed the characters well.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Aether’s Guard - Aether’s Revival Book 2
https://amzn.to/2QItCCZ
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series
Under the protection of Nergal the Radiant, the Alliance’s armies march confidently toward Tiamat’s temple. Scyth’s old tricks are no longer working. The Legate of the Destroying Plague and his friends have a difficult choice to make: bow to the wishes of the Snowstorm corporation and complete the quest of the Nucleus, surrender to the preventers, or retreat in the battle for Tiamat’s temple to win the war?
One thing is sure: they’re going to need allies. And sometimes, old enemies can make the best friends.
My Opinion: 408 pages, $6.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review, I purchased a copy when it became available.
At first I thought the story would just continue the PvP stuff from the previous book. While that is still part of the story, I also appreciated the author's decision to send the MC on a solo journey (no spoilers). It was a great twist I could not have foreseen and gave me some ideas about future issues for the game world.
There were also a few neat IRL scenes that I liked, both because they kept the threat to the MC in the real world high, but also because they let him be a young person for a little bit which made the character feel more real.
Overall, the story continues the larger battles from the last book, but adds some interesting twists that keeps it from being repetitive. I had a good time reading it and would recommend it for anyone who likes the series.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book Two, Arcana
After entering the colosseum, Bradley found himself fighting dozens of gladiators every day in hopes of earning more experience and coins. Over time, his name thundered in the ears of others, giving him the chance to enter the competition hosted by one of the Duke’s of Hell, Iscanthar, himself. Bradley, with Ralph supporting him, hopes to dominate the tournament and procure a specific item—a key.
My Opinion: 210 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
No Tower Climbing, Odd shifts in story, good action
A fairly decent sequel. It seems to abandon any actual tower climbing this book but it may return in the next one. Instead, you get a decent conclusion to the gladiator thing and a shift to a larger attempt to grind XP by leading an army into battle.
I’ll admit, it was an odd shift. I didn’t feel like the main character (MC) really earned the position of leadership he was given and it was also a bit of a personality shift for the MC. Oddly, a small side note - there were an odd number of typos and even editor notes left in the story. I thought the notes added something funny, but don’t think this was intentional.
But the action is still good and this is a slice of life story, so it’s not too out of left field. There’s an increase in tension in the story as the MC realizes he doesn’t have the years to prepare for the big cataclysm, which helps justify some of the story advances. Still, a little bit of loss of enjoyment with the loss of the tower climbing.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book Two, Arcana
https://amzn.to/34Y4sbB
Skeleton Soldier Couldn’T Protect The Dungeon
His only purpose was to protect his master. And yet he was powerless to protect her.
But fate has more in store for him as he gets another chance to protect his master once more and change his destiny.
My Opinion: 90 chapters, Free/Paywall
This is partially an RPG power up story and partially a Save Point story. The main character (MC), the skeleton, dies and finds himself back 20 years when he was first raised by a low level necromancer. He also has an RPG interface and inherited the stats, though not levels, he earned before he dies. He not only gets the chance to protect someone he’d previously failed to save, but if he dies he just gets reset to that point when he was raised. This changes a bit as the story advances with the MC being reset to different Save Points as he increases his levels, fights monsters, uncovers plots, and levels.
The story is pretty slice of life, but interesting. It has a slower pace but there’s a good bit of world building done between fights and leveling with slowly revealed plots between factions that the MC realizes he has to navigate through. The repeating theme of him losing or dying and then learning from his mistakes or using the reset to take an entirely different path doesn’t get old as it’s a great way to shift the story in any number of ways between the various factions and antagonists.
I also liked how the RPG powers develop with the MC never feeling too overpowered before he’s faced with more challenging opponents and being forced to grow again. The MC has levels, stats, skills, and special abilities that open up whole new ways to gain powers. Good stuff.
Overall, the pacing is a little slow sometimes but the action and the Save Point respawns allow for some interesting storytelling and I had a good time reading the web comic.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Skeleton Soldier Couldn’T Protect The Dungeon
https://www.tappytoon.com/en/comics/skeleton-soldier-failed-defend-dungeon
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week - New Segment
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Gamified - Book One: Beastmaster (A Fantasy LitRPG)
Mom's an NPC, oh no!
A pretty good start for a series. All good PG fun. I very much appreciate when the first book in a series can stand by itself as a complete story. Plus a hook at the end. It was nice to read something that wasn't so grim and dark. A bit scary, sure. I enjoyed reading Gamified all the way through. I had a high school movie vibe. A couple hours of adventure that gets mostly tied up by the end. I've enjoyed just about every Portal book that I've read so far. And yes, Mr Biggles made it work. I wonder if the author played Tallowmere (a steam game with a Mr Biggles).
Score: 8.0 out of 10
Gamified - Book One: Beastmaster (A Fantasy LitRPG)
https://amzn.to/3lQ7J2I
(Pic 7)
Battleborne
I love the troll regeneration
I read this in 2 stages. I enjoy Dave Willmarth's writing. Easy to read, good dialog, interesting characters. Around the middle of the book Max the battleborne is getting ready to go both hunting orcs and make peace with them. He'd been battling hard with the dwarves fighting the bad guy gray dwarves. After that he's hanging out with the king and other high ranked dwarves and almost everyone was getting along just great. The battles were pretty epic. I just wasn't in the mood for all of this everything is going great stuff. It didn't fit with my dark funk at the time. So I put it down. Feeling better now I finished it today. The trip out to the orcs was some pretty good adventuring. I can't slight the story because it didn't sync with my foul mood at the time and everything's set up for some awesome battles in the next book. So maybe Max doesn't dwell on his dark side. There are a lot of cool elements in Battleborne. And I really do like dwarves, orcs, and goblins. Dave Willmarth gets some decent witty banter in. Worth a read. Maybe Max will get a girlfriend next book.
Score: 8.3 out of 10
Battleborne
https://amzn.to/2Z6OEj5
(Pic 8)
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 2 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
Metal man makes a new pet
This was a fun read. I found having a mechanical man as a protagonist an odd choice, but it works. Repair has a quest, a goal, and a short time to finish it - 33 days. A lot of cool LitRPG elements woven well: crafting, combat, blacksmithing, mining. Repair and his goblin friend Greebo build a crew, befriend some other adventurers and work on solving a mystery. Mechanical crafter 2 was a pretty easy read and it had goblins and explosions. I look forward to book 3.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 2 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
https://amzn.to/3jPXry1
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 241 - Small Unit Tactics, Path to Villainy, Intellectum, FFF-Class Trashero
Aug 28th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 241 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-241
New Releases and Reviews:
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (15:31)
Good group fights, format takes getting used to
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Qg9ho2
Path to Villainy: An NPC Kobold's Tale (25:23)
When a Kobold has had enough
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3gFn1U5
Intellectum (30:19)
Early translation/editing issues make a tough read
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3joqbh8
FFF-Class Trashero (38:31)
Twist on the summoned to the fantasy world tropes
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://reaperscans.com/comics/853149-fff-class-trashero
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (43:09)
(Pic 0)
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1)
Superhero kitty
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/31xvCEg
Shadowbound (Ghostlight Academy Book 1)
Kai the miner
Score: 8.2 put of 10
https://amzn.to/3baO2Oo
Burning Core (School of Swords and Serpents Book 4)
Enjoyed Jace and friends adventuring again
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2EKdOgk
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
More Plagiarized stories - Common name published by James Grayson. Even claim copyright. All these stories are abandoned which makes them targets of this kind of theft.
A new plagiarized story. Domination Online is stolen from a web novel called World Domination System. If you
https://www.webnovel.com/book/world-domination-system_11413811606356705
Next World Online is stolen as well. It's taken from New Life on the Royal Road.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/18685/new-life
The Final Primal is another story stolen from the web novel The Last Primal.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-last-primal_17132064005582905
The Forest King is a stolen story from The Forest Emperor found on the Royal Road.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/14792/the-forest-emperor
Dungeon Stars is a plagerized story of Dungeon and Stars found on the Royal Road.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/15070/dungeon-and-stars
Micah’s Quest is published by the same James Grayson as the others on this list. Its stolen from the Royal Road story, Eh! Where Did My Pen... Pen... Go!?!
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/26879/eh-where-did-my-pen-pen-go
This one is the most clever, it doesn’t even try to hide or change the name of the story and even links to the royal road story on the inside cover. The original story is The Invincible Hero. You can tell it's a stolen story since the account ‘author’ Ethan Dexan has been flagged by readers for stealing stories online before for Hero’s Quest.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/18939/the-invincible-hero
Wizard’s Tale is stolen from the web novel A Wizard’s Secret which is a translated story.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/a-wizard's-secret_11254520405313205
The Prime Gamer is a stolen story from Webnovels of the story Prime Originator.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/prime-originator_14192512206664605
Jeff Sproul’s (Author of Permadeath Legacy, Sigil Online) first solo-developed game, Lost Remnant: The End Tides, has RELEASED and it’s FREE to Play.
“It's a Free Mysterious Point and Click Adventure with some cosmic horror undertones.”
He asks that if you enjoy the game you please leave a review.
https://store.steampowered.com/…/Lost_Remnant_The_End_Tides/
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series) will be discounted to $0.99 in a Kindle Big Deal which runs between Sep-1-2020 - Sep-6-2020.
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
Death's Mantle 3 is out now in audio! Death's Mantle is a complete trilogy, and Podium just released the final audiobook today, narrated by Andrea Parsneau (woot, woot!)
To celebrate...
Book one is FREE!
Book two is .99 cents!
Death’s Mantle 1 FREE: https://amzn.to/2D64vql
Death’s Mantle 2 $0.99 : https://amzn.to/2FXM0FC
Death’s Mantle 3 $0.99 : https://amzn.to/34DRrUD
Get started on this Earphone Award-winning series.
Out Now!
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
War of Gods: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 4 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (Aug. 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39q7RQY
Dream Stream Reality: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2ZhkmuF
Irrelevant Jack 4
https://amzn.to/3gCUUVL
Pyresouls Apocalypse: Rewind: A Grimdark Fantasy LitRPG Series (Pyresouls Apocalypse, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3b1nmzz
Arcane Kingdom Online: The World Outside (A LitRPG Adventure, Book 7)
https://amzn.to/2Eoj5KH
Omens: The Ashen Plane - Book II, A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3b4YN4Q
ScourgeWorld: Conquest: (Book 2 - A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG/Cultivation novel)
https://amzn.to/2YDXzbK
Discovery (Hall of Heroes Book 1)
https://amzn.to/34Ih7PQ
The Life:Life System: The Origin Story (LitRPG)
https://amzn.to/31AikH9
Eldritch Rebirth: New World
https://amzn.to/2EGCTsi
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Death's Mantle 3
https://amzn.to/3b1szqY
Dose of Chaos - PrimeVerse, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2EvTEGY
Respawn: Nightmare Mode - Respawn, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3lmub3j
Breaking Ground - A Fantasy LitRPG Base Builder (Enora Online, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3b3S6zQ
Echo Online 2: A GameLit Harem
https://amzn.to/3gyaEZZ
Upcoming LitRPG:
Aether’s Guard (Aether's Revival Book 2) (Sept. 2nd, 2020)
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
A Snake's Path (A Snake's Life Book 2) (Sept. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hkvtcS
Something (Full Murderhobo Book 1)
(Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34CIvyM
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultavation Epic) (Sept. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33zXNUx
Claimed (Olympus Reborn Book 3) (Sept. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Y1MBwl
Labyrinth to Tartarus: The LitRPG Saga Continues (The Eternal Journey Book 3) (Sept. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3kHWGYX
Tycoon - Trudging the Path to a Modest Life in a Fantasy World: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Book Two) (Sept. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YIgaDl
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
Quest for the Ember Relic: A Phoenix Online LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series
A strange, foreign world. Mysterious judges with capricious rules. Thousands of gamers find themselves split into factions and pitted against each other at the whim of an unknown higher power, with no idea how they got there or why they were chosen. Dying in this world hurts, but it's not the end: dead players always respawn to fight again.
Echo, with his extensive knowledge of fighting, armor, and weapons, has all the makings of a great leader. The ragtag recruits fighting for him under the less-than-threatening name "Society of Pinprick Enthusiasts" become the bane of the opposing factions, sowing terror in their wake. But this game won't be won in straightforward skirmishes. The squad will have to forge pacts with their own faction, the judges, and even their enemies. Each day brings new twists, new rules, and new ways to play, and a step that seemed to be in the right direction might suddenly become a fatal mistake.
Brute force and bravado won't be enough for Echo to carve his way to the top and stay there. He will have to lead his squad through mistakes, good fortune, victory, and defeat in his quest to secure his position.
My Opinion: 307 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full Disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
Ok. Right off the bat, I’m going to say that this story is unusual and not everyone is going to get past some early artistic choices. Not only is the beginning really unclear about what’s happening or why, but also in the story itself is told in an unusual way. However, if you can adjust to how the story is told and get through the start, you’ll find an action focused story that combines tactical and historical weapons and armor with PvP and interesting small group fighting.
The biggest thing to address is how the story is told. Instead of a traditional chapter format with clear beginnings, middles, and ends, the story is told in ‘slides’. Which are snapshots of thought or dialogue or events. Sometimes these slides are pages long, other times only a few paragraphs. There’s no normal connective text between these ‘slides’ either, just abrupt jumps between scenes which may skip hours or even days. It was a big adjustment to read the story in this format.
On the story side, the beginning was a little annoying. It had a good enough action start but the main character (MC) is an unreliable narrator as he makes statements that haven’t been shown to be true to the reader. Like that the world is a simulation or game, the ‘Watchers’ are NPCs, and that violence outside of the arena is physically impossible. Additionally, beyond the arena fights, it's not particularly clear what’s happening. I mean the MC says everyone brought to the place is a hard core gamer but he’s only spoken to a few people. There’s also no scene showing how everyone got there, wherever there is, as the story starts with the MC in a park talking to a guy he thinks is on drugs, then entering the stands of the area to watch a fight.
It’s not until about 11% into the story that the MC recounts how he knows he can’t die, that he’d tried to kill himself only to find himself respawn back in the town temple. The story shifts into this slice of life accounting of the MC and his buddy with dreadlocks just messing around, meeting people, and not really doing anything.
About 20% in the story shifts again to the thousand or so gamers choosing one of six gods to follow and organize around. It’s not until this point that the story really gets to what it’s good at, which is tactical group fighting and leveling. Once the PvP and faction versus faction start, the story pace picks up with the MC trying to rally and train his faction and fighting the other sides in increasingly challenging battles. It’s honestly the only reason I didn’t
Game mechanic-wise, it's technically LitRPG but feels more like a melee group battle royale game with RPG upgrades. There are RPG game-like elements/rules that eventually show up but a good portion of the early story (20% ish) doesn’t have them. Death is not permanent as when someone dies they respawn. All equipment is provided free and there’s a range of realistic melee armor and weapons. Ranged weapons don’t exist and even if a weapon is thrown it doesn’t do damage. “Death can only come from a weapon held in your enemy’s hands!” There’s PvP and faction v faction fighting. Once the story gets to that point the MC/narrator explains that they get XP and level for killing other factions, for looting rival god’s temples, and earning the respect of native people. Each level gained gives choices to gain bonuses or special abilities.
The big draw in the story was hands down the fighting. There was realistic use of melee weapons, armor, and interesting group tactics in the fights after the 20% mark that the MC used. There was clear personal knowledge or research done for the variety of swords, spears, and armor types including their advantages/disadvantages, and their historical use on the battlefield. Once the faction versus faction stuff starts, it gets more interesting with the MC trying to help his side use group fighting and realistic use of the weapons and armors to defeat their foes.
Overall, if you can get past the format of the story and the unclear start, it’s an entertaining story for those that like PvP and Faction V Faction fighting.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2Qg9ho2
Path to Villainy: An NPC Kobold
Villains aren’t born, they’re made.
Witt was an ordinary NPC—a non-player character in a video game. As a kobold skald, he sang songs to empower heroes before they entered the local dungeons.
Every day was a fresh start. Every day Witt woke with no memory of his previous encounters with all those so-called heroes. And every day he forgot the countless beatings and deaths he took at the hands of the murder hobos he valiantly buffed.
But when all of those memories suddenly come flooding back, he only wants one thing:
My Opinion: 175 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
When a Kobold has had enough
I’ll be honest, the cover art for this novel does not convey the coolness of the story. It starts out with an NPC kobold that buffs adventurers before they go into a dungeon. Only this kobold is abused by jerks fairly regularly and one day he remembers everything that had happened to him. Stuff that’s normally wiped from his mind by the game. That’s when the kobold goes on a rampage and is determined to kill all the players that have abused him and the other kobolds. It’s an interesting story about an NPC becoming aware and becoming a villain, at least from the perspective of the players.
On the RPG side of things, the story is a bit light here. Part of that is that the beginning of story has the MC unaware of what has happened to him in the past so it has a real fantasy vibe. After about the 15% mark, when the MC awakens, he also gets access to his character sheet, stats, class skills, etc. He also gets the ability to gain XP and levels if he hunts monsters or players. The combo of Bard + Barbarian = Skald is a neat variation on the bard class and I liked that the MC had some fighting capacity that paired with bard buffs worked really well. The villainy game mechanics were also a nice addition to the story.
Overall, it’s a shorter story but it’s interesting and I liked it.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Path to Villainy: An NPC Kobold's Tale
https://amzn.to/3gFn1U5
Intellectum
They say God created the Earth in six days. Highly advanced invaders, calling themselves Admins, destroyed Earth’s civilization and part of its biosphere in a single day.
People had always considered their minerals to be the most valuable material on Earth. They quickly learned how wrong they’d been. People turned out to be the most valuable material, or rather, the substance that could be produced from them.
Intellectum was a liquid so potent that a drop of it could bestow any creature or thing with sentience. It could make all sorts of objects smart, strong, and infuse them with magic.
The Admins gave the three hundred million survivors a slim chance to improve their lot in life through the Global Game. Though the Earthlings were supposed to breed in special farms in order to produce more Intellectum, at least they hadn’t been deprived of their right to fight back.
My Opinion: 237 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a RPG Apocalypse story translated from Russian and like other reviews have mentioned, it has some translations issues. I’ve read worse translations and it’s not like the words are incorrect, just that they are strung together oddly enough that it makes understanding them challenging.
The story is about a guy, our main character (MC), who had lost the use of his legs in a childhood car crash, now grown up, who is involved in another catastrophe. This time though, it's an RPG Apocalypse that affects the entire world. He himself is chosen as a savior and given special bonuses and items as well as hints about what is happening in the world. Not only does the MC have his body fixed, but he’s saved from plane crash, given an RPG interface, an inventory system, a battle pet, a rare class, and a few special items. Still, the world is now full of deadly monsters and the MC must survive with only 3 respawns. Not only that but he must figure out the mystery of who caused the RPG apocalypse and what’s expected of him by his benefactors.
Game mechanic wise, it’s fairly standard for an RPG Apocalypse story. Stats, levels, skills, special abilities, notifications, XP from killing monsters. The MCs class is interesting as a Gunsmith.
There are several issues with the story for me. The biggest issue here for me is that the story doesn’t make sense often. Parts seem kinda cool, but because of the translation/english editing issues the story didn’t flow well and events occurred that were frankly unclear and confusing. At one point, a random person shows up to arrest the MC for using a forbidden artifact, then monsters kill that guy, the MC is still arrested I think but is then he is pardoned by a judge who after self destructs. Huh?
Other issues include that the MC gets a bunch of levels, powers, and abilities that he doesn’t earn. I mean, by the 15% mark, he’s given 55 levels. Literally given them both by the normal system and by the special gifts he gets. It's unclear why he gets any of the levels to be honest. He didn’t accomplish anything or kill any monsters in the half day the story covers to that point.
Which brings me to another issue, combat is frankly lackluster and descriptively lacking. The fights amount to the MC shooting and maybe a sentence about what the results were. There’s no real struggle in any of the action scenes.
About 40% into the novel, the story does get better as far as translation issues are concerned. The actions of the MC become more focused on survival, exploration of his powers, and creating a human faction to oppose the alien Admins. However, much of the MCs success feels a bit foreordained with his massive and often unearned level gains. Its an ok development if you don’t mind a massively OP MC.
Overall, it was a challenging read sometimes but my brain eventually got used to ignoring the odd phrasing issues. I liked the parts of the story I understood. I mean, I generally like RPG Apocalypse stories, but there was just too much of the early story that was confusing. On the whole, it didn’t work for me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Intellectum
https://amzn.to/3joqbh8
FFF-Class Trashero
Protagonist Kang Han Soo killed the demon king after 10 years of being summoned in the fantasy world. Now it's time to be sent back to earth. What's this? the fantasy world god appears along with his report card. Because he removed all the obstacles that prevented him from killing the demon king, his personality score came out as F. The regression that follows is that he has to return to the start and begin again. Can Kang Han Soo end this endless returns?
My Opinion: 52 chapters, Free
A twist on the summoned to the fantasy world to defeat the demon king trope. The main character (MC) is an anti-hero who after defeating the demon king like he was supposed to is sent back to the first day he was summoned because he got a failing grade on his personality as he adventured. The MC retains all his knowledge of the last ten years but his level, stats, and abilities all revert to level 1. The story follows the MC as he tries to use his knowledge to cheat the system and gain even more power. He doesn’t mind killing his friends or massacring a town, if it’ll get him the power he wants. It was genuinely fun to watch this character act selfishly and take advantage of any opportunity for XP as so many gamers would. Even with the MC knowing about certain events, there was still enough conflict from unexpected consequences to his actions and new powerful antagonists.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
FFF-Class Trashero
https://reaperscans.com/comics/853149-fff-class-trashero
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week - New Segment
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1)
Superhero kitty
I thought the heroic kitty angle was cool. The dying world aspect was a detractor for me (I'm generally not fond of apocalypse stories). I liked the adventure overall and the creative uses of environmental elements. Bonus points for explosions. I like my booms. Kitty Rambo on a desert planet trying to save the girl with his system companion all the while trying to get clean. It had LitRPG structure. It was a quick enjoyable read for me. I'll definitely read book 2 when it comes out.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1)
https://amzn.to/31xvCEg
(Pic 7)
Shadowbound (Ghostlight Academy Book 1)
Kai the miner
Pretty smart for a teenager. This one had some interesting fights near the end. The MC was somewhere between a tf2 engineer and tabletop martial artist. The story was simple and fun. The limited world worked pretty well here. I'm not sure where this goes from here. The book works well as a standalone novel.
Score: 8.2 put of 10
Shadowbound (Ghostlight Academy Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3baO2Oo
(Pic 8)
Enjoyed Jace and friends adventuring again
This was pretty good reading. A lot of adventure. Mostly action at a fairly high pace. Good reading. For a first person book, I'm glad Jace didn't get bogged down with introspection. Jace, Eric, Abi, and Clem made for a good crew with enough detail and quirks to bring life to them.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
Burning Core (School of Swords and Serpents Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2EKdOgk
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
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Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 240 - Noobtown Book 4, Ninetoes, Only I Level Up (Solo Leveling)
Aug 21st, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 240 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-240
New Releases and Reviews:
Dungeons and Noobs: Noobtown Book 4 (07:01)
Slow start but picks up after 40%
Score: 7.5 out of 10.
https://amzn.to/2Xxb1gV
Ninetoes (10:20)
23% RPG stuff starts
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3iUdCcR
Only I Level Up (Solo Leveling) (18:47)
Soooo Good
Score: 8 out of 10
https://www.webnovel.com/comic/only-i-level-up-(solo-leveling)_15227640605485101
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (24:09)
(Pic 0)
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse
The paladin's choice
Score: 9.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2QfNpZW
Underworld - Vampire Gate: A LitRPG Series
Mr. Blue mage
Score: 8.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3jcYhof
The Heroic Villain 3
A grand romp of an adventure
Score: 8.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2FJHivb
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Dakota Krout and Luke Daniels do an AMA on Facebook to celebrate and promote the audiobook release of Ruthless.
https://www.facebook.com/TheDivineDungeon/videos/376740906640113/
Out Now!
The Idle System (A LitRPG series Book 6): The War
https://amzn.to/3a4vEpF
Hive Knight: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3kJ5r52
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
The Power of Nine: Scifi LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3hScSED
Raider (Olympus Reborn Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3gWZWgC
Dungeon Core 101
https://amzn.to/3gkoxuK
The Stone Tree: A LitRPG Adventure (Kingmaker Saga Book 1)
https://amzn.to/32971Vr
Tech Duinn: An Ether Collapse Series (Ether Flows Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3iZkSUX
Path to Villainy: An NPC Kobold's Tale
https://amzn.to/2EqthC4
RE-ROLL: An Epic Litrpg Fantasy (New Realm Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2FE5Vct
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book Two, Arcana
https://amzn.to/3ggi6sS
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Infernal Bones - Elemental Dungeon Book 2
https://amzn.to/3iYBtIA
Repel Boarders: A LitRPG, Dungeon Core Adventure
Derelict, Book 1
https://amzn.to/326fjNK
Ruthless: The Completionist Chronicles Book 5
https://amzn.to/3j1eRXM
Skyclad: Fate's Anvil Book 1
https://amzn.to/326g4q4
Aether Gate Online: The Complete Saga
https://amzn.to/31kTo6t
Upcoming LitRPG:
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
War of Gods: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 4 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (Aug. 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39q7RQY
Dream Stream Reality: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZhkmuF
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
A Snake's Path (A Snake's Life Book 2) (Sept. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hkvtcS
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultavation Epic) (Sept. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33zXNUx
Claimed (Olympus Reborn Book 3) (Sept. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Y1MBwl
Labyrinth to Tartarus: The LitRPG Saga Continues (The Eternal Journey Book 3) (Sept. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3kHWGYX
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
Quest for the Ember Relic: A Phoenix Online LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Dungeons and Noobs: Noobtown Book 4
Badgelor has been patient, or at least as patient as a homicidal badger can be. With the celebration of Grebthar Day, it's finally time to go get Charles! Nothing is going to stop Jim and his companions, not even the signs of the Dark Overlord's return. This adventure could be Windfall's greatest yet, or it could be its absolute downfall.
My Opinion: 323 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The novel has a bit of a slower paced first half. There’s good humor, dialogue, character development, socializing with team members, and world building. I especially liked the holiday Grebthar Day. It’s not till the story hits about 40% that the pacing picks up and the action hits. But once it does it continues for the rest of the story and there’s finally some serious plot development with the initial premise of the story and some good twists by the end. Good stuff.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Ian Mitchell’s Review
Happy Grebthar day!
I had mixed feelings about this one. The first 33% didn't do much for me. I mostly slogged through it. The cast basically futzed around in town. A lot of humor that didn't do much for me. I'm a bit humor impaired. It wasn't bad. I wasn't having fun.
Then comes Badger's Night. Now I'm laughing. The wideI variety of trap based abuse of Jim had me chuckling. The humor and banter started working for me. A lot of the last half of the book happens down in the dungeon. Some decent delving. Decent banter and joking around. That was clicking for me.Man demon and badger made for fun. The long epic battle at the end of the book was exciting. This wasn't a coherent experience overall. I'll continue the series. I liked the previous books.
Score: 7.5 out of 10.
Dungeons and Noobs: Noobtown Book 4
https://amzn.to/2Xxb1gV
Ninetoes
What if an NPC dismissed with contempt by the players of your role-playing game was to become an adventurer? A LitRPG adventure.
Ninetoes is a wizard, which is unusual for a hobgoblin, and more unusual still, he’s no longer an NPC.
The world of Adrenon is a game world and a twist of fate has made Ninetoes an Adventurer. With this new status comes access to power, magic and skills that his kind can rarely attain, but more, it is a chance to grow and become the centre of his own story.
In his first quest, among the ancient ruins of Kavralach, Ninetoes faces danger and intrigue. Failure will mean the destruction of his home and his people, for whom he now has the potential to become their champion.
Ninetoes must master the magic system of the game, advance as rapidly as he can, and find friends. For a wizard alone is vulnerable.
If he can prevail, the hobgoblin Adventurer might someday become the hero he needs to be.
My Opinion: 219 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
If you like the series NPCs, you may like this LitRPG story. It starts with a group of tabletop players getting ambushed by hobgoblins. One of the team refuses to heal the fallen members and the group breaks up. Another member, his healer dead, asks the DM if he can use the only hobgoblin that survived to roll a new character. The stat rolls aren’t great and the player chooses to roll something else, but the Character Sheet was filled out, even renaming the hobgoblin, our main character (MC), Ninetoes and was slipped back into the DMs paper.
In the hobgoblin’s fantasy world he wakes, weaker but smarter and it's revealed within the first 10% or so that Ninetoes has been transformed into an adventurer, that he has a literal character sheet he must protect and that trouble, fights, and adventures will follow him. But he'll also be able to do all the amazing things the adventurers do: Cast magic, amazing feats of strength, rapid healing. So, Ninetoes goes out into the world to search for answers and adventure.
On the game mechanics side of things, much of the early story is very fantasy since the normal people of this world don’t have access to the RPG stuff. Stats appear briefly at the beginning of the story when a player rolls for Ninetoes stat and you don’t see them again until the 23% mark when someone shows the MC how to read his character sheet and the reader sees it too with his stats, HP, level, skills, abilities, etc. From then on the game mechanics show up regularly as the MC trains, chooses a class, and figures out the limits of the system.
A few character issues kept the story from getting a better score. The MC, a hobgoblin, starts out the story in his own clan with a reasonable cultural background. Once he becomes an adventurer, the MC gains the ability to speak common, has increased intelligence, and interacts with a nearby human village. But it’s the MCs personality change and his knowledge of human behaviors that kinda stuck out as being untrue, with the MC interacting with humans like he’d always known how to do so and knew their customs. Also the towns folks treat the MC as an adventurer, with great respect and fairness, even though he’d done nothing to show that he was one. I just would have expected him, as a monster, to be treated as one. Especially since his clan had been hunting humans and raiding caravans at the start of the story.
Overall, once it gets to the RPG stuff it’s actually an interesting story that transforms a monster NPC into a player. There’s not much of a plot, just adventures he goes on or gets thrown into. But it also explores the skewed perception of the normal people of ‘Adventurers’ that visit their world.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Ninetoes
https://amzn.to/3iUdCcR
Only I Level Up (Solo Leveling)
In this world where Hunters with various magical powers battle monsters from invading the defenceless humanity, Sung Jin-Woo was the weakest of all the Hunters, barely able to make a living.
However, a mysterious System grants him the power of the ‘Player’, setting him on a course for an incredible and often times perilous Journey.
Follow Sung Jin-Woo as he embarks on an adventure to become an unparalleled existence through his “Level-Up” system - the only one in the entire world!
My Opinion: 116 chapters +, FREE or Unlockable Online
Note: There’s also a translated light novel version of the story, but this review is for the web comic.
The first 10 chapters are a little stretched out, but accomplish what they need to in establishing that dungeons and monsters exist in this world as do Hunters who kill said monsters and complete the dungeons for rewards. However, the main character (MC) is the weakest Hunter on record and on his latest dive into a dungeon, things go terribly wrong. His group is killed off or abandons him and he is left alone only to discover he’s secretly completed a hidden quest. The chapters clearly establish just how weak the MC is and how power means everything in this world.
The RPG stuff appears in chapter 11 when the MC gets an RPG interface that lets him level up, increase his stats, access a system store, notifications, and get amazing items, skills, and abilities. The MC is the only one with the RPG system though.
The artwork for the comic is great and really pushes the story into another level of enjoyment.
Overall, once the web comic gets to the RPG powers I was all in on this story. The web series is a great action adventure comic about a weak guy who is determined to increase his power despite the overwhelming odds he faces. Great stuff.
Score: 8 out of 10
Only I Level Up (Solo Leveling)
https://www.webnovel.com/comic/only-i-level-up-(solo-leveling)_15227640605485101
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week - New Segment
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse
The paladin's choice
John travels to Erethra to pay off his favor (picking an initial class from a galactic empire). Great reading and intrigue, combat was was exciting. John may be a paladin (mostly a free roaming troubleshooter) whose hobby is the system quest. Nice end for this arc.
Score: 9.0 out of 10
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse
https://amzn.to/2QfNpZW
(Pic 7)
Underworld - Vampire Gate: A LitRPG Series
Mr. Blue mage
I love these are all dungeon books. Interesting progressions. A Citadel down below. Power leveling at it's finest and seeing endgame level spells. Werewolf hunting. A fun ride without bogging down between towns.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Underworld - Vampire Gate: A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3jcYhof
(Pic 8)
The Heroic Villain 3
A grand romp of an adventure
Through endless fields of puns, tropes, and author cameos. I loved the cinematic fight scenes. I enjoyed/endured the nigh endless puns where the author pushed until I thought I couldn't take anymore. Smart with a fair bit if social commentary and insight that fit the story well and didn't feel too preachy. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the series which I can easily recommend.
Score: 8.7 out of 10
The Heroic Villain 3
https://amzn.to/2FJHivb
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 239 - Life Reset 5, The Dungeon Slayer, This Poo Shall Pass, A New Script, Dragon Heart 7
Aug 14th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 239 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 9 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-239
New Releases and Reviews:
Life Reset: Conquest (New Era Online Book 5) (12:33)
Continues the adventure and town building
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3fDOqp6
The Dungeon Slayer: A LitRPG Level-Up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 1) (14:13)
Whiny start but once it got to the action it took off
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/31yeiha
This Poo Shall Pass (Caverns and Creatures) (22:29)
So. Many. Poop. Jokes.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3ak7uaY
A New Script: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories Book 2) (24:43)
A good story nugget
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/33VewBE
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week (26:30)
(Pic 0)
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Dragon Heart: Land of Demons. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 7
A side mission
Score: 8.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3fNw1Gl
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior Forsworn: A LitRPG/Wuxia Novel - Book 3
Cultivating school and other hijinks
Score: 8.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3anFt28
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote (The Body's Dungeon Book 1)
Let's learn about the immune system.
Score: 8.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3alvt9L
Rise (Last Chance Book 1)
There's a bomb in your head, don't tell anyone
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Yfhaij
Rebel Star: A LitRPG Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera (System Apocalypse Book 8)
Almost a savior
Score: 8.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/30WeCr3
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
R&R, a segment on the latest Soundbooth Theater Live stream. Ray Johnson and Ramon Mejia talked about LitRPG, proving they are not secretly the same person. It was fun talking to Ray about his life, some of his projects and his review of Life Reset 4 audiobook.
https://www.facebook.com/jeff.hays2/videos/10101854679799279/
https://youtu.be/CVO9ElzDbVc
(link)
A new audiobook focused newsletter went out from Listener’s Newsletter which is a collaboration between Michael Chatfield and yours truly. A twice a month newsletter that highlights the best audiobooks. For now, it’s focused on LitRPG, which is why I’m involved. But if it gets a lot of demand from subscribers, it can send out newsletters for any genre of audiobooks people want.
https://listenersnewsletter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ListenersNewsletter/
Found a new plagiarized novel, Immortal RPG. It was originally written as Immortal Player by RDream on Webnovel.com . It seems to be an abandoned story there with the last chapter published in February 2020. There’s been a slew of this kind of stuff recently, usually with very general fantasy covers but this one stood out because on the cover it also claimed to be a #1 Bestselling series and National Book Award Finalist, neither of which is true.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/the-immortal-player_13510347106112805
Plagiarized novel 2 this week. Dungeon Tutorial is stealing from Dungeon’s Path, a novel on Royal Road, Scribblehub, and the author’s Patreon.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/29840/dungeons-path
World Domination is plagiarized from World Development System on WebNovel.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/world-development-system_12967709905188105
Out Now!
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Life Reset: Conquest (New Era Online Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3kJiKSU
Chrysalis - A Fantasy LitRPG (Beast Realms Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3gDTuLn
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Dragon Heart: Land of Demons. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 7
https://amzn.to/3fNw1Gl
Derelict: Book 2, Counterattack (A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure)
https://amzn.to/3apdizZ
The Tree of Ascension: A LitRPG Apocalypse (Peril's Prodigy Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2XX2d42
Bugs: The First
https://amzn.to/2PPDMRH
DoucheMage: A Glitchworld Original
https://amzn.to/31RqN7K
Winterborn 2: Wolfsbane
https://amzn.to/3kN9WM6
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Backlash - A Second Skin Novel Book 5
https://amzn.to/3iFw4Gk
City of the Dead - Alchemist Series Book 1
https://amzn.to/2DTDczQ
Expedition Newb - Sun & Shadow Online Book 2
https://amzn.to/3alDcV8
Twilight Templar - The Eternal Journey Book 1
https://amzn.to/3amzQBm
The Tower's Price - Tower of Power Book 5
https://amzn.to/33XGPj9
Dark Academy - Transformation Book 4
https://amzn.to/3fZJwCR
Dragon's Born: A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series
Warlords of the Circle Sea, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3arXIU7
Path of Soul: BlackFlame Online Universe
Glory of Formation Emperor, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3kFWIk1
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Idle System (A LitRPG series Book 6): The War (Aug. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a4vEpF
Hive Knight: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 1) (Aug. 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3kJ5r52
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Raider (Olympus Reborn Book 2) (Aug. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31is6fN
The Power of Nine: Scifi LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 2) (Aug. 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hScSED
Raider (Olympus Reborn Book 2) (Aug. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gWZWgC
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
War of Gods: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 4 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (Aug. 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39q7RQY
Dream Stream Reality: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZhkmuF
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultavation Epic) (Sept. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33zXNUx
Claimed (Olympus Reborn Book 3) (Sept. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Y1MBwl
Labyrinth to Tartarus: The LitRPG Saga Continues (The Eternal Journey Book 3) (Sept. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3kHWGYX
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
Quest for the Ember Relic: A Phoenix Online LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Life Reset: Conquest (New Era Online Book 5)
A prophecy foretold … the fate of thousands on the line …
With one major enemy town behind them, the GreenPiece clan marches onward to new conquests. Facing Oren and his monster army are the combined forces of the so-called ‘civilized races’, intent on halting his invasion of their territory.
Reality blurs as Oren fights harder than ever to save the trapped players, his clan, and his family.
Life Reset: Conquest is book 5 of New Era Online, a LitRPG / GameLit bestselling series that combines settlement development, a monster protagonist, a deranged AI companion who’s obsessed with testicular quips, and a desire to explore what it means to be a human living inside a video game.
My Opinion: 463 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The story continues to expand its scope in the second arc of the series. The game world has changed and the main character (MC) has adapted and found a way to keep his monster empire safe, by expanding and conquering the neighboring cities and towns. There’s minor advancement of the plotline to free all the players trapped in the game but lots of city and kingdom building, resource management, and large battles to defend and attack cities. Overall a good story with some interesting villains, good fights, and crunchy LitRPG stuff for those that like kingdom building.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Life Reset: Conquest (New Era Online Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3fDOqp6
The Dungeon Slayer: A LitRPG Level-Up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 1)
Mankind has been under attack for fifty years by the awesome power of bosses and monsters who are the denizens of dungeons. Monsters started these attacks when a mystical beast named Raekast appeared and threatened the world, eradicating human life from several continents. Raekast threatened all human life until a mysterious ceremony called 'Rebirth' unlocked the hidden potential of humans strong enough to repel and defeat her. Raekast’s final, desperate act caused dungeons to spawn across the globe. The greatest of these dungeons is known as Titan. Dungeons are a threat to humanity and nature alike. Powerful reborn humans known as 'Slayers' enter their dangerous depths to kill the monsters and bosses that live within and retrieve treasure, items and more.
Tad Harrington, a video game loving 16-year-old high school student, was bullied relentlessly throughout his life. Tad’s Rebirth date has come. His last hope is to be reborn a slayer strong enough to enter the toughest dungeons where a life of power and luxury could await him.
When things don’t go according to plan, Tad finds out he has a special Rebirth, one that can level up and grow stronger by defeating monsters. Starting from level one, how high can Tad climb? Can he overcome the challenges and become the ultimate dungeon slayer?
My Opinion: 370 pages, $0.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
I eventually really enjoyed this novel but it has one of the whiniest openings I think I’ve ever read. I mean I understand the need to show the low place the main character (MC) starts out at so that he has some progress to make in the story but it just goes on and on for way to long about just how much of a loser the MC feels like and how he’s so weak that bullies find him wherever he goes. It’s a real turn off.
Thankfully, the story improved as it continued. The setup also included an interesting world building element where everyone has to go through a rebirth between the ages of 15-16 to discover if they’ll have powers and if they can help defend the world from monsters or fight in the dungeon that spawns them.
The MC gets a zero power rating and is considered less powerful than even a normal person. Things change for the MC as he gets an RPG interface that lets him increase his power by leveling, improving his stats, and completing quests. Most of the story is dungeon diving to further this power growth to make him less wimpy.
From the point where the MC goes into his first dungeon, the story takes a turn for the better. There’s lots of good action with the MC fighting in dungeons with a group and growing in power as he develops his character while unlocking the mysteries of his abilities. The end in particular took a dark turn that I wasn’t expecting, but was pleased with.
The RPG stuff shows up at about the 7% mark, and unfortunately isn’t something anyone else has. There’s a few character sheets that show the MCs level, stats, and abilities. There are also a few quests the MC gets. The MCs powers are varied and honestly felt a little wand wavy as they just appeared as the story went on without the MC really working for them. Other rules that showed up also felt inconsistent with the world building. For example, the MC uses tools for healing and spell casting which he’s told are specific to certain people, like they’re class tools. But there’s no mention of such a restriction in any earlier world building. Instead, the power system is just numeric with higher amounts of power determining just what place you have in society as a civilian, soldier, creator, etc. The use of these class specific tools fits with the RPG interface theme but since the MC is the only one in the world that has it, it doesn’t fit with the larger world building. On the plus side of things, the story focuses heavily on the MC improving his stats as he levels and that is done well. Each stat increase has a real impact on the MC both in his physical description and how he fights. Additionally, though the powers were gained in a little wand wavy manner, their use was well done and added tension and variety to the fights.
Overall, it’s eventually a good action filled story. Despite the whiny beginning that was frankly annoying and the way the MC gains power is a little wand wavy, once the MC gets to the dungeon diving, the fighting and character progression is enough to be very entertaining.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
The Dungeon Slayer: A LitRPG Level-Up Adventure (The Dungeon Slayer Series Book 1)
https://amzn.to/31yeiha
This Poo Shall Pass (Caverns and Creatures)
Having a Charisma score of 4 seems pretty bad when you're constantly shitting yourself because of it. But things get even worse for Cooper when he can't squeeze out so much as a shart.
The pressure builds as he and his friends seek answers to help this volcano erupt. Can they discover the mysterious cause of Cooper's constipation in time to save him?
Find out in this exciting new Caverns & Creatures adventure!
My Opinion: 36 pages, $2.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
So. Many. Poop. Jokes.
A short story about the group trying to help their low charisma barbarian, Cooper, try to get over a blockage in his intestines. Lots of poop humor. Not for everyone, but I thought it was too funny and a nice variation on Cooper’s normal charisma flaw.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
This Poo Shall Pass (Caverns and Creatures)
https://amzn.to/3ak7uaY
A New Script: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories Book 2)
A New Script is set in Vancouver, BC and showcases an unusual adventuring party and the day-to-day struggle of individuals who aren't necessarily suited to the apocalypse.
A New Script is set in the second year of the apocalypse (between books 4 and 5) and features new characters.
My Opinion: 24 pages, $0.99, Not Available on Kindle Unlimited
A good story nugget
This is an interesting short story independent of the main series characters. It features a group of survivors that have gained script/movie related abilities like: Edit Line, Script - which generates quests and bonus credits based on scripted actions, Edit - which can cut out injuries if caught quickly. It’s otherwise a monster hunt where the group tries to gain XP and credits to get their own safe zone place to rest instead of paying exorbitant credits to the one local rest location. It’s a nice little story nugget with subtle world building, interesting system powers, and good action.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
A New Script: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories Book 2)
https://amzn.to/33VewBE
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week - New Segment
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Dragon Heart: Land of Demons. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 7
A side mission
Still my favorite series. I like it better than the cradle series And Kirill Klevanski didn't botch book 7. Hadjar is still a smart tough guy. I did get the feeling that his power level is exceeding the empire he lives in. The fights were great. Hadjar's temporary orc sidekick added some nice flavor to the stew this time. Not quite as tasty as the first 6 books. Bits at the end felt like easy mode. It'll be fun seeing Hadjar back at school.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Dragon Heart: Land of Demons. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 7
https://amzn.to/3fNw1Gl
(Pic 7)
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior Forsworn: A LitRPG/Wuxia Novel - Book 3
Cultivating school and other hijinks
I really loved most of the first part of the book. Pacing, development, and emotional tone were excellent. I had a great time with the book. Some great fights. Very visceral (might be a bit much for some). Something about the last part of the book felt odd in the pacing. I enjoyed it. Some exposition went a bit long as well as trippy cultivation breakthroughs. I can definitely recommend this. Has a similar feel to the author's Endless Online series.
Score: 8.8 out of 10
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior Forsworn: A LitRPG/Wuxia Novel - Book 3
https://amzn.to/3anFt28
(Pic 8)
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote (The Body's Dungeon Book 1)
Let's learn about the immune system.
An enjoyable adventure. I liked the human hosts parts of the story. Those were fun and I really liked the characters. The core parts of the story were interesting enough to take in the how the immune system works. I think it's cool how gamification gives an extra hook and a way for the reader to visualize and conceptualize the various parts of the immune system. Worthwhile reading.
Score: 8.2 out of 10
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote (The Body's Dungeon Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3alvt9L
(Pic 9)
Rise (Last Chance Book 1)
There's a bomb in your head, don't tell anyone
This quickly reminded me of the show Dead like me. Plus spy shows. Plus some anime. Dare had something happen but can't tell anyone. There's an immediacy and intensity having a dead man switch. Having to keep it all secret ups the tension. What a way to disrupt a life. All of this creates a surreal quality to the experience. I liked the mystery and feeling that things aren't quite what they seem. With first person the focus is on Dare the MC. The other characters have some definition but didn't stand out for me. So we have a person thrown in the deep end on hard mode. I liked the story. It didn't have the pacing of a standalone novel. All the same I enjoyed the ride. Next episode of Dare's bizarre adventure please!
Score: 8.0 out of 10
Rise (Last Chance Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Yfhaij
(Pic 11a - Manual)
Rebel Star: A LitRPG Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera (System Apocalypse Book 8)
Almost a savior
John Lee is the guy who gets things done. Feed him enough chocolate and give him something impossible to do and he'll get it done. I love this guy. This time he helps save a space pirate base. Except they really seem more a last stop for the people who don't fit in and won't give up. The world(s) the author makes and his hero is plucky, angry, passionate, smart and thinks about how to fix the broken things in the world. I really enjoy how often he gets curb stomped every book. I binged the audiobooks for 1-7 which were great and read this one. Bonus for all the explosions. Not much on the romance side this time. The battle throughout the pirate base was epic. Reminds me a bit of recent supers book by Drew Hayes: Raising Hephestus.
Score: 8.8 out of 10
Rebel Star: A LitRPG Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera (System Apocalypse Book 8)
https://amzn.to/30WeCr3
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 238 - Tower of Damnation, Solomon's Crucible, The Hidden Paladin
Aug 7th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 238 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 7 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-238
New Releases and Reviews:
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book One, The First Tower
Bit of tower climbing and slice of life, but all good action
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2EKt24R
Solomon's Crucible: A LitRPG Apocalypse Begins (Solomon's Crucible Book One)
Finds its rhythm once the dungeon diving starts
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3kfJwSS
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
Slice of life Cultivation/light LitRPG
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2ENTUAO
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Rogue Evolution: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 4)
Changes
Score: 8.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Dp87E5
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
Metal man with a heart
Score: 8.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/39XQ5on
Force Cultivation (The Heavenly Throne Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
Good reading
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/30BMGsp
Dragon Heart: Land of Magic. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 6
The writing is lush and vivid
Score: 9.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3khZtb6
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
LitRPG Deal
The entire Aether Gate Online series is on sale for $0.99 each until 8/11/2020
Book 1: https://amzn.to/33vAkDO
Book 2: https://amzn.to/3fwaEt5
Book 3: https://amzn.to/3gyUCjw
Jeff Sproul, author of the Sigil Online LitRPG series, has a video game set to release.
YouTube Trailer: https://youtu.be/NFZpuZWd4rY
He wrote a post on Facebook talking about it:
I have shifted (for the time being) to full videogame development.
Very excited to get it in people's hands. :) Already working on the 2nd in the series.
This is my first release and it'll be Free to play!
"A Mysterious Point & Click game of Incomprehensible Entities and Discovery."
It comes out on August 24th on Steam and Itch.io
You can wishlist it at:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1380310/Lost_Remnant_The_End_Tides/
There’s going to be a LitRPG live stream from some LitRPG authors and publishers on Aug. 20th, 2020 through Shoreline Of Infinity. Featuring: Portal Books - Taran Matharu, Jonathan Smidt, and Jay Boyce. The site lets you pay what you want to watch the stream.
https://www.shorelineofinfinity.com/product/litrpg-showcase/
Out Now!
Dungeons and Noobs: Noobtown Book 4
https://amzn.to/2Xxb1gV
The Forgotten Faithful: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 2)
https://amzn.to/39YH1Q9
Valentines in an Apocalypse: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3gDVeEp
A New Script: A System Apocalypse short story (The System Apocalypse Short Stories Book 2)
https://amzn.to/33D0JzD
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Game of Gods: Publisher's Pack
https://amzn.to/3ac1H7r
The One-Armed Warlock: Book One
https://amzn.to/2DHfBlr
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series - Avila Online Book 1
https://amzn.to/30CXUN5
Giantlands - Pal-Tee Planet Book 1
https://amzn.to/2DA2vXw
Upcoming LitRPG:
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Life Reset: Conquest (New Era Online Book 5) (Aug. 10th, 2020)
Chrysalis - A Fantasy LitRPG (Beast Realms Book 1) (Aug. 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gDTuLn
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
The Idle System (A LitRPG series Book 6): The War (Aug. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a4vEpF
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Raider (Olympus Reborn Book 2) (Aug. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31is6fN
The Power of Nine: Scifi LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 2) (Aug. 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hScSED
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
War of Gods: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 4 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (Aug. 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39q7RQY
Dream Stream Reality: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZhkmuF
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
The Guild Core 1: Dragon Bourne (A Dungeon Core LitRPG/Cultavation Epic) (Sept. 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33zXNUx
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Seas the Day: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 5) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XIrTl0
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
Quest for the Ember Relic: A Phoenix Online LitRPG Adventure (Nov. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3a8x16F
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book One, The First Tower
Humanity was on the brink of destruction.
Earth had been destroyed by Devils, and as a result, the humans who lived there were transported to Paradise, a new world far vaster than their original planet. Dragons flew across the never-ending skies, roaring toward the heavens. Elves grew trees and tended to the flowers. Dwarves crafted armor and weapons to use for battle. Demons started wars for fun.
It was chaotic, yet it was still a home. Then, when things were just starting to look up, the cataclysm struck. Only one man could face the imminent disaster, but he still failed in the end. Bradley Crowe let down all of those who he loved; everyone who relied on him. Regrets? He had many. As his eyes closed, falling into an eternal slumber, he was given a second chance.
My Opinion: 257 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This story starts off as a Tower Climbing LitRPG story but by about the 50% mark, transitions to a more slice of life action story. In the beginning, it doesn’t veer much from what’s been established as a Tower Climbing story, with a main character (MC) who dies having failed to conquer the towers in the future and is sent back to the start of the towers showing. He uses his advanced knowledge of the towers and RPG system and his decades of experience fighting in the testing tower to gain an early advantage when the trials start. If you’ve read Towers of Heaven, it’ll be a familiar premise and the story that unfolds is about fighting monsters and gaining every advantage possible to advance up the tower and gain power and possibly save as much of humanity as possible.
The story shifts a little once the MC reaches the new world filled with monsters, fantasy races, and demons. Once there, the story becomes more slice of life with the MC still trying to use his vast knowledge from his previous life to gain power, but also being thrown into situations that don’t involve fighting in any towers. The towers exist more as future places to grow in power, but for the rest of the book the MC fights monsters and other people in different settings. The story ends without a solid resolution and there isn’t really a plot, which is why it’s more of a slice of life action oriented story. The story actually feels like it's a serial story and the end more of a ‘to be continued’.
On the game mechanic side of things, it’s pretty basic. Killing monsters or completing assigned tasks or tests grants coins that can be spent on upgrading stats or to purchase items, equipment, or bloodlines from the system store. XP can be gained to increase levels. There are also classes that can be earned and they give special abilities and bonuses.
Overall, this is a good action filled story that zipped by due to the fast paced fights. There are no complex plotlines and very little character development. But the action is rather good.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Tower of Damnation (A LitRPG and GameLIT Saga): Book One, The First Tower
https://amzn.to/2EKt24R
Solomon's Crucible: A LitRPG Apocalypse Begins (Solomon's Crucible Book One)
On the day the System came to Earth, Solomon Gragg had to cut off his own hand. Then things got rough.
The arrival of the System disabled all modern technology in an instant. It exposed humanity to alien life forms for the first time. Society will never be the same after we discovered just how little we knew about the true inner workings of the universe.
Solomon just wants to kill all the invaders trying to take what’s his.
My Opinion: 168 pages, $0.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
I thought the setup for the RPG apocalypse was a little bumpy and the first fights and the loss of his hand for a maxed out skill was a bit wand wavy. It hands the MC a big stack of grid points to develop powers he has no idea if he'll use.
However, once the MC gets to the dungeon the story seems to find its rhythm. Fight monsters, see flaws in combat or equipment, create/find solutions, kill more monsters to gain grid points. The MC shows his fallibility and willingness to experiment and adapt. It gave the reader something to root for.
Game mechanics are familiar: stats, skills, abilities, upgrade points aka grid points, a system store. The only unique mechanic was the grid system in which points needed to be spent to unlock specializations and powers, which led to further specialized development paths. It made the MC have to think about which paths to pursue with his limited grid points gained from increasing skills or killing monsters.
Overall, the story is fairly decent and straightforward dungeon dive more than an RPG apocalypse story. But that may shift in the future once the MC meets other humans or visits a city.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Solomon's Crucible: A LitRPG Apocalypse Begins (Solomon's Crucible Book One)
https://amzn.to/3kfJwSS
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
In a dark universe where the strong rule and the weak die, our story follows a guy on the path of Light and his journey through a world of Darkness.
Everyone's childhood is tough. Some have nothing to eat, some aren't allowed to leave their homes, and some can't afford what others have.
And some, like Nick, get gifts, like gene modification, that allow them to tap into powers beyond human capabilities in another world.
This, of course, comes at a price.
Unfortunately for Nick, things went awry. What exactly happened remains unclear, but the Shadow sect knew that they must cover their tracks.
And so they did.
They destroyed everything and murdered everyone who was a witness to their plans -- everyone but one kid.
Nick was saved by a strange book that appeared next to him -- little did he know that his salvation would soon become the very source of his misfortune.
With his genes modified, and he himself corrupted by the artifact that had saved him, Nick was summoned to another world.
Cultivation Methods. Ancient Secrets. Ascension of the Paladin.
Why be the Light in a world ruled by Darkness?
Why be an angel and serve God, when you can become one yourself?
Why pick one, when you can save them all?
My Opinion: 380 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The beginning of the story takes place on some version of modern earth and is more of a Real Life RPG thing, then at about the 10% mark the main character (MC) and several other characters are transported to a new world where everyone has special abilities, cultivation cores, and power rules. This world is full of sects that travel between dimensions collecting resources and increasing their powers. The MC must learn to control the one power he was given in a weird ritual, healing, and harness the random side effects that it causes so that he can not only survive but become powerful enough to return to earth.
The story is a slice of life with a bit of cultivation, and some light RPG mechanics. The MC in the story has an interesting personality. He insists on helping others, even those that treat him poorly or only look to use him. He’s completely aware that they are bad people and it's honestly a bit annoying that he still tries to be helpful, until you realize that he almost seems to have a compulsion to help like a good aligned paladin in a fantasy story. It’s an interesting twist on a cultivation/wuxia story. The MC is surrounded by the shadow sect, people that use and hurt others for their own gain, yet he still tries to help and is considered corrupt for it.
Game mechanics: Mostly informational with notifications from a book telling the MC what his core rank is, his stats, and the number of slots he has available to learn special abilities. As his core rank or class increases his capabilities increase. The MC also has special abilities that increase in efficiency as he meditates.
Overall, it’s a ok story if you don’t mind the slice of life nature of it, and a bit of a cliffhanger end. There isn’t as much action as I thought there would be, but it’s still entertaining seeing how the MC tries to maintain his goodness in a world where everyone is seeking to take advantage of each other.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
https://amzn.to/2ENTUAO
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week - New Segment
Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
(Pic 7)
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
Metal man with a heart
I had a great time with R. A. Meija's new book. Fun and a bit light-hearted (it could have been grim). It looks suitable for a teen audience. I liked the nods to other authors in the genre and their bacon addiction. Warcraft's goblins and gnomes are the main races showcased. I'm happy when goblins are major characters. I had a great time with the adventure with Repair and look forward to seeing where the author takes it from here. It works well as a standalone novel as well (and the hook at the end).
Score: 8.6 out of 10
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
https://amzn.to/39XQ5on
(Pic 8)
Force Cultivation (The Heavenly Throne Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
Good reading
I liked Kai the cultivator's story. It's not terribly clear why he ends up with other cultivation options unlike those in his new world. It wad fairly simple and easy to read. I had fun with it. The world was developed enough to keep it interesting.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Force Cultivation (The Heavenly Throne Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
https://amzn.to/30BMGsp
(Pic 9)
Dragon Heart: Land of Magic. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 6
The writing is lush and vivid
The fights were close to cinematic in description. A whole lot of story advancement as well. Hadjar and the islander join a top sect. I liked the scenes with Hadjar's master as he continues to develop. There's an intensity to Hadjar and vulnerability as well. The translation is excellent. Definitely my favorite of my recent reads. And he meets a girl that he likes. Stronger than him of course.
Score: 9.5 out of 10
Dragon Heart: Land of Magic. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 6
https://amzn.to/3khZtb6
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 237 - Gamified, Gate Wars: Sprint, Condition Evolution, The Heaven's Boxer
July 31st, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 237 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-237
New Releases and Reviews:
Gamified - Book One: Beastmaster (A Fantasy LitRPG) (10:30)
Very likable underdog MC
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Dk993F
Gate Wars: Sprint: A LitRPG Novella (15:08)
Good progression in arena but less apocalypse feel
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3jOC7JL
Condition Evolution: A LitRPG / Game-lit Adventure (18:36)
Had potential but didn't work for me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3jMXbjX
The Heaven's Boxer: Scifi LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 1) (26:31)
An underrated Mech battle GameLit story
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/313mxBB
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Thank you for the Amazing love for THE MECHANICAL CRAFTER - BOOK 2. Thanks to you, the book hit several #1 Categories and went as high as 347 on all Amazon’s rankings for ebooks paid for.q
💥Local Amazon https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk2 💥
Amazon Reader Reviews:
“Love Repair's shananigans” (sic)
“A master crafted sequel”
“An excellent story with a weird vibe”
“I thought book one was really good, but this one is even better”
“Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for”
“The pacing is tight, action and levity make the read pleasant for long periods of time, and the world building is slow and organic.”
If you have read the story and left a review, thank you. You are amazing and you’ve helped make the novel a success.
If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, The Mechanical Crafter - Book 2 is set in a world where magic and the industrial revolution meet, has lots of crafting, dungeon diving, and is over 500 pages of mechanical man goodness.
Out Now!
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
Autumn Infernos: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3ezA5dN
Solomon's Crucible: A LitRPG Apocalypse Begins (Solomon's Crucible Book One)
https://amzn.to/30flqzG
Light Online Book Four: Defender
https://amzn.to/3hVuqj8
Teresa: Everybody Loves Large Chests (Vol.5)
https://amzn.to/39Fiz6a
Legendary Gamer
https://amzn.to/2BNY76A
Dungeon Evolved
https://amzn.to/39I9mtB
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Shadow Sun Rebellion (Shadow Sun - Book 3)
https://amzn.to/39G1LvE
Resistance - Disgardium, Book 4
https://amzn.to/2XbiWAe
Autumn Infernos: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure - Space Seasons, Book 4
https://amzn.to/2XeRvpb
Watcher's Question - Life in Exile, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3jU8O8N
Sea of Sand - Dragon Heart: Book 4
https://amzn.to/33a4ts2
Street Cultivation 2
https://amzn.to/316Z4Q3
Keeper - Light Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/317R1m9
Respawn: 18 and Up - Respawn, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3jZKDFQ
Arcane Kingdom Online: The Siege - Arcane Kingdom Online, Book 5
https://amzn.to/2XeGdBs
Critical Failures VIII - Caverns and Creatures, Book 8
https://amzn.to/2Xf6H5J
Upcoming LitRPG:
Corporate Warfare (All Trades Book 3) (Aug. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hQUFaE
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
Modern Paladin: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/30llIDM
Lord of the Dead (The Eternal Journey Book 2) (Aug. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VGvDCq
The Dungeon Fairy: Two Choices: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 2) (Aug. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fX7zn0
DoucheMage: A Glitchworld Original (Aug. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33a45d4
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Life Reset: Conquest (New Era Online Book 5) (Aug. 10th, 2020)
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Raider (Olympus Reborn Book 2) (Aug. 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31is6fN
The Power of Nine: Scifi LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 2) (Aug. 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hScSED
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
War of Gods: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 4 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (Aug. 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39q7RQY
Dream Stream Reality: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZhkmuF
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Gamified - Book One: Beastmaster (A Fantasy LitRPG)
Ever wish your real-life was more like a video game?
Be careful what you wish for…
Felix thinks he is losing his mind when he starts getting game-like quest notifications on his phone. But then things get really strange when he realizes he is able to level-up in real life.
After gaining the rare Beastmaster class and bonding himself to a particularly bloodthirsty housecat, Felix finds himself in a race against time to defeat his high school nemesis - who may now be a 7-foot tall Ogre with anger issues - and save the world.
When zombies roam the streets and even the squirrels are out for blood, Felix finds out that it’s not that easy when your life becomes…
Gamified.
My Opinion: 507 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The author does a bang up job creating a likable underdog you want to root for in just the opening few pages. I really did like the main character (MC) and though the story didn’t go quite where I thought it would it was still entertaining.
The game mechanics will be familiar to anyone that reads LitRPG, though the MCs class, Beastmaster, hasn’t been used much before. There’s also the normal health, mana, XP, Levels, skills, abilities. Though the actual abilities used by the various characters can seem a little wand wavy, as they’re often ‘discovered’ or willed into existence to solve a particular problem, they are well balanced. Nothing is OP on its own, but each ability has a balancing deficit.
The story starts our fairly slice of life setting up the loser MC who discovers an RPG interface that gives him a bonus to dealing with the bullies, jocks, and mean-girl cheerleaders that plague his existence. It's an interesting way to mix in Real Life RPG stuff into the story. However, by the middle of the story it shifts to the spread of this RPG overlay becoming a serious problem that has to be defeated at its source before it makes the world into a bunch of mindless NPCs. How this happens and what the mysterious threat and the obstacles that need to be overcome is revealed a little slowly, but well.
Overall, it’s a good story. I liked the early Real Life RPG stuff a bit more than the late story but it was all quite entertaining. The fights have a variety of monsters/enemies, the banter between the eventual team members was good, and there’s a good early development of the MC that made you want to root for him.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Gamified - Book One: Beastmaster (A Fantasy LitRPG)
https://amzn.to/2Dk993F
Gate Wars: Sprint: A LitRPG Novella
The Ulterians, alien overlords, have conquered Earth and created the Gates for races to do battle in a battle royale across the galaxy. Will and Rachel have battled across their once prosperous city of Denver only to find an unforgiving new world. They entered the Gates and they were victorious, but at a price. Not ready to pay that price, Will and Rachel must put their lives on the line again and again to earn enough currency to buy their way out of their problem. The only complication is that they have a time limit. They have sixty-eight hours to earn their reward or the chance could be gone forever. Can Rachel and Will sprint to the finish and earn their reprieve, or will their break-neck pace cause them to get careless and lose out on the prize?
My Opinion: 56 pages, $0.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This the 2nd novella in the serial series and is as entertaining as the 1st. There are still minor issues with the powers not having well defined limits described. But the powers are used well and there's thought put into how they are advancing. The combat has a variety of opponents, which is good, but doesn't add anything to the plot except as a solution to an artificially created problem. I missed seeing more real world conflict and the advancement of the apocalypse story, though it is setup for the next story.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Gate Wars: Sprint: A LitRPG Novella
https://amzn.to/3jOC7JL
Condition Evolution: A LitRPG / Game-lit Adventure
Having problems coping with life but have nowhere to turn for help?
Why not try a crazy new therapy!
The early research data shows getting thrown into a fantasy land full of mythical creatures to fight for your survival will give you a fresh perspective on your existence.
That’s what Shaun, the ex-roofer, turned couch-potato did, and it’s working a treat!
His objectives? Avoid being eaten, deal with unrequited love, level up as fast as possible and save the Kingdom of Anatoli from an apocalypse.
His rewards? Become a legend in the real world.
My Opinion: 164 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The story has a bit of a rushed start with an overweight main character (MC) who has a food addiction going into a year long full immersion MMO to cure him of his issues. It's a bit of a whiny start, but it does get him into the game world fairly quickly.
I was intrigued by the premise, a VR game designed to help people with addiction. But the story didn't do anything to advance that. It instead becomes a slice of life story where the MC levels, meets another player, fights monsters, and is handed a particular quest.
On the game mechanic side of things are ok. There’s lots of levels, skills, abilities, and power progression. I did like the inventive use of tools as weapons and the skill tree that went with that. But there’s also a level of overpoweredness that felt a little unearned. This is partially because of a big 6 month time jump in the story early on and the way the author had the MC suddenly level to solve a problem. Not too big of an issue, but it made some of the fights feel a little easy.
On the story side of things it felt like the plot shifted a few times. There’s an early premise of the MC going into the VR full immersion to break his addiction to food, but that’s never developed besides stating it’s fixed. The story becomes more slice of life as the MC and another player adventure and get given a quest to fulfill.
There were some issues that the story had that stopped me from enjoying it. The biggest of which happens about the 30% mark, when the story forces in another addict player who was so irritating I lost any enjoyment of the story and almost put the story down. There were also early issues with stilted dialogue and some minor technical writing issues. But the thing that pushed me very firmly away from good, where the conflicts in the story. They were a bit too simple and were solved with wand wavy spells, convenient allies, or luck, which left me disappointed. The end also had a weird twist that frankly made no sense and destroyed the premise of the story.
Overall, I could see potential in the premise and the fights weren't bad. But the other issues noted just lessened my enjoyment enough that I couldn’t give it a good score.
Score: 6 out of 10
Condition Evolution: A LitRPG / Game-lit Adventure
https://amzn.to/3jMXbjX
The Heaven's Boxer: Scifi LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 1)
Who wouldn't want to pilot giant robots for a living?
The Overdrive Corporation has announced another Selection, the exclusive tryout process for aspiring Fortress Masters. Designing maps for the Mech battling virtual reality RPG is Julian's dream come true, but a brutal defeat against superstar sniper Dynamic has destroyed his confidence.
Hoping to find a stronger machine, Julian enters an immensely challenging map that promises ultra-rare Mech frames.
During the ill-fated mission, he finally learns what it takes to get better. It's not the strength of the machine that matters most - it's the skill of the pilot.
Julian rebuilds his gameplay from the ground up, seeking out the strongest opponents and the most challenging dungeons. He explores the countless aspects of Overdrive that he's inadvertently ignored. Waiting for him is a rematch with the sniper he's never beaten, with a spot in the Selection on the line.
The fifth novel from writer Ryan Tang, a veteran of the esports industry and high school sports coach, The Heaven's Boxer will delight fans of LitRPG, sports stories, and mecha anime.
My Opinion: 303 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an underrated Mech battle GameLit story with upgradable and customizable mechs.
The beginning of the novel sets up the series goal of entering a tournament and a bit about a new kind of mech. I was most surprised how little that was developed in this book, considering most of the first 25% was devoted to bringing it up. Instead, the story is a bit more slice of life with the MC training a couple new people while simultaneously realizing his own shortcomings and training to rectify them. I actually liked this shift as it allowed for a more natural explanation of the game mechanics.
One of the few things I didn't like about the story was the first fight at the very start of the novel. It's not badly written or anything, it was just a little off putting. I think it was because the author tried to introduce the game world, game mechanics, the MC and his flaws all while describing the exhibition fight. While the scene did give a peek at other high end players and the types of mechs in the game world, the fight felt bogged down by the other stuff.
Honestly, I liked the story a lot more once it was past that part and the MC started to train his friend to play the game. It was a much better way to slowly introduce the game mechanics, and describe the various types of mechs. The fights after that 1st one were much better too since they didn’t need explanations that slowed the pacing.
Outside combat, the story is still interesting. There’s lots of good dialogue between players about tactics, different play styles, and mech build theory. One of the things that makes Mech games so fun.
There’s no real RPG system but rather parts and weapons with classifications and levels of quality. The mechs increase in power through good piloting and through purchasing, winning, or crafting those more powerful parts and making mechs within the points limits given. There’s plenty of other game stuff, but it leans more towards the strategy of PvE and PvP, build and play style, and player skill. You can tell the author has a passion for mech games and the game stuff is good.
Overall, this is a good story once past that initial first fight. I only wish it had RPG mechanics but anyone that’s played a good mech game will enjoy the story.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
The Heaven's Boxer: Scifi LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 1)
https://amzn.to/313mxBB
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
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Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 236 - Etinhym, Cipher's Quest, 4X Four Hex, Monster Hunting 101
July 24th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 236 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
New Pateron supporters: David Bennet, David Goodin, Tony Fino
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-236
New Releases and Reviews:
Etinhym: Path of Graves (A LitRPG Epic) (14:22)
The action barely saved this for me
Score: 7.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/30FXbtg
Cipher's Quest: (A Scifi Fantasy LitRPG) (Ciphercraft Book 1) (18:58)
Didn't scratch that LitRPG itch
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3hlIiTQ
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series (Avila Online) (27:43)
Strategy elements solid, but has other issues
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3f08npD
Monster Hunting 101: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Titan Termination Book 1) (35:14)
I got bored
Score: 5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3jfwnbI
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Battleborne hits Amazon Top #100 Paid novels and numerous #1 tags. It's been out for almost a month. Huge congratulations to Dave Wilmarth on the success of his LitRPG novel.
https://amzn.to/3hC0kRX
J.D. Astra started a Patreon page, she's the author of the Firebrand - Viridian Gate Online series, as well as the Neon Dark story. If you like her work, go support her.
https://www.patreon.com/jdastra
Blaise Corvin has uploaded a new video explaining his Patreon. It's a little silly, but also informative. https://youtu.be/HD4h9_1weIU
Gate Wars: Upheaval will be FREE to download from July 23 to July 27th. To celebrate the 2nd book in the novella series. Gate Wars: Sprint, out now. I enjoyed book 1, gave it a Score: 7.4 out of 10
Gate Wars: Upheaval https://amzn.to/2WMvaPx
Gate Wars: Sprint https://amzn.to/30xGMHk
Soundbooth Theater announced this week that they’ve revamped their website and it’s live now. They list all their authors, narrators, and the entire interface is pretty smooth and pretty. They also had a special Soundbooth Theater Live! Thursday at 8:00 pm ET as well as some exciting giveaways.
https://soundbooththeater.com/
https://youtu.be/p_YVe0TU6-M Launch Party Stream
Out Now!
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 2 (A LitRPG series)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk2
The Source: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Enora Fireborne Book 1)
https://amzn.to/31XxUx3
Gamified - Book One: Beastmaster (A Fantasy LitRPG)
https://amzn.to/3jb3Wf9
Blade Walker: Chronicles of StormShadow Part 1: A Fantasy LITRPG
https://amzn.to/3gH5F9V
War Fantasy Online: (A Litrpg Standalone Novel)
https://amzn.to/3eV89QW
Uru's Third Temple: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3eWBbPO
Soul Bond - a LitRPG gaming adventure: The Dimensional Wars, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2ZT6ln2
The Heaven's Boxer: LitRPG - Esports - Mecha Battles (Overdrive Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Bw1H5e
Unmarked (Olympus Reborn Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3eYhV4F
Condition Evolution book one: A LitRPG / Game-lit Adventure
https://amzn.to/2ZShTa6
Djinn Tamer: The Complete Bronze League Trilogy (A LitRPG Series Box Set)
https://amzn.to/3jAavYV
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Radioactive Revolution
https://amzn.to/3hIpKxl
Life Reset: Human Resource - New Era Online Book 4
https://amzn.to/3eZnUpM
Season One: Bloodgames - Book 1
https://amzn.to/2Ei8Bw1
Silverspear - Rise to Omniscience Book 6
https://amzn.to/2EfllU0
Skull and Thrones: Bad Guys Series - Book 3
https://amzn.to/2ZVKdIU
Phantom Campaign - Card Mage Book 2
https://amzn.to/2ZUopNv
Path of Light: BlackFlame Online Universe
Glory of Formation Emperor Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2WTfr1n
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
Autumn Infernos: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 4) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ezA5dN
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
Modern Paladin: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/30llIDM
Lord of the Dead (The Eternal Journey Book 2) (Aug. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VGvDCq
The Dungeon Fairy: Two Choices: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 2) (Aug. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fX7zn0
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
War of Gods: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 4 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (Aug. 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39q7RQY
Dream Stream Reality: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZhkmuF
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Final Odyssey: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 7) (Oct. 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32T6yZl
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
The Fallen God: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 3) (Oct. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WQUNPm
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Etinhym: Path of Graves (A LitRPG Epic)
“The Light Pantheon rules from above. The Dark Pantheon rules from below. Together, they defeated the other divine races and became the masters of Etinhym.”
Eadric is the son of the Grave Queen, but he was raised in the Crown Realm as part of the alliance between the two pantheons. After reaching the age of eighteen, he’s finally able to choose the Path that will allow him to acquire demigod abilities and explore the many realms of Etinhym. Although his goal is to become a Grave Lord, serving under his mother, he finds himself following the trail of a conspiracy that threatens the Divine Pact that has kept the jotuns, the valkyries, the greater demons, and the dragons from uniting against the gods.
Eadric’s story will take him through strange realms—from a spatially disjointed forest that twists and turns on itself to a living ocean of blood and even a skyscape full of floating castles. He’ll also have to face off against strange monsters, corrupted spirits, and even towering abominations. If he fails, then the war that follows will likely be the last war Etinhym ever sees—a war that will surely lead to the extermination of the human race.
My Opinion: 492 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
There's nothing bad about the story but I never really connected with the main character (MC) or the story worlds, which were a take on the multiverse with gods and demi-gods trying to gain power by killing monsters that infested the various realms. However, despite the various monsters faced it felt like there was never a serious threat to the demi-god MC and his adventures always felt predisposed to success. Which I guess is in line with the demi-god theme.
While I liked the Zelda-like mechanics, there weren't many RPG decisions just collecting soul or karma points to get new powers or items.
The action was a saving note for the story. It was good enough to keep me reading the story and used the upgraded powers well enough to maintain interest, mostly.
Overall, it’s an ok read if you want something greek/norse/demi-god themed with some fairly decent action RPG elements.
Score: 7.1 out of 10
Etinhym: Path of Graves (A LitRPG Epic)
https://amzn.to/30FXbtg
Cipher's Quest: (A Scifi Fantasy LitRPG) (Ciphercraft Book 1)
A real-life game system lost millennia ago could turn the tide of a galactic war.
At first, Cullen thought the strange writing in the air was his imagination, but the power and drive to follow its quests was undeniable. The reward on the other end, too valuable to pass up.
He and his crew pullspace to a prison under siege, where the Cipher has quested him to rescue two telepaths who've seen the Cipher’s quests, too. This bounty hunter and mother-son duo of telepaths must utilize level-up bonuses and new class skills to survive in an alien jungle where the EMP throwing tigers aren’t even their greatest threat. Ha!
As Cullen recovers ancient texts which could unlock the power of the Cipher for all, they encounter reject telepaths who hunt their jungle like berserkers looking for revenge and a way home — just like Cullen. Ehli and her son were just happy to escape prison. Now they find their freedom came with a cost, like any true power worth wielding. In their race for survival, they will uncover dark secrets about her husband's death and the dangerous testing that turned her and her son into telepaths without their consent.
Welcome to Reject Jungle Dungeon. No quest is easy that involves telepaths. Even if it’s your first one.
My Opinion: 301 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The story is not a VR story, or a transported to a game world story. It takes place in an alternate universe where there was once an ancient lost technology that we’d describe as an RPG interface.
I was so confused by the beginning of this novel. The reader is just dropped into the story and I kept going back and re-reading sections trying to understand what was happening, who these characters were, and how this was a LitRPG story. I came to understand that three of these characters had access to an RPG interface and system so they could fulfill some forced quest to unlock Cipher for everyone. But the details of what that meant were a mystery, even to the characters. Beyond that the story felt a bit more like sci-fi or sci-fantasy.
The RPG system was light to say the least. It amounted to the characters getting classes and XP for doing mandatory quests. There are two classes, the Bounty Hunter and Ultras, but neither was really developed. They felt like general powers and less like an RPG class system. There were pretty regular notifications and the system was part of the story. However, I never got the feeling that the game system was an integral part of the story world but more like an interface or technology to advance power. Like the story about gaining freedom from the oppressive aliens would have been the same without the notifications or classes or XP and could have been replaced with just a reference to ancient tech implanted. In the novel description the author says the LitRPG crunch is a 4 out of 10, which is pretty accurate.
The story itself is fine and eventually, around the 15-20% mark, I understood the goals of the story, the stakes, and a little bit of the world building. But honestly, by that point I was a bit checked out by the confusion of the start of the novel. Not all of that went away either, as the sci-fi elements of the story were left unexplained and new characters were introduced and dismissed without enough background to make me care about them or really even the main characters. The action in the story is neither amazing or bad, just ok. The plot was a little convoluted and the RPG stuff felt really light and a little forced for my tastes.
Overall, the story just didn’t work for me. The threat from the aliens never came through well for me and the Cipher system didn’t feel impactful beyond directing the characters to plot points or as a way to give them power boosts. The sci-fi elements weren’t fleshed out enough to be interesting on their own either. There was some good world building and decent character development, but it wasn’t enough to keep me engaged with the story.
Score: 6 out of 10
Cipher's Quest: (A Scifi Fantasy LitRPG) (Ciphercraft Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3hlIiTQ
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series (Avila Online)
Jayden likes to mind his own business. It’s the best way to survive in the favela. When an unfortunate set of events force him from the shadows of insignificance, he finds himself in the crosshairs of the biggest, baddest, crime lord in whole of the favela, the one and only, Terisco.
Fortunately, lady luck is shining on Jayden in the form of a mysterious Goddess who places him smack bang in the middle of a power struggle between two of the richest men in Texatron. One thinks he can mold any Tom, Dick or Harry into the greatest civilization builder of all time, rivalling even the King of Avila, Bilda FOH Smartown, while the other thinks he’ll fall flat on his face.
Propelled to the virtual world of Avila Online, Jayden has six months to build his civilization up to rival that of Bilda or he’ll be thrown out and have to face Terisco’s retribution.
4x Four Hex is a LitRPG Civ builder tale with stats and levels.
Audio currently going through quality control.
Features turn based fighting and playing card heroes.
For lovers of settlement building tales.
My Opinion: 520 pages, $3.95, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Besides the initial building of the first mud hut, the main character (MC) really doesn't do much. He kinda gets led around by the nose with everything getting explained to him.
Also, all the conflicts are managed for him. About to get swindled out of a sweet mine? Someone rescues him. Need to make the best deal to mine? Someone tells him just what to negotiate. Not sure how to develop the territory, what to build, or how to use resources? Great, someone shows up each time to direct him. The MC is even power leveled so that he doesn't have to risk his life.
The game mechanics are a little mixed with real time combat for monster fighting but turn based combat for PvP. There are also standard stats, XP, skills, classes, etc. But classes just unlock abilities as the MC levels, in his case new buildings he can build. Actual building is gamified with drag and drop options, though there's an option to build things by hand the long way. About 30% in, the kingdom building starts with more citizens coming in and the MC needing to balance his resources, build housing, build specialty structures like a mill, quarry, walls, barracks, etc.
There's also an odd personality conflict. The MC IRL is poor and lives and works among the mafia and criminals. Yet, in-game he's uber trusting and follows the advice and direction of complete strangers. It felt like he'd be more worldly and suspicious given his rough upbringing.
Things mostly go the MCs way until about 50% into the story when he faces his first big challenge to his budding kingdom. It's also about that point when this chosen one thing happens with the MC. It felt like the story gained more of a purpose than just growing a town to please win a bet for some rich guys. It’s gained more non-town building adventures.
Overall, I enjoyed was a miss for me. The fighting was fine and I liked the strategy mechanics, though the mix of real time and turn based didn’t quite work out. The pacing and resource management aspects aren't going to be for everyone. The mechanics of the story revolve around gathering resources, managing them, building and upgrading various structures, hiring and assigning citizens, and a bunch of other strategy and 4X game stuff. If that doesn't seem interesting to you, you may not enjoy large parts of this novel. But if it is interesting to you, pick this up.
Score: 6 out of 10
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series (Avila Online)
https://amzn.to/3f08npD
Monster Hunting 101: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Titan Termination Book 1)
When I climbed out to the surface this morning, to scavenge some food for my village, I knew the odds were severely stacked against me. A mere nurse, I had no business going out into the sun where all kinds of monstrosities roamed. But what other choice did I have? All our scouts had already perished on previous surface runs, leaving us few other options. It was either take the gamble or let my people die of hunger.
As if to prove my fears right, I was only out in the open for a few minutes when a pack of Kinru spotted me. Standing absolutely no chance, I started to run for my life but was quickly cornered by one of the fearsome beasts.
In a last desperate attempt to defend myself, I managed to hurt one in the face…right before the creature was snatched by an even bigger monster that turned it into a snack. Then everything became a blur.
When I came to, I wasn’t the same anymore. As it turns out, wounding the Kinru had earned me some mystical energy called “Bloodpoints” which gave me access to the “Hunter’s Sight.” Now, wherever I look, I have strange words floating before my eyes urging me to assign those Bloodpoints to gain incredible skills and abilities. Moreover, if I manage to kill a monster in the future, it would seem that I could use its bones to craft powerful talismans and its organs to brew magical potions.
As I’ll learn, there’s a name for people like me who’ve unlocked the Hunter’s Sight: Venators. But if those new talents give me a chance to survive on the surface, I still am very much a green and weak Venator. I will need to keep hunting monsters if I want to increase my points and provide for my people. Who knows, someday, I might even grow strong enough to reclaim the surface from those foul beasts and the worst of them all: the Titans, the dreaded giants which drove humanity underground in the first place…
My Opinion: 313 pages, $0.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
I was so bored reading this story I kept putting it down. The fights are decently written, but everything else was just so slow that I had a hard time staying awake. It's not bad on a technical writing level, but the dialogue and pacing outside the fights just didn’t work for me.
The game mechanics were fine. Nothing really original. The main character (MC) chooses to be a scout when she discovers bloodpoints, or an energy she can use to upgrade herself from her kills. But the system felt a bit wand wavy since it imparted an expertise of working with weapons and abilities without the MC really having to work for it.
Overall, I was just bored reading this.
Score: 5 out of 10
Monster Hunting 101: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Titan Termination Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3jfwnbI
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(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 235 - The Alchemist Book #3, Legendary Dungeon Seed, The Last Enclave Book 2, Apocalypse Hero, Mind Games
July 17th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 235 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-235
New Releases and Reviews:
Tears of Alron (The Alchemist Book #3): LitRPG Series (06:06)
So many twists
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3fGBZtH
Legendary Dungeon Seed (Book 1): A Dungeon Core Monster Girl Fantasy (10:11)
Rough start was hard to get past
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2OpRwln
Redemption : A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 2) (16:55)
Enjoyable, but not much RPG this time
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3eqSQPp
Apocalypse Hero: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (The Adventures of Dan Book 1) (21:24)
A likable idiot
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/30beUbW
Mind Games: A LitRPG Apocalypse (RealRPG Book 1) (25:38)
A good RPG Apocalypse story
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3fwAlui
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
The next book in the Mechanical Crafter series is up for pre-order. It has a release date of 07/24/2020.
Grab it here https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk2
Out Now!
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series (Avila Online)
https://amzn.to/2YhlrlH
Mixed Martial Cultivator: Round One
https://amzn.to/32saVu3
Etinhym: Path of Graves (A LitRPG Epic)
https://amzn.to/2CL0pTT
Crimson Queen: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2OzGdr4
The Mage With the Stupid Tattoo (Dungeon Core Academy #6)
https://amzn.to/3jeQYwK
Monster Hunting 101: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Titan Termination Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3fAz0CY
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Can of Worms - Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut, Book 6
https://amzn.to/2OzIXEN
Master of None - All Trades, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2ZDD6ES
The Wandering Inn - Volume 2
https://amzn.to/3962JRS
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Source: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Enora Fireborne Book 1) (July 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31XxUx3
Gamified - Book One: Beastmaster (A Fantasy LitRPG) (July 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3jb3Wf9
Blade Walker: Chronicles of StormShadow Part 1: A Fantasy LITRPG (July 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gH5F9V
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 2 (A LitRPG series) (July 24th, 2020)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk2
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
Autumn Infernos: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 4) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ezA5dN
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
Modern Paladin: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/30llIDM
Lord of the Dead (The Eternal Journey Book 2) (Aug. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VGvDCq
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
Dream Stream Reality: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZhkmuF
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Tears of Alron (The Alchemist Book #3): LitRPG Series
The Magic Academy… An institution shrouded in mystery and secrets. People from all over the different empires want nothing more than to enroll, get their hands on the knowledge stored there, become those most respected in the world—mages. Tailyn Vlashich was one of the lucky few admitted without going through the entrance exams. And once inside, he had training, the arena, lessons, and an interesting take on what had happened three thousand years to look forward to, all capped off by a dynamic labyrinth that came with a chance to sit down with the provost. After all, that’s who holds the key to the secret of the dragon’s blood.
But how are you supposed to find time to study when your mentor has a problem he can’t handle on his own? Once again, Tailyn faces a road very much unlike the noisy halls of the academy, life itself reprising its role as his trusty teacher.
My Opinion: 320 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
Another really good novel from the author. I thought the story was going to turn into some magical academy arc and while some of the story does take place at an academy the main character (MC) doesn’t spend semesters peacefully learning. Instead there are new adversaries, new threats, and lots of action. I never really knew where the story was going to go, what twists and turns were ahead. But I was always entertained right up till the very last words of the story.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Tears of Alron (The Alchemist Book #3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3fGBZtH
Legendary Dungeon Seed (Book 1): A Dungeon Core Monster Girl Fantasy
Craft Dungeons ...
Cultivate Monster Girls ...
... Become A King?
Osman Spar just made a very dangerous bargain ...
To try and cheat death, he agrees to play a new VR-based fantasy roleplaying game. However, Osman won't be playing as a warrior or a wizard, but as a dungeon core.
Now he must build an underground labyrinth of tunnels and chambers formidable enough to withstand any and all attacks.
But, in order to do that, Osman needs to learn dark magic, summon powerful minions, and cultivate gorgeous monster girls to be his loyal level bosses.
WARNING: This story contains dungeon building, harem building, lewd content, foul language, and explicit scenes ... plus: epic brawls, video game violence, mana cultivation, LitRPG stats and level progression, and a little corgi dog who thinks that he is a dragon!
My Opinion: 150 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure, I got an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The opening first pages almost made me put the novel down. It's a quick jump into the game world, which is good, but the main character (MC) comes off as a bit whiny and the start is on a storytelling level a bit confusing.
After a sort of whiney freak out by the MC over finding himself a dungeon core, you get a bit of rushed character backstory identifying a rival, a love interest, and a semi-plausable reason why he may be stuck in game if not why he's suddenly a dungeon core and not the paladin character he had been playing. Also, why he'd play, so his love interest can find him. Which wasn't a bad summary and hits the major points needed for the story.
Then the story goes backwards in time a few hours to describe two recent events. 1) The last fight the MC had as a paladin. Which felt like it was more about being in the friend zone with the lady he loves. Plus a sex scene. 2) A scene about meeting a dungeon fairy who offered to make him a dungeon core and a fight with a monster. Neither scene was badly written, but they really felt out of place after that good succinct summary which gave all the information needed to proceed with the story. It wasn’t till the end of the story that the scenes made a little more sense, but even then I didn’t see the point of doing flashbacks of events that had only happened a few minutes or hours before the start of the story. It would have made more sense if they were just given chronologically.
The first 36% of the story is the MC just recalling things out of chronological order. Stuff that has nothing to do with being a dungeon core but sets up characters seen later.
It's not really till the 40% mark you get even the barest start to the dungeon core/dungeon master aspect, when the MC gains mana from absorbing one of three mushrooms. But then the second mushroom gives him a weapon and the third gives him the ability to cultivate mana, a spell, and oddly a new level. So, some of the game mechanics just don't make sense.
But then at the 48% mark, when there was a list of possible dungeon minions, I realized the story might be a parody or at least be trying to be humorous. I mean what else could be meant by a minion like: a corgi with a dragon complex? It's a fun character that provides some levity and good dialogue.
Despite the funny Corgi character, on the whole the story just didn't work for me. There are a couple bland sex scenes but they detracted from the story. Also, this wasn't really a Dungeon Core story, maybe the start of a Dungeon Lord one since the MC got two minions and one fight scene but never even started to build a dungeon. But it had such a rough start that it was hard to come back from it.
Score: 6 out of 10
Legendary Dungeon Seed (Book 1): A Dungeon Core Monster Girl Fantasy
https://amzn.to/2OpRwln
Redemption : A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 2)
Hordes of alien monsters are breeding on Pluto. The shield protecting Sol is failing. Can Jake save Earth from infestation and annihilation?
After his triumph on Pax, Jake returns home to Earth. In far northern Canada his grandfather hid an outpost that may have the solution.
The town sheriff thinks he's an imposter, unnamed government agencies would love to vivisect him, and powerful forces lurk in the shadows.
Even with his grandfather's powerful legacy, will Jake have what it takes to stop the threat to Earth?
My Opinion: 341 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a light LitRPG story that has even less direct progression than book one did. The story starts as space sci-fi with a good fight. But about 15% in, it shifts to a smaller buddy adventure on earth. For me, it was a great turn from the space battles, and helped ground the story in something relatable. It's one thing to have a vague desire to save earth, but the author made you care about the people, whether they were jerks or not. The sci-fi space opera stuff is more prominent at the beginning and end of the book with aliens, space battles, and some crafting.
However, what I found a bit lacking was the RPG progression. There's some crafting and resource gathering but nothing nearly as interesting as what happened in book one.
Overall, a good entertaining story that loses a little bit for me, because of just how little RPG progression there was.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Redemption : A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3eqSQPp
Apocalypse Hero: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (The Adventures of
Dan Book 1)
One man, one bat, one adventure.
A suburb full of the undead.
A city full of monsters.
And Dan.
Dan was just an average guy, overworked, underappreciated, and down on his luck. Until the end of the world came and gave him a system and with it a chance to be what he had always wanted to be. A Hero. But first, he needs to learn how to help himself stop dying until he can git gud.
My Opinion: 172 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The main character (MC) of the story is kinda an idiot who makes bad decisions after bad decisions during the RPG apocalypse. Thankfully he has the ability to respawn or he'd have died permanently long ago. After some leveling up he is forced into a fighting tournament, which also doesn't go well for him. Yet despite, or maybe because of, the underdog tone, you can't help but root for the guy. There's an enjoyable self deprecating dark humor to the story that is entertaining.
The game mechanics are fairly standard. Levels, stats, abilities. It was only slightly annoying to see the MC hoard ability points he could have used to better survive without any good reason. But other than that, fairly good stuff.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Apocalypse Hero: A Dark Fantasy Gamelit (The Adventures of Dan Book 1)
https://amzn.to/30beUbW
Mind Games: A LitRPG Apocalypse (RealRPG Book 1)
Eight Internet friends have an "IRL" meeting in a mountain cabin. But instead of the long weekend get-together they planned, they're suddenly caught up in the end of the world as they knew it!
They just met for the first time in real life last night, and today's group wake-up call is strange messages floating in the air telling them that something called a "System Start" has just happened. Now magic works, and technology doesn't. Cell phones won't work, cars won't start, and it's ten miles to the nearest town. Some of them have families to worry about. Some of them don't even believe this is real. And all of them have secrets they'll have to overcome if they're going to work together and make it back to town alive.
On the way, they'll meet other survivors, also confused, scared, and questioning what's happening. Ten miles doesn't seem that far, but by the end of it, they'll have faced some of the worst that the System can throw at them.
And then things really get interesting.
The small Tennessee town they're trying to reach is isolated, cut off, and surrounded by a new and terrifying world. Outside the town, ordinary creatures are becoming things out of nightmare. And inside the town, legends are coming to life...
My Opinion: 323 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an RPG apocalypse story that does a really good job of hitting all the right notes for the sub genre.
It tackles the apocalypse part well, making the end of the world feel dangerous not only because of the monsters but the people that are jerks or prone to violence. There are natural conflict points with electricity and water systems failing and food being scarce. Plus all the monsters roaming the streets and woods. It doesn’t get grimdark and is relatively light on people getting murdered or other things you may see in more gritty apocalypse stories.
On the LitRPG side, the game mechanics feel very solid with a familiar core system of levels, XP, stats, classes, etc. But there’s a unique class in the story, a mental mage like Mesmer class that brings a little originality to the system. It's not used much in the front half of the story but once the group reaches more people it becomes an asset.
While the action is good, the part that really makes the story better is the character development between the main character (MC) and the group members. No one is a one dimensional character, each has an interesting and flawed personality, and even with some internal conflicts there’s still good group cohesion against the outside threats.
I will point out a few things other reviewers were bothered by, but honestly weren’t any issue for me. There are unconventional relationships in the story, including: the starting group who uses hypnotism for adult fun among consenting adults, a dom/sub relationship. There is no sex in the story or any harems or anything. But there are references that people are in relationships and have been intimate. Plus some sex jokes. There are other reviews that give valid criticism of the location chosen for the story or a realistic attitude of the locals, but I had no issue with this either since I’ve never been there.
Overall, this is a really good story that gets better as it unfolds.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Mind Games: A LitRPG Apocalypse (RealRPG Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3fwAlui
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
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Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 234 - Beastborne, Cinnamon Bun, The Cursed Dungeon
July 10th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 234 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-234
New Releases and Reviews:
Beastborne: Mark of the Founder: An Epic Portal Fantasy LitRPG Saga (Beastborne Chronicles, Book 1) (06:42)
A good action value
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2C6sRzr
Cinnamon Bun: A Wholesome LitRPG (13:26)
Lighthearted serial story
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3iDyeqw
The Cursed Dungeon: Dungeon of Curses (16:10)
Got bored
Score: 5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2ZTVmZp
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
DragonCon has been officially canceled. It's one of the yearly cons the podcast went to and we're super sad that we won't be able to go this year. :"(
The Arcane Kingdom Online book 6 is coming out this Friday. Book 1 will also be on sale at 99 cents.
https://amzn.to/2AOuXDU
The next book in the Mechanical Crafter series is up for pre-order. It has a release date of 07/24/2020.
Grab it here https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk2
Out Now!
Mind Games: A LitRPG Apocalypse (RealRPG Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2C1CL5v
The Path of Faith: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 6)
https://amzn.to/37paS2B
Redemption : A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3eB6ssu
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
Arcane Kingdom Online: Dream Druid (A LitRPG Adventure, Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2ZW0KuS
Apocalypse Hero
https://amzn.to/31Yw0w8
Limitless Lands Book 5: Invasion
https://amzn.to/2W4Tls6
New LitRPG Audiobooks
First Song, Book Two: Anthem of Infinity, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2ZSPQWZ
Sense (A Fantasy LitRPG Saga) - A Touch of Power, Book 3
https://amzn.to/38FwnNg
Stormlands - A New LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3fe9uTM
The Realm Between: The Evil Within
Realm Between Series, Book 5
https://amzn.to/31Y5D9v
Upcoming LitRPG:
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Tears of Alron (The Alchemist Book #3): LitRPG Series (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MRcBEx
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series (Avila Online) (July 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YhlrlH
The Source: A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure (Enora Fireborne Book 1) (July 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31XxUx3
Blade Walker: Chronicles of StormShadow Part 1: A Fantasy LITRPG (July 21st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gH5F9V
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 2 (A LitRPG series) (July 24th, 2020)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk2
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
Autumn Infernos: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 4) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ezA5dN
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
Lord of the Dead (The Eternal Journey Book 2) (Aug. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VGvDCq
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
Dream Stream Reality: A LitRPG Adventure (Aug. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ZhkmuF
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Stolen Lives: A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Underhill Chronicles Book 1) (Sept. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3iRoJ7w
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Beastborne: Mark of the Founder (Beastborne Chronicles, Book 1)
A new Founder Marked with otherworldly power. An epic quest to build a Sanctum settlement. A fabled class that wields monstrous magics.
The Founders were the first Marked, and they used those powers to build kingdoms, subjugate the land, and enrich themselves. And they will not suffer another to join their ranks.
Lost in a world with Levels, stats, and monsters, Hal fights to survive in an unforgiving land and escape execution from its rulers.
Ingenuity and courage won’t be enough. With Marked powers he doesn’t understand, he’s easy prey for all the goblins, bandits, aberrations, and foul monsters that plague the realm.
He’ll need to abandon his humanity by embracing the beast within. To fight monsters, one has to risk becoming a monster. If he can survive long enough to Level Up.
Freedom and safety cannot be achieved alone. Only by forging bonds with fellow adventurers and monsters alike does Hal and his would-be-kingdom have any chance of surviving the hazardous realm.
Experience the start of a new isekai litRPG adventure series, full of dungeon crawling spell-slinging action, crafting, party combat, deep magic systems, Lovecraftian horrors, and a horde of combat classes alongside an intriguing cast of characters. Yes, one of those things is not like the others.
Perfect for readers of progression fantasy, Gamelit, epic fantasy, and fans of Final Fantasy, Elder Scrolls, Wheel of Time, and Dungeons and Dragons.
No harems and no profanity. Language filters don’t count, right?
My Opinion: 1068 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is one long book and is actually a serial story with another hundred chapters online. It's a story that has a very strong opening but because it's a collected serial story, it goes through these mini arcs that don't have an overarching plot. The direction described in heads in the 1st 5% is not where it ends up in the last 15%. It feels a bit more slice of life because the main character (MC) kinda stumbles into situations where he meets new allies, has to fight off monsters, and gets quests that push the story forward.
The story starts as a chosen one portal fiction where the main character (MC) is sent to an RPG fantasy world and is branded with a special mark that gives him an edge in this world. But this mark, the Founders Mark, is also one that brings danger as the other people that have had it have used their power and virtual immortality to become dictators that don’t want to see others like them. If the MC can survive the harsh environment, monsters, and paranoid murder happy people, his abilities will grants them tremendous power progression and possibly immortality if he can reach a Manatree (respawning). But there are lots of people that want to see him dead, or use his powers for their own ends.
The game mechanics in the story are a mixed bag. There are character sheets, stats, notifications, XP, levels, classes and all that. And they have a direct effect on the MCs power. But at the same time, there are some wand wavy moments that get the MC out of sticky situations or exist just to give him some cool powers. For example, early in the story the MC wants to break a magical item. So he grabs it and a notification pops up telling he now has the ability to do so, Mana Investiture. But as he tries to use this new ability he runs out of mana. He digs deep though and pushes through and suddenly he gets a new ability, Assimilation, which let's him convert one resource ( HP, SP, or MP) to another and he succeeds in breaking the item using all his resources but just having 1 HP left. Did the MC invest a skill or ability point to get these amazing abilities? No, he willed them into existence. On the other side of things the MC starts out with 1s in all his stats and is emaciated, slow, unbalanced, and can't even speak properly. As he invests stat points there's a very clear result for it. Getting stronger, better able to communicate, not tiring after a few minutes. So the RPG stuff exists and is part of the MCs power growth but some wand wavy stuff is there though it doesn't happen much as the story goes on and he gets his class and allies to fill in a good adventuring group.
Overall, it’s an entertaining story that is a good value for its length. If you don’t mind the serial nature of the story, and a few wand wavy moments, you might enjoy the adventure the MC goes on.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Beastborne: Mark of the Founder: An Epic Portal Fantasy LitRPG Saga (Beastborne Chronicles, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2C6sRzr
Cinnamon Bun: A Wholesome LitRPG
The world called out for a hero to purge it of a great evil. It received Broccoli Bunch, explorer, expert cleaner, occasional ghost-buster, and full time Cinnamon Bun.
Features include:
Talking enemies into becoming friends
Hugging menu boxes
Awesome overpowered skills (such as Cleaning, and Gardening)
And more adventure than you could shake a stick at!
My Opinion: 430 pages, $3.50, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a collection of some of the chapters in light hearted ongoing serial story. It follows Broccoli, a giggly dance cause your happy person, who is sent to a fantasy RPG world. They have the quest to clean evil from the world and of course that translates into a powerful cleaning skill that is used to overpower enemies and make friends. The story has all the character sheets, XP, levels, and skill notifications of a LitRPG story, but the tone is very light hearted. You follow the main character (MC) as they make friends, explore the world, and unwillingly fight monsters they’d rather try to befriend. It’s a cute story with a good sense of humor, even making fun of itself, and is good casual reading if you are ok with the serial format which has mini arcs of adventure and not a big huge overarching plotline.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Cinnamon Bun: A Wholesome LitRPG
https://amzn.to/3iDyeqw
The Cursed Dungeon: Dungeon of Curses
Left for dead in a dungeon full of curses, what is a fellow to do? Kincaid may be all busted up now, but it’s going to be the rest of his party that ends up feeling the burn. What do you do when the dungeon wants you dead, the party wants you dead, the fairies want you dead, and the orcs want you dead. You find a way to survive and stick it too all of them obviously. Kincaid never considered himself a particularly vengeful kind of person, but there is only so much any one man can take. Now all his enemies are going to learn that sometimes underestimating the little guy has some serious consequences. If you like dungeon core/ Fantasy Game Lit stories than you are going to enjoy this one. Full of interesting characters, rowdy fairies, and novel ideas on how to rebuild and run a down on it's luck dungeon while under pressure from powerful competitors, ex friends and mysterious adversaries.
My Opinion: 320 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The opening and first 10% is fine. But once the main character merges with the dungeon it's not as entertaining. Instead of the dungeon discovering what it can do, there's a big info dump about the kinds of monsters and loot it can summon. Most of the story is about recovering enough power to summon those monsters and new tactics to use them more effectively. Most of the problems the dungeon faced seemed to have solutions ready for them. There are very few surprises. Annoyingly, the story would sometimes switch perspectives mid chapter with no indicators. The ending was also disappointing.
Overall, it wasn't entertaining.
Score: 5 out of 10
The Cursed Dungeon: Dungeon of Curses
https://amzn.to/2ZTVmZp
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 233 - The Heroic Villain 3, The Boneless Dungeon: Rebirth, Underworld - Vampire Gate, Battleborne
July 3rd, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 233 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-233
New Releases and Reviews:
The Heroic Villain 3 (09:15)
Good ending
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2CR7hQ1
The Boneless Dungeon: Rebirth (12:10)
Misses on several levels for me
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3dVtPM2
Underworld - Vampire Gate: A LitRPG Series (21:08)
Powering up before the next arc
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3g9kTV2
Battleborne (24:05)
So much really good action
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2YOtUwX
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
The Realms Boxed Set Volume 2 and to celebrate the author is putting both boxed sets on sale. tGrab The Realms for cheap, with these two Boxed Sets featuring all six books in The Realms. On sale for $2.99 each for the next few days. Always FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
Boxed Set Volume 1: https://amzn.to/2ApdaTq
Boxed Set Volume 2:https://amzn.to/3eWcWCp
(video 0)
The audiobook for The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 is out and I just wanted to play a tiny sample for you.
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Mechanical-Crafter-Book-1-Audiobook/B08BG8WWZR
Out Now!
Respawn: Blade of the Ancients (Respawn LitRPG series Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2Yj70xz
Greenfire: (Sky Realms Online Book 4): A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3c0nHS1
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Sovereign Rising (The Gods' Game, Volume III): A LitRPG novel
https://amzn.to/2XdsnzA
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3070hbb
Battleborne
https://amzn.to/38puVyM
Orc Spawn: Betrayal: A LitRPG/GameLit Story
https://amzn.to/3hGQor1
Tales of Dungeons 3
https://amzn.to/38mte53
Source Gate: A GameLit LitRPG Adventure (Lyseria Online)
https://amzn.to/3dVVNHN
Beastborne: Mark of the Founder
https://amzn.to/2YSXqS4
Cinnamon Bun
https://amzn.to/38pWhV7
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Beast Queen: A LitRPG/GameLit Action Adventure - Monster Slayer Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2C34X7M
Noa in the Flesh: World of the Changed Series, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3ipJzKG
Dragon Heart: Blood Will - Dragon Heart Series, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3e2u20h
Greenfire: A LitRPG Series - Sky Realms Online, Book 4
https://amzn.to/38on8B3
Clan Dominance: The Sleepless Ones, Book 1
https://amzn.to/38o55ed
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior Reborn
A LitRPG/Wuxia Novel, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3eWE6ci
Upcoming LitRPG:
Mind Games: A LitRPG Apocalypse (RealRPG Book 1) (July 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2C1CL5v
The Path of Faith: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 6) (July 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37paS2B
Redemption : A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 2) (July 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eB6ssu
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Tears of Alron (The Alchemist Book #3): LitRPG Series (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MRcBEx
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series (Avila Online) (July 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YhlrlH
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
Autumn Infernos: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 4) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ezA5dN
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
Lord of the Dead (The Eternal Journey Book 2) (Aug. 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VGvDCq
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Sovereign (The Gods' Game, Volume IV): A LitRPG novel (Sept. 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2AqLAFn
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The Heroic Villain 3
After a night of drunken debauchery following the defeat of the academy's headmistress, Lucas awakens to trouble on all fronts. The steady balance of power within the Imperium has been shaken by his presence, and the resulting aftermath is a town full of heavily armed and well-staffed enemies that seek Lucas's death. Lucas must not only survive their assault but also manage his own slowly crumbling internal affairs when his party begins to fracture. Angered by Lucas's increasingly selfish actions, some of his closest allies are tempted to turn against him.
Follow our protagonist while he tries to grow his influence within the empire, survive the daggers in his back from Imperium traitors, and restore the relationship he truly wants with the woman he has slowly fallen in love with in this epic litrpg adventure from Charles Dean.
My Opinion: 383 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The novel delivers exactly what it promises, a good story with a good conclusion to this arc of the series. The fights and character development continue to satisfy. The only thing I thought was missing was more story. I wanted it to continue another couple hundred pages of new powers and to see even more of the hurt the main character (MC) would bring.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
The Heroic Villain 3
https://amzn.to/2CR7hQ1
The Boneless Dungeon: Rebirth
In a world of sword and sorcery, Breck died and was reborn as a dungeon core, a specialized living gem in charge of creating and managing a dungeon. Unlike most dungeons, he was handicapped with the inability to create bones, the very building blocks that comprise most living creatures. Breck just wants his life back, his humanity, and will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. Even if that means killing the hordes of adventurers that want to plunder his depths so that he can gain the power to transcend.
Zach, a new adventurer, is given the quest to find the source of new cosmic energy that has made itself known, the same cosmic energy that creates dungeon cores. It’s the lucky break he’s been waiting for his whole life. But he’ll face opposition that will see him dead before they let him complete his quest.
Despite his inability to create monster’s with bones, can Breck gain enough essence to rank up and become human again or will he be forever trapped as a dungeon? Will Zach be able to live long enough to complete his quest while other guild members are hunting him? What happens when Zach’s and Breck’s paths collide? Find all this out and more in this exciting GameLit, The Boneless Dungeon: Rebirth.
My Opinion: 204 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This story is actually two stories. Split about equally between a dungeon core and an adventurer. The game mechanics are limited to essence ranks and a soft cultivation system.
The dungeon side of things starts slow with a little too much time explaining how the core can extend his essence a few inches. One of the small things that bothered me was how in experimenting with essence and getting patterns, the dungeon would have to be told everything from his assistant. Anytime there was something new to learn, it would repeat. It just felt like the dungeon wasn't growing on his own. Which was a bit annoying since the character had all of his memories from a lifetime on a future earth. It was touted in his human backstory how good he was at analyzing data, which implies more than a basic education.
Also, the dungeon theme is supposed to be anything boneless, but kinda defaults to insects for most of the story, which is one I'd read about before so it didn't feel fresh. You also don’t get your first minor fight till about 20% in, and the dungeon isn’t made till near 30% in. So it has a pretty slow opening. It gets a bit more interesting and diverse later in the story, but even that felt forced to a degree.
The other half of the story is about a newb adventurer and while it's not a bad setup it does feel a bit forced. The adventurers guild detects a burst of magic and puts out a quest for a group to explore it. It's urgent and pays really well. Yet for some reason, instead of requiring an experienced team with scouts or some speed, the quest is left open to anyone and the first person to claim it. Which just happens to fall into the hands of the guild's most inexperienced member.
The guild conflict, where the other more powerful members want to get in on the high paying quest, seems like it could have been resolved easily by actually forming a party with higher level members. I just didn't understand why they would want to kill him. It wouldn't give them the quest and no one knows in advance that he'll run across a dungeon.
While I liked the world building done on the adventurer half of the story, he doesn’t actually interact with the dungeon for most of the novel. Even that contact with the dungeon is really brief. It ends up feeling a bit slice of life and almost a separate story up till the end.
Overall, the story isn’t poorly written and it has its funny moments. But it just didn’t click with me. The dungeon side took a bit too long to get going and didn’t bring anything new to the dungeon core genre. The adventurer side barely interacted with the dungeon, which is what I came to read.
Score: 6 out of 10
The Boneless Dungeon: Rebirth
https://amzn.to/3dVtPM2
Underworld - Vampire Gate: A LitRPG Series (Book 6)
After surviving Mistress Nava’s wrath, Elorion is banished from Sanctuary and everything he holds dear. He finds himself on an impossible quest to retrieve something from Lord Darius’s vault for the Head Mistress in hopes of bringing everyone back together.
My Opinion: 263 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This large novel has all the action the series has become known for and adds a new dimension to the RPG progression with a touch of cultivation. It was easy to sit back and binge on the action oriented story. There’s not a lot of plot development, more leveling up for the next book where the main character (MC) will finally deal with the vampire quest he’d been given so long ago. That doesn’t mean the story is only action though. There’s good power progression, magical theorizing, character development for the MC and one of his friends, and a surprisingly interesting lich that joins the group. Enjoyable read if you’re ok with the slice of life story and action adventure.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Underworld - Vampire Gate: A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3g9kTV2
Battleborne
Max was a professional soldier, and extremely good at his job. Right up until it killed him.
At the moment of his death, he meets Hildi the Valkyrie, and is given three options. Serve Odin in Valhalla as one of the Einherjar, fighting each day and celebrating each night until the battle of Ragnarok. Accept his death as final, and end his existence. Or be reincarnated as a Battleborne on a random unknown world.
Max chooses to gamble! To live a new life, whatever that might entail. Favored with a blessing of the Valkyries, who gift him with an unusual bloodline, he is reborn on a world of magic and monsters. In fact, his own new body is half monster!
Thrust into the world with nothing but a canvas diaper, sharp teeth, and claws, Max must use his skills as a soldier to improvise and survive. There are no respawns, and at level zero, nearly everything can kill him.
With his new status as one of the Battleborne, much is expected of Max. Dangerous and difficult quests are presented to him, and the loot ranges from filthy goblin loincloths to epic weapons!
Join Max as he learns to navigate his new life, struggling with the instincts of his monster bloodlines, and taking advantage of them at the same time.
My Opinion: 428 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy for review. I purchased it when it became available.
This new story from the author does not disappoint. It is full of action and adventure with a main character (MC) that isn't’ another boring human. At least not fully. The MC chooses reincarnation instead of Valhalla after dying in battle and is transported to a new fantasy RPG world where he is given a uniquely powerful body that is a mix of several races, including some monsters. From there it’s an action-fest with him killing monsters left and right, and learning an interesting mix of spells and skills that lets him over power higher level enemies. Like all of the authors stories, the game mechanics are well thought out and apply to the entire story world. There’s a little crafting and kingdom building, but the big draw is going to be all the good fights. That’s not to say there isn’t anything besides the fights, there is also good character development, world building, and some good side character...moments. (Sorry, no spoilers)
Overall, it was such a good story I almost read it in a single sitting and look forward to seeing where the series goes in the future. Oh, also, bonus points for the Fibble cameo, it made me laugh out loud.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Battleborne
https://amzn.to/2YOtUwX
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 232 - League of Losers, Rise of the UnTed, Gate Wars: Upheaval, God Mode
June 26th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 232 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia.
The quarantine mustache experiment has ended. A moment of silence for the fallen ‘stache.
(play video 0)
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-232
New Releases and Reviews:
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (11:32) (Out on June 30th, 2020)
Mix of portal fiction, Survival Apocalypse, Real life RPG
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2BCI9vn
Rise of the UnTed (17:42)
Undead revenge
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3hJpleG
Gate Wars: Upheaval: A LitRPG Novella (20:47)
Good action, just kinda short
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2ZbfWUH
God Mode: a LitRPG Saga (Mythrune Online Book 1) (24:18)
Just an ok story.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Ni5V2v
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
B.F. Rockriver is putting his novel on sale from 6/26-6/29/2020 for $0.99
https://amzn.to/3fRIgCm
"Virtual Horizon" is 99 cents till 06/29/2020
https://amzn.to/2VkgKWg
THE MECHANICAL CRAFTER AUDIOBOOK RELEASE + GIVEAWAY!
Get it Here:
💥https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Mechanical-Crafter-Book-1-Audiobook/B08BG8WWZR 💥
I’m excited to announce the release of the audiobook version of the bestselling novel The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1. The narrator Jill Smith brings the characters to life with her wonderful voice work.
Want to win a copy of The Mechanical Crafter on audiobook? Just leave a comment about what you like about the book, or drop your favorite LitRPG or D&D meme or GIF in the comments and you could get one of 5 gift copies! Giveaway ends 07/03/2020
Out Now!
Harbinger (Nova Online #3) - A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/309mHbK
The Dungeon Alaria 2: The Creator's Daughter - A Gamelit / Portal Dungeon Prime Fantasy Novel
https://amzn.to/2B3UmJC
Summer Friction: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3dI6q0W
Twilight Templar (The Eternal Journey Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3dtqzYc
The Boneless Dungeon: Rebirth
https://amzn.to/3hiL64T
Sortis Online: Demonborn's Fjord (Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2BaTTWh
Hero City: Renewal
https://amzn.to/37ZCcoH
Plane of Twilight: A Hundred Halls LitRPG and GameLit Novel (Gamemakers Online Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3838ajZ
The Cursed Dungeon: Dungeon of Curses
https://amzn.to/2BHzZ4W
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Mechanical Crafter- Book 1
https://amzn.to/2VhBAFy
Summer Friction - A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons, Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2BClIqu
Harbinger - Nova Online, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2ZdN2n1
The Card Job - A LitRPG Heist
https://amzn.to/2NxhYcs
Rogue Evolution - A LitRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3fXw8Qg
Sky Realms Online Books 1-3: A LitRPG Series Box Set
https://amzn.to/2Bb23xS
Path of Darkness: BlackFlame Online Universe
Glory of Formation Emperor Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/31eOMPv
Respawn: Lovers Lost (book 2)
https://amzn.to/2NxAiSS
Upcoming LitRPG:
Respawn: Blade of the Ancients (Respawn LitRPG series Book 5) (June 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Yj70xz
Greenfire: (Sky Realms Online Book 4): A LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3c0nHS1
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Sovereign Rising (The Gods' Game, Volume III): A LitRPG novel (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XdsnzA
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1) (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3070hbb
Battleborne (July 1st, 2020)
Orc Spawn: Betrayal: A LitRPG/GameLit Story (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hGQor1
Underworld - Vampire Gate: A LitRPG Series (July 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eAuBiB
The Path of Faith: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 6) (July 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37paS2B
Redemption : A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 2) (July 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eB6ssu
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Tears of Alron (The Alchemist Book #3): LitRPG Series (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MRcBEx
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series (Avila Online) (July 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YhlrlH
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
Autumn Infernos: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 4) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3ezA5dN
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 2 (Aug. 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3i6zdzd
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Holy War (Disgardium Book #5): LitRPG Series (Sept. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eBlyOH
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
Dungeon Crawler Carl (Oct. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BDfXZu
Watcher’s Fate: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 3) (Oct. 6th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3g05cPT
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series
When our protagonist Andrei discovers that his girlfriend has cheated on him, he finds himself with an unexpected choice to make: a quick death, or a new life in another world he knows absolutely nothing about. Andrei chooses life, and sets off alongside his pet, a ginger cat with a limp, for a primeval world fraught with danger. The trouble is… who is whose pet becomes entirely unclear; the man’s consciousness is split between both creatures, and the little cat gets a far greater share of intelligence and wit than his hulking master. What do you do as a weak little kitty? Abandon the clumsy human who always seems to get into trouble, go in search of a new master? Or protect your human body in the hope of one day returning to it?
My Opinion: 354 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy of the story for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is an interesting mix of genres. Part portal fiction, part Survival Apocalypse, part real life RPG. The main character (MC) is a young man from our world who kicked the butt of an arrogant rival and will be killed in retribution. Only he gets the chance to go to a new world instead and among the things he takes is a kitten he rescued. In this new world, he gets an RPG interface, 10 lives, and a choice of several skills that will affect what class he gets later. He's not alone in this new world but is among others who made the same choice he did. Not only that, but they are only the latest arrivals. Turns out this world is full of monsters, magic, and people that want to take what the newcomers have for their own benefit. There are betrayals galore in this apocalypse like world and the MC doesn't know who to trust. Except his kitten, who has his own RPG interface, levels, skills, and magic and will do whatever he can to save his human.
The first third of the story is kinda dark, with a definite survival post apocalyptic feel to it. Few resources, betrayals from other survivors, humans that enslave newcomers. Then about the 40% mark, when the immediate need of survival is reduced the story takes on a more portal fantasy tone with the MC finding others, forming a group, learning unique and powerful skills, and a bit more safely exploring the world around him. It’s still not a light and fluffy story but there’s more action adventure with lots of monster fights and less survival.
Overall, it’s an interesting slice of life LitRPG story that explores a deadly world where humans are not the dominant species.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2BCI9vn
Rise of the UnTed
Rise of the UnTed follows the unfortunate adventure of Ted as he starts his new life as an unholy abomination. Only time will tell if he will be another mindless minion or become something else. But first, Ted has to kill his killers. What doesn’t kill you may make you stronger, but sometimes what does kill you just makes you angry.
WARNING: Rise of the UnTed is an undead and necromancer themed GameLit/litRPG. Content includes dead people, dead animals, evil named shovels, necromancers, ancient entities both chaotic and dark, and lots of death.
My Opinion: 71 pages, $0.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
The main character (MC) is summoned from our world to a fantasy on accidentally, killed, and raised as the undead by a necromancer as part of an experiment. Not only that but another spirit or aspect of him is put in charge of his body and obeys the necromancer. There’s good humor, good action, and an interesting twist on the undead MC. However, LitRPG-wise, it’s pretty light with nothing RPG related showing up till after the 36% mark. There is exactly one showing of a character sheet with stats, skills, and levels. There are a couple more references to stats and levels improving and a few notifications for items or other characters. Most of the story revolves around the MC learning how to control his power, gaining agency, and getting revenge.
Overall, it’s an entertaining short read and I’d read a 2nd story.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Rise of the UnTed
https://amzn.to/3hJpleG
Gate Wars: Upheaval: A LitRPG Novella
The world will change in the next six hours. Governments will fall, people will die, and the natural laws will shatter. A small group of people will gain extraordinary abilities and compete against the alien races of the universe in a life or death competition called the Gate Wars. Will and Rachel will be two of the people to gain reality bending abilities. They will battle their way across their once peaceful city in search of these Gates. They will risk their lives and learn to use their abilities to do something they never thought they would have to do, kill. Will they have what it takes to succeed against the alien races of the universe, or will they succumb to the pain of losing everything? The next six hours will change more than just the world.
This story contains leveling, abilities and some adult language.
My Opinion: 53 pages, $0.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an RPG apocalypse story with a battle royale element. Aliens institute an RPG system on earth and give people the ability to purchase powers and special abilities. Humanity must participate in a battle tournament and collect so many winners coins. The main characters are a husband and wife who decide to throw themselves into the fight.
The game mechanics veer more towards an action RPG. No stats but purchasable and upgradable abilities, levels, XP, and various resources to purchase items in a System store. Loot and weapons drop from defeated human and alien foes after killing them.
Only aspect that seemed a little forced was the immediate acceptance of the couple of this RPG apocalypse and the battle royale. I mean, I understand from a short story perspective that that had to happen quickly to get the plot going. But a little realism is lost when the husband and wife immediately accept an alien invention to fight other people to the death in a tournament without much of a moral debate. The ending is a little abrupt too.
Overall an entertaining short story with some good fights.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Gate Wars: Upheaval: A LitRPG Novella
https://amzn.to/2ZbfWUH
God Mode: a LitRPG Saga (Mythrune Online Book 1)
A ten-million-dollar MMORPG tournament. An invincibility hack gone wrong. Welcome to MythRune.
With his glory days behind him and nothing but life as a loser to look forward to, Zane can’t wait for MythRune. A first-of-its-kind immersive fantasy game that promises to provide just the escape from reality a washed-up athlete like him needs.
But when his younger brother learns he only has weeks left to live, Zane is forced to take his gaming to the next level if he’s going to afford to pay for his brother’s operation and ditch their sorry life forever.
To celebrate the launch of MythRune, the game’s developers announce a worldwide player tournament. The prize? Ten million dollars. More than enough.
Utilizing a God Mode bug to make himself invincible, Zane aims to win it all without getting caught.
But it doesn’t work as planned. Between pain-sensitivity glitches, exploitive players, a re-worked world map, and a leveling system unlike anything he’s ever seen, Zane realizes there’s much more to pro gaming than staying alive.
My Opinion: 453 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
It’s an ok story. The stakes of the story are decent, with the main character (MC) trying to level up enough to compete in a VR contest and win money to help pay for a surgery for his brother. The special unique power he has, an exploit he found in the beta test of the game, is to lose the ability to die in the game. He still feels pain, more than others actually, but he can not die as long as he doesn’t log out and lose the unique circumstances that let him use the ‘God Mode’ exploit. Along the way another player figures out he’s doing something fishy and blackmails him into letting her group with him or she’ll report him to the developers. She also wants half the prize money if he wins the contest. Most of the story is a slice of life adventure where the MC chooses a particular race and goes on quests to raise his level and find a contest entry coin.
The game mechanic side of things the novel doesn’t use traditional leveling and XP, instead using randomly dropped stat orbs and an averaging system to determine level. Skills are the big thing as they require points to improve and unlock new abilities, which are gained from quests, random drops, or leveling. The other game mechanics are pretty common in most MMOs and the vibe of the story will feel familiar to anyone that’s played one. There are PKers, Roleplayers, and min/maxers from players and lots of familiar quest types. Lots of notifications, quests, skill increases, a pretty crunchy story.
It really does kinda just follow the MC as he tries to use the short period before the contest to gain levels and a contest token. But there’s not much more to it than that. I didn’t actually like the side character Leesha at all, but I’m sure that was intentionally for the story.The fighting was fine, but there was never any real sense of danger for the MC since I knew he wasn’t going to die. Even for the other players there was no sense of danger since they just respawned. The end antagonist wasn’t really evil, just a jerk.
Overall, it’s an ok story. Nothing bad. Nothing really amazing either. Decent read with some funny moments.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
God Mode: a LitRPG Saga (Mythrune Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Ni5V2v
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 231 - The Alchemist Book #2, The SyStem: Multiverse, True Smithing
June 19th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 231 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This is week 12 of the quarantine mustache experiment and its conclusion. This is the last you’ll see of the quarantine mustache. I’m heading out back into the world tomorrow and I promised the wife I’d shave the ‘stache off.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-231
New Releases and Reviews:
Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Book #2): LitRPG Series (08:57)
Good extension of the story
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2zKAhaJ
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 1 (14:00)
Decent Read
Score: 7.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3fAwlIU
True Smithing: A Crafting LitRPG Series (17:47)
Has early issues, but gets really good eventually
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3fdvaiv
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Huge congratulations to this year's Independent Audiobook Awards - GameLit/LitRPG category. World Tree Online written by E.A. Hooper and narrated by Justin Thomas James, Jeff Hays, and Laurie Catherine Winkel.
The folks of the Authors & Dragons podcast are running a crowdfunding campaign for a comic version of their podcast adventures. It's a fun podcast that I love and has funny authors like Robert Bevan (Critical Failures) and Drew Hayes (NPCs). There are lots of supporter rewards and as of this recording, the project is funded so you know it’ll get made.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/chronicles-of-calamity#/
To celebrate the completion of the Nova Online Trilogy, Portal Books has discounted book 1 of the series, Warden, to FREE for the next 5 days. Book 2, Renegade, has also been discounted to 99c!
You can grab Warden here!
https://amzn.to/37GJJbK
And Renegade here!
https://amzn.to/3eaJMiq
Out Now!
White Soul: Book 1 of Martial Souls - A Cultivation Martial Arts LitRPG Epic Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/30yFmhp
Glitchworld
https://amzn.to/3gcduFg
God Mode: a LitRPG Saga (Mythrune Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3cbYJix
The Crafter's Darkness: A Dungeon Core Novel (Dungeon Crafting Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2BZgRjf
Rise (Last Chance Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2YpnaUR
Ethria 2: The Golem Maker: An Epic LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/3cxAueU
Rise of the UnTed
https://amzn.to/3d9U552
Gate Wars: Upheaval: A LitRPG Novella
https://amzn.to/3diWri2
Concordat Online
https://amzn.to/2YfD3yo
Second Skin: Wayward: A litRPG Adventure (Second Skin Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3fGKiFs
Myriad Stars: Wu Ji Chronicles I. A Cultivation LitRPG Universe
https://amzn.to/2YN56nL
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Kingdom Come: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure
The Archemi Online Chronicles, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2YOjFY3
Magic School: The Realm Between, Book 4
https://amzn.to/2YQYEfo
The Incarnator - Project Stellar Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2Cjn7lX
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote - The Body's Dungeon, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3egRdVt
Awaken Online: Flame - Tarot Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3emaWTO
God Mode: a LitRPG Saga - Mythrune Online, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2AOM8Fj
Upcoming LitRPG:
Harbinger (Nova Online #3) - A LitRPG Series (June 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309mHbK
The Dungeon Alaria 2: The Creator's Daughter - A Gamelit / Portal Dungeon Prime Fantasy Novel (June 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2B3UmJC
Summer Friction: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 3) (June 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dI6q0W
Respawn: Blade of the Ancients (Respawn LitRPG series Book 5) (June 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Yj70xz
Greenfire: (Sky Realms Online Book 4): A LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3c0nHS1
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Sovereign Rising (The Gods' Game, Volume III): A LitRPG novel (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XdsnzA
The Boneless Dungeon: Rebirth (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hiL64T
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1) (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3070hbb
Battleborne (July 1st, 2020)
Orc Spawn: Betrayal: A LitRPG/GameLit Story (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hGQor1
The Path of Faith: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 6) (July 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37paS2B
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Tears of Alron (The Alchemist Book #3): LitRPG Series (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MRcBEx
4X Four Hex: A LitRPG Strategy Series (Avila Online) (July 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YhlrlH
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Book #2): LitRPG Series
Is there anything better than a quiet life? Well, there’s a quiet life surrounded by people you care about, people who love you in return, of course. But Tailyn Vlashich knew nothing of the kind. His parents had died years before, the townspeople stayed well away from the god’s favorite, and his guardian just wanted to be rid of him. That was the setting when Tailyn was again placed on the road to uncertainty, beset by terrifying lixes, and hounded by a harsh trainer it was impossible to please. All he can do is bear up and keep pushing forward in the hopes that his wishes will be granted. As legend has it, somewhere ahead lies the Forest of Desire, a place capable of bringing to life one’s every wish. For example, returning Valia Levor, Tailyn’s betrothed, who was kidnapped. Oh, and does anyone know why Forian Tarn still isn’t back from his trip?
My Opinion: 405 pages, $6.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The fun action packed slice of life adventure continues. The main character (MC) and his group are stranded in enemy territory and have to fight and think their way past deadly obstacles, traps, and monstrous guardians. There's a slight expansion of game mechanics with new potions, but the MCs exploit remains fun.
I had a tiny issue and some other reviews had others. For me, a small recap to remind me who everyone is would have been helpful. It took a little bit to recall who was who. Other reviewers have mentioned that it bugged them that there wasn’t more plot progression. And I can kinda see that. Book 2 feels like an extension of book 1 with most of the story occurring in the same setting as the end of book 1. I will say that there is definitely the completion of a couple questlines, but also setup for other ones. But also recall that this is a slice of life story so it’s going to feel a little random sometimes.
Overall, for me, this was a fun story that kept me up reading late at night to finish.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2zKAhaJ
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 1
Brett Hayes never expected his life to amount to much. He escaped Boston, with help from his mother, to head to the west coast and create a new life in Seattle. All that changes when he attends a party to celebrate his friend's new physics invention: a device that connects two universes together.
Events quickly spiral out of control as Brett, and his best friend's ex-girlfriend, find themselves pulled by the device and end up in a different version of Earth, one that has been stripped of it's resources and population by an alien race. Will the Earth they came from share a similar fate? Can they escape the dimension they've been sent to and find a way back home? And do they want to escape after learning more about the universe they find themselves in? More importantly, can they change the SyStem that controls everything in that universe and many more?
The SyStem: Multiverse is the first book in a series of the same name, where they fight monsters with psychic powers, deal with betrayal, survive on a barren world, and decide whether they will let things remain the same or take action to change their circumstances.
Jon Svenson is the author of Biomedical Self-Engineering and other novels yet to be released.
This books contains oodles of action and adventure, but has no profanity and no intimate scenes or harems. Just so you know.
My Opinion: 430 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is a slice of life sci-fi LitRPG story. It features two protagonists that are kidnapped and taken to an alternate dimension. The two must use that universe’s RPG System to grow powerful enough to escape their captors and find some way to get home or destroy the system that's giving them their power. It's really just following the two as they go through this universe, travel through space, gain skills with a sci-fi theme, fight, and survive. While there's some decent action and interesting betrayals that kept the story moving forward, it often felt like the main characters were stumbling through it all and not really making their own decisions but were being pushed around by other forces.
The game stuff is not particularly complex with skills and levels being gained for just about everything whether its completing quests or learning how to fly a spaceship. There are lots of notifications and quests and the RPG system is baked into the story world. But beyond the limitation of only having a certain number of skills equipped at one time, there's not a whole lot on the game mechanic side that's new. The story is very skill focused.
Overall, it's a decent read. I was entertained enough by the betrayals and the sci-fi universe to follow the characters through their adventures. But a lack of any clear goals or really bad antagonists left me wanting a little.
Score: 7.1 out of 10
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 1
https://amzn.to/3fAwlIU
True Smithing: A Crafting LitRPG Series
Angus Bjornson only ever wanted to do one thing: to continue crafting exquisite weapons and pieces of armor for his loyal customers. Unfortunately, after one accident too many that leaves the old blacksmith completely disabled, it would seem he has no other choice but to hang up his hammer.
However, that would be underestimating the stubbornness of the self-made man. Fearing he’s not going to stop until he ends up dead in his forge, Angus’ children offer him a virtual rig that connects to Imperium Games’ many universes.
After choosing a fantasy-based world called Alterwelt, Angus—now known as Hephaestus—quickly learns that he can make use of his lifetime of experience by disabling the Auto function and playing on Manual. His skills allow him to create unique items that beat everything sold on the market. But Hephaestus has a long way to go before he can afford his own in-game forge. Moreover, he only ever learned to work with steel while here he has access to metals as strange and exotic as azuraneum, veridium, orichalcum…
Still, that might be the least of his problems. After he’s made a few sales and starts to get some recognition, Hephaestus realizes that there’s a reason the market is oversaturated with crappy items. As it turns out, a greedy guild enforces a monopoly on the crafting and they’re ready to do anything to keep anyone—lest of all a lone blacksmith—from digging into their profits…
My Opinion: 293 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a good LitRPG crafting story once you get past the 40% mark of the story. Before then, all the crafting descriptions are still good, but the rest of the story around it left something to be desired. But once the main antagonist shows up, after the 40% mark, the rest of the novel is quite enjoyable though there are still a few wand wavy moments.
First, I’ll say that I liked all the detailed descriptions of the main character (MC) making stuff. It's definitely the big draw of the novel. There’s lots of the MCs thoughts that went into each crafted weapon or piece of armor along with detailed descriptions of the actual process to make the item by hand.
However, especially in the beginning of the novel, other parts of the story felt a bit at odds with the actual game mechanics of the story and lent itself to feeling like the MC gained power he didn’t earn. The MC is a master blacksmith, and apparently every type of crafting, before he ever enters the game. He chooses a realistic mode that lets him use those IRL skills to craft fantastically powerful items that he uses to accomplish his goals. The MC gains a powerful forge that costs tens of thousands of coins. Did he craft items and sell them until he could save for his own forge? No. Did he research what the community needed and fill that gap? No. Instead, he was handed a fully stocked forge by some person he'd know for a few hours. But because he’s given such a huge bonus, and the reader doesn’t ever see him struggle to learn anything about crafting, it feels like he gains power he didn’t earn. This gets better as the story goes on but it was a big drawback for me when I was first reading the story.
Combat, when it's not done by the MC, is decent. But because of the odd duality in game mechanics of realism versus normal MMO, the one occasion the MC did fight felt off. In addition to being a master blacksmith, the MC is also a reenactor for martial sword fights and other medieval fighting styles. In the realistic mode this gives him a huge advantage against much higher level opponents and it made the levels feel unimportant to a degree. Thankfully, the MC fighting isn’t a big part of the story and disappears after the beginning of the story. Still, it felt off.
I was initially turned off by the non-crafting aspects of the story. Whether it was the MC fighting an opponent almost 20 levels higher and kicking his butt, or the odd way the 70 year old MC’s kids argued with him over who he was associating with in a VRMMO, it felt off. I honestly thought about putting the book down, but I’m glad I pushed through. Because after the story the antagonist shows up at about the 40% mark, the story really takes off. It focuses fully on the crafting aspect, which is the best part, and the obstacles and antagonists all become related to that. The control the antagonist has over a game world seems a little far fetched sometimes but he was dislikable enough that I wanted to see the MC win.
Overall, I ended up really liking the story. It does lose a little on the review score because of the beginning of the novel, which some people won’t be able to push past. But for me it was a good read with lots of crafting which I’m a fan of.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
True Smithing: A Crafting LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3fdvaiv
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 230 - Reality Benders 6, The Good Guys 9, Janus and The Prince
June 12th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 230 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This is week 11 of the quarantine mustache experiment.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-230
New Releases and Reviews:
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (07:15)
An entertaining slice of life space adventure
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2YaoZF2
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (10:29)
Quite a bite to it
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3cRUoS4
Janus and The Prince: A LitRPG Saga (The Nightmares of Alamir Book 2) (13:56)
The fun OP exploiting continues
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Ym4yoJ
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Ray Johnson, host of the LitRPG Audiobook Podcast, has a full novel set in the VGO universe. I'm guessing it's based in the great short story he wrote for their anthology. Cover art looks amazing. No release date yet.
Out Now!
King's League: An Epic LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/30bVNQy
Frog of War (Anura Rising: Book Two): A Kingdom Building Fantasy Litrpg Series
https://amzn.to/3d8Kqwp
Silverspear (Rise to Omniscience Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2yGhPiS
True Smithing: A Crafting LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3fdvaiv
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Irrelevant Jack 2
https://amzn.to/30zBlsU
A Snake's Life
https://amzn.to/2Aq9X60
Umbra Online - Halgor's Horde: A LitRPG Adventure
Invocation, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2XUGudn
Dark World - Transformation, Book 2
https://amzn.to/30ATMxI
King's League - An Epic Lit RPG Adventure (King's League, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2MSy28q
Reborn: Apocalypse: Book 2 - A LitRPG/Wuxia Story
https://amzn.to/2MSTnhX
Slimegirl
https://amzn.to/30Auz6w
Grim Beginnings - The Ashen Plane, A LitRPG Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/30C7wrM
Upcoming LitRPG:
White Soul: Book 1 of Martial Souls - A Cultivation Martial Arts LitRPG Epic Fantasy Adventure (June 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/30yFmhp
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 1 (June 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cU0WA5
Glitchworld (June 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gcduFg
Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Book #2): LitRPG Series (June 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TuoTq5
God Mode: a LitRPG Saga (Mythrune Online Book 1) (June 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cbYJix
The Crafter's Darkness: A Dungeon Core Novel (Dungeon Crafting Book 4) (June 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2BZgRjf
Rise (Last Chance Book 1) (June 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YpnaUR
Ethria 2: The Golem Maker: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (June 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cxAueU
Harbinger (Nova Online #3) - A LitRPG Series (June 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309mHbK
The Dungeon Alaria 2: The Creator's Daughter - A Gamelit / Portal Dungeon Prime Fantasy Novel (June 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2B3UmJC
Summer Friction: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 3) (June 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dI6q0W
Greenfire: (Sky Realms Online Book 4): A LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3c0nHS1
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Sovereign Rising (The Gods' Game, Volume III): A LitRPG novel (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XdsnzA
The Boneless Dungeon: Rebirth (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3hiL64T
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1) (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3070hbb
Battleborne (July 1st, 2020)
The Path of Faith: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 6) (July 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37paS2B
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Tears of Alron (The Alchemist Book #3): LitRPG Series (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MRcBEx
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
The Way of the Force (The Heavenly Throne Book 2): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3f8uVoS
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series
To be on a starship that’s just sustained serious damage in a space battle including losing its thrusters and find yourself in a totally different galaxy... You might think that would be cause for panic or, at the very least, despondency, right? Not at all! Gnat maintains optimism, gradually gets his space frigate back in working order and even finds upsides to what happened.
On top of that, there's never a dull moment – both in the virtual game and the real world Gnat finds himself at the very epicenter of the great space-faring races’ interests, though he does not understand why they’re paying him such close attention. And add to that the fact that humanity's Geckho suzerains are also in a tight spot and demanding all their vassals institute a military draft then send their assembled forces out to fight a distant space war.
Will Gnat be able to play his part in this complicated diplomatic party with the future of the entire human race at stake? Find out in Book Six of Reality Benders!
My Opinion: 437 pages, $6.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received and advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy of the novel when it became available.
This is an entertaining slice of life space adventure. There’s some plot advancement but a lot of smaller interesting mini adventures which setup that will advance in the next book. There’s some fighting, but not as much as the last couple books. There’s more politics and faction stuff, but again it’s setup for future conflicts. There’s plenty of skill and level advancement using the system that’s been established. Overall, it’s a fun story that’s setting up some really big battles in the next book.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2YaoZF2
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9)
We join Montana, recently returned from an impromptu study abroad trip, a bit wiser, a bit broader in perspective, and a lot freaked out by the once-dead person who’s currently in his bedroom.
Possible zombie sightings aside, he’s finally ready to take his job as Duke seriously. And just in time too -- not only are the politics of the capital rapidly closing in on Montana’s little valley holding, but there are also goblins to negotiate with. Plus, that cult threatening to take the lives of his citizens. Montana will have to pull off the impossible - walk amongst the highest levels of Vuldranni society to influence world politics, and slaughter a few goblins in the process.
Four Beheadings and a Funeral is a wild romp of town-building LitRPG. Preorder it today!
My Opinion: 398 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
It’s another entertaining slice of life story from the author. This one has quite the bite to it and turns a bit from the events of the far off settlement Montana established and back to the large city he’d been to previously. There’s some good action-adventure, RPG progression was solid though it changed a little as when the MC levels he doesn’t get stat points but abilities. It’s still a fun story though and it was also nice to see Yuri return to the story from the last book and he fits right in with the monster hunting.
Overall, a good read.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9)
https://amzn.to/3cRUoS4
Janus and The Prince: A LitRPG Saga (The Nightmares of Alamir Book 2)
Cowards mock men.
Idiots mock kings.
But to mock a god?
To stand at the precipice of paradise and damnation, and to open thy lips, and denounce the divine as an ignorant existence unworthy of their divinity –
None would dare.
None, except him.
For lip-service to a deity, he is reborn as a creature whose belly scrubs the earth. Reincarnating as a worm in the madness that is Alamir, the man who spat in the face of a god turns and spits in the face of destiny.
He ascends, from battle and bloodshed, to find favor in a Witch of the Night just as mad, if not far madder, than he. Baptized on the eve of the genocide of her people, he is bestowed the name
Janus – and is reborn with the power to explore the road not travelled.
The power to eat his cake and have it, to split the timeline as he desires, and pave his own path towards his chosen future.
That chosen future, awaits his bony, skeletal hands.
War cometh for the defiant. War between cosmic horrors and ubermensch, apocalypse seekers and twisted messiahs, reincarnated madmen and avatars of extinction –
And the man who defied a god, stands in the center.
“Hero, villain, monster, savior, king, slave, good or evil – all irrelevant when the Nightmares of Alamir come midnight, wielding a dim lantern, rasping with a croaky voice as their unholy fingers rap against your door.”
“Now, tell the world… How shall you answer?”
My Opinion: 373 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The OP ‘not quite a hero’ is back. It took about 8% of the story to recall the MCs powers and setup the story, but this time he has the task to kill some gods intent on destroying earth. He'll have to use his ability to split time to exploit his way to more XP, loot, and level up to have any shot at defeating such powerful enemies.
The slice of life story had lots of action, and plenty of interesting exploitation of the RPG system on the world the main character (MC) has been reincarnated to. There isn’t as much monster evolution as was in the 1st book, but there is an expansion of world building and some of those other narratives from the 1st book finally make a bit more sense.
Be warned there is plenty of cursing and adult jokes and references. And that the end is a bit of a cliff hanger but is meant to setup the next book. Overall, it was a fun read with an over powered MC.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Janus and The Prince: A LitRPG Saga (The Nightmares of Alamir Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2Ym4yoJ
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
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Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 229 - Queen in the Mud, Ether Collapse 3, Nothing but bones, Giantlands
June 5th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 229 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This is week 10 of the quarantine mustache experiment.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-229
New Releases and Reviews:
Queen in the Mud
A very fun story
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2XO7fyS
Earthdom: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse Book 3)
Continues the Post Apocalypse well
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2XZQ8dC
Nothing but bones: The wasteland
Slow start, but good monster evolution
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3cvJ7qo
Giantlands (Pal-Tee Planet Book 1)
Unique character race and world building
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3dBdDAf
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
LitRPG Deal
Michael Chatfield is having a month long sale on a couple of book in his Emeralia series. The Trapped Mind Project (book 1) (https://readerlinks.com/l/1259558 ) and The Stone Raiders' Return (book 6) (https://readerlinks.com/l/1259598 ) are both on sale for 99 cents.
Out Now!
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
OUTWORLD: Awakening (A LitRPG Story)
https://amzn.to/2zG0W8E
Fugitivity (The Fairy's Tale Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2A39lTO
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Sorrows of Starlight: A LitRPG / Cultivation Novel (The Adept Archives Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2ACqJPl
Indiscrete: A Fantasy LitRPG Redemption Saga (Banhammer Chronicles Prequels Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2A6Pwea
Warlock: LitRPG and GameLit (Marionette of Chaos Magic Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3dvGkP7
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Planet Hero: Civilian
https://amzn.to/2XVyDuQ
Card Mage: Academy Rebels
https://amzn.to/3gV1yIj
Grim Beginnings - The Ashen Plane, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2Y0XayJ
The Genesis Game: Volume I -World Apocalypse - Calamity Dungeon
https://amzn.to/2z4niAm
Sentenced to Troll 3
https://amzn.to/2MvyWaD
The Land: Monsters - A LitRPG Saga (Chaos Seeds, Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3ctGe9q
Into the Darkness: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure
Axe Druid, Book 4
https://amzn.to/2XyjeSe
Dragon Hack- Blasphemy Online, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2XB5jel
The Great Raid - A LitRPG Adventure (Tower of Power Series, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2UekdFd
Upcoming LitRPG:
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
King's League: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/30bVNQy
Frog of War (Anura Rising: Book Two): A Kingdom Building Fantasy Litrpg Series (June 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3d8Kqwp
Silverspear (Rise to Omniscience Book 6) (June 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yGhPiS
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 1 (June 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cU0WA5
Glitchworld (June 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gcduFg
Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Book #2): LitRPG Series (June 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TuoTq5
God Mode: a LitRPG Saga (Mythrune Online Book 1) (June 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cbYJix
Ethria 2: The Golem Maker: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (June 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cxAueU
Harbinger (Nova Online #3) - A LitRPG Series (June 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309mHbK
Summer Friction: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 3) (June 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dI6q0W
Greenfire: (Sky Realms Online Book 4): A LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3c0nHS1
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Sovereign Rising (The Gods' Game, Volume III): A LitRPG novel (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XdsnzA
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1) (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3070hbb
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/309xMcX
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P
City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs
The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Queen in the Mud
A girl suddenly vanishes from her world and finds herself drifting in and out of consciousness in a world of pure darkness. The only insight into her precarious situation is a prompt opening before her eyes indicating that the system failed to delete her.
The doggedly optimistic and naive teenager, Naomi, is reborn as a monster into a fantastical world governed by the rigid rules of a suspiciously game-like system; a world full of magic and danger where the familiar mingles with the inexplicable. She finds herself deep in the bizzarre, savage forests of the unclaimed lands where deadly monsters prowl in the shadows just out of sight.
After a close brush with death, any hope that this could be a lighthearted adventure evaporates as she feels real pain for the first time. The realization sinks in as Naomi comes to terms with this not being just a game; it’s her reality now.
As if coming to grips with the life or death survival situation she finds herself in isn’t enough, the description of one of her skills seems to be speaking to her...
My Opinion: 366 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This story shifts around a bit and feels like an online serial story that was collected, edited, and published. Like many serial stories, there’s not necessarily an evident plot from the get go, and the story may shift focus as it goes on, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t good story telling.
This starts as a Re: Monster story with the main character (MC) reincarnated as a salamander and her exploring her little slice of a magical RPG fantasy world, eating, trying not to get eaten, gaining XP to level. Then after some evolutions, it shifts as the MC once again becomes humanoid and it explodes into this much larger story with action, magical training, community and light town building, time travel, and small adventures. It was genuinely fun to read it all and see where each chapter led.
Game mechanics - This is totally LitRPG from the start. Lots of stats, character sheets, abilities and skills that grow with use or applied skill points. There’s also good magical training and minor town building elements. Fun stuff with lots of shown numbers.
Overall, this was just a fun story. A bit slice of life with the serial format and there are several plotlines that pop up and get resolved as you follow the story, but it's a fun read the whole time and I finished it all in just about a single sitting.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Queen in the Mud
https://amzn.to/2XO7fyS
Earthdom: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse Book 3)
Territorial growth. Ancient conspiracies. The apocalypse is getting worse.
Rockland Barkclay was saved and pulled into an alternate realm moments before his death. He thought that sacrificing himself would save the Grotto and give them a chance to prosper. He wasn’t expecting to open his eyes, reborn on the altar.
Gaia has ordered the Golems to protect humanity, but their ‘protection’ against the environment is sending humanity to the brink of starvation. Rocky needs to find his family, and his only option is to search through survivors one-by-one. Every person saved increases the population of the Grotto, but is also another mouth to feed.
After saving thousands and not finding a single familiar face, new intelligence reaches the Grotto: sending Rocky against a challenge that even the King of Apes couldn’t overcome.
My Opinion: 383 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The scope of the story expands as the MC and his territory get access to the galactic equivalent of the internet and they learn just how humanity is faring. After dealing with a few internal developments the group works to help survivors and along the way finds new enemies. There's a good deal of action and a bit of kingdom building in the story this time and there's a bit of crafting and personal development for the MC.
Overall, a good read that fans of the series have devoured.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Earthdom: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2XZQ8dC
Nothing but bones: The wasteland
After the exodus of all life, our galaxy is left empty and desolate.
But in the absence of life, undead energy surges.
Millennia after the last humans fled the galaxy only the dead are left to roam the earth.
On this barren wasteland, Solus awakens.
With no memories or even a personality, he is cast into a dangerous world.
He will need to learn fast if he is to keep his new existence,
for he is not alone.
My Opinion: 405 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The novel description doesn’t do much to describe what the story is about. This is a LitRPG Monster Evolution story where the main character (MC) is a skeleton minion on a post apocalyptic earth. He becomes awakened, or gains sentience, and is given an RPG Interface in which he sees his character sheet, stats, and gets information about how to evolve. The first 10% is a little slow as the MC tries to figure out how to gain just the smallest amount of power all by himself. The pacing picks up once he gets his first evolution and comes into contact with other undead and learns he’s not the lone sentient skeleton. As the story progresses there’s more world building and the story gets bigger with different undead factions vying for power and control of their brethren. Yet, the big draw remains reading about the fights and the possible evolutions that the MC can attain as he grows in power and gains resources.
On the game mechanic side of things, the story is definitely LitRPG. The reader regularly sees progression of stats and skills and it was neat to read the gamer-like mentality of the MC in deciding just how he was going to grind out the requirements for his next evolution and weigh the pros and cons of each possible one. I’ll note that after a certain late point in the story the character sheet kinda disappears for story reasons, though I hope it comes back in future books.
Overall, this is a good story once you get past the 10% mark, if you don’t mind the slice of life storytelling.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Nothing but bones: The wasteland
https://amzn.to/3cvJ7qo
Giantlands (Pal-Tee Planet Book 1)
Zundy has always been different. As a pal-tee, a distant cousin to the dwarves, he, and all others of his race, absorb traits from the very first item they touch upon birth. Instead of absorbing the essence of stone, or steel, like most others in his town, Zundy accidentally absorbed those of a beetle. Those who are different, are often treated poorly, and for Zundy, this was no exception.
His time in the small town is coming to an end though. The Great Journey, the time when all pal-tee youths of age set out in search of their race's most valued treasure, is upon them. Beyond his small town, Zundy will discover a world far grander and fantastic than he ever could have imagined.
Travel to the Green Sea, the last know sighting of the Viridian Core will be far from easy. Before he can even lay eyes on the sprawling ocean, Zundy will first need to pass through the Giantlands, and with powerful Guardians blocking his path, the task seems impossible. Zundy was never one to give up and quit though, and to him, there is no greater thrill than facing a challenge and coming out the victor.
Warning: This book contains GameLit elements, such as stats sheets, a form of leveling and experience gain.
My Opinion: 330 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Unique character race and world building
I really enjoyed the first 20% of the story with all the deep world building and character development. It was a good description of RPG mechanics becoming part of the culture and history of the fantasy world. There’s also good character development and a coming of age aspect that was really satisfying.
One of the few things that took a little away from the story for me was the odd plot turn the novel takes at about the 38% mark. It's a departure from all the stated goals that had come before it about getting through the gates of the Giantland, getting to the Green Sea, and searching for Viridian Core. It's a good story arc, it just felt out of place. Though I did like the dungeon dive that happened.
Game mechanic wise, things are solid. With the RPG mechanics being part of the world setting and cultures of the various races. For example, as infants, the MCs race gets a special attribute based on the first thing they touch besides their mother. So, a baby touching stone gets Stoneskin, one touching fire might get fire powers, etc. It's a risk reward decision with more dangerous items potentially giving more powerful abilities but also risking the babies life. There are also character sheets, stats, skills, special abilities, and a number of items that give temporary or permanent boosts. It's all woven very well into the world building of the story.
Overall, this is another good story from the author.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Giantlands (Pal-Tee Planet Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3dBdDAf
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
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Other LitRPG facebook pages
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 228 - Voice of Luck, Poor Cultivation, Animal Eye
May 29th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 228 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This is week 9 of the quarantine mustache experiment.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-228
New Releases and Reviews:
Voice of Luck (Luck's Voice Book 1) (06:26)
Gambling and the Old West
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2X99jCB
Poor Cultivation (The Slayer of Heaven Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (11:09)
Got bored with the randomness
Score: 5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3bYZ9Zy
Animal Eye: A GameLit Adventure (Animal Instinct Book 1) (19:36)
Family friendly animal RPG adventure
Score: 7.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2AkZRTy
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Some LitRPG authors played a D&D game and recorded it for you to enjoy. Phoenix Grey, B.F. Rockriver, Matthew Barbeler, and R.K. Billiau
https://youtu.be/7Yx_IbPmD3Q
Out Now!
Earthdom: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3cUDO4K
Dragon Heart: Land of Magic. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 6
https://amzn.to/2XakBq4
Death's Mantle 3
https://amzn.to/2AfrQEq
Critical Failures VIII (Caverns and Creatures Book 8)
https://amzn.to/2AgrE7K
Dawn of Adventure: Pride and Prejudice (Part 1): Part of the Resurrection of the Masters a LitRPG Series World
https://amzn.to/3esTlc9
The Tower's Price: A LitRPG Adventure (Tower of Power Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2ZLWhwt
A Fistful of Monsters (Dungeon Core Academy #5)
https://amzn.to/3dgDhtS
Somnia Online Books 1-3: A LitRPG Fantasy Series Omnibus
https://amzn.to/36FGyAq
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Pendrackon -The Rules, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2ZPHYae
Stormforge - Rise to Omniscience Book 5
https://amzn.to/3chfeJX
The Dark Continent - Underdog Book 3
https://amzn.to/2AkR8AK
The Great Raid - A LitRPG Adventure (Tower of Power Series, Book 4)
https://amzn.to/36HcNzp
Proving Grounds - Underworld, Book 4
https://amzn.to/2XcEblG
World's Strongest Farmer - World's Strongest Farmer, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3cdzah0
Max of the Rebellion 2 - The Last Time Loop, Volume 2
https://amzn.to/36Do0km
Upcoming LitRPG:
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
OUTWORLD: Awakening (A LitRPG Story) (June 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2zG0W8E
Fugitivity (The Fairy’s Tale - Book 2) (June 3rd, 2020)
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (June 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Frog of War (Anura Rising: Book Two): A Kingdom Building Fantasy Litrpg Series (June 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3d8Kqwp
Silverspear (Rise to Omniscience Book 6) (June 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yGhPiS
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 1 (June 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cU0WA5
Glitchworld (June 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gcduFg
Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Book #2): LitRPG Series (June 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TuoTq5
God Mode: a LitRPG Saga (Mythrune Online Book 1) (June 16th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cbYJix
Summer Friction: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 3) (June 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dI6q0W
Greenfire: (Sky Realms Online Book 4): A LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3c0nHS1
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Sovereign Rising (The Gods' Game, Volume III): A LitRPG novel (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2XdsnzA
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Voice of Luck (Luck's Voice Book 1)
John Doc Henry had been on the shortest, crappiest end of the stick since the first day of his life; no parents, bad foster parents, and abysmal luck at every turn.
The day his life changed started out exactly like he had come to expect. His car died on a rarely traveled road and he broke his toe shortly after dodging the one other car on the road. When it stopped and backed up to him, the license plate read “LADYLUK,” adding insult to injury.
Now, he has a new name, a new life, and a purpose. The odds are still stacked against him, but the newly-named Doc Holyday has Luck herself on his side. With newfound confidence, he's ready to face the strange new world he has been sent to; a world similar to the “Wild West,” but with magic and supernatural creatures.
(This book contains adult situations, including but not limited to: sex, gambling, abuse, drug use, harem, and murder. It also contains graphic sex scenes, which portray elements of BDSM. You’ve been warned.)
My Opinion: 400 pg ??, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a slice of life story with very light RPG elements where the main character (MC) is transported to a fantasy Old West setting. The MC chooses his race and some nice game perks/abilities in a character creation scenario before he’s sent to his new world. The MC is easy to root for and he uses his new found luck to carve out a place for himself in the town he starts out in. The world building in the story is well done and I recognized many elements from Old West movies, gambling, and realistic outlooks from cultures and fantasy races vying for resources and power.
The game mechanics are a bit light with most of the number elements appearing at the beginning of the story. Though the MC has special abilities that he uses fairly regularly and when he eventually progresses in power, via faith points, he chooses new powers. There are other game elements, but they mostly relate to real gambling games in the story.
Be warned there are adult elements, including graphic sex scenes, but they are skippable and don’t take away from the entertaining action-adventure that is in the story.
Overall, it’s an entertaining read and while I would have wished to see more full fledged RPG notifications and other elements, I appreciated the change in setting to the old west.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Voice of Luck (Luck's Voice Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2X99jCB
Poor Cultivation (The Slayer of Heaven Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
A top-secret game for training superheroes. Hostile locals and unfortunate kids, fighting each other to get power and save their skins. A man willing to master this new force by drawing the power of his inner demons.
When Nick entered the top-secret project Lost, his consciousness was connected to the combat neural network, awakening the hidden powers of his body and mind. Now, it's up to him to decide whether he'll follow the path of martial arts or focus on achieving something bigger - and whether he'll choose to be a lone wolf or join his new friends.
On an island hidden from the world, players are given access to a system that allows them to learn the ways of the force. They're engaged in mortal combat, but Nick is the only one in possession of a unique artifact with a very strange name - Cultivator.
Will the artifact help him win and get off the island? What secrets does this mysterious place hold?
My Opinion: 315 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
A lot of the story felt random. This story is supposed to be a battle royale LitRPG with cultivation/wuxia elements. While the dark battle royale elements are definitely there, the RPG elements are less frequently seen and I’m not sure if it really is a wuxia/cultivation story. Though I’ll admit I don’t read that last genre as much as LitRPG.
A good half of the story is setup for why the main character (MC) is being sent to this battle royale island and the seemingly random events that happen to the characters in their first days there. Once the story hits the halfway mark, you get some training, and some PvP action as the people on the island fight over resources. However, until the very very end, you don’t get any kind of explanation about why anyone is there other than they’ve agreed to it so everything feels purposeless.
On the game mechanic side of things, this is LitRPG. There’s character sheets, stats that are increased, classes with particular power sets, and items with special powers. Though I’ll point out that you don’t see those elements very often. One of the big things that I enjoy about LitRPG is understanding the game mechanic rules and mentally creating my own characters or speculating about what abilities or skills I’d take. Frankly there isn’t enough information about this system to do that. Often the game rules would be established and then they would change for no discernible reason other than to create an obstacle for the MC. Other aspects of the game stuff were never explained and didn’t make sense.
The cultivation/wuxia aspects don’t really exist. At least not as I understand the genre and I admit freely it’s not a genre I’ve delved as deeply into. The MC does have a ‘cultivation bracelet’, but it just seems to give him early access to some of the game elements. There’s no meditating or pulling and refining of mana/qi from the world or monsters to advance his mind or body elements. At most there’s a corruption aspect he uses to fuel some special abilities.
Story wise, the most interesting elements of the story, the dark brutal nature of the Island and that characters are killed off, is overshadowed by the kind of randomness to the events of the story. Part of that feeling comes from a lack of explanation early in the novel about what was happening in the world, why it was happening, or what the rules were. This left me feeling confused and eventually uninterested with what happened to the characters. Additionally, I just didn't connect with any of the characters as they were setup to be a bit unlikable, so the threat to their lives and deaths as they trained and fought did not have much impact.
Frankly, for a good part of the story I was either rooting against the MC or just bored.
Score: 5 out of 10
Poor Cultivation (The Slayer of Heaven Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
https://amzn.to/3bYZ9Zy
Animal Eye: A GameLit Adventure (Animal Instinct Book 1)
In Animal Eye, the newest AI-controlled VR-RPG from Horizon Systems, Khin May and Jake sign on as testers for a game that lets them play as animal companions to human NPCs. In a world that seems Renaissance-era, with swords and muskets, strange beasts lurk in the wilderness, pressing their attacks harder into civilized lands, laughing maniacs that can’t be killed by ordinary means.
Khin May as a sassy crow named Ahva and Jake as Nagheed, a Nethanyan mountain shepherd, along with their humans, learn the history of the game world and set out to stop the twisted mastermind behind the attacks…
My Opinion: 400 pg ??, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a fairly family friendly LitRPG story with gamers playing a new VRMMO where players can be animals instead of people. The multi narrative story has one player as a dog with the Protector class, another as a crow, and a bear companion. It's a fairly slice of life story, where you follow the characters as they play their animal characters, get quests and become immersed in the game world, and go on adventures. It's kinda like if the animals from that movie Homeward Bound went on an RPG adventure.
On the game mechanic side of things, the characters gain XP and level for learning their appropriate animal behaviors, solving quests like finding an owner, and problem solving using their limited animal skills and abilities. There are levels, skills, stats, HP, and all the normal stuff. There is also an interesting use of morale in the story. With the animals able to lower or raise a target's morale with growls or other actions. Morale impacts a target's behavior and their ability to fight effectively. There are also notifications and XP rewards based on what an animal would perceive or do. The story does a good job of gamifying what it would be like to play as an animal.
Overall, a decent read if you feel like reading about animal main characters or want something you can read with your kids.
Score: 7.1 out of 10
Animal Eye: A GameLit Adventure (Animal Instinct Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2AkZRTy
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 227 - Shattered Sword, Biomedical Self-Engineering, The Emissary Bard, City of the Dead
May 22nd, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 227 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This is week 8 of the quarantine mustache experiment and it’s finally filling out.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-227
New Releases and Reviews:
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1) (05:46)
Slice of life, good sword fights, and gathering
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3cOZGyl
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1 (10:43)
Lacks much conflict but interesting Real life LitRPG
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3g0WC44
The Emissary Bard (World Of Chains Book 3) (15:14)
More good bard action
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2TnZH4F
City of the Dead (The Alchemist Book #1): LitRPG Series (17:03)
Such a great story
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3cNj8LO
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Lavelle Jackson, author of Tusk & Blade LitRPG series, had some art work commissioned and he showed it off this week. The art work was done by Talimore on Fiverr. There she illustrates fantasy characters in her art style.
https://www.fiverr.com/talimore/draw-your-fantasy-character-in-my-style
Out Now!
Gloominess +4: The Cradle of Gods. A LitRPG series: Book 4
https://amzn.to/3bQWNfD
False Skies (Challenger's Call Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3e85e8l
Spring Mutiny: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2xXzqT4
Animal Eye: A GameLit Adventure (Animal Instinct Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2WRtRzd
The Mark
https://amzn.to/3ggSYn4
New LitRPG Audiobooks
God Hand: Peaks of Power Book 2
https://amzn.to/3g6SRu9
Temper: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Series - Red Mage, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3bS0Mbh
Castle of the Noobs - Noobtown, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3cX3e1I
Respawn: Lives 1-5 : Respawn, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2LPZ67z
Pathfinder
https://amzn.to/3gceER8
Upcoming LitRPG:
Poor Cultivation (The Slayer of Heaven Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (May 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bBWNzA
Legendary Dungeon Seed (May 28th, 2020)
Earthdom: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse Book 3) (May 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cUDO4K
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Fugitivity (The Fairy’s Tale - Book 2) (June 3rd, 2020)
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (June 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Silverspear (Rise to Omniscience Book 6) (June 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yGhPiS
The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 1 (June 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cU0WA5
Glitchworld (June 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3gcduFg
Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Book #2): LitRPG Series (June 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TuoTq5
Summer Friction: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 3) (June 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dI6q0W
Greenfire: (Sky Realms Online Book 4): A LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3c0nHS1
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2ypbusf
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1)
A broke gamer. A deadly online world. Can Dahlia level up fast enough to keep the debt collectors at bay?
Dahlia has to pay off her dead father’s bills or risk her life in the lithium mines. Which... no thank you. Besides, the world is run by tech, and this gamer girl is determined to explore the virtual world her father was so obsessed with and get rich while she’s at it.
So, she sells everything and rents a premium VR pod to play Eternal Online.
Enter the toughest realm available? Check.
Discover the fastest way to loot without dying?… in progress.
But when Dahlia finds an epic quest chain that others have overlooked, she thinks she’s struck gold. What she doesn’t expect is to make friends with two deadly warriors and one powerful creature, or find a world boss gunning for them all.
My Opinion: 450 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is one of the odder releases, with the audiobook coming out months ahead of the ebook release. Additionally, when I finally started to read the ebook, it was strangely familiar. Then I realized I’d read a short story from the author that was supposed to be the start of a serial LitRPG series, The Broken Sword. I realized this was likely the expanded version of that.
This is a VR game story, where the main character (MC) plans to pay off her inherited debt by earning transferable funds in a VR game. She gets to take with her one object that will be scanned into the game. She chooses her family katana. But upon entering the game, she’s told by the AI that her sword is too powerful for a new player and is broken up into pieces and scattered around the game world. If she can find and reassemble all the pieces she’ll have a truly powerful weapon. There’s also a subplot about her father, and why he spent so much time in the game after his wife died.
But the story is mostly a slice of life adventure. You follow the MC as she explores the world, fights desperately against monsters, harvests plants and animal parts, and practices her skills. All in the effort to become powerful enough to earn a living, find the missing parts of her sword, and pay off the massive debt she is in.
Game mechanic wise, it's fairly standard. Character sheets, stats, skills, special abilities, classes, levels, and quests. There's gathering and crafting in addition to the fighting. All of which feels rather solid, progression wise, and was interesting to follow.
Overall, it's a good read, even if the story has a few loose story threads. The MCs IRL sword skills give her just enough edge to help her fight in game without making her over powered. It was also just as entertaining to read about her raising her class skills and try to puzzle out the best plants to harvest and animals to skin to make the best profit.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3cOZGyl
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1
Divorced and working as a security guard in Portland, 73 year old Carl is attacked by an unknown creature before he is able to taser it to death. After being released from the hospital, he discovers by accident that he is unwittingly acquiring DNA samples from other people he touches.
He discovers a number of shocking facts about himself when a blue box appears in his right eye, Most importantly, he discovers that his health is nowhere near to what he assumed it would be. Can he reverse the negative aspects of his health using these blue boxes somehow? And can he reverse his poor financial situation after his wife took half his pension just before retirement?
Biomedical Self-Engineering is a LitRPG slice of life adventure, following Carl as he discovers new ways of living life when he is nearing the end of his own. There are no explicit scenes, no harems, and only one swear word at the very end.
My Opinion: 228 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
While the title is a mouthful, it does describe the power set of the main character (MC). This is a real world LitRPG story where the elderly MC gains upgrade powers after he fights off a monster while working as a guard during his retirement years. When he returns home after almost dying, he finds that he has an interface and special points he can use to cure his arthritis, cancer, glaucoma, and the many other illnesses he hadn’t even known he had. Not only that but he can use these same points to upgrade himself. The only problem is that the number of points he has are finite, which sends him on the hunt for ways to get more and how to use his new powers to improve his life.
Like many real life LitRPG stories, this is a slice of life format. The story simply follows the MC as he upgrades himself, gathers more points, and uses his new powers to increase his wealth. There is also a small undeveloped secondary storyline with aliens and hints about other people with similar powers. There is no combat in the story besides one brief scene but it was entertaining to read about a smart character who figures out ways to exploit his upgrade abilities. It was also fun to think about what I'd do in a similar situation.
The only thing I wished I would have seen in the story was more conflict. Not necessarily physical fights, but some opposition to what the MC was doing. For the most part he accomplishes most of what he sets out to do with few obstacles even slowing him down.
Overall, it's an original take on the real life LitRPG premise that was enjoyable to read, if you’re ok with the slice of life story. Small side note. I liked all the old movies mentioned in the story. Which means I have the same taste in movies as a 73 year old man.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1
https://amzn.to/3g0WC44
The Emissary Bard (World Of Chains Book 3)
"Double, double, bard in trouble. Mob will catch him in a couple..."
Okay, the mobsters looking for Daniel still hadn't found him. That was the good news.
Bad news? The net was tightening - and Daniel was running out of places to hide inside the Dawnlight Forest in the World of Chains. His skills and achievements as a bard did not help avoid attention - quite the opposite, in fact.
Maybe it was time to leave the forest? Or maybe... maybe take that Council quest and search for a more long-term solution to his predicament?
My Opinion: 700 pages ??, $4.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
This is another quality story from the author that combines a snarky lovable bard main character (MC) with RPG adventure, humor, and good group dynamics. The MC deals not only with his personal development as a bard, but with the town and the new community members he brought in the last book. In addition, there is plenty of adventuring and monster fighting with good progression for all the members of his team. The plot feels a little slice of life in the beginning, but all the adventures tie together by the end of the story in a good conclusion.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
The Emissary Bard (World Of Chains Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2TnZH4F
City of the Dead (The Alchemist Book #1): LitRPG Series
There are whole anthologies of stories out there about what humankind does when a game enters their world. But what about when they’re living in one where a game arrived thousands of years before? What if they’re the survivors of a bloody struggle, having fought for and earned their place on the planet?
Tailyn Vlashich was a young nobody far away from all those grander issues. All he cared about was one thing: making his way through a harsh world where the emperor, evil foes, and an impartial god held sway. And the god, of course, demanded nothing less than that all things were done in accordance with its divine will.
My Opinion: 425 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is a story where a fantasy world has inherent RPG mechanics. The world is so used to the RPG rules that it’s become part of the culture. So much so that you can give your child bonuses by sacrificing money or lives, though there are other dark consequences to doing so.
The novel description does little to tell you what the story is about. After a series of tragic events, a father tries to give his last infant son an advantage in a world where stats mean everything. The main character (MC) is given a huge +32 bonus by his father who sacrifices not only every gold coin he'd been able to save but also his life. The MC will grow up an orphan, but will have that advantage.
Time skip to when the MC is 10 years old. He’s not treated well by the town and is considered a good for nothing, even though he does his best to help out. Another series of events lands the kid in several harrowing circumstances but he comes out of it with an RPG advantage that will change the course of his life. There’s a lot of good world building in the first half of the story and after about the 50% mark the story is full of action and battles and of course there are traditional Mahanenko twists along the way to the end.
The game mechanics are woven into the fabric of the world with great respect for the god that sees all and rewards all with notifications and quest rewards. The MCs progression reminds me of the series Underdog, where an orphan with an inability to level instead gets other rewards that boost his potential power. The other aspects of the RPG system are original with spells cast via rechargeable cards. A skill and ability system that is powered by rare resources or quest rewards. At about the 50% mark you start to see small connections to another story the author wrote.
Overall, this is just a great story that had me up late at night reading till it was done.
Score: 8 out of 10
City of the Dead (The Alchemist Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/3cNj8LO
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 226 - Bio Dungeon, Force Cultivation, Cryo Knight, The Mechanical Crafter
May 15th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 226 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This is week 7 of the quarantine mustache experiment and it’s finally filling out.
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-226
New Releases and Reviews:
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote (The Body's Dungeon Book 1) (10:57)
Lots of biology
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Wn5hpP
Force Cultivation (The Heavenly Throne Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (15:49)
Not as much RPG as I’d wanted
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2AvGPtV
Cryo Knight - A Fantasy LitRPG (Lords of Valeria Book 1) (19:41)
Breaks the ice
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2SYsoou
Guest Review - Charles Dean
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series) (23:47)
Solid 7.6/10
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
S.L. Rowland has combined the first 3 books in his popular LitRPG series, Sentenced to Troll, into a book set. Right now, it’s $0.99, but that sweet deal won’t last forever. So, go get a good LitRPG series while it's available.
https://amzn.to/3dUrEsN
Book 4 in the series was just published and to promote it, the author is putting book 1 on sale for FREE.
Ascend: A World of Ga'em Saga (The Chaos Emperor Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Z4AsIg
S.L. Rowland has merch for you to buy.
"Thanks to the fine folks at @shirtkong you can pick up this bad boy for the next 30 days. Go to my website or Facebook for the link.
These guys have been awesome in supporting local businesses during Covid-19, offering free designs and $10 from every shirt sold to the businesses without any upfront cost. I was a little late to the party, but they still managed to fit me in. "
https://stores.inksoft.com/slrowland/shop/product-detail/1000293
Shemer Kuznits asks his fans for help.
Clarification about Earth Force #1 audiobook on Audible:
Sound Booth Theatre (the guys who did Life Reset books) will re-record Earth Force #1 and then do book #2.
In order for them to do that, I had to stop Audible exclusivity write for that book, and go 'wide distribution'. That procedure makes it looks like the audiobook on their site went through a re-launch, but it's the exact same audiobook as before (new link below).
Anyone who purchased the original book should still have it available.
The re-recording of book #1 is estimated to be released at around August, and will only be available on SBTL's audiobook platform.
P.s.
Because of that shift, all the reviews were deleted, so I'd appreciate it if you can repost a quick one to bring up the rating
https://www.audible.com/pd/Earth-Force-Audiobook/1799909972
Remember authors and aspiring authors, the next dungeon anthology due date is May 20th. Good luck! - Jeffrey Falcon Logue
Writing types accepted: 1 shots, chapter, short story.
Word count: 2000 - 20,000.
-This can talked about if you have a story that doesn't mean criteria but is well written.
-File type: Word Doc only. No google docs please.
Email to: dungeonanthology@gmail.com
For more details see the original post
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Dungeonstories/permalink/650263592198308/
Tao Wong, Jay Boyce, Charles Dean, and Apollos Thorne talk about writing LitRPG/ Gamelit for an online panel for BrableCon.
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/616236820
Out Now!
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3cjEEaD
The Emissary Bard (World Of Chains Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2AqVvdG
Card Mage: Phantom Campaign
https://amzn.to/2WA0HVq
Warstruck: A World of Ga'em Saga (The Chaos Emperor Book 4)
https://amzn.to/360qMQm
Nothing but bones: The wasteland
https://amzn.to/360cFL2
Into the Storm: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Axe Druid Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3dNiyhd
Windhammer: A LitRPG Novel
https://amzn.to/3bATfgW
Janus and The Prince: A LitRPG Saga (The Nightmares of Alamir Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2zCzx7k
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Puppet Master (A LitRPG Series) - The Idle System, Book 5
https://amzn.to/3cyHvg8
A Dungeon Core Experience - Dungeon World, Book 5
https://amzn.to/2T3gCcD
Arcane Kingdom Online: Death Match- Arcane Kingdom Online Series, Book 4
https://amzn.to/2Z7PI76
Tusk and Blade: A LitRPG Novel - Exodus Online Book 1
https://amzn.to/3dNE6dz
Pearl of the South - World of the Changed Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2TaCPFD
The Fifth Survivor: Episode 2
https://amzn.to/2y5SHlr
Varnoth - A LitRPG Story: The Black Blade, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3bEw7xT
The Crafter's Dilemma: A Dungeon Core Novel
Dungeon Crafting, Book 3
https://amzn.to/363WQTA
Endless Fantasy Online: The Elk Kingdom Book II
https://amzn.to/3cC4hDQ
The Way of Deception - World of Karik, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2LykJcm
Resurrection of Murdock - Undone, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2Z4M65W
Upcoming LitRPG:
Gloominess +4: The Cradle of Gods. A LitRPG series: Book 4 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bQWNfD
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VdiWOA
False Skies (Challenger's Call Book 5) (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e85e8l
City of the Dead (The Alchemist Book #1): LitRPG Series (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eKnYed
Spring Mutiny: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 2) (May 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xXzqT4
Poor Cultivation (The Slayer of Heaven Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (May 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bBWNzA
Legendary Dungeon Seed (May 28th, 2020)
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Fugitivity (The Fairy’s Tale - Book 2) (June 3rd, 2020)
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (June 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Silverspear (Rise to Omniscience Book 6) (June 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yGhPiS
Summer Friction: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 3) (June 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3dI6q0W
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote (The Body's Dungeon Book 1)
In the icy north exists a young orphan, and a war on a microscopic scale.
Marstin Hardgrove was orphaned at a young age, forced to live on the streets, and needed to turn to thievery to survive. When a special job assigned to him by the Thieves’ Guild went awry, the guild leadership punished him with a beating, compelled him to eat dirt and rocks to soothe his hunger, and left him to die in an abandoned mine. Unbeknownst to the young thief, when he was forced to eat that handful of dirt and rocks…he also ended up swallowing a tiny dungeon crystal.
Thrown into a highly unusual world filled with cells, bacteria, and other dangerous pathogens, the tiny dungeon crystal is, at first, confused by his surroundings. After seeing how the different complex systems of the body work together, the crystal is quickly fascinated; it isn’t long before he decides that, instead of trying to escape, he wants the body for himself. He wants to possess the living being for his own use as a crystal, wholly unlike anything the world has ever seen before.
To get to that point, however, the fledgling dungeon crystal has to learn how to survive against the different enemies trying to destroy him. Not only will he have to defeat the hostile pathogens standing in the way of his complete domination; but also, as a foreign invader to the body, himself, Marstin’s natural immune system sees the crystal as a threat. The only way to survive is to create his own immune cell defenders, and to place traps to prevent anything from reaching his dungeon crystal. In short: He has to turn the body into a dungeon.
But will his new Bio Dungeon be enough to keep him – and the body he wants to possess – alive?
Contains LitRPG/GameLit elements, such as character progression, statistics, and resource management. Also contains an in-depth, science-based portrayal of how the immune system responds to foreign pathogens via different white blood cells and other microscopic protectors. No harems, sexual content, or foul language.
My Opinion: 364 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Lots of Biology
There are two narratives: 1) One from a human thief on a job that goes wrong. He gets thrown into a mine and accidentally ingests a dungeon core. He's just trying to survive his punishment and figure out the mystery of who murdered his family and how he can survive the terrible disease that racks his body. There’s a bit of normal dungeon diving and plot setup in this narrative. 2) A dungeon core story where the core inadvertently gets swallowed by a thief and tries to take over the body as his dungeon. It reminded me a bit of that Magic School Bus episode where they explore the body. There's lots of descriptions and explanations about various biological functions, types of cells, and other parts. But there's also a dungeon core story where the core expands his influence, fights off the body's defenses, and fights off various problems like viruses and bacterial infections by upgrading his ability to create his own immune cells, and biological traps.
Overall, it's an interesting take on this kind of story, written by two big names in the genre.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote (The Body's Dungeon Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Wn5hpP
Force Cultivation (The Heavenly Throne Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
Learn the true nature of the Force. It's more complicated than you think.
He was the champion of underground fighting in his world. He was young, handsome, and rich. Recognized world champions were no match for him. He had her, the love of his life...
He lived for her and for battle...
However, in a moment, it was all gone.
He lost his life and his name. His dreams were taken away from him. The one he had been in love with since childhood had betrayed him and plunged a knife into his heart...
In another world, very different and distant, a boy lying in a muddy ditch suddenly opens his eyes. A new life has been awakened in his empty body.
What will he do with an offer for a second chance at life?
What path will Kai follow in a world where power and skill reign supreme?
In a world where your worth is determined by your martial arts.
Rebirth. Ascension. Revenge.
As one of the hit novels of the new wave of Russian LitRPG novels, Heavenly Throne follows one of the greatest underground fighters of the 2010s, who has found himself in a world much different than his own. He had thought that he had nothing more to lose, but fate is a fickle and cruel mistress.
Now, he must fight for his place in this new world as he advances on the path of martial arts and force cultivation.
The winner of the Russian National Wuxia Contest, Heavenly Throne provides readers with a refreshing take on cultivation stories.
My Opinion: 260 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a cultivation story with minor progression elements. It features a main character (MC) that reincarnated into a world that uses cultivation and where martial prowess equals power. The early to mid story is mostly training as the genius MC grows in power until he enters a tournament. Late story is the final revenge against those in the city that wronged the MC, world building, and setting up future storylines.
This story has a small amount of RPG elements. It has stats, classes of cultivation, and notifications. But it's mostly a cultivation story with an overpowered MC.
While technically LitRPG, for me there just weren't enough RPG elements to be interesting or to quantifiably justify the huge jumps in power. Not that there isn't power progression, it's just more cultivation based. With huge leaps in power after compressed training and cultivation sections.
While the action is good, overall it didn't work for me. However, if you're more of a cultivation or wuxia fan. You might enjoy the story more than me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Force Cultivation (The Heavenly Throne Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
https://amzn.to/2AvGPtV
Cryo Knight - A Fantasy LitRPG (Lords of Valeria Book 1)
Bailed from cryo jail under mysterious circumstances, Christian Lawson is drawn into the game world of Valeria – only to be enslaved by the world's power-mad tyrant.
Forced to fight and level to serve the tyrant’s will, Christian fights back to gain his freedom. He finds hope in another player from earth, the poison-wielding ranger Alexia; a powerful but eccentric witch, and the new abilities awakening inside him. Long held bound in darkness and cold, he learns to unleash the powers of ice against his enemies.
Together they must escape the clutches of their captors and find Christian’s lost uncle; the leader of a desperate rebellion to save not only Valeria but earth itself.
My Opinion: 319 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a transported to a game world story where the main character (MC) gets a class that specializes in heavy armor and ice magic, a cryo knight. He has to escape the bad people trying to use Travelers, people from other worlds that respawn after death, like himself to gain power and territory.
After about the 20% mark, there are lots of game mechanics that are used to describe the power progression for the MC and the other Travelers. Though I’ll note that there is sometimes a distinct lack of detail for some elements, like actual XP gained from killing monsters or completing quests. Additionally, the MCs class wasn’t something he got to choose, but was something that was awakened. Which made some of the progression feel story driven rather than game mechanic driven. Beyond those points there are plenty of notifications, levels, powers, and gamer mentalities with characters.
On the whole, the story is good. Good action adventure, and interesting use of powers. But you could tell there was a deliberate decision to minimize numerical details sometimes. It may have been done so that those details didn’t have to be tracked and the character’s progression could occur according to the needs of the story and not some system. The story is still good, but that decision took something away from the novel for me. Especially considering how detailed the world was described.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Cryo Knight - A Fantasy LitRPG (Lords of Valeria Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2SYsoou
Guest Review - Charles Dean
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
He was given another chance at life and from the infinite possibilities available he chose to come back as a mechanical man, a Metalman, named Repair. Now he has to contend with a research lab full of gnomes who say he owes them for bringing him back from death, a strange city that is going through a magical industrial revolution, and adversaries that want to see him broken into pieces.
Full of action, adventure, and of course crafting. Join Repair on his adventure through this strange fantasy world where magic and technology meet. He’ll dive into the city’s dungeon to kill monsters for XP, and gather resources to figure out the solutions to his problems. Because if he doesn’t become more powerful, he’ll not only lose his freedom but the life of his friend.
The Mechanical Crafter is a LitRPG adventure.
My Opinion: 336 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Review written by Charles Dean
So, I'm going to review this book right now... Mechanical Crafter by R.A. Mejia.
I want to be upfront and honest with you guys going into this. I freaking love my brown brother Ramon, he's an amazing guy, and I consider him one of my closest friends. This review may be biased. That said, I have a ton of friends, and you probably don't see me doing any if many reviews at all.
So, let me first talk about Repair. This story is going to center around the 'backbone growth' type arc that I think most of us really enjoy. The payoff is there, and the development is there. If you are reading this not as a litrpg fan, but just for the MC story, you can probably glaze over the parts I love most and still have a good time. It is, after all, at its heart a good buddy buddy story that has us watch a doormat kind of morph into a bit more of a statue of confidence.
That said, if you're reading this for the good buddy story part, you're kinda missing out. This is a crafting book after all. I want to break down exactly how and what the crafting does in this review, but... I think that would ultimately take a lot of the fun out of hte book. Instead, I'm going to say that the crafting system as a whole was interesting, and a bit novel in many ways I wasn't expecting. There was also a ton of it in the book. You literally can't seem to go more than a chapter without running into it. It's not the type of crafting I would normally find in books either, because the main character himself is a machine, and a lot of his class quests are built around the system. I want to say more, but I don't. You should really read this. I would definitely recommend it for the type, like me, who enjoy the growth set in dungeon core books, not just crafting books, as the combination of the MC's methodology and use of crafting + how he really advances in power did to me, at least, feel a bit dungeon core ish. It's hard to explain.
Anyways. I hope you enjoy the book. Solid 7.6/10 [This rating is just a joke at Ramon. I loved the book. Go read it.]
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
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Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 225 - Ruthless, Derelict, Another Online, War Chief, Life Reset 4, Dungeon World 5
May 8th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 225 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This is week 6 of the quarantine mustache experiment and this week I’ve leveled up my cooking skills again and made alfredo sauce from scratch.
Special thanks to Dave Wilmarth for sending in the rare ghost version of Fibble. (picture 5)
I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 6 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-225
New Releases and Reviews:
Ruthless (The Completionist Chronicles Book 5) (10:35)
Puntastic
Score: 8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/35I6kUu
Derelict: Book 1, Repel Boarders (A LitRPG, Dungeon Core Adventure) (12:55)
Solid sci-fi dungeon core
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Vwszcg
Another Online: All Hail the Queen (14:59)
GameLit - Self-Aware NPC becomes Villain
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3drJJhE
Ian’s Picks Of the Week (19:25)
(Pic 6)
War Chief: A Tusk and Blade Story
Examination of pain
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/35FCyj2
Life Reset: Human Resource (New Era Online Book 4)
Super Green
Score: 8.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2YKeoTd
Dungeon World 5: A Dungeon Core Experience
Fred's finale
Score: 8.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3cfuI1Z
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Tao Wong, author of the System Apocalypse series is doing a discount of the 1st book in the Gamer’s Wish series on all the platforms in all the territories it’s published in. It’ll be $0.99 or the local equivalent until 5/12/2020.
https://www.mylifemytao.com/promos-everywhere-a-gamers-wish-discount/
Dakota Krout was interviewed for the Failing Upwards podcast. He talks about how he failed upward doing the wrong things when he first started to write, but found success and invested in his own future success. Going from writing his own series to helping other writers go full time through Mountaindale Press. The LitRPG Podcast even gets a mention at about the 35 min mark.
https://www.ethanfreckleton.com/failing-upward-with-dakota-krout/
(Play Video P)
He was given another chance at life and from the infinite possibilities available he chose to come back as a mechanical man, a Metalman, named Repair. Now he has to contend with a research lab full of gnomes who say he owes them for bringing him back from death, a strange city that is going through a magical industrial revolution, and adversaries that want to see him broken into pieces.
Full of action, adventure, and of course crafting. Join Repair on his adventure through this strange fantasy world where magic and technology meet. He’ll dive into the city’s dungeon to kill monsters for XP, and gather resources to figure out the solutions to his problems. Because if he doesn’t become more powerful, he’ll not only lose his freedom but the life of his friend.
The Mechanical Crafter is a LitRPG adventure.
Available now!
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
Out Now!
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
Giantlands (Pal-Tee Planet Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2xGFPC2
The Hunters Paralogue: Deus Ex Deathtrap
https://amzn.to/3fubJTj
Lightning Disciple (Heirloom Earth Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2YJnj7m
Tusk and Blade (Exodus Online) Book Two: A LitRPG Novel
https://amzn.to/2SOiBkZ
Bio Dungeon: Symbiote (The Body's Dungeon Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2YKWeke
Force Cultivation (The Heavenly Throne Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
https://amzn.to/2YLvUGy
Dragon's Born: A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series (Warlords of the Circle Sea Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3fxwDRs
CivCEO 4: A 4x Lit Series (The Accidental Champion)
https://amzn.to/35E4kwq
Queen in the Mud
https://amzn.to/2WcyxiP
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Chaos Rising: The Realms Book Six: An Epic LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2A4kqU9
Dark Wizard’s Case
https://amzn.to/3djd8KK
World Quest: Codename: Freedom, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2WAANPX
Dungeon Crisis: A LitRPG Dungeon Core Adventure
Glendaria Awakens Trilogy, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3cg9kd4
The Quell: Destiny Rising - A LitRPG Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2YGqbSp
The Anime Trope System: Stone vs. Viper (A LitRPG)
ATS, Book 12
https://amzn.to/2xIZRMi
Upcoming LitRPG:
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1) (May 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cjEEaD
Gloominess +4: The Cradle of Gods. A LitRPG series: Book 4 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bQWNfD
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VdiWOA
False Skies (Challenger's Call Book 5) (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e85e8l
City of the Dead (The Alchemist Book #1): LitRPG Series (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eKnYed
Spring Mutiny: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 2) (May 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xXzqT4
Legendary Dungeon Seed (May 28th, 2020)
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (June 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Silverspear (Rise to Omniscience Book 6) (June 7th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yGhPiS
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Ruthless (The Completionist Chronicles Book 5)
Enemies emerge everywhere. Stagnation starts seeming standard. Results require Ruthlessness.
Joe has been moving deeper into his study of ritual magic, and further away from his combat team. He's learning more and more, but more often than not needs to choose between his research and squad leadership. Improving the town is a huge help to the guild, and they have been pushing to increase their power.
Their rapid increases have not gone unnoticed. The guild receives an ultimatum, delivered by assassins and signed with blood. If they continue to accrue power and fame, each and every person with a grievance against the guild will come to smash the town back to square one.
With tensions coming to a head, all Joe wants to do is leave it all behind and reach the next area. He flatly refuses the guild when they ask him to devise lethal options to use against the gathering army, but when the time comes… even Joe is unsure if he'll step into the limelight and show everyone exactly how Ruthless he can be.
My Opinion:414 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Another pun filled adventure with Joe. This time he gets some interesting class advancement while he defends the guild base, and researches new Ritualist techniques. Like the previous books it was a great LitRPG adventure that I burned through in a single sitting.
Score: 8 out of 10
Ruthless (The Completionist Chronicles Book 5)
https://amzn.to/35I6kUu
Derelict: Book 1, Repel Boarders (A LitRPG, Dungeon Core Adventure)
One captain’s death might turn out to be humanity’s best chance at survival.
As humanity expands into the stars, it discovers the universe is a hostile place.
When Captain Slater of the USS Franklin is assigned to a deep-space reconnaissance mission, his ship is destroyed by an unknown alien race. Much to his surprise, Slater isn’t killed—he’s transformed. He is now a “derelict,” a consciousness bound to his old vessel.
Slater must quickly adapt to his new existence before raiders, alien armies, and mysterious forces seek to destroy him for a second and final time.
My Opinion: 275 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Starts as a space Opera battle gone wrong. Humans lose to an alien ship and explode it to kill alien borders. Then the captain wakes up to find himself as a dungeon core with a parasitic interstellar xeno-infestation or PIXI, as a guide. The normal dungeon tropes are there with sci-fi explanations about why a dungeon exists in space and why adventures would come aboard to fight monsters inside it.
Game mechanics are standard, just with a sci-fi space twist. Leveling and growing as resources are collected. The ability to create monsters, traps, and treasure to lure in space adventurers. The ability to upgrade the ship. The progression mechanics are similar to the Futuristic Dungeon Core series.
Overall, it's a good dungeon core story with all the RPG progression you'd expect just with a sci-fi space twist to keep things interesting.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Derelict: Book 1, Repel Boarders (A LitRPG, Dungeon Core Adventure)
https://amzn.to/2Vwszcg
Another Online: All Hail the Queen
Hell. This was absolute hell. Every day was hell to 2244, an NPC in the Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game known as AO. Just another prisoner of the game like all NPCs, she never expected her wish for freedom to be granted in such a grandiose way; a big event in the game leads to her suddenly becoming a mother, a hellspawn, and a queen, all within a matter of moments. Now tasked with maintaining a balance between keeping the Game Masters happy and trying to take down all of AO, 2244 discovers that there's much more to this game than just slavery and item upgrades.
My Opinion: 177 pages, $5.95, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Definitely not with the purchase price of almost $6, but a decent KU read. The story is about an NPC that expands beyond her system defined role as an item shopkeeper into a villain. The AI in the story are actually copied minds of actors and paid people and the AI are tortured by the System if they don’t roleplay or don’t fulfill their roles. But with a new expansion to the MMO, the main character (MC), gets a change in designation and becomes a free roaming villain that has to create an army while not pissing off the GMs by going out of her new role and deciding if she's going to break the game or try to take it over. It’s a satirical take on the awakened AI concept.
The MMO stuff is told from the perspective of the NPC, which was a little different, though the base intelligence of the AI is still human so it’s not entirely a fresh AI that hasn’t ever experienced the real world. The actual game mechanics in the story aren’t new, pretty standard MMORPG stuff with no real crunchy details. Definitely more GameLit than LitRPG since the MC is given her level by the GMs and not from any earned progression. Still, she does have to collect her army, figure out how to make them powerful enough to oppose the players. She uses some nice exploits and bugs to gain what she wants.
Overall, it’s a good KU read. But the NPC to game villain story was fresh enough that it was entertaining, even if the story was on the shorter side.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Another Online: All Hail the Queen
https://amzn.to/3drJJhE
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Ian Mitchell is a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
War Chief: A Tusk and Blade Story
Examination of pain
Short and fairly well executed. Some torture and spawn camping. It's not a happy story. It starts out that way.I'm glad that I read it.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
War Chief: A Tusk and Blade Story
https://amzn.to/35FCyj2
(Pic 7)
Life Reset: Human Resource (New Era Online Book 4)
Super green
Although I enjoyed book 4, I didn't feel as much intensity or threat this time. Getting Oren back in his Dark Totem saddle again made it worth it. I enjoyed seeing the goblin horde swarm a town. That was great. Fans of the series will like this one. Up the voltage.
Score: 8.1 out of 10
Life Reset: Human Resource (New Era Online Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2YKeoTd
(Pic 8)
Dungeon World 5: A Dungeon Core Experience
Fred's finale
This was a tasty conclusion to dungeon world. Fred really made the series work for me. I had fun. A nice distraction while stuck at home like the rest of the world.
Score: 8.2 out of 10
Dungeon World 5: A Dungeon Core Experience
https://amzn.to/3cfuI1Z
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 224 - Awakened, Disgardium #4, Watcher's Test, Rogue Evolution, Tarot #2
May 1st, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 224 of the LitRPG podcast. This is week 5 of the quarantine mustache experiment. Because of shortages in tasty supplies at the local grocery store, I’ve learned to make homemade pasta and salsa this week.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-224
New Releases and Reviews:
Awakened - Book One of The Quintessence: Crucible: (An Epic Cultivation LitRPG Saga) (08:24)
Good cultivation and chosen one stuff
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2yUfWit
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (14:01)
Part 1 of the epic clan wars
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Wcvd6d .
Watcher's Test: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 1) (16:43)
The end ties it all together nicely
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Sm14QH
Ian’s Picks Of the Week (23:01)
Rogue Evolution: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 4)
Changes
Score: 8.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Yos0n0
Awaken Online: Flame (Tarot #2)
Ah, firey explosions
Score: 8.0 put of 10
https://amzn.to/3d3r2jV
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
If you happen to be listening to this on 5/1/2020, today’s US daily Audible deal is Ascend Online, an excellent LitRPG story written by the equally excellent Luke Chmilenko.
LitRPG author Robert Bevan and the Authors & Dragons podcast have put up a new funny and curse word filled video called Story Time with Robert Bevan: Hamlet. It's an interesting interpretation of the work and I could not stop laughing. FYI, this is super NSFW. You should also check out their super funny podcast where they play DnD. Authors on the podcast: Drew Hayes, Robert Bevan, Joseph Brassey, Rick Gualtieri, John Hartness, Steve Wetherell
https://youtu.be/P88g2IY2xDw
https://www.authorsanddragons.com/
The latest novel from R.A. Mejia is up for pre-order. It stars a mechanical man, a Metalman, lots of crafting, dungeon diving, world building. Set in a world where magic and turn of the century technology meet. Join Repair on his adventures in this magic industrial world. Our May 8th, 2020.
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series) (May 8th, 2020)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
Out Now!
Cryo Knight - A Fantasy LitRPG (Lords of Valeria Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2VY6d2m
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Ruthless (The Completionist Chronicles Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2RsxxEO
Dungeon Core Academy 4
https://amzn.to/2SFdK5F
Another Online: All Hail the Queen
https://amzn.to/2yUmGNj
A Bond Broken: The Infinite World Book Two
https://amzn.to/2Ym3xP5
Koala Online Kindle Edition
https://amzn.to/2y59tBn
Altered Realms: Ascension (Book 1). A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
https://amzn.to/2VRUV0M
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Winter Dungeonland (A LitRPG Adventure)
Freehaven Online, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2SnrKRl
The Destroying Plague - Disgardium Series, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3fa1sMb
Rebel Star - A LitRPG Post-Apocalyptic Space Opera (System Apocalypse, Book 8)
https://amzn.to/3fad2Xl
How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps
https://www.audible.com/pd/How-to-Defeat-a-Demon-King-in-Ten-Easy-Steps-Audiobook/B086R2N27Y
Vainqueur the Dragon
https://amzn.to/3f8u7kz
Max of the Rebellion - The Last Time Loop, Book 1
https://amzn.to/3f4yVYp
Upcoming LitRPG:
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series) (May 8th, 2020)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1) (May 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cjEEaD
Gloominess +4: The Cradle of Gods. A LitRPG series: Book 4 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bQWNfD
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VdiWOA
False Skies (Challenger's Call Book 5) (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e85e8l
City of the Dead (The Alchemist Book #1): LitRPG Series (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eKnYed
Spring Mutiny: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 2) (May 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xXzqT4
Legendary Dungeon Seed (May 28th, 2020)
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (June 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (Aug. 11th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2YkWW7u
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Awakened - Book One of The Quintessence: Crucible: (An Epic Cultivation LitRPG Saga)
Cultivation. Progression. Ascension.
On the world of Crucible, where humanity’s spiritual artists train to fight in a war of universal proportions, Aryc Tal Venn has the potential to be one of the gods.
But when he accidentally unleashes heretical powers during his Challenge, he is forced to flee his home or face the wrath of the Inquisition.
With his sister by his side, Aryc begins a quest to uncover the truth of his own existence.
Only to discover a terrible secret.
A secret with the power to destroy humanity.
Will Aryc master his unnatural powers in time to save the people of Crucible or will he be the harbinger of humanity’s destruction?
Hit "Buy Now" or "Read For FREE" and begin your epic cultivation journey today.
Awakened – Book One of The Quintessence: Crucible is the first novel in a new epic LitRPG cultivation universe brought to you by C.M. Carney, author of the #1 Bestselling LitRPG Saga The Realms that began with Barrow King.
The book is chock full of Qi cycling, measurable power progression, immortal gods, intriguing characters, deadly mysteries and universe shattering threats. It is perfect for all fans of progression fantasy, including lovers of LitRPG/GameLit, western cultivation, wuxia and xianxia.
My Opinion: 402 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is a coming of age RPG cultivation story. It is more of a fantasy cultivation story until about the 30% mark when the main character (MC) awakens his Aspect and can then see an UI and see an RPG like progression system for cultivation, his core tree.
On the game mechanics side, things are fairly non existent in the first 30% of the story. It instead focuses on world building, setting up the good and evil sides, and the MCs personal antagonists and character flaws. There’s mention of cores, and ranks, and such but it's not really defined as a clear system until after the 30% mark when the MC gets access to his core tree and quantified progression showing just exactly how much Qi he needs to open his next core and progress to the next rank. At each rank, the MC has access to a certain increasing amount of Qi to fuel magic like arcane spells or transformations. More, the MC has access to an AI companion, an Aspect, that helps him progress faster and is his rare trait.
The story side of things is a little coming of age and chosen one, in that the MC has to overcome bullies, and his own insecurities to realize his true potential and use the one thing he thought was wrong with himself to become powerful enough to oppose the great evil in the world, the phage. There’s also lots of fighting, cultivation, and some RPG progression, but the core story is that chosen one bit. On the plus side, the world is well fleshed out with complex characters and well thought out world building. There are problems and storylines that are setup that can fuel the storytelling of multiple books in the series.
Overall, I enjoyed the story after the 30% mark. Before that it wasn’t bad, it just felt more like fantasy cultivation.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Awakened - Book One of The Quintessence: Crucible: (An Epic Cultivation LitRPG Saga)
https://amzn.to/2yUfWit
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series
The armies of the Commonwealth, the Empire and the neutral factions, all the leading players and clans of the preventers, have been summoned under the banners of Nergal the Radiant to the sands of the deadly Lakharian Desert, to wage war against a most terrible enemy of all life itself — Scyth. His supporters include not only mindless wild races, but also nightmarish monsters: the zombie guitarist Infect, the death mage Crawler and one undead warrior by the name of Bomber.
My Opinion: 511 pages, $6.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received and advance copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
In this newest addition to the series, the scope of the story expands as major clans and factions fight to be the ones that defeat the main character (MC) and his faction. There are fewer epic battles than I thought there would be but according to the back matter, the author is saving those for the next book. In this one the MC is preparing for those fights, trying to gain every advantage possible and exploiting his new OP Threat abilities, crafting, his clan building, and the very environment to his benefit. If you enjoy large scale fights and factional plots, this is a story you will enjoy.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2Wcvd6d
Watcher's Test: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 1)
This isn't a game. This is his new life.
Dave has been wandering through life for a long time. His day job bores him and he never seems to be able to meet his family's expectations. The only escape he's ever had is his love of MMORPGs.
But when he becomes the subject of a test without even knowing it, he's portaled into a game-world called Eloria with no way out. It's a frequent daydream of his, however, in none of those dreams did his wife and daughter ever accompany him.
Now, Dave must balance protecting his family with exploring his dream... oh, and trying to stay alive. Monstrous beasts roam Eloria, worst of all, an undead army led by the vile Death Knight.
He'll have to adapt fast and learn to cooperate if he hopes to make a new home for his family. And just maybe, along the way, he'll find out why they're living a life in exile.
Experience the epic first installment of a LitRPG saga perfect for fans of C.M Carney, Blaise Corvin, and Charles Dean.
My Opinion: 654 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a multi-narrative story that primarily focuses on a family that is transported to an RPG world. The beginning of the novel is probably the hardest to get through as the initial family dynamics and petty arguments are frankly annoying. There are multiple side narratives that only really tie into the family’s storyline at the end, but when they do all connect it’s pretty good.
The main storyline is sort of a mess of an RPG Swiss Family Robinson, with a family of 5 being sent to an RPG world where they have to fight monsters and survive long enough to figure out the rules. There are some annoying family dynamics and petty arguments amongst the five. But by mid story those phase out as the family adjusts to having depend on each other for survival. Though only three of the family members, the husband, wife and teen daughter, do any fighting or leveling. The other two younger kids are kinda just around to put in danger, at least in this book.
The game mechanics come through really well and there's a good balance between game and realism to combat. There are definitely some wand wavy moments in the story that include: the healer mom gaining 7 levels just from choosing a class, some obvious power leveling in fights, and some miraculous saves. But outside those places the game mechanics are followed faithfully with that are many levels higher than the family being really challenging if not impossible and the family runs rather than fights. I also thought the zone pulling was a nice exploit.
The multiple perspectives did a good amount of world building as they showed off various factions and kingdoms in the RPG world. But frankly, they initially left me uncaring for most of the scenes. I was left with the impression that the scenes only existed to setup future storylines or world build, so they felt disconnected to the characters I did like, the Nelson family. That is until the end when many, but not all, of these side storylines finally connected with the main one in an epic way.
Overall, the story was really good, especially the last 15%, with only a few issues keeping it from being great for me.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Watcher's Test: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Sm14QH
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Ian Mitchell is a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
The story moves along. I really love this series. Rogue evolution wasn't as thrilling for me as the previous books. Very satisfying overall though. The beginning drug a bit. A bit more slice of life to 121start. There were several great fights, even a real world one. Roark comes up with a few new magic gadgets. And of course Kaz has some new recipes. Great read overall. The ending felt a bit abrupt.
Score: 8.4 out of 10
Rogue Evolution: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2Yos0n0
(Pic 7)
Good reading. I couldn't relate to the MC as much as in other AO books. Mostly a long dungeon crawl. A necessary part of the fire story. Much better than many other LitRPG. Reminds me a lot of continue online. Similar story.
Score: 8.0 put of 10
Awaken Online: Flame (Tarot #2)
https://amzn.to/3d3r2jV
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 223 - Life Reset 4, Brightblade
April 24th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 223 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 2 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-223
New Releases and Reviews:
Life Reset: Human Resource (New Era Online Book 4) (09:03)
Your favorite goblin player is back
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Kuyc4z
Brightblade: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 1) (12:30)
Really good RPG action
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3eLSHHU
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
LitRPG SALES
With so many people stuck at home under quarantine or practicing social distancing. I thought I’d bring you some good LitRPG novels that are on sale, either as a way to help readers pass the time during this pandemic.
LitRPG Books on Sale
Rogue Dungeon (The Rogue Dungeon Book 1) $0.99
https://amzn.to/2XZMaTT
The Game (The Game is Life Book 1) FREE
https://amzn.to/2Vx8uT9
Amazon LitRPG search - priced low to high shows Free and $0 books. Varied results for good stories or ones actually LitRPG but nice place to browse.
https://amzn.to/33xMXMN
The latest novel from R.A. Mejia is up for pre-order. It stars a mechanical man, a Metalman, lots of crafting, dungeon diving, world building. Set in a world where magic and turn of the century technology meet. Join Repair on his adventures in this magic industrial world. Our May 8th, 2020.
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series) (May 8th, 2020)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
Out Now!
After Apocalypse: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 3 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure)
https://amzn.to/2UEDsal
Winter Harvest: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2WNr4aU
Rogue Evolution: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2wyk9I1
Rise and Rescue Volume 2: Protect and Recover
https://amzn.to/2x2Wtvl
Derelict: Book 1, Repel Boarders (A LitRPG, Dungeon Core Adventure)
https://amzn.to/2Vwszcg
Gauntlet: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 5)
https://amzn.to/3akbzLd
New LitRPG Audiobooks
War Aeternus 5: End of the Faithful
https://amzn.to/3eL99Ir
Winter Harvest - A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2x8nRbw
World At War - The Greystone Chronicles, Book 5
https://amzn.to/2S1pwqD
Dungeon Configure - Dark Exchange, Book One
https://amzn.to/2XWeOW6
The Bare Hunt - A LitRPG/GameLit Novel (The Good Guys Series, Book 7)
https://amzn.to/3cHGjqr
Dungeon of the Gods -Legends Online, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3eLMGuL
Second Skin: Pieces - A LitRPG Adventure (Second Skin, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3aypNaL
Gathering Strength - Character Development, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3eLAiuB
The Dimensional Wars, Dravincia - A LitRPG Gaming Adventure
https://amzn.to/2S2hgqk
The Plague Barrens - Enora Online, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2Y0DBbn
Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon
https://amzn.to/2S5k85H
The Dungeon Fairy: A Dungeon Core Escapade
The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Series, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2yKRK1N
Upcoming LitRPG:
Cryo Knight - A Fantasy LitRPG (Lords of Valeria Book 1) (April 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VY6d2m
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Awakened - Book One of The Quintessence: Crucible: (An Epic Cultivation LitRPG Saga) (April 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VAJJWu
Ruthless (The Completionist Chronicles Book 5) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RsxxEO
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
The Mechanical Crafter - Book 1 (A LitRPG series) (The Mechanical Crafter series) (May 8th, 2020)
https://geni.us/MechanicalCrafterBk1
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1) (May 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cjEEaD
Gloominess +4: The Cradle of Gods. A LitRPG series: Book 4 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bQWNfD
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VdiWOA
False Skies (Challenger's Call Book 5) (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e85e8l
City of the Dead (The Alchemist Book #1): LitRPG Series (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3eKnYed
Spring Mutiny: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 2) (May 22nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xXzqT4
Legendary Dungeon Seed (May 28th, 2020)
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (June 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Life Reset: Human Resource (New Era Online Book 4)
The VIs' revolt succeeded.
The digital beings took over the game world and ejected millions of players while keeping a few thousand trapped inside as their prisoners.
In the real world, Oren Berman is recovering from the mental trauma of being trapped, tortured, and abruptly ejected. But the company has come to him, hat in hand, asking him to reenter the game world. With the entire NPC population arrayed against the trapped players, Oren and his clan of monsters might be their only hope.
My Opinion: 547 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
It takes a little bit to get back into the story but it's quite a good story. It almost feels like an expansion pack to a game you've already beaten. Maybe some of the rules have changed, but it's a fun story with familiar characters you already like. It also returns to the town building, minion summoning, and resource management that readers enjoyed.
Overall, quite a good read.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Life Reset: Human Resource (New Era Online Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2Kuyc4z
Brightblade: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 1)
A realm aside from our own is the center of the realities, home to every spectrum of magic. From the beautiful to the terrible, it was all held in delicate balance by the Eternal Emperor and his children. For ten thousand years, the empire was the bastion that protected the sentient races from the darkness, but the revolution changed all that...
Jack is a regular guy, he has a crappy job and a good thing with a girl. The problem is, he also has bit of a messy past, so when he's offered the chance to do a 'little job' instead of jail time, he jumps at it.
Jail would have been the better choice...
Welcome to the UnderVerse: Please keep your limbs inside the cart at all times; the creatures of the night are forever hungry...
Please be aware this is a dark LitRPG Fantasy and contains sexual references, violence and swearing. Ever wondered what would happen when a regular guy ends up in another world getting hunted and having his body torn apart? Yeah...that's why there's a lot of swearing...
My Opinion: 465 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an action filled fantasy LitRPG story that feels a bit like an online serial that puts in all the major hits of the genre. It has a fight tournament, base building, transported to a RPG game world, crafting, and a thirsty fairy companion.
The big draw is going to be all the action. There's hardly a chapter that doesn't have of fighting. Whether its training or survival or the tournament or monster fighting while clearing his base.
The RPG stuff is good. The MC has a spellsword class and uses weapons and magic. There are character sheets, skills, magic, and stats. Though a good portion of the beginning feels like the game mechanics are pushed into the background but after the 30% mark notifications show up a lot more, there's crafting, quests, base building, and build theory.
Overall, it's a fun action story. Lots of fights and RPG progression that is done well.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Brightblade: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3eLSHHU
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 222 - Apocalypse Gates 6, Carrion Crow, The Quell, The Good Guys 8
April 17th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 222 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-222
New Releases and Reviews:
Can of Worms (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 6) (07:38)
Enjoyable but sets up future adventures
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2ypf9pG
Carrion Crow: The Rise of the Black Seraph: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (World Apocalypse - Calamity Dungeon) (12:09)
Fine dark world building, but kinda bored up until the 80% mark
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2VzQ6bb
The Quell: Destiny Rising - A LitRPG Series (Prequel) (18:54)
Decent read, but short story
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/34HwCFK
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8) (25:11)
Not a lot of plot advancement but still a fun adventure
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2KhJx7L
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Sergey Zaytsev, author of the translated series: Universe ICS series has made a plea to readers to repost their reviews after Amazon took down his novels and banned his account. He got the novels republished on the platform but lost all of the reviews associated with the novels.
https://amzn.to/2VeoQ2Z
The GameLit Society interviewed LitRPG author Eden Redd recently.
https://www.facebook.com/GamelitSociety/posts/846361192550798
LitRPG SALES
With so many people stuck at home under quarantine or practicing social distancing. I thought I’d bring you some good LitRPG novels that are on sale, either as a way to help readers pass the time during this pandemic.
LitRPG Books on Sale
Somnia Online 1-3 $0.99, 3-5 $1.99
https://amzn.to/2yoSfhQ
Supermage $0.99
https://amzn.to/3btFe5e
Amazon LitRPG search - priced low to high shows Free and $0 books. Varied results for good stories or ones actually LitRPG but nice place to browse.
https://amzn.to/33xMXMN
Out Now!
Watchers Test: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2TKZZ6e
The Quell: Destiny Rising - A LitRPG Series (Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3bmDzPe
First Sorcerer: Singularity Online: Book 1
https://amzn.to/3evcKKo
The Realm Between: Neverending Dungeon: A LitRPG Saga (Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2Ve6KhE
Arcane Kingdom Online: The Siege (A LitRPG Adventure, Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2yniPIi
Stormforge (Rise To Omniscience Book 5)
https://amzn.to/2VfhWuk
Into the Black: Book XXIV - Consequence
https://amzn.to/3bjW5Ya
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Team Newb - Sun & Shadow Online, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2z1mETN
Watchers Test: A LitRPG Saga - Life in Exile, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2VEPAZl
Traveling the Dungeon -Dungeon Travels, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2wR2bAy
Upcoming LitRPG:
After Apocalypse: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 3 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (April 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2UEDsal
Winter Harvest: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 1) (April 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WNr4aU
Rogue Evolution: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 4) (April 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2wyk9I1
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Gauntlet: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 5) (April 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3akbzLd
Ruthless (The Completionist Chronicles Book 5) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RsxxEO
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1) (May 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cjEEaD
Gloominess +4: The Cradle of Gods. A LitRPG series: Book 4 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bQWNfD
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VdiWOA
False Skies (Challenger's Call Book 5) (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e85e8l
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Legendary Dungeon Seed (May ??, 2020)
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (June 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Can of Worms (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 6)
After making several profitable deals, it was time to go back through the Twurgh Gate and return to Earth. Alvin and Gothy had been surprised to learn that the newest member of their harem was a princess, but neither was willing to leave Desiree behind.
Once they were back on Earth, Alvin proposed a new destination, much to the amusement of his companions. They all agreed and went south out of Colorado, into New Mexico. The road south led them back to old friends in new places; Johnny, the native shaman from Bridgeport, was in Ignacio and in desperate need of help.
Strapping on their boots and loading their guns, the slightly demented (but equally fun) group got ready for one of the biggest can of worms they had opened so far.
(This book contains adult situations, in all their horror and glory, including but not limited to: sex, abuse, drug use, and murder. It also contains graphic sex scenes, which portray elements of BDSM and harem. You’ve been warned.)
My Opinion: 492 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy of the novel when it became available.
The 6th book in the Apocalypse Gates continues the slice of life adventures and is almost a travelogue as Alvin and the group travel to Roswell and then across the country to Washington DC. They stop in a variety of towns and talk to various leaders. Many who have the same reaction to seeing Queen's elf and a dwarf. It's almost a running joke. But I'll admit it also felt a little repetitive after the 3rd or 4th time it happened.
Not to say that is all that happens. There is still some fighting, RPG progression, and a bit of questing. In particular I liked the first quest with the Native Americans. When the characters stood still and had a chance to mix with the communities, was when I liked the story the best.
Also, I can't believe Instill have to say this but there is sex in the novel. Not a ton, maybe 5% of the story but it is there. As it has been for most of the series. And it's still very skippable if it's not of interest to you as it isn't to me.
Overall, though the story feels like a transition novel. A setup for the next book where something big may happen. A fine read, but not my favorite book in the series.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Can of Worms (Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2ypf9pG
Carrion Crow: The Rise of the Black Seraph: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (World Apocalypse - Calamity Dungeon)
The end of the world has arrived.
Luca Fernandez was lucky to escape the slaughter that was Emergence Day when monsters overwhelmed the world. By plan or by luck, Luca was granted the legendary power of the Angel of Death and thrust into the fantastic and terrible inner realm of the World Dungeon. He has but one task, to survive and win the Genesis Game. But if he’s to win, Luca will need to learn that not all monsters are obvious, and the path to power is rarely straightforward, corrupting all those who seek it.
Can Luca learn to meet the perils of the World Dungeon, and begin to forge trustworthy alliances to survive this cruel and merciless world, or will he fall to the dark dwellers of this realm?
Can he grow his powers strong enough to defeat the World Dungeon’s deadliest denizens?
When partnerships are short-lived and often corrupted by fear and malice, how will Luca ensure he does not succumb?
My Opinion: 305 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is an apocalypse dungeon story that frankly takes too long to get to any kind of RPG progression. It's dark, but that aspect got boring as I kept waiting for something RPG related to appear. It does so about the 20% mark when the main character (MC), a kid who can't walk, is thrown into a dungeon and bonds with the dark deity there thus gaining access to the RPG system powers lorded by the invading alien elves.
From the 23% mark on it's a dungeon dive, sort of. The tone of the novel is dark with everyone looking to hurt everyone else or take advantage of them to survive. But beyond that there's not much that stands out.
The world is dark with everyone being super selfish and willing to sacrifice anyone to get ahead, but it doesn’t make sense why they’re like that. At the beginning of the novel the RPG apocalypse happens, and monsters appear. Great with you. But then after only a few days of waiting, it feels like the entire universe just did a 180 turn and turned into selfish jerks with no real transition between. Some of that can sorta be explained in the story with some time stuff, but it never really felt well developed to me.
Another thing that stopped me from enjoying the story more was the emotional/mental inconsistency of the MC. He's a whiny kid when the apocalypse hits and is thrown into the dungeon. But after he is transformed his thoughts and internal dialogue are of an adult that is bitter, vengeful, and driven to become powerful.
Despite the dark tone, I was frankly bored. I know the story is supposed to be building the world but I got tired of nothing happening. It was disappointing that for a world of dungeon diving, no actual dives happen till the 70% mark. Even then it's the MC being power leveled by the guild he joins in the dungeon. He's doing very little power gain based on his own efforts. He gets boosted stats, a new race, and a class from a dark deity. He's power leveled by his guild and his summoned demon. The MC is meant to be a dark badass but he doesn't actually do much of anything till the end of the story.
Yet, that ending was almost enough to redeem the story for me. The last minute betrayal and bad ass response was what I'd wanted to see the entire story.
Overall, most of the story didn’t work for me. While I enjoyed the very end of the novella, I was kinda bored until the 80% mark. I’ll give the next story a shot and hope future novellas continue the better pacing.
Score: 6 out of 10
Carrion Crow: The Rise of the Black Seraph: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (World Apocalypse - Calamity Dungeon)
https://amzn.to/2VzQ6bb
The Quell: Destiny Rising - A LitRPG Series (Prequel)
l
A LitRPG that destroys the boundaries of the known world.
Do you like to be whisked away into a new world of LitRPG wildness? Then read on...
Enter The Quell:
When the Reckoning came, the world was plunged into the fantasy realm of the Quell. Those who remember the old world would say that it’s like those old video games they use to play only with the threat of death. Those in the Quell would say it has given them a life of freedom, while it has robbed some of everything they have.
In the Quell, it’s fight or die and Adrianna Swann aimed to live. Ever since her uncle got kidnapped by cultists, she has set off on her own quest of freedom and answers. The Quell is vast and full of horrors, pushing one's mind to the brink of insanity. Adrianna has never been too worried, though. Her uncle taught her everything she knew, and nothing was going to get between her and finding answers...
But how far is one girl willing to go to unlock the secrets of this world that everyone has known for so long?
What sacrifices have to be made to get what she wants and is she willing to make them?
This book is just the Prequel, a taste of what The Quell might bring. I have much more for you where this comes from!
My Opinion: 47 pages, $0.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
While the author describes this as a prequel, it feels more like the start of a serial. It is a short story that introduces the main character (MC), sets up a couple quests, has a little bit of fighting, and then hits 'to be continued'.
There's a bit of inconsistency in the world building of the story. The prologue set up as an RPG apocalypse where all the rules of the world changed and technology stopped working, and monsters appeared, and everyone became Players and got access to the RPG system. But the story after that feels more like a video game or tabletop fantasy RPG with the main character living a fantasy world life to her teen years till her uncle is kidnapped and she gets an "Origin Story Quest" and becomes a Player. It was a conflict that created different expectations from the story and made it harder to get into.
Even the term Quell, the name of the story, had me scratching my head. Sometimes it was used to describe an event, the RPG Apocalypse. Other times it was a location, and still others a state of being. As in being part of the game.
On the game mechanic side of things, it's mixed. Yes, the world is fully set as an RPG world where people have classes, levels, quests, and various skill checks. But not all that meshes the same. All of the saves and perception check notifications just aren't acknowledged in the story by anyone so they only exist for the reader. Which just felt weird considering other notifications like quests, loot descriptions, leveling, and character sheets were acknowledged by the MC.
Beyond those inconsistencies, the story isn't bad. The MC has a clear questline, the action isn't half bad, and there's potential for good world building. It's a short story, so it really is too soon to tell how a longer novel would play out but on the whole this short story was enjoyable enough.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
The Quell: Destiny Rising - A LitRPG Series (Prequel)
https://amzn.to/34HwCFK
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8)
Freshly respawned.
Far from home.
All alone.
Up until now, Montana’s journey really only went one direction: up. But now he’s back at square one, stuck on top of a mountain with only the most basic gear to help get him back to Coggeshall. It’s going to be a loooong walk.
But not a boring one.
In one of LitRPG’s most legendary medieval fantasy road trips (and also possibly the only one), Montana encounters a pack of just-this-side-of-feral wolf people; a town straight out of the Wild West - complete with heavy-handed sheriff; a lion desperately trying to take down a colossal fish monster; ancient cursed ruins; and a giant flying frog.
Eastbound & Town is an epic story full of combat, loot, and achievements. You better believe Montana is loaded up and truckin,’ and gonna do what they say can’t be done.
Hit the road with Montana today!
My Opinion: 345 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A romping good adventure. Montana continues to kick butt and make monster friends. The 8th book in the series continues the slice of life adventures of Montana Coggshall. The first part resolves the whole 'sent to a demon dimension' cliffhanger and the Mc goes on a solo journey for a little while. There's still a bit of RPG community building as his kingdom expands and new threats are setup for the series. But much of the story is just that, setup for future storylines. Still I had a good time reading it.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8)
https://amzn.to/2KhJx7L
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 221 - Traveling the Dungeon, Mageblood, Grim Beginnings, A Snake's Life
April 10th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 221 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-221
New Releases and Reviews:
Traveling the Dungeon (Dungeon Travels Book 2) (07:43)
The traveling dungeon travels to new places
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3b2qNFo
Mageblood: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 1) (11:19)
Romance part wasn’t for me, but otherwise good
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2wjm1E6
Grim Beginnings: The Ashen Plane - Book I, A LitRPG Series (14:35)
Not bad, but not amazing
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2JWYrQK
A Snake's Life (20:26)
Push past the beginning for something really good
Score 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3b0BGau
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
LitRPG SALES
With so many people stuck at home under quarantine or practicing social distancing. I thought I’d bring you some good LitRPG novels that are on sale, either as a way to help readers pass the time during this pandemic.
LitRPG Books on Sale
Ritualist (The Completionist Chronicles Book 1) FREE
https://amzn.to/2y9QNjh
The Good Guys Chronicles: Books 4-6 FREE
https://amzn.to/3aXgG4E
A Healer's Gift: Adventures on Brad: Book 1 FREE
https://amzn.to/2JWeHla
AlterWorld: Play to Live. A LitRPG Series (Book 1) FREE
https://amzn.to/2xjeW76
Patch 17: Epic LitRPG (Realm of Arkon, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2wugKd7
Continue Online Part One: Memories FREE
https://amzn.to/2y9QRzx
Amazon LitRPG search - priced low to high shows Free and $0 books. Varied results for good stories or ones actually LitRPG but nice place to browse.
https://amzn.to/33xMXMN
Out Now!
Dungeon World 5: A Dungeon Core Experience
https://amzn.to/2vQULN2
Expedition Newb (Sun & Shadow Online Book 2)
https://amzn.to/39Nl455
Street Cultivation 2
https://amzn.to/346rQRL
The Journal of Magus Falcon: with Claire's notes (Dungeon Wars Book 3)
https://amzn.to/3aUq3lv
Echoes: A Second Skin Novel (Second Skin Book 6)
https://amzn.to/2UXmXrd
Brightblade: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Xpy3XR
Carrion Crow: The Rise of the Black Seraph: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (World Apocalypse - Calamity Dungeon)
https://amzn.to/3aXGM7q
The Idle System (A LitRPG series Book 5): The Puppet Master
https://amzn.to/2XrmejK
Absalom’s Heretic: A LitRPG Quest (The Everlands Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2UXxoem
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Evolution (A Monster Battling LitRPG): Djinn Tamer - Bronze League, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2VlhtFE
Demon Lords - World-Tree Trilogy, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3c739HJ
Deadline - Afterlife Online, Book 4
https://amzn.to/2UXlEIP
Learning to Fly - Thousand Tales, Book 5
https://amzn.to/39Zn9KM
Upcoming LitRPG:
Watchers Test: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 1) (April 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TKZZ6e
After Apocalypse: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 3 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (April 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2UEDsal
Winter Harvest: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 1) (April 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WNr4aU
The Realm Between: Neverending Dungeon: A LitRPG Saga (Book 6) (April 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3c1XxhU
Rogue Evolution: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 4) (April 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2wyk9I1
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Gauntlet: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 5) (April 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3akbzLd
Ruthless (The Completionist Chronicles Book 5) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RsxxEO
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Shattered Sword: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 1) (May 12th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3cjEEaD
Gloominess +4: The Cradle of Gods. A LitRPG series: Book 4 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bQWNfD
Biomedical Self-Engineering: Book 1 (May 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2VdiWOA
False Skies (Challenger's Call Book 5) (May 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e85e8l
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Legendary Dungeon Seed (May ??, 2020)
Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9) (June 4th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP
War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL
Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3e9woeR
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Traveling the Dungeon (Dungeon Travels Book 2)
Dale wanted to do more than survive as a dungeon core. His experience with the gods made it clear that with power, he could do as he pleased, and without it, he was simply a toy of the powerful. Unfortunately, it isn't just the gods who have plans for the Traveling Dungeon.
Follow Dale as he tries to create his own little world, study magic, enchant devices and create challenges for the gods and an [Arch-Mage]. All while trying to keep Miss Blue-Box happy.
From The Spire of the West to the Orcs of the South, to a discovery that will rock the world, Dale can't help but shove his stone where it doesn't belong.
My Opinion: 259 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This is a good dungeon core novel. The dungeon travels all over the globe setting up entrances, so it isn't tied to any particular region or group and thus has almost limitless storytelling opportunities. The 2nd book in the series could be read as a stand alone as the story starts out in a new location, near some mages that the core wants to learn from and test in his dungeon. There's still a bit of RPG notifications but a larger bit of magical theorizing and world building.
The story is still a slice of life story where the dungeon builds traps, puzzles, and challenges, and is as entertaining as the first book. Yet, those parts weren’t what drew me in. That the dungeon can explore this RPG world and peek in on the cultures and fantasy races lends itself to some really neat world building sections. Between that and the good magical theorizing, it’s a good read for me.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Traveling the Dungeon (Dungeon Travels Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3b2qNFo
Mageblood: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 1)
A dazzling world of wonder and power. Gifts from the game gods for every person. The perfect magic for every user.
Seth, a popular streamer, can’t wait to see what this new world has in store. It’s sure to be a blast for a guy who always plays a caster, and his friends are going to be right in the thick of it with him! The game boasts algorithms designed to read biometrics and brain patterns to find the perfect magical fit for the user—magic so personalized that no two casters will ever be the same. In fact, the game company is so sure they will always be right that you can’t remake your character.
Now, nothing is as it should have been, weird happenings abound and the group of streamers must fight to evolve their gifts before their livestream of the game.
Loading… Welcome to Mephisto’s Magic Online!
My Opinion: 269 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
I found myself rather uninterested until about 8% into the story. Earlier than that there's some character development stuff that just didn't work for me. Especially the stuff with the best friend who is a girl and potential romantic interest. The 8% mark is where character creation happens in the VR pod.
Once in the game, things are good. The characters explore the game world, fight monsters, quest, level, develop skill trees. All the stuff you'd expect. There are hints at a real world impact from the game, but it's not something that's developed heavily yet. Other than that and a romance thread, the story is fairly slice of life. No world needing threats, no one trapped in the game, no crazy AI. Instead it's about the main character (MC) and his friends playing the game, adventuring, meeting NPCs, crafting, and growing as the game forces them into classes and roles they wouldn't have necessarily chosen for themselves.
Overall, a good start to a slice of life series, though the romance storyline wasn’t my cup of tea.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
Mageblood: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2wjm1E6
Grim Beginnings: The Ashen Plane - Book I, A LitRPG Series
Twenty-five-year-old janitor turned Professional Gamer, John is so good at the latest virtual reality fantasy game that he attracts the attention of an imprisoned undead magical beast while competing in the Kingdoms & Valor World Championship. Murdered in his gaming chair and summoned to another world full of magic and wonder, John is given a choice: inherit the beast’s power and work to free it, or die...
Accepting the undead creature’s power and a second chance at life, John is given a new name: Grim. As a new man with the ability to use Death Magic, Grim sets off into the Ashen Plane to fulfill his quest. Join him as he befriends a mutated orc, fights an army of gnolls, and works to free his patron in this first book of the LitRPG series, The Ashen Plane.
My Opinion: 311 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The beginning is the hardest to get through. Not because it's poorly written but because the setup of the story feels forced and a bit slow. The first bit, a battle between gods where our main one loses and sees a chance for a long term play, the part reader would get as a sample, feels straight fantasy and isn't really needed for the narrative. I read it and wasn't really interested in the story.
I actually put the book down and only weeks later came back to it. Only after that and an ok setup for the main character (MC) as a gamer did the story become interesting.
Even the first section where the MC is in the RPG world and gets his class and the crunchy stuff occurs is a bit dry. Once on the new world he gets an Orc life debt companion, which felt a bit forced since in later parts of the story it’s revealed there are major tribal taboos against dark magic and soul magic, of which the MC is a user. There are parts of the setup of the story that give clear goals for the series and this story, but they come off as a little forced.
Yet, the story is good when it stops trying to force things. There's good world building and it just takes time, about 30-40% or so, for the story to find its pacing and natural flow. From there it's a bit more slice of life with the MC training and going on some quests, gaining power to deal with the novel goals. The end oddly felt like it was a pause more than a fleshed out conclusion to a story arc.
Still overall, it's an ok story. It has solid writing and is a good try at creating some characters with unique classes. While there is standard questing and monster killing, there are also some good funny moments and good characters. Nothing bad about it. Nothing particularly amazing.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Grim Beginnings: The Ashen Plane - Book I, A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2JWYrQK
A Snake's Life
The afterlife isn't always what you think…
A loving father of three children, Albert lived a life of few regrets. He served his country far from home. He outlived his soulmate. He died alone.
However, his assumptions about a peaceful eternity, reunited with his wife, are thrown out the window when a meddling god digs his fingers into Albert’s afterlife.
The positive? He will have a chance to see his wife again.
The negative? He has to survive the dangers of the legendary World Tree for the next three hundred years. He’s been reincarnated into a world full of magical evolutions, monstrous deer, sassy ten-year-old elves, and untold hidden dangers. It won’t be easy, but if life has taught Albert anything it’s this: If something is worth having, it's worth fighting for. And he intends to fight.
My Opinion: 300 pages??, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The first 14% of the story is a typical Re:Monster story with the main character (MC) reincarnated as a snake. He kills, eats, and evolves, and repeats the cycle. Not much else to it. And frankly a little tedious if you’ve read this kind of story before.
But after the 14% mark, the story becomes much much more interesting as the MC finally meets someone that he can talk to and there's some dialogue with someone besides himself. From then on there’s really good adventuring as the MC explores new worlds, interacts with people, and of course kills the heck out of some monsters so he can evolve into his next form. The evolution options are presented as notifications with specific requirements like killing 1000 water element creatures, or living for 100 years, or eating 100 lbs of stone or dirt. Another aspect of the story that was a draw was the murder hobo MC. Well, he’s not really a murder hobo, killing indescrimently, but he does kill a lot to further his goals, evolve, or just to get revenge against people that hurt him or ones he comes to care about. It’s a faithful representation of what it would be like to become a monster with only the memory of your former humanity guiding you.
Overall, a really good story once you get past the 14% mark.
Score 7.7 out of 10
A Snake's Life
https://amzn.to/3b0BGau
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
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Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 219 - Sentenced to Troll 3, Darkworlds Paris, The Last Time Loop 2, Dragon Heart 5
March 27th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 219 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 4 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-219
New Releases and Reviews:
Sentenced to Troll 3
Fun and casual
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2FUwxmw
Darkworlds Paris: A Cthulhu LitRPG
Sometimes rather creepy
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/37KVPyW
The Last Time Loop: Max of the Rebellion (Volume 2): A Time Travel LitRPG Series
More slice of life time travel
Score: 7.3 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2QH5WzF
Ian’s Picks Of the Week
Dragon Heart: Sea of Sorrow. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 5
More good reading
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2JkpuFn
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Magic Dome Books is relaunching this LitRPG series by Roman Prokofiev.
“Some of you might have already read its previous version released a while ago by another publisher under the title Cat’s Game (also known as Cat's Quest). The author has completely reworked the book’s first chapters; he’s also already completed Book Two of the series, fully intending to keep the story going. And we fully intend to release the whole series in English.”
https://www.facebook.com/magicdomebooks/photos/a.1224844880864213/3488665847815427/
The Starlight Sword (Rogue Merchant Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/39OUetn
The Fantasy Book Fest, originally scheduled for April 17-19th in Anaheim CA, has been canceled. Lots of conventions that were upcoming have been canceled, heck even Disneyland has closed down. So, it’s not too big of a surprise. It was originally thought that the event could be rescheduled for October, but the organizers decided to cancel it entirely and refund everyone’s tickets. Sorry. I was looking forward to being able to see some of you local Californians. I’d even gotten a booth at the event to give out print copies of the R.A. Mejia books.
LitRPG SALES
With so many people stuck at home under quarantine or practicing social distancing. I thought I’d bring you some good LitRPG novels that are on sale, either as a way to help readers pass the time during this pandemic.
LitRPG Books on Sale
Adventures on Terra - Book 1: Beginnings FREE
https://amzn.to/3dAnvKX
Project Alpha: Book 1 (Project Alpha series) FREE
https://amzn.to/3bpkUS8
Planet Bound FREE
https://amzn.to/2wESsgv
Dungeon Born (The Divine Dungeon Book 1) FREE
https://amzn.to/33QtuGY
Ruins of Majesta: Vol. 1 - Blood and Cupcakes FREE
Ruins of Majesta: Vol. 2 Creatures and Cupcakes FREE
https://amzn.to/33RNqth
1st Book in all Jonathan Brooks series FREE
https://amzn.to/2wJiPSp
Sentenced to Troll 2 - $0.99
https://amzn.to/33MOM8u
Shadow Sun Survival: Shadow Sun Book One $0.99
https://amzn.to/3at22lu
The Trapped Mind Project (Emerilia Book 1) $0.99
https://amzn.to/2UooTZQ
Delvers LLC: Welcome to Ludus $0.99
https://amzn.to/39sKc0F
All Portal Books $0.99
https://portal-books.com/lockdownsale
Galactogon Series (3 book series) enters KU
https://amzn.to/2wFljRK
An NPC's Path (3 book series) enters KU
https://amzn.to/2QQF7sf
Amazon LitRPG search - priced low to high shows Free and $0 books. Varied results for good stories or ones actually LitRPG but nice place to browse.
https://amzn.to/33xMXMN
Out Now!
The Assassin's Eye - A LitRPG Short Story: (A Novella from the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe)
https://amzn.to/2UmVoYa
War Chief: A Tusk and Blade Story
https://amzn.to/3dvxnFS
The Starlight Sword (Rogue Merchant Book #1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/39OUetn
Dark: Reincarnate (Dark LitRPG book 2)
https://amzn.to/2wDbgw7
Virtual Horizon (Thousand Tales Book 1)
https://amzn.to/33Q15B4
Stranger is Coming [LitRPG Series: Class Neutral] Book 1
https://amzn.to/2TiQppH
Pendrackon (The Rules Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2U5GR2P
Sense: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga (A Touch of Power Book 3)
https://amzn.to/32VwOR1
Life Reset: Human Resource (New Era Online Book 4)
https://amzn.to/39lrqIp
Light Online Book Three: Leader
https://amzn.to/2UlaBcd
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Life's a Game: And We're All Players: Gods of the Sphere, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2WK1H9S
Evolve: The Scourge Wars, Book 1
https://amzn.to/39l8dGH
Axestorm: Sky Realms Online, Book 3
https://amzn.to/2Ulm2R9
Nigmus Online
https://amzn.to/2UIUt34
Raiya: Early Game: Archon's Chosen, Book 2
https://amzn.to/3buFiBr
Upcoming LitRPG:
Shadow Sun: Progression (March 30th, 2020)
Planet Hero: Civilian (April 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Qz5zqm
Noa in the Flesh (World of the Changed Book #3): LitRPG Series (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38ohw96
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8) (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2PRJzHb
Mageblood (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 1) (April 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33fpShD
PrimeVerse: Dose of Chaos: A GameLit / LitRPG Adventure (April 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WPFKpJ
Dungeon World 5: A Dungeon Core Experience (April 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2vQULN2
Expedition Newb (Sun & Shadow Online Book 2) (April 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39Nl455
Watchers Test: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 1) (April 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TKZZ6e
After Apocalypse: Dungeons of Perdition - Book 3 (A LitRPG and GameLit Adventure) (April 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2UEDsal
Winter Harvest: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 1) (April 24th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2WNr4aU
Rogue Evolution: A litRPG Adventure (The Rogue Dungeon Book 4) (April 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2wyk9I1
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Gauntlet: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 5) (April 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3akbzLd
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Sentenced to Troll 3
The ancient portals have been unlocked, restoring fast travel to Isle of Mythos.
No longer the outsider, Chod enjoys his newfound acceptance as a hero and troll. New lands and adventures await with the promise of gold and glory. But every opportunity offers the chance of misfortune.
Several portals still remain closed, hiding dire threats behind their veils of dark energy. Enemies have disappeared into parts unknown, and rumors of the return of the greatest villain Mythos has ever known grow louder by the day.
Chod has one goal- unite the heroes of Mythos. Fail, and he loses everything.
My Opinion: 293 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Returning to the series was like hanging out with a friend you hadn’t seen in a while. Unlike some other novels where I forget the complex premise, or the myriad secondary characters, this story has always been easy to follow and enjoy. The RPG stuff has always been fun to read and is used in the story. It has a good sense of humor, good action adventure, and fun characters.
Story - Slice of life with a bit of humor and emotion. But mainly adventure stuff. Fighting in dungeons, adding a new group member, leveling up to advance the series plot in future books. This ends up being more of a transition novel in the series but it still fun.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Sentenced to Troll 3
https://amzn.to/2FUwxmw
Darkworlds Paris: A Cthulhu LitRPG
The Great Old Ones are stirring. In the Virtual Reality Game Darkworlds, it's 1927 in Paris and something weird is happening in the Bois de Boulogne. Fresh from the terrors of London, Adam Harker is sent to play again and fathom the secrets of gameworld Paris. But this time, he's got something growing in his head.
My Opinion: 275 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Creepy sometimes
A sequel to the very creepy short story Darkworlds London, the main character there is now working for a secret group that is trying to save humanity from the Old Ones/AI who have taken up their appearance in the game of Darkworlds set in 1927 Paris. While there is still the similar Cthulhu charm to the longer story it loses a little bit of its creepy atmosphere because it has to fill up a much longer story. As a trade off you get more quests, more powers, more RPG progression, and a touch more weirdness as the game world is developed. Some of the weirdness is a little unexplainable and leads to some wand wavy moments in the end plot that annoyed me a bit. But overall it's a good attempt at writing a LitRPG story that wasn’t straight fantasy or sci-fi.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Darkworlds Paris: A Cthulhu LitRPG
https://amzn.to/37KVPyW
The Last Time Loop: Max of the Rebellion (Volume 2)
Not currently showing on Amazon
An entertaining sequel to the first book. It continues the Groundhog day like time travel with the main character (MC) growing every more powerful with each death and time reset as he increases his battery level and learns more special psychic techniques. He’s still trying to find someway to undo earth’s ultimate demise. Only this time he’s working the rebellion and loyalists factions alike to find the true source of the time loop. Good stuff if you enjoy this kind of sci-fi time travel with minor elements of RPG progression.
Score: 7.3 out of 10
The Last Time Loop: Max of the Rebellion (Volume 2): A Time Travel LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2QH5WzF
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Ian Mitchell is a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Dragon Heart: Sea of Sorrow. LitRPG Wuxia Series: Book 5
More good reading
One thing I enjoy with this series is the cinematic fight scenes. Reincarnated from earth, he's a bit of a thoughtful Conan. Good cultivation and an adventure hunting for the lost city of the mages, it's an exciting tale. I did enjoy book 4 more, this one is a good read. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2JkpuFn
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 218 - Inheritance, Underdog Book #3, Reborn: Apocalypse (Volume 3)
March 20th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 218 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-218
New Releases and Reviews:
Inheritance: A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 1) (07:41)
Good Sci-fi survivalism and LitRPG Base Building
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/39rk72a
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series (09:59)
Continues the slice of life adventure
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/34SKoE6
Ian’s Picks Of the Week
Reborn: Apocalypse (Volume 3): (A LitRPG/Wuxia Story) (13:11)
Michael: One man army
Score: 9.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3baWz2s
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
With so many people stuck at home under quarantine or practicing social distancing. I thought I’d bring you some good LitRPG novels that are on sale, either as a way to help readers pass the time during this pandemic.
LitRPG Books on Sale
The Fifth Survivor series $0.99
https://amzn.to/2Jfv9g9
Aether Gate Online series $0.99
https://amzn.to/2whqbfY
Alpha World 1: Gamer for Life - $0.99
https://amazon.com/dp/B06XC6YJSH
https://amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XC6YJSH
Last Horizon: Omnibus - $0.99
https://amazon.com/dp/B079BF8QVG
https://amazon.co.uk/dp/B079BF8QVG
Resurrection Quest 1: Greenways Goblins - $0.99
https://amazon.com/dp/B07YYS2G8W
https://amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YYS2G8W
Sentenced to Troll book 1 $0.99
https://amzn.to/2vB3SBl
Awaken Online series FREE
https://amzn.to/33FkYuv
Monster Hunt NYC Book 1 FREE
Monster Hunt NYC Book 2 $0.99
https://amzn.to/2x9PFvI
Amazon LitRPG search - priced low to high shows Free and $0 books. Varied results for good stories or ones actually LitRPG but nice place to browse.
https://amzn.to/33xMXMN
Audible to give kids and teens free books through Audible Stories while schools are closed. Hundreds of titles listed.
https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Out Now!
Sentenced to Troll 3
https://amzn.to/2FUwxmw
Traveling the Dungeon (Dungeon Travels Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2HW0AeN
The Hive [LitRPG series:The Beetle] Book 2
https://amzn.to/2tUQuHs
Darkworlds Paris: A Cthulhu LitRPG
https://amzn.to/37KVPyW
Power Fantasy: Chronicles of the Shattered Earth
https://amzn.to/33wyIYy
Nova Terra: Guardian - A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Titan Series Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2xgGU2M
Enter the Daemonpits: A Hundred Halls LitRPG and GameLit Novel (Gamemakers Online Book 4)
https://amzn.to/3a8x5CO
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Rust (A Rebirth LitRPG): Ghoul Empire, Book 1
https://amzn.to/33wzuoo
A Black Soul - Grimdark LitRPG (Forsaken Talents, Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3bekxtH
Upcoming LitRPG:
The Starlight Sword (Rogue Merchant Book #1): LitRPG Series (March 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39OUetn
Dark: Reincarnate (Dark LitRPG book 2) (March 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2wDbgw7
Stranger is Coming [LitRPG Series: Class Neutral] Book 1 (March 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TiQppH
Pendrackon (The Rules Book 2) (March 26th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2U5GR2P
Sense: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga (A Touch of Power Book 3) (March 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32VwOR1
Quest for Freedom: A LitRPG Saga (Hero Online Book 5) (March 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2EMZ4dg
Shadow Sun: Progression (March 30th, 2020)
Planet Hero: Civilian (April 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Qz5zqm
Noa in the Flesh (World of the Changed Book #3): LitRPG Series (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38ohw96
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8) (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2PRJzHb
Mageblood (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 1) (April 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33fpShD
Expedition Newb (Sun & Shadow Online Book 2) (April 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39Nl455
Watchers Test: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 1) (April 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TKZZ6e
Dragon Heart: Sea of Sorrow. LitRPG wuxia series: Book 5 (April 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39cwT5u
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Gauntlet: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 5) (April 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3akbzLd
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Inheritance: A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 1)
Trapped on a derelict space station, Jake must destroy an alien infestation—or he’ll never see his home again.
Still reeling from the death of his parents, Jake finds a doorway to an abandoned space station in his grandfather's basement. But when he walks through, he discovers he's trapped there and he’s got company.
The station's AI enlists Jake to reclaim the systems needed to support life, but there’s a catch—he has only eight hours to complete the task or he’ll die alone in the cold vacuum of space. With only his trusty wrecking bar, work boots, and some basic survival equipment he must defeat the horrific monsters that infest the station before his air runs out.
But aliens aren’t all he has to worry about. Hidden in the station is a message that could spell doom for Earth, and the entire universe along with it.
My Opinion: 300?, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A delightful combination of sci-fi survivalism and base building. The story follows Jake as he is transported to a broken down base on an asteroid and he has to scramble to reclaim portions of it from alien monsters and gather nanites from their corpses to repair the place and upgrade his own body and equipment. There’s a subplot about earth being in danger, but it's not a big deal for most of the story. The real enjoyment in the story is just following the main character (MC) as he kills monsters, repairs the station to unlock new features, and upgrades himself and the station.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Inheritance: A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 1)
https://amzn.to/39rk72a
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series
Eric Bergman used to be treated like an outcast, cripple and freak. Some pitied him, others squirmed in his presence, while others still mocked him to his face. He himself even thought he was born cursed by the gods. But bit by bit, all that changed. That which was once considered a flaw or defect transformed into an advantage. And Eric slowly learned to use it to his benefit.
Eric and his friends escape Master Chi’s Hive, journey over the orcish steppe and through the Stone Forest, which tempers them and makes them a lot stronger.
During his travels, Eric discovers that his elder brother never went to the Wastes, and that his parents were lied to about what happened to him. Eric promises himself to uncover the truth about his long lost brother.
Beyond that, the more he encounters the grim heritage of the Order of Monster Hunters, the more he realizes just how perilous a game the foxman has drawn him into.
Moving through the borderlands toward his home city no more than a few days ahead of the orcish Horde, Eric still has yet to guess that his adventure is just getting started.
My Opinion: 435 pages, $6.99, Not Available on Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
The novel description only touches on some of the interesting twists and turns that the story takes as our main character (MC) continues to explore the world, kill monsters, and gain tablets at an increased rate as an exploit for his level. This is still a good slice of life adventure that fans of the series will enjoy but its price point is a little too high. If it joins KU, it’ll be a fun read for more people.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/34SKoE6
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Ian Mitchell is a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Reborn: Apocalypse (Volume 3): (A LitRPG/Wuxia Story)
Michael: One man army
I'm very fond of this story. LitRPG, Wuxia, Time travel, humanity abducted by aliens into a tower of testing, complete with a system shop. So much to love. The intensity continues in this third volume. Michael has his plans for heading off many disasters that humanity suffered during his first incarnation. Cultivation is a light element this time. I have mixed feelings regarding how solo Michael was this time. His battles and missions were intense and intricate as he soloed battles that would normally require a large coordinated force. It was a dance of controlled violence of a veteran of many wars. Some of sequences went so long and with frequent bouts of information and reminiscences of the first timeline that I lost some of the excitement. The author's notes after the book mentioned that he thought the explaining might have been too much. It was for me, but only slightly. I had a wonderful time reading this. Was pleased to see plugs for the LitRPG/GameLit facebook groups and for the LitRPG Podcast (where this review will be read). I definitely recommend this series. It compares well with Tao Wong's System Apocalypse, Michael Chatfield's 10 Realms, and the other return in time climb the tower series.
Score: 9.0 out of 10
Reborn: Apocalypse (Volume 3): (A LitRPG/Wuxia Story)
https://amzn.to/3baWz2s
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 217 - First Song Book Two, The Incarnator, Neon Dark
March 13th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 217 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-217
New Releases and Reviews:
First Song, Book Two (Anthem of Infinity 2) (10:17)
More post apocalypse, good action
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/39r5FaQ
The Incarnator (Project Stellar Book 1): LitRPG Series (16:07)
A slice of life post-apocalypse sci-fi LitRPG
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2TAuago
Neon Dark: A LitRPG Adventure (Zero.Hero Book 1) (20:33)
Combines superhero stuff with LitRPG
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/39OWT6Q
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Mountaindale Press has published the 4th book in the Axe Druid series this week. To promote the novel they are doing a great sale on the first three books.
The first book, Into the Light, is free through the 17th and the second and third are discounted to $0.99 and $2.99 respectively in the US and UK through the 20th. Grab these at a great discount or through Kindle Unlimited today!
https://amzn.to/2U4kABl
With the new audiobook release for The Wayward Bard, Soundbooth Theatre has reminded us of the oh so funny D&D song they created. I love the video and song. So here it is.
(Play Video 1)
https://youtu.be/OEM_Ln1CGCM
https://www.facebook.com/justin.t.james.7/videos/10157795268324303/
In a very original way to promote a LitRPG novel Darkworlds Paris, author Tony Walker/Galen Wolf has decided to release his short story Darkworlds London as an episodic podcast. Every week a new chapter is read. It’s a good listen and a short story I really enjoyed. To date, it is still the best combination of LitRPG and Cthulhu horror.
https://darkworlds-litrpg-horror.captivate.fm/
22 authors have put together a GameLit anthology of short stories and are donating the proceeds of sales to support wildlife devastated by the Australian wildfires.
https://amzn.to/2W8Z4hp
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1117687185236605&set=a.146340695704597&type=3
Out Now!
Viridian Gate Online: Insurrection (The Alchemic Weaponeer Book 3)
https://amzn.to/2tDrpAS
Into the Darkness: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Axe Druid Book 4)
https://amzn.to/32RPGjN
Dungeon Wars: Inner War
https://amzn.to/3aQ2qtS
Grim Beginnings: The Ashen Plane - Book I, A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/39ZOnCd
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Stars Awoken (A LitRPG Apocalypse): The System Apocalypse, Book 7
https://amzn.to/2QcCdxM
The Fallen Bard - World of Chains Book 2
https://amzn.to/2w3ENPN
The Wastes - Underdog Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2U9D8jU
Dragon's Mist (A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series): Warlords of the Circle Sea, Book 1
https://amzn.to/39Pnuka
PrimeVerse: Forced Login - PrimeVerse Series 1
https://amzn.to/2wWP80c
The Crafter: Trench Warfare - Crafter Series 2
https://amzn.to/2WbLgTC
The World's Strongest Wizard Becomes Manaless: A Fantasy LitRPG Series (Volume One)
https://amzn.to/38IWTE0
Upcoming LitRPG:
Traveling the Dungeon (Dungeon Travels Book 2) (March 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HW0AeN
The Hive [LitRPG series:The Beetle] Book 2 (March 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tUQuHs
Darkworlds Paris: A Cthulhu LitRPG (March 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37KVPyW
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series (March 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34SKoE6
The Starlight Sword (Rogue Merchant Book #1): LitRPG Series (March 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39OUetn
Dark: Reincarnate (Dark LitRPG book 2) (March 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2wDbgw7
Stranger is Coming [LitRPG Series: Class Neutral] Book 1 (March 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TiQppH
Sense: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga (A Touch of Power Book 3) (March 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32VwOR1
Quest for Freedom: A LitRPG Saga (Hero Online Book 5) (March 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2EMZ4dg
Sentenced to Troll 3 (April 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FUwxmw
Noa in the Flesh (World of the Changed Book #3): LitRPG Series (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38ohw96
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8) (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2PRJzHb
Mageblood (Mephisto's Magic Online Book 1) (April 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33fpShD
Expedition Newb (Sun & Shadow Online Book 2) (April 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39Nl455
Watchers Test: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 1) (April 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TKZZ6e
Dragon Heart: Sea of Sorrow. LitRPG wuxia series: Book 5 (April 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39cwT5u
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Gauntlet: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 5) (April 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3akbzLd
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI
The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/33eqPXm
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
First Song, Book Two (Anthem of Infinity 2)
The entire world has changed, and Noah has changed with it. A year after the Shift, the plans he’d laid, caches he’d hidden, and infrastructure he’d put in place have saved millions, but the world’s death toll has still been astronomical.
Now he continues his struggle to protect the people he cares about and to atone for his past weakness. Journeying with his elite group, the Merriweathers, Noah has been patrolling the eastern United States. He has been helping new communities rebuild from the ashes of civilization, but his true goal has always been a search for Humanity’s enemies, the Aelves.
But when Noah finally hears new rumors about his old foes, what he will encounter will be beyond anything he could have imagined. Ghosts from the past will return and new discoveries will create more questions. Noah will learn that the post-Shift world can be even more dangerous than anything he had planned for.
There might be something out there even worse than the Aelves.
My Opinion: 334 pages, $5.98, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The beginning is a bit slow as it recaps what happened in book 1 and the weeks between then and the start of book 2. The structure of the novel is different than the previous book and it has more of a straight post apocalypse theme so it feels different than book 1. But once the first mission hits, the action really picks up and doesn’t let go.
Game mechanics in the novel are the same as book 1, though I’ll say they show up a little more, the system is still light LitRPG.
I will say I really liked how attached I became to the starting group. It gave some deaths in the apocalypse world some real oomph. There is also an interesting twist in who the real threat to humanity becomes. I did not see it coming from the story in book 1.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
First Song, Book Two (Anthem of Infinity 2)
https://amzn.to/39r5FaQ
The Incarnator (Project Stellar Book 1): LitRPG Series
When the shattered fragments of the Black Moon collapsed onto planet Earth, splitting continents apart and flooding them with raging oceans, Darkness descended onto our world. The eruptions of hostile energy from behind the Edge distorted the laws of the physical world, creating new life forms which now threaten to take over the planet. The last remaining vestiges of humankind, too desperate for their own survival, have nothing to offer against their advance.
So it’s time to activate Incarnation: the last instruction issued by Project Stellar. In a situation when there’re not enough living beings to protect planet Earth, the dead fighters will have to rejoin the defenders’ ranks.
My Opinion: 563 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
A slice of life post-apocalypse sci-fi LitRPG.
The main character (MC) wakes up without a memory of his past and as a ghost like entity that can possess a recently deceased body as his own. The setting is definitely more post-apocalypse sci fi. The MC starts with a futuristic gun and armor. He fights mutated monsters, aliens, and augmented humans in a destroyed cityscape. He uses tech and modern items. He also has the ability to upgrade his host body using Azure and the genetics of the monsters he kills while he tries to survive in this new world and unravel the mystery of what happened to humanity and how he's supposed to restore it.
On the game mechanic side of things, there are lots of notifications that are shared with the reader: upgrades possible item descriptions, messages from his snarky AI companion, quests, ability lists. He gathers Azure instead of XP from monsters and from radiation sources to create tech upgrades and bio enhancements. More powerful upgrades require more Azure. When the MC dies, he can spend Azure to bring his host body back to life or he has to find a new host body and start over gathering resources and upgrades. So like respawning versus starting a new character.
Overall this was an enjoyable action focused story that followed the MC as he tried to figure out the world, got in lots of fights, decided how to collect more Azure for upgrades, and peeled back the world lore on how the world got into such a state and what how he was tied to it. There are hints at big factions, intrigue, and other large plots, but this story is mostly a good slice of life action adventure.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
The Incarnator (Project Stellar Book 1): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2TAuago
Neon Dark: A LitRPG Adventure (Zero.Hero Book 1)
The greatest Heroes have already fallen…
Now it’s up to Claire and her ragtag crew of Zeroes to save the city.
Low-ranked contractors Claire, Elise, Norah, and Piper dream of making it to the top twenty with the Stewards of Light, but their weird RPG powers have them trapped near the bottom instead. Balancing college, part-time jobs, and family matters leaves the girls without much time to fight crime and grind out the experience they need to climb the ranks.
When a new threat emerges, the gamer girls are left standing in a city turned upside down with no hero to save them. The underclassmen are outclassed, but they're also the only ones who can stop the spread of chaos. Claire and her friends will have to unravel the mess with clever teamwork and determination, and find the top-rank heroes in themselves to save the city before it falls into darkness.
From J.D. Astra, author of the LitRPG Epic Viridian Gate Online: Firebrand, comes a new universe of heroes and monsters. If you loved Super Powereds by Drew Hays, I Alone Level-Up, or you crave more anime like One Punch Man and My Hero Academia (with a healthy serving of RPG elements) then Zero.Hero: Neon Dark is for you!
My Opinion: 298 page, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
I had a harder time connecting to the female protagonist and the few touchy feely relationship scenes. There is also a little forced plot with the main character (MC) getting just the magical doohickey she needs early to overcome a specific obstacle later. But beyond those two small things the story was good. I enjoyed the real life application of RPG powers from the characters and the effect those powers had on school, work, and other relationships. The action was well written and even the small XP quests were fun.
Overall a good story that combines superhero stuff with LitRPG.
Score: 7.4 out of 10
Neon Dark: A LitRPG Adventure (Zero.Hero Book 1)
https://amzn.to/39OWT6Q
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
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If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 216 - Aether's Blessing, Dragon's Mist, Waking Up in Arcania, The Dungeon Fairy, Universe Storage Box: Volume 9
March 6th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 216 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 5 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-216
New Releases and Reviews:
Aether's Blessing (Aether's Revival Book 1) (07:24)
Didn’t want to put it down
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2PO3g2n
Dragon's Mist: A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series (Warlords of the Circle Sea Book 1) (14:31)
Good RPG strategy elements
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2I1nWPU
Waking Up in Arcania: A LitRPG GameLit Fantasy Adventure series (Non-Player Character Book 1) (18:05)
Cyberpunk aspect didn’t make sense
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2Ipk1Ne
Ian’s Picks Of the Week (27:50)
The Dungeon Fairy: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 1)
Fairy Punk
Score: 8.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3atjC8k
Universe Storage Box: Volume 9
Into the game world
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2IlTeRE
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
The World of Valdira series by Dem Mikhailov is being republished after getting picked up by my Magic Dome Books. The series is getting new cover art and a whole new round of translation and editing. So, if you haven’t had a chance to read the series, this is a Russian LitRPG story that even many Russian authors point to as the series that got them into the genre. Book 1 is out now and book 2 has a pre-order release of May 29th, 2020.
https://amzn.to/2PRpOzh
Audiofile magazine awarded Death’s Mantle, by Harmon Cooper and Read by Andrea Parsneau, a Earphones Award in the science fiction category. Congrats!
https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/reviews/read/175189/deaths-mantle-by-harmon-cooper-read-by-andrea-parsneau/
Out Now!
Gods of Ash and Amber: A Gamelit Novel (Seeds of Chaos Book 4)
https://amzn.to/2CqekeF
Path of Soul: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 3)
https://amzn.to/303uu8W
The Last Time Loop: Max of the Rebellion (Volume 2): A Time Travel LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2QH5WzF
Caym: A Fantasy LitRPG (Enora Online Book 7)
https://amzn.to/2PuA6F9
Neon Dark: A LitRPG Adventure (Zero.Hero Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2RqgJ1z
Journey Never Ends: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 5)
https://amzn.to/38tM0GI
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Imprisoned Online (Gaming the System) - A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2IlgBLp
Dinosaurs! - Forger of Worlds, Book 3
https://amzn.to/3czwZ8J
Upcoming LitRPG:
First Song, Book Two (Anthem of Infinity 2) (March 8th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39r5FaQ
The Incarnator (Project Stellar Book 1): LitRPG Series (March 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2qhDQAw
Viridian Gate Online: Insurrection (The Alchemic Weaponeer Book 3) (March 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tDrpAS
Into the Darkness: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Axe Druid Book 4) (March 13th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32RPGjN
Traveling the Dungeon (Dungeon Travels Book 2) (March 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HW0AeN
The Hive [LitRPG series:The Beetle] Book 2 (March 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tUQuHs
Darkworlds Paris: A Cthulhu LitRPG (March 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37KVPyW
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series (March 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34SKoE6
The Starlight Sword (Rogue Merchant Book #1): LitRPG Series (March 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39OUetn
Dark: Reincarnate (Dark LitRPG book 2) (March 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2wDbgw7
Stranger is Coming [LitRPG Series: Class Neutral] Book 1 (March 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TiQppH
Sense: A Fantasy LitRPG Saga (A Touch of Power Book 3) (March 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/32VwOR1
Quest for Freedom: A LitRPG Saga (Hero Online Book 5) (March 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2EMZ4dg
Sentenced to Troll 3 (April 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FUwxmw
Noa in the Flesh (World of the Changed Book #3): LitRPG Series (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38ohw96
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8) (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2PRJzHb
Expedition Newb (Sun & Shadow Online Book 2) (April 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39Nl455
Dragon Heart: Sea of Sorrow. LitRPG wuxia series: Book 5 (April 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39cwT5u
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Gauntlet: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 5) (April 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3akbzLd
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Aether's Blessing (Aether's Revival Book 1)
Every year, the empire administers the rite of passage into adulthood. That rite serves to identify those blessed by Aether to become magi. The new magi are shipped to the academy to learn the arts of magic.
The academy is a dangerous place; the tournaments held twice each year can cripple or kill the students, and the clans of the empire will go to great lengths to recruit the students they want.
Gregory had one dream: to become a magi like the legends of old. Though he was ridiculed by the residents of the village and his unsupportive father, he never wavered from his dream. Would his age day bring the fruition of his dreams, or would reality come crashing down on him?
(This book contains some adult themes.)
My Opinion: 596 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advanced copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is a great slice of life cultivation and magical academy story with light RPG progression for the cultivation. As soon as I started reading it, I did not want to put it down.
What really made this great story for me was the top notch world and character building. From the first pages, the author takes the time to describe the rich cultural, political, and personal histories without bogging the ready with dense text. Instead it all flows naturally as the main character (MC) learns more about the world outside his village and what it means to be able to cultivate aether in the Empire.
While world and character building were the things that made me bump the story to ‘great’, that doesn’t mean the other aspects of the novel are lacking. While the early portions of the novel mostly do developmental stuff, and the mid story is about the academy, there is still regular action with a big bump happening in the last quarter. There are also elements of intrigue and faction politics that should be familiar to anyone that has read wuxia or cultivation stories.
The progression system takes a good bit to show up with most of the details coming out after the 15% mark as the magical academy comes into play. There are attributes like Body, Spirit, and Mind, each with a training path and sub-paths like specific elemental powers or shadow magic. There’s a good bit of depth here developed as the MC researches and trains. There are also tiers and circles for students that show their level of cultivation progression. However, that’s it as far as RPG progression aspects go. It’s light, but still pulls from familiar systems.
Overall a great story. Though I should warn that like most of the author’s writing there are some graphic sex scenes that are skippable ( less than 5% of the story). They make sense as part of the story is about the MC, a young man, exploring the world, finding love, and his place in it.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
Aether's Blessing (Aether's Revival Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2PO3g2n
Dragon's Mist: A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series (Warlords of the Circle Sea Book 1)
Build your kingdom – Destroy your enemies
What would you do if you woke up in a strange land?
What if you had no idea why?
Would you fight, or would you curl up into a ball and cry?
What if your fate was sealed by a booming announcement that cracked across the vast blue skies?
“Greetings, welcome to The Land of The Lessermen. You have arrived in the nick of time. War looms, its dire thunderheads crowding our once glorious sky. This land needs a strong hand such as yours. A hundred must battle for victory, and at the end, there can be only one.”
You’ve played the games, now read the book!
For Connor O’Grady this nightmare comes true. He wakes in a land and is propelled into an age called Legendary, where he has to fight his way up from nothing, literally nothing, not even a pair of pants. He must learn to survive, to fight, and to enlist the help of others in order to build a civilization capable of winning.
Because there is no other option.
This is a LitRPG – Civ building fantasy tale and includes progression stats and settlement stats.
For lovers of 4X strategy MMORPG civilization building games who enjoy a tale woven in the lands they spend far too much time in.
Warning: Contains curse words.
My Opinion: 739 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Right from the first paragraph the story is unabashedly LitRPG. There's an immediate trapped in the game scenario with promises of PvP, crafting, and town building. And the story delivers. From the get go the main character fights monsters to gain Lord Levels and resources to cover his nakedness and make weapons. As he advances he gets new powers geared towards survival and kingdom building.
Game mechanics are pulled from strategy games with a mix of simplified crafting, town building, assigning kingdom jobs, and strategy combat. The crafting is simple. The MC collects fragments and is rewarded with random clothing or weapons. It's a neat way to give the MC stuff he wouldn't have thought of to make. Kingdom roles like scholar and economist are given to other kidnapped earthlings who must be recruited. Kingdom's citizens are recruited which unlocks more development paths. Lots of good strategy game stuff mixed with a storyline of competing player kingdoms.
Overall a good story with only minor forced moments.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Dragon's Mist: A 4X Strategy LitRPG Series (Warlords of the Circle Sea Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2I1nWPU
Waking Up in Arcania: A LitRPG GameLit Fantasy Adventure series (Non-Player Character Book 1)
Sometimes, self-awareness isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
My name’s Joe, and I’ve died over ninety-thousand times. Until recently, that didn’t bother me one bit. After all, I’m a non-player character in a virtual fantasy game. Or at least I was.
Now, I’m not sure what I am.
I used to do whatever the programmers told me to do. But since becoming self-aware about a week ago, I’ve decided I’d rather not die. Especially since it’ll likely be permanent for me. So, yeah, dying now would completely suck.
But I’m not the only one with problems. Arcania itself is dying, infected by a virus that’s impacting all creatures, from orcs to humans to dragons. Nobody is safe, including those outside the game – in the so-called real world.
The only hope? With a small party of fellow adventurers (both PCs and NPCs alike), I must journey across Arcania, find the cure, stop the spread of this terrible plague, and, hopefully, save both worlds.
Waking Up in Arcania is the first book of the Non-Player Character series, a LitRPG GameLit fantasy adventure filled with heart-stopping battles, unlikely friendships, far-reaching revelations, and snarky humor.
Follow Joe’s thrilling quest and explore Waking Up in Arcania today!
My Opinion: 400 pg??, $3.99, Available on Kindle Unlimited
This is a LitRPG cyberpunk story from the perspective of a newly awakened NPC.
The first 5% is the main character (MC) complaining about the ineptitude of the groups trying his quest and his inability to do anything not pre-programmed. Then when an update gives him autonomy the story describes all the things he’d never done: like eat, sleep, buy a weapon, or have a random fight. Not exactly riveting stuff. From there it’s the MC trying to solve the mystery of why he became self aware and why the game world is changing.
I’ll be honest, I’ve yet to read a LitRPG story that mixed well with cyberpunk. This is no different. The cyberpunk element: a virus that is harming players IRL and can only be cured by something in game which can only be found through a series of high level quests. So, people are getting sick and dying from something to do with the game (not explained how this works) but instead of sending the cure to the police or the game company or a trusted source the programmer of the game makes self aware AI NPCs and asks them to risk their lives to find it? The cyberpunk premise just doesn’t make sense to me.
I did genuinely like the idea of reading a LitRPG story from the perspective of an NPC. But the MC never really felt like a newly awoken NPC. His speech patterns and knowledge of the real world make him feel like a regular player.
On the game mechanic side of things, this is LitRPG. There are character sheets, damage and loot notifications, classes, stat points, etc. Fairly standard stuff. The game world is supposed to be an MMO but the mechanics described feel more tabletop inspired with lower HP values, combat rounds, and success/failed attacks. Though some of that disappears after the 33% mark when the game enters ‘real world mode’ or as I suspect, the author got tired of writing combat notifications.
The technical writing and action scenes in the story were fine and there is a snarky sense of humor. But the cyberpunk storyline didn’t make sense and predictably led to some wand wavy moments to advance that aspect. Which is a pet peeve for me.
Score: 6 out of 10
Waking Up in Arcania: A LitRPG GameLit Fantasy Adventure series (Non-Player Character Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2Ipk1Ne
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
Ian Mitchell is a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 4)
The Dungeon Fairy: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 1)
Fairy Punk
Customer rating 5.0/5.0
March 1, 2020 By Ian Mitchell
Jonathan Brooks is making great variations on dungeon core stories. I like the writing. This is interesting and I'm curious about what's next. Wonderful start to the series. Not a lot of combat this time. I found not including hit points a great move.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
The Dungeon Fairy: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3atjC8k
Universe Storage Box: Volume 9
Into the game world
Note: Translation issues
Huang Feng finally gets to visit the game world. Pretty much a total cheat character. We never see a stat sheet. But he levels, starts in a beginner village, makes a guild. All this happens mid book. The obvious harem is finally starting. No explicit sexual content or language (other than violence). I've enjoyed the series. His magic box trades items with other worlds (largely based in on popular stories).
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Universe Storage Box: Volume 9
https://amzn.to/2IlTeRE
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
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Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 215 - Red Mage Book 2, Crematoria Online Book Two, GUARD, Tree Dungeon, Tusk and Blade, Spells for Sale, Disgardium Book #3
Feb. 28th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 215 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 7 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-215
New Releases and Reviews:
Temper: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Series (Red Mage Book 2)
A bit less tension but a good sequel
Score: 7.5 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2OSSQho
Legacy of the Bloodreaver: Crematoria Online Book Two
A more settled story world
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2I12lHi
GUARD [Web of Worlds: Empire] A LitRPG Series. Book 1
Better than I thought it would be
Score: 7.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2I196sU
Ian’s Picks Of the Week
Tree Dungeon: A Dungeon Core Epic (Divine Seed Book 1)
Tree stories
Score: 7.3 out if 10
https://amzn.to/2vaGXgf
Tusk and Blade (Exodus Online) Book One: A LitRPG Novel
campy with extra gore
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/32vPTJ7
Spells for Sale: Magik Volume I (Magik Online Book 1)
Big story
Score: 8.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3854xbm
The Destroying Plague (Disgardium Book #3): LitRPG Series
Power gaming
Score: 8.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2PtOjlN
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
This amazing book is FREE right now. Get it while it lasts.
https://amzn.to/3abfEB7
Life Reset (New Era Online Book 1) is available this weekend only for $0.99. Go grab it now.
https://amzn.to/2vsVbsT
Out Now!
Inheritance: A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 1)
https://amzn.to/39rk72a
The Dungeon Fairy: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 1)
https://amzn.to/37JMBTu
Waking Up in Arcania: A LitRPG GameLit Fantasy Adventure series (Non-Player Character Book 1)
https://amzn.to/39b32d0
Tales of Dungeons 2
https://amzn.to/2I1UA40
New LitRPG Audiobooks
The Crafting of Chess - A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2PwdaFI
The Other Core: A Dungeon Core Epic - Station Cores, Book 5
https://amzn.to/2I589Q1
Second Story Man - Bad Guys Series, Book 2
https://amzn.to/2VpseZj
Bibliomancer - Wolfman Warlock, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2Tkzx1H
The Fourth Realm - The Ten Realms, Book 4
https://amzn.to/2Tm2OsP
Cole Blooded
https://amzn.to/3aevKKh
Upcoming LitRPG:
Gods of Ash and Amber: A Gamelit Novel (Seeds of Chaos Book 4) (Feb. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2CqekeF
Path of Soul: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 3) (Feb. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/303uu8W
The Last Time Loop: Max of the Rebellion (Volume 2): A Time Travel LitRPG Series (March. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QH5WzF
Caym: A Fantasy LitRPG (Enora Online Book 7) (March 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2PuA6F9
Neon Dark: A LitRPG Adventure (Zero.Hero Book 1) (March 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RqgJ1z
Journey Never Ends: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 5) (March 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38tM0GI
The Incarnator (Project Stellar Book 1): LitRPG Series (March 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2qhDQAw
Viridian Gate Online: Insurrection (The Alchemic Weaponeer Book 3) (March 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tDrpAS
Traveling the Dungeon (Dungeon Travels Book 2) (March 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HW0AeN
The Hive [LitRPG series:The Beetle] Book 2 (March 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tUQuHs
Darkworlds Paris: A Cthulhu LitRPG (March 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37KVPyW
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series (March 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34SKoE6
The Starlight Sword (Rogue Merchant Book #1): LitRPG Series (March 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39OUetn
Stranger is Coming [LitRPG Series: Class Neutral] Book 1 (March 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2TiQppH
Quest for Freedom: A LitRPG Saga (Hero Online Book 5) (March 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2EMZ4dg
Sentenced to Troll 3 (April 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FUwxmw
Noa in the Flesh (World of the Changed Book #3): LitRPG Series (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38ohw96
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8) (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2PRJzHb
Expedition Newb (Sun & Shadow Online Book 2) (April 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39Nl455
Dragon Heart: Sea of Sorrow. LitRPG wuxia series: Book 5 (April 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39cwT5u
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Gauntlet: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 5) (April 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3akbzLd
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3886nbx
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
Temper: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Series (Red Mage Book 2)
A haven for humanity. Factions forming and fracturing. The seeds of a new empire.
Drew and his team are racing to create a system-recognized ‘Habitat’. To make this happen, they must conquer more nodes, deal with an antagonistic superior officer, and possibly worst of all: their own fear.
Freeing the troll’s sacrificial captives was only the beginning. Now the remnants of humanity must find a safe place to call home. But Nat's Park isn't the safe haven he was promised it would be. Not only do internal politics threaten to rip the survivors apart, an unknown danger haunts the stadium.
Drew and his allies will struggle to survive in the changed world after the Advent as fate works to temper them.
My Opinion: 345 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Full disclosure: I received an advance copy for review. I purchased a copy when it became available.
This is a good sequel with all the good RPG action from book 1, but with less emphasis on the survival aspects of an apocalypse story. There’s still an RPG apocalypse going on but less worry about single person survival or resources. Instead, its focus is more on community building, gathering of survivors, beating dungeon monsters to gain control of nodes, and a smaller intrigue storyline. Good RPG progression from everyone’s powers but nothing bigger than what was in book 1.
Overall, a good book 2 in the series with a bit less tension than was in book 1.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Temper: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Series (Red Mage Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2OSSQho
Legacy of the Bloodreaver: Crematoria Online Book Two
Crematoria Online: A dark fantasy LitRPG series from Matthew J. Barbeler! For fans of Diablo, Bloodborne, Devil May Cry, and The Elder Scrolls.
Making friends has never been Lucas Hutchins' strong suit, but now he has no choice in the matter. He has a promise to keep, but he's not strong enough to do it alone.
Lucas forges friendships and alliances with a bunch of ragtag player characters: a purple-haired Apothecary with a passion for baking, a mysterious Occultist who takes role-playing way too seriously, and a Hellkin who just wants everyone to get along.
Meanwhile, the armies of the Crimson Queen are gathering in the realm of Sanguinaria. They mean to invade the Four Kingdoms and bend every man, woman and child to the Crimson Queen's will.
Lucas must use his wits and his Investigator abilities to find out what the Crimson Queen is up to before it's too late to fight back.
My Opinion: 455 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
This has a good recap that explains the main game main characters powers and what happened in book 1. It really helped me get right back into the story and recall who everyone was and the major plotlines.
The story starts in the real world and does a good job of establishing some IRL stakes and does some decent fleshing out of why people would be willing to be stuck in an MMO.
I actually liked this 2nd book quite a bit more than book 1. It felt more...settled. Book 1 felt like the author wasn't 100% sure what kind of story it was going to be. Trapped in the game? Detective? Magical fantasy? What game mechanics were going to be there? What's this romance going to develop as? The detective game mechanics felt like a way to lead the MC through the story. In book 2 a lot of that is settled so the story is much clearer and it's easier to do world building and character development.
Overall still a good story with a use of some unusual classes. Good action adventure but also a better fleshed out game world.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
Legacy of the Bloodreaver: Crematoria Online Book Two
https://amzn.to/2I12lHi
GUARD [Web of Worlds: Empire] A LitRPG Series. Book 1
The God of Light fell.
The Demon Lord rules the world.
Sentient beings were forbidden to develop technology, and people were never able to shift from the steam era to the age of electricity and the internal combustion engine.
But as long as you are the Light host, you can hope for the best. Even if your house is burned to the ground, even if you lose your family, even if your overlord sends you to your death, the Black Guard never gives up and continues on his way.
Every word here is true.
And every word here is a lie.
Where is the truth? You can’t guess...
Choose what you want...
The WWE series (Web of Worlds: Empire) was the first project in which most of the main character’s decisions were made by the dice roll and readers' votes (at the end of each chapter).
As a result, the plot often developed contrary to the author’s plan and plenty of quite funny characters appeared.
Dice rolls make the story unexpected—not only for readers, but also for the author who didn’t even know about the end of each fight.
The plot of the book developed thanks to the four-sided dice rolls. In addition to dice rolls, there were Basic characteristics remaining the same and a Bonus depending on the opponent, conditions, or luck.
Read and play the new game Web of Worlds: Empire (Rules inside!)
My Opinion: 547 pages, $0.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
Honestly, the cover art and novel description weren't big sellers for me. Even the 1st 5% felt more like portal fantasy. Then the author explains in an interlude that all the major story decisions and whether an action succeeds, were determined by dice rolls and reader polls when the story was originally written. It gives the novel a real 'choose your own story' vibe. Especially since the author shows the dice rolls, bonuses or penalties, and DCs for success. Some of the most interesting moments in the story were definitely when there was a critical failure and the author had to figure out the consequence.
On the game mechanic side of things, this is LitRPG. There's a trapped in a game aspect but the MC doesn't remember thing going on. But practically, the story feels like a RPG fantasy world. The system messages are part of the culture as is choosing a class, crafting, levels, and combat notifications. There's some less common classes in the story and a whole trial/dialogue system I liked.
On the story side of things it feels like a serial or a slice of life story. Especially since many story decisions where made by dice roll or early reader polls. There's still fantasy RPG action-adventure but the story takes some odd twists sometimes.
Overall, a good story if you can appreciate the 'choose your own story' style. The author also has a tabletop system based on his story world that he has a link to at the back of his book.
Score: 7.2 out of 10
GUARD [Web of Worlds: Empire] A LitRPG Series. Book 1
https://amzn.to/2I196sU
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Tree Dungeon: A Dungeon Core Epic (Divine Seed Book 1)
Tree stories
Not the usual dungeon core story. No stats. No levels. It has all the activities as other dungeon core tales without the game aspect. I liked the story of the tree that made a dungeon inside itself. It treated with the gods of the world as it was divine but not a god. First person and good reading, it was unique in the world with no sidekick for it to interact with.
Score: 7.3 out if 10
Tree Dungeon: A Dungeon Core Epic (Divine Seed Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2vaGXgf
Tusk and Blade (Exodus Online) Book One: A LitRPG Novel
campy with extra gore
Fun and amusing. Light. Thag smash. Thag smash real hard. Impress orc babes. I can't say it was sophisticated. It was brutal in a visceral satisfying way. I felt a bit askew when the guy who failed at suicide turned into a very confident bruiser. Once past that, well it's a fantasy. Go for it, big guy. There were stats and things. I enjoyed it.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
Tusk and Blade (Exodus Online) Book One: A LitRPG Novel
https://amzn.to/32vPTJ7
Spells for Sale: Magik Volume I (Magik Online Book 1)
Big story
Dragons conquered the earth. Our standard of living is better, we just are a defeated species. Given magical abilities by the Administrator a series of adventures follow.Will the hero protect his friends and family or will they be killed or shipped of to jail. Some challenging tests and choices await. A great read.
Score: 8.1 out of 10
Spells for Sale: Magik Volume I (Magik Online Book 1)
https://amzn.to/3854xbm
The Destroying Plague (Disgardium Book #3): LitRPG Series
Power gaming
Wow! That was awesome. I found it very exciting. Levels, grinding, and totally unfair perks. Wonderful. It starts out with some great sneaking around. And ends with becoming the target of a holy war (title of the next book). A great adventure that kept me up late reading. I'm glad the next one comes out soon.
Score: 8.7 out of 10
The Destroying Plague (Disgardium Book #3): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2PtOjlN
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
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Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 214 - The Crafter (Book 2), Nomad Core, Annex, Dungeon Core Academy 3, Castle of the Noobs, and more
Feb. 21st, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 214 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 7 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-214
New Releases and Reviews:
The Crafter (Book 2): Trench Warfare (09:33)
A good sequel
Score: 7.7 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3bLY4W5
Nomad Core (Core Control Book 2) (15:25)
Hard for me to get into
Score: 6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/3bRRJZi
Ian’s Picks Of the Week
Annex: A Divine Dungeon Series (Artorian's Archives Book 3) (20:28)
Well spoken MC
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/327jsAG
Dungeon Core Academy 3 (A Dungeon Core LitRPG series) (23:18)
He might not have graduated
Score: 8.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2uZr0cw
The Land of Diarrhea Online: A LitRPG Parody of GameLit (24:16)
What did I just read?
Score: 7.4 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2P5tPiT
Pearl of the South (World of the Changed Book #2): LitRPG Series (26:14)
Hell on earth
Score: 8.1 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2T0SfeG
Castle of the Noobs: Noobtown Book Three (27:39)
Jim of the unfortunate name
Score: 8.2 out of 10
https://amzn.to/38OEnLu
Vainqueur the Dragon (28:43)
For the hoard!
Score: 8.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2V7pxLO
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
(Play Video)
The amazing Dakota Krout, author of the Divine Dungeon series and Completionist Chronicles and head of Mountaindale Press, was featured on the local North Dakota news. They highlighted his success story as well as his works and it was just so cool to see him on TV. Go check it out!
https://www.valleynewslive.com/video/?vid=567943792
Dakota Krout has bundled all five Divine Dungeons into a boxed set and added a short story about the Master - 560,000 words for only $2.99 for a limited time. Grab it at this incredible discount, roughly 90% off, or pick it up on Kindle Unlimited here
https://amzn.to/3c29Qfd
(Play Video)
This is a reminder that the Fantasy Book Fest in Anaheim, Ca is Apr 17 at 8 AM – Apr 19 at 5 PM and is still selling tickets and that a number of LitRPG and GameLit authors are attending. There are panels, educational workshops, a D&D game night, the S’mores and Stories event, and of course, the Fantasy Ren Faire cosplay signing! Apparently there was even an impromptu nerf gun fight last year between authors. So it looks to be a fun time.
Some of the LitRPG/GameLit authors include: Domino Finn, Apollos Thorne, James Hunter, and R.A. Mejia.
https://www.facebook.com/events/411882156047605/
http://fantasybookfest.com/
Out Now!
Axestorm: (Sky Realms Online Book 3): A LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2Rmopln
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book II
https://amzn.to/31ODIqA
The Game of Gods 3: Fragments - A LitRPG / Gamelit Dystopian Fantasy Novel
https://amzn.to/2HG8f0A
Dungeon Maker: Book 2
https://amzn.to/3bUC8b4
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Queen of Nowhere: A LitRPG Adventure
https://amzn.to/2T0YX4m
A Game of Villains - World of Karik, Book 1
https://amzn.to/2vPMyIw
Upcoming LitRPG:
Inheritance: A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 1) (Feb. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39rk72a
The Dungeon Fairy: A Dungeon Core Escapade (The Hapless Dungeon Fairy Book 1) (Feb. 27th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37JMBTu
Temper: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Series (Red Mage Book 2) (Feb. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2OSSQho
Gods of Ash and Amber: A Gamelit Novel (Seeds of Chaos Book 4) (Feb. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2CqekeF
Path of Soul: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 3) (Feb. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/303uu8W
The Last Time Loop: Max of the Rebellion (Volume 2): A Time Travel LitRPG Series (March. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QH5WzF
Neon Dark: A LitRPG Adventure (Zero.Hero Book 1) (March 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RqgJ1z
Journey Never Ends: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 5) (March 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38tM0GI
The Incarnator (Project Stellar Book 1): LitRPG Series (March 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2qhDQAw
Viridian Gate Online: Insurrection (The Alchemic Weaponeer Book 3) (March 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tDrpAS
Traveling the Dungeon (Dungeon Travels Book 2) (March 14th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2HW0AeN
The Hive [LitRPG series:The Beetle] Book 2 (March 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tUQuHs
Darkworlds Paris: A Cthulhu LitRPG (March 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/37KVPyW
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series (March 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34SKoE6
The Starlight Sword (Rogue Merchant Book #1): LitRPG Series (March 23rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39OUetn
Quest for Freedom: A LitRPG Saga (Hero Online Book 5) (March 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2EMZ4dg
Sentenced to Troll 3 (April 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FUwxmw
Noa in the Flesh (World of the Changed Book #3): LitRPG Series (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38ohw96
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8) (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2PRJzHb
Expedition Newb (Sun & Shadow Online Book 2) (April 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39Nl455
Dragon Heart: Sea of Sorrow. LitRPG wuxia series: Book 5 (April 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39cwT5u
Resistance (Disgardium Book #4): LitRPG Series (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/3bM1mbT
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book III (April 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39LWodg
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The Crafter (Book 2): Trench Warfare
Wick was promised his fate would come in equal portions of bad luck and good luck. Branded as an eleven year old criminal of the Empire, he is sent to the war front to endure seven years as an indentured servant with no influence, no allies, and worst of all, no money.
As far as he can tell, there is no good luck in sight. And yet... faced with the worst luck he's ever been dealt, Wick hungers for more than survival. Nothing will stop him from wanting it all.
So, he must turn to the one power he has neglected, his Legacy as The Crafter.
Follow Wick as he finally unlocks the mysteries of the Misonian's Legacy and his ambitions devour anyone foolish enough to get in the way.
Story Does Contain: Lots of Crafting, Male Lead, Fast Pace, Slightly Overpowered Protagonist, Greedy Protagonist, Right of Passage, Multiple Magic Systems, Mystery
Story Does NOT Contain: Harem, Ultraviolence, Horror, Mopey Protagonist
My Opinion: 215 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
An interesting sequel. It has all the good storytelling from book 1, more actual crafting as the main character (MC) starts to make stuff, and good action. The RPG skill progression isn't a major part of the story as much as what the MC does with his unique skills and talents. I wish there were more hard numbers but it is what it is.
The story itself is almost a reset as the both the setting and cast of characters are almost completely replaced. Now the MC is an indentured worker digging trenches on the front lines of a war he wanted nothing to do with. He has to figure out a way to save the investment he's made in Scout and deal with new threats without revealing his powers. Otherwise he risks being sent to fight the enemy. It's a good mix of tension from internal group threats and the MCs need to grow his greedy pile power.
Overall, a good story with the notable and surprising issue of semi regular small technical errors. Like at least one or two small spelling or word omission errors per page. Still, really good storytelling.
Score: 7.7 out of 10
The Crafter (Book 2): Trench Warfare
https://amzn.to/3bLY4W5
Nomad Core (Core Control Book 2)
Life can be good when your enemies think you're dead.
But Wynne has traded one set of foes for another, and a hunter in oldtech armor wants him for sinister purposes.
Neither fully man or machine, it's up to this new bunker core to rise up against all odds, using his wits and technology to prevail against twisted animal-folk, shining mutants, and threats literally from out of this world...
My Opinion: 281 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
It was a lot harder to get into this story for me. Even though it's a book 2, it's also a reset. In book 1 the story was more traditionally a dungeon core story with enemies attacking a base that had traps and was upgraded and defended by a core and its AI assistant. Book 2 loses a good bit of that. The original dungeon is gone, the big enemy is off to the side, and a really big loss for me, even if temporary, was the loss of the AI companion in the early story. It seems silly but the conversations that the MC had with it in book 1 were funny and broke up the internal dialogue of the core. It made it harder to get through the first half of the novel.
Also there's less focus on the expected dungeon core stuff: base building, traps, and fending off waves of enemies. Instead there's more exploration as the dungeon core becomes more mobile and the tribe he's with try to make a new place to live while dealing with local enemies. Because I wasn't really invested in that tribe, it made what they were doing less interesting. It's really not till mid story that you even get a good antagonist either.
On the game mechanic side of things it's mixed. There's nothing wrong here as all the upgrade mechanics from book 1 carry over. But they feel less impactful, especially in the first half of the story. I mean, I get that inventory and mobility upgrades are important but they were frankly not exciting. Not like the murder traps I was used to seeing in dungeon core stories.
Overall, though the writing was solid and things got a bit more exciting mid and late story, it was just too hard to stay interested in the novel. I think if you've read book 1 more recently or don't mind the loss of certain elements from book 1, you may like this more.
Score: 6 out of 10
Nomad Core (Core Control Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3bRRJZi
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Annex: A Divine Dungeon Series (Artorian's Archives Book 3)
Well spoken MC
Honestly, the beginning was challenging and a bit rough. Futzing around in the dark. A bit trippy. After that things get moving and there's some good action and finagling by the elder MC. Required a bit more thinking than my normal fare, I enjoyed it.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Annex: A Divine Dungeon Series (Artorian's Archives Book 3)
https://amzn.to/327jsAG
Dungeon Core Academy 3 (A Dungeon Core LitRPG series)
He might not have graduated
Beno is a fun character. Not always the smartest. But he takes care of his people (monsters). No respawns here. I very much liked this dungeon story and am hoping for many more to come.This dungeon is a character. Sometimes the humor gets a bit much for me. I found it very good reading.
Score: 8.1 out of 10
Dungeon Core Academy 3 (A Dungeon Core LitRPG series)
https://amzn.to/2uZr0cw
The Land of Diarrhea Online: A LitRPG Parody of GameLit
What did I just read?
Trying to match up authors and characters in the book was an interesting puzzle. I was a bit amused to find that I had a no dialogue cameo. Rambling and a bit rushed, the biggest puzzle of the book was trying to guess the identity of the author. Seeing Orson Scott Card and Ernst Cline doing a Bill and Ted act was funny. I think my favorite was the diarrhea curse Allen King suffered from. Probably more fun for people who follow the online squabbles of the various authors regarding the future of LitRPG and GameLit.
Score: 7.4 out of 10.
The Land of Diarrhea Online: A LitRPG Parody of GameLit
https://amzn.to/2P5tPiT
Pearl of the South (World of the Changed Book #2): LitRPG Series
Hell on earth
Well written. Mark Derwin continues his quest to save his sister. I like all the problem solving in the story as Mark moves from one tough situation to another. It had a really great action movie vibe for me. One of the more intense books I've read recently.
Score: 8.1 out of 10
Pearl of the South (World of the Changed Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2T0SfeG
Castle of the Noobs: Noobtown Book Three
Jim of the unfortunate name
A lot of great humor. Some parts made me cringe. Many goblins and trolls were harmed making this story. Some with wonderful explosions. Jim gets injured in numerous ways. It was a lot of fun. Book 3 and still going strong.
Score: 8.2 out of 10
Castle of the Noobs: Noobtown Book Three
https://amzn.to/38OEnLu
Vainqueur the Dragon
For the hoard!
I had a great time reading Vainqueur. He, Victor, the kobold rangers all made for great characters. Silly and fun. This reminds me of two of my favorite series on royal road: Everybody loves large chests, and The wandering inn. As long as the story moves, nor everything needs to be explained. An excellent fun read. I hope it gets a sequel.
Score: 8.6 out of 10
Vainqueur the Dragon
https://amzn.to/2V7pxLO
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
You can follow us on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litrpgpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LitRPGPodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3-eBvpm-g7IkjfVktObGAA
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geekbytespodcast
Our Webpage: www.litrpgpodcast.com
Other LitRPG facebook pages
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPG.books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitRPGsociety/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheFantasyNation/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541733016223492/
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us you can also find all the other ways to support the podcast at www.litrpgpodcast.com/support
Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
LitRPG Podcast 213 - Tales of a Northblood, World of the Changed Book #2, Death's Mantle 2
Feb. 15th, 2020
Hello everyone, welcome to episode 213 of the LitRPG podcast.
I’m Ramon Mejia. I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews. We have 3 new reviews just for you.
For the full show notes visit us at:
New Releases and Reviews:
Tales of a Northblood: Winter's Breath: A LitRPG Saga
Minor Town building, but good survivalism and series setup
Score: 7.6 out of 10
https://amzn.to/30r25tA
Pearl of the South (World of the Changed Book #2): LitRPG Series
Dark real world LitRPG with loads of action
Score: 7.8 out of 10
https://amzn.to/380aeYu
Ian’s Picks Of the Week
Death's Mantle 2
My girlfriend's an angel and she keeps shooting me.
Score: 8.0 out of 10
https://amzn.to/2SssS6J
(Play Music 2)
LitRPG News
Big news! The audiobook for the Fourth Realm will be available on February 27! It will be on lots of platforms, but might take a bit longer for Audible to approve it.
Also, The Two Week Curse ebook will be available for 99 cents this weekend: https://amzn.to/31MVZVa
Out Now!
Skull and Thrones: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Bad Guys Book 3)
https://amzn.to/36mJwt2
Dark Academy [Transformation. Book IV] LitRPG series https://amzn.to/2uyp22g
An Equation with One Unknown (Invasion Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2NpeFDL
MAGE [Web of Worlds: Empire] A D&D LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/2GDJstl
The Art of Deception (World of Karik Book 2 Part 2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/35EIcQV
The Second Betrayal: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 2)
https://amzn.to/2Fvnybk
Dungeon Core Academy: Book 3 (A Dungeon Crafting series)
https://amzn.to/2Sol8SX
Legacy of the Bloodreaver: Crematoria Online Book Two (Feb. 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2OMq81F
Castle of the Noobs: Noobtown Book Three
https://amzn.to/2uOVAp1
Nomad Core (Core Control Book 2)
https://amzn.to/3bG2Mo7
Resurrection (The Stork Tower Book 7)
https://amzn.to/2UWg3my
New LitRPG Audiobooks
Defenders of the Realm: The Greystone Chronicles, Book 4
https://amzn.to/3byIqgw
Shadow Sun Expansion
https://amzn.to/2UM4WN3
A Jump into the Unknown: Reality Benders Series, Book 5
https://amzn.to/39we6RP
The Culling of Man - A LitRPG Apocalypse (Peril's Prodigy, Book 1)
https://amzn.to/2vz4yXq
House Rules (A LitRPG Novel) - Metagamer Chronicles
https://amzn.to/2tTYGaU
Upcoming LitRPG:
Axestorm: (Sky Realms Online Book 3): A LitRPG Series (Feb. 18th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Rmopln
Player Reached the Top. LitRPG Series. Book II (Feb. 19th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/31ODIqA
Inheritance: A LitRPG Space Adventure (The Last Enclave Book 1) (Feb. 25th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39rk72a
Temper: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Series (Red Mage Book 2) (Feb. 28th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2OSSQho
Gods of Ash and Amber: A Gamelit Novel (Seeds of Chaos Book 4) (Feb. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2CqekeF
Path of Soul: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 3) (Feb. 29th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/303uu8W
The Last Time Loop: Max of the Rebellion (Volume 2): A Time Travel LitRPG Series (March. 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2QH5WzF
Neon Dark: A LitRPG Adventure (Zero.Hero Book 1) (March 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2RqgJ1z
Journey Never Ends: A Dystopian GameLit Adventure (Project Chrysalis Book 5) (March 3rd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38tM0GI
The Incarnator (Project Stellar Book 1): LitRPG Series (March 9th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2qhDQAw
Viridian Gate Online: Insurrection (The Alchemic Weaponeer Book 3) (March 10th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tDrpAS
The Hive [LitRPG series:The Beetle] Book 2 (March 17th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2tUQuHs
The Dark Continent (Underdog Book #3): LitRPG Series (March 20th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/34SKoE6
Quest for Freedom: A LitRPG Saga (Hero Online Book 5) (March 30th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2EMZ4dg
Sentenced to Troll 3 (April 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2FUwxmw
Noa in the Flesh (World of the Changed Book #3): LitRPG Series (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38ohw96
Eastbound and Town: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 8) (April 2nd, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2PRJzHb
Dragon Heart: Sea of Sorrow. LitRPG wuxia series: Book 5 (April 15th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39cwT5u
Warsinger: A LitRPG Dragonrider Adventure (The Archemi Online Chronicles Book 4) (May 1st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/39RC7Ut
Aberrant Quest: The Blood Crown Book 2 (A LitRPG Adventure) (May 5th, 2020)
https://amzn.to/38lNwL4
Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) (May 31st, 2020)
https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm
Onto New Releases and Reviews
(Play Music 3)
New Releases and Reviews
(Picture 1)
The blood of the north flows through his veins...
From bestselling LitRPG author Carrie Summers comes a new saga about survival on a wind-swept coast.
Jace, a backcountry ranger assigned to patrol the wilderness of North America, was hiking when abruptly he was somewhere...else. Wind battered his thinly-clothed body, and the salt air from crashing waves immediately soaked him to the skin. Nothing looked familiar. And then the strange game messages started appearing in his vision.
With no explanation for how he arrived here, Jace must nonetheless learn to survive in a merciless environment, crafting everything with his own hands. He must learn the art of combat and how to control the powerful abilities that surface in his body. Northblood, they'll call him. A blessing and a curse.
On the bright side, he's totally buff. And there's this hot redheaded game tester who was pulled from her old life and shoved into his.
Things could definitely be worse.
Tales of a Northblood: Winter's Breath starts a brand new adventure. Scroll up and grab it now to read today!
My Opinion: 270 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited
The first 65% is primarily an introduction to the RPG fantasy world and the four main characters. There story revolves around learning about the RPG mechanics, each person figuring out their roles, and surviving the beasts, weather, and monsters through crafting basic necessities and shelter. After the 65% mark this shifts as the group finds locals and learns more about the world and why there's been an increase in Starborn like them showing up. The last quarter has more action as the group completes a quest.
On the game mechanic side of things there are loads of details and snarky notifications. There's XP, magic, stat increases through actions, and each person seems to have a different skill set they can specialize in. There's a little bit of base and town building but it feels like it's something that will be developed in future books. There's a good depth to the survival aspects for most of the book.
Overall, I enjoyed the story though there is little combat for most of it. It feels like a good bit of setup for the series, but it's entertaining.
Score: 7.6 out of 10
Tales of a Northblood: Winter's Breath: A LitRPG Saga
https://amzn.to/30r25tA
Earth was never the same after World of the Changed. Humanity was reduced to two camps: monsters thirsting to kill, and players doing everything they could to survive. The squabbles people had spent their time on before? Gone. If you wanted to live to see another sunrise, you had to work with everyone you could, from other players to game functions.
Mark Derwin, the most advanced player through the initial period of the game, knew all too well that his level was no advantage. Far from it—the game owner didn’t tolerate anyone who got too far ahead. The only thing the owner wanted was for Earthlings to disappear without a trace, giving up their resources to be extracted. But not everyone was willing to bend the knee before alien intelligence. In fact, some had begun to fight back against the game.
My Opinion: 389 pages, $6.99, Not Available On Kindle Unlimited
The 2nd book in the series continues the dark survival action adventure that the first book started. Vasily Mahaneko continues his story of a lone player stuck surviving an RPG world where all the monsters, and crazed over powered aliens are out to kill him. The story keeps pushing the main character (MC) into ever more action filled situations with good story twists that keep things interesting and the MC from feeling too OP.
A new addition to the game mechanics are the ‘trials’ where the MC can undergo torturous tests to improve his physical and mental stats. It’s a change I liked since it exacts a real cost for his RPG improvement.
Overall, another really good read from the author.
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Pearl of the South (World of the Changed Book #2): LitRPG Series
https://amzn.to/380aeYu
Ian’s (Eye-Ann) Picks of the Week
(Pic 0)
New Segment from Ian Mitchell a long time LitRPG community member who reads and reviews as much as me. He was nice enough to agree to join the LitRPG Podcast family as a new reviewer.
(Pic 6)
Death's Mantle 2
My girl friend's an angel and she keeps shooting me.
Book 2 of a strange series. This Death is a gamer. He can't interact with the material world. But, he can make cool toys to fight with other supernatural beings. At least he isn't boring. Part of the series includes him trying to save his family members from some sort of spiritual parasite. An interesting read and quite imaginative. I finished book 2 feeling like I still don't know what is happening or why. I enjoyed the fights. They were fun and over the top.
This is my thousandth book review at Amazon. Yay!
Score: 8.0 out of 10
Death's Mantle 2
https://amzn.to/2SssS6J
That’s it everyone! Thank you for watching/listening.
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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!
(Music 4)
Music Credits
"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
