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Strength Unleashed: Startup
Dreams come true for those willing to seize them.
Tommy was at the top of his game. He was dating the hottest women on campus, set a world record in weightlifting, and had more fame than he knew what to do with. But all that came to a crashing halt once he graduated from his university. Piece by piece, his success faded into the corporate grind.
But a chance for a new beginning comes around when a phone call from his father urges him to head back to his hometown. Presented with an opportunity to help the family business, Tommy agrees to take it over on one condition—he wants to convert it into a gym.
Yet a full renovation and equipment is more than he can afford. Without the funds and right credentials, the only one willing to lend him enough capital is a crossroads demon. The price if he misses a payment? His soul.
With Eden’s debt collectors eyeing his every move, Tommy will need to surround himself with the team he needs to seize his dreams.
Strength Startup is a slice-of-life monster girl urban fantasy story with unconventional relationships.
Tommy was at the top of his game. He was dating the hottest women on campus, set a world record in weightlifting, and had more fame than he knew what to do with. But all that came to a crashing halt once he graduated from his university. Piece by piece, his success faded into the corporate grind.
But a chance for a new beginning comes around when a phone call from his father urges him to head back to his hometown. Presented with an opportunity to help the family business, Tommy agrees to take it over on one condition—he wants to convert it into a gym.
Yet a full renovation and equipment is more than he can afford. Without the funds and right credentials, the only one willing to lend him enough capital is a crossroads demon. The price if he misses a payment? His soul.
With Eden’s debt collectors eyeing his every move, Tommy will need to surround himself with the team he needs to seize his dreams.
Strength Startup is a slice-of-life monster girl urban fantasy story with unconventional relationships.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 4, 2023
Wholesome and Heartwarming Haremlit
Ajax Lygan has quickly become one of my go-to writers for “feel good” stories.
This book is no exception.
I found myself drawn to the characters and the personal struggles of the protagonist, and though the story arc certainly has “lower stakes” than your usual SF/F genre fare, the grounded aspect of the plot made it much more relatable to me. I really cared about what happened, and was satisfied with how things resolved.
I loved reading how his various relationships develop (both platonic and romantic), and this book has some of the best written characters I’ve read in Indie/harem publishing.
For those looking for a cozy tale, this may be the book for you! This book has it all for me. An intelligent protagonist (who can still make mistakes), a well-realized urban fantasy setting (with all the mythical monsters you could want), varied love interests (with romances that don’t fade to black), and a story arc that is resolved by the end of the book (while leaving things open for a future volume, you’ll find no cliffhangers here!).
Seriously, this is one book that now happily lives rent-free in my mind, and I can’t wait to see Ajax return to this ‘verse for more!
Read This Book
Ajax Lygan has quickly become one of my go-to writers for “feel good” stories.
This book is no exception.
I found myself drawn to the characters and the personal struggles of the protagonist, and though the story arc certainly has “lower stakes” than your usual SF/F genre fare, the grounded aspect of the plot made it much more relatable to me. I really cared about what happened, and was satisfied with how things resolved.
I loved reading how his various relationships develop (both platonic and romantic), and this book has some of the best written characters I’ve read in Indie/harem publishing.
For those looking for a cozy tale, this may be the book for you! This book has it all for me. An intelligent protagonist (who can still make mistakes), a well-realized urban fantasy setting (with all the mythical monsters you could want), varied love interests (with romances that don’t fade to black), and a story arc that is resolved by the end of the book (while leaving things open for a future volume, you’ll find no cliffhangers here!).
Seriously, this is one book that now happily lives rent-free in my mind, and I can’t wait to see Ajax return to this ‘verse for more!
Read This Book
March 7, 2023
Damn good story
I don't normally compare authors but reminds me of fight town by Hondo Jinx. The characters are compelling without feeling unrealistic, the writing conveys emotion, depth of feeling and the story is inspiring. I almost got my fat ass of the couch to start working out again.
I don't normally compare authors but reminds me of fight town by Hondo Jinx. The characters are compelling without feeling unrealistic, the writing conveys emotion, depth of feeling and the story is inspiring. I almost got my fat ass of the couch to start working out again.
May 10, 2023
Really wasn't sure about this, but good ratings do their job again to convince me to give it a shot.
Turned out to be worth it. Well done, with a shit-load of research and/or personal experience in weightlifting clearly evident. MC was balanced and certainly not the biggest fish in his ocean, but the book wasn't about that. Pretty much a slice-of-life book, but well executed. Not sure where subsequent books are going, but it does have potential, so I'll give it a go when the next one arrives.
Turned out to be worth it. Well done, with a shit-load of research and/or personal experience in weightlifting clearly evident. MC was balanced and certainly not the biggest fish in his ocean, but the book wasn't about that. Pretty much a slice-of-life book, but well executed. Not sure where subsequent books are going, but it does have potential, so I'll give it a go when the next one arrives.
August 26, 2024
I had previously passed on reading Ajax's two most recent books after trying some of his earlier series and being relatively unimpressed. But given that the author has now taken a step back from writing due in part to the poor performance of these books, that's a regret. Both "Strength Unleashed" and "Supplying Supers" are excellent books within this genre with good writing, characters with depth, an interesting setting, and an engaging plot. It's a shame that the stories told in them will likely not be continued.
April 16, 2023
Refreshing great read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There are books you slog through just to see the story unfold and then there are books which are compulsive reading and you don't want them to end.
For me this was a compulsive read I enjoyed very much.
I am looking to to read the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There are books you slog through just to see the story unfold and then there are books which are compulsive reading and you don't want them to end.
For me this was a compulsive read I enjoyed very much.
I am looking to to read the next book.
May 20, 2025
A low stakes romp about the troubles of starting a business, the fun of lifting weights, and the dangers of being surrounded by beautiful anthropomorphic animal women. A popcorn bro read that did exactly what I expected it to. I had fun with this one! Also surprise vampire!
October 5, 2025
Great read
A neat plot with great characters, and interesting twists that keep the story going. If you're interested in an urban fantasy setting that keeps things grounded, but also romantic, I'd recommend this. No op mc, just a guy with a dream
A neat plot with great characters, and interesting twists that keep the story going. If you're interested in an urban fantasy setting that keeps things grounded, but also romantic, I'd recommend this. No op mc, just a guy with a dream
November 7, 2025
A surprisingly well written spicy read. The story and depth of the writing and world building compliments the spicy sections very well and keeps you turning the page, wanting to know more overall. Also highly recommend the audible version. The voice actors are supremely talented.
March 23, 2026
Listened to the audio. The female narrator was fine. The male was zero variation on his voice based on what was going on. He was always happy sounding. The writing was also pretty bad. Even more so with the dialogue from the guy.
April 10, 2026
Great start
Their is a lot to love in this book. The MC is smart than most, older. His childhood friend is realistic. Oh did I mention the goth gamer bunny girl who does kickboxing... oh my. We just really need the second entry in the series. Pleaseeeeee
Their is a lot to love in this book. The MC is smart than most, older. His childhood friend is realistic. Oh did I mention the goth gamer bunny girl who does kickboxing... oh my. We just really need the second entry in the series. Pleaseeeeee
March 15, 2023
Great Job
Another great book. Another Great setting for a new world to explore can't wait for more of this series. Only thing is I wish the book included pictures of the characters.
Another great book. Another Great setting for a new world to explore can't wait for more of this series. Only thing is I wish the book included pictures of the characters.
March 19, 2023
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I anxiously await the sequel. I especially like the vampire.
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I anxiously await the sequel. I especially like the vampire.
March 24, 2023
Surprisingly good
I'm an action adventure kind of guy, but this was suprisingly fun for being a slice of life series. I'll definitely snatch up the sequel.
I'm an action adventure kind of guy, but this was suprisingly fun for being a slice of life series. I'll definitely snatch up the sequel.
June 19, 2023
excellent slice of life story
Great story. Ended up spending the whole night reading it. Hope to see more of this, so crossing my fingers for book two!
Great story. Ended up spending the whole night reading it. Hope to see more of this, so crossing my fingers for book two!
November 3, 2025
70% of how to make a gym
20% of ecchi
10% of smut
20% of ecchi
10% of smut
August 14, 2025
one of the best slice of life in the sub genre. dealing with unemployment and dept, also the hassle of starting a new business. It felt very real. where is the next one?
May 30, 2023
Business, Fun, and a Slice of Life
The protagonist is a former weight lifting athlete, with several records still under his belt, and the company he worked for just went under after he decided to end a toxic relationship. After hearing from his father, he decides to head back home to cool things off and take a personal vacation. Back home, he decides to start his own business venture with the help of old and new friends...which is anything but smooth.
This was a wonderful urban fantasy story and felt almost too real. From the difficulty of starting one's own business, to the wonderful and/or detestable (or downright terrifying) people one has to work with to make it work, makes this series standout. The MC does the best he can with what he has and through sheer grit, a good community, and a dash of luck (luck in the form of some crazy/scary people) an enduring success story is now in progress. Honestly, the characters in this new series are amazing. From an ecstatic imp, to the no-nonsense bunny girl, to one of the scariest characters I'm not going to mention, I loved them all. XD
Overall, this was just a well-written, Modern day, fantasy story with wholesomeness, challenges, and just enough spice. Fans of the authors Cebelius and Hondo Jinx will really appreciate this work, as well.
The protagonist is a former weight lifting athlete, with several records still under his belt, and the company he worked for just went under after he decided to end a toxic relationship. After hearing from his father, he decides to head back home to cool things off and take a personal vacation. Back home, he decides to start his own business venture with the help of old and new friends...which is anything but smooth.
This was a wonderful urban fantasy story and felt almost too real. From the difficulty of starting one's own business, to the wonderful and/or detestable (or downright terrifying) people one has to work with to make it work, makes this series standout. The MC does the best he can with what he has and through sheer grit, a good community, and a dash of luck (luck in the form of some crazy/scary people) an enduring success story is now in progress. Honestly, the characters in this new series are amazing. From an ecstatic imp, to the no-nonsense bunny girl, to one of the scariest characters I'm not going to mention, I loved them all. XD
Overall, this was just a well-written, Modern day, fantasy story with wholesomeness, challenges, and just enough spice. Fans of the authors Cebelius and Hondo Jinx will really appreciate this work, as well.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews