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System of Nil #1
Baneslayer
In a world of secrets, he who holds the answers holds the power.
Nathan Cheng, known professionally as Nil, is anything but ordinary. With his fourth consecutive game jam win in the bag, he has a lot of big ideas for his own studio, though he lacks the resources to make them real. Even if he did, the gaping hole in his heart from the untimely death of his sister has left him angry and bitter. If only he could have been there.
When he wakes up in an arcane world with a system that seems familiar, he’s given an defeat the dark king... or die. If he can succeed, he can return home on the day before his sister was murdered. The catch is, like every light warrior, he must begin at level one.
Only Nil's knowledge of the system will allow him to advance fast enough to avoid being overwhelmed by the endless armies of the dark. It's a good thing he has a perfect memory. In The System of Nil the mechanics are far more complex than they appear with thousands of hidden secrets waiting to be discovered and exploited. Every powerful weapon, item, and skill is gated behind tricks, traps, and unimaginable horrors. To prevail Nil must be a skilled warrior, investigator, crafter, and monster hunter. It’ll take more than just brains. He’ll need a mountain of grit and guts. But that’s just fine. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
Nathan Cheng, known professionally as Nil, is anything but ordinary. With his fourth consecutive game jam win in the bag, he has a lot of big ideas for his own studio, though he lacks the resources to make them real. Even if he did, the gaping hole in his heart from the untimely death of his sister has left him angry and bitter. If only he could have been there.
When he wakes up in an arcane world with a system that seems familiar, he’s given an defeat the dark king... or die. If he can succeed, he can return home on the day before his sister was murdered. The catch is, like every light warrior, he must begin at level one.
Only Nil's knowledge of the system will allow him to advance fast enough to avoid being overwhelmed by the endless armies of the dark. It's a good thing he has a perfect memory. In The System of Nil the mechanics are far more complex than they appear with thousands of hidden secrets waiting to be discovered and exploited. Every powerful weapon, item, and skill is gated behind tricks, traps, and unimaginable horrors. To prevail Nil must be a skilled warrior, investigator, crafter, and monster hunter. It’ll take more than just brains. He’ll need a mountain of grit and guts. But that’s just fine. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
- GenresFantasy
736 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
448 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Tim Paulson
16 books12 followersI am Tim Paulson, writer of fantasy and science fiction.
I'm currently writing the Bone knight litRPG series. It's fun to revisit the game worlds I enjoyed when I was young. I grew up with Final Fantasy, Mechwarrior, Dragon warrior (known to many as Dungeon Quest), and X-COM. These games, along with a whole lot of movies and books, have informed what I think is cool: Impossible odds and grave decisions with monumental stakes.
Bone knight book nine, the finale for the series, is currently underway. After that is complete, I have a new litRPG series already planned that should come out in time for Christmas 2022.
Also: Audiobooks are on the way and a Boneknight RPG game is currently in development.
If you've enjoyed my books, please leave a review.
Thank you!
-Tim
I'm currently writing the Bone knight litRPG series. It's fun to revisit the game worlds I enjoyed when I was young. I grew up with Final Fantasy, Mechwarrior, Dragon warrior (known to many as Dungeon Quest), and X-COM. These games, along with a whole lot of movies and books, have informed what I think is cool: Impossible odds and grave decisions with monumental stakes.
Bone knight book nine, the finale for the series, is currently underway. After that is complete, I have a new litRPG series already planned that should come out in time for Christmas 2022.
Also: Audiobooks are on the way and a Boneknight RPG game is currently in development.
If you've enjoyed my books, please leave a review.
Thank you!
-Tim
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 16, 2023
Bloody great book!
It can be read as a standalone, but Paulson has stated it's part of a series. I look forward to reading the second book. I love Shan in this and the twist with Emily surprising Nathan at the end. *Chef's kiss*
It can be read as a standalone, but Paulson has stated it's part of a series. I look forward to reading the second book. I love Shan in this and the twist with Emily surprising Nathan at the end. *Chef's kiss*
October 5, 2023
Quit a third of the way through.
Pick a hard game and watch someone who has a full walkthrough guide, including secrets, play through it. That's what this is. Add in a copious amount of plot armor and loot drops that are exactly what he wants and this is what you get. If you want to write a power fantasy, go for it. It still needs some semblance of a believable story.
Pick a hard game and watch someone who has a full walkthrough guide, including secrets, play through it. That's what this is. Add in a copious amount of plot armor and loot drops that are exactly what he wants and this is what you get. If you want to write a power fantasy, go for it. It still needs some semblance of a believable story.
September 23, 2023
Book one
So overpowered! The memory thing makes it seem easy for the MC, but wouldn't you do whatever it takes if you had even a chance to save a sibling from being murdered?
The MC has to get his hands dirty, but he does it in a smart way to maximize his chances of saving his sister.
I read this in one sitting and really enjoyed it.
I will say that he grit his teeth, grit is the old style were every form is just grit. Meanwhile language has moved on and he gritted his teeth is now acceptable. It also reads better.
So I marked every instance and posted on Goodreads every single he grit his teeth.
It's a personal preference since both can be used and be considered correct.
8/10 The only challenge that the MC really has is saving his sister.
I look forward to book two though.
So overpowered! The memory thing makes it seem easy for the MC, but wouldn't you do whatever it takes if you had even a chance to save a sibling from being murdered?
The MC has to get his hands dirty, but he does it in a smart way to maximize his chances of saving his sister.
I read this in one sitting and really enjoyed it.
I will say that he grit his teeth, grit is the old style were every form is just grit. Meanwhile language has moved on and he gritted his teeth is now acceptable. It also reads better.
So I marked every instance and posted on Goodreads every single he grit his teeth.
It's a personal preference since both can be used and be considered correct.
8/10 The only challenge that the MC really has is saving his sister.
I look forward to book two though.
February 14, 2024
I love me a good ol' Isekai, but this ain't it. Our main character is overpowered and there is literally no conflict in this book. I might add that while I'm a gamer I never fancied souls games but that doesn't mean i don't know how lvls work. The way there's no struggle defeating over leveled foes over and over, without even a well written fight scene is plain boring.
Sure the character is flawed in that he's a gamer who believes he's the best at the game, which with a photographic memory he is. So his self importance makes sense, but it reads like a self insert/marry sue oc.
And he gets everything he wants, do no character development.
Spoiler, practically every boss mob can and will be one shot.
Nathan: is OP
Every bad guy: "what? how? i don't understand"
This also falls short due to the writing. It's basic and there's no feeling. All tell no show 🤷
I wish for a good isekai book but so far I've not found them as enjoyable as the anime variant.
Sure the character is flawed in that he's a gamer who believes he's the best at the game, which with a photographic memory he is. So his self importance makes sense, but it reads like a self insert/marry sue oc.
And he gets everything he wants, do no character development.
Spoiler, practically every boss mob can and will be one shot.
Nathan: is OP
Every bad guy: "what? how? i don't understand"
This also falls short due to the writing. It's basic and there's no feeling. All tell no show 🤷
I wish for a good isekai book but so far I've not found them as enjoyable as the anime variant.
December 11, 2023
bane slayer very good book.
There’s some false with this book, but I’m giving it a five star review because the book was fast paced, the main character kept pushing throughout the entire book to achieve the end that he was working for. His manipulations and plans throughout the book, kept moving the plot forward. Everybody in the book was likable. All the characters were great. Good world building, and I am going to read the next book when it is released. How much much could you ask for at least myself I like an OP character that can get the job done. If you like OP characters who don’t take any nonsense, then you will enjoy this book. Like I said, there is some flaws and the writing needs to be tightened up as long as you can get past these little travails you will enjoy this book.
There’s some false with this book, but I’m giving it a five star review because the book was fast paced, the main character kept pushing throughout the entire book to achieve the end that he was working for. His manipulations and plans throughout the book, kept moving the plot forward. Everybody in the book was likable. All the characters were great. Good world building, and I am going to read the next book when it is released. How much much could you ask for at least myself I like an OP character that can get the job done. If you like OP characters who don’t take any nonsense, then you will enjoy this book. Like I said, there is some flaws and the writing needs to be tightened up as long as you can get past these little travails you will enjoy this book.
September 26, 2024
LitRPG is a new genre for me and I love it. my husband has been trying to get me to read it but I just hadn't. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this! I loved the storyline and the characters. The world building was great! The narrator was pretty awesome too! I loved how he did the voices! Crates and Shana were my favorites! Nil was great but towards the end he started to get more reckless and disrespectful and I didn't too much care for him at that point. it was almost like the power was going to his head. Loved the ending and can't wait for part 2! She was in love the entire time!
*I received a complementary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received a complementary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2023
Good but
It's a good story, but it felt rushed the whole way through. The MC was a real ass but I get why. Honestly it works for a one book story. I gave 4 stars instead of five because it Honestly should have been at least two books and slowed the pace down a bit. It would have made it easier not to want to smack the hell out of the MC at some points and would have given tome to explain more. As it is it's still a good read.
It's a good story, but it felt rushed the whole way through. The MC was a real ass but I get why. Honestly it works for a one book story. I gave 4 stars instead of five because it Honestly should have been at least two books and slowed the pace down a bit. It would have made it easier not to want to smack the hell out of the MC at some points and would have given tome to explain more. As it is it's still a good read.
October 23, 2023
Made it about halfway through, which is when the little companion got on my nerves one too many times.
Not a bad power fantasy story, but that winged annoyance got to be too much to deal with when she whines about everything and questions everything for no reason other than exposition, but it an extremely annoying way.
Gave it 3 stars because it's not bad, I just couldn't deal with the constant buzz.
Not a bad power fantasy story, but that winged annoyance got to be too much to deal with when she whines about everything and questions everything for no reason other than exposition, but it an extremely annoying way.
Gave it 3 stars because it's not bad, I just couldn't deal with the constant buzz.
September 24, 2023
Neat ending
The main character was WAY too overpowered. This was basically all a cheat code gamelit story. However, this was obviously intentional. The story premise was well constructed, and the progression, while confusing at times, was consistent and well planned.
Even though I don't normally like OP main character stories, I enjoyed this one.
The main character was WAY too overpowered. This was basically all a cheat code gamelit story. However, this was obviously intentional. The story premise was well constructed, and the progression, while confusing at times, was consistent and well planned.
Even though I don't normally like OP main character stories, I enjoyed this one.
October 25, 2023
Wow.. mmm. Getting started was easy. Great flow to keep you reading along. Very interesting .
Yes I would recommend it ti anyone who likes fiction fantisy. Young or old this book comes thru. It's not really scary but still easy to follow. Sometimes you can reread some good parts. Check out preview. TIM 2. HAHA.
Yes I would recommend it ti anyone who likes fiction fantisy. Young or old this book comes thru. It's not really scary but still easy to follow. Sometimes you can reread some good parts. Check out preview. TIM 2. HAHA.
October 28, 2023
Thoughtful
Most of the time. When you read a few chapters you know how the book is going to go and y ill u either accept the ride or get off.
This book is different it is enjoyable but around 50% through the book you will realize how much thought and care was put in the book and the plot will give you many pleasant surprises.
Most of the time. When you read a few chapters you know how the book is going to go and y ill u either accept the ride or get off.
This book is different it is enjoyable but around 50% through the book you will realize how much thought and care was put in the book and the plot will give you many pleasant surprises.
November 8, 2023
OP MC, but pretty good.
Likeable MC, extremely OP, but it's somewhat hard to understand how he gets there. Lots of events and items fall into his hands. Interesting story, if you do not delve into it too much, so it's just plain entertainment. This is like movies used to be; no political, ethnic, or religious message, just entertainment.
Likeable MC, extremely OP, but it's somewhat hard to understand how he gets there. Lots of events and items fall into his hands. Interesting story, if you do not delve into it too much, so it's just plain entertainment. This is like movies used to be; no political, ethnic, or religious message, just entertainment.
December 4, 2023
"Baneslayer" by Tim Paulson, narrated by the author, is a litRPG gem. Paulson's writing is a perfect mix of complexity and clarity, and his narration adds authenticity to the immersive journey of Nathan Cheng. Dive into this gripping fantasy adventure where the game system's intricacies and Nil's quest from level one make for an exhilarating read.
June 30, 2024
Perfect
The book was long and kept me interested the whole time. The different approach to the LitRPG genre was great and I loved how he always had a solution for everything but things were still challenging for him. The ending was great and this book could be a standalone book without a sequel. The addition of a sequel just makes it better. Excellent book.
The book was long and kept me interested the whole time. The different approach to the LitRPG genre was great and I loved how he always had a solution for everything but things were still challenging for him. The ending was great and this book could be a standalone book without a sequel. The addition of a sequel just makes it better. Excellent book.
August 31, 2023
Great read
Great pace to the story good game mechanics the main character is complex and slightly dark but works well with the storyline the fight and battle scenes are well written the world building really good loved it keep them coming!
Great pace to the story good game mechanics the main character is complex and slightly dark but works well with the storyline the fight and battle scenes are well written the world building really good loved it keep them coming!
October 21, 2023
Over the top casual MC with the personality of a cardboard box.
In a different world that is run by fantasy rules? Cool. Let's go level up.
What are the rules? I have perfect recall - and read a book.
Have a ball of light companion who can shrug? What?
DNF
In a different world that is run by fantasy rules? Cool. Let's go level up.
What are the rules? I have perfect recall - and read a book.
Have a ball of light companion who can shrug? What?
DNF
December 19, 2023
Fun Read but, not Great
If you have an afternoon where you have nothing to do and nothing to read this would be a good book to dig into. I feel that the author had a little more polish this would have been a much greater read.
If you have an afternoon where you have nothing to do and nothing to read this would be a good book to dig into. I feel that the author had a little more polish this would have been a much greater read.
January 15, 2024
Wow... A fun read that feels complete
It is so rare now a days to find a fantasy LIT style book that actually feels finished in one book.
It was a fun read and I could not stop laughing over Shan always screaming!
Highly recommended!! Have fun!!
It is so rare now a days to find a fantasy LIT style book that actually feels finished in one book.
It was a fun read and I could not stop laughing over Shan always screaming!
Highly recommended!! Have fun!!
November 5, 2024
Excellent
Really good story of you like utterly overpowered characters , Nil the MC has a photographic memory and read the game design before entering , still really enjoyable story .
Really good story of you like utterly overpowered characters , Nil the MC has a photographic memory and read the game design before entering , still really enjoyable story .
December 15, 2023
I enjoyed this story overall, I do understand some of the issues others bring up. While I agree there were some issues, I did not find any of them significant.
December 18, 2023
Kratos!
Kratos is just an incredible character that got short changed in the story. It was all about Shan, no backstory about Kratos and how awesome he is.
Kratos is just an incredible character that got short changed in the story. It was all about Shan, no backstory about Kratos and how awesome he is.
December 24, 2023
Worth a read
This book wasn't bad it's world building was good and the character growth was good can't wait for the next installment.
This book wasn't bad it's world building was good and the character growth was good can't wait for the next installment.
August 22, 2024
Was a fun ride but lacks any “wow factor” or tension.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews