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The Ripple System #4
Shattersoul
The first wing of the Red Cathedral has been conquered, and the next phase of the Possibility King’s invasion is officially on.
Strange towers have arrived all across EBO, bringing with them fragments of new and dangerous realities. Some will threaten the Onyx Delta, others will offer new opportunities, and one tower in particular will awaken something in Frank that really should have remained dormant.
And in the midst of so much change, the Thousand Tower Tournament rapidly approaches, presenting a host of challenges that will pit Ned and Omen against not mobs, but other players, including a formidable new enemy whose cunning and ruthlessness may very well put an end to the guild’s quest for the World Branch Throne.
There will be more blood this time too… again. More cats as well.
Strange towers have arrived all across EBO, bringing with them fragments of new and dangerous realities. Some will threaten the Onyx Delta, others will offer new opportunities, and one tower in particular will awaken something in Frank that really should have remained dormant.
And in the midst of so much change, the Thousand Tower Tournament rapidly approaches, presenting a host of challenges that will pit Ned and Omen against not mobs, but other players, including a formidable new enemy whose cunning and ruthlessness may very well put an end to the guild’s quest for the World Branch Throne.
There will be more blood this time too… again. More cats as well.
877 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2023
438 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
June 11, 2023
Great read but mixed feelings
Ok, so Kyle's books are one of the few litrpg/gamelit series I actively look forward to the release of.
For me, the biggest feeling during (and after) is always this inspiration of "I really really want a game that plays like this."
Sadly these don't exist yet, so by far I'd rather read this than play any of the disappointing current mmos.
Downside is since book 3 the combat has been very raid/game focused, and it really feels more like someone narrating their WoW playing experience more than the feeling of actually being in a game.
I can't put my finger exactly on what causes this, but I've found myself largely skimming through the action scenes, stopping only at Frank taintsmacks.
It's a shame because the single player combat in the first two books felt much more engaging somehow.
The dialogue and characters remain fun, and Frank is still my favorite humor source in any book of this genre.
The ripple system and bigger overarching themes like the possibility king, though, seem to decrease in importance as the inter guild drama increases.
It's a shame as those were also some of the more interesting themes in the series, and they seem to have largely taken a back seat.
Still one of the more enjoyable reads of the year overall, and I look forward to the next.
edit: Incidentally, Frank's short story had much more enjoyable combat than the main book. Maybe because Ned's whole thing just reads like someone reading out a raid UI/GCD monitor, while Frank's is actual combat.
Ok, so Kyle's books are one of the few litrpg/gamelit series I actively look forward to the release of.
For me, the biggest feeling during (and after) is always this inspiration of "I really really want a game that plays like this."
Sadly these don't exist yet, so by far I'd rather read this than play any of the disappointing current mmos.
Downside is since book 3 the combat has been very raid/game focused, and it really feels more like someone narrating their WoW playing experience more than the feeling of actually being in a game.
I can't put my finger exactly on what causes this, but I've found myself largely skimming through the action scenes, stopping only at Frank taintsmacks.
It's a shame because the single player combat in the first two books felt much more engaging somehow.
The dialogue and characters remain fun, and Frank is still my favorite humor source in any book of this genre.
The ripple system and bigger overarching themes like the possibility king, though, seem to decrease in importance as the inter guild drama increases.
It's a shame as those were also some of the more interesting themes in the series, and they seem to have largely taken a back seat.
Still one of the more enjoyable reads of the year overall, and I look forward to the next.
edit: Incidentally, Frank's short story had much more enjoyable combat than the main book. Maybe because Ned's whole thing just reads like someone reading out a raid UI/GCD monitor, while Frank's is actual combat.
June 5, 2023
I’ve read a few hundred progression fantasy novels over the past couple years, from the mainstream hits to less popular gems. None of them make me laugh as much as The Ripple System. Book 4 delivers comedy and action in just the right mix.
April 1, 2024
I want more to come out asap
January 29, 2025
When will Frank say "House will always win!"
Great listen btw.
Great listen btw.
August 18, 2023
Kyle Kirrin is getting better and better with every entry into this series. I think the stats-heavy stuff will still be a barrier to entry for folks not into the D&D/WoW side of Progression Fantasy, but the interplay between Ned, Frank, House, and Darling is absolutely wonderful. Every phase of his writing is in peak form, and there were real emotional stakes at a couple of points in this one.
Excellent read, and I'm super excited for the next!
Excellent read, and I'm super excited for the next!
July 12, 2023
I made this account just to leave this review, I just finished it and I am disappointed. I have immensely enjoyed the rest of the series but this one was like a bad youtube video comparing itself to movies. The first chapter of the book highlights the worst part of it as it's slams you right into it, BAM and we are running. No moment of reflection on what happened or reminder of where we even are or why since last book, and buckle up because the smash cut, teleport in teleport out, fight run fight run fight never stops. No time to enjoy wins, or mourn losses. The whole book also lacks the adventuring and world-building part that the rest of the books have had and has killed it for me.
3/5 I liked what was there but I feel like it was squandered and may be beyond repair.
3/5 I liked what was there but I feel like it was squandered and may be beyond repair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
laughed out loud so many times my wife thought I was a lunatic (but who is that depraved?!).
This book is just brilliant.
On a purely autistic level I was not able to find any typos, or missing words!
The plot is solid and works well, no matter how things ramp up.
The truly light romance aspect is nice.
The banter is over the moon, sometimes literally.
Ned is powering through but it works, the plots are crazy but they work, the antagonists are truly hateful, but it works.
The additional short story is worth an extra star but they only let me put in 5 stars max.
+1,750,000,000 Frank points (if I had them)
This book is just brilliant.
On a purely autistic level I was not able to find any typos, or missing words!
The plot is solid and works well, no matter how things ramp up.
The truly light romance aspect is nice.
The banter is over the moon, sometimes literally.
Ned is powering through but it works, the plots are crazy but they work, the antagonists are truly hateful, but it works.
The additional short story is worth an extra star but they only let me put in 5 stars max.
+1,750,000,000 Frank points (if I had them)
August 17, 2024
This has been a very humorous series. I really enjoyed the absolutely ridiculous narrative interaction between the main character and his bearded axe. However this is volume 4 and no end in sight!. Sometimes these series just go on too long and lose some of there credibility,with their powers becoming so strong that the story just becomes ho-hum. This may be shaping up that way.
March 3, 2025
This series has been amazing so far. Lots of fun, cool challenges to overcome, and all in all, a great time and an amazing read!!!!
I have been doing the audio versions of the books, and Travis Baldree is also doing an amazing job.
I so can't wait for the next book, and I am interested in a Frank book!!!
I have been doing the audio versions of the books, and Travis Baldree is also doing an amazing job.
I so can't wait for the next book, and I am interested in a Frank book!!!
June 11, 2023
"Shattersoul" by Kyle Kirrin proves to be an excellent novel that delivers a ton of fun, effortlessly maintaining the high standard set by the first books in the series. This gripping installment immerses readers in a world that vividly captures the thrill of playing an extraordinary MMORPG, particularly during the exhilarating opening weekends when everything is fresh, unknown, and filled with surprises. As a father with limited time for MMOs anymore, these books provide a welcome sense of wonder reminiscent of those immersive gaming experiences.
The novel skillfully builds upon the foundation set by its predecessors, ramping up the action and further developing the intricate narrative. The characters are incredibly likable, drawing readers deeper into their journeys. The presence of a well-crafted villain adds a captivating counterpoint that enhances the story's overall depth throughout the book.
"Shattersoul" stands as a standout entry in the series, earning a well-deserved rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to a full 5 stars. Kirrin masterfully captures the essence of a thrilling MMO adventure, offering readers a rich and immersive experience that leaves them eagerly anticipating future installments.
The novel skillfully builds upon the foundation set by its predecessors, ramping up the action and further developing the intricate narrative. The characters are incredibly likable, drawing readers deeper into their journeys. The presence of a well-crafted villain adds a captivating counterpoint that enhances the story's overall depth throughout the book.
"Shattersoul" stands as a standout entry in the series, earning a well-deserved rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to a full 5 stars. Kirrin masterfully captures the essence of a thrilling MMO adventure, offering readers a rich and immersive experience that leaves them eagerly anticipating future installments.
June 2, 2023
I received a free copy of Shattersoul for review from Portal Books. Thanks, guys.
It's been 10 months since we last saw Ned in Gilded Ghost and it's been a long year. There's no other series in GameLit that covers the same territory and while there's plenty of talking swords, a talking axe like Frank is unusual. Yes, unusual does describe Frank and he's in rare form in this, the 4th installment in the Ripple System, where real estate and game mechanics meet with a verve that's impressive to experience. If you've read the previous 3 books, and I suspect if you're reading this review you have, then you know what to expect from Kyle Kirrin--snappy dialogue and lots of Frank-isms plus plenty of violence. Nice formula. It works and this is a nice long book to sink your teeth (or blade, if you're an axe) into. What a great way to start off June 2023!
It's been 10 months since we last saw Ned in Gilded Ghost and it's been a long year. There's no other series in GameLit that covers the same territory and while there's plenty of talking swords, a talking axe like Frank is unusual. Yes, unusual does describe Frank and he's in rare form in this, the 4th installment in the Ripple System, where real estate and game mechanics meet with a verve that's impressive to experience. If you've read the previous 3 books, and I suspect if you're reading this review you have, then you know what to expect from Kyle Kirrin--snappy dialogue and lots of Frank-isms plus plenty of violence. Nice formula. It works and this is a nice long book to sink your teeth (or blade, if you're an axe) into. What a great way to start off June 2023!
June 30, 2023
The first book was excellent. I couldn't put it down. however, it did go downhill from there. Nothing crazy, but I did get tired of the increasingly ridiculous dialogue with Frank, enough that I started skipping pages while they were talking. Also while the litRPG elements were great in the first book, and even the 2nd, it felt that towards the 3rd and 4th book, it became a soft magic system, which i dont enjoy personally. The new abilities and stats just didnt really change much.
Overall the story and the character growth were great and fun, I did read all 4 books, but I will not be reading any more.
Overall the story and the character growth were great and fun, I did read all 4 books, but I will not be reading any more.
June 24, 2023
These books are an entertaining read but this one just kinda falls flat for me. Too much focus on raiding gets boring. The whole economic domination angle which barely got any screen time is more interesting to me than a detailed account of Ned and the guild steamrolling some DoTA match. This book just feels like filler TBH and the ending felt very abrupt. It just... ends. Lol. Had to double check my audiobook app when the Frank short story started playing I was like wait that was it? I do have to mention the Digimon reference though that brought a smile to my face. Love Digimon.
June 29, 2023
Interesting but overall disappointed 😞
The concept of the story and a small part of it is cute and fun. Honestly it's badly written, has strange grammar usage and it just too busy with too many things happening at once. More is not always better, quantity over quality is a formula for failure 😣 especially in a story. Oh back to the word usage man 👨 some of the names suck like oh say sleep and what about you random usage of absurd words that most people would have to look up let alone. Had potential but disappointing.
The concept of the story and a small part of it is cute and fun. Honestly it's badly written, has strange grammar usage and it just too busy with too many things happening at once. More is not always better, quantity over quality is a formula for failure 😣 especially in a story. Oh back to the word usage man 👨 some of the names suck like oh say sleep and what about you random usage of absurd words that most people would have to look up let alone. Had potential but disappointing.
January 14, 2024
“Cry havoc and release the floofs of war!”
I love the characters in this book! In the fourth book of The Ripple System, Frank is more Frank, House is more House, and the rest of the cast continues to develop. I struggle to think about how much time has passed IRL compared to in the game. It feels like each book picks up exactly where the last has left off and is completely full of epic adventures! I have enjoyed the expanding roster of characters that have become staples like Sleep and Mingo. I can't wait to see what Kyle puts out next for these characters.
I love the characters in this book! In the fourth book of The Ripple System, Frank is more Frank, House is more House, and the rest of the cast continues to develop. I struggle to think about how much time has passed IRL compared to in the game. It feels like each book picks up exactly where the last has left off and is completely full of epic adventures! I have enjoyed the expanding roster of characters that have become staples like Sleep and Mingo. I can't wait to see what Kyle puts out next for these characters.
June 9, 2023
Frankly speaking an amazing book
I can’t believe that this instalment in franks and his sidekick ned’s adventures is the best of the series. The competitive slash comedy duo of house and frank is fantastic. Neds ultimately futile attempts to win darlings heart and of course there’s the main man frank finally getting a body. Can’t wait for the next book because this one absolutely blew it out of the park.
I can’t believe that this instalment in franks and his sidekick ned’s adventures is the best of the series. The competitive slash comedy duo of house and frank is fantastic. Neds ultimately futile attempts to win darlings heart and of course there’s the main man frank finally getting a body. Can’t wait for the next book because this one absolutely blew it out of the park.
June 25, 2023
Great continuation!
Kyle Kirrin absolutely hit 4 / 4 with the ripple system books. The progression of the story on the characters’ personal narratives, as well as the story of The Possibility King and EBO ad a whole, are absolutely amazing. Watching Ned find true friends in Omen, Frank going from absolutely against him, to being one of his closest friends.
Kirrin does a fantastic job adding depth and emotion to these books as the narrative nears closer to the end!
Kyle Kirrin absolutely hit 4 / 4 with the ripple system books. The progression of the story on the characters’ personal narratives, as well as the story of The Possibility King and EBO ad a whole, are absolutely amazing. Watching Ned find true friends in Omen, Frank going from absolutely against him, to being one of his closest friends.
Kirrin does a fantastic job adding depth and emotion to these books as the narrative nears closer to the end!
August 16, 2023
What the hell happened? I really enjoyed the first three books, but this one has no world building. No character growth and a very thin plot. It’s like an action movie that starts off running and you’re left trying to catch up through the entire thing and then it’s over and all you know is there were a lot of explosions and the good guys won. It’s not awful, but it is forgettable. I hope the next one is better.
December 7, 2023
This has become one of my favorite series!
This is a review for books 1-4. I REALLY didn’t like Ned for the first part of the first book but I am now a huge fan of this series. It’s one of my faves along with DCC, HWFWM, and Cradle. For sure keep up the Frank chapters. Love them as an epilogue although standalone would be awesome too. Frank, House, and Sleep are some of my favorite characters of all time. Can’t wait to read more!
This is a review for books 1-4. I REALLY didn’t like Ned for the first part of the first book but I am now a huge fan of this series. It’s one of my faves along with DCC, HWFWM, and Cradle. For sure keep up the Frank chapters. Love them as an epilogue although standalone would be awesome too. Frank, House, and Sleep are some of my favorite characters of all time. Can’t wait to read more!
January 1, 2024
I can’t ever get enough of Frank! The overall story of this book wasn’t as well done. Although one competition reminded me of league of legends which was super cool. Other than that nothing too special.
Actually I lied! Frank gets his own short story at the end which had me cracking up with how well done it was. I won’t go into details, but it was somehow horrible, awesome, and still epic at the same time. Really drove home how dumb and hilarious Frank can be at times!
Actually I lied! Frank gets his own short story at the end which had me cracking up with how well done it was. I won’t go into details, but it was somehow horrible, awesome, and still epic at the same time. Really drove home how dumb and hilarious Frank can be at times!
June 7, 2023
Beautiful
More Frank and Ned and House.. More humor, more of everything that makes the series good.. It is VR and is set up that way with focus on RPG, MMO themes... pvp and more pvp and they are in a game.... But great comedy and character creation and layering... Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
More Frank and Ned and House.. More humor, more of everything that makes the series good.. It is VR and is set up that way with focus on RPG, MMO themes... pvp and more pvp and they are in a game.... But great comedy and character creation and layering... Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
June 8, 2023
This was absolutely a fantastic addition to an equally fantastic series. This series is just getting better and better. I don't think there was a better way to write Houses pet Revenge was absolutely fantastic and horrifying all at the same time. I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
I also enjoyed the little bonus at the end definitely an enjoyable little short story.
I also enjoyed the little bonus at the end definitely an enjoyable little short story.
June 12, 2023
surprising good
I have to admit that the series keeps getting better and better. There is so much going on plot wise and character development wise that keeps it constantly entertaining. I did skip forward a few times but it wasn’t from any reason other than I really really wanted to find out if they won or lost. Throughly enjoyable.
I have to admit that the series keeps getting better and better. There is so much going on plot wise and character development wise that keeps it constantly entertaining. I did skip forward a few times but it wasn’t from any reason other than I really really wanted to find out if they won or lost. Throughly enjoyable.
December 26, 2023
Glad I kept listening because this is as good or better than the first installment. It has better pacing and plot, lots of action, unique raid and tournament scenarios, city building/mechanics, and funny dialogue between enjoyable and intentionally hateable characters. Travis Baldtree has become one of my favorite narrators.
June 7, 2023
Another excellent installment!
Hilarious, action packed, numbers everywhere, and Frank. What more do you want? Only problem is I'm done reading it and there isn't another one already...
Hilarious, action packed, numbers everywhere, and Frank. What more do you want? Only problem is I'm done reading it and there isn't another one already...
June 7, 2023
Loved it!
Mr Kirrin, you are an extremely creative person. The game rules and battles are well thought through and never dull. You have a deft touch when it comes to foreshadowing and your banter has made me chuckle on multiple occasions. Keep it up!
Mr Kirrin, you are an extremely creative person. The game rules and battles are well thought through and never dull. You have a deft touch when it comes to foreshadowing and your banter has made me chuckle on multiple occasions. Keep it up!
June 8, 2023
This is such a great series and the characters all have their own distinctions where no one is bland; they are all exciting. I’m satisfied when those plotting against Ned get Franked and then House was the icing on the cake in this book. Can’t wait for the next one!
June 13, 2023
Enjoyable as always
This is one of my favorite series and Shattersoul was no exception. Fun from start to finish and I definitely enjoyed the little extra at the end.
Can't wait for the next one!
This is one of my favorite series and Shattersoul was no exception. Fun from start to finish and I definitely enjoyed the little extra at the end.
Can't wait for the next one!
June 20, 2023
I love this series!
I am really enjoying this series! The world is unique and fun, and the characters are fantastic! I can’t wait to read and listen to the next book! There are only a few series where I both listen and read the book, and this is definitely one of them!
I am really enjoying this series! The world is unique and fun, and the characters are fantastic! I can’t wait to read and listen to the next book! There are only a few series where I both listen and read the book, and this is definitely one of them!
June 20, 2023
game world shenanigans
This one really does feel like you are along for the ride in a game world playing along with the characters. The stakes are there but they are all in game and the mechanics are interestingly fun.
This one really does feel like you are along for the ride in a game world playing along with the characters. The stakes are there but they are all in game and the mechanics are interestingly fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews