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The Resonance Cycle #1
Divine Invasion
The gods gave him six months to prepare for their twisted games. What he does next will surprise them all.
The magical world of Volar is dying. To save themselves and their followers, the native gods have instituted a plan, one that will transform Earth mortals into anchors for their powers.
Ty, and thousands of other humans are summoned through portals and given one mission: choose a god and power up as fast as they can.
An Isekai/Portal/Progression series, the Divine Invasion is the first book in a fast-paced adventure story set in both our world and Volar. Expect demons, dragons, dungeons, and unexpected plot twists to take the story in new and strange directions at every turn.
The magical world of Volar is dying. To save themselves and their followers, the native gods have instituted a plan, one that will transform Earth mortals into anchors for their powers.
Ty, and thousands of other humans are summoned through portals and given one mission: choose a god and power up as fast as they can.
An Isekai/Portal/Progression series, the Divine Invasion is the first book in a fast-paced adventure story set in both our world and Volar. Expect demons, dragons, dungeons, and unexpected plot twists to take the story in new and strange directions at every turn.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2023
971 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 20, 2023
I didn't make it quite a quarter before noping out of this one. It's a bit of a twist giving an isekai candidate six months to prepare. And I liked Ty taking it seriously and bending all his resources to getting gud. He's a bit compulsive about lists and that's going to get tiring, but I was along for it.
But once he makes it in world, I found his interactions with the Nature Dragon offputting and flouting the warnings that it'd cripple him later seemed dumb. Warnings from the dragon, mind you. I mean, it seemed out of character for the otherwise pretty straightforward, and pragmatic, Ty.
And then we got an info dump where we find out that the core impetus for this whole thing is essentially evil. And in the service of a giant Trolley Problem, to boot. Ty is so pragmatic that it's not even a dilemma for him. And I even agree with his choice. But I also lost all sense of attachment to the story. I just don't care at all about the gods and world being saved any more and everything Ty does to "help" these evil jerks makes me want to smash something. In his place, I'd definitely play along as well. But I'd hate everybody while at it and would do everything I could to visit destruction on them pre-emptively. Like, did they consider that since everyone they want to save is swapped out for people in our world, the most "efficient" thing Ty can do is start killing as many people on this world as he can? I mean, that's win/win in his column of the jolly ole trolley they've aimed at his home. His best bet is to align with a power bent on killing folks and start having a good ole time.
Anyway, I can't go on with this so it's a dnf. And one star for the evil trolley built into the story and the hero who can make mayhem boring with lists.
But once he makes it in world, I found his interactions with the Nature Dragon offputting and flouting the warnings that it'd cripple him later seemed dumb. Warnings from the dragon, mind you. I mean, it seemed out of character for the otherwise pretty straightforward, and pragmatic, Ty.
And then we got an info dump where we find out that the core impetus for this whole thing is essentially evil. And in the service of a giant Trolley Problem, to boot. Ty is so pragmatic that it's not even a dilemma for him. And I even agree with his choice. But I also lost all sense of attachment to the story. I just don't care at all about the gods and world being saved any more and everything Ty does to "help" these evil jerks makes me want to smash something. In his place, I'd definitely play along as well. But I'd hate everybody while at it and would do everything I could to visit destruction on them pre-emptively. Like, did they consider that since everyone they want to save is swapped out for people in our world, the most "efficient" thing Ty can do is start killing as many people on this world as he can? I mean, that's win/win in his column of the jolly ole trolley they've aimed at his home. His best bet is to align with a power bent on killing folks and start having a good ole time.
Anyway, I can't go on with this so it's a dnf. And one star for the evil trolley built into the story and the hero who can make mayhem boring with lists.
July 2, 2023
This has the worst character design I have read in some time. It is just horrible. A planner who does nothing but fling himself forward recklessly time and time again. A divine plan that is just pointless. Scions that display Stockholm syndrome. Add in a convoluted plot line with obvious betrayal and just enough foot dragging to try to make it all plausible and you arrive at one star.
April 13, 2025
Good So Far
This lit RPG took a while to get into, I was dragging and almost quit the story but I’m glad that I hung in there. Will definitely recommend someone starting this series, know that the first half of the book it takes you a while to get started. Once you get past the first half of the book, the story tends to get a little better and more interesting. I’m looking forward to reading book number two, and then I’ll give a more in-depth review.
This lit RPG took a while to get into, I was dragging and almost quit the story but I’m glad that I hung in there. Will definitely recommend someone starting this series, know that the first half of the book it takes you a while to get started. Once you get past the first half of the book, the story tends to get a little better and more interesting. I’m looking forward to reading book number two, and then I’ll give a more in-depth review.
January 5, 2024
The MC acts stupid without reason
Why the MC needs to do such stupid things? Without any reason?!
*** Spoiler below***
"Intellectually, he knew sitting in the chair might kill him. Either he’d have his consciousness overwritten by some ancient evil, or the spikes would draw too much of his health and leave him as an empty husk. Or maybe the obvious would happen, and he’d summon a monster that would suck the remaining life from his body. He knew these things, bone deep, and still he sat on the chair."
Why the MC needs to do such stupid things? Without any reason?!
*** Spoiler below***
"Intellectually, he knew sitting in the chair might kill him. Either he’d have his consciousness overwritten by some ancient evil, or the spikes would draw too much of his health and leave him as an empty husk. Or maybe the obvious would happen, and he’d summon a monster that would suck the remaining life from his body. He knew these things, bone deep, and still he sat on the chair."
June 24, 2023
KU Review
Very cool portal story. Or pre-apocalypse story? Definitely a unique take and the story behind the “why” is fascinating and looks to get even more involved as the series progresses. Should be fun.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Very cool portal story. Or pre-apocalypse story? Definitely a unique take and the story behind the “why” is fascinating and looks to get even more involved as the series progresses. Should be fun.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Read
July 20, 2023I've read enough of these dungeon crawl stories to get the gist. First of all this NOT great art , it's more like a Domino's pizza , tastes great , entertaining , filling , but let's face it , it's still just a pizza.So many of reviews I've seen knock these books because they don't aspire to great literary art. So what?? I read for fun , not really looking for great insight into the human soul , just entertainment.
August 13, 2023
I couldn’t bring myself to finish. The author tries to make it so that MMC is growing but it just looks awkward, he keeps contradicting himself without the proper events that would push him to change his mind.
The explanation for how this is going to work is flimsy at best. The author should have introduced the world to us in a better way, I wish I could say I completely understand what was going on.
The explanation for how this is going to work is flimsy at best. The author should have introduced the world to us in a better way, I wish I could say I completely understand what was going on.
July 1, 2023
I enjoyed the base story premise and the overall story was good however I think a little bit of it got lost in the overall minutiae on more than a few thing and the bit of repetitive word fluff was unneeded. However all that being said good story well produced and a relatively unique presentation definitely will be looking for book two.
July 14, 2023
An interesting take
This book was interesting, and that's not a bad thing. It has a slightly different take on litrpg. Think if a litrpg novel and a portal novel had a baby, and you'll have some idea.
It's a bit of a slow start, but please don't give up there. Give it a shot, I think you'll like it.
Highly recommended.
This book was interesting, and that's not a bad thing. It has a slightly different take on litrpg. Think if a litrpg novel and a portal novel had a baby, and you'll have some idea.
It's a bit of a slow start, but please don't give up there. Give it a shot, I think you'll like it.
Highly recommended.
October 12, 2023
Very interesting
This story is an interesting take on an iseki. The abducted has a choice and time to prepare, this flavors the entire story, making it less of an abduction and figuring things out, and more into a choice and action. It works really well.
This story is an interesting take on an iseki. The abducted has a choice and time to prepare, this flavors the entire story, making it less of an abduction and figuring things out, and more into a choice and action. It works really well.
July 12, 2023
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the female demon wizard. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the female demon wizard. I anxiously await the sequel.
August 3, 2023
Nice
A bit different from the usual tropes of LitRPG, very well done and an enjoyable read. Lots of surprising tweaks.
A bit different from the usual tropes of LitRPG, very well done and an enjoyable read. Lots of surprising tweaks.
August 20, 2023
Great book
Great book and I can't wait to see what you write about next time. This is what I have come to expect from this author.
Great book and I can't wait to see what you write about next time. This is what I have come to expect from this author.
August 26, 2023
Interesting Read
A bit of a darker take on portal fantasy with an MC that has some mental issues. Enjoyed it and look forward to the next.
A bit of a darker take on portal fantasy with an MC that has some mental issues. Enjoyed it and look forward to the next.
February 2, 2025
I've read Book 1 and parts of Book 2, and my only positive comment is that the core concept is interesting. However, the execution falls short. The pacing is incredibly slow; numerous scenes, particularly the six-month training arc, feel unnecessary and could easily be cut. Their inclusion adds nothing to the plot and only serves to bloat the narrative.
A common issue I see in this genre is the trope of the weak, personality-less protagonist. While characters can certainly have flaws, this main character is the stereotypical introverted, spineless beta male. His actions frequently contradict his supposed skill as a planner. A prime example is his encounter with the dragon. Despite his cautious nature and insistence on understanding risks, he immediately requests a blessing, even after the dragon explicitly warns him of potential, unknown consequences. This impulsive decision undermines his established character traits and makes little sense.
This book feels more like a rough draft than a finished product. Many litRPGs suffer from similar problems, likely due to being written by inexperienced authors. While I understand that writing is a learning process, I can't recommend this book. It's a tedious read that doesn't go anywhere. Considering the generally negative reception and the fact that the series has nine books, I question the author's continued pursuit of this project. Perhaps the later books improve, but I'm not invested enough to find out.
A common issue I see in this genre is the trope of the weak, personality-less protagonist. While characters can certainly have flaws, this main character is the stereotypical introverted, spineless beta male. His actions frequently contradict his supposed skill as a planner. A prime example is his encounter with the dragon. Despite his cautious nature and insistence on understanding risks, he immediately requests a blessing, even after the dragon explicitly warns him of potential, unknown consequences. This impulsive decision undermines his established character traits and makes little sense.
This book feels more like a rough draft than a finished product. Many litRPGs suffer from similar problems, likely due to being written by inexperienced authors. While I understand that writing is a learning process, I can't recommend this book. It's a tedious read that doesn't go anywhere. Considering the generally negative reception and the fact that the series has nine books, I question the author's continued pursuit of this project. Perhaps the later books improve, but I'm not invested enough to find out.
April 11, 2025
I have finished this since a week ago, and already half way to Book 2, again I do not know if this is an Isekai genre or litrpg, but I think it has both, since we have our Protagonist, going to another world to "level-up" under the guidance of one of that universe's deity.
I am in the process of thinking what parts of this universe caught my fancy, almost all Dweebs are in love with this type of narration, it negates playing the actual game, and imagination is a powerful tool, for me this should have been an easy 5*, what made it into a 4.5, that horrendous levelling method, while some of the "Scions" have been hard farming for levels (think what Lindon would have done), our protagonist kept slogging through this merit method, he was lucky in some cases, in some cases those around him were better than him, his character is like a Cleric/Thinker amalgamation, again without the powers. THIS is what made this story so captivating, I have been trying to second guess what he will do, but that levelling method just destroys that notion (ALWAYS).
TRULY RECOMMENDABLE READ, I just hope people enjoy it as much as I did.......
I am in the process of thinking what parts of this universe caught my fancy, almost all Dweebs are in love with this type of narration, it negates playing the actual game, and imagination is a powerful tool, for me this should have been an easy 5*, what made it into a 4.5, that horrendous levelling method, while some of the "Scions" have been hard farming for levels (think what Lindon would have done), our protagonist kept slogging through this merit method, he was lucky in some cases, in some cases those around him were better than him, his character is like a Cleric/Thinker amalgamation, again without the powers. THIS is what made this story so captivating, I have been trying to second guess what he will do, but that levelling method just destroys that notion (ALWAYS).
TRULY RECOMMENDABLE READ, I just hope people enjoy it as much as I did.......
February 25, 2024
A series I don't need to continue
Just bad.
A character so bland that he is like mashed potatoes without salt, pepper, butter, gravy, or anything to give him flavor. He has 2 traits. First: He doesn't really like being around people. He doesn't seem to be autistic or have severe social anxiety, just doesn't like being around people. Second: He likes making lists. Really, that's it. Anti social and planny.
The gods seem to be idiots. The 'balance' talked about so often is nonexistent, the described character development system is just plain stupid. I think the system is supposed to show how smart the MC is, but fails miserably. If every time the system comes up I say to myself, 'Well, that's about the dumbest thing I've ever read.' it's not good. The system should not detract from the story.
In conclusion: Uninspired character. Terrible system. No interest. Some people might be able to get past the first30%, but if a story isn't worth it by then, I have lots of books waiting to be read.
2 star book, extra star because, Amazon. Tom out
Just bad.
A character so bland that he is like mashed potatoes without salt, pepper, butter, gravy, or anything to give him flavor. He has 2 traits. First: He doesn't really like being around people. He doesn't seem to be autistic or have severe social anxiety, just doesn't like being around people. Second: He likes making lists. Really, that's it. Anti social and planny.
The gods seem to be idiots. The 'balance' talked about so often is nonexistent, the described character development system is just plain stupid. I think the system is supposed to show how smart the MC is, but fails miserably. If every time the system comes up I say to myself, 'Well, that's about the dumbest thing I've ever read.' it's not good. The system should not detract from the story.
In conclusion: Uninspired character. Terrible system. No interest. Some people might be able to get past the first30%, but if a story isn't worth it by then, I have lots of books waiting to be read.
2 star book, extra star because, Amazon. Tom out
July 14, 2023
I made it to Ch 6 page 58 On my Kindle - I wanted to like it, but the style of Character writing - it just felt too different from anything I myself have experienced that I didn't find it interesting, I couldn't like the character and it was missing depth, he felt robotic - and for me who has read the MurderBot series my M.Wells that is weird as I love that robot.. And I'm similar to this character I make lists to organize any trip I take or any thing I need to decide how I'm going to get things done. I agree with so much that it is frustrating that I am not connecting to the character. But once he transferred through the portal I just didn't care if he lived or died cause its a book with more books so we know he lives.. but I just don't care.
August 4, 2023
Good, but falls flat in some parts
The world building is top notch, and really well down. The story has a pretty good flow about 70% of the time as well. The story itself is unique and interesting.
Now for the cons. Info dumps all over the place. A lot of telling rather than showing. Additionally, and this is personal preference, but the MC is extremely underpowered, and somehow everything in the world is trying to kill him. The stakes are so high, that everything ends up feeling artificial and breaks immersion. More personal preferences, but the MCs powers are boring, and all the cool stuff has so many bells and whistles that it actually loses any real meaning.
Personally, I won't continue the series.
The world building is top notch, and really well down. The story has a pretty good flow about 70% of the time as well. The story itself is unique and interesting.
Now for the cons. Info dumps all over the place. A lot of telling rather than showing. Additionally, and this is personal preference, but the MC is extremely underpowered, and somehow everything in the world is trying to kill him. The stakes are so high, that everything ends up feeling artificial and breaks immersion. More personal preferences, but the MCs powers are boring, and all the cool stuff has so many bells and whistles that it actually loses any real meaning.
Personally, I won't continue the series.
October 18, 2023
A solid 4+.
I've read the first 3 books and apart from the technical specifics of certain powers, which never interest me in this kind of book (... :)) I have nothing to reproach it with.
Still, I'm amazed to read a book that leaves me so many surprises in the actions, as the author is far from choosing the most common elements, nor taking their opposite.
I have this deep feeling that Mr. Renfroe's mind has very strong links with that of his hero, and that we're bordering on Asperger's autism.
I'm still thinking about reading the sequel, despite the speed of publication, because I'm not sure the pleasure I'm getting here is enough to force me to struggle with the subtleties of his English. (I'm a french reader, just in case)
I've read the first 3 books and apart from the technical specifics of certain powers, which never interest me in this kind of book (... :)) I have nothing to reproach it with.
Still, I'm amazed to read a book that leaves me so many surprises in the actions, as the author is far from choosing the most common elements, nor taking their opposite.
I have this deep feeling that Mr. Renfroe's mind has very strong links with that of his hero, and that we're bordering on Asperger's autism.
I'm still thinking about reading the sequel, despite the speed of publication, because I'm not sure the pleasure I'm getting here is enough to force me to struggle with the subtleties of his English. (I'm a french reader, just in case)
January 1, 2024
I really liked this book except for one thing. It seems like the author wanted to set things up to be like a normal LitRPG leveling system without calling it that. The MC has a merit system instead where he gets awarded for completing tasks not killing.
Ultimately it felt very convoluted and unnecessary and just messed up the pacing for me. I didn’t like that aspect of the story which brought it down to 4 stars for me.
I do love some of the other aspects though. The MC gets some very cool powers with very interesting future potential for growth. I also like that he goes back and forth between worlds. This brings an interesting dynamic to the story and allows the MC to strategize in potentially gamebreaking ways.
Ultimately it felt very convoluted and unnecessary and just messed up the pacing for me. I didn’t like that aspect of the story which brought it down to 4 stars for me.
I do love some of the other aspects though. The MC gets some very cool powers with very interesting future potential for growth. I also like that he goes back and forth between worlds. This brings an interesting dynamic to the story and allows the MC to strategize in potentially gamebreaking ways.
April 24, 2024
I’ll admit I’m new to LitRPG so I don’t have anything to compare this to. As a lover of action in any type of book I did enjoy this but found it to be a lot like looking over the shoulder of someone playing an RPG game (likely the point 😅) but for me a non-gamer, it was…hard to follow at points?
I’m not letting that affect my ratings though, since I know I’m not the target audience, but I did think there were a few things - especially at the beginning - that could have helped any reader be more invested in the MCs life and choice.
As a story, it was entertaining but lacked something integral - I think it could have benefited from more character development to truly draw us in to the story.
I’m not letting that affect my ratings though, since I know I’m not the target audience, but I did think there were a few things - especially at the beginning - that could have helped any reader be more invested in the MCs life and choice.
As a story, it was entertaining but lacked something integral - I think it could have benefited from more character development to truly draw us in to the story.
May 9, 2024
Really did not like this story!
The main character started all pretty good, but quickly became a basket case and dislikable all in one. The storyline was quite good but the main character eventually spoiled it with his psychological issues and stupid decisions. The story is constantly emphasizing how smart and organized the main character is (or should be). But despite this, he is constantly making stupid decisions. By the end of the story, he is only half the levels of the average of all of the characters involved in this expedition and he is psychologically messed up. This is not really a story I couldn’t come close to recommending to anybody who would like this type story and I find absolutely no reason to read any further in this series.
The main character started all pretty good, but quickly became a basket case and dislikable all in one. The storyline was quite good but the main character eventually spoiled it with his psychological issues and stupid decisions. The story is constantly emphasizing how smart and organized the main character is (or should be). But despite this, he is constantly making stupid decisions. By the end of the story, he is only half the levels of the average of all of the characters involved in this expedition and he is psychologically messed up. This is not really a story I couldn’t come close to recommending to anybody who would like this type story and I find absolutely no reason to read any further in this series.
September 14, 2023
disappointing MC
The MC gets taken to a world where everything is different. To help with this transition he gets assigned a guide that is a literal sliver from a god. But every time the guide says “don’t do this because it’s not ok to do” the MC is like “I’m gonna do this because I feel like I should” then it just works out I guess. You are telling me, the guy from another planet who needs a guide to function and translate, can do whatever he wants with no real consequences. Why would you not listen to the thing that was given to you, to keep you alive? It’s just beyond frustrating.
The MC gets taken to a world where everything is different. To help with this transition he gets assigned a guide that is a literal sliver from a god. But every time the guide says “don’t do this because it’s not ok to do” the MC is like “I’m gonna do this because I feel like I should” then it just works out I guess. You are telling me, the guy from another planet who needs a guide to function and translate, can do whatever he wants with no real consequences. Why would you not listen to the thing that was given to you, to keep you alive? It’s just beyond frustrating.
July 8, 2023
meticulous
Finely crafted. The beginning drags a bit, though I love the mechanic (time to prepare before isekai; I first saw it in Two Week Curse and loved it). If the trainers and people he met were important, they would be better showing up again later, not front loaded.
The MC is cautious and methodical, which slows the narrative. I think the whole lacks a sense of urgency more than anything.
This is actually quite decent, it simply wasn’t holding my attention.
DNF ~60%
Finely crafted. The beginning drags a bit, though I love the mechanic (time to prepare before isekai; I first saw it in Two Week Curse and loved it). If the trainers and people he met were important, they would be better showing up again later, not front loaded.
The MC is cautious and methodical, which slows the narrative. I think the whole lacks a sense of urgency more than anything.
This is actually quite decent, it simply wasn’t holding my attention.
DNF ~60%
October 20, 2023
Help me read more books
The description says a lot, Most of it's true. It says the book went in unexpected directions. (nope). Can't say that it did. It's a pretty good story, and one I'd like to read more books about, especially since it appears the main character gets to return to earth between deployments (so to speak), so how things are handled on earth after he's levelled up in the other world should be some interesting reading. It's a nice read, and one that should interest most LitRPG fans.
The description says a lot, Most of it's true. It says the book went in unexpected directions. (nope). Can't say that it did. It's a pretty good story, and one I'd like to read more books about, especially since it appears the main character gets to return to earth between deployments (so to speak), so how things are handled on earth after he's levelled up in the other world should be some interesting reading. It's a nice read, and one that should interest most LitRPG fans.
April 23, 2024
Finished it with a large amount of effort. It's not a standard isekai premise. The story is meh, the flow terrible and the MC is boring. I would not recommend this book to anyone to be honest, there is nothing in favor of it. I get the feeling the author wants to do a lot of things at once, but is failing in doing any of them right.
Also, I think that the book would be more interesting if the MC would do more or less the complete opposite of the basic starting plot of this book. It just doesn't make sense to me what he's doing.
Also, I think that the book would be more interesting if the MC would do more or less the complete opposite of the basic starting plot of this book. It just doesn't make sense to me what he's doing.
July 4, 2023
Book one
A bit of a twist on portal fantasy. With a bit of warning and six months to prepare how would you do in a world that is about to be torn apart by a bunch of gods?
Be realistic in your planning and only use things that you can actually get your hands on.
I'm interested in how you think you would do.
The MC did really well all things considered.
8/10 I look forward to book two.
A bit of a twist on portal fantasy. With a bit of warning and six months to prepare how would you do in a world that is about to be torn apart by a bunch of gods?
Be realistic in your planning and only use things that you can actually get your hands on.
I'm interested in how you think you would do.
The MC did really well all things considered.
8/10 I look forward to book two.
November 6, 2023
It didn’t grip me
It’s hard to put into words what I didn’t like about this book, except to say that I had no desire to come back and finish it. Perhaps the story was a bit too disjointed for my taste.
Or there is nothing really excellent about it. Not the progression, nor the world building or other player characters or non player characters. In a Field of many excellent lit rpg books, this one falls into “mediocre meh” territory
It’s hard to put into words what I didn’t like about this book, except to say that I had no desire to come back and finish it. Perhaps the story was a bit too disjointed for my taste.
Or there is nothing really excellent about it. Not the progression, nor the world building or other player characters or non player characters. In a Field of many excellent lit rpg books, this one falls into “mediocre meh” territory
November 11, 2023
The idea is not new, but the twist on this book renews it.
Volar is dying and the Gods are going to open a passage between Volar and Earth. This passage will allow their people to exchange with citizens of Earth in the process. This seems simple but people will die unless those summoned through do a good enough job and facilitate more humans surviving.
Now about the book the pacing is a little slower than I expected.
Volar is dying and the Gods are going to open a passage between Volar and Earth. This passage will allow their people to exchange with citizens of Earth in the process. This seems simple but people will die unless those summoned through do a good enough job and facilitate more humans surviving.
Now about the book the pacing is a little slower than I expected.
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