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Integrated Universe #1
King Maker
Jeremiah was minding his own business, doing a little recreational breaking and entering at a secluded mountain compound, when Earth was transitioned into the Integrated Universe, curing diseases and halting the aging process. The only problem? Terrible monsters now inhabit the planet alongside mankind looking to make a meal out of all the disease-free humans. The first thing Jeremiah faces after waking is a monster intent on destroying all native species in its new domain. Somehow, he manages to survive certain death and, in the process, become the first person on Earth to achieve Elite status and gain the use of an Elite Trainer. Now, together with his new Trainer, he must try to conquer the world, literally, because it's the only way he will survive. King Maker is the first book in the Integrated Universe LitRPG adventure, a series full of monsters, loot, leveling up, civilization building, dungeon diving, and a personal enhancement system that grants anyone near immortality if they can survive all the monsters…and each other. If you like epic fantasy adventures with RPG gaming elements, you'll be glad Earth is now part of the Integrated Universe!
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First published July 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 3, 2024
Pretty stupid, plot is swiss cheese
So this story I wanted to like but it's just stupid. The major issues with the plot revolve around one the leveling system and two the guide that the protagonist gets. The guide is supposed to be this like super awesome guy to everyone. Expects him to totally win the competition. People are betting on him and when he gets sucked over to Earth to be the guide it's earlier than he planned so he has none of the stuff that he needs.
He provides pretty much no advice that's really useful to the protagonist. Really the only significant piece of information he provides is where the guy's sister was or may have been. It's not even where she was. Is a newspaper article from like 10 years ago? Pretty useless.
Then as far as the leveling system, eventually the protagonist makes it to like level 27 and he's told by his worthless guy that he should be able to easily take out anything five levels above it so that goes up to level 32 right? Shortly thereafter, while he's off searching for his sister, he finds this city. That long story short is about to be decimated by all these monsters and he takes a group of them over to the monster side of the city to power level not and gets his ass handed to him by like five level 10 dogs. It just makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
There's just a ton of inconsistencies and that's on top of it not being particularly well written. There's some cities that are safe zones in some cities that are safe zones and there's no explanation as to why it's just nonsensical.
So this story I wanted to like but it's just stupid. The major issues with the plot revolve around one the leveling system and two the guide that the protagonist gets. The guide is supposed to be this like super awesome guy to everyone. Expects him to totally win the competition. People are betting on him and when he gets sucked over to Earth to be the guide it's earlier than he planned so he has none of the stuff that he needs.
He provides pretty much no advice that's really useful to the protagonist. Really the only significant piece of information he provides is where the guy's sister was or may have been. It's not even where she was. Is a newspaper article from like 10 years ago? Pretty useless.
Then as far as the leveling system, eventually the protagonist makes it to like level 27 and he's told by his worthless guy that he should be able to easily take out anything five levels above it so that goes up to level 32 right? Shortly thereafter, while he's off searching for his sister, he finds this city. That long story short is about to be decimated by all these monsters and he takes a group of them over to the monster side of the city to power level not and gets his ass handed to him by like five level 10 dogs. It just makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
There's just a ton of inconsistencies and that's on top of it not being particularly well written. There's some cities that are safe zones in some cities that are safe zones and there's no explanation as to why it's just nonsensical.
August 4, 2023
Book one
Welcome to the easiest system apocalypse I have seen yet. That doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. It's very deadly, but buildings give free potions, free gear upgrades, stuff like that.
The best "players" got personal trainers to help them get stronger. All so one of them can become king of the planet.
Mistakes are listed on Goodreads.
If you're interested the story continues over on Royalroad.
7/10 I just can't shake the feeling that the author is going to need to pay close attention to keep from writing himself into a corner with this story. Boy do I hope it is an unfounded worry.
I will keep following the story to see how it plays out.
Welcome to the easiest system apocalypse I have seen yet. That doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. It's very deadly, but buildings give free potions, free gear upgrades, stuff like that.
The best "players" got personal trainers to help them get stronger. All so one of them can become king of the planet.
Mistakes are listed on Goodreads.
If you're interested the story continues over on Royalroad.
7/10 I just can't shake the feeling that the author is going to need to pay close attention to keep from writing himself into a corner with this story. Boy do I hope it is an unfounded worry.
I will keep following the story to see how it plays out.
July 23, 2023
I received an audiobook copy of this via NetGalley and #dreamscape publishing. I think it’s important to preface this review with the fact I have a LitRpg and progressive fantasy addiction. If this genre doesn’t float your boat probably best to move on. However my addiction has also lead to a vast consumption of stories so I have plenty to compare this story to.
THE GOOD
The concept of managers and the Kingmaker process is something new and interesting. The narration is well done.
THE MEH
The characters seem to be just there to move the plot forward. A side character Otto is the only character who’s intentions and motivation I understand. The MC just goes from point A-B doing things to do them. He isn’t a grinder, tactician, community builder or leader of people. He will randomly not listen or gain/lose confidence and doesn’t really have a personality, class or fighting style of note. The writing and story are just average nothing makes this stand out from other works in the genre.
THE BAD
As mentioned in the good I really liked the manager angle. However you only have the POV from one of these. That POV is extremely limited. There are hundreds of stories from the perspective of people facing “a system integration”. I was disappointed I could have a different perspective and possibly positive outlook on a integration and instead it was just a role for a side character. Once again a character really lacking depth I think mostly because of the lack of events from his POV instead of the MC’s.
Overall if you are a fan of the genre it’s an interesting enough story. With the upside of becoming something special if it leans into what makes it different instead of focusing on what makes it the same. Also improving the character motivations thus giving me someone to love or hate.
THE GOOD
The concept of managers and the Kingmaker process is something new and interesting. The narration is well done.
THE MEH
The characters seem to be just there to move the plot forward. A side character Otto is the only character who’s intentions and motivation I understand. The MC just goes from point A-B doing things to do them. He isn’t a grinder, tactician, community builder or leader of people. He will randomly not listen or gain/lose confidence and doesn’t really have a personality, class or fighting style of note. The writing and story are just average nothing makes this stand out from other works in the genre.
THE BAD
As mentioned in the good I really liked the manager angle. However you only have the POV from one of these. That POV is extremely limited. There are hundreds of stories from the perspective of people facing “a system integration”. I was disappointed I could have a different perspective and possibly positive outlook on a integration and instead it was just a role for a side character. Once again a character really lacking depth I think mostly because of the lack of events from his POV instead of the MC’s.
Overall if you are a fan of the genre it’s an interesting enough story. With the upside of becoming something special if it leans into what makes it different instead of focusing on what makes it the same. Also improving the character motivations thus giving me someone to love or hate.
July 23, 2023
KU Review
Primary weapon. Sledgehammer. Primary armor. Red flannel vest. It just don’t get any red necker than that. King maker is an interesting take on the system apocalypse scenario. Good story with an abundance of drama building in the competition.
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.
Primary weapon. Sledgehammer. Primary armor. Red flannel vest. It just don’t get any red necker than that. King maker is an interesting take on the system apocalypse scenario. Good story with an abundance of drama building in the competition.
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.
October 5, 2023
Fantastic story
My experiences with randomly picked books has been very hit and miss. This book is a solid bullseye!
It is pedal to the metal non stop action. And yet, it intertwines that with city building, character growth, political considerations, and does all that in an overarching comprehensive way.
The Integration System is interesting, provides plenty of customization options, and seems well thought out.
I really enjoyed this book. So much so I am writing this at nearly 6 AM having stayed awake all night reading. So I heartedly recommend this book. It is a fun read and I am eager to continue the series.
My experiences with randomly picked books has been very hit and miss. This book is a solid bullseye!
It is pedal to the metal non stop action. And yet, it intertwines that with city building, character growth, political considerations, and does all that in an overarching comprehensive way.
The Integration System is interesting, provides plenty of customization options, and seems well thought out.
I really enjoyed this book. So much so I am writing this at nearly 6 AM having stayed awake all night reading. So I heartedly recommend this book. It is a fun read and I am eager to continue the series.
September 4, 2023
an interesting take on lit RPG, not sure if I would like the premise.
The world building is interesting, not too sure about the MC in my opinion, he has some issues. I like, and enjoy the secondary characters. They all seem to have a personality of their own. What I am not crazy about is the television aspects of the storyline the Mc’s exploits being broadcast all over the multi-verse. You may like the story I will read the next book and probably have a more definitive opinion.
The world building is interesting, not too sure about the MC in my opinion, he has some issues. I like, and enjoy the secondary characters. They all seem to have a personality of their own. What I am not crazy about is the television aspects of the storyline the Mc’s exploits being broadcast all over the multi-verse. You may like the story I will read the next book and probably have a more definitive opinion.
February 2, 2024
Not sure I'll read the second book
I had a lot of issues with this one. The entire time I was reading I kept having visions of The Primal Hunter meets Dungeon Crawler Carl the difference being the Elites.
From the technical side this was extremely well written and edited. I didn't have to stop at any point to figure out what the author meant. I wasn't as happy with the epilogue as I could have been but considering the story line it was well thought out and left us in a good place.
I had a lot of issues with this one. The entire time I was reading I kept having visions of The Primal Hunter meets Dungeon Crawler Carl the difference being the Elites.
From the technical side this was extremely well written and edited. I didn't have to stop at any point to figure out what the author meant. I wasn't as happy with the epilogue as I could have been but considering the story line it was well thought out and left us in a good place.
September 18, 2023
I liked this author's first series. Now we're on to King Maker.
Imagine you and your friends are throwing the football around in a parking lot, and one of them throws a perfect spiral for sixty yards. Everyone is impressed. A few minutes later a trainer shows up and says, "Kid, I think you're ready for the NFL and I'm here to make sure you get there."
That's the premise of this book in a nutshell. Jeremiah (the MC) kills a monster completely by accident while running away. Suddenly he's in the spotlight and tagged to be king of the world. A blue skinned trainer shows up and is there to help him win.
I'll admit that I struggled with this series. Jeremiah fiddles around with things that don't really matter when he should be out killing monsters. Although to be fair he didn't kill the first monster, so I can understand his reticence. Jeremiah does put in some good work later on, but it seems like the author forgot about his charisma score as Jeremiah makes a mess of things early on.
I like the idea here. A battle among soon to be high powered people so one can be chosen. I think the book needs more grit to show the work Jeremiah is doing. Oh, and it should have fewer POV changes. We switch to other characters who don't matter yet but (I think) the author is setting them up to be challengers in the future. I'd rather they be a surprise, and on top of that they take away from Jeremiah's progress.
I wanted to like this book, but I think it comes up short. I'll read book two and hope it delivers more action, fighting, and grittiness as it turns Jeremiah into the fighter he needs to be. 4/5*
Imagine you and your friends are throwing the football around in a parking lot, and one of them throws a perfect spiral for sixty yards. Everyone is impressed. A few minutes later a trainer shows up and says, "Kid, I think you're ready for the NFL and I'm here to make sure you get there."
That's the premise of this book in a nutshell. Jeremiah (the MC) kills a monster completely by accident while running away. Suddenly he's in the spotlight and tagged to be king of the world. A blue skinned trainer shows up and is there to help him win.
I'll admit that I struggled with this series. Jeremiah fiddles around with things that don't really matter when he should be out killing monsters. Although to be fair he didn't kill the first monster, so I can understand his reticence. Jeremiah does put in some good work later on, but it seems like the author forgot about his charisma score as Jeremiah makes a mess of things early on.
I like the idea here. A battle among soon to be high powered people so one can be chosen. I think the book needs more grit to show the work Jeremiah is doing. Oh, and it should have fewer POV changes. We switch to other characters who don't matter yet but (I think) the author is setting them up to be challengers in the future. I'd rather they be a surprise, and on top of that they take away from Jeremiah's progress.
I wanted to like this book, but I think it comes up short. I'll read book two and hope it delivers more action, fighting, and grittiness as it turns Jeremiah into the fighter he needs to be. 4/5*
September 4, 2024
This one is tough to review. Lots of mixed feelings. To start, the audiobook has some high production value and high quality features that stood out as really good. This story takes a slightly different spin on some things that other post apoc authors have covered and pulls it off enough to be interesting. What will probably keep me from continuing with the series is the MC is both over powered and hard to take much of the time. It seems like whatever new spell he learns that is what he going to cast over and over. The way he treats his first citizen Sabrina is a little disconcerting and much of the time he is a just an impatient jerk. The town building is also a bit disappointing. If you like Defiance of the Fall, Dungeon Crawler, and maybe Dave Wilmarth's Shadow Sun series and wonder what would happen if someone went on a Tequilla binge and then decided to combine all 3 then this might be interesting to you. I am still giving it 4 stars because the parts that are original are noteworthy and I am rounding up just in case I am just cranky today. :P
July 18, 2025
I'm unsure on this series I was thinking more of a 3.5 but we'll go with the four
another entry into the books in which a leveling up system appears on Earth And chaos ensues. this one has an interesting spin on it with it being a more managed system with some backstory and discussions with folks that have been through it before.
The main character doesn't have as much identity as I would like other than standard unexpected hero adjacent kind of person the side characters have some depth so that's good.
It was interesting enough to keep me attentive off and on for a few days so go with it as you will. Oh and bonus he's not excellent at everything right off the bat and is usually escaping by the skin of his teeth
another entry into the books in which a leveling up system appears on Earth And chaos ensues. this one has an interesting spin on it with it being a more managed system with some backstory and discussions with folks that have been through it before.
The main character doesn't have as much identity as I would like other than standard unexpected hero adjacent kind of person the side characters have some depth so that's good.
It was interesting enough to keep me attentive off and on for a few days so go with it as you will. Oh and bonus he's not excellent at everything right off the bat and is usually escaping by the skin of his teeth
July 20, 2023
the apocalypse will be televised
It makes an interesting angle, on top of the competition for King of the World. The bit about Kennedy was inspired.
A few less-than-stellar moments: giving a secondary character multiple immediately relevant skills was pushing the limits (archery, sure; *and* pharmacology experience…too far for such a central character); the Trainers actually having a fistfight was just weird; the Pillars were not well explained.
Worth checking out the sequel. MC needs more development, but I’m okay with where he’s at.
It makes an interesting angle, on top of the competition for King of the World. The bit about Kennedy was inspired.
A few less-than-stellar moments: giving a secondary character multiple immediately relevant skills was pushing the limits (archery, sure; *and* pharmacology experience…too far for such a central character); the Trainers actually having a fistfight was just weird; the Pillars were not well explained.
Worth checking out the sequel. MC needs more development, but I’m okay with where he’s at.
July 29, 2024
Well written, and with much action, imo.
Interesting view on a system integration. Those pesky humans, doggone-it.
I liked the constant thread of inter-player homicide flowing amongst all the other issues.
The monster types are rather fun, especially the Velociturkey...just kidding. Though turkeys of a sort do have a small part of the activity.
I wish there were some images of things or races. Would be enjoyable.
Interesting view on a system integration. Those pesky humans, doggone-it.
I liked the constant thread of inter-player homicide flowing amongst all the other issues.
The monster types are rather fun, especially the Velociturkey...just kidding. Though turkeys of a sort do have a small part of the activity.
I wish there were some images of things or races. Would be enjoyable.
July 11, 2023
Excellent!
I'm really starting to love LitRpg and the format of the stories involved, especially as audiobooks. This one had such a fun post-apocalyptic storyline with multiple characters and surprises. While the MC was exciting and likable, I do think he needs to get some wisdom before it's too late. 🤣
I'm really starting to love LitRpg and the format of the stories involved, especially as audiobooks. This one had such a fun post-apocalyptic storyline with multiple characters and surprises. While the MC was exciting and likable, I do think he needs to get some wisdom before it's too late. 🤣
December 10, 2023
Another system apocalypse story. World wasn't prepared for the system as the aliens only told one president a day before he was killed.
The MC has a lucky start and gets an alien trainer to help him to become king of the world.
The MC is likeable, maybe a bit too trustful. His alien trainer is fun.
A bit city building is included.
The MC has a lucky start and gets an alien trainer to help him to become king of the world.
The MC is likeable, maybe a bit too trustful. His alien trainer is fun.
A bit city building is included.
October 12, 2024
3.5
I dont outright dislike the book but it feels a bit meh. I believe it is because of the lack of personality for the MC. Also slightly put of by how the MCs name is used so exessively, feels like listening to a car salesman.
Personally i also believe that a good litrpg has at least a hint of skill involved in success, not only assigning skillpoints.
I dont outright dislike the book but it feels a bit meh. I believe it is because of the lack of personality for the MC. Also slightly put of by how the MCs name is used so exessively, feels like listening to a car salesman.
Personally i also believe that a good litrpg has at least a hint of skill involved in success, not only assigning skillpoints.
February 13, 2025
This book feels like the MC is the wrong one. Other people have more choice, more interesting stories. and more impact on the developments.
It also felt like a game on an extra exp boost, if that makes sense. Things just kept happening, quickly, easily, and unearned.
It's fine, but it's *just* fine.
It also felt like a game on an extra exp boost, if that makes sense. Things just kept happening, quickly, easily, and unearned.
It's fine, but it's *just* fine.
September 19, 2023
I wanted to love it but
This was great right up until half way, the author does great solo writing but as soon as other people started getting involved it just lost momentum for me. Overall a good book but just not for me
This was great right up until half way, the author does great solo writing but as soon as other people started getting involved it just lost momentum for me. Overall a good book but just not for me
September 29, 2023
Solid start
A solid start.. Solidly written...I will keep an eye out on the Series and wish nothing but beautiful things to the author and their journey.. Recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, The Dream, and Embers & Ash
A solid start.. Solidly written...I will keep an eye out on the Series and wish nothing but beautiful things to the author and their journey.. Recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, The Dream, and Embers & Ash
November 24, 2023
The whole thing feels a bit half-assed. The characters aren’t very well-defined and the plot is rudimentary. I’m making it sound terrible but it’s not, it’s just not great either. Frustrating as the bones are there.
November 25, 2023
Really Good Concept
I liked everything about this book, MC, Sabrina, and Blue man are interesting and likable. There is minimal swearing and useless fluff. The events move swiftly, and the storyline flows through smoothly. I would recommend this book.
I liked everything about this book, MC, Sabrina, and Blue man are interesting and likable. There is minimal swearing and useless fluff. The events move swiftly, and the storyline flows through smoothly. I would recommend this book.
December 17, 2023
Too many MC's spoil the story
Ok interesting concept but I can tell already that this is not a very well written litrpg series. I hope I am wrong and it gets better but I think it will get worse
Ok interesting concept but I can tell already that this is not a very well written litrpg series. I hope I am wrong and it gets better but I think it will get worse
July 16, 2025
Bogen er ok, jeg havde lidt svært ved at accepter selve verden. Halvdelen af jorden befolkning dør, og alle synes det er helt fint og at de acceptere at der er en tilfældig person skal regere verden. Så jeg nød historien men ikke systemet.
July 21, 2023
Exciting
I really enjoy the battles and the quick leveling speed of the MC, as well as the diversity of characters and massive battle scenes.
I really enjoy the battles and the quick leveling speed of the MC, as well as the diversity of characters and massive battle scenes.
August 5, 2023
Good fantasy read
Did not want to put this book down. Enjoyable apocalypse fantasy read 📚 Gighly recommend. Looking forward to next book.
Did not want to put this book down. Enjoyable apocalypse fantasy read 📚 Gighly recommend. Looking forward to next book.
August 22, 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.
September 4, 2023
King Maker: book 1
This book started out with a twist that made the book very enjoyable to read. The characters were relatable to the reader.
This book started out with a twist that made the book very enjoyable to read. The characters were relatable to the reader.
September 8, 2023
I liked it a lot
September 17, 2023
Very good book
This is a fine litrpg fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Malinda. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine litrpg fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Malinda. I anxiously await the sequel.
October 15, 2023
One of the best books I have listened to this year. If you are a litrpg fan add this to your list to read.
November 16, 2023
Good book
It was a pretty good book there were things I liked and some I didn't I'm not sure if I will read the rest of the series
It was a pretty good book there were things I liked and some I didn't I'm not sure if I will read the rest of the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews