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Awaken Online #7
Timeless
A world in ruins. A bleak future. A last chance at salvation.
The world of Awaken Online has been transformed. Gloria Bastion's attempt to destroy the game world failed, yet she unleashed a power that has brought the former avatars forward in time. And accompanying them are their cities and armies. Creatures, warriors, and mages from a time when the game world was fresh and new... but also more savage and unrelenting.
Our heroes now face a bleak situation. They have nowhere to go, their cities and people are under attack, and they face an army of angry travelers - the very same people that came to watch the end of the game world. Needless to say, things are looking bad...
That is, until a new character emerges. Arcadia Landrey - the earth avatar. Her account has just been unfrozen and with that comes an opportunity. One she poses to none other than Jason.
Their future might look dire.
But perhaps redemption can be found in the past...
The world of Awaken Online has been transformed. Gloria Bastion's attempt to destroy the game world failed, yet she unleashed a power that has brought the former avatars forward in time. And accompanying them are their cities and armies. Creatures, warriors, and mages from a time when the game world was fresh and new... but also more savage and unrelenting.
Our heroes now face a bleak situation. They have nowhere to go, their cities and people are under attack, and they face an army of angry travelers - the very same people that came to watch the end of the game world. Needless to say, things are looking bad...
That is, until a new character emerges. Arcadia Landrey - the earth avatar. Her account has just been unfrozen and with that comes an opportunity. One she poses to none other than Jason.
Their future might look dire.
But perhaps redemption can be found in the past...
781 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
364 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Travis Bagwell
20 books2,051 followersI live in Austin, Texas with my wife and our three dogs. I'm an attorney by day and an avid video game enthusiast by night. Writing fiction had been a secret dream of mine for a while. However, between school and work, that dream seemed impossible to squeeze in. A couple of years ago, I had a bit more time on my hands and I finally decided to put my nerdy interests to work by trying my hand at writing science fiction and fantasy.
I never expected the wildly positive response to my work. I am truly blown away and humbled and I only hope to be able to continue sharing my stories.
You can find me here:
https://travisbagwell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/da3strikes/
https://twitter.com/da3strikes
https://www.patreon.com/da3strikes
Or come check out our awesome fangroup and meet some cool people!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AO.Or...
I never expected the wildly positive response to my work. I am truly blown away and humbled and I only hope to be able to continue sharing my stories.
You can find me here:
https://travisbagwell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/da3strikes/
https://twitter.com/da3strikes
https://www.patreon.com/da3strikes
Or come check out our awesome fangroup and meet some cool people!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AO.Or...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
April 21, 2025
A truly mesmerizing addition to a very unique take on SciFi and Fantasy incorporating LitRPG, a fast paced plot and a fantastic bit of writing, coupled with spellbinding and meticulously detailed lore and world-building.
Read these books, period.
“But what about—” Jason began.
Cady cut him off with a gesture as the line moved forward. It was their turn and they approached the bouncer bots and their fairy escorts. “Hello, and welcome to the Half Mile Club!” a fairy chirped, suddenly buzzing far too close to their faces for comfort. “How are you both doing on this lovely day? Ready to serve our corporate overlords with a smile?”
“Uh, not really,” Jason muttered before he could help himself. He was seriously debating just killing everyone in line, raising an undead horde and taking the club by force…
The fairies all froze and Cady let out an exasperated sigh.
“It look like we have a real SOUR PUSS over here!” the fairy called out, the others perking up and even the ones servicing the line starting to buzz their way. “Aren’t you happy to join the Fairy Fam and get to work?!”
The other fairies were closing in now, all of them wearing those huge, insipid grins on their dumb little faces. Jason was starting to wonder if humans weren’t the only creatures using that strange drug. Clearly, the fairies were taking something.
“He’s just—” Cady tried to interject.
“I’m not a member of this… this Fairy Fam,” Jason bit out, forcing himself to say that irritating phrase. “I just want to do the job and go home.”
The fairies all gasped, gaping in shock.
“So, so he’s not a member…”
“That can’t be…”
“Impossible!”
The fairies were all whispering, snippets picked up by Jason’s Listening skill. They were crowding closer now – more than a dozen circling round. He started to shift his arms beneath his cloak, preparing to kill these stupid, flying sycophants if they tried to attack him.
“That just won’t do,” the guard fairy murmured ominously.
The figure pulled back his hood, the camera rotating around the group. In place of pale skin and horns, there was now only solid ivory. Reinforced bone streaked with gray. Straight cheekbones. The nose hollowed out and sunken. His ears gone. And jutting from his head? Spikes of bone that wound together to form a dark crown, the surface still stained with dried blood – likely his own.A most satisfying journey on the ship of the imagination weaved from a plot incorporating common tropes in scifi/fantasy into something unique and genre bending coming from a mind fecund with talent and boundless imagination.
Yet it was his eyes that captured Claire’s focus. They were gone. Replaced with bottomless pools of dark energy. Jason had become one of the undead. Given himself over to the dark – to his desire. Just like Robert, he had stretched out his hands and grasped hold of something new… something different… something previously unfathomable.
Life without breath.
Death without solace.
Read these books, period.
“But what about—” Jason began.
Cady cut him off with a gesture as the line moved forward. It was their turn and they approached the bouncer bots and their fairy escorts. “Hello, and welcome to the Half Mile Club!” a fairy chirped, suddenly buzzing far too close to their faces for comfort. “How are you both doing on this lovely day? Ready to serve our corporate overlords with a smile?”
“Uh, not really,” Jason muttered before he could help himself. He was seriously debating just killing everyone in line, raising an undead horde and taking the club by force…
The fairies all froze and Cady let out an exasperated sigh.
“It look like we have a real SOUR PUSS over here!” the fairy called out, the others perking up and even the ones servicing the line starting to buzz their way. “Aren’t you happy to join the Fairy Fam and get to work?!”
The other fairies were closing in now, all of them wearing those huge, insipid grins on their dumb little faces. Jason was starting to wonder if humans weren’t the only creatures using that strange drug. Clearly, the fairies were taking something.
“He’s just—” Cady tried to interject.
“I’m not a member of this… this Fairy Fam,” Jason bit out, forcing himself to say that irritating phrase. “I just want to do the job and go home.”
The fairies all gasped, gaping in shock.
“So, so he’s not a member…”
“That can’t be…”
“Impossible!”
The fairies were all whispering, snippets picked up by Jason’s Listening skill. They were crowding closer now – more than a dozen circling round. He started to shift his arms beneath his cloak, preparing to kill these stupid, flying sycophants if they tried to attack him.
“That just won’t do,” the guard fairy murmured ominously.
September 9, 2023
this series is wild
Every time I think the stakes can’t get higher… they do. Idk how Bagwell comes up with half the ideas in this book, but it creates something incredible. The book had like three or four climaxes and each one was better than the last. Love this series.
Every time I think the stakes can’t get higher… they do. Idk how Bagwell comes up with half the ideas in this book, but it creates something incredible. The book had like three or four climaxes and each one was better than the last. Love this series.
September 3, 2023
Now that's better.
While I was severely disappointed and annoyed with Armageddon, Travis managed to salvage the story with Timeless. I think the trick was to get rid of pretty much all characters except Jason and introduce a new character that complements him well. Too many cooks was the core of the problem in the last book (as well as every character pretty much behaving identically). Both problems were fixed here (although in a forced manner).
The Good
This is a good story. I can't say the mechanics entirely makes sense - they never explained how - but the rules are at least cohesive and interesting.
After the twist on traditional mana we were introduced to in Happy, we now get another interesting replacement: . And plenty of puns and twists to go with it. I love it.
We finally get to see all the cards on the table. All the mysteries are revealed, and the territory is prepared for the high stakes battles to come. We now know all real world players, their motivations, what's at stake and what each can do. I'm excited for the implications.
It was fun to learn what happened to the earth avatar. I think that backstory was handled well ( helped make the exposition dynamic).
The battles are exciting as usual, but don't get in the way of the plot. I feel like that sometimes happened in previous books.
Jason more or less
A demon-lord named Sebastian. I see what you did there, Travis.
Once Cady starts actually sharing information with Jason, their dynamics actually gets really good. It's fun to see what they accomplish together, the way they help each other grow. There's real chemistry between them, but sadly that is not what the author intended (see The Bad below).
The Bad
The first half of the book presents a very annoying dynamic between Jason and Cady, where Jason constantly asks questions and Cady constantly refuses to answer. The Jason goes and messes up everything because he doesn't know better. It's a plot point and important to Cady's character development, but it does get extremely annoying. I don't think the irony of "not having enough time" worked as intended there.
Also the trick to get rid of all the characters was important so we could get a good story, but it was a weak plot device. It felt rushed, forced and sudden. It most likely needed more preparation done in previous books.
Cady's motivations were a bit cliché, and very similar to Finn's and Julia's. But turns out that is a bit of a theme so that's excusable. At least was well written.
Finally, the biggest problem in my opinion is that
While I was severely disappointed and annoyed with Armageddon, Travis managed to salvage the story with Timeless. I think the trick was to get rid of pretty much all characters except Jason and introduce a new character that complements him well. Too many cooks was the core of the problem in the last book (as well as every character pretty much behaving identically). Both problems were fixed here (although in a forced manner).
The Good
This is a good story. I can't say the mechanics entirely makes sense - they never explained how - but the rules are at least cohesive and interesting.
After the twist on traditional mana we were introduced to in Happy, we now get another interesting replacement: . And plenty of puns and twists to go with it. I love it.
We finally get to see all the cards on the table. All the mysteries are revealed, and the territory is prepared for the high stakes battles to come. We now know all real world players, their motivations, what's at stake and what each can do. I'm excited for the implications.
It was fun to learn what happened to the earth avatar. I think that backstory was handled well ( helped make the exposition dynamic).
The battles are exciting as usual, but don't get in the way of the plot. I feel like that sometimes happened in previous books.
Jason more or less
A demon-lord named Sebastian. I see what you did there, Travis.
Once Cady starts actually sharing information with Jason, their dynamics actually gets really good. It's fun to see what they accomplish together, the way they help each other grow. There's real chemistry between them, but sadly that is not what the author intended (see The Bad below).
The Bad
The first half of the book presents a very annoying dynamic between Jason and Cady, where Jason constantly asks questions and Cady constantly refuses to answer. The Jason goes and messes up everything because he doesn't know better. It's a plot point and important to Cady's character development, but it does get extremely annoying. I don't think the irony of "not having enough time" worked as intended there.
Also the trick to get rid of all the characters was important so we could get a good story, but it was a weak plot device. It felt rushed, forced and sudden. It most likely needed more preparation done in previous books.
Cady's motivations were a bit cliché, and very similar to Finn's and Julia's. But turns out that is a bit of a theme so that's excusable. At least was well written.
Finally, the biggest problem in my opinion is that
September 7, 2023
Keep ‘em coming
I need more! I tend to read these books in one or two sittings and have already reread the series multiple times as we’ve gotten further from the starting place where these characters began. Excellent world building and amazing stories as well as character development. I’m just biding my time until someone gets smart and spins this off into an entire franchise of films and video games. I’d LOVE to play AO as a complete random character that has the opportunity to join one of these affinities and be led by (or destroyed by) Jason and his crew then maybe take a break from the game to watch a serial about our favorite characters before picking up the next book in the series. Even Jason’s tongue in cheek quote about liking, subscribing and following from this installment made me wish that there was more than just waiting (im)patiently until the book is released. Prime needs to make this a series soon!
I need more! I tend to read these books in one or two sittings and have already reread the series multiple times as we’ve gotten further from the starting place where these characters began. Excellent world building and amazing stories as well as character development. I’m just biding my time until someone gets smart and spins this off into an entire franchise of films and video games. I’d LOVE to play AO as a complete random character that has the opportunity to join one of these affinities and be led by (or destroyed by) Jason and his crew then maybe take a break from the game to watch a serial about our favorite characters before picking up the next book in the series. Even Jason’s tongue in cheek quote about liking, subscribing and following from this installment made me wish that there was more than just waiting (im)patiently until the book is released. Prime needs to make this a series soon!
September 5, 2023
The end is nigh
THAT TWIST THO I'm hyped for the next book and hoping it won't be the last but it does seem like the series is wrapping around to the end, if you haven't read any of the books so far I highly recommend you do.
THAT TWIST THO I'm hyped for the next book and hoping it won't be the last but it does seem like the series is wrapping around to the end, if you haven't read any of the books so far I highly recommend you do.
September 3, 2023
Well that...
Was just uncalled for, lol. Great epilogue. All I can say is slow clap 👏. I did not agree with your forward that the earth avatar story ended up being better smashed together with this book, but I will say the story is still good. Not a lot of time, ha ha, actually goes by in this book. I won't do any spoilers. Amazing book. 10 out of 10 would read again. Just wish the audible came out simultaneously.
Was just uncalled for, lol. Great epilogue. All I can say is slow clap 👏. I did not agree with your forward that the earth avatar story ended up being better smashed together with this book, but I will say the story is still good. Not a lot of time, ha ha, actually goes by in this book. I won't do any spoilers. Amazing book. 10 out of 10 would read again. Just wish the audible came out simultaneously.
September 4, 2023
Great Earth Avatar introduction
Time travel, in game and in real life strategy, great stuff. Love the series. Can't wait for the next one
Time travel, in game and in real life strategy, great stuff. Love the series. Can't wait for the next one
August 2, 2024
The moment I realized this book was going to center around time travel, I became wary. Time travel is so hard to pull off successfully. Unfortunately, this book was more confusing than clear. I'm sure it makes sense in the author's mind, but getting those thoughts to a reader, through a written word, is entirely difficult when this topic is the centerpiece. The gods, the former avatars, the epilogue, all suffer because the main point of this book, which was way overly long, is hyper-focused in areas that really aren't going to matter moving forward in the series.
I still love the series. Some of my favorite LitRPG characters live here. It was really just OK for me. The epilogue gives me concerns that the series may be going further off the rails, but time will tell. See what I did there?
I still love the series. Some of my favorite LitRPG characters live here. It was really just OK for me. The epilogue gives me concerns that the series may be going further off the rails, but time will tell. See what I did there?
October 8, 2023
So no spoilers but the ending left me speechless like..... Just no words what so ever. The hole book is good I only recognized one plot hole with the time aspect which in it's self is amazing and not often well done so kudos for that I can't wait for the next book!
November 7, 2023
I dont like time travel, but damn if Travis didn't make it interesting. In a typical awaken online format, it starts slow, but as soon as it picks up, it doesn't stop. It seems like his goal is to one up the last event and the last book with every new event. If you haven't started awaken online, definitely start it. I can't wait to see where he goes next with this set
October 2, 2023
wow!!
Mind blowing and beautiful good work sir like usual!! Can’t wait for the next one to come out take care!
Mind blowing and beautiful good work sir like usual!! Can’t wait for the next one to come out take care!
September 28, 2023
Wild, fun, and creative as heck
The AO storyline continues to gain more depth, world building and goes farther off the rails (in a good way) with every book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and Bagwell’s attention to continuity details. Time travel is NOT and easy thing to conceptualize but he managed to pull together a very solid and logic based system for it inside of a virtual reality world. Two thumbs up!
The AO storyline continues to gain more depth, world building and goes farther off the rails (in a good way) with every book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and Bagwell’s attention to continuity details. Time travel is NOT and easy thing to conceptualize but he managed to pull together a very solid and logic based system for it inside of a virtual reality world. Two thumbs up!
September 27, 2023
Time of your life.
That was quite a ride, and yet it seems like this story ends where it started. Jason and his friends are tied up in quite a mess - both in the game and outside. Where does it go next?
That was quite a ride, and yet it seems like this story ends where it started. Jason and his friends are tied up in quite a mess - both in the game and outside. Where does it go next?
September 26, 2023
Sweet addiction
I'm always conflicted reading a new AO novel. I want to read it slow and savor the story, but i almost always end up reading it fast, eager to find out what happens next.
I'm always conflicted reading a new AO novel. I want to read it slow and savor the story, but i almost always end up reading it fast, eager to find out what happens next.
September 26, 2023
That Ending!!!
Well a time traveling quest solving companion novel turned into a story bomb to surprise the heck out of me! Loved it and ready for more! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
Well a time traveling quest solving companion novel turned into a story bomb to surprise the heck out of me! Loved it and ready for more! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
October 2, 2023
Loved this latest installment. It felt like it got back to what made this world & characters fascinating. Great action and characterization. Loved the new avatar. Good set up for future novels.
September 25, 2023
Jason is back and chaos reigns
As expected, Travis continues to deliver Jason is great, though, and I didn't expect this. I was hoping for more Smiles
As expected, Travis continues to deliver Jason is great, though, and I didn't expect this. I was hoping for more Smiles
September 22, 2023
my…god.
If i could type out a slow clap….that’s what my entire review would be. Alas, i must say this installment of the series might just be my favorite. When Sir Bagwell says it’s gonna be a crazy one, m’lord certainly does not disappoint. I don’t know how he comes up with this stuff (perhaps ai) but whatever you’re doing, please never stop.
If i could type out a slow clap….that’s what my entire review would be. Alas, i must say this installment of the series might just be my favorite. When Sir Bagwell says it’s gonna be a crazy one, m’lord certainly does not disappoint. I don’t know how he comes up with this stuff (perhaps ai) but whatever you’re doing, please never stop.
September 22, 2023
another homerun
This is another fantastic addition to the AO world. The earth avatar’s unique abilities made for quite the story. I especially enjoyed the ending. Keep it up, Travis! I can’t wait to finish the story!
This is another fantastic addition to the AO world. The earth avatar’s unique abilities made for quite the story. I especially enjoyed the ending. Keep it up, Travis! I can’t wait to finish the story!
September 20, 2023
I really enjoyed the time-loop nature of this book. It led to a really cool story. There were some huge reveals that set up the next book very well. I didn’t really like Cady that much but it was nice to have another distinct and unique character added to this growing cast. The end was a whirlwind of crazy coolness.
September 20, 2023
Amazing
Loved this one! Love the whole series actually! Can't wait for the next one. Definitely didn't see the ending coming
Loved this one! Love the whole series actually! Can't wait for the next one. Definitely didn't see the ending coming
September 20, 2023
Great, as always!
Fun, fast-paced. Some character building and moving the story along. Layers with-in layers, good storytelling. I look forward to the next book!
Fun, fast-paced. Some character building and moving the story along. Layers with-in layers, good storytelling. I look forward to the next book!
September 15, 2023
Woah
Dude this series was already, you know, a little dark. But it just got dark dark. I was not expecting that. I just cannot anticipate the plot twists with this story or how deep the rabbit hole goes. Every time I think we are at the conclusion we just reach another cliff hanger. Travis you certainly know how to keep a reader hooked. Very much anticipation for the next one.
Dude this series was already, you know, a little dark. But it just got dark dark. I was not expecting that. I just cannot anticipate the plot twists with this story or how deep the rabbit hole goes. Every time I think we are at the conclusion we just reach another cliff hanger. Travis you certainly know how to keep a reader hooked. Very much anticipation for the next one.
September 17, 2023
Spoilers!
Just as Alex finally starts acting like a semi-decent human being, Major Plot Twist!
I can’t even imagine how this will turn out!
Just as Alex finally starts acting like a semi-decent human being, Major Plot Twist!
I can’t even imagine how this will turn out!
September 14, 2023
Holy cow.
This series just gets better and better, and what a crazy story this one is. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
This series just gets better and better, and what a crazy story this one is. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
September 14, 2023
Still good
At some point you expect the quality of writing to degrade, but this series hasn’t. New twists and turns keep it fresh.
At some point you expect the quality of writing to degrade, but this series hasn’t. New twists and turns keep it fresh.
September 13, 2023
I need more!
This series is like a drug I can't get enough of! The twists, the turns, Jason! Enough said. I can't wait to see the next showdown they face!
This series is like a drug I can't get enough of! The twists, the turns, Jason! Enough said. I can't wait to see the next showdown they face!
September 10, 2023
AO is one of my favorite series going right now. Bagwell has recouped from the less-than-stellar Armageddon (book #6) in this time traveling follow up with the earth avatar. There are some confusing parts in the book relating to the description of scenarios... but overall this book pushes the story along nicely. The twist at the end was entirely unexpected & I (again) can't wait for the next installment!
September 10, 2023
Best one yet.
September 13, 2023
Mind Bender to keep AO Rolling!
Wow that was a loop. Hard to follow and understand at times with the time traveling but a truly fun read as usual. Greatly appreciate all the work Travis puts into his world and giving us more insight to the larger and larger scope. Keep ‘em coming, you got us just a tad bit hooked!
Wow that was a loop. Hard to follow and understand at times with the time traveling but a truly fun read as usual. Greatly appreciate all the work Travis puts into his world and giving us more insight to the larger and larger scope. Keep ‘em coming, you got us just a tad bit hooked!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews