What do you think?
Rate this book
Mimic & Me #1
Mimic & Me
I’ve become a monster…sort of.
Betrayed and left for dead by a group of slaving nobles, I thought there was nothing left for me but bleeding out as I counted the number of bricks on the ceiling. But fate had different plans.
A gelatinous, gluttonous mimic found me right when I was about to die. But instead of eating me, he started demolishing the food in my pack - sandwiches, cookies, and everything else! Encouraged by my (admittedly forced) generosity, he fused with me, enhancing my body and turning me into a half-man half-mimic monstrosity.
Once a poor, down-on-my-luck scout, I now have new capabilities far beyond anything anyone on Basania has seen before.
The only problem? My new bodymate’s insatiable hunger for cake and human flesh.
Betrayed and left for dead by a group of slaving nobles, I thought there was nothing left for me but bleeding out as I counted the number of bricks on the ceiling. But fate had different plans.
A gelatinous, gluttonous mimic found me right when I was about to die. But instead of eating me, he started demolishing the food in my pack - sandwiches, cookies, and everything else! Encouraged by my (admittedly forced) generosity, he fused with me, enhancing my body and turning me into a half-man half-mimic monstrosity.
Once a poor, down-on-my-luck scout, I now have new capabilities far beyond anything anyone on Basania has seen before.
The only problem? My new bodymate’s insatiable hunger for cake and human flesh.
621 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2023
859 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 24, 2023
I quit three quarters through.
This has the most idiotic, moronic main character I have run across in some time. The story is incredibly weak and the actions taken at any given time make no sense. This is just horrible writing.
This has the most idiotic, moronic main character I have run across in some time. The story is incredibly weak and the actions taken at any given time make no sense. This is just horrible writing.
April 3, 2024
My thoughts on this LitRPG are mixed at best. It had a super fun premise and some story elements I liked but ultimately was let down by average writing that made it difficult to fully engage with the story and a main character that was just a tad too hypocritical to be easily likeable.
What sold me on this book was the claim that this story was going to be like Morningwood but without all the rape and peadophilia that made that series impossible to enjoy. Sadly, this book never quite managed to live up to that promise but it did have a very similar premise and was blissfully free of the more disgusting elements that taint Illiev’s works. Mimic & Me was just…not great reading.
The story was solid. Damon, a low level scout in a typical fantasy RPG world, had been hired on to guide a party of pompous rich noble adventures on their first quest through a starter dungeon that had popped up in the area. Damon’s scout class was pretty useless for combat but he specialised in sensing traps and monsters so could warn the team of impending monster attacks or disarm traps. Things went awry for Damon when he learned something about the nobles he should not have and they decided to stab him and toss him in a room with unknown high level trap fully expecting he would bleed out or be killed by the mysterious trap. Luckily, or unluckily, for Damon the mystery trap turned out to be a sentient high level mimic. The mimic, bored and hungry, was sick of languishing in a dungeon and decided to bond with Damon and get out there to see (and feast upon) more of the world!
The story had so much potential but was let down by a few things. The first was the writing. It was adequate but I was rarely fully sucked into the story. The second letdown was that neither Damon nor his mimic companion were quite good enough as characters. They were not terrible but Damon always came across as a bit hypocritical in the way he, rightfully, decried the way the awful nobles treated folks all while committing pretty similar acts himself. That annoyed me! The mimic was OK. It was a good mix of funny and threatening with its love of both cakes and human flesh but it was just never quite as cool or hilarious as it should have been.
I did like the fact that this was more gamelit than LitRPG in style. There was no VR world here. This was a regular fantasy world with a typical LitRPG style fantasy system. I tend to prefer that as it increases the stakes when everything is real for the characters in the story. It was also not a story that got bogged down in endless repetition of the stats. You got enough to follow how Damon was progressing but not enough that it was boring.
All in all this was an average LitRPG style fantasy tale that never quite lived up to its potential given the intriguing ideas powering the story. This book has a sequel but I think I’ll bow out of this series now.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: This was a Soundbooth Theatre production so the quality was good. We got Ryan. H. Reid as the main narrator with additional dialogue support from Jeff Hays and Dorrie Sacks. The narration was good and I did like the fact they had a woman narrator doing the dialogue for the women characters.
What sold me on this book was the claim that this story was going to be like Morningwood but without all the rape and peadophilia that made that series impossible to enjoy. Sadly, this book never quite managed to live up to that promise but it did have a very similar premise and was blissfully free of the more disgusting elements that taint Illiev’s works. Mimic & Me was just…not great reading.
The story was solid. Damon, a low level scout in a typical fantasy RPG world, had been hired on to guide a party of pompous rich noble adventures on their first quest through a starter dungeon that had popped up in the area. Damon’s scout class was pretty useless for combat but he specialised in sensing traps and monsters so could warn the team of impending monster attacks or disarm traps. Things went awry for Damon when he learned something about the nobles he should not have and they decided to stab him and toss him in a room with unknown high level trap fully expecting he would bleed out or be killed by the mysterious trap. Luckily, or unluckily, for Damon the mystery trap turned out to be a sentient high level mimic. The mimic, bored and hungry, was sick of languishing in a dungeon and decided to bond with Damon and get out there to see (and feast upon) more of the world!
The story had so much potential but was let down by a few things. The first was the writing. It was adequate but I was rarely fully sucked into the story. The second letdown was that neither Damon nor his mimic companion were quite good enough as characters. They were not terrible but Damon always came across as a bit hypocritical in the way he, rightfully, decried the way the awful nobles treated folks all while committing pretty similar acts himself. That annoyed me! The mimic was OK. It was a good mix of funny and threatening with its love of both cakes and human flesh but it was just never quite as cool or hilarious as it should have been.
I did like the fact that this was more gamelit than LitRPG in style. There was no VR world here. This was a regular fantasy world with a typical LitRPG style fantasy system. I tend to prefer that as it increases the stakes when everything is real for the characters in the story. It was also not a story that got bogged down in endless repetition of the stats. You got enough to follow how Damon was progressing but not enough that it was boring.
All in all this was an average LitRPG style fantasy tale that never quite lived up to its potential given the intriguing ideas powering the story. This book has a sequel but I think I’ll bow out of this series now.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: This was a Soundbooth Theatre production so the quality was good. We got Ryan. H. Reid as the main narrator with additional dialogue support from Jeff Hays and Dorrie Sacks. The narration was good and I did like the fact they had a woman narrator doing the dialogue for the women characters.
October 31, 2024
Mimic & Me (Mimic & Me #1) by Cassius Lange
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Mimic & Me by Cassius Lange introduces readers to a unique take on the LitRPG genre, blending humor, adventure, and character progression into a story about an unlikely hero—a mimic. The novel follows the protagonist, who finds themselves reincarnated as a mimic, one of the most notorious yet underestimated creatures in dungeon ecosystems. What ensues is a mix of survival tactics, exploration of newfound powers, and a slow but steady path to greatness, all within the confines of a game-like fantasy world.
The novel stands out for its creative use of the mimic creature as the protagonist. Typically relegated to a minor role as dungeon monsters or obstacles in traditional RPGs, the mimic is given center stage here, allowing readers to see how such an unusual character can grow and develop. This twist is one of the book's biggest strengths, adding an original flavor to a genre filled with more standard warrior or mage protagonists.
In comparison to its contemporaries, like The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba or I am a Spider, So What? by Okina Baba, Mimic & Me shares a similar premise of taking an underdog or overlooked creature and crafting a story around their evolution and self-discovery. However, where I am a Spider leans into an expansive world-building and power scaling, and The Wandering Inn delves deeply into character relationships and emotional arcs, Mimic & Me focuses more on a balance of comedic elements and survival mechanics. Lange keeps the tone relatively light-hearted, with humorous encounters and amusing inner monologues, which makes it an easy and entertaining read.
The progression system in the novel follows familiar LitRPG conventions: skill acquisition, leveling up, and stat increases. But the novel distinguishes itself by exploring how a mimic, with its inherent ability to shapeshift and deceive, can use its powers creatively. This opens up a variety of possibilities for problem-solving and combat, adding depth to the character's journey and keeping readers engaged as they see the protagonist evolve in unconventional ways.
However, the pacing of the story can feel uneven at times. The early parts of the book are focused on survival and exploration, which is interesting but occasionally drags as the plot moves forward. There are sections where the humor doesn’t quite land, feeling repetitive, especially during interactions with minor NPCs or dungeon creatures. Additionally, while the protagonist's journey is engaging, some supporting characters lack depth, serving more as narrative tools than fully fleshed-out individuals.
Where the book excels is in its creativity and its subversion of expectations. The mimic’s point of view is refreshingly different, and the way Lange plays with the mimic’s limitations and strengths is clever. That said, for readers looking for a more serious or emotionally driven plot, this novel might fall short in comparison to works like The Wandering Inn, which dives deeper into character relationships and world-building.
Overall, Mimic & Me is a fun, engaging read for fans of the LitRPG genre who enjoy stories with unconventional protagonists and a lighter tone. While it may not offer the emotional depth or world-building of its contemporaries, its unique premise and humor make it a worthwhile addition to the genre.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
August 28, 2023
Book one
I really enjoyed this. A mimic that isn't a sexual deviant.
I had some problems with the way that the characters were. They changed personality types to quickly.
Editing was good though. If I found any mistakes they will be up on Goodreads.
Sorry folks but I'm in a bit of a rush to head over to Royalroad and keep reading this wonderful story.
8/10
I really enjoyed this. A mimic that isn't a sexual deviant.
I had some problems with the way that the characters were. They changed personality types to quickly.
Editing was good though. If I found any mistakes they will be up on Goodreads.
Sorry folks but I'm in a bit of a rush to head over to Royalroad and keep reading this wonderful story.
8/10
September 1, 2023
Another one where everyone is a giant butt. Not literally, that might have been fun, but they’re all out for themselves and messily killing anyone who gets in their way. No, little Timmy, I don’t care who started it, two wrongs don’t make a right.
March 4, 2024
Great Narrators! The Mimic's voices were my favorite! Overall a fun read. The concept was really fresh which I liked. Unfortunately I felt all the mechanics were really tedious and bogged the story down. Could really do without the player's handbook.
October 7, 2024
Mimic and Me
Damon is just a lowly scout, allowed to level up enough to be useful and that’s about it. When a dungeon guide job goes sideways, he finds himself bleeding out next to a trapped treasure chest. Before he dies, the chest reveals itself to be a hungry Mimic. In panic, he feeds to creature his lunch and dessert. The Mimic decides to bond with him to get more sweet, sugary desserts. Oh, also any human or monster nom noms.
This LitRPG balances the edge of being dark and funny expertly. A lot of the humor and inner turmoil comes from Damon arguing with the Mimic about his slipping morality. It definitely felt a lot like everyone’s favorite Symbiote. The audio version of this one is a must, Soundbooth does a great job bringing these characters to life.
Content Warning: cannibalism?, language
Damon is just a lowly scout, allowed to level up enough to be useful and that’s about it. When a dungeon guide job goes sideways, he finds himself bleeding out next to a trapped treasure chest. Before he dies, the chest reveals itself to be a hungry Mimic. In panic, he feeds to creature his lunch and dessert. The Mimic decides to bond with him to get more sweet, sugary desserts. Oh, also any human or monster nom noms.
This LitRPG balances the edge of being dark and funny expertly. A lot of the humor and inner turmoil comes from Damon arguing with the Mimic about his slipping morality. It definitely felt a lot like everyone’s favorite Symbiote. The audio version of this one is a must, Soundbooth does a great job bringing these characters to life.
Content Warning: cannibalism?, language
December 31, 2024
I had fun!
March 28, 2024
I like the uniqueness of this definitely fast-paced so I never felt bored looking forward to checking out the next book.
March 30, 2024
huh, uneven to my way of thinking
I have been lost to a world of these litrpg books recently. This specific one has many of the rough patches I don’t enjoy (listing a block of items that boost stats and then the character picking the last option so why tell us about the five before?) but I kinda liked parts of it?
The bad was bad, the good worth reading and it becomes a stew made from things one hates and one enjoys so each spoonful is up in the air.
I am going to read the next, but I regret getting the audiobook before reading the book on kindle as I don’t think I will finish it as an audiobook.
I have been lost to a world of these litrpg books recently. This specific one has many of the rough patches I don’t enjoy (listing a block of items that boost stats and then the character picking the last option so why tell us about the five before?) but I kinda liked parts of it?
The bad was bad, the good worth reading and it becomes a stew made from things one hates and one enjoys so each spoonful is up in the air.
I am going to read the next, but I regret getting the audiobook before reading the book on kindle as I don’t think I will finish it as an audiobook.
August 17, 2025
Light hearted adventure fun that kept me turning the pages.
February 12, 2024
LitRPG meets Venom. So much potential... Lost. The first few chapters were acceptable and all degraded from there. Not even worth a snippet of a review. Inconsistent, the story is for a 10yo yet the gorefest throughout contradicts it.
Illogical, I want my money back!
Illogical, I want my money back!
March 15, 2024
All filler, no killer.
MC is also dumb as the rock-hard plot armor that protects him.
MC is also dumb as the rock-hard plot armor that protects him.
November 3, 2024
Hypocritical Simp MC and Feminist plot
Before we get to that, the book is clunky. Very clunky. Like lots of it is forced. A huge noble wants him dead for a few reasons. Yet through some awkward begging and demanding free payment of 90g to a noble who 90 gold is like...10 cents to normal people, He just lets him off. Like, there is no real reason he does it. He just does and gives him tons of stuff. It makes NO sense.
Now for the Rest. Some might claim the character is a 'good guy' but he's not. He's a dude with a thing for an elf. He claims no one should be slave and he can't stand it. YET when he finds TONS of slaves later, he doesn't give them a second thought or even try to help them. Not at all. He only has eyes for his pretty girl elf.
Then another example His adopted father's wife is a shameless flirt and basically is cucking her husband with flirting. Yet the MC feels guilty he didn't make his adopted father put up with it more because when he gets upset at the wife she gets hurt by him being upset over HER flirting. Yet the MC isn't flat out telling her, yes you were not a good wife. He is feeling guilty he didn't force his father to put up with it!? WTF.
Another one? Hm Some noble girl is being abusive, torturous and downright evil, so he kills her male guards without remorse but when he speaks harshly to her. He feels bad that he's being so 'mean' to her. LITERALLY no problem killing her male guards just doing their jobs, but feels bad he has to speak 'rough' to the evil noble girl? WTF again.
Big fight, no problem chasing down men and shooting them in the back but lets the females goes even though they will report back on him and state he killed nobles.
Another? No regret over who he killed but he starts to feel bad over the one woman he had killed even though she was as cruel and evil as the rest and tried to kill him. Doesn't feel bad anyone else at the time even the ones who weren't cruel to him, just her.
It'd be fine if the author remarked on yes. The MC treats women unequal and as if all their lives are more important than his own like he acts but the author seems oblivious to this fact and acts like the MC is some upstanding equality and fine gentlemen. When in reality, he is just treating the women as either something lesser to be protected or something great to cherished for him to consider at all times before himself.
I really liked some side characters because they did treat women and men equal but the MC saw this as wrong and the Author treated it like he needed the MC to 'correct' their behavior. Rather then the MC learn to kill all equal and not let those who try to kill him get away. The whole let them go and forgive them act, to make them by the power of friendship and mercy suddenly have a change of heart was SOOOOO forced that it was clearly illogical 'don't kill bad people just give them second chance' idiotic notion of the author.
Honestly everyone he let escape because they were women or he wanted to 'forgive' to give a second chance. I hope he came back to see them enslaving and slaughtering innocents or his friends just to show him that any 'bad guys' he lets go, any action they do after that are on him because if he hadn't let them have the chance to do more evil, then none would have happened. Is their one evil life worth all the innocent lives they'd take if the gambit didn't work? 1 evil for what 10? 20? 30? Lives if it fails. Sorry but that evil life isn't even worth 1 life to be risked. They made their choice.
So all that batman doesn't skill just locks up joker so he can escape and cause more harm to people BS aside, there was all the women are more important than anything else especially the ones he has a thing for BS. Then the whole bad logic between nobles and him that was SUPER FORCED.
All in all. This felt like an novice's first novel rather than experienced writer. I'd pass on it myself. For some though, who don't mind the whole women should never be hit even when trying to kill you. Let everyone have second and third chances and so forth. Maybe you'll love it? The mimic was pretty neat though the litrpg elements felt a little weak.
Before we get to that, the book is clunky. Very clunky. Like lots of it is forced. A huge noble wants him dead for a few reasons. Yet through some awkward begging and demanding free payment of 90g to a noble who 90 gold is like...10 cents to normal people, He just lets him off. Like, there is no real reason he does it. He just does and gives him tons of stuff. It makes NO sense.
Now for the Rest. Some might claim the character is a 'good guy' but he's not. He's a dude with a thing for an elf. He claims no one should be slave and he can't stand it. YET when he finds TONS of slaves later, he doesn't give them a second thought or even try to help them. Not at all. He only has eyes for his pretty girl elf.
Then another example His adopted father's wife is a shameless flirt and basically is cucking her husband with flirting. Yet the MC feels guilty he didn't make his adopted father put up with it more because when he gets upset at the wife she gets hurt by him being upset over HER flirting. Yet the MC isn't flat out telling her, yes you were not a good wife. He is feeling guilty he didn't force his father to put up with it!? WTF.
Another one? Hm Some noble girl is being abusive, torturous and downright evil, so he kills her male guards without remorse but when he speaks harshly to her. He feels bad that he's being so 'mean' to her. LITERALLY no problem killing her male guards just doing their jobs, but feels bad he has to speak 'rough' to the evil noble girl? WTF again.
Big fight, no problem chasing down men and shooting them in the back but lets the females goes even though they will report back on him and state he killed nobles.
Another? No regret over who he killed but he starts to feel bad over the one woman he had killed even though she was as cruel and evil as the rest and tried to kill him. Doesn't feel bad anyone else at the time even the ones who weren't cruel to him, just her.
It'd be fine if the author remarked on yes. The MC treats women unequal and as if all their lives are more important than his own like he acts but the author seems oblivious to this fact and acts like the MC is some upstanding equality and fine gentlemen. When in reality, he is just treating the women as either something lesser to be protected or something great to cherished for him to consider at all times before himself.
I really liked some side characters because they did treat women and men equal but the MC saw this as wrong and the Author treated it like he needed the MC to 'correct' their behavior. Rather then the MC learn to kill all equal and not let those who try to kill him get away. The whole let them go and forgive them act, to make them by the power of friendship and mercy suddenly have a change of heart was SOOOOO forced that it was clearly illogical 'don't kill bad people just give them second chance' idiotic notion of the author.
Honestly everyone he let escape because they were women or he wanted to 'forgive' to give a second chance. I hope he came back to see them enslaving and slaughtering innocents or his friends just to show him that any 'bad guys' he lets go, any action they do after that are on him because if he hadn't let them have the chance to do more evil, then none would have happened. Is their one evil life worth all the innocent lives they'd take if the gambit didn't work? 1 evil for what 10? 20? 30? Lives if it fails. Sorry but that evil life isn't even worth 1 life to be risked. They made their choice.
So all that batman doesn't skill just locks up joker so he can escape and cause more harm to people BS aside, there was all the women are more important than anything else especially the ones he has a thing for BS. Then the whole bad logic between nobles and him that was SUPER FORCED.
All in all. This felt like an novice's first novel rather than experienced writer. I'd pass on it myself. For some though, who don't mind the whole women should never be hit even when trying to kill you. Let everyone have second and third chances and so forth. Maybe you'll love it? The mimic was pretty neat though the litrpg elements felt a little weak.
July 29, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed the entire series before stopping to post review. So I'm going to copy/paste my response to all four books.
I've been a LitRPG reader/consumer for several years now and a long time D&D player/fan. The idea of a Mimic and a Human joining forces literally and figuratively was very original and entertaining for me. Like any book, there is a soak time you must get thru before the begins to breath for the reader. Your Mileage may vary. Book 1 I listened to on audio while on an 8 hour cross country drive to visit family.
I alternated between reading and listening to the books depending on driving times and eating/quiet times. There is no perfect hit for all readers but for me this was 200% a hit in humor, silliness and serious moments. I read some reviews complaining about hearing a full list of upgrade path options etc, saying why did they have to list all of them if they were going to choose the 1st or 2nd item.
So allow me to provide a clarification for those still reading or considering reading.
1. LitRPG is NOT simple fantasy/fiction where its JUST a storyline of characters.
2. LitRPG is based upon the precept of D&D leveling/Video Game Character leveling combined in a SciFi/Fantasy/Fictional format.
There are entire communities that are dedicated to their favorite authors and seek to create worlds and campaigns based on the ideas, skills, spells, exp etc that an author fleshes out in their novels.
Having read thru several authors across several series each I can quantitatively say that stats pages and upgrade paths can either be boring, exciting or meh depending on who's reading, but always bear in mind that you made that choice when you selected a LitRPG novel over traditional SciFi/Fantasy/Fictional novel. The selections and amount of time spent in this series was substantially less then others authors that I enjoy.
If your looking for fun fantasy, entertaining characters, world building and fantastical monsters and demons - absolutely give this series a try.
I'm glad I did.
I've been a LitRPG reader/consumer for several years now and a long time D&D player/fan. The idea of a Mimic and a Human joining forces literally and figuratively was very original and entertaining for me. Like any book, there is a soak time you must get thru before the begins to breath for the reader. Your Mileage may vary. Book 1 I listened to on audio while on an 8 hour cross country drive to visit family.
I alternated between reading and listening to the books depending on driving times and eating/quiet times. There is no perfect hit for all readers but for me this was 200% a hit in humor, silliness and serious moments. I read some reviews complaining about hearing a full list of upgrade path options etc, saying why did they have to list all of them if they were going to choose the 1st or 2nd item.
So allow me to provide a clarification for those still reading or considering reading.
1. LitRPG is NOT simple fantasy/fiction where its JUST a storyline of characters.
2. LitRPG is based upon the precept of D&D leveling/Video Game Character leveling combined in a SciFi/Fantasy/Fictional format.
There are entire communities that are dedicated to their favorite authors and seek to create worlds and campaigns based on the ideas, skills, spells, exp etc that an author fleshes out in their novels.
Having read thru several authors across several series each I can quantitatively say that stats pages and upgrade paths can either be boring, exciting or meh depending on who's reading, but always bear in mind that you made that choice when you selected a LitRPG novel over traditional SciFi/Fantasy/Fictional novel. The selections and amount of time spent in this series was substantially less then others authors that I enjoy.
If your looking for fun fantasy, entertaining characters, world building and fantastical monsters and demons - absolutely give this series a try.
I'm glad I did.
June 17, 2024
Unconventional take on classic litrpg monster - Mimic - as a symbiotic parasite - think Venom. MC is a typical downtrodden nobody good guy with nothing on the outside but 'rich' personality, who magically gains a power over almost everyone else around him resulting in his good guy facade monologuing in first chapters aging like milk.
While author is undecided or simply bad at assigning character traits and sticking to them, Chester's narration and often judgement slips back to it's monster self are refreshing and could have been doubled down for the horror and lack of morals. Story is fast paced and action filled.
Conclusion: 2/5. Listened on Audible 1 credit. Narrated by: Ryan H. Reid, Dorrie Sacks, Jeff Hays.
Bough because of Jeff Hays narration and litrpg genre tag. Main unorthodox take on monster - mimic - having evolved as a symbiotic parasite in a litrpg world is believable and could have been amazing. Execution is lacking and disappointing, leaving much to the imagination of the reader. Bad value for the length of the book - 1.48 $/hour (24.95$ / 16 hrs 57 mins ).
Recommendation: Everybody Loves Large Chests (ELLC) - unconventional mimic story, where author is unapologetic about his MC being a monster first and foremost, mimic second and scheming ever more elaborate plots selfish being the rest of the time.
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
While author is undecided or simply bad at assigning character traits and sticking to them, Chester's narration and often judgement slips back to it's monster self are refreshing and could have been doubled down for the horror and lack of morals. Story is fast paced and action filled.
Conclusion: 2/5. Listened on Audible 1 credit. Narrated by: Ryan H. Reid, Dorrie Sacks, Jeff Hays.
Bough because of Jeff Hays narration and litrpg genre tag. Main unorthodox take on monster - mimic - having evolved as a symbiotic parasite in a litrpg world is believable and could have been amazing. Execution is lacking and disappointing, leaving much to the imagination of the reader. Bad value for the length of the book - 1.48 $/hour (24.95$ / 16 hrs 57 mins ).
Recommendation: Everybody Loves Large Chests (ELLC) - unconventional mimic story, where author is unapologetic about his MC being a monster first and foremost, mimic second and scheming ever more elaborate plots selfish being the rest of the time.
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
June 9, 2025
Promising Premise With Unique Characters
I was interested in this series, having been on a litrpg binge as of late and getting the first 3 books in this series for a discount. Having read all three, I'm not writing a more serious review. The plot is fairly straightforward and linear, which isn't a bad thing. Early on in the story, we're given the plot (Save this person) and then follow Damon and Chester's journey to getting stronger in order to save the person. Along the way we meet other characters who help the duo towards their goal. The writing style fits the genre, and there are a few scenes that get more descriptive of the gory parts of the story. Not a bad thing, as this happens early on initially, so it sets the expectation for the series.
Now for the less than stellar. Despite being a fantasy environment, there are a few descriptions that breaks this narrative. A prime example is the common description of "googly eyes" when describing Chester's eyes. While it might be an accurate description, it pulled me out of the "This is a cool fantasy world with leveling aspects". These are intermittent, but worth noting. My biggest critique is the lack of a struggle for the main character. These incredible hurdles that get promised (Like obtaining an asburd amount of coin to free someone) only to be essentially handwaves later on, feels cheap. Other times, certain events/scenarios feel fake or underwritten. Like certain companions immediately trusting Damon despite having no reason to, or in some cases, having multiple reasons not to.
I wanted to enjoy this series, but I don't think I can. It's less of a "This story is alright, but just not my cup of a tea" and more "This is exactly my cup of tea, but it didn't get made properly". There is a lot of potential for the world, a unique premise, strong characters, and a developing plot. But, the writing doesn't feel like it's able to reach that level. It doesn't feel like an initial draft of a story, but rather the second draft, where some main issues were addressed, but could use another round or two of polishing.
I was interested in this series, having been on a litrpg binge as of late and getting the first 3 books in this series for a discount. Having read all three, I'm not writing a more serious review. The plot is fairly straightforward and linear, which isn't a bad thing. Early on in the story, we're given the plot (Save this person) and then follow Damon and Chester's journey to getting stronger in order to save the person. Along the way we meet other characters who help the duo towards their goal. The writing style fits the genre, and there are a few scenes that get more descriptive of the gory parts of the story. Not a bad thing, as this happens early on initially, so it sets the expectation for the series.
Now for the less than stellar. Despite being a fantasy environment, there are a few descriptions that breaks this narrative. A prime example is the common description of "googly eyes" when describing Chester's eyes. While it might be an accurate description, it pulled me out of the "This is a cool fantasy world with leveling aspects". These are intermittent, but worth noting. My biggest critique is the lack of a struggle for the main character. These incredible hurdles that get promised (Like obtaining an asburd amount of coin to free someone) only to be essentially handwaves later on, feels cheap. Other times, certain events/scenarios feel fake or underwritten. Like certain companions immediately trusting Damon despite having no reason to, or in some cases, having multiple reasons not to.
I wanted to enjoy this series, but I don't think I can. It's less of a "This story is alright, but just not my cup of a tea" and more "This is exactly my cup of tea, but it didn't get made properly". There is a lot of potential for the world, a unique premise, strong characters, and a developing plot. But, the writing doesn't feel like it's able to reach that level. It doesn't feel like an initial draft of a story, but rather the second draft, where some main issues were addressed, but could use another round or two of polishing.
December 31, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author.
Damon is a scout. He's weak and doesn't get hired very often, but a team of noble and semi-noble adventurers take mercy on him and hire him to lead them through an easy dungeon. Everything is fine to start, but then things take a turn. An elf girl is seen and the noble puts her in coral cuffs, which make her effectively a slave who has to follow the master's commands.
Damon wasn't supposed to see that happen, but he does. He's shot in the chest by an arrow and is slowly dying. A nearby mimic decides to become his symbiote, and the two become attached. Damon gets better and heals, but they're not out of the woods yet. They still need to escape the dungeon and the nobles within.
I'll stop the recap there. The primary benefit of having a mimic attached to a person is that when they eat a person or monster, they gain essence, skills, and stat points. Damon goes from a weakling to a fairly strong adventurer, although not the best.
The plot definitely steers the story in a certain way. When a bounty is taken out on Damon because the noble kids died, he just happens to find exactly the right way to defend against it. The editing is fine and the system has plenty of stats, skills, abilities and number to keep people happy. The system is a bit odd in that you have to visit an adventurer's guild building to level up skills.
All in all I enjoyed this. The mimic acts as comic relief a lot of the time, and watching Damon get stronger is fun too. I've already read book two and can recommend that book as well. 5/5*
Damon is a scout. He's weak and doesn't get hired very often, but a team of noble and semi-noble adventurers take mercy on him and hire him to lead them through an easy dungeon. Everything is fine to start, but then things take a turn. An elf girl is seen and the noble puts her in coral cuffs, which make her effectively a slave who has to follow the master's commands.
Damon wasn't supposed to see that happen, but he does. He's shot in the chest by an arrow and is slowly dying. A nearby mimic decides to become his symbiote, and the two become attached. Damon gets better and heals, but they're not out of the woods yet. They still need to escape the dungeon and the nobles within.
I'll stop the recap there. The primary benefit of having a mimic attached to a person is that when they eat a person or monster, they gain essence, skills, and stat points. Damon goes from a weakling to a fairly strong adventurer, although not the best.
The plot definitely steers the story in a certain way. When a bounty is taken out on Damon because the noble kids died, he just happens to find exactly the right way to defend against it. The editing is fine and the system has plenty of stats, skills, abilities and number to keep people happy. The system is a bit odd in that you have to visit an adventurer's guild building to level up skills.
All in all I enjoyed this. The mimic acts as comic relief a lot of the time, and watching Damon get stronger is fun too. I've already read book two and can recommend that book as well. 5/5*
December 16, 2023
Flawed but entertaining
The protagonist is unfortunately an impulsive, moronic and rather learning resistant noob. So far i have no sympathies for him.. The mimic is an ever hungry, rater unhelpful and mostly grumpy companion.
It seems very contraproductive to keep the scouts whose job is to detect and disarm deadly traps weak an ineficient..
The timing of the bounties makes no sense, the third bounty on him seemed very contrived.. The totally coincidential meeting with his new OP best pal later on felt like a HUGE plot armor. The hijacking later on seems like a manifest of the sheer idiocy of the protagonist as he is the main suspect and the whole action is absolutely unforgivable. Everyone would hunt him even if his antagonist would need any help.. He endangers everybody around him too..
I found it hillarious how the author calls breaking and entering, cold blooded murder of 5 guards and the abuction of the antagonist´s daughter to blackmail him as "to be frowned upon..
The author seems totally have forgotten the earlier characterisations of two major female characters: a snobby, pampered and arrogant girl who has people beaten for being rude wants to run a bar frequented by simple and -most likely -rude people all of a sudden? and a middle aged, overly flirtative tavern wench without any battle experience is supposed to become a travelling adventurer all of sudden...?
The protagonist is unfortunately an impulsive, moronic and rather learning resistant noob. So far i have no sympathies for him.. The mimic is an ever hungry, rater unhelpful and mostly grumpy companion.
It seems very contraproductive to keep the scouts whose job is to detect and disarm deadly traps weak an ineficient..
The timing of the bounties makes no sense, the third bounty on him seemed very contrived.. The totally coincidential meeting with his new OP best pal later on felt like a HUGE plot armor. The hijacking later on seems like a manifest of the sheer idiocy of the protagonist as he is the main suspect and the whole action is absolutely unforgivable. Everyone would hunt him even if his antagonist would need any help.. He endangers everybody around him too..
I found it hillarious how the author calls breaking and entering, cold blooded murder of 5 guards and the abuction of the antagonist´s daughter to blackmail him as "to be frowned upon..
The author seems totally have forgotten the earlier characterisations of two major female characters: a snobby, pampered and arrogant girl who has people beaten for being rude wants to run a bar frequented by simple and -most likely -rude people all of a sudden? and a middle aged, overly flirtative tavern wench without any battle experience is supposed to become a travelling adventurer all of sudden...?
July 7, 2025
Probably not worth it except for the audiobook.
I’m not sure the author quite knew what he wanted this to be, aside from LitRPG. At times it’s a dumb light-hearted buddy comedy between man and mimic. At other times it flirts with darkness, turning our protagonist into a villain before pulling back from that path. I wouldn’t have minded either, but the waffling bugged me. Even a slow descent from one to the other would have been fine, but instead we end up with a kind of uneven Venom movie.
Speaking of uneven, the main character’s selective stupidity was another gripe of mine. Sometimes he’d be planning three steps ahead or showing an uncommon level of perceptiveness, the next he’d be saying or doing something that only plot convenience could save him from. A couple of times I cringed so hard I had to stop for a while.
With all that, I did still find myself mostly engaged, and wanting to know what came next, worrying about the mysterious “symbiosis” stat. It also genuinely made me laugh a few times. Chester (the mimic) is an interesting character, and I enjoy the way they play off Damon. The voice for Chester in the audiobook probably saved this for me, making it an enjoyable experience in spite of my gripes. It’s still nothing I’d recommend to anyone (outside of very specific situations) but in spite of myself I will probably be picking up book 2 at some point.
I’m not sure the author quite knew what he wanted this to be, aside from LitRPG. At times it’s a dumb light-hearted buddy comedy between man and mimic. At other times it flirts with darkness, turning our protagonist into a villain before pulling back from that path. I wouldn’t have minded either, but the waffling bugged me. Even a slow descent from one to the other would have been fine, but instead we end up with a kind of uneven Venom movie.
Speaking of uneven, the main character’s selective stupidity was another gripe of mine. Sometimes he’d be planning three steps ahead or showing an uncommon level of perceptiveness, the next he’d be saying or doing something that only plot convenience could save him from. A couple of times I cringed so hard I had to stop for a while.
With all that, I did still find myself mostly engaged, and wanting to know what came next, worrying about the mysterious “symbiosis” stat. It also genuinely made me laugh a few times. Chester (the mimic) is an interesting character, and I enjoy the way they play off Damon. The voice for Chester in the audiobook probably saved this for me, making it an enjoyable experience in spite of my gripes. It’s still nothing I’d recommend to anyone (outside of very specific situations) but in spite of myself I will probably be picking up book 2 at some point.
January 30, 2025
I am a great fan of LitRPG which I consider to be the equivalent to "B Movies". Love Godzilla etc but if I rate a B Movies my scale considers it is a B Movie. So a 5 Star rating fora Godzilla movies would not be on the same playing field to classic move that is rated 5 Stars as well.
Same for LitRPG. 5 starts means I really like the book and heartedly recommend it to others readers even if they are not into LitRPG. This story gets a 1 which means I would not recommend it to lovers of the genre.
I listened to this story on Audible and Jeff Hays who plays the Mimic is awesome as always. The female characters are fine. However, the narration for the MC leaves me with this yucky feeling. This is not necessarily the narrators fault as the character is too feely-feel for me (as written). Too much introspection and the conclusions he comes to on relationships with family members and so on falls flat.
The parts with the Mimic are fun. Without the Mimic (and there is quite a bit where the Mimic is not active) do not make the story worth containing the series.
I may have felt different if I read the story. Some stories do better in Audio format while others are better old school reading.
I will not be continuing in the series.
Same for LitRPG. 5 starts means I really like the book and heartedly recommend it to others readers even if they are not into LitRPG. This story gets a 1 which means I would not recommend it to lovers of the genre.
I listened to this story on Audible and Jeff Hays who plays the Mimic is awesome as always. The female characters are fine. However, the narration for the MC leaves me with this yucky feeling. This is not necessarily the narrators fault as the character is too feely-feel for me (as written). Too much introspection and the conclusions he comes to on relationships with family members and so on falls flat.
The parts with the Mimic are fun. Without the Mimic (and there is quite a bit where the Mimic is not active) do not make the story worth containing the series.
I may have felt different if I read the story. Some stories do better in Audio format while others are better old school reading.
I will not be continuing in the series.
October 5, 2023
Missed five stars by “That being saids” and a few other minor things. This book was tons of fun! The author fully embraced the genre. I’ve read a few books that claim to be n the LitRPG sphere but pay so little attention to the trappings of the genre that they might as well be fantasy novels that must describe a character improving, rather than a “worksheet” type page showing stat increases and character improvements. This book goes all in and it is a blast! Most of the major characters have so thing to hide and at some points the author could have stopped repeating that. Speaking of the characters, they were a motley bunch of quirky, mysterious misfits. This felt like a fresh approach to storytelling and might not get the love it deserves because of its genre. If you remotely like fantasy or LitRPGs I think you will enjoy this introspective adventure. The mimic was a bit inconsistent in it’s use of language but that is easily more forgivable than the multiple uses of “That being said” we get it, we read it we know it was said, stop using that phrase it is weak and beneath even the lowest Mimics, much less Humans. Mimic & Me is a mouthful of fun!
June 4, 2024
This book was so fun to read
I loved reading about the LitRPG adventures of Damon and Chester. The story had the perfect balance of humor, love, real life issues, danger, machinations, supernatural elements, fighting, and morality. Damon lives in a world where everyone lives within the “system,” which includes skills, abilities, spells, classes, and essence. When the adventure begins, Damon is a low level Scout just trying to make it to his next rebirth. When the nobles he is leading on a quest leave him for dead in a dungeon, his life is saved when he bonds with a Mimic, Chester. That’s when Damon’s life becomes much more exciting and weird. I love that Damon is a sweet, naive, messy, lucky, sarcastic, kind of dumb, and awkward man who regularly screws up which makes him a very likeable and relatable hero. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, supernatural creatures, evil entities, henchmen, loyal friends, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, and laughs. I will definitely keep reading the series to see what happens next with Damon, Chester and Melina.
I loved reading about the LitRPG adventures of Damon and Chester. The story had the perfect balance of humor, love, real life issues, danger, machinations, supernatural elements, fighting, and morality. Damon lives in a world where everyone lives within the “system,” which includes skills, abilities, spells, classes, and essence. When the adventure begins, Damon is a low level Scout just trying to make it to his next rebirth. When the nobles he is leading on a quest leave him for dead in a dungeon, his life is saved when he bonds with a Mimic, Chester. That’s when Damon’s life becomes much more exciting and weird. I love that Damon is a sweet, naive, messy, lucky, sarcastic, kind of dumb, and awkward man who regularly screws up which makes him a very likeable and relatable hero. The story includes what you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, supernatural creatures, evil entities, henchmen, loyal friends, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, and laughs. I will definitely keep reading the series to see what happens next with Damon, Chester and Melina.
January 11, 2025
Being that this is my first LitRPG, I’d say it was a fun experience. I liked the premise, and the setting seems interesting. However, a big sore point for me was the writing. From what I gather, the idea was to take a RPG someone played and turn it into a book. Fabulous, I’ve listened to a couple DND podcasts and liked them. Unfortunately, they are not quite my cup of tea. I’m used to my stories being more structured. This book suffers the same problem.
Then again, for people who like to listen to RPG podcasts, this might not be a problem. However, more than once, I found myself thinking, “Come on, move along.” Or “this information could have been conveyed in a better way.” This got me a bit frustrated. Which then ruins the immersion.
I do want to continue this series. As I said before, I like the premise and setting. I think I can look pass the writing style as long as it still feels fun. Also, I am fond of the characters. Damon is a bit too nice to the people trying to kill him, but otherwise, he and Chester have grown on me.(lol
Then again, for people who like to listen to RPG podcasts, this might not be a problem. However, more than once, I found myself thinking, “Come on, move along.” Or “this information could have been conveyed in a better way.” This got me a bit frustrated. Which then ruins the immersion.
I do want to continue this series. As I said before, I like the premise and setting. I think I can look pass the writing style as long as it still feels fun. Also, I am fond of the characters. Damon is a bit too nice to the people trying to kill him, but otherwise, he and Chester have grown on me.(lol
December 5, 2023
A friend said this was passable. Will give it a go.
I'm halfway through this and I'm enjoying it. It's obvious the author took inspiration from the chest in Everbody Loves Large Chests, but did his own thing with it.
Okay. Major Plothole
I finished it. While the protagonist can be a little too naive. I think I can enjoy this series.
I'm willing to give the sequel a try when out.
3/5 Stars
I'm halfway through this and I'm enjoying it. It's obvious the author took inspiration from the chest in Everbody Loves Large Chests, but did his own thing with it.
Okay. Major Plothole
I finished it. While the protagonist can be a little too naive. I think I can enjoy this series.
I'm willing to give the sequel a try when out.
3/5 Stars
February 15, 2024
I like the characters in this book. However, it's not enough to really keep wanting more. I think Chester was funny, but he really felt underutilized. The overall plot works, but I didn't find it that engaging. It does make sense, but it felt like I barely got to know most of the characters in the story. Does it feel like a video game I would play? Absolutely, but it feels like a quest I would play for the XP, not the story. I've been trying to find a LitRPG or GameLit book to make me fall in love with this genre so far; this ain't it. However, I can see why people can love and enjoy this book. As for me, it's not my cup of tea.
P.S. I thought LitRPGs and GameLit MCs are supposed to know they are playing a video game or know they are in one. This doesn't hurt the story for me; I just thought that's how they are.
P.S.S. There are sooooo many 'Not only that" statements in this book. It doesn't bother me, but I thought I mentioned it.
P.S. I thought LitRPGs and GameLit MCs are supposed to know they are playing a video game or know they are in one. This doesn't hurt the story for me; I just thought that's how they are.
P.S.S. There are sooooo many 'Not only that" statements in this book. It doesn't bother me, but I thought I mentioned it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
Mimic & Me is a progression LitRPG in a fantasy setting. It’s not an isekai, the protagonist doesn’t start off over-powered and there’s no harem elements. I was tempted to read this one based on the description of the protagonist getting a unique class by merging with a mimic. That seemed like a reasonably fresh and amusing idea, and I’m pretty happy with how that part turned out. Overall, I enjoyed the novel and I’d likely continue the story.
Still, it fell a little short of the 4-star mark for me. There were a lot of sudden twists to the plot, but they made me feel like the writers hadn’t entirely planned ahead, like they reached a dead-end and suddenly had to make an abrupt turn in order to continue the story. The protagonist felt a bit too naive, too quick to form life-changing friendships, and generally too lucky.
Still, it fell a little short of the 4-star mark for me. There were a lot of sudden twists to the plot, but they made me feel like the writers hadn’t entirely planned ahead, like they reached a dead-end and suddenly had to make an abrupt turn in order to continue the story. The protagonist felt a bit too naive, too quick to form life-changing friendships, and generally too lucky.
September 20, 2024
Good premise poor execution (no incentive to read rest of series)
The book had potential but it read cross between a D&D manual and a video game that focused more on mechanics than character depth, plot, or any sort of reason for what was happening. The author could spend pages and pages explaining how various magic items worked or skills but spent no time on the characters. What little we are give on what they feel and why was superficial and often seemed to just be thrown in to give a quick reason for where the author wanted to go next. I'm sure in his head it was all developed but that development didn't make it to the pages. Several more rewrites were needed.
I know this genre is supposed to feel like a video game or a table top role play, but this can be done and still have the characteristics of a good novel. (plot, character development, ...)
The book had potential but it read cross between a D&D manual and a video game that focused more on mechanics than character depth, plot, or any sort of reason for what was happening. The author could spend pages and pages explaining how various magic items worked or skills but spent no time on the characters. What little we are give on what they feel and why was superficial and often seemed to just be thrown in to give a quick reason for where the author wanted to go next. I'm sure in his head it was all developed but that development didn't make it to the pages. Several more rewrites were needed.
I know this genre is supposed to feel like a video game or a table top role play, but this can be done and still have the characteristics of a good novel. (plot, character development, ...)
October 1, 2025
Silly, wholesome LitRPG fun featuring... ahem... cannibalism?
YEAH, well, it's NOT quite as bad as that, but when you've MERGED with a mimic and the mimic eats people, and you are a person... ahem... well... let's just agree that we ought to be glad it didn't happen to us, and that our little doggie--I mean, mimic--ALSO likes sweets and especially cake, too, almost as much as he likes the taste of long pork.
Ahem.
Yeah, despite all that, it IS a funny book and it has a great pacing to go with all the progression stuff.
Nom nom nom.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
YEAH, well, it's NOT quite as bad as that, but when you've MERGED with a mimic and the mimic eats people, and you are a person... ahem... well... let's just agree that we ought to be glad it didn't happen to us, and that our little doggie--I mean, mimic--ALSO likes sweets and especially cake, too, almost as much as he likes the taste of long pork.
Ahem.
Yeah, despite all that, it IS a funny book and it has a great pacing to go with all the progression stuff.
Nom nom nom.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
September 18, 2023
Could Have Been Great
Damon was a low scout, then merged with a powerful being. Damon is now 30+ years old, but very immature, despite being brought up in a tavern. He is not terribly bright, and can't seem to remember details from day to day. I would have liked the relationship between Damon and his Mimic to be more adult instead of two frat boys calling each other ass hole all the time. The author tried to be funny half way through the book, and it doesn't work. Modern sayings and language didn't fit either. As I stated, this could have been a great book with a little more thought about the characters, unfortunately, Damon is not that likable. I still would recommend this book.
Damon was a low scout, then merged with a powerful being. Damon is now 30+ years old, but very immature, despite being brought up in a tavern. He is not terribly bright, and can't seem to remember details from day to day. I would have liked the relationship between Damon and his Mimic to be more adult instead of two frat boys calling each other ass hole all the time. The author tried to be funny half way through the book, and it doesn't work. Modern sayings and language didn't fit either. As I stated, this could have been a great book with a little more thought about the characters, unfortunately, Damon is not that likable. I still would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews