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Battleforged #1
Survivor
To do list for the post 1. Survive the orcs rampaging through your city. 2. Survive the pod trying to steal your mind. 3. Pull off the greatest heist of all time. Eric was as shocked as everyone else when the apocalypse struck, but unlike his mother's movie, there were no chosen heroes destined to fight the beast hordes now overrunning the planet. Just people trying desperately to survive. Yet there was a glimmer of hope that humanity could hold on to. A chosen few really could level up in this brave new world, and embrace magic, adventure, and the potential for limitless power! But the only way to find out if you were one of the lucky few who can level-up and grow stronger was to dare alien vegetative pods. Pods as happy to turn you into topsoil as give you any shot at mastering a System designed to benefit elite invaders, not fragile humans just trying to survive. But Eric was all about beating the odds!
Along with a handful of new friends who happened to be rogues long before there was any System.
Friends absolutely intent on stealing a priceless fortune that their enemies are eager to claim, right out from under the noses of everyone trying to kill them!
Eric might not be able to save the world, but nothing says he can't make a killing! All he has to do is outmaneuver a thousand orcs, outfox an army of too-clever elves, and escape a war-torn city without getting caught!
Eager for a fast-paced adventure with a survivor determined to get the best of everyone trying to kill him and make a fortune while doing so? Then read on!
Along with a handful of new friends who happened to be rogues long before there was any System.
Friends absolutely intent on stealing a priceless fortune that their enemies are eager to claim, right out from under the noses of everyone trying to kill them!
Eric might not be able to save the world, but nothing says he can't make a killing! All he has to do is outmaneuver a thousand orcs, outfox an army of too-clever elves, and escape a war-torn city without getting caught!
Eager for a fast-paced adventure with a survivor determined to get the best of everyone trying to kill him and make a fortune while doing so? Then read on!
1306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2023
1134 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
January 17, 2024
Holy crap does this waste an everloving lot of space saying/doing nothing. I could skip literal pages (skip not skim) and not miss anything. Eric can't do anything without thinking about it for pages first. And not just about whatever it is he's going to do, but about his life, his mom, his sister, his trainer, his training for movie stunts, his sister's movie success, the bad guys who invaded Earth, the relative merits of fighting systems, cool weapons he wishes he had, cool weapons he managed to collect after the change . . . just on. and on. and on. and on.
Continental drift gets to the point faster than our boy Eric.
Who has time for this meandering, pace-killing nonsense? Okay, fine. I'm sure there is an audience who will lap up all the detail and just wallow in Eric like Eric wallows in everything. That is not for me, however, and it is a relief to let it go.
Continental drift gets to the point faster than our boy Eric.
Who has time for this meandering, pace-killing nonsense? Okay, fine. I'm sure there is an audience who will lap up all the detail and just wallow in Eric like Eric wallows in everything. That is not for me, however, and it is a relief to let it go.
July 13, 2024
3.5 stars, which is really a small set of 5 star chunks mixed in with 1 star, skimmable nonsense.
For those of you new to this author, prepare to have a love/hate relationship with their idiosyncratic style. The formula: Take an unlikable OP MC written as an idiot. Throw in a sequence of poorly motivated, just in time "epiphanies" to survive. Fill the plot with "TADA!" events. Stir it together with incomprehensible prose drenched in run on sentences, metaphysical mumbo jumbo, a bipolar supporting cast, a system designed to be exploitable for the plot, and pure consistency fails. And out comes something magical.
Well, magical in the sense that, while at times I eyeroll so hard that I almost hurt myself or want to throw my kindle across the room, the overall experience is somewhat enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Aside: my favorite part is the "fooled you" literary device (which I think of as the FU literary device), where some very important fact is left out of the story until the characters mention it later. Like "oh yeah, every bit of dialog with that character we interacted with earlier was just a lie, and even though there's absolutely no way you, as a reader, could have known that, somehow the characters have figured that out even though there's no written reason they should have."
For those of you new to this author, prepare to have a love/hate relationship with their idiosyncratic style. The formula: Take an unlikable OP MC written as an idiot. Throw in a sequence of poorly motivated, just in time "epiphanies" to survive. Fill the plot with "TADA!" events. Stir it together with incomprehensible prose drenched in run on sentences, metaphysical mumbo jumbo, a bipolar supporting cast, a system designed to be exploitable for the plot, and pure consistency fails. And out comes something magical.
Well, magical in the sense that, while at times I eyeroll so hard that I almost hurt myself or want to throw my kindle across the room, the overall experience is somewhat enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Aside: my favorite part is the "fooled you" literary device (which I think of as the FU literary device), where some very important fact is left out of the story until the characters mention it later. Like "oh yeah, every bit of dialog with that character we interacted with earlier was just a lie, and even though there's absolutely no way you, as a reader, could have known that, somehow the characters have figured that out even though there's no written reason they should have."
August 25, 2023
Damn son, are you a Dairy Farmer? Because you're milking this story for all it's worth.
It's not often I drop a book before finishing the sample text, especially one as long as this one. There is no doubt that the Author knows how to write, especially if you have read their previous works. The problem is how the story is completely bogged down with insignificant details. While I personally love a little context here and there, this is ridiculously thick.
I got through about 91% of the sample text before I finally gave up. It's like 90% filler and 10% relevance. Honestly, I wanted to like this book. LitRPG Apocalypse is one of my favorite types of genres, but even I can't swim through this ocean of irrelevance.
It's not often I drop a book before finishing the sample text, especially one as long as this one. There is no doubt that the Author knows how to write, especially if you have read their previous works. The problem is how the story is completely bogged down with insignificant details. While I personally love a little context here and there, this is ridiculously thick.
I got through about 91% of the sample text before I finally gave up. It's like 90% filler and 10% relevance. Honestly, I wanted to like this book. LitRPG Apocalypse is one of my favorite types of genres, but even I can't swim through this ocean of irrelevance.
September 8, 2023
good read but…
Ok, I really, really liked the progression model used and the way the MC built up his skills the old fashioned way.
However, I was not a fan of the multiple iterations of the conversations how the system was rigged against anyone but rich, etc. Once or twice would have been fine, but it came up almost exactly the same point like 8 or 9 times. I was like, I get it!
Lastly, the monologues and dialogues in the middle of combat was annoying, especially right after another character yells as MC to get his head in the game. The MC kept making the same mistakes over and over and kept complaining.
Ok, I really, really liked the progression model used and the way the MC built up his skills the old fashioned way.
However, I was not a fan of the multiple iterations of the conversations how the system was rigged against anyone but rich, etc. Once or twice would have been fine, but it came up almost exactly the same point like 8 or 9 times. I was like, I get it!
Lastly, the monologues and dialogues in the middle of combat was annoying, especially right after another character yells as MC to get his head in the game. The MC kept making the same mistakes over and over and kept complaining.
December 14, 2023
excessive detail that derails flow of story
This was excessively long with too much unneeded information and detail. For example taking 5 pages describing weapons which had zero relevance to the situation. I’m fine with some detail that is key to where the story is going but do I need paragraphs on a saber or the constant integration of the MCs past life which in all honesty was just a waste of writing space. Some writers just like to spend paragraphs where a few sentences would have sufficed and this is just one of them. I skipped tons of the content and didn’t feel like I missed anything when I went back to see if what I skipped was important. Only got 10% in before I threw in the towel after getting too annoyed at all the pointless side info.
This was excessively long with too much unneeded information and detail. For example taking 5 pages describing weapons which had zero relevance to the situation. I’m fine with some detail that is key to where the story is going but do I need paragraphs on a saber or the constant integration of the MCs past life which in all honesty was just a waste of writing space. Some writers just like to spend paragraphs where a few sentences would have sufficed and this is just one of them. I skipped tons of the content and didn’t feel like I missed anything when I went back to see if what I skipped was important. Only got 10% in before I threw in the towel after getting too annoyed at all the pointless side info.
August 24, 2023
Boring. DNF
I couldn't make it to the halfway point before I quit. This is very dry and drawn out. The training and skill sections are far too detailed as take up way too much time. Almost six hundred pages and I still didn't feel like the story had started. Add in a disconnect between how the main character thought and the company he keeps and I was done. The MC doesn't fit the vibe the book is going for.
I couldn't make it to the halfway point before I quit. This is very dry and drawn out. The training and skill sections are far too detailed as take up way too much time. Almost six hundred pages and I still didn't feel like the story had started. Add in a disconnect between how the main character thought and the company he keeps and I was done. The MC doesn't fit the vibe the book is going for.
September 1, 2023
There’s a good story and interesting characters in here, but the prose is very purple and the characters all talk like Marlowe swallowed a dictionary. Even I’m slipping into it after 300 pages! Unfortunately that’s not even a quarter of the way through. DNF for me.
August 11, 2023
Good story
A few rough spots typical of litrpg, but overall a really good story and exciting adventure. I really enjoy apocalyptic reads.
A few rough spots typical of litrpg, but overall a really good story and exciting adventure. I really enjoy apocalyptic reads.
July 20, 2025
Okay, so I'm pretty used to worldbuilding and exposition. I mean, my favourite series are LOTR, The Belgariad, and the Inheritance Cycle. I'm used to it. This sucked and let me tell you why.
First of all, it does have its good points. It conforms to the standard of LitRPG's: levelling, Skills and the like. what made it a slog was that it seemed like every time dialogue started, it was only exposition, and they were talking in runalong sentences. I feel like every other dialogue line ended in something like " they finished in a rush", because the author is trying to fit as much worldbuilding into a characters sentence as possible Every now and again is fine but when it feels like every other line? Overkill.
They also bring up things that are new to the MC and then never expand upon it, which is frustrating. and what's up with just leaving the Rat Queen plot point hanging? Maybe it gets solved later, but I'm not sticking around to find out.
Also, no one seems to have a consistent way of speaking. Morlekai is just a normal dude, and then all of a sudden, he's a vampire lord dude and speaks fancy? Not even a hint of his apparent true way of speaking at all before.Everyone uses a lot of swears, which makes sense in an apocalypse but I still feel like there was so much of it, that it detracted further from the story.
I gave it a good shot, I got a third of the way through, and with a book that's 1.2k pages, that's a decent chunk. but ultimately, it just didn't grab me, and it kinda sucked. I've read wordy books before, but this was wordy in the worst way.
First of all, it does have its good points. It conforms to the standard of LitRPG's: levelling, Skills and the like. what made it a slog was that it seemed like every time dialogue started, it was only exposition, and they were talking in runalong sentences. I feel like every other dialogue line ended in something like " they finished in a rush", because the author is trying to fit as much worldbuilding into a characters sentence as possible Every now and again is fine but when it feels like every other line? Overkill.
They also bring up things that are new to the MC and then never expand upon it, which is frustrating. and what's up with just leaving the Rat Queen plot point hanging? Maybe it gets solved later, but I'm not sticking around to find out.
Also, no one seems to have a consistent way of speaking. Morlekai is just a normal dude, and then all of a sudden, he's a vampire lord dude and speaks fancy? Not even a hint of his apparent true way of speaking at all before.Everyone uses a lot of swears, which makes sense in an apocalypse but I still feel like there was so much of it, that it detracted further from the story.
I gave it a good shot, I got a third of the way through, and with a book that's 1.2k pages, that's a decent chunk. but ultimately, it just didn't grab me, and it kinda sucked. I've read wordy books before, but this was wordy in the worst way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
The story of the gary stue teenage movie star
DNF at 10%
A really bizarre setting. Somehow the parts of the story don't fit together and leave me rather confused.
Wearing perfume in a postapocalyptic worldin an area that has slavers and human sacrifice? What sane person would go alone or split up in such an area? Why would they be that distanced from another that they can't support each other and some people can move her through half 5he town before he came back? That is really idiotic! A badly equipped teenage rat catcher is supposed to overpower slave hunters? How the hell are they supposed to have escaped the pit with all the people around? What is he fabulating about equality in such a world? Is he an absolute moron? His mother's miracle plastic surgeon acquaintances? Dreams of becoming a movie star in a postapocalyptic world? One could assume that the author wss high when writing this.. #rofl#
The fact that the protagonist used to have movie star looks, supposedly was an athlete, supposedly is super intelligent and was born with a golden spoon in his mouth is less endearing to me than the author seems to think.. omg - will he ever shut up about his entitled obsession of becoming a movie star? This reads like Buffy would!
It is very unbelievable that this obviously vain person would choose against restoring his body and looks..
The wannabe teenage movie star has a private bunker filled with a collection of antique weapons, armor and received diverse professional melee training before the incursion? How would his movie star mother know to prepare for the invasion? Its soo ridiculous what boons this character is supposed to have.... But he only starts rat hunting about 10% of the book #rofl#
DNF at 10%
A really bizarre setting. Somehow the parts of the story don't fit together and leave me rather confused.
Wearing perfume in a postapocalyptic worldin an area that has slavers and human sacrifice? What sane person would go alone or split up in such an area? Why would they be that distanced from another that they can't support each other and some people can move her through half 5he town before he came back? That is really idiotic! A badly equipped teenage rat catcher is supposed to overpower slave hunters? How the hell are they supposed to have escaped the pit with all the people around? What is he fabulating about equality in such a world? Is he an absolute moron? His mother's miracle plastic surgeon acquaintances? Dreams of becoming a movie star in a postapocalyptic world? One could assume that the author wss high when writing this.. #rofl#
The fact that the protagonist used to have movie star looks, supposedly was an athlete, supposedly is super intelligent and was born with a golden spoon in his mouth is less endearing to me than the author seems to think.. omg - will he ever shut up about his entitled obsession of becoming a movie star? This reads like Buffy would!
It is very unbelievable that this obviously vain person would choose against restoring his body and looks..
The wannabe teenage movie star has a private bunker filled with a collection of antique weapons, armor and received diverse professional melee training before the incursion? How would his movie star mother know to prepare for the invasion? Its soo ridiculous what boons this character is supposed to have.... But he only starts rat hunting about 10% of the book #rofl#
September 2, 2024
Had to put it down
The plot is interesting. The MC was likable for a while and the pace moved nicely.
The class warfare internal monologues got tired really, really fast. I like knowing what the MC is thinking, but I don’t need to watch him think in circles for multiple pages.
Red, carmine, scarlet, we get it. The author also seems to like mob movies and film noir, but struggles to incorporate them into his style.
People cry a lot and at weird times. The main character sobs like it is a form of punctuation. The supporting cast are absolutely insane. Everyone in this book acts like a sixteen year old version of who they are supposed to be.
Vampire guy is ludicrously edgy and his sister is written like the wish.com version of Harley Quinn. The MCs relationships with these characters are hard to follow and at times a little cringeworthy.
The plot punches you in the face a lot, which makes it feel like you’re reading the transcript of someone’s semi lucid dream. One minute you’re eating spaghetti in Junktown, the next you’re fighting off revenants you barely knew existed. It can be disorienting, but I don’t think it’s necessarily bad.
I had to put the book down, but I appreciate all the effort that went into writing it. I think this book definitely has an audience, and I encourage people to read it.
The plot is interesting. The MC was likable for a while and the pace moved nicely.
The class warfare internal monologues got tired really, really fast. I like knowing what the MC is thinking, but I don’t need to watch him think in circles for multiple pages.
Red, carmine, scarlet, we get it. The author also seems to like mob movies and film noir, but struggles to incorporate them into his style.
People cry a lot and at weird times. The main character sobs like it is a form of punctuation. The supporting cast are absolutely insane. Everyone in this book acts like a sixteen year old version of who they are supposed to be.
Vampire guy is ludicrously edgy and his sister is written like the wish.com version of Harley Quinn. The MCs relationships with these characters are hard to follow and at times a little cringeworthy.
The plot punches you in the face a lot, which makes it feel like you’re reading the transcript of someone’s semi lucid dream. One minute you’re eating spaghetti in Junktown, the next you’re fighting off revenants you barely knew existed. It can be disorienting, but I don’t think it’s necessarily bad.
I had to put the book down, but I appreciate all the effort that went into writing it. I think this book definitely has an audience, and I encourage people to read it.
September 2, 2024
There’s more good than bad in the story in terms of profession, but the odd exposition dumps coupled with the Eric constantly repeating the same moral quandary, is absolutely stifling. Like other review said, you can literally skip pages of it and not miss a beat, because you’ve read it already. Still, entertaining and lengthy enough for my tastes. Will continue on to the next one.
August 14, 2023
Good story
This was a long book which could have used some trimming. It was certainly good enough to finish and the writing became clearer as it progressed, or I got used to the authors style. I look forward to the next book.
This was a long book which could have used some trimming. It was certainly good enough to finish and the writing became clearer as it progressed, or I got used to the authors style. I look forward to the next book.
August 19, 2023
Stunning
This book is so much fun! I couldn't put it down. The MC got powerful at just the right pace, and the adventure pulled me forward. I highly recommend this story!
This book is so much fun! I couldn't put it down. The MC got powerful at just the right pace, and the adventure pulled me forward. I highly recommend this story!
July 27, 2024
It’s alright… the complaints others have about how the author over-explains and lengthens the book are valid, but that isn’t my issue with the book. It’s the things that change with the main character’s personality throughout the book and various plot idiosyncrasies. I’ll give a few examples.
1. The book starts with Eric loving his sister so much that he essentially burns to death rescuing her. When he recovers from his injuries, he finds that his family had to leave him behind, but his sister leaves a note telling him where they went so he can follow them. And that’s it… Eric makes no real attempts to follow the trail his sister has left him, instead getting swept up in a bank heist? I mean, again, this guy loves his sister so much he nearly burned to death and has permanent scars, but completely forgets about them for what is pretty much the whole book.
2. Eric seems to develop a hero complex throughout the book. The author will write that “Eric steeled his heart against this brutal world and vowed to never be taken advantage of again” and the next chapter he completely forgets all that and nearly dies while doing something incredibly stupid.
3. Goes with 2, but once Eric “steels his heart” he becomes a cringy/edgelord type anti-hero for a bit, a la He Who Fights with Monsters type but more edgy.
There are some other things that frustrate me, but this review covers most. All of these things make this feel like I am reading a book on Royal Road, where the author feels the need to rehash everything every couple of chapters to remind the audience since it’s been some time IRL.
It’s just frustrating because I really enjoyed the first 20%ish of the book. I genuinely thought Eric would just pass through Junk Town and keep searching for his family, but he instead spends the rest of the book there.
1. The book starts with Eric loving his sister so much that he essentially burns to death rescuing her. When he recovers from his injuries, he finds that his family had to leave him behind, but his sister leaves a note telling him where they went so he can follow them. And that’s it… Eric makes no real attempts to follow the trail his sister has left him, instead getting swept up in a bank heist? I mean, again, this guy loves his sister so much he nearly burned to death and has permanent scars, but completely forgets about them for what is pretty much the whole book.
2. Eric seems to develop a hero complex throughout the book. The author will write that “Eric steeled his heart against this brutal world and vowed to never be taken advantage of again” and the next chapter he completely forgets all that and nearly dies while doing something incredibly stupid.
3. Goes with 2, but once Eric “steels his heart” he becomes a cringy/edgelord type anti-hero for a bit, a la He Who Fights with Monsters type but more edgy.
There are some other things that frustrate me, but this review covers most. All of these things make this feel like I am reading a book on Royal Road, where the author feels the need to rehash everything every couple of chapters to remind the audience since it’s been some time IRL.
It’s just frustrating because I really enjoyed the first 20%ish of the book. I genuinely thought Eric would just pass through Junk Town and keep searching for his family, but he instead spends the rest of the book there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 11, 2023Way to long
This book could be really great, if the author didn't go off on random tangents. This book is 1300 pages long and could very easily be broken down to 600-700 pages as a whole book. Many of the tangents repeat ideas or thoughts that are already expressed before. The worst one was right as he's about to hit level 10 (during the middle of a battle) it goes on a 10 page tangent about why the character chooses the option to infuse his core over leveling. Some of these internal monologues happen in the middle of combat and go on for several pages instead of keeping pace with the action.
The ending love story is so rushed it's laughable. A girl he just met less than a few hours before he is claiming to fall madly in love with, when he doesn't even know who she is. This same female character who is worried about her child is making out with a dude she knows nothing about hours later....yeah ok.
I'm glad towards the end of the book the main protagonist just auto chooses perks for the next tier of skills instead of going into inordinate amount of detail like he does for the first 50-60% of the way through the book..it gets rediculous watching the characters internal monologue of weighting the pros and cons of every skill. Not to mention just trying to read every single internal monologue the character has throughout the book. I found myself realizing where Eric is still internalizing thoughts and skipping paragraphs if not pages of text just to try and rush through to finish this overly long book. Or reading an internal monologue and then later reading him have almost the same exact conversation with other characters in the book....
I will not be reading follow on books if they are all this overly long for absolutely no reason. It doesn't help push a story narrative, explain character backstory, or do anything to build the background story what's the point? Get to the point your trying to convey and move on. Keep the action fast paced and don't break away from it until at least the fight is wrapped up.
This book could be really great, if the author didn't go off on random tangents. This book is 1300 pages long and could very easily be broken down to 600-700 pages as a whole book. Many of the tangents repeat ideas or thoughts that are already expressed before. The worst one was right as he's about to hit level 10 (during the middle of a battle) it goes on a 10 page tangent about why the character chooses the option to infuse his core over leveling. Some of these internal monologues happen in the middle of combat and go on for several pages instead of keeping pace with the action.
The ending love story is so rushed it's laughable. A girl he just met less than a few hours before he is claiming to fall madly in love with, when he doesn't even know who she is. This same female character who is worried about her child is making out with a dude she knows nothing about hours later....yeah ok.
I'm glad towards the end of the book the main protagonist just auto chooses perks for the next tier of skills instead of going into inordinate amount of detail like he does for the first 50-60% of the way through the book..it gets rediculous watching the characters internal monologue of weighting the pros and cons of every skill. Not to mention just trying to read every single internal monologue the character has throughout the book. I found myself realizing where Eric is still internalizing thoughts and skipping paragraphs if not pages of text just to try and rush through to finish this overly long book. Or reading an internal monologue and then later reading him have almost the same exact conversation with other characters in the book....
I will not be reading follow on books if they are all this overly long for absolutely no reason. It doesn't help push a story narrative, explain character backstory, or do anything to build the background story what's the point? Get to the point your trying to convey and move on. Keep the action fast paced and don't break away from it until at least the fight is wrapped up.
September 19, 2023
Some really questionable stuff
Its implied the MCs mother knows more and has been preparing for years. Which is fine but then the MC is talking to the elves and its clear information on his mother has been exchanged but not what that was. Worse. The MC drives the orc leadership out leaving humans mixed with low level orcs who now have no reason to show restraint and he goes merrily about his way preparing for his bank robery then acts surprised when the humans are being ruthlessly slaughtered and acting proud of himself for finally taking action. Finally the pods were what shortchanged him on his transformation but does he confront them. Nope. IMHO not a great story.
ken
Its implied the MCs mother knows more and has been preparing for years. Which is fine but then the MC is talking to the elves and its clear information on his mother has been exchanged but not what that was. Worse. The MC drives the orc leadership out leaving humans mixed with low level orcs who now have no reason to show restraint and he goes merrily about his way preparing for his bank robery then acts surprised when the humans are being ruthlessly slaughtered and acting proud of himself for finally taking action. Finally the pods were what shortchanged him on his transformation but does he confront them. Nope. IMHO not a great story.
ken
June 16, 2024
Did M.H have someone else write this?
M.H.'s Silver fox and Western hero is one of my favorite cultivation novels, so I know the author can write a good concise book.
What happened here? This MC can't do anything without a 10 minute internal monologue about his reasons, his past, his family or some other reflection no matter what he's doing. Going to battle, time to reflect, going to train, time to reflect, going to smile at a girl, time to reflect, going to take a bite of spaghetti TIME TO REFLECT.
This book honestly should be half as long as it is. It's a 40 hour audible book and it takes those 40 hours to get to the point of what the main quest is in the start of it.
That aside from the way to lustful harem, slaves and sex all revolving about the women which gets overly creepy at times. Even the MC having to reflect on how attractive he finds every girl in EXCRUCIATING detail. The fact he is 17 might forgive the fact he also instantly falls in love with a girl later on who he knows nothing about beside she has nice breasts yet instantly acts like shes his one true love, Disney romance BS. Honestly I hope she stabs him in the back in book 2 just to prove how stupid it is or how he's thinking with his lower parts.
Also the MC is an explainer. Any time something comes up he'll over explain it. Ask him what sword he likes, he'll tell you what swore, why that sword, historical facts about the sword, how to use the sword and why the sword is better than a random thing. Ask him what rope he's using he'll go down to it being 5.5 cord repelling rope with recycled fibers that make it stretch better and it's used by blank for blank reasons and the reason it's better than blank is blank. EVERY TIME.
The MC can't once open his mouth without running it about either making stupid remarks or trying to sound like the smartest person by over explaining everything.
He even repeatedly goes on and on about how the Elite invaders know about the system and how to use it while all the other people are basically commoners without knowledge just as it used to be by the 1% who held down the 'common man'. Except..this character WAS the 1% so his self righteous anger about the 1% being too powerful just comes off as stupid. And his 'big reveal' the the elite clans know more than the invaded humans...is just stupidly common sense that 7 year old could figure it out yet he keeps repeatedly stating it to people even the same people as if he'd discovered some big hidden truth.
How slow is this book? You have to get to level 10 to get a class upgrade. Warning. He does not get to level 10 in this book THATS how slow this is. You don't get to see the fruits of all his 'training'.
Just a MC who is so far into self denial he won't even let himself admit who his mother really is when anyone with half a brain knows and slow progression that has roadblocks every 10 minutes.
Besides the common seting of invading races on a Post-Apoc LITRPG world, the only real unique thing about this book is the pods classing, the cultivation, system and local power paths all mixing.
The story and character backstory are somewhat interesting with some 'mystery' of more why than how. The only real interesting part is to see what the MC unlocks as a new class from all his training, titles and core progression. Sadly that isn't even in this book.
So if you are dead set on reading this, despite the whole MC teenager acting like a know it all teenager who needs to show it off to everyone by constantly quoting research papers level of backstory at people. Then I suggest waiting until book 2 is out. Since book one basically ends on a cliffhanger. Not that the story points aren't wrapped up but on the main interesting point of this book isn't even wrapped up in book one. That being which class he'll be offered and end up taking.
I just hope he doesn't end up getting tons of info about classes, cultivation , title, skill levels and the like so he ends up spending most of book 2 trying to level or do other things to get some ultimate class rather than picking one. Because if book 2 goes all through it without him getting a new one. I'll not be reading book 3.
M.H.'s Silver fox and Western hero is one of my favorite cultivation novels, so I know the author can write a good concise book.
What happened here? This MC can't do anything without a 10 minute internal monologue about his reasons, his past, his family or some other reflection no matter what he's doing. Going to battle, time to reflect, going to train, time to reflect, going to smile at a girl, time to reflect, going to take a bite of spaghetti TIME TO REFLECT.
This book honestly should be half as long as it is. It's a 40 hour audible book and it takes those 40 hours to get to the point of what the main quest is in the start of it.
That aside from the way to lustful harem, slaves and sex all revolving about the women which gets overly creepy at times. Even the MC having to reflect on how attractive he finds every girl in EXCRUCIATING detail. The fact he is 17 might forgive the fact he also instantly falls in love with a girl later on who he knows nothing about beside she has nice breasts yet instantly acts like shes his one true love, Disney romance BS. Honestly I hope she stabs him in the back in book 2 just to prove how stupid it is or how he's thinking with his lower parts.
Also the MC is an explainer. Any time something comes up he'll over explain it. Ask him what sword he likes, he'll tell you what swore, why that sword, historical facts about the sword, how to use the sword and why the sword is better than a random thing. Ask him what rope he's using he'll go down to it being 5.5 cord repelling rope with recycled fibers that make it stretch better and it's used by blank for blank reasons and the reason it's better than blank is blank. EVERY TIME.
The MC can't once open his mouth without running it about either making stupid remarks or trying to sound like the smartest person by over explaining everything.
He even repeatedly goes on and on about how the Elite invaders know about the system and how to use it while all the other people are basically commoners without knowledge just as it used to be by the 1% who held down the 'common man'. Except..this character WAS the 1% so his self righteous anger about the 1% being too powerful just comes off as stupid. And his 'big reveal' the the elite clans know more than the invaded humans...is just stupidly common sense that 7 year old could figure it out yet he keeps repeatedly stating it to people even the same people as if he'd discovered some big hidden truth.
How slow is this book? You have to get to level 10 to get a class upgrade. Warning. He does not get to level 10 in this book THATS how slow this is. You don't get to see the fruits of all his 'training'.
Just a MC who is so far into self denial he won't even let himself admit who his mother really is when anyone with half a brain knows and slow progression that has roadblocks every 10 minutes.
Besides the common seting of invading races on a Post-Apoc LITRPG world, the only real unique thing about this book is the pods classing, the cultivation, system and local power paths all mixing.
The story and character backstory are somewhat interesting with some 'mystery' of more why than how. The only real interesting part is to see what the MC unlocks as a new class from all his training, titles and core progression. Sadly that isn't even in this book.
So if you are dead set on reading this, despite the whole MC teenager acting like a know it all teenager who needs to show it off to everyone by constantly quoting research papers level of backstory at people. Then I suggest waiting until book 2 is out. Since book one basically ends on a cliffhanger. Not that the story points aren't wrapped up but on the main interesting point of this book isn't even wrapped up in book one. That being which class he'll be offered and end up taking.
I just hope he doesn't end up getting tons of info about classes, cultivation , title, skill levels and the like so he ends up spending most of book 2 trying to level or do other things to get some ultimate class rather than picking one. Because if book 2 goes all through it without him getting a new one. I'll not be reading book 3.
October 21, 2024
I really like the plot of this story. It has an interesting hero's journey and RPG progression system. I liked all the detailed training that made Eric's growth seem earned, and I liked learning things in tandem with the main character. I even liked the scene where he got drugged and it read sort of like a lucid dream, once I got over the tonal shift.
I liked Eric's backstory, but I wish there had been more of it. I understand starting "in medias res," but then you should be *in the middle of things* instead of standing in an alley, thinking through your backstory in a series of what might as well be flashbacks. And after all of that, learning anything new requires slogging through several repetitions of what's already known, searching for the gem of potentially interesting information.
Eric is only barely a character with motivations and personality. There are no other characters. The supporting cast are (mostly) stereotypes: mean Jock 1, friendly Jock 2, hot, unstable cheerleader, and kingpin-vampire. Smith the smith seemed clever until I realized it was as lazy as everything else.
Women are not written as *people* but as "so-and-so's girl" and always some version of "sweet and sensual." The minor romance subplot in this book could have been forgiven (maybe even good) if the fling had actually been treated as a fling and people weren't acting all dissapointed for Eric "breaking her heart" when it's beyond obvious that she was the one trying to change him into her ideal protector with the magical powers of sex and companionship. But, no, I doubt the author even thought about any of this from her perspective at all. (don't even get me started on love at first sight bs at the end)
Actually, no, let me go into the "love at first sight while we are literally trying to kill each other" bs! All of the evil men have "pockmarked" faces or look like rats, and then oh no! Pretty eyes and a volumptuous chest! It is a damsel, she must be in distress! Nevermind that Eric has been told every human remaining has to be an evil piece of work. Nevermind that he is in survival/guerrilla warfare zen mode, and she just tried to kill him. Nevermind that several clocks are ticking, and he's already determined that some sacrifices have to be made to get rid of the threat. No! There is a damsel he wants to bone! She must be saved! Isn't it great that she does, indeed, need to be saved?
In conclusion, I liked this book. As I was reading it. Hoping for it to get better. I loved the premise. I could handle the repetitive detail. I read the whole thing in a weekend and went straight to book 2. Great plot, good worldbuilding, terrible character work.
I liked Eric's backstory, but I wish there had been more of it. I understand starting "in medias res," but then you should be *in the middle of things* instead of standing in an alley, thinking through your backstory in a series of what might as well be flashbacks. And after all of that, learning anything new requires slogging through several repetitions of what's already known, searching for the gem of potentially interesting information.
Eric is only barely a character with motivations and personality. There are no other characters. The supporting cast are (mostly) stereotypes: mean Jock 1, friendly Jock 2, hot, unstable cheerleader, and kingpin-vampire. Smith the smith seemed clever until I realized it was as lazy as everything else.
Women are not written as *people* but as "so-and-so's girl" and always some version of "sweet and sensual." The minor romance subplot in this book could have been forgiven (maybe even good) if the fling had actually been treated as a fling and people weren't acting all dissapointed for Eric "breaking her heart" when it's beyond obvious that she was the one trying to change him into her ideal protector with the magical powers of sex and companionship. But, no, I doubt the author even thought about any of this from her perspective at all. (don't even get me started on love at first sight bs at the end)
Actually, no, let me go into the "love at first sight while we are literally trying to kill each other" bs! All of the evil men have "pockmarked" faces or look like rats, and then oh no! Pretty eyes and a volumptuous chest! It is a damsel, she must be in distress! Nevermind that Eric has been told every human remaining has to be an evil piece of work. Nevermind that he is in survival/guerrilla warfare zen mode, and she just tried to kill him. Nevermind that several clocks are ticking, and he's already determined that some sacrifices have to be made to get rid of the threat. No! There is a damsel he wants to bone! She must be saved! Isn't it great that she does, indeed, need to be saved?
In conclusion, I liked this book. As I was reading it. Hoping for it to get better. I loved the premise. I could handle the repetitive detail. I read the whole thing in a weekend and went straight to book 2. Great plot, good worldbuilding, terrible character work.
July 22, 2024
I'm DNF at 40%, but I may continue it - it's a long book, and it's a lot of the same all at once.
This author will always be polarizing to readers. If you are familiar with his other work, this series will feel familiar, with its tendency toward unnecessary verbosity, long tangents, oddly flowery language, and, the saving grace, a good story. It can be a chore at times, however, as the descriptions can get so unnecessarily convoluted that you want to skim through them but, in fact, need to re-read them to understand what the hell just happened.
This book lost me at the 40% mark for a few reasons. First, the MC keeps doing unquestionably dumb things that are then later justified by plot magic. For example, he stealth attacks his strongest opponents with his weakest weapon, only for an epiphany of sorts to trigger, which allows the weapon to deal comparable damage to the one he could have just selected in the first place. Or, he wants to secure a cave against intruders, so he stuffs... freshly butchered meat into the holes and gaps in the wall. Because, as we all know, nothing keeps away wildlife like fresh meat. Of course, queue the epiphany and receipt of an improbable skill.
Second, the arbitrariness of power-ups. Most of the book is "training," which generally doesn't bother me, except when the MC's most impactful power-ups all fall into his lap and feel completely unearned. It makes me feel like I'm slogging through all the nauseatingly repetitive training montages for no real reason. ESPECIALLY when the book insists on treating weapon skills very specifically. We spent several hundred pages reading about different bardiches, the bolt velocities of different kinds of crossbows, and numerous variants of sabres. Then he learns his most powerful skill in a few paragraphs by concentrating really hard on his sword and levels that skill to Journeyman a few chapters later.
Lastly, I got the sense that the power escalation was on the verge of going out of control. Most of the early book involved the MC being challenged by a reasonable amount of opposition. At the point where I left off, his power level was starting to spike unreasonably, and his opponents began to act almost willfully incompetent.
This author will always be polarizing to readers. If you are familiar with his other work, this series will feel familiar, with its tendency toward unnecessary verbosity, long tangents, oddly flowery language, and, the saving grace, a good story. It can be a chore at times, however, as the descriptions can get so unnecessarily convoluted that you want to skim through them but, in fact, need to re-read them to understand what the hell just happened.
This book lost me at the 40% mark for a few reasons. First, the MC keeps doing unquestionably dumb things that are then later justified by plot magic. For example, he stealth attacks his strongest opponents with his weakest weapon, only for an epiphany of sorts to trigger, which allows the weapon to deal comparable damage to the one he could have just selected in the first place. Or, he wants to secure a cave against intruders, so he stuffs... freshly butchered meat into the holes and gaps in the wall. Because, as we all know, nothing keeps away wildlife like fresh meat. Of course, queue the epiphany and receipt of an improbable skill.
Second, the arbitrariness of power-ups. Most of the book is "training," which generally doesn't bother me, except when the MC's most impactful power-ups all fall into his lap and feel completely unearned. It makes me feel like I'm slogging through all the nauseatingly repetitive training montages for no real reason. ESPECIALLY when the book insists on treating weapon skills very specifically. We spent several hundred pages reading about different bardiches, the bolt velocities of different kinds of crossbows, and numerous variants of sabres. Then he learns his most powerful skill in a few paragraphs by concentrating really hard on his sword and levels that skill to Journeyman a few chapters later.
Lastly, I got the sense that the power escalation was on the verge of going out of control. Most of the early book involved the MC being challenged by a reasonable amount of opposition. At the point where I left off, his power level was starting to spike unreasonably, and his opponents began to act almost willfully incompetent.
August 25, 2023
good book, definitely a four but not a five.
The book is way way too long without a lot of development. Yes the character grows somewhat and significantly but there are a lot of. Story developments that should’ve been brought forth and developed during this long, tedious journey. And the reason I say it’s tedious, is because the first part of the book when the MC was in the dungeon fighting off rats, that segment dragged on totally too long. The second issue I have with the book is the characters idealism, they try to roast his sister in a pit, but the MC has idealistic tendencies that he vacillates with, whom should he kill whom should he not kill? Should he let collaborators live or not the MC is not ruthless enough. and what’s with the author writing him as a total dweeb. Other characters in the book half two tell him to keep his head in the game. And. Get himself together. Why is he often staring into space and losing his perspective? why is he giggling, laughing, instead of acting like an adult? Yes, I know he’s 19 or 20 but giggling like a madman, just don’t see it. Too many high-fives and Erik is no fool too much cut and paste there. too much stat padding for pages. You can abbreviate those like other authors have learned to do an RPG series. The story has a lot of rich elements, which is positive. There is a great world here and i want to see what can develop. Question, what’s going on with Eric’s mother and sister, who are they? What do they bring to the table? What about the rest of the planet? Or the world beyond? There’s a lot that can be unpacked here if the author plays it correctly. And what’s with the main character turning into a horn dog near the end of the book? How are you going to make love to a woman in a field when you may have enemies all around you, really silly. If the author does not have any bata readers he needs to get some. I know this book is on Patreon, and I only subscribe to one author so far I may give this author a shot. i’m not a Facebook fan so I would not sign up or subscribe to it. But Patreon may be a different deal.
The book is way way too long without a lot of development. Yes the character grows somewhat and significantly but there are a lot of. Story developments that should’ve been brought forth and developed during this long, tedious journey. And the reason I say it’s tedious, is because the first part of the book when the MC was in the dungeon fighting off rats, that segment dragged on totally too long. The second issue I have with the book is the characters idealism, they try to roast his sister in a pit, but the MC has idealistic tendencies that he vacillates with, whom should he kill whom should he not kill? Should he let collaborators live or not the MC is not ruthless enough. and what’s with the author writing him as a total dweeb. Other characters in the book half two tell him to keep his head in the game. And. Get himself together. Why is he often staring into space and losing his perspective? why is he giggling, laughing, instead of acting like an adult? Yes, I know he’s 19 or 20 but giggling like a madman, just don’t see it. Too many high-fives and Erik is no fool too much cut and paste there. too much stat padding for pages. You can abbreviate those like other authors have learned to do an RPG series. The story has a lot of rich elements, which is positive. There is a great world here and i want to see what can develop. Question, what’s going on with Eric’s mother and sister, who are they? What do they bring to the table? What about the rest of the planet? Or the world beyond? There’s a lot that can be unpacked here if the author plays it correctly. And what’s with the main character turning into a horn dog near the end of the book? How are you going to make love to a woman in a field when you may have enemies all around you, really silly. If the author does not have any bata readers he needs to get some. I know this book is on Patreon, and I only subscribe to one author so far I may give this author a shot. i’m not a Facebook fan so I would not sign up or subscribe to it. But Patreon may be a different deal.
January 3, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author.
Once again Earth is hit with an apocalypse. This times it involves alien races that closely match up with Tolkien characters taking over quadrants of Earth. Eric, the MC, doesn't see any of this. He's underground with his sister and about to go into a goblin pod to hopefully survive and be able to select a class and level up. He does, but there are problems.
This is a long book with a lot of twists and turns. The first twenty percent of the book is hard to get through. Eric questions every decision, does mental pros and cons list of every possible decision he could make, and much more. It gets tedious at times, and this happens further on in the book as well. I freely admit to skipping pages when we have to read about his thought process, not stopping until we get to level ups or action.
I will say the action is good, and it gets the better the further the book goes on. Humanity is barely surviving so Eric and the other members of the team do what they can to help. Sometime that means bringing food. Other times it means taking out enemies that threaten level zero people.
There is good amount of plot armor for Eric. No matter what crazy idea he tries (and there are a lot of them) he always comes out well. There were times when I could only shake my head at what he was trying to pull off, knowing of course that he would succeed.
Having said all that, I do like the setup for book two when we'll be free of the underground (I hope) and orcs, who are Eric's primary focus for wrath and destruction. They destroyed his city and he wants payback.
The editing is okay but not great. This is a long book, so there are plenty of errors and misspelled words. The stats are extensive (3 to 4 pages each time if not longer near the end). I skipped them the further I got in the book.
Because of how many pages I skipped, I can't give this five stars. I do think the author is onto something however, if he can clean things up and focus on the story more. 4/5*
Once again Earth is hit with an apocalypse. This times it involves alien races that closely match up with Tolkien characters taking over quadrants of Earth. Eric, the MC, doesn't see any of this. He's underground with his sister and about to go into a goblin pod to hopefully survive and be able to select a class and level up. He does, but there are problems.
This is a long book with a lot of twists and turns. The first twenty percent of the book is hard to get through. Eric questions every decision, does mental pros and cons list of every possible decision he could make, and much more. It gets tedious at times, and this happens further on in the book as well. I freely admit to skipping pages when we have to read about his thought process, not stopping until we get to level ups or action.
I will say the action is good, and it gets the better the further the book goes on. Humanity is barely surviving so Eric and the other members of the team do what they can to help. Sometime that means bringing food. Other times it means taking out enemies that threaten level zero people.
There is good amount of plot armor for Eric. No matter what crazy idea he tries (and there are a lot of them) he always comes out well. There were times when I could only shake my head at what he was trying to pull off, knowing of course that he would succeed.
Having said all that, I do like the setup for book two when we'll be free of the underground (I hope) and orcs, who are Eric's primary focus for wrath and destruction. They destroyed his city and he wants payback.
The editing is okay but not great. This is a long book, so there are plenty of errors and misspelled words. The stats are extensive (3 to 4 pages each time if not longer near the end). I skipped them the further I got in the book.
Because of how many pages I skipped, I can't give this five stars. I do think the author is onto something however, if he can clean things up and focus on the story more. 4/5*
July 17, 2025
I've read most of the series, dunno why I lasted 'til book 5, but still (maybe because I skim read about 1 book a day). Here's as spoiler-free as I can make it.
Who this book/series is for:
- People who love reading LitRPG with a completely overpowered main character who want to see the hero not just win, but obliterate adversaries through hard work/perseverance/grit alone (because no one in the fictional world wants it nearly as bad as the MC).
- Readers who want to maximize their 'kill count' without regard to credibility or pesky things like 'plot armor'. If you want action without actual stakes (any credible belief that the MC might fail/die), this one's for you.
- Readers who like archetypal, near-cartoonish adversaries to mow through.
If you want the following in a story, this book/series isn't for you:
- A hero bound by any sort of constraints, forced to win on guile/wit, or pick their battles in order to survive
- A magic/skill system defined by constraints/limitations rather than the belief that there's a hidden ability to do anything/everything.... but only the MC has ever had the stones to uncover it.
- Villains/antagonists that are anything more than regurgitated fantasy tropes and foils for the exploits of the MC
- Show-don't-tell notions of building respect for the MC (expect dozens of contrived conversations with ancillary characters fawning over the MC).
IMO, and the only things in here I would remotely consider a spoiler, the only interesting character with any depth whatsoever in this whole thing is the MC's mother.
Now, having said that, it's highly rated and fairly popular, so game on....rock that kill count.
Oh, and like most Kindle Unlimited LitRPGs, this one makes liberal use of re-pasting the character sheet throughout the story over multiple pages to maximize the revenue share through KU. It's both obvious and annoying.
Who this book/series is for:
- People who love reading LitRPG with a completely overpowered main character who want to see the hero not just win, but obliterate adversaries through hard work/perseverance/grit alone (because no one in the fictional world wants it nearly as bad as the MC).
- Readers who want to maximize their 'kill count' without regard to credibility or pesky things like 'plot armor'. If you want action without actual stakes (any credible belief that the MC might fail/die), this one's for you.
- Readers who like archetypal, near-cartoonish adversaries to mow through.
If you want the following in a story, this book/series isn't for you:
- A hero bound by any sort of constraints, forced to win on guile/wit, or pick their battles in order to survive
- A magic/skill system defined by constraints/limitations rather than the belief that there's a hidden ability to do anything/everything.... but only the MC has ever had the stones to uncover it.
- Villains/antagonists that are anything more than regurgitated fantasy tropes and foils for the exploits of the MC
- Show-don't-tell notions of building respect for the MC (expect dozens of contrived conversations with ancillary characters fawning over the MC).
IMO, and the only things in here I would remotely consider a spoiler, the only interesting character with any depth whatsoever in this whole thing is the MC's mother.
Now, having said that, it's highly rated and fairly popular, so game on....rock that kill count.
Oh, and like most Kindle Unlimited LitRPGs, this one makes liberal use of re-pasting the character sheet throughout the story over multiple pages to maximize the revenue share through KU. It's both obvious and annoying.
March 19, 2024
Good story. Long....slow pacing at times. Overall it was entertaining.
Mixed feelings on this. Good overall story, good detailed game mechanics. But it should have been two if not three books as the length was a bit much.
I enjoyed the main character, supporting cast and the overall plot line. The dialogue was good and crisp.
The worst thing about this novel is it is so over explained!!! Constantly the main character's inner dialogue is repeating over and over well-known facts and stats of his situation. It's a pace killer, and comes off as a horrible filler that makes you want to stop reading. The reader already has knowledge of almost all this information but the main characters inner dialogue keeps repeating it as if we've heard it for the first time. It almost felt like the book was written in installments like old school monthly magazine editions, and each chapter had to rehash what you just read. Every single inner thought had to be explained even in simple situations, even supporting characters were over explained in their dialogue or the reasons for their actions. As much as I enjoyed the story, I don't know if I want to read book two because it feels like I'm giving up a year of my life trying to get through it ( I read this in two days but it felt like 20).
Mixed feelings on this. Good overall story, good detailed game mechanics. But it should have been two if not three books as the length was a bit much.
I enjoyed the main character, supporting cast and the overall plot line. The dialogue was good and crisp.
The worst thing about this novel is it is so over explained!!! Constantly the main character's inner dialogue is repeating over and over well-known facts and stats of his situation. It's a pace killer, and comes off as a horrible filler that makes you want to stop reading. The reader already has knowledge of almost all this information but the main characters inner dialogue keeps repeating it as if we've heard it for the first time. It almost felt like the book was written in installments like old school monthly magazine editions, and each chapter had to rehash what you just read. Every single inner thought had to be explained even in simple situations, even supporting characters were over explained in their dialogue or the reasons for their actions. As much as I enjoyed the story, I don't know if I want to read book two because it feels like I'm giving up a year of my life trying to get through it ( I read this in two days but it felt like 20).
October 19, 2023
good but annoying
I’ve read this author’s other series. I see some parallels in approach. The author does a good job of coming up with interesting storylines. That said, there are some major flaws in his writing style. The MC is an extreme Mary Sue. Yes he has a good heart, but he insists on saving everyone. Moreover, everyone from career criminals to hardened experienced warriors suddenly find themselves suddenly helpless unable to accomplish basic things unless the MC aids then. Additionally, the dialog needs work. The characters start off speaking normally, and then suddenly start speaking in a very stilted unbelievable way. Also the author interrupts the action constantly with drawn out internal monologues. How do these characters have so much time for philosophical discussions in the middle of life and death battles? It really breaks the flow. Finally, the writing can be very repetitive. The author insists on explaining every event that happens after it happens. For instance, say they clear a dungeon. One of the characters will then rehash in detail that particular adventure, even though we just read about it. These books would be so great if the author got a better editor.
I’ve read this author’s other series. I see some parallels in approach. The author does a good job of coming up with interesting storylines. That said, there are some major flaws in his writing style. The MC is an extreme Mary Sue. Yes he has a good heart, but he insists on saving everyone. Moreover, everyone from career criminals to hardened experienced warriors suddenly find themselves suddenly helpless unable to accomplish basic things unless the MC aids then. Additionally, the dialog needs work. The characters start off speaking normally, and then suddenly start speaking in a very stilted unbelievable way. Also the author interrupts the action constantly with drawn out internal monologues. How do these characters have so much time for philosophical discussions in the middle of life and death battles? It really breaks the flow. Finally, the writing can be very repetitive. The author insists on explaining every event that happens after it happens. For instance, say they clear a dungeon. One of the characters will then rehash in detail that particular adventure, even though we just read about it. These books would be so great if the author got a better editor.
December 15, 2023
M.H. Johnson has a real gem of a book here. It's a chunky, long book like we love in litrp allowing for time to develop the characters and I don't just mean their stats.
Most of the action is handled by Eric in solo style which will appeal to those who like Defiance of the Fall of Primal Hunter, but he is also good at working with a team and has a great set of interactions. While their may not be any 'biscuit' jokes, his teamwork is similar to something like HWFWM where the MC has to learn to trust and be trusted as well as how to interact with the others. Not that he has the snark/attitude of Jason.
What I love the most about this series is the novelty of it. There is nothing new under the sun. If you've been reading litrpg for any length of time, you've come across the system apocalypse style of books. But, somehow, the author manages to make this feel new and unique with how it handles the integration as well as classes and skills.
There is plenty of progression which comes in a steady stream and is earned. The MC also focuses on more than one path toward power rather than simply grinding levels.
So long and short of it- definitely pick up this novel. I'm reading book 2 now and it's already off to a great start.
Most of the action is handled by Eric in solo style which will appeal to those who like Defiance of the Fall of Primal Hunter, but he is also good at working with a team and has a great set of interactions. While their may not be any 'biscuit' jokes, his teamwork is similar to something like HWFWM where the MC has to learn to trust and be trusted as well as how to interact with the others. Not that he has the snark/attitude of Jason.
What I love the most about this series is the novelty of it. There is nothing new under the sun. If you've been reading litrpg for any length of time, you've come across the system apocalypse style of books. But, somehow, the author manages to make this feel new and unique with how it handles the integration as well as classes and skills.
There is plenty of progression which comes in a steady stream and is earned. The MC also focuses on more than one path toward power rather than simply grinding levels.
So long and short of it- definitely pick up this novel. I'm reading book 2 now and it's already off to a great start.
June 13, 2025
Once the mc gets the system after him getting over his trauma it's gets better but the first girl he comes across he's all in good lord man have some self preservation hopefully she won't betray him. But it's a good read just remember he is young. Two things I didn't like was I'm 16 hours in and there is no loot only an occasional beast core so far I'm a loot whore 😤 it bothers me when a LitRPG book doesn't have loot.. Hopefully that will change. The mc is reckless and keeps doing things that are stupid and playing with his life and the system makes him pay for it this is the worst system ever everytime he gets somewhere the system knocks him back down takes his xp takes days off his life 😑 plus not a fan of the way of the way his skills are progressing into the necro class is gross. But why does this fool keep shorting his life I want to slap him.. omg alice is cringe 😬 I hope the captain save a hoe angle is over when he leaves to go to Freetown I really hate it when the mc turns into a wannabe hero he was supposed to go on a bank heist but instead ends playing captain save a hoe to a pretty face like a virgin im praying he doesn't want to hook up with the random chick he met on a roof that will ruin the story nobody wants a romance I don't uggg. Get ready for the MC'S overthinking everything and going off on long tangents and getting distracted by everything
August 8, 2023
An excellent litrpg/cultivation mix
This was really a surprise, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. It follows a fairly common setup with classes and tiers with the possibility of cultivation waiting to be explored. The cover doesn’t do the MC justice at all. The Mc also is on the path to being extremely OP, and has a plethora of abilities that might surprise you given what you’re likely expecting going into this.
The MC seems to have an affinity for everything, which leads to both some interesting abilities but also a lot of questions as to exactly what path he will end up on.
The only real negatives for this one for me were that the MC stays at level 9 for most of the book(for reasons that will come to fruition in book 2, but still bugs me a bit), and the overuse of certain terms. I don’t know how many times the author used “moulinet” “10 gauge” and “black powder”, but it felt like a lot. Maybe I just noticed it more than some, but it was a little much for me. So a minor quibble.
This was really a surprise, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. It follows a fairly common setup with classes and tiers with the possibility of cultivation waiting to be explored. The cover doesn’t do the MC justice at all. The Mc also is on the path to being extremely OP, and has a plethora of abilities that might surprise you given what you’re likely expecting going into this.
The MC seems to have an affinity for everything, which leads to both some interesting abilities but also a lot of questions as to exactly what path he will end up on.
The only real negatives for this one for me were that the MC stays at level 9 for most of the book(for reasons that will come to fruition in book 2, but still bugs me a bit), and the overuse of certain terms. I don’t know how many times the author used “moulinet” “10 gauge” and “black powder”, but it felt like a lot. Maybe I just noticed it more than some, but it was a little much for me. So a minor quibble.
August 22, 2023
Great start!!
I am really excited to see where this series goes. Seems like a bit of mixing with he oblivion series and western hero series mixed together. I am always excited for another title from this author and this one did not disappoint. It does seem to meander a little toward the middle of the book, but the last third is particularly fun, I think. I found the MC to be suspiciously OP, even with others having supposed advantages and very advanced levels. It seems only the MC in all the universe was granted the option to boost skill levels, because literally every other character comments on MC's absurd skill levels. Mostly I found the characters fun to vet to know. The world building was less than other Litrpg series so far, but as a first entry I didn't feel too lost at any point. There are also several errors, especially with a character named Din. In the second act, there are multiple points where his name is wrong, sometime Vim, or Dim, it got a little confusing - but was still readable. Overall I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this goes.
I am really excited to see where this series goes. Seems like a bit of mixing with he oblivion series and western hero series mixed together. I am always excited for another title from this author and this one did not disappoint. It does seem to meander a little toward the middle of the book, but the last third is particularly fun, I think. I found the MC to be suspiciously OP, even with others having supposed advantages and very advanced levels. It seems only the MC in all the universe was granted the option to boost skill levels, because literally every other character comments on MC's absurd skill levels. Mostly I found the characters fun to vet to know. The world building was less than other Litrpg series so far, but as a first entry I didn't feel too lost at any point. There are also several errors, especially with a character named Din. In the second act, there are multiple points where his name is wrong, sometime Vim, or Dim, it got a little confusing - but was still readable. Overall I'm very much looking forward to seeing where this goes.
December 8, 2023
Survivor: battleforged book 1 has some really good story telling in it. It starts out as most do with the main character fighting monsters, then we get some background information, then even later, we find out things were set in motion before the conversion. There's certainly a few surprises in this one, but nothing is more surprising than our main character, who sacrifices much, just to remain free of factions, all so he can do what's needed to make sure the world, and especially those he cares about, are free. It's a rather well done story, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
I expect most LitRPG fans will enjoy this one, especially if you're the apocalypse type story lover.
I expect most LitRPG fans will enjoy this one, especially if you're the apocalypse type story lover.
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