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Road to Mastery #3
Road to Mastery 3
To reach the top, Jack must rise through Hell.
Eight months remain until Earths grace period is over, and Jack is not nearly strong enough to defend it. Desperate times call for desperate measures. To defeat the planetary overseer within a year, he has to kill his way to the top.
Good thing the Animal Kingdom has a planet full of talented immortals.
Alone and deep in enemy territory, Jack must wage war while avoiding the Kingdoms Elders and hidden masters. The dangers are endless. Every day is a gamble. Every step, against the odds.
Thankfully, the heart of danger is exactly where a cultivator thrives.
Eight months remain until Earths grace period is over, and Jack is not nearly strong enough to defend it. Desperate times call for desperate measures. To defeat the planetary overseer within a year, he has to kill his way to the top.
Good thing the Animal Kingdom has a planet full of talented immortals.
Alone and deep in enemy territory, Jack must wage war while avoiding the Kingdoms Elders and hidden masters. The dangers are endless. Every day is a gamble. Every step, against the odds.
Thankfully, the heart of danger is exactly where a cultivator thrives.
642 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2024
659 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Valerios
27 books57 followersValerios enjoys letters and numbers. One day, combining them crossed his mind, and now he spends most of his time placing one after the other until something pleasant appears.
Besides transforming words into worlds, Valerios also enjoys moving figurines over chess boards, spending quality time with quality people, and stubbornly trying to convince machines that cats are not, in fact, dogs.
Besides transforming words into worlds, Valerios also enjoys moving figurines over chess boards, spending quality time with quality people, and stubbornly trying to convince machines that cats are not, in fact, dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 5, 2024
Wow that was frustrating
The bookRoad to Mastery managed to weave an engaging narrative, capturing my attention with its intricate storyline and well-crafted characters. However, the journey through its pages was not without its pitfalls, particularly towards the end. While the story, for the most part, was enjoyable, the conclusion felt unnecessarily protracted and, frankly, vexing.
The protagonist, Jack, whose presence loomed large throughout the tale, frustratingly took an eternity to make his decisive move. This delay in action, coupled with the author's choice to shuttle the narrative back and forth in time, disrupted the story's flow and diluted the climax's intensity. A prime example of this narrative juggling is when the text teases the reader with "The only one remaining… was Jack Rust," only to then jarringly transport us to events from "A few days ago…". This structural choice was bewildering. As a reader eagerly anticipating the final showdown, being whisked away to past events right at the crescendo of action was disorienting and, frankly, irritating.
The author’s decision to detail every skirmish leading up to Jack's final battle felt like an unnecessary detour, one that detracted from the central conflict's suspense and urgency. The narrative would have benefited from a more direct approach, plunging straight into the thick of the action and then, if needed, interspersing it with flashbacks or reflections to enrich the context or deepen the character motivations.
Despite these criticisms, it's important to acknowledge that the series as a whole, and indeed much of this book, has been a delightful journey. The author's skill in world-building and character development is evident and has been a consistent source of enjoyment. Nevertheless, the ending of this installment felt like a misstep - an attempt to prolong suspense that ultimately frayed the reader's engagement. It's as if the author, in their effort to maintain intrigue, inadvertently allowed the story's pace and coherence to falter, leading to a reading experience that was, in the final stages, more exasperating than exhilarating.
The bookRoad to Mastery managed to weave an engaging narrative, capturing my attention with its intricate storyline and well-crafted characters. However, the journey through its pages was not without its pitfalls, particularly towards the end. While the story, for the most part, was enjoyable, the conclusion felt unnecessarily protracted and, frankly, vexing.
The protagonist, Jack, whose presence loomed large throughout the tale, frustratingly took an eternity to make his decisive move. This delay in action, coupled with the author's choice to shuttle the narrative back and forth in time, disrupted the story's flow and diluted the climax's intensity. A prime example of this narrative juggling is when the text teases the reader with "The only one remaining… was Jack Rust," only to then jarringly transport us to events from "A few days ago…". This structural choice was bewildering. As a reader eagerly anticipating the final showdown, being whisked away to past events right at the crescendo of action was disorienting and, frankly, irritating.
The author’s decision to detail every skirmish leading up to Jack's final battle felt like an unnecessary detour, one that detracted from the central conflict's suspense and urgency. The narrative would have benefited from a more direct approach, plunging straight into the thick of the action and then, if needed, interspersing it with flashbacks or reflections to enrich the context or deepen the character motivations.
Despite these criticisms, it's important to acknowledge that the series as a whole, and indeed much of this book, has been a delightful journey. The author's skill in world-building and character development is evident and has been a consistent source of enjoyment. Nevertheless, the ending of this installment felt like a misstep - an attempt to prolong suspense that ultimately frayed the reader's engagement. It's as if the author, in their effort to maintain intrigue, inadvertently allowed the story's pace and coherence to falter, leading to a reading experience that was, in the final stages, more exasperating than exhilarating.
March 24, 2024
3rd falls flat
Loved the first two, but this one is just really slow. Has more endings than lord of the rings. Ending itself is unsatisfying and just more of the same. Really feels like this one was phoned in and as this was the fulfilment of the original goal makes the series fall flat. Very sad.
Loved the first two, but this one is just really slow. Has more endings than lord of the rings. Ending itself is unsatisfying and just more of the same. Really feels like this one was phoned in and as this was the fulfilment of the original goal makes the series fall flat. Very sad.
January 31, 2024
Amazing
Loved this book and the trajectory that it has the main characters on. It was the culmination of events that had been coming since book one and was amazing to read. Really looking forward to where we go next.
Loved this book and the trajectory that it has the main characters on. It was the culmination of events that had been coming since book one and was amazing to read. Really looking forward to where we go next.
February 1, 2024
Continuing journey of an amazing hero’s journey with fast paced action. I love the continued development of Brock’s character and his growth of the Little Bros army! The conclusive fight scene involving all the different groups was masterfully done. Can’t wait for book 4!
February 4, 2024
Excellent completion of first arc
Couldn’t put this one down. Story was well written and kept a great pace throughout. Jack’s progression remains super fast but not so much that it seems ridiculous. I appreciate that half the story is not a stat dump. Can’t wait for the next!
Couldn’t put this one down. Story was well written and kept a great pace throughout. Jack’s progression remains super fast but not so much that it seems ridiculous. I appreciate that half the story is not a stat dump. Can’t wait for the next!
February 5, 2024
Amazing as always
This was an amazing end to a long series. I am happy they did not try to drag this on for several more books. As such, I am looking forward to the 4th book and a new saga. 5 Stars
This was an amazing end to a long series. I am happy they did not try to drag this on for several more books. As such, I am looking forward to the 4th book and a new saga. 5 Stars
February 7, 2024
Great #3
This is an awesome series! I am seriously looking forward to the next book because I want to know where this story goes. It's one of those kind of things that you just gotta know what's going to happen next. Too many unanswered questions. I love it!
This is an awesome series! I am seriously looking forward to the next book because I want to know where this story goes. It's one of those kind of things that you just gotta know what's going to happen next. Too many unanswered questions. I love it!
February 4, 2024
4.5/5 stars
A satisying journey with Jack Rust
The best thing about this series is that it delivers exactly what it preaches. It's mostly about a guy who punches stuff and gets stronger.
But apart from Jack, the side characters like Brock, Edgar and his family friends also experienced significant growth and their character arcs were satisfying.
The only gripe I had was in the middle of the book it felt like the pacing got too fast and proper time wasn't given to characters and fights.
But overall, I enjoyed it very much and this is one of my favourite series going on Royalroad. This is a pure action-power-fantasy and it's most similar to Solo Leveling and Cradle as there is very good action going on in this. It uses common tropes but it is never done in such a way that it gets repetitive, like a cheeseburger. You know it's taste, you are familiar with it and when you are craving it, it's a damn delicious meal
However, this goes this series is highly recommended.
A satisying journey with Jack Rust
The best thing about this series is that it delivers exactly what it preaches. It's mostly about a guy who punches stuff and gets stronger.
But apart from Jack, the side characters like Brock, Edgar and his family friends also experienced significant growth and their character arcs were satisfying.
The only gripe I had was in the middle of the book it felt like the pacing got too fast and proper time wasn't given to characters and fights.
But overall, I enjoyed it very much and this is one of my favourite series going on Royalroad. This is a pure action-power-fantasy and it's most similar to Solo Leveling and Cradle as there is very good action going on in this. It uses common tropes but it is never done in such a way that it gets repetitive, like a cheeseburger. You know it's taste, you are familiar with it and when you are craving it, it's a damn delicious meal
However, this goes this series is highly recommended.
September 2, 2024
Interesting but a little political
This book isn't nearly as exciting as the previous book due to the politics involved in this one. But it is a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy that began in a dungeon.
Again the best parts were the side characters; Brock, Galin, Nuaja, Shol, and the Captain. There stories were by far the most fun to read.
I think the author needs to learn how to finish the fine details of a story instead of leaving us hanging. Example, the Edgar battle last book left us in a cliffhanger, that was never truly described or finished. There was a side story arch in this book that directly related to the Edgar battle but we were only given a broad understanding, not the fine details that would have enhanced it.
Anyway... Have Fun!!
This book isn't nearly as exciting as the previous book due to the politics involved in this one. But it is a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy that began in a dungeon.
Again the best parts were the side characters; Brock, Galin, Nuaja, Shol, and the Captain. There stories were by far the most fun to read.
I think the author needs to learn how to finish the fine details of a story instead of leaving us hanging. Example, the Edgar battle last book left us in a cliffhanger, that was never truly described or finished. There was a side story arch in this book that directly related to the Edgar battle but we were only given a broad understanding, not the fine details that would have enhanced it.
Anyway... Have Fun!!
March 22, 2025
The singing metal head cultivator is the most annoying character I've ever had the displeasure. Especially on audiobook. I'm not trying to read a musical.
Jack is too arrogant. Doesn't respect other people.
Ugh this author, he keeps making Jack do incredibly stupid shit to advance the plot. He could have other characters do the stupid shit instead, but he'd rather the main character be an arrogant moron.
Jack has to be the dumbest character ever. He complains that he thinks the universe wants him dead when every single time he's in danger, its because he causes it himself. Or he whines "this is unfair!" when putting himself in these situations. He's pathetic.
Every time Jack gets cornered he gets scared and wants to run away. Then he needs his dao to stop him from being pathetic.
Aliens use idioms a lot and other bs.
The arrogance of Jack toward the end is another level. He's so cringe.
At this point, I hope Jack loses and dies.
Jack is too arrogant. Doesn't respect other people.
Ugh this author, he keeps making Jack do incredibly stupid shit to advance the plot. He could have other characters do the stupid shit instead, but he'd rather the main character be an arrogant moron.
Jack has to be the dumbest character ever. He complains that he thinks the universe wants him dead when every single time he's in danger, its because he causes it himself. Or he whines "this is unfair!" when putting himself in these situations. He's pathetic.
Every time Jack gets cornered he gets scared and wants to run away. Then he needs his dao to stop him from being pathetic.
Aliens use idioms a lot and other bs.
The arrogance of Jack toward the end is another level. He's so cringe.
At this point, I hope Jack loses and dies.
February 2, 2024
A Masterclass in Story Telling, World Building, and Interesting Characters.
've delved into numerous LITRPG novels, and it's a common trend that the introduction of secondary characters tends to slow down the story. However, Valerios is the first author whose books managed to keep me equally intrigued by the sub-characters, and I found myself cheering for them audibly. I'm hopeful that Brock might have his own series in the future. The first three books were expertly crafted and provided a thoroughly enjoyable journey.
've delved into numerous LITRPG novels, and it's a common trend that the introduction of secondary characters tends to slow down the story. However, Valerios is the first author whose books managed to keep me equally intrigued by the sub-characters, and I found myself cheering for them audibly. I'm hopeful that Brock might have his own series in the future. The first three books were expertly crafted and provided a thoroughly enjoyable journey.
October 3, 2025
deep dive
Absolutely amazing. What a deep dive into the characters. The excitement and the battles were never ending. Amazing. However at the same time the author brings an incredible richness and breadth of emotion and deep understanding to the characters. I am not sure I have read a book so exciting and yet at the same time able to deep dive into the psychology of what makes people tick. All that while keeping a razor edge of excitement. Wonderful.
Absolutely amazing. What a deep dive into the characters. The excitement and the battles were never ending. Amazing. However at the same time the author brings an incredible richness and breadth of emotion and deep understanding to the characters. I am not sure I have read a book so exciting and yet at the same time able to deep dive into the psychology of what makes people tick. All that while keeping a razor edge of excitement. Wonderful.
February 27, 2024
Lack luster
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but this one felt flat. The characters largely felt one dimensional and as if they all had the exact same personality. The dialogue wasn't attention grabbing and the story felt forced. Overall it was lack luster compared to the other books in the series.
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but this one felt flat. The characters largely felt one dimensional and as if they all had the exact same personality. The dialogue wasn't attention grabbing and the story felt forced. Overall it was lack luster compared to the other books in the series.
January 30, 2025
Nice story, but the endless descriptions are messing it up
The story is really nice, however the descriptions and endless internal thoughts are just too much. If the author decided to cut half the pages from the book, it would probably get a 5 star rating from me, and not a single scene from the story would be lost.
The story is really nice, however the descriptions and endless internal thoughts are just too much. If the author decided to cut half the pages from the book, it would probably get a 5 star rating from me, and not a single scene from the story would be lost.
February 27, 2025
The Real Deal
Those saga has been great, and one of the best I've read so far I'm this genre.
The characters are real, even Brock (read this, and you'll know). And the intrigue, magic and mayhem will keep you up late at night turning these pages.
If you pass this, series up, you'll be missing some great adventures!
Those saga has been great, and one of the best I've read so far I'm this genre.
The characters are real, even Brock (read this, and you'll know). And the intrigue, magic and mayhem will keep you up late at night turning these pages.
If you pass this, series up, you'll be missing some great adventures!
February 9, 2024
Fun read
Enjoyed the story. It was like cleaning ones palate in reading terms. Reading I complicated book with a complexity of ideas. Then reading a simple fun book that is just that. Fun
Enjoyed the story. It was like cleaning ones palate in reading terms. Reading I complicated book with a complexity of ideas. Then reading a simple fun book that is just that. Fun
February 23, 2024
Continues to impress
The series has not slowed down! What a great read! The actions scenes are well fleshed out and the progression is satisfying not too fast or too slow. It was an excellent addition to the series
The series has not slowed down! What a great read! The actions scenes are well fleshed out and the progression is satisfying not too fast or too slow. It was an excellent addition to the series
March 11, 2024
So funny
I don't care what else happens but this following copied text made this series worth it :
“And me,” Shol pointed out proudly. “Since you’ve been discovered, free time is over. We’re sticking together like ass and underwear.”
I don't care what else happens but this following copied text made this series worth it :
“And me,” Shol pointed out proudly. “Since you’ve been discovered, free time is over. We’re sticking together like ass and underwear.”
April 8, 2024
It's consistent with the previous two, but the progression of characters starts to feel disconcerting out of line with the author's system - kind of messes with the suspension of disbelief. It's unfortunate, because the author's fantastical setup overall had felt pretty "believable"
July 25, 2024
Quirky and fun!
Quirky and fun, Jack Rust sprints from training opportunity, I mean calamity, to calamity. Thr writing is fun, and the writer doesn't take themselves too seriously, while spinning a fun tale.
Quirky and fun, Jack Rust sprints from training opportunity, I mean calamity, to calamity. Thr writing is fun, and the writer doesn't take themselves too seriously, while spinning a fun tale.
August 22, 2024
Lots of fun!
A great book full of action! Interesting and fun characters, great settings and a story that kept me on edge throughout. Not excited by the Dao and Bro scenes but they do add some philosophy and humor respectively to the content.
A great book full of action! Interesting and fun characters, great settings and a story that kept me on edge throughout. Not excited by the Dao and Bro scenes but they do add some philosophy and humor respectively to the content.
June 28, 2025
I did enjoy this book, which turned out to be the completion of the first story arc. However, I now feel no compelling reason to read onward. I have added the 4th book to my wishlist and will see if it tempts me more at some future date.
January 31, 2024
Excellent
Wow - amazing hero’s journey with fast paced action. Little Bro grows so much. Conclusion fight scene was very well done.
Wow - amazing hero’s journey with fast paced action. Little Bro grows so much. Conclusion fight scene was very well done.
January 31, 2024
Fanfreakingtastic!
Fantastic book! I loved this book! Such amazing character development. I simply can not wait for the next book to come out!
Fantastic book! I loved this book! Such amazing character development. I simply can not wait for the next book to come out!
February 2, 2024
YES
all I could ask for and more . Bro hood is all and more I’ll ask for with humor from now on and a story predictable with all the scenes I need to sleep well .
all I could ask for and more . Bro hood is all and more I’ll ask for with humor from now on and a story predictable with all the scenes I need to sleep well .
February 7, 2024
Crazy good Series
This book was awesome and so is the story I am hooked I hope it is a long series I look forward to reading more
This book was awesome and so is the story I am hooked I hope it is a long series I look forward to reading more
February 9, 2024
Great book
I enjoyed this series and read it all in one go. It will be hard to wait for the next installment
I enjoyed this series and read it all in one go. It will be hard to wait for the next installment
February 11, 2024
I love these books!
I love these books. Well written with many viscerally satisfying moments with injections of humor to liven them up. I recommend anyone read this series.
I love these books. Well written with many viscerally satisfying moments with injections of humor to liven them up. I recommend anyone read this series.
February 12, 2024
Interesting read
I found too many technical errors in this book to make it a good read. The many jarring holes in the story narrative ruined the immersion of the story.
I found too many technical errors in this book to make it a good read. The many jarring holes in the story narrative ruined the immersion of the story.
February 14, 2024
good book
This book was good. I liked it a lot. Great plot and characters, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it.
This book was good. I liked it a lot. Great plot and characters, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews