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The Fortifier #2
Shattered Races
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have survived...
Weeks of pulling humans together and using his class to build a new safe home were shattered when everyone should have been celebrating. For William, building wonders comes easily, but his class needs constant fuel, and the knowledge he and all humans need to survive stays woefully absent or must be hard-won. The assistants have more knowledge to give, but even they are perplexed by the events transpiring.
Now the world is changing again, and potential new friends and enemies will appear. But can he trust any of them when they are here trying to survive as well? The only way forward is to keep leveling and learning as much as possible while saving as many people as he can. Will the shattered races be friends that can answer questions or enemies seeking to take what William fought to create?
You have survived...
Weeks of pulling humans together and using his class to build a new safe home were shattered when everyone should have been celebrating. For William, building wonders comes easily, but his class needs constant fuel, and the knowledge he and all humans need to survive stays woefully absent or must be hard-won. The assistants have more knowledge to give, but even they are perplexed by the events transpiring.
Now the world is changing again, and potential new friends and enemies will appear. But can he trust any of them when they are here trying to survive as well? The only way forward is to keep leveling and learning as much as possible while saving as many people as he can. Will the shattered races be friends that can answer questions or enemies seeking to take what William fought to create?
- GenresFantasy
499 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2023
444 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 30, 2023
This has polish.
The only complaint I had from book one was some rough writing. The character work, the setting, the base building and social dynamics, it is all just as good in this book as it was before. And the writing is definitely been polished. This is an easy five star review.
The only complaint I had from book one was some rough writing. The character work, the setting, the base building and social dynamics, it is all just as good in this book as it was before. And the writing is definitely been polished. This is an easy five star review.
March 3, 2024
I forgot how much I enjoyed this series. Hope book 3 comes around faster than book 2.
September 12, 2023
Now that we've arrived at book two, William is doing his best to keep the barony together despite the various needs of all the people. As apocalypse stories go this is fine, but the biggest problem with the story (IMO) is that all the power is centered around William. This really hits home later in the book.
Before that, William is out doing the same thing he did in book one. He's taking down old buildings and then putting up new ones, either forts (or tree forts). There's not a lot (any) planning going on here. William follows his whims and puts up tree forts willy nilly as he goes along. There are people issues, but the biggest people issue is William himself. Where is HR when you need them?
William has an anger problem. His family died at the beginning of book one but he's holding on to that anger and won't let go. For me this became tedious. He needs therapy, or acupuncture, or something to get rid of that old anger. The story becomes slightly Jekyll and Hyde depending on William's mood. I understand MC's should have problems, but William never does anything to address the problem. That's frustrating for the reader.
This series reminds me a lot of Dave Willmarth's apocalypse/science fiction series. The two leaders are very similar, and not in a good way. They don't plan instead preferring to react to everything. I came close to giving this 3/5*, and that includes the poor editing as well. I still like the serious enough to give it 4/5*, but it's a tenuous score. I have no idea if I'll read book three of not. Right now I would say no, but time will tell. 4/5*
Before that, William is out doing the same thing he did in book one. He's taking down old buildings and then putting up new ones, either forts (or tree forts). There's not a lot (any) planning going on here. William follows his whims and puts up tree forts willy nilly as he goes along. There are people issues, but the biggest people issue is William himself. Where is HR when you need them?
William has an anger problem. His family died at the beginning of book one but he's holding on to that anger and won't let go. For me this became tedious. He needs therapy, or acupuncture, or something to get rid of that old anger. The story becomes slightly Jekyll and Hyde depending on William's mood. I understand MC's should have problems, but William never does anything to address the problem. That's frustrating for the reader.
This series reminds me a lot of Dave Willmarth's apocalypse/science fiction series. The two leaders are very similar, and not in a good way. They don't plan instead preferring to react to everything. I came close to giving this 3/5*, and that includes the poor editing as well. I still like the serious enough to give it 4/5*, but it's a tenuous score. I have no idea if I'll read book three of not. Right now I would say no, but time will tell. 4/5*
September 5, 2023
Building an interesting fantasy-mystery
I've enjoyed the second installment in this series as much as the first, and am looking forward to the next book. There's plenty of intrigue created through the world-building & magic system. The book is predominantly plot-driven, though there are some notably well-crafted interactions between the MC and other characters.
We get just the MCs perspective as he hurtles through a to-do list nearly as long as my own. The book therefore relies very heavily on the MC to drive the plot and we're not (yet) given much time (rather like the MC) to build an attachment to the supporting characters. The pacing works though, particularly considering the setting, where our cast is typically on the back foot and firefighting from one crisis to the next.
The magic system is classic litrpg/progression. We do regularly see the MC fighting multiple higher level opponents, but the MC's class does give him far more stat points per level, so there is a mechanic for this. To be honest, I don't mind the OP MC trope too much, although the series' tension would benefit from us seeing the MC go toe-to-toe with other eletes.
Overall, and enjoyable addition to the fantasy genre, and I'll be looking forward to getting at least a few of those mysteries solved in the next book.
I've enjoyed the second installment in this series as much as the first, and am looking forward to the next book. There's plenty of intrigue created through the world-building & magic system. The book is predominantly plot-driven, though there are some notably well-crafted interactions between the MC and other characters.
We get just the MCs perspective as he hurtles through a to-do list nearly as long as my own. The book therefore relies very heavily on the MC to drive the plot and we're not (yet) given much time (rather like the MC) to build an attachment to the supporting characters. The pacing works though, particularly considering the setting, where our cast is typically on the back foot and firefighting from one crisis to the next.
The magic system is classic litrpg/progression. We do regularly see the MC fighting multiple higher level opponents, but the MC's class does give him far more stat points per level, so there is a mechanic for this. To be honest, I don't mind the OP MC trope too much, although the series' tension would benefit from us seeing the MC go toe-to-toe with other eletes.
Overall, and enjoyable addition to the fantasy genre, and I'll be looking forward to getting at least a few of those mysteries solved in the next book.
September 9, 2023
Definitly a good read
This is still a character based story, but this novel focused on the mc pretty hard. We don't get a lot of anybody else, but seeing them all in the big battle at the end was pretty cool.
This is still a character based story, but this novel focused on the mc pretty hard. We don't get a lot of anybody else, but seeing them all in the big battle at the end was pretty cool.
August 30, 2023
Back in the saddle and just as good
Loved the first book. The second book continues .
More leveling up
More fights
William starts clearing his territory and has his first big war.
Looking forward to the 3rd book.
Loved the first book. The second book continues .
More leveling up
More fights
William starts clearing his territory and has his first big war.
Looking forward to the 3rd book.
August 28, 2023
Excellent story
Very much enjoyed. The main character is interesting, not without flaws. The mechanics work very well and are clear and understandable. Very much liked the sense of community that runs through the book.
There are quite a few typos unfortunately, but they didn't interfere with my enjoyment.
Very much enjoyed. The main character is interesting, not without flaws. The mechanics work very well and are clear and understandable. Very much liked the sense of community that runs through the book.
There are quite a few typos unfortunately, but they didn't interfere with my enjoyment.
August 26, 2023
good progress
MC continues to be emotionally stable/unstable. Interesting how some of his class skills/spells work in unexpected ways (Project Sherman).
A few word errors that threw me out of the narrative: ‘horde’/‘hoard’, ‘mute’/‘moot’, ‘due’/‘do’.
I will get the next book.
MC continues to be emotionally stable/unstable. Interesting how some of his class skills/spells work in unexpected ways (Project Sherman).
A few word errors that threw me out of the narrative: ‘horde’/‘hoard’, ‘mute’/‘moot’, ‘due’/‘do’.
I will get the next book.
Read
August 25, 2023Defense for the win
I definitely enjoyed this foray. There is a wide variety of details from weapon making to spell construction that appeals to my crafting side. Plus plenty of action and the continued murder bunny 🐰.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I definitely enjoyed this foray. There is a wide variety of details from weapon making to spell construction that appeals to my crafting side. Plus plenty of action and the continued murder bunny 🐰.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
August 29, 2023
Good story, bad flow and unneeded filler.
The universe is again well done. But the storyline suffers from repeated boughts of filler that kind of gives a sense of some time passing, but dies little to drive the story forward. The whole pacing of the book was off. and the stat pages for William at this point should be contained in their own little sections. Multiple pages of states and titles and abilties and descriptions are overwhelming and uninteresting after the fifth iteration of a stat page that's been "pared down".
Look forward to the mext installment.
The universe is again well done. But the storyline suffers from repeated boughts of filler that kind of gives a sense of some time passing, but dies little to drive the story forward. The whole pacing of the book was off. and the stat pages for William at this point should be contained in their own little sections. Multiple pages of states and titles and abilties and descriptions are overwhelming and uninteresting after the fifth iteration of a stat page that's been "pared down".
Look forward to the mext installment.
March 3, 2024
Some good, some bad
There are a few more spelling and grammar errors than the first, but it's still legible.
While the story is progressing, it feels like William isn't. He barely grew this book, both his stats and as a character. It even feels like he's backtracked on his emotional issues compared to the first book.
What he did at the very end was also ridiculously stupid, and if it had happened earlier in the book, I probably would've dropped the story then and there. He has a full council of people he trusts and makes it a point to discuss major decisions, and I can't imagine any of them approving of what he did.
The combat is fine, but I wish William had used more magic. He's coasting far too much on his early physical boosts. I know he was trying, but why is it taking him longer to develop spells? Feels like it was artificially made harder just to weaken William. That paired with the lack of exp he got for the massive slaughter (his traps killed thousands of mobs, and it was shown that he gets exp for the things his structures kill) at the end points to the author trying to limit his growth
My biggest issue with this story is that it feels too scattered. William is just running around for most of the book doing very little. Overall, all he does is build a few extra outposts and kill a few bosses in the process.
There are a few more spelling and grammar errors than the first, but it's still legible.
While the story is progressing, it feels like William isn't. He barely grew this book, both his stats and as a character. It even feels like he's backtracked on his emotional issues compared to the first book.
What he did at the very end was also ridiculously stupid, and if it had happened earlier in the book, I probably would've dropped the story then and there. He has a full council of people he trusts and makes it a point to discuss major decisions, and I can't imagine any of them approving of what he did.
The combat is fine, but I wish William had used more magic. He's coasting far too much on his early physical boosts. I know he was trying, but why is it taking him longer to develop spells? Feels like it was artificially made harder just to weaken William. That paired with the lack of exp he got for the massive slaughter (his traps killed thousands of mobs, and it was shown that he gets exp for the things his structures kill) at the end points to the author trying to limit his growth
My biggest issue with this story is that it feels too scattered. William is just running around for most of the book doing very little. Overall, all he does is build a few extra outposts and kill a few bosses in the process.
October 2, 2024
Fumble on the 75 yard line
The author did a great job with the first book. In the second book he fell into a routine that wore thin very quickly.
A: MC ventures out in the world and gets his ass kicked.
B: MC returns to the base for a lengthy convalescence where he whines a lot, and resolves to improve / not take so many risks.
Start again at step A. Without doing either of those things.
Survivors are red shirts.
80% of the book flies by without any significant development of the central premise implied by the title.
Most system apocalypse novels fall into a routine. This book is better than average in that it’s marginally more sophisticated than the shounen manga “ battle / introspection / battle” plot beats, but just barely.
I think the writers voice and pacing are excellent. I think it’s sophisticated enough to write engaging characters with distinct personalities. He is efficient and precise in his use of language. I sincerely admire his writing technique. I think the premise of the system and the plot could have used more time in the oven.
The author did a great job with the first book. In the second book he fell into a routine that wore thin very quickly.
A: MC ventures out in the world and gets his ass kicked.
B: MC returns to the base for a lengthy convalescence where he whines a lot, and resolves to improve / not take so many risks.
Start again at step A. Without doing either of those things.
Survivors are red shirts.
80% of the book flies by without any significant development of the central premise implied by the title.
Most system apocalypse novels fall into a routine. This book is better than average in that it’s marginally more sophisticated than the shounen manga “ battle / introspection / battle” plot beats, but just barely.
I think the writers voice and pacing are excellent. I think it’s sophisticated enough to write engaging characters with distinct personalities. He is efficient and precise in his use of language. I sincerely admire his writing technique. I think the premise of the system and the plot could have used more time in the oven.
November 16, 2023
Story is fun, Author is ignorant on some English
First... I am begging all authors who are distributing their own work without the use of publishers; PLEASE become best friends with college English Majors. So many works within the last five years are being published with wrong words placed in lieu of correct ones due to (I am guessing) spell check and no one mentions anything before going to print.
This author also kept misusing the word fauna throughout the entire book when he was actually mentioning flora. (Head smack) my work buddies heard me ranting a good five minutes over that.
Anyway... Storyline continues to be entertaining thanks to the snark and the interesting support characters. Not sure how interesting William actually is as he truly shows limited personal character growth. His mental assistant Niles actually has more growth than his fleshy counterpart.
Just sit back and try not to analyze the book and you will have fun!!
First... I am begging all authors who are distributing their own work without the use of publishers; PLEASE become best friends with college English Majors. So many works within the last five years are being published with wrong words placed in lieu of correct ones due to (I am guessing) spell check and no one mentions anything before going to print.
This author also kept misusing the word fauna throughout the entire book when he was actually mentioning flora. (Head smack) my work buddies heard me ranting a good five minutes over that.
Anyway... Storyline continues to be entertaining thanks to the snark and the interesting support characters. Not sure how interesting William actually is as he truly shows limited personal character growth. His mental assistant Niles actually has more growth than his fleshy counterpart.
Just sit back and try not to analyze the book and you will have fun!!
October 14, 2023
Good second book
Slow and steady until the end. The usual theme in books like this. MC and his people grinding for levels and knowledge. I enjoy the exploration in The crafting and spell making world. MC is finally starting to leverage some of his special abilities. It's good that he takes the time to do that. 0 romance which is an not all bad however the MC Definitely needs to start letting go of his baggage. I know the author is letting it go on purpose but it's getting annoying now and quite unrealistic. He has a lot of other humans depending on him and he cannot be A risk to them or unstable in general. Even by the end of the book there are so many unexplained Things about the new world they live in. Post integration Is very Difficult because of the lack of knowledge. I look forward to the next book I was Lucky enough to be able to binge 2 but now i have to wait.
Slow and steady until the end. The usual theme in books like this. MC and his people grinding for levels and knowledge. I enjoy the exploration in The crafting and spell making world. MC is finally starting to leverage some of his special abilities. It's good that he takes the time to do that. 0 romance which is an not all bad however the MC Definitely needs to start letting go of his baggage. I know the author is letting it go on purpose but it's getting annoying now and quite unrealistic. He has a lot of other humans depending on him and he cannot be A risk to them or unstable in general. Even by the end of the book there are so many unexplained Things about the new world they live in. Post integration Is very Difficult because of the lack of knowledge. I look forward to the next book I was Lucky enough to be able to binge 2 but now i have to wait.
October 30, 2023
Pretty good, waiting on book 3
By this point I have read a lot of this style of book. While I would not recommend it as the first book of the “Our World starts acting like a Video Game” style. It is an interesting one for a 3rd or 4th series in the style.
One of the reasons, I would not recommend it for the first book in that style is that there have been hints that it was supposed to be similar to some of them but somehow deviated and exploring that deviation is a reason I will keep up with the series.
However, without the familiarity from reading other books in that style, the deviation and subsequent mystery about it would not exist.
By this point I have read a lot of this style of book. While I would not recommend it as the first book of the “Our World starts acting like a Video Game” style. It is an interesting one for a 3rd or 4th series in the style.
One of the reasons, I would not recommend it for the first book in that style is that there have been hints that it was supposed to be similar to some of them but somehow deviated and exploring that deviation is a reason I will keep up with the series.
However, without the familiarity from reading other books in that style, the deviation and subsequent mystery about it would not exist.
November 12, 2024
Wow what a downhill run
Book one wasn't great but it was definitely readable and had some interesting points but book two is just crap. Just one brief example Time gets fast forwarded hundreds of years meaning everything outside of the area of the stories taking place in his deteriorated to nothing limiting the protagonist ability to get billed points so what does he? He goes and builds dozens of unnecessary structures. He uses his points in complicated and stupid ways. At one point a panther is 4 ft tall and 8 ft long and in the next page it's big enough that it's jaw encompasses half of the protagonist 6'5 body..what? No.....?
Book one wasn't great but it was definitely readable and had some interesting points but book two is just crap. Just one brief example Time gets fast forwarded hundreds of years meaning everything outside of the area of the stories taking place in his deteriorated to nothing limiting the protagonist ability to get billed points so what does he? He goes and builds dozens of unnecessary structures. He uses his points in complicated and stupid ways. At one point a panther is 4 ft tall and 8 ft long and in the next page it's big enough that it's jaw encompasses half of the protagonist 6'5 body..what? No.....?
March 11, 2025
Nearly a 5, overall writing is better quality. Less time spent on better developing the secondary characters which is a bit of a missed opportunity. World building was interesting and fairly well thought out; but my main issue keeps coming back to the MC. He's just slightly.... annoying most of the time. It's not significant or book-closing but it's always something with him. When he's not wildly overloading himself with tasks, he wallowing or generally irritating people it seems. His occasional 'beserker' thing in the background is also very off-putting and makes him considerably less likable when he's being a thug around people who seem to be trying their best.
November 10, 2023
One point off for SPaG
Love the realistic depiction of how such an event would impact people emotionally. Love these characters. Love the magic/system and am intrigued by the ongoing mystery--I like how hints are dropped and how the MC speculates. Am dying to see, hopefully in bk 3, how they re-domesticate the puppies.
Wish the author would use a copy editor who knew the difference between your/you're, too/to, due/do --otherwise, the technical issues aren't that bad (but oh, those homophones!)
I am looking forward to the rest of this series!
Love the realistic depiction of how such an event would impact people emotionally. Love these characters. Love the magic/system and am intrigued by the ongoing mystery--I like how hints are dropped and how the MC speculates. Am dying to see, hopefully in bk 3, how they re-domesticate the puppies.
Wish the author would use a copy editor who knew the difference between your/you're, too/to, due/do --otherwise, the technical issues aren't that bad (but oh, those homophones!)
I am looking forward to the rest of this series!
September 22, 2023
Keeps getting better
The second in the series maintains the excellent pace and continues to delve more into the characters. The author has continued to flush out the primary characters without getting too bogged down into the details. It would be nice to see a bit more romance for the MC. However, I have been fairly drawn into the world and the magic system, but the interactions that the characters make the text so interesting..
The second in the series maintains the excellent pace and continues to delve more into the characters. The author has continued to flush out the primary characters without getting too bogged down into the details. It would be nice to see a bit more romance for the MC. However, I have been fairly drawn into the world and the magic system, but the interactions that the characters make the text so interesting..
October 18, 2023
The first three chapters were a bit tedious, far too much explanation, it felt like the author was just trying to justify the weird ’World’ he had created.
The story improved, but never really seemed to get going until near the end.
Overall I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one and although only a minor consideration, I wasn’t convinced by the author’s adversaries, why make the Coblynau only two foot tall?
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars
The story improved, but never really seemed to get going until near the end.
Overall I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first one and although only a minor consideration, I wasn’t convinced by the author’s adversaries, why make the Coblynau only two foot tall?
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars
September 24, 2024
Good read - needs a competent editor
A good read, but an unacceptable number of misspelled words (e.g., "several" is not spelled "serval" (every time it is used)) combined with additional words inserted into sentences that make no sense being there. These editing errors detract from the enjoyment of reading and fast become annoying. If such things are tolerable then give this book a try.
A good read, but an unacceptable number of misspelled words (e.g., "several" is not spelled "serval" (every time it is used)) combined with additional words inserted into sentences that make no sense being there. These editing errors detract from the enjoyment of reading and fast become annoying. If such things are tolerable then give this book a try.
September 16, 2023
Help me read more books
This is turning out to be a great series, and this second book makes progression in the story fun and interesting. Looking forward to more in this series.
This is turning out to be a great series, and this second book makes progression in the story fun and interesting. Looking forward to more in this series.
September 22, 2023
Great read !
I enjoyed the humanity of the MC. Nice twist on a system apocalypse with an intriguing mystery - and unique class system. Could use a good proofreader but that did not detract from the story
I enjoyed the humanity of the MC. Nice twist on a system apocalypse with an intriguing mystery - and unique class system. Could use a good proofreader but that did not detract from the story
September 26, 2023
delightful
Full of humor and drama in equal proportions, this story truly captivated me. I can hardly wait for the next installment. I hope we finally get to know what really happened to William's family.
Full of humor and drama in equal proportions, this story truly captivated me. I can hardly wait for the next installment. I hope we finally get to know what really happened to William's family.
October 6, 2023
Apocalypse
Good world building. You need to read first book to really understand what's going on . Can't wait for 3rd book. Thanks for not putting in the 99 princess. Write faster please.
Good world building. You need to read first book to really understand what's going on . Can't wait for 3rd book. Thanks for not putting in the 99 princess. Write faster please.
November 8, 2023
Nice Expansion To This Growing World
Liked the intro to the additional changes and new races. Interesting character growth and fun world building. A couple of small spots felt abrupt but nothing too jarring. Can’t wait to start the next one.
Liked the intro to the additional changes and new races. Interesting character growth and fun world building. A couple of small spots felt abrupt but nothing too jarring. Can’t wait to start the next one.
November 11, 2023
A Very Fun Series
I have read these books twice and enjoyed them equally each time. I recommend you do yourself a favor and enjoy this series. Land troop has a real talent with great characters and solid storylines.
I have read these books twice and enjoyed them equally each time. I recommend you do yourself a favor and enjoy this series. Land troop has a real talent with great characters and solid storylines.
December 19, 2023
A thriller throughout!
A great story full of action, mystery and leveling! Interesting scenarios keep occurring with the main character usually winning by the seat of his pants. Can't wait for the next book, good work!
A great story full of action, mystery and leveling! Interesting scenarios keep occurring with the main character usually winning by the seat of his pants. Can't wait for the next book, good work!
January 2, 2024
Long awaited sequel
I waited what felt like ages ti read this after the first book and felt kind of let down by it. But I'm hoping that's just me not seeing where things are going and that it gets as good as it was or better.
I waited what felt like ages ti read this after the first book and felt kind of let down by it. But I'm hoping that's just me not seeing where things are going and that it gets as good as it was or better.
January 22, 2024
2.5 at best
Loved book 1 but this was generic run of the mill post Apocalyptic LITRPG Gamelit. Nothing special at all. Seems like a watered down version of Shadow Sun, to be honest. Quite formulaic. I'll give book 3 a chance coz I really liked Book 1, but I don't have high hopes of this series.
Loved book 1 but this was generic run of the mill post Apocalyptic LITRPG Gamelit. Nothing special at all. Seems like a watered down version of Shadow Sun, to be honest. Quite formulaic. I'll give book 3 a chance coz I really liked Book 1, but I don't have high hopes of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews