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Revivium #1
The Warhog Paladins
Mia Lark is running out of options. Without a neural implant, she'll be shut out of the Corporate jobs on her home planet, but without the cash to pay for it, she's desperate to find a way in. There is one way to score that implant and pay it back later: the game planet Revivium.
It sounds easy enough: enter the game, earn enough Bitz to cash out, and exit before the game finds a way to kill her. Once she's in-game, though, Mia realizes Revivium is anything but simple. A realm-wide quest is a great opportunity to score her Bitz and punch out, but she finds a magical artifact that links back to a forbidden quest line: the Helm of the dead leader of the Warhog Paladins.
The helm's friendly AI, Hex, Leads Mia on an entirely different quest, to find the main guildhall where she can discover what became of the old Warhog Paladins--a quest that could get her killed in Revivium, where Game Over means death...
It sounds easy enough: enter the game, earn enough Bitz to cash out, and exit before the game finds a way to kill her. Once she's in-game, though, Mia realizes Revivium is anything but simple. A realm-wide quest is a great opportunity to score her Bitz and punch out, but she finds a magical artifact that links back to a forbidden quest line: the Helm of the dead leader of the Warhog Paladins.
The helm's friendly AI, Hex, Leads Mia on an entirely different quest, to find the main guildhall where she can discover what became of the old Warhog Paladins--a quest that could get her killed in Revivium, where Game Over means death...
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2023
82 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.
The story is very nostalgic to the beginning of the genre, but with some real life consequences.
I recommend this to anyone that enjoys a good Gamelit story and a story with a main plotting of intrigue.
The story is very nostalgic to the beginning of the genre, but with some real life consequences.
I recommend this to anyone that enjoys a good Gamelit story and a story with a main plotting of intrigue.
July 21, 2025
A fun exciting and cozy read - Yes I know that sounds weird, but as a gamer there was a cozy quality to starting a new game and learning all the ropes. The Warhog Paladin's did just that, it really captured the feeling of starting a new MMORPG, as well as dealing with the people who don't see that early spark of wonder any more.
While the opening has a bit of a hiccup with a flashback to the "why" behind Mia's actions to join the game that didn't quite feel connected to the time flow, as soon as she lands on Revivium the fun begins. As I said it really captured the essence of being new in a game and I enjoyed the RPG world that was this game.
That in-game currency can be cashed in when you leave to pay off you debt in the corporate real world, that artificial humans populate the in-game (and there is far more than meets the eye to them), but also you are literally/physically in the game adds to that danger.
Though I do wish that the rules (therefore the stakes) has been made clearer to the readers. Though we are told you can never come back, I wanted to know what that means. Was it forever? How would they keep gamers coming back or was it only per season? Or did they have to start all over again?
While the story also eludes to the fact that if you die in-game you die in real life, it was never explicitly stated and I'm still not sure if that is the truth or not. And we needed that to understand the stakes fully.
While I sped through this story, and really enjoyed it (and still give it 5 stars) I was a bit disappointed by the "end" or the climax as there really isn't one. As it was gaming related I was expecting a boss battle or some kind of fight to show us how far Mia has come, but we don't get that. Book 2 literally picked up the moment book 1 ends. And yes I will be reading on, that was a small let down.
Mia is a compelling character, she is one you root for very quickly, though I did want for more of her life prior to the game. We can guess a lot of it from her actions, but I would've liked to have a more solid understanding.
The last is the mystery of what happened to the Warhog Paladins and I loved the small pieces we learn and really can't wait to see how things unfold and what happens next.
While the opening has a bit of a hiccup with a flashback to the "why" behind Mia's actions to join the game that didn't quite feel connected to the time flow, as soon as she lands on Revivium the fun begins. As I said it really captured the essence of being new in a game and I enjoyed the RPG world that was this game.
That in-game currency can be cashed in when you leave to pay off you debt in the corporate real world, that artificial humans populate the in-game (and there is far more than meets the eye to them), but also you are literally/physically in the game adds to that danger.
Though I do wish that the rules (therefore the stakes) has been made clearer to the readers. Though we are told you can never come back, I wanted to know what that means. Was it forever? How would they keep gamers coming back or was it only per season? Or did they have to start all over again?
While the story also eludes to the fact that if you die in-game you die in real life, it was never explicitly stated and I'm still not sure if that is the truth or not. And we needed that to understand the stakes fully.
While I sped through this story, and really enjoyed it (and still give it 5 stars) I was a bit disappointed by the "end" or the climax as there really isn't one. As it was gaming related I was expecting a boss battle or some kind of fight to show us how far Mia has come, but we don't get that. Book 2 literally picked up the moment book 1 ends. And yes I will be reading on, that was a small let down.
Mia is a compelling character, she is one you root for very quickly, though I did want for more of her life prior to the game. We can guess a lot of it from her actions, but I would've liked to have a more solid understanding.
The last is the mystery of what happened to the Warhog Paladins and I loved the small pieces we learn and really can't wait to see how things unfold and what happens next.
August 18, 2024
Very good
This was simply a great book. It was a lot of fun. The MC is very likable and actually reminds me of Jimmy Stewart's character in Harvey. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
Also, how can I not like a book that uses one of my favorite quotes from Jurassic Park.
Highly recommended.
This was simply a great book. It was a lot of fun. The MC is very likable and actually reminds me of Jimmy Stewart's character in Harvey. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
Also, how can I not like a book that uses one of my favorite quotes from Jurassic Park.
Highly recommended.
November 6, 2025
The Warhog Paladins Is a rather intriguing story about a person who starts out with no implant, which is required for seeing the virtual displays the system uses. This is not usual in her world, typically, children implants are paid for by their parents. If the parents can't afford the implants, then corporate sponsors cover the cost, and payback of the cost is covered by the individual by working for the corporation until the cost of the implant is paid off.I'm sure I don't need to tell you this results in virtual slavery, since the cost is high, and the payback rate is low. In order to prevent her from being saddled with debt, her parents did not give her an implant. This made normal everyday life hard, since most things are enhanced by the implants, and some jobs are impossible without it. The main character enters the game as a way to obtain an implant without going into debt to a corporate sponsor. We aren't told just how she's supposed to pay back the implant cost, but most people in the games are working hard to earn enough money to pay off their debt, and be free of the corporate sponsors.
What we see after she arrives in the game is surprising to many of the other players, and because of her actions, she manages to raise the ire of several high level players who have been in the game a long time.
It leads to some interesting results, and by the end of the book, we're treated to a scene of her in a rather interesting guild with it's own history, that some would rather see not resurrected.
I liked this one, and already borrowed the next book in the series.
What we see after she arrives in the game is surprising to many of the other players, and because of her actions, she manages to raise the ire of several high level players who have been in the game a long time.
It leads to some interesting results, and by the end of the book, we're treated to a scene of her in a rather interesting guild with it's own history, that some would rather see not resurrected.
I liked this one, and already borrowed the next book in the series.
September 26, 2023
Interesting start
Overall the book was a good read, Grammer and pacing with a interesting storyline kept me hooked.
The plot was simple, but I think the author could have done a bit more with combat. It's more of a gambling then a litrpg to be honest. I would have liked to see more combat number to really gage how the mc was doing overall. Without those number she just seemed to level.
Background on the game and the overall world would be nice. It seems like its a mix of real world and game world.. the author never really covers how it all works.
I liked the mc she well adjusted and a bit naive and trusting for what was mentioned of her background. But her approch to the game was something I would do if I ever got to play.
I went with4 stars for a first time author and a interesting story. If the author was more established i would have given only 3 stars due to what I posted above.
I will read their next book though.
Enjoy.
Overall the book was a good read, Grammer and pacing with a interesting storyline kept me hooked.
The plot was simple, but I think the author could have done a bit more with combat. It's more of a gambling then a litrpg to be honest. I would have liked to see more combat number to really gage how the mc was doing overall. Without those number she just seemed to level.
Background on the game and the overall world would be nice. It seems like its a mix of real world and game world.. the author never really covers how it all works.
I liked the mc she well adjusted and a bit naive and trusting for what was mentioned of her background. But her approch to the game was something I would do if I ever got to play.
I went with4 stars for a first time author and a interesting story. If the author was more established i would have given only 3 stars due to what I posted above.
I will read their next book though.
Enjoy.
Read
August 20, 2024While the book started a bit clumsy, for me, midway through until the end, I enjoyed my time with it. The author created some compelling characters that I'm interested in getting to know better. The premise of the book though, is a little muddled, beyond earning cash in a game world that can be converted to IRL currency to pay debts and improve lives. There really isn't much worldbuilding for the actual world and limited in-game worldbuilding mostly to a tutorial city. I think the author is off to a decent start if this is a genre they want to write in. There are significant improvements, I feel that can be made, as this story progresses. Most importantly, I hope nothing I have for criticisms impact the author's desire to keep writing. There are technical writing skills that can be improved upon and LitRPG-specific themes that could be better. Enjoyable time with it. Hope the author keeps working on it.
October 21, 2023
This story immediately caught my attention and uses the progression mechanics not just to slowly give the character agency but also to deepen the mysteries of the rest of the story. I don't usually read litRPG but this one really hooked me and I really enjoyed the character story within it.
I really liked Mia Lark, the underdog protagonist from a bleak dystopia whose last chance to find and make a future for herself hinges on her performance in the game world of Revivium… where the in-game currency translates to real-world cachet, but only if you find a way to survive the game—or else die trying.
I am so excited to see what comes next from this author and these characters, because it's going to be a must-read for me.
I really liked Mia Lark, the underdog protagonist from a bleak dystopia whose last chance to find and make a future for herself hinges on her performance in the game world of Revivium… where the in-game currency translates to real-world cachet, but only if you find a way to survive the game—or else die trying.
I am so excited to see what comes next from this author and these characters, because it's going to be a must-read for me.
March 27, 2025
Female MC!
This book has a female main character. I have not seen that really in this genre, so it was nice. The story was well written (except for several typos) and interesting. The main character had a problem, found a solution to the problem, and worked to make it come to pass. There was a mystery too, something for her to solve, which was nice. I liked that not everything just fell into place for her; she struggled.
This book has a female main character. I have not seen that really in this genre, so it was nice. The story was well written (except for several typos) and interesting. The main character had a problem, found a solution to the problem, and worked to make it come to pass. There was a mystery too, something for her to solve, which was nice. I liked that not everything just fell into place for her; she struggled.
January 25, 2025
It’s a good book but needs editing. There are quite a few instances of misspelled or wrong words. For instance the author called a character Brain vs Brian elsewhere.
The author was a bit painful in using they/their when talking about Hex or Masi and would even mix it up and call Masi him and back and forth. It makes for some awkward scenes.
But overall a good story with a need of editing
The author was a bit painful in using they/their when talking about Hex or Masi and would even mix it up and call Masi him and back and forth. It makes for some awkward scenes.
But overall a good story with a need of editing
May 26, 2024
Excellent
Mia and Shift are a good team and they compliment each other , I'd like a better understanding of "the game" as there isn't a lot of information but book one was excellent and I'm off to start book teo.
Mia and Shift are a good team and they compliment each other , I'd like a better understanding of "the game" as there isn't a lot of information but book one was excellent and I'm off to start book teo.
August 5, 2024
Pleasant LitRPG and my first with a female lead. Good plot combined with the normal Ranger tropes (pets, arrow types). It became a bit of a buddy story and it appears the second book will center on party and guild.
January 12, 2025
solid LITRPG
I really enjoyed this book. A little more world building around why the game world exists and why the money is valuable outside the game world would be a solid addition.
I really enjoyed this book. A little more world building around why the game world exists and why the money is valuable outside the game world would be a solid addition.
August 31, 2025
Friends & Electronics
Story had a good flow, easy to read with story changes and additions and new directions; story of friendship, new life directions and a new life goal and of course good vs evil/bad.
Story had a good flow, easy to read with story changes and additions and new directions; story of friendship, new life directions and a new life goal and of course good vs evil/bad.
November 19, 2025
Captured my attention
Yeh, I found myself pretty intrigued from the beginning with this story. Patch did a great job in how he started the book, and the pacing throughout was great. I'm really fascinated with the world and characters. Can't wait to read the next book!
Yeh, I found myself pretty intrigued from the beginning with this story. Patch did a great job in how he started the book, and the pacing throughout was great. I'm really fascinated with the world and characters. Can't wait to read the next book!
March 16, 2024
Great read fun world
I liked the main character and the plot moved along at a good pace
Hope the series is slow to ramp up
I liked the main character and the plot moved along at a good pace
Hope the series is slow to ramp up
June 28, 2024
super fun read
Enough mystery and world building to keep my interest through out I’m excited to see where this goes. On to book two!
Enough mystery and world building to keep my interest through out I’m excited to see where this goes. On to book two!
August 19, 2024
YES! Just YES! This is why I play online games, for the exploration, but also not to lose my humanity. Not to hide behind an avatar, but to be good to myself and all others. To enjoy. Thank you.
July 5, 2025
Super fun book!
This is a fun and well written book. The characters come alive. I love rpgs and this one is spot on!
This is a fun and well written book. The characters come alive. I love rpgs and this one is spot on!
July 27, 2025
fun read
Needed another editing pass but I thoroughly enjoyed this book
It’s not lord of the rings but as long as the expectations is for a good fun Litrpg I think you’ll be fine
Needed another editing pass but I thoroughly enjoyed this book
It’s not lord of the rings but as long as the expectations is for a good fun Litrpg I think you’ll be fine
December 19, 2025
For young adults
While it is an ok story it is written for kids. Not close to Harry Potter interesting. Tried it do to the star ranking, made it 8 chapters before my brain went numb
While it is an ok story it is written for kids. Not close to Harry Potter interesting. Tried it do to the star ranking, made it 8 chapters before my brain went numb
December 14, 2024
I loved this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I saw it recommended online and I just decided to read it instead of read anything about it. I was not at all disappointed by this decision like I have been in the past. We have a strong FMC who preserves through challenging times where she maybe the weaker or outnumbered but her cleverness and persistence get her through. She is kind to NPCs unlike many other players so they are more willing to negotiate with and help her. And she has found a secret quest about a disbanded guild that leads her to finding a magic helm.
If you like persistent, clever, strong FMC this book is for you. If you enjoy action, adventuring, game lore, magic, fantasy, some sci-fi, this book is for you.
If you like persistent, clever, strong FMC this book is for you. If you enjoy action, adventuring, game lore, magic, fantasy, some sci-fi, this book is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
Really good LitRPG with a new world to explore.
The MC is not overpowered make her journey one of trial and error.
there is even a mystery to be solved.
I enjoyed the world building and character development as the story progresses.
there were a few grammatical errors and typos, but they did not hinder the story.
All in all, enjoyable entry to what I hope continues to be a good LitRPG series.
The MC is not overpowered make her journey one of trial and error.
there is even a mystery to be solved.
I enjoyed the world building and character development as the story progresses.
there were a few grammatical errors and typos, but they did not hinder the story.
All in all, enjoyable entry to what I hope continues to be a good LitRPG series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews