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ShipCore #1
ShipCore
In space, isolation is a slow killer. Company quickens the pace.
Waking up adrift in an ancient battleground, Alex is left dazed and confused with no clue how she ended up trapped aboard a failing vessel. With only a mysterious voice in her head to guide her she must act in order to survive.
Every piece of the puzzle she collects only leads to more questions about her origins and the star she's trapped around might not be as deserted as she first thought.
All she knows for sure is that she could die at any minute, but Alex is not going to go down without a fight.Don't miss the start of this space faring, survival LitRPG Adventure filled with game elements, vivid characters that are easy to root for, an evolving A.I., explosive ship battles, and so much more. Grab your copy today!
Waking up adrift in an ancient battleground, Alex is left dazed and confused with no clue how she ended up trapped aboard a failing vessel. With only a mysterious voice in her head to guide her she must act in order to survive.
Every piece of the puzzle she collects only leads to more questions about her origins and the star she's trapped around might not be as deserted as she first thought.
All she knows for sure is that she could die at any minute, but Alex is not going to go down without a fight.Don't miss the start of this space faring, survival LitRPG Adventure filled with game elements, vivid characters that are easy to root for, an evolving A.I., explosive ship battles, and so much more. Grab your copy today!
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
536 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 7, 2025
LitRPG in space has been a strong draw for me lately. So this was a big disappointment. I don't know why the author thought to tag this as LitRPG, but there's no hint of game or system or mechanics (skills? class? stats? advancement? nothing) that are intrinsic to that subgenre. So I'm not sure if my negative reaction is from being lied to or because I just got bored.
If you're looking for a space survival story with an interesting protagonist, then this is probably just about right. Alex is engaging and her plight is dire. And I love how she knuckles down and gets things done and always looks for the good things while she's at it. It did get a little annoying when she was trying to befriend an enemy. I mean, I'm not saying just space the girl like the always pragmatic ship computer requests/demands. But I'm not not saying that, either...
Which sounds like I was interested in the story, but after the third or fourth time playing tag with hostile drones I found myself tired of the repetition. It might have helped if Alex had any hint of an overall goal, but she's really just wandering the space junkyard looking for scraps with no target or sense of external civilization anywhere. As far as she knows, this ship represents the last gasp of humanity and she has no starting point for digging further.
I'd have given this a second star because Alex was engaging even if I ended up bored with the story. The LitRPG lie costs it even that much consideration. So one star.
If you're looking for a space survival story with an interesting protagonist, then this is probably just about right. Alex is engaging and her plight is dire. And I love how she knuckles down and gets things done and always looks for the good things while she's at it. It did get a little annoying when she was trying to befriend an enemy. I mean, I'm not saying just space the girl like the always pragmatic ship computer requests/demands. But I'm not not saying that, either...
Which sounds like I was interested in the story, but after the third or fourth time playing tag with hostile drones I found myself tired of the repetition. It might have helped if Alex had any hint of an overall goal, but she's really just wandering the space junkyard looking for scraps with no target or sense of external civilization anywhere. As far as she knows, this ship represents the last gasp of humanity and she has no starting point for digging further.
I'd have given this a second star because Alex was engaging even if I ended up bored with the story. The LitRPG lie costs it even that much consideration. So one star.
March 7, 2024
Good but I don't know where the RPG part is
Interesting story. Wake up with no memory certain abilities barely know who you are no past. Of course it's all about the MC's humanity. Or learning about it anyways. In a debris field Fighting against drones. The latter half of the book does finally reach some civilization And the MC must learn to negotiate with (Other?)Humans. Overall interesting story. I enjoyed it and I look forward to the second book.
Interesting story. Wake up with no memory certain abilities barely know who you are no past. Of course it's all about the MC's humanity. Or learning about it anyways. In a debris field Fighting against drones. The latter half of the book does finally reach some civilization And the MC must learn to negotiate with (Other?)Humans. Overall interesting story. I enjoyed it and I look forward to the second book.
February 9, 2024
DNF
Made it to 25% of the book and gave up. There just isn't enough going on. So far it's mostly the MC complaining/in discussion with the computer. It was fun for a bit, but it's just tiring after a quarter of the book.
Made it to 25% of the book and gave up. There just isn't enough going on. So far it's mostly the MC complaining/in discussion with the computer. It was fun for a bit, but it's just tiring after a quarter of the book.
February 26, 2024
A Pleasant Surprise
I've been in a bit of a slump recently. I've started and stopped probably a half a dozen books / series for one reason or another. Then, Amazon recommended this book to me. The cover alone was almost enough for me to not even consider it. (I don't hate anime, but it seemed to lean a little too heavily into the genre.) I'm quite happy that I didn't pass as the book was a very enjoyable read.
As others have said, this story isn't super LitRPG other than some elements of progression fantasy (and inventory type systems). For me, I was more than happy for that to be the case. LitRPG can lean so far into upgrades and side quests that the authors forget they're writing a story. ShipCore is a fun story...with RPG elements (in all of the best ways). The author did a great job of world building, developing the main characters, and also allowing for some progression (although I actually wouldn't have minded more progression).
For a first time author, there were few grammatical errors and the editing seemed to be quite good. The action sequences were concisely written and were very enjoyable. At times with Kindle Unlimited books, I find myself skipping over action sequences because they can drag or aren't interesting, not so with ShipCore. The characters were interesting (if a bit familiar).
I've been in a bit of a slump recently. I've started and stopped probably a half a dozen books / series for one reason or another. Then, Amazon recommended this book to me. The cover alone was almost enough for me to not even consider it. (I don't hate anime, but it seemed to lean a little too heavily into the genre.) I'm quite happy that I didn't pass as the book was a very enjoyable read.
As others have said, this story isn't super LitRPG other than some elements of progression fantasy (and inventory type systems). For me, I was more than happy for that to be the case. LitRPG can lean so far into upgrades and side quests that the authors forget they're writing a story. ShipCore is a fun story...with RPG elements (in all of the best ways). The author did a great job of world building, developing the main characters, and also allowing for some progression (although I actually wouldn't have minded more progression).
For a first time author, there were few grammatical errors and the editing seemed to be quite good. The action sequences were concisely written and were very enjoyable. At times with Kindle Unlimited books, I find myself skipping over action sequences because they can drag or aren't interesting, not so with ShipCore. The characters were interesting (if a bit familiar).
June 12, 2024
ShipCore is a wonderful adventure starring an interesting MC who is part AI and part Human. She is supplemented by a snarky Ship AI whom she has authority over, much to its disagreement over the efficiency of the arrangement, and a woken-from-cryo time-skipped Marine who has every reason to hate AI. Would definitely recommend if you are a fan of AI or space-based Sci-fi. Overall the style feels cohesive and creates a nice narrative. The story bounces to other viewpoints to create perspective and flesh out the narrative.
I have very much enjoyed the build a ship to survive and fake it till you make it kind of feel the story has had. It is feel-good and funny while also including tech, strategic warfare, politics, and economics. Characters are where I feel the story could improve. The characters that are built into the first portion of the story are not fleshed out very well (MC/Ship AI memory loss issues do not assist with this). Supplementary characters who get introduced do not have much time devoted to their explanation even though some have become recurring elements. Character growth for the three main characters has been extremely slow moving in comparison to the pace of events unfolding. It is not bad, it could just be better.
I have very much enjoyed the build a ship to survive and fake it till you make it kind of feel the story has had. It is feel-good and funny while also including tech, strategic warfare, politics, and economics. Characters are where I feel the story could improve. The characters that are built into the first portion of the story are not fleshed out very well (MC/Ship AI memory loss issues do not assist with this). Supplementary characters who get introduced do not have much time devoted to their explanation even though some have become recurring elements. Character growth for the three main characters has been extremely slow moving in comparison to the pace of events unfolding. It is not bad, it could just be better.
February 7, 2024
Shipcore is *not* a LitRPG story. (let me repeat that). This is in no way shape or form any even remotely related to LitRPG or even gamelit. There are zero stats, no skills, no character advancement, nothing at all that would tie this story to the LitRPG or gamelit genres. So, if you picked up this book because it claimed it was LitRPG, then you'll want to return it, because this is blatant false advertising.
On the other hand, if you bought the book because it's a scifi story, then you're in luck, because the scifi elements in this story are great, and the story is a fantastic showcasing of spacebound scifi storytelling. In that regard, this book is just about as good as they get, and I won't hesitate to recommend it for folks looking for space related scifi stories.
I will *not* under any circumstances even remotely refer to this story as LitRPG or gamelit, because it doesn't have a single solitary thing to do with either one of those genres. Minus 1 star for false advertising.
On the other hand, if you bought the book because it's a scifi story, then you're in luck, because the scifi elements in this story are great, and the story is a fantastic showcasing of spacebound scifi storytelling. In that regard, this book is just about as good as they get, and I won't hesitate to recommend it for folks looking for space related scifi stories.
I will *not* under any circumstances even remotely refer to this story as LitRPG or gamelit, because it doesn't have a single solitary thing to do with either one of those genres. Minus 1 star for false advertising.
February 24, 2024
ship Core, good story the MC needs to be just a bit brighter and more aware.
Like a lot of new series, this one starts out slow. The story starts out as a survival RPG, where the MC finds herself in a derelict broken down spaceship. As the story progresses, the MC learns about her environment and how to improve it. In my opinion, too much of the story takes place in this survival mode, it doesn’t get interesting until they reach a space station, which is almost at the end of the book. The author writes the MC as a likable, but somewhat of an airhead character. I don’t think a character like that can carry a book or the series. I’m sitting here reading and thinking to myself. Can you make your MC more situationally aware. After all she is what she is, no spoilers. The character is likable, but you don’t want her to make stupid decisions. This takes away from her charisma as far as I’m concerned. The premise is interesting and I do like science fiction based RPG’s so I will go on and read the next book when it arrives.
Like a lot of new series, this one starts out slow. The story starts out as a survival RPG, where the MC finds herself in a derelict broken down spaceship. As the story progresses, the MC learns about her environment and how to improve it. In my opinion, too much of the story takes place in this survival mode, it doesn’t get interesting until they reach a space station, which is almost at the end of the book. The author writes the MC as a likable, but somewhat of an airhead character. I don’t think a character like that can carry a book or the series. I’m sitting here reading and thinking to myself. Can you make your MC more situationally aware. After all she is what she is, no spoilers. The character is likable, but you don’t want her to make stupid decisions. This takes away from her charisma as far as I’m concerned. The premise is interesting and I do like science fiction based RPG’s so I will go on and read the next book when it arrives.
February 12, 2024
This was a great find, The book starts with a slow burn and doesn't take any easy shortcuts in build up of the characters, world, or story. The narrator, Reba Buhr, did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and adding the perfect amount of drama and emotion to every scene. Each character is unique and well written, and the universe they exist in is filled with a lot of slow revealed secrets. I was a little confused with the "litRPG" entry in the title as the book does not have the typical characteristics you'd expect in that genre and instead is more akin to a progression sci-fi novel. Apparently, this changes in book two and builds on some foundations set in book one. That never takes away from this book, however, as the progression is hard-won and gives the story a sense of satisfaction. I am looking forward to the next installment!
March 18, 2025
it lured Me In
I got this during an Amazon Free Book event and honestly wasn't expecting much. To my surprise and delight, this is a very good book. I don't want to say too much because much of my enjoyment came from how the story unfolds so let me ask you this: would a story about rogue AIs who believe they're acting for humanity's best interests but are then aggrieved when humanity disagrees and then still manage a few surprises, interest you? If you say no, I agree, I wouldn't either but this is about more than that thankfully. You just have to read it, you'll love it.
I got this during an Amazon Free Book event and honestly wasn't expecting much. To my surprise and delight, this is a very good book. I don't want to say too much because much of my enjoyment came from how the story unfolds so let me ask you this: would a story about rogue AIs who believe they're acting for humanity's best interests but are then aggrieved when humanity disagrees and then still manage a few surprises, interest you? If you say no, I agree, I wouldn't either but this is about more than that thankfully. You just have to read it, you'll love it.
February 8, 2024
Long, entirely too little going on
Overall there was good characterization, and the concept of the plot was good, but pacing wise it was a novella stretched eight times too long.
If you enjoy blow by blow space fights between ships, drones etc, there is a lot. Also a lot of salvaging and repair work, and figuring out to make things work.
Also, while there were game stats in the back of the book, the story itself had no overt game mechanics.
Overall there was good characterization, and the concept of the plot was good, but pacing wise it was a novella stretched eight times too long.
If you enjoy blow by blow space fights between ships, drones etc, there is a lot. Also a lot of salvaging and repair work, and figuring out to make things work.
Also, while there were game stats in the back of the book, the story itself had no overt game mechanics.
June 14, 2024
A fun space opera read, it was enjoyable specifically because of all the technical talk and specifications of the ships and the concept of nanites creating AI constructs being part machine and part human but remaining separate thinkers is an interesting sci-fi concept. That made it very entertaining to read, though the main character Alex does seem to suffer from "main girl lead" syndrome because she is intelligent until its plot convenient for her to act dumb and childish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2024
A fun, if slightly under realized sci-fi space opera. I wish the story had either focused a lot more heavily on lit-rpg elements (such as more focus on consolidation of resources and upgrading the ship), or perhaps streamlined the narrative and left out the lit-rpg elements which didn’t seem to do much. Recommended if you want a sci-fi story focused on upgrading a derelict ship in an ancient, abandoned battlefield.
February 7, 2024
I caught this on the LitRPG Reddit post. Nice premise and thought it would be enjoyable to read something that isn't sword and sorcery nor isekai.
It was ok. I enjoyed it but the book could use another editing pass. We had a few times where things were repeated and character development was slight to non-existent.
Also, there's 0 LitRPG here. Absolutely 0.
I might pick up the next one.
It was ok. I enjoyed it but the book could use another editing pass. We had a few times where things were repeated and character development was slight to non-existent.
Also, there's 0 LitRPG here. Absolutely 0.
I might pick up the next one.
March 18, 2024
I'm a starship avatar?
This was not a typical core type LitRPG story. Lots of interesting ship combat and an amnesia MC with a computer companion. I would never consider building 2 AI systems into the same ship. Some of the traps, battles and deaths seem a bit contrived but a reasonable explanation is provided. A unique take on a core novel. I'm looking forward to the next book.
This was not a typical core type LitRPG story. Lots of interesting ship combat and an amnesia MC with a computer companion. I would never consider building 2 AI systems into the same ship. Some of the traps, battles and deaths seem a bit contrived but a reasonable explanation is provided. A unique take on a core novel. I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 24, 2024
Boring
The first three quarters lack any solid story and have nothing to carry it except two very flat characters. There is an excess of techno babble with no direction. By the time any real interaction is happening, you no longer are even remotely interested. The lack of any setting or any fully developed characters this never had a chance.
The first three quarters lack any solid story and have nothing to carry it except two very flat characters. There is an excess of techno babble with no direction. By the time any real interaction is happening, you no longer are even remotely interested. The lack of any setting or any fully developed characters this never had a chance.
February 9, 2024
Erios909 delivers the goods
Alex's misadventures in salvage and recovery and desperately trying to stay alive are a delight. Full of character and well executed techno babble with a solid heaping of hard SF, this is a story very much worth reading.
Alex's misadventures in salvage and recovery and desperately trying to stay alive are a delight. Full of character and well executed techno babble with a solid heaping of hard SF, this is a story very much worth reading.
March 10, 2024
This was not a LitRPG, but still an interesting story. I read through it within a few days and am craving more. There are hints at an interesting past, and to a large universe that Alex, Nameless and Elis can explore. Looking forward to it.
April 19, 2024
Sci-fi fun in space
I enjoyed the premise of this book. The "starting from nothing" and then having to build up to a ship and defend yourself - this book pulls it off in a really intriguing manner. Looking forward to how the works expands in the next book!
I enjoyed the premise of this book. The "starting from nothing" and then having to build up to a ship and defend yourself - this book pulls it off in a really intriguing manner. Looking forward to how the works expands in the next book!
June 9, 2025
I had low expectation because of the seemingly AI generated cover, but I got pleasantry surprised by the story and by the characters that were pleasantry more complex than expected (they develop in the various books).
August 25, 2025
For some reason I thought this was a LitRPG series, but it's really just more of an Sci-Fi series with cyborgs and AI... I've just grown conditioned to think of Core in a LitRPG context...
Still enjoyed it... real Bobiverse vibes...
Still enjoyed it... real Bobiverse vibes...
February 7, 2024
Yeah you can tell by the number of stars that I gave this book that I didn't much like it. Even the action board me and I generally love action, Also I never warmed up to the MC.
February 12, 2024
Quite fun
This book was a fun, relatively quick read.
It does start out rather slow, but it will pick up. It's well worth the read.
Highly recommended.
This book was a fun, relatively quick read.
It does start out rather slow, but it will pick up. It's well worth the read.
Highly recommended.
February 19, 2024
Nice spaceship novel but not litrpg.
February 22, 2024
Really good story.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next book. The characters are good and the setting is great.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next book. The characters are good and the setting is great.
dnf
March 18, 2024Dnf @21%
May 25, 2024
nice
I’m an old fart who stumbled on this series from an ig ad. I really liked the book, and am looking forward for the next one.
I’m an old fart who stumbled on this series from an ig ad. I really liked the book, and am looking forward for the next one.
June 15, 2024
Too slow.
February 6, 2025
Fun reading.
This is a fun toread/listen to book.
After a bit of a slow start (short), the pace just keeps up.
Bought the second book before I finished this one
This is a fun toread/listen to book.
After a bit of a slow start (short), the pace just keeps up.
Bought the second book before I finished this one
April 19, 2025
64% in and just didn’t want to read yet more “drone” battle stuff.
October 15, 2025
My first time reading anything from this writer. I will be short I found it to be a sci-fi original adventure with positive potential.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews