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10 hrs 33 mins
Humanity on the run. Desperate base building. Dark deeds done during daylight.
Joe has started to draw attention to himself and his abilities. While some of the attention is good and allows for personal growth, most of it is from various organizations that feel threatened by the sudden upswing of power that Joe’s guild—The Wanderers—are attaining.
As the threat to earth begins to reach its peak, all of humanity has a choice: flee to Eternium, or stay for an uncertain future. Some stay, some go, some don’t make the choice quickly enough. In Ardania, the human Kingdom is seeing an unprecedented influx of people. Supply and demand is an issue no matter where you go, as a civilization of a few million can’t prepare to accept an eighth of earth’s inhabitants at once.
Joe sets out to solve problems where he can, but he can’t be there for everyone… especially when a group of smiling enforcers are working to bring him down.
Humanity on the run. Desperate base building. Dark deeds done during daylight.
Joe has started to draw attention to himself and his abilities. While some of the attention is good and allows for personal growth, most of it is from various organizations that feel threatened by the sudden upswing of power that Joe’s guild—The Wanderers—are attaining.
As the threat to earth begins to reach its peak, all of humanity has a choice: flee to Eternium, or stay for an uncertain future. Some stay, some go, some don’t make the choice quickly enough. In Ardania, the human Kingdom is seeing an unprecedented influx of people. Supply and demand is an issue no matter where you go, as a civilization of a few million can’t prepare to accept an eighth of earth’s inhabitants at once.
Joe sets out to solve problems where he can, but he can’t be there for everyone… especially when a group of smiling enforcers are working to bring him down.
Audiobook
First published July 24, 2019
1814 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Krout
79 books2,884 followersAuthor of the best-selling Divine Dungeon, Completionist Chronicles, and Full Murderhobo series, Dakota Krout was chosen as Audible's top 5 fantasy pick of 2017, has been a top 5 bestseller on Amazon, and a top 6 bestseller on Audible.
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
November 10, 2019
Decent book, but I think I’m done with watching and waiting for this series in the future. If I see a new installment I may or may not read it.
I’m starting to realize the author has a crutch for campy humor. I’m not saying the jokes aren’t funny, however these books are like Adam Sandler movies. Happy Gilmore was great! Little Nicky just came off as sad, and this book was no different.
I really enjoyed the start of this book series because the protagonist was fun and OP. I also enjoyed how he started to make friends and have a team around him. Unfortunately, in this book his team doesn’t really mature with him. They are more or less forgotten about by the end. They do have a quest but Joe is the only survivor like always. So that was disappointing.
Joe now has more enemies than friends. Just like the authors other series, each book is just an ever increasing plot of one OP pissed off bad dude after another fighting the protagonist. Joe then has to come up with ever increasing over the top solutions to take care of each bad guy. I’m not saying the author should never use this type of plot device in his books, rather I’m say he’s already done it so why not try something new.
He could start with some character development. I don’t just mean adding to the story a “injection” or a new mythical device that gives the protagonist 15 more intelligence miraculously when he needs it. BUT some actual real growth. Side note, it was a funny quirk to see the injection had side effects (gastrointestinal distress and hugging people), but in the end the protagonist beats his opponents with little or no issues involving the side affects. It made me chuckle but didn’t help the plot.
Joe is an awesome character. The snarky AI (I wouldn’t be surprised to find out is Cal from the divine dungeon series) is great. However this book didn’t do anything to build up those awesome pieces. It was just another installment for a future new book.
QUESTIONS
This book barely touched the side plot of why the earth became so dangerous. Not to mention how did all the crystals get made? Why did Joe even need a pod? Why is there a time dilation in the game, if this is no longer a game? How is the internet still functioning in the mortal world if everyone is bailing out on the earth? If the entire earth pop. is going into the game, and not ending up where joe is, where did they go? If there is a nursery for kids under 16, and old people. Why can’t other people go there? It sounds like a utopia, why can’t that be the new world? Do all of the new people going into the game have full pain perception like Joe? If not why? None of this is even touched. There has to be reasons but none of it was discussed. I expect The author has figured out the answers to all these questions but I still wanted answers in this book not a future installment. His assumption is that we the readers would just gloss over these plot questions and wait patiently for his next book but his assumption is annoying. It’s also very evident in his writing. I get it as a fan I should just wait, but I have waited and the books aren’t getting any better..
How does a level 20 area exist, 60 - 100 miles away from the capitol with no other guilds or players knowing about it? How does that same area have hundreds of low level characters there? Some of the plot set up is just missing in this book.
I liked the book and it was an okay read. But! the quality of the authors writing is trending downward not upward.
I’m starting to realize the author has a crutch for campy humor. I’m not saying the jokes aren’t funny, however these books are like Adam Sandler movies. Happy Gilmore was great! Little Nicky just came off as sad, and this book was no different.
I really enjoyed the start of this book series because the protagonist was fun and OP. I also enjoyed how he started to make friends and have a team around him. Unfortunately, in this book his team doesn’t really mature with him. They are more or less forgotten about by the end. They do have a quest but Joe is the only survivor like always. So that was disappointing.
Joe now has more enemies than friends. Just like the authors other series, each book is just an ever increasing plot of one OP pissed off bad dude after another fighting the protagonist. Joe then has to come up with ever increasing over the top solutions to take care of each bad guy. I’m not saying the author should never use this type of plot device in his books, rather I’m say he’s already done it so why not try something new.
He could start with some character development. I don’t just mean adding to the story a “injection” or a new mythical device that gives the protagonist 15 more intelligence miraculously when he needs it. BUT some actual real growth. Side note, it was a funny quirk to see the injection had side effects (gastrointestinal distress and hugging people), but in the end the protagonist beats his opponents with little or no issues involving the side affects. It made me chuckle but didn’t help the plot.
Joe is an awesome character. The snarky AI (I wouldn’t be surprised to find out is Cal from the divine dungeon series) is great. However this book didn’t do anything to build up those awesome pieces. It was just another installment for a future new book.
QUESTIONS
This book barely touched the side plot of why the earth became so dangerous. Not to mention how did all the crystals get made? Why did Joe even need a pod? Why is there a time dilation in the game, if this is no longer a game? How is the internet still functioning in the mortal world if everyone is bailing out on the earth? If the entire earth pop. is going into the game, and not ending up where joe is, where did they go? If there is a nursery for kids under 16, and old people. Why can’t other people go there? It sounds like a utopia, why can’t that be the new world? Do all of the new people going into the game have full pain perception like Joe? If not why? None of this is even touched. There has to be reasons but none of it was discussed. I expect The author has figured out the answers to all these questions but I still wanted answers in this book not a future installment. His assumption is that we the readers would just gloss over these plot questions and wait patiently for his next book but his assumption is annoying. It’s also very evident in his writing. I get it as a fan I should just wait, but I have waited and the books aren’t getting any better..
How does a level 20 area exist, 60 - 100 miles away from the capitol with no other guilds or players knowing about it? How does that same area have hundreds of low level characters there? Some of the plot set up is just missing in this book.
I liked the book and it was an okay read. But! the quality of the authors writing is trending downward not upward.
March 1, 2021
It's so fun to break things. Stats, buildings, legends. Razing it all can be soooo fun! And punny!
Of course, this is a LitRPG and it's totally snarky, but the details are this: we're up to level 15+ and yet we've got some massive problems, like a massive influx of gamers and a somewhat mad-ish AI controlling the system. The reason for the influx? Oh, Earth is kinda going to a massive lovecraftian hell and there's this easy way to escape it all, free of charge, by hopping in the game.
Bonus for the ones already playing and strong enough to do something good, of course, but all those poor level one people...
Muahahahahaha peons get owned. Fortunately, there is this pretty decent bald chap who is pretty good with ritual magic and he's kinda badass in architecture and creative occultist magic use... and a master-level jump score.
And he was Razed right.
Of course, this is a LitRPG and it's totally snarky, but the details are this: we're up to level 15+ and yet we've got some massive problems, like a massive influx of gamers and a somewhat mad-ish AI controlling the system. The reason for the influx? Oh, Earth is kinda going to a massive lovecraftian hell and there's this easy way to escape it all, free of charge, by hopping in the game.
Bonus for the ones already playing and strong enough to do something good, of course, but all those poor level one people...
Muahahahahaha peons get owned. Fortunately, there is this pretty decent bald chap who is pretty good with ritual magic and he's kinda badass in architecture and creative occultist magic use... and a master-level jump score.
And he was Razed right.
August 10, 2019
I wish I could give this book a higher rating, but honestly, it was something of a mess.
The first 2/3 of the novel meandered, and I frankly started getting really bored. It felt like the author was stuffing things in that 'seemed important' but without doing the work of integrating them into the story properly. Things that happen in the beginning of the story have nothing to do with the climax (other than telling us how he leveled up). And some of the important things that happen (spoiler: like a monster that deletes player data), well, the MC just kind of shrugs and moves on, and so does everyone else. You'd think this kind of feature in the game would inspire terror, considering people are popping into the game to live the rest of their lives and they can't leave ... but no. And the whole thing about people coming into the game because the world is ending? Has been handled HORRIBLY. I get that Joe is focused on his own projects. But for goodness sake, you can't have major shit like that go down and then just move on to petty little details of the characters' lives like it doesn't matter.
Let's just say the suspension of disbelief is NOT there in this novel. If you're a big fan, read it. Otherwise, I suggest giving it a pass. Any sequels, I'll read a few pages and if it hasn't improved, I'll be moving on myself.
The first 2/3 of the novel meandered, and I frankly started getting really bored. It felt like the author was stuffing things in that 'seemed important' but without doing the work of integrating them into the story properly. Things that happen in the beginning of the story have nothing to do with the climax (other than telling us how he leveled up). And some of the important things that happen (spoiler: like a monster that deletes player data), well, the MC just kind of shrugs and moves on, and so does everyone else. You'd think this kind of feature in the game would inspire terror, considering people are popping into the game to live the rest of their lives and they can't leave ... but no. And the whole thing about people coming into the game because the world is ending? Has been handled HORRIBLY. I get that Joe is focused on his own projects. But for goodness sake, you can't have major shit like that go down and then just move on to petty little details of the characters' lives like it doesn't matter.
Let's just say the suspension of disbelief is NOT there in this novel. If you're a big fan, read it. Otherwise, I suggest giving it a pass. Any sequels, I'll read a few pages and if it hasn't improved, I'll be moving on myself.
November 17, 2020
Sort of hamster-wheeling in this one. Doesn't really progress the story much. Rituals have become routine, skill and level-ups don't have much impact, early game mechanics are now ignored (like penalties from having the wrong class selected), the plot with the nobility isn't much fun, the plot in the forest doesn't add anything, the loss of some mana doesn't seem to matter. Having the ritualist class out in the open eliminates a sense of risk, and there wasn't much "hidden"excitement. Finally, I have no idea what the point of the weird "we're all here permanently" plot is. This series has dropped from one of the more interesting in the genre to just average.
March 19, 2021
Notes:
10/17/19 (KU) - So many corny jokes/puns! lol
12/16/19 (Audio) - Audio was great! So much fun. =D
08/20/2020 (Audio) - 1st & 3rd books are still my fav! This re-listening spree has me realizing just how much is packed into each book.
10/17/19 (KU) - So many corny jokes/puns! lol
12/16/19 (Audio) - Audio was great! So much fun. =D
08/20/2020 (Audio) - 1st & 3rd books are still my fav! This re-listening spree has me realizing just how much is packed into each book.
July 26, 2019
Just wow
First things first, read Rexus before reading this book. I didn’t, thinking it was a side story, and it made the transition into the new story a bit of a hassle.
With that out of the way, what a great read! You can very clearly see that Dakota has allowed his character garden to grow organically, instead of it being a plot device. It really sets the whole story apart.
This isn’t just reserved for the main character either. We continue the see the world and settings evolve in new and interesting ways, making it for an extremely enjoyable and entertaining time.
First things first, read Rexus before reading this book. I didn’t, thinking it was a side story, and it made the transition into the new story a bit of a hassle.
With that out of the way, what a great read! You can very clearly see that Dakota has allowed his character garden to grow organically, instead of it being a plot device. It really sets the whole story apart.
This isn’t just reserved for the main character either. We continue the see the world and settings evolve in new and interesting ways, making it for an extremely enjoyable and entertaining time.
December 27, 2022
This is third in a LitRPG series that you'll want to read in order. Seriously.
Now that the main conflict is over, what are they going to have to do to move along? This story is a lot more beads-on-a-string than the previous ones as Joe doesn't really have a strong direction beyond "survive and help my guild".
This one also reveals the background impetus for humanity fleeing into the game, which was, well, odd. it's more than just background, as we start to see the influx of a lot of low-level players who aren't so much into gaming as they want a refuge from the terrible things happing in "the real world". I liked this dynamic, though, so I'll give it the alt-contemporary setup.
I enjoyed what we see of the adventures of Joe's mom. She's kind of awesome, but in a low-key kind of way.
Because of the narrative style shift, I was a bit less engaged with this one. I'm going to call it four stars, including my standard call0ut for the series that we still have Joe pushing the math to optimize his involvement with his world.
A note about Chaste: Still chaste. Joe just doesn't slow down long enough to form that kind of relationship and he's something of a driven loner. And I'm okay with that.
Now that the main conflict is over, what are they going to have to do to move along? This story is a lot more beads-on-a-string than the previous ones as Joe doesn't really have a strong direction beyond "survive and help my guild".
This one also reveals the background impetus for humanity fleeing into the game, which was, well, odd. it's more than just background, as we start to see the influx of a lot of low-level players who aren't so much into gaming as they want a refuge from the terrible things happing in "the real world". I liked this dynamic, though, so I'll give it the alt-contemporary setup.
I enjoyed what we see of the adventures of Joe's mom. She's kind of awesome, but in a low-key kind of way.
Because of the narrative style shift, I was a bit less engaged with this one. I'm going to call it four stars, including my standard call0ut for the series that we still have Joe pushing the math to optimize his involvement with his world.
A note about Chaste: Still chaste. Joe just doesn't slow down long enough to form that kind of relationship and he's something of a driven loner. And I'm okay with that.
September 24, 2019
So, he needs to keep his class secret but all of a sudden it's "hey guys, I'm a ritualist, join the club", no vetting of the noobs, nothing. Still entertaining but so many plot holes.
July 31, 2019
I like the series, but honestly this felt like a filler book compared to the others. Especially the ending felt kinda rushed were he destroyed the hardcore underground clown assassins in exactly one chapter that nearly destroyed him utterly for selling a unicorn rabbit to a pet store.
I also disliked heavily that - after the last book resolved guild conflict - the guild instantly started to try to fuck other it's most important member - who is on the way to be a triple A celebrity - with a to date useless and imaginary currency. The mature MC of course proceeded to behave like a teenage diva until the guild brought in his mother in an attempt to browbeat him into accepting an imaginary currency. The author might of course set up a followup joke in the upcoming sequel, but it still was very annoying. Especially since a quarter book later he instantly promised him the third highest position in the guild while doing nothing more than he did the whole time.
I disliked his choice of his new spells. Thjere he felt the need to get new combat spells to fight inside a high leveled forest environment. He of course ruled out fire spells since his affinity is water and darkness but although he's 2.5 times more intelligent than the average human he diddn't come to the conclusion that ice magic is the epitome of darkness and water magic. Ice magic that is know to wreck plants. So instead he learned a strange root rotting spell he trains up and then uses in exactly one chapter. The author might be going for the plantomancer class for which the MC found a faulty book so that he can become a plant rituarchitect that doesn't need wood or somesuch, but since nothing like this happened, we can only speculate.
He also got an warritualist artifact book of ultimate destruction for the small price of getting his mother a job. Sorry that's just bad style. If you chose one subclass over another, then don't grant him the powers of the other subclass and let him live with the consequences. Especially not for such a low price and especially not if the subclass he choice is uber powerful in it's own right.
The musk fandom in this book also always get's minus points in my opinion. Just leave him in the real world. All in all this book had definietly it's flaws and wasn't as entertaining as the last formers ones, so I can only give it a 'ok' on this scale.
I also disliked heavily that - after the last book resolved guild conflict - the guild instantly started to try to fuck other it's most important member - who is on the way to be a triple A celebrity - with a to date useless and imaginary currency. The mature MC of course proceeded to behave like a teenage diva until the guild brought in his mother in an attempt to browbeat him into accepting an imaginary currency. The author might of course set up a followup joke in the upcoming sequel, but it still was very annoying. Especially since a quarter book later he instantly promised him the third highest position in the guild while doing nothing more than he did the whole time.
I disliked his choice of his new spells. Thjere he felt the need to get new combat spells to fight inside a high leveled forest environment. He of course ruled out fire spells since his affinity is water and darkness but although he's 2.5 times more intelligent than the average human he diddn't come to the conclusion that ice magic is the epitome of darkness and water magic. Ice magic that is know to wreck plants. So instead he learned a strange root rotting spell he trains up and then uses in exactly one chapter. The author might be going for the plantomancer class for which the MC found a faulty book so that he can become a plant rituarchitect that doesn't need wood or somesuch, but since nothing like this happened, we can only speculate.
He also got an warritualist artifact book of ultimate destruction for the small price of getting his mother a job. Sorry that's just bad style. If you chose one subclass over another, then don't grant him the powers of the other subclass and let him live with the consequences. Especially not for such a low price and especially not if the subclass he choice is uber powerful in it's own right.
The musk fandom in this book also always get's minus points in my opinion. Just leave him in the real world. All in all this book had definietly it's flaws and wasn't as entertaining as the last formers ones, so I can only give it a 'ok' on this scale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2019
Rating 4.0 stars
This is a very good addition to the series. There were a couple of things that I thought were weird Joe is able to convert a group of people to worship Tatem and he was able to get a group of people to change their class to Ritualist in the story. Overall a good continuation of the series.
This is a very good addition to the series. There were a couple of things that I thought were weird Joe is able to convert a group of people to worship Tatem and he was able to get a group of people to change their class to Ritualist in the story. Overall a good continuation of the series.
February 5, 2023
I have rather mixed feelings about this book. As always I love Joe and Jackson and the gang, but especially the AI and its sense of humor. The plot was partially very irrelevant, a larger story is mentioned, but not further explained (a lot of people are coming into the game because the outside world is too dangerous. Why? What is happening, if all people are online can't your bodies still be killed, who protects the servers who does maintenance and upgrades?) I really hope the story will progress further in the next book. I still enjoy the series and am looking forward to future installments,altough I don't feel that this part is particularly necessary.
Reread 2023: I obviously have a soft spot for people who love bad puns,but still totally agree with the 2020 review.
Reread 2023: I obviously have a soft spot for people who love bad puns,but still totally agree with the 2020 review.
July 28, 2019
Can't believe I waited all this time for this garbage.
Apparently the author decided to let their little sibling take a crack at writing. The whole thing reads and this happened, then this happened and then this happened. Initial start barely touched on and everything devolved from there. No plans to continue with this series.
Apparently the author decided to let their little sibling take a crack at writing. The whole thing reads and this happened, then this happened and then this happened. Initial start barely touched on and everything devolved from there. No plans to continue with this series.
April 21, 2021
It took a while for the book to hit its stride, but when it was finally done with beaurocratic details and main character being an ass, it got really fun.
These books are always at their best when characters explore magic and the world, especially since so much of it is still unknown to both its inhabitants and the reader.
Conflicts between characters help build the protagonist's image as a well-meaning weirdo who tries to be assertive without solid social skills, but it sometimes feels forced and tired.
I had fun.
4 stars as a progression fantasy book. (3 if considered outside the genre)
These books are always at their best when characters explore magic and the world, especially since so much of it is still unknown to both its inhabitants and the reader.
Conflicts between characters help build the protagonist's image as a well-meaning weirdo who tries to be assertive without solid social skills, but it sometimes feels forced and tired.
I had fun.
4 stars as a progression fantasy book. (3 if considered outside the genre)
June 25, 2023
I skipped the third book of this series because it followed a character I didn't like. I didn't feel like I missed out on any of the story by skipping this book. He just came back with dinosaur hands, and I was glad that I didn't take my time to read the book.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others I have read. It might have been because the voice actor changed on Audible, but I really think it was the increased number of puns. There have been enough puns throughout these stories that it's noticeable. In this book, unfortunately, there were just too many for me, and I felt like it just took away from the storyline.
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others I have read. It might have been because the voice actor changed on Audible, but I really think it was the increased number of puns. There have been enough puns throughout these stories that it's noticeable. In this book, unfortunately, there were just too many for me, and I felt like it just took away from the storyline.
March 14, 2024
3.5 stars. Series MC is now getting more quirky as well. I would personally prefer less random stupidity. Unsure if I care to read on.
October 24, 2021
I love reading these books. Great characters and an awesome blend of fantasy and game play. Fan of D&D or WoW, definitely read!
August 21, 2025
Guaw, more characters, more plotlines, more complexity; how exciting.
August 11, 2020
Rating: 3.4/5
Review: Slow start and a fun resounding finish. On to the next!
Review: Slow start and a fun resounding finish. On to the next!
October 18, 2021
I am forgetting this is an RPG series…. And now all of humanity must enter the game or be killed by “real life” monsters. More action packed fun with Joe and his gang of misfits.
January 10, 2020
It's good
It's a good book and I'd definitely like to read more. I really wish the main character had more real relationships with people though, friendships a crush or something to make him feel like a person.
It's a good book and I'd definitely like to read more. I really wish the main character had more real relationships with people though, friendships a crush or something to make him feel like a person.
November 21, 2019
First of all, I am miffed about the switch in narrators. Vikas Adams was doing so well... I wish the author stuck with him. As for the book, this is nothing like the previous three. This one read like a manual. I felt apathetic to all the characters and to everything that was going on. And tbh, it felt like nothing much happened. I would have rather waited longer than have a poorly written book. Maybe if the author skipped the weird nonsensical Rexus novella and just invested more time on this one, it would have turned out better... this was a disappointment :-/
October 15, 2019
Put it down barely into the book.
Writing up a stupid guilt trip and having worthless GM bring MCs mom over to help guilt him was the final straw. Give me a break. Took me a while to pick up book 4, and when I hit that point I thought, “yep, that was a waste of time.” I’ve enjoyed some of the Dakotas other series, but didn’t even make 20% through this. Best thing from the book was, “Ask stupid questions, get stupid answers.”
Writing up a stupid guilt trip and having worthless GM bring MCs mom over to help guilt him was the final straw. Give me a break. Took me a while to pick up book 4, and when I hit that point I thought, “yep, that was a waste of time.” I’ve enjoyed some of the Dakotas other series, but didn’t even make 20% through this. Best thing from the book was, “Ask stupid questions, get stupid answers.”
August 10, 2019
Great story, characters, and writing. I was hesitant to put the book down.
Very Respectfully,
Shea
Very Respectfully,
Shea
April 12, 2025
2025: 3.75☆
2020: 3.75☆
2020: 3.75☆
July 13, 2022
After almost a year, this is me finally moving on to the rest of the series. It took me a while, but I'm ready to see what the rest of the series has to offer.
Minor sex and toilet humor, but nothing extremely graphic. (Well, there's some graphic toilet humor at the end, but nothing too bad.) There is quite a bit of violence and some disturbing mental images throughout the novel, so be wary of that as well.
As for the book it, this was kind of average for a Completionist Chronicles book. Like, yes, this series is more centered on slice of life kind of things... but before it became doom and gloom. The perk about Joe being a narrator is the fact that he is normally objective unless the issue gets the point he can no longer ignore it and that the game for him is unique because it is his life. This book in the series takes away both of those things. Joe is constantly criticizing the system, which, yes, he does do in earlier books, but he has an outright reason. (He challenges the Mage College because it got to the point he couldn't ignore them as a problem anymore. He didn't really appreciate them, but the solution was ignore. In this novel, he actively is against organizations because they all end up being corrupt. While this is in Joe's character, he wouldn't bring them up unless they were pertinent to his situation, but I found him complaining ALL THE TIME about the Guild or some other organization. ) The book also takes away this being Joe's reality in the sense that it becomes EVERYONE'S reality. Joe isn't special anymore, and he's literally forced to make houses for people. His life immediately became less interesting because he is no longer special or unique. (He is... but this book ripped away a lot of what made him an interesting person.)
Overall, the book was ok. I worry about the rest of the series, because this one did fall a little flat. The circus was interesting, but not really the note the author should have ended on. Everything else... meh. The greenhouse quest was boring. I only really cared about the circus and Joe frantically trying to figure out how to save his whole guild from being arrested for treason. This was an interesting book... but it dragged down from it's two predecessors.
Minor sex and toilet humor, but nothing extremely graphic. (Well, there's some graphic toilet humor at the end, but nothing too bad.) There is quite a bit of violence and some disturbing mental images throughout the novel, so be wary of that as well.
As for the book it, this was kind of average for a Completionist Chronicles book. Like, yes, this series is more centered on slice of life kind of things... but before it became doom and gloom. The perk about Joe being a narrator is the fact that he is normally objective unless the issue gets the point he can no longer ignore it and that the game for him is unique because it is his life. This book in the series takes away both of those things. Joe is constantly criticizing the system, which, yes, he does do in earlier books, but he has an outright reason. (He challenges the Mage College because it got to the point he couldn't ignore them as a problem anymore. He didn't really appreciate them, but the solution was ignore. In this novel, he actively is against organizations because they all end up being corrupt. While this is in Joe's character, he wouldn't bring them up unless they were pertinent to his situation, but I found him complaining ALL THE TIME about the Guild or some other organization. ) The book also takes away this being Joe's reality in the sense that it becomes EVERYONE'S reality. Joe isn't special anymore, and he's literally forced to make houses for people. His life immediately became less interesting because he is no longer special or unique. (He is... but this book ripped away a lot of what made him an interesting person.)
Overall, the book was ok. I worry about the rest of the series, because this one did fall a little flat. The circus was interesting, but not really the note the author should have ended on. Everything else... meh. The greenhouse quest was boring. I only really cared about the circus and Joe frantically trying to figure out how to save his whole guild from being arrested for treason. This was an interesting book... but it dragged down from it's two predecessors.
April 27, 2021
2.5, just a bit below average for me
Raze is another continuation of Joe’s journey in the world of Eternium. However, this time the Earth is under attack by a bunch of creatures which has forced the human population to flee into the game to avoid their inevitable demise. While this sounds quite literally "game-changing", the path the plot progresses on is not much different than the previous two iterations in this series.
While most of the elements of the series continue on the same route, I had a few issues with this third installment of The Completionist Chronicles that kept me from giving this book three stars. For starters, the whole earth being attacked seemed to come out of left field and we were given ZERO explanation for it in this book. Not that everything is required to be fully explained the moment it is introduced, but literally anything would have helped make this scenario less absurd. Had there been any form of explanation, I probably would not have found this plot hole so distracting. Joe's switch of keeping his class a secret into suddenly wanting everyone to hop aboard the ritualist train was quite jarring as well. It felt very contradictory to the previous books. & last of my actual complaints, is that there is no real sense of character development. The book really seems to lean on just having Joe's intellect stat conveniently increase rather than actually have some character growth beyond in-game stats.
Now this is more of a pet peeve than anything else, but the author keeps making random excuses to bring up programming lingo into Joe's dialog and I have found it to become increasingly more annoying throughout this series. I know the author is just finding a way to squeeze his previous profession into the story, but it feels out of place every time (as an actual software engineer, I assure you that random people are not just making programming references on the regular). I find it SO noticeable, and wish he would just cut it out already.
Overall, not the best in the series as it has some pretty noticeable plot holes. However, if you are able to look past them, the rest of the book is still fairly enjoyable.
Raze is another continuation of Joe’s journey in the world of Eternium. However, this time the Earth is under attack by a bunch of creatures which has forced the human population to flee into the game to avoid their inevitable demise. While this sounds quite literally "game-changing", the path the plot progresses on is not much different than the previous two iterations in this series.
While most of the elements of the series continue on the same route, I had a few issues with this third installment of The Completionist Chronicles that kept me from giving this book three stars. For starters, the whole earth being attacked seemed to come out of left field and we were given ZERO explanation for it in this book. Not that everything is required to be fully explained the moment it is introduced, but literally anything would have helped make this scenario less absurd. Had there been any form of explanation, I probably would not have found this plot hole so distracting. Joe's switch of keeping his class a secret into suddenly wanting everyone to hop aboard the ritualist train was quite jarring as well. It felt very contradictory to the previous books. & last of my actual complaints, is that there is no real sense of character development. The book really seems to lean on just having Joe's intellect stat conveniently increase rather than actually have some character growth beyond in-game stats.
Now this is more of a pet peeve than anything else, but the author keeps making random excuses to bring up programming lingo into Joe's dialog and I have found it to become increasingly more annoying throughout this series. I know the author is just finding a way to squeeze his previous profession into the story, but it feels out of place every time (as an actual software engineer, I assure you that random people are not just making programming references on the regular). I find it SO noticeable, and wish he would just cut it out already.
Overall, not the best in the series as it has some pretty noticeable plot holes. However, if you are able to look past them, the rest of the book is still fairly enjoyable.
July 3, 2023
The book starts a bit abruptly with huge consequences for humanity and only a lot of questions about what the heck is going on, but wow so much happens! I’m sad that Tatum is in deity jail for resurrecting the king, but now Joe has a longer term goal to aim for. Also, the influx of people directly drives a lot of the quests he accepts and the challenges he has to face. It’s nice to see him interact with his mother in-game.
I’m not sure why, but somehow I’m not quite trusting Aten. Joe is doing a lot for the guild and he even considers Aten a friend, but for some reason I feel like Aten would betray him for (whatever reason) at the drop of a hat.
I wonder what will happen to the Gameover that he’s targeted with the containment rituals? Is it really weakened and out of the picture? What exactly was it? At least he gets the greenhouse.
Joe attracts the ire of both the zoo and the architects guild and has to capture a creature for the zoo while the architects try to trick the Wanderers into committing treason by building the wall. Getting the best of the architects was great although it did turn into a one man show for that. The zoo quest allowed him to visit the black market coliseum and auction and then return to take them down on a quest for the queen.
Wow he’s gained so many more enemies in the zoo and all the nobility who participated in the coliseum and who were caught, and also all the guilds that were forcing a monopoly that is now abolished by royal decree. It feels like Joe just has a huge target on his back now.
I’m not sure why, but somehow I’m not quite trusting Aten. Joe is doing a lot for the guild and he even considers Aten a friend, but for some reason I feel like Aten would betray him for (whatever reason) at the drop of a hat.
I wonder what will happen to the Gameover that he’s targeted with the containment rituals? Is it really weakened and out of the picture? What exactly was it? At least he gets the greenhouse.
Joe attracts the ire of both the zoo and the architects guild and has to capture a creature for the zoo while the architects try to trick the Wanderers into committing treason by building the wall. Getting the best of the architects was great although it did turn into a one man show for that. The zoo quest allowed him to visit the black market coliseum and auction and then return to take them down on a quest for the queen.
Wow he’s gained so many more enemies in the zoo and all the nobility who participated in the coliseum and who were caught, and also all the guilds that were forcing a monopoly that is now abolished by royal decree. It feels like Joe just has a huge target on his back now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2022
I kinda want to give this book 3 stars, because I didn't find it very interesting. But since it wasn't bad and pretty much the same it was before I can't blame it much. Maybe my interest right now in LitRPGs is just less which has an effect on my enjoyment of these books.
But, once again I can't really see a specific goal for Joe and this book in general. It feels even more meandering than the one before, while the interaction in his party was a lot more boring.
Also, somehow I think the narrator changed Jaxons voice which felt weird. I rather liked the nasal one before, as it felt fitting. This one sounds more unhinged and less distinctive. Still, the narrator is dope, even though I liked it less this time.
So, more building of stuff, explaining the rituals. Even though everybody is now part of this world and not going back to earth, it feels less of having an actual impact. Even though the author keeps mentioning the influx of people and the problems this will bring. So now Joe has to build a greenhouse for food. How exciting... Sure, it is not a standard greenhouse, even becoming a dungeon at some point, but felt boring. And the wolfmen annoying as heck to listen too.
Somehow I feel more disconnected to the characters and less interested in how it might continue. Not sure I'll read the next one.
But, once again I can't really see a specific goal for Joe and this book in general. It feels even more meandering than the one before, while the interaction in his party was a lot more boring.
Also, somehow I think the narrator changed Jaxons voice which felt weird. I rather liked the nasal one before, as it felt fitting. This one sounds more unhinged and less distinctive. Still, the narrator is dope, even though I liked it less this time.
So, more building of stuff, explaining the rituals. Even though everybody is now part of this world and not going back to earth, it feels less of having an actual impact. Even though the author keeps mentioning the influx of people and the problems this will bring. So now Joe has to build a greenhouse for food. How exciting... Sure, it is not a standard greenhouse, even becoming a dungeon at some point, but felt boring. And the wolfmen annoying as heck to listen too.
Somehow I feel more disconnected to the characters and less interested in how it might continue. Not sure I'll read the next one.
March 13, 2020
Overall: +4
Book doesn't really bring anything new to the table. Author has tried to bring in some RTS/City Building tactics to the table, but it was only superficial. The book just regurgitates same old themes from earlier books. Overall a waste of time filler book that lack any purpose.
Writing/Pace/Plot:
As good as author's in game writing may be, his out game writing is just plain bad. Continuing from book 1 we have a nonsensical and ridiculously half baked explanation on why there'll be more players in the game...which again was not followed up. The whole thing didn't make any kind of sense. In game is similar to earlier books but a step down as new mechanics like divine points are somehow added and gods are held to task, but with no explanation on why or whom.
Characters: 0
Protagonist is part of a popular guild, he has a team and a coven of his own...yet nobody get any kind of character development. Characters (like his mom) just walk in and out as and when needed with no theme. In fact he calls his mom multiple times when she was out game, but once she's in game, he's forgotten all about her.
Note to author: Character development is not same as in game stat/skill development.
Book doesn't really bring anything new to the table. Author has tried to bring in some RTS/City Building tactics to the table, but it was only superficial. The book just regurgitates same old themes from earlier books. Overall a waste of time filler book that lack any purpose.
Writing/Pace/Plot:
As good as author's in game writing may be, his out game writing is just plain bad. Continuing from book 1 we have a nonsensical and ridiculously half baked explanation on why there'll be more players in the game...which again was not followed up. The whole thing didn't make any kind of sense. In game is similar to earlier books but a step down as new mechanics like divine points are somehow added and gods are held to task, but with no explanation on why or whom.
Characters: 0
Protagonist is part of a popular guild, he has a team and a coven of his own...yet nobody get any kind of character development. Characters (like his mom) just walk in and out as and when needed with no theme. In fact he calls his mom multiple times when she was out game, but once she's in game, he's forgotten all about her.
Note to author: Character development is not same as in game stat/skill development.
December 22, 2020
3 stars since I liked it.
Things that this book screwed up that the last two did not:
1) Wasted time. This is the biggest problem with this book by far. The author dedicates an incredible amount of each chapter to descriptions of battle and/or technical magic. I love battles and immersion as much as the next guy, but don't spend a thousand words describing every little encounter against a random monster. The earlier books understood this idea better, only going in-depth when it was very relevant to the plot. The book dispenses with the useless details in the final 25%, with the last few arcs about the wall and the arena.
2) Diluting the power system. This isn't huge, but it is annoying. The reader starts to lose connection to the power level system as we see no real displays of power and how they interact. Also the MC, who cannot even solo a level 30 animal suddenly manages to do some God-tier stuff. There is never a demonstration that a higher level player than the MC can whip them.
Things that this book screwed up that the last two did not:
1) Wasted time. This is the biggest problem with this book by far. The author dedicates an incredible amount of each chapter to descriptions of battle and/or technical magic. I love battles and immersion as much as the next guy, but don't spend a thousand words describing every little encounter against a random monster. The earlier books understood this idea better, only going in-depth when it was very relevant to the plot. The book dispenses with the useless details in the final 25%, with the last few arcs about the wall and the arena.
2) Diluting the power system. This isn't huge, but it is annoying. The reader starts to lose connection to the power level system as we see no real displays of power and how they interact. Also the MC, who cannot even solo a level 30 animal suddenly manages to do some God-tier stuff. There is never a demonstration that a higher level player than the MC can whip them.
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