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The Last Emperor #1
Shepherd's Wolf
Verdia is the greatest game ever played - a virtual world that blurs the line between imagination and reality. Many play for power and fame; others play to escape the pain and loneliness of real life. One boy, paralyzed at birth, knows no other world. For Ben Shepherd, Verdia is home. The Shepherd is Verdia’s most famous and mysterious blacksmith, constructing armor and weapons for elite and wealthy players while hiding from public view. Players ponder the Shepherd’s true identity, and Ben creates his masterpieces in isolation. Ben discovers friendship in the form of an enormous white wolf - a creature unique in all of Verdia. As news of the boy and his wolf spreads, Ben becomes the target of greed, envy, and fear; Ben’s tranquil life is shattered. A band of strangers, united by compassion, will battle a perilous landscape and unrelenting enemies to deliver the Shepherd and his wolf to a new home. To succeed, they must enlist the help of an enemy - a player who is as powerful as he is hated. They will discover that a small group of friends can face impossible odds, and that a hero can hide beneath a villain’s mask.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
500 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2013
34 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 23, 2018
Wild and amazing ride
Jumping back and forth between a game and reality in a book is only fun when it's done right. In this case, it has worked amazingly. The story is intriguing, real and funny. I could have happily read an entire seriesof this book. Great work.
Jumping back and forth between a game and reality in a book is only fun when it's done right. In this case, it has worked amazingly. The story is intriguing, real and funny. I could have happily read an entire seriesof this book. Great work.
October 27, 2016
Would normally not give a LitRPG themed book lower than 4 stars simply to promote the genre. I have a steep curve, meaning a 3.1 is rounded up to 4 stars. Thus that means this book deserves less than 3 stars and would normally be a 2.2 star.
Why such a low rating? I love LitRPGs and when finding out that the main character was a blacksmith I was excited. That has not been done before. Project Daily Grind and Survival Quest: Way of the Shaman have focused on how crafting or resource skills resulted in the character advancing as opposed to a more combative progression. That was not the case.
We see no character advancement and instead skip forward to being told he's the best smith there is and ever will be. Not sure why that matters, he instead gets wrapped up an adventure meaning there was no point for him to be a smith. No equipping his comrades with gear, repairing items, etc.
I could get over that, disappointed yes... but I'd move on. What made me put the book down was the fact that even though there are millions of players and wars with tens of thousands there are single players, due to level only, that are the deciding factor in the battle. A single level 100 player can apparently slay 1000 lv50+ without being hurt. Even 10 levels above simply makes you a god apparently.
I started off liking it, lot of the original ideas were interesting. The author can write well enough, he just needed some good Beta readers and an editor to give some notes.
Sorry if that sounds rough, not trying to be spiteful. My honest review is that your book comes off as unrealistic (in the settings of your own world), the characters are convoluted, your premise is all over the place, and a lot of it just makes no real sense....
Why such a low rating? I love LitRPGs and when finding out that the main character was a blacksmith I was excited. That has not been done before. Project Daily Grind and Survival Quest: Way of the Shaman have focused on how crafting or resource skills resulted in the character advancing as opposed to a more combative progression. That was not the case.
We see no character advancement and instead skip forward to being told he's the best smith there is and ever will be. Not sure why that matters, he instead gets wrapped up an adventure meaning there was no point for him to be a smith. No equipping his comrades with gear, repairing items, etc.
I could get over that, disappointed yes... but I'd move on. What made me put the book down was the fact that even though there are millions of players and wars with tens of thousands there are single players, due to level only, that are the deciding factor in the battle. A single level 100 player can apparently slay 1000 lv50+ without being hurt. Even 10 levels above simply makes you a god apparently.
I started off liking it, lot of the original ideas were interesting. The author can write well enough, he just needed some good Beta readers and an editor to give some notes.
Sorry if that sounds rough, not trying to be spiteful. My honest review is that your book comes off as unrealistic (in the settings of your own world), the characters are convoluted, your premise is all over the place, and a lot of it just makes no real sense....
October 19, 2016
Subjectively, Phenomenally Entertaining... Objectively, Ending a Prime Example of What NOT To Do
I never read READY PLAYER ONE- I do have the paperback sitting on a shelf (and may finally pick it up). I am, though, deeply fond of Niven & Barnes' DREAM PARK books and others of the same ilk. What M. Andrew Reid achieved in SHEPHERD'S WOLF goes beyond even Niven & Barnes, an epic scale on par with the mega-long book authors, i.e. Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind, etcetera. Reid smoothly handles real & virtual world story transitions, gives every character an appropriate amount of establishing "face time" with individual motivations, gives all the locales gravitas, textures the background with interesting details, and then brings ALL the elements together in one grand, "all-together-now" conflict. Simply solid story crafting on every level. Well, except with the ending, which I will touch on in the "Big HOWEVER" later on.
Regardless of ending, how did I truly know I had a top notch, best-of-the-best reading experience? When I afterwards repeatedly daydream myself into the same environment, an environment so rich and full, I can play about in my imagination with freedom... without breaking any of the world "rules". And that very element of continual mental savoring after the last page is the pinnacle of my subjective rating. So SHEPHERD'S WOLF gets my unreserved **subjective** five stars and recommendation.
The Big HOWEVER:
Be aware the book leads directly into a second, not-as-of-yet released book. In fact, **objectively** speaking, I am conflicted on how to rate the book since aren't any *real* overarching conclusions or answers, even after near 500 pages. It actually prompts yet more, even deeper questions.
From what I understand from Reid's blog, SHEPHARD'S WOLF was released three years ago very much under the radar, and thus didn't sell very well. As a result, the second book was put on the infamous bucket list until about four months ago when awareness of Reid's work suddenly sky-rocketed. Awareness and sales means practical motivation, eh? Bodes well for both the original release fans and relative newcomers, like myself, for the next step forward.
Still, the ending stands as a perfect example of -What Not to Do- with a first book when a relatively quick follow-up isn't in set in stone. I am sure we can all think of otherwise favorite serials that fell into the same initial trap and the resulting frustration backlash. Until the second is finally released, the ending of SHEPHERD'S WOLF is undisputedly going to be a polarizing point for many readers.
Nevertheless, unlike the vast majority of planned serials that leave off on an abrupt cliffhanger, I came away from the ending pages curiously satisfied, a sense of internal completion, a pleasant feeling I am apparently not alone in, hand-in-hand with a determined eagerness for the next installment. I will go one further, and in spite of having already read the free Prime Reading copy of the book, I will definitely also fully purchase the first as well since I like starting all over from the beginning with every new serial installment - you can then imagine how much reading value I got out of the WHEEL OF TIME series. And not to forget the indeterminable wait we had between those book installments... LOL
I never read READY PLAYER ONE- I do have the paperback sitting on a shelf (and may finally pick it up). I am, though, deeply fond of Niven & Barnes' DREAM PARK books and others of the same ilk. What M. Andrew Reid achieved in SHEPHERD'S WOLF goes beyond even Niven & Barnes, an epic scale on par with the mega-long book authors, i.e. Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind, etcetera. Reid smoothly handles real & virtual world story transitions, gives every character an appropriate amount of establishing "face time" with individual motivations, gives all the locales gravitas, textures the background with interesting details, and then brings ALL the elements together in one grand, "all-together-now" conflict. Simply solid story crafting on every level. Well, except with the ending, which I will touch on in the "Big HOWEVER" later on.
Regardless of ending, how did I truly know I had a top notch, best-of-the-best reading experience? When I afterwards repeatedly daydream myself into the same environment, an environment so rich and full, I can play about in my imagination with freedom... without breaking any of the world "rules". And that very element of continual mental savoring after the last page is the pinnacle of my subjective rating. So SHEPHERD'S WOLF gets my unreserved **subjective** five stars and recommendation.
The Big HOWEVER:
Be aware the book leads directly into a second, not-as-of-yet released book. In fact, **objectively** speaking, I am conflicted on how to rate the book since aren't any *real* overarching conclusions or answers, even after near 500 pages. It actually prompts yet more, even deeper questions.
From what I understand from Reid's blog, SHEPHARD'S WOLF was released three years ago very much under the radar, and thus didn't sell very well. As a result, the second book was put on the infamous bucket list until about four months ago when awareness of Reid's work suddenly sky-rocketed. Awareness and sales means practical motivation, eh? Bodes well for both the original release fans and relative newcomers, like myself, for the next step forward.
Still, the ending stands as a perfect example of -What Not to Do- with a first book when a relatively quick follow-up isn't in set in stone. I am sure we can all think of otherwise favorite serials that fell into the same initial trap and the resulting frustration backlash. Until the second is finally released, the ending of SHEPHERD'S WOLF is undisputedly going to be a polarizing point for many readers.
Nevertheless, unlike the vast majority of planned serials that leave off on an abrupt cliffhanger, I came away from the ending pages curiously satisfied, a sense of internal completion, a pleasant feeling I am apparently not alone in, hand-in-hand with a determined eagerness for the next installment. I will go one further, and in spite of having already read the free Prime Reading copy of the book, I will definitely also fully purchase the first as well since I like starting all over from the beginning with every new serial installment - you can then imagine how much reading value I got out of the WHEEL OF TIME series. And not to forget the indeterminable wait we had between those book installments... LOL
February 18, 2017
Much better than I expected
Not great literature, but well crafted with engaging characters and interesting plot twists. Looking forward to the sequel. THERE BETTER BE ONE
Not great literature, but well crafted with engaging characters and interesting plot twists. Looking forward to the sequel. THERE BETTER BE ONE
January 16, 2017
This story was rich in creativity; there were plot twists, various "worlds", distinct characters, super cool magic.... but it left me wanting more. The writing needed a lot of work, I don't enjoy battle scenes and it was loaded down with them, and it felt hollow. I feel it has a good structure and was fleshed out poorly. I'm also extremely confused at the ending. I posted a discussion thread in hopes of finding answers; potentially these answers will increase my opinion of the story.
Also, I've never read this genre before so that could just mean I don't enjoy this type of literature. Not sure.
Also, I've never read this genre before so that could just mean I don't enjoy this type of literature. Not sure.
June 9, 2016
Shepherd's Wolf was a great read and I look forward to the next book whenever it is supposed to come. For a story that was placed within a Virtual Reality game it was really well done. I felt attached to the characters and was emotional in certain parts that got to me. However many reads this story has gotten it deserves more because for a LitRPG type story this is probably my favorite as of now. I really want to read the second book right now....
July 7, 2016
An amazing story!
Pretty early into the book I could tell I'd found something special. I've watched a few anime about immersive vr: Sword Art Online, Log Horizon, .Hack. I found Shepherd's Wolf a much more vivid experience. The author managed to fit so much world and memorable characters. Wow. I'd give it a 5.5 if I could. I found this novel to be on par with those from top authors. When's the anime series coming out? Or the movie? I finished the book wanting more.
Pretty early into the book I could tell I'd found something special. I've watched a few anime about immersive vr: Sword Art Online, Log Horizon, .Hack. I found Shepherd's Wolf a much more vivid experience. The author managed to fit so much world and memorable characters. Wow. I'd give it a 5.5 if I could. I found this novel to be on par with those from top authors. When's the anime series coming out? Or the movie? I finished the book wanting more.
February 10, 2016
This was a book you didn't want to put down - and I barely did.
I reminded me of my days playing World of Warcraft and reading Legend of the Seeker.
I loved the character development and how it took you from one to another.
The ending however felt clunky and rushed and left me deflated. If there was a sequel it would make sense but stand alone it needed a better ending to make me feel complete.
I reminded me of my days playing World of Warcraft and reading Legend of the Seeker.
I loved the character development and how it took you from one to another.
The ending however felt clunky and rushed and left me deflated. If there was a sequel it would make sense but stand alone it needed a better ending to make me feel complete.
June 5, 2016
Amazing
This book is one you can't put down. The characters grow on you and their development is fantastic. The story was well written and already recommended to friends. Hope there is a sequel!
This book is one you can't put down. The characters grow on you and their development is fantastic. The story was well written and already recommended to friends. Hope there is a sequel!
June 18, 2016
Very engrossing story
Was surprised how much I enjoyed this story, the main characters where fun to read about and there are so many minor characters that are intriguing and would make for good stories all on their own I can't wait for the next book.
Was surprised how much I enjoyed this story, the main characters where fun to read about and there are so many minor characters that are intriguing and would make for good stories all on their own I can't wait for the next book.
July 19, 2014
Good
it was a page Turner with lots of good quips, I really enjoyed it can't wait for the next one
it was a page Turner with lots of good quips, I really enjoyed it can't wait for the next one
July 4, 2016
Nice story
I am Not a fan of guns in my litrpg, but still a good story. Looking forward to the sequel.
I am Not a fan of guns in my litrpg, but still a good story. Looking forward to the sequel.
July 27, 2016
An awesome story
I love the author's wit and humor. This is such an entertaining read. I advise you to give this a try!
I love the author's wit and humor. This is such an entertaining read. I advise you to give this a try!
July 31, 2016
Well worth it
I can't believe I have not come across this book before.
Some of the parts about leveling are missing or don't add up, but the story more that makes up for that.
I can't believe I have not come across this book before.
Some of the parts about leveling are missing or don't add up, but the story more that makes up for that.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews