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Crimson Hydra #1
Gene Harvest
Benny White had been having a rough couple of years, and the approaching apocalypse wasn’t exactly helping.
Pulled from the point of death and thrust into a horde-mode-style survival game, Benny’s odds weren’t looking too great. To make matters worse, an eldritch god… entity… thing named ‘Dave’ tasked him with destroying the very System that now controls his fate.
But hey, it's not all bad news. Benny’s experience as a lab tech grants him a rare Splicer Class that lets him repurpose the genetic material of slain enemies into augments for himself. Bone claws, blood-bullet turrets, and maybe a skeletal hydra head or two are just a few of the additions to his gory arsenal.
Then there’s his Flesh Golem summon, a six-foot mound of muscle and sinew called Meat. That lumbering monstrosity might come in handy, just as soon as it stops walking into trees…
The stage has been set. The contestants have been chosen. The entire galaxy is watching.
Welcome to the Game of Souls, where the only prize is to survive.
Pulled from the point of death and thrust into a horde-mode-style survival game, Benny’s odds weren’t looking too great. To make matters worse, an eldritch god… entity… thing named ‘Dave’ tasked him with destroying the very System that now controls his fate.
But hey, it's not all bad news. Benny’s experience as a lab tech grants him a rare Splicer Class that lets him repurpose the genetic material of slain enemies into augments for himself. Bone claws, blood-bullet turrets, and maybe a skeletal hydra head or two are just a few of the additions to his gory arsenal.
Then there’s his Flesh Golem summon, a six-foot mound of muscle and sinew called Meat. That lumbering monstrosity might come in handy, just as soon as it stops walking into trees…
The stage has been set. The contestants have been chosen. The entire galaxy is watching.
Welcome to the Game of Souls, where the only prize is to survive.
558 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2024
271 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 13, 2025
Autora Joshua Rettew radītajā Crimson Hydra pasaulē jau miljonu miljoniem reižu ir tikušas rīkotas Game of Souls tipa izklaides, kuras izklaidē miljardu miljardiem skatītāju un reizē integrē to rīkotāju Galaktiskā Impērijas sastāvā jaunu planētu un civilizāciju. Vienalga vai tā to grib vai nē, un šoreiz ‘’laimīgā’’ loze kritusi Zemei.
https://poseidons99.com/2025/09/13/jo...
https://poseidons99.com/2025/09/13/jo...
August 26, 2024
Mediocre
So this book has sat on my list for a minute, but I held off largely because the cover just looked like another rank and file mediocre lit RPG. In the end I found the body modification idea intriguing and some good reviews lured me in. Ultimately though, it’s what I thought it was.
On the good side I enjoyed the powers, they could use significant refinement and the system is a bit of a mess, the core concept of drastically altering his physiology though I liked. The standard of writing is mostly decent (though littered with errors), and some of the character interactions were nice.
On the negative:
- Needs significant editing: The book is relatively free of typos (in the sense of incorrectly spelled words) but littered with incorrect word choice (as if spellcheck made a mistake and the book wasn’t edited to catch it). There are also mistakes like abilities upgrading and gaining a new name, but being called the new name before the upgrade, sentences that make no real sense etc. I didn’t highlight any examples or anything, but If I had logged them there would be dozens. I’m often willing to cut some serious slack for these sorts of things if I overall enjoy the book, in this case though it just added to the overall feeling of shoddiness.
- Tonal inconsistency/ mismatch: The overall tone of the book is quite light, as books in this genre frequently are. At the same time there is a background involving terminal illness and suicide. These things can absolutely be married well, but it’s tricky, and not done successfully here. It feels disorienting how the tone dramatically shifts in a paragraph, and eventually it just got exhausting.
- Unsure, timid MC becomes rampaging bloodthirsty monster: This is a common trope of the genre. To an extent I don’t agree with common rhetoric around this that MC’s that are hesitant to kill, held back by their values etc are weak or dumb. In this though the transition was exhausting and needed a bit of extra development. The constant dipping into melodrama when it comes to the MC’s morals added to the tonal inconsistency and got old fast.
- All the cliche’s: This is a genre built on tropes and well worn plot devices. I need just an ounce of originality though. In this we have a shadowy galactic organisation that are evil. They mine planets for power because they’re evil. There’s a power hungry, mob boss former senator who wants to kill the MC because he’s evil. I mean just give me some semblance of depth or interest.
- Wink wink humour that didn’t land: Stuff like having the dungeon have cars and the level of reference to games just felt cheap. I’d rather read a proper fantasy novel that this constant nudge nudge isn’t this funny garbage.
Other stuff like the Eldritch entity called “Dave”. The whole epilogue. Tired stabs at bad humour that have been overdone. It’s just so derivative. I’ve read it before so many times, and I can tell the author has too, he’s just regurgitating it with worse quality.
I could go on, but on the whole, the body mod element is cool but the rest is derivative and bottom of the barrel. Giving two stars because there was at least enough that I finished it. Won’t be back for the next though.
So this book has sat on my list for a minute, but I held off largely because the cover just looked like another rank and file mediocre lit RPG. In the end I found the body modification idea intriguing and some good reviews lured me in. Ultimately though, it’s what I thought it was.
On the good side I enjoyed the powers, they could use significant refinement and the system is a bit of a mess, the core concept of drastically altering his physiology though I liked. The standard of writing is mostly decent (though littered with errors), and some of the character interactions were nice.
On the negative:
- Needs significant editing: The book is relatively free of typos (in the sense of incorrectly spelled words) but littered with incorrect word choice (as if spellcheck made a mistake and the book wasn’t edited to catch it). There are also mistakes like abilities upgrading and gaining a new name, but being called the new name before the upgrade, sentences that make no real sense etc. I didn’t highlight any examples or anything, but If I had logged them there would be dozens. I’m often willing to cut some serious slack for these sorts of things if I overall enjoy the book, in this case though it just added to the overall feeling of shoddiness.
- Tonal inconsistency/ mismatch: The overall tone of the book is quite light, as books in this genre frequently are. At the same time there is a background involving terminal illness and suicide. These things can absolutely be married well, but it’s tricky, and not done successfully here. It feels disorienting how the tone dramatically shifts in a paragraph, and eventually it just got exhausting.
- Unsure, timid MC becomes rampaging bloodthirsty monster: This is a common trope of the genre. To an extent I don’t agree with common rhetoric around this that MC’s that are hesitant to kill, held back by their values etc are weak or dumb. In this though the transition was exhausting and needed a bit of extra development. The constant dipping into melodrama when it comes to the MC’s morals added to the tonal inconsistency and got old fast.
- All the cliche’s: This is a genre built on tropes and well worn plot devices. I need just an ounce of originality though. In this we have a shadowy galactic organisation that are evil. They mine planets for power because they’re evil. There’s a power hungry, mob boss former senator who wants to kill the MC because he’s evil. I mean just give me some semblance of depth or interest.
- Wink wink humour that didn’t land: Stuff like having the dungeon have cars and the level of reference to games just felt cheap. I’d rather read a proper fantasy novel that this constant nudge nudge isn’t this funny garbage.
Other stuff like the Eldritch entity called “Dave”. The whole epilogue. Tired stabs at bad humour that have been overdone. It’s just so derivative. I’ve read it before so many times, and I can tell the author has too, he’s just regurgitating it with worse quality.
I could go on, but on the whole, the body mod element is cool but the rest is derivative and bottom of the barrel. Giving two stars because there was at least enough that I finished it. Won’t be back for the next though.
March 9, 2024
Nope, just nope.
This has two major issues. The first is that a sentient system, our one being controlled, is so over powered that anyone getting through the book is completely unbelievable. Unless hard rules are in place, which this lacks, everything comes off as heavy handed railroading. The second issue is a main character meant to be a foolish Dudley DoRight. This only works with a certain level of competency, which the main character does not have, otherwise it just comes off as moronic. I see what this was going for, it was a big swing and a miss.
This has two major issues. The first is that a sentient system, our one being controlled, is so over powered that anyone getting through the book is completely unbelievable. Unless hard rules are in place, which this lacks, everything comes off as heavy handed railroading. The second issue is a main character meant to be a foolish Dudley DoRight. This only works with a certain level of competency, which the main character does not have, otherwise it just comes off as moronic. I see what this was going for, it was a big swing and a miss.
February 25, 2024
Great book
April 4, 2025
Interesting premise even if there major similarities to other Litrpgs.
I enjoy the main character and especially the power/ skills he picks.
I enjoy the main character and especially the power/ skills he picks.
May 2, 2024
Gene Harvest is a fun reintroduction for me into the world of LITRPG. I won't go into too much detail about my background because that's hardly what this is for, but my first LITRPG book was Warden and I hadn't picked one up since, though I intended to. It was the anime Shield Hero that brought me back to the genre and scrolling through audible, this cover caught my eye. I mean, how could it not? Plus, GENE HARVEST? Metal as fuck.
So I bought it and my GOD did it deliver. For the first time in a long time I found myself actually wanting to come back to a book. This seriously helped drag me out of the slump that some bad 40k books got me into.
First off, I just love the system. I've always wanted to write LITRPG but never been able to wrap my head around it. But the system is just wonderful lmao. Also DAVE. I don't care what anyone says, the intro was golden and genuinely had me laughing. Maybe the audio made it better, idk, but it had me rolling.
Also MEAT. MEAT IS THE BEST PART OF THIS FUCKING BOOK AND I NEED A PLUSHY OF HIM NOW.
Right, there's a lot I could gush about with this book and rightfully so, but seeing as I'm writing this whilst I have the flu and a searing headache, I'll wrap up shortly.
One of my main and only gripes with the book really is that it feels a little TOO much like the Benny show. What I mean by that is characters like Sam, Arlo, and the... I won't even attempt to spell the lizard people's names, fell by the wayside for the stat blocks. I want the stats dgmw, it's why I'm reading the genre. But it felt like they didn't get the characterisation they deserved! They needed some more moments imo.
Rena... I think that's how you spell her name (the curse of audible), was definitely a favourite though.
All in all I can't wait for the next installment.
So I bought it and my GOD did it deliver. For the first time in a long time I found myself actually wanting to come back to a book. This seriously helped drag me out of the slump that some bad 40k books got me into.
First off, I just love the system. I've always wanted to write LITRPG but never been able to wrap my head around it. But the system is just wonderful lmao. Also DAVE. I don't care what anyone says, the intro was golden and genuinely had me laughing. Maybe the audio made it better, idk, but it had me rolling.
Also MEAT. MEAT IS THE BEST PART OF THIS FUCKING BOOK AND I NEED A PLUSHY OF HIM NOW.
Right, there's a lot I could gush about with this book and rightfully so, but seeing as I'm writing this whilst I have the flu and a searing headache, I'll wrap up shortly.
One of my main and only gripes with the book really is that it feels a little TOO much like the Benny show. What I mean by that is characters like Sam, Arlo, and the... I won't even attempt to spell the lizard people's names, fell by the wayside for the stat blocks. I want the stats dgmw, it's why I'm reading the genre. But it felt like they didn't get the characterisation they deserved! They needed some more moments imo.
Rena... I think that's how you spell her name (the curse of audible), was definitely a favourite though.
All in all I can't wait for the next installment.
July 10, 2024
DNF. 38%
So the MC is very timid and weird which is fine, but he out right says “I know people are evil in the apocalypse but I don’t care, I trust people” which is fine for a bit right. I mean it’s natural that most people won’t flip the switch until they have to. Unfortunately at 38% I got a real bad vibe that this was not a character who was going to grow. So I looked up reviews and it seems that most people confirm that he continues to be the happy go lucky dumb ass who doesn’t learn from his mistakes. I can’t. I just. Why is this a thing? Have none of these authors ever known people in real life who don’t learn from their mistakes? They are the “cool kids” when you’re like 22. Then you become and adult and you can’t stand those people. I know I certainly can’t. Watch Teresa from RHONJ for 30 seconds and you will understand why these types of people are odious. Whether happy go lucky or a raging biotch, adults need to learn and grow. if you can’t do that then not only do I not want you in my apocalypse team, I look forward to meeting your easily merked self for some free exp.
So the MC is very timid and weird which is fine, but he out right says “I know people are evil in the apocalypse but I don’t care, I trust people” which is fine for a bit right. I mean it’s natural that most people won’t flip the switch until they have to. Unfortunately at 38% I got a real bad vibe that this was not a character who was going to grow. So I looked up reviews and it seems that most people confirm that he continues to be the happy go lucky dumb ass who doesn’t learn from his mistakes. I can’t. I just. Why is this a thing? Have none of these authors ever known people in real life who don’t learn from their mistakes? They are the “cool kids” when you’re like 22. Then you become and adult and you can’t stand those people. I know I certainly can’t. Watch Teresa from RHONJ for 30 seconds and you will understand why these types of people are odious. Whether happy go lucky or a raging biotch, adults need to learn and grow. if you can’t do that then not only do I not want you in my apocalypse team, I look forward to meeting your easily merked self for some free exp.
February 22, 2024
It's true what they say...
Two heads are better than one, and, well, Benny isn't quite so limited to that.
My thoughts -
We have here a fantastic take on the genre from a fresh author, and one that has me excited for the next installment.
To avoid spoilers I'll just list what I liked -
MC, Benny - Well written, rational, and with a class that stands far alone from a few of the more boilerplate that we've come to love.
Pacing - Great, and the waves dynamic lends itself well to this.
Meat - Well, who doesn't love a flesh golem?
Progression - Splicer gives me real 'Predator' vibes a la Rimuru Tempest, so I hope that's explanation enough.
All in all, Mr Rettew needs to hurry up with number two.
Hey look, that rhymed.
Two heads are better than one, and, well, Benny isn't quite so limited to that.
My thoughts -
We have here a fantastic take on the genre from a fresh author, and one that has me excited for the next installment.
To avoid spoilers I'll just list what I liked -
MC, Benny - Well written, rational, and with a class that stands far alone from a few of the more boilerplate that we've come to love.
Pacing - Great, and the waves dynamic lends itself well to this.
Meat - Well, who doesn't love a flesh golem?
Progression - Splicer gives me real 'Predator' vibes a la Rimuru Tempest, so I hope that's explanation enough.
All in all, Mr Rettew needs to hurry up with number two.
Hey look, that rhymed.
February 23, 2024
Fantastic first book.. love the various characters!
I have to say I think this is the most enjoyable book I've read in a couple years. Benny is an extremely likable person with a good moral viewpoint on the world and he just wants to help people. I should say he wants to help the right people. The ones worth saving.
The author wrote this book beautifully and each of the characters is vivid and easy to imagine. Benny's abilities are unique among all of the books I've ever read, and he continually seems to gather a team of highly likable people around him. I am fairly excited for the sequel. I'm also pretty excited to see what further evolutions his golem "Meat" goes through, as he seems to become more and more like a real person as he levels up.
I have to say I think this is the most enjoyable book I've read in a couple years. Benny is an extremely likable person with a good moral viewpoint on the world and he just wants to help people. I should say he wants to help the right people. The ones worth saving.
The author wrote this book beautifully and each of the characters is vivid and easy to imagine. Benny's abilities are unique among all of the books I've ever read, and he continually seems to gather a team of highly likable people around him. I am fairly excited for the sequel. I'm also pretty excited to see what further evolutions his golem "Meat" goes through, as he seems to become more and more like a real person as he levels up.
April 25, 2024
An interesting, odd, and offbeat adventure
I almost feel like the author thought to himself, “what would happen if I just made everyone in the book just a little off. Or maybe a lot off?” And then ran with it. They’re fun, and the progression is very cool, the characters are just a little funky. There’s also a lot going on that doesn’t get a lot of explanation yet, but I assume will get more in book 2.
Benny drives me crazy a little bit with his feelings and his guilt over things. But he is also reacting in a way that’s probably very realistic which is a nice change of pace while also being a little annoying haha. A solid book, and one I look forward to seeing a follow up to.
I almost feel like the author thought to himself, “what would happen if I just made everyone in the book just a little off. Or maybe a lot off?” And then ran with it. They’re fun, and the progression is very cool, the characters are just a little funky. There’s also a lot going on that doesn’t get a lot of explanation yet, but I assume will get more in book 2.
Benny drives me crazy a little bit with his feelings and his guilt over things. But he is also reacting in a way that’s probably very realistic which is a nice change of pace while also being a little annoying haha. A solid book, and one I look forward to seeing a follow up to.
March 1, 2024
Only 8%
Are you f.. cking kidding me. After reading that in two sentences I knew it would keep coming up the more I read so I quit reading the book. I do not have to read a book I dislike!!!
Are you f.. cking kidding me. After reading that in two sentences I knew it would keep coming up the more I read so I quit reading the book. I do not have to read a book I dislike!!!
May 18, 2024
Reader beware
There were a few things that could have been better but I'll address the elephants in the room.
+The MC was wierd. Yes. But sometimes wierd can be a good change of pace. Not a deal breaker for me.
+The has a strange/bad sense of humor. Same as the first. As long as it's not unbearable and the story's decent I'm good to go.
+The MC is weak willed and foolish/stupid. Um... very much so yes. On the surface it's not THAT bad. It can easily be filed under the wierd MC category. What doesn't make sense is he was warned/told by "Dave" that there's basically no way out of this without fighting/killing people. He ignores it.
A man shows up with murder possie and says 'hey, I was a corrupt politician before (and still am) in a world of cops and beuracracy.' Our MC hears that 'he's the the best thing since sliced bread and tottally qualified to run everyones life in this new apocolyptic situation.' (I took some liberties but you get the point.)
The only way I could make sense of the MC's thinking is that he has serious self-esteem issues. He ultimately made the right choice and I figured he could grow. He then actively avoids a chance to let this guy show his true colors AND let the MC have the upper hand when he does.
I have to take some breaths but, hey, he's a genetiscist not a tactitian. Then it bites him. I get to thinking and check the reviews... it get's worse and he continues his farce. The bible has many righteous men who kill. Refusing to kill in this situation osn't morality. It's cowardace. If it was a moral stance he wouldn't have tied his fate to others and he would shamelessly face death without fighting back. Not going to accomplosh much for "Dave" but it WOULD be a stance. Again, he's just a coward. He's unwilling to face the truth even in his own head.
-
So I gave up. Dropped the book. It was an interesting premise, if peculiar. The MC was a wierdo but had potential if he grew and developed. There was plenty of room for relationships to develop, characters to be explpred, and bases to be built! I do have to say: I LOVED that the system stepped in when an admin got out of hand. It even compensated for the slight and inbalance. SO many stories could learn from that. Too often the damage is ignored and we're told to just be cool with it. Like, if there's no recompense then why won't it be attempted again? No acknowledgement that authority being abused already necesitates recompense let alone the actual damages. Otherwise it's not an unbiased system.
All in all, nice try author-san but maybe next time.
There were a few things that could have been better but I'll address the elephants in the room.
+The MC was wierd. Yes. But sometimes wierd can be a good change of pace. Not a deal breaker for me.
+The has a strange/bad sense of humor. Same as the first. As long as it's not unbearable and the story's decent I'm good to go.
+The MC is weak willed and foolish/stupid. Um... very much so yes. On the surface it's not THAT bad. It can easily be filed under the wierd MC category. What doesn't make sense is he was warned/told by "Dave" that there's basically no way out of this without fighting/killing people. He ignores it.
A man shows up with murder possie and says 'hey, I was a corrupt politician before (and still am) in a world of cops and beuracracy.' Our MC hears that 'he's the the best thing since sliced bread and tottally qualified to run everyones life in this new apocolyptic situation.' (I took some liberties but you get the point.)
The only way I could make sense of the MC's thinking is that he has serious self-esteem issues. He ultimately made the right choice and I figured he could grow. He then actively avoids a chance to let this guy show his true colors AND let the MC have the upper hand when he does.
I have to take some breaths but, hey, he's a genetiscist not a tactitian. Then it bites him. I get to thinking and check the reviews... it get's worse and he continues his farce. The bible has many righteous men who kill. Refusing to kill in this situation osn't morality. It's cowardace. If it was a moral stance he wouldn't have tied his fate to others and he would shamelessly face death without fighting back. Not going to accomplosh much for "Dave" but it WOULD be a stance. Again, he's just a coward. He's unwilling to face the truth even in his own head.
-
So I gave up. Dropped the book. It was an interesting premise, if peculiar. The MC was a wierdo but had potential if he grew and developed. There was plenty of room for relationships to develop, characters to be explpred, and bases to be built! I do have to say: I LOVED that the system stepped in when an admin got out of hand. It even compensated for the slight and inbalance. SO many stories could learn from that. Too often the damage is ignored and we're told to just be cool with it. Like, if there's no recompense then why won't it be attempted again? No acknowledgement that authority being abused already necesitates recompense let alone the actual damages. Otherwise it's not an unbiased system.
All in all, nice try author-san but maybe next time.
April 14, 2026
Made it to about 50%.
PROs
The MCs class is a good idea but badly executed.
CONs
Everyone is so dramatic about EVERYTHING.
Time seems to pass differently away from the MC, e.g. the MC will do stuff for a day then will meet up with someone who will explain what’s happen while the MC was gone and it’s a week or 2 of happens that apparently just all happen at once.
The book is slammed with lazy references. It’s like Ready Player One but all the 80s trivia isn’t relevant to the story, it’s just there to take up space.
The book is oddly homogeneous. Like, I’ll read for an hour and at the end of I can’t remember any of it because it feels like it’s just the same 2 or 3 things happening over and over.
It feels like a children’s book that the writer threw a bunch of random cussing into to make sure we know that it a mature book for adults.
I can’t put my finger on what it is but it feels like it was written by a 13 year old. The wording is odd and characters focus on the wrong things. A character whose life was just saved will immediately fly off the handle that their privacy was violated when they were saved. A guy who summons bugs will be weirded out that someone else summons a golem and it’ll be played completely strait.
I would like my time back.
PROs
The MCs class is a good idea but badly executed.
CONs
Everyone is so dramatic about EVERYTHING.
Time seems to pass differently away from the MC, e.g. the MC will do stuff for a day then will meet up with someone who will explain what’s happen while the MC was gone and it’s a week or 2 of happens that apparently just all happen at once.
The book is slammed with lazy references. It’s like Ready Player One but all the 80s trivia isn’t relevant to the story, it’s just there to take up space.
The book is oddly homogeneous. Like, I’ll read for an hour and at the end of I can’t remember any of it because it feels like it’s just the same 2 or 3 things happening over and over.
It feels like a children’s book that the writer threw a bunch of random cussing into to make sure we know that it a mature book for adults.
I can’t put my finger on what it is but it feels like it was written by a 13 year old. The wording is odd and characters focus on the wrong things. A character whose life was just saved will immediately fly off the handle that their privacy was violated when they were saved. A guy who summons bugs will be weirded out that someone else summons a golem and it’ll be played completely strait.
I would like my time back.
February 22, 2024
I received a free copy of Gene Harvest from Portal Books. I'm very glad they sent it 'cause I think they have another winner here. The author, Joshua Rettew, uses his life experience in the bio research field to imbue his main character, Benny White, with technical knowledge and skills that elevates his ability to survive in the brutal world of Game of Souls. White's rare Splicer Class is a novel approach I've not seen before in Gamelit. But that's just the start of a very peculiar skill progression that's strongly influenced by outside forces as Benny is the focus of a behind the scenes conflict between demigods, AI, and the powers behind the game.
There's a lot of fighting in this book as the main characters have little time to level up before their world cycles forward. Monsters are quite a challenge but the other people in the game are just as cutthroat. It's a heady mix. In this first book there's only limited backstory on the main characters, action takes precedence, but Rettew sets in place a number of very interesting characters that are just begging for a more detailed history. The next book should be quite entertaining. Gene Harvest has so much action that its 700+ pages just fly by.
There's a lot of fighting in this book as the main characters have little time to level up before their world cycles forward. Monsters are quite a challenge but the other people in the game are just as cutthroat. It's a heady mix. In this first book there's only limited backstory on the main characters, action takes precedence, but Rettew sets in place a number of very interesting characters that are just begging for a more detailed history. The next book should be quite entertaining. Gene Harvest has so much action that its 700+ pages just fly by.
May 13, 2025
Very not good
Normally I give a book until 20% to find it's legs. I made it to 12% with this one.
The genre has had many MCs who are incompetent, or riddled with anxiety, but seldom have I read anything with such a meh protagonist. This guy is the chosen one? I wouldn't choose this guy for a game of kickball. Brave, nope. Clever, nope. Skilled, nope. It would have been bad enough if he had just been some guy that got thrown into a dire situation, but The Chosen? Nope nope nope! He's not even bad in an interesting way.
Advice to the author: Make the story interesting quickly. If I don't care if the MC (in this case the only character) lives or dies at all, and the story isn't in some way compelling is there really a reason to keep going. I don't know how this book/series will go, and don't care
If you like useless characters and minimal plotline this is your book. Better luck next time Josh. Tom out
Normally I give a book until 20% to find it's legs. I made it to 12% with this one.
The genre has had many MCs who are incompetent, or riddled with anxiety, but seldom have I read anything with such a meh protagonist. This guy is the chosen one? I wouldn't choose this guy for a game of kickball. Brave, nope. Clever, nope. Skilled, nope. It would have been bad enough if he had just been some guy that got thrown into a dire situation, but The Chosen? Nope nope nope! He's not even bad in an interesting way.
Advice to the author: Make the story interesting quickly. If I don't care if the MC (in this case the only character) lives or dies at all, and the story isn't in some way compelling is there really a reason to keep going. I don't know how this book/series will go, and don't care
If you like useless characters and minimal plotline this is your book. Better luck next time Josh. Tom out
June 12, 2024
Love it!
"Crimson Harvest: A LitRPG Adventure" is a riveting journey that hooks readers from the first page. The main character's bold acceptance of his brush with death from cancer adds a profound layer of depth and resilience to the narrative. His peculiar personality brings a unique charm and unpredictability, making every twist and turn an exhilarating experience. The book masterfully blends action, strategy, and heartfelt moments, creating an immersive world that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
"Crimson Harvest: A LitRPG Adventure" is a riveting journey that hooks readers from the first page. The main character's bold acceptance of his brush with death from cancer adds a profound layer of depth and resilience to the narrative. His peculiar personality brings a unique charm and unpredictability, making every twist and turn an exhilarating experience. The book masterfully blends action, strategy, and heartfelt moments, creating an immersive world that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.
March 9, 2024
Amazing book
At first I wasn’t sure if I would like this book, but after reading a couple chapters it hooked me. I love the humor at times but also the weight that is thrust on Benny’s shoulders, whether he asked for it or not. There’s character growth and meaningful relationships that grow between characters. The magic system is pretty cool as well. Definitely worth a read. 5/5 stars.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would like this book, but after reading a couple chapters it hooked me. I love the humor at times but also the weight that is thrust on Benny’s shoulders, whether he asked for it or not. There’s character growth and meaningful relationships that grow between characters. The magic system is pretty cool as well. Definitely worth a read. 5/5 stars.
May 13, 2025
DNF at 16%. While the premise is interesting, I just couldn't get into it. The first few chapters didn't impress me, and the huge info dump at the start of chapter one really killed the momentum. A lot of that information felt unnecessary and made it harder to stay excited about what was going on. I'm a little curious about how things unfold, but after skimming through some reviews, I don't think this is what I'm looking for right now.
March 18, 2024
Well worth the credits!
A really good variation of the apocalypse system! MC is great newb but not a dumbass. great storyline arc with an MC who isn't blundering around stupidly but not ridiculously OP at start. The power builds well. I can't wait for the rest of the series. Great book
A really good variation of the apocalypse system! MC is great newb but not a dumbass. great storyline arc with an MC who isn't blundering around stupidly but not ridiculously OP at start. The power builds well. I can't wait for the rest of the series. Great book
May 8, 2024
What a great book!
If you’re looking for a new series that’s well written, fun, violent, and has extremely likable characters, look no further than Gene Harvest. What an awesome book 1! Can’t wait for the next book to come out. Easily one of the better books in the genre this year. Superb.
If you’re looking for a new series that’s well written, fun, violent, and has extremely likable characters, look no further than Gene Harvest. What an awesome book 1! Can’t wait for the next book to come out. Easily one of the better books in the genre this year. Superb.
April 13, 2025
Great first book
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was fantastic and very refreshing. Straight on to book two! I expect to very much enjoy this series, and the narrator for the Audible is excellent and absolutely aids immersion, making reading along while listening a true pleasure.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was fantastic and very refreshing. Straight on to book two! I expect to very much enjoy this series, and the narrator for the Audible is excellent and absolutely aids immersion, making reading along while listening a true pleasure.
March 5, 2024
Loved it
Very good read. Enjoyable characters and entertaining dialog. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I hope the author has a long career, I really want to keep reading their work
Very good read. Enjoyable characters and entertaining dialog. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I hope the author has a long career, I really want to keep reading their work
March 27, 2024
amazing character and such a fun first book!
I can’t wait for the second book! The characters were fun and humor great. I wish it was more descriptive at times but the set up and power scaling sounds great! It’s even edited and ready to read unlike many lit-rpg books!
I can’t wait for the second book! The characters were fun and humor great. I wish it was more descriptive at times but the set up and power scaling sounds great! It’s even edited and ready to read unlike many lit-rpg books!
April 13, 2024
Amazing! Truly amazing!
This might genuinely be one of the best books I've ever read. Everything was amazing, from the characters to the system, to even the tension. The epilogue only cemented how great the book was because it had me cackling.
This might genuinely be one of the best books I've ever read. Everything was amazing, from the characters to the system, to even the tension. The epilogue only cemented how great the book was because it had me cackling.
January 24, 2025
it’s nuts, mostly in a good way
The chaos gets a little extreme, sometimes, but it is a fun read.
Be in the mood for craziness and extreme violence.
Started it a couple of times, wasn’t in the mood.
Glad I spotted it when I was!
The chaos gets a little extreme, sometimes, but it is a fun read.
Be in the mood for craziness and extreme violence.
Started it a couple of times, wasn’t in the mood.
Glad I spotted it when I was!
March 12, 2024
Interesting story with a main character who thinks, none of the "murder is fine" though it can be pressed a little hard, I have a much larger issue with random psychopaths as MCs in these books.
April 1, 2024
Different
A different take on the system growth and apocalyptic world ending ,well worth reading new author for me but will be looking forward to there next books
A different take on the system growth and apocalyptic world ending ,well worth reading new author for me but will be looking forward to there next books
October 17, 2024
After so many books I finally found a minion character! I love the humor and the gaming elements that were added to make it feel like a lit RPG and not an isekai.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
A cool start to a pretty decent series. 👍🏽👍🏽
March 8, 2024
This was fun, if a little bit dopey.
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