The Glitched Realm: Vanguard Unleashed: A Gamelit Fantasy Series, Book One

by Max L. Evel

The World's Most Popular Game Just Glitched...And Reality Will Never Be The Same

Alex Lev, a celebrated Vanguard in the Virtual Reality game Eternal Quest, faces a game-changing glitch after a new expansion goes haywire. Suddenly, the virtual becomes too real, with his character losing powers and the game's environment warping dangerously.

NPCs gain unsettling awareness, turning once-simple game elements into wild cards. Society's reliance on VR is shaken as this glitch threatens to tear apart the fabric of civilization, exploited by rogue players for their own chaotic ends.
Trapped, Alex must navigate this new reality, deciphering the glitch to save both worlds. His journey forces him to question the very nature of humanity in a realm ruled by code.

"The Glitched Realm" is a fast-paced digital hero adventure blurring the lines between game and reality, challenging everything we know about existence. A thrilling dive into what happens when the virtual world breaks the rules, it's a must-read for fans of GameLit and LitRPG (light, not crunchy) looking for a story that pushes boundaries (Regression anyone?) and plays with the concept of what it means to be truly alive.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2024

Reviews

[Gina Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating and interesting read! This story blurs the lines between the virtual world and the real world in a way that's both exciting and thought-provoking. As NPCs gain unsettling awareness and the virtual world morphs dangerously, there is a lot at stake. The pacing is spot-on, and there is never a dull moment as Alex races against time to solve the glitch and save both worlds. The author's creativity shines through in this book and encapsulates how the relationship between technology and our society has changed over the years. What truly sets this story apart is its balanced blend of action and adventure, which definitely kept me engaged. I found myself rooting for the main character as the journey progressed, which was filled with many ups and downs. It’s a well-written piece of work that I would recommend reading if you are looking for a novel that pushes the boundaries of fantasy and reality.

[Aaron Lancaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Five Star Read

Where to start…The story is fantastic with deep characters and a rich, vibrant world. It’s an interesting take on the genre where no detail was spared in imagining the in-game world. An epic quest and a solid ending to boot.

[Aubrey Cleeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Glitched Realm by Max L Evel follows Alex, a online VR gamer and streamer who is famous for his adventures in Eternal Quest. The story follows him as he becomes trapped in the VR world due to a glitch in the system, and the friends he makes throughout his journey. The book explores the concepts of VR, artificial intelligence, and artificial consciousness, an idea very much new to me.

I did find the first quarter a little tedious. Alex is pretty much the only character and all his interactions are with nameless NPCs or other faceless players. There are no names, only fleeting action sequences, as the author establishes Alex’s role in Eternal Quest and his streaming profile. I did enjoy the second chapter, which read like a thesis on the role of VR and the benefits it can offer to humanity. The author successfully argues that in a digital age, wealth isn’t about material goods like houses or cars, but the experiences a person can have. VR offers that outlet for people who can’t afford those material goods or vast spaces to enjoy themselves, and it can afford them a very rich and rewarding life. The author calls VR the ‘transformative power of technology’ and I generally agree with this statement.

The story quickly goes into the fantasy setting and it is a joy to read about the virtual warfare where the protagonist can’t get hurt. There isn’t much at stake, however, as there is no camaraderie or risk. This is juxtaposed to how Alex appears after the glitch happens, as he starts to look towards other people and build bonds with them. He uses his skills and knowledge of the game to command others, and I felt he grew a lot as a character due to these interactions. Alex may be the star of his own show, but it is only when he allows others in does he become someone we can root for.

Aralyn is introduced about a quarter a way through and this is where things pick up. She is a NPC, but slowly reveals she has a digital consciousness, which was a fascinating thing to read about. You start to really care for her, just as Alex does, as the reader starts to come around to the idea that her thoughts and feelings are genuine and valued as much as a real person. The glitch opens up risks to people trapped in the game and NPCs alike, and the introduction of Zyrax leads the group onto a mash up between fantasy and sci-fi setting, with links to the real world and technology seeking into the artificial world. I had a wariness of Maddox from the start and enjoyed seeing the friendship between Alex and Thom develop.

I really felt that the way Alex started to care and understand the role of NPCs was the strong point of this book, and the exploration of VR and digital consciousness was a fascinating standpoint. The book leaves us with the promise of more adventures with the cast, and now that the setting is established and the risks of the glitch posed, I look forward to seeing what will happen.

[Udayan Chakraborty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to embark on an electrifying journey through the digital frontier with 'The Glitched Realm: Vanguard Unleashed' by Alex Lev. In this exhilarating adventure, Lev thrusts readers into the heart of the Virtual Reality game Eternal Quest, where the boundaries between the virtual and the real blur with unprecedented consequences.

At the center of the tale is Alex Lev, a renowned Vanguard whose expertise in Eternal Quest is unparalleled. However, when a new expansion unleashes a catastrophic glitch, Alex's world is turned upside down. Suddenly, the once-thriving virtual realm descends into chaos as characters lose their powers, NPCs gain unsettling awareness, and the very fabric of the game begins to unravel.

What sets 'The Glitched Realm' apart is its exploration of the implications of this glitch on both the virtual and real worlds. As society's reliance on VR is shaken to its core, rogue players exploit the glitch for their own nefarious purposes, threatening to tear apart civilization as we know it. Trapped within this unpredictable landscape, Alex must navigate the dangers of the glitched realm while unraveling its mysteries to save both worlds from destruction.

Lev's narrative unfolds at a breakneck pace, propelling readers through a series of heart-pounding twists and turns. From pulse-pounding action sequences to thought-provoking philosophical dilemmas, 'The Glitched Realm' offers a captivating blend of adrenaline-fueled excitement and profound introspection.

What truly sets this book apart, however, is its ability to challenge conventional notions of reality and existence. As Alex grapples with the nature of humanity in a world ruled by code, readers are invited to ponder the age-old question of what it means to be truly alive. Lev's exploration of these themes is both compelling and thought-provoking, elevating 'The Glitched Realm' beyond the confines of traditional genre fare.

For fans of GameLit and LitRPG, 'The Glitched Realm: Vanguard Unleashed' is a must-read. Lev's masterful storytelling, combined with his innovative approach to world-building, makes for an unforgettable reading experience that will leave readers questioning the nature of reality long after they've turned the final page. Brace yourself for a thrilling adventure that pushes the boundaries of imagination and challenges the very fabric of existence.

[Tracey Morait · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Glitched Realm: Vanguard Unleashed tells the story of Alex Lev, whose expertise as a vanguard in the virtual reality game, Eternal Quest (an actual game, although I didn’t know that because I’m not into gaming and had to look it up) is put severely to the test when the game develops a disturbing glitch affecting not only its virtual world, but also reality itself, where anarchy ensues and society begins to collapse. Alex becomes imprisoned within Eternal Quest’s world and along with his companions Aralyn, Zyrax and Thom is in a race against time to try and save humanity and to also preserve a much-loved game. Not only do they battle the dangers of the glitch and the alarming control of the AI, calling itself Singularity, but also they have to contend with players like Kaja and her band of Anarchists, who strive to take advantage of the bug in order to pursue their own agenda to control the realm.

The story is very topical right now, with regular reports in our news regarding the growing concern of AI and its possible, worrying effects on civilisation now and in the future, brought cleverly to life here by the author, where the boundaries of the digital and non-digital become confused. Can Alex and his friends defeat Singularity to bring back order? This is book one in the series, so there’s more to come.

Gamers will, of course, understand and appreciate all the gaming terminology in the book, such as NPCs (non-player characters; again, I had to look that up!) but, like me, you don’t have to be a gamer or interested in gaming to enjoy this tale; just allow yourself to be swept along the fantasy ride, the battles, and the interactions between the interesting characters.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Glitched Realm: Vanguard Unleashed without much knowledge of the Eternal Quest game. The story captivated me despite my lack of gaming experience. The author constructed a digital world that felt vast and dangerous. I connected with Alex Lev from the start. His journey from a regular gamer to a leader felt earned. The moment the glitch trapped the players within the simulation caused my pulse to race. The stakes felt massive. I loved the author's portrayal of the AI named Singularity. It felt like a cold force of nature. The concept of a digital apocalypse bleeding into the real world scared me. It made me ponder our heavy dependence on technology. The bond between Alex and his team provided a warm contrast to the chaos. Aralyn and Thom brought heart to the situation. I rooted for them to survive every encounter.

The action sequences stood out as my favorite part of the book. The battles possessed a gritty quality that kept me glued to the pages. I felt the exhaustion of the characters as they fought against the Anarchists. The tension between the heroes and Kaja added a layer of human malice to the story. I appreciated the focus on survival and trust over complex game rules. The narrative possessed a smooth flow and kept a high tempo. The imagery of the glitching world stuck with me. It made the environment feel unstable and hostile. This novel offered a perfect escape from my daily routine. I finished the book with a strong desire to read the sequel. I recommend this title to anyone who loves high stakes and strong character dynamics. It was a thrilling ride from start to finish.

[Matthew Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short answer:
This is a fun one that mostly lives up to its potential. I’m excited to see what future installments from this author offer. Hopefully they learn to trim/edit great ideas into a tighter package. The excerpts from Alex’s live stream of the VR world help with tension and world-building. And what starts as fun-and-games turns into a deadly trap, though it doesn’t always feel that way.

A solid 4 out of 5 for delivering what you expect, with room for improvement.

The long answer:
This one is SLOW at points. Especially at the start. The omniscient narrator doesn’t just introduce you to Alex, but to his stark world being transformed by VR technology. I feel this could have been skipped over, or better yet, shown to us with one or two brief scenes showing our hero’s place in a changing world. Or explored more, such as delving into the handful of mentioned technologies (nutritional supplements are one) that led to people sealing themselves away in concrete boxes of apartments to escape into fantasy. And the resulting philosophical arguments these developments cause. Maybe the first chapter could have been him working the “odd jobs” mentioned, showing how bad his world is and why he wants to escape.

Instead you are TOLD this. And all before he gets to the “new” world! And like much of the rest of the novel, data is repeated to you over and over again. Within the same chapter. This is partially okay due to the narrative conceit of Alex talking to his live stream, but sometimes it’s just padded/bad writing. My copy was 320 some pages, and that didn’t feel write. Overall, it feels like there’s maybe 200 pages of story and a lot repeating.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah! To be honest I’d never heard of LitRPG until I came across ‘The Glitched Realm’. The plan is for it to be the first book in a series I can’t figure out the name of (maybe it doesn’t have a name yet?). But it’s a GameLit series, and a LitRPG series too, because Alex Lev DOES level up throughout the book which as far as I know qualifies ‘The Glitched Realm’ as true LitRPG.

There’s so much going on in the book, and I love this complexity. It’s nerdy and cerebral and oozes testosterone. Max L. Evel does a great job both:
1) entertaining, and
2) interrogating identity amidst technology.
He states in his Author’s Note that he aims to do both, and to me he achieves both.

My problem with this book is the likelihood (without being confirmable) A.I. was used in its development. The prose is smooth, and much of it features the classic tripartite cadence produced by Large Language Models for clarity. This annoys me, as do typos like the one in the following excerpt, from 18% of the way through the Kindle Unlimited version I checked out:

“As Alex sifted through the spoils, his gaze fell upon an item that defied understanding—a piece of armor that shimmered with an otherworldly glow, the cloak itself seems to flicker in and out of existence, with its physical properties oscillating between states of matter and pure data.”

Surely “seems” should be a different word? I’d suggest “seeming”—grammar always allows grey areas and there may be a better word—but surely not “seems”?

[Zero Press · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some LitRPG books want to drown you in stat sheets and call it depth. The Glitched Realm goes the other direction and, thankfully, uses its brain. The premise starts familiar enough, elite VR player, broken expansion, sudden catastrophe. Then it tilts sideways and starts asking uncomfortable questions about identity, dependence on virtual worlds, and what happens when the code stops obeying.

Alex Lev works as a protagonist because he is competent without being invincible, and the loss of his powers feels meaningful instead of cosmetic. The glitch is not just a plot device, it reshapes the rules of the world in ways that feel unsettling and occasionally brutal. NPCs gaining awareness is handled especially well. It is creepy, morally messy, and far more interesting than the usual “surprise, they are sentient” trope.

The pacing stays sharp, and the story never collapses under its own concepts, which is where a lot of GameLit tends to faceplant. It is light on crunchy mechanics but heavy enough on consequence to keep things grounded. A few worldbuilding ideas could have used more room to breathe, but that feels like restraint rather than laziness.

For readers who like GameLit with stakes, philosophy, and a little existential dread baked into the pixels, this one earns its place on the shelf.

[Kitty Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part manifesto, part light LitRPG novel, "The Glitched Realm" captivates readers. This book is as engaging and immersive as the eternal quest it portrays. In the opening scenes, MC Alex Lev's monotonous world bursts into vibrant hues of color and adventure as he guides his virtual companions in resolving a fatal glitch endangering both the real world and virtual realms. Trapped within a digital paradise turned prison, they confront myriad challenges, employing their wits to navigate through the proverbial matrix.

Alex emerges as a likable and affable protagonist, seamlessly transitioning between his real-world persona and his formidable virtual avatar. The author's prose dazzles with its sparkling vitality, propelling the story forward with finesse. "The Glitched Realm" is a genuine page-turner, effortlessly drawing readers into its world. Moreover, amidst its thrilling plot, it raises pertinent questions about the future of AI and XR, enriching the narrative with timely relevance.

In summary, "The Glitched Realm" offers not only an enthralling adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of technology's evolving landscape. It's a must-read for those seeking both entertainment and insight into the intersection of virtual and real worlds.

[Raymunda Semana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Glitched Realm" invites readers on a thrilling journey through a digital landscape where reality and gaming intertwine. Protagonist Alex Lev, an esteemed Vanguard within the VR realm of Eternal Quest, grapples with a game-altering glitch that blurs the line between virtuality and actuality. As NPCs gain unexpected sentience and chaos reigns, Alex must navigate this transformed world to safeguard both realities. The narrative delves into profound themes of human existence, technological influence, and the essence of reality amidst a gripping virtual adventure.

With meticulous world-building and a compelling protagonist, the book seamlessly merges elements of fantasy, science fiction, and character-driven storytelling. Readers are transported into an immersive universe where the boundaries of reality are challenged, prompting contemplation on the nature of existence in a world governed by code. "The Glitched Realm" captivates with its brisk pacing and thought-provoking themes, appealing to both fans of digital hero adventures and newcomers alike. Through its engaging narrative and relatable characters, the book offers a reflective exploration of our evolving relationship with technology and the potential consequences of our digital interactions. I highly recommend!

[Stacy Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max L. Evel's "The Glitched Realm: Vanguard Unleashed" introduces a new genre for me that deals with the virtual realm. Exploring the “digital frontier,” AI technology, and virtual reality themes through gaming, this book is an exciting read. The first few chapters set up the background for the main character, Alex Lev, and how he gets involved in the world of VR technology and what it is like to live in the digital age. As Alex begins to immerse himself in the virtual realm, the author uses gaming as the vehicle for storytelling. Once the quest begins, the book dives into a pool of shared virtual adventure, fantasy, science fiction, character-building, and excitement. The author presents a mix of real-world and virtual reality with a main character that is likable and compelling. It reminded me a little of Tron, but as I said, this type of genre is new to me, so I don’t know much about what to compare this book to. I wanted to read a book that dealt with virtual reality and AI themes, as it seems that AI and digital technology are on the rise. Overall, it was an entertaining read, and I enjoyed rooting for the main character.

[S.L. McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Reminds me a lot of things like Ready Player One and Sword Art Online. Kind of had the same concepts but a different story if that makes sense. Not really my type of book, but I found it interesting enough to keep reading. There was good setting, good scenes and descriptions, and I liked a lot of the dialogue. It didn't sound forced, and I found myself laughing a quite a bit through the story. The realm in this story starts affecting the real world, so most of this is virtual reality, and then it bleeds into our realm. Maybe it's closer to that digimon series where the real world and the virtual collide, but there weren't cute monsters and all that. With all the hoopla right now about technology, AI, and how it's affecting people, I feel like this is a book that touches on all of that while reading like a lit RPG. It was pretty good. I enjoyed the main character and found myself absorbed in the story.

[Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful and Enjoyable


I picked up The Glitched Realm: Vanguard Unleashed for a light read, and it ended up being more thoughtful than I expected. The core idea is fun and a little creepy: the biggest VR game glitches, and suddenly the rules that kept the world “safe” start breaking. Alex Lev feels like a solid lead, capable but shaken, and I liked watching him adapt when his usual powers and habits stop working.
What worked best for me was the atmosphere. The shifting environments, the NPCs gaining awareness, and the sense that society outside the game is also unraveling gave the story real tension. The pacing stays quick, with clear stakes and enough mystery to keep me engaged.
A few sections lean into gaming terms and mechanics, so if you hate any LitRPG flavor, you may need a little patience. But it stays “light, not crunchy,” and it is easy to follow. The ending lands well and makes me curious to continue the series.

[Evie Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a totally cool concept, and honestly, that’s what hooked me first, and the wordbuilding kept me. I went into The Glitched Realm expecting a fun VR adventure, but it ended up being darker and more intense than I thought it would be. Once the glitch hits, the story shifts fast, and the world stops feeling like a game and starts feeling genuinely dangerous. I really liked seeing Alex struggle and learn how to survive without the things that used to make him strong. It made his choices feel more important. The NPCs starting to realize what was happening was easily one of the best parts of the book. Some of those moments were creepy in a good way and made the story feel more intense. The pacing is mostly quick, though it does slow down in a few spots, but the stakes keep rising and pulled me through. Overall, it was a fun, high-energy read with some surprisingly thoughtful moments mixed in. I’d definitely check out the next one.

[Pike Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book i have read from this author and I must say it was quite an adventurous exciting read good for those that like action adventure stories and stories based on virtual reality games.

It takes place in a world where humanityy is dependent on VR. Protagonist and awarded Vanguard in the video game Eternal Quest, Alex Lev's world is shaken when there is a glitch within the video game. Reality doesn't become the same again when a world dependent on VR is being attacked by a video game itself. Alex Lev goes on a journey to save both worlds by decipher a glitch which is threatening humanity

The themes of this novel focus on living and what the novel says itself what it truly means to be alive.

This was a nice, well written exciting read and I would like to read more from this author.

[Freya Kissane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting out I found this book hard to get into, the prose was very purple, I wasn’t captivated by Alex or his weird streaming career where he didn’t actually have to talk his audience, then when we got into the world of Eternal Quest, the game mechanics, which I assume are a feature of this genre of book, didn’t interest me. I was very tempted to put this book down write a lukewarm review and call it a day. I’m glad I stuck with it though because when the game starts glitching and trapping players inside of it, things get much more interesting. The thing I guess I missed about this book were relationships that weren’t between Alex and the various NPCs who although sentient still feel sort of hollow. This isn’t a bad book and those that are bigger fans of gamelit and Eternal Quest itself will probably find more things to like here than I did.