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Dead Tired #1
Dead Tired I
A young man stumbles into a deep, lost cavern, he seeks power and prestige, the ability to become someone, anyone, worthy of praise.
When he finds an ancient crypt festooned in jewels and precious things he thinks himself the luckiest man alive.
And then the lich in that crypt wakes up and kills him.
That’s me. I’m the lich. Honestly, I just want to go back to sleep, and there’s no one, no ‘god emperor,’ sect, or uptight martial artist that’s going to stop me.
When he finds an ancient crypt festooned in jewels and precious things he thinks himself the luckiest man alive.
And then the lich in that crypt wakes up and kills him.
That’s me. I’m the lich. Honestly, I just want to go back to sleep, and there’s no one, no ‘god emperor,’ sect, or uptight martial artist that’s going to stop me.
349 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2023
1127 people are currently reading
2349 people want to read
About the author
RavensDagger
45 books225 followersA bird that likes comfy and happy things, and also knives. Once ate a god’s eye and awakened the ability to see all that is good in the world. Known to steal shiny ideas and baubles. Currently forbidden from writing his own bios.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
November 17, 2024
Dead Tired 1
By Ravensdagger
This is a hoot! This made me snicker, giggle, and laugh out loud. It made me doubt my ethics since I laughed at parts that were a bit evil, but boy, it was funny.
A skeleton named Harold. He is a wizard who had gone a round of some kind with Death. He picks up a butler that is beyond unusual but my favorite character. Then they pick up their test subject, a little girl.
They have quite the adventure! Can't wait to read book 2.
By Ravensdagger
This is a hoot! This made me snicker, giggle, and laugh out loud. It made me doubt my ethics since I laughed at parts that were a bit evil, but boy, it was funny.
A skeleton named Harold. He is a wizard who had gone a round of some kind with Death. He picks up a butler that is beyond unusual but my favorite character. Then they pick up their test subject, a little girl.
They have quite the adventure! Can't wait to read book 2.
February 13, 2025
This is kind of a power fantasy, but not in the sense of growing powerful. Harold, our main character, starts off entirely overpowered having already pretty much conquered the world and gotten bored enough to decide to sleep until the end of the universe when he figures something interesting will happen. And then someone disturbs his rest and he decides to take a look around for curiosity sake and he'll go back to sleep. Should only take a day or two.
Only his defining characteristic is a deep curiosity. He considers himself a scientist and experimenter and when he discovers things have gone from his days with a system and classes and such to a kind of cultivator sect system with accompanying arrogance he becomes intrigued. He's not some isekai so all he really knows is that these fellows are being completely inefficient and he wants to understand why. The plot is off to the races from there.
Harold isn't nice. He's a lich after all. But his curiosity can bend to helping others in a kind of off-handed way. For example, when the importunate girl he has named "limpet", who wants to learn as an apprentice, breaks through his general disregard it is by becoming a test subject to see if he can level her up and what it will take given that she can't see the system the way he does (even though it seems to be working as he expects behind the scenes).
So the strengths of this is in having a world I liked exploring and a cast of characters I liked exploring it with. Yeah, there aren't many challenges Harold can't overcome (I mean, he defeated the entire pantheon of gods before taking a nap), but he isn't actually pursuing power. He's pursuing knowledge and doing it with a careful deliberation all while rollicking around the countryside interrogating sect masters, hunting down the new pantheon, and exploring ancient ruins. And his companions all have their own interests and motivations and watching them bounce off each other over the course of the story was fantastic.
Seriously, this was five stars from start to finish and it didn't hurt that it delivers some laugh-out-loud moments along the way. I'm definitely interested in continuing the series.
A note about Chaste: Harold has zero prurient interests, even to experiment. He's a lich. He doesn't have the needs. And those who choose to be in his vicinity have better things to do (like staying interesting enough to stay alive). So this is pretty chaste.
Only his defining characteristic is a deep curiosity. He considers himself a scientist and experimenter and when he discovers things have gone from his days with a system and classes and such to a kind of cultivator sect system with accompanying arrogance he becomes intrigued. He's not some isekai so all he really knows is that these fellows are being completely inefficient and he wants to understand why. The plot is off to the races from there.
Harold isn't nice. He's a lich after all. But his curiosity can bend to helping others in a kind of off-handed way. For example, when the importunate girl he has named "limpet", who wants to learn as an apprentice, breaks through his general disregard it is by becoming a test subject to see if he can level her up and what it will take given that she can't see the system the way he does (even though it seems to be working as he expects behind the scenes).
So the strengths of this is in having a world I liked exploring and a cast of characters I liked exploring it with. Yeah, there aren't many challenges Harold can't overcome (I mean, he defeated the entire pantheon of gods before taking a nap), but he isn't actually pursuing power. He's pursuing knowledge and doing it with a careful deliberation all while rollicking around the countryside interrogating sect masters, hunting down the new pantheon, and exploring ancient ruins. And his companions all have their own interests and motivations and watching them bounce off each other over the course of the story was fantastic.
Seriously, this was five stars from start to finish and it didn't hurt that it delivers some laugh-out-loud moments along the way. I'm definitely interested in continuing the series.
A note about Chaste: Harold has zero prurient interests, even to experiment. He's a lich. He doesn't have the needs. And those who choose to be in his vicinity have better things to do (like staying interesting enough to stay alive). So this is pretty chaste.
May 14, 2021
Very interesting premise. Very lackluster execution.
2.5 stars
The author describes this as "A comedy about a Lich in a Wuxia world doing Science!". Unfortunately, it’s really just an adventure story about a really overpowered lich doing stuff, things, and other aimless insignificant nonsense. There is no plot (or science). The story is entirely uninteresting, with entertaining bits sprinkled in occasionally.
This probably is a lot more entertaining for those who particularly enjoy puns and caricatures. If instead you were expecting a deconstruction, combination or exploration of Wuxia or the D&D system this book utilizes... you’re going to be very disappointed.
2.5 stars
The author describes this as "A comedy about a Lich in a Wuxia world doing Science!". Unfortunately, it’s really just an adventure story about a really overpowered lich doing stuff, things, and other aimless insignificant nonsense. There is no plot (or science). The story is entirely uninteresting, with entertaining bits sprinkled in occasionally.
This probably is a lot more entertaining for those who particularly enjoy puns and caricatures. If instead you were expecting a deconstruction, combination or exploration of Wuxia or the D&D system this book utilizes... you’re going to be very disappointed.
May 5, 2024
I read this entirely because Jeff Hays was a narrator for this audiobook -- there were several so he wasn't the only one but that's fine. I also tend to like snarky undead characters and this looked to fit two bills at once.
This is the story of an old wizard who maxed out all of his stats. This enraged him. He can't level up any further so what's the point of life? Not a lot, at least in his perspective. So, he went off to go conquer the Gods. He did that. Then he killed Death which may have been a mistake because now he's bored and can't die. So, he decided to go to sleep until the end of time and then wake up to witness it. Pretty metal goals NGL. Then some asshole woke him up.
He kills the dude, but then figures it's been about 2,000 years since he put himself to sleep so why not walk around a little, explore the world and how it's changed, and then go back to sleep? He turns the poor dude who woke him up into an undead butler who calls him Daddy. When he tried to get the kid to stop calling him Daddy, the kid switched to Bone Daddy (this lich has a classic skeleton appearance as the cover suggests). He didn't like that either, but let it go before it got worse.
Bone Daddy is a jerk. He's very self absorbed because he knows he's the highest level being around, and this leads him to treats people as things. That's the root of all evil, after all. He's got a sense of humor but it doesn't always mesh with mine, lol. He's written to be snarky dad-joking lich to take the edge of his pure evil/selfishness. It kind of worked, but again, I didn't totally gel with his humor which is surprising considering it was mostly word play and dad jokes.
Bone Daddy treats magic like science. He goes as far as to dissect warlocks to see how their magic works. He has a deep respect for the process of experimentation and documenting results. It's like watching a mad scientist/wizard. Since he's awake now he needs an apprentice, and so he's helping level up his little helper he named Limpet. She's so devoted to him that she agrees to be his test subject and willingly is treated like trash and thanks him for it. She does gain a lot of knowledge and training. So, perhaps it's worth the suffering and ill treatment? I dunno, I would have dipped a long time ago, but slowly, hopefully in a way he didn't notice me leaving. She has a goal to go kill some dude but you don't know why at first. The audiobook gives her such a sweet innocent voice but she's chanting these seriously destructive spells and it's a funny combination. It's kind of like if Louise Belcher from Bob's Burgers suddenly went evil.
Some of the humor here made me groan, and the way the laugh was done in the audiobook actually annoyed me. There are a ton of puns that are so bad I almost didn't realize what the pun was because it didn't feel like an actual joke. Other things landed very well and they were more of the off hand remarks that weren't laid up liked a joke. If that makes sense. It's like the jokes were overworked or over emphasized. There are also a number of pop culture references up to an including a version of "these are not the X you're looking for", which may or may not appeal to you. I'm usually fine with it as long as it's not constant, and it wasn't.
I think this would appeal to people who like master/apprentice relationships, but if they wanted to watch an evil duo and not a hero and hero in training.
This is the story of an old wizard who maxed out all of his stats. This enraged him. He can't level up any further so what's the point of life? Not a lot, at least in his perspective. So, he went off to go conquer the Gods. He did that. Then he killed Death which may have been a mistake because now he's bored and can't die. So, he decided to go to sleep until the end of time and then wake up to witness it. Pretty metal goals NGL. Then some asshole woke him up.
He kills the dude, but then figures it's been about 2,000 years since he put himself to sleep so why not walk around a little, explore the world and how it's changed, and then go back to sleep? He turns the poor dude who woke him up into an undead butler who calls him Daddy. When he tried to get the kid to stop calling him Daddy, the kid switched to Bone Daddy (this lich has a classic skeleton appearance as the cover suggests). He didn't like that either, but let it go before it got worse.
Bone Daddy is a jerk. He's very self absorbed because he knows he's the highest level being around, and this leads him to treats people as things. That's the root of all evil, after all. He's got a sense of humor but it doesn't always mesh with mine, lol. He's written to be snarky dad-joking lich to take the edge of his pure evil/selfishness. It kind of worked, but again, I didn't totally gel with his humor which is surprising considering it was mostly word play and dad jokes.
Bone Daddy treats magic like science. He goes as far as to dissect warlocks to see how their magic works. He has a deep respect for the process of experimentation and documenting results. It's like watching a mad scientist/wizard. Since he's awake now he needs an apprentice, and so he's helping level up his little helper he named Limpet. She's so devoted to him that she agrees to be his test subject and willingly is treated like trash and thanks him for it. She does gain a lot of knowledge and training. So, perhaps it's worth the suffering and ill treatment? I dunno, I would have dipped a long time ago, but slowly, hopefully in a way he didn't notice me leaving. She has a goal to go kill some dude but you don't know why at first. The audiobook gives her such a sweet innocent voice but she's chanting these seriously destructive spells and it's a funny combination. It's kind of like if Louise Belcher from Bob's Burgers suddenly went evil.
Some of the humor here made me groan, and the way the laugh was done in the audiobook actually annoyed me. There are a ton of puns that are so bad I almost didn't realize what the pun was because it didn't feel like an actual joke. Other things landed very well and they were more of the off hand remarks that weren't laid up liked a joke. If that makes sense. It's like the jokes were overworked or over emphasized. There are also a number of pop culture references up to an including a version of "these are not the X you're looking for", which may or may not appeal to you. I'm usually fine with it as long as it's not constant, and it wasn't.
I think this would appeal to people who like master/apprentice relationships, but if they wanted to watch an evil duo and not a hero and hero in training.
February 21, 2024
... so this is just Overlord but with more puns?
I mean, many of ravens Dagger works are pure power fantasies without any deep meaning or even that good of a worldbuilding (Stray cat strut for example makes absolutely no sense as a cyberpunk with the existence of vanguard), but... this is shallow even for that.
Here we start, with the guy already omnipotent and undefeatable and all experienced, so why read the story? What possible plots could there be that its just not the most repetitive (You are strong? Ha, look at true power xianxia bullshit) and since they guy is already a litch, already took down the gods, already god tired of power (and how becoming a litch made him capable of killing gods, since he was already max level before that? )...
This is the most pointless character I had ever read in my entire life. Holy fuck
I mean, many of ravens Dagger works are pure power fantasies without any deep meaning or even that good of a worldbuilding (Stray cat strut for example makes absolutely no sense as a cyberpunk with the existence of vanguard), but... this is shallow even for that.
Here we start, with the guy already omnipotent and undefeatable and all experienced, so why read the story? What possible plots could there be that its just not the most repetitive (You are strong? Ha, look at true power xianxia bullshit) and since they guy is already a litch, already took down the gods, already god tired of power (and how becoming a litch made him capable of killing gods, since he was already max level before that? )...
This is the most pointless character I had ever read in my entire life. Holy fuck
September 11, 2023
Well, the humor in this book is kind of painful given it is heavily puns but, having said that, I really enjoyed the book, and the only big problem is there is no book 2 yet so I finished wanting to continue the story and zip. Regardless it was a fun read and kind of a unique spin on LitRPG in that the primary character is maxed out on levels, so you are really seeing his apprentice advance and not him. No sex, or romance (yet) which is fine, decent action, and an interesting spin on someone who starts out in God mode. I'm still struggling with wanting to read book 2 which I truly hope comes out, but I recommend this book if you want something a bit different and can tolerate a crap ton of puns.
January 11, 2025
It's a snarky fantasy adventure story. Harold, the undead lich (a wizard skilled in necromancy), is curious as to what has happened in the world since his deep sleep of a few thousand years. The humor and silly puns in the book aren't for everyone. Also, you'll have to continue with the series to see what happens next.
January 1, 2024
A good read after you finished something serious.
This book does not take itself too serious, there are barely any real stakes since the main character is just the most powerful being and no one comes even close to him.
Aside from him, the other characters really shine for me and i am invested to see where they are going in the future. Decent world building, absolutely would read a second part.
This book does not take itself too serious, there are barely any real stakes since the main character is just the most powerful being and no one comes even close to him.
Aside from him, the other characters really shine for me and i am invested to see where they are going in the future. Decent world building, absolutely would read a second part.
October 11, 2024
DNF 49%
The dismissive tone and terrible attempts at Dad jokes annoyed me. E.g. "My pocket dimension is hidden in my pocket. Ha ha ha ha ha."
I kept hoping the author would realise that the plot could be driven by the addition of Cultivation techniques to Harold's existing maxed-out System skills.
The dismissive tone and terrible attempts at Dad jokes annoyed me. E.g. "My pocket dimension is hidden in my pocket. Ha ha ha ha ha."
I kept hoping the author would realise that the plot could be driven by the addition of Cultivation techniques to Harold's existing maxed-out System skills.
October 8, 2023
It was a combination of excitement and weirdness but enjoyed it up until the end😭
September 20, 2023
nice
Over powered mc raising an apprentice. Fun read. Not my favorite but still nice. Need six more words for this.
Over powered mc raising an apprentice. Fun read. Not my favorite but still nice. Need six more words for this.
May 19, 2024
I enjoyed listening to this book! It’s so much fun. The story was well-written, witty, clever, and very entertaining. The puns were gold! I enjoyed them so much. The characters were all interesting. Alex is my favorite. He’s sooo adorable.
The narrators did great! They made it more fun to listen to.
February 16, 2025
Loved the bone-dry humor (hohoho)
the book felt like only the first 10chapters of a longer book tho (which gets rectified by the next book picking up right where this one ended but do keep this in mind)
the entire read was also rather light. if you want deep emotional turmoil this book isnt going to satisfy that. its a fun read and it wants to be nothing else
the book felt like only the first 10chapters of a longer book tho (which gets rectified by the next book picking up right where this one ended but do keep this in mind)
the entire read was also rather light. if you want deep emotional turmoil this book isnt going to satisfy that. its a fun read and it wants to be nothing else
September 19, 2024
Funny wacky overpowered. This was a fun read. Having the undead "Harold" a.k.a. OP god killer awakened feels to be the perfect premise for a world changing adventure.
100% worth a follow-up with the next ingredient.
100% worth a follow-up with the next ingredient.
June 21, 2025
A not that interesting book trying to rest on it doing mediocre puns. decent writing, just nothing.... Novel.(hahahaha, and that's the level of the puns.)
did-not-finish
October 11, 2025DNF at 43%. This was fine, I just didn’t really care
March 25, 2025
Fun, witty, and engaging. Overall good book and a lot of fun to listen to. Casting was perfect and always love a full casted audio book!
September 4, 2023
This was fun...
But I have complaints. The jacket cover says he was woken a lot. In fact it was only once. A few attempts to find him before he got up, like an annoying snooze alarm would have been much more amusing.
And lastly and this is a major one for me. They left the dog in the dungeon.
But I have complaints. The jacket cover says he was woken a lot. In fact it was only once. A few attempts to find him before he got up, like an annoying snooze alarm would have been much more amusing.
And lastly and this is a major one for me. They left the dog in the dungeon.
March 12, 2024
Hard to go wrong with a dead main character.
The main character is a lich who has been sleeping for a few millennia and awakens to find things to be very different in the world. But, no really, he’s not a bad guy. Just a misunderstood scientist.
The main character is a lich who has been sleeping for a few millennia and awakens to find things to be very different in the world. But, no really, he’s not a bad guy. Just a misunderstood scientist.
August 25, 2023
Actually good usage of the first person.
So, I don't much like first person. I think it's come into a vogue where it's not useful in the least. But in this story, it's being used for some of its actual purposes.
1) The first person narrator is actually narrating a story, Ismael style.
2) Also like Moby Dick, one had to keep in mind that the narrator is unreliable.
It's a fun adventure for an explicitly OP character. I like the unhinged curiosity of the lich MC. I like the gender-fluid battle butler cum maid. It's good light reading.
So, I don't much like first person. I think it's come into a vogue where it's not useful in the least. But in this story, it's being used for some of its actual purposes.
1) The first person narrator is actually narrating a story, Ismael style.
2) Also like Moby Dick, one had to keep in mind that the narrator is unreliable.
It's a fun adventure for an explicitly OP character. I like the unhinged curiosity of the lich MC. I like the gender-fluid battle butler cum maid. It's good light reading.
September 24, 2023
lots of fun
OK I love a good necromancy as anybody… this one is very amusing. I love the fact that you have the western version of necromancy and magic, and you have the cultivators of the eastern mythology, and they are kind of clashing… But really the cultivators don’t stand a chance. It’s punny deep… full of dad jokes… That are kind of undead. I like the characters. And the fact that this is kind of a murder mystery/you’ve done it, but civilization has died… Not a person… Per se.
OK I love a good necromancy as anybody… this one is very amusing. I love the fact that you have the western version of necromancy and magic, and you have the cultivators of the eastern mythology, and they are kind of clashing… But really the cultivators don’t stand a chance. It’s punny deep… full of dad jokes… That are kind of undead. I like the characters. And the fact that this is kind of a murder mystery/you’ve done it, but civilization has died… Not a person… Per se.
January 29, 2024
4 Yeetus Annoyus Stars
Dead Tired is the first book of the series by Ravensdagger.
Alex, the Death Maid of Bone Daddy, is definitely my favorite character to enjoy within these pages. They were entertaining to come to understand. I do love a maid that kicks major booty, no matter what. Their little eccentricities only enhanced my enjoyment of this marvelous creation.
Next was the natural curiosity and vast knowledge of the main character. To continuously explore simply for the sake of further understanding the inner workings of any device, place, or system of gaining power? Perfection. My curiosity enjoys like mindedness.
Harold is a character I only hope to learn more about. The intricacies of his phylacteries and wide assortment of magics is fascinating. Pairing that with a foreign if somewhat evil neutral moral fiber only adds to the experience. Take his treatment and teaching style of Fenfang, or limpet. It could be seen as cruel, but there is a noticeable fondness growing in his dealings with her. If only in saving himself the hassle of finding and teaching a new 'Test Subject'.
I am most excited to discover further interactions with these new and surviving old gods. They have stolen gifts he gave companions, and sources of his power and life force to grow their own powers or standing is sure to become something of further contention. It is exhibited already by the final chapter, and this insect God mother depicted.
Dead Tired is the first book of the series by Ravensdagger.
Alex, the Death Maid of Bone Daddy, is definitely my favorite character to enjoy within these pages. They were entertaining to come to understand. I do love a maid that kicks major booty, no matter what. Their little eccentricities only enhanced my enjoyment of this marvelous creation.
Next was the natural curiosity and vast knowledge of the main character. To continuously explore simply for the sake of further understanding the inner workings of any device, place, or system of gaining power? Perfection. My curiosity enjoys like mindedness.
Harold is a character I only hope to learn more about. The intricacies of his phylacteries and wide assortment of magics is fascinating. Pairing that with a foreign if somewhat evil neutral moral fiber only adds to the experience. Take his treatment and teaching style of Fenfang, or limpet. It could be seen as cruel, but there is a noticeable fondness growing in his dealings with her. If only in saving himself the hassle of finding and teaching a new 'Test Subject'.
I am most excited to discover further interactions with these new and surviving old gods. They have stolen gifts he gave companions, and sources of his power and life force to grow their own powers or standing is sure to become something of further contention. It is exhibited already by the final chapter, and this insect God mother depicted.
January 5, 2024
It was quite good!
I really don't have that much to say about this series. The author carries a sharp tale with a consistent application of a style of humour very reminiscent of the Morning wood series, but without the crass.
The magic system is central but discreet. The dig on wuxia is appreciated 😏 and supported 😁. I like the mentorship ploy as an method to still have some character "growth". The limpet is very useful in that regard.
The plot isn't groundbreaking, but does not have to be; the caustic humour is the first protagonist after all.
Where this book really shines though, is the narration! I don't think I've enjoyed Justin Thomas James's work as much as I have this time. Soundbooth Theaters are killing it.
In short, I liked it. It was short and sweet and I want more of it.
I really don't have that much to say about this series. The author carries a sharp tale with a consistent application of a style of humour very reminiscent of the Morning wood series, but without the crass.
The magic system is central but discreet. The dig on wuxia is appreciated 😏 and supported 😁. I like the mentorship ploy as an method to still have some character "growth". The limpet is very useful in that regard.
The plot isn't groundbreaking, but does not have to be; the caustic humour is the first protagonist after all.
Where this book really shines though, is the narration! I don't think I've enjoyed Justin Thomas James's work as much as I have this time. Soundbooth Theaters are killing it.
In short, I liked it. It was short and sweet and I want more of it.
August 9, 2023
A little bit of this and that all blended into a fun read.
The setting and the humor combined with a over powered main character lead you to a slice of life feel that is very enjoyable. The pace is fast and everything is constantly moving forward. The bit of mystery, especially at the end, helps provide a direction to the overall plot. This is a solid read and I very much am looking forward to more.
The setting and the humor combined with a over powered main character lead you to a slice of life feel that is very enjoyable. The pace is fast and everything is constantly moving forward. The bit of mystery, especially at the end, helps provide a direction to the overall plot. This is a solid read and I very much am looking forward to more.
August 30, 2023
3.5* painful puns.
It is an interesting take on the OP character. Learning, growing and waking up in the new system. Sadly I liked the side characters of Limpet and Alex far more than Harold the main. The idea is interesting and the setting intriguing with someone outside of the sects but the puns and the ohohoho's broke the flow for me. I will probably keep reading more out of curiosity of the world and his companions than anything.
It is an interesting take on the OP character. Learning, growing and waking up in the new system. Sadly I liked the side characters of Limpet and Alex far more than Harold the main. The idea is interesting and the setting intriguing with someone outside of the sects but the puns and the ohohoho's broke the flow for me. I will probably keep reading more out of curiosity of the world and his companions than anything.
December 20, 2024
Interesting premise, combining the currently hyped martial-arts and cultivation novels with a classical undead overlord scheme with a bit of post-apocalyptic setup.
However, while the characters are pretty interesting, the plot is pretty much a repetition of "1. strong enemy plops up, 2. Overpowered main character kills them".
The pace is also pretty slow and filled with internal monologues. After reading the second book, my estimate is a 5 book series at least to finish the current objectives.
However, while the characters are pretty interesting, the plot is pretty much a repetition of "1. strong enemy plops up, 2. Overpowered main character kills them".
The pace is also pretty slow and filled with internal monologues. After reading the second book, my estimate is a 5 book series at least to finish the current objectives.
November 27, 2023
It was an enjoyable, easy read, a well thought out story, and I will definitely move on to the next book if/when it comes out. Overall, I would rate it 4 stars.
If you like stories similar to Beneath The Dragon Eye Moons (by Selkie Myth), Vainqueur The Dragon (by Maxime J. Durand), and/or Themis Files (by Sylvain Neuvel), you would probably like Dead Tired.
Be warned, there are very minor spoilers ahead.
The story starts when Harold, a character who loves to learn and research, wakes up from his extraordinarily long nap. He is very powerful and doesn't really face any physical challenges. Instead, the story focuses on the narrative and uncovering what happened while Harold was asleep, and sprinkled in with Harold's magic lessons to his limpet, a girl who has a similar inquisitive mind but is a bit preoccupied with a desire for revenge (the narrative doesn't focus on it though, and will probably be something important in a future book). The magic is based on science, and as someone studying astrophysics in college, the author seems to be pretty informed, and it gets my stamp of approval.
The author, Ravens Dagger, seems to have learned quite a bit from his previous stories, and Dead Tired shows his growing expertise. One of the issues I have had with his previous stories is that the pacing feels off, but with Dead Tired, I feel that Ravens Dagger has found a pretty good pacing. And the narrative itself, which explores the world and how it compares to its past, is pretty interesting. Also, one of the big questions in the book is why people aren't able to access the system anymore. In between the world-building is some humor (there are quite a few puns) mixed in with some pretty good character development.
I would say Harold resonated with me quite well in that he is a researcher, and so am I. The humor was fun, and the world-building and pacing were excellent. The narrative is well-developed. It's a pretty easy and fun read; it did make me think about a few things, and the story was well thought out, but there also wasn't anything super deep. Overall, I would rate it 4 stars.
If you like stories similar to Beneath The Dragon Eye Moons (by Selkie Myth), Vainqueur The Dragon (by Maxime J. Durand), and/or Themis Files (by Sylvain Neuvel), you would probably like Dead Tired.
Be warned, there are very minor spoilers ahead.
The story starts when Harold, a character who loves to learn and research, wakes up from his extraordinarily long nap. He is very powerful and doesn't really face any physical challenges. Instead, the story focuses on the narrative and uncovering what happened while Harold was asleep, and sprinkled in with Harold's magic lessons to his limpet, a girl who has a similar inquisitive mind but is a bit preoccupied with a desire for revenge (the narrative doesn't focus on it though, and will probably be something important in a future book). The magic is based on science, and as someone studying astrophysics in college, the author seems to be pretty informed, and it gets my stamp of approval.
The author, Ravens Dagger, seems to have learned quite a bit from his previous stories, and Dead Tired shows his growing expertise. One of the issues I have had with his previous stories is that the pacing feels off, but with Dead Tired, I feel that Ravens Dagger has found a pretty good pacing. And the narrative itself, which explores the world and how it compares to its past, is pretty interesting. Also, one of the big questions in the book is why people aren't able to access the system anymore. In between the world-building is some humor (there are quite a few puns) mixed in with some pretty good character development.
I would say Harold resonated with me quite well in that he is a researcher, and so am I. The humor was fun, and the world-building and pacing were excellent. The narrative is well-developed. It's a pretty easy and fun read; it did make me think about a few things, and the story was well thought out, but there also wasn't anything super deep. Overall, I would rate it 4 stars.
January 17, 2024
Dead Tired 1: A Bone-Chilling Delight or a Sleepy Stumble?
"Dead Tired 1" by Ravens Dagger offer a mixed bag of reactions, highlighting both the book's potential strengths and areas for improvement. Here's a synthesis of common themes:
Humor and Originality: Many praise the book's unique blend of humor and horror, with a protagonist who breaks genre conventions and offers refreshingly witty commentary.
Worldbuilding and Pacing: Some commend the intriguing world and fast-paced plot, while others note a lack of depth in worldbuilding and occasional pacing issues.
Character Development: Opinions on character development are mixed, with some finding the characters engaging and others wishing for more emotional depth and growth.
Humor and Tone: The humor is a highlight for many, but a few find it jarring or excessive at times.
Overall, "Dead Tired 1" seems to be a polarizing read. Fans of irreverent humor and fast-paced fantasy adventures may find it a refreshingly fun romp, while those seeking deep character studies or immersive worldbuilding might be less satisfied.
December 11, 2025
I like puns, but clearly not as much as this guy does.
TL; DR: A hyper powered fantasy/litRPG that crosses those genres and jumps back and forth with a creative premise, but not much depth for the characters or situations involved.
I like this one fine, though I’ll be totally frank, I bought it when I saw soundbooth theatre did the audio. It was a totally all right book; I feel like I’m giving it that one awkwardly smiling emoji and a single thumbs-up, but it’s not worth much more.
Characters: Harold’s pretty entertaining, even if he’s a psychopath. Alex grated on my nerves, but I understand the comic relief character. I liked the limpet, Fenfeng, just fine, but she was a stereotypical, overexcited, wanting to prove themselves apprentice character. There’s really not much depth here and Harold’s just so gosh dang overpowered that it’s almost a One-Punch Man kind of scenario.
Setting: Actually very creative. Without spoilers, the various takes on litRPG, systems, and cultivation within the same story make for a really interesting premise that I can see myself enjoying.
Story: Um, there really isn’t one? It’s not even a slice of life. I suppose there’s a basic plot line about discovering *insert items here* but it’s not anything that the whole book seems all that intent on pursuing.
Writing: It’s fine; the puns will grate on a lot of people’s nerves, but I liked them. It’s my kind of humor and the laughing of the main character only made it better. Soundbooth also did an awesome job with the various voices and such, as per usual.
This was one of those books that I’m not opposed to reading the next of, but I’ll probably never revisit the series once I’m done with the books I have. It’s fine, but not something I think I’d recommend to anyone unless you’re into overpowered fantasies, litRPGs, and a LOT of puns.
2.7 🌟
TL; DR: A hyper powered fantasy/litRPG that crosses those genres and jumps back and forth with a creative premise, but not much depth for the characters or situations involved.
I like this one fine, though I’ll be totally frank, I bought it when I saw soundbooth theatre did the audio. It was a totally all right book; I feel like I’m giving it that one awkwardly smiling emoji and a single thumbs-up, but it’s not worth much more.
Characters: Harold’s pretty entertaining, even if he’s a psychopath. Alex grated on my nerves, but I understand the comic relief character. I liked the limpet, Fenfeng, just fine, but she was a stereotypical, overexcited, wanting to prove themselves apprentice character. There’s really not much depth here and Harold’s just so gosh dang overpowered that it’s almost a One-Punch Man kind of scenario.
Setting: Actually very creative. Without spoilers, the various takes on litRPG, systems, and cultivation within the same story make for a really interesting premise that I can see myself enjoying.
Story: Um, there really isn’t one? It’s not even a slice of life. I suppose there’s a basic plot line about discovering *insert items here* but it’s not anything that the whole book seems all that intent on pursuing.
Writing: It’s fine; the puns will grate on a lot of people’s nerves, but I liked them. It’s my kind of humor and the laughing of the main character only made it better. Soundbooth also did an awesome job with the various voices and such, as per usual.
This was one of those books that I’m not opposed to reading the next of, but I’ll probably never revisit the series once I’m done with the books I have. It’s fine, but not something I think I’d recommend to anyone unless you’re into overpowered fantasies, litRPGs, and a LOT of puns.
2.7 🌟
February 25, 2025
Quirky and enjoyable, Mildly funny
This is Isekai, but not from earth. The MC is from this fantasy world's past before the System changed from LitRPG to Xianxia. Dude spent hundreds of years mastering magic spells and now he's a Godly OP Necrolord in a kung-fu world.
~ A non-evil necromancer?~
A master level necromancer who's never heard of Cultivation or Chi finds that his old spells still work.
...Wait up, where have I hear this before? Seriously it was driving me crazy, I knew I'd read a book exactly like this one -but I couldn't recall the name. Oh Yeah! It's almost exactly the plot of Sylver Seeker Kennit Kenway (First published September 26, 2023). Who copied who? neither. This book came out 54 days sooner so they were both being written at the same time. -also this one is more like a comedy.
(This book is a comedy in the same way that balloon animals are funny: nominally. Still it's silly, squeaky, and unlikely to leave any lasting harm.)
This book is technically not isekai in so much as the MC was not magically transported to this world. He had Entombed himself to sleep away the rest of time (being unable to die) but was awoken by a tomb robber. MC decides to take a little walkabout before going back to bed and meets an amusing cast of characters.
Where this book shines is where the MC is on the lighter side of A-morality. Homeboy is not malicious, ...but... Where this book stumbles is where it shows that amorality is effectively the same as capital "E" evil and the MC waking up is likely to be a civilization ending event that nobody has noticed yet.
Would have given this one an additional star but it pisses me off every time the author threatens the little dog.
This is Isekai, but not from earth. The MC is from this fantasy world's past before the System changed from LitRPG to Xianxia. Dude spent hundreds of years mastering magic spells and now he's a Godly OP Necrolord in a kung-fu world.
~ A non-evil necromancer?~
A master level necromancer who's never heard of Cultivation or Chi finds that his old spells still work.
...Wait up, where have I hear this before? Seriously it was driving me crazy, I knew I'd read a book exactly like this one -but I couldn't recall the name. Oh Yeah! It's almost exactly the plot of Sylver Seeker Kennit Kenway (First published September 26, 2023). Who copied who? neither. This book came out 54 days sooner so they were both being written at the same time. -also this one is more like a comedy.
(This book is a comedy in the same way that balloon animals are funny: nominally. Still it's silly, squeaky, and unlikely to leave any lasting harm.)
This book is technically not isekai in so much as the MC was not magically transported to this world. He had Entombed himself to sleep away the rest of time (being unable to die) but was awoken by a tomb robber. MC decides to take a little walkabout before going back to bed and meets an amusing cast of characters.
Where this book shines is where the MC is on the lighter side of A-morality. Homeboy is not malicious, ...but... Where this book stumbles is where it shows that amorality is effectively the same as capital "E" evil and the MC waking up is likely to be a civilization ending event that nobody has noticed yet.
Would have given this one an additional star but it pisses me off every time the author threatens the little dog.
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