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Earthen Contenders #2
Unprepared Healer
Exposed as the Contender at the top of the Rankings, Thaden has to make a run for it….
After the Assimilation System inadvertently outed Thaden as a Contender, as well as confirming that he was at the top of most of the Rankings, the Lifewarden has to leave the town of Ashcleft as soon as possible. Why? Because with his Level being over 21, he can now be attacked by other Contenders with a lower Level than him; they are eager to bring him down so that they’ll have a chance at the top spot, which will guarantee that their families back home on Earth will be safe. With the completely unfair Contender versus Contender system in place, he can’t defend himself even if he had that capability, as any damage he might inflict upon them is immediately negated.
Fortunately, Thaden escapes those who wish him harm, but as he travels further from Ashcleft, he realizes that he doesn’t exactly have a plan on how to proceed now that his status has been revealed. Venturing into the wider world of Tarth has its own problems, though the danger to him is largely in the form of other Contenders learning his identity, and not the monsters that roam across the landscape or the dungeons that might challenge him. Despite those dangers, the Lifewarden decides to begin accumulating more of the resources needed to Level-up; but when he unwittingly stumbles upon a challenge that the Assimilation System has designed, Thaden is completely unprepared for the consequences of his actions.
But in reality, it’s the world of Tarth that is completely unprepared for him….
This story contains an overpowered MC with a normally non-offense-based Class, LitRPG progression mechanics and stats, and isekai/portal fantasy elements. Contains no sexual content or harems.
After the Assimilation System inadvertently outed Thaden as a Contender, as well as confirming that he was at the top of most of the Rankings, the Lifewarden has to leave the town of Ashcleft as soon as possible. Why? Because with his Level being over 21, he can now be attacked by other Contenders with a lower Level than him; they are eager to bring him down so that they’ll have a chance at the top spot, which will guarantee that their families back home on Earth will be safe. With the completely unfair Contender versus Contender system in place, he can’t defend himself even if he had that capability, as any damage he might inflict upon them is immediately negated.
Fortunately, Thaden escapes those who wish him harm, but as he travels further from Ashcleft, he realizes that he doesn’t exactly have a plan on how to proceed now that his status has been revealed. Venturing into the wider world of Tarth has its own problems, though the danger to him is largely in the form of other Contenders learning his identity, and not the monsters that roam across the landscape or the dungeons that might challenge him. Despite those dangers, the Lifewarden decides to begin accumulating more of the resources needed to Level-up; but when he unwittingly stumbles upon a challenge that the Assimilation System has designed, Thaden is completely unprepared for the consequences of his actions.
But in reality, it’s the world of Tarth that is completely unprepared for him….
This story contains an overpowered MC with a normally non-offense-based Class, LitRPG progression mechanics and stats, and isekai/portal fantasy elements. Contains no sexual content or harems.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2024
826 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Brooks
82 books488 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
May 29, 2024
Came up Short
The overall idea and plot of the series was unique. It gave a refreshing take on many books of this genre. To me, it came up short in three major aspects on what make this genre a favorite for me which resulted in me not finishing the book.
The first would be the main character. In book 1, it made sense for the character to be uninformed or ignorant of anything and everything given his situation. This eventually just becomes inexcusable for book 2. There are various moments where the MC asks questions or stumbles like a bumbling fool in situations that are more or less self explanatory. He makes the same mistake 3 or 4 times and actually stumbles into confrontation due to zoning out. This is done so often especially when there is surrounding detail meant to emphasize the MC as a paranoid individual or someone that at least thinks through scenarios. An unintelligent MC just downplays the plot and makes it all seem as if there is nothing at risk because you can count on the plot armor.
The second is the direction the plot went. Being OP the MC encountered an obstacle that would act as a setback regardless of his ability. The simple solution that common sense would dictate was ignored in favor of a much more drastic and different angle that ended up creating even more risk. This essentially is what drove the plot to the next stage which in my opinion watered down any potential for a better story.
Third and lastly was the constant explanation and detail for loot or items that added NOTHING to the story. There were pages and pages discussing the lack of usefulness of these items to the MC that could be summed up in 3 lines. Instead it added pages whilst not providing any benefit. In most cases there are filler or introspection that can shape the world or the magic system but this actually had no use.
I appreciate the time and effort that went into the sequel and I wish the author the best but this book was just not for me. As mentioned before I did not finish and do not plan to just due to the points I made above.
The overall idea and plot of the series was unique. It gave a refreshing take on many books of this genre. To me, it came up short in three major aspects on what make this genre a favorite for me which resulted in me not finishing the book.
The first would be the main character. In book 1, it made sense for the character to be uninformed or ignorant of anything and everything given his situation. This eventually just becomes inexcusable for book 2. There are various moments where the MC asks questions or stumbles like a bumbling fool in situations that are more or less self explanatory. He makes the same mistake 3 or 4 times and actually stumbles into confrontation due to zoning out. This is done so often especially when there is surrounding detail meant to emphasize the MC as a paranoid individual or someone that at least thinks through scenarios. An unintelligent MC just downplays the plot and makes it all seem as if there is nothing at risk because you can count on the plot armor.
The second is the direction the plot went. Being OP the MC encountered an obstacle that would act as a setback regardless of his ability. The simple solution that common sense would dictate was ignored in favor of a much more drastic and different angle that ended up creating even more risk. This essentially is what drove the plot to the next stage which in my opinion watered down any potential for a better story.
Third and lastly was the constant explanation and detail for loot or items that added NOTHING to the story. There were pages and pages discussing the lack of usefulness of these items to the MC that could be summed up in 3 lines. Instead it added pages whilst not providing any benefit. In most cases there are filler or introspection that can shape the world or the magic system but this actually had no use.
I appreciate the time and effort that went into the sequel and I wish the author the best but this book was just not for me. As mentioned before I did not finish and do not plan to just due to the points I made above.
June 4, 2024
OP Edgelord MC runs away from a town to a new one where everyone he meet dies, and you care less than you would about NPCs in any random video game.
It's the same plot as book 1, but with more filler spell tables and "options" for leveling up that don't matter and are rarely if ever referenced again. MC keeps getting loot that he promptly ignores, but the book feels the need to describe in detail.
While the only character with a string of numbers for their name is the MC, it's every other character that is a cardboard cutout named Chad, Brad or other generic NPC name.
"Fights" consist of the MC walking up to bad guys and standing there while they bounce off his plot armor and die (this is way more literal than you'd want to believe).
It's the same plot as book 1, but with more filler spell tables and "options" for leveling up that don't matter and are rarely if ever referenced again. MC keeps getting loot that he promptly ignores, but the book feels the need to describe in detail.
While the only character with a string of numbers for their name is the MC, it's every other character that is a cardboard cutout named Chad, Brad or other generic NPC name.
"Fights" consist of the MC walking up to bad guys and standing there while they bounce off his plot armor and die (this is way more literal than you'd want to believe).
June 5, 2024
Fun story, highly accelerated plot.
Mechanics stay mostly the same throughout this fast-paced story, which can be a tough thing to do. Editing was tight, which is always enjoyable, since it allows the reader to just go through the story and enjoy what was crafted.
Main character growth and world development, as usual, is top notch with Jonathan Brooks books.
Mechanics stay mostly the same throughout this fast-paced story, which can be a tough thing to do. Editing was tight, which is always enjoyable, since it allows the reader to just go through the story and enjoy what was crafted.
Main character growth and world development, as usual, is top notch with Jonathan Brooks books.
May 30, 2024
Book two
I wanted to give this five stars because I really enjoyed it and I love the looting.
However it is something to do with looting that is one of the problems I have.
He never looted the worms that destroyed the city!!!
Come on! That should have had some awesome loots! I know he got rewarded for the quest, but he still should have been able to loot those worms!
My only other problem is that the MC is easily prone to panic even though he pretty much can't be killed. He also has this bad habit of trying to take the blame for everything and spends way to much time feeling guilty. He also repeats things multiple times when he is thinking to himself and we are shown what he is thinking.
Other than that I totally enjoyed reading this book.
Mistakes will be listed on Goodreads. Have NOT seen this series on Royalroad or any other free reading site.
8/10 Stop dwelling on things that you can't change.
I wanted to give this five stars because I really enjoyed it and I love the looting.
However it is something to do with looting that is one of the problems I have.
He never looted the worms that destroyed the city!!!
Come on! That should have had some awesome loots! I know he got rewarded for the quest, but he still should have been able to loot those worms!
My only other problem is that the MC is easily prone to panic even though he pretty much can't be killed. He also has this bad habit of trying to take the blame for everything and spends way to much time feeling guilty. He also repeats things multiple times when he is thinking to himself and we are shown what he is thinking.
Other than that I totally enjoyed reading this book.
Mistakes will be listed on Goodreads. Have NOT seen this series on Royalroad or any other free reading site.
8/10 Stop dwelling on things that you can't change.
June 12, 2024
Could not finish
First book i liked but this one i barely got past 20% before skipping pages. It no longer was about adventuring it became a kidnapping investigation, then a world event with multiple pages like 10 pages of mc blaming himself. I gave up at 46% i could just not handle the lack of adventure and the constant inner Monolog about everything.
First book i liked but this one i barely got past 20% before skipping pages. It no longer was about adventuring it became a kidnapping investigation, then a world event with multiple pages like 10 pages of mc blaming himself. I gave up at 46% i could just not handle the lack of adventure and the constant inner Monolog about everything.
June 16, 2024
challenging, very challenging
The premise is interesting but the execution is flawed. Very little human interaction or character development. Just a steady montage of stat sheets. The few characters that are introduced are extremely one dimensional. Also the constraints on the MCs ability are overdone and make little logical sense.
The premise is interesting but the execution is flawed. Very little human interaction or character development. Just a steady montage of stat sheets. The few characters that are introduced are extremely one dimensional. Also the constraints on the MCs ability are overdone and make little logical sense.
September 25, 2024
I don't understand what the author is trying to do. He is supposed to be a contender but cannot fight? How does that even make sense. If you ever thought LitRPG fights couldn't get any more boring, you're in for a real treat. His special move is to stand there and let 30% chance of 5% reflected damage kill the mobs.
Oh, it gets better. He is level twenty one so he can be killed but his enemies are lower than 21 and cannot be killed. What! Oh, and if they "accidentally" damage him then his shield does trigger. The author throws the dumbest challenges at the MC but nothing that would actually make him grow as a person or learn to use his class.
As an aside, who is rating these books? How is it that this dumpster fire has such a high rating?
Oh, it gets better. He is level twenty one so he can be killed but his enemies are lower than 21 and cannot be killed. What! Oh, and if they "accidentally" damage him then his shield does trigger. The author throws the dumbest challenges at the MC but nothing that would actually make him grow as a person or learn to use his class.
As an aside, who is rating these books? How is it that this dumpster fire has such a high rating?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2024
Extremely repetitve
Excessive info dumps about loot (which the protagonist never uses or sells) and skills fill a big part of the book. Social interactions are almost non existent.
The tendency of the protagonist to run away even though nobody could kill him anyway is off putting and seems antithetical to his despise of PK characters as they would be punished for attacks inside the towns and might see the errors of their ways..
I only liked the last two conflicts in the book, despite the acts leading to these fights were extremely depressing.
Excessive info dumps about loot (which the protagonist never uses or sells) and skills fill a big part of the book. Social interactions are almost non existent.
The tendency of the protagonist to run away even though nobody could kill him anyway is off putting and seems antithetical to his despise of PK characters as they would be punished for attacks inside the towns and might see the errors of their ways..
I only liked the last two conflicts in the book, despite the acts leading to these fights were extremely depressing.
June 24, 2024
Cauterize the wound!
Such an unexpected character to follow, it was still very interesting to see how powers developed and the world changes against them with no warning.
The last part, and the retribution with the rules was such a relief.
Such an unexpected character to follow, it was still very interesting to see how powers developed and the world changes against them with no warning.
The last part, and the retribution with the rules was such a relief.
August 22, 2024
Fun story
This is a fun story, and the system is developing nicely. There is character development, but I hate how everything is 100% focused on Thaden. No other characters exist except as straw dummies, to either die tragically, or be righteously destroyed. (I'm exaggerating, but not by much).
This is a fun story, and the system is developing nicely. There is character development, but I hate how everything is 100% focused on Thaden. No other characters exist except as straw dummies, to either die tragically, or be righteously destroyed. (I'm exaggerating, but not by much).
August 15, 2024
a bit too antisocial
The MC of this book acts like he is allergic to other people. Only interacting with any other people when he literally is forced to do so.
I also find myself wondering if the author just doesn’t want to keep track of side characters as he doesn’t form any meaningful relationships with ANYONE and the fleeting relationships he does have tend to end permanently one way or another.
In my experience, the more time I spend wondering about the author’s reasons for writing a certain way, the worse the story. As I have to be pulled out of my immersion for me to be thinking of the author at all.
Without spoilers, it would be difficult to describe what I didn’t like about this book, but I will say that I spent entirely too much time thinking about the author’s motivations.
The MC of this book acts like he is allergic to other people. Only interacting with any other people when he literally is forced to do so.
I also find myself wondering if the author just doesn’t want to keep track of side characters as he doesn’t form any meaningful relationships with ANYONE and the fleeting relationships he does have tend to end permanently one way or another.
In my experience, the more time I spend wondering about the author’s reasons for writing a certain way, the worse the story. As I have to be pulled out of my immersion for me to be thinking of the author at all.
Without spoilers, it would be difficult to describe what I didn’t like about this book, but I will say that I spent entirely too much time thinking about the author’s motivations.
October 30, 2024
Not well excuted. Lacks any connecting humanizing moments. Doesn't have the comedy to carry that type of character and the edge lord nerd vibe is annoying to read in high word count. The lore of the book is so so.
I regret reading the seond book. Because the first didn't have any hits that I should go on. Even if I love crafter dungeon. At this point I've got a feel for the authors writing. And I think craft dungeon series was more of a 1 off for the author. So, I'm shutting down this dive for the author unless it gets recomended to me.
I regret reading the seond book. Because the first didn't have any hits that I should go on. Even if I love crafter dungeon. At this point I've got a feel for the authors writing. And I think craft dungeon series was more of a 1 off for the author. So, I'm shutting down this dive for the author unless it gets recomended to me.
July 16, 2024
Unprepared Healer
Thaden had been doing very well for himself since he his mana does not deplete, no matter what he casts. That was until the assimilation system announced that he was the top of the contender board. Not only that, but anyone under level 21 can kill someone level 21 or over. The higher level character can’t even fight back. Now. Thaden has to worry about other contenders even more than the dungeon monsters!
This book had a lot of fun twists in it! There were a few times that I was sure that I had the story figured out and then it made a hard turn in the opposite direction. Tharen is developing nicely. My only complaint is that it would be nice to get more party interactions. Miles Meili does an excellent job with the narration!
Content Warning: language
Thaden had been doing very well for himself since he his mana does not deplete, no matter what he casts. That was until the assimilation system announced that he was the top of the contender board. Not only that, but anyone under level 21 can kill someone level 21 or over. The higher level character can’t even fight back. Now. Thaden has to worry about other contenders even more than the dungeon monsters!
This book had a lot of fun twists in it! There were a few times that I was sure that I had the story figured out and then it made a hard turn in the opposite direction. Tharen is developing nicely. My only complaint is that it would be nice to get more party interactions. Miles Meili does an excellent job with the narration!
Content Warning: language
June 22, 2024
It's... okay
Much of the book is entertaining enough. However, much of the drama just seems so forced since the author purposefully created a system that made defending yourself impossible, hamstrung an entire class of characters, and for some reason wrote people in such a way that seemingly a vast majority of "randomly select people" are raging sociopathic murderers. It's exhausting. The agency this takes from the MC is terribly annoying.
I'll continue the series, but if the next book needs as much skimming as this one it'll be the last for me.
Much of the book is entertaining enough. However, much of the drama just seems so forced since the author purposefully created a system that made defending yourself impossible, hamstrung an entire class of characters, and for some reason wrote people in such a way that seemingly a vast majority of "randomly select people" are raging sociopathic murderers. It's exhausting. The agency this takes from the MC is terribly annoying.
I'll continue the series, but if the next book needs as much skimming as this one it'll be the last for me.
January 4, 2025
5 stars
Poor guy.
SPOILER review:
He's a death sentence for anyone's party that he joins or wants to join, or even for just temporary alliances, since his french stalker had to have been ate by those magma things. I'm guessing that even Sarah and friends might have perished by now, but maybe not since we were in her pov for so long, and that *might have made her important.
It's morbid, but I winced and laughed so hard when that anchor dungeon incident happened with the magma worms. I could picture a meme of him saying something like Mark Wahlberg, "What? No... How could this have happened? Couldn't be me... *backs away and runs off in shame*"
There might be unknown elements involved that are forcing him to be alone, but I think a good chunk of it is due to his fortuity. Only with danger is there opportunity and growth. That's why in other action/rpg/cultivation type stories, the mc is always attracting aggro and starting shyt. Also, I think the disparity between his luck and others is what brings calamity to them. Rather than luck being a quantitative entity, it's more based on relativity. If my luck is higher than the next person, by default, they're unluckier than me. Basically, his very presence is unlucky for anyone he has been in contact with. He's 'stealing' luck from other people who don't have the strength to overcome the disparity. The system itself could also be farking with him, and seeing the potential in him doesn't want his potential snuffed out by being in a party where he can't exert himself to the fullest.
And since this 'review' is already so long, I'll mention my other theories about the system. It's possible earth was never in danger, and the system just wanted soldiers, OR maybe everyone on earth is already gone in the first place. Maybe there isn't a great adversary, but instead, they are being watched in what I assume is an interstellar reality show. Or idk, that's all I got. I'm not that clever.
Anyway, good read. I stayed up EXTREMELY late (or early) to finish the first one and start this one.
Poor guy.
SPOILER review:
He's a death sentence for anyone's party that he joins or wants to join, or even for just temporary alliances, since his french stalker had to have been ate by those magma things. I'm guessing that even Sarah and friends might have perished by now, but maybe not since we were in her pov for so long, and that *might have made her important.
It's morbid, but I winced and laughed so hard when that anchor dungeon incident happened with the magma worms. I could picture a meme of him saying something like Mark Wahlberg, "What? No... How could this have happened? Couldn't be me... *backs away and runs off in shame*"
There might be unknown elements involved that are forcing him to be alone, but I think a good chunk of it is due to his fortuity. Only with danger is there opportunity and growth. That's why in other action/rpg/cultivation type stories, the mc is always attracting aggro and starting shyt. Also, I think the disparity between his luck and others is what brings calamity to them. Rather than luck being a quantitative entity, it's more based on relativity. If my luck is higher than the next person, by default, they're unluckier than me. Basically, his very presence is unlucky for anyone he has been in contact with. He's 'stealing' luck from other people who don't have the strength to overcome the disparity. The system itself could also be farking with him, and seeing the potential in him doesn't want his potential snuffed out by being in a party where he can't exert himself to the fullest.
And since this 'review' is already so long, I'll mention my other theories about the system. It's possible earth was never in danger, and the system just wanted soldiers, OR maybe everyone on earth is already gone in the first place. Maybe there isn't a great adversary, but instead, they are being watched in what I assume is an interstellar reality show. Or idk, that's all I got. I'm not that clever.
Anyway, good read. I stayed up EXTREMELY late (or early) to finish the first one and start this one.
November 3, 2024
4.5 stars...
I really enjoyed reading this book, though my heart breaks for the MC, he really has no good luck other than for surviving... Every time he thinks he's in the right track the system and other people throw him a curve and he has to change his plans.
There were some twists that I really didn't see coming, I knew something was up but I didn't imagine the magnitude of the problem that would arise.
I think that what I like the most is how the MC solves the problems that come up, he's not perfect but he always tries his best. And he really goes through awful situations but he always pulls through.
If I'm being honest I would like for the MC to find some allies at some point, even though I like seeing him challenge dungeons alone it would be great if he could get some help at least outside of dungeons... I would love it if the MC made his own guild.
I still have a little bit of trouble keeping up with some of the technicalities of the uses of multiple spells and how they interact, I'm glad the author usually explains most of them, though the rest of the time I have to re-read multiple times to understand.
POV: multiple (mostly main lead)
Tropes: system, leves, dungeons, other world.
Spice: none (no romantic interest)
CW: violence, blood, gore, death, kidnapping, mentions of torture.
I really enjoyed reading this book, though my heart breaks for the MC, he really has no good luck other than for surviving... Every time he thinks he's in the right track the system and other people throw him a curve and he has to change his plans.
There were some twists that I really didn't see coming, I knew something was up but I didn't imagine the magnitude of the problem that would arise.
I think that what I like the most is how the MC solves the problems that come up, he's not perfect but he always tries his best. And he really goes through awful situations but he always pulls through.
If I'm being honest I would like for the MC to find some allies at some point, even though I like seeing him challenge dungeons alone it would be great if he could get some help at least outside of dungeons... I would love it if the MC made his own guild.
I still have a little bit of trouble keeping up with some of the technicalities of the uses of multiple spells and how they interact, I'm glad the author usually explains most of them, though the rest of the time I have to re-read multiple times to understand.
POV: multiple (mostly main lead)
Tropes: system, leves, dungeons, other world.
Spice: none (no romantic interest)
CW: violence, blood, gore, death, kidnapping, mentions of torture.
June 7, 2024
Slight shift in focus
Alternate universe, LitRPG, system vs adversary, character study
The MC, Thadan, is basically an asexual loner, and accompanying his desire to be a loner are his selfishness and impatience. What was previously a survival situation has morphed into an MC who keeps trying to avoid contact with other humans outside of strictly transactional ones. One factor the "system" could have done was greatly extend the timer on resurrection with his much greater level. Nope.
Still, it's an interesting variation on the usual LitRPG theme of either graphic or implied (fade to black) sexuality of the protagonist. Part of the interesting drama is the MC's efforts to avoid people while the system keeps redirecting him into working with others.
Exceptionally well edited. This is very much a character study, as must people are used to being able to empathise with the main or a supporting character, but the author keeps killing off the side characters. Part of the challenge for readers will be in whether game mechanics and action are enough of a draw to continue the series. Some will leave because a loner is emotionally distant, and that lack of emotional investment will disappoint some because there's less emotional payoff for them. A cautious 5*
Alternate universe, LitRPG, system vs adversary, character study
The MC, Thadan, is basically an asexual loner, and accompanying his desire to be a loner are his selfishness and impatience. What was previously a survival situation has morphed into an MC who keeps trying to avoid contact with other humans outside of strictly transactional ones. One factor the "system" could have done was greatly extend the timer on resurrection with his much greater level. Nope.
Still, it's an interesting variation on the usual LitRPG theme of either graphic or implied (fade to black) sexuality of the protagonist. Part of the interesting drama is the MC's efforts to avoid people while the system keeps redirecting him into working with others.
Exceptionally well edited. This is very much a character study, as must people are used to being able to empathise with the main or a supporting character, but the author keeps killing off the side characters. Part of the challenge for readers will be in whether game mechanics and action are enough of a draw to continue the series. Some will leave because a loner is emotionally distant, and that lack of emotional investment will disappoint some because there's less emotional payoff for them. A cautious 5*
June 4, 2024
Unprepared Healer is the second book in this series, and though it does pick up where the first one left off, it also has a rather abrupt ending. I figure the next book will continue from that point, but still, you're reading right along, then suddenly, boom, end of the line, no warning, no explanation, nothing, just stops as if it were the end of a sentence, and some automated process broke the book at that point, because there's no reason for it to just up and stop.
II've seen worse endings though, so it isn't the worst thing that could happen. The story is good though, and the ending aside, I can easily recommend this one if you like LitRPG stories with lots of challenges and a character that just wants to stay off the radar of everyone else, but isn't permitted to do by the system. It's one of the better LitRPG stories I've read this year.
II've seen worse endings though, so it isn't the worst thing that could happen. The story is good though, and the ending aside, I can easily recommend this one if you like LitRPG stories with lots of challenges and a character that just wants to stay off the radar of everyone else, but isn't permitted to do by the system. It's one of the better LitRPG stories I've read this year.
July 5, 2024
Overall average.
Assuming you read book 1 and liked it, this one start right where that left off and is running along fine until we get a giant steaming pile of Deus Ex Machina that completely changes the tone of the book. It doesn't get objectively bad in any way, but it's going to be a different book going forward—one that I'm pretty sure I don't like it as much. In particular, it's now set up in a way that we're likely to spend even more time in the MC's head and in combat, which were never the parts that I enjoyed the most.
An annoying consequence of this change is that MC makes some questionable upgrade decisions. These are designed to both nerf some of his OP and to allow the author to develop the plot along new paths, but they don't feel like rational choices to me. As an example, given his character sheet at the end of the book he would not have survived the big plot "twist" alluded to above.
In any case, I'll read the next but I'm not really looking forward to it.
Assuming you read book 1 and liked it, this one start right where that left off and is running along fine until we get a giant steaming pile of Deus Ex Machina that completely changes the tone of the book. It doesn't get objectively bad in any way, but it's going to be a different book going forward—one that I'm pretty sure I don't like it as much. In particular, it's now set up in a way that we're likely to spend even more time in the MC's head and in combat, which were never the parts that I enjoyed the most.
An annoying consequence of this change is that MC makes some questionable upgrade decisions. These are designed to both nerf some of his OP and to allow the author to develop the plot along new paths, but they don't feel like rational choices to me. As an example, given his character sheet at the end of the book he would not have survived the big plot "twist" alluded to above.
In any case, I'll read the next but I'm not really looking forward to it.
November 25, 2024
So this series focuses on a man that prefers to be all alone nearly all the time. Since this is the case, dialogure takes place very rarely. The main is a character that is in a support (healer) role. He uses some exploits and glitches in the System to level up extremely fast. Since he's a narcicist though, there is nobody to share in his glory. The series is almost completely filled with the same spells, stat tables and even combat path in every chapter. There is nothing new to read except when he actually interacts with other living creatures/humanoids.
The most fun way to read this series, is to just skim till you meet a new character and then scroll back a few pages and catch up to what he killed last and which spell he's focused on. You can read the whole series in one day if you do this and you'll get 90%+ of the content. Enjoy!
BTW, I would rate my way of reading the book as 4 stars, but 2 for if you read all the repetitive text.
The most fun way to read this series, is to just skim till you meet a new character and then scroll back a few pages and catch up to what he killed last and which spell he's focused on. You can read the whole series in one day if you do this and you'll get 90%+ of the content. Enjoy!
BTW, I would rate my way of reading the book as 4 stars, but 2 for if you read all the repetitive text.
July 8, 2024
Enjoyed but less than book 1
Wrote a big review, and then the Kindle app deleted it before I could submit it.
I thought one of the main driving forces of book 2 (that was hinted at towards the end of book 1), that low-level people are somehow a threat to the MC, was weak as the author didn't really show how they were a threat. There is just a small part within the first few pages in book 2 where the MC thinks about one hypothetical situation, and that then drives 50% of the MC actions for this book. Including a story arc that even the author seemed to get fed up with and just ended abruptly.
Everything else, the world building, the adaptions to the MCs build as he continues to grow (including the self 'nerfs'), and the potential directions of the next book are all things I enjoyed and look forward to seeing expanded on in book 3.
Wrote a big review, and then the Kindle app deleted it before I could submit it.
I thought one of the main driving forces of book 2 (that was hinted at towards the end of book 1), that low-level people are somehow a threat to the MC, was weak as the author didn't really show how they were a threat. There is just a small part within the first few pages in book 2 where the MC thinks about one hypothetical situation, and that then drives 50% of the MC actions for this book. Including a story arc that even the author seemed to get fed up with and just ended abruptly.
Everything else, the world building, the adaptions to the MCs build as he continues to grow (including the self 'nerfs'), and the potential directions of the next book are all things I enjoyed and look forward to seeing expanded on in book 3.
September 21, 2024
With wthe rankings having been just released the MC gets out of town. But the other contenders want to take him out to remove competition. He escaped and went to a new city to get stronger. He does, but ends up unleashing a region event. The city gets destroyed and he moves on. The new city is controlled by power mad guilds that remove independent players from the contest. He completes more quests but those he grouped with are now targeted. He confronts the bad guys after his friends and with a world update takes out a guild of PKs. He heads for the next city learning that at some point he must group with 100+ others. Book ends.
It’s a fun installment. Great pacing, interesting world, and the narrator is awesome. It is not a standalone novel as the other books are needed to understand what’s going on. I will continue the series! Please enjoy
It’s a fun installment. Great pacing, interesting world, and the narrator is awesome. It is not a standalone novel as the other books are needed to understand what’s going on. I will continue the series! Please enjoy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2024
Well Written, But MC Not Very Likeable
I can’t decide how I feel about this series. It’s well-written, but Thaden is not very likeable. The rules of the whole assimilation system also don’t make a ton of sense. Like if the whole point is to create a group of people that can defend a planet, why would you make a class with 0 offensive capabilities? Is there really never going to be a moment where they don’t have someone with them to fight on their behalf? Anyway, it feels like there are non-logical systems put into the book to support the plot the author wants. All that said, it’s his book and his story so I support his decisions he wants to make around the world. It is still a good story to read and by the end of the book it seems like things are trending in a more interesting direction.
I can’t decide how I feel about this series. It’s well-written, but Thaden is not very likeable. The rules of the whole assimilation system also don’t make a ton of sense. Like if the whole point is to create a group of people that can defend a planet, why would you make a class with 0 offensive capabilities? Is there really never going to be a moment where they don’t have someone with them to fight on their behalf? Anyway, it feels like there are non-logical systems put into the book to support the plot the author wants. All that said, it’s his book and his story so I support his decisions he wants to make around the world. It is still a good story to read and by the end of the book it seems like things are trending in a more interesting direction.
June 3, 2024
The story is good
I like the overall story and the main character. I know it is Lit RPG, but I really find the repetitiveness of the game element off-putting. It takes up too many pages and too much time to read. I skipped it sometimes, but nestled in with all the repetitive stuff is generally some information that I actua,ly needed to know to properly follow the story. There has to be some middle ground between showing ALL the stats the way the character sees them and highlighting the important stuff. Particularly when it is a repetition of previous information and not new to the character.
I like the overall story and the main character. I know it is Lit RPG, but I really find the repetitiveness of the game element off-putting. It takes up too many pages and too much time to read. I skipped it sometimes, but nestled in with all the repetitive stuff is generally some information that I actua,ly needed to know to properly follow the story. There has to be some middle ground between showing ALL the stats the way the character sees them and highlighting the important stuff. Particularly when it is a repetition of previous information and not new to the character.
April 3, 2025
Wherein Thaden Rediscovers That Too Many Humans Are Horrible.
Some humans are despicable creatures. We give labels to such people: psychopath, sociopath, MAGAts, deplorables, trumpers, bigots, etc. In the second novel of the series Thaden must deal with some of these types of people. It's far from enjoyable for him and frankly is a bit of a depressing read since we have to deal with too many of those types of people in real life—and, unfortunately, Thaden's methods can't be applied to the real world.
Despite some depressing content this is still an excellent read. I highly recommend the series.
Some humans are despicable creatures. We give labels to such people: psychopath, sociopath, MAGAts, deplorables, trumpers, bigots, etc. In the second novel of the series Thaden must deal with some of these types of people. It's far from enjoyable for him and frankly is a bit of a depressing read since we have to deal with too many of those types of people in real life—and, unfortunately, Thaden's methods can't be applied to the real world.
Despite some depressing content this is still an excellent read. I highly recommend the series.
July 6, 2024
Thaden must survive at all cost earth depends on it he must prevail .
Thaden is trying to peace together knowledge that he should of had if he had training . With learning as he goes he racks up titles , skills, clearing dungeons, fighting other contenders in the end for survival . Few people he has contact with have died none of his fault though . The system turns his life upside down causing disaster around him hoping to live through it all an survive . recommend reading excellent series .
Thaden is trying to peace together knowledge that he should of had if he had training . With learning as he goes he racks up titles , skills, clearing dungeons, fighting other contenders in the end for survival . Few people he has contact with have died none of his fault though . The system turns his life upside down causing disaster around him hoping to live through it all an survive . recommend reading excellent series .
May 30, 2024
A fantastic sequel that made me laugh and angry cry
Such an interesting story of a character that isn't supposed to fight. The sequel is fantastic as it continues from where story one left off.
Some of the horrors that Tandem goes through are so outlandish that I couldn't stop laughing. And one horror in particular made me so angry I had tears in my eyes. Fascinating to see just how dangerous a support person can be!
Have Fun!!
Such an interesting story of a character that isn't supposed to fight. The sequel is fantastic as it continues from where story one left off.
Some of the horrors that Tandem goes through are so outlandish that I couldn't stop laughing. And one horror in particular made me so angry I had tears in my eyes. Fascinating to see just how dangerous a support person can be!
Have Fun!!
May 30, 2024
Good second entry.
This is a good continuation of the first book. It’s more of the same but with more power and more abilities. My only gripe is that it’s another litrpg with a lone wolf MC with no social skills. Some people like that which is why I’m not dropping a star just because of my preference but it would be nice to have an OP MC who has good social skills, makes friends, etc.
This is a good continuation of the first book. It’s more of the same but with more power and more abilities. My only gripe is that it’s another litrpg with a lone wolf MC with no social skills. Some people like that which is why I’m not dropping a star just because of my preference but it would be nice to have an OP MC who has good social skills, makes friends, etc.
May 31, 2024
I enjoyed the over powered MC, invulnerable and monsters take 5% of he damage they would have otherwise inflicted. This changed in the last 12% of the book where he gets an offensive measure.
What I really dislike about this book, Half or more is skill descriptions. Its like reading a PHB (Players handbook) with a bit of story. This authors usual jam is "Dungeon Core" which I am not a fan of but I really enjoy this expansion in his story telling.
What I really dislike about this book, Half or more is skill descriptions. Its like reading a PHB (Players handbook) with a bit of story. This authors usual jam is "Dungeon Core" which I am not a fan of but I really enjoy this expansion in his story telling.
June 25, 2024
Awesome Adventure
So good I regret reading them so fast. Love the inner monologue of the main character and the little Snippets of stories told from other perspectives. The depth of character is amazing and explores all aspects of the human mind that could go on for an individual in this situation. A real imperfect human just trying to do the right thing unexpectedly going through The Not So humble beginnings of what could turn them into a Legend.
So good I regret reading them so fast. Love the inner monologue of the main character and the little Snippets of stories told from other perspectives. The depth of character is amazing and explores all aspects of the human mind that could go on for an individual in this situation. A real imperfect human just trying to do the right thing unexpectedly going through The Not So humble beginnings of what could turn them into a Legend.
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