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Arcane Arctic #1
Arcane Arctic
Isekaied into an ice world? Could be worse... Right?
Yeah, apparently it can be a whole lot worse...
When Jay Morgan and his bestie, Molly O'Brian, take "wrong turn" to a whole new level, they end up sucked into a world that makes the arctic look like a beach vacation.
Even worse? After a bump on the head during their trip through the portal, Molly's taking an unplanned nap of potentially eternal proportions, and Jay has no choice but to carry her through a frosty wilderness that gets weirder by the mile.
Enter the half-animal, half-nutjob nomads who tell Jay he can save Molly—if he's willing to brave the infamously cursed Ice Dungeon for a legendary item that is rumored to be able to heal portal-related injuries.
No biggie, except Jay's about as prepared for dungeon diving as a penguin is for a desert marathon. No party, no class, no relevant skills... He's pretty much f*&$ed. If Jay wants Molly to survive, though, he has no choice but to try.
So when an arctic fox-girl named Lyra appears, offering Jay a crash course in survival, of course he agrees.
Turns out Lyra is an Arcane Archer with more quirks than arrows. There might be a reason she hasn't got a diving party of her own. Why are the cute ones always crazy?
Crazy or not, though, the silver fox-girl is Jay's best shot at saving Molly.
When you're battling frost monsters and your ally might be nuts, you either laugh or you cry. And Jay's not much of a crier. Can he save Molly and keep his sanity intact? With Lyra's "help," it's going to be a close call.
Yeah, apparently it can be a whole lot worse...
When Jay Morgan and his bestie, Molly O'Brian, take "wrong turn" to a whole new level, they end up sucked into a world that makes the arctic look like a beach vacation.
Even worse? After a bump on the head during their trip through the portal, Molly's taking an unplanned nap of potentially eternal proportions, and Jay has no choice but to carry her through a frosty wilderness that gets weirder by the mile.
Enter the half-animal, half-nutjob nomads who tell Jay he can save Molly—if he's willing to brave the infamously cursed Ice Dungeon for a legendary item that is rumored to be able to heal portal-related injuries.
No biggie, except Jay's about as prepared for dungeon diving as a penguin is for a desert marathon. No party, no class, no relevant skills... He's pretty much f*&$ed. If Jay wants Molly to survive, though, he has no choice but to try.
So when an arctic fox-girl named Lyra appears, offering Jay a crash course in survival, of course he agrees.
Turns out Lyra is an Arcane Archer with more quirks than arrows. There might be a reason she hasn't got a diving party of her own. Why are the cute ones always crazy?
Crazy or not, though, the silver fox-girl is Jay's best shot at saving Molly.
When you're battling frost monsters and your ally might be nuts, you either laugh or you cry. And Jay's not much of a crier. Can he save Molly and keep his sanity intact? With Lyra's "help," it's going to be a close call.
426 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2024
About the author
Peter North
36 books15 followersOgre by day, hero by night...
Peter North has been writing "serious" SF&F adventures for many years, under another name. But there's only so long a guy can be serious before he starts to go a bit mad.
This is where Peter comes to play.
Inspired by Sword & Sorcery of old and HaremLit of new, Peter North's books are a place where men (and open-minded women) can come to experience the intersection of Fantasy and fantasies.
Peter North has been writing "serious" SF&F adventures for many years, under another name. But there's only so long a guy can be serious before he starts to go a bit mad.
This is where Peter comes to play.
Inspired by Sword & Sorcery of old and HaremLit of new, Peter North's books are a place where men (and open-minded women) can come to experience the intersection of Fantasy and fantasies.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 31, 2025
Fantastic!
My first H-LitRPG and I absolutely love it! Don't know why I waited so long to give this genre a try. So much fun!
My first H-LitRPG and I absolutely love it! Don't know why I waited so long to give this genre a try. So much fun!
February 2, 2025
Well, this was a bit of a surprise. A good one though.
World building: Fairly standard at the start. Protagonist gets isekaied into a world with a LitRPG system and dungeons, gets a class, and starts levelling up. As the book goes on there's a little bit more to it, but mostly it's just a good execution of the core idea.
Plot: Pretty much what you expect, but as the book goes on there starts to be some interesting mysteries on the horizon.
Characters: Decent. The protagonist is above average for this sort of genre; he actually has a backstory and character traits. We even learn what his job was before getting isekaied. The side characters are fine too, and there's some minor character development as they meet the protagonist and come to trust him. None of which may sound that impressive, but for this genre, it's pretty good.
Themes and ideas: Eh....not much going on here. As is so common in these type of books, there's some vague "being prejudiced against fantasy races is bad, isn't it great that a human from Earth is here who thinks fox girls are hot" stuff, which is silly, but it's all...fine.
Dialogue and writing: Weirdly good. Great writing, tight prose, realistic dialogue. Feels very professional in a genre that often leans more towards "written in haste and never proofread".
Some people are not going to enjoy this type of book at all, and that's fine. But if you're open to books of this type, it's an excellent example of the genre; recommended.a
World building: Fairly standard at the start. Protagonist gets isekaied into a world with a LitRPG system and dungeons, gets a class, and starts levelling up. As the book goes on there's a little bit more to it, but mostly it's just a good execution of the core idea.
Plot: Pretty much what you expect, but as the book goes on there starts to be some interesting mysteries on the horizon.
Characters: Decent. The protagonist is above average for this sort of genre; he actually has a backstory and character traits. We even learn what his job was before getting isekaied. The side characters are fine too, and there's some minor character development as they meet the protagonist and come to trust him. None of which may sound that impressive, but for this genre, it's pretty good.
Themes and ideas: Eh....not much going on here. As is so common in these type of books, there's some vague "being prejudiced against fantasy races is bad, isn't it great that a human from Earth is here who thinks fox girls are hot" stuff, which is silly, but it's all...fine.
Dialogue and writing: Weirdly good. Great writing, tight prose, realistic dialogue. Feels very professional in a genre that often leans more towards "written in haste and never proofread".
Some people are not going to enjoy this type of book at all, and that's fine. But if you're open to books of this type, it's an excellent example of the genre; recommended.a
February 11, 2025
A decent start
It's a decent story. It doesn't tread much new things, but it was okay. Honestly, I might read the next one as they are quick, but we'll see. I didn't hate the MC but don't care much about him. Maybe that'll change after book 2.
It's a decent story. It doesn't tread much new things, but it was okay. Honestly, I might read the next one as they are quick, but we'll see. I didn't hate the MC but don't care much about him. Maybe that'll change after book 2.
October 12, 2024
I’ve read at least the first book in each of this authors series thus far, this isn’t quite the samething. So, if you came here expecting a epic fantasy you may be disappointed. I don’t know how long the author intends the make the series but so far, I get the impression it will be a shorten one than usual. It’s mainly a dungeon crawler with a snow theme slapped on top. I had high expectations for the first dozen or so chapters, but it isn’t quite as high in story depth that I’ve come to expect from this author. Unless the story is a 6+ series and they leave this initial location (hasn’t happened up to book 2) than this will be the bottom of the list from this author. More a symptom of the theme choice, dungeon stories tend to be pretty shallow, I can count on one hand how many I’ve read that expand beyond the ‘dungeon’.
All that to say, it isn’t a bad series, just disappointing to me as a fan of the author. If you are into dungeon core/Dungeons and dragons esque themes with decent chemistry between characters, this is for you.
All that to say, it isn’t a bad series, just disappointing to me as a fan of the author. If you are into dungeon core/Dungeons and dragons esque themes with decent chemistry between characters, this is for you.
May 14, 2024
Really well done crawler!
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend picking this story up and giving it a read for yourself.
The characters are fun and their stories are well written to draw the reader in.
The dungeon itself is an interesting entity throughout and benefits Jay gets from it trying murder him are hilarious, but designed for him.
Having to wait and see why Molly and Jay never shared their love for each other was well worth it and has a meaningful twist to it
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend picking this story up and giving it a read for yourself.
The characters are fun and their stories are well written to draw the reader in.
The dungeon itself is an interesting entity throughout and benefits Jay gets from it trying murder him are hilarious, but designed for him.
Having to wait and see why Molly and Jay never shared their love for each other was well worth it and has a meaningful twist to it
May 16, 2024
I enjoy Peter North's style of writing.
That being said, this particular flavor is just not for me. The book is well written technically, but it comes with all the negative aspects I hate about Dungeon crawlers: small cast of characters, too much focus on combat scenes, too little overarching plot progression etc. The worldbuilding is very... contained and too limited to pull me in.
If you're just interested in the dungeon crawl part, you will definitely enjoy this book. If you're expecting a vast world and high stakes like in Dungeon Crawler Carl, you will leave disappointed.
That being said, this particular flavor is just not for me. The book is well written technically, but it comes with all the negative aspects I hate about Dungeon crawlers: small cast of characters, too much focus on combat scenes, too little overarching plot progression etc. The worldbuilding is very... contained and too limited to pull me in.
If you're just interested in the dungeon crawl part, you will definitely enjoy this book. If you're expecting a vast world and high stakes like in Dungeon Crawler Carl, you will leave disappointed.
May 17, 2024
Polar Bears are Evil!
That’s right! They are Evil! E-V-I-L! There are too many of them. We need to thin out their numbers…or risk being sucked through a submarine polar vortex and spit into a strange arctic D&D world where a strong minded female dungeon master ponders the possibility of expanding her already limitless power into the realms of feminine domination with those men foolish enough to enter her realm. It’s the polar bear’s fault. We need to eliminate them before it’s too late…
That’s right! They are Evil! E-V-I-L! There are too many of them. We need to thin out their numbers…or risk being sucked through a submarine polar vortex and spit into a strange arctic D&D world where a strong minded female dungeon master ponders the possibility of expanding her already limitless power into the realms of feminine domination with those men foolish enough to enter her realm. It’s the polar bear’s fault. We need to eliminate them before it’s too late…
April 3, 2025
I really liked this especially because the litrpg is not an afterthought. But I really hate molly he finally found someone he connects with because he's been in love with molly for years 😔 I hope she gets on board or moves out of the way without a bunch of drama and he doesn't put her up as #1. The smexy time in this is put on hold because once again molly. But it's a really good read ready for book #2. The ending went out with a bang.... Really love this author
January 19, 2026
Should not have waited in this
This has been on my list for years at this point. I don't know why I put it off, I guess there was always something I wanted to read more but I finally got to it and I'm impressed. This book has a great story and great characters. I'm actually glad I waited because now I can jump right into the next one.
This has been on my list for years at this point. I don't know why I put it off, I guess there was always something I wanted to read more but I finally got to it and I'm impressed. This book has a great story and great characters. I'm actually glad I waited because now I can jump right into the next one.
May 29, 2024
Wow!!!
What an amazing beginning!!! I have always enjoyed this author's works but this one is much much better in my opinion!!! Great world building, fantastic characters and a fun dungeon/portal storyline, you can't ask for more!!!!
What an amazing beginning!!! I have always enjoyed this author's works but this one is much much better in my opinion!!! Great world building, fantastic characters and a fun dungeon/portal storyline, you can't ask for more!!!!
June 25, 2024
Very shallow. There isn't really much substance outside of the combat. Also, are we supposed to like the main character? He's... kind of a pathetic loser? Lol. Constantly complaining about everything, simping for people who treat him like shit, not really any skills, etc.
May 20, 2024
A fun and exciting ride, with endearing characters, tense action and excellent spice. I can't wait for more.
June 23, 2024
good read
I liked the story and found the end approaching too quickly. I didnt want it to end. I look forward to book 2.
I liked the story and found the end approaching too quickly. I didnt want it to end. I look forward to book 2.
July 30, 2024
Good Read
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ì sincerely hope that the rest of you out there enjoy it as much as I did
I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ì sincerely hope that the rest of you out there enjoy it as much as I did
October 13, 2024
Jay my man
Interesting story. No easy road for the MC but with humor, honor and dedication they will push thru any challenge.
Interesting story. No easy road for the MC but with humor, honor and dedication they will push thru any challenge.
June 22, 2024
This book proved to a tantalizing start to a new series.
The plot flowed well, and the mystery of the new world the MC and his best (female) friend find themselves in is interesting. World building was enough to make things move without spoiling what is to come. There are LitRPG elements in play, and one of the only negatives is that there are times the MC earns experience and it doesn't show up on his character sheet, especially what he gains from crafting. If you actually read the character sheet and pay attention, it pops out at you.
The MC is decent. He's one of those nice guys that never presses for more with the childhood friend that ends up in the new world with him. At the start, it makes him sound like a chump, but he's not. He's decent and a hard worker.
The woman he meets in the new world and starts to adventure with him is a welcome change from the typical "first girl". A petite kitsune instead of a mega-busty woman. She's fun. And the little we get with the best friend is good.
The only really annoying part of the book was the chapter headers, done in pure white with a small design in them, with a light gray used for the words. Reading on the Kindle app with the setting for white letters on a black background, each new chapter was hard on the eyes with the glare.
I very much look forward to the next book in the series.
The plot flowed well, and the mystery of the new world the MC and his best (female) friend find themselves in is interesting. World building was enough to make things move without spoiling what is to come. There are LitRPG elements in play, and one of the only negatives is that there are times the MC earns experience and it doesn't show up on his character sheet, especially what he gains from crafting. If you actually read the character sheet and pay attention, it pops out at you.
The MC is decent. He's one of those nice guys that never presses for more with the childhood friend that ends up in the new world with him. At the start, it makes him sound like a chump, but he's not. He's decent and a hard worker.
The woman he meets in the new world and starts to adventure with him is a welcome change from the typical "first girl". A petite kitsune instead of a mega-busty woman. She's fun. And the little we get with the best friend is good.
The only really annoying part of the book was the chapter headers, done in pure white with a small design in them, with a light gray used for the words. Reading on the Kindle app with the setting for white letters on a black background, each new chapter was hard on the eyes with the glare.
I very much look forward to the next book in the series.
April 16, 2026
interesting setup, but I just did not like the MC and the potential LI Molly. .
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews