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Bog Standard Isekai #1
Bog Standard Isekai: Scarred - A LitRPG Isekai Adventure
Sometimes dying isn’t even the worst part of your day.Mark’s new life begins in the worst possible place—a burned-out village haunted by undead. Each morning these ravenous creatures disappear, only to return at night, driven by a relentless hunger. He'll need to stay low and think quick, because trapped and alone in the body of a child, he can’t level up in this new world. At least not yet.
Soon Mark will learn that even among the living, safety isn’t guaranteed. When the small town that he ends up in turns out to be at the center of a conspiracy that threatens the world, he'll need to uncover the truth before it's too late. Mark will need to find allies, gain levels, and face countless horrors in order to survive his second shot at life and prove that he's more than just a bog-standard hero...
With over 4 million views on Royal Road, this is no ordinary LitRPG. Bog Standard Isekai is a slow-burn, incremental, magical progression fantasy containing slice-of-life elements punctuated by moments of intense violence.
Soon Mark will learn that even among the living, safety isn’t guaranteed. When the small town that he ends up in turns out to be at the center of a conspiracy that threatens the world, he'll need to uncover the truth before it's too late. Mark will need to find allies, gain levels, and face countless horrors in order to survive his second shot at life and prove that he's more than just a bog-standard hero...
With over 4 million views on Royal Road, this is no ordinary LitRPG. Bog Standard Isekai is a slow-burn, incremental, magical progression fantasy containing slice-of-life elements punctuated by moments of intense violence.
576 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
December 4, 2025
Rounded up for putting in the work
Isekai / rational magic system / fully developed world build / A plotted out story Not improv
This is an Isekai, like it says on the cover -But not overpowered, or insta-WIN like we're used to. It defies convention in several pleasing ways despite the jokey title.
#1 complement for this book is that Miles English clearly put effort into the plot and the first draft instead of doing some half/ass slapdash crap. That gets BIG points with me. (If the writer doesn't care enough to edit why should I care enough to read it?)
There is a lot of clever writing here. You can tell thought and care went into this. Some big ideas and nice little touches. Such as:
The MC was a grown man before his date with Truck-kun, but he awakens in the body of an adolescent boy. So even though MC was a boring office drone with an investment portfolio, now he can't help feeling what his young new body feels. I love how this gets at the mind / body dilemma. The MC knows he is reacting emotionally to events but can't shut off the the emotions. What a well executed idea, and that's just one of many.
Even that hated old saw "I must be in a coma and dreaming this" (which I usually ding a book one star for using) had a specific point and led to an important and relevant plot development. Talk about finding treasure in the trash. I seriously hate that "I must be dreaming" cliché, so standing it on it's head made it worth seeing one more time.
As a kid, the MC has no power, and can't even start to level until adulthood. What could be a joy killer turns this story smart because the MC can't OP his way out of problems, dude has to use his head.
-Oh, and one last note:
The audiobook performance definitely adds something to experience. the narrator Johnathan McClain has inspired timing as he slightly draws out some words and rapid-fire delivers others. The reading gives it the feel of Marx's Brothers or Carry Grant style screwball comedy. Even though it's not written for laughs the rat-a-tat delivery of Johnathan McClain gives it that extra fizz that is the difference between a four star book and a five. Even though I'd say it was pretty much a five already.
Isekai / rational magic system / fully developed world build / A plotted out story Not improv
This is an Isekai, like it says on the cover -But not overpowered, or insta-WIN like we're used to. It defies convention in several pleasing ways despite the jokey title.
#1 complement for this book is that Miles English clearly put effort into the plot and the first draft instead of doing some half/ass slapdash crap. That gets BIG points with me. (If the writer doesn't care enough to edit why should I care enough to read it?)
There is a lot of clever writing here. You can tell thought and care went into this. Some big ideas and nice little touches. Such as:
The MC was a grown man before his date with Truck-kun, but he awakens in the body of an adolescent boy. So even though MC was a boring office drone with an investment portfolio, now he can't help feeling what his young new body feels. I love how this gets at the mind / body dilemma. The MC knows he is reacting emotionally to events but can't shut off the the emotions. What a well executed idea, and that's just one of many.
Even that hated old saw "I must be in a coma and dreaming this" (which I usually ding a book one star for using) had a specific point and led to an important and relevant plot development. Talk about finding treasure in the trash. I seriously hate that "I must be dreaming" cliché, so standing it on it's head made it worth seeing one more time.
As a kid, the MC has no power, and can't even start to level until adulthood. What could be a joy killer turns this story smart because the MC can't OP his way out of problems, dude has to use his head.
-Oh, and one last note:
The audiobook performance definitely adds something to experience. the narrator Johnathan McClain has inspired timing as he slightly draws out some words and rapid-fire delivers others. The reading gives it the feel of Marx's Brothers or Carry Grant style screwball comedy. Even though it's not written for laughs the rat-a-tat delivery of Johnathan McClain gives it that extra fizz that is the difference between a four star book and a five. Even though I'd say it was pretty much a five already.
June 26, 2024
By the end of the book you know that the author is patting himself on the back with that title, but it's nearly deserved. While not a masterwork, this book ticks most of the boxes while telling an interesting story.
The protagonist Mark/Scar is well fleshed out, believable, and relatable. There are some hard-to-believe events in the book but we can forgive those, knowing that the gods chose Mark's host body deliberately and that the local weaver is nudging him onto a very specific path.
The last quarter of the book started to fray. The fight in the forest was hard to swallow, what with a yet-to-class child surviving a battle with elites. And best not to examine the classes offered to, and chosen by, Scar's best friends.
Regardless, if I'd had book two on hand at the time, I'd have eagerly started reading.
The protagonist Mark/Scar is well fleshed out, believable, and relatable. There are some hard-to-believe events in the book but we can forgive those, knowing that the gods chose Mark's host body deliberately and that the local weaver is nudging him onto a very specific path.
The last quarter of the book started to fray. The fight in the forest was hard to swallow, what with a yet-to-class child surviving a battle with elites. And best not to examine the classes offered to, and chosen by, Scar's best friends.
Regardless, if I'd had book two on hand at the time, I'd have eagerly started reading.
December 7, 2024
Rating 5.0 stars
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. It had all the elements of a typical Isekai story but it didn't focus on any one aspect too much. Every decision the main character made was something I could see myself making or, at the very least, I can understand why he made it. There was a good amount of balance in the story. The magic system, the world building. There was a good balance between fighting, crafting, leveling without distracting from characters and their growth.
26 year old dies on earth and ends up being Isekai'd into the body of a 12 year old boy. He is all alone in a village where everyone is dead and he is surrounded by the undead. He has to deal with the knowledge of being in a new world, dying, and now trying to figure out how to survive.
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. It had all the elements of a typical Isekai story but it didn't focus on any one aspect too much. Every decision the main character made was something I could see myself making or, at the very least, I can understand why he made it. There was a good amount of balance in the story. The magic system, the world building. There was a good balance between fighting, crafting, leveling without distracting from characters and their growth.
26 year old dies on earth and ends up being Isekai'd into the body of a 12 year old boy. He is all alone in a village where everyone is dead and he is surrounded by the undead. He has to deal with the knowledge of being in a new world, dying, and now trying to figure out how to survive.
September 25, 2024
What a pleasant surprise of a story. What a delight to read.
Don't let the title fool you into thinking this is a pun laden groan fest. This story is anything but. Towards the end of the book the title reveals itself to have meaning. Once I started reading, I found my kindle difficult to put down. Stayed up past my bedtime even. I loved the surprises that snuck up on me and appreciated the skill of the author.
Thanks for a good read, and I am thrilled book 2 is around the corner.
Don't let the title fool you into thinking this is a pun laden groan fest. This story is anything but. Towards the end of the book the title reveals itself to have meaning. Once I started reading, I found my kindle difficult to put down. Stayed up past my bedtime even. I loved the surprises that snuck up on me and appreciated the skill of the author.
Thanks for a good read, and I am thrilled book 2 is around the corner.
December 24, 2024
I had this for a while. My friend dropped it, but I'm willing to give it a try.
This was okay. It was a slow start, and a frustrating end. People (at least me and a few others I know), read these books because we are fed up of the powerless protag trope, not being able to change his faith. Reading about one person having the ability or power to change the world is a fresh breath of air compared to the publishing house books of a decade plus ago. I am fed up of the struggling and suffering.
... Seeing how this ended left a bad taste in my mouth. People that set out to do you harm should in turn have harm visited upon them.. Not getting off without any real punishment.
I may pick up the sequel, I don't know. Hopefully it doesn't draw out setting up the pieces (plot) like this felt like it was doing.
3/5 Stars
This was okay. It was a slow start, and a frustrating end. People (at least me and a few others I know), read these books because we are fed up of the powerless protag trope, not being able to change his faith. Reading about one person having the ability or power to change the world is a fresh breath of air compared to the publishing house books of a decade plus ago. I am fed up of the struggling and suffering.
... Seeing how this ended left a bad taste in my mouth. People that set out to do you harm should in turn have harm visited upon them.. Not getting off without any real punishment.
I may pick up the sequel, I don't know. Hopefully it doesn't draw out setting up the pieces (plot) like this felt like it was doing.
3/5 Stars
July 13, 2026
This sat on my TBR pile for quite a while, but I finally picked it up and it's one of the good ones.
Plot - 8/10, Characters - 8/10, Setting & Magic - 9/10, Writing - 8/10, Enjoyment - 7/10
Plot
Honestly, the blurb already hits the nail on the head with a broad overview. Something I enjoyed about this book specifically was that the author was in no hurry to stack a ton of OP-ness onto the MC. While Mark was in his late twenties before dying in a car accident on modern Earth, his new body is 12 years old. In this new fantasy world with its System, skills, and magic, people are only given the full and unlocked version of the System (along with the ability to choose a class) at age 14. Until that point, they always have the Child class. They can gain some achievements, titles, and stats with some luck and determination, but will remain Level 1 and all their experience will be confiscated.
I liked this because I feel too many stories want to rush through the Early Game and get to all the ass-kicking and magic-slinging. While the story starts in the middle of action with a town burned down by undead, the MC explores the System and meets other characters for most of the rest of the book before things get crazy again.
Characters
I mostly liked the characters and the author put effort into creating rounded people with their own goals and desires. Generally, I liked our MC, Mark, since he avoided pretty much all of the pitfalls common to a reincarnated-as-a-child trope, such as being too OP with past-life memories or being too much of a pedophile. While the MC recognizes his young body's hormones make him more emotional than is warranted sometimes, he also never forgets that he's mentally in a different place than his peers. This keeps him from being a creep and also creates a good reason to be a bit distant, which would also fit for a 12-year-old sole survivor of an undead massacre dealing with some trauma.
There was a good variety of supporting cast, filling plenty of roles from mentors to friends to adversaries. I think it's good to establish a minimum degree of social connection in these stories rather than just following a solo murderhobo around as he does nothing but craft and kill. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of killing and crafting, but it's nice to have some additional tension and stakes that come from the MC actually caring about something other than their own survival.
While I thought the characters were good for the people they were, I can't say I was overly interested in the most prominent classes we're exposed to in the story. While grounded and interesting from a certain perspective, there were few classes I was interested in outside of worldbuilding purposes.
Setting & Magic
The setting, while moderately typical for a fantasy story, had some unique traits that set it apart, namely the attention given to how the non-combat classes live their day-to-day lives. I think this was great from a worldbuilding perspective and also a good way to introduce the fundamentals of how the System worked.
I'm generally not a fan of exclusive/limited Systems. Basically, elusive flags that if you miss out on them during their window of opportunity, then you are limited on your growth potential from that point forward. I guess it's because we already live in a world that operates in a similar fashion and part of the escapism of reading fantasy is enjoying the thought that any person can overcome obstacles with nothing but some determination and a sword. You could say it's the fantasy version of the American Dream. This System has quite a bit of inequality baked in and it's further solidified by how people behave.
There's nothing wrong with that, but it just means our MC is probably going to be suffering a bit throughout the story without any proper recourse other than relying on others. Maybe that will be part of the theme, so I guess we'll just see down the road.
Writing
The writing was good, with minimal mistakes as I don't think I really recall anything glaring that shook my immersion. Scenes were clear and easy to understand and it was never confusing to keep track of who was who or who was currently speaking.
Something specific I enjoyed was how the author managed to thread the reasoning for certain actions and behaviors into the scenes as they unfolded, rather than having extended periods of navel-gazing and introspection. This is something many authors, especially within Gamelit, struggle with. I tend to have more tolerance for introspection than most since it usually goes hand in hand with proper characterization, but I also appreciate when it's meted out organically in small doses. You make a painting one brush stroke at a time after all, and it's a mistake to think a reader needs a full thesis explanation of everything before the scene begins.
Enjoyment
Honestly, this was probably the weakest category for me because, despite being a good story with well-written characters and an interesting magic system, I'm just not big on the most prominently featured classes in this story. I think we get the most exposure to the Illusionist class because of Hogg, and it's just not a class I find overly interesting. So there was a bit of a ceiling on my potential for enjoyment here, but maybe in future volumes there will be more characters with classes that are more up my alley.
Regardless, I would recommend that everyone give this series a shot, since it does a good job of standing apart from other stories in the genre.
Plot - 8/10, Characters - 8/10, Setting & Magic - 9/10, Writing - 8/10, Enjoyment - 7/10
Plot
Honestly, the blurb already hits the nail on the head with a broad overview. Something I enjoyed about this book specifically was that the author was in no hurry to stack a ton of OP-ness onto the MC. While Mark was in his late twenties before dying in a car accident on modern Earth, his new body is 12 years old. In this new fantasy world with its System, skills, and magic, people are only given the full and unlocked version of the System (along with the ability to choose a class) at age 14. Until that point, they always have the Child class. They can gain some achievements, titles, and stats with some luck and determination, but will remain Level 1 and all their experience will be confiscated.
I liked this because I feel too many stories want to rush through the Early Game and get to all the ass-kicking and magic-slinging. While the story starts in the middle of action with a town burned down by undead, the MC explores the System and meets other characters for most of the rest of the book before things get crazy again.
Characters
I mostly liked the characters and the author put effort into creating rounded people with their own goals and desires. Generally, I liked our MC, Mark, since he avoided pretty much all of the pitfalls common to a reincarnated-as-a-child trope, such as being too OP with past-life memories or being too much of a pedophile. While the MC recognizes his young body's hormones make him more emotional than is warranted sometimes, he also never forgets that he's mentally in a different place than his peers. This keeps him from being a creep and also creates a good reason to be a bit distant, which would also fit for a 12-year-old sole survivor of an undead massacre dealing with some trauma.
There was a good variety of supporting cast, filling plenty of roles from mentors to friends to adversaries. I think it's good to establish a minimum degree of social connection in these stories rather than just following a solo murderhobo around as he does nothing but craft and kill. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of killing and crafting, but it's nice to have some additional tension and stakes that come from the MC actually caring about something other than their own survival.
While I thought the characters were good for the people they were, I can't say I was overly interested in the most prominent classes we're exposed to in the story. While grounded and interesting from a certain perspective, there were few classes I was interested in outside of worldbuilding purposes.
Setting & Magic
The setting, while moderately typical for a fantasy story, had some unique traits that set it apart, namely the attention given to how the non-combat classes live their day-to-day lives. I think this was great from a worldbuilding perspective and also a good way to introduce the fundamentals of how the System worked.
I'm generally not a fan of exclusive/limited Systems. Basically, elusive flags that if you miss out on them during their window of opportunity, then you are limited on your growth potential from that point forward. I guess it's because we already live in a world that operates in a similar fashion and part of the escapism of reading fantasy is enjoying the thought that any person can overcome obstacles with nothing but some determination and a sword. You could say it's the fantasy version of the American Dream. This System has quite a bit of inequality baked in and it's further solidified by how people behave.
There's nothing wrong with that, but it just means our MC is probably going to be suffering a bit throughout the story without any proper recourse other than relying on others. Maybe that will be part of the theme, so I guess we'll just see down the road.
Writing
The writing was good, with minimal mistakes as I don't think I really recall anything glaring that shook my immersion. Scenes were clear and easy to understand and it was never confusing to keep track of who was who or who was currently speaking.
Something specific I enjoyed was how the author managed to thread the reasoning for certain actions and behaviors into the scenes as they unfolded, rather than having extended periods of navel-gazing and introspection. This is something many authors, especially within Gamelit, struggle with. I tend to have more tolerance for introspection than most since it usually goes hand in hand with proper characterization, but I also appreciate when it's meted out organically in small doses. You make a painting one brush stroke at a time after all, and it's a mistake to think a reader needs a full thesis explanation of everything before the scene begins.
Enjoyment
Honestly, this was probably the weakest category for me because, despite being a good story with well-written characters and an interesting magic system, I'm just not big on the most prominently featured classes in this story. I think we get the most exposure to the Illusionist class because of Hogg, and it's just not a class I find overly interesting. So there was a bit of a ceiling on my potential for enjoyment here, but maybe in future volumes there will be more characters with classes that are more up my alley.
Regardless, I would recommend that everyone give this series a shot, since it does a good job of standing apart from other stories in the genre.
September 12, 2025
So much fun! I can already tell this one is going to become one of my favorite litRPG series.
November 16, 2024
Very well written, but I simply didn’t enjoy it as much. Hopefully the second instalment will change my opinion
January 25, 2025
(Spoilers)
I don't like subversion. If done poorly, it becomes a cheap attempt at originality. Have the protagonist reveal their supposed meta knowledge on Isekai anime & RPG video games. Expositing to themselves that they should be granted powerful abilities by dint of the fact they are an otherworlder. Then reveal their apparent lack of ability. I don't find this premise completely objectionable. But it does have some fundamental issues.
Isekai as a genre has two primary appeals. (1) The protagonist is given the opportunity to start a new life while also providing an excuse to sever prior attachments. Despite this, the protagonist usually desires to return back home and it acts as a convenient long term goal for the stories progression. (2) It serves as wish fulfillment. Skills normally considered worthless by society are now made useful. Do you watch anime? Have an encyclopedic knowledge on fantasy tropes? Play TTRPGs and video games? Now's your chance to put all that to good use.
Being an otherworlder also provides an excuse to give the protagonist unique benefits. Maybe the protagonist is blessed by a powerful god along with a mission to save the world. Maybe the protagonist reincarnates as someone with a powerful bloodline or into royalty. Maybe the protagonist is summoned as the chosen hero and they gain a unique class. Maybe the system glitches and it creates a unique opportunity. Maybe the individual in question was a physicist, Marine or Game Developer in their previous life. There's always some sort of twist.
If you give the protagonist a younger body via reincarnation or in this instance possession. It becomes a convenient excuse to ask for basic Information without attracting suspicion. Starting off as an infant or child with the mind of an adult also gives an early advantage for whatever magic system is introduced.
Being a modern person from Earth usually grants a unique perspective devoid of any of the biases the native people of the new world possess. For example, the protagonist is told certain classes are inherently evil. But to the protagonist, classes are not inherently evil, some classes are more inclined towards evil in regards to their usage. But at the end of the day, the individuals behind the class are the ones committing said evil actions. Classes are simply tools that are provided by the system. The protagonist then decides to ignore the advice of the natives and the system takes his disposition into account during his class selection. An education in mathematics and scientific theory are also advantages depending on the magic system or if the story just so happens to be a city/kingdom builder. Queue explaining what germs are as well as modern crop rotation, soil fertilization, cement and more.
Being an otherwolder also provides an air of mystique. A special identity that the protagonist must keep hidden because of the potential consequences. Maybe otherworlders are feared, enslaved or killed for (x) reasons. It helps add more stakes and tension to the plot.
The author subverted pretty much everything. The protagonist basically gives up on the notion of returning back to earth. He is not provided any unique abilities besides a few rare titles that don’t give any immediate benefits because their locked for the majority of the story. The protagonists identity as an otherworlder is quickly found out and there are no obvious drawbacks. But there are no benefits either. Being a child makes it even more difficult to gain information. This also extends to the one character that is aware of his identity but still treats him like a kid. He spends the majority of the story inefficiently training in a village and fails to min-max by acquiring a full list of titles & achievements. His meta knowledge is rendered useless and only provides a vague sense of familiarity. "I know what a few of these things are because I watched anime” is pretty much the extent of it. The mother of his new body was revealed to be a witch who defected from the BBEG. This reveal was lacklustre because we are given no reason that such a development would effect the plot going forward. He doesn’t come into new power as result of this revelation and I doubt the BBEG even cares all that much. Both his mother and father are dead and he’s just a kid from the BBEG’s perspective. The author should have established a plot device that would make the BBEG keenly aware of the protagonists existence. Maybe the protagonist has a bloodline or artefact the BBEG wants or fears and suddenly the stakes are raised because the protagonist is now in very serious danger. I doubt the BBEG is even aware the protagonist exists. They only come into conflict because the town the protagonist is living in is a strategic location for the BBEG to send their forces through.
This is what happens when you fuck with the established formula. All you get is a ball of frustration from your readers. What makes isekai appealing is basically washed away. This is truly a bog standard isekai.
Response to a commenter: You can establish advantages that do not make the protagonist overpowered in the short term.
What else? I disliked the severe invasion of privacy. The gods can essentially read your mind. The protagonist should take more issue with the system and the gods. There was a physiologist character who respected the protagonists right to privacy. This single character has more integrity than the gods. I also have issues with the system. The gods can essentially alter or take away your titles and skills. I also doubt the system has the power to enable a path to godhood or immortality either. Some titles and achievements have variable effects. I personally don't like variable effects. I like set effects with rarer titles & achievements acquired through more difficult feats. The protagonist doesn't stand by his principles and basically capitulates to the gods. The nobility would have definitely developed a training methodology to acquire all the titles & achievements for their children despite the restrictions. Claiming otherwise is bad world building.
There was a character who went out of their way to ruin the protagonists reputation and manipulated the protagonist in encountering greater danger. Which also resulted in the protagonist losing out on a bunch of achievements & titles. This character was essentially protected by the village the protagonist was living in. If I was in the protagonists shoes, I would have killed this character off, village be damned.
Despite my frustration I was engaged enough to finish the story. Most of the characters were well written and likable. My favorite scene (ironically enough) was when the protagonist’s notes were being read aloud with magic used to reveal the hidden subtext. That scene felt truly novel to me. I also like the bond the protagonist is slowly creating with his adopted parents. Receiving the precursor to the illusionist class felt nice as well. Although predictable and lackluster compared to what he could have gotten if he got all the achievements and titles.
I don't like subversion. If done poorly, it becomes a cheap attempt at originality. Have the protagonist reveal their supposed meta knowledge on Isekai anime & RPG video games. Expositing to themselves that they should be granted powerful abilities by dint of the fact they are an otherworlder. Then reveal their apparent lack of ability. I don't find this premise completely objectionable. But it does have some fundamental issues.
Isekai as a genre has two primary appeals. (1) The protagonist is given the opportunity to start a new life while also providing an excuse to sever prior attachments. Despite this, the protagonist usually desires to return back home and it acts as a convenient long term goal for the stories progression. (2) It serves as wish fulfillment. Skills normally considered worthless by society are now made useful. Do you watch anime? Have an encyclopedic knowledge on fantasy tropes? Play TTRPGs and video games? Now's your chance to put all that to good use.
Being an otherworlder also provides an excuse to give the protagonist unique benefits. Maybe the protagonist is blessed by a powerful god along with a mission to save the world. Maybe the protagonist reincarnates as someone with a powerful bloodline or into royalty. Maybe the protagonist is summoned as the chosen hero and they gain a unique class. Maybe the system glitches and it creates a unique opportunity. Maybe the individual in question was a physicist, Marine or Game Developer in their previous life. There's always some sort of twist.
If you give the protagonist a younger body via reincarnation or in this instance possession. It becomes a convenient excuse to ask for basic Information without attracting suspicion. Starting off as an infant or child with the mind of an adult also gives an early advantage for whatever magic system is introduced.
Being a modern person from Earth usually grants a unique perspective devoid of any of the biases the native people of the new world possess. For example, the protagonist is told certain classes are inherently evil. But to the protagonist, classes are not inherently evil, some classes are more inclined towards evil in regards to their usage. But at the end of the day, the individuals behind the class are the ones committing said evil actions. Classes are simply tools that are provided by the system. The protagonist then decides to ignore the advice of the natives and the system takes his disposition into account during his class selection. An education in mathematics and scientific theory are also advantages depending on the magic system or if the story just so happens to be a city/kingdom builder. Queue explaining what germs are as well as modern crop rotation, soil fertilization, cement and more.
Being an otherwolder also provides an air of mystique. A special identity that the protagonist must keep hidden because of the potential consequences. Maybe otherworlders are feared, enslaved or killed for (x) reasons. It helps add more stakes and tension to the plot.
The author subverted pretty much everything. The protagonist basically gives up on the notion of returning back to earth. He is not provided any unique abilities besides a few rare titles that don’t give any immediate benefits because their locked for the majority of the story. The protagonists identity as an otherworlder is quickly found out and there are no obvious drawbacks. But there are no benefits either. Being a child makes it even more difficult to gain information. This also extends to the one character that is aware of his identity but still treats him like a kid. He spends the majority of the story inefficiently training in a village and fails to min-max by acquiring a full list of titles & achievements. His meta knowledge is rendered useless and only provides a vague sense of familiarity. "I know what a few of these things are because I watched anime” is pretty much the extent of it. The mother of his new body was revealed to be a witch who defected from the BBEG. This reveal was lacklustre because we are given no reason that such a development would effect the plot going forward. He doesn’t come into new power as result of this revelation and I doubt the BBEG even cares all that much. Both his mother and father are dead and he’s just a kid from the BBEG’s perspective. The author should have established a plot device that would make the BBEG keenly aware of the protagonists existence. Maybe the protagonist has a bloodline or artefact the BBEG wants or fears and suddenly the stakes are raised because the protagonist is now in very serious danger. I doubt the BBEG is even aware the protagonist exists. They only come into conflict because the town the protagonist is living in is a strategic location for the BBEG to send their forces through.
This is what happens when you fuck with the established formula. All you get is a ball of frustration from your readers. What makes isekai appealing is basically washed away. This is truly a bog standard isekai.
Response to a commenter: You can establish advantages that do not make the protagonist overpowered in the short term.
What else? I disliked the severe invasion of privacy. The gods can essentially read your mind. The protagonist should take more issue with the system and the gods. There was a physiologist character who respected the protagonists right to privacy. This single character has more integrity than the gods. I also have issues with the system. The gods can essentially alter or take away your titles and skills. I also doubt the system has the power to enable a path to godhood or immortality either. Some titles and achievements have variable effects. I personally don't like variable effects. I like set effects with rarer titles & achievements acquired through more difficult feats. The protagonist doesn't stand by his principles and basically capitulates to the gods. The nobility would have definitely developed a training methodology to acquire all the titles & achievements for their children despite the restrictions. Claiming otherwise is bad world building.
There was a character who went out of their way to ruin the protagonists reputation and manipulated the protagonist in encountering greater danger. Which also resulted in the protagonist losing out on a bunch of achievements & titles. This character was essentially protected by the village the protagonist was living in. If I was in the protagonists shoes, I would have killed this character off, village be damned.
Despite my frustration I was engaged enough to finish the story. Most of the characters were well written and likable. My favorite scene (ironically enough) was when the protagonist’s notes were being read aloud with magic used to reveal the hidden subtext. That scene felt truly novel to me. I also like the bond the protagonist is slowly creating with his adopted parents. Receiving the precursor to the illusionist class felt nice as well. Although predictable and lackluster compared to what he could have gotten if he got all the achievements and titles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2026
Labs litRPG, tikai purva ciematos.
October 11, 2024
Sour Grapes
At first I was slightly uninterested in this book. It honestly felt fairly meh and didn’t grab me. I kept reading and the further I went, the more interested and invested I became in the characters. Towards the end I was excited to see what would happen and what class Brin would get, till about the last 10% of the book I enjoyed it. Then came class selection….
Honestly the last 10% of this book was such a disappointment and load of crap that I don’t know if I will continue the series. I have this 3 stars because the story till then was good, but that last section was such a massive let down that I just find myself not caring anymore. Not to give spoilers but the classes he gets are just stupid as hell. There was no actual resolution of conflict or closure of anything, you’re just left feeling like the whole thing was a waste of time
Also for the main character nothing about him feels special or worth him being isekai’d. He is just there.
At first I was slightly uninterested in this book. It honestly felt fairly meh and didn’t grab me. I kept reading and the further I went, the more interested and invested I became in the characters. Towards the end I was excited to see what would happen and what class Brin would get, till about the last 10% of the book I enjoyed it. Then came class selection….
Honestly the last 10% of this book was such a disappointment and load of crap that I don’t know if I will continue the series. I have this 3 stars because the story till then was good, but that last section was such a massive let down that I just find myself not caring anymore. Not to give spoilers but the classes he gets are just stupid as hell. There was no actual resolution of conflict or closure of anything, you’re just left feeling like the whole thing was a waste of time
Also for the main character nothing about him feels special or worth him being isekai’d. He is just there.
June 13, 2024
This Isekai is Great
Characters are well thought out and well written.
story pacing is good, variety of different events happen with lore and secrets being revealed in a methodical manner, but with enough being held back to keep the reader guessing.
power advancement is good. World building is good.
There are emotional beats, could be more. But this is only the first book so I am sure that with the groundwork laid vis-à-vis the MC and his relationships with other characters… let’s just say there’s a lot of potential for big emotional beats later imo.
On the whole, really well thought out and well written story. Will definitely continue to read the series and would advise others to take a look.
Characters are well thought out and well written.
story pacing is good, variety of different events happen with lore and secrets being revealed in a methodical manner, but with enough being held back to keep the reader guessing.
power advancement is good. World building is good.
There are emotional beats, could be more. But this is only the first book so I am sure that with the groundwork laid vis-à-vis the MC and his relationships with other characters… let’s just say there’s a lot of potential for big emotional beats later imo.
On the whole, really well thought out and well written story. Will definitely continue to read the series and would advise others to take a look.
January 27, 2025
**audible review**
First of all Jonathan McLane does another amazing job narrating. I love his humor and pacing. Feels like I’m listening to a movie not a book being narrated. I especially love the voice he uses for Hog.
The story never has a dull moment. Add to that the cool achievements the MC is hunting in preparation for the day he gets to pick a class and it was a blast. I especially loved the portion of the story where he chooses a class. Never saw it coming. It gave the story depth and nuance and I loved it!
First of all Jonathan McLane does another amazing job narrating. I love his humor and pacing. Feels like I’m listening to a movie not a book being narrated. I especially love the voice he uses for Hog.
The story never has a dull moment. Add to that the cool achievements the MC is hunting in preparation for the day he gets to pick a class and it was a blast. I especially loved the portion of the story where he chooses a class. Never saw it coming. It gave the story depth and nuance and I loved it!
July 30, 2024
Okay.
But not in any way exceptional. Slow start with extended set up. Weak characters with a equally weak story line. A fun idea leaps this fron being any lower in rating.
But not in any way exceptional. Slow start with extended set up. Weak characters with a equally weak story line. A fun idea leaps this fron being any lower in rating.
April 15, 2025
3.5 stars , pretty good start to a series
January 25, 2026
This is an incredible start to a series and I hope the momentum is kept up in book 2. I like the characters a lot and the world is interesting.
August 24, 2026
This is my new favorite LitRPG. It is very well written and I love the leveling system. Highly recommend!
July 6, 2026
First of all, the VA work by Jonathan McClain is fantastic. It goes from Mr Crabs to Kenny (from South Park) and everywhere in between with some standard fantasy accents thrown in there.
I also want to highlight Hog, who acts like a disgruntled father who would definitely dote on his daughter if he had one, though he’d never admit it. He also sounds like grimdark Mr. Crabs and that is just hilarious to me every time he speaks.
The writing is fun and doesn’t feel forced or off kilter like the average litrpg slop. The story is enjoyable and definitely not your bog standard isekai. It has its own character and a bit of a side plot of mystery tied in to really make you think if someone’s being honest.
This is certainly a gem among all the AI slop that has infested the LitRPG genre. I’m curious to see what the next entries has in store.
I also want to highlight Hog, who acts like a disgruntled father who would definitely dote on his daughter if he had one, though he’d never admit it. He also sounds like grimdark Mr. Crabs and that is just hilarious to me every time he speaks.
The writing is fun and doesn’t feel forced or off kilter like the average litrpg slop. The story is enjoyable and definitely not your bog standard isekai. It has its own character and a bit of a side plot of mystery tied in to really make you think if someone’s being honest.
This is certainly a gem among all the AI slop that has infested the LitRPG genre. I’m curious to see what the next entries has in store.
January 18, 2025
In a world where child abuse gets rewarded.....
The more training you can get your child to do...
The more enemies you can get your child to fight...
The STRONGER your child will be. Forever.
The book is extremely verbose. I had to skim read and flat out skip pages to make it through.
The more training you can get your child to do...
The more enemies you can get your child to fight...
The STRONGER your child will be. Forever.
The book is extremely verbose. I had to skim read and flat out skip pages to make it through.
August 3, 2024
I enjoyed the book. Probably closer to a 4 star, but the class development irritated me. I actually preferred the 1st class and think him overcoming the negatives and evolving the class into something even better later on would have been more interesting. Also I didn't even see his class as "evil".
I find the whole oathbreaking a cheap mechanic. I'll probably read the next book, but rather have read about a Scarred One than a Glasser with reset stats and levels.
I find the whole oathbreaking a cheap mechanic. I'll probably read the next book, but rather have read about a Scarred One than a Glasser with reset stats and levels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
What a let down!
I sit here in complete and utter disbelief! Very disappointed in how this book ended. The plot and the storyline would lead you to believe something awesome would be happening. Ended up just another let down. I guess I just hoped for more. For what is it worth... It was a ok book.
I sit here in complete and utter disbelief! Very disappointed in how this book ended. The plot and the storyline would lead you to believe something awesome would be happening. Ended up just another let down. I guess I just hoped for more. For what is it worth... It was a ok book.
August 19, 2024
I had a fine time reading this until late in the book where a couple events/decisions caused a not inconsiderable chunk of story (and so so many stats) to become fairly meaningless. I felt cheated.
I will still check out the next book because I hope it will do cool things with classes and I like Hogg and Marksi.
2.75
I will still check out the next book because I hope it will do cool things with classes and I like Hogg and Marksi.
2.75
January 3, 2026
A refreshing take on Isekai with a story and character focus.
Instead of diving straight into the tropes of this genre, like almost every other series out there, the first novel of Bog Standard Isekai instead takes the time to build a strong framework for the future of the series by being story and by character-centric.
In that manner, other than the standard Isekai body snatching intro, this book immediately veers off-course from the tropes of most new series. Our MC doesn’t have a class, he’s actually too young to have a class. Our MC isn’t being raised in a family, everyone in the village, in which he finds himself, is already dead or worse. The first arc of this series isn’t about a newly Isekai’d MC navigating a system, abilities, stats, etc. No, he’s hiding from the army of the undead which patrols the village every night. He’s scavenging for food, freezing in body and in fear.
It’s a novel way to introduce a character in this genre. And though I think it fails to make me truly like the MC, or even want to root for him, I don’t think that’s unintentional as I would for most series.
The author weaves a story of rescue then fostering in a nearby town over the next year by an old adventurer where the MC navigates the young teenaged body in which he finds himself as well as the dynamics of the village. For the most part, the MC and his circle of kinda-friends spend their time hunting achievements and stat points in preparation of a better class selection come their maturity into adults on Selection Day.
This time in the village is slower-paced than most first novels in series in this genre. For most series, that’s a knock against them. For this one, I feel the time is well used to world-build as well as subtly frame out the character of the MC in order to facilitate his choices in the third act of the book where everything hits the fan.
After the dust settles, it feels as if we have a decent, if somewhat still trope-like, foundation for the rest of the series, with an MC who has a big chip on his shoulder and an ominous class filled with lethal potential for future action down the line. But that’s where this book really surprised me. And I won’t spoil it, but it feels like all the pieces of the story come together in that moment in the temple. The character building, including dislikability, was intentional to reach that moment.
Now, I still don’t know if I like the MC, but maybe it’s a good thing he doesn’t fit the mold of any of the numerous MC tropes in this genre being mostly populated by the righteous-never-wrongs or the smug-murder-hobos. As for his future path, it is also unique and I’m quite interested in how his magical abilities shape up.
Other strengths of this novel are the magic system itself. Even if it’s a little more invasive of a LitRPG system than I personally prefer in my favorite series, the magic system itself doesn’t seem prone to wide disparities in power (bacterium vs god) like in too many other series. Nor does it seem like there’s any possibility of being over-powered. There’s no black class, no dual core this or that, no primordial patron, and so on. The MC is not gonna grudgingly rule the world one day. Nor is he “the one” who’s gonna save the world from some long-foretold apocalypse. No, he’s just a dude from earth, probably gonna be a mage with one affinity, who’s probably gonna get caught up in a war brewing with a neighboring Queendom.
The more I write about it, the more I’m impressed with it. Even the name of the series is an inside joke, but you have to wait til the post climax act to find out. It’s satisfyingly fitting for the tone of the series.
In summary, a well-woven story with a heavy focus on characterization instead of leaning on genre tropes such as some “unique” path another author hasn’t called dibs on yet. With a well-balanced magic system that’s sure to make a perfect sandbox for believable and relatable further entries, this series has a lot of potential. Looking forward to reading more.
Instead of diving straight into the tropes of this genre, like almost every other series out there, the first novel of Bog Standard Isekai instead takes the time to build a strong framework for the future of the series by being story and by character-centric.
In that manner, other than the standard Isekai body snatching intro, this book immediately veers off-course from the tropes of most new series. Our MC doesn’t have a class, he’s actually too young to have a class. Our MC isn’t being raised in a family, everyone in the village, in which he finds himself, is already dead or worse. The first arc of this series isn’t about a newly Isekai’d MC navigating a system, abilities, stats, etc. No, he’s hiding from the army of the undead which patrols the village every night. He’s scavenging for food, freezing in body and in fear.
It’s a novel way to introduce a character in this genre. And though I think it fails to make me truly like the MC, or even want to root for him, I don’t think that’s unintentional as I would for most series.
The author weaves a story of rescue then fostering in a nearby town over the next year by an old adventurer where the MC navigates the young teenaged body in which he finds himself as well as the dynamics of the village. For the most part, the MC and his circle of kinda-friends spend their time hunting achievements and stat points in preparation of a better class selection come their maturity into adults on Selection Day.
This time in the village is slower-paced than most first novels in series in this genre. For most series, that’s a knock against them. For this one, I feel the time is well used to world-build as well as subtly frame out the character of the MC in order to facilitate his choices in the third act of the book where everything hits the fan.
After the dust settles, it feels as if we have a decent, if somewhat still trope-like, foundation for the rest of the series, with an MC who has a big chip on his shoulder and an ominous class filled with lethal potential for future action down the line. But that’s where this book really surprised me. And I won’t spoil it, but it feels like all the pieces of the story come together in that moment in the temple. The character building, including dislikability, was intentional to reach that moment.
Now, I still don’t know if I like the MC, but maybe it’s a good thing he doesn’t fit the mold of any of the numerous MC tropes in this genre being mostly populated by the righteous-never-wrongs or the smug-murder-hobos. As for his future path, it is also unique and I’m quite interested in how his magical abilities shape up.
Other strengths of this novel are the magic system itself. Even if it’s a little more invasive of a LitRPG system than I personally prefer in my favorite series, the magic system itself doesn’t seem prone to wide disparities in power (bacterium vs god) like in too many other series. Nor does it seem like there’s any possibility of being over-powered. There’s no black class, no dual core this or that, no primordial patron, and so on. The MC is not gonna grudgingly rule the world one day. Nor is he “the one” who’s gonna save the world from some long-foretold apocalypse. No, he’s just a dude from earth, probably gonna be a mage with one affinity, who’s probably gonna get caught up in a war brewing with a neighboring Queendom.
The more I write about it, the more I’m impressed with it. Even the name of the series is an inside joke, but you have to wait til the post climax act to find out. It’s satisfyingly fitting for the tone of the series.
In summary, a well-woven story with a heavy focus on characterization instead of leaning on genre tropes such as some “unique” path another author hasn’t called dibs on yet. With a well-balanced magic system that’s sure to make a perfect sandbox for believable and relatable further entries, this series has a lot of potential. Looking forward to reading more.
April 1, 2025
I'm rounding the rating up for this novel, as it is well-written and has well-rounded characters. It's enjoyable to read, never makes you want to put the novel down, and is basically a pretty solid book.
So why does a novel like that need rounding up to four stars?
Because "pretty-solid" is all this book is.
It delivers the minimum needed to create a decent story but doesn't excel at anything. The characters are well written and believable, but none stand out as memorable or exceptional, and I formed no strong attachments to any of them. The action is well-paced and meaningful, but I can't think of any iconic or thrilling moments that stand out. The plot is competent enough to carry you through to the novel's end, but it's not so intriguing as to truly hook you and get you invested in the story.
Probably the best example of this is the isekai/regression plot device. What little of these elements were included in this book were handled well. The author didn't shy away from having the main character grieve over the world he had lost, nor ignore the awkwardness of having an adult mind in a child's body. What the author didn't do, though, was push these elements anywhere close to their potential.
The main character being from another world doesn't impact the story meaningfully. Besides a slightly heightened work ethic, he doesn't use any knowledge or experience from our world to give him an advantage in the new world. The same is true for the adult mind in a child's body, as again, it is only used to give the protagonist a slightly heightened drive to succeed. The book even goes so far as to nullify this aspect of the story by saying that because his body is twelve, his thoughts and feelings have regressed somewhat to his body's age.
These elements have the potential to create a character who is exceptional in many ways. Whether it's using knowledge from our technologically advanced world to give him an advantage in a magic-focused world or using the wisdom of an adult to excel in a world where children/teenagers are struggling to take their first steps on the path towards adulthood and developing classes, there was a lot left on the table here.
I would even go so far as to say that neither of these elements needed to be included in the story at all. The story could just as easily have gone with the protagonist's fake backstory of losing all his memories in the initial undead attack on his village, and it would be no worse for it. Most of what happens afterwards could be easily attributed to a lonely, traumatised child trying to survive/thrive after the harrowing experiences he has lived through.
Overall, this isn't a bad book, hence the 4-star rating, but truthfully, I only got three stars of enjoyment out of this one. Personally, I read fantasy novels because I love reading about exceptional people living up to their potential. It's frustrating to me to read a book with so much potential that wasn't only underutilised, but handled in a way that gives the impression it's never going to be utilised any better. I will pick up the next book on the off chance that it steps things up a bit going forward, but honestly, that's more curiosity for the unused potential than anything earned by this novel.
So why does a novel like that need rounding up to four stars?
Because "pretty-solid" is all this book is.
It delivers the minimum needed to create a decent story but doesn't excel at anything. The characters are well written and believable, but none stand out as memorable or exceptional, and I formed no strong attachments to any of them. The action is well-paced and meaningful, but I can't think of any iconic or thrilling moments that stand out. The plot is competent enough to carry you through to the novel's end, but it's not so intriguing as to truly hook you and get you invested in the story.
Probably the best example of this is the isekai/regression plot device. What little of these elements were included in this book were handled well. The author didn't shy away from having the main character grieve over the world he had lost, nor ignore the awkwardness of having an adult mind in a child's body. What the author didn't do, though, was push these elements anywhere close to their potential.
The main character being from another world doesn't impact the story meaningfully. Besides a slightly heightened work ethic, he doesn't use any knowledge or experience from our world to give him an advantage in the new world. The same is true for the adult mind in a child's body, as again, it is only used to give the protagonist a slightly heightened drive to succeed. The book even goes so far as to nullify this aspect of the story by saying that because his body is twelve, his thoughts and feelings have regressed somewhat to his body's age.
These elements have the potential to create a character who is exceptional in many ways. Whether it's using knowledge from our technologically advanced world to give him an advantage in a magic-focused world or using the wisdom of an adult to excel in a world where children/teenagers are struggling to take their first steps on the path towards adulthood and developing classes, there was a lot left on the table here.
I would even go so far as to say that neither of these elements needed to be included in the story at all. The story could just as easily have gone with the protagonist's fake backstory of losing all his memories in the initial undead attack on his village, and it would be no worse for it. Most of what happens afterwards could be easily attributed to a lonely, traumatised child trying to survive/thrive after the harrowing experiences he has lived through.
Overall, this isn't a bad book, hence the 4-star rating, but truthfully, I only got three stars of enjoyment out of this one. Personally, I read fantasy novels because I love reading about exceptional people living up to their potential. It's frustrating to me to read a book with so much potential that wasn't only underutilised, but handled in a way that gives the impression it's never going to be utilised any better. I will pick up the next book on the off chance that it steps things up a bit going forward, but honestly, that's more curiosity for the unused potential than anything earned by this novel.
February 18, 2025
wow that was such a fun ride - a surprisingly heartfelt and pretty well-written romp. spoilers ahead!
i think the best part of this is how real brin feels as a character, instead of a scarecrow going through (plot) motions. his anger, excitement, resentment, hope really comes across, thanks to the pacing - things like having him stuck in a cellar for days on end, him chilling out with other kids once he makes it to town. definitely slow burn but it's a kind of slow that's purposeful and fleshes a character out.
for all that majority of the book is a slow burn, epic moments are hella epic. the involuntary scream that came out of me when the child interrupted brin as he was about to pick his class. talk about not wasting a single shred of momentum.
the way the last 20% plays out is just - chef's kiss. from the moment brin chooses the scarred one and the sheer glee at the way his stats kept jumping - so satisfying after being blocked for almost the entire novel. and then it doesn't stop - weaving in brin's newly-persistent anger and emptiness as a succinct and effective way of showing the cons of choosing an evil class and juxtaposing against his new near-immortality just to show how alien and unlike his true self this new class makes him. and then just when doubts of power creep start trickling in, we get brin choosing to sacrifice all that new power and downgrading into the common class glasser, which surprise! can actually be upgraded into something incredible down the line, thereby staying thematically true to the spirit of grinding in an isekai? the sheer emotional turmoil, the rollercoaster of it all - brilliant.
and hogg! what an unexpected treasure of mentor figure turned dad. i was so pleasantly surprised by how well the relationship between brin and hogg grew, and how un-annoying it was. no secret identities, and even after a period of avoidance, hogg shares things with brin openly. and he doesn't die! nicely done.
but of course, this book isn't perfect. one major flaw is the atrocious misuse of tenses, especially with contractions like "it's not" instead of "it wasn't". very irritating but this is the rare instance where the story is good enough that i can tolerate the mistakes.
i think the best part of this is how real brin feels as a character, instead of a scarecrow going through (plot) motions. his anger, excitement, resentment, hope really comes across, thanks to the pacing - things like having him stuck in a cellar for days on end, him chilling out with other kids once he makes it to town. definitely slow burn but it's a kind of slow that's purposeful and fleshes a character out.
for all that majority of the book is a slow burn, epic moments are hella epic. the involuntary scream that came out of me when the child interrupted brin as he was about to pick his class. talk about not wasting a single shred of momentum.
the way the last 20% plays out is just - chef's kiss. from the moment brin chooses the scarred one and the sheer glee at the way his stats kept jumping - so satisfying after being blocked for almost the entire novel. and then it doesn't stop - weaving in brin's newly-persistent anger and emptiness as a succinct and effective way of showing the cons of choosing an evil class and juxtaposing against his new near-immortality just to show how alien and unlike his true self this new class makes him. and then just when doubts of power creep start trickling in, we get brin choosing to sacrifice all that new power and downgrading into the common class glasser, which surprise! can actually be upgraded into something incredible down the line, thereby staying thematically true to the spirit of grinding in an isekai? the sheer emotional turmoil, the rollercoaster of it all - brilliant.
and hogg! what an unexpected treasure of mentor figure turned dad. i was so pleasantly surprised by how well the relationship between brin and hogg grew, and how un-annoying it was. no secret identities, and even after a period of avoidance, hogg shares things with brin openly. and he doesn't die! nicely done.
but of course, this book isn't perfect. one major flaw is the atrocious misuse of tenses, especially with contractions like "it's not" instead of "it wasn't". very irritating but this is the rare instance where the story is good enough that i can tolerate the mistakes.
July 16, 2026
4.75 ⭐️
As someone who enjoys RPGs, I was excited to pick up my first LitRPG, and Bog Standard Isekai: Scarred did not disappoint!
My absolute favorite part of this book was the excellent world-building! The setting was detailed enough to paint a vivid picture of Hammon’s Bog, and I loved the unique magic system. Even the most common professions, such as bakers and carpenters, had classes they could progress through. Anyone with dedication and a willingness to work hard could develop their skills into something truly impressive, which made the world feel alive and full of possibilities.
I particularly enjoyed that, unlike many other isekai stories, Brin did not become immediately overpowered. He struggled, failed, and truly had to learn, work, and grow to earn his progress throughout the book.
Brin’s relationship with his adoptive family, especially his adoptive father, was another major strength. I found myself looking forward to every new development and especially appreciated the emotional moments between the characters.
While this was my first LitRPG, I thought the standard RPG elements were handled well. The class and leveling systems were easy to follow, and I honestly didn’t mind the frequency of Brin’s stat updates. I especially enjoyed the ending and Brin’s choices when it came time to choose his class. Needless to say, I immediately wanted to pick up Book 2!
I only have a couple of minor complaints. The beginning of the book was a bit slow-paced. It held my attention throughout, but I would have preferred a little more action earlier in the story. Second, the audiobook narrator was somewhat hit or miss. At times, his performances were brilliant, particularly the enthusiasm he brought to the over-the-top, faux-evil merchant, Paris. However, some of the voices, especially those of the younger female characters, sounded very similar and didn’t always fit the atmosphere of the book. It certainly didn’t make the audiobook unenjoyable, but I hope future installments offer a bit more variety in that regard.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. Brin was a fun and engaging protagonist, the world-building was fantastic, and the ending leaves readers with high expectations for future installments. I can’t wait to continue Brin’s story!
As someone who enjoys RPGs, I was excited to pick up my first LitRPG, and Bog Standard Isekai: Scarred did not disappoint!
My absolute favorite part of this book was the excellent world-building! The setting was detailed enough to paint a vivid picture of Hammon’s Bog, and I loved the unique magic system. Even the most common professions, such as bakers and carpenters, had classes they could progress through. Anyone with dedication and a willingness to work hard could develop their skills into something truly impressive, which made the world feel alive and full of possibilities.
I particularly enjoyed that, unlike many other isekai stories, Brin did not become immediately overpowered. He struggled, failed, and truly had to learn, work, and grow to earn his progress throughout the book.
Brin’s relationship with his adoptive family, especially his adoptive father, was another major strength. I found myself looking forward to every new development and especially appreciated the emotional moments between the characters.
While this was my first LitRPG, I thought the standard RPG elements were handled well. The class and leveling systems were easy to follow, and I honestly didn’t mind the frequency of Brin’s stat updates. I especially enjoyed the ending and Brin’s choices when it came time to choose his class. Needless to say, I immediately wanted to pick up Book 2!
I only have a couple of minor complaints. The beginning of the book was a bit slow-paced. It held my attention throughout, but I would have preferred a little more action earlier in the story. Second, the audiobook narrator was somewhat hit or miss. At times, his performances were brilliant, particularly the enthusiasm he brought to the over-the-top, faux-evil merchant, Paris. However, some of the voices, especially those of the younger female characters, sounded very similar and didn’t always fit the atmosphere of the book. It certainly didn’t make the audiobook unenjoyable, but I hope future installments offer a bit more variety in that regard.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. Brin was a fun and engaging protagonist, the world-building was fantastic, and the ending leaves readers with high expectations for future installments. I can’t wait to continue Brin’s story!
August 19, 2026
The first 3 quarters of this book were great. I loved following Scar's journey and growth as well as his achievement hunting the get the best class possible.
The last quarter ruins the whole book with some of the worst narrative railroading I've ever seen. Having a character able to predict the future and manipulate people to reach an outcome just starts feeling like it's the author trying to railroad an exact outcome, not the character.
The last quarter ruins the whole book with some of the worst narrative railroading I've ever seen. Having a character able to predict the future and manipulate people to reach an outcome just starts feeling like it's the author trying to railroad an exact outcome, not the character.
January 12, 2025
Listened to the Audiobook
(Bought this book because Johnathan McClain was the narrator. Love him in Noobtown and love him still in this book)
I was coming into this book with no expectations and left with that this book and narration are exceptional. This is probably the best where I seen someone from our world transfer into another character body in another world. Isekai fashion and all.
The hook - Great. Finding yourself in another world fighting for your life and just trying to get by. With someone that isnt from this world and into a 12 year old is pretty good. The introduction to the system is subtle a little at a time and has great pacing. A lot better than plenty of litrpgs and doesnt hammer you with them.
World - World building is hard to judge from an audiobook. I will say that the names for a lot of things kind of goes over your head. The general gist of the landscape and the bogs come clearly and has great development of the gods, religious figures, the pronounced obsession with witches, and gives you the feel of a medieval setting with some modern twists.
Characters -Characters is where this novel thrives. Matthew (I even forget his original name)/Brin is a well thought out character and the progress is great through the entire novel. The training and development,again, is at such a great pace. Hog (or daddy) is a great mentor to Brin and introduces a class that not many litrpgs go with in illusionist. The applications and ways its developed in the novel is awesome. The younger kids to even his own adopted mother are all good. Favorite side character goes to Hog or Paris the leatherworker. Love that guy.
One of the best litrpgs I have read(listened) to in quiet some time. Book acknowledges toward the end about the weirdness of 26 year old in a 14 year old body for dating and such. I would like romantic interest sometime during the journey but doesnt have to be now. Brin needs to be smacked over the head sometimes.
Maxie rules!
(Bought this book because Johnathan McClain was the narrator. Love him in Noobtown and love him still in this book)
I was coming into this book with no expectations and left with that this book and narration are exceptional. This is probably the best where I seen someone from our world transfer into another character body in another world. Isekai fashion and all.
The hook - Great. Finding yourself in another world fighting for your life and just trying to get by. With someone that isnt from this world and into a 12 year old is pretty good. The introduction to the system is subtle a little at a time and has great pacing. A lot better than plenty of litrpgs and doesnt hammer you with them.
World - World building is hard to judge from an audiobook. I will say that the names for a lot of things kind of goes over your head. The general gist of the landscape and the bogs come clearly and has great development of the gods, religious figures, the pronounced obsession with witches, and gives you the feel of a medieval setting with some modern twists.
Characters -Characters is where this novel thrives. Matthew (I even forget his original name)/Brin is a well thought out character and the progress is great through the entire novel. The training and development,again, is at such a great pace. Hog (or daddy) is a great mentor to Brin and introduces a class that not many litrpgs go with in illusionist. The applications and ways its developed in the novel is awesome. The younger kids to even his own adopted mother are all good. Favorite side character goes to Hog or Paris the leatherworker. Love that guy.
One of the best litrpgs I have read(listened) to in quiet some time. Book acknowledges toward the end about the weirdness of 26 year old in a 14 year old body for dating and such. I would like romantic interest sometime during the journey but doesnt have to be now. Brin needs to be smacked over the head sometimes.
Maxie rules!
January 21, 2026
Heavily Young Adult Oriented and Overall a Mixed Bag
Overall, it’s ok. I started this series because of the constant praise of it being a high quality LITRPG that sets a high standard for the genre. What I got instead is a standard LITRPG. The plot is less meandering. The world building is ok. The characters are distinct. But I think the general LITRPG suffers editorial problems that could easily place them at this standard.
As for what I dislike:
The start to this book is horrible. The initial reaction to the situation and dialogue between characters is exaggerated and not very realistic. I listen to this on audible and had it going at the max 3.5x speed at this section and several others just to endure the cringe fest.
Then there’s the main character Brin. He’s introduced as a 20 year old but never acts like it. And the crying. He’s constantly crying or brooding about one little thing or another. Constantly having temper tantrums. Constantly acting impulsively. It gets old real fast. I get the attempt at “hes a hormonal teen again” but theres more control with maturity than he gives. The one place he draws the line is waiting to date until he’s 20… so that must mean he’s mature… right… my white night hero.
One of the most obnoxious parts of this story is the over arching idea that “Illusionist have to make sure their class is secret because… then people will know you’re an illusionist and can counter it.” There’s no reason for the secrecy. None at all. I’m on to the fourth book and it’s just annoying. It’s not a “banned” class yet the characters treat the class like it’s instant execution if he's discovered. It’s not. No one cares. The only reason it’s hidden is so that the main character can be an edgy teen with something to hide.
It’s nice people like the series, however it’s far, far away from the praise it tends to get.
Overall, it’s ok. I started this series because of the constant praise of it being a high quality LITRPG that sets a high standard for the genre. What I got instead is a standard LITRPG. The plot is less meandering. The world building is ok. The characters are distinct. But I think the general LITRPG suffers editorial problems that could easily place them at this standard.
As for what I dislike:
The start to this book is horrible. The initial reaction to the situation and dialogue between characters is exaggerated and not very realistic. I listen to this on audible and had it going at the max 3.5x speed at this section and several others just to endure the cringe fest.
Then there’s the main character Brin. He’s introduced as a 20 year old but never acts like it. And the crying. He’s constantly crying or brooding about one little thing or another. Constantly having temper tantrums. Constantly acting impulsively. It gets old real fast. I get the attempt at “hes a hormonal teen again” but theres more control with maturity than he gives. The one place he draws the line is waiting to date until he’s 20… so that must mean he’s mature… right… my white night hero.
One of the most obnoxious parts of this story is the over arching idea that “Illusionist have to make sure their class is secret because… then people will know you’re an illusionist and can counter it.” There’s no reason for the secrecy. None at all. I’m on to the fourth book and it’s just annoying. It’s not a “banned” class yet the characters treat the class like it’s instant execution if he's discovered. It’s not. No one cares. The only reason it’s hidden is so that the main character can be an edgy teen with something to hide.
It’s nice people like the series, however it’s far, far away from the praise it tends to get.
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