The Shimmering Labyrinth

A Soldier's Life #3

by Always RollsAOne, Erick Thiemke

As Eryk's closely guarded secrets teeter on the brink of exposure within the company, he finds himself navigating treacherous waters. Meanwhile, his mage company ventures on a harrowing expedition to unveil the elusive whereabouts of a legendary lost dungeon known as The Shimmering Labyrinth. This perilous undertaking will serve as the ultimate test for Eryk and his allies, as a hidden adversary threatens them from a distance.

Genres: Litrpg, Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Fiction, Action, Military Fiction

478 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2024

Reviews

[Sensei_cor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravilloso, me está pareciendo de lo más equilibrado que he leído en litrpg, no abusa de estadísticas, de rareza de objetos y ni siquiera hay niveles. La historia es divertida y variada, sin decaer ni tener momentos aburridos. Los personajes son interesantes, las situaciones originales... de verdad que me están resultando unos libros muy muy MUY redondos. Los capítulos pasan volando y siempre quieres uno más, y otro... y otro...

[Russell Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is still going strong for me. Various characters get some extra backstory filled in, and I think this is one of the few times in a gamelit series where a large cast is introduced early, and the author actually follows through with allowing you to get familiar with people alongside the MC. No big flashback infodumps needed.

There are a few chapters mixed in with alternate povs. I'm traditionally not the biggest fan of these, but they were few and far between in this series and usually provided quite a bit of additional worldbuilding context.

I'm excited to see where we go in the next volume since it seems things will start getting spicy on a larger scale.

[Tony Hinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this series. The premise hasn't changed since book one and it's still working well.

[Alex Stane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm lumping in books 3 and 4 together in one review because it's the same problem that's unfortunately made me put the series down.

Now that we've reached a point in the series where we have a young, enamored-with-MC woman as part of the party, I can't take it anymore. Everything she does is in service of this guy.

Let's go over the circumstances of their meeting: MC takes part in the killing of her griffin, a bonded animal that she considers her closest friend. Then, he runs her down and almost kills her but decides to shove her into his dimensional space (where time doesn't pass, also against her will) and keeps her in there for, what, days, weeks? Not really specified. He only takes her out to accidentally kill another ally and leave her for dead. The next time they meet, he once again causes events to unfurl in a way that almost gets her killed. In fact, he does think she's dead, and shoves her body into his dimensional space AGAIN to harvest her magical power. Gruesome, right? Well, he realizes she's not dead and only releases her when he's in an insanely dangerous situation and her help is pretty much the only way out. Guess what? She freaks out for only a moment when he takes her back out, heals her, then she's chill. I guess he's just that suave? Idk. They eventually get out, he sends her on her way with another griffin egg, and by this point she's already fully into this dude. What the f- what? This motherfucker would be #1 on my hit list! Anyways, blah blah they meet up again but this time she wants to join their group and he just goes with it. About 200 pages later and I was fully out of this series. I can't with the smirking and the glazing of MC. Every chapter has at least one example of someone being bewildered by his power. I can't help but cringe at these sentences man.

[Stanislas Sodonon · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, we're getting grittier.

MC finds a friend and loses some colleagues. The local intrigue gets a bit more fleshed out.
MC is getting a bit of Gary Stu syndrome at this point. I'm starting to feel uneasy. The amount of things he appears to be able to do with a supposedly "tiny" ether pool is stretching the limits of my suspension of disbelief. Fortuna's child indeed!
I still feel no empathy towards the MC; I actually find him very annoying and selfish. Ironically, in the short moments of recollection of his past life, it appears the MC himself admits his self-centredness. Every attractive female wants him and he has no idea why... Convenient.
I find myself more interested in his companions of the moment and in what _they_ do. That's where I find my anchor to the world. The MC himself has no stakes in the game.

Somehow, the global plot is still keeping my interest. I want to know more about other-worlders, where they came from, how come they got rare powers once on this world, and how come they came to create an empire.

So yeah. I'm continuing the adventure.
3 stars

[William Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the postscript

Now THAT is what I call a dungeon run. Awesome.

Going to buy book 4 and preorder 5. Stayed up way too late reading this one.

[Gabriel Rathweg · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

An excellent book as the previous two. Highly recommended if you like light litrpg and a great story. Oh yeah!

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't bad, but I got a sour taste in my mouth from people spilling the protag's secrets to others.

It also wasn't what I was looking forward to, as it took place in mostly one locale.
We didn't have the protag traveling around, interacting with others and using his brain to get out of problems. A dungeon dive was meh for me, but he did gain resources.

Will pick up the sequel.

3/5 Stars

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short take - the novel was quite good and kept me interested in the series but for large parts it was significantly less interesting than the first two showing the weaknesses of the serialized fiction model (known of course since the 19th century and the famous Dumas and Dostoievsky padding of chapters), namely that repetition and padding are the author's friend to get his weekly chapters out; describing in detail the killing and processing of fire-bears for a few times or the count of apples in a room in the dungeon (first there were 200 something, next time less than that and so on) are just examples that come to mind but there was a lo0t of that.

I am used to infodumping in the works of some of my favorite authors so my eye glazes over such and moves on and the rest of the book matters - here there was a lot of good stuff (history, the battle at the end, Raelia and of course the final chapter etc) so still a very good and entertaining novel on the whole and an excellent series with lots of promise

[Nico · Rating 2 out of 5]

And this is the book where it fully becomes a slice of life, where the MC becomes an OP dragon-slayer. It's a fast-paced slice of life so it's not hard to read at all but very little happens other than the MC becomes better at everything. There's very little genuine conflict. Things that I was looking forward to never happened. The characters who could have presented a source of conflict are barely an inconvenience to kill off.

[Stijn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of thorn on this one. It's well written and I enjoyed everything that's here, but Eryk is just frustrating as hell.
On the one hand he still refuses to trust his closest friends, on the other hand he also doesn't take his numerous chances to simply disappear when everyone thinks he died. He doesn't really has a goal and just goes along with everything.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started quite well and I thought the story’s development was showing promise as the group overcame their problems. However once the story began to revolve around the dungeon it became a bit tedious, as Eryk and Maveith repetitively fight monsters and harvest treasures. I really think the author dragged this on far too long, I didn’t help that Eryk was a bit of a ‘pratt’.

[tester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally my favorite of the series having read ahead. This is what I like most about the series, the dungeon stuff and the world building around it, unfortunately it's also where we the authors taste of drama becomes obvious...

[Dowel Dobet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is getting better with each novel. I won’t go through my issues with the first two books, you can read my review if you want more details, but there was enough done well about those books to keep me reading. And I am glad I did. This book is the best of the bunch by a mile.

Unique story. Great characters. Interesting and unique magic system and combat.

Basically one issue I still have with this series is the constant use by Eryk of English phrases, but I guess translated into Latin? It’s kind of a shtick at this point, Eryk says something no one understands and either his audience plays it out and laughs or doesn’t get it. Doesn’t seem like the smartest thing to constantly say weird things like “Bingo!” when otherworlders are actively hunted in this world. As careful as Eryk is with whom he trusts, and we finally saw a lot of growth in that area in this novel, he’s not very careful with the clues he’s dropping with his phrases, idioms, and whatnot.

I feel like the author may have been responding to criticism of the first and especially the second book with the lack of trust in anyone Eryk has shown, so wouldn’t surprise me if he also rolls this complaint into how maybe he’s outed down the line.

Little bummed the story seems to shifting in the scale of stakes. Now there’s gonna be a world war or something and a plot to overthrow the emperor. I feel like every series in this genre follows this trope of the interesting and engaging first few books of familiarizing ourselves with main characters and magic systems. Watching the MCs level, or its equivalent, choose a path, make friends and gain enemies. Then the bads just get bigger with each iteration, the stakes magnified and magnified again and again. I was really kind into the fact that at least until the epilogue of this novel, the stakes were really just as big as the main character and some of his companions. I fantasized that maybe the series would be focused more on him slipping between the cracks to gain power, avoid being identified as an outworlder, and then escape to a life of his own choosing. But no, looks like with are going the trope route.

Griping aside, I think this is a refreshing series, even with its problems, and I can see a talented author growing in his skills as he goes. I highly recommend for fans of Progression Fantasy.

[Daniel St. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rank A+
Personal Tags: BR, FR, PR, GR, Dungeons, Roman, Evolution, Soldiers-life
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Chef's Kiss'! Book three keeps doing exactly what I have been loving about this series while continuing to make the world feel bigger. I really like that Eryk is still approaching everything from the perspective of a soldier trying to do his job rather than suddenly becoming some chosen hero with the fate of the world on his shoulders. His progression continues to feel earned, and I especially like that his abilities are useful in practical situations instead of just being another excuse to make him overpowered. The unit dynamic remains one of my favorite parts, and at this point the relationships between the soldiers feel like one of the biggest reasons I am so invested. I also really enjoy how his different skills give him more ways to contribute without taking away from the fact that he is still very much learning and figuring things out. The Roman influence continues to be one of the things that makes this series stand out for me, especially as more of the empire and its military structure gets fleshed out. And of course, I still love that every time things get bad enough, part of the MC is probably thinking about running away, while the other part is already figuring out how to survive it with his unit. The series has managed to keep the progression, military life, and character development balanced without letting any one of them completely take over. At this point this has gone from a series I was pleasantly surprised by to one I am genuinely excited to read, and book three easily earns an A+ from me.

[JaLa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier’s Life is a great fantasy series with a compelling story and well-integrated LitRPG elements. The MC has enormous potential, but with a caveat that forces him to use his powers differently, relying on thought and planning rather than simply overpowering his opponents. His path to power is a little tricky, and the author does a great job of making his progression interesting.

The supporting cast is also a strong point. The other characters feel like real people with lives of their own, and the world is interesting enough to keep you invested. There is no grand end goal in sight yet, but the MC’s immediate struggle to survive and the new situations he constantly finds himself thrown into make the lack of a larger overarching objective largely irrelevant.

The story and the journey are captivating. The MC is smart and likable, and the banter between companions is genuinely funny without feeling forced. I’ve read the first three books, and all of them maintain the same high level of quality.

That said, this is still LitRPG, so expect the MC to face a LOT of difficult situations, usually coming out stronger on the other side. That’s pretty standard for the genre, but what makes this series stand out is that the MC doesn’t feel like an overpowered Superman who can effortlessly defeat anyone. The conflicts generally maintain a good sense of tension, and his victories feel more satisfying because of it.

Overall, a very enjoyable series with engaging progression, a likable MC, great character interactions, and enough tension to keep things interesting. Highly recommended if you enjoy LitRPG with a strong focus on survival, strategy, and character development.

[Randowne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a coincidence, I suppose, but I was thinking about the hero's power without remembering it was in this book, and three days later, @Tony Hinde, who was reading it... It was a sign!

Still as solid as ever, in my opinion. The character seems realistic, his power very strong without giving him too much of an advantage, and above all, and maybe that's why I like it so much, he uses it the way I would (at least I think so).

Eryk has to juggle between his life as a forced soldier, his existence as an "Otherworlder," and the need to hide his powers. Who can you trust in a world where the first thing you did was get "sold" to be better enrolled? How do you become strong enough to defend/attack without immediately standing out?

If I have to criticize something, it's that he doesn't throw himself wholeheartedly into a power like "Blink" or an equivalent to allow for an escape if needed. But I also understand that between his physical training and the creation of his library...

Speaking of which, I imagine the next book will be crucial for his future, because the loss of the amulet, which will surely happen, seems completely unacceptable to me! I hope the servant will live a nightmare. <3

[Gavin Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah yes. The starvation book. Food is a prominent theme of the books with the lack of food weighing heavy on the plot. I am glad they never resorted to Donner Party tactics, but I think they got close. I don't see why Eric doesn't examine things while they are in his dimensional space. In the first book, his mage commander tells him to pull out a single potion from a rack of potions, and he can move and manipulate objects inside, and can even drain a barrel of water and whiskey into a flask from thin air, so I don't see how he doesn't know the contents of a backpack when he moves it in there, and is able to pull out food and supplies that way.

[John Yanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Soldier's Life Book 1-3

I have really enjoyed all three A Soldiers Life books. They chronicle the life of Eryk, a man out of his time (and comfort zone), forced into servitude as a soldier for a corrupt Empire. The first three books feature some great world building and lots of action as Eryk gets into intense battles with dungeon monsters, the Empires enemies, and politics from supposed allies. I can't wait to read what he gets into next. Thanks Erick for the adventures, keep em coming!

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly strong series. These truly live or die on their stomachs and pacing, and damn, it's damn overflowing with the meat and potatoes of great storytelling.

Every plot choice is tied to massive amounts of plausibility, and better, we're given a whole city of the dead and a truly massive labyrinth/dungeon beneath it, with an insanely powerful summoner hounding these poor soldiers. Survival and sacrifice is everything. And so is secrecy.

It's rare that I get this invested in a story, but when I do, it's making me lose some serious sleep. :)

[Devan · Rating 4 out of 5]

mixed feelings

I loved the character progression and time spent in the dungeon with this book. Eryk is finally progressing and working on his affinities.

Unfortunately, he also gets dumber. Freeing enemies, naively sharing secrets, and way too much of his loot! The dumbest thing by far is not escaping yet again when he has a perfect opportunity. Especially now that he is on everyone’s radar.

[Dennis Plante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Addition to the Series

I thought this was going to be a very boring book as I read the first few chapters. I was very wrong. This was the best book of the series. They all have been good, but to me, this one was exceptionally well written. As usual, great plot, wonderful characters, and a "not" OP bad guy. I think my review of the first book was not flattering, and I admit I was wrong. I highly recommend this series.

[Daniel Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author: Always RollsAOne
Book: The Shimmering Labyrinth: A Soldier's Life, Book 3

NO SPOILERS.

I enjoyed the story, but at the time I write this, I can't seem to remember much of it. Yes, Eryk finds ways to not get killed. And finds ways to expand his knowledge. Book 3 had the same action and character interaction as the previous ones. But the big bad felt under-utilized. Felt lacking. Still, overall, still an interesting story.

[Michael Marciano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid addition

I read the first book in the series back when it was free on KU and been having trouble finding anything decent so decided I was going to pay the piper to read the seven books that were now out in this series. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is cuz it's not on KU

[David Fichter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eryk is developing nicely; good tangent story lines also hold your interest

While Eryk perfects his "skills", people are getting suspicious. He needs to discover who his allies and enemies are, and still remain alive. Can't wait for the next book to be published!

[Micah Carleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book continues to improve within this series, and I cannot wait to read book 4. Easily one of my favorite finds in the genre of fantasy, would highly recommend to any avid readers that I know.
Also, the audiobooks have been incredible and are really well done.

[Vivek Satyasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry

I love the slow progression and the connections the MC forges as the plot thickens. World building is also slowly being developed in an organic manner. That’s all I’ll comment on this book. Give this series a try and you won’t regret it!

[Geanno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is personally my favorite of the three books so far. It has so many ups and downs while still keeping strong on light hearted moments.
I enjoyed the pacing as we get a decent mix of action and character development.

[Crystal V. Morillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book of the series so far

Lots of big plot moving forward and Erick finally starts coming into his power more. The story moves along quick and ends with a plot twist guaranteed to make you reach for the next one.

[Aubria L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has turned out to be a true gem! I’m going through each book quite fast and already I’m in book 4 but I forgot to leave thoughts about this book. It gets better and better. I love it.! Hopefully I will remember to leave a review for book 4.😁