What do you think?
Bog Standard Isekai #3
Nightmares
Bleak dreams are made of this...The battle of Hammon's Bog is over. The town is free, the undead destroyed, the Witches slain, and the surviving villagers are picking up the remains of their lives. Despite his scars and constant nightmares, Brin is doing his best to move on from the battle against the undead. He's looking to the future, but his past might not be done with him yet.
Soon Brin will learn that not every Witch who tormented him is gone for good, and he won't be able to depend on Hogg and Lumina to protect him in places they cannot reach. He'll need to learn some new tricks, earn some new Skills, and stretch the limits of his Illusionist Class if he wants to survive.
Soon Brin will learn that not every Witch who tormented him is gone for good, and he won't be able to depend on Hogg and Lumina to protect him in places they cannot reach. He'll need to learn some new tricks, earn some new Skills, and stretch the limits of his Illusionist Class if he wants to survive.
793 pages, ebook
First published February 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 2, 2025
I enjoyed it, it’s well written, but at the end it felt like not much had really happened? The middle two-thirds is just a long caravan journey where he trains, spars, fights the odd monster with no real stakes. He says himself that he spent too much time messing around and stringing things out! Then it all wraps up a bit quickly. I’d like to see and hear some of the consequences and ramifications while the book’s still fresh in my head. Ah well. Still a definite recommend even if a bit unsatisfying overall.
April 8, 2025
3.5 Stars
I'm not sure why but my interest is slipping away. Most of the things that made Brin special have been explored and normalised. That just leaves a bog-standard LitRPG. It's well written and the characters are relatable, but the special-sauce has gone.
I'm not sure why but my interest is slipping away. Most of the things that made Brin special have been explored and normalised. That just leaves a bog-standard LitRPG. It's well written and the characters are relatable, but the special-sauce has gone.
July 25, 2026
This was a good continuation of the series and a refreshing example of how solid plotting and structure can buy time for other elements of the story to get their hooks into me.
I mentioned before that it's usually character that initially catches and maintains my interest in a series and that I was pretty lukewarm on Brin. At this stage in the story, I think the overall cast and consistent plot movement have firmly grown on me and I'm invested in the whole of things.
The author has done an admirable job of presenting a world that seems full of factions and various things, while not overloading the reader with infodumps with things that aren't yet relevant. So I enjoyed this volume as we traveled with the caravan and were gradually exposed to the wider political climate, new classes, and new creatures.
I'll admit that I'm mildly concerned about how long the series might end up, given that some info is revealed toward the end, as I wish more series would end around the 5-volume mark, and that obviously won't be the case here. Nonetheless, the author has earned the benefit of the doubt that he has things in hand and will keep the plot moving.
I mentioned before that it's usually character that initially catches and maintains my interest in a series and that I was pretty lukewarm on Brin. At this stage in the story, I think the overall cast and consistent plot movement have firmly grown on me and I'm invested in the whole of things.
The author has done an admirable job of presenting a world that seems full of factions and various things, while not overloading the reader with infodumps with things that aren't yet relevant. So I enjoyed this volume as we traveled with the caravan and were gradually exposed to the wider political climate, new classes, and new creatures.
I'll admit that I'm mildly concerned about how long the series might end up, given that some info is revealed toward the end, as I wish more series would end around the 5-volume mark, and that obviously won't be the case here. Nonetheless, the author has earned the benefit of the doubt that he has things in hand and will keep the plot moving.
October 21, 2025
What can one say about a well written, progression based novel trilogy? The Character Development and pacing was superb and left you ready to read more even after the 3rd book. Unfortunately writers do not write as fast as we read so alas we await book 4 of this series!
January 12, 2026
A strong, character driven series.
Bog Standard 3 continues where the other books left off, being strongly character-focused. While this episode finally sees the MC leave the bog, and confronts an inner demon while adding to the magic-building lore, I feel it gets bogged down, for lack of a better word, in the minutiae to the point it’s bordering on jargon.
I know some readers in this genre very much prefer fine detail-oriented magic systems, for me it feels more like page stuffing. Just a bunch of hoops to jump through and lore gibberish before the MC inevitably gets whatever power/ability they need. I think a significant majority of this book is dedicated to fleshing out the magic system the witches use.
On the surface, I understand this is important for what comes later, but in the end I rate these stories on how they make me feel in addition to the genre pillars I use to try to quantify it. And this particular book left me fairly bored for most of it.
For one, I don’t like the witch/undead stuff. It’s a little too superficial. But apparently that’s all the baddies in this series, so I’m just accepting it. For another, I don’t care for the in-world parents of the MC, he’s not that person. But again, he needs to care for the plot so it’s whatever. But that blah feeling keeps growing.
So gripes aside, what does this series do well? Great characters, with only the MC being somewhat of a puzzle. Still don’t really understand his motivations or see clearly what his path is other than because his body is the son of witch, he’s gonna be some key piece in the war against the witch nation. The side characters are all solid though, not one-dimensional. They have flaws, they don’t always agree with MC or he with them. It’s clearly a character focused story, I think somewhat mirroring the strategy of Wandering Inn, with the goods (well developed characters for example) and the bads (super slow pace).
The world-building itself is fairly boilerplate for a progression fantasy series, albeit without elves or dwarves and such. Just human kingdoms, some a martial dictatorships, some not. And of course the threat of some foreign baddies, mainly the witch Queendom.
The magic-system I like because there isn’t much room for being OP, at least so far. The MC in this series is probably the most genuinely not overpowered MCs of almost any series I can think of. He can do a lot of cool stuff, but there’s so many hard counters, he really has to be smart and a bit lucky to win.
The plot itself is rather slow-paced, because of the focus on character development and lore building. But when there is action, it’s genuinely quite intense. I would say though after three books and no actually important characters dying, that tension feels more and more contrived.
The payoffs are fairly mundane. As this isn’t an OP MC, not a lot of payoffs with regard to kicking ass, more like squeaking by. Some titles and achievements are awarded here and there. But I feel with the investment done to lore, training, and characters, I’d like to see that pay more dividends in payoffs. And this series has yet to do that so far.
In the end, I bit worried for the series. Despite its strong character focus and avoidance of the usual tropes (like OP MCs, steeply linear growth arc, etc), this series is starting to flirt a bit too much with contrivances for my taste.
Bog Standard 3 continues where the other books left off, being strongly character-focused. While this episode finally sees the MC leave the bog, and confronts an inner demon while adding to the magic-building lore, I feel it gets bogged down, for lack of a better word, in the minutiae to the point it’s bordering on jargon.
I know some readers in this genre very much prefer fine detail-oriented magic systems, for me it feels more like page stuffing. Just a bunch of hoops to jump through and lore gibberish before the MC inevitably gets whatever power/ability they need. I think a significant majority of this book is dedicated to fleshing out the magic system the witches use.
On the surface, I understand this is important for what comes later, but in the end I rate these stories on how they make me feel in addition to the genre pillars I use to try to quantify it. And this particular book left me fairly bored for most of it.
For one, I don’t like the witch/undead stuff. It’s a little too superficial. But apparently that’s all the baddies in this series, so I’m just accepting it. For another, I don’t care for the in-world parents of the MC, he’s not that person. But again, he needs to care for the plot so it’s whatever. But that blah feeling keeps growing.
So gripes aside, what does this series do well? Great characters, with only the MC being somewhat of a puzzle. Still don’t really understand his motivations or see clearly what his path is other than because his body is the son of witch, he’s gonna be some key piece in the war against the witch nation. The side characters are all solid though, not one-dimensional. They have flaws, they don’t always agree with MC or he with them. It’s clearly a character focused story, I think somewhat mirroring the strategy of Wandering Inn, with the goods (well developed characters for example) and the bads (super slow pace).
The world-building itself is fairly boilerplate for a progression fantasy series, albeit without elves or dwarves and such. Just human kingdoms, some a martial dictatorships, some not. And of course the threat of some foreign baddies, mainly the witch Queendom.
The magic-system I like because there isn’t much room for being OP, at least so far. The MC in this series is probably the most genuinely not overpowered MCs of almost any series I can think of. He can do a lot of cool stuff, but there’s so many hard counters, he really has to be smart and a bit lucky to win.
The plot itself is rather slow-paced, because of the focus on character development and lore building. But when there is action, it’s genuinely quite intense. I would say though after three books and no actually important characters dying, that tension feels more and more contrived.
The payoffs are fairly mundane. As this isn’t an OP MC, not a lot of payoffs with regard to kicking ass, more like squeaking by. Some titles and achievements are awarded here and there. But I feel with the investment done to lore, training, and characters, I’d like to see that pay more dividends in payoffs. And this series has yet to do that so far.
In the end, I bit worried for the series. Despite its strong character focus and avoidance of the usual tropes (like OP MCs, steeply linear growth arc, etc), this series is starting to flirt a bit too much with contrivances for my taste.
April 7, 2025
Loved It Felt short from how good it was.
Now I won't say this was some unique never before done sort of story. It was probably rather common in the genre of what happened but it happened so well. It was a standard adventure story of growth and conflict. Simple and pure. No romance distracting it. No big self reflecting moping over past killing for 90% of the book where he can't do anything because he's always whining. None of that like other book series of the genre.
No big misunderstandings that lead to false conflict from his secret keeping which would surely happen in other series. No just good adventure, mystery and humor. Entertaining the whole time with no real slow parts for me. I also enjoy how it is clearly broken into 'parts' 1,2 and 3. Separate parts of the story in time and arcs really. As well as never dragging on too much about one thing. Good set time skips.
I can't wait for the next one.
Now, my real problem with this is simple. I don't know if it was as good as I enjoyed it. See, I listened to the audible version and the narrator REAAAAALLY makes this book come alive. Maybe if i 'read' read it, it would feel just like a bland common fun story. I don't think so but maybe. However, the narrator REAAALLY makes the series come alive. How they voice the MC and other characters. The tone, pitches, even how now that the MC is entering puberty that they do voice puberty breaks.
Honestly the narrator has put other narrators to shame with this series it's just so good.
So I'd suggest giving that version a try if you can.
Now I won't say this was some unique never before done sort of story. It was probably rather common in the genre of what happened but it happened so well. It was a standard adventure story of growth and conflict. Simple and pure. No romance distracting it. No big self reflecting moping over past killing for 90% of the book where he can't do anything because he's always whining. None of that like other book series of the genre.
No big misunderstandings that lead to false conflict from his secret keeping which would surely happen in other series. No just good adventure, mystery and humor. Entertaining the whole time with no real slow parts for me. I also enjoy how it is clearly broken into 'parts' 1,2 and 3. Separate parts of the story in time and arcs really. As well as never dragging on too much about one thing. Good set time skips.
I can't wait for the next one.
Now, my real problem with this is simple. I don't know if it was as good as I enjoyed it. See, I listened to the audible version and the narrator REAAAAALLY makes this book come alive. Maybe if i 'read' read it, it would feel just like a bland common fun story. I don't think so but maybe. However, the narrator REAAALLY makes the series come alive. How they voice the MC and other characters. The tone, pitches, even how now that the MC is entering puberty that they do voice puberty breaks.
Honestly the narrator has put other narrators to shame with this series it's just so good.
So I'd suggest giving that version a try if you can.
April 9, 2025
Rating 4.0 stars
I don't know what to say about this one. I still like it but there is just something missing now. I still like Bog and Brin. The other supporting characters haven't really added anything new recently. I guess it feels like the author had some great ideas and just didn't know how to advance them so there is an unfinished feeling to it. What is up with Zilly? It would be interesting to develop her character more and find out why she acts the way she does. There are also so many opportunities for Brin to advance. he is from earth and has so many things he can bring over but hasn't done much yet. He also has a lot of achievements that seem like would help him advance but they also are only touched on a little bit before they are forgotten. I can't tell if Brin's class is something I would want for myself. it should be powerful and he does end up winning a lot of fights but it just doesn't seem as easy as it should. I feel he should be more powerful that he is showing. I guess that is why this is a 4 star story and not a 5 star story. In this one Brin is plagued with nightmares. We find out that Aberthols mother is the one sending those nightmares. She was a witch that turned herself into a monster (her punishment) and picked this type of monster as it was a way for her to remember herself. Brin, Hog and his friends go on a caravan ride to other towns and have adventures along the way. Overall, I still like the series I was just hoping for a little bit more. C'est La Vie.
I don't know what to say about this one. I still like it but there is just something missing now. I still like Bog and Brin. The other supporting characters haven't really added anything new recently. I guess it feels like the author had some great ideas and just didn't know how to advance them so there is an unfinished feeling to it. What is up with Zilly? It would be interesting to develop her character more and find out why she acts the way she does. There are also so many opportunities for Brin to advance. he is from earth and has so many things he can bring over but hasn't done much yet. He also has a lot of achievements that seem like would help him advance but they also are only touched on a little bit before they are forgotten. I can't tell if Brin's class is something I would want for myself. it should be powerful and he does end up winning a lot of fights but it just doesn't seem as easy as it should. I feel he should be more powerful that he is showing. I guess that is why this is a 4 star story and not a 5 star story. In this one Brin is plagued with nightmares. We find out that Aberthols mother is the one sending those nightmares. She was a witch that turned herself into a monster (her punishment) and picked this type of monster as it was a way for her to remember herself. Brin, Hog and his friends go on a caravan ride to other towns and have adventures along the way. Overall, I still like the series I was just hoping for a little bit more. C'est La Vie.
February 22, 2025
From the moment Brin woke up in a new world, his life has never been the same. It’s been difficult for him, yet he’s done his best to overcome the obstacles that keep coming his way. He’s resilient and determined, never once giving up. Granted, getting used to magic and all it entails is a whole other thing entirely. Nevertheless, he’ll give his all to become the best at everything he puts his mind to.
I love the fact that Brin keeps diving further into learning. In this new world, he’s now a kid, a far cry from the man he once was. The author has crafted these characters with care, doing his best to give them a reason to continue on. Theirs is a life full of so many ups and downs. The constant monsters and learning amidst rebuilding makes it so there’s always something for them to do. All while doing everything possible to exist.
The world’s magic system made me think of SAO’s War Of The Underworld. It’s similar to how Kirito, Alice, and the others spoke their commands in order to bring their powers to life. It’s a different take on how magic is conjured and works nicely for the world and characters the author is building.
Brin’s determination to survive is commendable. He’s the type of person who’ll do his best to take care of those he’s come to care about. It shows in everything he does throughout the story, even when there’s an unexpected cost he inadvertently has to pay. I look forward to what the author has in store for us next.
I love the fact that Brin keeps diving further into learning. In this new world, he’s now a kid, a far cry from the man he once was. The author has crafted these characters with care, doing his best to give them a reason to continue on. Theirs is a life full of so many ups and downs. The constant monsters and learning amidst rebuilding makes it so there’s always something for them to do. All while doing everything possible to exist.
The world’s magic system made me think of SAO’s War Of The Underworld. It’s similar to how Kirito, Alice, and the others spoke their commands in order to bring their powers to life. It’s a different take on how magic is conjured and works nicely for the world and characters the author is building.
Brin’s determination to survive is commendable. He’s the type of person who’ll do his best to take care of those he’s come to care about. It shows in everything he does throughout the story, even when there’s an unexpected cost he inadvertently has to pay. I look forward to what the author has in store for us next.
August 3, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
Just as with the first two books in the series, I really enjoyed Bog Standard Isekai: Nightmares. I continued to love the unique magic and leveling system, and Miles English once again did a fantastic job with the detailed world-building. One of my favorite parts of this series has been how immersive the world feels, and I especially enjoyed finally getting to see more of the world beyond Hammon’s Bog!
I really enjoyed seeing Brin begin to work through some of his emotional struggles. The way he dealt with his nightmares was unexpected, but it felt completely in character for him. I also loved getting to see more of the major supporting characters and their relationships with Brin. One thing I appreciate about this series is that the supporting characters feel like real people with their own goals and motivations. Even though they all help Brin in important ways, they are still working toward their own objectives, which makes the world and characters feel much more believable.
My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed. There was so much build-up leading toward the final battle, and then the conclusion came fairly quickly. It did not significantly impact my overall enjoyment of the book, but I do wish the ending had been expanded with more detail and a stronger sense of the scale of the conflict.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to continuing the series with book 4!
Just as with the first two books in the series, I really enjoyed Bog Standard Isekai: Nightmares. I continued to love the unique magic and leveling system, and Miles English once again did a fantastic job with the detailed world-building. One of my favorite parts of this series has been how immersive the world feels, and I especially enjoyed finally getting to see more of the world beyond Hammon’s Bog!
I really enjoyed seeing Brin begin to work through some of his emotional struggles. The way he dealt with his nightmares was unexpected, but it felt completely in character for him. I also loved getting to see more of the major supporting characters and their relationships with Brin. One thing I appreciate about this series is that the supporting characters feel like real people with their own goals and motivations. Even though they all help Brin in important ways, they are still working toward their own objectives, which makes the world and characters feel much more believable.
My only complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed. There was so much build-up leading toward the final battle, and then the conclusion came fairly quickly. It did not significantly impact my overall enjoyment of the book, but I do wish the ending had been expanded with more detail and a stronger sense of the scale of the conflict.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to continuing the series with book 4!
February 9, 2025
I really loved this 3rd book in the Bog Standard Isekai series, where we see Brin trying to make a life for himself in Hammon's Bog under the tutelage of Hogg and Lumina his adoptive parents. However his nights were tormented by fearful nightmares, which at first he thought were not surprising considering what he had been through battling the undead. But it seems that his past would not leave him alone, not all the witches were dead, one was out to continue tormenting him even if it was only in dreams. His group of friends help him all they can both to grow stronger in their chosen classes and earning new skills. His skills as an illusionist he continued to learn from Hogg, but his skills as a glasser were what he worked at most. He was proud to be a glasser and was learning the language of magic from Lumina before she had to depart on her next duty. This book is full of adventures which our young heroes embark on during their travels with the caravan on their way to Blackcliff. I love Brin's friend the young Marksi, who always watches his back. This book is quite dark and kept me turning the pages especially when Brin was in the grip of the evil Aberfa, the mother. I cannot wait to continue reading Brin's next adventures in Vol 4.
April 17, 2026
it just keeps getting better
I really enjoyed this book. I think we had a satisfying conclusion to a very specific arc. As well as a good amount of growth though I do feel like there’s some weird flipping going on because I remember how HOGGS said in the past that it’s hard for him to gain level levels, but there were multiple lines in this book where you said hogs gained multiple levels meaning I feel like he should be in the 70s or 80s by this point which seems insanely high. Because if my guess is correct Arcanea, the eventual big bad is definitely either level 104 and just about to ascend or found a way to break the barrier without ascending. So I understand as the story goes on we’re going to get higher and higher level levels. But that just confused me.
Other than that, I’m really happy that we got an explanation on what other classes there are and how to sort of acquire them. That’s something I’ve always been fascinated with in this story.
We also got our first look at a unique skill, and I hope to see more in the future because our guy was a programmer on earth. I want to see how he can utilize that knowledge and expertise in this world. I hope it’s not just forgotten and thrown to the side.
I really enjoyed this book. I think we had a satisfying conclusion to a very specific arc. As well as a good amount of growth though I do feel like there’s some weird flipping going on because I remember how HOGGS said in the past that it’s hard for him to gain level levels, but there were multiple lines in this book where you said hogs gained multiple levels meaning I feel like he should be in the 70s or 80s by this point which seems insanely high. Because if my guess is correct Arcanea, the eventual big bad is definitely either level 104 and just about to ascend or found a way to break the barrier without ascending. So I understand as the story goes on we’re going to get higher and higher level levels. But that just confused me.
Other than that, I’m really happy that we got an explanation on what other classes there are and how to sort of acquire them. That’s something I’ve always been fascinated with in this story.
We also got our first look at a unique skill, and I hope to see more in the future because our guy was a programmer on earth. I want to see how he can utilize that knowledge and expertise in this world. I hope it’s not just forgotten and thrown to the side.
June 29, 2026
Well we got there in the end! This book was a bit of a bumpy ride, and a bit long. But it was a fun read and lots of nice little bonding. I still feel like all the training montages are a bit long but that doesn't really detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. Looking forward to the next one.
First impressions:
I had a good time with the first two, but I'm not so sure about reading a third book about Brin grinding himself to dust in order to avoid talking about his problems.
12%:
Brin's parents have put their foot down about his self-destructive workaholic-ness, which is nice, but admittedly I've started doing a bit of skimming because this book is 800 pages long and I feel like it spends a bit too much time on the in-depth training montages.
54% Not much to note. We've finally had some adventure. Zilly is *insufferable* and Brin is occasionally pretty annoying with all his demands for information, and his moral certainty. He mostly acts like a teenager though, but sometimes not, so I can't tell if it's on purpose or not.
77% Brin's birth mother is easily one of the top most disgusting characters I've read. I hope he kills her soon. As a side note, I wish the author would time skip ahead a few years so Brin can stop being so fuckin weird about girls.
First impressions:
I had a good time with the first two, but I'm not so sure about reading a third book about Brin grinding himself to dust in order to avoid talking about his problems.
12%:
Brin's parents have put their foot down about his self-destructive workaholic-ness, which is nice, but admittedly I've started doing a bit of skimming because this book is 800 pages long and I feel like it spends a bit too much time on the in-depth training montages.
54% Not much to note. We've finally had some adventure. Zilly is *insufferable* and Brin is occasionally pretty annoying with all his demands for information, and his moral certainty. He mostly acts like a teenager though, but sometimes not, so I can't tell if it's on purpose or not.
77% Brin's birth mother is easily one of the top most disgusting characters I've read. I hope he kills her soon. As a side note, I wish the author would time skip ahead a few years so Brin can stop being so fuckin weird about girls.
April 22, 2025
That was really good
Not gonna lie, I got really nervous when I read the reviews that said this wasn't as good.
...and while some of them do make a point, It's not quite as good when compared to book one or two, it's still pretty darn good when compared to a lot of other stuff.
The characters leave home and travel cross country so the overall feel is less cohesive than when they were all back in Hammon's Bog. That's not so bad, What I liked less was Mr. English gets a little too heavy with the sadness.( I don't need that in my life right now) But even that unnecessary embellishment was pretty well written.
Once again we get a well thought out, well written story. The narrator's performance is still top notch for the audio book. and the expansion of the rational magic system was an unexpected delight.
Not gonna lie, I got really nervous when I read the reviews that said this wasn't as good.
...and while some of them do make a point, It's not quite as good when compared to book one or two, it's still pretty darn good when compared to a lot of other stuff.
The characters leave home and travel cross country so the overall feel is less cohesive than when they were all back in Hammon's Bog. That's not so bad, What I liked less was Mr. English gets a little too heavy with the sadness.( I don't need that in my life right now) But even that unnecessary embellishment was pretty well written.
Once again we get a well thought out, well written story. The narrator's performance is still top notch for the audio book. and the expansion of the rational magic system was an unexpected delight.
June 24, 2026
After giving Book 1 a solid 3 stars and really enjoying Book 2 (4 stars), I went into Book 4 hoping for another step up. Unfortunately, it lands back at the same middling level as the first one for me.
The core isekai formula is still there—overpowered protagonist, familiar world-building tropes, and the usual mix of action, kingdom management, and escalating threats. It’s competent and readable, but it’s starting to feel a bit paint-by-numbers again. The pacing drags in the middle with too many repetitive training arcs and side-character subplots that don’t add much new. Some of the political intrigue felt recycled from earlier books, and a few convenient plot resolutions made me roll my eyes.
That said, there was one genuinely interesting thread: the expanded exploration of the dreams and the wyrd.
The core isekai formula is still there—overpowered protagonist, familiar world-building tropes, and the usual mix of action, kingdom management, and escalating threats. It’s competent and readable, but it’s starting to feel a bit paint-by-numbers again. The pacing drags in the middle with too many repetitive training arcs and side-character subplots that don’t add much new. Some of the political intrigue felt recycled from earlier books, and a few convenient plot resolutions made me roll my eyes.
That said, there was one genuinely interesting thread: the expanded exploration of the dreams and the wyrd.
May 7, 2025
fun
With the undead army defeated and the witch threat dealt with the MC spends time with his adoptive parents learning new skills and figuring out the next issue: finding his birth mother turned monster. As he and his friends travel he learns that his monster mother is invading his dreams and tormenting him, he then gets her to train him. His skill grows until both he and his monster mother are ready to confront each other. He completes his task and defeats the monster. Now he needs to find his step siblings and tell them the fate of their father.book ends.
The book works as a standalone but is far better as a series. The magic system grows and the characters and world develop. I love the narrator please enjoy
With the undead army defeated and the witch threat dealt with the MC spends time with his adoptive parents learning new skills and figuring out the next issue: finding his birth mother turned monster. As he and his friends travel he learns that his monster mother is invading his dreams and tormenting him, he then gets her to train him. His skill grows until both he and his monster mother are ready to confront each other. He completes his task and defeats the monster. Now he needs to find his step siblings and tell them the fate of their father.book ends.
The book works as a standalone but is far better as a series. The magic system grows and the characters and world develop. I love the narrator please enjoy
May 14, 2025
Been binge-reading Bog-Standard Isekai on KU over the past week.
Great
work. The first book was a solid entry novel, the second kicked things up in a way I didn't see coming for another book or two.
And then book 3, man! It was so different from the other two books in tone and events but is probably my favourite of the 3 books I've read so far. is such an interesting character, in a way may be my favourite character so far. And the way we explore how it all affects Mark/Brin as a person/character and mentally was so great. Usually after a major arc's end like book 2 you'd think the proceeding book would be slower and more build-up but it didn't feel that way at all.
And then book 3, man! It was so different from the other two books in tone and events but is probably my favourite of the 3 books I've read so far. is such an interesting character, in a way may be my favourite character so far. And the way we explore how it all affects Mark/Brin as a person/character and mentally was so great. Usually after a major arc's end like book 2 you'd think the proceeding book would be slower and more build-up but it didn't feel that way at all.
May 18, 2025
Book 3 of a fantasy LitRPG series with system and isekai/portal elements. The focus of this book is Brin recovering from the events of the previous book while also joining a caravan to head to a different town. One of the themes in this book is dreams being used as a weapon of sorts against Brin. Something about this made me lose interest in this series and I had a hard time finishing this book. Maybe that anything can happen in dreams so there weren't any real limits or maybe it was the abuse Brin had to suffer through. This is also more of a young adult series even though it gets dark at times. I don't really like the idea of witches in this series since they seem too overpowered but I do like that this is more of a dark fantasy/paranormal setting than maybe the usual fantasy LitRPG. I may try to reread this series when it is completed.
June 22, 2026
Book 3 of Bog Standard Isekai - I mean. Yes. It's a rabbit hole. I'm enjoying this rabbit hole.
Brin has grown some more - but part of why I love this series is that while he is considered strong he isn't what I would call "solo leveling strong". He's strong for his age. And he certainly has the capability to be far MORE once he grows some.
In this book, the pace slows down a bit more to give us more character growth and really dive into the nitty gritty of the system a bit more.
That won't be for everyone, but I like it. I also like that Brin is moving out of the Bog to see more of the world, and while I won't give spoilers - family takes on a whole new meaning in this book.
IYKYK.
4.5/5 for this one!
Brin has grown some more - but part of why I love this series is that while he is considered strong he isn't what I would call "solo leveling strong". He's strong for his age. And he certainly has the capability to be far MORE once he grows some.
In this book, the pace slows down a bit more to give us more character growth and really dive into the nitty gritty of the system a bit more.
That won't be for everyone, but I like it. I also like that Brin is moving out of the Bog to see more of the world, and while I won't give spoilers - family takes on a whole new meaning in this book.
IYKYK.
4.5/5 for this one!
July 27, 2026
Brin and friends are all eager to start exploring the world and stretching their metaphorical legs. It also explores some of what happened leading up to Brin isekai-ing. It’s a bit hard to write a review for this book without getting into where the book ends up. I really like how the author has created a group of characters who grow in divergent paths while remaining friends. Each of them has dreams and aspirations, and this journey helps bring that to fruition, giving a glimpse of what their futures may hold while Brin is haunted by the spectre of what came before him ending up in the village he isekai’d into.
What would I tell my past self before he read this book? I know you will enjoy it!
What would I tell my past self before he read this book? I know you will enjoy it!
August 22, 2026
3.8 stars
This was a little iffy. I like lots of it but the broad overview of the plot was lacklustre. The whole story was Bein and co travelling months to other places while having nightmares with his abusive mother. It felt a bit like nothing was happening at times. The whole caravan and bandits situation was quite poor compared to the previous books. The one thing I adored was the author introducing me to Hurt by Johnny Cash. That song was really really good and I liked how it was done in the story. I do wished for a bit of his friend’s pov of the situation at that point though. Because I was a little confused since we were stuck in his head and he was getting tramatised like nobody’s business. I also liked the plotline of his mother but also that it was a bit off.
This was a little iffy. I like lots of it but the broad overview of the plot was lacklustre. The whole story was Bein and co travelling months to other places while having nightmares with his abusive mother. It felt a bit like nothing was happening at times. The whole caravan and bandits situation was quite poor compared to the previous books. The one thing I adored was the author introducing me to Hurt by Johnny Cash. That song was really really good and I liked how it was done in the story. I do wished for a bit of his friend’s pov of the situation at that point though. Because I was a little confused since we were stuck in his head and he was getting tramatised like nobody’s business. I also liked the plotline of his mother but also that it was a bit off.
February 19, 2025
Content Ratings: Language - PG13; Violence - PG13; Other - PG13+
I think I've said all this before, but the world building is great; the characters are great; the action and progression are balanced; and the story lines are engaging - with a bit if mystery thrown in. I'm thoroughly enjoying the series and must now (im)patiently wait for the next book. The only caveat I'll add is that, like a famous 7-book series that was made into 8 movies, this one seems to be aimed at a slightly older audience than the previous books. Since I try to focus on the things that other readers would want to know, this seemed like something to point out for parents considering this for their kids.
I think I've said all this before, but the world building is great; the characters are great; the action and progression are balanced; and the story lines are engaging - with a bit if mystery thrown in. I'm thoroughly enjoying the series and must now (im)patiently wait for the next book. The only caveat I'll add is that, like a famous 7-book series that was made into 8 movies, this one seems to be aimed at a slightly older audience than the previous books. Since I try to focus on the things that other readers would want to know, this seemed like something to point out for parents considering this for their kids.
April 13, 2026
The book opens after the massive battle against the witch at the end of book 2, all the strongest people in their bog are cursed and barely holding together. Lumina, Brin's adoptive mother, is there to help them train while Hogg and the other cursed recover in the aftermath. Lumina has another reason for being there though, and then she has to return back to the tower. Hogg has to go check on his businesses, and Brin leaves with Hogg, many of his friends in tow. As they travel, he's afflicted with intense nightmares that setup the events of the story.
This one was longer than the first two, and has a slower leadup, but is worth the read.
This one was longer than the first two, and has a slower leadup, but is worth the read.
August 28, 2026
A 3.5/5 stars.
The caravan portion of this book which makes up the middle half of the book feels like a side quest that drags on and doesn't add nearly enough to the story to justify its length, and the last portion of the book should have had far more time and focus. But with how character focused this series is that isn't a large knock against the quality of the book.
It's nice finally seeing more of the world and getting more context on what an 'average' person is in the setting, and getting more context into Brin's body's past before he took it over. But I the whole thing is a little frustrating as it should have had more of that kind of thing, and less of the caravan.
The caravan portion of this book which makes up the middle half of the book feels like a side quest that drags on and doesn't add nearly enough to the story to justify its length, and the last portion of the book should have had far more time and focus. But with how character focused this series is that isn't a large knock against the quality of the book.
It's nice finally seeing more of the world and getting more context on what an 'average' person is in the setting, and getting more context into Brin's body's past before he took it over. But I the whole thing is a little frustrating as it should have had more of that kind of thing, and less of the caravan.
August 30, 2026
Bit of a disappointment from the last two books. Thought we’d see a bit more of the world now that we were out of the Bog. Kinda saw a bit of a city then dude got put on house arrest. After that, the caravan was more of an afterthought and all the focus was on the mom.
Feels like they intentionally neglected the caravan issue until it became a problem. Just left it dangling so it’ll be an issue to compound onto the dream issue. Maybe it was just forgotten about til the wrap up. Kinda feels that way. Anyways, the ending felt a bit messy and drug out.
Really hoping Zilly finds something better to do than tag along on the next adventure between this book and the next.
Feels like they intentionally neglected the caravan issue until it became a problem. Just left it dangling so it’ll be an issue to compound onto the dream issue. Maybe it was just forgotten about til the wrap up. Kinda feels that way. Anyways, the ending felt a bit messy and drug out.
Really hoping Zilly finds something better to do than tag along on the next adventure between this book and the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
Not as strong as the other two, it felt a bit distracted. And the more Zilly I am forced to endure the less joy these bring me so the threat at the end of how everyone would split up does not bode well for my enjoyment of a good protion of the next story. I just hate having to endure a character that everyone in the story acknowledges is super annoying and arrogant and gets in the way of things getting done well, especially when it feels like Zilly doesn't bring anything meaningful to the table.
June 25, 2026
It's been a year since I read the first two. This time around, I was put off by the narrator, whom others adore, but I loathed how much he yelled and how he voiced Brin's three closest friends. The speeding up of narration and the screaming made me want to plow through it faster, which took away from the strong story. I regret I bought the fourth the same time I bought this one. I shall return it. I apologize to those who felt the narrator made the book better. I understand how that happens. When Brin and Hogg had quiet, reflective moments: those were the best parts.
August 23, 2026
Zilly is one of the worst handled characters I've ever seen written by an otherwise competent author. The story goes nowhere here, the MC Brin is always somehow inferior to his friends and allies and fails to take consistently intelligent actions, making him feel unbelievable as a protagonist. Whatever magic this series once held has long since dried up, I've no interest in seeing what obvious thing the MC fails to take into account that infuriates me next.
September 5, 2025
What does it say about my mental state that I'm laughing at most of these jokes?
I enjoyed this. It's not as weird as book one anymore. It's still weird, but, just not as weird.
I don't mind picking up the sequel.
The protag was a coder, so hopefully we will get some out of the box applications of magic in the next one (if not, why mention he was a coder?).
3/5 Stars
I enjoyed this. It's not as weird as book one anymore. It's still weird, but, just not as weird.
I don't mind picking up the sequel.
The protag was a coder, so hopefully we will get some out of the box applications of magic in the next one (if not, why mention he was a coder?).
3/5 Stars
February 1, 2026
Extremely slow
The book has a good storyline, and an interesting hero.
But like the last book, the progress throughout the book is extremely slow, I find myself skipping entire pages that have no point. Feels like the author is just filling pages to make the book longer.
As an example the hero's profile is 22 pages long. There are running scenes that are a few pages long.
The book has a good storyline, and an interesting hero.
But like the last book, the progress throughout the book is extremely slow, I find myself skipping entire pages that have no point. Feels like the author is just filling pages to make the book longer.
As an example the hero's profile is 22 pages long. There are running scenes that are a few pages long.
February 6, 2026
Ridiculously boring. This whole book was just a training arc. The entire time he walked around while his birth mother (very annoying and uninteresting anyagonist btw) taught him a new magic system. Except the new magic system is just debating with the enemy about who deserves to die more. It's so boring. I like the characters, but that's really the only thing this one had going for it
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