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Proving Grounds
A heroic epic of one man and his fight for survival.
Dace Tolman’s life has been overturned. One moment he was in his apartment and the next, he and the rest of humanity find themselves in a strange world of monsters and magic.
A new world.
There is nothing benign about mankind’s new home. The Proving Grounds is a world seemingly designed to enhance those worthy of its gifts—and to kill off the rest. Every day is a struggle against the System and its creatures. Can Dace survive its challenges?
Endless opportunities for advancement and power.
Join Dace on his epic journey as he is forced to deal not only with the System, but humanity’s own internal conflicts.
The start of an exciting new epic portal fantasy!
This is a story not only of monsters and dungeons, but also of factional struggles, guild politics, and human foibles.
Praise for Tom’s Grand Game
“… Great action, great storyline and I honestly binge read it, start to end…” —Alex Kozlowski on goodreads.com.
“Smart MC. Great Tension. Full of Action.” —CookieCrumble on RoyalRoad.com.
“Oh I liked this very much!” —The Enlightened Beard on amazon.com.
“One of the best in this category this year.” —kindle customer on amazon.com.
Dace Tolman’s life has been overturned. One moment he was in his apartment and the next, he and the rest of humanity find themselves in a strange world of monsters and magic.
A new world.
There is nothing benign about mankind’s new home. The Proving Grounds is a world seemingly designed to enhance those worthy of its gifts—and to kill off the rest. Every day is a struggle against the System and its creatures. Can Dace survive its challenges?
Endless opportunities for advancement and power.
Join Dace on his epic journey as he is forced to deal not only with the System, but humanity’s own internal conflicts.
The start of an exciting new epic portal fantasy!
This is a story not only of monsters and dungeons, but also of factional struggles, guild politics, and human foibles.
Praise for Tom’s Grand Game
“… Great action, great storyline and I honestly binge read it, start to end…” —Alex Kozlowski on goodreads.com.
“Smart MC. Great Tension. Full of Action.” —CookieCrumble on RoyalRoad.com.
“Oh I liked this very much!” —The Enlightened Beard on amazon.com.
“One of the best in this category this year.” —kindle customer on amazon.com.
- GenresFantasy
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
615 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Tom Elliot
21 books336 followers"Tom Elliot's writing is like his hero: it never quits." - Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Kate Daniels series.
Wander through epic worlds of dungeons, dragons, and magic created by fantasy author, Tom Elliot.
Reader. Gamer. Writer. That’s me :).
I enjoy creating worlds for readers to explore, and of course, amazing magic for my characters to wield!
In June 2021, I released my debut novel, The Grand Game. It follows the adventures of Michael, an assassin with a ‘wolven’ heritage and is told from the first-person perspective. Step by step, we watch as Michael grows from a lowly level 1 noob to… well, you’ll see soon enough.
Between my day job and family, I indulge in my passion for writing, reading and gaming. I favour CRPGs and turn-based strategy games, and epic fantasy novels.
You can support my writing on: PATREON, and follow me on social media through: Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Still writing,
Tom.
Wander through epic worlds of dungeons, dragons, and magic created by fantasy author, Tom Elliot.
Reader. Gamer. Writer. That’s me :).
I enjoy creating worlds for readers to explore, and of course, amazing magic for my characters to wield!
In June 2021, I released my debut novel, The Grand Game. It follows the adventures of Michael, an assassin with a ‘wolven’ heritage and is told from the first-person perspective. Step by step, we watch as Michael grows from a lowly level 1 noob to… well, you’ll see soon enough.
Between my day job and family, I indulge in my passion for writing, reading and gaming. I favour CRPGs and turn-based strategy games, and epic fantasy novels.
You can support my writing on: PATREON, and follow me on social media through: Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Still writing,
Tom.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 31, 2025
DNF 83%
The MC is special, because he chooses to be a warrior? This is total nonsense. There are 1000 people in his group and everyone chooses to be a mage? No shot. All humans start with essences that are perfect for a warrior class.
People make fun of a grimy looking warrior who is taller than 6 foot, and carries a long sword and shield? Yea right.
All the interactions with people don't make sense. Everyone he interacts with is annoying, hates him, or looks down on him for no reason.
Other people act like NPCs, not like real people.
He does nothing special, yet somehow he levels FAR faster than anyone else. He doesn't push himself all that hard. He spends money like a moron. He's bad at equipping himself. He makes bad choices for early essence gain. He only throws points into constitution, and should be horribly weak. And THIS GUY is supposed to be ultra powerful now???
There's just too much stuff that makes no sense.
Some guys attack him while he's sleeping in an alley. They hold him down, stab him a whole bunch of times.... and then they are like "Eh, lets leave him to bleed out, and we can go loot him later" Whyyyy? They can just stab him a bit more and loot him right now. Instead they let him recover. More nonsense.
Lots of administrator BS to make this guy the chosen one.
The MC is special, because he chooses to be a warrior? This is total nonsense. There are 1000 people in his group and everyone chooses to be a mage? No shot. All humans start with essences that are perfect for a warrior class.
People make fun of a grimy looking warrior who is taller than 6 foot, and carries a long sword and shield? Yea right.
All the interactions with people don't make sense. Everyone he interacts with is annoying, hates him, or looks down on him for no reason.
Other people act like NPCs, not like real people.
He does nothing special, yet somehow he levels FAR faster than anyone else. He doesn't push himself all that hard. He spends money like a moron. He's bad at equipping himself. He makes bad choices for early essence gain. He only throws points into constitution, and should be horribly weak. And THIS GUY is supposed to be ultra powerful now???
There's just too much stuff that makes no sense.
Some guys attack him while he's sleeping in an alley. They hold him down, stab him a whole bunch of times.... and then they are like "Eh, lets leave him to bleed out, and we can go loot him later" Whyyyy? They can just stab him a bit more and loot him right now. Instead they let him recover. More nonsense.
Lots of administrator BS to make this guy the chosen one.
January 6, 2025
good story, not a tactically sound MC.
For an author who wrote The grand game, I’d like to know what happened with this book. The MC is not very likable, ask a lot of stupid questions, and does stupid things, i.e. while fighting the crows at night he looks into the flame of torches which everybody knows would ruin your night vision. That’s just one example. The second thing I mentioned is he knows about game elements but then ask questions as if he doesn’t know. and what with you authors writing your main characters with personality flaws, can we readers have for once a well adjusted well rounded mentally stable protagonist. Why create an inventory for the characters and when they pull items out of it, the items are dropped on the ground. That’s really silly. In a fight, you’ve got to bend over and pick up your weapon really. And then why take the inventory away from the characters when they leave the sector. Those are just a few issues I have with this story. The story on its own is pretty good, fast paced and enjoyable, but the MC is not my cup of tea. You may like the book give it a shot.
For an author who wrote The grand game, I’d like to know what happened with this book. The MC is not very likable, ask a lot of stupid questions, and does stupid things, i.e. while fighting the crows at night he looks into the flame of torches which everybody knows would ruin your night vision. That’s just one example. The second thing I mentioned is he knows about game elements but then ask questions as if he doesn’t know. and what with you authors writing your main characters with personality flaws, can we readers have for once a well adjusted well rounded mentally stable protagonist. Why create an inventory for the characters and when they pull items out of it, the items are dropped on the ground. That’s really silly. In a fight, you’ve got to bend over and pick up your weapon really. And then why take the inventory away from the characters when they leave the sector. Those are just a few issues I have with this story. The story on its own is pretty good, fast paced and enjoyable, but the MC is not my cup of tea. You may like the book give it a shot.
July 7, 2025
3.75 Stars
The pacing started off a bit slow, which is expected with new-player grinds, but once things got going, the tempo picked up significantly with plenty of action-packed fight scenes.
There were a few grammatical errors, so a bit more editing wouldn’t hurt. Still, this was a quick and enjoyable read from Tom Elliot. I hope he keeps writing this series on the side—I’m definitely looking forward to the next book and seeing what fate awaits humanity in the Proving Grounds.
The pacing started off a bit slow, which is expected with new-player grinds, but once things got going, the tempo picked up significantly with plenty of action-packed fight scenes.
There were a few grammatical errors, so a bit more editing wouldn’t hurt. Still, this was a quick and enjoyable read from Tom Elliot. I hope he keeps writing this series on the side—I’m definitely looking forward to the next book and seeing what fate awaits humanity in the Proving Grounds.
December 5, 2024
Great species survival
The usual plotline of humanity being whisked away into a game-like alternative location with little hope but still opportunities. Because of the really excellent skills of this author, the storyline holds up, the characters are believable, and the heroics are more down to earth and viable. The story has the potential to develop into a great series if the author can stay away from the hero being too much of a superhero and the other characters are given traits (good and bad) that reflect both our humanity and our fragility.
Good start to the series and really good author
The usual plotline of humanity being whisked away into a game-like alternative location with little hope but still opportunities. Because of the really excellent skills of this author, the storyline holds up, the characters are believable, and the heroics are more down to earth and viable. The story has the potential to develop into a great series if the author can stay away from the hero being too much of a superhero and the other characters are given traits (good and bad) that reflect both our humanity and our fragility.
Good start to the series and really good author
January 17, 2025
Much Better Than I Expected.
I doubt that people would adapt to their circumstances as well or as quickly as the characters in this story. However, I prefer this author's story structuring to other writers who have most humans break down into crying fits of denial for too many chapters.
ADDENDUM: Well, the story was proceeding in a tolerable manner. Then approx. 65% of the way through, the protagonist gave 90% of his wealth away to the poor. Altruism of that degree is neither believable, nor intelligent at all. I loath reading about not very bright Dudley DoRight characters. They actually nauseate me quite a bit. For this sin, I have to take a star off of my original rating. *sigh*
FINAL: I quit reading this. The Protagonist was a mix of Gomer Pyle, Dudley DoRight and Forrest Gump. I could not read anymore without self inducing emesis. When I first started reading this work, I thought: "Hey, this author is talented, I should find more of his books."
I no longer think this. Maybe his other book characters have more sense. I won't be investigating this possibility.
I doubt that people would adapt to their circumstances as well or as quickly as the characters in this story. However, I prefer this author's story structuring to other writers who have most humans break down into crying fits of denial for too many chapters.
ADDENDUM: Well, the story was proceeding in a tolerable manner. Then approx. 65% of the way through, the protagonist gave 90% of his wealth away to the poor. Altruism of that degree is neither believable, nor intelligent at all. I loath reading about not very bright Dudley DoRight characters. They actually nauseate me quite a bit. For this sin, I have to take a star off of my original rating. *sigh*
FINAL: I quit reading this. The Protagonist was a mix of Gomer Pyle, Dudley DoRight and Forrest Gump. I could not read anymore without self inducing emesis. When I first started reading this work, I thought: "Hey, this author is talented, I should find more of his books."
I no longer think this. Maybe his other book characters have more sense. I won't be investigating this possibility.
January 5, 2025
If you've read anything by this author, you already know the writing is excellent. Unlike his other books, this reads a bit younger, so might be suitable for younger teens. There's a lot of fighting, but the deaths aren't very graphic.
Humanity is whisked away to a "creche" world where they will have to grow stronger before being released into the Proving Grounds. Dace wants to be on his own, but realizes that he can't move forward without help.
Dace was a bit on the hard-headed side, but that made him more of an individual. He was also a good person, and was great about helping others while still being a loner. Several side characters were also well done, including his administrator.
I have to admit, some of the conflict felt typical for the genre, like dungeons and such, but the author put his own stamp on it.
Overall, a fine start to a new series!
Humanity is whisked away to a "creche" world where they will have to grow stronger before being released into the Proving Grounds. Dace wants to be on his own, but realizes that he can't move forward without help.
Dace was a bit on the hard-headed side, but that made him more of an individual. He was also a good person, and was great about helping others while still being a loner. Several side characters were also well done, including his administrator.
I have to admit, some of the conflict felt typical for the genre, like dungeons and such, but the author put his own stamp on it.
Overall, a fine start to a new series!
December 20, 2024
Good enough
For the most part this was a good read. Usually the MC was fine. The dialogue was adequate. The plot was generally good. The action was well done. And there was a villain you loved to hate.
A few weaker points: The node allocation system was mediocre at best. The player who just wants to do his own thing ends up being the center of attention for the community, and eventually the leader. And the thing that bothered me the most: The MC kept getting into situations where he desperately needed information, knew that he would need the information, had easy access to that information, but couldn't take the few seconds to say 'hey Adi, what about X'. Annoying.
But generally a good read. Tom out
For the most part this was a good read. Usually the MC was fine. The dialogue was adequate. The plot was generally good. The action was well done. And there was a villain you loved to hate.
A few weaker points: The node allocation system was mediocre at best. The player who just wants to do his own thing ends up being the center of attention for the community, and eventually the leader. And the thing that bothered me the most: The MC kept getting into situations where he desperately needed information, knew that he would need the information, had easy access to that information, but couldn't take the few seconds to say 'hey Adi, what about X'. Annoying.
But generally a good read. Tom out
December 15, 2024
Proving Grounds
Hmm, this is tough. The book itself was very good as a start. I know, I know, now for the but. But, the main character, Dace, seems, I don't know, A little too anal? He focuses to sharply on his tasks, seems to be a bit, I don't know. Narrow minded? Kind of slow? Narrow minded? Eh, maybe I just don't have the words for it.
The story itself was very well written and executed, and I will definitely read book 2.
Hmm, this is tough. The book itself was very good as a start. I know, I know, now for the but. But, the main character, Dace, seems, I don't know, A little too anal? He focuses to sharply on his tasks, seems to be a bit, I don't know. Narrow minded? Kind of slow? Narrow minded? Eh, maybe I just don't have the words for it.
The story itself was very well written and executed, and I will definitely read book 2.
December 23, 2024
I enjoyed it
Interest plot, a reasonable plot, and decently interesting characters. A breath of fresh air, the only thing it was missing was giving the mc an entertaining personality with gumption, and a villain that could be respected by the readers. That would have been necessary to make this a peak book. However, I am happy with what I got, so thank you for the read. I can't wait for the next one!
Interest plot, a reasonable plot, and decently interesting characters. A breath of fresh air, the only thing it was missing was giving the mc an entertaining personality with gumption, and a villain that could be respected by the readers. That would have been necessary to make this a peak book. However, I am happy with what I got, so thank you for the read. I can't wait for the next one!
January 12, 2025
Great introduction
I really enjoyed this book and how it dropped a character in a new environment. And while everyone seemed to know what to do automatically. Which seemed a little odd but other than weird hate for the MC. I enjoyed it a lot. I wished there was more world building. But I did like how detail oriented it got on the characters. I'll definitely be reading more in the series.
I really enjoyed this book and how it dropped a character in a new environment. And while everyone seemed to know what to do automatically. Which seemed a little odd but other than weird hate for the MC. I enjoyed it a lot. I wished there was more world building. But I did like how detail oriented it got on the characters. I'll definitely be reading more in the series.
December 1, 2024
a precursor to the grand game and its so worth it.
If you have read the grand game the. You will see some similarities between both stories. It’s definitely a post apocalyptic story the main character is not a people person not at all, but he has a goal save humanity and learn a secret language… you can see the path Dace starts out with
If you have read the grand game the. You will see some similarities between both stories. It’s definitely a post apocalyptic story the main character is not a people person not at all, but he has a goal save humanity and learn a secret language… you can see the path Dace starts out with
December 2, 2024
Brilliant start
Another great series in the outing... This author is probably the most detailed dungeons and dragons inspired litrpg author out there as far as keeping the system and classes very defined and great with fleshed out characters and world building..
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and Nocturne
Another great series in the outing... This author is probably the most detailed dungeons and dragons inspired litrpg author out there as far as keeping the system and classes very defined and great with fleshed out characters and world building..
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and Nocturne
December 19, 2024
another gem my T Elliot
Good book. I downloaded it when I saw who wrote it and didn't bother reading the summary. Definitely wasn't disappointed.
Only one typo stood out, he missed the "t" in night near the end of the book. Otherwise it was pretty clear or spelling and grammar errors
Good book. I downloaded it when I saw who wrote it and didn't bother reading the summary. Definitely wasn't disappointed.
Only one typo stood out, he missed the "t" in night near the end of the book. Otherwise it was pretty clear or spelling and grammar errors
January 13, 2025
Good Book, Easy reading
This book is not complicated. It doesn't have a profound, nor political message. It's an excellent, easy reading, fast-paced escape fiction. Very little fluff, no swearing, or sex. I really enjoyed it! It has a very likable, although at times dim MC. Sure, some of the ways he gains power is a little laughable, but hey, it's still a fun read.
This book is not complicated. It doesn't have a profound, nor political message. It's an excellent, easy reading, fast-paced escape fiction. Very little fluff, no swearing, or sex. I really enjoyed it! It has a very likable, although at times dim MC. Sure, some of the ways he gains power is a little laughable, but hey, it's still a fun read.
January 18, 2025
I'm honestly not super certain about my reaction to this book. I enjoyed reading it enough, but I think the storyline is going into a direction I'm none too fond of. Also, I didn't quite get into the characters. I might still go and pick up the next, but right now this isn't a priority. A solid "in-between" 3 and 4 stars for me.
June 12, 2025
Great book...
I am a big fan of his "the Grand Game" series of books. There are some similarities, but it wasn't a bad thing! I have to say i thoroughly enjoyed this book as well and will keep my eye out for the next one. If you like litrpg's thwn definately read this author and this book
I am a big fan of his "the Grand Game" series of books. There are some similarities, but it wasn't a bad thing! I have to say i thoroughly enjoyed this book as well and will keep my eye out for the next one. If you like litrpg's thwn definately read this author and this book
July 13, 2025
Before I say anything let me say I did enjoy this book thoroughly. Environments where all the characters are normal people thrust into a video game world are my favorite in the genre.
Story: Good
World building: Good
RPG Mechanics: Good
Writing: Needs more editing. There's quite a few spelling mistakes and grammatical errors that break immersion in an anotherwise good book.
Story: Good
World building: Good
RPG Mechanics: Good
Writing: Needs more editing. There's quite a few spelling mistakes and grammatical errors that break immersion in an anotherwise good book.
December 3, 2024
Good grief Tom, is it possible for you to write a book that I don't have to finish so fast?.. Definitely enjoying the new series and the odd nods here and there to the Game series.. keep up the good work, write faster!
December 19, 2024
Simple but well written
A bit too simple for my taste, but can't complain about the story achieving what the author intended
This is a beginner entry into LitRPG and Portal fantasy. Enjoy it as you will, highly recommend for high-school reading.
A bit too simple for my taste, but can't complain about the story achieving what the author intended
This is a beginner entry into LitRPG and Portal fantasy. Enjoy it as you will, highly recommend for high-school reading.
January 9, 2025
I enjoy the premise, but the dialogue is almost robotic and no one feels like an actual person. They're stereotypes or plot vehicles, and they have roles instead of personalities. The exposition is clunky and unnatural, and I was really expecting something a little more developed.
January 14, 2025
Fun Read
Normal plot, with a few twists, but just very well written. Pace was good, character well developed and, none of the “I can’t kill my enemy” nonsense, just good old fashioned fun.
Normal plot, with a few twists, but just very well written. Pace was good, character well developed and, none of the “I can’t kill my enemy” nonsense, just good old fashioned fun.
January 28, 2025
Perfectly hit the spot.
If you are looking for an old school litrpg that is hard to put down, this is it right here. No nonsense, but not dark it reads perfectly and drags you along for a great ride. Can't wait to continue the series.
If you are looking for an old school litrpg that is hard to put down, this is it right here. No nonsense, but not dark it reads perfectly and drags you along for a great ride. Can't wait to continue the series.
January 30, 2025
Another fine RPG Saga
I had never heard of Tom Elliot before reading any of the LitRPG series, so I was excited to read his work.
It took me a bit to really get into the story, but once I did, I was hooked.
Now I can't wait to read book 2 of this series.
I had never heard of Tom Elliot before reading any of the LitRPG series, so I was excited to read his work.
It took me a bit to really get into the story, but once I did, I was hooked.
Now I can't wait to read book 2 of this series.
February 2, 2025
It's okay
Not as good as his previous works. The main character is just too goodie two shoes. I just couldn't really get into it. I rate it as mid, read it if you have nothing else.
Not as good as his previous works. The main character is just too goodie two shoes. I just couldn't really get into it. I rate it as mid, read it if you have nothing else.
February 17, 2025
Fine start to an interesting existence.
Nice.
Good MC.
Not OP, just dogged & determined.
Has a code.
Bag folks are bad, but realistic.
AH are still AH everywhere.
Interesting difficulties.
Well written.
I do want more and will enjoy the progress.
Nice.
Good MC.
Not OP, just dogged & determined.
Has a code.
Bag folks are bad, but realistic.
AH are still AH everywhere.
Interesting difficulties.
Well written.
I do want more and will enjoy the progress.
February 22, 2025
2 1/2 stars. A pretty standard storyline and mechanics for a LitRPG. The characters are solid without most being too evil, too overpowered or too heroic which makes them pretty believable. There's nothing bad about it but nothing that is new or enough to make to rise much above the rest either.
March 8, 2025
Meh
It wasn't so bad that I didn't make it to the end but it was far from. Very limited system that the author seem to develop as they were writing the book and a very very limited magic system. Not a huge fan but it was passable
It wasn't so bad that I didn't make it to the end but it was far from. Very limited system that the author seem to develop as they were writing the book and a very very limited magic system. Not a huge fan but it was passable
May 26, 2025
Even Better
Well I love the grand game but this is just wonderful. Tom is absolutely worth the read and this set of books promises to be even better. Involved but not overly complicated, characters that hold or have potential. The story though doesn’t get lost in stats and words.
Well I love the grand game but this is just wonderful. Tom is absolutely worth the read and this set of books promises to be even better. Involved but not overly complicated, characters that hold or have potential. The story though doesn’t get lost in stats and words.
June 17, 2025
Tom Elliot is a writer I’ll check out every time. I don’t think I’ve seen a better writer at tricky stealth combat, so I was interested in reading his take on a tank, and he doesn’t disappoint. Early stages with this first book, but a great ride and I’m looking forward to more.
December 2, 2024
what a pleasure
Read it in one day. Great mc. Exciting stakes. Good system. Just enough stats. Can’t wait for the next one.
Read it in one day. Great mc. Exciting stakes. Good system. Just enough stats. Can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews