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Golem Master: A LitRPG Arena Adventure
(Paperback, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited will be available on release day. Audiobook will be recorded between March-May 2025 by Daniel Wisniewski)
Do you remember the first time you discovered Pokemon? When you sat in the movie theater, watched Pacific Rim for the first time and asked... what if? Then may I invite you on your next adventure. For out of the ashes, golems will rise!
It has been thirteen years since the demonic attack. The very fabric of human knowledge and understanding was completely changed that day. The world which Pepper now finds himself in is one still being rebuilt in the aftermath.
Society and culture were on the verge of falling into pure chaos. Survivors were in need of a new hope. Amidst the ashes rose the very thing people needed in those desperate times. A small collection of intuitive creators developed what would become the latest in worldwide entertainment.
The Golem League network was created in the blink of an eye. Millions of worldwide viewers surged online. All eagerly watching the magically infused golem's clash in the arena. Every aspect of society now sees and utilizes the abilities of golems.
For Pepper, it is the only thing he has sought after. The only dream he has known. The only quest he has chosen to accept. Follow along on his journey as he tries to become a Golem Master.
[Book 2 is written and will be published in early-mid 2025. Book 3 is currently in writing. You can also get early access on my Patreon. ]
[ #1 Rising Star in Contemporary on RoyalRoad for 1 Month straight!]
So what are some of the elements you can come to expect in this epic adventure?
- Slice of Life pacing.
- Pokemon Arena Battles
- Crafting
- High School Setting to Start With
- Demonic Threat Looming Around the "Rift Gates"
- Historical Lore Regarding the "Rift Wars"
- More Easter Eggs and full throttle cast of LitRPG community members than I can count.
- Post-Apocalypse (In the rebuilding stage)
- Rated T for Teen
- Young Love (Again, rated T for Teen.... not T for Trouble.)
- Currently looking at 4 books in the series, (Maybe more)
Do you remember the first time you discovered Pokemon? When you sat in the movie theater, watched Pacific Rim for the first time and asked... what if? Then may I invite you on your next adventure. For out of the ashes, golems will rise!
It has been thirteen years since the demonic attack. The very fabric of human knowledge and understanding was completely changed that day. The world which Pepper now finds himself in is one still being rebuilt in the aftermath.
Society and culture were on the verge of falling into pure chaos. Survivors were in need of a new hope. Amidst the ashes rose the very thing people needed in those desperate times. A small collection of intuitive creators developed what would become the latest in worldwide entertainment.
The Golem League network was created in the blink of an eye. Millions of worldwide viewers surged online. All eagerly watching the magically infused golem's clash in the arena. Every aspect of society now sees and utilizes the abilities of golems.
For Pepper, it is the only thing he has sought after. The only dream he has known. The only quest he has chosen to accept. Follow along on his journey as he tries to become a Golem Master.
[Book 2 is written and will be published in early-mid 2025. Book 3 is currently in writing. You can also get early access on my Patreon. ]
[ #1 Rising Star in Contemporary on RoyalRoad for 1 Month straight!]
So what are some of the elements you can come to expect in this epic adventure?
- Slice of Life pacing.
- Pokemon Arena Battles
- Crafting
- High School Setting to Start With
- Demonic Threat Looming Around the "Rift Gates"
- Historical Lore Regarding the "Rift Wars"
- More Easter Eggs and full throttle cast of LitRPG community members than I can count.
- Post-Apocalypse (In the rebuilding stage)
- Rated T for Teen
- Young Love (Again, rated T for Teen.... not T for Trouble.)
- Currently looking at 4 books in the series, (Maybe more)
514 pages, Paperback
Published January 8, 2025
32 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 22, 2025
3.5⭐️– This book definitely had a lot of heart and silly moments which I appreciated. I love things like giant robot battles and would've appreciated more descriptions of the actual Golems. It was sometimes hard to picture the actual Golems. There were some great action scenes of the professional Golem gladiators, but it would've been cool to see a bit more description of battles on Pepper & Co's side in the local tournaments. The same could have been said for the short GolemCon arc–I felt like it wasn't developed enough and I was sad to see that we didn't really get to interact with many other Rising Stars/newbies.
Furthermore I thought the dialogue was a bit cheesy at times. There were lots of Owen Wilson references, Big D jokes, and a couple other things that took me out of the book after their umpteenth mention. The characters did feel realistic. Despite all of the above, I did like this book and already purchased the second one. I'm excited to see how Pepper's adventures unfold!
Furthermore I thought the dialogue was a bit cheesy at times. There were lots of Owen Wilson references, Big D jokes, and a couple other things that took me out of the book after their umpteenth mention. The characters did feel realistic. Despite all of the above, I did like this book and already purchased the second one. I'm excited to see how Pepper's adventures unfold!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2025
Golem Master immediately scratched the same itch I had growing up watching Pokémon battles. If you loved the idea of forming a bond with a powerful creature, learning its strengths and weaknesses, and winning fights through strategy, not just brute force, this book hits that sweet spot!!!
What I appreciated most was the tone. There’s humor, heart, and a seriously satisfying underdog energy that kept me turning pages! Pepper’s setbacks actually matter, and his wins feel rewarding because you’ve watched him struggle for them. It’s the kind of book where you catch yourself thinking, okay, just one more chapter, and suddenly you’re halfway through another match.
If you ever dreamed of being a Pokémon trainer, but wished the battles were just…more?! Then Golem Master delivers that exact feeling!!! It’s a great underdog story with strong Pokémon vibes and enough action to kept me hooked from match to match.
What I appreciated most was the tone. There’s humor, heart, and a seriously satisfying underdog energy that kept me turning pages! Pepper’s setbacks actually matter, and his wins feel rewarding because you’ve watched him struggle for them. It’s the kind of book where you catch yourself thinking, okay, just one more chapter, and suddenly you’re halfway through another match.
If you ever dreamed of being a Pokémon trainer, but wished the battles were just…more?! Then Golem Master delivers that exact feeling!!! It’s a great underdog story with strong Pokémon vibes and enough action to kept me hooked from match to match.
May 12, 2025
This is a soft LitRPG in my humble opinion as there is not a ton of "progression" of the MC. But what we do get is world building, character development, and a look into the life of our MC. This is the first book of TJ's, I have read but it will not be the last. I look forward to seeing where he plans on taking our MC and if there will be "progression" of our character or golem. I didn't mind the lack of true "progression" in this book because I started to really like the characters both big and small and the fight scenes between the golems brought in action to break up the ho-hum of daily life as it was scribed in this story.
May 8, 2025
Well this book is a mind blower, I was thoroughly entertained with the creative ideas of golems and the story of P Dub, the MC. I relived my childhood and youth reading this, epic battles with golems, entertaining trainers, I especially liked the Yeti lead by the great Stephen Landry. There's a ton of name-drops of littpg and gamelit authors.BTW if you like golden eggs, this book had many references to TJ's previous works that gave me chill and thrills. The antagonist, Tamin ....total douchebag, he fit the part perfectly. The golem battles range quite differently which gave a great variety. I totally recommend if ever interested in the nerd ways... For example if you like transformers, TMNT, Reel Steel, Pokemon, Yugi-OhD&D(there's only so many I can name)...hopefully by now you can recognize that this book has many epic cool moments.
September 17, 2025
great narration! the story is pretty set in a teenager's perspective, but it's got real heart. Looking forward to the next installment!
January 17, 2025
An Epic Blend of Heart and Imagination!
This book was such a great read. The worldbuilding is one of the highlights for me. It’s creative and immersive without feeling overcomplicated. You’re dropped into a world that’s clearly been through a lot, but it’s full of hope and innovation, which makes it so interesting to explore.
Pepper, the main character, is easy to root for. He’s determined, but he’s also human, making mistakes, learning as he goes, and pushing himself forward. The other characters add so much personality to the story, and their interactions feel natural and engaging.
The balance of action and quieter moments was perfect. The battles were fun and vivid without taking away from the emotional weight of the story. Everything felt like it had meaning, and it kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you’re into stories with great characters and a world that feels alive, I’d definitely recommend this. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This book was such a great read. The worldbuilding is one of the highlights for me. It’s creative and immersive without feeling overcomplicated. You’re dropped into a world that’s clearly been through a lot, but it’s full of hope and innovation, which makes it so interesting to explore.
Pepper, the main character, is easy to root for. He’s determined, but he’s also human, making mistakes, learning as he goes, and pushing himself forward. The other characters add so much personality to the story, and their interactions feel natural and engaging.
The balance of action and quieter moments was perfect. The battles were fun and vivid without taking away from the emotional weight of the story. Everything felt like it had meaning, and it kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you’re into stories with great characters and a world that feels alive, I’d definitely recommend this. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
June 18, 2025
The story is slower in pace, but was a great blend action, character depth and world building. The further I read in the story, the more I came to enjoy this pallet cleanser from other books on my TBR. It was a nice escape, feeling like I was young again and discovering all my early childhood favorites, Pokemon, Monster Rancher, Mummies Alive, Power Rangers... this story is such a throwback and one I couldn't help but love. I'm excited to see where the story goes and will absolutely being continuing this series.
August 25, 2025
Great read. The story and characters are very well developed. Narrators are excellent. Highly recommend this book to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews