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New Realm Online #1.5
Goon Squad: New Realm Online, Book 1.5
The story of three unlikely heroes making their way towards a shared destiny
A girl imprisoned, a granny bent on destroying anyone who gets her way, and a boy willing to die as many times as it takes to get what he wants.
The world of New Realm Online is a gritty and rich gaming world, but it isn't for the faint of heart.
When a boy is traumatized and attacked by bullies, his "therapy" includes getting thrown into one of the most challenging and bloody Virtual Reality Games on the market. Where learning to fight isn't a choice, it is a necessity.
When a girl is tricked into servitude by a guild, she doesn't run, she doesn't hide, she finds a way to grow stronger.
When a guild messes with the wrong girl things can get ugly fast. You don't mess with John Wick's dog, and you never mess with Granny's little girl.
This book contains the classic LITRPG elements of leveling, dungeons, terrifying killer bunnies, crafting, and an AI with attitude. This is a multiple POV book.
A girl imprisoned, a granny bent on destroying anyone who gets her way, and a boy willing to die as many times as it takes to get what he wants.
The world of New Realm Online is a gritty and rich gaming world, but it isn't for the faint of heart.
When a boy is traumatized and attacked by bullies, his "therapy" includes getting thrown into one of the most challenging and bloody Virtual Reality Games on the market. Where learning to fight isn't a choice, it is a necessity.
When a girl is tricked into servitude by a guild, she doesn't run, she doesn't hide, she finds a way to grow stronger.
When a guild messes with the wrong girl things can get ugly fast. You don't mess with John Wick's dog, and you never mess with Granny's little girl.
This book contains the classic LITRPG elements of leveling, dungeons, terrifying killer bunnies, crafting, and an AI with attitude. This is a multiple POV book.
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
First published May 31, 2021
87 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 3, 2021
The book starts out with a very similar premise to Limitless Lands by Dean Henegar. A medical company just happens to also own a game company that has just released the best VR game in the world.
We learn the backstories of two people who need the medipods. One is Sarah, who has an incurable virus, and the other is Randy, who was bullied until his face smashed into a rock.
As is the case for most stories that maintain both the virtual reality of the game story line and that of the real world, the real world always comes out as less interesting. It was the same in Awaken Online, and many others.
Anyway, the key difference here is that Sarah's grandmother, a lawyer used to dealing with the mob, decides to come into the game and protect her.
Guilds play a big role here. For reasons never explained, they have a great deal of power and manage to coerce large numbers of players into being work slaves for the guild.
It seems like the kind of thing the game company would step in to stop. If that were to somehow happen in any of the big current games, they outcry would be so large the company would be forced into action.
Even EA. They would have to.
Moving on. The guilds are able to do that, and we have Sarah locked in one of these contracts. Because of his bullying, Randy is dropped in a swamp, which I thought was clever. Frogs, beetles and rabbits might seem innocuous, but here they are bullies. He dies a lot, and I thought it was an interesting take on the situation.
I won't spoil the rest, and despite the guild nonsense I had a lot of fun reading this. The game world is dynamic and feels alive, and the writing is top notch. There are some editing errors, mostly wordssmushedtogether, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the book.
The notifications are regular and slightly snarky, which seems to be the standard these days.
Recommended. 5/5*
We learn the backstories of two people who need the medipods. One is Sarah, who has an incurable virus, and the other is Randy, who was bullied until his face smashed into a rock.
As is the case for most stories that maintain both the virtual reality of the game story line and that of the real world, the real world always comes out as less interesting. It was the same in Awaken Online, and many others.
Anyway, the key difference here is that Sarah's grandmother, a lawyer used to dealing with the mob, decides to come into the game and protect her.
Guilds play a big role here. For reasons never explained, they have a great deal of power and manage to coerce large numbers of players into being work slaves for the guild.
It seems like the kind of thing the game company would step in to stop. If that were to somehow happen in any of the big current games, they outcry would be so large the company would be forced into action.
Even EA. They would have to.
Moving on. The guilds are able to do that, and we have Sarah locked in one of these contracts. Because of his bullying, Randy is dropped in a swamp, which I thought was clever. Frogs, beetles and rabbits might seem innocuous, but here they are bullies. He dies a lot, and I thought it was an interesting take on the situation.
I won't spoil the rest, and despite the guild nonsense I had a lot of fun reading this. The game world is dynamic and feels alive, and the writing is top notch. There are some editing errors, mostly wordssmushedtogether, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the book.
The notifications are regular and slightly snarky, which seems to be the standard these days.
Recommended. 5/5*
June 12, 2021
Alert
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
(Yep...hit with the banhammer.)
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
(Yep...hit with the banhammer.)
Cheers
November 25, 2021
Nice take on the genre and well written
Overall, well written and a nice, slightly different take on Litrpg. In general, I am not a fan of multiple viewpoints, but I really like Jean and Sarah’s characters. all the protagonists have likable qualities and act in reasonable fashion. The difference between how Jean’s past experiences and Sarah’s naïveté inform their actions, but both make the most of opportunities. The other players could be interesting, but not developed enough yet.
Overall, well written and a nice, slightly different take on Litrpg. In general, I am not a fan of multiple viewpoints, but I really like Jean and Sarah’s characters. all the protagonists have likable qualities and act in reasonable fashion. The difference between how Jean’s past experiences and Sarah’s naïveté inform their actions, but both make the most of opportunities. The other players could be interesting, but not developed enough yet.
June 29, 2023
Goon Squad (New Realm Online #1.5) by Robyn Wideman. I don't really know why I enjoy LitRPG so much but it has become my favorite genre. This story is one of the most enjoyable I have read. It covers many characters from many walks of life separately, then brings them together in an awesome battle royal. Very simple in its concept/storyline, and well put together, reading this is like playing a video game. Put this one high up on your TBR list. I received this ebook for free and this is a voluntary, honest review.
June 8, 2021
Another great book.!
I love this LitRPG genre and Robyn knows how to write books. This is an awesome addition to the genre. I can't wait for the next in the series!
One issue i do have is there are quite a few misspelled words and gramattical issues. It is a pet peeve of mine so i mention it.
I love this LitRPG genre and Robyn knows how to write books. This is an awesome addition to the genre. I can't wait for the next in the series!
One issue i do have is there are quite a few misspelled words and gramattical issues. It is a pet peeve of mine so i mention it.
September 22, 2021
Excellent read with believable characters
A well balanced read with no Deus ex machina. All the characters are relatable with clear goals and targets with no weird tangents. The swapping of PoV is a little jarring but over all it showed the progress the various groups are making towards the final showdown at a steady pace. Read it all in an afternoon but it was an enjoyable read
A well balanced read with no Deus ex machina. All the characters are relatable with clear goals and targets with no weird tangents. The swapping of PoV is a little jarring but over all it showed the progress the various groups are making towards the final showdown at a steady pace. Read it all in an afternoon but it was an enjoyable read
June 18, 2022
Yes!
This is my second read of this book. I must admit to reading it the first time too quickly. As a fan of the author I hope there is a plan to further the Good Squad, as it is a terrific Tie to the other series. What a great movie franchise it would make. If the ratings had ten stars I would rate it 9.9!
This is my second read of this book. I must admit to reading it the first time too quickly. As a fan of the author I hope there is a plan to further the Good Squad, as it is a terrific Tie to the other series. What a great movie franchise it would make. If the ratings had ten stars I would rate it 9.9!
June 5, 2021
Love it
So many Litrpg are the same that I lose interest part way through and quit reading. Your writing was so good it kept me reading straight through! Will have to check out your other stories.
So many Litrpg are the same that I lose interest part way through and quit reading. Your writing was so good it kept me reading straight through! Will have to check out your other stories.
July 10, 2023
Loved the story
I enjoyed reading the back story for most of the main characters of New Realm series. I would definitely read any other offshoots of this world. Can't wait to read more !
I enjoyed reading the back story for most of the main characters of New Realm series. I would definitely read any other offshoots of this world. Can't wait to read more !
July 17, 2025
LOVED THIS!!! My son Cal loves 'gooning' whatever that means. He always goes on about his gooning streak so I decided to start my own streak with THIS BOOK! Hope one day we can bond over this book and get our goon on! Happy gooning, Tabatha Winterbottom, mother of Callum and Owen, wife to Mark xxx.
July 2, 2021
Go grandma!
Is your grandma a bad*ss? Because this grandma is! I loved these characters and enjoyed the expansion of the New Online Realm.
Is your grandma a bad*ss? Because this grandma is! I loved these characters and enjoyed the expansion of the New Online Realm.
July 7, 2021
Sweet Spot LITRPG
Fun. Slow burn. Slice of life. I appreciate that there are stakes but it’s mostly about enjoying being in a game and getting to become something new.
Fun. Slow burn. Slice of life. I appreciate that there are stakes but it’s mostly about enjoying being in a game and getting to become something new.
July 13, 2021
Started slow
It started slow but the characters were interesting. I enjoyed the stories and individual character growth. I would like to see more stories in this series.
It started slow but the characters were interesting. I enjoyed the stories and individual character growth. I would like to see more stories in this series.
July 21, 2021
Mod squad
Great fun read- finally the oppressed beaten down get a chance for redemption. Great use of intelligent real NPC,s with their on life’s.
Great fun read- finally the oppressed beaten down get a chance for redemption. Great use of intelligent real NPC,s with their on life’s.
August 2, 2021
Except for some editing
This is a good read with a lot of personal interaction. A good moral story with room to grow and learn.
This is a good read with a lot of personal interaction. A good moral story with room to grow and learn.
October 4, 2021
amazing book
Very good book… I have so far loved almost every book by this author!!! Can’t wait for another one to read!!!
Very good book… I have so far loved almost every book by this author!!! Can’t wait for another one to read!!!
March 20, 2023
I love the goon squad.
It was nice getting to know the background on these characters. I would love to see more from their view points.
It was nice getting to know the background on these characters. I would love to see more from their view points.
January 23, 2024
Fun integrated story 1.5 of the series. A lot of bullies have a moment of Karma. Borrowed this edition on January 21, 2024, using Kindle Unlimited.
Read
June 14, 2024I have fallen in love with the Lrtrp format for books and this is an excellent example. Love the character and world building. I highly recommend.
December 30, 2024
Not his best
As well written as other Wideman books, which is to say there are plenty of mistakes but, they don't hinder the reader.
However, I never felt invested. It didn't have the magic, the panache, or the substance of other series by the author. None of the characters were special and the story wasn't unique in any way.
As well written as other Wideman books, which is to say there are plenty of mistakes but, they don't hinder the reader.
However, I never felt invested. It didn't have the magic, the panache, or the substance of other series by the author. None of the characters were special and the story wasn't unique in any way.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews