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Defiance of the Fall #4
Defiance of the Fall 4: A LitRPG Adventure
Just as a threat is dealt with, an opportunity presents itself.
After searching for months, Zac's forces have finally discovered the elusive Underworld that's both teeming with riches and dangers. Meanwhile, the armies of the Undead Empire advances on all fronts while the Dominators scheme in the dark.
Having endured the Integration in the punishing environment of the subterranean cave system, the trapped warriors of the Underworld could become the key in surviving the incursions aboveground.
But first, Zac has to deal with the golems intent on digging to the center of the planet.
Book 4 of the hit Defiance of the Fall LitRPG series is here. Grab your copy today!
About the Jump into a story that merges Apocalyptic LitRPG elements with eastern cultivation. Class systems, skill systems, endless choices for progression, it has everything fans of the genre love. Explore a vast universe full of mystery, adventure, danger and even aliens; where even a random passer-by might hold the power of a god. Follow Zac as he struggles to stake out a unique path to power as a mortal in a world full of cultivators.
After searching for months, Zac's forces have finally discovered the elusive Underworld that's both teeming with riches and dangers. Meanwhile, the armies of the Undead Empire advances on all fronts while the Dominators scheme in the dark.
Having endured the Integration in the punishing environment of the subterranean cave system, the trapped warriors of the Underworld could become the key in surviving the incursions aboveground.
But first, Zac has to deal with the golems intent on digging to the center of the planet.
Book 4 of the hit Defiance of the Fall LitRPG series is here. Grab your copy today!
About the Jump into a story that merges Apocalyptic LitRPG elements with eastern cultivation. Class systems, skill systems, endless choices for progression, it has everything fans of the genre love. Explore a vast universe full of mystery, adventure, danger and even aliens; where even a random passer-by might hold the power of a god. Follow Zac as he struggles to stake out a unique path to power as a mortal in a world full of cultivators.
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First published February 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
October 7, 2023
I started this Novel when i was on vacation 2 months ago, at the time i read over 400 pages in the week i was there, it was great fun, i needed something to relax and have fun with at that time.
Then i got back and i had to finish Certain ARCs, and other stuff, that kept me away from just relaxing with this novel and having fun.
LITRPG when done right for me is great fun, and laid back experience, where you are engaged in the events and excited by them, like you are the MC, It's hands down the best novel experience for me, outside the greatest works of literature.
We start the Novel with Zac taking over the underworld, and closing most incursion on Earth in record time.
Along the way we lose the Mistress of poison, but Zac by the end of the Novel has a cure for her, we still have to wait to see if it works, but it probably will.
Zac got the amazing skill of Bad Breath!
But that wasn't the funniest thing this volume, the system literally made Zac become a panty thief in one of the floors in the tower of eternity, and Ogras was hilarious, he just stole a bunch of women clothes and made a break for it, it's so ridiculous, so unexpected from this novel specially, that when it happened, you just basked in the surreal joke of an experience that was.
but you know what would be more funny? If the panty turns out to be some Treasure for real when they get out of the tower, Zac won't wear a panty, So what will he do with it, give it to the mistress of Poison? the only kiss they shared she poisoned him with, i don't think they are at the panty gift giving phase of the relationship yet, it would be insane if he gives it to his Sister though, even if it can save her from certain death, we will just have to wait and see episode 2 of the panty thief.
I love the luck aspect in this Novel, it's just mad fun, love it love it love it.
It pushed me to play a luck based character in one of my games recently, and things are starting to look up for me after a shaky start.
The Economic level is insane too, Money is accounted for her, not like certain LITRPG novels, where the MC is just spending money he supposed to have earned, but you don't know how much he is spending, and how much he is gaining.
It's another fun aspect of the novel.
Kenzie managing to build and activate the drones of the technocrats is huge for earth, but it's a really dangerous toy to play with at the same time, because of the prejudice of the boundless heaven against technology.
As for Kenzie herself, her improvements are great, but it's too safe, that's why i don't think she will ever pass her brother Zac, she is just always keeping it safe, playing it safe, Zac became a monster of a human being because he gets out there, he gets opportunities by putting himself in danger, Kenzie so far didn't, it would be hard to keep up with her adventures as well, seeing how the world of this novel is ridiculously big, so we may never hope for a full cultivation journey of Kenzie herself.
We are finally at the tower of Eternity, and it fucking delivered, it's as amazing as i wanted to be, if not more, i love the idea of tower climbing action adventure games novels movies, and It's done impeccably here.
Different LITRPG readers are starting to take notice of me and friend me on their own, and this just makes me so happy, we are so many, but most LITRPG readers are lone wolves on goodreads, honestly most men are like lone wolves on goodreads, it's not that women are more, guys are just finding a quiet corner and doing their reading without making a fuss, i should learn a thing or two from them lol.
"You know i just realized that there could actually be vast treasures under the ocean of this new earth.
But i doubt the writer will explore that aspect.
He will let Zac get his hands on whatever treasure the frog men have under the ocean, but they will not expand further on exploring the ocean depths i think."
I said this at one point while reading, and guess what JF Brink did expand on the matter, he saw the potential too, and we will explore the depths one day, It's awesome, guy is just on top of all different aspects of his novel and his world, he is on a roll, and while i know where he will take us at different points of the story, from just guess work, i still think he will surprise me all the way through this novel.
I can go over more updates i made on this, but no need to make the review bigger specially with my compromised hand.
Time to read the next book on the chopping block!
Then i got back and i had to finish Certain ARCs, and other stuff, that kept me away from just relaxing with this novel and having fun.
LITRPG when done right for me is great fun, and laid back experience, where you are engaged in the events and excited by them, like you are the MC, It's hands down the best novel experience for me, outside the greatest works of literature.
We start the Novel with Zac taking over the underworld, and closing most incursion on Earth in record time.
Along the way we lose the Mistress of poison, but Zac by the end of the Novel has a cure for her, we still have to wait to see if it works, but it probably will.
Zac got the amazing skill of Bad Breath!
But that wasn't the funniest thing this volume, the system literally made Zac become a panty thief in one of the floors in the tower of eternity, and Ogras was hilarious, he just stole a bunch of women clothes and made a break for it, it's so ridiculous, so unexpected from this novel specially, that when it happened, you just basked in the surreal joke of an experience that was.
but you know what would be more funny? If the panty turns out to be some Treasure for real when they get out of the tower, Zac won't wear a panty, So what will he do with it, give it to the mistress of Poison? the only kiss they shared she poisoned him with, i don't think they are at the panty gift giving phase of the relationship yet, it would be insane if he gives it to his Sister though, even if it can save her from certain death, we will just have to wait and see episode 2 of the panty thief.
I love the luck aspect in this Novel, it's just mad fun, love it love it love it.
It pushed me to play a luck based character in one of my games recently, and things are starting to look up for me after a shaky start.
The Economic level is insane too, Money is accounted for her, not like certain LITRPG novels, where the MC is just spending money he supposed to have earned, but you don't know how much he is spending, and how much he is gaining.
It's another fun aspect of the novel.
Kenzie managing to build and activate the drones of the technocrats is huge for earth, but it's a really dangerous toy to play with at the same time, because of the prejudice of the boundless heaven against technology.
As for Kenzie herself, her improvements are great, but it's too safe, that's why i don't think she will ever pass her brother Zac, she is just always keeping it safe, playing it safe, Zac became a monster of a human being because he gets out there, he gets opportunities by putting himself in danger, Kenzie so far didn't, it would be hard to keep up with her adventures as well, seeing how the world of this novel is ridiculously big, so we may never hope for a full cultivation journey of Kenzie herself.
We are finally at the tower of Eternity, and it fucking delivered, it's as amazing as i wanted to be, if not more, i love the idea of tower climbing action adventure games novels movies, and It's done impeccably here.
Different LITRPG readers are starting to take notice of me and friend me on their own, and this just makes me so happy, we are so many, but most LITRPG readers are lone wolves on goodreads, honestly most men are like lone wolves on goodreads, it's not that women are more, guys are just finding a quiet corner and doing their reading without making a fuss, i should learn a thing or two from them lol.
"You know i just realized that there could actually be vast treasures under the ocean of this new earth.
But i doubt the writer will explore that aspect.
He will let Zac get his hands on whatever treasure the frog men have under the ocean, but they will not expand further on exploring the ocean depths i think."
I said this at one point while reading, and guess what JF Brink did expand on the matter, he saw the potential too, and we will explore the depths one day, It's awesome, guy is just on top of all different aspects of his novel and his world, he is on a roll, and while i know where he will take us at different points of the story, from just guess work, i still think he will surprise me all the way through this novel.
I can go over more updates i made on this, but no need to make the review bigger specially with my compromised hand.
Time to read the next book on the chopping block!
February 25, 2022
WOOHOO! Kenzie kicks arse!
Oh, and her brother Zac advances too.
That's it. That's the review.
Oh, and her brother Zac advances too.
That's it. That's the review.
January 16, 2023
Read these in order
So I've been gulping these down wholesale while we travel and get settled in Kochi. And since they follow one after the other, I have no idea what happened in this one (as opposed the next or the next). So I'll probably copy this same review for all the ones so far.
Important things to note: if you liked it so far, you're likely to continue enjoying it. Zac is the Zaciest Zac in the multiverse and he continues to Zac every chance he gets. If you like it, you're likely to continue liking it.
A note about Chaste: Zac is very single-minded and there's so much going on that he really doesn't have time to do much with relationships. Which is good for his followers and hangers on, but will likely end up lonely, eventually.
So I've been gulping these down wholesale while we travel and get settled in Kochi. And since they follow one after the other, I have no idea what happened in this one (as opposed the next or the next). So I'll probably copy this same review for all the ones so far.
Important things to note: if you liked it so far, you're likely to continue enjoying it. Zac is the Zaciest Zac in the multiverse and he continues to Zac every chance he gets. If you like it, you're likely to continue liking it.
A note about Chaste: Zac is very single-minded and there's so much going on that he really doesn't have time to do much with relationships. Which is good for his followers and hangers on, but will likely end up lonely, eventually.
February 24, 2022
Zack, our hero gets stronger, working on getting his second class to level 75 before evolving. That is the only straight forward part of this book.
He is all over the place in this book, closing incursions, oh look over there I should go and kill a bunch of those guys, what a quest I have to finish or get locked into this area for a year?
Well I guess.
Finishes this quest, oh someone complains I killed their pet monster, and is from a group of people I dont want knowing that im connected to someone they are searching for. Killed him, now I should go wipe out his group on our little planet before anyone can report they found something.
Go and wipe out this group, and I need to run over there and rescue my army that has been having a hard time.
Close more incursions while my sister does some research on containing the energy from some alien artifact that I want to break open so I can get stronger.
Disaster strikes while we are trying to use the artifact, a few people die... how sad... now where was I
All of the other incursions are closed, but the main one who is trying to terraform our planet into a undead haven. It can wait a few weeks or so, so I think now that I have level 75 in 2 classes ill go into this tower, and see if I can get stronger.
Meanwhile on earth, the Teraforming starts earlier than expected...
After wasting 9 days in the tower, exploring, hanging out at auctions, forcing my way into places, and then accidentally destroying said places because he loses control. They start to climb the tower, Thankfully time flows differently inside of the tower so we take time to grind our way up the tower as a group. Get to the end of the 3rd floor and our 3rd person goes, Oh by the way after a certain point you pretty much have to go solo if you want to gain any benefits.
Book abruptly ends.
He is all over the place in this book, closing incursions, oh look over there I should go and kill a bunch of those guys, what a quest I have to finish or get locked into this area for a year?
Well I guess.
Finishes this quest, oh someone complains I killed their pet monster, and is from a group of people I dont want knowing that im connected to someone they are searching for. Killed him, now I should go wipe out his group on our little planet before anyone can report they found something.
Go and wipe out this group, and I need to run over there and rescue my army that has been having a hard time.
Close more incursions while my sister does some research on containing the energy from some alien artifact that I want to break open so I can get stronger.
Disaster strikes while we are trying to use the artifact, a few people die... how sad... now where was I
All of the other incursions are closed, but the main one who is trying to terraform our planet into a undead haven. It can wait a few weeks or so, so I think now that I have level 75 in 2 classes ill go into this tower, and see if I can get stronger.
Meanwhile on earth, the Teraforming starts earlier than expected...
After wasting 9 days in the tower, exploring, hanging out at auctions, forcing my way into places, and then accidentally destroying said places because he loses control. They start to climb the tower, Thankfully time flows differently inside of the tower so we take time to grind our way up the tower as a group. Get to the end of the 3rd floor and our 3rd person goes, Oh by the way after a certain point you pretty much have to go solo if you want to gain any benefits.
Book abruptly ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2022
I'm still really enjoying this series, which says something since Book 4 seems to be where so many series falter for me.
I think this series does a good job with the subplots like the Tower of Eternity that take us away from Earth for a bit. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but there are a lot of times where I feel a story stalls during a side-mission like this and all I want is to get back to the main plot (Ex: Tao Wong's System Apocalypse).
I'm hoping that Zac's sister develops a bit more in future books. At the moment she's little more than a plot device, but this book provided a bit of time in her pov, so maybe this will change in the future.
I can't wait for Book 5 and I feel like anyone who has enjoyed the series so far will continue to do so with this installment.
I think this series does a good job with the subplots like the Tower of Eternity that take us away from Earth for a bit. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but there are a lot of times where I feel a story stalls during a side-mission like this and all I want is to get back to the main plot (Ex: Tao Wong's System Apocalypse).
I'm hoping that Zac's sister develops a bit more in future books. At the moment she's little more than a plot device, but this book provided a bit of time in her pov, so maybe this will change in the future.
I can't wait for Book 5 and I feel like anyone who has enjoyed the series so far will continue to do so with this installment.
February 23, 2022
Another brilliant addition to the plot. Similar to book 1, the book rattles on from Page 1 and kept me engrossed all the way till the end.
One minor niggle is that at the end, the book felt like a scene setter and the main plot doesn't progress much even with so much happening. Redeemer, Undead, Mystic Realm all are pretty much where there were end of last book or with minor progression and little bit more information on it. Even the tower segments stopped just short of when they actually get to the crux.
Still, the world building is mind-blowingly brilliant, with so many threads deftly woven into one great book. Loved this series. Can't wait for the next already!
One minor niggle is that at the end, the book felt like a scene setter and the main plot doesn't progress much even with so much happening. Redeemer, Undead, Mystic Realm all are pretty much where there were end of last book or with minor progression and little bit more information on it. Even the tower segments stopped just short of when they actually get to the crux.
Still, the world building is mind-blowingly brilliant, with so many threads deftly woven into one great book. Loved this series. Can't wait for the next already!
September 12, 2022
Book 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 are all the same.... nothing has changed on the story line. The main character will face a challenge, he will succeed from it, his stats will go up, and he will aquire a new skill. Rinse and repeat. This formula can be seen in almost every 8 chapters. There is no such thing as character development except for the main person. It entire series is very one dimensional.
September 20, 2025
Pacing is frantic. Skipped a fair bit of the mindless battles. They go to nevermore, I mean the eternal tower. At least it’s only 100 days as opposed to 50 years. The pacing is far better than primal hunter in that regard.
October 7, 2024
I had so much fun with! The characters have so much depth to them and they are unique. I love the interactions and the mature theme and the stakes keep getting better without it becoming overwhelming. Amazing! Looking forward to the next books in series now!
February 24, 2025
Llevo más de un mes sin prácticamente tocar la PS porque leer esto en más divertido que cualquier juego.
Sin pararme ni un segundo, a por el 5º
Sin pararme ni un segundo, a por el 5º
June 17, 2023
I have fully given up on the plot of this series. But damn can that fella swing an axe.
March 1, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars
A good continuation of the series. There was just a little too much action. Zack spent a good portion of his time in fights throughout the story and anything that pushed the plot forward happened in spurts. So 6 hours of fighting followed by maye a 30 minute section of pushing the plot forward. There wasn't much character development either. There was appearances by Emily, Zack's sister, Thea marshall and there was mention of Billy, but they were hardly in the story. I wish there was a better balance. That would turn this from a pretty good book to a great book IMO. Overall I am still happy with the series and I am looking forward to when the next one comes out.
A good continuation of the series. There was just a little too much action. Zack spent a good portion of his time in fights throughout the story and anything that pushed the plot forward happened in spurts. So 6 hours of fighting followed by maye a 30 minute section of pushing the plot forward. There wasn't much character development either. There was appearances by Emily, Zack's sister, Thea marshall and there was mention of Billy, but they were hardly in the story. I wish there was a better balance. That would turn this from a pretty good book to a great book IMO. Overall I am still happy with the series and I am looking forward to when the next one comes out.
March 27, 2022
How have I read a book that has not yet been published? Royal Road. Book 4 is amazing and spoiler alert… Books 5, 6 and 7 are, too! This has become one of my favorite LitRPGs.
December 18, 2023
4.5 stars. There was a little more team building in this book, which was a good addition.
February 27, 2022
really good
I’m really enjoying this series, the story is interesting and the characters are really good. Looking forward to the next book.
I’m really enjoying this series, the story is interesting and the characters are really good. Looking forward to the next book.
Read
October 1, 2023The only person who likes the word "tremendous" more than this author is the mango mussolini.
Also "decimated"
Also "decimated"
March 15, 2025
How many of these things are there? I need my life back
January 25, 2025
This book did a bit more to push the story forward than the last book and therefore gets a higher rating this time around. However, there is still the problem of too much action without meaning and I know from reading ahead that this doesn't go away soon.
However, despite this pretty major flaw (in this reader's eyes) I am still reading this series, so I can still recommend it as an easy reading series if nothing else. It's maybe not the sort of book to keep me engaged when physically reading it, but as an easy listening audiobook for long drives or when I'm engaged in another activity that doesn't need all of my attention, then this is a great series to listen to.
However, despite this pretty major flaw (in this reader's eyes) I am still reading this series, so I can still recommend it as an easy reading series if nothing else. It's maybe not the sort of book to keep me engaged when physically reading it, but as an easy listening audiobook for long drives or when I'm engaged in another activity that doesn't need all of my attention, then this is a great series to listen to.
February 24, 2022
Decent read
Fairly decent story. Lots of cultivation. I've enjoyed the series thus far. It gets a bit slow here and there but still good.
Fairly decent story. Lots of cultivation. I've enjoyed the series thus far. It gets a bit slow here and there but still good.
January 11, 2025
Defiance of the Fall 4 by TheFirstDefier presents itself as a continuation of the series, primarily aimed at readers who have been following the journey thus far.
The narrative follows Zac as he navigates various challenges and threats, revealing an opportunity that arises just as one conflict is resolved. While this setup promises excitement and engagement, the actual action sequences can often feel unmemorable and repetitive, lacking the intensity needed to make them truly stand out. Many readers may find themselves waiting for impactful character development or a significant plot twist that elevates the stakes beyond the current arc, which can lead to the sensation of this being merely a bridge to the next significant event rather than an engaging tale on its own.
Critics have pointed out that while the book includes moments of adventure, it does not significantly advance the overarching plot or provide fresh insights into the characters, leading to a perception of it being somewhat of a filler installment. The writing remains competent, aligning with the established style of the series, yet it lacks the compelling drive that characterized earlier books. Readers looking for a deep exploration of themes or characters’ internal struggles may be disappointed, as the focus seems more concerned with moving the plot forward in a conventional manner.
In summary, Defiance of the Fall 4 serves its purpose of continuing the saga but does so with a degree of predictability that may leave some readers wanting. For fans eager to see what happens next, it fulfills that need; however, those seeking a more memorable experience might find themselves hoping for a return to form in subsequent entries.
The narrative follows Zac as he navigates various challenges and threats, revealing an opportunity that arises just as one conflict is resolved. While this setup promises excitement and engagement, the actual action sequences can often feel unmemorable and repetitive, lacking the intensity needed to make them truly stand out. Many readers may find themselves waiting for impactful character development or a significant plot twist that elevates the stakes beyond the current arc, which can lead to the sensation of this being merely a bridge to the next significant event rather than an engaging tale on its own.
Critics have pointed out that while the book includes moments of adventure, it does not significantly advance the overarching plot or provide fresh insights into the characters, leading to a perception of it being somewhat of a filler installment. The writing remains competent, aligning with the established style of the series, yet it lacks the compelling drive that characterized earlier books. Readers looking for a deep exploration of themes or characters’ internal struggles may be disappointed, as the focus seems more concerned with moving the plot forward in a conventional manner.
In summary, Defiance of the Fall 4 serves its purpose of continuing the saga but does so with a degree of predictability that may leave some readers wanting. For fans eager to see what happens next, it fulfills that need; however, those seeking a more memorable experience might find themselves hoping for a return to form in subsequent entries.
April 9, 2023
More of the same, which was to be expected and I'm not complaining. The progression goes nicely along and overall it's nice to follow. At this point I'm not that interested in all the trait and skill musing the main character does, including the explanations and assumptions. Therefore, I'm sure the basic story can be summarized very quickly, but what's there still keeps me entertained. And it's a long book...
SPOILERS
Took me a while to listen to, so I'm a bit hazy on the actual chapters. But I think the main aspect was getting into the underground, clearing the slaving organization there and taking over, closing the incursions there only to discover there are actually some technomancers on the planet. In order to make sure no word gets out about his sister he clears them away, ending in a tough fight with a cyborg that nearly kills him and Argroz. Decent reality check.
That also meant his army had to suffer against the undead army and he just got back in the nick of time, but that demon general Aleia had to suffer for it. Now he's hellbent on finding a cure for her soul.
He and Argroz have an invitation to that tower challenge and upon getting there he kills many in that healing establishment due to his splinter going haywhire. So they just had to duck into the tower taking that merchant along who wanted to be carried up the floors. That whole section was only mildly interesting, but still ok.
Kenzie's progression is also interesting, but there's not much so far.
Overall, I need a break from this series, but I might continue at some point.
SPOILERS
Took me a while to listen to, so I'm a bit hazy on the actual chapters. But I think the main aspect was getting into the underground, clearing the slaving organization there and taking over, closing the incursions there only to discover there are actually some technomancers on the planet. In order to make sure no word gets out about his sister he clears them away, ending in a tough fight with a cyborg that nearly kills him and Argroz. Decent reality check.
That also meant his army had to suffer against the undead army and he just got back in the nick of time, but that demon general Aleia had to suffer for it. Now he's hellbent on finding a cure for her soul.
He and Argroz have an invitation to that tower challenge and upon getting there he kills many in that healing establishment due to his splinter going haywhire. So they just had to duck into the tower taking that merchant along who wanted to be carried up the floors. That whole section was only mildly interesting, but still ok.
Kenzie's progression is also interesting, but there's not much so far.
Overall, I need a break from this series, but I might continue at some point.
January 23, 2024
Man this one was boring as hell. I definitely feel the filler comments.
For me personally a quality story that has good pacing is the kind that you can't keep running in the background(audiobook) and do something else.
The writing feels very boring. A whole lot of telling vs barely any showing. Lacks beauty.
Also I'm sick of incursions. Incursion here, incursion there, mystic realm here. It feels like our protagonist still has 0 agency and can only react to problems that call him to action.
Also the power system and his grind feels out of wack and terribly unrewarding.
When a big power up happens being descriptive and adding emotion to the scene is very key to have the author engaged. In this story the energy levels keep the exact same. The Dao progressions from low to mid to high etc. Just take all the joy out of the growth away.
Way too many characters and races to keep track of imo. Makes it a legit memory exercise at times.
Also half the army died in a battle against the undead. That's exactly how dumb it felt. No names to that half dead. Not even a pov I can recall of a soldier fighting than dying.
Just like the author couldn't be bothered to make a good scene. "Now the survivors are bonified soldiers" he tells us. Take the meaning and be happy, you didn't care to see the battle anyways.
Feels so lazy. I feel like the last two books the writer actually tried. Now he's just coasting until he comes up with a better plot line.
For me personally a quality story that has good pacing is the kind that you can't keep running in the background(audiobook) and do something else.
The writing feels very boring. A whole lot of telling vs barely any showing. Lacks beauty.
Also I'm sick of incursions. Incursion here, incursion there, mystic realm here. It feels like our protagonist still has 0 agency and can only react to problems that call him to action.
Also the power system and his grind feels out of wack and terribly unrewarding.
When a big power up happens being descriptive and adding emotion to the scene is very key to have the author engaged. In this story the energy levels keep the exact same. The Dao progressions from low to mid to high etc. Just take all the joy out of the growth away.
Way too many characters and races to keep track of imo. Makes it a legit memory exercise at times.
Also half the army died in a battle against the undead. That's exactly how dumb it felt. No names to that half dead. Not even a pov I can recall of a soldier fighting than dying.
Just like the author couldn't be bothered to make a good scene. "Now the survivors are bonified soldiers" he tells us. Take the meaning and be happy, you didn't care to see the battle anyways.
Feels so lazy. I feel like the last two books the writer actually tried. Now he's just coasting until he comes up with a better plot line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
The world is about to end. Aliens are invading. The planet is being corrupted.
So naturally our protagonist, the peak of Humanity, the Lord of Port Atwood, the best and (probably) only hope for Earth, decides to go spelunking.
You know that moment in a video game where you've just progressed the main quest, you've been told of the impending apocalypse and then you turn around and go and do some side-quests? That's what this book is in literary form. The protagonist goes 'ohh no, the apocalypse, I should do something about that' and then proceeds to get distracted chasing side content and leveling up his kingdom for an entire book.
All this entire book of side quests ends up doing is undermine the tension that had been built up over the last three books about the literal end of the world. I've read a few books since this and whilst the off-world trip has actually been pretty impactful I don't think the spelunking has been plot relevant since. Sure there's a ham-fisted explanation that if he hadn't chosen to go off and loot a bunch of caverns for a few months then the world would have ended (in a different way to the main apocalypses), but it feels forced in and could just as easily have been slotted into the main plotline.
1/5 would not get distracted from the imminent end of the world again
So naturally our protagonist, the peak of Humanity, the Lord of Port Atwood, the best and (probably) only hope for Earth, decides to go spelunking.
You know that moment in a video game where you've just progressed the main quest, you've been told of the impending apocalypse and then you turn around and go and do some side-quests? That's what this book is in literary form. The protagonist goes 'ohh no, the apocalypse, I should do something about that' and then proceeds to get distracted chasing side content and leveling up his kingdom for an entire book.
All this entire book of side quests ends up doing is undermine the tension that had been built up over the last three books about the literal end of the world. I've read a few books since this and whilst the off-world trip has actually been pretty impactful I don't think the spelunking has been plot relevant since. Sure there's a ham-fisted explanation that if he hadn't chosen to go off and loot a bunch of caverns for a few months then the world would have ended (in a different way to the main apocalypses), but it feels forced in and could just as easily have been slotted into the main plotline.
1/5 would not get distracted from the imminent end of the world again
February 28, 2023
This novel takes a slight step backward...mostly because it's hard to call it a complete story. There is a lot going on, but there are zero resolutions. I have high hopes that the next installment will wrap things up, but it is still an unsatisfying way to conclude a novel.
Since things are starting to get a bit complicated, I'm leaving a summary of what's happening at the conclusion of the story so that I'm prepared for book #5:
Since things are starting to get a bit complicated, I'm leaving a summary of what's happening at the conclusion of the story so that I'm prepared for book #5:
May 31, 2022
With little time left, Zac decides to leave Earth in his efforts to grow stronger and gain a higher tier class set
However before leaving Earth he feels the need to close more incursions and deal with the Underworld. He decides to visit the underworld as his Draugr race and Undying Bulwark class to work on his Dao and skills for that side of his core.
Once he gains a foothold in the deep underground areas, he begins striking out toward the incursions of underworld in an effort to gain resources and power to protect Earth. Which the Undead Empire is working to claim, they are the largest incursion left and it may take everyone left to defeat them. If they can.
There was also an incursion by the Technocrats which may cause more problems than imaginable in the future.
To grow stronger and gain an Arcane class, he will need to be exceptional and he only has a few more ways to show that and gain titles, power, and prestige.
The Tower of Eternity is a place that the elites of lower ranks can challenge themselves as many treasures and titles can be earned there to gain access to better classes, races and abilities. If they survive…
However before leaving Earth he feels the need to close more incursions and deal with the Underworld. He decides to visit the underworld as his Draugr race and Undying Bulwark class to work on his Dao and skills for that side of his core.
Once he gains a foothold in the deep underground areas, he begins striking out toward the incursions of underworld in an effort to gain resources and power to protect Earth. Which the Undead Empire is working to claim, they are the largest incursion left and it may take everyone left to defeat them. If they can.
There was also an incursion by the Technocrats which may cause more problems than imaginable in the future.
To grow stronger and gain an Arcane class, he will need to be exceptional and he only has a few more ways to show that and gain titles, power, and prestige.
The Tower of Eternity is a place that the elites of lower ranks can challenge themselves as many treasures and titles can be earned there to gain access to better classes, races and abilities. If they survive…
February 21, 2025
Barely a three...
This book does seem to take a step backward. Max has high intelligence and high wisdom, but he can't seem to figure out the easiest things. He doesn't seem to have any intuition except in battle. He comes across as being pretty dumb. It's a good thing he has people around him who can think. He seems to always put forth the "County Bumbkin" vibe. It is quite annoying. Maybe in this leveling system, the higher wisdom or intelligence you are, you get dumber. Late in the book, Zac does some really stupid things. Maybe Billy rubbed off on him.
He is constantly mulling things over in his mind chapter after chapter. There are also chapters explaining the lineage of certain groups that have basically have nothing to do with the main plot. It's very boring stuff. The
Dao skills are very complicated, and the author takes an enormous amount of time explaining everything in a very hard to understand way. I ended up skimming a lot of those chapters.
There's so many plot lines to keep track of that it detracts from getting engrossed in the book.
I'm not sure I'm going to read the next in the series. Reviews say it’s more boring than this book.
This book does seem to take a step backward. Max has high intelligence and high wisdom, but he can't seem to figure out the easiest things. He doesn't seem to have any intuition except in battle. He comes across as being pretty dumb. It's a good thing he has people around him who can think. He seems to always put forth the "County Bumbkin" vibe. It is quite annoying. Maybe in this leveling system, the higher wisdom or intelligence you are, you get dumber. Late in the book, Zac does some really stupid things. Maybe Billy rubbed off on him.
He is constantly mulling things over in his mind chapter after chapter. There are also chapters explaining the lineage of certain groups that have basically have nothing to do with the main plot. It's very boring stuff. The
Dao skills are very complicated, and the author takes an enormous amount of time explaining everything in a very hard to understand way. I ended up skimming a lot of those chapters.
There's so many plot lines to keep track of that it detracts from getting engrossed in the book.
I'm not sure I'm going to read the next in the series. Reviews say it’s more boring than this book.
October 10, 2025
I read the first book a while ago, and while it touched on some of the tropes of LitRPG I thought it was refreshing, had elements of base-building, and was the first book I read to actually have an explanation of what The System actually is.
Each successive book is filled to the brim with so many new plot points and so many questions, and the main character is doing nothing, and is overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things going on around him. His solution to that, instead of looking for answers, is to level up so he can hit things harder; and if that is the solution to all the questions, then this will very much be the last book of this series I read.
Some of the questions I would like to find answers to, but as I continue to read the series and there are so many plot points I can't keep track of them all, I find myself caring less and less about the answers.
I will at least finish this book, however after a brief search it sounds like I won't start to get answers from the start of the series until book 10, and (according to the article) it will raise more questions than answers, so this will be the last book I read of this series.
Each successive book is filled to the brim with so many new plot points and so many questions, and the main character is doing nothing, and is overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things going on around him. His solution to that, instead of looking for answers, is to level up so he can hit things harder; and if that is the solution to all the questions, then this will very much be the last book of this series I read.
Some of the questions I would like to find answers to, but as I continue to read the series and there are so many plot points I can't keep track of them all, I find myself caring less and less about the answers.
I will at least finish this book, however after a brief search it sounds like I won't start to get answers from the start of the series until book 10, and (according to the article) it will raise more questions than answers, so this will be the last book I read of this series.
March 26, 2023
This is getting tiresome now. But yes, like the first 3, this book has 2 distinct parts. Since it is originally a web novel, it is structured accordingly. It feels a bit awkward to read it as an individual book. That gripe out of the way, let's jump in.
Part 1
We finally reach the subterrain region. The undead threat is looming on the surface as Zac has no choice but to fight underground. It felt a bit underwhelming to me and if it was just this, I'd have scored it lower.
Part 2
This is where the book shines in my opinion. Zac and Ogras have to go off-world on a mission to climb a tower. I love towers in LitRPGs and Progression Fantasies. But it ends a bit abruptly and I'm not satisfied with the ending. Also, some might gripe about the OP-ness of Zac (Luck based systems can be a bit unsatisfying)
Will I recommend? If you liked the first 3 books, then yes.
Will I continue? Yes.
Part 1
We finally reach the subterrain region. The undead threat is looming on the surface as Zac has no choice but to fight underground. It felt a bit underwhelming to me and if it was just this, I'd have scored it lower.
Part 2
This is where the book shines in my opinion. Zac and Ogras have to go off-world on a mission to climb a tower. I love towers in LitRPGs and Progression Fantasies. But it ends a bit abruptly and I'm not satisfied with the ending. Also, some might gripe about the OP-ness of Zac (Luck based systems can be a bit unsatisfying)
Will I recommend? If you liked the first 3 books, then yes.
Will I continue? Yes.
June 2, 2023
Help me read more books
Number 4 in the series is a pretty good installment in the story. You'd think with zack being able to steam roll everything, the story would get pretty repetitive, but surprisingly enough, the story carries along quite well.I like the floors, and their major differences, also that we don't get to see every floor, (although that might be interesting too). Just showing the (presumably) more interesting floors, and the major advancements in the main character as it goes is a good way to increase flow of the story, and in this case, it works quite well. I really liked this installment in the story arc, and fully intend to read more in this series. If you've been reading this one from the beginning, and you liked all of the books so far, you're likely to like this one as well. I'm interested to see what happens next, so I'll be moving on to the next book right away.
Number 4 in the series is a pretty good installment in the story. You'd think with zack being able to steam roll everything, the story would get pretty repetitive, but surprisingly enough, the story carries along quite well.I like the floors, and their major differences, also that we don't get to see every floor, (although that might be interesting too). Just showing the (presumably) more interesting floors, and the major advancements in the main character as it goes is a good way to increase flow of the story, and in this case, it works quite well. I really liked this installment in the story arc, and fully intend to read more in this series. If you've been reading this one from the beginning, and you liked all of the books so far, you're likely to like this one as well. I'm interested to see what happens next, so I'll be moving on to the next book right away.
February 28, 2022
Book 4 is a good continuation from book 3, and expands out a number of different issues.
After the Eastern Trigram Sect in book three, now we’re back on the home planet (it’s not Earth, and as far as I'm aware, it doesn't have a formal name) and battling the undead incursion, plus a bunch of new ones that show up. I won't spoil what they are, but Zac as usual goes overboard in closing incursions, both for the levels and the Nexus coins.
I really enjoyed this. The undead will have to be the focus in book five, but in book four there is plenty for Zac, Ogras, and his sister to do. They do tackle some new areas, both known and unknown, nd near the end Zac takes a trip that he’s long been waiting to take.
Still, this isn’t a perfect novel. There are plenty of editing mistakes throughout, but I found that I didn’t mind. Still, Zac is a great MC and while he gets punch drunk near the end, he always keeps moving forward.
Recommended. 5/5*
After the Eastern Trigram Sect in book three, now we’re back on the home planet (it’s not Earth, and as far as I'm aware, it doesn't have a formal name) and battling the undead incursion, plus a bunch of new ones that show up. I won't spoil what they are, but Zac as usual goes overboard in closing incursions, both for the levels and the Nexus coins.
I really enjoyed this. The undead will have to be the focus in book five, but in book four there is plenty for Zac, Ogras, and his sister to do. They do tackle some new areas, both known and unknown, nd near the end Zac takes a trip that he’s long been waiting to take.
Still, this isn’t a perfect novel. There are plenty of editing mistakes throughout, but I found that I didn’t mind. Still, Zac is a great MC and while he gets punch drunk near the end, he always keeps moving forward.
Recommended. 5/5*
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