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Amber the Cursed Berserker #1
Amber the Cursed Berserker: Book 1
What doesn’t kill Amber only makes her stronger.
Without any warning, Amber is transported from her dingy student apartment to a fantastical realm with magic, monsters, and a universal System. However, even though she is forcibly ripped from her home and thrust into a dangerous new life, for the first time ever, she finally feels free.
There are no cheats for her. There are no gods to guide her, and some would even laugh in her face. But the pain, the hardships, and the challenges only give her strength. As the first Cursed Berserker seen in over a hundred years, Amber welcomes the world of Vir with a smile on her face.
And she will not be satisfied until she is the strongest.
Check out the start of this popular isekai litRPG with thousands of followers and millions of views on RoyalRoad! Perfect for fans of Azarinth Healer, Primal Hunter, and Reincarnated as a Slime!
Without any warning, Amber is transported from her dingy student apartment to a fantastical realm with magic, monsters, and a universal System. However, even though she is forcibly ripped from her home and thrust into a dangerous new life, for the first time ever, she finally feels free.
There are no cheats for her. There are no gods to guide her, and some would even laugh in her face. But the pain, the hardships, and the challenges only give her strength. As the first Cursed Berserker seen in over a hundred years, Amber welcomes the world of Vir with a smile on her face.
And she will not be satisfied until she is the strongest.
Check out the start of this popular isekai litRPG with thousands of followers and millions of views on RoyalRoad! Perfect for fans of Azarinth Healer, Primal Hunter, and Reincarnated as a Slime!
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First published November 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 2, 2025
This is a straight-up LitRPG power fantasy where the main character is driven to "test my limits". And by driven, I mean with a rocket pack and blindfold—straight ahead and no obstacles acknowledged. Which only works because the benevolent author wants to tell the story of a battle maniac doing lots of battle.
If you're in the mood, it delivers that mood, though with little else. Realistic characters? Solid plot? Awesome dialogue? All the words used correctly? What are you some kind of highbrow pansy?
I was in the mood.
It's not completely devoid of (other) strengths. The action is vivid, the world interesting, and even the most pat events weren't terrible. Oh, wait. One thing really bothered me and that was the main character being all torn up about killing humans. She'd come across a ritual sacrifice with a guy summoning flame demons to destroy the entire country and be all like "I'm sorry" as she kills him. I mean seriously? That's not so much lack of moral compass as being unaware that moral compass is a thing...
Anyway, if you are in the mood and don't get thrown out of the story easily then maybe give this a shot. Just recognize that I'm not actually recommending it and consider even the three stars generous. That said, I have already started the next in the series...
A note about Chaste: I have no idea why Amber is female. Her obsession over "gainz" felt very bro. Her complete disinterest in establishing human relationships also felt very bro. The inability to engage in anything intimate? Likewise. That said, there was a noticeable hormonal void in play and Amber never even thought about shenanigans. So this is very chaste. Which isn't very bro? I don't think?
If you're in the mood, it delivers that mood, though with little else. Realistic characters? Solid plot? Awesome dialogue? All the words used correctly? What are you some kind of highbrow pansy?
I was in the mood.
It's not completely devoid of (other) strengths. The action is vivid, the world interesting, and even the most pat events weren't terrible. Oh, wait. One thing really bothered me and that was the main character being all torn up about killing humans. She'd come across a ritual sacrifice with a guy summoning flame demons to destroy the entire country and be all like "I'm sorry" as she kills him. I mean seriously? That's not so much lack of moral compass as being unaware that moral compass is a thing...
Anyway, if you are in the mood and don't get thrown out of the story easily then maybe give this a shot. Just recognize that I'm not actually recommending it and consider even the three stars generous. That said, I have already started the next in the series...
A note about Chaste: I have no idea why Amber is female. Her obsession over "gainz" felt very bro. Her complete disinterest in establishing human relationships also felt very bro. The inability to engage in anything intimate? Likewise. That said, there was a noticeable hormonal void in play and Amber never even thought about shenanigans. So this is very chaste. Which isn't very bro? I don't think?
September 5, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ it was very refreshing to see the FMC go down the path of a berserker (instead of mage or healer) & wholly embracing it. also, loved her mentality through the whole book
December 1, 2024
Disappointed
I was looking for a book with a strong female character but this wasn't it, In the description it said there are no cheat for her, her skills are cheats, it also said the are no gods to guide her but from the beginning there is a god to guide her. No I do not recommend this book, there is so many better books out there.
I was looking for a book with a strong female character but this wasn't it, In the description it said there are no cheat for her, her skills are cheats, it also said the are no gods to guide her but from the beginning there is a god to guide her. No I do not recommend this book, there is so many better books out there.
April 27, 2025
Fun isekai.
July 29, 2025
plenty of potential, but incredibly repetitive in both storyline and actual
writing, ( lost count of the amount of times that Amber was excited, or that she knew she had to push/ test her limits) I'm possibly biased due to the fact that I have listened to Dungeon crawler carl, which is excellent, a true stand out in this genre, especially if you get the audiobooks because the voice actor is spectacular...... I just can't help but feel but amber the Cursed really suffers in comparison
writing, ( lost count of the amount of times that Amber was excited, or that she knew she had to push/ test her limits) I'm possibly biased due to the fact that I have listened to Dungeon crawler carl, which is excellent, a true stand out in this genre, especially if you get the audiobooks because the voice actor is spectacular...... I just can't help but feel but amber the Cursed really suffers in comparison
September 17, 2025
I wasn't impressed by this book. I finished it, but Amber has zero agency. She just wants to "test her limits", that's her entire goal. The thing is. She's now in a system where limits don't exist. You just level up. And she's not smart enough to have that figured out even by the end of the novel.
Also, she is FAR from being a berserker. I was looking forward to hearing a depiction of a real out-of-control berserker. Someone who has to worry about hurting friends as much as foes, and that was ENTIRELY absent. Amber worried about killing humans. But also had zero issue with it when she started doing it. She did say sorry, though. So maybe that counts. Anyway, most of the novel is basically "And then she attacked a fairly generic fantasy monster and then another one and another one and another one and another one. 10 levels above her? Doesn't matter. She can do it... because!" And if you're someone who likes fairly mindless hack-and-slash novels, this would be a great option for you. I prefer a bit more agency in my characters. When the only thing at risk is their life because they LITERALLY ran headfirst into danger... I have such a hard time caring about the stakes because there are literally none. Even beyond the whole main character plot armour. There isn't a single time when Amber is really genuinely "I shouldn't be here and need to leave," without being told.
Also, she is FAR from being a berserker. I was looking forward to hearing a depiction of a real out-of-control berserker. Someone who has to worry about hurting friends as much as foes, and that was ENTIRELY absent. Amber worried about killing humans. But also had zero issue with it when she started doing it. She did say sorry, though. So maybe that counts. Anyway, most of the novel is basically "And then she attacked a fairly generic fantasy monster and then another one and another one and another one and another one. 10 levels above her? Doesn't matter. She can do it... because!" And if you're someone who likes fairly mindless hack-and-slash novels, this would be a great option for you. I prefer a bit more agency in my characters. When the only thing at risk is their life because they LITERALLY ran headfirst into danger... I have such a hard time caring about the stakes because there are literally none. Even beyond the whole main character plot armour. There isn't a single time when Amber is really genuinely "I shouldn't be here and need to leave," without being told.
May 6, 2025
DNF 14%
October 24, 2025
DNF - About 35%.
I've read a handful of LitRPG books (most of the big names and a few others). This is the worst.
A common problem new authors face is forgetting to include information which seems obvious to them, but not to the reader. This information can include plot elements or character motivations, but also setting descriptions, a character's appearance, emotional states, etc.
This like "That Problem: The Book."
It feels like there is SO MUCH missing here. People have said this felt like a rough draft, but I think that's too generous. I think it feels like an outline, to be filled in later.
There's one point where Amber happens across a trade caravan being attacked by monsters. The merchants, the monsters, the action, the other characters - these are all given 1-sentence descriptions with zero detail. Like, the merchants are just called merchants. The other characters are just "a warrior" and "a mage." She talks to a character named "Feeny". At no point do we learn Feeny's age, race, appearance, clothing, fighting style, personality, anything.
Other elements of the scene, like the setting it takes place in, are given literally zero description.
After that, she enters a city for the first time, and do we get any description of the city? Nope. The narration even points out that Amber doesn't really bother to look around because she doesn't care. If you can't bother writing a basic description of the first city the MC has ever seen in a new world, I'm not gonna bother reading the book.
I've read a handful of LitRPG books (most of the big names and a few others). This is the worst.
A common problem new authors face is forgetting to include information which seems obvious to them, but not to the reader. This information can include plot elements or character motivations, but also setting descriptions, a character's appearance, emotional states, etc.
This like "That Problem: The Book."
It feels like there is SO MUCH missing here. People have said this felt like a rough draft, but I think that's too generous. I think it feels like an outline, to be filled in later.
There's one point where Amber happens across a trade caravan being attacked by monsters. The merchants, the monsters, the action, the other characters - these are all given 1-sentence descriptions with zero detail. Like, the merchants are just called merchants. The other characters are just "a warrior" and "a mage." She talks to a character named "Feeny". At no point do we learn Feeny's age, race, appearance, clothing, fighting style, personality, anything.
Other elements of the scene, like the setting it takes place in, are given literally zero description.
After that, she enters a city for the first time, and do we get any description of the city? Nope. The narration even points out that Amber doesn't really bother to look around because she doesn't care. If you can't bother writing a basic description of the first city the MC has ever seen in a new world, I'm not gonna bother reading the book.
December 31, 2024
push it too the limit
This was an interesting book. The MC was transported to another world unexpectedly, and she had a mentality where she always pushed herself to get stronger. That’s the premise of her character always wanting to get strong or always wanting to push her limits. In a world that’s got people trying to summon demons and gods Making fun of things. This is a great adventure all action almost all the time. You pretty much go from one fight to the next to the next, but there is a story here it’s not just a slaughter fest. Once I finish the book and got through the epilogue there’s a good story from beginning to middle to End. The climb does take a little longer than it should have but you see how the character grows and you better understand why the character is growing plus it might be building some character networks for future books. I personally might have thought that part of the book stretched a little bit too long, but it wasn’t that bad. It was still entertaining to envision her Fighting these good fights.
The book gets my recommendation and I’m running off to read the next book in the series. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
This was an interesting book. The MC was transported to another world unexpectedly, and she had a mentality where she always pushed herself to get stronger. That’s the premise of her character always wanting to get strong or always wanting to push her limits. In a world that’s got people trying to summon demons and gods Making fun of things. This is a great adventure all action almost all the time. You pretty much go from one fight to the next to the next, but there is a story here it’s not just a slaughter fest. Once I finish the book and got through the epilogue there’s a good story from beginning to middle to End. The climb does take a little longer than it should have but you see how the character grows and you better understand why the character is growing plus it might be building some character networks for future books. I personally might have thought that part of the book stretched a little bit too long, but it wasn’t that bad. It was still entertaining to envision her Fighting these good fights.
The book gets my recommendation and I’m running off to read the next book in the series. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
November 30, 2024
Fantastic first entry
I picked this up on a whim cause I like lit rpgs with female protagonists, so picked this up not expecting much, and was pleasantly surprised. Really great story. Feels a lot like azarinth healer but in my opinion better. It cuts out most of the grinding and boring stuff and focuses on the good stuff.
The leveling system is well done, but not really unique. Though I’m glad there is a limit on the number of skills she can learn. Much more interesting for the character to debate switching skills out plus allows for fighting style to evolve without carrying the baggage of a 1000 old skills that are barely used. Also I’m glad she just gets the 1 skill option instead of 3 dumb skill options and 1 OP skill that the MC will obviously take.
Storyline takes a bit of a back seat to just leveling up as a lot of lit rpgs tend to do, but there are some really interesting seeds being planted for some really cool plot lines.
Can’t wait for more!
I picked this up on a whim cause I like lit rpgs with female protagonists, so picked this up not expecting much, and was pleasantly surprised. Really great story. Feels a lot like azarinth healer but in my opinion better. It cuts out most of the grinding and boring stuff and focuses on the good stuff.
The leveling system is well done, but not really unique. Though I’m glad there is a limit on the number of skills she can learn. Much more interesting for the character to debate switching skills out plus allows for fighting style to evolve without carrying the baggage of a 1000 old skills that are barely used. Also I’m glad she just gets the 1 skill option instead of 3 dumb skill options and 1 OP skill that the MC will obviously take.
Storyline takes a bit of a back seat to just leveling up as a lot of lit rpgs tend to do, but there are some really interesting seeds being planted for some really cool plot lines.
Can’t wait for more!
November 30, 2024
excellent story but missing a few elements.
Really good story, likable character. But this book is missing something first of all it’s missing loot, no loot drops, no armor upgrades, no money. The book is also missing deeper RPG stats. There are no storage devices so far such as rings or bracelets. Even though the nights seem to have them. As far as I’m concerned a book that has a female lead character Not being sexist or anything women like to be clean. It seems a lot of these books that have female characters seem to. Disregard that aspect of female chara characteristics, at least that’s what my wife says, and is why she can’t get into this type of book. I like the story so much. I will probably go ahead and read the continuing story on Patreon. Besides my little quibbles, I think the story is very enjoyable and it’s worth four stars.
Really good story, likable character. But this book is missing something first of all it’s missing loot, no loot drops, no armor upgrades, no money. The book is also missing deeper RPG stats. There are no storage devices so far such as rings or bracelets. Even though the nights seem to have them. As far as I’m concerned a book that has a female lead character Not being sexist or anything women like to be clean. It seems a lot of these books that have female characters seem to. Disregard that aspect of female chara characteristics, at least that’s what my wife says, and is why she can’t get into this type of book. I like the story so much. I will probably go ahead and read the continuing story on Patreon. Besides my little quibbles, I think the story is very enjoyable and it’s worth four stars.
May 4, 2025
Heard it in Audible... I must admit the beginning was a bit fastidious. Ok, I can root for an obsessed-freak character, but the notifications got to me at the beginning. Seeing mostly every room/floor of the "dungeons" wasn't too fun. I must admit that the plot points when the villains appear made it interesting. So yeah, the interesting thing about the story is when villains appear, even if they are the most cliché ones. Some of the story's events in the towers are tedious (ok, there are a couple where she almost died, where things become tense, otherwise not so much). And yet, somehow not enough to stop listening.
I might still listen to the 2nd one, but mostly to find out about the demon conspiracy, even if I am almost sure who the Oracle is, and while washing dishes or walking back home.
I might still listen to the 2nd one, but mostly to find out about the demon conspiracy, even if I am almost sure who the Oracle is, and while washing dishes or walking back home.
May 28, 2025
This was fun but too concerned with the numbers. While I was in for it at the beginning, the repetitiveness got to me by the end. She fights, she levels up, she goes looking for a new fight, repeat. It might feel more meaningful if she had more of an overall goal, but other than testing her limits and maybe meeting up with her friend again, it doesn't feel like she wants much. That could work, a single minded character in a world of much bigger plans seems to be what they are going for, but I think it would work better from an outside perspective rather than internal. Also, it is a bit weird that Amber being basically psychotic goes unexplained. Maybe that is a topic that they get into later, but saying "I can compartmentalize murder" seems like a big thread to not start pulling on immediately. I think it is worthwhile to come back for book two to see where it goes.
September 8, 2025
It was fine. The main character is very boring. She seems to have little-to-no emotion and just does stuff, or stuff happens around her. After she wakes up in another world, what follows is a kind of boring however many pages of her "testing her limits" (this phrase gets overused a LOT). It's not a bad concept, or even a bad call to adventure, but it's only the barest bit of earth work to lay a foundation of characterization. I think the part that bothered me the most about "testing her limits" is that there's no reason for it. No incitement, no trauma, no nothing. Just "I've always been this way" and then we move on.
Likewise, a lot of stuff seems to just happen and not for any reason beyond "that's just how it is". This is essentially a loose collection of scenes and speeches in a trench coat with "LitRPG/Cozy" written on the back in Expo marker.
I'd skip this one.
Likewise, a lot of stuff seems to just happen and not for any reason beyond "that's just how it is". This is essentially a loose collection of scenes and speeches in a trench coat with "LitRPG/Cozy" written on the back in Expo marker.
I'd skip this one.
April 5, 2025
Thrill ride
This was an action packed thrill that didn’t let up; my kind of book. I was slightly concerned how quickly Amber was becoming overpowered, but as the novel went on, I felt it was handled in an excellent way. I have no issued with overpowered main characters in general, however, sometimes I feel as if victory comes too easily. I also appreciate that Amber, while definitely wanting to become more powerful, which, does add a bit of arrogance and such, but, I’d imagine there’s some realistic aspect of that if it were to truly occur, still maintained an overall humble, amiable, down to earth personality. Having said that, well done; I’m on to the next.
This was an action packed thrill that didn’t let up; my kind of book. I was slightly concerned how quickly Amber was becoming overpowered, but as the novel went on, I felt it was handled in an excellent way. I have no issued with overpowered main characters in general, however, sometimes I feel as if victory comes too easily. I also appreciate that Amber, while definitely wanting to become more powerful, which, does add a bit of arrogance and such, but, I’d imagine there’s some realistic aspect of that if it were to truly occur, still maintained an overall humble, amiable, down to earth personality. Having said that, well done; I’m on to the next.
April 16, 2025
It was okay. This is strictly an action with nothing in between, which would be alright if the fights were super detailed and pulled you in, but they didn't. Besides levels, there was zero character development or personality. The mc is crazy overpowered from the get go. All travel time is past over in a few sentences which makes you lose weeks and months of time. on top of that even entire dungeon/tower floors are past over. the only reason I finished this was because I was listening to it at work and didnt have time to find something else. I really was excited about this book but am disappointed that there wasn't a single thing that was fully developed.
March 15, 2025
Nice start, feels a bit familiar.
The short version is "if you liked Azerinth Healer, you'll like this book". It hits a number of similar beats, from the battle maniac protagonist who gains a super rare class that lets them endure inhuman amounts of damage and who decides to level solo in a setting where big parties are the norm, to the enemy group being very high level types. There are some differences as well though.
Overall I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to someone who was interested in (overpowered) LitRPG.
The short version is "if you liked Azerinth Healer, you'll like this book". It hits a number of similar beats, from the battle maniac protagonist who gains a super rare class that lets them endure inhuman amounts of damage and who decides to level solo in a setting where big parties are the norm, to the enemy group being very high level types. There are some differences as well though.
Overall I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to someone who was interested in (overpowered) LitRPG.
June 27, 2025
Overall, the book was decent. There were some things that gave me a kick or laugh especially how it was written. However, it felt kind of choppy and a little bit repetitive. When Amber gets her level up, I felt like it could have been shortened instead of it being all written out. Especially, when she leveled up more than once in one go. Could have just said "You leveled up from 5 to 10" without having to mention any numbers between. Though, I suppose the concept of the system was more realistic that way.
February 4, 2025
A thoroughly fun adventure
This book focuses much more on character than plot, resulting in a wandering but fast-paced story.
Amber is a strange person and well suited to the setting, so there are consistently interesting things for her to do. Her combined introspection and self-acceptance do a surprisingly good job of pacing the character building as well, which was very cool to read.
This book focuses much more on character than plot, resulting in a wandering but fast-paced story.
Amber is a strange person and well suited to the setting, so there are consistently interesting things for her to do. Her combined introspection and self-acceptance do a surprisingly good job of pacing the character building as well, which was very cool to read.
September 12, 2025
📖 Audio Book no. 44 completed: "Amber the Cursed Berserker: Book One" by V.A. Lewis & Azrie
I absolutely loved this one! It was like playing a video game, only you were listening to all the adventures and challenges Amber completed! This one was included in my Audible subscription. The next two I'm saving my credits to buy!
#minnesotagirl #readingchallenge #goodreads #readingmythrough2025 #audible #audibleoriginal #valewis #azrire
I absolutely loved this one! It was like playing a video game, only you were listening to all the adventures and challenges Amber completed! This one was included in my Audible subscription. The next two I'm saving my credits to buy!
#minnesotagirl #readingchallenge #goodreads #readingmythrough2025 #audible #audibleoriginal #valewis #azrire
September 28, 2025
I enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book at lot. There were character growth, battles, and a plot. But the last third was ridiculously boring. Stuck in a tower, there is no plot but a continuous levelling up which gets boring. The addition of some people in between doesn't manage to break the monotony, specifically because no one can compare to her and she is always the savior. So it went from a 4 stars to a 3 stars rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
I'm terrible at headlines: Awesomeness
It didn't even take a chapter to suck me into this novel, nor could I put it down till I finished.
It grabs you and holds on, even pulls you deeper till you look up to realize it's been a day.
So read this awesome title, but remember that at any moment, you will be sucked in and feel as if you are Amber, pushing your limits.
It didn't even take a chapter to suck me into this novel, nor could I put it down till I finished.
It grabs you and holds on, even pulls you deeper till you look up to realize it's been a day.
So read this awesome title, but remember that at any moment, you will be sucked in and feel as if you are Amber, pushing your limits.
August 9, 2025
Azarinth Healer but worse, which is surprising since Azarinth Healer isn't very good in the first place. Prose so bad it's an issue, way too many reused tropes from the same author's other books, repetitious combat, faceless villains, and generic worldbuilding.
If you have very low standards it's acceptable junk food.
If you have very low standards it's acceptable junk food.
November 28, 2024
Amber-type a legendary subtype
This a book that covers the an Amber-type human getting isekai into a fantasy RPG world. That opening is abit miffed but your going love this young heroine has she smacks her enemies to death with fists full battlejunkie curses.
This a book that covers the an Amber-type human getting isekai into a fantasy RPG world. That opening is abit miffed but your going love this young heroine has she smacks her enemies to death with fists full battlejunkie curses.
December 6, 2024
reminds me A LOT of another story
Seems the author read the tales of “The Azaranth Healer”. Lots of similarities…. However it is starting to branch out nicely and is entertaining. 4 out 5 stars.
Seems the author read the tales of “The Azaranth Healer”. Lots of similarities…. However it is starting to branch out nicely and is entertaining. 4 out 5 stars.
April 24, 2025
Take Azarinth Healer, make the writing a bit clunkier, add a bit more story focus instead of random wandering, replace offensive healing with curses and boom you get Amber.
It's a fun read and I'm looking forward to reading more.
It's a fun read and I'm looking forward to reading more.
April 27, 2025
No romance but narration..
The idea of the warrior female learning to fight was interesting but after awhile it went no where. The writing style was too narrative and emotionless with lots of telling. No romance whatsoever. Got bored and lost interest. Boring and redundant. DNF..
The idea of the warrior female learning to fight was interesting but after awhile it went no where. The writing style was too narrative and emotionless with lots of telling. No romance whatsoever. Got bored and lost interest. Boring and redundant. DNF..
May 22, 2025
Reads a bit more like a game walkthrough guide than a narrative. If you ask AI to generate the most boilerplate isekai, your likely to get something like this. Maybe it gets better at some point, but after about the 30th time of being read her character sheet by chapter 6, I can't take it anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews