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A desperate man is thrust into the dangerous, unknown wilderness, where even survival comes at a price, in this gripping adapt-or-die portal fantasy.
Markus Wolfe has lost his parents, his girlfriend, and now, his job. He’s at his lowest point with nothing left to lose. Or so he thought. But when an apparition appears, promising Markus a mysterious inheritance, he’s given the opportunity to discover what he’s got to a purpose.
Transmigrated into a vast wilderness with no signs of civilization, Markus is forced to rediscover who he is while fighting through confusion, fear of the unknown, and the very real threat of death. He had the courage to take the first step, which at least grants a point in his favor but he’ll need more than that to succeed. His only objective is to outlive and outlast everything that’s coming—for one year. But what’s coming for him is absolutely beastly.
Armed with an extra-dimensional Inventory, a map, animal allies, and a new Tamer Class, Markus is ready for whatever this untamed world has in store for him. Almost . . .
Because the ravaging Jurassic predators circling their prey are beyond imagining, and so are the promises of Markus’s mysterious benefactor, should he survive. Right now, it’s a kill-or-be-killed world. Welcome, traveler. Best of luck.
The first volume of the hit LitRPG adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
Markus Wolfe has lost his parents, his girlfriend, and now, his job. He’s at his lowest point with nothing left to lose. Or so he thought. But when an apparition appears, promising Markus a mysterious inheritance, he’s given the opportunity to discover what he’s got to a purpose.
Transmigrated into a vast wilderness with no signs of civilization, Markus is forced to rediscover who he is while fighting through confusion, fear of the unknown, and the very real threat of death. He had the courage to take the first step, which at least grants a point in his favor but he’ll need more than that to succeed. His only objective is to outlive and outlast everything that’s coming—for one year. But what’s coming for him is absolutely beastly.
Armed with an extra-dimensional Inventory, a map, animal allies, and a new Tamer Class, Markus is ready for whatever this untamed world has in store for him. Almost . . .
Because the ravaging Jurassic predators circling their prey are beyond imagining, and so are the promises of Markus’s mysterious benefactor, should he survive. Right now, it’s a kill-or-be-killed world. Welcome, traveler. Best of luck.
The first volume of the hit LitRPG adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
279 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 23, 2025
I was only able to read about a good 5% before giving up. Yea, that bad.
Do you want to read about main character who is a downer, depressed and a whiny crybaby. Yes, the MC is facing tragedies. However, so is everyone else in the world. He gets a second chance and so he takes it. Packing like he is going on a holiday with his nice clothes and his treasured items; he ends up in the wild planet. Turns out that his second chance isn't free. He has to work for it and prove himself and his sponsor. Cue in the wining. "oh everything bad happens to me and everyone else in the whole world gets a free ride except for me". By this point, I assume and accepted that the MC has more estrogen than most women. His complaining got old fast and...it was a total turn off. To those who read it to the end, you must be a saint for picking up something so boring.
Do you want to read about main character who is a downer, depressed and a whiny crybaby. Yes, the MC is facing tragedies. However, so is everyone else in the world. He gets a second chance and so he takes it. Packing like he is going on a holiday with his nice clothes and his treasured items; he ends up in the wild planet. Turns out that his second chance isn't free. He has to work for it and prove himself and his sponsor. Cue in the wining. "oh everything bad happens to me and everyone else in the whole world gets a free ride except for me". By this point, I assume and accepted that the MC has more estrogen than most women. His complaining got old fast and...it was a total turn off. To those who read it to the end, you must be a saint for picking up something so boring.
June 27, 2025
My biggest issue with this book is the MC having a class he actively underutilizes, leading to constantly being close to death.
My second biggest issue is how almost every time he gets into a harrowing combat/ambush situation, it's because he wasn't paying attention. The fact he consistently woolgathers in a dangerous environments gets frustrating. And getting no Perception skill, when he got a Stealth skill, feels like the author trying to keep the plot/encounter device going.
My third biggest issue is the whole book is basically the MC getting his stats to this world's average (his initial "earth" stats are well below average). A whole book for what could have been a training montage felt like a bit of a waste.
All that said, I did enjoy the ride (once past things that annoyed me, like the kittens) and had a good time.
I liked the way skills worked, actually providing benefits and knowledge rather than a log of what you can already do (even when some skills did that, they still had an active use).
I liked the way the MC came to grips with his mental health, issue, and trauma.
Note to self: I'll read the second book, but need to be aware of the issue it has and not focus on them.
My second biggest issue is how almost every time he gets into a harrowing combat/ambush situation, it's because he wasn't paying attention. The fact he consistently woolgathers in a dangerous environments gets frustrating. And getting no Perception skill, when he got a Stealth skill, feels like the author trying to keep the plot/encounter device going.
My third biggest issue is the whole book is basically the MC getting his stats to this world's average (his initial "earth" stats are well below average). A whole book for what could have been a training montage felt like a bit of a waste.
All that said, I did enjoy the ride (once past things that annoyed me, like the kittens) and had a good time.
I liked the way skills worked, actually providing benefits and knowledge rather than a log of what you can already do (even when some skills did that, they still had an active use).
I liked the way the MC came to grips with his mental health, issue, and trauma.
Note to self: I'll read the second book, but need to be aware of the issue it has and not focus on them.
May 18, 2025
I honestly feel bad about this rating because I genuinely see what the author wanted to do, and I am certain someone will love this book, but it's not me. I really don't want to read the chronicles of the ordinary. The ordinary is not interesting. The ordinary is boring.
First of all MC is very ordinary. I get it, wallowing in grief, abandonment, relationships and injustice is human. It's so human I can't imagine the lucky few who don't. However, that doesn't make MC relatable, it makes him boring. If I wanted whining about breakups or shitty jobs, I have friends, acquaintances, strangers at the bus stop, and my inner monologue to consult.
MC is also unskilled. Not particularly athletic, knowledgeable, charismatic, or anything. That in it self is alright. I hate when MC turns out to be ex spacial forces, linguist, erudite anthropologist, expert in DIY, animal husbandry with extensive knowledge of glass making and medieval weaponry in addition to astrophysics and a professional gamer. The problem is that he remains unskilled. The skill progression is very, very, veeeeeery slow.
And speaking of slow, MC is not very bright either. No spark of ingenuity. That's not that type of human genius overcomes adversity story. Makes an ax, very proud, leaves it home, gets attacked by a crocodile. Makes a bow and arrows, goes immediately to find a beast to hunt, never having fired the thing even once.
Also not a crafting story. There is practically no crafting happening here. If only the author watched and described a bushcraft video compilation from YouTube... But no. By chapter 55 MC has "crafted" in total: a club, a fireplace and a couple mud bowls. By chapter 70 he'd made an ax aean bow and arrows. We're 90% in and he didn't even make a mud hut or a lean-to.
And did I mention the MC is the only character we meet? There are two unintelligent animals and uncommunicative big cat. Otherwise MC is busy not levelling, alone on the planet as of 70% of this bloated book.
Now that I vented I'll go back and skim the rest because I'm far too gone go give up now.
First of all MC is very ordinary. I get it, wallowing in grief, abandonment, relationships and injustice is human. It's so human I can't imagine the lucky few who don't. However, that doesn't make MC relatable, it makes him boring. If I wanted whining about breakups or shitty jobs, I have friends, acquaintances, strangers at the bus stop, and my inner monologue to consult.
MC is also unskilled. Not particularly athletic, knowledgeable, charismatic, or anything. That in it self is alright. I hate when MC turns out to be ex spacial forces, linguist, erudite anthropologist, expert in DIY, animal husbandry with extensive knowledge of glass making and medieval weaponry in addition to astrophysics and a professional gamer. The problem is that he remains unskilled. The skill progression is very, very, veeeeeery slow.
And speaking of slow, MC is not very bright either. No spark of ingenuity. That's not that type of human genius overcomes adversity story. Makes an ax, very proud, leaves it home, gets attacked by a crocodile. Makes a bow and arrows, goes immediately to find a beast to hunt, never having fired the thing even once.
Also not a crafting story. There is practically no crafting happening here. If only the author watched and described a bushcraft video compilation from YouTube... But no. By chapter 55 MC has "crafted" in total: a club, a fireplace and a couple mud bowls. By chapter 70 he'd made an ax aean bow and arrows. We're 90% in and he didn't even make a mud hut or a lean-to.
And did I mention the MC is the only character we meet? There are two unintelligent animals and uncommunicative big cat. Otherwise MC is busy not levelling, alone on the planet as of 70% of this bloated book.
Now that I vented I'll go back and skim the rest because I'm far too gone go give up now.
May 22, 2025
Book one
I'm sorry this just wasn't for me.
I have dropped this story. I just don't like characters they throw tantrums In life or death situations. I can understand drinking away your grief. Just because I can understand it doesn't mean I agree with it.
Specially not when you're gonna be puking all over the house and making a gigantic nasty mess. I can also understand being suicidal when your grief is that bad, But he couldn't even do that right.
He didn't bother to go out and buy supplies for his trip he packed stuff straight from his house. You could have gone and bought high quality weapons, food, supplies, nothing you just raided your own house for clothes and pictures and crap.
I don't like it when things are not thought out kind of logically and make sense. You may be able to blame the fact that I've read way too many of these type of books. I expect better from the characters.
You have a soft modern day office worker. That right there tells you that he should have died during his very 1st confrontation.
The fact that it is very own stat sheet pretty much says that he's stupid Is also an indicator that he should not have survived.
I guess the gods really do favor fools and idiots. Grown men though should not be throwing tantrums. I tried to continue reading after that part but it bothered me so much that I actually wound up dropping the story. You're a grown ass man act like it. You can be an idiot , I may not enjoy that but I can work with it. And while society says it's OK to give in to your emotions I'm gen X. So it's not okay to act like a giant baby. Grow a pair, act like a man, and get stuff done.
Now I realize that this was written by a woman , And just like a man has no idea how to properly write a woman character it appears that women do not know how to write a proper male character. We write what we think they should be like not what they actually are. Anyway these are just my opinions I could be wrong. Other people have enjoyed this story. Many more will enjoy this story. I could not get past the main character. I just didn't like him. And if I don't like the main character I can't enjoy the story. So I'm done. Maybe book 2 will be better, but I will never know.
2/10 PS The floor is inside a building , if you're outside it's called the ground.
I'm sorry this just wasn't for me.
I have dropped this story. I just don't like characters they throw tantrums In life or death situations. I can understand drinking away your grief. Just because I can understand it doesn't mean I agree with it.
Specially not when you're gonna be puking all over the house and making a gigantic nasty mess. I can also understand being suicidal when your grief is that bad, But he couldn't even do that right.
He didn't bother to go out and buy supplies for his trip he packed stuff straight from his house. You could have gone and bought high quality weapons, food, supplies, nothing you just raided your own house for clothes and pictures and crap.
I don't like it when things are not thought out kind of logically and make sense. You may be able to blame the fact that I've read way too many of these type of books. I expect better from the characters.
You have a soft modern day office worker. That right there tells you that he should have died during his very 1st confrontation.
The fact that it is very own stat sheet pretty much says that he's stupid Is also an indicator that he should not have survived.
I guess the gods really do favor fools and idiots. Grown men though should not be throwing tantrums. I tried to continue reading after that part but it bothered me so much that I actually wound up dropping the story. You're a grown ass man act like it. You can be an idiot , I may not enjoy that but I can work with it. And while society says it's OK to give in to your emotions I'm gen X. So it's not okay to act like a giant baby. Grow a pair, act like a man, and get stuff done.
Now I realize that this was written by a woman , And just like a man has no idea how to properly write a woman character it appears that women do not know how to write a proper male character. We write what we think they should be like not what they actually are. Anyway these are just my opinions I could be wrong. Other people have enjoyed this story. Many more will enjoy this story. I could not get past the main character. I just didn't like him. And if I don't like the main character I can't enjoy the story. So I'm done. Maybe book 2 will be better, but I will never know.
2/10 PS The floor is inside a building , if you're outside it's called the ground.
June 1, 2025
Smooth read
This story has a well balanced MC, who goes through his challenges with grit and a lot of luck. But he shows growth not in sheer power but in building a life from the broken pieces of his old one. The editing was well done and the story has a smooth flow making it a fun and easy read
This story has a well balanced MC, who goes through his challenges with grit and a lot of luck. But he shows growth not in sheer power but in building a life from the broken pieces of his old one. The editing was well done and the story has a smooth flow making it a fun and easy read
May 17, 2025
A pretty good first book.
I like the mind voice. Things do get a little old with the repetitiveness in the middle. But the beginning and the ending of the book was stellar.
I like the mind voice. Things do get a little old with the repetitiveness in the middle. But the beginning and the ending of the book was stellar.
May 24, 2025
Almost..Just almost boring.
The books starts with MC whining about his life, which is needed for background buildup I guess. His isekai is done really well, with he's desperation and anger clearly showing through.
The story progresses relatively well, but at the later parts of the book, it became well, repetitious. Go out, get ambushed, survive, panic about nearly dieing, come back, watch Lathani, repeat. Or and maybe, just maybe Dominate a beast while you're at it.
Nothing seriously happens. No stakes were increased 'cept the one year time limit in the first quarter of the book. Just boring monotony.
It had some interesting moments, it's why I'm giving it three stars, but seriously, this book got no reaction from me. Not excitement, not joy, not awe. Just boredom.
The books starts with MC whining about his life, which is needed for background buildup I guess. His isekai is done really well, with he's desperation and anger clearly showing through.
The story progresses relatively well, but at the later parts of the book, it became well, repetitious. Go out, get ambushed, survive, panic about nearly dieing, come back, watch Lathani, repeat. Or and maybe, just maybe Dominate a beast while you're at it.
Nothing seriously happens. No stakes were increased 'cept the one year time limit in the first quarter of the book. Just boring monotony.
It had some interesting moments, it's why I'm giving it three stars, but seriously, this book got no reaction from me. Not excitement, not joy, not awe. Just boredom.
December 18, 2025
Amazing story, Meh Main character. I have nothing bad to say about the world building, plot and even side characters. very well done. my only criticism as I am starting book 3 is the sheer amount of apology you get through all these books. it's a lot when you pay attention. Marcus apologizes or treats a lot of characters like you are walking on egg shells. you can kind of ignore it cause the story is so good. it's when there are the low points when it becomes more obvious.
Also it feels like Marcus is a germaphobe just due to the amount of times he is afraid of parasites lol. Not that it wouldn't be a reality when it comes to survival but it's brought up in multiple books.
Also it feels like Marcus is a germaphobe just due to the amount of times he is afraid of parasites lol. Not that it wouldn't be a reality when it comes to survival but it's brought up in multiple books.
September 6, 2025
A very immersive book, with lots of inner thoughts that keep you engaged throughout. Markus Wolfe is having a mega bad day until he’s invited to do a test and prove himself able to receive great powers. All of this is going to happen on another planet. He must grow and conquer; otherwise, something bad is going to happen. It is a fun read, with lots of world-building, which, while making it slow, does engage. As he progresses, there are stats and charts that occur, as in RPG stories, that dictate his progress. Enjoyable read.
June 30, 2025
Markus Wolfe has just been fired from his job. He feels cheated because he had been loyal but the death of his father had disrupted his life and made it almost unbearable. Out of nowhere he receives an invitation to do a test and prove himself to receive great power. An inheritance of knowledge and power. What follows is his struggle in a planet where he is alone and try to grow in order to satisfy his benefactor.
May 7, 2025
Excellent story!
This is a well written story that captured my attention and interest from the beginning! Not like the usual run-of-the-mill LitRPG books, which start getting repetitive after a while. I hope I won't have to wait too long for the next book to come out. Keep up the good work S. L. Winter!
This is a well written story that captured my attention and interest from the beginning! Not like the usual run-of-the-mill LitRPG books, which start getting repetitive after a while. I hope I won't have to wait too long for the next book to come out. Keep up the good work S. L. Winter!
May 9, 2025
Lovely story with fantastic world building
Love the characters and the world building! The stat system and crafting is great too and believable for a fantasy world. I'm starting to feel sorry for poor markus's wardrobe though and almost wish there was a store system.... Haha or a civilization he can trade with! 😆 poor guy! He is gonna be naked before long at this rate!!!
Love the characters and the world building! The stat system and crafting is great too and believable for a fantasy world. I'm starting to feel sorry for poor markus's wardrobe though and almost wish there was a store system.... Haha or a civilization he can trade with! 😆 poor guy! He is gonna be naked before long at this rate!!!
June 22, 2025
Very good, but not for everyone
I liked this book quite a bit. It is a bit slow. Actually, it's very slow in parts. If you are looking for a fast faced book, this is not it. If you are looking for an immersive environment with an engaging MC, then pick this up.
Highly recommended.
I liked this book quite a bit. It is a bit slow. Actually, it's very slow in parts. If you are looking for a fast faced book, this is not it. If you are looking for an immersive environment with an engaging MC, then pick this up.
Highly recommended.
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July 26, 2025I finally gave up at about 66%. I liked the animals. It was just way too slow for me. I don’t mind crafting or survival elements. I don’t want every detail. Some character stupidity (sure, dude, pack boxes of condoms for your trip to a magic world you don’t know anything about—though if you find a way to repurpose them later in the book, I take it back) also got on my nerves after a while.
September 6, 2025
DNF 36%. Almost no progress toward anything in the last four hours of reading.
Decent grammar, PvE premise with a system based progression mechanic. Bland protagonist with a monotone internal narration style. I took a quick look at book two and it seems Markus is still stuck in the same forest hunting beasts. I simple don't get enough enjoyment out of watching his numbers creep upwards.
Decent grammar, PvE premise with a system based progression mechanic. Bland protagonist with a monotone internal narration style. I took a quick look at book two and it seems Markus is still stuck in the same forest hunting beasts. I simple don't get enough enjoyment out of watching his numbers creep upwards.
May 2, 2025
less magic more of a crafting survival book
His story does spend a lot of time focused on crafting basic survival materials and tools. Combat does happen. Well written combat by never all that magical per se. Hoping things ramp up in book two, an enjoyable enough read!
His story does spend a lot of time focused on crafting basic survival materials and tools. Combat does happen. Well written combat by never all that magical per se. Hoping things ramp up in book two, an enjoyable enough read!
July 19, 2025
Captured
My interest, that is. I love the bonds and the emotional growth of the MC. The amount of introspection is well managed. The volume of thought training is excessive at times,but still a fun read.
My interest, that is. I love the bonds and the emotional growth of the MC. The amount of introspection is well managed. The volume of thought training is excessive at times,but still a fun read.
April 15, 2025
Great Read
Great little taming book with fun tamed creatures and powers. Love the setting and the characters. Overall 10/10 read. Can’t wait for more.
Great little taming book with fun tamed creatures and powers. Love the setting and the characters. Overall 10/10 read. Can’t wait for more.
April 23, 2025
I enjoy this story.
I highly recommend this book.
I yelled out loud in the beginning of the book. However the characters growth throughout works well.
Poor spike.
I highly recommend this book.
I yelled out loud in the beginning of the book. However the characters growth throughout works well.
Poor spike.
April 28, 2025
Wow!!
Excellent and original, I'm following the author for the next! This has been such a joy to read. I am Looking forward to the rescue !!
Excellent and original, I'm following the author for the next! This has been such a joy to read. I am Looking forward to the rescue !!
May 18, 2025
Good story
I enjoyed the book. It reminds me of one of the crafting isekai stories except for survival. I'm ready for the next book!
I enjoyed the book. It reminds me of one of the crafting isekai stories except for survival. I'm ready for the next book!
May 19, 2025
interesting
This wouldn’t be my normal read. However I found it intriguing and well written. And I have an urge to go get book 2 to find out what happens next .
This wouldn’t be my normal read. However I found it intriguing and well written. And I have an urge to go get book 2 to find out what happens next .
May 28, 2025
Just one word: BORING!
June 3, 2025
Good once he starts taming animals, which takes much too long.
August 3, 2025
can’t wait for the next one!
Loved this book! I read a lot but this one sticks out from the pack and I’d highly recommend it!
Loved this book! I read a lot but this one sticks out from the pack and I’d highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews