What do you think?
Rate this book
Magnus #1
Terra Nova: A LitRPG Series, Magnus Book 1
Magnus Cromwell kills for a living.
He’s organized, professional, efficient. Like a machine. But when his family’s life is on the line, that’s something else. That calls for the kind of warm-blooded vengeance that scorches Earth and summons tungsten rods from space, leaving a whole lot of melted flesh and no one to tell the tale.
It should've been a blue milk run. As by-the-book as it gets. With his sister Nina out safe and the opposition decimated by hypersonic gunfire, Magnus wonders where they got the guts to even try. Then something hits him. Lays him out cold, and leaves him waking up to a fantasyland with nothing but his armor and a half-written note to guide him.
It's a strange place where even stranger predators eye him for their next meal. Where his life’s on a timer, and where the darkest horrors haunt his dreams, painting visions of death.
There's no right day to mess with Magnus Cromwell. But the universe sure managed to pick the absolute worst one.
Experience the start of a kickass gameLit/LitRPG saga from debut author Vowron Prime.
About the series: Embark on a jam-packed action adventure with an overpowered protagonist that seamlessly merges epic battles with mystery, survival, and elements of Lovecraftian horror. Dragons, magic, and medieval fantasy meet cyberpunk technology in this roller-coaster of a ride that starts fast and never lets up. Experience a unique take on a light LitRPG system whose true, gory nature is uncovered bit by bit as Magnus progresses through his epic journey in a land of horrors. You won't want to put the book down!
He’s organized, professional, efficient. Like a machine. But when his family’s life is on the line, that’s something else. That calls for the kind of warm-blooded vengeance that scorches Earth and summons tungsten rods from space, leaving a whole lot of melted flesh and no one to tell the tale.
It should've been a blue milk run. As by-the-book as it gets. With his sister Nina out safe and the opposition decimated by hypersonic gunfire, Magnus wonders where they got the guts to even try. Then something hits him. Lays him out cold, and leaves him waking up to a fantasyland with nothing but his armor and a half-written note to guide him.
It's a strange place where even stranger predators eye him for their next meal. Where his life’s on a timer, and where the darkest horrors haunt his dreams, painting visions of death.
There's no right day to mess with Magnus Cromwell. But the universe sure managed to pick the absolute worst one.
Experience the start of a kickass gameLit/LitRPG saga from debut author Vowron Prime.
About the series: Embark on a jam-packed action adventure with an overpowered protagonist that seamlessly merges epic battles with mystery, survival, and elements of Lovecraftian horror. Dragons, magic, and medieval fantasy meet cyberpunk technology in this roller-coaster of a ride that starts fast and never lets up. Experience a unique take on a light LitRPG system whose true, gory nature is uncovered bit by bit as Magnus progresses through his epic journey in a land of horrors. You won't want to put the book down!
Audible Audio
First published April 6, 2021
288 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 8, 2021
I've reached up to chapter 50.
And in all honesty, I have no will to continue this.
MC's personae is really really cliché. .
His focus/priorities are skewed.
His OPness is now totally over the suspension of disbelief line.
And he has no worthy challenge. The world bends over backwards to accommodate him
So where are the stakes exactly?
Why should we care, worry, root for, this guy?
I have no idea.
So I'm off this bandwagon.
And in all honesty, I have no will to continue this.
MC's personae is really really cliché. .
His focus/priorities are skewed.
His OPness is now totally over the suspension of disbelief line.
And he has no worthy challenge. The world bends over backwards to accommodate him
So where are the stakes exactly?
Why should we care, worry, root for, this guy?
I have no idea.
So I'm off this bandwagon.
May 17, 2021
Story just doesn’t quite seem to work.
Our MC, MC never quite seems to be fully realized to me. First off, having the main character literally be named MC caused a massive disconnect for me that didn’t really sit well the entire book. He isn’t likable and doesn’t seem very real.
The system isn’t really a system, and while I don’t usually mind OP characters, they usually are still following the same system as everyone else whereas this MC just has one all to himself.
Pieces don’t seem to fit well for the story and even the action is just really the same thing over and over again.
Unfortunately ended up being quite dull.
Also, how is this LitRPG? There isn’t a single stat in the entire book, just talks about a hud and abilities. If anything, the book so progressive fantasy/sci-fi.
Our MC, MC never quite seems to be fully realized to me. First off, having the main character literally be named MC caused a massive disconnect for me that didn’t really sit well the entire book. He isn’t likable and doesn’t seem very real.
The system isn’t really a system, and while I don’t usually mind OP characters, they usually are still following the same system as everyone else whereas this MC just has one all to himself.
Pieces don’t seem to fit well for the story and even the action is just really the same thing over and over again.
Unfortunately ended up being quite dull.
Also, how is this LitRPG? There isn’t a single stat in the entire book, just talks about a hud and abilities. If anything, the book so progressive fantasy/sci-fi.
June 23, 2021
There's a test in moral philosophy called, "What you do in the dark." The idea is that your true self emerges when no one is watching. The modern version of this is what you do in single-player RPGs... kill everyone or help everyone?
In this book, the protagonist thinks he's in a game. Without much justification, he kills and kills and kills. At one point he wipes out the majority of a city's guards, despite having no evidence that they are evil or even corrupt. But it's okay because he's in a simulation. I don't much enjoy this style of power fantasy.
Magnus is not a well-rounded character. He makes almost no social connections and uses force to solve all of his problems. Even then, as a lifetime military expert, you'd think he'd bring that experience to bear on the new world's problems. Instead, he almost exclusively looks to the new "magic" powers he is granted. Why would the author select a special forces expert as the protagonist if those skills were not needed? For the machismo alone I suspect.
In this book, the protagonist thinks he's in a game. Without much justification, he kills and kills and kills. At one point he wipes out the majority of a city's guards, despite having no evidence that they are evil or even corrupt. But it's okay because he's in a simulation. I don't much enjoy this style of power fantasy.
Magnus is not a well-rounded character. He makes almost no social connections and uses force to solve all of his problems. Even then, as a lifetime military expert, you'd think he'd bring that experience to bear on the new world's problems. Instead, he almost exclusively looks to the new "magic" powers he is granted. Why would the author select a special forces expert as the protagonist if those skills were not needed? For the machismo alone I suspect.
August 2, 2021
Bleh
Not enjoyable. Spoilers. The book started dark on a cool future world then was transported to a really meh fantasy world where he’s a glass cannon but nothing is explained or fleshed out. The MC is extremely bland and doesn’t change mentally as his situation worsens or gets better. There’s no emotional significance to anything because he thinks it’s all fake. Which was really annoying because we had no idea and neither did he so we had to just guess at the significance of anything. the MC is supposedly a nice guy mercenary but in what he thinks is a game world with no stakes or promises he slaughters hundreds of innocents. Boring and the twist at the end didn’t live up to the promise. It was like a song with a weak base drop. I thought he’d be shattered by the reveal (that makes no sense) but he’s over it in less than two pages. The whole book really was disappointing, but I was foolishly hoping the ending would make his “struggle” mean something. It didn’t and now I feel I wasted my time and I hope those that see this don’t waste theirs.
Not enjoyable. Spoilers. The book started dark on a cool future world then was transported to a really meh fantasy world where he’s a glass cannon but nothing is explained or fleshed out. The MC is extremely bland and doesn’t change mentally as his situation worsens or gets better. There’s no emotional significance to anything because he thinks it’s all fake. Which was really annoying because we had no idea and neither did he so we had to just guess at the significance of anything. the MC is supposedly a nice guy mercenary but in what he thinks is a game world with no stakes or promises he slaughters hundreds of innocents. Boring and the twist at the end didn’t live up to the promise. It was like a song with a weak base drop. I thought he’d be shattered by the reveal (that makes no sense) but he’s over it in less than two pages. The whole book really was disappointing, but I was foolishly hoping the ending would make his “struggle” mean something. It didn’t and now I feel I wasted my time and I hope those that see this don’t waste theirs.
July 6, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: Well for me this was a horrible read. Let me tell you why. Instead of using the main characters name, Magnus Cromwell the author refers to him as MC. Honestly I kept thinking it was a place holder where the author forgot to put a name. The abbreviation of random words was also off putting as nobody talks like that. I found the conversation between characters to be ridicules. Try actually saying some of the conversations out loud. They just don't flow of feel normal.
Plot: Couldn't care. Was to distracted by the poor writing style.
Characters: Can we nuke him from orbit?
1/10
Mistakes: Well for me this was a horrible read. Let me tell you why. Instead of using the main characters name, Magnus Cromwell the author refers to him as MC. Honestly I kept thinking it was a place holder where the author forgot to put a name. The abbreviation of random words was also off putting as nobody talks like that. I found the conversation between characters to be ridicules. Try actually saying some of the conversations out loud. They just don't flow of feel normal.
Plot: Couldn't care. Was to distracted by the poor writing style.
Characters: Can we nuke him from orbit?
1/10
June 19, 2021
Just a bad book
So first of all: naming your character so that their initials are MC, and then only referring to them by those initials, is extremely jarring. Yes, I get it. They're the main character. I don't need a reminder every other sentence. Second, this is not LitRPG. It's Isekai, sure, but it's shit Isekai too as they aren't even aware it's another world. And finally: you can write a book with evil people without child rape and murder. Like, Christ. See a therapist, please.
So first of all: naming your character so that their initials are MC, and then only referring to them by those initials, is extremely jarring. Yes, I get it. They're the main character. I don't need a reminder every other sentence. Second, this is not LitRPG. It's Isekai, sure, but it's shit Isekai too as they aren't even aware it's another world. And finally: you can write a book with evil people without child rape and murder. Like, Christ. See a therapist, please.
June 12, 2021
I’m sorry, but I’d just finished a manga with an exaggerated chūnibyō character and well, it struck rather a chord. Takes itself far too seriously.
June 4, 2021
Let me start by saying I came close to giving this book four stars. I was having a great time right up until the ending, and then it went off the rails.
Magnus (MC his nickname, which also doubles for Main Character) is the ultimate, yet aging killer and mercenary in futuristic, dying Earth. He's on what might be his last mission to save his daughter from a cartel in South America, which he completes.
Then he utters one sentence, and he's portalled to a new world.
For me, the setup didn't really matter. He arrives in the dead forest, learning how to fight monsters and aliens with bad intentions. The struggle for survival is real, but as time passes he learns new skills that make him lethal.
I was fully on board at this point.
After saving a small village he heads off to a bigger one, where he tries to stay anonymous but fails. His feats become legen-- wait for it -- dary, and he joins the alien version of the adventures club to hunt down more monsters.
It's after that monster hunt, and a subsequent one in the big city that the book lost me. I think it was too much information that hadn't been foreshadowed (or I didn't pick up on).
Don't get me wrong. The first 75 or 80% are really well written, with tight action as we feel the suffering MC goes through.
I won't spoil the ending. Maybe book 2 will redeem the ending, giving him new enemies to fight, but it felt like the Wizard of Oz pulling back the curtain to reveal what had been magical was really mundane.
My score reflects everything up until the curtain drops.
It's obvious the author has some writing chops, and I'm hopeful for book 2. Almost all the LitRPG novels I've purchased from Aethon have been solid, and this one is too.
Maybe the ending won't bother you as much. And I should also mention that there is a relatively high level of brutality in this book, as has been mentioned by other reviewers.
There also aren't really any notification or text boxes like we're used to seeing. Instead we see the ramblings of a madman, with the text doing StuFf lIKe tHIs.
5/5* for the first 80%.
Magnus (MC his nickname, which also doubles for Main Character) is the ultimate, yet aging killer and mercenary in futuristic, dying Earth. He's on what might be his last mission to save his daughter from a cartel in South America, which he completes.
Then he utters one sentence, and he's portalled to a new world.
For me, the setup didn't really matter. He arrives in the dead forest, learning how to fight monsters and aliens with bad intentions. The struggle for survival is real, but as time passes he learns new skills that make him lethal.
I was fully on board at this point.
After saving a small village he heads off to a bigger one, where he tries to stay anonymous but fails. His feats become legen-- wait for it -- dary, and he joins the alien version of the adventures club to hunt down more monsters.
It's after that monster hunt, and a subsequent one in the big city that the book lost me. I think it was too much information that hadn't been foreshadowed (or I didn't pick up on).
Don't get me wrong. The first 75 or 80% are really well written, with tight action as we feel the suffering MC goes through.
I won't spoil the ending. Maybe book 2 will redeem the ending, giving him new enemies to fight, but it felt like the Wizard of Oz pulling back the curtain to reveal what had been magical was really mundane.
My score reflects everything up until the curtain drops.
It's obvious the author has some writing chops, and I'm hopeful for book 2. Almost all the LitRPG novels I've purchased from Aethon have been solid, and this one is too.
Maybe the ending won't bother you as much. And I should also mention that there is a relatively high level of brutality in this book, as has been mentioned by other reviewers.
There also aren't really any notification or text boxes like we're used to seeing. Instead we see the ramblings of a madman, with the text doing StuFf lIKe tHIs.
5/5* for the first 80%.
May 12, 2021
If I was to describe Magnus (both the character and the book) it would be grititty, intense, concise with a powerful emotional hook, great characters and flowing plot. oh not to mention those testosterone oozing through all those words. Reading this book make me feel like my gay ass is 5% more straight, which I never thought possible lol Anyways, if you want op MC with great character and style, wait no more. Jump right in and be a new member of Magnus cult!
May 12, 2021
Head-Dropping Action Packed Isekai Fantasy
The story of Magnus is an Isekai story. The opening chapters do a solid job of introducing the mercenary our MC has lived most of his life as. (Ironically he goes by MC, an abbreviation of his name. The irony isn’t missed.)
The story really gets started when MC is sent hurting into what feels like an alien fantasy world. Three-eye, scythe tailed panthers? And the monsters only get harder to identify from there, though what passes for a “dragon” in this story seems similar to its inspiration.
As mentioned in another review, early on a child does die due to his village being raided by bandits, hardly a jaw dropping incident for a fantasy world, but for readers who prefer to stay in a safe bubble where fantasy never replicated the horrors of reality, a warning shot.
That said, this early death (within the first ten chapters) is the only “Grimdark” element I’ve encountered so far. (I’m currently 50% through Book 1, but given others have chosen to rate it so poorly after a mere 10 chapters, I believe I’m more than entitled to leave an early review after digesting have the books contents.)
MC is a strong rational character whose paranoia really does help keep him alive in this new world brimming with monsters, treacherous and deceptive residents who want to make use of his power, cute “alien” children, political power struggles between the freshly self-appointed new empress and the resentful nobles whose friends she massacred to suede control.
While the MC doesn’t really open up to this new world or it’s residents—being under the impression he has been trapped in a virtual world by a madman (read opening chapters)—he does show a soft side now and then.
The tension of breaking free from this “virtual prison” (to be confirmed still), return to his old life, old world, and most importantly the last living member of his family, his younger sister is MCs goal.
Thanks to a cryptic message left in his armor, he now struggles to reach the capital before the dangers of being trapped in this virtual hell, referred to as “Disconnect” break his mind.
Getting there before the 30 day deadline after which he won’t be able to trust his own mind, might just require him to take a resident, plasma blazing dragon—that is, if the natives to this world don’t kill him before MC gets too powerful.
A delicious peril of danger, world building, psychological terror, and fantasy wanderlust.
I hope this review has wet your appetite and done the story and it’s author justice, because now it’s time for me (and MC) to return to the task of Dragon hunting/taking.
The story of Magnus is an Isekai story. The opening chapters do a solid job of introducing the mercenary our MC has lived most of his life as. (Ironically he goes by MC, an abbreviation of his name. The irony isn’t missed.)
The story really gets started when MC is sent hurting into what feels like an alien fantasy world. Three-eye, scythe tailed panthers? And the monsters only get harder to identify from there, though what passes for a “dragon” in this story seems similar to its inspiration.
As mentioned in another review, early on a child does die due to his village being raided by bandits, hardly a jaw dropping incident for a fantasy world, but for readers who prefer to stay in a safe bubble where fantasy never replicated the horrors of reality, a warning shot.
That said, this early death (within the first ten chapters) is the only “Grimdark” element I’ve encountered so far. (I’m currently 50% through Book 1, but given others have chosen to rate it so poorly after a mere 10 chapters, I believe I’m more than entitled to leave an early review after digesting have the books contents.)
MC is a strong rational character whose paranoia really does help keep him alive in this new world brimming with monsters, treacherous and deceptive residents who want to make use of his power, cute “alien” children, political power struggles between the freshly self-appointed new empress and the resentful nobles whose friends she massacred to suede control.
While the MC doesn’t really open up to this new world or it’s residents—being under the impression he has been trapped in a virtual world by a madman (read opening chapters)—he does show a soft side now and then.
The tension of breaking free from this “virtual prison” (to be confirmed still), return to his old life, old world, and most importantly the last living member of his family, his younger sister is MCs goal.
Thanks to a cryptic message left in his armor, he now struggles to reach the capital before the dangers of being trapped in this virtual hell, referred to as “Disconnect” break his mind.
Getting there before the 30 day deadline after which he won’t be able to trust his own mind, might just require him to take a resident, plasma blazing dragon—that is, if the natives to this world don’t kill him before MC gets too powerful.
A delicious peril of danger, world building, psychological terror, and fantasy wanderlust.
I hope this review has wet your appetite and done the story and it’s author justice, because now it’s time for me (and MC) to return to the task of Dragon hunting/taking.
May 13, 2021
rated this story quite a while ago and read pretty far in, then had to hiatus because of a lot of drama irl. I was surprised when I came back, saw where I left off (thanks bookmark!) and then had a "holy shit" moment. So, I went back to chapter one and started over, and everything came back to me. For starters, I want to say that despite what I'm saying, this story is NOT forgettable. I have memory issues, and that was a large reason why I had to start from point one again. BUT ANYWAY, getting the simple stats out of the way first.
GRAMMAR - If I can read it without squinting every two seconds, it's a 5/5 from me. I might have saw a mistake every now and then, but odds are it wasn't big enough for me to care either way. You shouldn't care either, honestly, because the story overall is top tier Halo Master Chief Space Marine Edge Badassery.
STYLE - Everything is good, but the thing that got me the most was the C O M B A T! As a writer that pays heavy attention to detail when they write combat to make it as vivid as possible with words, the combat in this story hits a sweet spot that gets me hyped every time it pops up.
Ive dropped stories simply for having shitty action scenes. I've also read stories longer than I should have, and that didn't interest me overall, just because of how well written the combat scenes were. But even with that aside, the flow and pacing overall is great enough to accentuate, rather than drag down, the badass sci-fi combat that happens here.
If this were a game (WHICH IT MIGHT BE IDK) in real life, I'd buy it in a heart beat and probably have an acid trip as I killed stuff with the MC(see what I did there?) I've never done acid before, but I might for this.
STORY - Mercenary man with a mission. Military sniper with some edge. Brother with a lot of love for his family. Badass that'll kill to succeed. Story of a savage with ambitions. All of this melds together in the simplest description possible to get the point across that this shits wild af and I'm down for it.
CHARACTER - MC (Master Chief. JK) is your stoic and badass protagonist that solves his problems with murder. Like, murder that'll give you TAKEN vibes if Liam Nesson had half the shit this guy did on his quest to get his sister. If you like badass protags that feel like they'd fit right in to an Expendables movie, you'll like MC.
GRAMMAR - If I can read it without squinting every two seconds, it's a 5/5 from me. I might have saw a mistake every now and then, but odds are it wasn't big enough for me to care either way. You shouldn't care either, honestly, because the story overall is top tier Halo Master Chief Space Marine Edge Badassery.
STYLE - Everything is good, but the thing that got me the most was the C O M B A T! As a writer that pays heavy attention to detail when they write combat to make it as vivid as possible with words, the combat in this story hits a sweet spot that gets me hyped every time it pops up.
Ive dropped stories simply for having shitty action scenes. I've also read stories longer than I should have, and that didn't interest me overall, just because of how well written the combat scenes were. But even with that aside, the flow and pacing overall is great enough to accentuate, rather than drag down, the badass sci-fi combat that happens here.
If this were a game (WHICH IT MIGHT BE IDK) in real life, I'd buy it in a heart beat and probably have an acid trip as I killed stuff with the MC(see what I did there?) I've never done acid before, but I might for this.
STORY - Mercenary man with a mission. Military sniper with some edge. Brother with a lot of love for his family. Badass that'll kill to succeed. Story of a savage with ambitions. All of this melds together in the simplest description possible to get the point across that this shits wild af and I'm down for it.
CHARACTER - MC (Master Chief. JK) is your stoic and badass protagonist that solves his problems with murder. Like, murder that'll give you TAKEN vibes if Liam Nesson had half the shit this guy did on his quest to get his sister. If you like badass protags that feel like they'd fit right in to an Expendables movie, you'll like MC.
May 11, 2021
I came into this expecting a typical badass MC action movie type story, and it certainly delivered on that. What I didn't expect? That the characters would make me want to cry!
MC cares so much about his sister, and their relationship is just so tragic yet wholesome. As someone writing about siblings themselves, I have to say that the first few chapters of this story inspired me. I won't get too spoiler-y, but just take my word that the characters in this story are simply fantastic.
Also, the prose might be the best I've seen on this site. I mean, I almost feel like this meagre paragraph isn't enough to describe just how HEAVENLY Vowron's prose is. Every word is carefully chosen to reflect both the situation and the characters' thoughts, and I have to say, I don't think that Magnus and Nina's chemistry would have worked half as well if it weren't for the prose.
The story starts incredibly fast paced and doesn't really ever let up. Every chapter advances the plot in a believable and interesting way, and while the "path forwards" is a bit loose sometimes I feel like this compliments MC's own feelings of not knowing where to go. The only thing I could possibly suggest to improve upon this is to sprinkle in more of Magnus' feelings and emotions while he's trying to find out.
After all that ranting about how amazing this story is, it's almost a shame that I can't say more about grammar. It's pretty much perfect. Dramatic commas are perfectly placed. Scientific jargon is weaved in seamlessly. What else does a story need?
Overall, read this story. Just do it. I don't care if you're not into typical "power fantasy" stories, you'll like this one. Are you reading it yet? You should be.
MC cares so much about his sister, and their relationship is just so tragic yet wholesome. As someone writing about siblings themselves, I have to say that the first few chapters of this story inspired me. I won't get too spoiler-y, but just take my word that the characters in this story are simply fantastic.
Also, the prose might be the best I've seen on this site. I mean, I almost feel like this meagre paragraph isn't enough to describe just how HEAVENLY Vowron's prose is. Every word is carefully chosen to reflect both the situation and the characters' thoughts, and I have to say, I don't think that Magnus and Nina's chemistry would have worked half as well if it weren't for the prose.
The story starts incredibly fast paced and doesn't really ever let up. Every chapter advances the plot in a believable and interesting way, and while the "path forwards" is a bit loose sometimes I feel like this compliments MC's own feelings of not knowing where to go. The only thing I could possibly suggest to improve upon this is to sprinkle in more of Magnus' feelings and emotions while he's trying to find out.
After all that ranting about how amazing this story is, it's almost a shame that I can't say more about grammar. It's pretty much perfect. Dramatic commas are perfectly placed. Scientific jargon is weaved in seamlessly. What else does a story need?
Overall, read this story. Just do it. I don't care if you're not into typical "power fantasy" stories, you'll like this one. Are you reading it yet? You should be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2021
As some who adores lighthearted tales and adventure with a healthy dose of brightness and cheer, this book is quite an eye-opener! This is NOT a story for everyone, but, if one can appreciate its own dark but also nitty gritty perspective, then it's something that will amaze you.
The LitRPG style provided here is not typical. It does not have status screens, but it makes me reminiscent of old MOBAs, than RPG per se.
**Style**
The author writes amazingly well from describing the world around the protagonist to the dialogue between the characters (the ones alive!) And combat scenes. One can imagine the vivid scenes thanks to the Author's style in writing.
**Grammar**
Quite splendid, easy to see that the Author has a good grasp on grammar and they also proofread and edit it to ensure that the quality is topnotch.
**Story**
Our protagonist, the MC, has a simple goal. He wants to get home and be reunited with his sister. However, that's easier said than done. He wakes up in a VR world, at least that is what he tells himself. He could be transported into another world but we're not sure. Now achieving his goal is the main story and we see the adventures that he goes through to reach that. I'm sure that nobody will survive if they stand in his way!
**Character**
Dealing with a ruthless protagonist where his only soft spot is for his only family means that we're dealing with a rather cold one. He isn't one to play around and so it's easy to move forward, he knows what he wants and he'll take the steps to ensure that he does. Quite brutal now that I think about it... but there's also beauty in it. He's like a sword, beautiful but deadly!
This review was originally written in RoyalRoad.
The LitRPG style provided here is not typical. It does not have status screens, but it makes me reminiscent of old MOBAs, than RPG per se.
**Style**
The author writes amazingly well from describing the world around the protagonist to the dialogue between the characters (the ones alive!) And combat scenes. One can imagine the vivid scenes thanks to the Author's style in writing.
**Grammar**
Quite splendid, easy to see that the Author has a good grasp on grammar and they also proofread and edit it to ensure that the quality is topnotch.
**Story**
Our protagonist, the MC, has a simple goal. He wants to get home and be reunited with his sister. However, that's easier said than done. He wakes up in a VR world, at least that is what he tells himself. He could be transported into another world but we're not sure. Now achieving his goal is the main story and we see the adventures that he goes through to reach that. I'm sure that nobody will survive if they stand in his way!
**Character**
Dealing with a ruthless protagonist where his only soft spot is for his only family means that we're dealing with a rather cold one. He isn't one to play around and so it's easy to move forward, he knows what he wants and he'll take the steps to ensure that he does. Quite brutal now that I think about it... but there's also beauty in it. He's like a sword, beautiful but deadly!
This review was originally written in RoyalRoad.
May 17, 2021
Military, Cartels and VR, oh my
The world has gone umm downhill. Cartels have control of a lot of areas. Magnus Cromwell, yes the main character (or MC) has initials MC is a private contractor. He does military ops, but this one is personal. One of the cartels has his sister who was on a diplomatic mission. She is his last living relative. The cartels have a reputation for testing drugs on a person and putting them in a VR tank. After a month or so in the tank, the disassociation side effects start to show. He sets up the op, goes in and does clean-up. He gets her out of the VR tank and into his escape suit/armor. She takes off. He radios the team that there are about another 180 tanks there. His escape will not be as easy. He is in lighter armor and has to hike out.
He runs into some resistance. As he is exiting the camp, he is hit with a bright light and he is out. He wonders if it was a flash bang or what happened. He awakes in a strange place. How had the cartel gotten him? How did they transport him to another location with more VR tanks? Maybe if he plays along he can get out at an access point. He has his armor but no weapons. There is a note telling him if he wants answers to get to the capital. It must be a quest based game.
A predator is hunting him and there is more in jungle. He needs to get a handle where he is and what he can do while heading to the capital. Hopefully then he can take his vengeance on the cartel.
Great book with some interesting twists, I would definitely recommend and looking forward to the next one.
The world has gone umm downhill. Cartels have control of a lot of areas. Magnus Cromwell, yes the main character (or MC) has initials MC is a private contractor. He does military ops, but this one is personal. One of the cartels has his sister who was on a diplomatic mission. She is his last living relative. The cartels have a reputation for testing drugs on a person and putting them in a VR tank. After a month or so in the tank, the disassociation side effects start to show. He sets up the op, goes in and does clean-up. He gets her out of the VR tank and into his escape suit/armor. She takes off. He radios the team that there are about another 180 tanks there. His escape will not be as easy. He is in lighter armor and has to hike out.
He runs into some resistance. As he is exiting the camp, he is hit with a bright light and he is out. He wonders if it was a flash bang or what happened. He awakes in a strange place. How had the cartel gotten him? How did they transport him to another location with more VR tanks? Maybe if he plays along he can get out at an access point. He has his armor but no weapons. There is a note telling him if he wants answers to get to the capital. It must be a quest based game.
A predator is hunting him and there is more in jungle. He needs to get a handle where he is and what he can do while heading to the capital. Hopefully then he can take his vengeance on the cartel.
Great book with some interesting twists, I would definitely recommend and looking forward to the next one.
May 11, 2021
>Style
What can I say? It's just amazing how Vowron manages to write in such a competent and interesting style. He's constantly switching around POVs by introducing side-chapters, and best of all, they don't feel like filler! They're actually relevant to the plot.
The combat itself is one of the things Vowron perfects in this story, it's smooth, gritty, and doesn't fuck around with you. Sweet mama, I've read a lot of military fiction and this one sure knows how to convey the feeling of supremacy in combat almost religiously—which is perfect for Magnus!
>Grammar
The grammar is pretty much as refined as can be since it's been professionally edited by Aethon.
>Story
Again, the story feels very much alive. It's a soldier's business in another world, plain and simple. You've got your OP MC blasting through Xeno scum and working his way out of this 'simulation'. It has a progression system neatly tied into the story that doesn't feel foreign. The MC grinds, unlocks, and upgrades new skills. Rinse and repeat. Yes, you've probably heard all of this before but wait!
>Character
If you don't like Magnus, you're out. You're a dead man... Magnus is one of those 'no bullshit' characters that I always like to see in stories. He gets the job done, and if you don't like a bomb of testosterone blasting through various kinds of monsters and otherwordly beings, then don't read this. I'm biased here, so that's why I'm warning y'all that this is a story for "REAL" men.
(Ok, that last part was a joke... Cough)
What can I say? It's just amazing how Vowron manages to write in such a competent and interesting style. He's constantly switching around POVs by introducing side-chapters, and best of all, they don't feel like filler! They're actually relevant to the plot.
The combat itself is one of the things Vowron perfects in this story, it's smooth, gritty, and doesn't fuck around with you. Sweet mama, I've read a lot of military fiction and this one sure knows how to convey the feeling of supremacy in combat almost religiously—which is perfect for Magnus!
>Grammar
The grammar is pretty much as refined as can be since it's been professionally edited by Aethon.
>Story
Again, the story feels very much alive. It's a soldier's business in another world, plain and simple. You've got your OP MC blasting through Xeno scum and working his way out of this 'simulation'. It has a progression system neatly tied into the story that doesn't feel foreign. The MC grinds, unlocks, and upgrades new skills. Rinse and repeat. Yes, you've probably heard all of this before but wait!
>Character
If you don't like Magnus, you're out. You're a dead man... Magnus is one of those 'no bullshit' characters that I always like to see in stories. He gets the job done, and if you don't like a bomb of testosterone blasting through various kinds of monsters and otherwordly beings, then don't read this. I'm biased here, so that's why I'm warning y'all that this is a story for "REAL" men.
(Ok, that last part was a joke... Cough)
May 12, 2021
Overall Score: Typically I am not a big fan of gun based novels and prefer fantasy and cultivation type novels, so when my friend recommended it and I read the first few chapters I was not that into it. BUT when I continued reading, I quickly fell in love with the plot and the mystery. It is a unique novel that is a MUST READ for any fantasy or modern warfare lover!!!
Style Score: In the beginning, the writing was harder to read due to the technical military terms, but once you continue reading the writer starts to use more casual and relatable lingo. I, personally, loved the POV shifts and how things are related. The combat style is an exciting twist and the way the main character solves problems is very interesting. One thing to warn about is that if you don't read closely, you may miss some plot points.
Grammar Score: I found nothing with the grammar that bothered me or detracted from the story.
Story Score: The story is subtle and the reader is stuck in a mystery from the very beginning. As we read along, we will learn more about the plot. I personally loved the way the story is built.
Character: I love the characters and their personalities. The only thing I disliked was the fact that the Main Character Magnus was often referred to as MC. It detracted a little from the immersion.
Style Score: In the beginning, the writing was harder to read due to the technical military terms, but once you continue reading the writer starts to use more casual and relatable lingo. I, personally, loved the POV shifts and how things are related. The combat style is an exciting twist and the way the main character solves problems is very interesting. One thing to warn about is that if you don't read closely, you may miss some plot points.
Grammar Score: I found nothing with the grammar that bothered me or detracted from the story.
Story Score: The story is subtle and the reader is stuck in a mystery from the very beginning. As we read along, we will learn more about the plot. I personally loved the way the story is built.
Character: I love the characters and their personalities. The only thing I disliked was the fact that the Main Character Magnus was often referred to as MC. It detracted a little from the immersion.
May 12, 2021
IMHO, One of my top favorite storys :)
There is a great development on the character and his abilitys (he uses them well and is smart in how he does it). The story has a kind of fast pace at the beginning (because of the things happening at first so he kind of needs to do a "run for it") and as every story gets past the rush moments, he gets to develop more as a character and do big brain time stuff so shit don't go bad as easily as it could've been if he did not prepare for it. The grammar is great (not perfect because this isnt a published book but still A LOT better than 80-90% of the novels up here). Te MC and the people he interacts with has content (not just the paper cut out side characters without content you see out there). Well depicted scenarios and fights with enough details you can picture it all well enough (unless you got no creativity at all that even if he drew it all to you, you would not see it...). And overall, it's a lot enjoyable to see a smart MC that keeps his brain working to solve the shit that appears in his face and don't just do a "imma randomly change personality just 'cus of it" and do the opposit...
TL;DR: Amazing stuff. Great fighting scenes. Worth your time to read :)
There is a great development on the character and his abilitys (he uses them well and is smart in how he does it). The story has a kind of fast pace at the beginning (because of the things happening at first so he kind of needs to do a "run for it") and as every story gets past the rush moments, he gets to develop more as a character and do big brain time stuff so shit don't go bad as easily as it could've been if he did not prepare for it. The grammar is great (not perfect because this isnt a published book but still A LOT better than 80-90% of the novels up here). Te MC and the people he interacts with has content (not just the paper cut out side characters without content you see out there). Well depicted scenarios and fights with enough details you can picture it all well enough (unless you got no creativity at all that even if he drew it all to you, you would not see it...). And overall, it's a lot enjoyable to see a smart MC that keeps his brain working to solve the shit that appears in his face and don't just do a "imma randomly change personality just 'cus of it" and do the opposit...
TL;DR: Amazing stuff. Great fighting scenes. Worth your time to read :)
May 12, 2021
Do you like a main character that doesn't take crap from anybody and will do anything to make sure that the bad guys get theirs in the most spectacular, badass fashion? Well, this story is for you. Magnus Cromwell - known plainly as "MC" - is my standard for the ultimate hardy ass-kicker. Mixing SciFi and Fantasy elements, this story does well to fulfill its promise and really get your gears grinding with some high octane action, mysterious sub-plots, and a world unlike any other. For the sake of not spoiling anything, I'll only say that you should give this story a go. I loved every second of it when I read on Royal Road. I couldn't put it down once I started. Too many hours I should've been asleep were lost to the MC's misadventurers.
July 6, 2021
Really good but very dark start
1. The book talks about children being raped at the beginning. No description just a comment. No comments like that in the later 2/3 of the book.
2. It is a litrpg but the rpg elements are gradually added in. They are not show in the first 15 pages.
A very different version of litrpg. (light if you want to be technical). It is a very interesting world and cannot wait to read more about it. Really like the litrpg development and how it is portrayed. Not typical. Recommend this if you are looking for something out side of typical litrpg.
1. The book talks about children being raped at the beginning. No description just a comment. No comments like that in the later 2/3 of the book.
2. It is a litrpg but the rpg elements are gradually added in. They are not show in the first 15 pages.
A very different version of litrpg. (light if you want to be technical). It is a very interesting world and cannot wait to read more about it. Really like the litrpg development and how it is portrayed. Not typical. Recommend this if you are looking for something out side of typical litrpg.
May 15, 2021
Pretty good story. Took a bit to get into it, but once I did it only improved from there. I did find a dozen or so typos, but hopefully they'll be corrected soon.
I'm not usually a fan of overpowered characters, but this one was handled with sufficient balance that it never felt excessive. Yes, he's powerful, but so are a lot of other characters/creatures, and the world never warps unreasonably around him to make him out to be greater than he is. Solid, entertaining, and easy to read. I look forward to the sequel.
I'm not usually a fan of overpowered characters, but this one was handled with sufficient balance that it never felt excessive. Yes, he's powerful, but so are a lot of other characters/creatures, and the world never warps unreasonably around him to make him out to be greater than he is. Solid, entertaining, and easy to read. I look forward to the sequel.
September 5, 2021
This seems a bit on the nose, the MC is named MC..
This book seems to be channeling some Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.
Hmm. Our "MC" has his work cut out for him.
The story wasn't too bad, it didn't have any stats, so that was a plus. I will pick up the sequel later.
3/5 Stars
This book seems to be channeling some Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.
Hmm. Our "MC" has his work cut out for him.
The story wasn't too bad, it didn't have any stats, so that was a plus. I will pick up the sequel later.
3/5 Stars
June 5, 2025
4.7 stars. I really enjoyed this book. While there were moments where Magnus felt a bit too cruel and brutal, I still found him a compelling and enjoyable protagonist. He was confident and competent, with a reflective side. He definitely came across as arrogant at times, but it felt earned, and I appreciated that he showed some growth as the story went on.
I also really liked how humorous this book was at times, despite the overall somewhat serious situation. The ending was another highlight—it was a surprising twist.
My only real complaint is the pacing. Despite all the action and interesting plot points, it wasn’t always as engaging as it could’ve been. It took me longer to finish than expected, and I didn’t always feel a strong urge to pick it back up.
I also really liked how humorous this book was at times, despite the overall somewhat serious situation. The ending was another highlight—it was a surprising twist.
My only real complaint is the pacing. Despite all the action and interesting plot points, it wasn’t always as engaging as it could’ve been. It took me longer to finish than expected, and I didn’t always feel a strong urge to pick it back up.
June 28, 2021
Great Stuff!
The story takes off like a rocket, and while the initial G’s are tough, the flight soon smooths out into one of mystery, action, and adventure. Superbly edited and crafted, this LitRPG story gives us an interesting twist, with an MC (heh) who cannot comprehend his menus or abilities. This makes the voyage of discovery interesting for everyone. Definitely recommended! (16+)
The story takes off like a rocket, and while the initial G’s are tough, the flight soon smooths out into one of mystery, action, and adventure. Superbly edited and crafted, this LitRPG story gives us an interesting twist, with an MC (heh) who cannot comprehend his menus or abilities. This makes the voyage of discovery interesting for everyone. Definitely recommended! (16+)
May 11, 2021
Had to stop reading
The author describes a child dying through violence from there point of view in at admittedly small part of the book. Frankly, that was too much for me, but I'm reading for escapism. To each their own. Other than that the writing isn't bad and I haven't seen a typo.
The author describes a child dying through violence from there point of view in at admittedly small part of the book. Frankly, that was too much for me, but I'm reading for escapism. To each their own. Other than that the writing isn't bad and I haven't seen a typo.
May 14, 2021
Well written but didn't connect to MC
I managed to finish the book hoping the MC would redeem himself. Reminds me of the characters in The Sopranos. They might say they care deeply for one or two others but everyone else is used or ignored. Good writing but not enjoyable for me.
I managed to finish the book hoping the MC would redeem himself. Reminds me of the characters in The Sopranos. They might say they care deeply for one or two others but everyone else is used or ignored. Good writing but not enjoyable for me.
May 14, 2021
I like this, its very well done. This is a story of a proper competent main character that doesn't feel like a power fantasy. He has incredible power yes but the strict countdown timer makes it stressful even though he can easily deal with most threats. His powers hit that sweat spot where they are useful and good without making everything else in the story meaningless.
All said, great job!
All said, great job!
May 17, 2021
Book cover lies
This is not litrpg. This is not even gambling. This is barely fantasy. MC gets transported to another world but thinks he is in a similar pod for the whole book. Super annoying. Book is very grimdark. Mention of raping kids a few times. Torturing kids a few times and stringing them up like scarecrows. Not my cup of tea, so don't lie on the book cover or blurb.
This is not litrpg. This is not even gambling. This is barely fantasy. MC gets transported to another world but thinks he is in a similar pod for the whole book. Super annoying. Book is very grimdark. Mention of raping kids a few times. Torturing kids a few times and stringing them up like scarecrows. Not my cup of tea, so don't lie on the book cover or blurb.
July 22, 2021
Interesting take on LitRPG
A little overly descriptive, but the story is engaging. I’m waiting to see how it turns out, but so far one of the better storylines I’ve read in awhile.
A little overly descriptive, but the story is engaging. I’m waiting to see how it turns out, but so far one of the better storylines I’ve read in awhile.
August 14, 2021
Entertaining
This was an interesting book, but the one thing the was a little odd to me the the system message format, with capital and lowercase letters fluctuating. I am not sure if it was intentional or an error with digital.
This was an interesting book, but the one thing the was a little odd to me the the system message format, with capital and lowercase letters fluctuating. I am not sure if it was intentional or an error with digital.
February 11, 2022
Good read.
Took me a while to finish this one. I stopped and came back a few times and just finished it today. Either way, I recommend it for anyone looking for something with a bit more action in it.
Took me a while to finish this one. I stopped and came back a few times and just finished it today. Either way, I recommend it for anyone looking for something with a bit more action in it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews