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Heavenly Chaos #3

Heavens Reflected

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Benedict and Atropos had gone into the mock-war as underdogs, being one person short of a full team. Even worse, someone paid people to try to get them removed or killed in the starting moments of the event. They hadn’t accounted for the amount of pain Benedict could handle or how determined he and Atropos were to win.

By the time the mock-war was reaching its end, the pair had secured themselves enough points to be two of the top scorers. The event was pushed to finish and ended up slanted against them, so they didn’t have a chance to earn the top spot on their own merits. However, when the dust settled, they’d still stolen the top spot through “wartime diplomacy.” The top-place finish earned them a Sphere for Benedict and skills for Atropos that would help them during the next semester’s tournaments.

In the pause before the delving tournament, the two of them reunited with Sadie to take a small vacation. The retreat was good for all of them, leading to them agreeing to try dating as a triad. It would have to wait until after their next semester started, but there was a lot of hope in their hearts.

When the delving tournament came, Benedict and Atropos pushed as hard as they could, going after the Rank 4 Pocket— a Rank above their own. It was tough, but they excelled, overcoming injuries as they went. The Pocket was stingy with its rewards… until their very last delve, when a Death Sphere fragment dropped for them, something that Atropos’ bloodline desired.

When everything was done, Atropos finally figured out what her bloodline Nid Root Dryad. Tied firmly to both Poison and Death, she was worried, but hopeful about her future. Benedict’s bloodline still refused to let itself become known, but his two Spheres were Regeneration and Blood. That information, along with his AI, Cell, were his only hints.

Even with the tournaments being over, there was a week of celebration that they were forced to attend. It wasn’t all bad, though, as their friends Victor, Hanz, and Franz were there with them. More than that, they made friends with Rebba Terita and her friends, Hilda Coldshove and Dalia Lancer. They also found an old adversary in Vessa Coldtooth and her group, who wouldn’t let their loss in the mock-war go easily.

Just before they headed back for their second semester, they had a two-on-two duel with Vessa and her ally, Skipper. Benedict pushed himself hard, taking wounds that would drop most people, but his Durability stat let him power through the pain. In the end, he was the last one standing, as even Atropos had been ruled out.

With the points they’d accrued through the tournament and duel, they managed to not only get the Resistance skills they wanted, but also Atropos’ Sphere and a Might Sphere for Sadie. They were ready to return to the Academy, but even more than that, they were ready to start their relationship with Sadie.

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2025

648 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

Daniel Schinhofen

69 books1,305 followers
Daniel James Schinhofen is a self-published author in the burgeoning genre of LitRPG/Gamelit. He published his first book, Last Horizon: Beta, in October of 2016, and has recently published his fifteenth book. A best-selling author on Amazon multiple times, his four series have achieved name recognition in the genre. When not slavishly typing away at the next book, Daniel tries to unwind with video games, playing with his dog Sugar, or going for walks around his neighborhood. His books can be found easily via his website http://schinhofenbooks.com/. Daniel can be found via Twitter using the handle @DJSchinhofen.

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5 stars
946 (65%)
4 stars
300 (20%)
3 stars
128 (8%)
2 stars
36 (2%)
1 star
25 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
84 reviews
June 13, 2025
Eh...

This book wasn't as good as the last 2. It was mostly just the three of them patting each other on the head and reassuring each other that yes, they still like each other.... for chapter after chapter after chapter... I'm not overstating it. It went on for the ENTIRE book. Over and over. It never stopped. The entire book. Does it seem repetitive in this review? That's what the entire book is like.

Also, forget patting on the head. To do that, they would have to talk to each one individually about their feelings about head patting, then gently pat on the head, then have a breakdown due to the head pat and then go on a multi page reaction of each person to the head pat before everyone runs to their therapist to discuss the head pat, followed by an apology to everyone involved about their reaction to the head pat and reassurances that they all still like each other after the trauma of the head pat...

Really, what small amount of actual plot that existed was still solid, but the amount that plot advanced could be summed up in a very predictable pamphlet.
81 reviews
June 2, 2025
This series is getting a bit repetitive. When there's a plot, it's quite entertaining. I'd say around 70% of this book is the repetitive rehashing of the fact that the 3 main characters are traumatized and have emotional problems. Yes, we get it. The horse has been beaten to death and resurrected about 1000 times. I don't need a chapter discussing the trauma induced by a stray gaze and all the therapy sessions afterwards.
Profile Image for William Sullivan.
85 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2025
Not my jam

Ok, the good. Like Daniel's other novels, the system, action, and characters are enjoyable. I like the drama between the families of the main characters and the personalities of the supporting cast.
The 3 main characters are where the story loses me. Individually, I find them likeable. The relationship between the three, on the other hand, is obnoxious. I know that the three of them are all damaged in their own way, how do I know? Because they mention it every time they interact. All of them are drinking age, but the amount of blushing that goes on makes me feel like they are 20 going on 12. I could push through this like i have on the previous books, unfortunately the story is now more about the relationship than anything else. I'm 30% in and this is the end for me.
Profile Image for Paul Coulter.
34 reviews
June 3, 2025
90% conversation, 70% repetition

The whole book is almost all conversation. A lot of that is repeated as all three MC’s repeatedly say the same things. Action scenes are either skipped over, or summarized, with conversation afterwards for the MC’s to talk about what happened.
The parts that aren’t conversation? Descriptions of almost every meal cooked, or outfit worn by the three MC’s. That or the same description repeated to describe the drinks and game nights with the MC and his friends. The book would be a fragment of the size of all the repetition was removed.
2,531 reviews72 followers
June 7, 2025
Author tried this already, it didn't work then and there was a cat. Not interested in a book where everyone is traumatized and 90 percent is a therapy session.
Profile Image for Steve Naylor.
2,491 reviews127 followers
June 17, 2025
Rating 4.0 stars

A good addition to the series. I pretty much know what I am going to get with this author and this series progresses just like his other series.
7 reviews
August 23, 2025
This book is so painful to read. It’s yet another copycat progression framework guess where? At an academy. /gasp! What a surprise.. I know! It’s literally a third 3 people talking about their traumas, a third them talking about not being comfortable with having sex, and a third them cooking and eating while still being traumatized and not having sex.

What about my trauma this book is causing me? Is the author being tortured and forced to write this dribble? Is it a ghost writer? Seems time to reevaluate my following of this author.

Today, there’s no humming… I mean what the actual heck.
46 reviews
June 1, 2025
this book gave me pda

I think 1/2 of this book felt like a repeate of the same few sentences around the characters loving eachother and saying sorry for past trauma but loving because of it. While sweet and nice it never really evolved from there. While nice every so often it felt almost lot more like padding after the first few chapters.
Profile Image for Justin Cox.
208 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2025
Another great book

A great addition to a fun series by an amazing author. Can't wait for the next book to release in 6 months.
2,481 reviews17 followers
June 13, 2025
This book reads like a piss-take by one of those ‘anti-woke’ comedians about liberal snowflakes and their trigger warnings. Not cool, dude. Not cool at all.
1 review
June 2, 2025
A Beautifully Layered, Character-Driven Fantasy

I know this book has gotten mixed reviews, but I honestly loved Heavenly Reflected. Yes, it leans more into world-building and character development than nonstop action, but that’s actually what made it stand out to me. The richness of the world and the depth of the characters completely pulled me in.

The Pocket Delves were some of my favorite parts — those moments of action were well-placed and gave great insight into the stakes of the story. But what really kept me turning the pages was getting to know the characters on a more personal level. Learning about their pasts, their flaws, and what drives them made everything feel so real and emotionally grounded.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy, this might not be your go-to. But if you love immersive worlds, complex characters, and stories that take their time to unfold, Heavenly Reflected is absolutely worth the read. I’m excited to see where the story goes next!
Profile Image for GrumpyOldMan.
455 reviews26 followers
June 12, 2025
I believe this is the first time I have DNF a book by this author. Normally, he can make just about anything Slice Of Life interesting, but as I feared when the last book ended, this one started off as a huge slog of "who's insecurity is flaring up today?" This is the problem when an author tries to party up 3 people with massive hang-ups, even if those hang-ups are for solid reasons.

I got 160 pages in, and I can summarize the plot for those 160 pages as "MC cooks breakfast, insecurity event, conversation about insecurity event, everyone is happy for a few hours, kisses at bedtime that make them all sick, and then the same thing happens the next day.

I'm not sure what the author's fixation with starting each chapter with breakfast, but it's a recurring theme in way too many of their novels, and it was old well before this time.

I never thought I'd DNF a book by the author, but I now suspect it will become more of a thing going forward. I'm done with this series.
Profile Image for Vikas.
Author 3 books178 followers
August 15, 2025
Another great book by Daniel, and after the Aether series, I was looking for a completed series by him, but this is sadly not that, but I am excited for the next books in the series. This book sees the growing relationship with our triad as they work to learn how they would work and to grow further. Now the wait begins for the next book in the series, so let's go, and Keep on Reading.

People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put, I love reading, so I have made it my motto to Forever Keep on Reading. I love reading everything except for self-help books, even occasionally. I read almost all the genres, but YA, Fantasy, and Biographies are the most read. My favorite series is Harry Potter, but then there are many more books I adore. I have bookcases filled with books that are waiting to be read, so I can't stay and spend more time on this review. Remember, I loved reading this and love reading more. You should also read what you love, and then just Keep on Reading.
Profile Image for Camren Tinker.
8 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2025
Not really what I’m looking for

This series started off pretty good. I enjoyed it up until halfway or so through the second book. And then it got repetitive. And then it started feeling like it was trying to get some cheap emotional responses over and over and over again and then it started frustrating me, so I’m stopping here.

It’s more a slice of life harem romance with some litrpg elements, trauma dumping over and over again, and occasional action. Which I’m fine with. But something is off with how the trauma is approached starting towards the end of book two and through this book.

I really enjoy the trauma angle in books. I have dealt with my fair share of trauma and years of therapy. And it started off really good in this series.. and then it slowly started feeling off more and more. I can’t quite put my finger on what the issue is. But it is frustrating.
143 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed this series. In addition to the fun RPG details, the character growth is very pronounced. I also enjoy how the author writes in small POV changes every so often to get the thoughts of side characters, even the Pocket Bosses. Book 3 is not my favorite though. The characters spent way, way too much time reassuring each other. Overall, reassuring the others is great as is the focus on mental health and healthy ways to make polyamory work. For any genre, this is generally overlooked so kudos to the author for addressing it. In this book though, there was just too much. The repetitive nature of the chapters started to take away from the plot progression. I do look forward to reading Graduating with Honors. I assume they will grow closer and will not have to pause so often to reassure each other of their love.
168 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2025
Phenomenal series! Can't wait for #4.

Unlike some authors, I have not seen a drop-off in quality in any of Daniel's series, assuming you start at good to great to phenomenal! Some I've enjoyed more than others, but not one have I not enjoyed.
That being said, the series is a revelation in slow but steady growth. Not just in the character's physicality and skills but in mental health as well. To see how well Daniel blends those aspects into the story as well as how bridges the other main characters, his friends and supporters, seamlessly together, really lets me accept the twists and turns of the plot!
Thank you, Daniel, and keep up the great work! And please, please, please stay healthy!!! 🙏
1 review
September 18, 2025
Good story

I think has good story but to much of the truma all 3 have and find it hard that he his resistance to posion some how was fking very slow increase compare to others.. the fking bad thoughts is annoying that all 3 have i mean come on.. and with all that training he still suck at combat and wasn't hard guess he had dragon bloodline he recieved fking dragons scales for fks sack and cell is mini dragon himself.. love the book.but love interest was disappointing along with truma issues all 3 have went on far to long and he should beable touch her and all as his resistance to poison should be high he was able handle shit ton of acid but not the poison over period of 1yr makes no sense.
Profile Image for Jamie Ross.
851 reviews14 followers
June 2, 2025
Awesome read!

I love this series, and am always looking forward to the next book in the series.

And #3 does not disappoint! While I'd expected some interactions with Sadie's family after a particular event, and am curious about Ateopos' family, the novel focuses on wrapping up unfinished plot points while the three, Ben, Sadie and Ateopos grow closer and heal from their trauma through their love and connections with each other.

And the brilliant change and reveal.at the end has me more curious, both about Benedict's hidden past, and how Sadie's family is going to react, both to Sadie's changes, and the Man she's fallen in love with.

Really looking forward to book 4!
Profile Image for Dannan Tavona.
969 reviews10 followers
June 9, 2025
Absorbing tale

Alternate universe, LitRPG light, cultivation, slow journey, slow-build harem adult situations

Ben and his two ladies continue to grow and heal each other, and their friendship with Victor and Rebba strengthens. Some interesting changes near the end, especially for Sadie. Interesting, too, what her future abilities will be. And, Ben's bloodline is still a mystery.

Excellent editing. Absorbing, sort of like a soap opera, with a lot of action thrown in. Enjoyed. If this follows the author's usual practice, we can expect another 5-8 novels to complete the story arc.
4 reviews
August 11, 2025
increasingly slice of life

Once they get into action and the story progresses things are fine. A lite beer version of the Path of Ascension. Yet much of the story is used in slice of life interactions and working through the issues of the MCs. Valid, but a slog. Food prep, spa/off days and PDAs are nice the first few times. Saw them at about the right dosage in the first book. They are over-utilized here. Would like more RPG in this litrpg. Got to the point I was skipping a chapter at a time, then reading the last few sentences to see whether there was anything of note.
4 reviews
June 1, 2025
So good I actually wrote a review.

I hate writing reviews, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet to stave off the guilt if you don't. This is one of those times. I'm a big fan of series in general but it's rare that they continually get better like this one. I have enjoyed each story more than the last and have reread them all. If you like this series or author I would recommend this highly. I'm going to go back to the beginning and reread it now for anything I missed in my first reading.
133 reviews
June 12, 2025
This book ends up more of the slice of life side of this series. The slowdown of the plot gives us a good opportunity to see the characters settle in their "new normal", which many books skip over. The result is fun and light. It's not as compelling, but instead feels relaxed.

The world and it's wider structure and politics remain interesting, but the characters are the real stars.

Ultimately, I hope books like this remain common in the series, even if I don't want to most books to be like this one. It makes for a nice break to get some perspective, both for the characters and the readers.
34 reviews
December 20, 2025
Too much

To those old enough to remember, the eighties and nineties both had a lot of programming with couples flirting without completion and the plots were driven with it in the background. It always irritated me by the third episode. It's like edging with eternal blue organs that finally perters out to just being irritating. I'd rather have plot movement than a Laurell K Hamilton esque eternal dance. I like the plot. The endless Greek tragedy of the wounded past frankly is getting boring.
395 reviews15 followers
June 8, 2025
awesome read

We get progress! The MC is finishing up his time at the academy. We find out who tried to kill him and why, he professes both mentally, physically anc emotionally. He finalizes his relationship with his gfs and we finally get some answers about his bloodline. All minor plot lines are fulfilled and some major ones get a few clues and we get spicy time and epic battles in between. Can’t wait for the next book
59 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2025
This series hits an awkward note for me due to the main characters being traumatized and broken. But that's sort of what this author does best. I enjoy pretty much everything he writes because it's about overcoming their pain and difficulties and making life better for themselves along with everyone around them. The main characters are fun and loyal and just all-around good people. Superpowers don't hurt either though. :)
6 reviews
October 15, 2025
Sorry, folks, this one is not my cup of tea. Well written and edited as usual but story too teen angsts to be readable. Reads like it was written for 12 year old females. Hey mayb e it was and i missed the memo but since it was part of kindle free I should keep silent. Anyway. read it if it is free but do not spend money on it. As usual, I appreciate the effort from the author. Thank you.
215 reviews
December 14, 2025
Bait and switch romance novel

This is where I just have to give up.

Honestly I get the whole PTSD issue and the therapy scenes start up but just stop and don't go far enough. It feels like all pretense to have anything other than the plot shifting to a full social time romance driven novel. Some people love this kind of thing but it's not my cup of tea. I signed up for a book about a fantasy novel and adventure not a day time soap opera...
97 reviews
June 1, 2025
lots of fun progress! couldn’t put it down!

What a fun book! I’ve always really enjoyed this series and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I’m glad they toned down the hesitation and trauma talk by the 2nd half of the book, because it was getting a little exhausting. Action and the fight scenes were great as always and it’s so fun seeing them get loot! Can’t wait for book 4!
66 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2025
Too much trauma!

The trauma in this book is too over the top! The author seems to exacerbate any and all things that could cause any type of trauma and never gives the characters a chance to recover. It ruins the book and bogs down the story line. Hopefully things will get better in the next book!
41 reviews
June 2, 2025
a great follow up from the first two books

Ben, Atropos, and Sadie have decided to form a party and a relationship. Follow along with them as they find their places in the team and the relationship. The group has a goal reach Rank 5 and they do that in this book, follow along as the gang strives for the heavens. I highly recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews

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