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Towerbound #1
Alchemist’s Retribution
They left him for dead.
Now he’s back—and he’s bringing the Tower down.
Ren Varrow was never the hero type. A quiet alchemist with a talent for potions, he kept his head low while others chased glory. But when a top guild lured him into a lethal dungeon and stabbed him in the back, his story should’ve ended.
Instead, it rewound.
Thrown back to Day One—before the Tower rose, before the betrayals—Ren knows what’s secret quests, hidden mechanics, and a ticking clock that ends with Earth’s destruction.
Armed with future knowledge and forgotten skills, he’s ready to rewrite everything.
From building a guild out of nobodies…
To crafting mythic-grade potions…
To surviving a hundred deadly floors and the guilds hunting him…
Ren is done playing nice.
The Tower’s coming—and this time, he climbs first.
• Time-travel knowledge
• Cowardly but overpowered MC
• Alchemy, dungeoncraft, and guild wars
• Swearing and strategy
• Dystopian Earth meets leveling system
Don’t
• Harem
• Romance arcs
Now he’s back—and he’s bringing the Tower down.
Ren Varrow was never the hero type. A quiet alchemist with a talent for potions, he kept his head low while others chased glory. But when a top guild lured him into a lethal dungeon and stabbed him in the back, his story should’ve ended.
Instead, it rewound.
Thrown back to Day One—before the Tower rose, before the betrayals—Ren knows what’s secret quests, hidden mechanics, and a ticking clock that ends with Earth’s destruction.
Armed with future knowledge and forgotten skills, he’s ready to rewrite everything.
From building a guild out of nobodies…
To crafting mythic-grade potions…
To surviving a hundred deadly floors and the guilds hunting him…
Ren is done playing nice.
The Tower’s coming—and this time, he climbs first.
• Time-travel knowledge
• Cowardly but overpowered MC
• Alchemy, dungeoncraft, and guild wars
• Swearing and strategy
• Dystopian Earth meets leveling system
Don’t
• Harem
• Romance arcs
- GenresFantasy
565 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
1255 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 10, 2025
I’m a huge fan of LitRPGs, and this one had a decent hook that kept me engaged for a little over 100 pages. Then without warning characters perspectives began shifting which was very disorienting, and if I had to guess, this author leaned on AI to assist in this book. To be clear, I’m not necessarily opposed to using AI as a tool and have enjoyed some similar novels that have clearly used AI to their benefit. This one however felt sloppy and unedited.
July 5, 2025
VR story. Weirdly not mentioned in summary, which makes it sound like an isekai.
A lit RPG story within a VR world is completely different than one in which the protagonist actually travels to a different world. The character dynamics are different, the tension requirements are different, the focus is different. It’s fundamentally a different type of story.
This gets one star for me for that alone because I’m not interested in VR worlds. Easily avoided by the author just being upfront and their summary. It’s weird that the author would not have mentioned that.
A lit RPG story within a VR world is completely different than one in which the protagonist actually travels to a different world. The character dynamics are different, the tension requirements are different, the focus is different. It’s fundamentally a different type of story.
This gets one star for me for that alone because I’m not interested in VR worlds. Easily avoided by the author just being upfront and their summary. It’s weird that the author would not have mentioned that.
July 21, 2025
Could be Amazing
I would like to start with I really enjoyed the overarching story. I love alchemy and litrpg in general so was eager to try this one. However, I absolutely hate when authors can’t remain consistent and the details don’t match which is tragic for a litrpg. I enjoy seeing a character’s stat sheet to see how much they have progressed becomes pointless though if it isn’t accurate. Hell sometimes it even looks like MC lost progression with the level up. The stat luck at the beginning completely vanished and was replaced. Ingredients to make a potion were altered more than once. Ugh so frustrating like I said I enjoy the story itself and there are some real heartfelt moments in there but it’s sad to read and have to mentally tell myself to ignore the details which is one of the best parts of a litrpg especially one that is crafting based.
I would like to start with I really enjoyed the overarching story. I love alchemy and litrpg in general so was eager to try this one. However, I absolutely hate when authors can’t remain consistent and the details don’t match which is tragic for a litrpg. I enjoy seeing a character’s stat sheet to see how much they have progressed becomes pointless though if it isn’t accurate. Hell sometimes it even looks like MC lost progression with the level up. The stat luck at the beginning completely vanished and was replaced. Ingredients to make a potion were altered more than once. Ugh so frustrating like I said I enjoy the story itself and there are some real heartfelt moments in there but it’s sad to read and have to mentally tell myself to ignore the details which is one of the best parts of a litrpg especially one that is crafting based.
August 18, 2025
DNF
The premise was fine as I normally enjoy this type of scenario, but it’s pretty glaringly obvious that AI was used VERY heavily in the writing of this book. If you have ever used a LLM you can see how parts were directly copy pasted with punctuation that was wrong, sentences not complete, one word paragraphs, etc. it’s like the author just gave the idea prompts and then put in the AI writing without even proof reading, because this “book” is 100% in need of editing.
I have no issue with the use of AI to assist in the writing process, but you have to edit, proof reading and streamline your product.
The premise was fine as I normally enjoy this type of scenario, but it’s pretty glaringly obvious that AI was used VERY heavily in the writing of this book. If you have ever used a LLM you can see how parts were directly copy pasted with punctuation that was wrong, sentences not complete, one word paragraphs, etc. it’s like the author just gave the idea prompts and then put in the AI writing without even proof reading, because this “book” is 100% in need of editing.
I have no issue with the use of AI to assist in the writing process, but you have to edit, proof reading and streamline your product.
June 24, 2025
Good with some issues
I liked the story. It was a good take on a saturated genre. I will go to royal road to follow the new stuff coming out. And I suggest anyone reading this review to take the time to enjoy it.
With that said it does read like a web-series too much. Many topics are repeated and explain multiple times in detail. This is fine if it has been a few weeks or months since you last read the details but when reading it in a day or two it just slows things up and becomes filler.
The next thing is probably a me only thing, but I am torn about the MC. On one hand I like the crafting and scheming. But, then I am completely annoyed by his adventuring antics. The first time was humorous but the screaming and hiding get really old and overplayed. Kinda like the cheese it was somewhat humorous but it then beats you over the head, over and over and over and over. Plus the similarities to a certain rat named Milo is hard to break from.
I liked the story. It was a good take on a saturated genre. I will go to royal road to follow the new stuff coming out. And I suggest anyone reading this review to take the time to enjoy it.
With that said it does read like a web-series too much. Many topics are repeated and explain multiple times in detail. This is fine if it has been a few weeks or months since you last read the details but when reading it in a day or two it just slows things up and becomes filler.
The next thing is probably a me only thing, but I am torn about the MC. On one hand I like the crafting and scheming. But, then I am completely annoyed by his adventuring antics. The first time was humorous but the screaming and hiding get really old and overplayed. Kinda like the cheese it was somewhat humorous but it then beats you over the head, over and over and over and over. Plus the similarities to a certain rat named Milo is hard to break from.
January 8, 2026
Is it the author's writing style? Is it AI?
The story was fine, and the plot was pretty standard for a regression novel, but I could not shake the feeling that the entire thing was AI generated.
I've started the next book, and the writing style feels completely different. Who knows?
The story was fine, and the plot was pretty standard for a regression novel, but I could not shake the feeling that the entire thing was AI generated.
I've started the next book, and the writing style feels completely different. Who knows?
August 11, 2025
Interesting premise with a slightly skewed version of an OP MC- a cowardly Alchemist who is obsessed with cheese.
August 7, 2025
Made it like 12% in
Okay we understand that the protagonist is cowardly but to put it on every other page? Come on man it's it's just too much it's way way too much. Also there's just a lot of inconsistencies off the top of my head he compares himself in one of his friends combined to the equivalent of one cleric. Why? He literally just pointed out that everyone is within one level of each other and they only get one step point a level. There's no reason why they're significantly worse than any other cleric at that point it's just being dramatic.
Okay we understand that the protagonist is cowardly but to put it on every other page? Come on man it's it's just too much it's way way too much. Also there's just a lot of inconsistencies off the top of my head he compares himself in one of his friends combined to the equivalent of one cleric. Why? He literally just pointed out that everyone is within one level of each other and they only get one step point a level. There's no reason why they're significantly worse than any other cleric at that point it's just being dramatic.
August 27, 2025
Book one
I almost dropped this one. Let me explain, I'm not a big fan of VR game litrpg stories because it is just a game and no matter how much you try and make like it matters, it doesn't because it is just a game.
I'm glad I pushed forward to learn that the game is just training for the real thing.
I was also impressed that the author used IRL correctly and actually had the MC say in real life when talking and only used the abbreviation when typing in game messages. Good writing without lazy shortcuts.
I did think a couple of the list are over used, like the leader board and the MC's character sheet.
Book two is published and book three is being written over on Royalroad.
7/10 Would have been 8/10 but that leader board was shown a bunch towards the end of the book. I'm off to start book two.
I almost dropped this one. Let me explain, I'm not a big fan of VR game litrpg stories because it is just a game and no matter how much you try and make like it matters, it doesn't because it is just a game.
I'm glad I pushed forward to learn that the game is just training for the real thing.
I was also impressed that the author used IRL correctly and actually had the MC say in real life when talking and only used the abbreviation when typing in game messages. Good writing without lazy shortcuts.
I did think a couple of the list are over used, like the leader board and the MC's character sheet.
Book two is published and book three is being written over on Royalroad.
7/10 Would have been 8/10 but that leader board was shown a bunch towards the end of the book. I'm off to start book two.
September 14, 2025
Different and REEEEALLY Good!
I’m hanging out for book 3 to be released in about 2 days! I’m loving this story and the characters! It’s got such a different ‘play’ style than other LitRPG stuff I’ve read (although I’ve only recently gotten into this genre, so maybe that’s my inexperience showing), and I love it. There’s very little focus on the ‘violent’ side of the game- it’s not all about life-and-death, kill-all-the-monsters, dramatically power levelling with awesome rewards. In fact the occasions that involve levelling and monster killing are far more likely to be hilarious than gory.
What is the focus of this story is the real life people behind the game. The game is a VR game they play to improve (& prepare) their actual lives. There’s still loads of in-game stuff going on, but it’s all focused on how they can use it to get money into their actual lives.
In particular, I’m finding the corporate funding behind various players/guilds fascinating. I believe it’s something that exists a bit today, but the idea that in the future it’s normal for mega-corps to have a branch that employs teams of people to play MMORPGs as a way to advertise & promote their products is very intriguing to read. That a cheese company will gift products to secure in-game deals, or that companies will offer a free place to live plus an income just to secure a top player to their group, or that directors & shareholders will watch the game leader boards as part of their business strategy… it’s just fascinating watching how it all plays out in the story.
I also love the world building. There’s not pages of setup and description. It’s just casually mentioned when it’s appropriate for the storyline, & you get a little taste of what the world they live in is like. I think it’s *really* well done, although there’s been a couple of smallish things that I personally would like a tad more info on (eg an approx year/century the story is set; do the districts relate only to the US or 10 districts across the whole plane; is there supposed to be uninhabitable land between the districts; a better explanation of the lynchpin/dying/multi universe thing from book 2 for a noob like me would have been welcome; etc). But the interesting world they live in, the humour and cleverness in both the gaming & the life being built outside the game (obviously particularly by the MC since he’s got insider info to plan), and the pacing of the plot - all fantastic, 100% recommend. Although I will mention that the point that I started to really invest in the story is after he wakes up back in his past… I’m not saying the start was bad at all, just that I feel that what really makes this story so enjoyable is the life he begins to build when he starts over, so if you’re not sure if this book is for you just from the first few chapters, maybe give it a little longer.
On top of all that, I love that they’re expanding to ensure that they can help out their community too, it’s not just a selfish money making scheme. This particularly picks up in book 2. Obviously the larger story arc is based on needing to subtly prepare as many people as possible for what’s to come, but the MC is using what foreknowledge he has to also give hope and opportunity to the slums, and he’s enjoying being able to help. And then those that he’s been able to help are also finding ways to help, even in ways he didn’t expect, so it’s wonderful to watch the Scrap Rats growing. They really do feel like a growing family.
My one complaint is that the formatting and editing is not great. Particularly book 2, where the chapters don’t even begin on new pages :( There were a lot of paragraphing errors (imo) that made it harder to easily understand who was speaking. I also wish that internal thoughts were written as italics or something noticeably different. I’ve repeatedly had to go back and re-evaluate my understanding of what’s happened once I realised something must have been an internal thought and hadn’t been spoken aloud. But even with those frustrations, still a fantastic story and can’t wait to read more!
I’m hanging out for book 3 to be released in about 2 days! I’m loving this story and the characters! It’s got such a different ‘play’ style than other LitRPG stuff I’ve read (although I’ve only recently gotten into this genre, so maybe that’s my inexperience showing), and I love it. There’s very little focus on the ‘violent’ side of the game- it’s not all about life-and-death, kill-all-the-monsters, dramatically power levelling with awesome rewards. In fact the occasions that involve levelling and monster killing are far more likely to be hilarious than gory.
What is the focus of this story is the real life people behind the game. The game is a VR game they play to improve (& prepare) their actual lives. There’s still loads of in-game stuff going on, but it’s all focused on how they can use it to get money into their actual lives.
In particular, I’m finding the corporate funding behind various players/guilds fascinating. I believe it’s something that exists a bit today, but the idea that in the future it’s normal for mega-corps to have a branch that employs teams of people to play MMORPGs as a way to advertise & promote their products is very intriguing to read. That a cheese company will gift products to secure in-game deals, or that companies will offer a free place to live plus an income just to secure a top player to their group, or that directors & shareholders will watch the game leader boards as part of their business strategy… it’s just fascinating watching how it all plays out in the story.
I also love the world building. There’s not pages of setup and description. It’s just casually mentioned when it’s appropriate for the storyline, & you get a little taste of what the world they live in is like. I think it’s *really* well done, although there’s been a couple of smallish things that I personally would like a tad more info on (eg an approx year/century the story is set; do the districts relate only to the US or 10 districts across the whole plane; is there supposed to be uninhabitable land between the districts; a better explanation of the lynchpin/dying/multi universe thing from book 2 for a noob like me would have been welcome; etc). But the interesting world they live in, the humour and cleverness in both the gaming & the life being built outside the game (obviously particularly by the MC since he’s got insider info to plan), and the pacing of the plot - all fantastic, 100% recommend. Although I will mention that the point that I started to really invest in the story is after he wakes up back in his past… I’m not saying the start was bad at all, just that I feel that what really makes this story so enjoyable is the life he begins to build when he starts over, so if you’re not sure if this book is for you just from the first few chapters, maybe give it a little longer.
On top of all that, I love that they’re expanding to ensure that they can help out their community too, it’s not just a selfish money making scheme. This particularly picks up in book 2. Obviously the larger story arc is based on needing to subtly prepare as many people as possible for what’s to come, but the MC is using what foreknowledge he has to also give hope and opportunity to the slums, and he’s enjoying being able to help. And then those that he’s been able to help are also finding ways to help, even in ways he didn’t expect, so it’s wonderful to watch the Scrap Rats growing. They really do feel like a growing family.
My one complaint is that the formatting and editing is not great. Particularly book 2, where the chapters don’t even begin on new pages :( There were a lot of paragraphing errors (imo) that made it harder to easily understand who was speaking. I also wish that internal thoughts were written as italics or something noticeably different. I’ve repeatedly had to go back and re-evaluate my understanding of what’s happened once I realised something must have been an internal thought and hadn’t been spoken aloud. But even with those frustrations, still a fantastic story and can’t wait to read more!
December 3, 2025
It's fantastic!
This was a great, fantastic, wonderful book. I started reading it. Just needing something to fill some time. Maybe halfway decent and the more I read the better the book got. The author does a wonderful job of really making the world feel filled out and lived in and worn and and chewed to life of the characters. Their sense of desperation and the chance they have to better better themselves and claw their way out of poverty is very well articulated in the book. This is one of my favorite genres. Has the main character Cass back in time with no other powers or abilities to help him other than his wit and for knowledge of some things that are going to happen. The stakes here are extra high because he realizes at a certain time in the future. The video game they're all playing won't be just a video game but it will have actually warp reality and become real adding to his sense of desperation and need to save his friends. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. I would tell more about the plot, but I really feel like that would destroy a lot of the enjoyment you'd get from just reading the book. If you want to know more about the plot, you're going to have to read somebody else's review. I apologize for any spelling errors. I'm writing this review with voice to text
This was a great, fantastic, wonderful book. I started reading it. Just needing something to fill some time. Maybe halfway decent and the more I read the better the book got. The author does a wonderful job of really making the world feel filled out and lived in and worn and and chewed to life of the characters. Their sense of desperation and the chance they have to better better themselves and claw their way out of poverty is very well articulated in the book. This is one of my favorite genres. Has the main character Cass back in time with no other powers or abilities to help him other than his wit and for knowledge of some things that are going to happen. The stakes here are extra high because he realizes at a certain time in the future. The video game they're all playing won't be just a video game but it will have actually warp reality and become real adding to his sense of desperation and need to save his friends. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. I would tell more about the plot, but I really feel like that would destroy a lot of the enjoyment you'd get from just reading the book. If you want to know more about the plot, you're going to have to read somebody else's review. I apologize for any spelling errors. I'm writing this review with voice to text
August 19, 2025
I've never much liked books in this genre which are about people playing a virtual reality game. Almost always, they lack tension since, well, it's just a game. It's hard to care if they suffer serious setbacks or "die" in a game.
Here, there's the conceit that the game turning abruptly into reality, and everyone dies. Which is definitely a way to add consequences for losing. The protagonist then travels back in time to a period before the game is released.
What's not clear is how playing the game is going to avert the apocalypse in any way. In the timeline in which everyone dies, it's not like they *lost* the game. Rather, beating a particular boss was the trigger. You'd think the solution would be not to play.
What killed it for me, though, was that the protagonist's main motivation on coming back wasn't to save the world, it was to get revenge on the teammates who betrayed him. Which is pretty stupid. It didn't help that the protagonist is thoroughly unpleasant.
That, and the idea that he could sell his flat-broke roommates that they'd somehow make money by playing the game. It just felt wildly unbelievable.
Did not finish.
Here, there's the conceit that the game turning abruptly into reality, and everyone dies. Which is definitely a way to add consequences for losing. The protagonist then travels back in time to a period before the game is released.
What's not clear is how playing the game is going to avert the apocalypse in any way. In the timeline in which everyone dies, it's not like they *lost* the game. Rather, beating a particular boss was the trigger. You'd think the solution would be not to play.
What killed it for me, though, was that the protagonist's main motivation on coming back wasn't to save the world, it was to get revenge on the teammates who betrayed him. Which is pretty stupid. It didn't help that the protagonist is thoroughly unpleasant.
That, and the idea that he could sell his flat-broke roommates that they'd somehow make money by playing the game. It just felt wildly unbelievable.
Did not finish.
August 30, 2025
Posted 08/28/2025:
I just started reading this and I already love it!
The writing and dialog are excellent and easy to relate to.
The MC starts off dirt poor. The kind of poor that 80% of Americans remember when they got their first minimum wage job or three. You can almost taste the character's desperation. I can relate.
I can't stand reading about protagonists who want to save the world, be altruistic, save small animals and sing kumbaya. That stuff makes me barf.
Now reading about someone clawing their way over dead bodies out of poverty. I can rock with that!
Update 08/29/2025:
I have stopped reading every other book that I was dancing through, to finish reading this one.
I'm almost finished. This is a riot! The author's humor is obnoxiously good. His one liners are sublime.
I especially love that his hero is the exact opposite of a manly alpha combat protagonist. Said MC reminds me of Daffy Duck, who famously said: "I may be a craven little coward, but I'm a greedy craven little coward. I just gotta have that five Gs!"
I don't know if the author can keep my attention with a 2nd or 3rd book in this series, but he has knocked this one out of the park!
This may be the best thing that Mr. Chui has ever written. :-)
I just started reading this and I already love it!
The writing and dialog are excellent and easy to relate to.
The MC starts off dirt poor. The kind of poor that 80% of Americans remember when they got their first minimum wage job or three. You can almost taste the character's desperation. I can relate.
I can't stand reading about protagonists who want to save the world, be altruistic, save small animals and sing kumbaya. That stuff makes me barf.
Now reading about someone clawing their way over dead bodies out of poverty. I can rock with that!
Update 08/29/2025:
I have stopped reading every other book that I was dancing through, to finish reading this one.
I'm almost finished. This is a riot! The author's humor is obnoxiously good. His one liners are sublime.
I especially love that his hero is the exact opposite of a manly alpha combat protagonist. Said MC reminds me of Daffy Duck, who famously said: "I may be a craven little coward, but I'm a greedy craven little coward. I just gotta have that five Gs!"
I don't know if the author can keep my attention with a 2nd or 3rd book in this series, but he has knocked this one out of the park!
This may be the best thing that Mr. Chui has ever written. :-)
October 11, 2025
Was the book good?
Was the book good? Not really. Was it bad, absolutely not.
The story was entertaining by yet just ok. Alas, for this story the protagonist and his group is made to struggle through impossible odds through the use of plot devices and stupidity pills. The MC continually make cowardly decisions and his personality make it hard to like the MC. In the end, dues ex is needed to get them out of trouble or save the day. If the protagonist is supposed to be strong, let him be strong or if they are in an impossible pozition, let them fail. If the MC is an idiot, replace them with some one who has a brain. Stop making the protagonist struggle against something that requires the authors hand (dues ex/plot devices) to save them, its no fun read when a rock could replace the protagonist and still end up at the same place.
The writing pacing is glacial, the system’s full of holes, and the characters are paper-thin. There’s a decent story buried here, but it’s drowning in filler.
Was the book good? Not really. Was it bad, absolutely not.
The story was entertaining by yet just ok. Alas, for this story the protagonist and his group is made to struggle through impossible odds through the use of plot devices and stupidity pills. The MC continually make cowardly decisions and his personality make it hard to like the MC. In the end, dues ex is needed to get them out of trouble or save the day. If the protagonist is supposed to be strong, let him be strong or if they are in an impossible pozition, let them fail. If the MC is an idiot, replace them with some one who has a brain. Stop making the protagonist struggle against something that requires the authors hand (dues ex/plot devices) to save them, its no fun read when a rock could replace the protagonist and still end up at the same place.
The writing pacing is glacial, the system’s full of holes, and the characters are paper-thin. There’s a decent story buried here, but it’s drowning in filler.
December 20, 2025
author: Lets make an online game story! Its about an alchemist who got betrayed by his people, and then he returns to the pass and avenges himself against these dastardly acts!
Readers: Why would people care? Its just a game. That is so 2005 storyline. No one cares about what happened inside a game.
Author: Okay... let's slap a demon invasion once a player finishes the game! The invasion gets triggered if you finish the game. Coincidentally, that happens when the MC regresses back in time! Now back to the revenge, I-
Readers: Then just don't play the game so the invasion won't happen. And why is the MC still playing that stupid game? There is no indication that he will go strong when he plays the game or that he can transfer the power he has in the real world. Why not investigate the company that made the game? Start petitioning outside the game so that people will get ready for the alien invasion? do anything except continue playing the game.
Author: I WANT TO TELL AN ONLIONE GAME!!
Readers: Why would people care? Its just a game. That is so 2005 storyline. No one cares about what happened inside a game.
Author: Okay... let's slap a demon invasion once a player finishes the game! The invasion gets triggered if you finish the game. Coincidentally, that happens when the MC regresses back in time! Now back to the revenge, I-
Readers: Then just don't play the game so the invasion won't happen. And why is the MC still playing that stupid game? There is no indication that he will go strong when he plays the game or that he can transfer the power he has in the real world. Why not investigate the company that made the game? Start petitioning outside the game so that people will get ready for the alien invasion? do anything except continue playing the game.
Author: I WANT TO TELL AN ONLIONE GAME!!
October 29, 2025
heh heh heh heh
Writing style either reads like an ADHD stream of consciousness hopping from bite sized idea to bite sized idea, or mimics game logs, full of one line of information streaming through a chat log.
It did dredge up memories of my own experiences gaming and guilds and the personalities and unique unforgettable moments.
A mad alchemist (in multiple definitions) gets sent back in time to vanilla WOW (but not) after the guild he worked for sacrificed him to the game/multiverse system trial run.
Using his game knowledge, hyperfocus and burning desire for vengeance against those what done him wrong, he sets up elaborate financial and revenge schemes, and grinds out thousands of potions in service to those schemes while at the same time uplifting his scrappy underdog friends.
Writing style either reads like an ADHD stream of consciousness hopping from bite sized idea to bite sized idea, or mimics game logs, full of one line of information streaming through a chat log.
It did dredge up memories of my own experiences gaming and guilds and the personalities and unique unforgettable moments.
A mad alchemist (in multiple definitions) gets sent back in time to vanilla WOW (but not) after the guild he worked for sacrificed him to the game/multiverse system trial run.
Using his game knowledge, hyperfocus and burning desire for vengeance against those what done him wrong, he sets up elaborate financial and revenge schemes, and grinds out thousands of potions in service to those schemes while at the same time uplifting his scrappy underdog friends.
September 29, 2025
Good book but needs an editor badly
I’ll get the bad out of the way first. The book badly needs an editor and I don’t mean grammar. I mean things don’t match up. For example, the first time it explains the grade system for the potions and when it actually brews them after a while. According to the explanation there is no good or great grade yet most of the brewed potions get these grades.
However, if you can look past the above the it has a good story. In fact, it is so rare that I liked non battle aspects (alchemy) more like I did here. So I would definitely recommend it.
Minor spoiler. I would’ve preferred if he actually discovered a useful elite class for his profession instead of the same battle cleric he had before the regression and never leveled beyond 10.
I’ll get the bad out of the way first. The book badly needs an editor and I don’t mean grammar. I mean things don’t match up. For example, the first time it explains the grade system for the potions and when it actually brews them after a while. According to the explanation there is no good or great grade yet most of the brewed potions get these grades.
However, if you can look past the above the it has a good story. In fact, it is so rare that I liked non battle aspects (alchemy) more like I did here. So I would definitely recommend it.
Minor spoiler. I would’ve preferred if he actually discovered a useful elite class for his profession instead of the same battle cleric he had before the regression and never leveled beyond 10.
August 5, 2025
Needs Editing and Less AI
I’ll start this out by saying that the first 10% of the book is actually pretty good. And I like the overall premise.
However, it is very web novel-esque in the structure and grammar, or lack thereof.
The authors ideas come through pretty clearly, but it’s also pretty clear that AI has written much of this book. I’ve got nothing against using AI to bounce ideas off of, proofread, etc. But it’s used way too heavily and a lot of the writing looks like it was just copied and pasted and smashed together from ChatGPT, with most of the original ideas coming from the author. And that’s just not my vibe.
I’ll start this out by saying that the first 10% of the book is actually pretty good. And I like the overall premise.
However, it is very web novel-esque in the structure and grammar, or lack thereof.
The authors ideas come through pretty clearly, but it’s also pretty clear that AI has written much of this book. I’ve got nothing against using AI to bounce ideas off of, proofread, etc. But it’s used way too heavily and a lot of the writing looks like it was just copied and pasted and smashed together from ChatGPT, with most of the original ideas coming from the author. And that’s just not my vibe.
August 18, 2025
This story has the foundation of something really strong—the premise and structure show a lot of promise, and it clearly has the makings of something great.
Unfortunately, the execution feels heavily AI-driven, either written outright by AI or edited to the point where the prose has lost its natural rhythm. The result is a voice that comes across as stiff and mechanical, lacking the nuance and flow that makes a story engaging.
I genuinely wanted to enjoy this, but the artificial tone was too distracting to get past. With a more authentic narrative voice, this could have been a much more immersive and enjoyable read.
Unfortunately, the execution feels heavily AI-driven, either written outright by AI or edited to the point where the prose has lost its natural rhythm. The result is a voice that comes across as stiff and mechanical, lacking the nuance and flow that makes a story engaging.
I genuinely wanted to enjoy this, but the artificial tone was too distracting to get past. With a more authentic narrative voice, this could have been a much more immersive and enjoyable read.
August 11, 2025
Stopped at chapter 19 felt like I punished myself enough. I like the idea of starting over and building a loyal group from the beginning but that's the only thing likeable about this book, the mc isn't personable or even hated just there, talking about cheese, monologuing everything that's happened and how he's gonna change it all this time, but repeatedly saying it over n over multiple times in each chapter as if we the reader have dementia and need to be reminded 10 times per chapter or maybe its terrible filler for a lack of story.
Did I ever tell you the definition of insanity?
Did I ever tell you the definition of insanity?
August 19, 2025
good read
This is a good read but I feel like it missed several opportunities. REN has all this knowledge of what the game is, how dynamic elite classes are at lvl 10 and still goes with his original class? Didn’t see a chance for an alchemist cleric type lurking there? But that’s minor to my major problem, the narrative is so repetitive I quit reading several times. 3 -5 pages multiple times of ren thinking his plans out and repeating over and over, got to corner the market…
All that said it’s still a good story. I enjoyed the super smart moves Ren uses to get ahead.
This is a good read but I feel like it missed several opportunities. REN has all this knowledge of what the game is, how dynamic elite classes are at lvl 10 and still goes with his original class? Didn’t see a chance for an alchemist cleric type lurking there? But that’s minor to my major problem, the narrative is so repetitive I quit reading several times. 3 -5 pages multiple times of ren thinking his plans out and repeating over and over, got to corner the market…
All that said it’s still a good story. I enjoyed the super smart moves Ren uses to get ahead.
August 28, 2025
Alchemist Retrobution is the first book in this series, and as far as firsts go, it's a pretty good story. I tend to like stories where the main character goes back in time, and tries to fix the way things turned out the first time around. This book is no exception.
The story is pretty well done, and if you're a fan of time regression stories, you'll probably enjoy this one as well.
The story is pretty well done, and if you're a fan of time regression stories, you'll probably enjoy this one as well.
October 7, 2025
some charm
This isn’t your usual trope-ic regressor story.
First, the entire first book is still in the VR-game part. So the apocalypse is still pending.
Second, the MC is *NOT* a trying to save the world, per se. Oh, the world will hopefully get saved, but he’s trying to get out of the slums right now.
It’s amusing, occasionally irritating, but quite satisfying when the ‘villain’ gets his comeuppance.
I struggled with the early chapters. Came back to it when waiting for other books to be published. I would say—skip to chapter 5. The first 4 are just annoying.
This isn’t your usual trope-ic regressor story.
First, the entire first book is still in the VR-game part. So the apocalypse is still pending.
Second, the MC is *NOT* a trying to save the world, per se. Oh, the world will hopefully get saved, but he’s trying to get out of the slums right now.
It’s amusing, occasionally irritating, but quite satisfying when the ‘villain’ gets his comeuppance.
I struggled with the early chapters. Came back to it when waiting for other books to be published. I would say—skip to chapter 5. The first 4 are just annoying.
August 1, 2025
Terrific
Rem and his friends are slum rats not through choice but life grinds you down and the world they live in is merciless , using his knowledge of the game Towerbound they share headsets to get started , playing in shifts to maximise their game time, things start to turn around much quicker than they hoped.The MC Rem starts of a bit wimpy but gets better and his crew are interesting !!! Looking forward to book two.
Rem and his friends are slum rats not through choice but life grinds you down and the world they live in is merciless , using his knowledge of the game Towerbound they share headsets to get started , playing in shifts to maximise their game time, things start to turn around much quicker than they hoped.The MC Rem starts of a bit wimpy but gets better and his crew are interesting !!! Looking forward to book two.
August 16, 2025
Author needs to write a paragraph.
For about 90% of this book the author uses the enter key after every period.
Three words, period.
To the next line.
Story.
My guy, if you read this, its not dramatic when it is every single line. Its so distracting that I, personally, had a hard time continuing the story. If you're a reader that desires longer books, the page count here is not a good indicator of content. Ok story. My curiosity pushed me through the book.
For about 90% of this book the author uses the enter key after every period.
Three words, period.
To the next line.
Story.
My guy, if you read this, its not dramatic when it is every single line. Its so distracting that I, personally, had a hard time continuing the story. If you're a reader that desires longer books, the page count here is not a good indicator of content. Ok story. My curiosity pushed me through the book.
September 10, 2025
poor composition did me in
I tried to read the whole thing but after 20% of the book I gave up. The poor sentence structure, the way it feels like I’m reading a 2-bit article on the internet, the presence of the m-dash all point to using AI, without any real writing training of skill.
Especially sentences like this.
Like this.
Making small sentences.
Phrases.
It may be fine in speechwriting, but in written media? No thank you.
I tried to read the whole thing but after 20% of the book I gave up. The poor sentence structure, the way it feels like I’m reading a 2-bit article on the internet, the presence of the m-dash all point to using AI, without any real writing training of skill.
Especially sentences like this.
Like this.
Making small sentences.
Phrases.
It may be fine in speechwriting, but in written media? No thank you.
September 13, 2025
excellent
One of the best books in the genre that I’ve read. Tightly written, clever and lively, as the MCs are constantly running to keep up with their plan. Great characters and a plot that will hold your attention full time. So many books claim to be funny, this is one of the few that’s both comedic and also deeply touching. So glad Chui’s already written more in the series, plus he’s written other series as well—right into the to-read pile!
One of the best books in the genre that I’ve read. Tightly written, clever and lively, as the MCs are constantly running to keep up with their plan. Great characters and a plot that will hold your attention full time. So many books claim to be funny, this is one of the few that’s both comedic and also deeply touching. So glad Chui’s already written more in the series, plus he’s written other series as well—right into the to-read pile!
June 26, 2025
I keep devouring Chui’s books
Another great series by Samson. He writes some great regression fantasy stories. This series may be even better than his previous series even if it’s a little cheesy.
Likable MC who is not an incredible fighter, but is committed to his Alchemy and helping out his crew.
Another great series by Samson. He writes some great regression fantasy stories. This series may be even better than his previous series even if it’s a little cheesy.
Likable MC who is not an incredible fighter, but is committed to his Alchemy and helping out his crew.
June 27, 2025
nice surprise great book
I happened to see this on a FB post and decided to give it a shot. Not the typical reverse time story but has a few interesting plot points that I found moved the story in a way i wasn’t expecting. Over all I finished and immediately jumped on RR to continue.
I happened to see this on a FB post and decided to give it a shot. Not the typical reverse time story but has a few interesting plot points that I found moved the story in a way i wasn’t expecting. Over all I finished and immediately jumped on RR to continue.
August 29, 2025
DNF at 18%
The book has a real roug and dull start that keeps going on and on. At the point where i stopped atill nothing interesting happened at all.
The book is designated incorrectly. Instead of a real regression story it is just another virtual reality story, which is a genre i don't care for
The book has a real roug and dull start that keeps going on and on. At the point where i stopped atill nothing interesting happened at all.
The book is designated incorrectly. Instead of a real regression story it is just another virtual reality story, which is a genre i don't care for
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