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1% Lifesteal #3

1% Lifesteal (Volume 3): A LitRPG Adventure

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Finding himself on the run from the law, Freddy will need a safe place to hide.

His target? A borderline lawless subordinate territory of the Empire; a land of cruelty, vigilantism, and mountains of ice—the Northern Belt.

Despite having acted in self-defense, Freddy knows that, should the law catch up with him, he stands no chance of being declared innocent. If he wants to remain free—or even alive—he needs to find somewhere he can hide long enough to bury the trail.

His first choice ends up being the infamous, crime-ridden area of the Northern Belt.

With four-stars being banned from entering or staying there, the ceiling of absolute power is lower. With the absolute border of the Northern Spine, there are almost no ways in or out. With the prevalence of greed and personal benefit above all, the Northern Belt makes for the perfect poison jar.

Anyone who reaches the peak of the third star is taken away by the empire for their purposes.

For Freddy, there are only two paths ahead of him—either he will break the jar…

Or come out the other end as a deadly venom.

Book 3 of this action-packed LitRPG Adventure from Robert Blaise set two hundred years after a reality-altering apocalypse.

Featuring a weak-to-strong Brawler MC who never backs down, a unique power system, apocalyptic elements and more!

822 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

747 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

Robert Blaise

9 books59 followers

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5 stars
1,221 (70%)
4 stars
388 (22%)
3 stars
106 (6%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Russell Gray.
674 reviews135 followers
October 4, 2025
This was another great entry in one of my favorite series. I think if you've enjoyed the series so far, you will like this volume as well.

While Freddy is always an outcast of sorts, I like that the author constantly surrounds him with other characters. Characterization isn't built in a vacuum and is best revealed by comparing and contrasting with other people. A lot of gamelit and cultivation stories make that mistake and have their MC just running around solo, killing monsters or making potions or whatever. Few things could be more boring to me, so I really appreciate the wide assortment of characters in this series.

While this volume is similar to previous ones with Freddy growing a bit in power and training up his abilities, it also focuses on him regaining a bit of his humanity. Or maybe I should say gaining some humanity, since he was hardly habilitated in the first place during his mortal life.

Problems still find Freddy no matter where he goes, but he had enough space in this volume to contemplate his status as an Arch and what it truly means for him as a person and what his place could and should be in the world.

I'm excited to see where the next volume takes us.
Profile Image for Stefan E Sramek.
27 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2025
Dude, hold the deus ex machina

This installation continues to push a distateful amount of "divinely" heavy-handed plot development. I kept trying to not over predict the direction the plot was going to go, but inevitably like a overwritten daytime soap opera, you could see it coming, like a freight train barreling towards a bus full of nuns stuck on the railroad tracks.

The last third of the book ended up being completely pointless to read, and utterly unsatisfying. Instead of ratcheting up tension and interest, it felt like waiting in the queue for the DMV, hoping it would eventually get to the point, all the while you inescapably know just how it's going to turn out.
2,347 reviews
September 19, 2025
Best! Book! Evarrr! Man soooooooo good! Yeah I loved this book, every awesome minute! It looks like Freddy is ready to make a new life for himself, a new city, a new place to call his own, maybe even make a friend or two... yeah a place to live. And a Dr appointment for Sophia. But the crime factions keep getting in the way. Only he's not sure about Valhalla if you believe the news it's the worst, but who trusts the news?!? Especially as the rag-sheets are written by the same said factions. Eventually Freddy and Valhalla come up with an uneasy truce. A respect that the leader Thor and Freddy have for each other. But as usual Freddy's life takes a turn and goes down the tubes. Freddy takes a chance stepping into the Century of Solitude Dungeon inorder to get stronger! And wow so many story threads are completed... and Freddy is just amazing, stronger but he's still held on to his humanity.

Here's some quotes:

"FinNado Fastest loans at the lowest interest rates!"

"For the executioner’s sword, the ability needed a name. So he gave it one—Sanguine Beheader."

"By god, he even became obsessed with romance of all things."
3 reviews
December 18, 2025
Book 3 of 1% Lifesteal is a tale of two halves. It contains some of the most frustrating character writing in the series, but also the most incredible, cinematic action sequences to date. It is undeniably a step up from the previous books, but it still suffers from the author’s specific quirks.

The Pacing & Tone: The first half of this book drags heavily. While I appreciate the concept of a psychologically scarred MC, (preferring that over the perfect "Superman" archetype found in most LitRPG), the execution here felt repetitive. The narrative loops around mental health struggles without offering much progress or reason for the focus, turning parts of the story into a slog of introspection rather than a plot moving forward.

The Character Dynamics: This was a mixed bag. I spent much of the book missing the dynamic between Freddy and Sophia, which was the highlight of Book 2. Without her, the dialogue suffered.

The "Bro" Factor: My main gripe is the homogeneity of the male characters. They often feel like the same person: prone to irrational outbursts and lacking wit or intelligence. Specifically, Thor, an entity over 100 years old, speaks like a 17-year-old "bro," fist-bumping and using slang that completely undercuts his gravitas. He was still, undeniably my favorite character in this book.

The New Team: Lucas eventually grew on me, though he spent too much time paralyzed by anxiety early on. The rest of Valhalla felt distant.

The Emotional Payoff: Despite these complaints, the conclusion of the arcs for the characters surrounding Thor was surprisingly emotional. (With the exception of the mother arc—if you know, you know. That was just annoying.)

The Saving Grace: Action & Progression. Once the action kicks in, this book turns into a full-on adrenaline rush. The fight scenes are brutal, inventive, and staged with a level of detail that makes every clash feel cinematic. The magic system and power progression remain excellent; the author keeps the LitRPG elements (lists and percentages) simple and digestible, rather than padding the page count with spreadsheets.

The Verdict This book feels like a massive stepping stone. The magic system and the "cinematic" battles are the reasons to keep reading. If the author can pivot away from the repetitive mental health plot points and write male characters with distinct personalities, this series could be a masterpiece. For now, it’s a flawed but gripping ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tony.
91 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2025
​This was a 5-star read that left me hungry for the next chapter in Freddy's story. Book 3 takes a different approach from its predecessors, trading relentless action for a more introspective, slow-burn pace. For most of the book, the focus is on Freddy attempting to build a semblance of a normal life, and this is where the story truly shines. His character development is superb, particularly the mature way he confronts his mental health struggles and has the strength to ask for help. It makes him a far more compelling and relatable protagonist.
​From a cultivation standpoint, his progress doesn't advance significantly until the end. Even after his time in the dungeon, he's still a peak 2-star ascendant. Given the potential of a 100-year dungeon, I admit I was hoping for more to happen within that timeframe and to see a bigger leap in his power level. While we know he can fight far more powerful foes, his core rank remained static for longer than I expected.
​--- Minor Spoilers Below ---
​The one point of contention for me was a specific detail regarding memory. It was stated multiple times that a 2-star ascendant has a near-perfect memory, yet Freddy failed to recognize Mark. Given his established abilities, I feel like he should have recognized him, even if the reverse wasn't true. It felt like a small but noticeable inconsistency in an otherwise tightly-written world.
​--- End Spoilers ---
​Ultimately, these minor critiques do little to diminish a fantastic book. The shift in focus to Freddy's humanity was a brilliant move, and the climax sets the stage for an explosive future. This installment proves the series is more than just stats and skills—it's a top-tier character study. I can't wait for what comes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
The 1st part of this book drags heavily. I really enjoyed the 2nd half of Book 1 and most of Book 2. This book returns to the over saturated theme of mental health problems. I don't dislike the idea of a psychologically scarred MC. Most books in this genre have Over Powered MC with perfect morals. So in theory a MC with issues is a good thing. However, most of this books content is filled with Mental health this and Mental Health that, with no progress or reason for this content, so the story suffers. I found most character to character interactions annoying and nonsensical. Specifically, Thor who is over 100 years old acts like a 17 year old Bro. Calling everyone dude and fist bumping, I found this to be really cringe. Not sure why, but all male characters in these books are written like the same person. Does no one have any wit, are there no characters with the primary skill of intelligence. Or is everyone a dumb brute who is prone to irrational emotional outbursts.

With all that being said, the magic system and power progression of the story is excellent. I found this to be the saving grace of this book and the only reason to keep going with the story. 3.5 Stars is my actual review with 4 stars as a rating because I enjoyed the previous books. My only hope is the Author can pivot the story away from a manifesto on mental health and hopefully develop some real characters with different interests and personalities because another book like this and this entire story could fall off a cliff.
Profile Image for Joseph McRae Palmer.
Author 19 books14 followers
October 1, 2025
The third book in the 1% Lifesteal series continues Freddy’s story, building on everything that made the first two entries so much fun. There’s no shortage of action here—several combat scenes really stand out, with Freddy showing off his abilities in ways that are both exciting and creative.

That said, the pacing does dip at times. The author spends quite a bit of time diving into the mechanics of progression. Some readers may really enjoy those details, but for me it occasionally slowed down the momentum of the story.

What really worked for me, though, was the balance between Freddy’s overwhelming power and his personality flaws. Yes, he often feels overpowered, but the author makes him far more interesting than most characters in this subgenre by showing his many shortcomings. Freddy doesn’t have everything figured out, and that made it much easier to accept him being so powerful. His flaws gave the story texture and kept it from becoming just another “invincible hero” tale.

Overall, this was a thrilling, action-packed continuation of the series and a worthy next step in Freddy’s journey.
205 reviews
October 13, 2025
Honestly it was too wordy. I distinctly remember the main character going "what's that?" and then the narrator voice spent two and a half pages explaining the whole entire backstory and function of this thing before the character the question was directed at answered "it's X". I'm pretty convinced this was written with an AI tool and that it wasn't as aggressively trimmed down as the first or second books (though it was barely longer than the second book, the second book was slightly more cohesive).

The main character seems to have lost all his direction. And I don't mean the author went "okay now it's time for the character to struggle with his convictions/objectives". It felt like suddenly the author didn't know what to do with the character, to the point that it very quickly feels like a completely different MC. He just does a bunch of stuff all willy-nilly and what has been shown of his character doesn't feel like it meshes with his actions very often.

I was really only invested in what was going to happen to Sophia but that doesn't pay off until the very end. The dungeon was interesting too. That's about it. Probably pass on the rest of the series.
125 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2025
good self reflection

I found the time dedicated to trying to prop up and explain a world and societal system that would utterly collapse annoying. Too much time was spent on telling us about the world where it freezes and snows almost every dad and yet there are trees and plants and everyone has food to eat like pizza and yet they are essentially cut off from the rest of the world. That and a society that would collapse simply from the amount of death that takes place in the book. So I would rather the author just give a short description rather than a rationalization and spend more time on the mc and the character relationships.

It was nice to see some self-reflection with the mc even though insane can’t really comprehend insanity. The introspection was really good and I’m interested in which path the mc is going to take. I also always try to encourage authors to give the readers a summary or in text helps to help us remember what happened previously. The story is not in our heads and many of us have read many books in between release dates.
Profile Image for Brian Hurt.
15 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2025
Waiting on Sophia

If I'm completely honest, I spent pretty much this whole book just waiting for Sophia to be back because Freddy and Sophia's dynamic is what absolutely made the second book and quite frankly made the whole series so far for me. I liked the story overall, and his growth certainly needed to happen to some extent, but the character dynamics with his closest allies in this book were a bit boring. Thor was kind of just an ass, Lucas got better later but spent far too much of the beginning being afraid or anxious, and the rest of Valhalla didn't even try to befriend him. I suspect this book was a lot of a stepping stone for what it'll be like going forward, and if that ends up being the case, then overall that's fine, but this book was just kind of so-so for me.
Profile Image for Robert Kelley.
7 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2025
Volume 3 turns the series into a full-on adrenaline rush. The fight scenes are nothing short of incredible—brutal, inventive, and staged with a level of detail that makes every clash feel cinematic. Each battle isn’t just about strength but endurance, tactics, and sacrifice, giving the sense that every strike matters and every choice carries consequences. The pacing keeps you hooked, driving from one intense encounter to the next, while still leaving room for moments of reflection and growth. The lore around life steal continues to deepen, adding weight to the struggles and raising the stakes for what’s still to come. Dark, gripping, and unforgettable—this is the best entry yet.
Profile Image for Ford Miller.
716 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2025
Just a really good story! Had some slow parts, Overall really good!!

Being the 3rd book in a series sometimes you're just not sure what to expect, There were some slow parts and at times I thought maybe this story has lost its way But over and over again For an 800 page book, It was really outstanding! The author made the characters come alive, keeping the main Character Likable And yet cringe at the same time. The supporting cast really brought the story together, With great dialog and outstanding Realism in the relationship. This is becoming one of my favourite reads these past few years!!!
Profile Image for David Lumsden.
7 reviews
September 21, 2025
I can't quite put my finger on why, but this is one of the best books I've ever read. I'm really enjoying the series have been looking forward to this book. The whole lists and percentages is kept to a rather simple system that I love - I'm used to these Litrpgs really going for loads of pages. The character development is fantastic and I'm genuinely on edge hoping he manages to keep ahead of the forces he keeps coming up against. Thank you author for this series. I greatly look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Michael Baez.
35 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
A surprising twist

Story began in a somewhat predictable note, but the twists and turns it took to get to the very end were definitely not expected. Do hope his relationship with best girl moves beyond friendship and becomes more, till then I hope he hits the 3rd star and gets that unique prime as it feels like he will need one that synergizes with his abilities with the ridiculousness of his mounting foes. Here's hoping it gets wilder in book 4. I can't wait
Profile Image for Ryan Carrow.
440 reviews30 followers
November 26, 2025
4.8⭐️
0🌶️

Read the ebook on Kindle and listened to the audiobook on Audible.


This book had me in a choke hold. I struggled with the multi perspective initially since it had been a minute since volume 2. Once I gain context the story followed a man growing in power in a litrpg format. Freddie is a little immature with a Robin Hood personality. Watching his powered grow and learning about the magic system was outstanding. The things he did to grow his powers was so off the wall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nolan Christensen.
Author 1 book2 followers
December 28, 2025
Read this book on my Kindle.

Pros: More of the first two books. Things just get weirder and weirder, MC throws themselves against insane obstacles and somehow makes it through. New setting and characters, new fights, new rules.

Cons: Could have used an editing pass to clean it up a bit.

All in all, consistent with the first two, expands them even further.

Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a gnarly progression fantsy.

Would read again.
Profile Image for Keith Solomon.
14 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2025
outstanding book in an awesome series

This is one of my favorite progression series. It’s up there with Cradle and some of the other greats. Action packed, but still showing emotion and fear and conflict….really good. I Devoured this book in a day, stayed up too late reading. Get it already!
27 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2025
So good just can't stop reading

Here we are with a crazy Freddy dealing with the corrupt North. A manic fellow in a psychotic world. A few fights, a little self reflection, some surgery, and binge watching shows with a bloody skeleton. What else could anyone want.

I highly recommend it. I would be surprised if you didn't enjoy it as much as I did.
12 reviews
September 28, 2025
Surprising shift.

The first book was interesting, but very depressing. The second was less depressing, but I still felt myself getting emotional on Freddy’s treatment. This book? It took completely shifted his direction. Still problematic, but his life was more relatable. And now I am looking forward to the next book with bated breath.
Profile Image for Leonardo Antonio.
65 reviews11 followers
December 17, 2025
Waiting for the next part

I think the book starts with a big problem. The character seems very different to how he is on the previous novel. Also in some ways it seems the character has been de powered.


But they do develop a few characters and the last part of the book is really good with a few not predicted character development.

I hope the next one is better
Profile Image for William Howe.
1,801 reviews88 followers
September 20, 2025
Hard

The early parts of the book are pretty depressing. The world is dung and everybody sucks.

But it ends…well? Not really upbeat, but satisfying. Sort of.

Gonna pre-order book 4.
13 reviews
September 20, 2025
This book started below the expectations set by the author with the first 2 books, and I was ready to tap 3 stars and shuffle it into my disappointment folder, but the last 3rd of this book completely saved the series. Do NOT skip!
64 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2025
Incredibly Deep

Honestly a surprising and insightful journey through psychology, the nature of power, and the goals of the justice system for a book that graphically describes body parts exploding into viscera. One of my absolutely favorite series and one I highly recommend!
753 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2025
Best book of the series

I think this book is the best one of the series. I like the fact that Freddy has to face that his cultivation foundation needs work. I love how his ultimate power gets countered.
371 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2025
Freddy's the man

I like this series, and this book was great. Notably it lacks a lot of the whiny self-flagellating internal monologue of Mark. I'm very interested in reading the next one.
208 reviews
September 28, 2025
Didn't think he could do it

But the book was better then the others. He kept up the pace of growth but kept it in line that despite the insanity of it there were constantly challenges that pushed the main character.

Good read for sure.
6 reviews
September 30, 2025
Great power fantasy

I had a lot of fun reading this. Feels like the author is really finding their stride. If you enjoyed the first two books in the series you will undoubtedly love this one.
Profile Image for Chris Brogan.
73 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2025
Bloody skeletons

Who doesn't like crossing the mountains, dealing with politics, and fighting everything that comes your way? Sometimes, you just have to make the best of a new situation.
Profile Image for Tony Fecteau.
1,524 reviews7 followers
October 8, 2025
This third book packs quite the punch. Of course, Freddy never gets any breaks. He is unconventional, and maybe a little insane in the way he obtains power. The question is, what will Freddy do if he gets enough power?
32 reviews
October 9, 2025
Weird but good

Sometimes the writing style and the characters feel a little two dimensional but as the story goes on a surprisingly deep world emerges. Definitely worth reading. Looking forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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