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Ultimate Level 1 #9
Ultimate Level 1: Ultimate Dreams
Max's decision to have Rakonath enter the tower with him and the party has cost Bob, his black skill, to be imprisoned. With the tower now throwing difficult scenarios and choices that supposedly have long term impact on something.
Now Max must face the tower and what lies within without the ability to consume new skills. What kind of power will he miss out on and can the team find a way to fix the problem with Bob?
Now Max must face the tower and what lies within without the ability to consume new skills. What kind of power will he miss out on and can the team find a way to fix the problem with Bob?
637 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2025
441 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 8, 2025
Holy Crap! I need more!
A fantastic finish to this arc of the series, and I’m even more excited to see where it leads.
The characters are complex, with a depth that sucks you in as a reader. The OP MC genre is stacked full, but I don’t know that I’ve enjoyed any as much as this series. While things come “easy” to Max, there is still that sense of struggle and the feeling that he and his team have earned the power and extras they own.
I love the series and I’m eager for the next arc to begin! I will point out that another read through by the editor wouldn’t be a bad thing… there are simple grammar errors and missing punctuation all over the place. I’m probably nitpicking, but it’s noticeable and would elevate the story even more to have them corrected.
Shawn Wilson, thank you for sharing these books with us, and for the love of all the gods, write more and faster!
A fantastic finish to this arc of the series, and I’m even more excited to see where it leads.
The characters are complex, with a depth that sucks you in as a reader. The OP MC genre is stacked full, but I don’t know that I’ve enjoyed any as much as this series. While things come “easy” to Max, there is still that sense of struggle and the feeling that he and his team have earned the power and extras they own.
I love the series and I’m eager for the next arc to begin! I will point out that another read through by the editor wouldn’t be a bad thing… there are simple grammar errors and missing punctuation all over the place. I’m probably nitpicking, but it’s noticeable and would elevate the story even more to have them corrected.
Shawn Wilson, thank you for sharing these books with us, and for the love of all the gods, write more and faster!
October 6, 2025
Wow, what a difference one book makes. This finale to the first part of Max’s journey is complete. And man, despite my fears that it would, it did not disappoint.
My previous problems with this series were many. First was the repetitive nature of the fights. Though there is still 20 or so last floors of the tower covered in this book, they are spaced out pretty well. Some of the floors aren’t combat floors, and this coupled with smartly skipping the boss battles on most of them, makes for the best pacing this series has had so far.
We also have a great battle with the Elven king, that was epic and a whole lot of fun, though I wish we didn’t only ever get Max’s perspective. I would’ve loved to have seen Fowl’s fight with the Queen.
Even though the locking of his black skill seemed like a contrivance, it actually didn’t feel like it was being used to nerf Max to add stakes to the end of his tower climb. Instead, it seems to have been used to set up some future aspect of the story that’s only hinted at in the end.
As someone who knows readers of this genre love payoffs, it was nice to see that we touched bases with all the friends made along this journey before our team members walked into the tower for the last time and apparently their last day on their home world, for now at least. That leaving the home world aspect I didn’t expect, but makes sense seeing as the next book will be a soft reset as our team faces the new challenge of divine tiers.
Normally, I kind of loathe the DBZ trap so many series get into of bigger and bigger enemies all conveniently high enough to be a threat to an MC, but always plausibly beatable. Because we all know good guys win in these series, so it feels contrived when the authors of series always frame these conflicts to create stakes that frankly don’t make since in a world-building full of divine beings of monstrous power. But that said, despite this series following that trope, one I harped on as a negative on my other reviews, the world building in this series actually feels less contrived, even though it is. Plus the aspect of having a real team around the MC with him, makes it different than most other series.
As to the team, it was a previous criticism of mine how far behind they lagged behind the MC and how little sense this made they would continue to risk their lives just on the hope MC could defeat their opponents AND keep them alive while doing it. If the character of these characters is to be believed, they shouldn’t have wanted to burden the MC with that risk when he didn’t need them to win. This is issue is somewhat rectified in this book. There’s finally a massive growth in power and equipment for the team. But it’s all thrown away in the last fight. Each character got their shots in, but like the rest of the series, this just felt like the author throwing them a bone. They really didn’t contribute and even the MC muses on how it would have been easier without them. So the author threw all that work out the window.
It’s clear for the purpose of this story that the team characters are there not really as powerful allies, but more as friends there to help anchor Max from going to the dark side plot-wise. I want to count off for this in my rating, but feel like I want the spice those voices add to the story despite the fact I feel they are still being underutilized by the author.
Another complaint is how many people are always gassing up Max about what a great dude he is. There is plenty of that in this book, but less so than others. I feel like the way most of the way people wished them farewell on their march to the tower for the last time, was much more realistic in how you say goodbye to someone like that, rather than saying it out loud.
Finally, no major cliffhanger! I was worried seeing about 4% of the book left as we walked to the tower, that the book would end mid-fight. But thankfully, it did not. There was a mini-cliff at the end as the team sits above their new world, but those are okay in this genre.
As for payoffs, I felt pretty good about them for the most part. We didn’t revel in our victory so much, but we kind of did all that before with the goodbyes before they entered the tower for the final time.
One other thing I would have liked more is to have seen what Max crafted for his team and others , we really only saw what he made a couple of times. Crafting is an itch that tickles a good chunk of the progression fantasy crowd, so glossing over and skipping that aspect left me feeling shorted. Just like we want to the details of his skills and stat sheets, which the author rarely, if even, mentions in the series, we want to know the details of the equipment as well. What he crafts, what he obtains, what he does, and seeing how he’s outfitted in stat sheets (lists of equipment and their effects alongside stats and skills). Most other authors do this to some degree, and this author should be too.
All in all, I think this final book has lifted a series of previously rated as mid (2.5 stars) to overall 4 stars. And I think I will slide it into my last recommendation on my series recommend list on my profile page. That’s a big deal for me, most series I’ve read do not make that list.
Looking forward to what comes next.
My previous problems with this series were many. First was the repetitive nature of the fights. Though there is still 20 or so last floors of the tower covered in this book, they are spaced out pretty well. Some of the floors aren’t combat floors, and this coupled with smartly skipping the boss battles on most of them, makes for the best pacing this series has had so far.
We also have a great battle with the Elven king, that was epic and a whole lot of fun, though I wish we didn’t only ever get Max’s perspective. I would’ve loved to have seen Fowl’s fight with the Queen.
Even though the locking of his black skill seemed like a contrivance, it actually didn’t feel like it was being used to nerf Max to add stakes to the end of his tower climb. Instead, it seems to have been used to set up some future aspect of the story that’s only hinted at in the end.
As someone who knows readers of this genre love payoffs, it was nice to see that we touched bases with all the friends made along this journey before our team members walked into the tower for the last time and apparently their last day on their home world, for now at least. That leaving the home world aspect I didn’t expect, but makes sense seeing as the next book will be a soft reset as our team faces the new challenge of divine tiers.
Normally, I kind of loathe the DBZ trap so many series get into of bigger and bigger enemies all conveniently high enough to be a threat to an MC, but always plausibly beatable. Because we all know good guys win in these series, so it feels contrived when the authors of series always frame these conflicts to create stakes that frankly don’t make since in a world-building full of divine beings of monstrous power. But that said, despite this series following that trope, one I harped on as a negative on my other reviews, the world building in this series actually feels less contrived, even though it is. Plus the aspect of having a real team around the MC with him, makes it different than most other series.
As to the team, it was a previous criticism of mine how far behind they lagged behind the MC and how little sense this made they would continue to risk their lives just on the hope MC could defeat their opponents AND keep them alive while doing it. If the character of these characters is to be believed, they shouldn’t have wanted to burden the MC with that risk when he didn’t need them to win. This is issue is somewhat rectified in this book. There’s finally a massive growth in power and equipment for the team. But it’s all thrown away in the last fight. Each character got their shots in, but like the rest of the series, this just felt like the author throwing them a bone. They really didn’t contribute and even the MC muses on how it would have been easier without them. So the author threw all that work out the window.
It’s clear for the purpose of this story that the team characters are there not really as powerful allies, but more as friends there to help anchor Max from going to the dark side plot-wise. I want to count off for this in my rating, but feel like I want the spice those voices add to the story despite the fact I feel they are still being underutilized by the author.
Another complaint is how many people are always gassing up Max about what a great dude he is. There is plenty of that in this book, but less so than others. I feel like the way most of the way people wished them farewell on their march to the tower for the last time, was much more realistic in how you say goodbye to someone like that, rather than saying it out loud.
Finally, no major cliffhanger! I was worried seeing about 4% of the book left as we walked to the tower, that the book would end mid-fight. But thankfully, it did not. There was a mini-cliff at the end as the team sits above their new world, but those are okay in this genre.
As for payoffs, I felt pretty good about them for the most part. We didn’t revel in our victory so much, but we kind of did all that before with the goodbyes before they entered the tower for the final time.
One other thing I would have liked more is to have seen what Max crafted for his team and others , we really only saw what he made a couple of times. Crafting is an itch that tickles a good chunk of the progression fantasy crowd, so glossing over and skipping that aspect left me feeling shorted. Just like we want to the details of his skills and stat sheets, which the author rarely, if even, mentions in the series, we want to know the details of the equipment as well. What he crafts, what he obtains, what he does, and seeing how he’s outfitted in stat sheets (lists of equipment and their effects alongside stats and skills). Most other authors do this to some degree, and this author should be too.
All in all, I think this final book has lifted a series of previously rated as mid (2.5 stars) to overall 4 stars. And I think I will slide it into my last recommendation on my series recommend list on my profile page. That’s a big deal for me, most series I’ve read do not make that list.
Looking forward to what comes next.
August 16, 2025
A wonderful addition to the series. Most of the encounters are top notch (there was only one 'meh' boss fight). After missing Bob terribly (me) I am glad to see Bob and Max reunited part way through this book. Although this allowed Max to shine on his own for a while.
There were a few twists thrown in to the mix. A twist on rewards, a twist on the dragon's progression and mateliness (?), a twist on the final boss fight, and a twist on what crafty Bob is able to consume (naughty, naughty).
As of this review, the series says this is book nine of nine. But, please don't leave us hanging here. Let's say this is book nine out of twelve... and we'll have to wait a few years for the next several to drop. Go, Max, go.
There were a few twists thrown in to the mix. A twist on rewards, a twist on the dragon's progression and mateliness (?), a twist on the final boss fight, and a twist on what crafty Bob is able to consume (naughty, naughty).
As of this review, the series says this is book nine of nine. But, please don't leave us hanging here. Let's say this is book nine out of twelve... and we'll have to wait a few years for the next several to drop. Go, Max, go.
August 15, 2025
an excellent conclusion for the ark of the story, don’t miss reading it.
A very good book, excellent and its conclusion of this arc. I was glad to see that Cordelia made a friend. I always thought she was the odd girl out and I’m glad the MC didn’t start a harem. The MC and his cast of characters are really like a family. You can feel the affection and love in the writing of the story that the characters have for each other. Good world building a great pace, even though I feel sometimes the battles are a little long, I guess I’m a little bit more on the slice of life side. Will read the next art definitely when it arrives.
A very good book, excellent and its conclusion of this arc. I was glad to see that Cordelia made a friend. I always thought she was the odd girl out and I’m glad the MC didn’t start a harem. The MC and his cast of characters are really like a family. You can feel the affection and love in the writing of the story that the characters have for each other. Good world building a great pace, even though I feel sometimes the battles are a little long, I guess I’m a little bit more on the slice of life side. Will read the next art definitely when it arrives.
August 28, 2025
I always enjoy these stories
I’m a fan. I wouldn’t keep reading if I wasn’t. I feel like the tower arc was wrapped up nicely, with good emotional weight. Yes, I’m saddened by what was lost (trying to be vague to avoid spoilers), but that ending has me very excited for the next arc.
Why that smile? Or was that a smirk?
What present did Bob leave?
What exactly is his idea of a pound of flesh?
I’m very excited to find out more. Looking forward to the next release.
As a note, I can’t recall where but I did notice one or two typos, but that’s in pretty much any book anywhere. Anyway, 5 stars from me!
I’m a fan. I wouldn’t keep reading if I wasn’t. I feel like the tower arc was wrapped up nicely, with good emotional weight. Yes, I’m saddened by what was lost (trying to be vague to avoid spoilers), but that ending has me very excited for the next arc.
Why that smile? Or was that a smirk?
What present did Bob leave?
What exactly is his idea of a pound of flesh?
I’m very excited to find out more. Looking forward to the next release.
As a note, I can’t recall where but I did notice one or two typos, but that’s in pretty much any book anywhere. Anyway, 5 stars from me!
September 25, 2025
Poorly written
This series feels like it was edited by AI but a first generation of AI that isn't fully completed. This series definitely needs a better editor in general. Beyond that taking 9 books to speed through every major event giving us the beginning and end or nothing at all feels like it wasn't really flushed out and still in the staging process of writing a story. I will not be continue this series if there are more. They would be better served taking time to craft a full story then rushing through everything and not really telling a story.
This series feels like it was edited by AI but a first generation of AI that isn't fully completed. This series definitely needs a better editor in general. Beyond that taking 9 books to speed through every major event giving us the beginning and end or nothing at all feels like it wasn't really flushed out and still in the staging process of writing a story. I will not be continue this series if there are more. They would be better served taking time to craft a full story then rushing through everything and not really telling a story.
November 29, 2025
Ultimate Dreams takes us to the pinacle of player advancement in the tower, and shows us a fleeting glimpse into the workings behind the scenes in the advancement system. It's getting a bit too predictable at this point, but I'll continue reading anyway, because the story is good, and I am still liking the series, so let's see where it goes next.
November 30, 2025
DNF 7%
Imagine how bad a book's beginning must be to drop it at chapter two after investing in the prior eight books in the same series.
The initial fight scene is chaotic and I found it impossible to follow. Then we get into a nonsensical scene that would fit perfectly in "The Wizard of OZ" or "Alice in Wonderland", complete with a giant been-stalk and raving robots with unrelated quests.
It didn't help that the narrators were screaming in my ear with voices stolen from Saturday morning cartoons. Just terrible.
Imagine how bad a book's beginning must be to drop it at chapter two after investing in the prior eight books in the same series.
The initial fight scene is chaotic and I found it impossible to follow. Then we get into a nonsensical scene that would fit perfectly in "The Wizard of OZ" or "Alice in Wonderland", complete with a giant been-stalk and raving robots with unrelated quests.
It didn't help that the narrators were screaming in my ear with voices stolen from Saturday morning cartoons. Just terrible.
December 5, 2025
I thought the first 5 books of this series were good, but books six through nine have been amazing.
Shawn Wilson just gets this genre and how to tell the best story possible. These are so much damn fun. Too many authors get bogged down in keeping a long series like this exciting and progressing. Ultimate Level 1 is the perfect example of how to do this properly.
All I have to say about how this has ramped up and progressed is positive, so to keep it short. Read this series and go on a journey that won't disappoint.
I can't wait for the audiobook version of number 10 to come out!
Shawn Wilson just gets this genre and how to tell the best story possible. These are so much damn fun. Too many authors get bogged down in keeping a long series like this exciting and progressing. Ultimate Level 1 is the perfect example of how to do this properly.
All I have to say about how this has ramped up and progressed is positive, so to keep it short. Read this series and go on a journey that won't disappoint.
I can't wait for the audiobook version of number 10 to come out!
August 10, 2025
Excellent culmination of series arc
The story of Max culminated and finished this arc quite nicely. All story and character lines were wrapped up as far as his world and tower climb goes with the underlying series arc progressing to what I hope is another series focusing on the Black skills and god hood.
Well done giving a sense of closure to the characters we have all come to love.
The story of Max culminated and finished this arc quite nicely. All story and character lines were wrapped up as far as his world and tower climb goes with the underlying series arc progressing to what I hope is another series focusing on the Black skills and god hood.
Well done giving a sense of closure to the characters we have all come to love.
August 18, 2025
Another great addition
This is one of the few series that has been consistently good. Engaging story, character development, with both action and world building elements. This book was another great addition to the series, wraps up what I consider to be Max’s origin story and sets the stage for another series of books.
I look forward to where the author’s vision for the characters lead.
This is one of the few series that has been consistently good. Engaging story, character development, with both action and world building elements. This book was another great addition to the series, wraps up what I consider to be Max’s origin story and sets the stage for another series of books.
I look forward to where the author’s vision for the characters lead.
August 20, 2025
This ended the series (for now, as there is a slight potential for an extension or spin-out). Everything is pretty much tied up at the end; this is a decent series ender. Fun battles as usual, the only disappointment is that we don't get to see what happened to the child. This book pulls you through to the end, and I felt pretty good when I finished it, though I'll miss the characters. Nicely done!
August 14, 2025
Arc 1 Wrapped
Thankfully, a solid ending to this arc of the story. Loose ends that can be rigged for more, but not loose ends that leave you angry and wishing there had been more just to address them.
This book, this part of the story?
Well played, well written. If you enjoy the series so far, this installment should keep pleasing you!
Thankfully, a solid ending to this arc of the story. Loose ends that can be rigged for more, but not loose ends that leave you angry and wishing there had been more just to address them.
This book, this part of the story?
Well played, well written. If you enjoy the series so far, this installment should keep pleasing you!
September 13, 2025
I skipped to the end...
The beginning of the novel felt old, plus spoilers were given in the reviews. This series has felt a little long in the tooth for a while, so I skipped to the end on this novel. I will say I am proud of the author in ending at least on book 9. Some writers don't know when to quit.
The beginning of the novel felt old, plus spoilers were given in the reviews. This series has felt a little long in the tooth for a while, so I skipped to the end on this novel. I will say I am proud of the author in ending at least on book 9. Some writers don't know when to quit.
October 10, 2025
Simply Amazing
Shawn does it again with this final installment of the first arc in the UL1 series. Plenty of action, with a little slice of life thrown into the mix. Some people were strangely absent before Max and crew went in to the 100th floor but knowing Shawn they’ll wind up making an appearance in the second arc!
Shawn does it again with this final installment of the first arc in the UL1 series. Plenty of action, with a little slice of life thrown into the mix. Some people were strangely absent before Max and crew went in to the 100th floor but knowing Shawn they’ll wind up making an appearance in the second arc!
November 21, 2025
Great end to the first major arc--and fun set up of the next arc.
All the major characters got their own beautiful moment, but it never felt too slow, either. Great pacing, some further revelations, and a lot of great humor.
Loved this series. Very much looking forward to the next major arc in the story.
All the major characters got their own beautiful moment, but it never felt too slow, either. Great pacing, some further revelations, and a lot of great humor.
Loved this series. Very much looking forward to the next major arc in the story.
August 9, 2025
Another great one
Continue to outperform the genre as a whole and always look forward to your next one. An emotional farewell and closure to that part of his journey while still wanting to see what happens to the family going forward, without a cliffhanger
Continue to outperform the genre as a whole and always look forward to your next one. An emotional farewell and closure to that part of his journey while still wanting to see what happens to the family going forward, without a cliffhanger
August 16, 2025
wow
This is the best book so far in the series, max and friends still being there silly self while becoming stronger. The way the book end felt right and I can’t wait for the next one
This is the best book so far in the series, max and friends still being there silly self while becoming stronger. The way the book end felt right and I can’t wait for the next one
August 18, 2025
A pure joy of a story
Funny, heartwarming, and a joy to read. This series isn't mind-blowing, but it is a great story I haven't put down. Just a good fantasy to read when life isn't happy.
10 out of 10.
Funny, heartwarming, and a joy to read. This series isn't mind-blowing, but it is a great story I haven't put down. Just a good fantasy to read when life isn't happy.
10 out of 10.
August 23, 2025
bad ass series
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, I randomly clicked on this series trying to find something to read and I read the entire series’s. Read this for your self you won’t be disappointed
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, I randomly clicked on this series trying to find something to read and I read the entire series’s. Read this for your self you won’t be disappointed
August 30, 2025
Good book
I really enjoyed this book and the whole series. It has been a fun ride. I'm interested in seeing where he takes us next. We have a baby coming and the other two black skills. Should be a lot of fun.
I really enjoyed this book and the whole series. It has been a fun ride. I'm interested in seeing where he takes us next. We have a baby coming and the other two black skills. Should be a lot of fun.
August 30, 2025
What a ride!
Some parts were what I deemed skimmable but! This book had me hooked more often than not, and was worth the read. I love the unique ways certain situations are handled and can not wait for the next installment! Shawn, well done!
Some parts were what I deemed skimmable but! This book had me hooked more often than not, and was worth the read. I love the unique ways certain situations are handled and can not wait for the next installment! Shawn, well done!
September 2, 2025
Tons of fun
This was a very fun story to read. A lot of adventure and growth, both in power and as people for the characters. I'm looking forward to the next developments in the story
This was a very fun story to read. A lot of adventure and growth, both in power and as people for the characters. I'm looking forward to the next developments in the story
October 14, 2025
Fabulous series
Thoroughly loved this series from the first to the ninth book. Amazing story telling. All of the characters were well thought out and made for an epic journey from nothing to godliness. Well done Shawn Wilson! 10/10
Thoroughly loved this series from the first to the ninth book. Amazing story telling. All of the characters were well thought out and made for an epic journey from nothing to godliness. Well done Shawn Wilson! 10/10
October 31, 2025
I have enjoyed this series
I have enjoyed this cc series so far.
It is well written. The main character is interesting, believable, and entertaining.
The story has held my attention and I look forward for more.
I have enjoyed this cc series so far.
It is well written. The main character is interesting, believable, and entertaining.
The story has held my attention and I look forward for more.
August 9, 2025
F'ing outstanding
What an epic way to end an arc. Outstanding literature in general and especially in this genre. Cradle level satisfaction. If you know you know. Let's go!
What an epic way to end an arc. Outstanding literature in general and especially in this genre. Cradle level satisfaction. If you know you know. Let's go!
August 10, 2025
Great series!
This is a fun series with a unique twist on the growth of the hero. Fun characters and a fast pace make it a good read for a time of escape.
This is a fun series with a unique twist on the growth of the hero. Fun characters and a fast pace make it a good read for a time of escape.
August 10, 2025
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next arc to come out in this fantastic series!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next arc to come out in this fantastic series!
August 12, 2025
good ending of this arch
It was satisfying and a great time for an arch shift.
Cant wait for the next series to come out. Hopefully it acts as a reset to even out the power creep.
It was satisfying and a great time for an arch shift.
Cant wait for the next series to come out. Hopefully it acts as a reset to even out the power creep.
August 13, 2025
Awesome Stuff
This story of a baker getting a black skill that allows him to consume skills and stats as he kills was a very interesting entertaining read that I enjoyed reading.
This story of a baker getting a black skill that allows him to consume skills and stats as he kills was a very interesting entertaining read that I enjoyed reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews