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Hard Reset
Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 02:43:47
10 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Hard Reset is a fast-paced, unpredictable, and clever take on the LitRPG genre, blending beloved sci-fi and apocalyptic themes to create an intricate new reality.
In this world, life begins in a coffin, cars float, a good ray gun is your best friend, and computer displays are activated with a flick of the wrist. It all feels so real, so right … and it all feels so wrong.
Some things remain the same in every People with power crave more power. You’re free to live your life as long as you don’t challenge the status quo.
Tom doesn’t like the status quo. Never has.
Never will.
With a smart-mouthed computer program, a quick-shooting bounty hunter, and a pissed-off stranger as his allies, Tom takes on a corrupt, authoritarian government.
All the while, in another world, someone is studying his every move and thought. Tom may hold the key to humanity’s future.
If he can survive the game … without being reset.
In this world, life begins in a coffin, cars float, a good ray gun is your best friend, and computer displays are activated with a flick of the wrist. It all feels so real, so right … and it all feels so wrong.
Some things remain the same in every People with power crave more power. You’re free to live your life as long as you don’t challenge the status quo.
Tom doesn’t like the status quo. Never has.
Never will.
With a smart-mouthed computer program, a quick-shooting bounty hunter, and a pissed-off stranger as his allies, Tom takes on a corrupt, authoritarian government.
All the while, in another world, someone is studying his every move and thought. Tom may hold the key to humanity’s future.
If he can survive the game … without being reset.
- GenresScience
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 10, 2026
2934 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Yanez
235 books557 followersInternational bestselling author, check.
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 4, 2026
4.25! Okay so the first couple chapters took me a minute to get my footing but when I did it was so good. It’s very fast paced, action packed, humor packed and just overall a fun time! And the way this ended has me desperate for book 2
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
TL;DR Review: Red Dead Redemption meets Borderlands in this fun, fast-paced LitRPG adventure.
Full Review:
Live, die, repeat, suffer. That’s the promise in Hard Reset, and boy does the book live up to it!
In the beginning, we’re introduced to Tom, who wakes up in a coffin with nothing to his name, no memory of who or where he is, and very little hope of surviving in a world determined to kill him. But, against all odds, he does survive—with the help of a fellow who’s a few baskets short a picnic, but is willing to share what little he has to keep Tom alive.
Soon, Tom finds himself in a town that feels like it’s ripped right out of the screens of Red Dead Redemption, but with a sci-fi-forward vibe that feels a bit more Borderlands. There, he encounters gunslingers, sheriffs, thugs, scrubland monsters, and everything else you’d expect from this Western-inspired setting.
But when Tom inevitably dies, he finds discovers lights out doesn’t necessarily mean game over. He’s reborn to try again and complete his mission—only what that mission is, he’s going to have to discover one quest and achievement at a time.
We, along with Tom, are swept along on a guns-blazing, bodies-blowing-up, towns-burning, monster-heavy adventure that just picks up and doesn’t stop all the way through to its twisty, surprising ending. We learn the reason for this virtual environment, meet the minds behind it all, and get more than a few nasty shocks.
The strength of Hard Reset lies in three things:
1. The Western sci-fi flavor. Anyone who loves Borderlands, Fallout, or Red Dead Redemption will instantly be at home. The Borderlands connection is even stronger once you meet the AI who is a delightful and way less annoying version of Claptrap, and one of the book’s best sources of humor.
2. The characters. Tom is an easily likable protagonist, but the more you get to know the people around him, the more you’ll come to appreciate what they bring to the table (with more than a few surprises awaiting you there). The people outside the game also bring their own delightful complexity ratcheted up the suspense and tension beyond the immediate stakes of the game itself.
3. The action. Every Yanez book I’ve read is filled with great action, and this one’s no difference. From desert car scene chases to tense standoffs with enemy goons to full on raging gun battles, when Hard Reset goes into the action, it goes full speed ahead.
Hard Reset does something I’ve never encountered in a LitRPG before, and does it in a way that is endlessly entertaining and easy to read. I had no trouble burning through this one from start to finish without a single moment of boredom.
It’s zippy, rippy, and a whole mess of fun!
Full Review:
Live, die, repeat, suffer. That’s the promise in Hard Reset, and boy does the book live up to it!
In the beginning, we’re introduced to Tom, who wakes up in a coffin with nothing to his name, no memory of who or where he is, and very little hope of surviving in a world determined to kill him. But, against all odds, he does survive—with the help of a fellow who’s a few baskets short a picnic, but is willing to share what little he has to keep Tom alive.
Soon, Tom finds himself in a town that feels like it’s ripped right out of the screens of Red Dead Redemption, but with a sci-fi-forward vibe that feels a bit more Borderlands. There, he encounters gunslingers, sheriffs, thugs, scrubland monsters, and everything else you’d expect from this Western-inspired setting.
But when Tom inevitably dies, he finds discovers lights out doesn’t necessarily mean game over. He’s reborn to try again and complete his mission—only what that mission is, he’s going to have to discover one quest and achievement at a time.
We, along with Tom, are swept along on a guns-blazing, bodies-blowing-up, towns-burning, monster-heavy adventure that just picks up and doesn’t stop all the way through to its twisty, surprising ending. We learn the reason for this virtual environment, meet the minds behind it all, and get more than a few nasty shocks.
The strength of Hard Reset lies in three things:
1. The Western sci-fi flavor. Anyone who loves Borderlands, Fallout, or Red Dead Redemption will instantly be at home. The Borderlands connection is even stronger once you meet the AI who is a delightful and way less annoying version of Claptrap, and one of the book’s best sources of humor.
2. The characters. Tom is an easily likable protagonist, but the more you get to know the people around him, the more you’ll come to appreciate what they bring to the table (with more than a few surprises awaiting you there). The people outside the game also bring their own delightful complexity ratcheted up the suspense and tension beyond the immediate stakes of the game itself.
3. The action. Every Yanez book I’ve read is filled with great action, and this one’s no difference. From desert car scene chases to tense standoffs with enemy goons to full on raging gun battles, when Hard Reset goes into the action, it goes full speed ahead.
Hard Reset does something I’ve never encountered in a LitRPG before, and does it in a way that is endlessly entertaining and easy to read. I had no trouble burning through this one from start to finish without a single moment of boredom.
It’s zippy, rippy, and a whole mess of fun!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A big thank you to the publishers via Net-Galley for an e-ARC of this story!
This is solidly a 2.5 star read for me - smack in the middle. Not very good, not very bad, just a book. The story hiding underneath was interesting enough, but the writing style was very weak which made it lack much depth or intensity. I also felt there are way too many pop culture references, many placed at awkward spots in dialogue that felt out of place and felt really juvenile. I don't think we get an exact age of the main characters, but especially with the references crossing many generations worth of pop culture (think an Ozzy Ozbourne reference and Harry Potter reference in the same page) was pretty jarring.
I'm also stuck on a few plot inconsistencies; namely, if this experiment has been running for years and spanning thousands of players, A) someone absolutely would've noticed that many missing people and got the authorities involved but B) with none of them having gotten anywhere near "completing" the game and knowing they only have nine years left until the world ends, how would they have not recognized to cut their losses, that something about their approach wasn't working and they needed a new plan fast? I also don't understand how no one involved would have noticed that throwing people in with zero memories /and zero instruction/ would obviously lead to most people just wandering around, not accomplishing anything?
There are also some of the in-game mechanics I take issue with. When Tom first meets Bishop, we find out that she is currently at Level 11. If you go up a level every time you get one step closer to your goal, how did Bishop get to Level 11 ultimately not getting very far, while Tom manages to beat the whole thing at Level 6? He (apparently) had the same goal as her, and she took 11 correct steps without getting to the end, while Tom got there in only 6? And if players can't purchase any useful items until Level 10, but can win the whole thing in just 6 levels, what is the point of letting them purchase things at all?
I also don't love where the book ended, unless there is intended to be a sequel. Where it's at now basically cuts off in the middle of a scene, throws in an epilogue to explain a plot twist we already saw coming (I did, at least) that really doesn't change anything, then is just over.
I can see what the author was aiming for, and I think this concept could make a pretty neat movie. If you can overlook the mid writing and take it for what it is, you can definitely get some entertainment out of it, but overall I found this to be pretty basic.
This is solidly a 2.5 star read for me - smack in the middle. Not very good, not very bad, just a book. The story hiding underneath was interesting enough, but the writing style was very weak which made it lack much depth or intensity. I also felt there are way too many pop culture references, many placed at awkward spots in dialogue that felt out of place and felt really juvenile. I don't think we get an exact age of the main characters, but especially with the references crossing many generations worth of pop culture (think an Ozzy Ozbourne reference and Harry Potter reference in the same page) was pretty jarring.
I'm also stuck on a few plot inconsistencies; namely, if this experiment has been running for years and spanning thousands of players, A) someone absolutely would've noticed that many missing people and got the authorities involved but B) with none of them having gotten anywhere near "completing" the game and knowing they only have nine years left until the world ends, how would they have not recognized to cut their losses, that something about their approach wasn't working and they needed a new plan fast? I also don't understand how no one involved would have noticed that throwing people in with zero memories /and zero instruction/ would obviously lead to most people just wandering around, not accomplishing anything?
There are also some of the in-game mechanics I take issue with. When Tom first meets Bishop, we find out that she is currently at Level 11. If you go up a level every time you get one step closer to your goal, how did Bishop get to Level 11 ultimately not getting very far, while Tom manages to beat the whole thing at Level 6? He (apparently) had the same goal as her, and she took 11 correct steps without getting to the end, while Tom got there in only 6? And if players can't purchase any useful items until Level 10, but can win the whole thing in just 6 levels, what is the point of letting them purchase things at all?
I also don't love where the book ended, unless there is intended to be a sequel. Where it's at now basically cuts off in the middle of a scene, throws in an epilogue to explain a plot twist we already saw coming (I did, at least) that really doesn't change anything, then is just over.
I can see what the author was aiming for, and I think this concept could make a pretty neat movie. If you can overlook the mid writing and take it for what it is, you can definitely get some entertainment out of it, but overall I found this to be pretty basic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given this ARC expecting a straightforward LitRPG adventure and came away pleasantly surprised by how much heart it carried.
The story follows Tom, who wakes in a coffin in the Bad Lands near Athera, with no memory of his past, and quickly learns he is inside a place called the Eternal Engine.
The world opens naturally as he experiences it, so the reader learns the rules at the same pace he does. The progression elements are there, but the book keeps its attention on people first. The mechanics support the story rather than replace it.
One of the strengths is the structure. The novel uses multiple viewpoints, each adding a new layer of understanding. Time with Tom and Bishop feels immediate and grounded, while other viewpoints broaden the picture and provide context for what is happening behind the scenes.
The pacing stays steady and readable, driven by conversation and small character moments rather than long explanations. A dry humor runs through the dialogue, keeping the tone approachable even when the ideas get heavier.
What I appreciated most is that the book cares about identity and memory while still delivering a fun adventure. It moves quickly, stays clear, and consistently encourages me to keep reading. I often found myself finishing a chapter and starting the next without planning to.
The ending leaves the world open, inviting curiosity rather than frustration. It feels like the story trusts the reader to keep thinking about it after the final page, and I did.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and very readable LitRPG that balances action with character. If you enjoy progressive fantasy with a bit of mystery and personality, this is an easy recommendation. I’m giving it 4 stars.
The story follows Tom, who wakes in a coffin in the Bad Lands near Athera, with no memory of his past, and quickly learns he is inside a place called the Eternal Engine.
The world opens naturally as he experiences it, so the reader learns the rules at the same pace he does. The progression elements are there, but the book keeps its attention on people first. The mechanics support the story rather than replace it.
One of the strengths is the structure. The novel uses multiple viewpoints, each adding a new layer of understanding. Time with Tom and Bishop feels immediate and grounded, while other viewpoints broaden the picture and provide context for what is happening behind the scenes.
The pacing stays steady and readable, driven by conversation and small character moments rather than long explanations. A dry humor runs through the dialogue, keeping the tone approachable even when the ideas get heavier.
What I appreciated most is that the book cares about identity and memory while still delivering a fun adventure. It moves quickly, stays clear, and consistently encourages me to keep reading. I often found myself finishing a chapter and starting the next without planning to.
The ending leaves the world open, inviting curiosity rather than frustration. It feels like the story trusts the reader to keep thinking about it after the final page, and I did.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and very readable LitRPG that balances action with character. If you enjoy progressive fantasy with a bit of mystery and personality, this is an easy recommendation. I’m giving it 4 stars.
February 8, 2026
This is definitely NOT a crunchy stat litRPG. I’d say it’s a blend of Red Dead Redemption, the modern Assassin’s Creed with the experiment pods and game, and the newest Jumanji movies. Bizarre as it sounds but it’s like a blend between those four so wonderfully I’m still in a WOW WTF. But it’s a good way?
At first this was probably a 3 star read and bumped to a 4 about halfway through because it got more complex and interesting. Honestly? I wouldn’t mind a second book but in a way also feel like this left off in a solid good place and wouldn’t mind not having a sequel.
The characters definitely are deep, even if it becomes very very obvious at one point, but the ending is still a surprise weirdly.
At first this was probably a 3 star read and bumped to a 4 about halfway through because it got more complex and interesting. Honestly? I wouldn’t mind a second book but in a way also feel like this left off in a solid good place and wouldn’t mind not having a sequel.
The characters definitely are deep, even if it becomes very very obvious at one point, but the ending is still a surprise weirdly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I honestly thought I was going to love this book, but it was just meh for me. The pacing felt so slow throughout with moments where it picked up. The action scenes were good and well-written, and these were my favorite parts of the story. Everything between was "meh" with the characters not being memorable or that interesting. I'm not sure of the character's age ranges, but the descriptions made think they were in their late 30s to mid-40s. In many ways, there were some elements of the story that were given too much detail and other areas where the details were lacking. Overall, it wasn't a terrible story, but it also wasn't a great one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hard Reset is an addicting, fast-paced LitRPG - you can’t put it down!
This would be a great intro for people getting into LitRPG as a genre. It’s a quick read, fun, easy to get into, and ends with a punch.
I’m really hoping this becomes a series because there was SO much plot I want to explore more and learn more about this dystopian world. Not to mention the game is just so much fun! I’m not ready to say goodbye to Gary.
I was getting Fallout meets Red Dead vibes from the game within the book and I found it so compelling! This will definitely get you out of a reading slump!
This would be a great intro for people getting into LitRPG as a genre. It’s a quick read, fun, easy to get into, and ends with a punch.
I’m really hoping this becomes a series because there was SO much plot I want to explore more and learn more about this dystopian world. Not to mention the game is just so much fun! I’m not ready to say goodbye to Gary.
I was getting Fallout meets Red Dead vibes from the game within the book and I found it so compelling! This will definitely get you out of a reading slump!
passed
December 14, 202512/25 I started Chapter 1 but didn't enjoy the writing style - some of the sentences felt like they were missing words and I had to go back and read them again which kept stalling the story. I also wasn't a fan of the prologue - I understood why it was there, but it diminished a lot of the opening tension and mystery. I'll admit I'm curious, but too many books + too little time to read them = I'm sadly moving on.
January 31, 2026
This is a classic Jonathan Yanez book. I loved it. Hilarious characters and an easy read!
If you’ve never read litRPG before this is a great start. Instead of being what the story is all about, as many LitRPGs can be, this gives it extra flair and spice to give it an added element to give you something extra.
The second half of the book is amazing, and that ending….wow.
If you’ve never read litRPG before this is a great start. Instead of being what the story is all about, as many LitRPGs can be, this gives it extra flair and spice to give it an added element to give you something extra.
The second half of the book is amazing, and that ending….wow.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews