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No More Levels: A Standalone LitRPG Adventure
PRAISE FOR NO MORE
"Freaking awesome read" — Norman Meredith on Amazon.com (Verified Purchase)
"One heck of a good story" —Thomas on Amazon.com (Verified Purchase)
"Can't-put-it-down LitRPG" — Bou Te on Amazon.com
"Unexpectedly Good" —Carmac on Amazon.com (Verified Purchase)
"Excellent writing, fast paced, fun read." —kjordinn on Amazon.com
Life sucks when you’re a potato farmer.
That’s why Rin can’t wait to turn sixteen and conquer the nearest beginner dungeon. Only then can he acquire a powerful class in the Game of the Gods and begin the earnest grind to leveling up. With enough monster kills, he might even become someone truly strong, just like his father.
In a world where levels mean everything, it’s a perfect plan.
Until it all falls apart.
"Freaking awesome read" — Norman Meredith on Amazon.com (Verified Purchase)
"One heck of a good story" —Thomas on Amazon.com (Verified Purchase)
"Can't-put-it-down LitRPG" — Bou Te on Amazon.com
"Unexpectedly Good" —Carmac on Amazon.com (Verified Purchase)
"Excellent writing, fast paced, fun read." —kjordinn on Amazon.com
Life sucks when you’re a potato farmer.
That’s why Rin can’t wait to turn sixteen and conquer the nearest beginner dungeon. Only then can he acquire a powerful class in the Game of the Gods and begin the earnest grind to leveling up. With enough monster kills, he might even become someone truly strong, just like his father.
In a world where levels mean everything, it’s a perfect plan.
Until it all falls apart.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2025
69 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Barreth
4 books28 followersHi, I’m Ben. I live in Kansas City with my wife and three kids. I’m a software developer for CarePortal and I strive to reflect Jesus with my life. I write fantasy stories that are fun, fast-paced, and full of adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 9, 2026
This review was for SPFBO and can also be found at: https://fanfiaddict.com/review-no-mor...
LitRPG is taking the book world by storm. Don’t believe me? Just stop by your local Wal-Mart or Target to see Dungeon Crawler Carl sitting next to the backlog from Colleen Hoover and James Patterson. It seems like every other week there’s a new crowd-funding campaign for an exclusive hardback of a previous bestseller or the next big thing. There’s so many good ones out there, but for every great book that finds its audience, there are a dozen tedious trips through stat after stat after stat. It also seems to me that there’s no exit plan for many of these series as well…as the main character continues to fight and level up ad nauseum.
So, I was initially a little hesitant to read Benjamin Barreth’s No More Levels, unsure of what to expect from the standalone volume. I’m more than happy to report that I had a blast with the book and would gladly recommend it for a fun indie read.
Standalone novels in the LitRPG genre are rare, so Barreth’s book stands out a bit. Frankly, if he wanted, there are plenty of avenues Barreth could take to continue the story he started in No More Levels, but with his comments after the conclusion of the novel, it’s clear that he took on the challenge of this book fully knowing he was bucking the trend of the genre. No More Levels largely succeeds in what it is, giving readers an entertaining time in a unique fantasy world.
No More Levels follows Rin as he’s about to turn 16 and will be able to finally hit a dungeon, get his first class and begin the process of leveling up. Unfortunately for Rin, he’s marked by a past he doesn’t even remember – an evil stepmother who wants to finally clear him out of the picture to make sure her legitimacy on the throne can’t be questioned. Faced with death, Rin is forced to choose the Cursed class, and is bonded to the god Craven. Up to here, the story is a fairly-standard LitRPG, but then Barreth takes Rin on an unexpected journey — what if your character can’t level up anymore? There’s some fun puzzles Rin has to solve and paths he goes down that people in his world haven’t trod before.
If I had complaints, there were still “stat info dumps” from time to time and it does bog down in the middle just a tad, but for me, those were minor complaints. I felt the propulsion of Barreth’s narrative pushing me from page to page, curious how Rin’s Cursed status would affect both him and those he interacted with.
No More Levels is a very clean read, so don’t expect the crude humor and language from other LitRPG offerings, but I don’t mean that in a bad way. It was wonderful being able to relax and just enjoy Rin’s story, with hints of a cozy story from time to time. In many ways, I might even classify this as Middle Grade/Young Adult in how the author frames the story. There are definite stakes for Rin as well as the world he lives in, but thanks to his unique skills and class, No More Levels is a lively and lighthearted book.
In the end, I couldn’t help but love No More Levels by Benjamin Barreth. As a standalone, it works tremendously well, taking Rin on a complete journey in just one book. I would definitely check out more works by Barreth in the future, even if they aren’t standalone.
LitRPG is taking the book world by storm. Don’t believe me? Just stop by your local Wal-Mart or Target to see Dungeon Crawler Carl sitting next to the backlog from Colleen Hoover and James Patterson. It seems like every other week there’s a new crowd-funding campaign for an exclusive hardback of a previous bestseller or the next big thing. There’s so many good ones out there, but for every great book that finds its audience, there are a dozen tedious trips through stat after stat after stat. It also seems to me that there’s no exit plan for many of these series as well…as the main character continues to fight and level up ad nauseum.
So, I was initially a little hesitant to read Benjamin Barreth’s No More Levels, unsure of what to expect from the standalone volume. I’m more than happy to report that I had a blast with the book and would gladly recommend it for a fun indie read.
Standalone novels in the LitRPG genre are rare, so Barreth’s book stands out a bit. Frankly, if he wanted, there are plenty of avenues Barreth could take to continue the story he started in No More Levels, but with his comments after the conclusion of the novel, it’s clear that he took on the challenge of this book fully knowing he was bucking the trend of the genre. No More Levels largely succeeds in what it is, giving readers an entertaining time in a unique fantasy world.
No More Levels follows Rin as he’s about to turn 16 and will be able to finally hit a dungeon, get his first class and begin the process of leveling up. Unfortunately for Rin, he’s marked by a past he doesn’t even remember – an evil stepmother who wants to finally clear him out of the picture to make sure her legitimacy on the throne can’t be questioned. Faced with death, Rin is forced to choose the Cursed class, and is bonded to the god Craven. Up to here, the story is a fairly-standard LitRPG, but then Barreth takes Rin on an unexpected journey — what if your character can’t level up anymore? There’s some fun puzzles Rin has to solve and paths he goes down that people in his world haven’t trod before.
If I had complaints, there were still “stat info dumps” from time to time and it does bog down in the middle just a tad, but for me, those were minor complaints. I felt the propulsion of Barreth’s narrative pushing me from page to page, curious how Rin’s Cursed status would affect both him and those he interacted with.
No More Levels is a very clean read, so don’t expect the crude humor and language from other LitRPG offerings, but I don’t mean that in a bad way. It was wonderful being able to relax and just enjoy Rin’s story, with hints of a cozy story from time to time. In many ways, I might even classify this as Middle Grade/Young Adult in how the author frames the story. There are definite stakes for Rin as well as the world he lives in, but thanks to his unique skills and class, No More Levels is a lively and lighthearted book.
In the end, I couldn’t help but love No More Levels by Benjamin Barreth. As a standalone, it works tremendously well, taking Rin on a complete journey in just one book. I would definitely check out more works by Barreth in the future, even if they aren’t standalone.
April 16, 2026
One of the coolest things about SPFBO is reading genres you wouldn’t ever pick up on your own. No More Levels is a standalone Litrpg novel, something I’ve gathered just doesn’t happen very often. Before I talk about the book itself, I want to say that Litrpg isn’t really my thing. I liked Dungeon Crawler Carl, but I’ve struggled to find any other Litrpg that held my attention. I’ve tried and DNFed several popular Litrpg series. I love playing RPGs, but the conversion to book form just doesn’t often work for me. However, since this is a competition and I’m judging, I had to put my personal taste aside because No More Levels is one of our semi-finalists.
And oh my God, I’m super glad I did. No More Levels is, simply put, a fantastic story. Am I a Litrpg fan now? Possibly, if I can find more books like this one!
We follow Rin, a young man getting started on his journey into the dungeons of his world (as a level one potato farmer). He has big plans, but those plans immediately go off the rails. He’s stuck at level 6 forever and is cursed to only be able to add to his Charisma stat for the rest of his life. This landed with me because I’m the kinda guy that always maxes out charisma with my characters so that they can attempt to talk their way out of situations. What’s so cool about No More Levels is all of the ingenious ways Rin uses charisma and some different cursed abilities he finds. He’s especially adept at charming creatures, leading to cool animal companions (thunder rhinos, anyone?) and some really fun moments where he transforms into different creatures.
The bad guys in the story are often in the background and I confess I forgot about them a bit at different points, but Rin and his journey were so fun that I never got bored, even if I sometimes felt like skimming the stats. The first few chapters lead you to believe it might be a relatively normal dungeon crawl journey, but Barreth does a fantastic job subverting those expectations and making this story unique and special.
The prose is smooth, the character enjoyable, and though there were a few minor issues with headhopping, this is a fantastic book, something for any fantasy lover. Even if you’re a Litrpg-denier like me, I promise you that this book is absolutely worth the read! In terms of content, it’s safe for any YA reader but also intriguing enough for adults. Highly recommended!
And oh my God, I’m super glad I did. No More Levels is, simply put, a fantastic story. Am I a Litrpg fan now? Possibly, if I can find more books like this one!
We follow Rin, a young man getting started on his journey into the dungeons of his world (as a level one potato farmer). He has big plans, but those plans immediately go off the rails. He’s stuck at level 6 forever and is cursed to only be able to add to his Charisma stat for the rest of his life. This landed with me because I’m the kinda guy that always maxes out charisma with my characters so that they can attempt to talk their way out of situations. What’s so cool about No More Levels is all of the ingenious ways Rin uses charisma and some different cursed abilities he finds. He’s especially adept at charming creatures, leading to cool animal companions (thunder rhinos, anyone?) and some really fun moments where he transforms into different creatures.
The bad guys in the story are often in the background and I confess I forgot about them a bit at different points, but Rin and his journey were so fun that I never got bored, even if I sometimes felt like skimming the stats. The first few chapters lead you to believe it might be a relatively normal dungeon crawl journey, but Barreth does a fantastic job subverting those expectations and making this story unique and special.
The prose is smooth, the character enjoyable, and though there were a few minor issues with headhopping, this is a fantastic book, something for any fantasy lover. Even if you’re a Litrpg-denier like me, I promise you that this book is absolutely worth the read! In terms of content, it’s safe for any YA reader but also intriguing enough for adults. Highly recommended!
May 3, 2026
Sometimes you need a book that’s just fun and No More Levels is that book.
Rin is a potato farmer waiting to turn sixteen so he can conquer a dungeon, earn a class in the Game of the Gods, and start grinding his way to becoming someone powerful. It’s a simple, satisfying setup, and Barreth wastes no time getting the adventure rolling. The quips and humor between Rin and the rest of the cast are genuinely entertaining, and while none of the characters are particularly deep, they don’t need to be. Everyone is fun to follow, and the banter keeps the pages turning.
The world and magic system are really well done. Barreth has clearly thought through how everything works, and the result is a LitRPG setting that feels complete and internally consistent without ever bogging you down in mechanics. It’s the kind of system that enhances the story rather than replacing it.
If I have one small gripe, it’s that two of the three main challenges Rin faces never quite felt like they could actually beat him. He was scared, sure, but the tension was more a matter of when he’d succeed rather than if. The third challenge, though, landed perfectly. And the ending tied everything together in a way that left me satisfied and smiling.
The prose is simple and serviceable. It never tries to be more than it needs to be, and it never gets in its own way. That’s exactly the right call for a book like this.
No More Levels is perfect popcorn reading. A great standalone you can knock out in a weekend, ideal as a palette cleanser between heavier, more demanding books. If you’re a fan of The Rising of the Shield Hero or love the feeling of working through a Zelda dungeon, this one is absolutely for you.
Rin is a potato farmer waiting to turn sixteen so he can conquer a dungeon, earn a class in the Game of the Gods, and start grinding his way to becoming someone powerful. It’s a simple, satisfying setup, and Barreth wastes no time getting the adventure rolling. The quips and humor between Rin and the rest of the cast are genuinely entertaining, and while none of the characters are particularly deep, they don’t need to be. Everyone is fun to follow, and the banter keeps the pages turning.
The world and magic system are really well done. Barreth has clearly thought through how everything works, and the result is a LitRPG setting that feels complete and internally consistent without ever bogging you down in mechanics. It’s the kind of system that enhances the story rather than replacing it.
If I have one small gripe, it’s that two of the three main challenges Rin faces never quite felt like they could actually beat him. He was scared, sure, but the tension was more a matter of when he’d succeed rather than if. The third challenge, though, landed perfectly. And the ending tied everything together in a way that left me satisfied and smiling.
The prose is simple and serviceable. It never tries to be more than it needs to be, and it never gets in its own way. That’s exactly the right call for a book like this.
No More Levels is perfect popcorn reading. A great standalone you can knock out in a weekend, ideal as a palette cleanser between heavier, more demanding books. If you’re a fan of The Rising of the Shield Hero or love the feeling of working through a Zelda dungeon, this one is absolutely for you.
December 20, 2025
No More Levels is that rarest of breeds, a stand-alone LitRPG story. This is only the second one I've found in recent times, but folks, if you're looking for a enjoyable leisurely afternoon read, this is the book you're hunting for.
The main character gets drawn into a plot to assassinate him, just because he's the illegitimate offspring of a noble. No fault of his own of course, but you know those nobles, can't have any would be heirs popping up at inconvenient times. Suffice it to say, the assassins don't fair well, but that of course doesn't end the story, oh, no, there's plenty more assassins, non leveling, creatures galore, and of course, exploits. (Did I mention the exploits?)
Well, there you go, now you know what kind of story this is, so even there's no direct cheating, exploits can win the day, even if they're not actually exploits. (just go read it, you'll understand).
And, just for the record, there's nothing preventing the author from writing another stand-alone book in this world for those who want to see more happenings here.
The main character gets drawn into a plot to assassinate him, just because he's the illegitimate offspring of a noble. No fault of his own of course, but you know those nobles, can't have any would be heirs popping up at inconvenient times. Suffice it to say, the assassins don't fair well, but that of course doesn't end the story, oh, no, there's plenty more assassins, non leveling, creatures galore, and of course, exploits. (Did I mention the exploits?)
Well, there you go, now you know what kind of story this is, so even there's no direct cheating, exploits can win the day, even if they're not actually exploits. (just go read it, you'll understand).
And, just for the record, there's nothing preventing the author from writing another stand-alone book in this world for those who want to see more happenings here.
September 19, 2025
Can't-Put-It-Down LitRPG - in a single book
Like Lit RPG? Go get this book. Then come read the rest of the review.
Ben has crafted a single-serving success.
No More Levels is an enjoyable romp through the eyes of 16 year-old Rin.
As someone who is currently in the middle of about 12 different lit RPG series, waiting for the next installments to be written (looking at you Seth Glass), being able to finish one in one go is immensely satisfying. Let alone, one so well executed.
Could this be dragged out into multiple books? Sure. Is there a need to do so? Not at all.
Thank you Ben for creating this incredibly enjoyable tale. I, for one, enjoy the riding off into the sunset and imagining the "what comes next."
This is my most satisfying read in recent history.
Like Lit RPG? Go get this book. Then come read the rest of the review.
Ben has crafted a single-serving success.
No More Levels is an enjoyable romp through the eyes of 16 year-old Rin.
As someone who is currently in the middle of about 12 different lit RPG series, waiting for the next installments to be written (looking at you Seth Glass), being able to finish one in one go is immensely satisfying. Let alone, one so well executed.
Could this be dragged out into multiple books? Sure. Is there a need to do so? Not at all.
Thank you Ben for creating this incredibly enjoyable tale. I, for one, enjoy the riding off into the sunset and imagining the "what comes next."
This is my most satisfying read in recent history.
August 29, 2025
Just could not get into the pitiable story.
I really enjoyed the authors first series. This one however was jus not my cup of tea. The MC is cursed by a petty god and then the plot devices and dues ex reign in the story. I felt sorry for the MC but not compelled to find out how much the author was going to have to make up new unbelievable stuff just so his MC would not be useless. I say this because in the story, there are a lot of other cursed people who only are allowed to live miserable lives and are not afforded dues ex or plot devices.
I really enjoyed the authors first series. This one however was jus not my cup of tea. The MC is cursed by a petty god and then the plot devices and dues ex reign in the story. I felt sorry for the MC but not compelled to find out how much the author was going to have to make up new unbelievable stuff just so his MC would not be useless. I say this because in the story, there are a lot of other cursed people who only are allowed to live miserable lives and are not afforded dues ex or plot devices.
August 30, 2025
This was three stars for half the book just for a very weak story. It sank to two for its bad characters. But landed at one star fire a horrible ending. The parents' actions show they are terrible parents and useless guardians. The main character was supposed to be training for most of his life but was just an idiot for most of the book. By the end, I was disconnected from the characters and did not care what happened to any of them.
November 1, 2025
From the depths to the highest high
Starts out same old same then an old unknown enemy strikes the MC what appears to be a career ending curse. MC carries on trying his best to improve his lot by going a totally unexpected route gathering strength and friends to fight his enemies in unexpected ways to emerge victorious and achieve an incredible reward. Read in 1 seating as I couldn't tear myself away
Starts out same old same then an old unknown enemy strikes the MC what appears to be a career ending curse. MC carries on trying his best to improve his lot by going a totally unexpected route gathering strength and friends to fight his enemies in unexpected ways to emerge victorious and achieve an incredible reward. Read in 1 seating as I couldn't tear myself away
July 20, 2025
Amazing Story
What an amazing story. I almost never give out 5 stars but I couldn't find anything wrong with the book. Our young hero is nearly stopped in his tracks by being forced to make a choice that could cripple his ability to fight. He learns to make the best of it and his adaptability becomes his greatest tool.
I hope you like it as much as I did!
What an amazing story. I almost never give out 5 stars but I couldn't find anything wrong with the book. Our young hero is nearly stopped in his tracks by being forced to make a choice that could cripple his ability to fight. He learns to make the best of it and his adaptability becomes his greatest tool.
I hope you like it as much as I did!
August 28, 2025
Good solid book
Ill start by saying that its cool that this was just one story' and not a series. Love longer series' but refreshing to wrap it up in one book. The story was original and MC likeable.. Worth the read.
Ill start by saying that its cool that this was just one story' and not a series. Love longer series' but refreshing to wrap it up in one book. The story was original and MC likeable.. Worth the read.
September 13, 2025
Whew!
It usually takes a dozen pages for me to decide to turn a "sample" into a book purchase. I knew I was getting the book within a few paragraphs... Much like the OVERPOWERED DUNGEON BOY, this is an incredibly fun read.
It usually takes a dozen pages for me to decide to turn a "sample" into a book purchase. I knew I was getting the book within a few paragraphs... Much like the OVERPOWERED DUNGEON BOY, this is an incredibly fun read.
September 14, 2025
A really good LITRPG with little leveling, but a lot of development!
LITRPG has pretty much one drawback. No one knows how to complete a story arc. This book is the answer to those of us who don't want to read a twenty-four book series. A great and engaging read!
LITRPG has pretty much one drawback. No one knows how to complete a story arc. This book is the answer to those of us who don't want to read a twenty-four book series. A great and engaging read!
October 25, 2025
ONE AND DONE-THANK YOU!
This was a great novel with a truly unusual main character and a wonderfully bizarre rise to power. I’m so glad I don’t have to wait ages for sequels. I can move on to another book. I did NOT predict that ending!
This was a great novel with a truly unusual main character and a wonderfully bizarre rise to power. I’m so glad I don’t have to wait ages for sequels. I can move on to another book. I did NOT predict that ending!
August 3, 2025
What a fun read
The MC is dealt a crappy hand, that he turns into an outstanding set of abilities. Excellent character development and story line
Read it, you'll love it.
The MC is dealt a crappy hand, that he turns into an outstanding set of abilities. Excellent character development and story line
Read it, you'll love it.
September 15, 2025
Good read
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
December 23, 2025
Fun Quick Read
Enjoyable story. I also like that everything concludes by the end. It’s nice to not have to wait for the next book before you find out how everything ends.
Enjoyable story. I also like that everything concludes by the end. It’s nice to not have to wait for the next book before you find out how everything ends.
March 17, 2026
Quick, easy, kid friendly LitRPG! Classic tale of an underdog succeeding against all odds!
July 31, 2025
The beginning’s a bit of a grind but it picks up.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews