Edge has conquered the Savage Garden and claimed the core manufactory for Puppet Town, but the conflict with the Crimson Claws has entered a deadly new stage.
A brutal band of jailbirds has besieged the expedition, trapping them underground. A second warband has gathered on the Ivory Plain, preparing to invade the settlement. Edge must fight to save his friends and defend his new home, taking on an elite gang of killers armed with powerful cores and lethal skills, led by the infamous warlord, Yussuf the Red.
Time is running out as the situation spirals toward an all-out war between prisoners and hunters, and only one side will live to tell the tale.
Book 3 of an action packed LitRPG adventure set in a world where artifacts known as Cores let their bearers wield the planet’s magic, and where Skills grant superhuman abilities and kaiju roam the wilds. It's perfect for fans of Solo Leveling, The Primal Hunter, and 1% Lifesteal!
Alternate universe, LitRPG, leveling, survival, base building, possibly harem ftb?
Edge and the denizens are still in a fix. Some residents are exiled to Ord, the prison planet while others are so-called tourists who make money from fans subscribers watching their experiences. After the world is cut off, everyone is notified their bodies were killed, so they are stuck. It was stated early on that the "puppet" bodies created for use are sterile. But now everyone is committed to living on this world because they're are no bodies to return to. Even if the town where Edge and his friends reach equilibrium, no new residents will be joining from outside. Without a means to procreate, they cannot replace their losses. Eventually, everyone will die off from old age, barring their current high mortality rate.
I am bothered by Edge. He seems earnest, forthright, and brave, and he has nerd appeal with the usual shyness around women. Yet in this novel, I had some expectations based on the current circumstances that surprisingly didn't happen. Edge and everyone else are stuck in their bodies, with no chance to return home. No one has talked about the fact no one can have children. Indeed, Edge has had sexual hookups with two women who are both aware of each other and agreed to share. Others are also attracted because of his rapid rise in power and abilities. Yet when he finally returned to his starting town, when one of the women is seriously injured, he visits her, but doesn't inquire whether there's anything he can do to speed her recovery. Indeed, major defense items are permanently disabled. Edge is flush with cash and mortium coins, and he doesn't even check what fixing the city defenses will cost. Yes, he donates magical armor and weapons to the cause, and even visits groups training to fight. But nothing substantial or that requires a commitment. This is his new home, but he's still focused on his own problems and progress, not on the bigger picture, of what he can do to help. I guess that's all related. But no one else is talking about it either. No one has even talked about changing the sterility issue. Obviously, they have hormones and sex drives.
I'm still invested in how the story plays out, and supposedly, all three novels take place over less than half a year. But Edge was able to remain committed to checking on his mother. Surely, that would spark him expanding his concerns to those around him more easily? The hero's journey is as much a journey of self realization as it is of those the hero meets and those who travel as the hero's companions. Excellent editing.
Story continues with the conflict between the murdery gang of criminals and residents of Puppet Town. There's a moment where you're going to go "Oh shit, is this a harem book?" No, it's not, you're safe. 😂
I admit that I almost didn't give this series a chance because I thought Edge was a ridiculous name and it is a ridiculous name, but it's such a fun and interesting story that I signed up for the author's Patreon so I could read more. If that's not a glowing recommendation, I don't know what is.