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Loopbreaker [A Time Loop LitRPG]: Book 1
The hardest part of being a noble’s first son? Nothing—you inherit most of it.
Being the ninth son means you inherit war.
Drafted to the front, Francis Lancaster has one purpose: to keep his half-brother Michael alive on the blood-soaked fields of Reevotort, where six months of fighting the beastkin army has taken its toll on the kingdom. When Francis steps into his brother’s punishment, that moment changes everything.
Now, whenever Francis dies, he wakes a few days before his death, every skill and stat he gained, kept.
Curse or blessing, the loop is a weapon—if he can stand the cost. To save his brother and himself, Francis must map patterns, stack skills, and turn each loss into a better opening move…before the next death makes him repeat everything again.
Being the ninth son means you inherit war.
Drafted to the front, Francis Lancaster has one purpose: to keep his half-brother Michael alive on the blood-soaked fields of Reevotort, where six months of fighting the beastkin army has taken its toll on the kingdom. When Francis steps into his brother’s punishment, that moment changes everything.
Now, whenever Francis dies, he wakes a few days before his death, every skill and stat he gained, kept.
Curse or blessing, the loop is a weapon—if he can stand the cost. To save his brother and himself, Francis must map patterns, stack skills, and turn each loss into a better opening move…before the next death makes him repeat everything again.
- GenresFantasy
772 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2026
229 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 31, 2026
This book is at least twice as long as it should be, which is ironic since it’s actually only half a book, ending right in the middle of a chapter with zero plot lines resolved.
There are no FMCs, although women do appear occasionally, either as subjects of ribald humor or as power-hungry psychos. One running gag is the MC’s brother acquiring two sex slaves.
The setting is an evil human kingdom (hard to imagine, I know), where the MC quickly sidles up to the court and offers to help them in a battle against cute-but-deadly human-animal hybrids. Why? At first to protect his brother, but later because the king is actually a nice guy (or something, idk).
Anyway, the story has some redeeming qualities, such as the military general sort of adopting the MC and being kind to him, but it’s all very adolescent.
There are no FMCs, although women do appear occasionally, either as subjects of ribald humor or as power-hungry psychos. One running gag is the MC’s brother acquiring two sex slaves.
The setting is an evil human kingdom (hard to imagine, I know), where the MC quickly sidles up to the court and offers to help them in a battle against cute-but-deadly human-animal hybrids. Why? At first to protect his brother, but later because the king is actually a nice guy (or something, idk).
Anyway, the story has some redeeming qualities, such as the military general sort of adopting the MC and being kind to him, but it’s all very adolescent.
April 7, 2026
Book one
This particular series Is in my favorites list over on royal road. I've been following this 1 since the very beginning. At 1st I didn't think I would like it. It's kind of hard to do a good time loop.
This was pretty well done. The love between the brothers is a little bit odd, but that just might be a me thing and not anything wrong with the actual story.
I'm still following this series over on royal road even though I haven't seen anything posted in a bit. But this is my way to give back to the author for allowing us to read it as he wrote it. If you like time loop stories give this a shot.
This particular series Is in my favorites list over on royal road. I've been following this 1 since the very beginning. At 1st I didn't think I would like it. It's kind of hard to do a good time loop.
This was pretty well done. The love between the brothers is a little bit odd, but that just might be a me thing and not anything wrong with the actual story.
I'm still following this series over on royal road even though I haven't seen anything posted in a bit. But this is my way to give back to the author for allowing us to read it as he wrote it. If you like time loop stories give this a shot.
March 25, 2026
Just bland, for my money. It doesn't do much clever with the time loop and the protagonist's method of pretending to be clairvoyant is pretty ineffectual. I'm not a big fan of LitRPG where worlds just behave like RPGs for no real reason, but especially not when the rules/levels/etc are shoehorned in sporadically as in this case.
March 22, 2026
similar
Same basic premise as Stubborn Skill Grinder, but a different character and different plot points. Not *quite* as hard-headed, and no cleaning involved. Also, no quests.
Some odd grammar/spelling mistakes. More than I like. EDIT!!
I will order/buy the next book.
Same basic premise as Stubborn Skill Grinder, but a different character and different plot points. Not *quite* as hard-headed, and no cleaning involved. Also, no quests.
Some odd grammar/spelling mistakes. More than I like. EDIT!!
I will order/buy the next book.
April 4, 2026
I'll preface this by admitting I love regression stories. This one may be my favourite. And I'm only qualifying that statement because of potential recency bias.
While the world-building is very familiar within the progression/LitRPG genre, (medieval feudal lords with inherited magic potential), there's the added twist of an incursion/invasion from another universe/dimension. Every known country is under attack and seems to be losing. Enter Francis, the looper hero.
Francis is a sympathetic character. As a nineth son, his noble heritage earns him less than nothing. His siblings treat him like disposable garbage and his Father would spend Francis like a copper ducat to gain a minor advantage. Despite this, Francis is not alone. He has a terrifically strong bond with his slightly older brother Michael.
When Francis is plot-driven into the inciting incident, he starts looping back to the same starting point as a barely trained recruit for the local army. Quickly learning that any gains he makes are retained upon his rebirth, he dedicates himself to ensuring he and his brother survive the war. Unfortunately, that means overcoming a more powerful army of beastkin, his own country's defeatist factions, and then do it again in every other country on the planet. Who knows, perhaps he has to take the fight through the presumptive portals to the enemy's home plane. There's no upper limit to how far he must progress to ensure he finds a safe-haven for those he cares about.
I love the vibe of this story. It's upbeat, despite the impossible objective. Rather than painting it as one man against the world, Francis actively recruits partners, trainers, and advisers. The setting changes frequently enough it never feels repetitive, and the support characters are both realistic and distinct. If this book were a little shorter, I'd have finished it in one sitting.
While the world-building is very familiar within the progression/LitRPG genre, (medieval feudal lords with inherited magic potential), there's the added twist of an incursion/invasion from another universe/dimension. Every known country is under attack and seems to be losing. Enter Francis, the looper hero.
Francis is a sympathetic character. As a nineth son, his noble heritage earns him less than nothing. His siblings treat him like disposable garbage and his Father would spend Francis like a copper ducat to gain a minor advantage. Despite this, Francis is not alone. He has a terrifically strong bond with his slightly older brother Michael.
When Francis is plot-driven into the inciting incident, he starts looping back to the same starting point as a barely trained recruit for the local army. Quickly learning that any gains he makes are retained upon his rebirth, he dedicates himself to ensuring he and his brother survive the war. Unfortunately, that means overcoming a more powerful army of beastkin, his own country's defeatist factions, and then do it again in every other country on the planet. Who knows, perhaps he has to take the fight through the presumptive portals to the enemy's home plane. There's no upper limit to how far he must progress to ensure he finds a safe-haven for those he cares about.
I love the vibe of this story. It's upbeat, despite the impossible objective. Rather than painting it as one man against the world, Francis actively recruits partners, trainers, and advisers. The setting changes frequently enough it never feels repetitive, and the support characters are both realistic and distinct. If this book were a little shorter, I'd have finished it in one sitting.
March 13, 2026
A slow burn... Story takes a bit to get going, but it's rather good.
With a slow start I found the story grabbed me being a fan of groundhog Day type events. The world building was solid, it took a while to get there and also took its time explaining how the power level up worked with resetting. I don't know if this would be for everyone but I found the book rather good, I enjoyed the story, sometimes the pacing slowed because you knew some of the events were repetitive but not written so. The author didn't continuously repeat events creating filler, that's hard to manage with a lot of these type of story genres. The main character was likable and kept to his principles for most of the story. Some editing issues but being the first book and 800 pages, The mistakes weren't pace killing. Overall I really enjoyed it. I read it in a day, that's how much it kept me interested. Solid recommend.
With a slow start I found the story grabbed me being a fan of groundhog Day type events. The world building was solid, it took a while to get there and also took its time explaining how the power level up worked with resetting. I don't know if this would be for everyone but I found the book rather good, I enjoyed the story, sometimes the pacing slowed because you knew some of the events were repetitive but not written so. The author didn't continuously repeat events creating filler, that's hard to manage with a lot of these type of story genres. The main character was likable and kept to his principles for most of the story. Some editing issues but being the first book and 800 pages, The mistakes weren't pace killing. Overall I really enjoyed it. I read it in a day, that's how much it kept me interested. Solid recommend.
March 14, 2026
Loopbreaker was very engaging, fast paced and quite enjoyable. My first “loop” story and I was intrigued all the way to the last chapter! Narration was superb! I will definitely get bk 2 in this series once it comes out!👏🏼👏🏼
didn-t-like-it
April 3, 2026Note to self: didn't do it for me.
February 27, 2026
Oh so good!
I can not wait for book two.
This is world building with the like of he who fights with monsters. A young man despised by all for being the 9th son gains an ability to loop back after death. But it's painful.
Great to see a character that makes logical choices and advance his actual character. From a rash young man that's ignorant of the entire world, that he's only seen the bottom of. To watch him slowly but surely climb up and try his best to remain a decent person.
Again I can't wait for book two!
I can not wait for book two.
This is world building with the like of he who fights with monsters. A young man despised by all for being the 9th son gains an ability to loop back after death. But it's painful.
Great to see a character that makes logical choices and advance his actual character. From a rash young man that's ignorant of the entire world, that he's only seen the bottom of. To watch him slowly but surely climb up and try his best to remain a decent person.
Again I can't wait for book two!
March 1, 2026
breath of fresh air !
I was completely hooked into this story and the outcome. I read a lot of LITRPGs and to find one that had me not put this down for 3 days is something else. I can’t wait to see book 2 and highly recommend this story!
I was completely hooked into this story and the outcome. I read a lot of LITRPGs and to find one that had me not put this down for 3 days is something else. I can’t wait to see book 2 and highly recommend this story!
March 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Couldn’t Put It Down — Easily One of the Best I’ve Read This Year
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Couldn’t Put It Down — Easily One of the Best I’ve Read This Year
Loop Breaker completely hooked me. This is one of those rare books where you sit down to read a chapter and suddenly realize an hour (or three) has passed.
The time-loop concept is executed incredibly well. Instead of feeling repetitive, each loop adds something meaningful—new insight, better decisions, smarter execution. Watching the main character slowly piece things together and improve over time is deeply satisfying. It scratches that same itch as a great progression fantasy, but in a more subtle, intelligent way.
What really stood out to me is the pacing and writing quality. The author knows exactly how to reveal information—just enough to keep you constantly engaged, always feeling like you’re one step away from a breakthrough. It creates that addictive “just one more chapter” momentum that’s hard to find.
The character development is also strong. The main character doesn’t just get more powerful—they get sharper, more deliberate, more aware. You can feel the learning curve, and it never feels forced or rushed.
If you enjoy time-loop stories, progression fantasy, or just well-crafted, addictive storytelling, this is an easy recommendation.
Already looking forward to the next book in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Couldn’t Put It Down — Easily One of the Best I’ve Read This Year
Loop Breaker completely hooked me. This is one of those rare books where you sit down to read a chapter and suddenly realize an hour (or three) has passed.
The time-loop concept is executed incredibly well. Instead of feeling repetitive, each loop adds something meaningful—new insight, better decisions, smarter execution. Watching the main character slowly piece things together and improve over time is deeply satisfying. It scratches that same itch as a great progression fantasy, but in a more subtle, intelligent way.
What really stood out to me is the pacing and writing quality. The author knows exactly how to reveal information—just enough to keep you constantly engaged, always feeling like you’re one step away from a breakthrough. It creates that addictive “just one more chapter” momentum that’s hard to find.
The character development is also strong. The main character doesn’t just get more powerful—they get sharper, more deliberate, more aware. You can feel the learning curve, and it never feels forced or rushed.
If you enjoy time-loop stories, progression fantasy, or just well-crafted, addictive storytelling, this is an easy recommendation.
Already looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 27, 2026
In terms of power pacing and narration. This is one of the better loop stories out there. But the author lost it by not really thinking much about what happens in a loop. The MC tries to convince a mage to do his bidding no matter how dangerous it is:
MC: "Hey, mage, I'm a time looper. We should do this dangerous thingy I want to do so that I can experiment more."
Mage: "What?! why the hell would I do that? You may be a time looper, but I'm not."
MC: It is okay, because if you die, then I die. You'll just come back, and you won't even know it! "
Yeah, but the mage in that loop DID die, and that is his one and only life. And even if only the MC dies, in that reality, that MC is really dead, but they continue to live, watching their empire get destroyed by the beastkin army.
MC: "Hey, mage, I'm a time looper. We should do this dangerous thingy I want to do so that I can experiment more."
Mage: "What?! why the hell would I do that? You may be a time looper, but I'm not."
MC: It is okay, because if you die, then I die. You'll just come back, and you won't even know it! "
Yeah, but the mage in that loop DID die, and that is his one and only life. And even if only the MC dies, in that reality, that MC is really dead, but they continue to live, watching their empire get destroyed by the beastkin army.
March 23, 2026
As you can imagine the story was repetitive at times but nothing you wouldn’t expect reading a time loop litrpg. Despite said repeated conversations that I found a bit annoying I also couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one night. Would I call it riveting? It would be more accurate to say the main character is riveting. With all the emotional highs and lows I was left focused entirely on said characters plight as he fought endlessly for (in the beginning) an outcome where is brother lived to later on when he starts to see the bigger picture and grows, an outcome that is best for the kingdom.
March 30, 2026
I waffled between three and four stars. The story itself is compelling, and there are few enough spelling/word mistakes that they can be ignored.
My challenge for the ranking is that when writing a time loop story there is a fine line between leaning into the most important aspect, namely how the MC traverses the loop and grows inside of it, and beating a dead horse or dragging it out to where the reader starts skipping the repetitive stuff. I think the author leaned too far towards the latter. The book was just too long to tell the story that felt like it was dragging at parts.
That being said, it definitely picked up towards the end and I'm looking forward to the next book.
My challenge for the ranking is that when writing a time loop story there is a fine line between leaning into the most important aspect, namely how the MC traverses the loop and grows inside of it, and beating a dead horse or dragging it out to where the reader starts skipping the repetitive stuff. I think the author leaned too far towards the latter. The book was just too long to tell the story that felt like it was dragging at parts.
That being said, it definitely picked up towards the end and I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 20, 2026
Magic medieval groundhog day
The magic was never explained and there are no levels. And many have magic, but not the main character, he just gets physical stats and skills, but to get them requires almost dying and fantastic amounts of pain, suffering and repetition. It is not a balanced world. Also, the reborn power is stolen and not described well with the reader left wondering why the enemy can't counter it as they have it too. An interesting read, but frustrating at times.
The magic was never explained and there are no levels. And many have magic, but not the main character, he just gets physical stats and skills, but to get them requires almost dying and fantastic amounts of pain, suffering and repetition. It is not a balanced world. Also, the reborn power is stolen and not described well with the reader left wondering why the enemy can't counter it as they have it too. An interesting read, but frustrating at times.
April 4, 2026
Alright, if this were a movie, it might be more interesting. Let's say you could regress over and over. But you decided to do the same thing over and over. Except, you get strong so you can adjust little by little. Well then, you're kind of an idiot for not doing things much differently, which is pretty much how this novel goes.
Overall, I thought the book was good, but was quite frustrated by the lack of "thinking" that the main character did.
Never once did he think to gather information about the enemy's goals or talk to them, even though they could talk.
Overall, I thought the book was good, but was quite frustrated by the lack of "thinking" that the main character did.
Never once did he think to gather information about the enemy's goals or talk to them, even though they could talk.
April 7, 2026
Scratched an itch
I'm a big sucker for time loop books. Death after death, mother of learning, The years of Apocalypse, groundhog Day!
This book wasn't perfect, this book was fun.
This book didn't have anything amazing, but I was happy to finish it and still want more.
This book didn't have the best writing, but I didn't skip through it.
I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a little bit of crunch. A good snack. And easy metaphysical romp through an interesting Time loop scenario.
I'm a big sucker for time loop books. Death after death, mother of learning, The years of Apocalypse, groundhog Day!
This book wasn't perfect, this book was fun.
This book didn't have anything amazing, but I was happy to finish it and still want more.
This book didn't have the best writing, but I didn't skip through it.
I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a little bit of crunch. A good snack. And easy metaphysical romp through an interesting Time loop scenario.
March 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this one. I found the motivation of the MMC well done and believable, when in many others I have not. The ninth son thing was an interesting concept. It was good to see Francis grow but also sad cause many of life's truths are brutal. The enemies were quite scary and thankfully not just void monsters or giant bugs. I could actually imagine the fighting. I hope we see more of the sister, I liked her. The ending was very abrupt. Looking forward to the next book.
March 16, 2026
Really Good!
I don't normally leave reviews, usually just ratings, but this book was so well done I felt compelled to leave a review.
The writing is excellent and I didn't notice any grammar errors.
I love time loop books and regression books, so this is right up my alley.
Give it a try!
I don't normally leave reviews, usually just ratings, but this book was so well done I felt compelled to leave a review.
The writing is excellent and I didn't notice any grammar errors.
I love time loop books and regression books, so this is right up my alley.
Give it a try!
April 11, 2026
Looking forward to more loops!
Loved the characters and story! The action is visceral and it’s so nice to see an MC that doesn’t whine! The settings and different environments make for a story that feels like it moves even though it’s some of the same places over and over. Looking forward to the next one!!
Loved the characters and story! The action is visceral and it’s so nice to see an MC that doesn’t whine! The settings and different environments make for a story that feels like it moves even though it’s some of the same places over and over. Looking forward to the next one!!
February 27, 2026
Great!
I love the ultimate level 1 books and so I was more than ready to give Shawn Wilson a chance with this new series and I gotta say, I am glad I did! This book was so much fun and so interesting. 5/5. Waiting for the next one!
I love the ultimate level 1 books and so I was more than ready to give Shawn Wilson a chance with this new series and I gotta say, I am glad I did! This book was so much fun and so interesting. 5/5. Waiting for the next one!
March 9, 2026
I didn't finish. This one wasn't really that bad, it just wasn't for me. The concept is fine and it heavily focuses on that. I found the lack of world building and character work boring. The pacing is quick and the focus on events might keep your interest.
April 9, 2026
Nope. Have not finished this book. Enjoying the heck out of it, though, maybe two-thirds through and bounced out to see if there’s a book 2. Got disappointed on that front. As soon as there is a Book 2, I will chase it down. Nice work, Mr. Author!
April 9, 2026
Не так чтобы было много оригинальных поворотов, но держит в напряжении и хочется узнать, что будет дальше. Хотя надеюсь, что в следующей книге автор добавит неожиданностей иначе будет довольно однообразно.
April 20, 2026
time loops
I’ve always like stories like Groundhog Day.this book takes us to a whole different use of the time loop .i also like the amount of action and the big brother syndrome of our hero.
I’ve always like stories like Groundhog Day.this book takes us to a whole different use of the time loop .i also like the amount of action and the big brother syndrome of our hero.
April 22, 2026
This book takes a bunch of system details from Stubborn Skill Grinder, closely copies the premise from All You Need Is Kill, and has better characterization than Stubborn Skill Grinder, but the pace is so slow it doesn't end up being a better book despite that.
April 26, 2026
Borrowed on Apr 22, 2026. Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, read with Alexa using the audio application.
A conscripted soldier tries not to die and to prevent his brother from dying. Gaming style story
DNF. Became a bit monotonous. Chapter 47.
A conscripted soldier tries not to die and to prevent his brother from dying. Gaming style story
DNF. Became a bit monotonous. Chapter 47.
April 30, 2026
Really good
I really liked this book. It takes a bit to get some traction, but it definitely is worth the read.
Do yourself a favor and give this book a chance. Then, you can keep up with the story on Royal Road.
Highly recommended.
I really liked this book. It takes a bit to get some traction, but it definitely is worth the read.
Do yourself a favor and give this book a chance. Then, you can keep up with the story on Royal Road.
Highly recommended.
April 30, 2026
The concept is interesting but the story naturally very repetitive. The Mc has to earn all progress in the short time he stays alive.
Sadly, so far the world building is minuscule. Hopefully, this changes in the second book that takes place in another location.
Sadly, so far the world building is minuscule. Hopefully, this changes in the second book that takes place in another location.
February 24, 2026
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews