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Enter the Cosmic Spiral: A LitRPG Space Opera
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26Mitch Prince is a software engineer, a chronic gamer, and a spectacular self-saboteur. He’s in the middle of ruining his relationships, his career, and his liver when an interdimensional portal drags him out of his favorite bar and into the worst situation a galaxy-spanning RPG competition with the fate of humanity as the prize.
The rules are simple. Fight your way through the gates to the galactic core. Earn the respect of the ancient civilizations who live there. Win humanity's place among the stars or watch the Great Game's clock hit zero and take eight billion lives with it.
Mitch has godlike abilities he barely understands, a group of disillusioned friends at his side, and a giant axolotl who eats everything and anything. What he doesn't have is the ability to get out of his own way.
He's always been his own worst enemy. Now the universe is counting on him anyway.
The rules are simple. Fight your way through the gates to the galactic core. Earn the respect of the ancient civilizations who live there. Win humanity's place among the stars or watch the Great Game's clock hit zero and take eight billion lives with it.
Mitch has godlike abilities he barely understands, a group of disillusioned friends at his side, and a giant axolotl who eats everything and anything. What he doesn't have is the ability to get out of his own way.
He's always been his own worst enemy. Now the universe is counting on him anyway.
627 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin
12 books41 followersJ. Fitzpatrick Mauldin is a science fiction and fantasy writer based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lives with his bibliophilic wife and two daughters. Destined to be a nerd by birth, the product of a science, history, and engineering obsessed father and grandfather, he had no other option than to let his creative juices flow onto paper. Not a single genre writer, he explores many facets and sub genres of SFF such as cheesy horror, sci-fi satire, flintlock fantasy, and speculative fiction. Like many authors, genre niches are not what tend to arouse inspiration in him, but rather, what a character can do within a compelling setting. He seeks to explore grand events and extraordinary times while plumbing the depths of the human condition from life unto death—and beyond.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Enter the Cosmic Spiral by J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin
I want to start by thanking author J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a fan of LitRPG novels for a couple of years now, and Enter the Cosmic Spiral stands out from the crowd. The premise feels fresh and distinct right from the opening pages, but it's as the story unfolds that it truly comes into its own — building into something that makes the characters genuinely compelling and relatable.
Without giving too much away, what impressed me most was Mauldin's willingness to give his characters real, significant flaws. Not minor quirks, but meaningful imperfections that make them feel like actual people. That kind of authenticity is rare, and it elevates the entire reading experience.
The pacing is excellent — the story flows naturally with no slow or dragging sections. The action sequences are well-written and easy to follow, and the skill system is described clearly enough that it stays memorable without becoming overwhelming, which can be a stumbling block in the genre.
This was a fantastic read that I finished in under a week. If you enjoy LitRPG, don't sleep on this one when it releases — you won't be disappointed. I'm already looking forward to the next installment and hope to be back as an ARC reader when that time comes.
I want to start by thanking author J. Fitzpatrick Mauldin for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a fan of LitRPG novels for a couple of years now, and Enter the Cosmic Spiral stands out from the crowd. The premise feels fresh and distinct right from the opening pages, but it's as the story unfolds that it truly comes into its own — building into something that makes the characters genuinely compelling and relatable.
Without giving too much away, what impressed me most was Mauldin's willingness to give his characters real, significant flaws. Not minor quirks, but meaningful imperfections that make them feel like actual people. That kind of authenticity is rare, and it elevates the entire reading experience.
The pacing is excellent — the story flows naturally with no slow or dragging sections. The action sequences are well-written and easy to follow, and the skill system is described clearly enough that it stays memorable without becoming overwhelming, which can be a stumbling block in the genre.
This was a fantastic read that I finished in under a week. If you enjoy LitRPG, don't sleep on this one when it releases — you won't be disappointed. I'm already looking forward to the next installment and hope to be back as an ARC reader when that time comes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so glad I got to do this ARC! It was absolutely amazing! Mitch is a guy just going through the motions at work and in life. He is stuck in a rut and dealing with plenty of demons. After a night out with his ride or die friends he gets into an altercation with a loser dad who left his baby in a freezing cold car. After getting placed in the back of the cop car Mitch’s life changes forever. Let the Great Game begin! Fighting for his life meeting up with old friends and making some new ones, Mitch and his crew need to travers the cosmos and complete objectives to make the next gate. Guys this book is fast-past, action packed and intense. There is also great banter and comedy! In the end the team needs to overcome their demons and save the human race! Guys this is a must read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of this book!
It's a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the series!
It follows Mitch, as he is taken away from his normal live and thrown into 'the great game' in an opportunity to save everyone on earth. Along the way he meets some friends and they group up so they can work together. Also featuring an adorable animal companion.
There is a lot of action throughout and the world building is incredible. As you learn more about each character they become more relatable and you can really understand each of their motivations.
It's a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the series!
It follows Mitch, as he is taken away from his normal live and thrown into 'the great game' in an opportunity to save everyone on earth. Along the way he meets some friends and they group up so they can work together. Also featuring an adorable animal companion.
There is a lot of action throughout and the world building is incredible. As you learn more about each character they become more relatable and you can really understand each of their motivations.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews