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Mana Runners #2
Death Has Gone Rogue
The hilarious sequel to the hit LitRPG dungeon comedy, DEATH HAS JOINED THE PARTY!
Against all odds, Tavin Sorrel survived his first three dungeon floors as a level 1 Necrolord. He didn’t die to the opinionated lich who tried, and failed, to take over his body. He didn’t die to the mimic who ended up becoming his most reliable friend or the dragonborn Paladin who swore to kill him right before joining his party. He didn’t even die on the infamous death floor, a truly shocking feat that’s made him something of a celebrity on Mana Runners—the dungeon-running reality show where the entire world expected him to die.
But Tavin did not die. He leveled up and beat the boss that no one else could touch… which means now he has to deal with all the stuff he never thought he’d live long enough to worry about. Stuff like corporate sponsorships, screaming fans who keep demanding he turn them into his undead minions, and the actual secrets of the Endless Dungeon that Copper Runners like him aren’t supposed to know.
Turns out, when you survive the unsurvivable, you learn a lot of things you shouldn’t. Tavin still knows almost nothing about the mysterious beings the Endless Dungeon was built to imprison, but they know him. Now that they’ve named him as one of their own, he’s going to have to prove to the people in power that he’s not evil.
A not-evil lich. Good luck with that.
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Welcome back to the world of MANA RUNNERS, the TTRPG-based LitRPG series with more mimics per volume than any other modern dungeon adventure! If you love fantasy comedy packed with loot, levels, party antics, and just the right amount of rules-driven combat crunch, this is the series you won’t want to miss. Perfect for fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl, Dungeons & Dragons, Critical Role, and Terry Pratchett.
Featuring a kind underdog protagonist with an OP hidden class shoved into the brutal life of celebrity dungeon crawling, DEATH HAS GONE ROGUE picks right up where DEATH HAS JOINED THE PARTY left off. The stakes are higher, the battles are harder, the spells are bigger, and everyone is still delightfully (or horribly) themselves. It’s everything you loved about the first book +1, just like a sequel should be!
Strangely intrigued but still don’t know what we’re talking about? This is a sequel, silly! Reading book one first is definitely the best meta, so go check out DEATH HAS JOINED THE PARTY by clicking on the Mana Runners series name above and get ready to enjoy some delightfully deranged adventuring.
Against all odds, Tavin Sorrel survived his first three dungeon floors as a level 1 Necrolord. He didn’t die to the opinionated lich who tried, and failed, to take over his body. He didn’t die to the mimic who ended up becoming his most reliable friend or the dragonborn Paladin who swore to kill him right before joining his party. He didn’t even die on the infamous death floor, a truly shocking feat that’s made him something of a celebrity on Mana Runners—the dungeon-running reality show where the entire world expected him to die.
But Tavin did not die. He leveled up and beat the boss that no one else could touch… which means now he has to deal with all the stuff he never thought he’d live long enough to worry about. Stuff like corporate sponsorships, screaming fans who keep demanding he turn them into his undead minions, and the actual secrets of the Endless Dungeon that Copper Runners like him aren’t supposed to know.
Turns out, when you survive the unsurvivable, you learn a lot of things you shouldn’t. Tavin still knows almost nothing about the mysterious beings the Endless Dungeon was built to imprison, but they know him. Now that they’ve named him as one of their own, he’s going to have to prove to the people in power that he’s not evil.
A not-evil lich. Good luck with that.
--------
Welcome back to the world of MANA RUNNERS, the TTRPG-based LitRPG series with more mimics per volume than any other modern dungeon adventure! If you love fantasy comedy packed with loot, levels, party antics, and just the right amount of rules-driven combat crunch, this is the series you won’t want to miss. Perfect for fans of Dungeon Crawler Carl, Dungeons & Dragons, Critical Role, and Terry Pratchett.
Featuring a kind underdog protagonist with an OP hidden class shoved into the brutal life of celebrity dungeon crawling, DEATH HAS GONE ROGUE picks right up where DEATH HAS JOINED THE PARTY left off. The stakes are higher, the battles are harder, the spells are bigger, and everyone is still delightfully (or horribly) themselves. It’s everything you loved about the first book +1, just like a sequel should be!
Strangely intrigued but still don’t know what we’re talking about? This is a sequel, silly! Reading book one first is definitely the best meta, so go check out DEATH HAS JOINED THE PARTY by clicking on the Mana Runners series name above and get ready to enjoy some delightfully deranged adventuring.
- GenresFantasy
855 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2026
About the author
Rachel Aaron
44 books3,090 followersHello, my name is Rachel Aaron, and I write the Heartstriker books, a new Urban Fantasy series about misfit dragons, starting with Nice Dragons Finish Last. I also wrote The Legend of Eli Monpress fantasy series for Orbit Books about a wizard thief and the poor bastards who have to try and stop him. PLUS I'm also the author of the new, rolicking fun Science Fiction romance Fortune's Pawn under the name Rachel Bach.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
I was born in Atlanta, but I currently live a lovely, nerdy, bookish life in Denver, CO with my lightspeed son, perpetually understanding husband, and far too many plants. Besides my own books, the internet knows me best for writing very fast. The best way to get to know me is probably to read my blog or follow me on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 11, 2026
Am I falling for the propaganda?
Definitely more fun stuff going on, still wild that the super power saving the world is "propaganda" but I'll still vibe.
Lot more of needing our MC to get a swift kick in the butt and dues ex matra, still had fun.
Definitely more fun stuff going on, still wild that the super power saving the world is "propaganda" but I'll still vibe.
Lot more of needing our MC to get a swift kick in the butt and dues ex matra, still had fun.
October 3, 2026
Action-packed litRPG. Loving the revelations about Tavin's mysterious origins, etc.
October 12, 2026
It’s only a few days into his Mana Runner career, and Tavin has already survived things most copper runners never face. But now, the Endless Dungeon has his number, and they’re kicking things up a notch. The monsters are bigger; the dungeons are deeper; and Tavin’s suspicion that, even without Zavrak, he might still register as a monster seems increasingly justified.
This was clever; I’m not sure everyone will feel the same delight that I did over a few subtle twists and naming conventions, but this was so satisfying. Tavin reminds me a lot of Julius from the Hearstrikers series—the likeable underdog who defies the odds—but Mana Runners gets my inner nerd. I play a tiefling bard; need I say more?
This world continues to be engaging. I still want to be Mim when I grow up; there’s something freeing about being able to eat positively anything and flinging one’s tongue like a lasso. There was, or it felt like there was, a little more Jacaroux in this one, and I liked seeing how he ticks. Ryker was, perhaps, too good at being a self-centered creep; that ranger drives me up the wall. I want to shake him.
While reading, I developed two theories—only one of which I was right about, which is just perfect. I have the smugness of guessing correctly and the engagement that comes with the unknown unfolding in each word.
Gamers, fantasy adventure enthusiasts, and readers looking for something with some dark humor will enjoy this series. It’s imaginative, fast-paced, action-packed, and will leave you breathless. As more and more problems piled up, I wanted to step into the story and help Tavin. I scared my cat, screeching advice. This is not the book to read for a quiet escape; this world takes you hostage, puts some dubious magic in your hands, and tests your concentration skills while flinging insults at your head. En garde!
This was clever; I’m not sure everyone will feel the same delight that I did over a few subtle twists and naming conventions, but this was so satisfying. Tavin reminds me a lot of Julius from the Hearstrikers series—the likeable underdog who defies the odds—but Mana Runners gets my inner nerd. I play a tiefling bard; need I say more?
This world continues to be engaging. I still want to be Mim when I grow up; there’s something freeing about being able to eat positively anything and flinging one’s tongue like a lasso. There was, or it felt like there was, a little more Jacaroux in this one, and I liked seeing how he ticks. Ryker was, perhaps, too good at being a self-centered creep; that ranger drives me up the wall. I want to shake him.
While reading, I developed two theories—only one of which I was right about, which is just perfect. I have the smugness of guessing correctly and the engagement that comes with the unknown unfolding in each word.
Gamers, fantasy adventure enthusiasts, and readers looking for something with some dark humor will enjoy this series. It’s imaginative, fast-paced, action-packed, and will leave you breathless. As more and more problems piled up, I wanted to step into the story and help Tavin. I scared my cat, screeching advice. This is not the book to read for a quiet escape; this world takes you hostage, puts some dubious magic in your hands, and tests your concentration skills while flinging insults at your head. En garde!
October 29, 2026
Setting/Worldbuilding: 7/10
Main characters: 7/10
Side characters: 9/10
Dialogue: 5/10
Plot: 5/10
Technique: 3/10
Prose: 2/10
Romance: NA/10
Ending: 8/10
Overall enjoyment: 6/10
Total: 52/90 (2.8)
I cannot believe I am saying this about a book written by someone I unabashedly claim is my favourite author but ... This book dragged. It really really dragged. The first 60% or so of the book felt totally rambly, aimless and pointless, and it really picked up only at the end. The humour, amusing villainy and the "power of nakama" motifs which I love in Rachel's works are still there ... but the features of her writing I love least - the constant expositions, speech-like dialogues, the inner character ramblings - are there too, and amplified. I will finish this series out of respect for the series but I don't know how much longer I can take this.
The FFS series was never this bad - I would recommend that.
Main characters: 7/10
Side characters: 9/10
Dialogue: 5/10
Plot: 5/10
Technique: 3/10
Prose: 2/10
Romance: NA/10
Ending: 8/10
Overall enjoyment: 6/10
Total: 52/90 (2.8)
I cannot believe I am saying this about a book written by someone I unabashedly claim is my favourite author but ... This book dragged. It really really dragged. The first 60% or so of the book felt totally rambly, aimless and pointless, and it really picked up only at the end. The humour, amusing villainy and the "power of nakama" motifs which I love in Rachel's works are still there ... but the features of her writing I love least - the constant expositions, speech-like dialogues, the inner character ramblings - are there too, and amplified. I will finish this series out of respect for the series but I don't know how much longer I can take this.
The FFS series was never this bad - I would recommend that.
October 31, 2026
Fantastic Page-Turner!
As always, Rachel Aaron delivers an un-put-down-able book. I devoured this story and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
The best thing about Rachel Aaron’s books is that they are worth re-reading. The humor, the action, the characters, the world-building… Now that I have to wait for the next book to come out, I intend to read the first book in the Mana Runners series again. And then probably read this one a second time, as well.
I cannot say enough good things about this new series. Book Two is everything I could have hoped for.
Thank goodness Rachel Aaron seems to have an endless supply of amazing stories to tell, packed with interesting characters and fabulous twists and turns. I’m here for it- keep ‘em coming!
As always, Rachel Aaron delivers an un-put-down-able book. I devoured this story and cannot wait for the next one in the series.
The best thing about Rachel Aaron’s books is that they are worth re-reading. The humor, the action, the characters, the world-building… Now that I have to wait for the next book to come out, I intend to read the first book in the Mana Runners series again. And then probably read this one a second time, as well.
I cannot say enough good things about this new series. Book Two is everything I could have hoped for.
Thank goodness Rachel Aaron seems to have an endless supply of amazing stories to tell, packed with interesting characters and fabulous twists and turns. I’m here for it- keep ‘em coming!
October 28, 2026
Fun, engaging, fast paced LitRPG
I’m really enjoying this series, and I can’t wait for the third book — I enjoy Tavin’s internal monologue, as well as the snarky necromancer Zavrak, the delightful mimic Mim, and the golden Dragonborn Rok.
In this installment, we find out more about Tavin, dragons, the Thirteen Kings, the nature of the Endless Dungeon, and more.
I couldn’t put it down and read through it every time I got a break for the past couple of days!
I’m really enjoying this series, and I can’t wait for the third book — I enjoy Tavin’s internal monologue, as well as the snarky necromancer Zavrak, the delightful mimic Mim, and the golden Dragonborn Rok.
In this installment, we find out more about Tavin, dragons, the Thirteen Kings, the nature of the Endless Dungeon, and more.
I couldn’t put it down and read through it every time I got a break for the past couple of days!
October 11, 2026
YAS! Another Great Adventure...
Indeed, another great adventure for the books. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one in the series. The story kept on piling on the stakes. Like when I thought things were as maxed out as they could be, more came on scene. It was fantastic and absolutely brilliant.
Indeed, another great adventure for the books. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one in the series. The story kept on piling on the stakes. Like when I thought things were as maxed out as they could be, more came on scene. It was fantastic and absolutely brilliant.
October 20, 2026
the worst part will be waiting for book 3
I don’t see how they’re going to top this book, but I look forward to finding out! In this book we learn more about Tavin’s mysterious past, and Zavrak’s evil. The Thirteen Kings are the baddest of the bad but somehow our misfit crew persevere.
I don’t see how they’re going to top this book, but I look forward to finding out! In this book we learn more about Tavin’s mysterious past, and Zavrak’s evil. The Thirteen Kings are the baddest of the bad but somehow our misfit crew persevere.
October 5, 2026
Amusing dialogue and character development that unfolds in an organic and believable way. High stakes action and big reveals on the hidden side of Tavin and the history of White peak that move the story along.
Lots of fun, lovable characters, and high stakes make for a BIG story
Lots of fun, lovable characters, and high stakes make for a BIG story
October 15, 2026
For a while it looked like it was going to be a fairly average if entertaining story. However there's a few plot twists that showed up that I was not expecting and it totally changed my thoughts about this book. Looking forward to the next one.
October 18, 2026
Amazing and hilarious DnD inspired adventure!
For anybody who has experienced the chaos of a rpg with friends around the table this feels like that when everybody is having a hilarious night.
For anybody who has experienced the chaos of a rpg with friends around the table this feels like that when everybody is having a hilarious night.
October 25, 2026
Such a fun read
I was looking for an adventure and i found it here. its got plot twists that bury the lead, its got heroics in spades and the kind of protagonist you really want to root for.
I was looking for an adventure and i found it here. its got plot twists that bury the lead, its got heroics in spades and the kind of protagonist you really want to root for.
October 9, 2026
So so so so good
I absolutely loved this book. Love letter to all things D&D well written, a great hero, found family. So good!
I absolutely loved this book. Love letter to all things D&D well written, a great hero, found family. So good!
November 1, 2026
Fun read
Generally a fun read, but it lags in spots. The “banter” between Skullbert and the other characters tends to get repetitive after a while.
Generally a fun read, but it lags in spots. The “banter” between Skullbert and the other characters tends to get repetitive after a while.
October 5, 2026
Look, I like the characters, world and story. But what’s holding me back from rating this book anymore than 3 stars is THE TIMELINE DOESNT MAKE SENSE. You’re telling me a whole 700 pages of a book happens in 24 hours….? It’s hard for me to logically grasp and for me, as a reader, if we could just extend the events to a couple more days would help the story make more sense. However, due to the main characters ability constraint the author has kind of written themselves into a corner.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews