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Grant Legate comes out of his time as William Carver with more questions than answers. Still, character creation awaits. After that lies a virtual world where he can learn new skills, make new friends and perhaps beat up a monster or two. Anything to assist with his need to be distracted from an unstable past. There will be no more trials or living as another man. He’s the master of his fate, he’s the captain of his soul.

Only the Voices want to keep working with Grant and they expand on their prior offer. Their reasons are many, a messenger to move people about the world, eyes and ears at sensitive locations. They offer rewards in exchange for completion of their tasks and all he need do is accept.

Forces in the virtual world aren’t the only ones showing an interest in Grant’s recent activities. People outside the box start to ask how his experience went, with none of them knowing of Grant’s status as an Ultimate Edition user. Wheels turn as the AIs running Continue Online poke and prod Grant towards another performance. This time, the consequences end up being more personal than he could have expected. What exactly is their plan, and what does it mean to the rest of humanity?

370 pages, ebook

Published March 7, 2016

116 people are currently reading
109 people want to read

About the author

Stephan Morse

14 books82 followers
Stephan Morse was born the year 1983 in San Diego. The next fifteen years were spent slowly escaping California and surviving a public education system. Thus far he's made it to the Seattle (WA) region with little desire to go further. When not trying to shove words together into sentences Stephan spends time reading, catching up on sleep, and otherwise living a mundane life.

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5 stars
255 (36%)
4 stars
263 (37%)
3 stars
133 (19%)
2 stars
37 (5%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Sinisa Mikasinovic.
136 reviews29 followers
August 12, 2018
After reading the first part, Memories, I wasn't sure if that was the beginning of the best series ever or it will come horribly crashing down in pieces.

Apparently, Morse and Proczko are hell-bent on the former. The series so far is simply brilliant!

The history is full of various authors and their pale attempts of making their one-hit wonder novels into worthy series and then failing miserably. With so many people writing stuff today and doing nothing noteworthy, I'd say odds are pretty much stacked against anyone who tries.

Still, Morse is making it happen. I can feel his characters, no matter if good or bad. They are real and three-dimensional, whether AI or human. Makes you imagine scenarios that may happen in the future and then pleasantly surprised how close you got without actually getting it right :-)

Personally, I feel the main appeal of the story is it's open-endedness. If that wasn't a word before, it is now :D There's no need to rush through the story to that final objective and "save the princess from the bad guy". It's all happening in the real time - right here, right now. Yes, sometimes the world is on fire and there's a general need to hurry things up but the pacing is surprisingly slow. Allows for everything to be properly absorbed and inspected.

Morse also doesn't give out too much information about anything! "Here's just enough to get you interested and let's move on." Oh, how I hate you, Stefan Morse! I'll be forever hooked!

But how does he do it? It's simple, once you stop for long enough to focus on it - he cheats! Speaking of characters, by providing you with a bit of information here and there, you are forced to complete the character model in your mind. Information provided is crucial, that's true, and acts as a good base for your own interpretations of characters to be placed over. That makes everyone feel so much closer and allows you to love or hate different characters with a true sense of righteousness :-)

And then you get to the point when you discover you've "built" a character incorrectly. Something new happens and more information is revealed. "Oops, I guess I was wrong to assume that!" :-)

And it's a great feeling! I can feel involved with the world while fully enjoying the story.

New people, stories, plans... all are constantly being added. Just as we establish a firm grasp of the situation and are certain we've built our characters properly, new ones are introduced. At the current pace, it can continue pretty much forever. And it will be forever interesting and fun :-)

Using my revised "not everything can possibly be awesome, please tone it down" rating system - this falls squarely under "It was amazing and I loved it", 5* stars category. I really need more of these books in my life.

As long as Morse keeps writing magic and Proczko keeps reading it in such a way, I'll keep listening!

 

Made (Continue Online #2)
by Stephan Morse (Goodreads Author), Pavi Proczko (Narrator)


Verdict     Just as the doctor prescribed!
Runtime     16:19
Overall    
Performance
Story      
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,513 reviews88 followers
August 5, 2021
Well it took awhile for me to get back into this as it was so long ago that I read the first one. I found parts were slow but I did eventually get back into it. This one fills in a lot of blanks and the overall story line is being set. It's weird that he seems to feel more for the virtual world although his not actually the best or even seems to know what his doing most of the time. I liked the Imp part. It'll be interesting to see where this series goes.
Profile Image for Milan.
595 reviews15 followers
June 3, 2016
Interesting sequel. I was glad to see Awesome Jr. SweetPea and others again and it was interesting to see they know Grants niece Beth in real life. Ending was a bit confusing but it was still a decent read.
There were several interesting revelations in the end though I'll just have to wait and see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for M.L..
283 reviews
November 20, 2016
This is a sad story that continues with the feels. I find myself impressed at the amount of empathy and emotion this work of fiction arouses within me. Yet focusing too much on the feelings of the protagonist and how he deals with them doesn't leave a lot for action and other stuff that make LitRPGs entertaining.
93 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2016
I am really glad that i have made up my mind to read it through to the last page, becouse sometimes i felt rather disappointed. Clearly with a lot of potential, and have space to evolve to anything and i am truly happy that Grant made up his mind the way he did. Recommended
2 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2016
Fantastic

The book builds upon the characters and setting of the first one, and delivers more insights into the drives and personalities of its characters. I can't wait for the third one to release.
Profile Image for Daniel Lawson.
70 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2017
This book almost crashed and burned

Thankfully the author pulled out from the brink and turned what could have been a disastrous ending into something with hope.
Profile Image for Niels Baumgartner.
265 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2016
Amazing

If you can handle an epic story and you want it to continue. Keep reading...

Totally worth it.
Don't miss this.
Profile Image for Kiba Snowpaw.
Author 2 books24 followers
December 19, 2024
Title: "Glacial Shards and Fiery Realms: A Journey through Continue Online Part Two: Made"

Introduction:
Greetings, my fellow beings of lore and frost! I am Kiba Snowpaw, Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom, a world encased in eternal winters where the winds whisper tales of legends. With my 38+ years of ice magic and 5,000+ games explored, I dive into Stephan Morse’s second installment of the Continue Online series. "Made" isn’t just a book; it’s a raw exploration of identity, choice, and the snowy precipices of virtual existence. Let’s carve into the icy depths of this unique tale together.

Basic Plot Summary:
Grant Legate, once an NPC in the simulated universe of "Continue Online," embarks on a new chapter. The enigmatic Voices present him with a fresh challenge: survive trials underground, face past romantic entanglements, and take on the mantle of an imp familiar. As he confronts a cunning opponent, Grant’s path grows increasingly blurred between reality, AI constructs, and his deeply fractured psyche. It’s a battle not just of wits and survival but of identity itself.

Originality:
From the moment "Continue Online" first dropped into the LitRPG world, it redefined expectations. Stephan Morse takes familiar tropes—player-controlled characters, stat-based mechanics—and adds layers of existential drama. The choice to explore an NPC perspective again in this installment feels as audacious as leaping into the Frostbrink Abyss. It’s a rare blend of emotional depth and genre-breaking storytelling.

About the Writer:
Stephan Morse, a literary alpha in his own right, hails from a background of quiet creativity. Known for balancing complex world-building with deeply flawed characters, his writing feels like standing before a frozen lake—seemingly serene but filled with unseen depths. Morse’s ability to weave themes of AI, grief, and resilience cements his place alongside LitRPG titans like Aleron Kong and Dakota Krout.

Analysis/Evaluation:

Characters:
Grant Legate: An anti-hero with layers of frost and fire. He’s deeply human—sometimes painfully so. His struggles mirror the challenges many face: isolation, loss, and the desperate search for purpose. In "Made," Grant’s transformation from a passive observer to an active participant is as thrilling as the first snowstorm of HowlStrom’s centennial winter.
The Voices: A mysterious force that continues to push Grant into deeper existential waters. Their cryptic interventions make them both guides and antagonists.
Supporting Cast: Grant’s interactions with other players and NPCs expand the story’s complexity. His imp form brings unexpected humor, while his "real-world" relationships serve as a stark reminder of what’s at stake.

Structure:
The narrative builds like a slow-forming glacier, deliberate yet unstoppable. It alternates between real-world introspection and high-stakes gameplay, creating a seamless bridge between Grant’s internal and external conflicts.

Mechanics:
This book’s implementation of LitRPG elements is meticulous. Stats, abilities, and game rules are introduced without overwhelming the reader. The imp mechanic adds a refreshing twist, allowing readers to experience the game world from a distinctly non-human perspective.

Impact:
Few books can claim to blend virtual escapism with such raw emotional resonance. For anyone who has ever sought refuge in a game, "Made" serves as both a mirror and a challenge. It asks: "What do we seek when we play?"

Hook and Thesis:
Can a fractured soul find healing in a world where death is only a respawn away? "Made" explores the boundaries of humanity in a way that feels both intimate and universal.

Praise and Critique:
What Howls:
- The emotional depth of Grant’s journey is unmatched, pulling readers into a snowstorm of introspection.
- The imp storyline brings an unexpected layer of humor and creativity.
- Stephan Morse’s writing is poetic, capturing the icy beauty of his world while exploring its harsh realities.

What Chills:
- The pacing may feel slow for readers expecting non-stop action.
- Grant’s introspection occasionally overshadows the plot, making it feel unbalanced at times.

Highlights and Drawbacks:
Highlight: The moment Grant faces his former girlfriend in-game is a masterclass in emotional tension.
Drawback: The ending feels abrupt, leaving readers yearning for the next installment like a wolf under a full moon.

Comparison:
"Made" stands tall beside Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko for its immersive game world but surpasses it in emotional depth. It shares DNA with The Land: Founding by Aleron Kong but veers into more introspective territory, akin to Ready Player One.

Overall Conclusion:
"Continue Online Part Two: Made" is a frosty masterpiece that balances the cerebral and the spectacular. Stephan Morse has crafted a story that doesn’t just entertain—it lingers, much like the echo of a wolf’s howl in the icy wilderness. For furries, gamers, and readers seeking something uniquely profound, this book is an essential read.

Rating:
Story: 5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Character Depth: 5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Mechanics: 4.5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Overall: 5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️

May your paws find warmth in this tale, and may the frost guide your journey through its depths. Happy howling!
Kiba Snowpaw, Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom.
Profile Image for Chris Evans.
903 reviews43 followers
May 14, 2018
I was interested to see what Morse would do with the story after he thoroughly wrapped up the main plot of the previous story. If he just had the main character jump into a new character not his own to learn about it would come seem forced and repetitive, but playing the game normally is also a divergence from the style of this book. So what does he do? Kind of both. He does get to make his standard character and play as him, but also, about half way through, he's drawn in to playing an NPC Demon a player summoned. This works pretty well at transitioning from the previous books style into a more sustainable story format.

Of course, like the last book, the actual game aspects of this book are mostly scenery to the character drama. Morse does a great job of showing how everything going on is re-breaking and mending the main character

There are a lot of questions about the world and AI in general presented here as well. And that ending...
Profile Image for Lucas Ellison.
99 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2018
Wow!

This series continues, heh, to keep me guessing. I have no idea where it's going. This novel didn't feel as dark as the previous but poor Grant Legate faces some real ethical dilemmas. The tone of the series still remains less light hearted than others of it genre making it far more to my liking. I worry however that the voice of balance has been completely drowned out. Hermes seems a little O.P. and in my opinion this often hurts a LitRPG story. When the lead character becomes godlike or the game starts to aid them in a deus ex machina fashion it loses something. Personally I like it more when the characters face difficulties any player would or at least have to deal with other players who found ways to become just as O.P. Feels kinda empty when I know the player will just pull a Neo a la the end of the Matrix and just win the day by stopping Agent Smith's bullets.
69 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2020
Complete Garbage the book doesn't focus on a fantasy realm or anything entertaining. This book is about a psychotic individual who wants to sleep with his dead girlfriend. He eventually became so deranged about sleeping and fooling around his dead whore that he decided he would start killing kids to sleep with her. The book is really disgusting and terrible. 99% of it is just crying about how he can't be with her anymore. There is no character development or progression the author did not develop the characters so you have no attachment to the characters. Instead you just get oh she is gone oh I miss her or I guess I will kill kids to see her online. It's just trashy. This is among the worst series I have ever seen.
Profile Image for Rebecka.
254 reviews
January 16, 2018
I like when a litrpg has some sort of advanced AI instead of a group of human programmers controlling everything within the game. In this series you have several AIs and the accompanying questions of what makes something a living being and what it is to be human. I wish the story had a little more structure because it felt all over the place. Those places were nice and all, but I have no clue why we went there. I also miss a focus on stats and max/min, but that's just my personal preference and I don't hold it against the series.
Profile Image for Ryan Peters.
53 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2018
2nd series I've read in the LitRPG category, and this one handles character progression so much better. It's not just "here's some stats".

I'm pretty hooked on this one, I feel like I'm getting to know a world as the character gets to know it. We're not being dropped into a fantasy setting where all of the characters already know the world around us. There is something comforting about how LitRPG allows the character to be just as confused by some new place or concept as the reader who is discovering it for the first time.
Profile Image for John #Audible.
368 reviews
March 21, 2018
I tried, jebus I tried to listen to this one again to see if it was going to be better. But no the MC is some candy ass that has been living in a safety bubble and he seems to not want to grow up after 30 years. That is fine to drone on about this stuff the first book, but move the hell on dude!! it makes for a book that is not entertaining and boring as hell. It seems that every character in this book is a emotional train wreck and has been carrying baggage around for years.
Profile Image for Shaft.
596 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2018
More of the same, there is an interesting story here but there is a lot that you have to wade through before you get there. I will probably continue reading this while I wait for the big series I follow to drop new instalments. I guess your enjoyment of this will come down to your feelings about mental health and how it is written about.
Profile Image for Lukas Lovas.
1,395 reviews64 followers
March 13, 2019
This book disappointed me. The first one started really well, but the series is going in a direction which doesn't really interest me and the book had lots of moments where my mind went "I am I reading this?" I don't plan to continue with the series.
Profile Image for Billie.
244 reviews23 followers
October 4, 2017
Well written with a diverse cast. Emotional story, somewhat like the previous story.

While well written it's more similar to the first, than a full fledged jump into the game.
Profile Image for Pj.
113 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2018
Second book is better than the first. I'm glad I stuck with it.
Profile Image for odedo1 Audio book worm. .
803 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2018
As I said, with the first book it was love hate relationship,
But this one was excellent
Excellently writing.
Excellently narrated.

Anything else will just ruin this review!!!

Fully recommended.
Profile Image for Travis Bryant.
958 reviews8 followers
April 29, 2021
Another decent book in the series. There's enough intrigue to keep the story interesting and okay action and magic. 👍🏽
63 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2017
Loved the book.

The story is compelling. The main character is intriguing and easy to connect with. The book is well paced and put together. A very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Tom.
212 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2016
Went from a fun series with disturbing undertones straight to just plain old disturbing. I did not enjoy the 2 book. Even more inside jokes that I didn't get, even more of the colossal creepiness of the AIs. A couple of saved by the bell moments, alluding to things that are not in book one. Some very confusing edits that had me reading previous chapters to see what id missed. Overall. It just. Depressed me.
Profile Image for Diogo Barreiros.
1 review
March 23, 2016
The first book was well written - even with the minor gramatical errors - and had a lot of potential for exploring the world of Continue, but the author went by a path that I found rather disappointing.

Plus, this book has a lot more of gramatical and lexical errors that a simple, but serious revision would take care of.
Profile Image for patrick turner.
33 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2016
Good job

This was a great continuation of the series, a bit different from the first one but still good. I look forward to reading the next book and hope to see the world of arc develop a bit more.
105 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2016
such a good first book, such a bad second, dropped at 50% more or less, i have read stupid shiet, but this is even worse.let the damn woman die and the stupid push over wimpy mc grow up, i had not hated a book so much in a while.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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