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The Selfless Hero Trilogy #2
Otherlife Nightmares
Runner and company have safely left the city ahead of the siege. Completing their class promotions with barely any time to spare.
Unfortunately he hasn't discovered the password he needs to begin the logoff process to save the four-hundred thousand or so crewmates left alive in this game where dying truly means death.
The game continues to shift and change with each day and as a byproduct of Runner’s actions.
Not only do the rules change, but those he’s with have changed. No longer simple programs they have reached actual sentience.
Pressing himself ever onwards to learn more about the world he finds himself surprised at every turn.
On top of navigating the ever changing game the outside world has contacted him directly. Now he has to begin to navigate the situation as a gamer, IT support, and an officer.
Of course this would all be a lot easier if he didn't get captured within a few hours of leaving Crivel.
Fate seems to be stacking the deck against him as quickly as she can this time around.
The difficulty has been flipped to Nightmare and no one told Runner.
Unfortunately he hasn't discovered the password he needs to begin the logoff process to save the four-hundred thousand or so crewmates left alive in this game where dying truly means death.
The game continues to shift and change with each day and as a byproduct of Runner’s actions.
Not only do the rules change, but those he’s with have changed. No longer simple programs they have reached actual sentience.
Pressing himself ever onwards to learn more about the world he finds himself surprised at every turn.
On top of navigating the ever changing game the outside world has contacted him directly. Now he has to begin to navigate the situation as a gamer, IT support, and an officer.
Of course this would all be a lot easier if he didn't get captured within a few hours of leaving Crivel.
Fate seems to be stacking the deck against him as quickly as she can this time around.
The difficulty has been flipped to Nightmare and no one told Runner.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2016
306 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 9, 2019
Otherlife Nightmares was the second instalment in William D. Arand's Selfless Hero trilogy. This series is fairly hardcore LitRPG built on the classic Sword Art Online set up. The RPG elements of the story make up a big part of the story and world but I feel like they do not overwhelm the characters or plot. This series offers a mix of humour (mostly in the form of character banter), action, adventure, and a bit of romance. It should be noted that the romance in this series is of the wish fulfilment harem type that is so popular in the LitRPG genre right now. At least the "romance" is a slow burn so it gets time to grow and develop at a decent pace.
I think the premise of this story was is a good one. There is the real world and the VR world for the main character to contend with. The VR world was a fairly typical fantasy realm. The "real" world was actually a far flung sci-fi future where space travel and VR tech is common place. Our hero, Runner, along with the rest of the crew on his spaceship are living in a fully immersive VR world as their bodies lay in cryosleep for their space journey. The problem is the near half a million compliment crew are now trapped in the game!
The basic set up of the world is a good. The VR fantasy world is pretty standard stuff and most of the story takes place in that setting but the "real" sci-fi future world is cool and intriguing and the thing that gives the worldbuilding its edge over a lot of other series in the genre. I'll not spoil anything but the sci-fi future would is pretty cool!
This second book was on par with the first book in the series for quality. I enjoyed the stuff we learned about the sci-fi world and liked the addition of the Gods to the cast and story. The slight negative of having a bunch of fun new character enter the story, all women of course, was the fact that it hurt the four main secondary characters from the last series. Only Katerina managed much of a story arc of her own in this. The others were all overshadowed by the new women. The other negative for this second book as that as well as levelling up his powers Runner also levelled up his sleaze factor so was less likeable as a result.
The tone was a little darker in this book compared to the first one as the lure of power and burden of responsibility began to take a toll on Runner.
My feeling is that the Selfless Hero series feels like it was an early draft of the Super Sales on Superheroes series but that the characters, plot, writing, and world were all a bit better by the time SSoS was published.
I'll read the third book for sure but I do not love this series as much as I loved Super Sales on Superheroes.
Rating: 2.5 stars but I'm rounding up to 3 stars.
Audio Note: Jeff hays is a dependable narrator in the LitRPG genre. I just wish he did not give so many of the female characters weird Irish accents!
I think the premise of this story was is a good one. There is the real world and the VR world for the main character to contend with. The VR world was a fairly typical fantasy realm. The "real" world was actually a far flung sci-fi future where space travel and VR tech is common place. Our hero, Runner, along with the rest of the crew on his spaceship are living in a fully immersive VR world as their bodies lay in cryosleep for their space journey. The problem is the near half a million compliment crew are now trapped in the game!
The basic set up of the world is a good. The VR fantasy world is pretty standard stuff and most of the story takes place in that setting but the "real" sci-fi future world is cool and intriguing and the thing that gives the worldbuilding its edge over a lot of other series in the genre. I'll not spoil anything but the sci-fi future would is pretty cool!
This second book was on par with the first book in the series for quality. I enjoyed the stuff we learned about the sci-fi world and liked the addition of the Gods to the cast and story. The slight negative of having a bunch of fun new character enter the story, all women of course, was the fact that it hurt the four main secondary characters from the last series. Only Katerina managed much of a story arc of her own in this. The others were all overshadowed by the new women. The other negative for this second book as that as well as levelling up his powers Runner also levelled up his sleaze factor so was less likeable as a result.
The tone was a little darker in this book compared to the first one as the lure of power and burden of responsibility began to take a toll on Runner.
My feeling is that the Selfless Hero series feels like it was an early draft of the Super Sales on Superheroes series but that the characters, plot, writing, and world were all a bit better by the time SSoS was published.
I'll read the third book for sure but I do not love this series as much as I loved Super Sales on Superheroes.
Rating: 2.5 stars but I'm rounding up to 3 stars.
Audio Note: Jeff hays is a dependable narrator in the LitRPG genre. I just wish he did not give so many of the female characters weird Irish accents!
June 17, 2020
Rating 2.5
Okay, this one is a little bit rough. The good thing is that I understand more about the possible origin of the rest of this authors stories (maybe). I can also see the refinement of writing through the series. There are definitely some of the same traits that Runner shares with all of the author William D. Arand main characters. This story isn't really well developed. The MC has a charisma level greater than anyone ever known, flirts shamelessly with any woman he is around and then freaks out when they reciprocate? Again, this seems to happen to all of this author's main characters but that dynamic is a little bit more ...... refined in the the later books. This one was actually kind of hard to get through. It took me a long time. Unless someone tells me something insane happens in the next book which would change my world view of the Arand's writings, I am going to skip the next book.
Okay, this one is a little bit rough. The good thing is that I understand more about the possible origin of the rest of this authors stories (maybe). I can also see the refinement of writing through the series. There are definitely some of the same traits that Runner shares with all of the author William D. Arand main characters. This story isn't really well developed. The MC has a charisma level greater than anyone ever known, flirts shamelessly with any woman he is around and then freaks out when they reciprocate? Again, this seems to happen to all of this author's main characters but that dynamic is a little bit more ...... refined in the the later books. This one was actually kind of hard to get through. It took me a long time. Unless someone tells me something insane happens in the next book which would change my world view of the Arand's writings, I am going to skip the next book.
September 21, 2016
The previous book was average but since I like this type of MMO hero stories, I was interested enough to try this second book. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it. The hero was overpowered, and overly lucky; the dialogue was so sappy and cringe-worthy. It would be an adolescent male's dream. So if you're in that target market, you might like it. Otherwise, give this a miss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2018
Great character evolution
Really enjoyed, although occasionally Runner, the primary character, just rattles off a ton of orders to his crew in a way that doesn't seem real. More like the author is just cranking through their outline as fast as possible.
The interactions with the divine were fun and relatable.
The Kitsune was an interesting twist, but wasn't sure how Japanese culture and mythology tied into anything else in this world, so it seemed a bit odd.
The ongoing evolution of Srit, the AI, is interesting. And it was cool how well the meta situation with the ship returning to the home world and humanity having evolved was handled well but didn't intrude into the primary story.
And a real character died, adding a bit of realism to things.
Really enjoyed, although occasionally Runner, the primary character, just rattles off a ton of orders to his crew in a way that doesn't seem real. More like the author is just cranking through their outline as fast as possible.
The interactions with the divine were fun and relatable.
The Kitsune was an interesting twist, but wasn't sure how Japanese culture and mythology tied into anything else in this world, so it seemed a bit odd.
The ongoing evolution of Srit, the AI, is interesting. And it was cool how well the meta situation with the ship returning to the home world and humanity having evolved was handled well but didn't intrude into the primary story.
And a real character died, adding a bit of realism to things.
August 19, 2019
This episode moved much better than the first book. Runner is still a social/sexual idiot savant with his ridiculous charisma stat, and his constant teasing of women who have no choice but want to sleep with him should be a crime against humanity or something.
Still, the story gains momentum, even if that story needs to give the MC a swift kick, things are developing. Really a 3.5, but I always round up for the aggregate score metrics. If you made it this far you really have to read the finale.
Still, the story gains momentum, even if that story needs to give the MC a swift kick, things are developing. Really a 3.5, but I always round up for the aggregate score metrics. If you made it this far you really have to read the finale.
December 6, 2018
not bad,
this is the 3rd series by William D. Arand /Randi Darren that I've read and I'm noticing a lot of repetition. Selfless hero/ Super sale on super heroes/ Wild wastes. It's kind of like he just rewrote the same story over and over in a different setting. Good thing I happen to like that story he's retelling.
this is the 3rd series by William D. Arand /Randi Darren that I've read and I'm noticing a lot of repetition. Selfless hero/ Super sale on super heroes/ Wild wastes. It's kind of like he just rewrote the same story over and over in a different setting. Good thing I happen to like that story he's retelling.
November 5, 2016
My gripe with the first book is somewhat explained on the second book, but it is still bothersome. The main character should just be called the Pheromone King.
I'll read the next one, cause I already purchased it anyways and it's the last book in the series, but I wouldn't recommend it.
I'll read the next one, cause I already purchased it anyways and it's the last book in the series, but I wouldn't recommend it.
October 6, 2019
I'm still enjoying the setting and what plot there is, but Arand has ramped up the Harem elements by 1000%. Fully half of the book is flirting and ruminating on the difficulties of multiple love interests. At least it wasn't drowning in explicit sex scenes.
June 29, 2016
Just good work
Editing is excellent. Story isn't some short piece of fluff work.
No bloody cliffhanger! Well written, lots of laughs with a few tears.
I highly recommend this.
Editing is excellent. Story isn't some short piece of fluff work.
No bloody cliffhanger! Well written, lots of laughs with a few tears.
I highly recommend this.
February 11, 2018
Okay, this one was an easy 4 stars and no issues giving the series to this point a 4. I really enjoyed this series so far and look forward to the next book.
December 14, 2018
[Spoilers!] God. Was listening to the audiobook while driving and towards the end I damn near had to pull over I was tearing up so much. Fuck.
Another fantastic installment in the trilogy.
Another fantastic installment in the trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2020
Book 2 of 3 picks up well with different feel
Book 2 takes place immediately after the events of book 1, with the crew having left the city ahead of the siege. Runner still hasn't discovered the password he needs to save the remaining crewmates left in the game. If you remember from book 1, crewmates are truly dying when killed in the game and this is taking a toll on Runner. Runner also continues to shift and change the game world each day by making more and more "NPCs" realize their reality is a game. Not only is Runner's actions giving sentience to npc's, but also the counties he takes action in. Runner has also been contacted by the outside world. Now runner has to deal with in-game events and his contact to the outside world via an A.I as a middle man, a middle man that is trying to help the crew from the outside while also helping study humans.
This book 2 is more of the same from the first book with more of a focus on the backgrounds of Runner's harem, with less adventure and Runner leading an army. There are more female characters joining in the story, but none that join the 4 main ladies in Runner's harem. Something I was looking forward to was the characters gaining class promotions, but the event is just glossed over and Runner doesn't even get one, which makes sense considering his "jack-of-all-trades, master of none" build. Some of my favorite parts of this book were getting to know some of the ladies backgrounds and Runner having to deal with obstacles due to them. Another is Runner starting to encounter the gods of this virtual world, which makes for some interesting situations particularly with "Minxy"
Runner really struggles with his loyalty in this book as he has decided in book 1 that the npc's of the game are just as real as any of the players he is trying to save. It doesn't help that a large majority of the players are trying to kill him now as well since he has been framed for the reason all the players are in the game in the first place. Runner is being slandered to the point that they think he is playing god and twisting his every actions and relationships into something devious. The annoying part of this is Runners lack of communication with the other players concerning the allegations, Instead of making his case he decides that he should send 1 message to a single person and then shut off or ignore any communications from players, which makes him look very guilty and unwilling to be part of the community he is trying to save. His decision on this makes up about 2/3 of Runner's major problems, which is pretty silly considering he is essentially making his situation go from bad to worse. This issue is what makes this book my least favorite of the 3 books. If it weren't for the character progression in Runner's harem and a very surprising ending, I would likely not have liked the story as much.
Jeff Hays does an amazing job portraying all the characters, and he does an amazing job with female voices to the point I forget I'm listening to a man narrate in a mostly female cast of characters. However, as many female characters as there are I wonder why a female voice actor was not selected to narrate this book. Even with that thought I still think Hays did a great job here, as usual.
(note: this book is part 2 of a 3 book series, which for some reason is not put together as a series on Audible. Just search for "Otherlife" and you should find the other books)
Book 2 takes place immediately after the events of book 1, with the crew having left the city ahead of the siege. Runner still hasn't discovered the password he needs to save the remaining crewmates left in the game. If you remember from book 1, crewmates are truly dying when killed in the game and this is taking a toll on Runner. Runner also continues to shift and change the game world each day by making more and more "NPCs" realize their reality is a game. Not only is Runner's actions giving sentience to npc's, but also the counties he takes action in. Runner has also been contacted by the outside world. Now runner has to deal with in-game events and his contact to the outside world via an A.I as a middle man, a middle man that is trying to help the crew from the outside while also helping study humans.
This book 2 is more of the same from the first book with more of a focus on the backgrounds of Runner's harem, with less adventure and Runner leading an army. There are more female characters joining in the story, but none that join the 4 main ladies in Runner's harem. Something I was looking forward to was the characters gaining class promotions, but the event is just glossed over and Runner doesn't even get one, which makes sense considering his "jack-of-all-trades, master of none" build. Some of my favorite parts of this book were getting to know some of the ladies backgrounds and Runner having to deal with obstacles due to them. Another is Runner starting to encounter the gods of this virtual world, which makes for some interesting situations particularly with "Minxy"
Runner really struggles with his loyalty in this book as he has decided in book 1 that the npc's of the game are just as real as any of the players he is trying to save. It doesn't help that a large majority of the players are trying to kill him now as well since he has been framed for the reason all the players are in the game in the first place. Runner is being slandered to the point that they think he is playing god and twisting his every actions and relationships into something devious. The annoying part of this is Runners lack of communication with the other players concerning the allegations, Instead of making his case he decides that he should send 1 message to a single person and then shut off or ignore any communications from players, which makes him look very guilty and unwilling to be part of the community he is trying to save. His decision on this makes up about 2/3 of Runner's major problems, which is pretty silly considering he is essentially making his situation go from bad to worse. This issue is what makes this book my least favorite of the 3 books. If it weren't for the character progression in Runner's harem and a very surprising ending, I would likely not have liked the story as much.
Jeff Hays does an amazing job portraying all the characters, and he does an amazing job with female voices to the point I forget I'm listening to a man narrate in a mostly female cast of characters. However, as many female characters as there are I wonder why a female voice actor was not selected to narrate this book. Even with that thought I still think Hays did a great job here, as usual.
(note: this book is part 2 of a 3 book series, which for some reason is not put together as a series on Audible. Just search for "Otherlife" and you should find the other books)
August 28, 2018
The three hundred enlisted passengers trapped in the Otherlife game are told by Jacob the Rapist from the first book that Runner is responsible for them being trapped in a game 40,000 years after they left earth and for some reason they all believe this guy. Three hundred thousand on one seems like a tough problem for Runner, but it like all the problems in this volume is resolved in an anticlimactic fashion. Runner is in such a strong position at the end of the story that it’s difficult to guess what problems will arise in the final volume of the series. The only real difficulty left is how the problems Runner is having with the current inhabitants of the earth outside the game will be resolved. So in many ways I felt that this book missed out on many opportunities to build a lot of dramatic tension, but there are still moments—especially at the climatic ending—when the author generated some genuine emotion in me and it saves the novel.
October 22, 2019
Spoiler Alert
Minus one for that death at the end. He could have just put her in world 2 or if that does not work for some reason 3 and change the world to no damage after teleporting. I dont think the god npc could stop the admin from teleporting or that he can do damage to an invulnerable target his powers cant even reach in the first place.
Felt like author wanted a death and Nadine was the most exposable since she was described as the least beautiful and her purpose was to stop Runner from going to dark. Which her death also accomplishes.
Maybe he also wanted her to die to losen up the counsil foundation and allow new entries.
Still if he realy needed to kill her he should not have done so in a way that requires Runner to suddenly,magically be stupid.
Minus one for that death at the end. He could have just put her in world 2 or if that does not work for some reason 3 and change the world to no damage after teleporting. I dont think the god npc could stop the admin from teleporting or that he can do damage to an invulnerable target his powers cant even reach in the first place.
Felt like author wanted a death and Nadine was the most exposable since she was described as the least beautiful and her purpose was to stop Runner from going to dark. Which her death also accomplishes.
Maybe he also wanted her to die to losen up the counsil foundation and allow new entries.
Still if he realy needed to kill her he should not have done so in a way that requires Runner to suddenly,magically be stupid.
June 28, 2021
Runner runs on!
Runner continues his quests: save his ungrateful shipmates; unite the Sunless, Barbarian, and Human nations; see to the needs of each woman in his harem; create a new pantheon of gods and goddesses; keep an apocalyptic level powered AI from annihilating two different universes -- one real and the other virtual. More's the pity that he can't succeed at all of them.
This novel will likely appeal to fans of the Fantasy and LitRPG genres, as well as those who enjoy playing RPGs.
Runner continues his quests: save his ungrateful shipmates; unite the Sunless, Barbarian, and Human nations; see to the needs of each woman in his harem; create a new pantheon of gods and goddesses; keep an apocalyptic level powered AI from annihilating two different universes -- one real and the other virtual. More's the pity that he can't succeed at all of them.
This novel will likely appeal to fans of the Fantasy and LitRPG genres, as well as those who enjoy playing RPGs.
October 2, 2022
This started out at 3 stars level for me (now 4 stars). I was just totally confused about a lot of things. Even now that I finally understand most of things plus the names mostly I suspect that certain things wouldn't make sense regardless of how well I came to know the story and its participants in these worlds. Because it is either arbitrary or simply a weak premise at best. Well, at least the sound issues I found with book 01 seem to have been cleared up perhaps 95+% worth. It is fully readable now. As Audible narration that is.
February 1, 2020
First book was ok, but the later I read the uglier it became. In second book was where the story declined its quality dramatically and it was where author should stoped writing this. The third book is a complete waste; waste of paper and waste of time. I could not force myself to finish it even I was listening to the audio version of the book.
Overall, another harem dreams without any idea behind it. Don’t read it, don’t waste your time. It simple does not worse it.
Overall, another harem dreams without any idea behind it. Don’t read it, don’t waste your time. It simple does not worse it.
August 31, 2021
A ...ending?
Excellent somewhat wrap up. Some things I figured would happen, some others that were unexpected. Interesting world, developments, some sadness. I'm curious where it'll go from there.
No smut just FTB, but I actually don't mind that. I'd rather have an excellent story with that then potentially terrible smut shoehorned in.
I definitely have questions, which is why I'm glad there's another book.
Excellent somewhat wrap up. Some things I figured would happen, some others that were unexpected. Interesting world, developments, some sadness. I'm curious where it'll go from there.
No smut just FTB, but I actually don't mind that. I'd rather have an excellent story with that then potentially terrible smut shoehorned in.
I definitely have questions, which is why I'm glad there's another book.
June 19, 2017
Twice in a row
This series has been great fun. The first book may have been a glitch, but twice in a row? No, this is just a great idea, told very well. Even though, to some, the ending may have been very dark, it was fitting with the story and the character. Already purchased the next book, going to read it and hope to see more from this author.
This series has been great fun. The first book may have been a glitch, but twice in a row? No, this is just a great idea, told very well. Even though, to some, the ending may have been very dark, it was fitting with the story and the character. Already purchased the next book, going to read it and hope to see more from this author.
August 8, 2019
Best GameLit EVER
I will be honest, I sucked at rpg's my whole life and wasn't really a fan of game lit until I read W.D.A. This is the series that got me hooked. Introduced me to harems as a good thing. I wish there was more work to burn through. I reread these often. Definitely recommend.
I will be honest, I sucked at rpg's my whole life and wasn't really a fan of game lit until I read W.D.A. This is the series that got me hooked. Introduced me to harems as a good thing. I wish there was more work to burn through. I reread these often. Definitely recommend.
October 18, 2020
Goddamned weird but fun
Runner, the MC is broken mentally. He functions as an efficient Gamer that fails basic social interactions. Parts of the plot dealing with the background environment (ship and crew) are stupid distractions. The game world however is interesting because of how the author creates great character interactions. This last saves this novella from failure.
Runner, the MC is broken mentally. He functions as an efficient Gamer that fails basic social interactions. Parts of the plot dealing with the background environment (ship and crew) are stupid distractions. The game world however is interesting because of how the author creates great character interactions. This last saves this novella from failure.
January 29, 2021
The author really grew in his skill while writing this book. He broke a lot of the norms and expectations of a fantasy/litrpg book. Having an MC realize they are not the heavy hitter but instead the support character really brings a different feeling to the book. Having the NPCs realize they are NPCs though is really and interesting philosophical debate
February 8, 2018
This was fun and entertaining. I especially liked the "magical crafting".
I really do enjoy books where people use unconventional things and figure out a way to build items or much needed utilities.
The "Stats Bar" was annoying though. The cringey banter was also a problem.
3/5 Stars
I really do enjoy books where people use unconventional things and figure out a way to build items or much needed utilities.
The "Stats Bar" was annoying though. The cringey banter was also a problem.
3/5 Stars
July 22, 2019
Same issues as my last review but there were some real heart rending truths and happenings in this one. Runner continues to be a good main character despite some of its troublesome views on the supporting cast of women. Not for everyone but a series I've come to enjoy.
August 31, 2019
Loved it great book
Great story Runner is a flawed yet good MC that fights to be a good man and stay sane in a insane world. Props to yet another great continuation to a great story
Great story Runner is a flawed yet good MC that fights to be a good man and stay sane in a insane world. Props to yet another great continuation to a great story
February 20, 2020
Hard to lose and win at the same time
Runner does it again, he heads straight for what’s right, prioritizes everyone above himself, is uncompromising for his family(wives and girlfriends to be too), and dedicated himself to a future he should not have. Wonderful read!
Runner does it again, he heads straight for what’s right, prioritizes everyone above himself, is uncompromising for his family(wives and girlfriends to be too), and dedicated himself to a future he should not have. Wonderful read!
May 4, 2020
Awesome
A great read. So very satisfying to read. I love it when authors don't have to rely on cheap tricks to keep the reader engaged. To that of like to say thank you to the author of this wonderful book. It's made the days enjoyable during this stupid lockdown.
A great read. So very satisfying to read. I love it when authors don't have to rely on cheap tricks to keep the reader engaged. To that of like to say thank you to the author of this wonderful book. It's made the days enjoyable during this stupid lockdown.
December 9, 2020
Fantastic read. I cannot wait to get into the next book in the series. The character a d world building is excellent. The storyline is excellent. Everything about this is excellent!! Well done Mr. Arand!!!
January 3, 2021
Just bad a bit of everything.
This is all about relationships, that is what makes it work. The chemistry between everyone is sublime, the different nuances make all the difference. This is writing just working right.
This is all about relationships, that is what makes it work. The chemistry between everyone is sublime, the different nuances make all the difference. This is writing just working right.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews