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A Pygmalion Fail #1
The Accidental God
The world of Rune is just a series of fantasy paintings, or so Isaac Myers assumes; he’s even started adding some new art of his own to the seemingly abandoned project.
He learns better after a frustrating night of gaming with his best friend, Dak, culminates in a one-way trip to Rune itself—where fearsome creatures are intent on eating or otherwise destroying him, impractical armor keeps female warriors off the battlefield, and both a foppish overlord named Dracon and a masked samurai named Ronin (because of course) seem to think Isaac is terribly important.
Rune is real, all right. And it’s a damn mess.
He learns better after a frustrating night of gaming with his best friend, Dak, culminates in a one-way trip to Rune itself—where fearsome creatures are intent on eating or otherwise destroying him, impractical armor keeps female warriors off the battlefield, and both a foppish overlord named Dracon and a masked samurai named Ronin (because of course) seem to think Isaac is terribly important.
Rune is real, all right. And it’s a damn mess.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 4, 2021
A long time ago an author wrote a book, the first book of a series. The second book was going to come out in August, maybe, at most, September or October of 2018, but's not important at the moment (other than the part wherein that second book in the series never actually got published). No, I'm talking about that first book at the moment. It's not this book, The Accidental God, no it's The One Who Eats Monsters.
Why do I mention that book here in the start of a different book? Because. Okay, I'll elaborate. Because basically all of my Goodreads friends (not really) read the book. And loved it (again, probably not really). But 81 of them shelved it, at least. And many read it. It has probably one of the highest ratings I've seen for a book that fits in a specific niche (not normal genre; all my friends love it; see it really specific niche). heh, still, it has a current Friend rating of 4.72. I read it and gave it a rating of 4.5-something. Which isn't really the point - the point is I liked it well enough. And read it in 2017, and there were at least four other books by this author I could have read between then and now. And I read . . . none of them. Much like most of my Goodreads friends (checks - yep, zero have read this book, heck, none of my friends or people I've follow have read anything else by this author).
That's not why it took me 4 or 5 or however many years it has been, to read this book. No, it's because of the book/series itself/themselves. Young adult - not a genre I run screaming towards, but one I more flee from (though I've read plenty of them); POV of a . . . . *squeaks in horror* a boy. Okay, I've also read plenty of books from the male POV (it's hard not to). It's all of the things together: young adult book about a young man pulled into a fantasy world. Like in 1982's Tron (since that's a game, and this is gaming fiction), or like Mark Twain's 1889 A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (that one being about a, well, read the title - a Connecticut Yankee from around 1889 who, through unknown means, gets displaced in time back to King Arthur's Court. The Yankee, of course, uses his knowledge of future tech to really advance and heighten the power of good old King Arthur).
So, yeah. Like other books I've read, this one involved someone getting sucked into a different world. Finding themselves bouncing around in it, a lot of times disrupting things. Becoming, or being super important to the world they are sucked into.
So, yeah: Isaac and friends are playing a Dungeons & Dragons like game in their dorm room (until this exact second, I had actually forgotten Isaac was actually college age, not high school age). One thing leads to another, and Isaac finds himself thrust against the gaming board by the fist of one of the fellow players. Naturally, being thrust such into the board . . . does nothing. He is not sucked in that way. And that wasn't the game he got sucked into anyway.
Same night Isaac is playing around with some art he found, painted, somewhat obviously, by two different hands. Plus, of course, a third - his own. There's this neat little world, you see, that got painted. And Isaac kind of created a vision of what was going on (though the other two artist had already created stuff; Isaac just changed/added/merged things).
Right, so, one moment Isaac is trying to get a particular glimmer to appear in the eye of a painted mermaid's eyeball in an artwork, and the next he finds himself lying on the ground. In a scene very similar to the one he was painting. Though now it's 360 3D. Mermaids giggling as they leave. Orc's wandering in. Threatening to eat Isaac. Etc.
Interesting book for what it was. After reading the first two books (and the above is barely the first two chapters of info of first book) of the trilogy, I can safely say that this reads like a book that had been broken into three parts. Course, Lord of the Rings was supposed to be one book, not three. Still, Lord of the Rings individual books were about 300 or 400 or so pages longer than the individual parts of A Pygmalion Fall trilogy.
Right, distracted myself. Books are short. Interesting story. Stuff happens but not a hell of a lot. Book somewhat marred by part where one POV and it is a young man. And . . I'm not really that sure I like the guy that much. He's . . . decent, I guess, but . . . (I do not have anything else to add after but. hmm).
Rating: 3.45
August 3 2021
Why do I mention that book here in the start of a different book? Because. Okay, I'll elaborate. Because basically all of my Goodreads friends (not really) read the book. And loved it (again, probably not really). But 81 of them shelved it, at least. And many read it. It has probably one of the highest ratings I've seen for a book that fits in a specific niche (not normal genre; all my friends love it; see it really specific niche). heh, still, it has a current Friend rating of 4.72. I read it and gave it a rating of 4.5-something. Which isn't really the point - the point is I liked it well enough. And read it in 2017, and there were at least four other books by this author I could have read between then and now. And I read . . . none of them. Much like most of my Goodreads friends (checks - yep, zero have read this book, heck, none of my friends or people I've follow have read anything else by this author).
That's not why it took me 4 or 5 or however many years it has been, to read this book. No, it's because of the book/series itself/themselves. Young adult - not a genre I run screaming towards, but one I more flee from (though I've read plenty of them); POV of a . . . . *squeaks in horror* a boy. Okay, I've also read plenty of books from the male POV (it's hard not to). It's all of the things together: young adult book about a young man pulled into a fantasy world. Like in 1982's Tron (since that's a game, and this is gaming fiction), or like Mark Twain's 1889 A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (that one being about a, well, read the title - a Connecticut Yankee from around 1889 who, through unknown means, gets displaced in time back to King Arthur's Court. The Yankee, of course, uses his knowledge of future tech to really advance and heighten the power of good old King Arthur).
So, yeah. Like other books I've read, this one involved someone getting sucked into a different world. Finding themselves bouncing around in it, a lot of times disrupting things. Becoming, or being super important to the world they are sucked into.
So, yeah: Isaac and friends are playing a Dungeons & Dragons like game in their dorm room (until this exact second, I had actually forgotten Isaac was actually college age, not high school age). One thing leads to another, and Isaac finds himself thrust against the gaming board by the fist of one of the fellow players. Naturally, being thrust such into the board . . . does nothing. He is not sucked in that way. And that wasn't the game he got sucked into anyway.
Same night Isaac is playing around with some art he found, painted, somewhat obviously, by two different hands. Plus, of course, a third - his own. There's this neat little world, you see, that got painted. And Isaac kind of created a vision of what was going on (though the other two artist had already created stuff; Isaac just changed/added/merged things).
Right, so, one moment Isaac is trying to get a particular glimmer to appear in the eye of a painted mermaid's eyeball in an artwork, and the next he finds himself lying on the ground. In a scene very similar to the one he was painting. Though now it's 360 3D. Mermaids giggling as they leave. Orc's wandering in. Threatening to eat Isaac. Etc.
Interesting book for what it was. After reading the first two books (and the above is barely the first two chapters of info of first book) of the trilogy, I can safely say that this reads like a book that had been broken into three parts. Course, Lord of the Rings was supposed to be one book, not three. Still, Lord of the Rings individual books were about 300 or 400 or so pages longer than the individual parts of A Pygmalion Fall trilogy.
Right, distracted myself. Books are short. Interesting story. Stuff happens but not a hell of a lot. Book somewhat marred by part where one POV and it is a young man. And . . I'm not really that sure I like the guy that much. He's . . . decent, I guess, but . . . (I do not have anything else to add after but. hmm).
Rating: 3.45
August 3 2021
January 21, 2019
This book is an absolute delight to read. It's witty and satirical, and the main character responds to all the fantasy shenanigans exactly as a bewildered-yet-genre-savvy college student would. The gaming world is rife with misogyny and sexism, so I was thrilled to see a male lead free of toxic masculinity who actually thought about the implications of women in skimpy armour and other discrimination.
Also, lesbians.
The cast includes a lesbian and a disabled character of colour, with no sign of Bury Your Gays in sight. It's a well-paced quick read, and there's an undercurrent of hope and wonder throughout, from Rune's fantastical settings to Isaac's reactions to it all.
I love this book so much; if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would in a heartbeat! Highly recommended for everyone!
Also, lesbians.
The cast includes a lesbian and a disabled character of colour, with no sign of Bury Your Gays in sight. It's a well-paced quick read, and there's an undercurrent of hope and wonder throughout, from Rune's fantastical settings to Isaac's reactions to it all.
I love this book so much; if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would in a heartbeat! Highly recommended for everyone!
August 3, 2016
I'm not a gamer, but was thoroughly entertained by Matthews' book. His humour and ability to spin the reader into his world is remarkable. The entire experience is so well done I am looking forward to reading the next edition. If you're interested in a funny and interesting book, this is a must read for you. I hope this helps.
I know you don't have to be a gamer to enjoy this story, because I have not played. The story is funny and thoroughly entertaining. Matthews' humour and ability to spin a story of his world are remarkable. I am very much looking forward to the next edition.
I know you don't have to be a gamer to enjoy this story, because I have not played. The story is funny and thoroughly entertaining. Matthews' humour and ability to spin a story of his world are remarkable. I am very much looking forward to the next edition.
January 25, 2021
Loved it!
This is a book I’ve had in my to read pile for a while. My question for today is why did I take so long to get to it? It had wonderfully real characters and a great story. Author please write more amazing books.
This is a book I’ve had in my to read pile for a while. My question for today is why did I take so long to get to it? It had wonderfully real characters and a great story. Author please write more amazing books.
March 1, 2018
Short and sweet. I'd recommend this book to anyone interest in the portal fantasy genre.
November 9, 2020
This would have been five stars...except that the book is just rather short.
Rest assured that I will be reading the other books in the series, as fast as I can get them,
Rest assured that I will be reading the other books in the series, as fast as I can get them,
December 10, 2016
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Isaac is a normal guy in college with normal friends. They do occasionally geek out and play LARP (live action role play) scenes or dungeons and dragons, but they all have a genuinely have a good time. However, on one game night, a friend named Murph has a little too much to drink and Isaac and his friend Dak taunt him a bit before Murph gets very upset, and they all three get into a fist fight. They call it a night after everyone finally calms down and Isaac goes into an art building to draw and clear his head. In the room are an assortment of paintings and drawings that show a fantasy world that seems to be abandoned by the artist. Isaac has added his own pieces just for fun and (being a guy) has drawn some woman in quite revealing outfits to go along with the story line (of course). He falls asleep and when he wakes up he is literally in the world he was drawing. Scared and confused he has to figure out a way to get home while not being killed by orcs, dragons, witches, or any other terrifying creature out there that he had a hand in creating. He also has to come to terms with how the woman are treated in this world and figure out a way to make things right.
I thought this was a very good and unique story. There are stories out there with a fantasy/realism aspects but the way this one came about, and how Isaac gets into the world and figures out everything is pretty cool. It had a lot of humorous moments too which I think added so much more to scenes. It’s not all serious and scary and sometimes the humor came out unexpectedly but in a good way. I’d definitely want to continue on with this series.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
Isaac is a normal guy in college with normal friends. They do occasionally geek out and play LARP (live action role play) scenes or dungeons and dragons, but they all have a genuinely have a good time. However, on one game night, a friend named Murph has a little too much to drink and Isaac and his friend Dak taunt him a bit before Murph gets very upset, and they all three get into a fist fight. They call it a night after everyone finally calms down and Isaac goes into an art building to draw and clear his head. In the room are an assortment of paintings and drawings that show a fantasy world that seems to be abandoned by the artist. Isaac has added his own pieces just for fun and (being a guy) has drawn some woman in quite revealing outfits to go along with the story line (of course). He falls asleep and when he wakes up he is literally in the world he was drawing. Scared and confused he has to figure out a way to get home while not being killed by orcs, dragons, witches, or any other terrifying creature out there that he had a hand in creating. He also has to come to terms with how the woman are treated in this world and figure out a way to make things right.
I thought this was a very good and unique story. There are stories out there with a fantasy/realism aspects but the way this one came about, and how Isaac gets into the world and figures out everything is pretty cool. It had a lot of humorous moments too which I think added so much more to scenes. It’s not all serious and scary and sometimes the humor came out unexpectedly but in a good way. I’d definitely want to continue on with this series.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
April 24, 2020
A highly entertaining read. I love how this author doesn’t neglect the way a character ought to feel/react/think when faced with differing situations; such consideration is so very satisfying to behold! The prose and vocabulary were also delightfully expressive, peppered with richness both in humour and colour.
The only grievance I may have would be directed at the protagonist not making (or mentioning) better use of his healing stones towards the end, but I understand the need to keep his godliness in check. Can’t have him solve all problems with a flick of his stylus, I suppose.
This author is fast becoming a favourite, nonetheless.
The only grievance I may have would be directed at the protagonist not making (or mentioning) better use of his healing stones towards the end, but I understand the need to keep his godliness in check. Can’t have him solve all problems with a flick of his stylus, I suppose.
This author is fast becoming a favourite, nonetheless.
October 10, 2016
Magnificent
This book is great. Buy it. Do the kindle unlimited AND buy it. Lets throw Mr. Matthews so much money he quits his day job.
This book is great. Buy it. Do the kindle unlimited AND buy it. Lets throw Mr. Matthews so much money he quits his day job.
November 21, 2016
This is a decent story with an intriguing premise. Unfortunately it's also dreadfully short and not really a book, but more like an episode.
January 3, 2017
This was fun in so many ways. Reminds me of our gaming hijinks in college.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews