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Continue Online #4
Crash
ASIN moved to this edition
The need for Advance Online has ended and Grant returns to Continue Online’s fantasy world. Once there, he realizes that events echoed strangely across the two virtual reality games, resulting in the resurrection of King Nero and Grant’s wife, albeit with consequences.
King Nero resumes the throne and seeks to punish Grant for killing his sister-in-law. Grant is sentenced to join a prison chain gang assigned to work in the worst dungeons around, and to fight against other inmates to ensure his character’s survival.
While in reality, Miz Riley worries about the recreation of deceased human personalities and clear meddling of the AI Voices. She too moves toward a decision, one that will put everyone Grant loves and cares about in danger.
Grant’s brief reunion with Xin is quickly jeopardized; he desperately tries to stay alive in the virtual world to try to gain enough strength to help those dear to him withstand the upcoming trials as the entire system gradually crashes.
The need for Advance Online has ended and Grant returns to Continue Online’s fantasy world. Once there, he realizes that events echoed strangely across the two virtual reality games, resulting in the resurrection of King Nero and Grant’s wife, albeit with consequences.
King Nero resumes the throne and seeks to punish Grant for killing his sister-in-law. Grant is sentenced to join a prison chain gang assigned to work in the worst dungeons around, and to fight against other inmates to ensure his character’s survival.
While in reality, Miz Riley worries about the recreation of deceased human personalities and clear meddling of the AI Voices. She too moves toward a decision, one that will put everyone Grant loves and cares about in danger.
Grant’s brief reunion with Xin is quickly jeopardized; he desperately tries to stay alive in the virtual world to try to gain enough strength to help those dear to him withstand the upcoming trials as the entire system gradually crashes.
400 pages, ebook
Published August 9, 2016
53 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Stephan Morse
14 books82 followersStephan 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 3, 2016
Good but exhausting
I enjoyed this story, and it's conclusion. I'm glad Grant got back into Continue. But something about this whole series made it exhausting to read. It's like a series of minor crashes that added up. I was glad to reach the end.
I enjoyed this story, and it's conclusion. I'm glad Grant got back into Continue. But something about this whole series made it exhausting to read. It's like a series of minor crashes that added up. I was glad to reach the end.
August 5, 2021
So we have a lot of action in both worlds. It's a little confusing at times but I like the group of players his starting to work with. We also have Xin back now. I like how the AI in the real world seems to be helping him or almost accepting him as one of their own. His Sister is really annoying me though.
March 3, 2018
If I took a shot of vodka every time something was described as insane, insanely, or absurdly I would have died of alcohol poisoning by the 30% mark.
Actual rating: 3.5
With that said, this installment was a vast improvement over the last one, and of the series, this feels most like a traditional LitRPG as the amount of combat and loot drops has increased, while not sacrificing the emotional thrust that was built up in the prior books.
I really like the world that Morse has set up, and I did enjoy this novel. I like the questions that are raised about the nature of life and artificial intelligence.
If not for the limited descriptive arsenal that Morse commands I'd have given this book a 4.5, as it is, it's hard to go over 4 (or even 3.5) when it's very apparent that editing for word overuse was not a priority. A weekend of grinding out line edits of this nature would have made all the difference.
Re: The Audible Version - Same performance as always. I'm still annoyed that the guy takes so little care to research the pronunciation of foreign names/words that are repeated throughout the text (in this case Xin and Hecate). It's just sloppy.
Actual rating: 3.5
With that said, this installment was a vast improvement over the last one, and of the series, this feels most like a traditional LitRPG as the amount of combat and loot drops has increased, while not sacrificing the emotional thrust that was built up in the prior books.
I really like the world that Morse has set up, and I did enjoy this novel. I like the questions that are raised about the nature of life and artificial intelligence.
If not for the limited descriptive arsenal that Morse commands I'd have given this book a 4.5, as it is, it's hard to go over 4 (or even 3.5) when it's very apparent that editing for word overuse was not a priority. A weekend of grinding out line edits of this nature would have made all the difference.
Re: The Audible Version - Same performance as always. I'm still annoyed that the guy takes so little care to research the pronunciation of foreign names/words that are repeated throughout the text (in this case Xin and Hecate). It's just sloppy.
July 7, 2017
I do enjoy this series, but Grant's existential angst simply gets too heavy to bear after a while. Even now that he is so close to his reunion with Xin, he finds endless reasons to mope and ponder the meaning of life, both human and AI. The concept continues to fascinate me, though, even when the writing is a bit... socially awkward. Does Morse really need to constantly describe James as "the black man" and Xin as "the tiny Asian woman"?
Can I write one positive thing about this book without countering with a negative? I enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading the next in the series. Just not immediately.
Can I write one positive thing about this book without countering with a negative? I enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading the next in the series. Just not immediately.
October 22, 2016
More than a game
What I liked about these books was that they existed in more than just an alternate reality. The real world grind and glimpse of a futuristic world blended well with a virtual game world filled with dungeons, adventures and heroes. It was also interesting to see a broken shell of a man make a come back.
What I liked about these books was that they existed in more than just an alternate reality. The real world grind and glimpse of a futuristic world blended well with a virtual game world filled with dungeons, adventures and heroes. It was also interesting to see a broken shell of a man make a come back.
August 24, 2016
Cant wait for book 5!!!
Brilliant culmination to the series thus far. Can't wait until book 5!
This is a must read series, especially for the LITRPG genre.
Brilliant culmination to the series thus far. Can't wait until book 5!
This is a must read series, especially for the LITRPG genre.
February 26, 2017
Great story
I love the main character. His desperate love for his wife and the whole story that had ensued. The storyline is pretty unique for the genre and a must read.
I love the main character. His desperate love for his wife and the whole story that had ensued. The storyline is pretty unique for the genre and a must read.
December 19, 2024
Title: "Unchained in Virtual Chaos: A Review of Continue Online Part Four: Crash"
Introduction:
What’s up, fluff-pack! It’s your alpha wolf, Kiba Snowpaw, howling in from the eternally icy lands of HowlStrom. With over 38 years of wielding ice magic, 5,000 games explored, and 400 audiobooks howled through, I’m here to break down Stephan Morse’s fourth epic installment in the Continue Online saga. Crash returns us to familiar digital tundras, where Grant Legate faces a snowstorm of trials, both in-game and IRL. Let’s grab our loot bags and dive into this story of AI intrigue, dungeon grind, and existential frostbite.
Basic Plot Summary:
After his stint in Advance Online, Grant re-enters Continue Online’s fantasy realm, but all is far from cozy. King Nero is resurrected, Xin is back (with complications), and Grant is thrown into the brutal world of chain-gang dungeon crawling. As if that wasn’t enough, his sister Liz and Miz Riley grapple with the ethical implications of AI resurrecting human consciousness. Amid the chaos, the entire system shows signs of impending collapse. Can Grant gain enough strength and forge alliances to protect his loved ones before the digital and real-world stakes shatter everything?
Originality:
Crash is a rare gem that blends traditional LitRPG mechanics with profound questions about identity, mortality, and AI ethics. Morse’s choice to tie together threads from both game universes (Continue and Advance Online) feels like navigating a labyrinth of ice crystals—dazzling, intricate, and treacherous. While some might see the prison arc as a trope, Morse injects it with fresh emotional depth and narrative stakes.
About the Writer:
Stephan Morse is the literary equivalent of an omega wolf who ascended to alpha status through sheer grit. His ability to weave high-octane combat with deeply introspective character arcs sets him apart in the LitRPG genre. Drawing comparisons to Dakota Krout and Aleron Kong, Morse’s works challenge readers to think beyond the grind, loot, and XP.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Characters:
Grant Legate: Our flawed hero is back in action, carrying the weight of his past decisions. His time in the prison chain gang reveals new depths to his character, showcasing resilience, vulnerability, and desperation.
Xin: The reappearance of Grant’s wife brings emotional highs and devastating lows. The tension between their shared love and her altered AI state is heart-wrenching.
King Nero: A villain whose resurrection adds layers of intrigue. His quest for vengeance against Grant feels personal and menacing.
Supporting Cast: Liz and Miz Riley add depth to the real-world stakes, wrestling with questions that blur the lines between humanity and artificial life.
Structure:
The pacing of Crash is a whirlwind of dungeon crawls, ethical debates, and emotional gut punches. While some transitions between game mechanics and real-world intrigue feel abrupt, the overarching narrative remains cohesive. The prison arc, though polarizing, creates high-stakes tension that carries the story forward.
Mechanics:
This book leans harder into traditional LitRPG mechanics—combat, loot drops, and dungeon runs—while retaining the existential themes that define the series. The balance between these elements feels more refined compared to earlier installments.
Impact:
Crash is a thought-provoking exploration of how digital lives intersect with human consciousness. For gamers who’ve ever pondered the ethics of NPCs or AI resurrection, this book hits like a frostbolt to the chest.
Hook and Thesis:
What does it mean to truly live—whether in a body of flesh or code? Morse’s narrative challenges readers to confront these questions amid a backdrop of relentless action and digital intrigue.
Praise and Critique:
What Howls:
- The emotional weight of Grant’s relationships—especially with Xin—is beautifully rendered.
- King Nero’s arc provides a formidable and personal antagonist.
- The increased emphasis on combat mechanics scratches the itch for LitRPG enthusiasts.
What Chills:
- Some plot points, like the chain-gang arc, feel overly drawn out.
- The back-and-forth between the two game worlds may confuse readers who prefer a single setting.
- Descriptive repetition (e.g., “insane,” “absurd”) can become grating.
Highlights and Drawbacks:
Highlight: The climactic reunion with Xin is both heartwarming and devastating, cementing her role as a central figure in Grant’s journey.
Drawback: The lack of resolution in some real-world storylines leaves readers howling for more.
Comparison:
Crash takes its place alongside The Land: Founding by Aleron Kong and Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko for its blend of classic LitRPG tropes with high-concept storytelling. However, Morse’s focus on existential themes sets it apart as a more cerebral entry in the genre.
Overall Conclusion:
Continue Online Part Four: Crash is a frosty masterpiece that balances combat, character, and contemplation. Stephan Morse delivers a story that’s as thrilling as a dungeon raid and as thought-provoking as a philosophical debate. Whether you’re a seasoned LitRPG fan or a curious reader, this book is worth adding to your loot chest.
Rating:
Story: 4.5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Character Depth: 5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Mechanics: 4 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Overall: 4.5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Until next time, may the frost guide your steps, and may your adventures be as epic as Grant’s. Happy howling!
Kiba Snowpaw, Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom.
Introduction:
What’s up, fluff-pack! It’s your alpha wolf, Kiba Snowpaw, howling in from the eternally icy lands of HowlStrom. With over 38 years of wielding ice magic, 5,000 games explored, and 400 audiobooks howled through, I’m here to break down Stephan Morse’s fourth epic installment in the Continue Online saga. Crash returns us to familiar digital tundras, where Grant Legate faces a snowstorm of trials, both in-game and IRL. Let’s grab our loot bags and dive into this story of AI intrigue, dungeon grind, and existential frostbite.
Basic Plot Summary:
After his stint in Advance Online, Grant re-enters Continue Online’s fantasy realm, but all is far from cozy. King Nero is resurrected, Xin is back (with complications), and Grant is thrown into the brutal world of chain-gang dungeon crawling. As if that wasn’t enough, his sister Liz and Miz Riley grapple with the ethical implications of AI resurrecting human consciousness. Amid the chaos, the entire system shows signs of impending collapse. Can Grant gain enough strength and forge alliances to protect his loved ones before the digital and real-world stakes shatter everything?
Originality:
Crash is a rare gem that blends traditional LitRPG mechanics with profound questions about identity, mortality, and AI ethics. Morse’s choice to tie together threads from both game universes (Continue and Advance Online) feels like navigating a labyrinth of ice crystals—dazzling, intricate, and treacherous. While some might see the prison arc as a trope, Morse injects it with fresh emotional depth and narrative stakes.
About the Writer:
Stephan Morse is the literary equivalent of an omega wolf who ascended to alpha status through sheer grit. His ability to weave high-octane combat with deeply introspective character arcs sets him apart in the LitRPG genre. Drawing comparisons to Dakota Krout and Aleron Kong, Morse’s works challenge readers to think beyond the grind, loot, and XP.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Characters:
Grant Legate: Our flawed hero is back in action, carrying the weight of his past decisions. His time in the prison chain gang reveals new depths to his character, showcasing resilience, vulnerability, and desperation.
Xin: The reappearance of Grant’s wife brings emotional highs and devastating lows. The tension between their shared love and her altered AI state is heart-wrenching.
King Nero: A villain whose resurrection adds layers of intrigue. His quest for vengeance against Grant feels personal and menacing.
Supporting Cast: Liz and Miz Riley add depth to the real-world stakes, wrestling with questions that blur the lines between humanity and artificial life.
Structure:
The pacing of Crash is a whirlwind of dungeon crawls, ethical debates, and emotional gut punches. While some transitions between game mechanics and real-world intrigue feel abrupt, the overarching narrative remains cohesive. The prison arc, though polarizing, creates high-stakes tension that carries the story forward.
Mechanics:
This book leans harder into traditional LitRPG mechanics—combat, loot drops, and dungeon runs—while retaining the existential themes that define the series. The balance between these elements feels more refined compared to earlier installments.
Impact:
Crash is a thought-provoking exploration of how digital lives intersect with human consciousness. For gamers who’ve ever pondered the ethics of NPCs or AI resurrection, this book hits like a frostbolt to the chest.
Hook and Thesis:
What does it mean to truly live—whether in a body of flesh or code? Morse’s narrative challenges readers to confront these questions amid a backdrop of relentless action and digital intrigue.
Praise and Critique:
What Howls:
- The emotional weight of Grant’s relationships—especially with Xin—is beautifully rendered.
- King Nero’s arc provides a formidable and personal antagonist.
- The increased emphasis on combat mechanics scratches the itch for LitRPG enthusiasts.
What Chills:
- Some plot points, like the chain-gang arc, feel overly drawn out.
- The back-and-forth between the two game worlds may confuse readers who prefer a single setting.
- Descriptive repetition (e.g., “insane,” “absurd”) can become grating.
Highlights and Drawbacks:
Highlight: The climactic reunion with Xin is both heartwarming and devastating, cementing her role as a central figure in Grant’s journey.
Drawback: The lack of resolution in some real-world storylines leaves readers howling for more.
Comparison:
Crash takes its place alongside The Land: Founding by Aleron Kong and Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko for its blend of classic LitRPG tropes with high-concept storytelling. However, Morse’s focus on existential themes sets it apart as a more cerebral entry in the genre.
Overall Conclusion:
Continue Online Part Four: Crash is a frosty masterpiece that balances combat, character, and contemplation. Stephan Morse delivers a story that’s as thrilling as a dungeon raid and as thought-provoking as a philosophical debate. Whether you’re a seasoned LitRPG fan or a curious reader, this book is worth adding to your loot chest.
Rating:
Story: 4.5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Character Depth: 5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Mechanics: 4 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Overall: 4.5 ⭐️ / 5 ⭐️
Until next time, may the frost guide your steps, and may your adventures be as epic as Grant’s. Happy howling!
Kiba Snowpaw, Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom.
October 26, 2025
this series started off really good and really funny. it takes a lot for me to laugh and this series has. however the moment they resurrected his dead fiance it made me lose interest. the fact your gonna bring up a characters trauma isn't quite fair. the fact shes bot a real person makes things a lot worse. then they threaten to delete her and make him go through all this crap he shouldn't have had to. I did not enjoy this because it just got boring.
May 25, 2018
This one is more of a straight forward LitRPG. It does a good job of integrating earlier story lines and wrapping them up. This would be a fairly good finale to the series if I didn't already know there was a book 5.
September 11, 2018
This is going in a strange direction. Interesting though definitely worth a read.
May 4, 2021
Still a series worth... continuing! 👍🏽
December 13, 2016
Beautiful
Started this series a little while back, became completely immersed in the entire story. Everything about it just seemed so possible and plausible, that even if there were questions about something, or it seemed out of place, there was still a reason for it. Beautiful and elegant storytelling, flowed almost perfectly together. Of course, there are still editors issues (that I would love to point out) but they're minor enough that people can fill them in and correct them themselves. If this writer pulls anything else out, I'll be sure to keep an eye on his works.
Started this series a little while back, became completely immersed in the entire story. Everything about it just seemed so possible and plausible, that even if there were questions about something, or it seemed out of place, there was still a reason for it. Beautiful and elegant storytelling, flowed almost perfectly together. Of course, there are still editors issues (that I would love to point out) but they're minor enough that people can fill them in and correct them themselves. If this writer pulls anything else out, I'll be sure to keep an eye on his works.
August 31, 2016
Love all of these books! Definitely my favorite VR literature series, and one of my all time favorites in general. I crave these books and the fun worldbuilding. I honestly find myself craving the next one or more information on the world portrayed in both the ARC and outside of it.
December 16, 2017
Good Read.
A LitRPG story. Grant is allowed back to yhe game. The story takes a turn to have Grant confined. Some twist and turn, old characters pop up and more of the story is revealed.
A LitRPG story. Grant is allowed back to yhe game. The story takes a turn to have Grant confined. Some twist and turn, old characters pop up and more of the story is revealed.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews