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Operation Ragnarok
We are all just killing time, until time eventually kills us. We go through life knowing death is waiting, but not knowing what comes next. I don't have to wonder anymore, because I died.
The sages say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Mine started with just a single click. This is an epic tale full of danger, adventure, friends, and a wolf the size of a bull moose, and it all started on my living room couch.
Operation Ragnarok is a fantastical adventure with comedic elements about a group of gamers going through a mid-life crisis, instead of the little red corvette, they decide to steal a Viking longship from a museum. It's a story of friendship, sacrifice, and unleashing Hel on Earth...
The sages say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Mine started with just a single click. This is an epic tale full of danger, adventure, friends, and a wolf the size of a bull moose, and it all started on my living room couch.
Operation Ragnarok is a fantastical adventure with comedic elements about a group of gamers going through a mid-life crisis, instead of the little red corvette, they decide to steal a Viking longship from a museum. It's a story of friendship, sacrifice, and unleashing Hel on Earth...
- GenresFantasy
112 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2016
3 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 18, 2016
You don't have to be current with Norse mythology or a gamer to enjoy this tale. Though, now I want to visit a certain museum.
August 18, 2016
Kevin once again proves he knows how to engage his readers, first it was the younger generation with his hilariously silly Totally Ninja Raccoon's, now he engages the more mature audiences (although if you didn't enjoy the TNR's there is something wrong with you and you should get it checked out). I mean there is nothing quite like facing Ragnarok armed with only your DnD skills, and some weapons of the time. Sounds fun as Hel right, I sure think it does, well if you are like minded, then go grab your copy at From My Shelf Books and Gifts now (pro tip, they have a website too). Why wait, go read about the wacky and fun adventure these friends had together. Don't forget to get your claymore (and make sure its sharp too, always make sure its sharp OK) today in preparations for Ragnarok, coming soon to winters near you.
February 3, 2017
As a former player of Dungeons and Dragons and a current member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, I found this story to be a great "what if" we actually got to go medieval on something in a modern day setting. Read and find out how a gamer party saved the world one dark winter night.
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September 5, 2016I loved this story from the first time that I read Kevin's screen play. I have played D&D but never went as far as deciding to steal anything. I did learn about Norse mythology and though I am not a believer in supernatural beings, I could see why the characters react the way they do.
I recommend buying and reading this book.
I recommend buying and reading this book.
August 24, 2016
Exciting story! I love the characters and felt like I was right in the middle of their adventure with them.
October 12, 2016
A quick, fun-filled romp of a book! Lots of pop culture, Norse mythology, and laughter make this an enjoyable read from start to finish.
February 9, 2017
A goofy adventure story with plenty of nerd-esque style humor and wit. It also has an easy reading style and is quick to hook its audience. I look forward to more in this series.
August 23, 2020
This is one of those books that's difficult for me to rate, because there's a lot to like here, but some things that hurt my enjoyment of the story as well. and I'm not sure the things that bugged me are going to bug a lot of people. So, I guess I'll give you my 3.5-star take, and you can decide for yourself.
This is a light, breezy read about a group of D&D friends deciding to go all heist on a longboat and the shenanigans that come about as a result of this. The characters are all distinct and fun, the language is entertaining and the story moves at a brisk clip.
But there were a couple issues for me. First, maybe it's just leftover cringe from Ready Player One, but the references got tiresome. Sometimes, the conversations got onto a particular nerd topic, and the references were all sort of organic. but other times, it felt a little too much. And I say this as someone whose friends circle's conversations are often littered with references and inside jokes.
And then, I felt like it gave me mood whiplash a couple times.
I almost feel like the story would have benefited from a little more time on the front end. but in the end, it's a fun little gaming-centric read. And if that's what you're looking for, give it a go! :)
This is a light, breezy read about a group of D&D friends deciding to go all heist on a longboat and the shenanigans that come about as a result of this. The characters are all distinct and fun, the language is entertaining and the story moves at a brisk clip.
But there were a couple issues for me. First, maybe it's just leftover cringe from Ready Player One, but the references got tiresome. Sometimes, the conversations got onto a particular nerd topic, and the references were all sort of organic. but other times, it felt a little too much. And I say this as someone whose friends circle's conversations are often littered with references and inside jokes.
And then, I felt like it gave me mood whiplash a couple times.
I almost feel like the story would have benefited from a little more time on the front end. but in the end, it's a fun little gaming-centric read. And if that's what you're looking for, give it a go! :)
March 12, 2017
A quick, fun read. Chock-full of geeky/nerdy (or is that nerdy/geeky) references to fantasy and mythology and western cultural mass entertainment topics... from Asgard to Star Wars, from D&D to Firefly.
I'm not usually a reader of light material such as this (more into the sciences, history, literary fiction, classics... some of the more esoteric stuff...) but this short novella fit the bill for an easy read while traveling.
I found myself chortling at several passages, at a quirky turn of events or unexpected phrase or statement by one of several of the characters as they "quested" toward their goal.
Given also that there were several references to locales near where I live and work, another bonus achieved.
I'm not usually a reader of light material such as this (more into the sciences, history, literary fiction, classics... some of the more esoteric stuff...) but this short novella fit the bill for an easy read while traveling.
I found myself chortling at several passages, at a quirky turn of events or unexpected phrase or statement by one of several of the characters as they "quested" toward their goal.
Given also that there were several references to locales near where I live and work, another bonus achieved.
August 20, 2016
A very enjoyable read. A group of Gamers (D&D) decide to “pilfer” a replica Viking Longship and accidentally unleash Ragnarök. Don't you hate it when that happens? Don't worry if you don't get all the references to various icons of Geekdom, there's more than enough for everybody. (But do pass your copy on to that odd friend who spends too much time in his/her basement murmuring about elves, clerics, and other odd creatures. Better still, tell them to buy their own copy.) You'll love the characters and the story and only regret that there wasn't more...
December 3, 2018
Quirky and light-hearted (for the most part), this story reminded me of some of the people I knew way back when I was a member of UB SARPA in its golden age, dated two consecutive gaming club presidents, and wore a paper crown with the words "Official Con Hussy" at the convention registration table. What can I say, they were different times, when "woke" was just the past tense of "wake." Anyway, it was a nice trip down nostalgia's back roads.
February 25, 2019
A delightful romp suitable for all readers, light and fast-paced. A "different" group of heroes, middle-aged gamers who decide to steal a Viking longship. Good plot, interesting characters, the only problem I had, was that I wished it were a series!
Highly recommended for teens and adults, Gamers and non-gamers alike.
Highly recommended for teens and adults, Gamers and non-gamers alike.
February 25, 2019
First off I will say that the game lit genre is not really my cup of tea. Having said that, I will say that I would recommend this book to anyone that does like the genre, because the characters were well written and developed. And the overall story was good.
August 18, 2016
A fun and fast paced adventure. The characters are written so vividly, I could picture them clearly as I read. A must read for lovers of mythology and gaming alike
March 26, 2019
Fun read. Good humor and loads of D & D references which gamers will enjoy.
July 22, 2019
This was a fun, quick read that anyone who likes D&D is sure to love. I liked the mythological background to it and the vivid characters.
August 19, 2016
A quick, fun and totally geeky homage to D&D with nods to Firefly, Thor, Highlander, Conan the Barbarian, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and more! If you've ever played D&D, or even considered playing D&D at some future date, this is the perfect book to help you get your geek on. The characters are fun and quirky and who wouldn't want to read a story that not only contains the geekiest of all geek games but also viking zombies, Thor's hammer, Fenrir, Santa AND a zombie kitty?! Young geek, middle-aged geek or old geek, read this book and enjoy the trip!
February 6, 2025
An easy-breezy book that might best fall into the LitRPG (which may have been written before LitRPGs were really a thing) category.
Kevin and his group of D&D playing friends get the (not so) bright idea to steal a replica Viking longship from their local museum. Things go quickly wrong and they might have avoided the whole mess if only Bill had remembered to bring his trusty claymore!
The author cares about these characters and does his best to lovingly portray them as if they were real people (and you might be right to suspect that they're based on some real people). The action comes fast and the book moves swiftly from a heist plot to a battle against mythic supernatural beasts. It's a fun little read.
Kevin and his group of D&D playing friends get the (not so) bright idea to steal a replica Viking longship from their local museum. Things go quickly wrong and they might have avoided the whole mess if only Bill had remembered to bring his trusty claymore!
The author cares about these characters and does his best to lovingly portray them as if they were real people (and you might be right to suspect that they're based on some real people). The action comes fast and the book moves swiftly from a heist plot to a battle against mythic supernatural beasts. It's a fun little read.
April 28, 2025
This wasn't what I was expecting. The campaign was unique, but it was a bit hard to follow at times. Sometimes the banter felt chaotic to read as well. A lot of references to movies I haven't seen. Still an ok short read. Maybe it would have been better if more detail was in and more of a build throughout the storyline.
January 16, 2023
This adventure is so much fun! For me, the best part of a book, no matter the genre, is the characters. The characters in "Operation Ragnarok" seemed so real to me, even though this isn't a deep, intense read. In spite of the light-hearted adventure and fantasy that happens around them, I could hear the characters in my head, and I could picture each one of them clearly. One of Kevin's strongest gifts is his ear for dialogue, and that comes across best in this novella. I can't wait for more stories featuring "the Gamers".
October 8, 2016
I am not a gamer but I did enjoy this book. It was a quick read that kept me hooked because it is a fast paced book with alot going on to keep you turning the pages.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews