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Guild of Tokens: Origins #1
Initiate
[Author's note: If you're visiting this page looking for Guild of Tokens, entered in SPFBO5, go here instead: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Initiate was released last year and only contains the first section of the book.]
Initiate was released last year and only contains the first section of the book.]
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2018
46 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Jon Auerbach
13 books45 followersJon Auerbach's love of fantasy began at the tender age of six, when his parents bought him the classic 1977 animated version of The Hobbit.
Jon hopes to pass on his stories to the next generation, including his kids, who have their own copy of The Hobbit that they lovingly call "the Bilbo book."
Sign up for Jon's newsletter at www.jonauerbach.com/newsletter to get two free short stories!
Jon hopes to pass on his stories to the next generation, including his kids, who have their own copy of The Hobbit that they lovingly call "the Bilbo book."
Sign up for Jon's newsletter at www.jonauerbach.com/newsletter to get two free short stories!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 28, 2018
I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest review.
3.5 Stars.
This series shows a lot of promise.
It's a quick read, and I quite enjoy the idea of reading a series of novellas in this world. It feels a bit like watching a TV show, and this one has an interesting premise.
I am an avid gamer. Completing quests in the real world sounds appealing, though I wouldn't want to slay sewer rats, so maybe this game isn't for me.
Unfortunately, this first book suffers from some issues. It's a very simple plot, and Auerbach doesn't offer a lot of world building, and so far his characters feel rather flat. I'm imagining this will change as the series grows. I'm hoping especially Jen will get to develop in the next instalment.
The story is straightforward with simple, uncomplicated prose, but emotionally I did not connect with the world quite yet.
I think these books could turn into an excellent series if Auerbach takes care to develop his world and characters and with time will add layers to the story, sort of like Jim Butcher did in the Dresden Files.
Recommended to urban fantasy fans.
3.5 Stars.
This series shows a lot of promise.
It's a quick read, and I quite enjoy the idea of reading a series of novellas in this world. It feels a bit like watching a TV show, and this one has an interesting premise.
I am an avid gamer. Completing quests in the real world sounds appealing, though I wouldn't want to slay sewer rats, so maybe this game isn't for me.
Unfortunately, this first book suffers from some issues. It's a very simple plot, and Auerbach doesn't offer a lot of world building, and so far his characters feel rather flat. I'm imagining this will change as the series grows. I'm hoping especially Jen will get to develop in the next instalment.
The story is straightforward with simple, uncomplicated prose, but emotionally I did not connect with the world quite yet.
I think these books could turn into an excellent series if Auerbach takes care to develop his world and characters and with time will add layers to the story, sort of like Jim Butcher did in the Dresden Files.
Recommended to urban fantasy fans.
June 20, 2018
What would happen if there was a hidden section of Craigslist where instead of random junk for sale or apartments to rent, people would post Quests to be completed in exchange for tokens? That's what we'll discover in Auerbach's series that follows Jen Jacobs, an ordinary computer programmer, who stumbles upon such a section and soon finds herself involved in a secret world within New York City, full of magic and myth.
Rules are simple - you get a token for each completed quest. The harder the Quest, the more tokens you earn. When you gain enough tokens, you level up. Jen becomes obsessed with the quests and it starts to interfere with her life.
This is a promising premise, and the novel is a quick read. Unfortunately, the story suffers from several drawbacks. First, it's rather simplistic and offers little complexity to the world or to the characters. Jen can be funny and sarcastic, but she lacks charisma. The second issue I had with the story may be an asset for many readers - Auerbach writes with enthusiasm and energy, maintaining a straightforward, uncomplicated prose style designed to engage readers. As a result, though, the story lacks any additional layer. It's too straightforward for me.
Ultimately, it's a quick read with an interesting premise. The ending may lead to some interesting developments in future sequels. If you look for a palate cleanser that doesn't require a lot of brain power, you may enjoy this one.
Actual rating: 2.75/5
Rules are simple - you get a token for each completed quest. The harder the Quest, the more tokens you earn. When you gain enough tokens, you level up. Jen becomes obsessed with the quests and it starts to interfere with her life.
This is a promising premise, and the novel is a quick read. Unfortunately, the story suffers from several drawbacks. First, it's rather simplistic and offers little complexity to the world or to the characters. Jen can be funny and sarcastic, but she lacks charisma. The second issue I had with the story may be an asset for many readers - Auerbach writes with enthusiasm and energy, maintaining a straightforward, uncomplicated prose style designed to engage readers. As a result, though, the story lacks any additional layer. It's too straightforward for me.
Ultimately, it's a quick read with an interesting premise. The ending may lead to some interesting developments in future sequels. If you look for a palate cleanser that doesn't require a lot of brain power, you may enjoy this one.
Actual rating: 2.75/5
August 4, 2018
A 3.5-4 -- fun idea but short!
The idea of a quest-based hidden section of Craigslist is just super fun, so I was interested from when I first read about it on r/fantasy over on Reddit. When the author approached me to see if I would be interested in reading the book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review, I took him up on it quickly. First and foremost - be forewarned, this is SHORT, probably novella length, and it appears the author's intention is to have several installments released every three or so months. Given that, I was okay with the length of Initiate. And I definitely felt like I was initiated only -- this serves as a fun introduction to a world with great potential, but there is not a lot of depth yet. However, I believe the author intends to add some depth to the series as it goes on and the writing was engaging enough and the concept entertaining enough that it's worth the read and worth giving the next installment a try.
The idea of a quest-based hidden section of Craigslist is just super fun, so I was interested from when I first read about it on r/fantasy over on Reddit. When the author approached me to see if I would be interested in reading the book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review, I took him up on it quickly. First and foremost - be forewarned, this is SHORT, probably novella length, and it appears the author's intention is to have several installments released every three or so months. Given that, I was okay with the length of Initiate. And I definitely felt like I was initiated only -- this serves as a fun introduction to a world with great potential, but there is not a lot of depth yet. However, I believe the author intends to add some depth to the series as it goes on and the writing was engaging enough and the concept entertaining enough that it's worth the read and worth giving the next installment a try.
August 13, 2018
I loved the originality of the idea and the overall execution of the story's premise. Urban fantasy so often falls into some really overplayed tropes and I thought this was a refreshing take on the entire genre that left me very invested in what happens next.
My only comment would be that the author wears the character as sort of an ill-fitting mask. There are moments when the persona falls into place perfectly and you believe this person is a woman and a programmer, but by and large it feels like the author is using their own voice funneled through character that remains a bit shallow and flat. Her thoughts about her own problems and the nuance of her identity as a woman and a character seems a bit stiff and forced at times. Like the author thought if "I was a woman programmer I would undoubtedly sound like this." Without infusing much personality or depth beyond that.
The book is absolutely enjoyable despite this observation and I probably will read the others in the series as well as my curiosity is most definitely engaged.
My only comment would be that the author wears the character as sort of an ill-fitting mask. There are moments when the persona falls into place perfectly and you believe this person is a woman and a programmer, but by and large it feels like the author is using their own voice funneled through character that remains a bit shallow and flat. Her thoughts about her own problems and the nuance of her identity as a woman and a character seems a bit stiff and forced at times. Like the author thought if "I was a woman programmer I would undoubtedly sound like this." Without infusing much personality or depth beyond that.
The book is absolutely enjoyable despite this observation and I probably will read the others in the series as well as my curiosity is most definitely engaged.
July 8, 2018
Guild of Tokens: Initiate - Jon Auerbach
3.5/5 (rounded to 4 on Goodreads)
100 pages| ARC Worlds Publishing| Urban fantasy
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review, as part of the TBRindr scheme. I requested this book.
**The digest:** a well-written, plot-driven, easy to read novella which entertains from the first page to the last. There are no false-pretences here, Auerbach takes an uncomplicated idea and executes it smoothly, with a well-paced narrative ensuring that the reader is never bored. The main drawbacks here are the lack of character development and narrative complexity, which are (to an extent) admissible when considering this as an introductory part of a larger body of work.
**The story follows Jen Jacobs, a talented computer programmer** who is always tidying up someone else’s code for none of the credit, as she discovers a new Quest section on Craigslist. What follows is Jen taking part in a series of what seem to be menial tasks in return for physical tokens, slowly beginning to work out that this is more than just a PR stunt for a new fantasy game. In 100 pages we learn a lot of shallow knoweldge about Jen, from her college friends and old gaming obsession (addiction?) to her current relationship with investment banker Duncan – it is just a shame that so little of this is expanded on. This is the major downfall of the novella, but it can easily be rectified in future instalments of the series – it is hard to get convey meaningful depth in so few pages, but the odd throwaway line does hint at underlying points of interest. There are some obvious tensions as well as the odd obvious one - between Jen and others but also between secondary characters. **I hope that we continue to learn more about Jen and those around her in future books as they could all have a place in a sprawling narrative should the author choose to take the story in that direction.** There are only a handful of supporting characters and at the moment it feels as if we have read a summary description of them - though I imagine Auerbach will focus more on magic users in future books.
**The plot is by no means complex, and the simple yet elegant prose of Auerbach means that a reader can easily sit back, relax, and enjoy the story.** There are no big questions here, and little space for a reader to form their own opinions beyond, ‘wow, that was a bit questionable’ a few times (Jen is quite a reckless character) – but not every story needs to force the reader to make pages of notes just to keep up with which character is which. By the end of the novella, there has been enough information drip fed to us (no info-dump, thankfully) that we want to know more about the new Quest-oriented world. I can quite easily see new elements of the Questing world being revealed to us through more developed character interactions in sequels. I will say no more for fear of spoiling the story.
Stylistically, there are a few nods to modern pop culture and social media platforms which may not age well into the future but as it stands, there is nothing wrong with their inclusion in a piece of urban fantasy like this.
**I recommend this book.** It is a short, fun story which has a very promising premise with a likeable main character an interesting take on magic. If you need a break from heavy tomes or epics, Guild of Tokens: Initiate could be exactly what you need. I eagerly await the sequels.
[For more reviews, take a look at my blog: aperturereads.wordpress.com]
P.S. I'm new to writing reviews, please give me some constructive feedback so I can improve!
3.5/5 (rounded to 4 on Goodreads)
100 pages| ARC Worlds Publishing| Urban fantasy
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review, as part of the TBRindr scheme. I requested this book.
**The digest:** a well-written, plot-driven, easy to read novella which entertains from the first page to the last. There are no false-pretences here, Auerbach takes an uncomplicated idea and executes it smoothly, with a well-paced narrative ensuring that the reader is never bored. The main drawbacks here are the lack of character development and narrative complexity, which are (to an extent) admissible when considering this as an introductory part of a larger body of work.
**The story follows Jen Jacobs, a talented computer programmer** who is always tidying up someone else’s code for none of the credit, as she discovers a new Quest section on Craigslist. What follows is Jen taking part in a series of what seem to be menial tasks in return for physical tokens, slowly beginning to work out that this is more than just a PR stunt for a new fantasy game. In 100 pages we learn a lot of shallow knoweldge about Jen, from her college friends and old gaming obsession (addiction?) to her current relationship with investment banker Duncan – it is just a shame that so little of this is expanded on. This is the major downfall of the novella, but it can easily be rectified in future instalments of the series – it is hard to get convey meaningful depth in so few pages, but the odd throwaway line does hint at underlying points of interest. There are some obvious tensions as well as the odd obvious one - between Jen and others but also between secondary characters. **I hope that we continue to learn more about Jen and those around her in future books as they could all have a place in a sprawling narrative should the author choose to take the story in that direction.** There are only a handful of supporting characters and at the moment it feels as if we have read a summary description of them - though I imagine Auerbach will focus more on magic users in future books.
**The plot is by no means complex, and the simple yet elegant prose of Auerbach means that a reader can easily sit back, relax, and enjoy the story.** There are no big questions here, and little space for a reader to form their own opinions beyond, ‘wow, that was a bit questionable’ a few times (Jen is quite a reckless character) – but not every story needs to force the reader to make pages of notes just to keep up with which character is which. By the end of the novella, there has been enough information drip fed to us (no info-dump, thankfully) that we want to know more about the new Quest-oriented world. I can quite easily see new elements of the Questing world being revealed to us through more developed character interactions in sequels. I will say no more for fear of spoiling the story.
Stylistically, there are a few nods to modern pop culture and social media platforms which may not age well into the future but as it stands, there is nothing wrong with their inclusion in a piece of urban fantasy like this.
**I recommend this book.** It is a short, fun story which has a very promising premise with a likeable main character an interesting take on magic. If you need a break from heavy tomes or epics, Guild of Tokens: Initiate could be exactly what you need. I eagerly await the sequels.
[For more reviews, take a look at my blog: aperturereads.wordpress.com]
P.S. I'm new to writing reviews, please give me some constructive feedback so I can improve!
June 9, 2018
Jen is a stereotypical millennial working for a tech start-up. She feels undervalued, overworked, and projects a sense of disinterested boredom about her life. Things are just... Meh. So when she stumbles upon the online Quest Board, she naively decides to give it a go. It's just like those MMOS people play; accept quest, bring item to required location, get reward. But slowly she discovers there's more to this game than just picking up tokens and gaining online XP. Questing might just be cover for things that are darker and more dangerous than Jen could have imagined.
The concept here is indeed Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere meets LitRPG/MMO. Magic isn't all wands and fairies and a big tome of spells; it's gritty, urban and downright weird. Jen isn't the easiest character to like, but maybe such an uncomfortable mixed-up world needs a similarly mixed-up protagonist to traverse it. She's not your usual hero; most of the time she's cold, cynical and sarcastic in a detached, over-caffeinated sort of way. She doesn't seem to like people much, so perhaps the one weakness of her story is her interactions with others. The dialogue can feel quite fast and doesn't always feel natural, but maybe this is just conveying her social awkwardness and dislike of the world outside her own head.
I love this strange and deceptively simple setup, taking the "digital native" and making them play the game as something real-life. There's plenty more to find out about the Guild and what exactly they're hoping to do by luring new players into a their very old underworld. The appearance of a potentially ruthless antagonist with a proposal only throws more questions into the mix.
A 3.5 star - Jen's distant nature doesn't make her easily relatable, but the premise is intriguing and undoubtedly she's got a long way to go (not just in terms of XP). While it's quite a slow and steady build so far, it looks like Guild of Tokens is setting up to become an interesting and original take on urban fantasy.
-I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the author-
The concept here is indeed Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere meets LitRPG/MMO. Magic isn't all wands and fairies and a big tome of spells; it's gritty, urban and downright weird. Jen isn't the easiest character to like, but maybe such an uncomfortable mixed-up world needs a similarly mixed-up protagonist to traverse it. She's not your usual hero; most of the time she's cold, cynical and sarcastic in a detached, over-caffeinated sort of way. She doesn't seem to like people much, so perhaps the one weakness of her story is her interactions with others. The dialogue can feel quite fast and doesn't always feel natural, but maybe this is just conveying her social awkwardness and dislike of the world outside her own head.
I love this strange and deceptively simple setup, taking the "digital native" and making them play the game as something real-life. There's plenty more to find out about the Guild and what exactly they're hoping to do by luring new players into a their very old underworld. The appearance of a potentially ruthless antagonist with a proposal only throws more questions into the mix.
A 3.5 star - Jen's distant nature doesn't make her easily relatable, but the premise is intriguing and undoubtedly she's got a long way to go (not just in terms of XP). While it's quite a slow and steady build so far, it looks like Guild of Tokens is setting up to become an interesting and original take on urban fantasy.
-I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the author-
November 20, 2018
3.5 stars
I download this on a whim, just looking for a short fun read. It was a bit more than just a fun read. I really got pulled into all the quests and at time was just as frustrated with the lack of information as Jen was.
This book reminded me a bit of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, by bringing a whole world to light where so many only see normal everyday life. I
I'm excited to see where this series goes.
I download this on a whim, just looking for a short fun read. It was a bit more than just a fun read. I really got pulled into all the quests and at time was just as frustrated with the lack of information as Jen was.
This book reminded me a bit of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, by bringing a whole world to light where so many only see normal everyday life. I
I'm excited to see where this series goes.
Read
June 14, 20186/14/18: Guild of Tokens: Initiate is out now! Happy reading everyone!
January 18, 2019
This first book in the series caught my attention and was so thoroughly enjoyably that I finished it all in one sitting, and then went to see what other books had been written by this author. But wait! There’s a precursor to the first book in the series....
So I read Guild of Tokens: Trainee next (even though the plot setting occurs before Guild of Tokens: Initiate). I actually enjoyed reading them in that order because Beatrice, in GoTI, is one scary psycho that plucky Jen encounters in her adventure to uncover the mysteries of Questing.
But in the backstory of GoTT, there’s just the barest hint of suggestion that Beatrice may have started out just as naive once, and was forged into the kind of person necessary to survive the ordeals and discoveries of continued leveling up required for Questing. GoTT also firmly establishes that not every quester has the fortitude to accomplish what Beatrice has, as evidenced by the unfortunate demise of Kate. Will Jen have the fortitude to beat the odds? Will Beatrice’s “mentoring” be instrumental or detrimental to Jen’s success? How much of Jen’s journey will emulate Beatrice’s; are their fates intertwined, or will Jen find her own way? Is it destined to remain an adversarial compact or will they find an accommodation for mutual benefit? Would Jen’s outcomes have been more favorable without coming to Beatrice’s attention, and will Jen’s future accomplishments be because of, or in spite of, Beatrice’s involvement?
I look forward to continuing the series, which I found well-written and engaging.
So I read Guild of Tokens: Trainee next (even though the plot setting occurs before Guild of Tokens: Initiate). I actually enjoyed reading them in that order because Beatrice, in GoTI, is one scary psycho that plucky Jen encounters in her adventure to uncover the mysteries of Questing.
But in the backstory of GoTT, there’s just the barest hint of suggestion that Beatrice may have started out just as naive once, and was forged into the kind of person necessary to survive the ordeals and discoveries of continued leveling up required for Questing. GoTT also firmly establishes that not every quester has the fortitude to accomplish what Beatrice has, as evidenced by the unfortunate demise of Kate. Will Jen have the fortitude to beat the odds? Will Beatrice’s “mentoring” be instrumental or detrimental to Jen’s success? How much of Jen’s journey will emulate Beatrice’s; are their fates intertwined, or will Jen find her own way? Is it destined to remain an adversarial compact or will they find an accommodation for mutual benefit? Would Jen’s outcomes have been more favorable without coming to Beatrice’s attention, and will Jen’s future accomplishments be because of, or in spite of, Beatrice’s involvement?
I look forward to continuing the series, which I found well-written and engaging.
May 10, 2019
Now that I have read book 1 things are getting a teeny weeny bit clearer, not much but enough to become intriguing. Jen comes across a quest board and decides to attempt a quest and she ends up meeting Beatrice, who is quite ruthless in her dealings with those she sends questing for her. Many things start to happen and Jen feels she is in real danger when she starts to hear peoples thoughts and Beatrice can enter her own mind and communicate. Questing usually takes place in games but this is real life and both the quests and the tokens are for real and even though Jen feels she is in danger from Beatrice according to Beatrice she is not the bad guy and the danger comes to them from the Guild. So who are the Guild? Maybe we find out a bit more in book 2 Novice!! One can only hope.
February 14, 2019
A refreshingly original fantasy. The world of Guild of Tokens is the main driver, quickly intriguing you and pulling you through the story. The short length and low price makes it easy to dip in and sample, but you’ll soon find yourself wondering what’s to come from the rest of the series. Auerbach’s writing has decent personality, moves at a swift pace and just when you think there’s a lull, the action and intrigue ramps up. Definitely one to try, especially if you’re looking for something different from LitRPG fiction.
December 14, 2018
Very interesting.
I like the plot and liked the ease of reading it but I do wish there was a bit more to the story. I didn't mind it being short, I just wish I had more of my questions answered. The best part was the general idea of it, the real world quests! I would recommend others check this out.
I like the plot and liked the ease of reading it but I do wish there was a bit more to the story. I didn't mind it being short, I just wish I had more of my questions answered. The best part was the general idea of it, the real world quests! I would recommend others check this out.
July 21, 2018
A very different book
I sort of liked it, but it got hard to follow at certain parts. Intrigued as to what happens next do may well read another installment soon.
I sort of liked it, but it got hard to follow at certain parts. Intrigued as to what happens next do may well read another installment soon.
August 27, 2018
Really interesting, but far too short! Impatiently waiting for the next episode.
September 16, 2018
Have got to say .....
this is one HELL of a great starter for a series. If it continues at the same level, it is definately a must read series.😉.
this is one HELL of a great starter for a series. If it continues at the same level, it is definately a must read series.😉.
September 16, 2018
Love the concept of this series. Easy reading, intriguing and thought provoking. A nice start to the series and build the interest for the rest of the series
December 28, 2019
3,5 stars
It was fast short story I've read in one go. There is a promise for something good in the next part of the series and I am sure to check what happens next.
It was fast short story I've read in one go. There is a promise for something good in the next part of the series and I am sure to check what happens next.
August 6, 2018
Well written with a few minor flaws. Originality still carries it over the threshold of 3.5 stars for me.
Storywise it's not really complete. It definitely needs one or two extra volumes to become whole. Length of this 'part' is somewhere between a short story and a novella. (Way too short to call it a book on its own.)
Will definitely read the next part to find out how the story unfolds.
Storywise it's not really complete. It definitely needs one or two extra volumes to become whole. Length of this 'part' is somewhere between a short story and a novella. (Way too short to call it a book on its own.)
Will definitely read the next part to find out how the story unfolds.
October 8, 2024
Great story. Want more...
January 30, 2019
got this book on a whim as the face book post was quite long and I think was the first chapter enjoyed it very much and cant wait for more of the series :)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews