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Secret of the Old Ones #1
Luck Stat Strategy
Secret of the Old Ones is a deep dive VR game the likes of which the world had never seen.
Trent Noguero, a hardcore gamer, has been playing for a year and is about to get his big break. He is about to catapult himself into the ranks of the most powerful players in the world.
However, power comes with a price, and celebrity creates enemies. Trent has the keys to massive success, but he also accidentally painted a target on his back…both in, and out of the game.
Trent Noguero, a hardcore gamer, has been playing for a year and is about to get his big break. He is about to catapult himself into the ranks of the most powerful players in the world.
However, power comes with a price, and celebrity creates enemies. Trent has the keys to massive success, but he also accidentally painted a target on his back…both in, and out of the game.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2017
213 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Blaise Corvin
30 books635 followersBlaise Corvin served in the US Army in several roles. He has seen the best and the worst that humanity has to offer. He is a sucker for any hobby involving weapons, art, or improv.
He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.
He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.
It's all very eccentric.
Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.
Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).
He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.
He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.
It's all very eccentric.
Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.
Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 30, 2017
First let me tell you the good news: The quality of litrpg is improving! YES!
Now about the bad new: It's improving within old and proven trenches.
Characters: The main character isn't exactly well flashed out, or deep or... well, he is and he is (mostly) sympathetic, which is already more than I can say of most other litrpg. Mainly, while his characters lack deepness, they are interesting and far from mary-sue perfecteness. It's all applied a bit with the sledgehammer method, but it hits the right nails. In short, it's fun to follow them around on a ride.
Plot: The plot itself... well, the luck stat strategy has been used by now a few times. Maybe this author was the first, maybe not. But no points for originality here. But he gets the plot moving along on a really good pace and the in-game dynamics and descriptions work well so far. Not to mention, he has a few surprises and I really enjoyed the maze concept.
Male / Females: Well, the main character is an annoying leecher, and seriously do ANY of the authors ever think that MAYBE women might read their books too? That we might think "What an asshole?" That he is called out by his friend, does not really make this better. On the plus side, yep, there ARE women, the ratio of the main team is even 3 men / 2 women, and the women aren't wimpy sidekicks, dragged along for their beauty and maybe skills with a bow. (By now I would start paying money to have a femal ork in the main group... or minotaur. Loved those.) Okay. To be fair, this author isn't by FAR the worst of this. So yeah, green light on this. I just still keep hoping.
Conclusion: This is Corvin's first or second book, and that's exactly the problem. But he's got talent, and it's a good book. I kind of hope he might rewrite it in a few years, so it can be come a great book.
3.5 stars, because I still give a bonus to litrpg 4 stars.
Now about the bad new: It's improving within old and proven trenches.
Characters: The main character isn't exactly well flashed out, or deep or... well, he is and he is (mostly) sympathetic, which is already more than I can say of most other litrpg. Mainly, while his characters lack deepness, they are interesting and far from mary-sue perfecteness. It's all applied a bit with the sledgehammer method, but it hits the right nails. In short, it's fun to follow them around on a ride.
Plot: The plot itself... well, the luck stat strategy has been used by now a few times. Maybe this author was the first, maybe not. But no points for originality here. But he gets the plot moving along on a really good pace and the in-game dynamics and descriptions work well so far. Not to mention, he has a few surprises and I really enjoyed the maze concept.
Male / Females: Well, the main character is an annoying leecher, and seriously do ANY of the authors ever think that MAYBE women might read their books too? That we might think "What an asshole?" That he is called out by his friend, does not really make this better. On the plus side, yep, there ARE women, the ratio of the main team is even 3 men / 2 women, and the women aren't wimpy sidekicks, dragged along for their beauty and maybe skills with a bow. (By now I would start paying money to have a femal ork in the main group... or minotaur. Loved those.) Okay. To be fair, this author isn't by FAR the worst of this. So yeah, green light on this. I just still keep hoping.
Conclusion: This is Corvin's first or second book, and that's exactly the problem. But he's got talent, and it's a good book. I kind of hope he might rewrite it in a few years, so it can be come a great book.
3.5 stars, because I still give a bonus to litrpg 4 stars.
September 28, 2018
Misogyny made an otherwise three-star book into a two-star one. I haven't reviewed too many litrpg books (since I'm only starting to get into the genre) but I feel like this is going to be a common occurrence.
Anyway. The misogyny is a shame given that this particular book has one of the more likable MCs I've encountered thus far in the genre -- if not for the misogyny.
Story-wise, in my admittedly short time in the genre, I did find the setting somewhat refreshing compared to either the more sci-fi or high fantasy oriented versions. The inclusion of sanity checks the more horrific a monster is totally suits the lovecraftian feel and is a nice detail. Some people have complained that it is too short, but honestly given how much filler a lot of the other books I've encountered in the genre have, its kind of refreshing. We stay focused on the story and action.
Anyway. The misogyny is a shame given that this particular book has one of the more likable MCs I've encountered thus far in the genre -- if not for the misogyny.
Story-wise, in my admittedly short time in the genre, I did find the setting somewhat refreshing compared to either the more sci-fi or high fantasy oriented versions. The inclusion of sanity checks the more horrific a monster is totally suits the lovecraftian feel and is a nice detail. Some people have complained that it is too short, but honestly given how much filler a lot of the other books I've encountered in the genre have, its kind of refreshing. We stay focused on the story and action.
March 19, 2017
I couldn't stop reading this, and I perhaps wouldn't have if I didn't have to go to work and stuff.
This book reminded me of Heroes Die somehow. I know Heroes Die is much darker in content but this book made me feel the same kind of connection to the story.
Overall, I am looking forward to the next novel or novella from this author.
This book reminded me of Heroes Die somehow. I know Heroes Die is much darker in content but this book made me feel the same kind of connection to the story.
Overall, I am looking forward to the next novel or novella from this author.
December 1, 2017
I had bad impressions of this book by the title but I eventually got over it and tried it.
Guess what? I am correct but for the wrong reasons.
I thought that the MC would be really overpowered due to the high luck and things would get ridiculous. However, that didn't happen. In fact, there's really very little part in the whole book about this so called Luck Stat Strategy.
It's arguable but I say there's only 2 major instances where the luck mattered and maybe 4-5 minor ones and that's pushing it. By minor, I mean really minor.
That aside, let me ask you a question. If you are in an ancient medieval setting and you have 4 unlimited ammo weightless machine guns and you have tough enemies, what would you do? Hoard it? Use it? Invest it in your teammates? Get rid of it?
How about you having 4 fruits of immortality? What would you do then? Hoard it? Use it? Invest it in your teammates? Get rid of it?
Haven't TV shows or your parents ever tell you not to show wealth?
Yeah, that's kind of stupid decisions you, the reader, have to deal with when reading this book. This book has stupidity moving the plot, simple as that.
Guess what? I am correct but for the wrong reasons.
I thought that the MC would be really overpowered due to the high luck and things would get ridiculous. However, that didn't happen. In fact, there's really very little part in the whole book about this so called Luck Stat Strategy.
It's arguable but I say there's only 2 major instances where the luck mattered and maybe 4-5 minor ones and that's pushing it. By minor, I mean really minor.
That aside, let me ask you a question. If you are in an ancient medieval setting and you have 4 unlimited ammo weightless machine guns and you have tough enemies, what would you do? Hoard it? Use it? Invest it in your teammates? Get rid of it?
How about you having 4 fruits of immortality? What would you do then? Hoard it? Use it? Invest it in your teammates? Get rid of it?
Haven't TV shows or your parents ever tell you not to show wealth?
Yeah, that's kind of stupid decisions you, the reader, have to deal with when reading this book. This book has stupidity moving the plot, simple as that.
October 12, 2024
Introduction
Alright, fluffbutts, buckle up 'cause we're diving into Blaise Corvin's Luck Stat Strategy, the first book in his Secret of the Old Ones series. This LitRPG, hard VR-gaming epic came out in January 2017, and it's packed with all the XP, leveling, and Lovecraftian vibes you could ask for. We're following Trent Noguero, a gamer trying to claw his way to the top in a world where celebrity means danger both in and out of the game. Think "hardcore VR adventure meets cosmic horror with a sprinkle of steam-age tech." Sounds dope? Well, let’s see if it really delivers or just leaves us stuck grinding side quests.
Plot Summary
So, Luck Stat Strategy throws us into a VR game called Secret of the Old Ones, a world unlike anything players have seen before. Trent Noguero’s the guy in question—he’s been gaming for a year, grinding like mad, and now he's on the edge of breaking into the elite player ranks. But with great power comes a big fat target on his back—in-game and IRL. The story's full of power plays, cosmic horrors, and game-world politics that blend steampunk vibes with RPG mechanics. It's got that familiar LitRPG grind but with enough twists to make you do a double-take, particularly when you realize this isn't just about leveling up—it’s about surviving fame and the enemies that come with it.
The Author
Blaise Corvin’s carved a niche for himself in the GameLit/LitRPG subgenre. He’s got military experience and an eye for tactics that shows in his storylines—they’re well thought out, with plenty of strategy and creative problem-solving. Corvin’s writing often feels like a mashup of RPG questing mixed with a darker edge—something you'd expect if Cthulhu himself designed a game world. He’s definitely more into the gritty than the glamorous, and while that gives his work an edge, it also means there's a lot of crunch—mechanics, stats, and the like—to chew through. He’s known for blending different elements—like sci-fi and fantasy—which keeps his series fresh compared to some more formulaic LitRPGs.
Characters
Trent Noguero is our main dude here. He’s your typical hardcore gamer—cocky, ambitious, and sometimes a bit too reckless. He's not a "perfect hero" by any means, and honestly, that's what makes him interesting. He’s got rough edges, but he’s not just a power-hungry jerk—he actually thinks through his strategies, which is refreshing compared to some of the genre's typical meatheads. There’s also a supporting cast, though honestly, they don’t get nearly as much love or development as Trent does. We get hints at their motivations and backstories, but they’re mainly there to prop Trent up or add some conflict to his journey.
And then there’s the game—Secret of the Old Ones itself is almost a character in its own right, with its Lovecraftian horrors, sanity mechanics, and steampunk-inspired settings. It’s a mix of eerie, mechanical, and downright creepy, making every in-game encounter feel like a roll of the dice—you never quite know what’s lurking around the corner.
Structure
This book’s pacing is like riding a rollercoaster while juggling fire—it’s fast, there’s a lot happening, and sometimes you drop the ball (or in this case, miss out on character development). We start off with Trent getting close to his big breakthrough, then boom—we’re off to the races with in-game power struggles, dangerous alliances, and real-world threats. Chapters are tight and action-packed, which keeps things moving, but at the cost of depth in some areas. There’s a heavy focus on game mechanics—leveling, stats, and all that—which LitRPG fans will love, but it might be a bit much for readers looking for more narrative and less crunch.
Themes & Analysis
This story’s got a few major themes going on. Power and responsibility, obviously—Trent’s got the chance to rise to the top, but it comes with all the dangers of fame and enemies. There’s also the theme of "the unknown"—thanks to the Lovecraftian elements, we’re constantly reminded of how small and vulnerable Trent is in the grand scheme of things, both in-game and in the real world. It’s a reminder that, no matter how powerful you are, there’s always something bigger and scarier out there.
The writing style is a mix of gritty realism and dark humor. Corvin keeps things from getting too grim by sprinkling in jokes and sarcastic banter, which helps balance out the eldritch horror elements. But make no mistake—there are moments that hit hard, especially when Trent realizes just how dangerous his situation has become, and it’s those moments that make the book worth reading.
Scenes (Romance & Drama)
Not much romance here, really. Trent's got bigger issues than trying to find love—like trying not to get wrecked by cosmic horrors or sniped by jealous players. There’s some tension between characters, but it’s mostly the kind that comes from rivalry or conflicting goals. It’s more about survival and power than hearts and flowers, which fits the tone of the book—but if you’re looking for romance, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
World-Building
Here’s where Luck Stat Strategy really shines. The game world of Secret of the Old Ones is a mashup of Victorian-era aesthetics, Lovecraftian horror, and RPG leveling—and it works. The steam-age weapons, bizarre classes, and eerie creatures make it feel unique, especially compared to the generic medieval fantasy settings that a lot of LitRPGs stick to. The sanity mechanics, where encountering horrifying monsters affects your character’s mental state, is a brilliant touch and adds a layer of tension to every encounter. It’s immersive, detailed, and unpredictable—the kind of world that makes you want to keep turning the page just to see what twisted corner you’ll stumble into next.
Praise & Critique
Luck Stat Strategy does a lot right. It’s fast-paced, it’s fun, and it’s got enough twists to keep you guessing. The world-building is top-notch, the in-game mechanics are well thought out, and Trent’s journey is engaging, even if it’s a bit chaotic. But it’s not without flaws—the pacing can feel rushed, some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped, and the focus on stats and leveling might turn off readers who want more story and less numbers. Also, the "Luck Stat" itself doesn’t get as much play as you’d expect from the title, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Comparison to Other Works
Compared to Delvers LLC, Luck Stat Strategy is darker and more focused on horror elements. Where Delvers LLC has more humor and lighthearted moments, Secret of the Old Ones leans into the fear of the unknown, and the stakes feel more personal and immediate. It’s got more in common with Corvin’s Secret of the Old Ones follow-ups, which take that dark edge and push it even further. If you like your LitRPG with a side of cosmic horror, this is the one to pick.
Personal Evaluation
As an experienced ice wolf with a soft spot for deep-dive game mechanics and a love for stories that keep you on your toes, I enjoyed Luck Stat Strategy. It’s not perfect, and there are times when it feels more like an extended grind than a fully fleshed-out story, but there’s something compelling about Trent’s journey. The mix of steampunk, RPG, and cosmic horror makes it stand out from the pack, and I’m always down for a story that doesn’t play it safe.
Conclusion
So, should you read Luck Stat Strategy? If you’re into LitRPG, steampunk, and Lovecraftian horror, absolutely. It’s a fast-paced, dark adventure that’ll keep you entertained, even if it doesn’t quite hit every note perfectly. Just don’t expect a love story or deep character drama—this one’s all about the grind, the power plays, and the monsters lurking in the dark. I’d give it 3.5 outta 5 howls—solid, but not without a few rough edges.
Alright, fluffbutts, buckle up 'cause we're diving into Blaise Corvin's Luck Stat Strategy, the first book in his Secret of the Old Ones series. This LitRPG, hard VR-gaming epic came out in January 2017, and it's packed with all the XP, leveling, and Lovecraftian vibes you could ask for. We're following Trent Noguero, a gamer trying to claw his way to the top in a world where celebrity means danger both in and out of the game. Think "hardcore VR adventure meets cosmic horror with a sprinkle of steam-age tech." Sounds dope? Well, let’s see if it really delivers or just leaves us stuck grinding side quests.
Plot Summary
So, Luck Stat Strategy throws us into a VR game called Secret of the Old Ones, a world unlike anything players have seen before. Trent Noguero’s the guy in question—he’s been gaming for a year, grinding like mad, and now he's on the edge of breaking into the elite player ranks. But with great power comes a big fat target on his back—in-game and IRL. The story's full of power plays, cosmic horrors, and game-world politics that blend steampunk vibes with RPG mechanics. It's got that familiar LitRPG grind but with enough twists to make you do a double-take, particularly when you realize this isn't just about leveling up—it’s about surviving fame and the enemies that come with it.
The Author
Blaise Corvin’s carved a niche for himself in the GameLit/LitRPG subgenre. He’s got military experience and an eye for tactics that shows in his storylines—they’re well thought out, with plenty of strategy and creative problem-solving. Corvin’s writing often feels like a mashup of RPG questing mixed with a darker edge—something you'd expect if Cthulhu himself designed a game world. He’s definitely more into the gritty than the glamorous, and while that gives his work an edge, it also means there's a lot of crunch—mechanics, stats, and the like—to chew through. He’s known for blending different elements—like sci-fi and fantasy—which keeps his series fresh compared to some more formulaic LitRPGs.
Characters
Trent Noguero is our main dude here. He’s your typical hardcore gamer—cocky, ambitious, and sometimes a bit too reckless. He's not a "perfect hero" by any means, and honestly, that's what makes him interesting. He’s got rough edges, but he’s not just a power-hungry jerk—he actually thinks through his strategies, which is refreshing compared to some of the genre's typical meatheads. There’s also a supporting cast, though honestly, they don’t get nearly as much love or development as Trent does. We get hints at their motivations and backstories, but they’re mainly there to prop Trent up or add some conflict to his journey.
And then there’s the game—Secret of the Old Ones itself is almost a character in its own right, with its Lovecraftian horrors, sanity mechanics, and steampunk-inspired settings. It’s a mix of eerie, mechanical, and downright creepy, making every in-game encounter feel like a roll of the dice—you never quite know what’s lurking around the corner.
Structure
This book’s pacing is like riding a rollercoaster while juggling fire—it’s fast, there’s a lot happening, and sometimes you drop the ball (or in this case, miss out on character development). We start off with Trent getting close to his big breakthrough, then boom—we’re off to the races with in-game power struggles, dangerous alliances, and real-world threats. Chapters are tight and action-packed, which keeps things moving, but at the cost of depth in some areas. There’s a heavy focus on game mechanics—leveling, stats, and all that—which LitRPG fans will love, but it might be a bit much for readers looking for more narrative and less crunch.
Themes & Analysis
This story’s got a few major themes going on. Power and responsibility, obviously—Trent’s got the chance to rise to the top, but it comes with all the dangers of fame and enemies. There’s also the theme of "the unknown"—thanks to the Lovecraftian elements, we’re constantly reminded of how small and vulnerable Trent is in the grand scheme of things, both in-game and in the real world. It’s a reminder that, no matter how powerful you are, there’s always something bigger and scarier out there.
The writing style is a mix of gritty realism and dark humor. Corvin keeps things from getting too grim by sprinkling in jokes and sarcastic banter, which helps balance out the eldritch horror elements. But make no mistake—there are moments that hit hard, especially when Trent realizes just how dangerous his situation has become, and it’s those moments that make the book worth reading.
Scenes (Romance & Drama)
Not much romance here, really. Trent's got bigger issues than trying to find love—like trying not to get wrecked by cosmic horrors or sniped by jealous players. There’s some tension between characters, but it’s mostly the kind that comes from rivalry or conflicting goals. It’s more about survival and power than hearts and flowers, which fits the tone of the book—but if you’re looking for romance, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
World-Building
Here’s where Luck Stat Strategy really shines. The game world of Secret of the Old Ones is a mashup of Victorian-era aesthetics, Lovecraftian horror, and RPG leveling—and it works. The steam-age weapons, bizarre classes, and eerie creatures make it feel unique, especially compared to the generic medieval fantasy settings that a lot of LitRPGs stick to. The sanity mechanics, where encountering horrifying monsters affects your character’s mental state, is a brilliant touch and adds a layer of tension to every encounter. It’s immersive, detailed, and unpredictable—the kind of world that makes you want to keep turning the page just to see what twisted corner you’ll stumble into next.
Praise & Critique
Luck Stat Strategy does a lot right. It’s fast-paced, it’s fun, and it’s got enough twists to keep you guessing. The world-building is top-notch, the in-game mechanics are well thought out, and Trent’s journey is engaging, even if it’s a bit chaotic. But it’s not without flaws—the pacing can feel rushed, some of the supporting characters are underdeveloped, and the focus on stats and leveling might turn off readers who want more story and less numbers. Also, the "Luck Stat" itself doesn’t get as much play as you’d expect from the title, which feels like a missed opportunity.
Comparison to Other Works
Compared to Delvers LLC, Luck Stat Strategy is darker and more focused on horror elements. Where Delvers LLC has more humor and lighthearted moments, Secret of the Old Ones leans into the fear of the unknown, and the stakes feel more personal and immediate. It’s got more in common with Corvin’s Secret of the Old Ones follow-ups, which take that dark edge and push it even further. If you like your LitRPG with a side of cosmic horror, this is the one to pick.
Personal Evaluation
As an experienced ice wolf with a soft spot for deep-dive game mechanics and a love for stories that keep you on your toes, I enjoyed Luck Stat Strategy. It’s not perfect, and there are times when it feels more like an extended grind than a fully fleshed-out story, but there’s something compelling about Trent’s journey. The mix of steampunk, RPG, and cosmic horror makes it stand out from the pack, and I’m always down for a story that doesn’t play it safe.
Conclusion
So, should you read Luck Stat Strategy? If you’re into LitRPG, steampunk, and Lovecraftian horror, absolutely. It’s a fast-paced, dark adventure that’ll keep you entertained, even if it doesn’t quite hit every note perfectly. Just don’t expect a love story or deep character drama—this one’s all about the grind, the power plays, and the monsters lurking in the dark. I’d give it 3.5 outta 5 howls—solid, but not without a few rough edges.
February 4, 2018
Incredibly great read!
I read the whole thing starting on my two reads at work and reading through luncg. Finished a little after midnight due to having to make dinner and socialize haha. This is a new and interesting rule set for skills and abilities that really sounds cool! I enjoyed the other two books that you wrote but really this one is the best for me. I am really stoked and am looking forward to the next one but I do request that you try to make it a lot longer than this one. The books from now on could be 500+ pages and I would be totally okay with that. Really. I'd pay out more too. This litrpg genre is really exploding and your name is permantly in my top listings to re-read.
I read the whole thing starting on my two reads at work and reading through luncg. Finished a little after midnight due to having to make dinner and socialize haha. This is a new and interesting rule set for skills and abilities that really sounds cool! I enjoyed the other two books that you wrote but really this one is the best for me. I am really stoked and am looking forward to the next one but I do request that you try to make it a lot longer than this one. The books from now on could be 500+ pages and I would be totally okay with that. Really. I'd pay out more too. This litrpg genre is really exploding and your name is permantly in my top listings to re-read.
January 25, 2017
Imagine an amazing book...then imagine jumping in half way and only getting to read the 2nd half
Excellent lit rpg book. That said I almost stopped reading around 10% given it felt like the book was missing the entire first half. I worked into it soon after and got emotionally invested in it. In the future I would strongly recommend the author wait to publish the full book or publish the first half, well, FIRST.
I would still recommend reading it. Over all I give it a 3.5, but it would have been a 4.5 with the first part of the book written out for a more traditional build up to get invested in the characters.
Excellent lit rpg book. That said I almost stopped reading around 10% given it felt like the book was missing the entire first half. I worked into it soon after and got emotionally invested in it. In the future I would strongly recommend the author wait to publish the full book or publish the first half, well, FIRST.
I would still recommend reading it. Over all I give it a 3.5, but it would have been a 4.5 with the first part of the book written out for a more traditional build up to get invested in the characters.
February 2, 2018
Very enjoyable short LitRPG story. It's nice to see authors taking the framework of the LitRPG and not just defaulting to high fantasys for everything. Luck Stat Strategy's game is a Victorian Era Lovecraftian DD game. So while it does still have some fantasy elements it's far more modern than than usual and has some steam punk elements in it as well. Think, Secret World but set at the start of the industrial revolution. Hopefully more authors will start realizing there more out there than Tolkien.
May 30, 2017
Life is like a drop box you never know what to expect!
An interesting twist of steam age weapons meets good old fashion magic. I was surprised by the different classes and the almost cutthroat demand in stat distribution the game follows. The world is watching our young heroes as well as the competition. Thanks for the experience and I at least eagerly await the next installment.
An interesting twist of steam age weapons meets good old fashion magic. I was surprised by the different classes and the almost cutthroat demand in stat distribution the game follows. The world is watching our young heroes as well as the competition. Thanks for the experience and I at least eagerly await the next installment.
September 26, 2017
Time well spent
A friend of mine, whose judgment I trust, recommended this story to me. Despite my initial hesitation, not being too familiar with LitRPG stories, I started and finished it rather quickly.
The characters grew on me and the pacing is pretty damn great. I'd be greatly interested in reading any follow ups to this, especially considering the patch to SOO mentioned in the end.
A friend of mine, whose judgment I trust, recommended this story to me. Despite my initial hesitation, not being too familiar with LitRPG stories, I started and finished it rather quickly.
The characters grew on me and the pacing is pretty damn great. I'd be greatly interested in reading any follow ups to this, especially considering the patch to SOO mentioned in the end.
January 13, 2017
Pretty good pilot show for a litRPG series
Nice in-game/real world balance. Enough game mechanics to fit the genre without being cumbersome. I really liked that the story was complete and fast paced. The scenes had just enough detail for my imagination to fill out. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Nice in-game/real world balance. Enough game mechanics to fit the genre without being cumbersome. I really liked that the story was complete and fast paced. The scenes had just enough detail for my imagination to fill out. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
July 25, 2018
Awesome
I totally loved this book.I didn't want to put it down till I finished it. Loved that the MC just made a decision and went with it.
I totally loved this book.I didn't want to put it down till I finished it. Loved that the MC just made a decision and went with it.
January 23, 2022
Pass this up
So many issues in this book, the only place I can start is the MC. He is a jerk. I would use stronger language but then this review would be deleted. An attempt on his life. Someone is after him. Does he contact his family at all about it? No. He did not because of he did, it would remove the reason for the unnecessary drama at the end of the book.
The MC calls his mother "mama". Seriously man, you don't get to do that unless you are 3 years old or the Don of a Mafia family.
The MC has the personality of a pimple. I can't imagine who would be friends with this guy, let alone follow him anywhere except a toilet.
The biggest issue is the game. This is supposed to be "The Game" the entire world plays. Some facts for the author: NO! game who let's griefers flourish is ever successful. None! Next is, forcing people to NOT be allowed to play your game for a week for dying, would devastate your player base. Gamers are fickle and won't pay for a game that won't allow them to play. In addition to that, you lose all your gear? This game would be DOA.
Next, let's go to the "real world". Again, the MC survives an assassination attempt mere hours after his identity on a college campus is exposed. So we are to believe a shooting on a university campus will attract no media attention at all and the perpetrators are allowed to do as they please.
And the MC says nothing to his family.
I will not be continuing this farce of a story.
So many issues in this book, the only place I can start is the MC. He is a jerk. I would use stronger language but then this review would be deleted. An attempt on his life. Someone is after him. Does he contact his family at all about it? No. He did not because of he did, it would remove the reason for the unnecessary drama at the end of the book.
The MC calls his mother "mama". Seriously man, you don't get to do that unless you are 3 years old or the Don of a Mafia family.
The MC has the personality of a pimple. I can't imagine who would be friends with this guy, let alone follow him anywhere except a toilet.
The biggest issue is the game. This is supposed to be "The Game" the entire world plays. Some facts for the author: NO! game who let's griefers flourish is ever successful. None! Next is, forcing people to NOT be allowed to play your game for a week for dying, would devastate your player base. Gamers are fickle and won't pay for a game that won't allow them to play. In addition to that, you lose all your gear? This game would be DOA.
Next, let's go to the "real world". Again, the MC survives an assassination attempt mere hours after his identity on a college campus is exposed. So we are to believe a shooting on a university campus will attract no media attention at all and the perpetrators are allowed to do as they please.
And the MC says nothing to his family.
I will not be continuing this farce of a story.
June 30, 2023
I'm giving this an extra star because the second book makes the first book worth getting through.
The book definitely has some problems. It felt rushed, it was too short, and the MC is pretty unlikable, but the other characters make up for it. The MC also improves a bit in Book 2.
There are one or two examples of male gaze that certain types of misanthropic reader might find objectionable, but if you're an adult equipped with some understanding of and appreciation for the human condition, you're unlikely to even notice. I only mention it because the top review on this title calls it misogyny without providing context.
The book definitely has some problems. It felt rushed, it was too short, and the MC is pretty unlikable, but the other characters make up for it. The MC also improves a bit in Book 2.
There are one or two examples of male gaze that certain types of misanthropic reader might find objectionable, but if you're an adult equipped with some understanding of and appreciation for the human condition, you're unlikely to even notice. I only mention it because the top review on this title calls it misogyny without providing context.
December 22, 2020
Finally finished. Pretty unsatisfying but not horrible. The last 9 minutes takes a total left turn trying to set up for a sequel maybe.
The whole thing reads more as a collection of scenes, tenuously connected. Also everyone advancing just as the MC gets some totally unique thing due to Luck...by getting things exactly as 'unique' without (likely) having anything near the MC's Luck...
Really, glad the author moved on to other things and did not continue this... the writing in each scene is pretty good but none of it really hangs together with other scenes.
The whole thing reads more as a collection of scenes, tenuously connected. Also everyone advancing just as the MC gets some totally unique thing due to Luck...by getting things exactly as 'unique' without (likely) having anything near the MC's Luck...
Really, glad the author moved on to other things and did not continue this... the writing in each scene is pretty good but none of it really hangs together with other scenes.
April 2, 2022
Good take on H.P. Lovecraft
So this is a good book. I only had one issue with it and that is how stupid the MC is portrayed in knowledge of streaming. It states that he played a previous VRMMORPG before SOO for 3 years and then played SOO. Anybody who has. Played any multi player games that long knows streaming is high revenue if you become super streamer and the fact that he didn't know makes absolutely no sense. His best friend portrayed as a semi descent gamer knows more than he does about streaming that is beyond logical. Other than that the story was really good.
So this is a good book. I only had one issue with it and that is how stupid the MC is portrayed in knowledge of streaming. It states that he played a previous VRMMORPG before SOO for 3 years and then played SOO. Anybody who has. Played any multi player games that long knows streaming is high revenue if you become super streamer and the fact that he didn't know makes absolutely no sense. His best friend portrayed as a semi descent gamer knows more than he does about streaming that is beyond logical. Other than that the story was really good.
February 15, 2018
Good for a lit rpg
Characters are a bit one dimensional, lacking character traits and motivation. Reading this, and many litrpg titles to be honest, there's a lot of god moding, where the character is over powered and in touchable. Let them get hurt, fail, and learn from their mistakes. Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy this book. It is one of the better lit rpg genre books I've read and I'd actually recommend it and thus auther.
Characters are a bit one dimensional, lacking character traits and motivation. Reading this, and many litrpg titles to be honest, there's a lot of god moding, where the character is over powered and in touchable. Let them get hurt, fail, and learn from their mistakes. Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy this book. It is one of the better lit rpg genre books I've read and I'd actually recommend it and thus auther.
July 21, 2017
Fun enough, though a bit generic and too short to truly engage me. At the end, I had a very strong urge not to read the next book in the series just because of how many times the author said "my mama" I won't give you spoilers, but....for heaven's sake you made your point, no need to repeat yourself 10 times over.
January 12, 2018
Damn I finished it
Another wonderful book by Blaise Corvin. Loved his last book and was anxiously awaiting its sequel when I found this! Fast paced without the usual LRPG page “fluff” of constant level up information. Allows for comfortable literary flow and .....damn its over! Get back to work author boy - I need another book and always listen to your “Momma” 😁
Another wonderful book by Blaise Corvin. Loved his last book and was anxiously awaiting its sequel when I found this! Fast paced without the usual LRPG page “fluff” of constant level up information. Allows for comfortable literary flow and .....damn its over! Get back to work author boy - I need another book and always listen to your “Momma” 😁
June 30, 2017
Yes!
This is gold! Fast paced, interesting characters, the protagonist has some rough edges that humanize him, story is engaging and just a genuinely fun ride! On to the second one!
This is gold! Fast paced, interesting characters, the protagonist has some rough edges that humanize him, story is engaging and just a genuinely fun ride! On to the second one!
October 30, 2017
Another great book!
I am torn between wanting another Delver book or another one for this series! Both stories are really good and the characters are very engaging. Keep it up please!
I am torn between wanting another Delver book or another one for this series! Both stories are really good and the characters are very engaging. Keep it up please!
November 15, 2017
That was fun
Worth your time. Blaise Corvin hit a triple with this one. Love the world. 7/10 for character development. Interesting plot. Enjoyable ride. (Im expecting the sequel will be even better. He tends to get better with time.)
Worth your time. Blaise Corvin hit a triple with this one. Love the world. 7/10 for character development. Interesting plot. Enjoyable ride. (Im expecting the sequel will be even better. He tends to get better with time.)
November 26, 2017
Like Luck
Yes I like this story the characters are easy to follow and the actions Good I feel disappointed in the final ending but that's a series now have to wait for next book..hubug?
Yes I like this story the characters are easy to follow and the actions Good I feel disappointed in the final ending but that's a series now have to wait for next book..hubug?
January 23, 2018
Wow
Another great story with amazing character and the stream aspect is also super interesting. It's like if the mob started bugging pewtiepie(only streamer I really know from south park) I look forward to the next one
Another great story with amazing character and the stream aspect is also super interesting. It's like if the mob started bugging pewtiepie(only streamer I really know from south park) I look forward to the next one
July 3, 2018
Glimpse of Lovecraft lore
The characters are likable. I enjoyed the classes; different ones than I’m used to. The SOO game has a Lovecraftian charm although I wish it was thicker. Also, the story seems a little fast, I would have liked more detail as well.
The characters are likable. I enjoyed the classes; different ones than I’m used to. The SOO game has a Lovecraftian charm although I wish it was thicker. Also, the story seems a little fast, I would have liked more detail as well.
July 31, 2018
Four star entertainment
This could make a superhero type movie. Well proofread. Hero has distinct personality. Unusual game traits; paranoia plus Errol Flynn flair and even smart.
This could make a superhero type movie. Well proofread. Hero has distinct personality. Unusual game traits; paranoia plus Errol Flynn flair and even smart.
May 3, 2019
Added some new elements to rpg that i really enjoyed. Physical skill not only trancends into the game but skill is actually required to be skillfull. Which i really enjoyed. The story of the games itself is also very interesting. The main Character isn't op which is also nice.
December 1, 2019
Love the story, the characters, and even the voice actor!
I loved this book. It’s a great HP Lovecraft litrpg book that tells a Great Story and has a great voice actor! The characters make sense and it’s a blast. I would recommend this story to everyone.
I loved this book. It’s a great HP Lovecraft litrpg book that tells a Great Story and has a great voice actor! The characters make sense and it’s a blast. I would recommend this story to everyone.
January 18, 2020
Great start for a series
Cannot wait for the next book. Recommend this series to anyone. Litrpg done right. The litrpg elements do not take away from the story. Great premise and doesnt have a magic twist to make it right.
Cannot wait for the next book. Recommend this series to anyone. Litrpg done right. The litrpg elements do not take away from the story. Great premise and doesnt have a magic twist to make it right.
February 9, 2020
Pretty decent story. Don't know if I'll read more in the series though, since PVP really isn't my thing, but if you like your LitRPG with a bit of luck, lots of action, and discoveries galore, then this is definitely a good one to pick up for your reading pleasure.
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