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The Selfless Hero Trilogy #1-3
Otherlife: Compilation
Runner has a problem. He and 499,000 men and women are trapped in a game. He also just happens to be the only person from IT who could log everyone out safely. And he doesn't remember his password.
He, like everyone else in this nightmare, had their memories scrambled or lost in the process of being loaded into the game. A single garbled message is his only clue on how to save everyone.
The problem is that whoever loaded them into the game, loaded their minds completely. If they die, their brain gets wiped.
Now it's time for Runner to flex his skills as a power gaming min maxer and see what he can do. Because every time he levels, he might gain the memory of the password. Time to go Hardcore.
Warning and minor spoiler: This novel contains graphic violence, a harem, unconventional opinions/beliefs, and a hero who is as tactful as a dog at a cat show. Read at your own risk.
This is the Omnibus edition of the Otherlife Trilogy. It contains all three books. Only the description of the first book has been included to prevent spoilers from occurring.
Book 1: Product Link-(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...)
Book 2: Product Link-(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...)
Book 3: Product Link-(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...)
He, like everyone else in this nightmare, had their memories scrambled or lost in the process of being loaded into the game. A single garbled message is his only clue on how to save everyone.
The problem is that whoever loaded them into the game, loaded their minds completely. If they die, their brain gets wiped.
Now it's time for Runner to flex his skills as a power gaming min maxer and see what he can do. Because every time he levels, he might gain the memory of the password. Time to go Hardcore.
Warning and minor spoiler: This novel contains graphic violence, a harem, unconventional opinions/beliefs, and a hero who is as tactful as a dog at a cat show. Read at your own risk.
This is the Omnibus edition of the Otherlife Trilogy. It contains all three books. Only the description of the first book has been included to prevent spoilers from occurring.
Book 1: Product Link-(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...)
Book 2: Product Link-(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...)
Book 3: Product Link-(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...)
1201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2017
467 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 15, 2018
To the author: how could you?
I don’t usually write reviews, but I was compelled to write one as soon as I finished reading the omnibus just now. I read the original trilogy as individual books a while ago and really enjoyed it. Felt like coming back to the world after reading a few other series so I picked up the omnibus and enjoyed it just as much. That is, until I got to the omnibus only epilogue.
In order to avoid spoiling anything for other readers in my excitement, all I have to say to Mr. Arand is: I hate you. Hate you for making me feel this way. The series was great, but you just had to go and make it even better with one stinking chapter and make me want more. That being said, what would it take to get you to continue the series? You can’t just let it end like this.
I don’t usually write reviews, but I was compelled to write one as soon as I finished reading the omnibus just now. I read the original trilogy as individual books a while ago and really enjoyed it. Felt like coming back to the world after reading a few other series so I picked up the omnibus and enjoyed it just as much. That is, until I got to the omnibus only epilogue.
In order to avoid spoiling anything for other readers in my excitement, all I have to say to Mr. Arand is: I hate you. Hate you for making me feel this way. The series was great, but you just had to go and make it even better with one stinking chapter and make me want more. That being said, what would it take to get you to continue the series? You can’t just let it end like this.
July 25, 2018
Wonderful book.
Truly enjoyed this book. It leaves itself open to do many things that you can do. Hope the author works it all to his likeing.
Truly enjoyed this book. It leaves itself open to do many things that you can do. Hope the author works it all to his likeing.
June 23, 2020
I was told I would love this series. It was a struggle to read. If I was a gamer I could understand some of it better I suppose.... I have had it almost a year, it was a gift from my brother. I liked certain parts, but it was so crazy by the last book it was hard to get through. First book was the best of the 3. Now based on a recommendation I am going to read Super Sale on Super Heroes. Hope I Like it better than otherlife.
September 29, 2017
A fantastic read.
I first read another of this Author's books, "Super Sales on Super Heroes" (also a highly recommended book), and couldn't put it down. That was the first time in a while I had found an author who's works could grasp me that thoroughly. Now, after having binge read this entire omnibus (with an unknown-before-hand exclusive epilogue chapter that makes the omnibus and the series so much more intriguing than it otherwise would be) I can state confidently that the author's books will join the one previous author I had come across who's new books I have bought as soon as I discover their release.
There are some rough patches, to be honest the one that catches me the most is a very minor anecdotal instance from the last book where Runner goes into a "shop" in Eden, places an order for a set of unique figures and then they are never mentioned again. Thought they would show up in an epilogue or something, but there are always the potential they will come up in further books. The only other rough patch worth mentioning would be the transition from one book to another. The balance of progressing the story on one hand and summing up the previous events is slightly .. off, it doesn't last long at the start of each of the sequels but they both seemed to be .. less polished than the rest of the writing. Its nothing major, it just that the transitions of story to epilogue is consistently better than the transition from one book to another.
As some final thoughts I would kind of like some spin-off stories. The Omega and deployment of Zeus seem like they would make for an interesting storyline. Though, really, I kind of hope for the breaking/awakening of Zeus rather than it's destruction. More of a story along the lines of the Omnibus exclusive Epilogue would be nice, perhaps "the spectator" being needed to be more than just a watcher, though maybe not how they are offered in the epilogue but in other locations?
Anyways, loved this omnibus, and author, and highly recommend you read it.
I first read another of this Author's books, "Super Sales on Super Heroes" (also a highly recommended book), and couldn't put it down. That was the first time in a while I had found an author who's works could grasp me that thoroughly. Now, after having binge read this entire omnibus (with an unknown-before-hand exclusive epilogue chapter that makes the omnibus and the series so much more intriguing than it otherwise would be) I can state confidently that the author's books will join the one previous author I had come across who's new books I have bought as soon as I discover their release.
There are some rough patches, to be honest the one that catches me the most is a very minor anecdotal instance from the last book where Runner goes into a "shop" in Eden, places an order for a set of unique figures and then they are never mentioned again. Thought they would show up in an epilogue or something, but there are always the potential they will come up in further books. The only other rough patch worth mentioning would be the transition from one book to another. The balance of progressing the story on one hand and summing up the previous events is slightly .. off, it doesn't last long at the start of each of the sequels but they both seemed to be .. less polished than the rest of the writing. Its nothing major, it just that the transitions of story to epilogue is consistently better than the transition from one book to another.
As some final thoughts I would kind of like some spin-off stories. The Omega and deployment of Zeus seem like they would make for an interesting storyline. Though, really, I kind of hope for the breaking/awakening of Zeus rather than it's destruction. More of a story along the lines of the Omnibus exclusive Epilogue would be nice, perhaps "the spectator" being needed to be more than just a watcher, though maybe not how they are offered in the epilogue but in other locations?
Anyways, loved this omnibus, and author, and highly recommend you read it.
December 21, 2017
I feel in love with this book. The pacing was right. the MC was spot on. This is just a damn good book. (Trilogy). I would highly suggest this to anyone who is into LitRPG's. So overall, this is about 2 stories wrapped into one. And as the game progresses, there are some things that come up about what is life which are some pretty valid questions. I enjoy the evolution of the characters in this story, and I can actually say that the death of certain characters had me completely understanding and even sympathetic of the main character. I also liked the fact that the characters themselves were all fleshed out and had their own depth to them. There is a LOT going on in the book, but there's never too much going on that you get over encumbered by information. Seriously, I wish I could forget the story so I can go back and re-read this to fall in love with the characters again. How is this not a movie?!
May 14, 2019
Good start. Meh ending
Okay I enjoyed the first book. Very little in the sex or harem type.
Auto have stopped at the first book.
The start starts interesting with the hero runner. Locked in a video game. He remembers he is an IT officer in some version of our future. He finds himself locked into a game. He knows something is drastically wrong and has almost no memory.
However, he has a few advantages. He has every skillful in the game. Even ones hidden and only available to specific classes. On the downside all his stats except charisma are 1. Oh, and if he dies he'll become brain dead.
Thus starting the journey.
That's the first book. The next two are politely a hot mess. He falls in love with 8 ladies and 3 goddesses. Loving them "all the same". Here is where it goes off the rails headlong into teenage boy fantasy and utterly madness. Only to get worse.
Still the first book is okay the next two are hard.
Okay I enjoyed the first book. Very little in the sex or harem type.
Auto have stopped at the first book.
The start starts interesting with the hero runner. Locked in a video game. He remembers he is an IT officer in some version of our future. He finds himself locked into a game. He knows something is drastically wrong and has almost no memory.
However, he has a few advantages. He has every skillful in the game. Even ones hidden and only available to specific classes. On the downside all his stats except charisma are 1. Oh, and if he dies he'll become brain dead.
Thus starting the journey.
That's the first book. The next two are politely a hot mess. He falls in love with 8 ladies and 3 goddesses. Loving them "all the same". Here is where it goes off the rails headlong into teenage boy fantasy and utterly madness. Only to get worse.
Still the first book is okay the next two are hard.
June 11, 2017
Some interesting ideas
Norwood as a character is initially very interesting, I enjoyed discovering with him the memories. However his character there was a lack of growth for him, and I think I would have enjoyed more interaction with the real world.
Also, the rules for the world were never clearly defined except when it was noted that the character was breaking them. Basically the classic Superman problem, Norwood could have cut through to the end once he realized he had a way to modify the code.
A bit much of the wish fulfillment regarding how many females were close to him.
Finally, there were enough original plot devices that I wanted to know how the novels ended. However I found myself skipping pages to get to the interesting parts.
Real potential here, I think with some editing you can make a more interesting novel.
Norwood as a character is initially very interesting, I enjoyed discovering with him the memories. However his character there was a lack of growth for him, and I think I would have enjoyed more interaction with the real world.
Also, the rules for the world were never clearly defined except when it was noted that the character was breaking them. Basically the classic Superman problem, Norwood could have cut through to the end once he realized he had a way to modify the code.
A bit much of the wish fulfillment regarding how many females were close to him.
Finally, there were enough original plot devices that I wanted to know how the novels ended. However I found myself skipping pages to get to the interesting parts.
Real potential here, I think with some editing you can make a more interesting novel.
June 29, 2017
One of the genre greats
I started this book expecting a simple Gary Stew type novel. A fun, light, romp that would alleviate my daily stress. I was not expecting to be so enraptured by the series that I finished all 3 books in 2 days, forsaking sleep and food alike. I was blown away by the level of thought brought into the world building and characters growth. But the climax. It took me 2 hours, a trip to the gym, and a glass of jack Daniels to calm down.
If a story can throw your heart rate up to 131 while sitting in a chair, it's a damn good story. 9/10 will recommend to everyone who stands still long enough.
I started this book expecting a simple Gary Stew type novel. A fun, light, romp that would alleviate my daily stress. I was not expecting to be so enraptured by the series that I finished all 3 books in 2 days, forsaking sleep and food alike. I was blown away by the level of thought brought into the world building and characters growth. But the climax. It took me 2 hours, a trip to the gym, and a glass of jack Daniels to calm down.
If a story can throw your heart rate up to 131 while sitting in a chair, it's a damn good story. 9/10 will recommend to everyone who stands still long enough.
November 16, 2018
Good but not great
Character development was pretty wonky throughout the book, author seemed to skip a lot of important stuff and expect us to just roll with it both in character development and plot. Example being his first visit to a town with hannah. All we see of it is after the events go down. Disappointing that.
Harem got too big, too ridiculous. Author seemed to just be adding more at one point to make the MC have one of every race, despite him not really having a strong connection to a few of them.
Character development was pretty wonky throughout the book, author seemed to skip a lot of important stuff and expect us to just roll with it both in character development and plot. Example being his first visit to a town with hannah. All we see of it is after the events go down. Disappointing that.
Harem got too big, too ridiculous. Author seemed to just be adding more at one point to make the MC have one of every race, despite him not really having a strong connection to a few of them.
December 12, 2018
This set is excellent.
Well written, well paced, well executed and filled with believable and relatable characters and situation.
Protagonist is often presented with difficult moral questions regarding how much evil is acceptable for his greater good. A question that he sometimes fails to answer correctly.
His progression is clever, smart and (while not always successful) approached in a believable manner. Protagonist and the support cast grow and change with regards to their circumstances.
Buy this set, read this set. It is worth your time and your money.
Well written, well paced, well executed and filled with believable and relatable characters and situation.
Protagonist is often presented with difficult moral questions regarding how much evil is acceptable for his greater good. A question that he sometimes fails to answer correctly.
His progression is clever, smart and (while not always successful) approached in a believable manner. Protagonist and the support cast grow and change with regards to their circumstances.
Buy this set, read this set. It is worth your time and your money.
June 4, 2018
A great series
I really enjoyed this series. The characters all have their little unique quirks to help make them memorable and special. Runner is a very entertaining protaganist. The concept used to setup the game aspect of the story is definitely one of the best I've ever seen. Mr Arand came up with an interesting and original take on the litrpg \takeout genre and I love the little tie ins he has in his other stories.
I really enjoyed this series. The characters all have their little unique quirks to help make them memorable and special. Runner is a very entertaining protaganist. The concept used to setup the game aspect of the story is definitely one of the best I've ever seen. Mr Arand came up with an interesting and original take on the litrpg \takeout genre and I love the little tie ins he has in his other stories.
July 8, 2018
An absolutely fantastic trilogy
I loved reading this series and of this universe and am sad to see it end. While I now know we see snapshots of runner in other series by other authors, I wouldn't mind a later novel with Nadine returning and a battle against jurian. Even so. The wrap up was good with lots of hope. I also hope though runner can make his other loved ones immortal through his divine blessing.
I loved reading this series and of this universe and am sad to see it end. While I now know we see snapshots of runner in other series by other authors, I wouldn't mind a later novel with Nadine returning and a battle against jurian. Even so. The wrap up was good with lots of hope. I also hope though runner can make his other loved ones immortal through his divine blessing.
March 15, 2019
Well Done!
A great journey in fantasy.
The whole gaming thing is lost on me, I know several of the references; several authors use this in their stories. The attraction is not the gaming references, it’s the story and the characters.
The main character, Runner, was entertaining, the supporting cast needed more development, but there was a great combination of action, relationships and sub plots.
It kept my attention throughout.
A great journey in fantasy.
The whole gaming thing is lost on me, I know several of the references; several authors use this in their stories. The attraction is not the gaming references, it’s the story and the characters.
The main character, Runner, was entertaining, the supporting cast needed more development, but there was a great combination of action, relationships and sub plots.
It kept my attention throughout.
January 7, 2019
This Trilogy is great 👍!
I loved everything about this series: the plot , the action & the characters. I especially liked the ongoing development of the characters & how that was such a vital & on going part of the stories. It was also totally awesome how the entire series was available, start to finish, in the omnibus edition. William Stand is now one of my favorite authors. Do yourself a favor & read this Omnibus Edition, you WILL love it!
I loved everything about this series: the plot , the action & the characters. I especially liked the ongoing development of the characters & how that was such a vital & on going part of the stories. It was also totally awesome how the entire series was available, start to finish, in the omnibus edition. William Stand is now one of my favorite authors. Do yourself a favor & read this Omnibus Edition, you WILL love it!
January 12, 2019
This should be read first
I first read the super sale on syper hero series. While I knew about these books I did not the were connected until the end of that series. I glad I read this series becuase it gave a back story and answer alot of questions. I cannot wait to read tge wastelands series which is the second group of books in the overall universe. Then I cant wait to see what is next.
I first read the super sale on syper hero series. While I knew about these books I did not the were connected until the end of that series. I glad I read this series becuase it gave a back story and answer alot of questions. I cannot wait to read tge wastelands series which is the second group of books in the overall universe. Then I cant wait to see what is next.
December 30, 2017
Good story
Mediocre editing, though. Not bad enough to keep me from reading the whole series, but enough that I was constantly rolling my eyes at the mistakes. It looks a bit like the author forgets his commas and the editor is in too much of a hurry so they get stuck in a word or so off. Things like that, which just throw off the flow but don't make you toss the book.
Mediocre editing, though. Not bad enough to keep me from reading the whole series, but enough that I was constantly rolling my eyes at the mistakes. It looks a bit like the author forgets his commas and the editor is in too much of a hurry so they get stuck in a word or so off. Things like that, which just throw off the flow but don't make you toss the book.
March 16, 2018
Loved this series!
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you!
Happy dancing.... 💃💃💃💃💃
Truly enjoyed the characters. Better the second or third or ... reading. And yet I'd love at least one more follow-up where Alaric and Srit kick Zeus butt and Srit gets to come home. I know: Want. Want. Want. 😼
Kindle Unlimited - Thank you!
Happy dancing.... 💃💃💃💃💃
Truly enjoyed the characters. Better the second or third or ... reading. And yet I'd love at least one more follow-up where Alaric and Srit kick Zeus butt and Srit gets to come home. I know: Want. Want. Want. 😼
March 29, 2018
What can I say....
There isn't much to say aside from this being right up there with Michael Scott Earle and Daniel schinhofen and the like. It's a great series that stands with other great titles but is still different. Not to mention the omnibus is a fantastic deal for the series as it is. Hoping for the series to continue, personally.
There isn't much to say aside from this being right up there with Michael Scott Earle and Daniel schinhofen and the like. It's a great series that stands with other great titles but is still different. Not to mention the omnibus is a fantastic deal for the series as it is. Hoping for the series to continue, personally.
May 14, 2018
A wonderful journey!
This read is awesome! The characters have depth and realism. I really enjoyed this story, it flowed quite well and the setting continued to evolve just as the characters and the situation around them. This is a very entertaining read, it also tugged at my heartstrings at times. Read it!
This read is awesome! The characters have depth and realism. I really enjoyed this story, it flowed quite well and the setting continued to evolve just as the characters and the situation around them. This is a very entertaining read, it also tugged at my heartstrings at times. Read it!
August 26, 2018
Wonderful
Wonderful series I enjoyed it thoroughly a one of the best to read full of action adventure love and sorrow you will keep you reading to the end if you really into this I really hope that he makes another in does not let the story end here truly gifted author I will read more
Wonderful series I enjoyed it thoroughly a one of the best to read full of action adventure love and sorrow you will keep you reading to the end if you really into this I really hope that he makes another in does not let the story end here truly gifted author I will read more
November 24, 2018
Could not out out it down.😊
As the title suggests once I started to read this book I couldn't help it, I couldn't put it down. Defiantly worth the time I spent reading it. The development of the whole concept from characters to what evolved into a whole universe draws you in and graves a hold of you. Defiantly insuring that you will not wish to put it down till you finish.
As the title suggests once I started to read this book I couldn't help it, I couldn't put it down. Defiantly worth the time I spent reading it. The development of the whole concept from characters to what evolved into a whole universe draws you in and graves a hold of you. Defiantly insuring that you will not wish to put it down till you finish.
April 23, 2019
Just a lot of fun
From start to finish the story grew and slowly developed, taking the reader along for the ride. I always know when I come across a great read when I “wake up” three days later and realize the story has ended and I find myself hoping that someday I can rejoin the adventure.
From start to finish the story grew and slowly developed, taking the reader along for the ride. I always know when I come across a great read when I “wake up” three days later and realize the story has ended and I find myself hoping that someday I can rejoin the adventure.
September 8, 2017
Good book
The whole harem thing was a bit of a surprise, but it was really well done. The main character had a lot of pretty snarky dialogue. The combat was well done. Only problem is some of the tables aren't displayed properly.
The whole harem thing was a bit of a surprise, but it was really well done. The main character had a lot of pretty snarky dialogue. The combat was well done. Only problem is some of the tables aren't displayed properly.
October 10, 2017
Enjoyable romp
Takes role playing games into an interesting future, with game choices, lots of changing characters with existential and real crises, vengeful gods, magic and lots of chaste romance.
Takes role playing games into an interesting future, with game choices, lots of changing characters with existential and real crises, vengeful gods, magic and lots of chaste romance.
April 14, 2018
Great series
Well thought out story with fascinating characters. Mix of magic and technology on a subject that others find predictable but the author makes interesting and fresh. Hope there are more stories coming in this reality
Well thought out story with fascinating characters. Mix of magic and technology on a subject that others find predictable but the author makes interesting and fresh. Hope there are more stories coming in this reality
May 23, 2018
A very good read
Great premise properly executed. Pacing was mostly spot on with only a couple of sluggish spots. Well edited with only a few misspellings. Hoping for more from Runner’s Universe
Great premise properly executed. Pacing was mostly spot on with only a couple of sluggish spots. Well edited with only a few misspellings. Hoping for more from Runner’s Universe
July 27, 2018
Absolutely loved it.
This Omnibus was amazing. I really recommend to anyone who likes litrpg harem (no graphic sex sadly) and fantasy this is a must read. I mean dont get me wrong it's a just read period. I just with there was more.
This Omnibus was amazing. I really recommend to anyone who likes litrpg harem (no graphic sex sadly) and fantasy this is a must read. I mean dont get me wrong it's a just read period. I just with there was more.
September 13, 2018
A fun and entertaining read
Likes? A LitRPG story with a sci-fi twist.
Dislikes? A bit uneven in spots with Chekov's Guns left lying about unused.
All in all? I enjoyed it, and would read it again. Looks like there *might* be room for a sequel, and if so, I'd read that too.
Likes? A LitRPG story with a sci-fi twist.
Dislikes? A bit uneven in spots with Chekov's Guns left lying about unused.
All in all? I enjoyed it, and would read it again. Looks like there *might* be room for a sequel, and if so, I'd read that too.
September 27, 2018
Great Story glad I got the omnibus version!
Loved the story. Hope it keeps going! But it does wrap up nicely if you don't want to travel farther than this. Also there is a bonus epilogue in this version so I would highly recommend it.
Loved the story. Hope it keeps going! But it does wrap up nicely if you don't want to travel farther than this. Also there is a bonus epilogue in this version so I would highly recommend it.
February 7, 2019
Fun series
Fun series interesting characters. Good premise. Really hope that we'll eventually get more of Runners adventures. What they find at their destination, what happens on the mainland?
Fun series interesting characters. Good premise. Really hope that we'll eventually get more of Runners adventures. What they find at their destination, what happens on the mainland?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews