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Viridian Gate Online #3
The Jade Lord
November, 2042
It's been a busy month for thirty-two-year-old Jack Mitchel:
Three weeks ago, he died.
Two weeks ago, he founded the first Faction in the ultra-immersive, fantasy-based VRMMORPG, Viridian Gate Online.
A week and a half ago the world ended, destroyed by a cataclysmic asteroid.
Seven days ago, he conquered the Imperial city of Rowanheath, bringing all of Eldgard to the brink of war.
Though Jack's Faction, the Crimson Alliance, has a tenuous truce with tech genius and Imperial lord, Robert Osmark, Jack knows it can't last. Osmark is devious and power hungry, and it's only a matter of time before he sends his forces to wipe Jack and his underdog crew off the map for good.
If Jack hopes to survive another month inside of VGO, he must find a way to beat Osmark and his army of bloodthirsty thugs, and a new quest-the Path of the Jade Lord-may be just the ticket. But this quest will be far harder than anything Jack's faced before, pushing him to his mental, physical, and moral limits. And if Jack isn't careful, his quest to defeat Osmark and the Empire may end up turning him into the despot he's been fighting against.
"Viridian Gate Online: The Jade Lord is a fast-paced litRPG romp packed with game-world expanding worldbuilding and killer action. Even as it moves the story of Grim Jack toward an inevitable confrontation, it packs a wallop with a revelation that blows the doors off and clears a path to further adventures." -S.R. Witt, Author of the Electric Shadow Series
It's been a busy month for thirty-two-year-old Jack Mitchel:
Three weeks ago, he died.
Two weeks ago, he founded the first Faction in the ultra-immersive, fantasy-based VRMMORPG, Viridian Gate Online.
A week and a half ago the world ended, destroyed by a cataclysmic asteroid.
Seven days ago, he conquered the Imperial city of Rowanheath, bringing all of Eldgard to the brink of war.
Though Jack's Faction, the Crimson Alliance, has a tenuous truce with tech genius and Imperial lord, Robert Osmark, Jack knows it can't last. Osmark is devious and power hungry, and it's only a matter of time before he sends his forces to wipe Jack and his underdog crew off the map for good.
If Jack hopes to survive another month inside of VGO, he must find a way to beat Osmark and his army of bloodthirsty thugs, and a new quest-the Path of the Jade Lord-may be just the ticket. But this quest will be far harder than anything Jack's faced before, pushing him to his mental, physical, and moral limits. And if Jack isn't careful, his quest to defeat Osmark and the Empire may end up turning him into the despot he's been fighting against.
"Viridian Gate Online: The Jade Lord is a fast-paced litRPG romp packed with game-world expanding worldbuilding and killer action. Even as it moves the story of Grim Jack toward an inevitable confrontation, it packs a wallop with a revelation that blows the doors off and clears a path to further adventures." -S.R. Witt, Author of the Electric Shadow Series
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2017
1503 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
James A. Hunter
79 books1,110 followersJames Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 20, 2022
Wow! I had a review all written out around the 80% mark of the book. Those last 20% were as if the author knew all my gripes and quickly corrected them in flawless fashion. That final battle was everything you could ask for. It was unique, exciting, and completely unexpected. James A. Hunter has true mastery over the LitRPG genre. He has managed yet again to improve upon his last book in every way imaginable.
If you love dragons you'll love this book! I enjoyed this so much more than Eragon by Christopher Paolini, which is supposed to be the dragon lover's holy grail. I also want to give the author props on one quest that was like a mini Ocean's Eleven type heist. It was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stuffy quest formula.
If I had to give one critique, it would be that every quest seems to be of life or death importance. There's no light-hearted side quests like in real MMORPGs. Why do they even give the protagonist the choice to decline? It's like a choose your adventure type book except the choices are continue reading or shut the book forever. Maybe Mr. Hunter will blow my mind again next book and address this with the usual style and flair.
If you love dragons you'll love this book! I enjoyed this so much more than Eragon by Christopher Paolini, which is supposed to be the dragon lover's holy grail. I also want to give the author props on one quest that was like a mini Ocean's Eleven type heist. It was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stuffy quest formula.
If I had to give one critique, it would be that every quest seems to be of life or death importance. There's no light-hearted side quests like in real MMORPGs. Why do they even give the protagonist the choice to decline? It's like a choose your adventure type book except the choices are continue reading or shut the book forever. Maybe Mr. Hunter will blow my mind again next book and address this with the usual style and flair.
February 27, 2023
Third of the series that coasts along okay. 6 of 10 stars
August 4, 2022
What's not to love when there are dragons involved?
Also, I'm totally happy to see that Jack isn't a complete power hungry twat.
Also, I'm totally happy to see that Jack isn't a complete power hungry twat.
June 7, 2024
The Crimson Alliance isn't in an all out war with The Viridian Gate Online creator and tech genius Robert Osmark. For the moment there are only skirmishes between the two factions. Now an opportunity has presented itself for Jack and the Crimson Alliance to improve their odds of surviving and maybe even winning an all out war with the self proclaimed Emperor of the Viridian Empire. He needs to complete the Path of the Jade Lord.
The Jade Lord is largely what I was expecting after reading the first two books in the series. A solid fantasy story with video game elements leading the way. I have to say that Viridian Gate Online is possibly the oddest game choice possible. Viridian Gate Online was built to preserve the minds of players who entered the game as the Earth was largely being destroyed by an asteroid. Viridian Gate Online chose a traditional fantasy setting over a Matrix style modern one. I would've thought that people would want an experience as close to normal as possible for the rest of their lives.
There isn't anything particular that stands out about the series. The video game inspirations are explicit, at least for anyone who has played a fantasy style video game. From a purely video game stand point, it is intriguing that the game doesn't seem to have a limit to the modifications that can be made, at least in some areas. That allows characters like Vlad to create new inventions.
The Jade Lord is a perfectly fine LitRPG book for anyone looking for that sort of story.
The Jade Lord is largely what I was expecting after reading the first two books in the series. A solid fantasy story with video game elements leading the way. I have to say that Viridian Gate Online is possibly the oddest game choice possible. Viridian Gate Online was built to preserve the minds of players who entered the game as the Earth was largely being destroyed by an asteroid. Viridian Gate Online chose a traditional fantasy setting over a Matrix style modern one. I would've thought that people would want an experience as close to normal as possible for the rest of their lives.
There isn't anything particular that stands out about the series. The video game inspirations are explicit, at least for anyone who has played a fantasy style video game. From a purely video game stand point, it is intriguing that the game doesn't seem to have a limit to the modifications that can be made, at least in some areas. That allows characters like Vlad to create new inventions.
The Jade Lord is a perfectly fine LitRPG book for anyone looking for that sort of story.
November 17, 2018
Right so three books of this nonsense and i couldn't even get halfway through book three. At some point i just got so annoyed i started taking notes and bitching.
Here's my notes. I realize without full context it might be hard to get, but since this is marked as spoilers you shouldn't be reading it unless you suffered through the book in the first place, so this should be familiar to you at least.
Starts at Page 93 chapter 9, CHAKAN.
“I’ll take that horn now,” a rough baritone said from behind me.
MC exits hidden tunnel to come back, skipping labyrinth part then DOESN'T stealth for some reason even though he wants to stay hidden. Lo and behold SOMEHOW old mate chakan is conveniently there waiting for him, sneaks up behind him (despite not being a stealth class) and whacks him. MC even "checked the area" but doesn't see him. How is this believable at all?
Instead of finishing me on the spot, he paused and quirked an eyebrow, gesturing for me to stand. “I caught you unaware,” he said, “hardly a fair or honorable fight. It’s only right I offer you a fighting chance.”
MC loses fight, opponent doesn't finish him off. Unrealistic plot device, we all know whats coming
Something big, black, and winged dropped from one of the branches overhead, landing on Chakan’s back:
More dues ex machina bullshit. MC cant win fights without it. Stick to playing healers
Maybe I’d make a clean getaway, I had a bit of a head start and the advantage of Stealth, but if he did find me … what were the chances that I’d catch another lucky break? Not good. Abysmal, even.
Mc decides that running away and stealthing is too risky? Despite being a stealth class? Despite already stating the forest is MASSIVE and there being very little chance to run into each other in it? Despite having a headstart to run? Access to umbral bog and its instant cast 30 second duration? Shadow stride which gives him 50 seconds of free running every 35 seconds? Yeh nah. Calling bullshit. Especially since our protag seems to have unlimited spirit potions (never once have we been told he's had to resupply or ration them)
This is a Death-Head Quest; if you die at any point before completing the objective, you automatically fail and the quest chain will forever be closed to you!
Author ONLY uses hard, infernal or this new death head difficulties. What's even the point in this new one? Nearly every quest so far has some over the top consequences for dying. Over used plot device in this series.
Players receiving Death-Head Quests should embark with great caution and extreme preparation!
Unless you're the MC then none of these diseases or stat losses mean shit cos you're gonna rely on dues ex machina to win every fight anyway. Seriously none of the ancient items, unique gear, stats and whatnot even make a difference in this series. Its been 3 books now and i don't even remember what his gear does, that's how little impact they've had. And its supposed to be ultra rare or whatever. Might as well just remove stats and gear at this point. Example of litrpg done badly.
23 hours 59 minutes 35 seconds.
MC had to open his debuff page for some reason cos he felt ill? Didn't he JUST check the wiki and see what would happen? And it took him 25 seconds for him to check this? This might be the dumbest protagonist I've ever seen. And i read Japanese webnovels.
For a long spell, I could only stand, stare, and contemplate running for my life.
Fucking weak willed MC jfc
“Well don’t be a stranger, Jack,” she said, flicking her wrist. The doors behind me slammed shut with a bang,
This plot device really pisses me off, no matter if the protag is strong or weak willed, having one of these "god types" using them as a pawn is just annoying. So sick of authors doing it.
“But never forget, Jack, how much of your success is owed to me. And never forget that no matter how strong you are, how powerful you become, the Overlords still rule Eldgard.”
Not bad enough that the author uses this plot device, but he has this god or overmind or whatever do a 180 in attitude. Originally wanting to help jack, admittadly for her own ends, but help him all the same. Now spouts this villain bullshit? Where the fuck did this come from? Also how is his success owed to her? She's done practically nothing. +15 luck and let him meet the alchemic weaponeer dude. Meanwhile her counterpart has been supplying his enemy with information about him and abby since the start of the series and doing favors like at the end of book 2. This is just too much. Unrealistic in regards to the world the author created.
“Can you …” I paused, not wanting to sound dumb. “Can you see into the future?”
This is just infuriating... See into the future? This is the obvious result of thinking the action through. This MC is just so dense...
“Using personality profiling, historical models, data mining, and predictive analytics,
Yes cos ALL of this is needed... It's not hard to predict the big bad guy is gonna react poorly to the MC amassing more power, becoming more of a threat considering osmark LITERALLY TOLD HIM IN THEIR CHAT that he would end him if he became more than a nuisance.
Pages of names that don’t mean anything.
Once again MC being dumb as fuck.... secret journal owned by demon possessed thief guy hidden away in a dungeon where a demonic summoning was being performed. And MC thinks its worthless. Why am i still reading this?
I suspect these are high-level officials scattered across Eldgard.
Takes a super AI to figure this out? No one thought to check the names in the book to see if they matched with people in the world? Knowing there are doppelgangers showing up everywhere? How dumb does this author want his MC to be?
Reward: The appreciation of Sophia, which is far more valuable than any other reward could ever hope to be.
“Yeah, of course,” I finally said
Woo more weak willed MC. Once again no tangible reward just some smart ass bullshit and instead of pressing for something worthwhile he gives in. This guy is a leader of his faction btw. Negotiated fiercely with the spider queen while webbed up and at her mercy btw. Can you say character inconsistencies?
Also this is a 32 year old EMT supposedly. Yet he blushes like a child?
Here's my notes. I realize without full context it might be hard to get, but since this is marked as spoilers you shouldn't be reading it unless you suffered through the book in the first place, so this should be familiar to you at least.
Starts at Page 93 chapter 9, CHAKAN.
“I’ll take that horn now,” a rough baritone said from behind me.
MC exits hidden tunnel to come back, skipping labyrinth part then DOESN'T stealth for some reason even though he wants to stay hidden. Lo and behold SOMEHOW old mate chakan is conveniently there waiting for him, sneaks up behind him (despite not being a stealth class) and whacks him. MC even "checked the area" but doesn't see him. How is this believable at all?
Instead of finishing me on the spot, he paused and quirked an eyebrow, gesturing for me to stand. “I caught you unaware,” he said, “hardly a fair or honorable fight. It’s only right I offer you a fighting chance.”
MC loses fight, opponent doesn't finish him off. Unrealistic plot device, we all know whats coming
Something big, black, and winged dropped from one of the branches overhead, landing on Chakan’s back:
More dues ex machina bullshit. MC cant win fights without it. Stick to playing healers
Maybe I’d make a clean getaway, I had a bit of a head start and the advantage of Stealth, but if he did find me … what were the chances that I’d catch another lucky break? Not good. Abysmal, even.
Mc decides that running away and stealthing is too risky? Despite being a stealth class? Despite already stating the forest is MASSIVE and there being very little chance to run into each other in it? Despite having a headstart to run? Access to umbral bog and its instant cast 30 second duration? Shadow stride which gives him 50 seconds of free running every 35 seconds? Yeh nah. Calling bullshit. Especially since our protag seems to have unlimited spirit potions (never once have we been told he's had to resupply or ration them)
This is a Death-Head Quest; if you die at any point before completing the objective, you automatically fail and the quest chain will forever be closed to you!
Author ONLY uses hard, infernal or this new death head difficulties. What's even the point in this new one? Nearly every quest so far has some over the top consequences for dying. Over used plot device in this series.
Players receiving Death-Head Quests should embark with great caution and extreme preparation!
Unless you're the MC then none of these diseases or stat losses mean shit cos you're gonna rely on dues ex machina to win every fight anyway. Seriously none of the ancient items, unique gear, stats and whatnot even make a difference in this series. Its been 3 books now and i don't even remember what his gear does, that's how little impact they've had. And its supposed to be ultra rare or whatever. Might as well just remove stats and gear at this point. Example of litrpg done badly.
23 hours 59 minutes 35 seconds.
MC had to open his debuff page for some reason cos he felt ill? Didn't he JUST check the wiki and see what would happen? And it took him 25 seconds for him to check this? This might be the dumbest protagonist I've ever seen. And i read Japanese webnovels.
For a long spell, I could only stand, stare, and contemplate running for my life.
Fucking weak willed MC jfc
“Well don’t be a stranger, Jack,” she said, flicking her wrist. The doors behind me slammed shut with a bang,
This plot device really pisses me off, no matter if the protag is strong or weak willed, having one of these "god types" using them as a pawn is just annoying. So sick of authors doing it.
“But never forget, Jack, how much of your success is owed to me. And never forget that no matter how strong you are, how powerful you become, the Overlords still rule Eldgard.”
Not bad enough that the author uses this plot device, but he has this god or overmind or whatever do a 180 in attitude. Originally wanting to help jack, admittadly for her own ends, but help him all the same. Now spouts this villain bullshit? Where the fuck did this come from? Also how is his success owed to her? She's done practically nothing. +15 luck and let him meet the alchemic weaponeer dude. Meanwhile her counterpart has been supplying his enemy with information about him and abby since the start of the series and doing favors like at the end of book 2. This is just too much. Unrealistic in regards to the world the author created.
“Can you …” I paused, not wanting to sound dumb. “Can you see into the future?”
This is just infuriating... See into the future? This is the obvious result of thinking the action through. This MC is just so dense...
“Using personality profiling, historical models, data mining, and predictive analytics,
Yes cos ALL of this is needed... It's not hard to predict the big bad guy is gonna react poorly to the MC amassing more power, becoming more of a threat considering osmark LITERALLY TOLD HIM IN THEIR CHAT that he would end him if he became more than a nuisance.
Pages of names that don’t mean anything.
Once again MC being dumb as fuck.... secret journal owned by demon possessed thief guy hidden away in a dungeon where a demonic summoning was being performed. And MC thinks its worthless. Why am i still reading this?
I suspect these are high-level officials scattered across Eldgard.
Takes a super AI to figure this out? No one thought to check the names in the book to see if they matched with people in the world? Knowing there are doppelgangers showing up everywhere? How dumb does this author want his MC to be?
Reward: The appreciation of Sophia, which is far more valuable than any other reward could ever hope to be.
“Yeah, of course,” I finally said
Woo more weak willed MC. Once again no tangible reward just some smart ass bullshit and instead of pressing for something worthwhile he gives in. This guy is a leader of his faction btw. Negotiated fiercely with the spider queen while webbed up and at her mercy btw. Can you say character inconsistencies?
Also this is a 32 year old EMT supposedly. Yet he blushes like a child?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2019
Mini-Review:
4.5 Stars for Narration by Armen Taylor
3 Stars for Story
Good action but very little in world building, character growth or story progression. The elements that kept the story fresh are no longer enough to keep it vibrant. I still like the main character and cheering for him to surmount the insurmountable odds.
4.5 Stars for Narration by Armen Taylor
3 Stars for Story
Good action but very little in world building, character growth or story progression. The elements that kept the story fresh are no longer enough to keep it vibrant. I still like the main character and cheering for him to surmount the insurmountable odds.
January 4, 2021
Fairly boring.
June 9, 2020
Still eating these up. This one has some great new quests and twists along the way, couldn’t put it down!
October 19, 2017
lacklustre follow-up to the first two Viridian Gate book. For some reason this book didn't grab me at all, it wasn't exciting, it wasn't funny, it wasn't anything new... All it was was just a flimsy story with the sole merit of being a very quick read. What bothered me most about this book was it's complete lack of a believable plot. We are somehow led to believe that in this grand world with amazing powers and quests and of an incredible scope someone can basically ascend to be the 2nd most powerful player in the game in a mere 3 weeks. One quest to grant near incredible powers all done in about 3 days...
Now I realize I am rattling a bit and not producing a very coherent argument as to what it is precisely that led me to give this book a mere 2 star rating. It's not just the fact that I felt the overall story progressing in a much too rapid and far-fetched way. What bothers me is that none of the things that make characters come to live for me where realistic in this book, the protagonist comes into a ton of scary situations except through none of it did I feel like things might go bad for him at all. It doesnt feel like a video game and if I rate it as a fantasy book I find it lacking.
There is undoubtedly going to be more books in this series and I will pick up the 4th installment but I hope the author doesnt rush through it as he did with this one. There is definitely a story here and some interesting characters, they just need to be giving the time and room to grow naturally.
Now I realize I am rattling a bit and not producing a very coherent argument as to what it is precisely that led me to give this book a mere 2 star rating. It's not just the fact that I felt the overall story progressing in a much too rapid and far-fetched way. What bothers me is that none of the things that make characters come to live for me where realistic in this book, the protagonist comes into a ton of scary situations except through none of it did I feel like things might go bad for him at all. It doesnt feel like a video game and if I rate it as a fantasy book I find it lacking.
There is undoubtedly going to be more books in this series and I will pick up the 4th installment but I hope the author doesnt rush through it as he did with this one. There is definitely a story here and some interesting characters, they just need to be giving the time and room to grow naturally.
December 30, 2020
The final book of the three-book-set I got in a sale. The hours of entertaining I got from them for 99 cents was definitely worth the money. And I definitely will read more VGO and LitRPG books.
What I said for the second book of this series remains true here. If you enjoyed the first two, just continue. If you didn't, why are you still reading this? And if you somehow are thinking about skipping the first two: that just doesn't make any sense at all.
What I said for the second book of this series remains true here. If you enjoyed the first two, just continue. If you didn't, why are you still reading this? And if you somehow are thinking about skipping the first two: that just doesn't make any sense at all.
December 20, 2022
Every time I pick up the series, I feel like playing an RPG again. I used to be a gamer and it’s so triggering, but at the same time satisfying. I don’t need to actually spend time playing, but enjoy the gameplay while reading a book!
The thing with LitRPG is that it’s perfect for bookish gamers like me, the setting is perfect for a great fantasy story and elements of the game add that magical feeling you experience while playing a good old RPG.
As the story goes, the game progresses and as usual, becomes more complex and hard. The book is full of impossible quests, hard decisions and going to the goal step by step, leveling up yourself, the party and the Crimson Alliance itself.
I like how NPCs are narrated here, as if they are alive (or probably they are), with their own minds, humane behavior, unique characters, abilities, strengths and weaknesses.
The thing with LitRPG is that it’s perfect for bookish gamers like me, the setting is perfect for a great fantasy story and elements of the game add that magical feeling you experience while playing a good old RPG.
As the story goes, the game progresses and as usual, becomes more complex and hard. The book is full of impossible quests, hard decisions and going to the goal step by step, leveling up yourself, the party and the Crimson Alliance itself.
I like how NPCs are narrated here, as if they are alive (or probably they are), with their own minds, humane behavior, unique characters, abilities, strengths and weaknesses.
January 22, 2020
Really enjoyed this one. The main character focuses on doing the right thing, rather than sacrificing his morals for the sake of power. It's also fair to say this is one of my favorite LitRPG series out there right now. Definitely one of my top 3 for current works in progress.
August 14, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this one!! Personally, it’s the best one so far out of the first three. I don’t know if it’s because I’m pretty attached to the characters now after three books or what, but 5 stars from me.
April 6, 2021
This was a good book but i struggled with large parts of this book because i just found that i wasn't attached to what was happening. I did like where the story ended so i am excited to see what happens in the next book. 6/10
July 26, 2025
Viridian Gate Online #3: The Jade Lord – A Howl in the Data-Storm
By Kiba Snowpaw, the Ice Alpha Wolf, 38 years alpha, fur matted with wisdom and critique
Introduction
Plot Summary
The Author
Characters
Structure
Themes & Analysis
Scenes: Sex, Harem, Romance?
World-Building
Praise & Critique
Comparison
Personal Evaluation
Conclusion
By Kiba Snowpaw, the Ice Alpha Wolf, 38 years alpha, fur matted with wisdom and critique
Title: Viridian Gate Online #3: The Jade Lord
Author: J.A. Hunter (James A. Hunter)
Genre: LitRPG / Fantasy / Science Fiction
Publisher: Shadow Alley Press (Indie LitRPG powerhouse)
Release: June 7, 2017 (Audible/Kindle)
Length: 274 pages / ~11 hours audio
Average Rating: 4.19 (3,800+ ratings)
Introduction
All right, pack, gather round the bonfire. I just came in from the cold after finishing “The Jade Lord,” book three in James A. Hunter’s Viridian Gate Online saga—a series that’s supposed to hit that sweet spot for LitRPG fans: digital survival, moral dilemmas, MMO mechanics, and a world on the edge of annihilation. Hunter’s still got his paws on the indie LitRPG pulse, and Shadow Alley Press is churning out these titles faster than a wolf on the hunt. But is this the apex predator of LitRPG, or just another pack runner, chasing its own tail?
This is a long, wild, sometimes teeth-grinding trip through Eldgard—a virtual world built to save humanity’s mind as Earth is blasted by an asteroid. And I’ll tell you straight: this entry left me more confused than hyped, with enough missed story beats to make even an old wolf dizzy.
Plot Summary
The bones of the story?
We’ve got Jack Mitchel—aka Grim Jack—now the face and founder of the Crimson Alliance, one month after uploading his mind to the MMO-turned-refuge for a dying world.
Three weeks dead. Two weeks running a faction. One week since world-ending asteroid. Seven days since he took the Imperial city of Rowanheath. Now the whole of Eldgard is set to erupt in war, with Jack squaring off against Robert Osmark, the “Emperor” and original dev overlord, who’s itching to wipe the Crimson Alliance off the map.
Jack grabs onto a new high-stakes quest—The Path of the Jade Lord—hoping it’ll give him and his underdog pack a shot at survival. This “Death-Head” quest is one of those insane, no-respawn, win-or-lose-everything deals that seems like it was coded by a sadistic game designer on a Red Bull binge.
Expect a parade of deathly dungeons, eldritch dragons, political intrigue, and enough forced moral choices to make a cleric weep. Worldbuilding stays high fantasy—dwarves, elves, imperial cities—but filtered through game code. The action is all killer, no filler; but as the blizzards roll in, a lot of the flavor gets lost in the whiteout.
The Author
James A. Hunter’s territory is the wilds of indie LitRPG—VGO, Yancy Lazarus, Rogue Dungeon, et al. The dude’s got hustle, cranking out series for every breed of reader who ever rolled a 20-sided die. No Hugo or Nebula statues on his shelf, but his stuff stalks the Audible/Kindle LitRPG charts like a hungry wolf.
Hunter’s writing style is kinetic: dialogue-heavy, action-driven, heavy on mechanics, sometimes shallow on the emotional snowdrifts. It’s all about pacing and momentum, but subtlety? Not this pack leader’s thing.
Characters
Grim Jack is a classic “reluctant alpha”—part underdog, part plot-armored legend. Supposedly a 32-year-old EMT, but often comes off like a newbie lost in the frost, blushing, floundering, and occasionally making tactical face-paws. He’s got a moral compass that spins like a loose weather vane, torn between survival and virtue.
The side pack?
- Abby: Once Jack’s equal, now reduced to “romantic support wolf” and occasional moral mouthpiece. Her biggest job seems to be pushing her hair behind her ear every scene and giving Jack a guilt trip.
- Forge: The southern ox, comic relief, and occasional philosopher—but his characterization is as stable as a snow bridge in spring.
- Osmark: The “Big Bad,” more cardboard than cold-blooded; threatens but never truly delivers a chill.
- Amara, Vlad, Cutter: Sometimes fun, sometimes flavorless. Some reviewers say Cutter steals the show. The rest feel more like XP-fodder than living, breathing members of the Crimson Alliance.
Hunter’s strength is stacking the party and keeping the quest moving, but the relationships? Like snowflakes—pretty, but melt as soon as you look closer.
Structure
Hunter’s got a formula, and he sticks to it like a wolf to his territory.
Short chapters, relentless pace, and everything built around the next “urgent” quest. Tooltips and mechanics explanations pop up like rabbits—again and again—even if you’ve read the first two books. Some folks love it; others (me included) wish Hunter would let us run without a leash once in a while.
The structure is hyperlinear. It’s always main quest, always “Death-Head” or “Infernal” difficulty, always save-or-die stakes. Side quests? Light as snowflakes—blink and you’ll miss ‘em.
The book jumps PoVs sometimes and jumps between plotlines fast, but the transitions can be so abrupt it’ll make you howl in confusion.
Themes & Analysis
This series gnaws on power, morality, free will, and digital immortality. Jack constantly faces choices that test his honor, but the book often delivers these as blunt-force trauma rather than with a deft touch. It’s all very “don’t become the monster you fight”—but with enough moral whiplash to leave your neck sore.
Themes of consequence are undermined by the overuse of “deus ex machina” and a lack of real stakes. Jack wins by luck, the gods (AI overlords) are inconsistent (helpful one chapter, evil the next), and “consequences” are often hand-waved or skipped.
The writing style is accessible, dialog-focused, and heavily slanted to “tell, not show.” You won’t find much subtext, but you will find every emotional beat hammered home.
Scenes: Sex, Harem, Romance?
No erotica, harem, or adult scenes to speak of. Zero spice. Jack and Abby’s romance is mostly off-screen and as vanilla as a snowdrift. The most you’ll get is longing looks and a lot of “pushing her hair behind her ear.” If you’re looking for alpha heat or even emotional fireworks, you’ll find more passion in a block of ice.
World-Building
The premise: upload humanity’s minds into a full-dive MMORPG as the world ends. Now, that’s a killer hook! The world of Eldgard is rich—magic, monsters, dungeons, dragons, dwarves, and enough lore to stock a wiki. But while the backbone’s there, the meat is often undercooked.
Some of the best parts (like the “Ocean’s Eleven” heist quest or the political set pieces) are unique, but too much gets left on the editing floor. For a world filled with “millions” of players, it often feels empty—like everyone else is just off-camera or doesn’t matter.
The MMO mechanics are a double-edged sword: they make the world rules clear, but the endless tooltip dumps and lack of genuine grinding or exploration kill the “lived-in” feeling. The plot railroads Jack from event to event, making the “game” world feel more like a backdrop than a living place.
Praise & Critique
Strengths:
- Relentless, popcorn-munching action
- Accessible writing and fast pacing
- Some genuinely clever set pieces (the heist, dragons, boss fights)
- A cool, if underutilized, premise
Weaknesses:
- Flat, inconsistent character development; Abby and Amara sidelined, Jack too often plot-armored and passive
- Overuse of the same quest structure (everything is “do or die”)
- Tooltips and game explanations drag after three books
- World feels empty and repetitive, with stakes that never truly land
- Jumping perspectives and plotlines confuse more than they clarify
- No real consequences or emotional payoff; everything is set up, few things get paid off
Comparison
Hunter’s VGO series is like the wolf running in circles: always moving, but rarely gaining new ground. Compared to the first two books, “The Jade Lord” is bigger, but not deeper.
Compared to other LitRPG greats (like Awaken Online, The Land, or even Hunter’s own Yancy Lazarus series), this one chases action over emotion, and MMO mechanics over immersion.
It stands out for its premise and accessibility, but blends in with a thousand other indie LitRPGs when it comes to character and world depth.
Personal Evaluation
As the ice alpha wolf, I wanted to run with this pack and feel that rush—but instead I found myself lost in the blizzard, tail tucked, frustrated by plot holes and character face-paws.
The audiobook, in particular, left me even more confused—too many jumps, not enough glue, and a pacing that felt like missing half the story. I was pulled along, sure, but more like a sled dog on a wild run, not because I cared about where we were going.
Did it make me howl? Sometimes—in both good and bad ways. Was I invested? Only halfway. There’s a skeleton of a great story here, but too many bones are missing.
Conclusion
Would I recommend it? If you’re already deep into VGO, sure—this is another loop on the trail. If you crave relentless action and don’t mind shallow world-building, you’ll get your fill. But if you want a pack you can trust, characters with bite, and a world you can lose yourself in, you might want to sniff out something else.
Rating: 6/10 – Fast, loud, and occasionally clever, but too often lost in its own blizzard. A wild run, but I came home cold, hungry, and wanting more substance.If you’re just here for the dragons, boss fights, and MMO lingo, you’ll have a decent time. If you want a true alpha’s journey, this one’s still howling at the moon, waiting to find its pack.
March 2, 2018
Three books in and the writing is starting to overstay its welcome. I'm listening to the audiobook versions of this series and every time a tooltip gets read, I ask myself, "Do we really need to go over the full description every single time one of these stupid things pop up?" Even if you're not an MMO person, 3 books is plenty of time to get the gist of how things work, mechanically. You should be able to shorthand this stuff by now.
Okay, really that's just a nitpick. I've liked the first couple books in this series, but The Jade Lord just feels very flat and uninspired. The "big questions" about morality and what is and isn't "right" are handled with all the depth and nuance of a hammer to the face. There are some moments of character development that could have gone over well, except the characters are too busy trying to convince the readers that they came from Earth (I want to love Forge, but "Listen to all my nonsensical, southern-inspired me-T-phors!" gets old after about the second time) to bother actually... you know... *developing*. And let's not ignore the fact that Jack is quickly becoming a spotlight hog; even if he doesn't necessarily do more than everybody else, it sure as hell feels like it, because we never get to see anybody else in action until Jack's gone and gotten himself royally fucked. Which is especially annoying because Abby is basically just an extension of Jack's toolset at this point, rather than her own character, despite supposedly being a "better tactician" than he is.
But let's loop this back around to Forge. He seems like a nice guy, but it feels like Hunter doesn't know how he wants to write the guy. He builds up this "Dumb, loyal, southern-bred marine" archetype, then suddenly breaks out the high school philosophy. It's like he *wants* to make Forge into a redneck, but wants to avoid the pitfall of making him an offensive stereotype. So he makes the big, dumb ox spout these lines that don't make any sense to his character. It's just confusing and I wish Hunter would decide what he wants to do with Forge and stick with it.
Look, I'll read the next book because even thought the plot was predictable and the character development wasn't great and many other flaws that kept me annoyed throughout my listening, I really liked the first two books and I'm hoping that Hunter can bring it back around and really dig in deep with the future books of the series.
Okay, really that's just a nitpick. I've liked the first couple books in this series, but The Jade Lord just feels very flat and uninspired. The "big questions" about morality and what is and isn't "right" are handled with all the depth and nuance of a hammer to the face. There are some moments of character development that could have gone over well, except the characters are too busy trying to convince the readers that they came from Earth (I want to love Forge, but "Listen to all my nonsensical, southern-inspired me-T-phors!" gets old after about the second time) to bother actually... you know... *developing*. And let's not ignore the fact that Jack is quickly becoming a spotlight hog; even if he doesn't necessarily do more than everybody else, it sure as hell feels like it, because we never get to see anybody else in action until Jack's gone and gotten himself royally fucked. Which is especially annoying because Abby is basically just an extension of Jack's toolset at this point, rather than her own character, despite supposedly being a "better tactician" than he is.
But let's loop this back around to Forge. He seems like a nice guy, but it feels like Hunter doesn't know how he wants to write the guy. He builds up this "Dumb, loyal, southern-bred marine" archetype, then suddenly breaks out the high school philosophy. It's like he *wants* to make Forge into a redneck, but wants to avoid the pitfall of making him an offensive stereotype. So he makes the big, dumb ox spout these lines that don't make any sense to his character. It's just confusing and I wish Hunter would decide what he wants to do with Forge and stick with it.
Look, I'll read the next book because even thought the plot was predictable and the character development wasn't great and many other flaws that kept me annoyed throughout my listening, I really liked the first two books and I'm hoping that Hunter can bring it back around and really dig in deep with the future books of the series.
February 21, 2019
Interesting Quest, Implausible Morality, Forgotten Female
Overall this was a good story, although its ridiculous within a game setting that a random player would suddenly have unique quests and artifact level items falling at him from all directions. Its the classic problem I see with LitRPG, making the main character too special for no good reason.
Also, Grim Jack's friend, Abby, who was the person who made any of his special results possible, has been more or less relegated to a. minor role. Why didn't she get to be the faction founder? She was the one who found the dungeon with the token to found a faction. (just one of many examples).
She's been relegated to providing an occasional moral compass for Jack, and romantic interest that occurs 95% behind the scenes, and a administrator who deals with all the messy details which would add a lot more depth to the LitRPG aspects of the story.
Cutter and his relationship with Amara are still providing some great comedy relief.
Jack seems to pull characters who should be much lower level into his quests / boss fights, and that is never explained, e.g., Forge & Vlad. Missing an opportunity to make the LitRPG aspects more crunchy.
I like that things haven't been all black and white, there is some gray area and moral ambiguity.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
Overall this was a good story, although its ridiculous within a game setting that a random player would suddenly have unique quests and artifact level items falling at him from all directions. Its the classic problem I see with LitRPG, making the main character too special for no good reason.
Also, Grim Jack's friend, Abby, who was the person who made any of his special results possible, has been more or less relegated to a. minor role. Why didn't she get to be the faction founder? She was the one who found the dungeon with the token to found a faction. (just one of many examples).
She's been relegated to providing an occasional moral compass for Jack, and romantic interest that occurs 95% behind the scenes, and a administrator who deals with all the messy details which would add a lot more depth to the LitRPG aspects of the story.
Cutter and his relationship with Amara are still providing some great comedy relief.
Jack seems to pull characters who should be much lower level into his quests / boss fights, and that is never explained, e.g., Forge & Vlad. Missing an opportunity to make the LitRPG aspects more crunchy.
I like that things haven't been all black and white, there is some gray area and moral ambiguity.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
April 16, 2019
This book had some really good parts that made me want to give it four stars, but the characters acted stupidly too many times for it to rate four stars. There was an awesome flying monkey character, and the chief is a good character. The girlfriend character is not bad but is bland. The rest of the characters are stupid, and not in a funny way. The dragon pet is powerful and cool looking but has a terrible personality. The main character thinks that the villain might be okay, at multiple points in the book, despite the villain saying horrible things. He also completely forgot about important things that should have been obvious to remember and planned on possibly playing a role in scenarios that were coming up. There was also a problem near the end that took him way too long to figure out the obvious good answer to. The character sucks. The villain is also stupid. He wants an adversary but not one making moves against him, and then he gets upset about the good guys even just getting more powerful but not taking moves against him even though he didn't say that this would be a problem. He is a stupid villain, especially for supposedly being incredibly smart. This book mashed together crap characters and an interesting scenario. Three stars.
June 10, 2017
So, I've been reading James A. Hunter's books for a bit now and was totally excited when he veered over to litRPG. Done well, it's awesome, i.e., Ready Player One. The VGO series is done well - it's a fabulous romp for fantasy lovers who used to play (or in my case still DO play) RPGs.
Book 3, The Jade Lord is a worth successor to the first two in the series. Our hero Jack has been dead in the real world for three weeks (long story, read the first book to get the skinny). He rezzed in an online MMORPG specifically designed to help a lucky few survive the end of the world. Since that time he's been busy, founding a faction, finding old friends and making new ones, and - for better or for worse - bringing himself to the attention of the game's founder and "Imperial Lord" Robert Osmark.
What's our hero to do? Well, round up those old friends and new for starters and head off to battle more monsters. Luckily for us, Jack's a good guy, a former EMT, and out-of-the-box thinker. He'll need all that to survive this next adventure!
Book 3, The Jade Lord is a worth successor to the first two in the series. Our hero Jack has been dead in the real world for three weeks (long story, read the first book to get the skinny). He rezzed in an online MMORPG specifically designed to help a lucky few survive the end of the world. Since that time he's been busy, founding a faction, finding old friends and making new ones, and - for better or for worse - bringing himself to the attention of the game's founder and "Imperial Lord" Robert Osmark.
What's our hero to do? Well, round up those old friends and new for starters and head off to battle more monsters. Luckily for us, Jack's a good guy, a former EMT, and out-of-the-box thinker. He'll need all that to survive this next adventure!
July 18, 2017
Very Enjoyable
My daughter and I read the series over a weekend and both enjoyed it. She is 14 and I am 54 although she does read at a much higher age level than most of her peers. The characters are fun and not too angst driven which i tire of quickly. Fights are detailed but not overly gore oriented. Most importantly you want them to win, are happy when they win and want keep on reading as they win. I did not find the plot twists hard to figure out and guessed at most beforehand but that didn't detract from my enjoyment at all. I like relaxing to a good tale more then dealing with doom doom victory type stories all the time. Very good, I hope volume 3 is just the first of many books in this series. Never let Cutter die he is both my daughter's and my favorite character.
My daughter and I read the series over a weekend and both enjoyed it. She is 14 and I am 54 although she does read at a much higher age level than most of her peers. The characters are fun and not too angst driven which i tire of quickly. Fights are detailed but not overly gore oriented. Most importantly you want them to win, are happy when they win and want keep on reading as they win. I did not find the plot twists hard to figure out and guessed at most beforehand but that didn't detract from my enjoyment at all. I like relaxing to a good tale more then dealing with doom doom victory type stories all the time. Very good, I hope volume 3 is just the first of many books in this series. Never let Cutter die he is both my daughter's and my favorite character.
May 14, 2022
like the storyline, not the main character.
The story is very intriguing, fast paced full of action. The cons don’t like the MC, too wishy-washy, Jack don’t know squat, he can’t fight, don’t like his character build, to moralizing, what else can I say. I understand that he’s supposed to be an unlikely hero, but the learning curve is steep for him. The character needs to grow up, put on his big boy pants and do what he hast to do or step aside and let somebody else take over. When his girlfriend can kick more but then he does then it’s time for a change. He seems to win only by luck and circumstance, that’s not the definition of a leader or what a main character should be. You may like the book, this is my third book in the series and I don’t think my opinion about the MC is going to change. Give it a shot you may like a dork character like Jack.
The story is very intriguing, fast paced full of action. The cons don’t like the MC, too wishy-washy, Jack don’t know squat, he can’t fight, don’t like his character build, to moralizing, what else can I say. I understand that he’s supposed to be an unlikely hero, but the learning curve is steep for him. The character needs to grow up, put on his big boy pants and do what he hast to do or step aside and let somebody else take over. When his girlfriend can kick more but then he does then it’s time for a change. He seems to win only by luck and circumstance, that’s not the definition of a leader or what a main character should be. You may like the book, this is my third book in the series and I don’t think my opinion about the MC is going to change. Give it a shot you may like a dork character like Jack.
July 15, 2018
Hallelujah I'm a convert
Having initially been hesitant to dip a toe into the litrpg genre I am now three books in to the deep end.
Wow.
So basically as a man already enraptured with Mr H's writing I have been won over by that again. Excitement and pathos. Character and conflict. And great pacing as you swoop from cliff hanger to cliff hanger. Literally in this one.
Oh did I mention the Dragons? What more can I ask for? Sieges, duels, priests, wizards, Nikki and yep dragons.
I want my own drake?!?!?!
Got to run, book four is downloaded and chomping at the bit!
See you at " the End"
Having initially been hesitant to dip a toe into the litrpg genre I am now three books in to the deep end.
Wow.
So basically as a man already enraptured with Mr H's writing I have been won over by that again. Excitement and pathos. Character and conflict. And great pacing as you swoop from cliff hanger to cliff hanger. Literally in this one.
Oh did I mention the Dragons? What more can I ask for? Sieges, duels, priests, wizards, Nikki and yep dragons.
I want my own drake?!?!?!
Got to run, book four is downloaded and chomping at the bit!
See you at " the End"
November 30, 2023
The overall pace of the plot progression is brisk, action is the lifeblood of VGO universe and that is even more impressive as only 4 -6 weeks have been covered in 3 books. Jack's stealth based assassin-damage dealer-damage sponge mace wielding character presents a truly unorthodox player choice for character weapon-class combination. The shadow step skill ensures that all of the VGO player base that encounters an opposing entity with this skill has a chance to understand why balance testing before a major release is important, i.e. skill's distance limitation - from the skill's description, shadow step has a range limitation, people inside the shadow step skill's bubble are experiencing the passage of time slower relative to the caster as for him passage of time is not impacted (think like Netflix movie Time Trap or even more like it anime Code Geass, Rolo's geass ability), meaning people outside of the skill's impact bubble can time ranged projectile attacks to match timing for when the spell is lifted/ends, - or trapping - players have access to their inventory while in combat, so the caster could place traps all around adversaries, while they are under the spell's impact and let them experience what spawn camping means.
In the story some entities have mutually interchangeable names, e.g. shadow council = dark gathering, Dokkalfar = murk elves. This dual naming and the use of complicated to English speakers words for murk elf individuals and geographical names had no tangible meaning for advancing the plot or world building. With the availability and commonplace usage of instant teleportation spells, the in game geographical distance provides little basis for such cultural differences between distant locations. Also, Crimson alliance has used another teleportation - close proximity teleportation inside factions lands - to teleport between the crimson alliance keep and the nearest city. With both the long distance and short distance teleportation so casually available the merchant class's survival could be in question with increasingly smaller zones of employ, i.e. low habitation zones, where no teleportation magic is possible, similarly, what use could player mounts be outside of combat or recreation? A magical horn was used to enter the resting place of the last dragon, the 6 legendary murk elf leaders, and the previous jade king. The horn was in possession of the dark gathering, from previous interactions between the members of the dark gathering internal animosity and distrust towards outsiders had been made known. How does the MC convince the members of the dark gathering of beneficial impact his actions will have on the whole collective of murk elves if he is entrusted with this legendary artifact of priceless historical importance to all of the Dokkalfar and even more so to the tribal leaders who revere their ancestors as gods and comes into possession of this horn? N/A.
Some reflections about previous VGO books:
- a negative effect skill was used on Jack- silence - which was described as 'affected entity can't cast spells', but with the explanation that as his spell casting doesn't have verbal component ignoring the actual description provided MC continues using spells;
- before the siege of the Rober Osmark's first city, Crimson alliance was mentioned to have had placed 6 siege cannons on one side and 6 on the opposite side. During the engagement with city's defenders when one of the cannons was destroyed it was mentioned how all 12 cannons were placed together, which would be a sign of either a terrible tactical engagement from Crimson alliance, to move 12 cannons together after having taken steps to move them so as to create 2 distinct fronts of engagement or inconsistency in storytelling;
- the blessing of overlord Sophia added +15 to luck a super rare status which can impact the whole gaming experience. No practical instances of this blessing in effect have been mentioned since.
Conclusion: 2/5. Free on Audible plus catalogue until 14/12/2023. The story has multiple avenues of enthralling fiction (unique player-tutorial NPC relationship, unique skill trees, the impact of consciousnesses digitalization and loss of real world, the economical class conflict following mass digitalization of consciousnesses , the faction conflict, *new* the physiological maturing of the digitalized consciousnesses of the children, *new* the animosity between overlords with understanding of limited hardware capacity irl, *new* the doppelgangers replacing key NPCs etc.), reminiscent of the saying - biting off more than you can chew, same as in book 2, in book 3 of VGO some of these avenues were completely ignored if not forgotten by the author and additional ones were added.
All action and no consequences. Consciously trying to defend the murk elf naming convention, it could be attributed to extreme tribalism (which is more prevalent in isolationist communities), but the ease with which murk elves' have removed the shackles of tribalism and embraces progress as soon as Jack arrived in front of them is in stark contrast to their existing ways. The story seems very rushed and aimed for younger audiences that are interested in fantasy battle action more than story with substance and consistency.
In the story some entities have mutually interchangeable names, e.g. shadow council = dark gathering, Dokkalfar = murk elves. This dual naming and the use of complicated to English speakers words for murk elf individuals and geographical names had no tangible meaning for advancing the plot or world building. With the availability and commonplace usage of instant teleportation spells, the in game geographical distance provides little basis for such cultural differences between distant locations. Also, Crimson alliance has used another teleportation - close proximity teleportation inside factions lands - to teleport between the crimson alliance keep and the nearest city. With both the long distance and short distance teleportation so casually available the merchant class's survival could be in question with increasingly smaller zones of employ, i.e. low habitation zones, where no teleportation magic is possible, similarly, what use could player mounts be outside of combat or recreation? A magical horn was used to enter the resting place of the last dragon, the 6 legendary murk elf leaders, and the previous jade king. The horn was in possession of the dark gathering, from previous interactions between the members of the dark gathering internal animosity and distrust towards outsiders had been made known. How does the MC convince the members of the dark gathering of beneficial impact his actions will have on the whole collective of murk elves if he is entrusted with this legendary artifact of priceless historical importance to all of the Dokkalfar and even more so to the tribal leaders who revere their ancestors as gods and comes into possession of this horn? N/A.
Some reflections about previous VGO books:
- a negative effect skill was used on Jack- silence - which was described as 'affected entity can't cast spells', but with the explanation that as his spell casting doesn't have verbal component ignoring the actual description provided MC continues using spells;
- before the siege of the Rober Osmark's first city, Crimson alliance was mentioned to have had placed 6 siege cannons on one side and 6 on the opposite side. During the engagement with city's defenders when one of the cannons was destroyed it was mentioned how all 12 cannons were placed together, which would be a sign of either a terrible tactical engagement from Crimson alliance, to move 12 cannons together after having taken steps to move them so as to create 2 distinct fronts of engagement or inconsistency in storytelling;
- the blessing of overlord Sophia added +15 to luck a super rare status which can impact the whole gaming experience. No practical instances of this blessing in effect have been mentioned since.
Conclusion: 2/5. Free on Audible plus catalogue until 14/12/2023. The story has multiple avenues of enthralling fiction (unique player-tutorial NPC relationship, unique skill trees, the impact of consciousnesses digitalization and loss of real world, the economical class conflict following mass digitalization of consciousnesses , the faction conflict, *new* the physiological maturing of the digitalized consciousnesses of the children, *new* the animosity between overlords with understanding of limited hardware capacity irl, *new* the doppelgangers replacing key NPCs etc.), reminiscent of the saying - biting off more than you can chew, same as in book 2, in book 3 of VGO some of these avenues were completely ignored if not forgotten by the author and additional ones were added.
All action and no consequences. Consciously trying to defend the murk elf naming convention, it could be attributed to extreme tribalism (which is more prevalent in isolationist communities), but the ease with which murk elves' have removed the shackles of tribalism and embraces progress as soon as Jack arrived in front of them is in stark contrast to their existing ways. The story seems very rushed and aimed for younger audiences that are interested in fantasy battle action more than story with substance and consistency.
March 3, 2019
2.75☆
August 12, 2024
I am conflicted with this entry to the series. Overall, I give it a 4 out of 5 but if I am being realistic with my gripes about the story, probably should be a 3 and if I am feeling extra critical, then maybe a 2. But the fact I did enjoy the story is overriding my critiques of the book.
The good:
I feel pretty comfortable with the pace of the story and how it is being told at this point. I think in the first book I expected the progress of the story to be greater than it was but, at this point I am pretty accustomed to the pace and what to expect.
I liked the story of the Jade Lord and the fact that Jack didn't take the path laid out to him even though it appeared that he might ultimately lose the war if he didn't kill the Dragon. Jack being able to truly make his own decision and the game having an alternative reward is what every gamer dreams of. You truly get to make your own decisions.
The Bad:
Amara and Abby still haven't spoken to one another. This is the third book, and they are the only two female characters, how have they never exchanged words?
Jack is a stealth class and I understand that they are inside a video game but, Chakan sneaking up on Jack in this huge forest and getting the drop on Jack, bugged me. Not to mention, adding insult to injury, Chakan then gives Jack a moment so they can have an honorable fight, like the 180 made no sense, Chakan sneaking up, made no sense, and I could continue with the Chakan interaction and fight but I am already finding myself getting mad and wanting to drop this down to 3 star review.
I can't remember the over mind AI's name at the moment but literally last book she seemed like she was on Jack's side and wanted to help them because she is designed to do so and seems more than willing to help and provide information when it is pertinent. But, now in this book the AI is a total dick, condescending, and using Jack like a pawn as if they are an actual God. Now this might be setup for a future book when they try to take down the AI's? I have no clue, but the total 180 in the AI's attitude and treatment of Jack was completely out of nowhere.
Also, does Abby push her hair behind her ear every time Jack looks at her? Like I feel like I have read that description so many times that I am now cringing at their interactions.
The good:
I feel pretty comfortable with the pace of the story and how it is being told at this point. I think in the first book I expected the progress of the story to be greater than it was but, at this point I am pretty accustomed to the pace and what to expect.
I liked the story of the Jade Lord and the fact that Jack didn't take the path laid out to him even though it appeared that he might ultimately lose the war if he didn't kill the Dragon. Jack being able to truly make his own decision and the game having an alternative reward is what every gamer dreams of. You truly get to make your own decisions.
The Bad:
Amara and Abby still haven't spoken to one another. This is the third book, and they are the only two female characters, how have they never exchanged words?
Jack is a stealth class and I understand that they are inside a video game but, Chakan sneaking up on Jack in this huge forest and getting the drop on Jack, bugged me. Not to mention, adding insult to injury, Chakan then gives Jack a moment so they can have an honorable fight, like the 180 made no sense, Chakan sneaking up, made no sense, and I could continue with the Chakan interaction and fight but I am already finding myself getting mad and wanting to drop this down to 3 star review.
I can't remember the over mind AI's name at the moment but literally last book she seemed like she was on Jack's side and wanted to help them because she is designed to do so and seems more than willing to help and provide information when it is pertinent. But, now in this book the AI is a total dick, condescending, and using Jack like a pawn as if they are an actual God. Now this might be setup for a future book when they try to take down the AI's? I have no clue, but the total 180 in the AI's attitude and treatment of Jack was completely out of nowhere.
Also, does Abby push her hair behind her ear every time Jack looks at her? Like I feel like I have read that description so many times that I am now cringing at their interactions.
February 16, 2018
I don't know how many stars I should give this book. Since the end of book 2 Jack has shown himself to be of an evil allignment. Doing evil things to further his own goals without really trying to find any other way, is still being evil. Even if he wants to save and protect his friends and their freedom. I believe most people who are evil don't think they are. Who knows, maybe I am evil as well? Jack clearly thinks he is good. Most people have potential for both kindness and cruelty, but VGO is a game world. It is ruled by numbers and clear cut distinctions. If that dagger or the AI's can tell if the user is good or evil, then in the VGO world these consepts exists and have to be clearly defined, even if they are never explained to the reader. Regardless, killing innocent and good creatures in order to advance ones own agenda is most likely concidered evil.
So, that is why I believe Jack shouldn't have lost those spirit points when he used the dagger in the previous book, because his later actions show that he falls into the evil catagory. In this book his thoughts and actions, his constant dismissal of his guilt, semented his evil alignment firmly in my eyes.
I didn't much like reading about a man who ran around thinking he was good, but I found evil. Many times during the book I wanted to stop only because of this reason. I like heroes. Preferably humble and smart heroes. The rest of the story and characters, I have no problems with. This combined with the fact that Jack finally does a good deed at the very end, makes me very torn about my rating of this book. On one hand, during most of the book I felt uncomfortable and didn't enjoy myself. On the other hand, it had its good moments and likeable side characters, and I want to know what happens to the Crimson Alliance. It's a good book, but I didn't like most of it.
In the end, I'm very glad I suffered through til the end, because it gave me hope that book 4 will star a hero I can like.
So, that is why I believe Jack shouldn't have lost those spirit points when he used the dagger in the previous book, because his later actions show that he falls into the evil catagory. In this book his thoughts and actions, his constant dismissal of his guilt, semented his evil alignment firmly in my eyes.
I didn't much like reading about a man who ran around thinking he was good, but I found evil. Many times during the book I wanted to stop only because of this reason. I like heroes. Preferably humble and smart heroes. The rest of the story and characters, I have no problems with. This combined with the fact that Jack finally does a good deed at the very end, makes me very torn about my rating of this book. On one hand, during most of the book I felt uncomfortable and didn't enjoy myself. On the other hand, it had its good moments and likeable side characters, and I want to know what happens to the Crimson Alliance. It's a good book, but I didn't like most of it.
In the end, I'm very glad I suffered through til the end, because it gave me hope that book 4 will star a hero I can like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2019
This series keeps getting stronger and more powerful the further we read into it and this, Book 3, The Jade Lord, in my opinion is the best book so far. Jack and his teammates face some of their most challenging quests yet as they set out on the Jade Lord's path, in search of three of his trinkets, a helm, a belt and an amulet. The adventures they encounter on the way to solving these three quests are breath taking and the final battle for the amulet is a spine chilling, edge of the seat level of adventure. Also the fact that Jack is doing all this under the death head mode makes it all the more thrilling as the clock is ticking away with nary any time left in the end. At one point I thought that Jack was turning into an Osmark and was so angry at the way the quest was unfolding but Grim Jack is so much more than that and absolutely deserves to be leading the Crimson Alliance. He truly believes in all that the rebels are fighting for, his heart is still in the right place and he is very much a man of honour. I should have never doubted this series which is providing me with such great world building, beautiful and awesome characters and so many hours of thrilling adventure. Onward to book 4, cause I am so hooked!
December 10, 2023
This series is hard to read. The main character is over-powered, doesn’t suffer any real consequences for anything he does, is bi-polar and extremely aggravating.
Over-powered. He is constantly given items strictly because the AI running the game wants him to have them. He is in the game only because his friend gave him a pod. He is only alive because other people sacrifice their lives to save him, even though he has done nothing to warrant it.
No consequences. He and other players in the game won’t die. Give them a few hours and they respawn, with “temporary rebuffs”. Most of the time, he’s in a state of debug in the middle of the battle, is saved by a friend, or the monster thinking he’s dead, or…, until the debut wears off and the monster has been knocked down to bare minimum. Then he jumps up to save his friend by stealing the kill.
Bi-polar. One minute he’s “a complete loser and I wonder why anyone is following me.” The next minute, “oh my god, look what I did - I’m the greatest hero in the world”, or “I didn’t like any solutions the others came up with, so I’m going to come up with my own which will be much better.”
I am seriously torn, whether or not I’m going to be able to continue on with all of the eye-rolling I am doing.
Over-powered. He is constantly given items strictly because the AI running the game wants him to have them. He is in the game only because his friend gave him a pod. He is only alive because other people sacrifice their lives to save him, even though he has done nothing to warrant it.
No consequences. He and other players in the game won’t die. Give them a few hours and they respawn, with “temporary rebuffs”. Most of the time, he’s in a state of debug in the middle of the battle, is saved by a friend, or the monster thinking he’s dead, or…, until the debut wears off and the monster has been knocked down to bare minimum. Then he jumps up to save his friend by stealing the kill.
Bi-polar. One minute he’s “a complete loser and I wonder why anyone is following me.” The next minute, “oh my god, look what I did - I’m the greatest hero in the world”, or “I didn’t like any solutions the others came up with, so I’m going to come up with my own which will be much better.”
I am seriously torn, whether or not I’m going to be able to continue on with all of the eye-rolling I am doing.
November 15, 2021
It's hard to say if I enjoyed book 3: Jade Lord, more than the either Cataclysm or Crimson Alliance. I read them so fast! But I can say I enjoyed it at least as much! The 3 books blended seamlessly together, and so far this has been a rather well thought-out series ARC. James Hunter hasn't dropped the ball at all, in fact, quite to the contrary, he keeps knocking it out of the park!!!
With both skill and panaché, Hunter writes a mean, character-driven, action-packed story!
Once again Grimjack realizes that he's outmatched in both skill and power, and unable to meet an over-powered opponent head-on and win! It's only by thinking outside-the-box, and relying on the unique skills of his friends, and possibly a bit of trickery as well, that will give him any hope of winning the day!
Oh and did I tell you that there are Dragons? Which in my opinion is a must-have for any High-fantasy story, because, well... its fantasy!
Once again, Armen Taylor gave a perfect performance as the narrator for Jade Lord, 🎭 making everything right in the world!
With both skill and panaché, Hunter writes a mean, character-driven, action-packed story!
Once again Grimjack realizes that he's outmatched in both skill and power, and unable to meet an over-powered opponent head-on and win! It's only by thinking outside-the-box, and relying on the unique skills of his friends, and possibly a bit of trickery as well, that will give him any hope of winning the day!
Oh and did I tell you that there are Dragons? Which in my opinion is a must-have for any High-fantasy story, because, well... its fantasy!
Once again, Armen Taylor gave a perfect performance as the narrator for Jade Lord, 🎭 making everything right in the world!
January 26, 2021
Idiotic miscommunication trope is the whole plot
The emperor has a plan of survival where MC is just annoying enough to keep the empire attacking instead of trying to overthrow the emperor. Rather than tell the emperor the army's attacks are overwhelming the MCs forces, and ruin the plan, the MC plays stupid good threatening to defeat the emperor. Simply admitting they are outclassed would head off the the problem, and the main plot of the next book.
To win an alliance with surrounding forces, the MC has to find and destroy 3 artifacts. The cult that worships the dragon wants to destroy the same artifacts; the dragon that holds the 3rd artifact wants to destroy them. So why are they fighting each other? spending several chapters against each?
Stupid refusal to communicate creates unnecessary fighting, and lengthens a book that really didn't need to exist, only to we up another bok that doesn't need to exist.
The emperor has a plan of survival where MC is just annoying enough to keep the empire attacking instead of trying to overthrow the emperor. Rather than tell the emperor the army's attacks are overwhelming the MCs forces, and ruin the plan, the MC plays stupid good threatening to defeat the emperor. Simply admitting they are outclassed would head off the the problem, and the main plot of the next book.
To win an alliance with surrounding forces, the MC has to find and destroy 3 artifacts. The cult that worships the dragon wants to destroy the same artifacts; the dragon that holds the 3rd artifact wants to destroy them. So why are they fighting each other? spending several chapters against each?
Stupid refusal to communicate creates unnecessary fighting, and lengthens a book that really didn't need to exist, only to we up another bok that doesn't need to exist.
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