What do you think?
Rate this book
Genesis Online #1
Unwritten Rules
Kevin was a young man enjoying his college life when a car jumped the curb and crippled his body. Unable to support himself and dependent on others to meet his needs, Kevin was slipping into depression when his best friend convinced him to play a new game called Genesis Online. The concept was simple: a revolutionary artificial intelligence controlled the game world and adapted it to the actions of the players. Even the developers didn't know what course the game could take as it evolved.
Lured into the game by the prospect of earning real money, Kevin soon runs afoul of a man determined to control as much of Genesis as possible. He recruits other disenfranchised players to his side in his quest to find a way to prosper in the game. Can they stop the man who calls himself the king of Genesis from taking over everything?
Lured into the game by the prospect of earning real money, Kevin soon runs afoul of a man determined to control as much of Genesis as possible. He recruits other disenfranchised players to his side in his quest to find a way to prosper in the game. Can they stop the man who calls himself the king of Genesis from taking over everything?
- GenresFantasy
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2017
151 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews
June 9, 2019
Note: I listened to the audio version of this book but am putting my review under the Kindle version since the audio version is currently not listed on Goodreads.
This book is terrible simply because the author relies on stupidity. For example, the AI that runs the game researches endlessly and yet somehow fails to understand the concept of not embarrassing people. This results in the AI telling the world about the embarrassing videos a young woman made before becoming a journalist.
Next this AI is put in charge of a VR game but either doesn't research such things or misses that certain people will, if allowed to, ruin the gaming experience for everyone else. So, of course, the AI allows one such character to retain all his power from the beta version of the game.
There was a tourney at the end of the beta with the winner being granted a boon. The winner asked to retain his character rather than being reset to level 1 like everyone else would be at the actual launch of the game. The AI granted this boon then refuses to let programmers change it. Why? Apparently the AI couldn't be bothered to research (or even just plain ask) why the programmers would change this. Good thing the winner didn't ask for unlimited wishes because an AI this stupid would have granted that and refused to change it.
Basically we are told there are other VR games in the world and what makes this one special is the AI. The author then makes it clear that the AI is essentially ruining the game it runs through stupidity. So why would anyone stay in this game? The bad guy essentially tricks hundreds of people into indentured servitude which the AI enforces. Why would any of those people ever spend another second playing this game?
The MC plays the game, makes some achievements, forms a guild then gets set upon by the bad guy. At this point in time I quit reading because this book is too stupid. The author wants to pretend the AI has the intelligence of a 10 year old so he can tell a stupid and childish story. Why? Do the work and tell a good story.
Bottom line: Pretty close to a complete waste time. Only someone who doesn't value intelligent story telling and does value litRPG books (no comment on how that Ven diagram would look) would enjoy this book.
This book is terrible simply because the author relies on stupidity. For example, the AI that runs the game researches endlessly and yet somehow fails to understand the concept of not embarrassing people. This results in the AI telling the world about the embarrassing videos a young woman made before becoming a journalist.
Next this AI is put in charge of a VR game but either doesn't research such things or misses that certain people will, if allowed to, ruin the gaming experience for everyone else. So, of course, the AI allows one such character to retain all his power from the beta version of the game.
There was a tourney at the end of the beta with the winner being granted a boon. The winner asked to retain his character rather than being reset to level 1 like everyone else would be at the actual launch of the game. The AI granted this boon then refuses to let programmers change it. Why? Apparently the AI couldn't be bothered to research (or even just plain ask) why the programmers would change this. Good thing the winner didn't ask for unlimited wishes because an AI this stupid would have granted that and refused to change it.
Basically we are told there are other VR games in the world and what makes this one special is the AI. The author then makes it clear that the AI is essentially ruining the game it runs through stupidity. So why would anyone stay in this game? The bad guy essentially tricks hundreds of people into indentured servitude which the AI enforces. Why would any of those people ever spend another second playing this game?
The MC plays the game, makes some achievements, forms a guild then gets set upon by the bad guy. At this point in time I quit reading because this book is too stupid. The author wants to pretend the AI has the intelligence of a 10 year old so he can tell a stupid and childish story. Why? Do the work and tell a good story.
Bottom line: Pretty close to a complete waste time. Only someone who doesn't value intelligent story telling and does value litRPG books (no comment on how that Ven diagram would look) would enjoy this book.
July 2, 2017
Good, well structured book
This book is a terrific addition to the genre. A sympathetic character, constant action, and a genuine plot. Sets a high standard, no harem and not a Mary Sue protagonist. Looking forward to the sequel!
This book is a terrific addition to the genre. A sympathetic character, constant action, and a genuine plot. Sets a high standard, no harem and not a Mary Sue protagonist. Looking forward to the sequel!
July 25, 2017
Too short; not a novel, more like a short story
Reader's Digest version: Well written and interesting but way too short to justify the 5.47$ I paid for it. If it was on Kindle Unlimited it would be different, but as is I would advise people to wait for the box set. Or a sale.
The price aside, this is a pretty ok read. The story is well written with an i teresting plot, good world building and distinct (if cliche) characters. My only real issue is the length. It feels episodic, with an unsatisfactor climax (and no real conclusion).
So if you are bored and have money to burn, go for it. I plan to wait for a box set...or better yet a kindle unlimited release.
Reader's Digest version: Well written and interesting but way too short to justify the 5.47$ I paid for it. If it was on Kindle Unlimited it would be different, but as is I would advise people to wait for the box set. Or a sale.
The price aside, this is a pretty ok read. The story is well written with an i teresting plot, good world building and distinct (if cliche) characters. My only real issue is the length. It feels episodic, with an unsatisfactor climax (and no real conclusion).
So if you are bored and have money to burn, go for it. I plan to wait for a box set...or better yet a kindle unlimited release.
February 28, 2018
This book felt like it wasn't written by a gamer, but by somebody who saw that litrpgs were popular and did a day or two of research about mmo's, played WoW for 20 minutes and maybe played d&d a couple times. Games in litrpgs are usually fantasically improved over what we have now, amazing questlines, interesting world, etc. This felt like something that could actually exist with current tech, but the game designers didn't do a very good job. It was like a mmo from 2003 but with vr goggles.
That being said, it was an enjoyable book, just because the game in the book was kinda shitty, I still had fun reading it, decent characters and story.
That being said, it was an enjoyable book, just because the game in the book was kinda shitty, I still had fun reading it, decent characters and story.
October 18, 2018
Book one
Mistakes: I didn't find any and thought the book to be pretty well written.
Plot: I found the idea to be well done. While there are a lot of books out there where the MC goes into the game world with a disability, I found it refreshing to have an MC that wasn't constantly doubting himself or bent on revenge for no real reason.
Characters: I found them to be believable. I was surprised that the MC'S physical therapist and the girl in the game weren't one and the same.
8.5/10 and looking forward to book two.
Mistakes: I didn't find any and thought the book to be pretty well written.
Plot: I found the idea to be well done. While there are a lot of books out there where the MC goes into the game world with a disability, I found it refreshing to have an MC that wasn't constantly doubting himself or bent on revenge for no real reason.
Characters: I found them to be believable. I was surprised that the MC'S physical therapist and the girl in the game weren't one and the same.
8.5/10 and looking forward to book two.
December 5, 2017
It's always interesting when an author sets out to tell a story abou5t someone with a physical disability, and how that is overcome during the progression of the story. This one is particularly interesting, because LitRPG has been used for this type of story a lot, and in general, either the main character busts out, overcomes all, and generally stomps all over the sterotypical disabled individual issues, or said person simply withdraws entirely into the game, to the extreme detriment of their physical body. In this story, none of that happens (at least not much of it anyway). Kevin has been paralyzed in an accident where he was hit by a car, and has been trying to rehab for months (actually, more than a year), with very little progress. After entering the game, he progresses at an elevated rate, though it's not elevated enough to raise eyebrows anywhere outside the game. Meanwhile, inside the game, circumstances conspire to make him things he doesn't wish to be (nothing new there), but Kevin rises to the challenges, and not only defeats a much more powerful guild (kind of by accident), but also manages to build his own into a serious force for decency and good will, something that is sadly lacking in the game up to that point, despite appearances to the contrary.
As it turns out, Kevin handles himself very well, and even takes great pains to maintain his physical body, and markedly improves it (as mentioned above), while making the gaming environment more enjoyable for lots of others. How can you not root for a character like that?
Highly recommended, and I'm sure LitRPG fans will really love this one. If you aren't a LitRPG fan yet, this one might not be a bad place to start.
As it turns out, Kevin handles himself very well, and even takes great pains to maintain his physical body, and markedly improves it (as mentioned above), while making the gaming environment more enjoyable for lots of others. How can you not root for a character like that?
Highly recommended, and I'm sure LitRPG fans will really love this one. If you aren't a LitRPG fan yet, this one might not be a bad place to start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2018
Decent but lacks depth
Story about a young man disabled by a car accident who is introduced to an online game by his friend. A bully arises with a nefarious scheme to take over the game. MC rebels. This was not a bad tale, but lacks originality, world-building, character depth and backstory. In addition, some details were just dropped. What happened to Junior? Also, new characters were introduced but remained two-dimensional. Last but not least, it felt as though game mechanics only received a nod toward stats and classes. It was not realistic to have a game cap of 20, most serious players would have stopped playing.
Story about a young man disabled by a car accident who is introduced to an online game by his friend. A bully arises with a nefarious scheme to take over the game. MC rebels. This was not a bad tale, but lacks originality, world-building, character depth and backstory. In addition, some details were just dropped. What happened to Junior? Also, new characters were introduced but remained two-dimensional. Last but not least, it felt as though game mechanics only received a nod toward stats and classes. It was not realistic to have a game cap of 20, most serious players would have stopped playing.
September 16, 2024
This is riddled flaws but is pretty short, which stops many annoying elements from taking full force. It's all low stakes and generic which is not a bad thing. What got to me is the unbelievable stupidity of the MC who, having a bounty on his head and hundreds of players interested in his demise, is surprised again and again at being targeted and killed. Everything here, the story, motivations, romance, action sequences... It's all juvenile and without depth. But it's short and not that serious.
July 26, 2023
Everything about this book is stupid, stupid AI, stupid characters and stupid storyline.
Deeper storyline in "The Very Hungry Caterpiller" Its unrealistic due to how popular the new game is vs one guild causing so many issues and they'd disappear as soon as their tactics and modus operandi hit the forums. Just wouldn't happen with that number of people being in the game world.
Don't waste your time, find something else to read.
Deeper storyline in "The Very Hungry Caterpiller" Its unrealistic due to how popular the new game is vs one guild causing so many issues and they'd disappear as soon as their tactics and modus operandi hit the forums. Just wouldn't happen with that number of people being in the game world.
Don't waste your time, find something else to read.
July 15, 2017
Really good story. I was a bit worried early on about where this story was going, but I like how it unfolded.
Kevin/Kelath is a likeable MC who has had a bad life experience, but he doesn't let it destroy his outlook on life.
Overall, this is a really good story that I enjoyed quite a bit and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Kevin/Kelath is a likeable MC who has had a bad life experience, but he doesn't let it destroy his outlook on life.
Overall, this is a really good story that I enjoyed quite a bit and I'm looking forward to the next book.
February 9, 2018
Great book
I started reading the book after I finished awaken online and I will say this story was a very pleasant surprise. It is a well told and definitely well written story. I will say this is a highly recommendable book if your looking for a good time and fun adventure.
I really ejoyed the blend of IRL and VR. It was tastefully done and the transitions were well done.
I started reading the book after I finished awaken online and I will say this story was a very pleasant surprise. It is a well told and definitely well written story. I will say this is a highly recommendable book if your looking for a good time and fun adventure.
I really ejoyed the blend of IRL and VR. It was tastefully done and the transitions were well done.
July 2, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that it didn't have much of an ending. There was no real resolution for the characters. It felt rather empty. While I understand it's part of a series, there are ways to conclude a book with intent to continue the story without leaving the reader feeling robbed of something. -1 star for that. Otherwise, it was a very interesting read.
June 5, 2019
4 stars, but knocked one down for the fact that this book came out on 2017 and it’s 2019 with no book two in sight, probably the author dropped the series, which is something an author should never do.
I actually found this book enjoyable. Pretty generic but entertaining nonetheless. I’ve had better but in that same notion, I’ve had way worst.
I actually found this book enjoyable. Pretty generic but entertaining nonetheless. I’ve had better but in that same notion, I’ve had way worst.
June 25, 2017
Fantastic Book
This is a great story! I'm not going into a lot of detail, but if you are into RPG's, you will like this book.
If you are not into RPG's, you will still like this book.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one!
This is a great story! I'm not going into a lot of detail, but if you are into RPG's, you will like this book.
If you are not into RPG's, you will still like this book.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one!
June 30, 2017
Pretty good
Really enjoyed the storyline and the secondary characters, but the main character was super annoying. His inability to grasp the fundamentals of the game all while grasping the minutiae is aggravating. Nothing epitomizes this more then the ending.
Really enjoyed the storyline and the secondary characters, but the main character was super annoying. His inability to grasp the fundamentals of the game all while grasping the minutiae is aggravating. Nothing epitomizes this more then the ending.
July 17, 2017
A feel Good litrpg story!
Not very original but still enjoyable. The protagonist plays as newb almost throughout the book but you can't help but root for him. I recommend this book if you are a fan of the genre. Looking forward to more.
Not very original but still enjoyable. The protagonist plays as newb almost throughout the book but you can't help but root for him. I recommend this book if you are a fan of the genre. Looking forward to more.
July 28, 2017
Interesting read
Solid writing, but a tad depressing start. The book picked up as it went, but I never connected with the game world. It was also refreshing to deal with events outside of the game world.
Solid writing, but a tad depressing start. The book picked up as it went, but I never connected with the game world. It was also refreshing to deal with events outside of the game world.
August 24, 2017
Better than most
I have always been an avid sci-fi reader with a few fantasy novels thrown in for variety, then I read Aleron Kong's The Land series.Since then I have been reading any LitRPG book that I can find. This one is better than most that I have read.
I have always been an avid sci-fi reader with a few fantasy novels thrown in for variety, then I read Aleron Kong's The Land series.Since then I have been reading any LitRPG book that I can find. This one is better than most that I have read.
September 4, 2017
A good story though the plot isn't any grand tale, so seemed a bit weak when I kept expecting a twist to the story while reading. That said, it was still a good story and I liked it enough I'll read the next one as well. :)
December 2, 2018
disappointing. it would of been better if it was atleast full immersion. And who gives up rogue to become a alchemist. made the MC 5x more boring . he can't dodge an attack to save his life, and trusts everyone he meets.
December 23, 2018
I really Ike the book... Its a good adventure and I can not wait for book 2... Mr. Horne did a wonderful story and the author did a good job of character development... A disability can not stop a good man... Thank you Mr. Herne.
June 30, 2017
Fun and Smart
Not a ground breaking LitRPG but good characters with smart minds. Written well. I would have liked more and I'm excited for the next book.
Not a ground breaking LitRPG but good characters with smart minds. Written well. I would have liked more and I'm excited for the next book.
July 7, 2017
Interesting twist to rpglit
I enjoyed the characters in this. Mainly I liked how honest it portrayed how mmo's can be manipulated in good and bad ways. I do love a good hero tale.
I enjoyed the characters in this. Mainly I liked how honest it portrayed how mmo's can be manipulated in good and bad ways. I do love a good hero tale.
August 2, 2017
Fairly standard but enjoyable
February 14, 2018
A great start to a new litrpg but where will it go from here?
March 21, 2023
Good
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
March 20, 2023
Unwritten Rules takes place mostly in a new virtual reality game, with a sprinkling of real world chapters. Kevin, badly crippled from a car accident, begins playing to suppliment his physical therapy sessions and gain a creative and social outlet. A bully player who managed to keep levels from the beta forms a guild to control the game world and Kevin ends up heading up the resistence.
Leveling isn't emphasized as much as many other LitRPGs. Improving skills and discovering new crafting recipes is highlighted, especially after Kevin descovers the Alchemist class.
I really liked the friend group that develops. Kevin is logged in far more than the real world friend who got him the game, so he spends time with various other players.
Content warnings: Player killing and bullying, giant spiders
Leveling isn't emphasized as much as many other LitRPGs. Improving skills and discovering new crafting recipes is highlighted, especially after Kevin descovers the Alchemist class.
I really liked the friend group that develops. Kevin is logged in far more than the real world friend who got him the game, so he spends time with various other players.
Content warnings: Player killing and bullying, giant spiders
April 7, 2020
Digital Autonomy
It’s really cool to think about players creating their own overbearing guilds to force players to bend to their will. This book pushes the idea that having autonomy even in gaming spaces is very important. Looking forward to the next book.
It’s really cool to think about players creating their own overbearing guilds to force players to bend to their will. This book pushes the idea that having autonomy even in gaming spaces is very important. Looking forward to the next book.
December 29, 2023
Could have been a little more fleshed out.
**Forgot I read this one and picked it up only to DNF in 2023**
**Forgot I read this one and picked it up only to DNF in 2023**
Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews