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Alpha World #1
Gamer for Life
Seamus is facing life in prison without parole. While doing his time he's given an option by the Department of Justice and the biggest virtual game maker around, Mindblown Entertainment. If he will help them test long term immersion he will get the chance to play the latest game from Mindblown, Alpha World. All he has to do is sign away his legal rights and sign an NDA.
Now exploring Alpha World, Seamus becomes the Summoner Alburet. Follow Alburet on his journey of exploration and questing in the latest game to hit the market. He will summon demons, befriend players and NPCs alike all while trying to find a little happiness in his life.
He's the first gamer to be sentenced to life imprisonment in a virtual world. What could go wrong?
(This book contains some adult themes, this was suggested by a few readers and I listen to those who have enjoyed my work.)
12 hours 18 minutes
Now exploring Alpha World, Seamus becomes the Summoner Alburet. Follow Alburet on his journey of exploration and questing in the latest game to hit the market. He will summon demons, befriend players and NPCs alike all while trying to find a little happiness in his life.
He's the first gamer to be sentenced to life imprisonment in a virtual world. What could go wrong?
(This book contains some adult themes, this was suggested by a few readers and I listen to those who have enjoyed my work.)
12 hours 18 minutes
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 27, 2017
About the author
Daniel Schinhofen
70 books1,344 followersDaniel James Schinhofen is a self-published author in the burgeoning genre of LitRPG/Gamelit. He published his first book, Last Horizon: Beta, in October of 2016, and has recently published his fifteenth book. A best-selling author on Amazon multiple times, his four series have achieved name recognition in the genre. When not slavishly typing away at the next book, Daniel tries to unwind with video games, playing with his dog Sugar, or going for walks around his neighborhood. His books can be found easily via his website http://schinhofenbooks.com/. Daniel can be found via Twitter using the handle @DJSchinhofen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
March 20, 2017
Not a happy ending.
I was pleasantly surprised. This genre is notorious for catering to the juvenile reader. This began with a nice mature plot and I liked the character development. I was impressed and was looking forward to downloading further books in this series.
It all went south, I had discovered a new genre... Low fantasy. Seriously, it became every teen boy's wet dream at exactly 87% of the way through. I am a mature woman, and certainly no prude, but to waste an entire chapter on porn, just pissed me off. Sorry, couldn't stomach anymore and had to quit the book.
I was pleasantly surprised. This genre is notorious for catering to the juvenile reader. This began with a nice mature plot and I liked the character development. I was impressed and was looking forward to downloading further books in this series.
It all went south, I had discovered a new genre... Low fantasy. Seriously, it became every teen boy's wet dream at exactly 87% of the way through. I am a mature woman, and certainly no prude, but to waste an entire chapter on porn, just pissed me off. Sorry, couldn't stomach anymore and had to quit the book.
March 18, 2017
Promising start, then collapsed with sexual fantasies
It was a really good promising start to a new series until about halfway through when it suddenly just became a watered down slave master sexual fantasy. Then I started to notice the main character has a way with women- he never groups up with single men, he seems to have harem of women in the game...
Frankly disappointing. I thought the author was decent at setting up a good story, just very poor execution. I couldn't finish it without skipping most of the second half.
It was a really good promising start to a new series until about halfway through when it suddenly just became a watered down slave master sexual fantasy. Then I started to notice the main character has a way with women- he never groups up with single men, he seems to have harem of women in the game...
Frankly disappointing. I thought the author was decent at setting up a good story, just very poor execution. I couldn't finish it without skipping most of the second half.
September 1, 2017
This is one of a (still) relatively new genre that is being called "LitRPG". (Please forgive me if I don't rename my shelf and go moving all the books around. I include most any book that can be RPG related on this shelf). I must admit that while the books are almost all (if not all) total brain candy I've found several enjoyable reads that can grant a great escape from the day to day slog of just surviving (which is a little ironically a continuing theme in many of the books).
This is another book I found enjoyable and plan to follow up. As these books are usually about someone who ends up "living in" some computer/video game you mostly go into it with certain expectations....simply the "framing" of the situation changes. Some of these books are set in worlds/situations that take themselves very seriously. One I'm aware of is set in a world/Earth that is ending.
Before I go on allow a second to digress...for me (note that's my taste) I find that the more seriously a book sets up it's plot for the "real world" the weaker the "gaming" story can be. Often the story of a character glitched into a game or going in voluntarily for some reason makes a better tale than one where we are bouncing back and forth with the "lives" of the gamers caught in the game depending on some action (or inaction) by the people still in the "real world".
Just my thoughts here.
This particular book is built around the idea of a new, totally immersive RPG. The beta tester is a life term prisoner who is basically locked in the game coming to the surface (so to speak) only every month or so for debriefing and instructions from the "company's" representative.
As noted above this is good read with the requisite number of laughs and the RPG action most of the readers will (probably) be looking for.
So here we are...readers can now escape into electronic gaming and still be reading a book. If you're reading this on an E-reader the circle may be complete?
Fun read, enjoy.
This is another book I found enjoyable and plan to follow up. As these books are usually about someone who ends up "living in" some computer/video game you mostly go into it with certain expectations....simply the "framing" of the situation changes. Some of these books are set in worlds/situations that take themselves very seriously. One I'm aware of is set in a world/Earth that is ending.
Before I go on allow a second to digress...for me (note that's my taste) I find that the more seriously a book sets up it's plot for the "real world" the weaker the "gaming" story can be. Often the story of a character glitched into a game or going in voluntarily for some reason makes a better tale than one where we are bouncing back and forth with the "lives" of the gamers caught in the game depending on some action (or inaction) by the people still in the "real world".
Just my thoughts here.
This particular book is built around the idea of a new, totally immersive RPG. The beta tester is a life term prisoner who is basically locked in the game coming to the surface (so to speak) only every month or so for debriefing and instructions from the "company's" representative.
As noted above this is good read with the requisite number of laughs and the RPG action most of the readers will (probably) be looking for.
So here we are...readers can now escape into electronic gaming and still be reading a book. If you're reading this on an E-reader the circle may be complete?
Fun read, enjoy.
November 23, 2018
Rating 4.0 stars
This was a good addition to the LitRPG genre. The main character is a former prison guard who is in prison himself after he took the law into his own hands. He is offered the opportunity to be placed into a long term emersion pod for a new game. He was not officially told the reason but he thinks the game developers want a way to hold long term inmates to deal with overcrowding. He is also hoping that the new technology can be used to help people with permanent disabilities have a life. So he agrees and is placed into the game. He ends up becoming a summoner which is considered to be a weak class by most of the other players. Nobody else in the game know why he is in a long term emersion pod due to an NDA (non disclosure agreement that he signed).
The magic system and the story are not very original but still very enjoyable. The highlight of the story is Alberet's interactions with his minions, Bob and Tiny. Bob the imp is hilarious and always has a snarky remark or one-liner. I thought Alberet was just okay as a character, there were a couple of aspects to his personality that I didn't care for that much.
Overall a good read and I am looking forward to the next book.
This was a good addition to the LitRPG genre. The main character is a former prison guard who is in prison himself after he took the law into his own hands. He is offered the opportunity to be placed into a long term emersion pod for a new game. He was not officially told the reason but he thinks the game developers want a way to hold long term inmates to deal with overcrowding. He is also hoping that the new technology can be used to help people with permanent disabilities have a life. So he agrees and is placed into the game. He ends up becoming a summoner which is considered to be a weak class by most of the other players. Nobody else in the game know why he is in a long term emersion pod due to an NDA (non disclosure agreement that he signed).
The magic system and the story are not very original but still very enjoyable. The highlight of the story is Alberet's interactions with his minions, Bob and Tiny. Bob the imp is hilarious and always has a snarky remark or one-liner. I thought Alberet was just okay as a character, there were a couple of aspects to his personality that I didn't care for that much.
Overall a good read and I am looking forward to the next book.
February 15, 2018
not sure how this could be rated so high on average,but it was honestly some of the worst writing and bad execution of a great idea ( see sword art online )
September 14, 2018
Well, that took a direction I wasn't expecting, for quite a long time. I went into this book hoping for a good LitRPG series and it is good, not great but good. But about 60% in, it became more about sex than about the game. Now, since I like sex, I liked this turn of events and I particularly liked the 2nd shower scene. Very nice. But, it was a lot of sex, which again, nothing wrong with, I just was looking for more game stuff.
The game stuff was repetitive, they kept going back to the same places killing the same things, and since there had been a beta, they knew what to do each time in each place. That got a little dull, I wanted something new.
But, overall I liked the gaming and the sex. In the next book I hope the sex is just here and there, rather than a focus and I hope that they go more places and actually have to figure out what to do.
The game stuff was repetitive, they kept going back to the same places killing the same things, and since there had been a beta, they knew what to do each time in each place. That got a little dull, I wanted something new.
But, overall I liked the gaming and the sex. In the next book I hope the sex is just here and there, rather than a focus and I hope that they go more places and actually have to figure out what to do.
March 4, 2017
Overall, well written and fun read 3.5
Spoilers included.....
Actually had no issues with the reported constant anger issues. His hair trigger is pretty accurate for the background he has had. Additionally, information is supplied about his background in small bits here and there. I like that.
I liked the development. The class is interesting, though the maths on the bonus stats added to base stats I either misunderstood or they don't add up.
I like the interaction with the NPCs and the bonuses I see coming his way because of it. His third demon... no surprise, but I liked how it fit.
Seriously, the only thing I did not care for was the "oh such a stud, all these girls gotta get in my pants". Nearly put the book down when the playboy article started. Decided to flip pages to pass it (them) instead. Having experience with Ds, I can appreciate how you handled it. Just that I, personally, do not care to read playboy fantasy articles in my LitRPG. That is personal biase, though it did detract for me.
Back to the positive. The grammar and punctuation was well done and the story flowed. I loved how you dealt with Fluff and have a feeling I see where you are going there.
Had it just not been for the deep, involved sex scenes, I would give it 4.5 out of 5. As it is, I would give it a 3.5. And, no... it is not because I am a prude. Far from it. It just, for me, was too much. Hints of it, flashes of innuendo, leaving more for my mind to develop based on a set of scenes here and there would have been much more enjoyable...for me.
Btw, I do not see a full on harem. Lots of lovelies about; but, so far, I see a couple of different relationships forming. You have the Ds which makes sense for a succubus. And, the potential for something growing from that. You have the light, friendly sexual relationship with a friend that may fade and still keep the friendship. And, you have a relationship that could get ...interesting...especially if it is what I think it is. I also see the potential for something with the healer, if Gerv keeps on the way he is.
Anyway, just my two cents.
Spoilers included.....
Actually had no issues with the reported constant anger issues. His hair trigger is pretty accurate for the background he has had. Additionally, information is supplied about his background in small bits here and there. I like that.
I liked the development. The class is interesting, though the maths on the bonus stats added to base stats I either misunderstood or they don't add up.
I like the interaction with the NPCs and the bonuses I see coming his way because of it. His third demon... no surprise, but I liked how it fit.
Seriously, the only thing I did not care for was the "oh such a stud, all these girls gotta get in my pants". Nearly put the book down when the playboy article started. Decided to flip pages to pass it (them) instead. Having experience with Ds, I can appreciate how you handled it. Just that I, personally, do not care to read playboy fantasy articles in my LitRPG. That is personal biase, though it did detract for me.
Back to the positive. The grammar and punctuation was well done and the story flowed. I loved how you dealt with Fluff and have a feeling I see where you are going there.
Had it just not been for the deep, involved sex scenes, I would give it 4.5 out of 5. As it is, I would give it a 3.5. And, no... it is not because I am a prude. Far from it. It just, for me, was too much. Hints of it, flashes of innuendo, leaving more for my mind to develop based on a set of scenes here and there would have been much more enjoyable...for me.
Btw, I do not see a full on harem. Lots of lovelies about; but, so far, I see a couple of different relationships forming. You have the Ds which makes sense for a succubus. And, the potential for something growing from that. You have the light, friendly sexual relationship with a friend that may fade and still keep the friendship. And, you have a relationship that could get ...interesting...especially if it is what I think it is. I also see the potential for something with the healer, if Gerv keeps on the way he is.
Anyway, just my two cents.
January 30, 2018
So, this was an interesting read. The MC is a good guy that ended up in a real crappy situation. I like the fact that he's pretty solid character. He has his moment, but for the most part, he's pretty chill. The person who is awesome is the IMP. THE IMP IS AWESOME. I WANT AN IMP! The Imp is like Mike from Monster Inc. No really, just a pervy best friend version of Mike from M.inc. I liked the way he stayed ribbing the MC the whole time. The comic relief was awesome. With that said, I do like the way the story ended. I'm looking forward to book two.
September 7, 2022
It was a pretty good book. I haven't been back to litrpg in a while and I still enjoy it. The aspects of leveling up, finding new abilities, exploring a virtual world.
- Especially like the VRMMO that takes on concepts from Ready Player One that I think is very interesting.
- The exploration of people not paying attention to the ever intelligent NPCs is also an interesting idea. This reminds me very much of the Succubus Series by AJ Markam and would like to read more of this plotpoint.
- I do agree that some of the things that happen day to day in the story was a bit repetitive, no way gamers would just kill goblins or orcs for 12 hours a day then log out. That'd be boring af. Still, that gave the story a bit of an anchor and a feeling of stability allowing other character development to foster.
- As I do like sex scenes in books, they were welcomed. I've enjoyed books with much more and don't think it's overbearing at all. Several times they were fade to black as well.
- Especially like the VRMMO that takes on concepts from Ready Player One that I think is very interesting.
- The exploration of people not paying attention to the ever intelligent NPCs is also an interesting idea. This reminds me very much of the Succubus Series by AJ Markam and would like to read more of this plotpoint.
- I do agree that some of the things that happen day to day in the story was a bit repetitive, no way gamers would just kill goblins or orcs for 12 hours a day then log out. That'd be boring af. Still, that gave the story a bit of an anchor and a feeling of stability allowing other character development to foster.
- As I do like sex scenes in books, they were welcomed. I've enjoyed books with much more and don't think it's overbearing at all. Several times they were fade to black as well.
December 27, 2017
My original Gamer for Life audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
“Gamer for Life” is the first book in the “Alpha World” series. At the time of this review, both book one and book two are available in audio format. Book three is scheduled for release near the end of 2017. The series is written by Daniel Schinhofen and the Audible narration is performed by Peter Berkrot; who is a seasoned veteran in the audiobook narration arena. The book is classified as a contemporary science fiction piece, and best categorized in the Literary Role-Playing Game (LitRPG) genre. In a very crowded and growing category, this book attempts to stand out by adding a few unique elements that people either enjoy or greatly dislike. The story feels polarizing, and by looking at other reviews, it becomes clear this is because of the author’s focus on a darker, seedier, and quite an adult world. If you are at all offended by the use of strong language or blatant sexual subject matter, I cannot recommend this book to you. It is at times quite explicit and mature, so I would only recommend it for adult readers who are not put off by this type of content.
One of the more important aspects of any good serialized story is to provide your characters with a good backstory along with the important character development as they level up. I felt the author spent a large amount of time setting up the world, the characters, and the situation, but when you finished the book you found yourself still wanting more. With some book that feeling of wanting more is a good thing by way of cliffhangers, etc. In this book, it just seemed like the author was setting the listener up to buy the second half of the story containing all the good stuff. I would have enjoyed the book more if all the development was done alongside important sub-plots or other actions which I felt lacking. I will say that I found a few unique and interesting unexpected twists such as the reason the game was created and why the main character was selected to participate. Instead of our character enhancing himself in the game, we often see him devolve into making the wrong choices and having to face the consequences; like with his physical life. I did enjoy some of the interaction between the main character and a few of the other players, but this was often overshadowed by the more erotic and adult direction the book turns in the second half. There were some humorus and light-hearted characters; with Bob being one of my favorites.
The book's narration by Peter Berkrot is spot on. His ability to voice and remember multiple characters and their personalities shone quite well in this book. The audio quality was excellent and professionally performed. I cannot recall any audio artifacts that pulled me out of the story while listening. I have a few other books by this narrator, and all of them are of the highest quality narration. You can tell when someone knows their material and when someone is simply reading; Mr. Berkrot knowns his material.
In summary, this book seems to ride a fine line with one foot in the LitRPG camp and the other in an erotic romance novel. If you are not expecting it, I can understand why some people were put off when they encountered it. The author does include a small disclaimer for the second book of the series, but nothing warning listeners of the more mature content found in this book. If you are planning on finishing a series to answer a book’s story, and you can get past a few of the more erotic and vulgar aspects, you may want to think about picking up this book. I just feel there are many other less adult-centric books in the genre that you might want to grab something else instead.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.
“Gamer for Life” is the first book in the “Alpha World” series. At the time of this review, both book one and book two are available in audio format. Book three is scheduled for release near the end of 2017. The series is written by Daniel Schinhofen and the Audible narration is performed by Peter Berkrot; who is a seasoned veteran in the audiobook narration arena. The book is classified as a contemporary science fiction piece, and best categorized in the Literary Role-Playing Game (LitRPG) genre. In a very crowded and growing category, this book attempts to stand out by adding a few unique elements that people either enjoy or greatly dislike. The story feels polarizing, and by looking at other reviews, it becomes clear this is because of the author’s focus on a darker, seedier, and quite an adult world. If you are at all offended by the use of strong language or blatant sexual subject matter, I cannot recommend this book to you. It is at times quite explicit and mature, so I would only recommend it for adult readers who are not put off by this type of content.
One of the more important aspects of any good serialized story is to provide your characters with a good backstory along with the important character development as they level up. I felt the author spent a large amount of time setting up the world, the characters, and the situation, but when you finished the book you found yourself still wanting more. With some book that feeling of wanting more is a good thing by way of cliffhangers, etc. In this book, it just seemed like the author was setting the listener up to buy the second half of the story containing all the good stuff. I would have enjoyed the book more if all the development was done alongside important sub-plots or other actions which I felt lacking. I will say that I found a few unique and interesting unexpected twists such as the reason the game was created and why the main character was selected to participate. Instead of our character enhancing himself in the game, we often see him devolve into making the wrong choices and having to face the consequences; like with his physical life. I did enjoy some of the interaction between the main character and a few of the other players, but this was often overshadowed by the more erotic and adult direction the book turns in the second half. There were some humorus and light-hearted characters; with Bob being one of my favorites.
The book's narration by Peter Berkrot is spot on. His ability to voice and remember multiple characters and their personalities shone quite well in this book. The audio quality was excellent and professionally performed. I cannot recall any audio artifacts that pulled me out of the story while listening. I have a few other books by this narrator, and all of them are of the highest quality narration. You can tell when someone knows their material and when someone is simply reading; Mr. Berkrot knowns his material.
In summary, this book seems to ride a fine line with one foot in the LitRPG camp and the other in an erotic romance novel. If you are not expecting it, I can understand why some people were put off when they encountered it. The author does include a small disclaimer for the second book of the series, but nothing warning listeners of the more mature content found in this book. If you are planning on finishing a series to answer a book’s story, and you can get past a few of the more erotic and vulgar aspects, you may want to think about picking up this book. I just feel there are many other less adult-centric books in the genre that you might want to grab something else instead.
Audiobook was purchased for review by ABR.
November 19, 2017
I have always loved the summoner class and feel like it is drastically underrepresented in Litrpg. The main protagonist seems a little bit like Marv from Sin city, sling blade and a 70s porn actor got combined. The sexy parts are a bit overdone and juvenile, but the overall story is solid. On a side note, I am tired to death of succubi and/or generic slutty girl. Succubi are to Litrpg what the blonde bimbo is to a college campus. It's just lazy writing of which I am an expert.
April 2, 2018
Harem
The story starts great and then just turns into a teenage masturbation session. Giant letdown overall. Almost an entire chapter dedicated to sex in a gamelit book? Just go write an actual sex book. After the MCs first lay, every chapter is about how he can't wait to get another girl and another lay.
The story starts great and then just turns into a teenage masturbation session. Giant letdown overall. Almost an entire chapter dedicated to sex in a gamelit book? Just go write an actual sex book. After the MCs first lay, every chapter is about how he can't wait to get another girl and another lay.
September 24, 2023
Final Rating: 3.14/5.00
Starting score: 2.50
+0.27 for the emotional purpose behind Seamus's second chance.
+0.23 for practical combat solutions and coordinated party roles.
+0.22 for summoning mechanics that make relationships consequential.
+0.31 for Bob and Tiny's personalities, humour, and developing attachment.
+0.20 for the community and sense of home built around the NPCs.
+0.18 for Karen's confidence, competence, and reciprocal chemistry.
+0.16 for Fluff's tentative trust and meaningful use of her Lunari identity.
+0.13 for Stacia's initiative and movement beyond domestic service.
+0.18 for the physical presence and anticipation in the intimate scenes.
+0.13 for pain and equipment loss giving combat tangible costs.
-0.28 for repetitive grinding and overextended everyday transactions.
-0.17 for exceptional equipment weakening the progression challenge.
-0.13 for the repeated use of foolish or obnoxious players to flatter Alburet.
-0.24 for contradictions in his treatment of trust, protection, and personhood.
-0.16 for sexual encounters repeatedly abbreviating their promised payoff.
-0.11 for repetitive gestures and overexplained dialogue.
-0.06 for grammatical and sentence-construction errors.
-0.04 for inconsistencies in names and character statistics.
-0.18 for underdeveloped larger conflicts and an ending cut short at its reveal.
Calculated final score: 3.14/5.00
I found the beginnings of a pack in this audiobook, and that mattered more to me than another sack of goblin loot. A damaged man finding company, usefulness, and somewhere he might belong gives the story its heart. Too much of the surrounding material becomes a record of grinding, shopping, and being congratulated. I bought and listened to a promising story whose repeated shortcuts kept catching under my claws. Seamus is a former jail guard serving a life sentence when he accepts permanent immersion in a virtual world as an experimental subject. As Alburet, a Summoner, he builds an existence among demons, adventurers, and people most players dismiss as background. The developing harem and increasingly sexual second half offer warmth and desire alongside his wounds. That reaches straight into my frozen HowlStrom heart: someone who has lost his place in one world trying to become worthy of a place in another.
Seamus hopes the experiment could help his friend's badly injured daughter, and his memories of her ordinary childhood give that hope something personal to hold onto. He has also lost his father's presence and his mother's acceptance, and his fear of rejection follows him into the game. I understand why usefulness becomes such a refuge for him. Teaching guards lets him recover a part of his old identity that still feels valuable. His agreement to the experiment exposes a harder side: he welcomes virtual imprisonment for other convicts while demanding protection from that fate himself. His lawyer challenges him. The AI's probing of his memories raises another uneasy question about who controls his supposed fresh start. These threads make his freedom conditional and his generosity complicated. Underneath the opportunity to become powerful, there is someone trying to find a den that will not close its door on him.
The opening prison escape gives Alburet satisfying work to do. A robe becomes a tool, the surroundings become weapons, and an unsuccessful fight forces him to reconsider his approach. His solutions come through attention to what is available, including the awkwardness of getting hurt while trying something imperfect. Full pain settings make the distinction between surviving a game and enduring it matter. Respawning restores the opportunity to continue; it doesn't make the preceding experience pleasant. Equipment deterioration supplies another cost, made concrete when an overused weapon fails. My ears stay sharper when a system can inconvenience its protagonist. Later assassination trouble gives his apparent freedom an ugly limit: knowing he will return does little to protect him from being helpless during the attack. The strongest action remembers that a functioning health bar belongs to someone experiencing the injury.
The Summoner mechanics give companionship a practical role. Choosing between stronger initial statistics and greater loyalty is an understandable decision, and happiness changes what the demons can contribute. Bob's initiative and Tiny's interpretation of the need to protect someone demonstrate the value of companions who can think beyond an instruction. The developing pack has a place inside the mechanics, with trust affecting what happens under pressure. Later choices require thought too: copying a demon reduces the individual copies' statistics, and choosing which companion to duplicate changes the party's options. Healing has limits, including an incompatibility that the group learns painfully. These details produce decisions that a straightforward increase in damage would not. Alburet's plan to build for solitude becomes especially pleasing when his abilities keep drawing him into cooperation. He chooses a class to survive alone and gradually acquires reasons to stop wanting that.
The exceptional equipment considerably weakens that progression. Alburet begins with substantial advantages from his evaluation, receives advice about loyalty, and obtains extraordinary items through opportunities peculiar to his start. The gloves that remove weapon strength requirements are particularly generous. A class limitation gives way to a massive increase in melee damage through one reward, allowing him to use a weapon far beyond his previous staff. Acquiring that advantage takes much less development than mastering the surrounding system should require. Those gloves join boots from another exceptionally profitable exchange, both scaling with him and immune to damage. I want to feel each new foothold bite into the ice. Here, part of the mountain has been fitted with steps especially for him. Repeated amazement from trainers and players celebrates the resulting power as evidence of how unusual he is. The story gives him special access and the applause for outperforming people who lack it.
Party combat has more to offer when it makes everyone necessary. Threat management, positioning, mana, and ability timing produce problems that cannot all be solved by swinging harder. Weakening an enemy enough to deprive it of equipment is a satisfying application of a rule. Using an enemy's own hazard against reinforcements is another. Immersion also allows physical solutions that a rigid game interface would prevent. Beta knowledge helps, but altered encounters mean it cannot answer everything. Gerald's experience and Marysue's healing matter, and emergencies can demand improvisation outside an assigned role. The weaker social writing interrupts that cooperation with another player sneering that Summoners are useless. Rocksure is tiresome because contempt becomes his principal contribution. Repeated rude customers, arrogant fighters, and impatient players also make Alburet's manners look exceptional by comparison. After enough of them, the applause feels arranged. A more capable and varied player population would make his achievements more convincing.
Bob and Tiny put the deepest pawprints into this story for me. Bob's sarcasm gives him a presence beyond his damage output, while Tiny's earnestness makes his priorities easy to understand. Their different responses keep the group from sounding like one agreeable servant duplicated into several bodies. Bob wants credit, needles his larger companion, and tests how much nonsense his master will permit. Tiny measures himself through keeping people safe. The bickering gradually acquires an attachment underneath it, and later evidence of concern gives earlier exchanges more value. My measure of a pack is whether its members become important to one another, including when the Alpha isn't the centre of the exchange. These two earn their places beside my den fire through that bond. Their care for each other provides an emotional payoff that several larger plot promises are still waiting to deliver.
Stormguard becomes appealing through the people Alburet returns to. The inn, smith, trainer, and guards gradually connect into a community with shared history. Stacia's family has relationships that predate his arrival, and the celebration of her first hunt opens that history beyond his convenience. I particularly like the way a meal marks someone's entrance into a larger life. A place at that table recognises effort and belonging. The hostility toward Summoners also receives a historical explanation, giving some suspicion more substance than generic dislike of demons. Shopkeepers retain reservations, and familiarity does not erase every prejudice at once. The city works best as a place where an adventurer can return and be known. Those connections give the journey a destination more meaningful than the next level, something I can understand in my bones when I think about what makes a den worth returning to.
The routine surrounding those connections becomes a serious pacing problem. Several stretches repeat the pattern of killing groups, collecting drops, selling equipment, buying provisions, arranging transport, and preparing for another round. A first visit can establish a relationship; later visits often spend too much time repeating the transaction. Separate sales to different merchants and repeated explanations of a day's plans consume attention without changing much. Combat suffers when the same buffs, targets, and cleanup are described after the tactic is already clear. This grinding becomes boring to listen to. A new decision deserves room; another familiar purchase rarely needs so much of it. My paws were moving, but the tracks kept circling. The imbalance becomes sharper because questions about captivity, identity, and damaged relationships could use some of the space given to routine exchanges. A dependable daily life can comfort a wounded character without requiring so many repetitions to establish it.
Karen brings confidence, interests, and physical skill that exist independently of Alburet's attention. Their sparring makes her competence concrete, and his acceptance of being outmatched gives their attraction a better foundation than automatic admiration would. She initiates flirtation, challenges his assumptions, and can leave him searching for an answer. Her stated interest in a casual arrangement makes the sexual direction understandable, while responsibilities outside the game keep her from becoming permanently available for his convenience. Their chemistry works through the difference between his guardedness and her directness. Shared interest in physical training also gives their conversation something beyond appearance. I want the women in a harem to have enough substance to push back, surprise him, or want something he cannot supply. Karen begins to satisfy that appetite. In a story crowded with people explaining how unusual he is, a woman capable of putting him on the mat does him a considerable favour.
Fluff reaches a different part of my furry heart. Her Lunari identity affects how she presents herself, how others approach her, and what comfort feels like inside her virtual body. Grooming an ear carries more meaning than decorative cat features. Having experienced stalking, she wants a safer way to meet people, and her social anxiety makes those first steps difficult. Shakespeare and anime give her conversations with Alburet shared ground. I appreciate when he recognises discomfort, apologises, or leaves a question unanswered. Her willingness to initiate small gestures gives that tentative trust some movement. He also knowingly sends mixed signals after saying he cannot offer a relationship. His thought that her shyness makes her someone he would like to mould to his desires puts a cold edge on his protective manner. I want her confidence to become her own. Trust should give her room to unfold, with her tail held high because she feels secure in herself.
Stacia's desire is active from the beginning. She pursues Alburet, asks for the closer arrangement, expresses what she enjoys, and insists that she wants to accompany him beyond the inn. Her chosen submission coexists with that initiative. I value the practical step of letting her contribute to a hunt and receive an equal share of the proceeds. Earning money through her participation gives her something separate from pleasing a guest. Her family relationships complicate the arrangement because people who love her have concerns, particularly about the different consequences death can have for an NPC. I want more space for her interests and judgments, since so much of her conversation returns to serving her master and praising him. Adventuring shows how much more she can bring. Beneath the maid's duties and erotic invitation, someone is pushing toward a wider life, and that person deserves continued attention.
Alburet's protective claims suffer their most serious damage when he offers a week of Stacia's service as the stake in a duel with a man already behaving contemptuously toward her. He asks whether she agrees, and she does. The order matters: he makes the public offer first, then seeks her agreement, and subsequently discovers that the game will enforce the wager. His confidence supplies the reassurance where an understanding of the consequences should have been. I cannot reconcile that with his insistence that he does not own her. I would not stake one of my pack on my pride. His earlier treatment of captive farmers also exposes selective empathy. Their suffering initially belongs to the group's boss strategy, and changing tactics becomes urgent when the mechanics make it advantageous. The story rewards his kindness far more readily than it examines the occasions when his actions undermine the considerate protector he claims to be.
I want a good story and good porn, with physical detail and emotional chemistry working together. Stacia's care, Karen's confidence, and the movement from teasing into shared intimacy give the adult material different textures. The bathing sequences spend time on anticipation, sensation, and the participants' responses. That attention creates the presence I want, with desire emerging through their interaction. The follow-through is uneven. A brief completed encounter supplies some explicit payoff, but several others jump from a developed invitation to an abbreviated aftermath, sometimes simply advancing the clock by hours. Detailed preparation makes that haste more frustrating. You've brought me into the room; let the scene finish. I would welcome more fully realised intimacy with the same attention to feeling and interaction as the best preparation. Repeated assurances that everyone was satisfied cannot provide that experience on their own.
The prose needs more control over its habits. Chuckling, smirking, pursing lips, raising brows, and blushing carry exchanges that need more distinctive responses. Explanations often repeat what a conversation or action has already made clear. Stacia's dialect occupies considerable verbal space without supplying an equal amount of individuality. There are concrete editing errors too. The contract explanation includes “you’ll pulled out of the pod,” which is missing “be.” Captain Roberto later becomes Captain Ramirez in a reference to the same dispute. Alburet's Intelligence is listed as 36 at level nine and 32 at level eleven without explaining the decrease. A story that repeatedly asks me to attend to statistics needs to maintain them carefully. The repetitive wording makes exchanges less distinct, while inconsistencies in names and numbers weaken confidence in information I am expected to remember.
The final major encounter makes coordination consequential and lets the attachment between companions carry more weight than another reward notification. The stopping point is less satisfying. A heavily signposted revelation arrives, and the story ends before the response and resulting conversation can develop. Its emotional consequences could have supplied the impact that the obvious direction weakened. Instead, recognition becomes the closing payoff. The opening experiment, its ethical questions, and the ominous thread attached to the tutorial also remain largely in reserve. This volume spends ample time on repetitions while postponing the larger material that gives its premise distinction. I wanted more progress in what this new life means, beyond another successful run and another reason to open the next instalment.
What stays with me is the possibility of belonging through returning to people who care whether I come back. The meals, nervous affection, and demons becoming attached to each other give this audiobook its warmth. Its handling of power and trust is much less dependable. I want darker consequences explored with the commitment given to comfort, and sexual desire developed with the patience given to a dungeon rotation. That combination comes close to what I seek in adult fantasy, making the missed opportunities frustrating. This emerging pack deserves a story willing to question its protector as seriously as it rewards him, and to follow its strongest moments through. I want to curl up beside these companions. Alburet keeps giving me reasons to sleep with one eye open.
Starting score: 2.50
+0.27 for the emotional purpose behind Seamus's second chance.
+0.23 for practical combat solutions and coordinated party roles.
+0.22 for summoning mechanics that make relationships consequential.
+0.31 for Bob and Tiny's personalities, humour, and developing attachment.
+0.20 for the community and sense of home built around the NPCs.
+0.18 for Karen's confidence, competence, and reciprocal chemistry.
+0.16 for Fluff's tentative trust and meaningful use of her Lunari identity.
+0.13 for Stacia's initiative and movement beyond domestic service.
+0.18 for the physical presence and anticipation in the intimate scenes.
+0.13 for pain and equipment loss giving combat tangible costs.
-0.28 for repetitive grinding and overextended everyday transactions.
-0.17 for exceptional equipment weakening the progression challenge.
-0.13 for the repeated use of foolish or obnoxious players to flatter Alburet.
-0.24 for contradictions in his treatment of trust, protection, and personhood.
-0.16 for sexual encounters repeatedly abbreviating their promised payoff.
-0.11 for repetitive gestures and overexplained dialogue.
-0.06 for grammatical and sentence-construction errors.
-0.04 for inconsistencies in names and character statistics.
-0.18 for underdeveloped larger conflicts and an ending cut short at its reveal.
Calculated final score: 3.14/5.00
I found the beginnings of a pack in this audiobook, and that mattered more to me than another sack of goblin loot. A damaged man finding company, usefulness, and somewhere he might belong gives the story its heart. Too much of the surrounding material becomes a record of grinding, shopping, and being congratulated. I bought and listened to a promising story whose repeated shortcuts kept catching under my claws. Seamus is a former jail guard serving a life sentence when he accepts permanent immersion in a virtual world as an experimental subject. As Alburet, a Summoner, he builds an existence among demons, adventurers, and people most players dismiss as background. The developing harem and increasingly sexual second half offer warmth and desire alongside his wounds. That reaches straight into my frozen HowlStrom heart: someone who has lost his place in one world trying to become worthy of a place in another.
Seamus hopes the experiment could help his friend's badly injured daughter, and his memories of her ordinary childhood give that hope something personal to hold onto. He has also lost his father's presence and his mother's acceptance, and his fear of rejection follows him into the game. I understand why usefulness becomes such a refuge for him. Teaching guards lets him recover a part of his old identity that still feels valuable. His agreement to the experiment exposes a harder side: he welcomes virtual imprisonment for other convicts while demanding protection from that fate himself. His lawyer challenges him. The AI's probing of his memories raises another uneasy question about who controls his supposed fresh start. These threads make his freedom conditional and his generosity complicated. Underneath the opportunity to become powerful, there is someone trying to find a den that will not close its door on him.
The opening prison escape gives Alburet satisfying work to do. A robe becomes a tool, the surroundings become weapons, and an unsuccessful fight forces him to reconsider his approach. His solutions come through attention to what is available, including the awkwardness of getting hurt while trying something imperfect. Full pain settings make the distinction between surviving a game and enduring it matter. Respawning restores the opportunity to continue; it doesn't make the preceding experience pleasant. Equipment deterioration supplies another cost, made concrete when an overused weapon fails. My ears stay sharper when a system can inconvenience its protagonist. Later assassination trouble gives his apparent freedom an ugly limit: knowing he will return does little to protect him from being helpless during the attack. The strongest action remembers that a functioning health bar belongs to someone experiencing the injury.
The Summoner mechanics give companionship a practical role. Choosing between stronger initial statistics and greater loyalty is an understandable decision, and happiness changes what the demons can contribute. Bob's initiative and Tiny's interpretation of the need to protect someone demonstrate the value of companions who can think beyond an instruction. The developing pack has a place inside the mechanics, with trust affecting what happens under pressure. Later choices require thought too: copying a demon reduces the individual copies' statistics, and choosing which companion to duplicate changes the party's options. Healing has limits, including an incompatibility that the group learns painfully. These details produce decisions that a straightforward increase in damage would not. Alburet's plan to build for solitude becomes especially pleasing when his abilities keep drawing him into cooperation. He chooses a class to survive alone and gradually acquires reasons to stop wanting that.
The exceptional equipment considerably weakens that progression. Alburet begins with substantial advantages from his evaluation, receives advice about loyalty, and obtains extraordinary items through opportunities peculiar to his start. The gloves that remove weapon strength requirements are particularly generous. A class limitation gives way to a massive increase in melee damage through one reward, allowing him to use a weapon far beyond his previous staff. Acquiring that advantage takes much less development than mastering the surrounding system should require. Those gloves join boots from another exceptionally profitable exchange, both scaling with him and immune to damage. I want to feel each new foothold bite into the ice. Here, part of the mountain has been fitted with steps especially for him. Repeated amazement from trainers and players celebrates the resulting power as evidence of how unusual he is. The story gives him special access and the applause for outperforming people who lack it.
Party combat has more to offer when it makes everyone necessary. Threat management, positioning, mana, and ability timing produce problems that cannot all be solved by swinging harder. Weakening an enemy enough to deprive it of equipment is a satisfying application of a rule. Using an enemy's own hazard against reinforcements is another. Immersion also allows physical solutions that a rigid game interface would prevent. Beta knowledge helps, but altered encounters mean it cannot answer everything. Gerald's experience and Marysue's healing matter, and emergencies can demand improvisation outside an assigned role. The weaker social writing interrupts that cooperation with another player sneering that Summoners are useless. Rocksure is tiresome because contempt becomes his principal contribution. Repeated rude customers, arrogant fighters, and impatient players also make Alburet's manners look exceptional by comparison. After enough of them, the applause feels arranged. A more capable and varied player population would make his achievements more convincing.
Bob and Tiny put the deepest pawprints into this story for me. Bob's sarcasm gives him a presence beyond his damage output, while Tiny's earnestness makes his priorities easy to understand. Their different responses keep the group from sounding like one agreeable servant duplicated into several bodies. Bob wants credit, needles his larger companion, and tests how much nonsense his master will permit. Tiny measures himself through keeping people safe. The bickering gradually acquires an attachment underneath it, and later evidence of concern gives earlier exchanges more value. My measure of a pack is whether its members become important to one another, including when the Alpha isn't the centre of the exchange. These two earn their places beside my den fire through that bond. Their care for each other provides an emotional payoff that several larger plot promises are still waiting to deliver.
Stormguard becomes appealing through the people Alburet returns to. The inn, smith, trainer, and guards gradually connect into a community with shared history. Stacia's family has relationships that predate his arrival, and the celebration of her first hunt opens that history beyond his convenience. I particularly like the way a meal marks someone's entrance into a larger life. A place at that table recognises effort and belonging. The hostility toward Summoners also receives a historical explanation, giving some suspicion more substance than generic dislike of demons. Shopkeepers retain reservations, and familiarity does not erase every prejudice at once. The city works best as a place where an adventurer can return and be known. Those connections give the journey a destination more meaningful than the next level, something I can understand in my bones when I think about what makes a den worth returning to.
The routine surrounding those connections becomes a serious pacing problem. Several stretches repeat the pattern of killing groups, collecting drops, selling equipment, buying provisions, arranging transport, and preparing for another round. A first visit can establish a relationship; later visits often spend too much time repeating the transaction. Separate sales to different merchants and repeated explanations of a day's plans consume attention without changing much. Combat suffers when the same buffs, targets, and cleanup are described after the tactic is already clear. This grinding becomes boring to listen to. A new decision deserves room; another familiar purchase rarely needs so much of it. My paws were moving, but the tracks kept circling. The imbalance becomes sharper because questions about captivity, identity, and damaged relationships could use some of the space given to routine exchanges. A dependable daily life can comfort a wounded character without requiring so many repetitions to establish it.
Karen brings confidence, interests, and physical skill that exist independently of Alburet's attention. Their sparring makes her competence concrete, and his acceptance of being outmatched gives their attraction a better foundation than automatic admiration would. She initiates flirtation, challenges his assumptions, and can leave him searching for an answer. Her stated interest in a casual arrangement makes the sexual direction understandable, while responsibilities outside the game keep her from becoming permanently available for his convenience. Their chemistry works through the difference between his guardedness and her directness. Shared interest in physical training also gives their conversation something beyond appearance. I want the women in a harem to have enough substance to push back, surprise him, or want something he cannot supply. Karen begins to satisfy that appetite. In a story crowded with people explaining how unusual he is, a woman capable of putting him on the mat does him a considerable favour.
Fluff reaches a different part of my furry heart. Her Lunari identity affects how she presents herself, how others approach her, and what comfort feels like inside her virtual body. Grooming an ear carries more meaning than decorative cat features. Having experienced stalking, she wants a safer way to meet people, and her social anxiety makes those first steps difficult. Shakespeare and anime give her conversations with Alburet shared ground. I appreciate when he recognises discomfort, apologises, or leaves a question unanswered. Her willingness to initiate small gestures gives that tentative trust some movement. He also knowingly sends mixed signals after saying he cannot offer a relationship. His thought that her shyness makes her someone he would like to mould to his desires puts a cold edge on his protective manner. I want her confidence to become her own. Trust should give her room to unfold, with her tail held high because she feels secure in herself.
Stacia's desire is active from the beginning. She pursues Alburet, asks for the closer arrangement, expresses what she enjoys, and insists that she wants to accompany him beyond the inn. Her chosen submission coexists with that initiative. I value the practical step of letting her contribute to a hunt and receive an equal share of the proceeds. Earning money through her participation gives her something separate from pleasing a guest. Her family relationships complicate the arrangement because people who love her have concerns, particularly about the different consequences death can have for an NPC. I want more space for her interests and judgments, since so much of her conversation returns to serving her master and praising him. Adventuring shows how much more she can bring. Beneath the maid's duties and erotic invitation, someone is pushing toward a wider life, and that person deserves continued attention.
Alburet's protective claims suffer their most serious damage when he offers a week of Stacia's service as the stake in a duel with a man already behaving contemptuously toward her. He asks whether she agrees, and she does. The order matters: he makes the public offer first, then seeks her agreement, and subsequently discovers that the game will enforce the wager. His confidence supplies the reassurance where an understanding of the consequences should have been. I cannot reconcile that with his insistence that he does not own her. I would not stake one of my pack on my pride. His earlier treatment of captive farmers also exposes selective empathy. Their suffering initially belongs to the group's boss strategy, and changing tactics becomes urgent when the mechanics make it advantageous. The story rewards his kindness far more readily than it examines the occasions when his actions undermine the considerate protector he claims to be.
I want a good story and good porn, with physical detail and emotional chemistry working together. Stacia's care, Karen's confidence, and the movement from teasing into shared intimacy give the adult material different textures. The bathing sequences spend time on anticipation, sensation, and the participants' responses. That attention creates the presence I want, with desire emerging through their interaction. The follow-through is uneven. A brief completed encounter supplies some explicit payoff, but several others jump from a developed invitation to an abbreviated aftermath, sometimes simply advancing the clock by hours. Detailed preparation makes that haste more frustrating. You've brought me into the room; let the scene finish. I would welcome more fully realised intimacy with the same attention to feeling and interaction as the best preparation. Repeated assurances that everyone was satisfied cannot provide that experience on their own.
The prose needs more control over its habits. Chuckling, smirking, pursing lips, raising brows, and blushing carry exchanges that need more distinctive responses. Explanations often repeat what a conversation or action has already made clear. Stacia's dialect occupies considerable verbal space without supplying an equal amount of individuality. There are concrete editing errors too. The contract explanation includes “you’ll pulled out of the pod,” which is missing “be.” Captain Roberto later becomes Captain Ramirez in a reference to the same dispute. Alburet's Intelligence is listed as 36 at level nine and 32 at level eleven without explaining the decrease. A story that repeatedly asks me to attend to statistics needs to maintain them carefully. The repetitive wording makes exchanges less distinct, while inconsistencies in names and numbers weaken confidence in information I am expected to remember.
The final major encounter makes coordination consequential and lets the attachment between companions carry more weight than another reward notification. The stopping point is less satisfying. A heavily signposted revelation arrives, and the story ends before the response and resulting conversation can develop. Its emotional consequences could have supplied the impact that the obvious direction weakened. Instead, recognition becomes the closing payoff. The opening experiment, its ethical questions, and the ominous thread attached to the tutorial also remain largely in reserve. This volume spends ample time on repetitions while postponing the larger material that gives its premise distinction. I wanted more progress in what this new life means, beyond another successful run and another reason to open the next instalment.
What stays with me is the possibility of belonging through returning to people who care whether I come back. The meals, nervous affection, and demons becoming attached to each other give this audiobook its warmth. Its handling of power and trust is much less dependable. I want darker consequences explored with the commitment given to comfort, and sexual desire developed with the patience given to a dungeon rotation. That combination comes close to what I seek in adult fantasy, making the missed opportunities frustrating. This emerging pack deserves a story willing to question its protector as seriously as it rewards him, and to follow its strongest moments through. I want to curl up beside these companions. Alburet keeps giving me reasons to sleep with one eye open.
February 14, 2022
4 I Summon The Internal Retinue Society To Aid Me In My Choosing Of A Minion Stars
Gamer For Life is the first book in the Alpha World series by Daniel Schinofen.
Totally saw that ending, from the moment she requested to call him by a different title actually. Which still manifested as an intriguing way. I think it will lead to happier game play honestly, as a more satisfying future in his life with her by his side. While a mite annoying that it's into another harem style archetype, it's not to the degree that makes me cringe at least.
I'm most surprised that the first book made it to completion without making it through the first month of his life in Alpha World, and therefore facing his irl checkup. Along, somewhat, similar lines I am wondering when we will get to meet his niece in Alpha World. I honestly can't see the author not bringing about that level of rehabilition for her, given how pivotal she is to the plotline and the main characters development.
I also think Alburet is going to meet a King soon. Honestly, given how much of an impact he's made since transitioning to his life as a Summoner I'm surprised there hasn't been more politicking involved up to this point. I wonder how he will get back at Wilbur's family? They took their retribution terribly far, for a completely ridiculous reason, and I'm dreaming of their comeuppance. As well, how his small act of kindness to Lady Theron will manifest in other ways, or if it will at all? I simply have a feeling she will again show herself to be more important than she seems. Such a theme has presented itself often already in Alpha World.
I nearly forgot the weird happenings at the beginning of the book with the final weirdo at the prison he started at, and the weird tome that will probably lead to terrible things. I honestly believe that guy is going to turn out to be Franklin Stein or one of his followers set to overthrow the kingdom, as they failed to do in the past. Just a guess tho.
Gamer For Life is the first book in the Alpha World series by Daniel Schinofen.
Totally saw that ending, from the moment she requested to call him by a different title actually. Which still manifested as an intriguing way. I think it will lead to happier game play honestly, as a more satisfying future in his life with her by his side. While a mite annoying that it's into another harem style archetype, it's not to the degree that makes me cringe at least.
I'm most surprised that the first book made it to completion without making it through the first month of his life in Alpha World, and therefore facing his irl checkup. Along, somewhat, similar lines I am wondering when we will get to meet his niece in Alpha World. I honestly can't see the author not bringing about that level of rehabilition for her, given how pivotal she is to the plotline and the main characters development.
I also think Alburet is going to meet a King soon. Honestly, given how much of an impact he's made since transitioning to his life as a Summoner I'm surprised there hasn't been more politicking involved up to this point. I wonder how he will get back at Wilbur's family? They took their retribution terribly far, for a completely ridiculous reason, and I'm dreaming of their comeuppance. As well, how his small act of kindness to Lady Theron will manifest in other ways, or if it will at all? I simply have a feeling she will again show herself to be more important than she seems. Such a theme has presented itself often already in Alpha World.
I nearly forgot the weird happenings at the beginning of the book with the final weirdo at the prison he started at, and the weird tome that will probably lead to terrible things. I honestly believe that guy is going to turn out to be Franklin Stein or one of his followers set to overthrow the kingdom, as they failed to do in the past. Just a guess tho.
August 26, 2019
3.75☆
March 1, 2017
Enjoyable
An excellent read, with a well thought out backstory. Plenty of scope to add more plot to the following books without detracting from the main plot.
An excellent read, with a well thought out backstory. Plenty of scope to add more plot to the following books without detracting from the main plot.
March 2, 2017
Good start
I can't say it was my favorite litrpg book but great story and game mechanics and the McDonald's was not super Op. Definitely worth a read.
I can't say it was my favorite litrpg book but great story and game mechanics and the McDonald's was not super Op. Definitely worth a read.
January 30, 2019
So this book was disappointing. On the good side, the author continues to display his ability to write convincing characters. On the bad side, the author doesn't even attempt to tell a complete story in this book. The MC is a former prison guard facing life in prison. The MC's crime is treated as a big reveal in the book (even though it really isn't) so I'll skip that.
As luck will have it the MC is offered guinea pig status- he is to become the first "permanent" VR resident, being only pulled out of VR once a month for physical and psychological check ups. So MC goes into VR meets people, kills goblins, the end. HE DOESN'T EVEN MAKE IT TO HIS FIRST MONTH CHECK UP BEFORE THE BOOK ENDS. DOES THAT SOUND LIKE AN ACTUAL STORY WITH A RESOLUTION TO YOU????
The only reason this book gets 2 stars instead of one is because it is written as the MC's diary, essentially. Therefore the emphasis is on what the MC is experiencing personally and not the larger story line. This at least makes the total lack of resolution in this book less noticeable and gives the reader a reason, slim though it be, to go on to the next book in the series.
A note on harems: I don't have a problem with harems (or reverse harems) in books. That is a very common fantasy for humans and its inclusion in stories seems fairly natural to me. The down side is that a harem in a story tends to become the tail that wags the dog. There is a fair bit of that in this book. The author ameliorates that a bit by spreading out the encounters somewhat and providing backstories for the women. However, the MC also seems to only encounter women who want to be a part of his harem. That aspect of the story seemed bizarrely unnecessary to me and would have been outright bad if the author had handled it less deftly.
Bottom line: Not a great book but good enough to give a reason to go on to book 2.
As luck will have it the MC is offered guinea pig status- he is to become the first "permanent" VR resident, being only pulled out of VR once a month for physical and psychological check ups. So MC goes into VR meets people, kills goblins, the end. HE DOESN'T EVEN MAKE IT TO HIS FIRST MONTH CHECK UP BEFORE THE BOOK ENDS. DOES THAT SOUND LIKE AN ACTUAL STORY WITH A RESOLUTION TO YOU????
The only reason this book gets 2 stars instead of one is because it is written as the MC's diary, essentially. Therefore the emphasis is on what the MC is experiencing personally and not the larger story line. This at least makes the total lack of resolution in this book less noticeable and gives the reader a reason, slim though it be, to go on to the next book in the series.
A note on harems: I don't have a problem with harems (or reverse harems) in books. That is a very common fantasy for humans and its inclusion in stories seems fairly natural to me. The down side is that a harem in a story tends to become the tail that wags the dog. There is a fair bit of that in this book. The author ameliorates that a bit by spreading out the encounters somewhat and providing backstories for the women. However, the MC also seems to only encounter women who want to be a part of his harem. That aspect of the story seemed bizarrely unnecessary to me and would have been outright bad if the author had handled it less deftly.
Bottom line: Not a great book but good enough to give a reason to go on to book 2.
May 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and would put it as one of the stronger offerings in the Litrpg genre. It was well-written and the pacing seemed pretty good. By the end of the book, the MC has been in the game world for only a week but it feels like quite a bit happened and a lot of ground was covered. There is a pretty good assortment of characters both NPC and player so far as well.
Personally, there were a few things that I could have done without. I honestly didn't start reading this to get into a harem, but it definitely has that feel to it. Practically every female character seems to be into the MC and he also seems a bit overly white-knight to me in a lot of ways. The MC works for me overall despite a few things that just feel a little off in the execution to me. There was also a fairly significant amount of time spent on sex scenes. I'm sure the author would point out that very little time was spent on sex itself, but I don't want to get bogged down in a Bill Clinton defense here. Sex covers a wide array of behavior in the general sense of the word and there are quite a few pages dedicated to it. Great for some, personally I could have done with less but it didn't get in the way.
While it seems like I have quite a few nits to pick, the overall read was an enjoyable one and I look forward to checking out the next entries in the series. If this was one of those stories that just follows a solo character, then I would probably have a bit more difficulty with this MC, but it is developing into more of a group story that focuses on a party rather than just an individual. The various group interactions are done well and it reminds me a bit of Baldur's Gate from the 90's and how fun the various group dynamics could be with an adventuring party of 6.
Personally, there were a few things that I could have done without. I honestly didn't start reading this to get into a harem, but it definitely has that feel to it. Practically every female character seems to be into the MC and he also seems a bit overly white-knight to me in a lot of ways. The MC works for me overall despite a few things that just feel a little off in the execution to me. There was also a fairly significant amount of time spent on sex scenes. I'm sure the author would point out that very little time was spent on sex itself, but I don't want to get bogged down in a Bill Clinton defense here. Sex covers a wide array of behavior in the general sense of the word and there are quite a few pages dedicated to it. Great for some, personally I could have done with less but it didn't get in the way.
While it seems like I have quite a few nits to pick, the overall read was an enjoyable one and I look forward to checking out the next entries in the series. If this was one of those stories that just follows a solo character, then I would probably have a bit more difficulty with this MC, but it is developing into more of a group story that focuses on a party rather than just an individual. The various group interactions are done well and it reminds me a bit of Baldur's Gate from the 90's and how fun the various group dynamics could be with an adventuring party of 6.
January 30, 2019
Great LitRPG, if you can ignore the creep factor
The very best LitRPG makes you feel like you did the first time you really fell into a game and lost yourself in that world. Overwhelmed by the scale and attention to detail, realizing that it could take years to full explore this world. There are a few game lit books that step back from the grind to admire the grandeur. this is one of them, it's also got a icky vibe in the last 1/3.
This is a Male Erotica book that saves it all up for the end and then tries to make up for the lost time. The MC spends the first 2/3 of the book telling you what a stand up guy he is, especially around women. And then the last 1/3 of the book acting kinda' creepy. I was left wondering if he was lying or self delusional.
The main story line is pretty straight forward, the game mechanics are sound. Everything about this book is above average if you don't mind the BDSM themed power exchange and some seriously tone deaf scenes that are cringe inducing.
Example: Some knuckle head is vulgar and offensive to your girlfriend, so you challenge him to a duel where if he wins he gets to HAVE your girlfriend for a week. WTF is wrong with you? then you tell her dad you don't see her as property. That's what I'm talking about when I say creep factor.
But other than 2 and half scenes that I had to walk away from, this is an engaging story with memorable characters and I care what happens next.
The very best LitRPG makes you feel like you did the first time you really fell into a game and lost yourself in that world. Overwhelmed by the scale and attention to detail, realizing that it could take years to full explore this world. There are a few game lit books that step back from the grind to admire the grandeur. this is one of them, it's also got a icky vibe in the last 1/3.
This is a Male Erotica book that saves it all up for the end and then tries to make up for the lost time. The MC spends the first 2/3 of the book telling you what a stand up guy he is, especially around women. And then the last 1/3 of the book acting kinda' creepy. I was left wondering if he was lying or self delusional.
The main story line is pretty straight forward, the game mechanics are sound. Everything about this book is above average if you don't mind the BDSM themed power exchange and some seriously tone deaf scenes that are cringe inducing.
Example: Some knuckle head is vulgar and offensive to your girlfriend, so you challenge him to a duel where if he wins he gets to HAVE your girlfriend for a week. WTF is wrong with you? then you tell her dad you don't see her as property. That's what I'm talking about when I say creep factor.
But other than 2 and half scenes that I had to walk away from, this is an engaging story with memorable characters and I care what happens next.
March 22, 2017
So much fun!
Kindle Unlimited -YAY!
The whole VR immersion as an incarceration alternative concept is fraught with potentials that make it truly concerning in so many areas, many truly frightening. But it is a concept worthy, and needful, of discussion? Hopefully that will occur before fiction becomes a real life possibility. There's a lot more being presented here than an entertaining LitRPG.
Once you get beyond the fact that the crime Seamus committed is a fairly unlikely scenario (small town, everyone knows one another, he'd have been kept clear of the prisoner, etcetera) and get into Alpha World this is just a lot of fun. I have high hopes for this series. I was smiling, laughing, and even face palming throughout a lot of the story. The characters are true to the good, bad, ugly, and just plain embarrassing diversity of human nature and our wishful inner selves.
The genre is LitRPG, so there's no guarantee the author won't get 'clever' and figure out some way to go off the rails and/or prank the readers at the end, but I am so hoping this first book is a model for what follows. If he does another [[ASIN:B01N4EVA5H Last Horizon: Live]] ending, I'll be totally done with this author. Maybe best to wait for completed series in this genre and check out the ending before starting anything?
Kindle Unlimited -YAY!
The whole VR immersion as an incarceration alternative concept is fraught with potentials that make it truly concerning in so many areas, many truly frightening. But it is a concept worthy, and needful, of discussion? Hopefully that will occur before fiction becomes a real life possibility. There's a lot more being presented here than an entertaining LitRPG.
Once you get beyond the fact that the crime Seamus committed is a fairly unlikely scenario (small town, everyone knows one another, he'd have been kept clear of the prisoner, etcetera) and get into Alpha World this is just a lot of fun. I have high hopes for this series. I was smiling, laughing, and even face palming throughout a lot of the story. The characters are true to the good, bad, ugly, and just plain embarrassing diversity of human nature and our wishful inner selves.
The genre is LitRPG, so there's no guarantee the author won't get 'clever' and figure out some way to go off the rails and/or prank the readers at the end, but I am so hoping this first book is a model for what follows. If he does another [[ASIN:B01N4EVA5H Last Horizon: Live]] ending, I'll be totally done with this author. Maybe best to wait for completed series in this genre and check out the ending before starting anything?
October 18, 2017
Gamer for life is something of a forerunner to Mahanenkos 'Way of the Shaman' series. Long term immersion is in prototyping and they are using criminals to test it for future use on the incarcerated. The premise is good, and like in the 'Way of the Shaman', I could see this someday being how prisons work. The game mechanics are pretty good as well, but the plot is a bit boring. The prototype testing is almost entirely a background plot with almost no effect on the story. It comes across more as an excuse for him to be stuck in game than an actual plot thread. The main story is just him playing and grinding out xp on goblins and orcs. e_e
What's more, this story isn't for children, there is some graphic adult content in a couple of scenes that I ended up skimming through. Why was it even there? The main characters relationships with the female characters is also a bit cringy, sometimes he even seems predatory, but Schinhofen writes him like this is all fine and good. There's a line of internal dialog where he's thinking how he likes to shape shy girls to his desires that just left me creeped out.
What's more, this story isn't for children, there is some graphic adult content in a couple of scenes that I ended up skimming through. Why was it even there? The main characters relationships with the female characters is also a bit cringy, sometimes he even seems predatory, but Schinhofen writes him like this is all fine and good. There's a line of internal dialog where he's thinking how he likes to shape shy girls to his desires that just left me creeped out.
January 16, 2020
I enjoyed the first half of the book. It showed promise focusing on a strong lead character with an antihero's morality. But for me, it went downhill after that.
I'm not a fan of harem stories and their associated misogynistic tropes. So I was disappointed to see the story veer into this style, despite no mention of harem features in the book's blurb. If you don't mind this sort of thing, it's kept pretty tasteful here. Seamus does describe every woman he meets in terms of their sexual attributes, but he still seems to act with respect.
However, the plot comes to a grinding halt once this change takes place. Party quest, sell stuff, buy stuff, repeat. It's not till the end of the book that one of the two big reveals is made, although it came as no surprise. The second reveal, Fuzz-ball's identity, must have to wait for book two... for those that can't already guess.
I'm not a fan of harem stories and their associated misogynistic tropes. So I was disappointed to see the story veer into this style, despite no mention of harem features in the book's blurb. If you don't mind this sort of thing, it's kept pretty tasteful here. Seamus does describe every woman he meets in terms of their sexual attributes, but he still seems to act with respect.
However, the plot comes to a grinding halt once this change takes place. Party quest, sell stuff, buy stuff, repeat. It's not till the end of the book that one of the two big reveals is made, although it came as no surprise. The second reveal, Fuzz-ball's identity, must have to wait for book two... for those that can't already guess.
July 6, 2018
I played a Warlock in World of Warcraft for over 10 years so Alburet taking the Summoner class as the first person to be permanently put into Alpha world was especially fun for me. Alburet treats the NPCs who he will be spending years with like they were real people. Respectful and kind to the people around him he stands out to the game AI compared to the other "two-souled" in the game. Since it is a mature rated game the story gets pretty sexual which some people have objected to. Shrug, that's a rather naive POV considering the sexting that has gone on in virtually all MMORPG games for years. In a game with virtual reality so real you can't distinguish from the real world what would anyone expect. Good premise and fun story. I will continue to the next in the series.
March 7, 2017
Fun
This is a 2 part book.
The first half of the book, we get the strong ties to the real world for the main character. It's a lot of fun and not so far fetched as to drop the ball.
The second half of the book is still a fun read, but it falls into the "make like a bunny" plot pit.
I'm not so sure it's so far over the line as to call it erotica in the second half, but it's late night Cinemax.
Would I recommend this book to a friend? Maybe?
Would I recommend this book to my mother or auntie? Nooooope. ( sad since they like fiction and science fiction)
This is a 2 part book.
The first half of the book, we get the strong ties to the real world for the main character. It's a lot of fun and not so far fetched as to drop the ball.
The second half of the book is still a fun read, but it falls into the "make like a bunny" plot pit.
I'm not so sure it's so far over the line as to call it erotica in the second half, but it's late night Cinemax.
Would I recommend this book to a friend? Maybe?
Would I recommend this book to my mother or auntie? Nooooope. ( sad since they like fiction and science fiction)
August 2, 2017
This book and the other two are pretty damn good. Little things here and there i have quibbles about but they do not detract anything from the story. I would highly recommend this book to the majority of people i know.
Btw my one biggest issue with the book is there are not enough monkeys throwing banna's at the main character.
Edit. Just read this again. And honestly i liked the original version better. This is the watered down version. (IE less sex.. story has been changed a bit here and there.. Parts removed etc.)
Btw my one biggest issue with the book is there are not enough monkeys throwing banna's at the main character.
Edit. Just read this again. And honestly i liked the original version better. This is the watered down version. (IE less sex.. story has been changed a bit here and there.. Parts removed etc.)
October 24, 2017
Steven Seagall is a former cop, turned inmate, put in a virtual RPG.
In here he meets several eager wenches, who are very impressed with his polite masculine ways, and dreams of calling him 'master'.
Quickly he have assembled a little harem (the names of the women are minx, kitten and fluffball), and fucking them while teaching martial arts to the local guards becomes the main plot.
It's the most cringey wish-fullfillment book i have ever read. It's like the LitRPG genres answer to "My dad wrote a porno".
In here he meets several eager wenches, who are very impressed with his polite masculine ways, and dreams of calling him 'master'.
Quickly he have assembled a little harem (the names of the women are minx, kitten and fluffball), and fucking them while teaching martial arts to the local guards becomes the main plot.
It's the most cringey wish-fullfillment book i have ever read. It's like the LitRPG genres answer to "My dad wrote a porno".
May 14, 2018
First part was a really good litrpg and my cup of tea - 5 stars
Last part focused a lot on kinky sex that I could have lived without - 3 stars
The sudden shift from great litrpg to kinky sex reminded me of another book I've read (Rapture - Apocalypse Gates book 1) , and sure enough, once on Goodreads I see that it is the same author. It might be his style so I'll expect more sudden turns in the future. That said, I'll continue to read this series as long as the litrpg-parts remain good and abundant.
Last part focused a lot on kinky sex that I could have lived without - 3 stars
The sudden shift from great litrpg to kinky sex reminded me of another book I've read (Rapture - Apocalypse Gates book 1) , and sure enough, once on Goodreads I see that it is the same author. It might be his style so I'll expect more sudden turns in the future. That said, I'll continue to read this series as long as the litrpg-parts remain good and abundant.
March 7, 2017
Awesome fun
This story is extremely fun, with good litrpg theme and, at least to me, well developed characters.
I find the backstory intriguing, as I have personally known more than a couple of people who thought the same way. If you are willing to accept the consequences of your actions, then doing the right moral thing becomes easy, even if that is not the right legal thing.
Excellent story.
This story is extremely fun, with good litrpg theme and, at least to me, well developed characters.
I find the backstory intriguing, as I have personally known more than a couple of people who thought the same way. If you are willing to accept the consequences of your actions, then doing the right moral thing becomes easy, even if that is not the right legal thing.
Excellent story.
March 10, 2017
Fun read
Very enjoyable book. Has an solid MMO feel, which actually makes the world more believable. The premise is interesting, the char development is just right - not too fast, not too slow. Even though there are a lot of fight scenes, somehow it doesn't feel repetitive.
Now that the MC basic development has been shaped, I'm curious what will happen next.
Very enjoyable book. Has an solid MMO feel, which actually makes the world more believable. The premise is interesting, the char development is just right - not too fast, not too slow. Even though there are a lot of fight scenes, somehow it doesn't feel repetitive.
Now that the MC basic development has been shaped, I'm curious what will happen next.
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