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Puatera Online #1
Desert Runner
Maddie is the NPC with attitude! Plagued by old injuries that won't heal, she's enticed into accepting a deadly escort mission. Of course, it's to cross the damned desert... and in the middle of Tromoal breeding season, no less. But the lure of enough cash to fix herself up and help out a close friend, too...? That's a siren's song she can't ignore. Puatera Online is a harsh world, even for the people who have to live there. Good thing Maddie is tougher than cured leather, because she may have just bitten off more than she can chew.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2015
81 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Chapman
60 books178 followersDawn Chapman has been creating sci-fi and fantasy stories for thirty years. In 2005, her life and attention turned to scripts, and she started work on The Secret King (TSK), a 13-episode science fiction television series, with great passion for this medium.
In 2010, Dawn returned to her first love of prose. She has been working with Coach EJ Runyon, who has encouraged her away from fast-paced script writing, to revel in the world of TSK and Letháo as an epic prose space journey.
This year, her experience of working with producers/directors from the United States and Australia has expanded. From drama and science fiction to action, Dawn has built a portfolio of writing, consulting, and publishing.
In 2010, Dawn returned to her first love of prose. She has been working with Coach EJ Runyon, who has encouraged her away from fast-paced script writing, to revel in the world of TSK and Letháo as an epic prose space journey.
This year, her experience of working with producers/directors from the United States and Australia has expanded. From drama and science fiction to action, Dawn has built a portfolio of writing, consulting, and publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 13, 2018
Desert Runner.
Wow, this caught me completely off-guard!
In the sea of LitRPG novel these days I'm yet to find a really bad one. Most are good, and a few were just excellent.
Still, they all follow the same premise, more or less.
You are a real person. For a variety of different reasons, someone grabs/tricks you and you end up immersed in the virtual world.
The most important rule is the same - if your in-game character dies, your real body dies with it. I suppose nobody thought they came up with a good respawn/resurrect mechanics, so they haven't even tried to put it out there. Simply - you die, that's it.
If anyone runs into a good LitRPG which does allow you to die, please let me know. I want to see how the author made this happen.
But Desert Runner... it's different :-)
First time I'm seeing the MMO RPG world through the eyes of an NPC! Oh, and it's fun ;-)
They all have their programming, with the dose of 'free will'. Like a good little robot with some space for deviation from standard set of rules.
And they are on a quest... from a visitor...
Desert Runner (Puatera Online #1)
by Dawn Chapman (Goodreads Author)
Verdict: Highly unusual. Can't wait for the second part!
Overall:
Performance:
Story:
Wow, this caught me completely off-guard!
In the sea of LitRPG novel these days I'm yet to find a really bad one. Most are good, and a few were just excellent.
Still, they all follow the same premise, more or less.
You are a real person. For a variety of different reasons, someone grabs/tricks you and you end up immersed in the virtual world.
The most important rule is the same - if your in-game character dies, your real body dies with it. I suppose nobody thought they came up with a good respawn/resurrect mechanics, so they haven't even tried to put it out there. Simply - you die, that's it.
If anyone runs into a good LitRPG which does allow you to die, please let me know. I want to see how the author made this happen.
But Desert Runner... it's different :-)
First time I'm seeing the MMO RPG world through the eyes of an NPC! Oh, and it's fun ;-)
They all have their programming, with the dose of 'free will'. Like a good little robot with some space for deviation from standard set of rules.
And they are on a quest... from a visitor...
Desert Runner (Puatera Online #1)
by Dawn Chapman (Goodreads Author)
Verdict: Highly unusual. Can't wait for the second part!
Overall:
Performance:
Story:
November 20, 2017
What is it like to be an NPC in an MMORPG? Honestly, it's a life which pretty much sucks as you're forced to give away quests, get murdered, and generally be threatened by horrible monsters your entire life. It's something which has been touched a few times in various novels (including NPCs by Drew Hayes) or HBO's WESTWORLD. This is a bit closer to the latter as Maggie is an NPC in what appears to be a Mad Max-themed video game where she has an entire inner life of her own but it is in the service of a narrative.
Indeed, while the book doesn't go into it, I believe Maggie is actually designed to be a love interest for player characters to fall for in the same way Westworld's Doroles is meant to be. It's something which bothers Maggie a great deal but she has as an essential part of her personality. She falls in love easily and, invariably, the men (and probably women) she meets go off to do their own thing as they pass through the game.
DESERT RUNNER follows Maggie as she goes on a desperate mission into the badlands, picking up one of the "visitors" along the way and dealing with the fact she's falling in love with this one as well. This is bad because she's already engaged to a fellow NPC (and may have been programmed to be stuck in a perpetual holding pattern of mediocre romance).
There's a bit of confusion from the book on just how "real" things are. The people here react with horror and sadness to the deaths of those around them but re-spawning is mentioned. I also felt the story ended prematurely and wish this book had been all three of the ones Dawn Chapman wrote for this story and sold as novellas. This is only 100 pages long and a very short read but also appropriately priced (1 dollar).
Is it worth reading? Oh, I definitely think so. I should mention this is advertised as Lit-RPG but has less focus on looting and leveling up than feelings--which is a good thing in my opinion.
Indeed, while the book doesn't go into it, I believe Maggie is actually designed to be a love interest for player characters to fall for in the same way Westworld's Doroles is meant to be. It's something which bothers Maggie a great deal but she has as an essential part of her personality. She falls in love easily and, invariably, the men (and probably women) she meets go off to do their own thing as they pass through the game.
DESERT RUNNER follows Maggie as she goes on a desperate mission into the badlands, picking up one of the "visitors" along the way and dealing with the fact she's falling in love with this one as well. This is bad because she's already engaged to a fellow NPC (and may have been programmed to be stuck in a perpetual holding pattern of mediocre romance).
There's a bit of confusion from the book on just how "real" things are. The people here react with horror and sadness to the deaths of those around them but re-spawning is mentioned. I also felt the story ended prematurely and wish this book had been all three of the ones Dawn Chapman wrote for this story and sold as novellas. This is only 100 pages long and a very short read but also appropriately priced (1 dollar).
Is it worth reading? Oh, I definitely think so. I should mention this is advertised as Lit-RPG but has less focus on looting and leveling up than feelings--which is a good thing in my opinion.
July 30, 2018
Loved this story! I listened to it on audiobook and it was really good. Loved the narration. The story was full of action, suspense, mystery and dangers. It was truly unexpected to see a mythical creature in this that shouldn't exist in such a post-apocalyptic place. This world is futuristic yet falling apart. Mattie was an intriguing character and isn't all who she seems to be. I look forward to getting to the next books in the series.
March 3, 2018
I have no idea what the point of this story is. It's only long enough for the most cursory world building and some limited story telling. The problem is, Chapman seems to want to be telling a far more complex story than the length of this book allows so there's very little depth. The result is a vaguely interesting story set in a game world, but I'm just left wondering what the story was about.
December 23, 2017
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this or not, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was thinking maybe female Mad Max with Dragons.
Now that I've read it, I can honestly say I thought it was bloody great!
Having played thousands of hours in rpgs and mmorpgs and games in general I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. Dawn had me hooked at HEALTH - 65% which was on the second page, and I was even having flashbacks to some of my own experiences from some of my most beloved games.
Overall I thought it extremely well written and I loved Maddie's 'voice.' Normally I dislike stories told from first person, but this one I really liked. Will definitely keep reading the series.
My thanks goes to Dawn Chapman for introducing me to something I've never experienced before but thoroughly enjoyed.
Now that I've read it, I can honestly say I thought it was bloody great!
Having played thousands of hours in rpgs and mmorpgs and games in general I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. Dawn had me hooked at HEALTH - 65% which was on the second page, and I was even having flashbacks to some of my own experiences from some of my most beloved games.
Overall I thought it extremely well written and I loved Maddie's 'voice.' Normally I dislike stories told from first person, but this one I really liked. Will definitely keep reading the series.
My thanks goes to Dawn Chapman for introducing me to something I've never experienced before but thoroughly enjoyed.
December 11, 2017
Maddie - could have mad max's daughter
Maybe I am wrong,but this seems to be what would be considered post-apocalyptic type fiction. I very much enjoy novels which deal with subject matter such as this. All who enjoy James Adler's death land series will find they enjoy this also. I hope she continues to add more novels to this series which I will deadly await to consume. May you continue to write fine stories for another 30yrs.
Maybe I am wrong,but this seems to be what would be considered post-apocalyptic type fiction. I very much enjoy novels which deal with subject matter such as this. All who enjoy James Adler's death land series will find they enjoy this also. I hope she continues to add more novels to this series which I will deadly await to consume. May you continue to write fine stories for another 30yrs.
December 15, 2017
Desert Runner by Dawn Chapman was my first excursion into LitRPG as a genre (unless you count Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde), and I’m glad I got a chance to read it. I picked the ebook up when it was free on Amazon, and I hope to get a chance to read the next book in the series . I enjoyed the world, and I’m curious to know more. There were some aspects I wouldn’t have minded a little more description of, but many things were eventually explained once you get further into the story, so that worked out.
I liked reading the NPC’s point of view. I found the minimal game mechanics to work well from the NPC’s point of view, as they were only present when they needed to be there for story purposes, but still an integral part of the story. In fact, my main complaint about the character , turned out to have a really great in-story/in-game reason. I enjoyed how Maddie viewed the “visitors” , and I look forward to seeing more of these interactions and how this world is developing between in-game and “real world.”
Desert Runner was a nice, short read, and has a complete story arc, despite leaving a lot open for future books. I read it in a couple sittings, which was great since I’ve had a hard time dedicating much time to pleasure reading. I will note that there were a few times that I felt the editing could have used just a bit more polishing for clarity, but nothing too major. Overall, the story was still very much enjoyable.
I found Desert Runner worth the read, especially if you’re just getting started into the genre of LitRPG and want to ease your way into a mixture of story and game mechanics, or if you want something that feels post-apocalyptic with a RPG-oriented twist.
I liked reading the NPC’s point of view. I found the minimal game mechanics to work well from the NPC’s point of view, as they were only present when they needed to be there for story purposes, but still an integral part of the story. In fact, my main complaint about the character , turned out to have a really great in-story/in-game reason. I enjoyed how Maddie viewed the “visitors” , and I look forward to seeing more of these interactions and how this world is developing between in-game and “real world.”
Desert Runner was a nice, short read, and has a complete story arc, despite leaving a lot open for future books. I read it in a couple sittings, which was great since I’ve had a hard time dedicating much time to pleasure reading. I will note that there were a few times that I felt the editing could have used just a bit more polishing for clarity, but nothing too major. Overall, the story was still very much enjoyable.
I found Desert Runner worth the read, especially if you’re just getting started into the genre of LitRPG and want to ease your way into a mixture of story and game mechanics, or if you want something that feels post-apocalyptic with a RPG-oriented twist.
February 2, 2018
Good, but rather short. It really didn't have much detail about the world, so I would say it was a bit weak on the world building. It was really written more like a short story than a full length novel, and the story suffers from several places in the story where a longer work might have faired better. It was still a good enough story that I will continue the series.
Just a word of warning to those reading this story xor a LitRPG angle, there aren't any LitRPG elements in this story, so if you're looking for a new LitRPG series, you can give this one a pass. Players do play a small role here, but mentioning that the story takes place in a game environment, and having a player take a very minor role in it does not make the story a LitRPG itself.
Just a word of warning to those reading this story xor a LitRPG angle, there aren't any LitRPG elements in this story, so if you're looking for a new LitRPG series, you can give this one a pass. Players do play a small role here, but mentioning that the story takes place in a game environment, and having a player take a very minor role in it does not make the story a LitRPG itself.
December 20, 2017
This might be a good series, but as I still don’t know what’s going on, I can’t say for sure. There’s still two more books, so hopefully there will be an answer to all the questions that went unanswered in the first book. As you can tell, a definite cliffhanger. Maybe I’ll be able to change my rating.
March 12, 2018
FACEBOOK LINK: https://www.facebook.com/EyesOpenRevi...
*this review contains a few minor spoilers*
The coolest thing about this book was, most definitely, the world-building. I am not a gamer, never have been, but I thought the 'world inside a video game' aspect was absolutely brilliant. The interactions were great and I loved the self-awareness of the characters - especially with things like finding the term 'NPC' to be "offensive." It made the world seem real and I *loved* the main character, Maddie.
For such a short book, I thought the world building and such was incredible, however, there was a part here or there that I found myself skimming and, therefore, missing a few things. I think I was so fascinated with Maddie's character and the action going on around her that I skimmed most things that seemed somewhat trivial. I would say that, out of everything, I was most *in tune* with (besides the world-building itself) Maddie's relationship with Alex. The book was short so his role in everything seemed quick, but I'm optimistic that we will see him again at some point soon (I hope!). Which brings me to my next point.
The fact that we follow an NPC and not some main character is so, so interesting because this just opened up the possibility that their supposed "minor" roles play into so much more. I may not play a lot of games myself - my closest video game experience is The Sims 2 - but I can really appreciate the fact that the author actually gave these characters backstories and interests and personalities. And, like I said before, I *love* their self-awareness. There's one point that really sticks out to me in particular - it becomes pretty obvious pretty quickly that Alex is a love interest, but Maddie personally narrates that she /can't/ fall for him because he's just a "side quest character." I am not a romance person, typically, but I love that a lot. It's just so...unique. It's refreshing.
Now, this won't matter much if Desert Runner is your first exposure to Dawn Chapman, but I've read one other book by this author and, personally, I feel she does /such/ a better job writing first than third person. The other book I've read by the author has EXCELLENT world-building - like, so good it's insane - but there were so many characters that it was near impossible to juggle them all. I feel like the first person narration in this series is much steadier, much more focused, and I definitely prefer it. If this is your first exposure to Dawn Chapman, I definitely recommend you start with this book.
I've agreed to read the others in this series as well so if you're interested in this series and want to see how it goes, I'll be here reporting it! The nice thing about this series is that it's short - full of novellas about 30,000 words long - so if you like short, focused litRPG reads then I definitely think this is the book for you.
*this review contains a few minor spoilers*
The coolest thing about this book was, most definitely, the world-building. I am not a gamer, never have been, but I thought the 'world inside a video game' aspect was absolutely brilliant. The interactions were great and I loved the self-awareness of the characters - especially with things like finding the term 'NPC' to be "offensive." It made the world seem real and I *loved* the main character, Maddie.
For such a short book, I thought the world building and such was incredible, however, there was a part here or there that I found myself skimming and, therefore, missing a few things. I think I was so fascinated with Maddie's character and the action going on around her that I skimmed most things that seemed somewhat trivial. I would say that, out of everything, I was most *in tune* with (besides the world-building itself) Maddie's relationship with Alex. The book was short so his role in everything seemed quick, but I'm optimistic that we will see him again at some point soon (I hope!). Which brings me to my next point.
The fact that we follow an NPC and not some main character is so, so interesting because this just opened up the possibility that their supposed "minor" roles play into so much more. I may not play a lot of games myself - my closest video game experience is The Sims 2 - but I can really appreciate the fact that the author actually gave these characters backstories and interests and personalities. And, like I said before, I *love* their self-awareness. There's one point that really sticks out to me in particular - it becomes pretty obvious pretty quickly that Alex is a love interest, but Maddie personally narrates that she /can't/ fall for him because he's just a "side quest character." I am not a romance person, typically, but I love that a lot. It's just so...unique. It's refreshing.
Now, this won't matter much if Desert Runner is your first exposure to Dawn Chapman, but I've read one other book by this author and, personally, I feel she does /such/ a better job writing first than third person. The other book I've read by the author has EXCELLENT world-building - like, so good it's insane - but there were so many characters that it was near impossible to juggle them all. I feel like the first person narration in this series is much steadier, much more focused, and I definitely prefer it. If this is your first exposure to Dawn Chapman, I definitely recommend you start with this book.
I've agreed to read the others in this series as well so if you're interested in this series and want to see how it goes, I'll be here reporting it! The nice thing about this series is that it's short - full of novellas about 30,000 words long - so if you like short, focused litRPG reads then I definitely think this is the book for you.
February 2, 2018
Are You Up For A Quest?
I won’t lie – when I featured this in my New and Notable post a few weeks back I did so because the cover really caught my eye. Both the color and the content. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be for me. I’ve read some LitRPG’s before but never an NPC one. So, I wasn’t sure what I was in for.
What I was in for was a great ride. The hog was an awesome machine and the story drove right along with it. The length actually worked for me. I probably would have pushed this further into my queue had it been double the length (7 or so hours). But being 3-ish made this super approachable. The only issue I think that Chapman will run into is that people don’t like spending a credit on a shorter book. I would suggest pricing the audible version around 5-7 dollars or do a whispersync deal if you can — that might help with this.
The story itself follows Maddie, an injured, addicted, down-on-her-luck NPC who is pinged to pick up a new quest. A quest that could change her life for years to come and comes with a reward to back it up.
I enjoy video games and find myself playing them sometimes when I’m listening to an audiobook. Usually sports games, but when I finished this story I wanted to jump back into my RPG-type games and get into a story (or like me, get lost in a side-quest). Chapman seemed to have an intimate knowledge of the gaming world to write a story that made me feel this way. It felt like the game was real and that the NPC’s (don’t call them that) were learning and starting to ask questions.
The inclusion of the “real world” (at least the mention of it) was an interesting turn of events for me. I won’t mention why or how it’s mentioned but know that it was a good move for the story.
Overall, I thought that Desert Runner was a great title. It entertained the crap out of me and I finished it in one sitting. Perfect weekend afternoon reading.
Andrea Parsneau does a great job narrating Desert Runner. I thought she was the perfect choice for this story. Easy to listen to and had just the right amount of attitude to voice Maddie.
I won’t lie – when I featured this in my New and Notable post a few weeks back I did so because the cover really caught my eye. Both the color and the content. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be for me. I’ve read some LitRPG’s before but never an NPC one. So, I wasn’t sure what I was in for.
What I was in for was a great ride. The hog was an awesome machine and the story drove right along with it. The length actually worked for me. I probably would have pushed this further into my queue had it been double the length (7 or so hours). But being 3-ish made this super approachable. The only issue I think that Chapman will run into is that people don’t like spending a credit on a shorter book. I would suggest pricing the audible version around 5-7 dollars or do a whispersync deal if you can — that might help with this.
The story itself follows Maddie, an injured, addicted, down-on-her-luck NPC who is pinged to pick up a new quest. A quest that could change her life for years to come and comes with a reward to back it up.
I enjoy video games and find myself playing them sometimes when I’m listening to an audiobook. Usually sports games, but when I finished this story I wanted to jump back into my RPG-type games and get into a story (or like me, get lost in a side-quest). Chapman seemed to have an intimate knowledge of the gaming world to write a story that made me feel this way. It felt like the game was real and that the NPC’s (don’t call them that) were learning and starting to ask questions.
The inclusion of the “real world” (at least the mention of it) was an interesting turn of events for me. I won’t mention why or how it’s mentioned but know that it was a good move for the story.
Overall, I thought that Desert Runner was a great title. It entertained the crap out of me and I finished it in one sitting. Perfect weekend afternoon reading.
Andrea Parsneau does a great job narrating Desert Runner. I thought she was the perfect choice for this story. Easy to listen to and had just the right amount of attitude to voice Maddie.
November 21, 2017
Imagine if you lived in an MMORPG...
'I glanced at my health bar. HEALTH – 65% Due to my past injuries, it had been steadily dropping over the last week.'
Maddie lives in a pre-programmed world where she needs to complete quests to get the means to survive. But she knows what she is and fights against it. She is one of the elite of her kind as she has Hog - a vehicle that can outrun any horse, so she gets the best quests.
Maddie is really desperate when she is offered a run across the desert at the worst time of year. But when she finds it involves a visitor (those who call the locals NPCs) she is suddenly not so keen.
'That’s when my life changed forever. I’d tried to retreat but couldn’t. Then all I could do was defend myself, but I couldn’t.'
This is a very tightly written novella. The characters are well fleshed out and the story line is taut. The world building is a bit confusing at times and I think if anyone was not a gamer of some sort they would be rather lost at points. The story flows well and kept me reading all the way through in one sitting.
There were a few things that had me flummoxed. For example, we are told Maddie is highly sought after for doing quests, yet somehow she is also desperate enough to take any one offered even though she really does not want to. She is broke but somehow has enough to equip herself for the quest. Little things like this nagged at me but might not trouble anyone else.
I enjoyed the book and if you like the concept of a story about a character in a game world, this is a really good one.
'I glanced at my health bar. HEALTH – 65% Due to my past injuries, it had been steadily dropping over the last week.'
Maddie lives in a pre-programmed world where she needs to complete quests to get the means to survive. But she knows what she is and fights against it. She is one of the elite of her kind as she has Hog - a vehicle that can outrun any horse, so she gets the best quests.
Maddie is really desperate when she is offered a run across the desert at the worst time of year. But when she finds it involves a visitor (those who call the locals NPCs) she is suddenly not so keen.
'That’s when my life changed forever. I’d tried to retreat but couldn’t. Then all I could do was defend myself, but I couldn’t.'
This is a very tightly written novella. The characters are well fleshed out and the story line is taut. The world building is a bit confusing at times and I think if anyone was not a gamer of some sort they would be rather lost at points. The story flows well and kept me reading all the way through in one sitting.
There were a few things that had me flummoxed. For example, we are told Maddie is highly sought after for doing quests, yet somehow she is also desperate enough to take any one offered even though she really does not want to. She is broke but somehow has enough to equip herself for the quest. Little things like this nagged at me but might not trouble anyone else.
I enjoyed the book and if you like the concept of a story about a character in a game world, this is a really good one.
October 8, 2019
OMG I never thought I'd find a book series better than Outlander. Sure, ok, it's a completely different genre. But maybe it's because I am a gamer. But this story spoke to me. It's every gamer's dream to end up in a game world like Miss Chapman describes. I was so hyped about it I actually even posted it on Facebook urging others to read it. And the only other time I've ever done this was with Outlander.
Well I personally didn't read it, I listened to it. And in my opinion, no matter how good the story is, in audiobooks the narrator Makes or breaks the story. This narrator fully made this story. She's amazing.
This book does not belong to a game, the game world Puatera is fictional. But you will perfectly be able to orientate yourself in the story. A big A+ from me.
Well I personally didn't read it, I listened to it. And in my opinion, no matter how good the story is, in audiobooks the narrator Makes or breaks the story. This narrator fully made this story. She's amazing.
This book does not belong to a game, the game world Puatera is fictional. But you will perfectly be able to orientate yourself in the story. A big A+ from me.
January 26, 2020
Notes:
Good intro to the world & characters. I didn't realize that the MC would be an NPC. Onto book 2!
Good intro to the world & characters. I didn't realize that the MC would be an NPC. Onto book 2!
April 25, 2019
I did not enjoy this. I don't think that this is a good entry into LitRPG at all, and if I wasn't already interested in giving the genre a decent go, this book would make me not want to try it at all.
The main character, Maddie 'Celaena Sardothien' Vies, is the most fluctuating character I think I've ever read. One minute she's cold and all for herself and a strong badass lady of the desert, the next minute she's smitten over a guy she's known for less than 24 hours (yeah, it's p much an insta-love kinda deal). The amount of times we are repeatedly told how grr her programming is so bad and she hates immediately falling in love is so aggravating. Just because this is rammed down our throats doesn't mean we're gonna immediately be chill with the her falling for Alex. But prior to just givibg in to the programming she..... *shakes fist* hates so much, she is the most temperamental gal, honestly snapping over the slightest suggestion that he could help the NPCs.
There is a lot of telling, and not a lot of showing that had me repeatedly going, so what? We are repeatedly told that, wow, Maddie is so cool and badass and her and the Hog are so well known in the Runners, but is this ever shown to us? Not at all.
The world is interesting and I do like the sound of the Tormoal/dragon thingies. But after years and years of them attacking and being so deadly to humans, even nearly killing Maddie, all it takes is Maddie to get in a wreck for her to be able to ~START THE CHANGE~?
Then, there's the editing issues. At the beginning, it's not too bad, but about 60% onwards there are just nonsensical statements that don't mean anything. I read out multiple quotes to my family to help riddle them out and we all just looked questioningly at each other. Characters appear out of nowhere with no explanation and statements made are proven false in the very next sentence. And there's sooooooo many cringe moments and . It was just eye rolling-ly ridiculous at times
Some examples: (no spoilers)
"He's one lucky guy" [he says]
I wanted to agree, but there was something that didn't, that really didn't." - uhhhhh what didn't what lmao
"I wanted to stop the Hog and confess all [...] but the words and the pedal to the metal seemed to be stuck" - I... I didn't think people still used this unironically in the year of our Lord 2019.
The main character, Maddie 'Celaena Sardothien' Vies, is the most fluctuating character I think I've ever read. One minute she's cold and all for herself and a strong badass lady of the desert, the next minute she's smitten over a guy she's known for less than 24 hours (yeah, it's p much an insta-love kinda deal). The amount of times we are repeatedly told how grr her programming is so bad and she hates immediately falling in love is so aggravating. Just because this is rammed down our throats doesn't mean we're gonna immediately be chill with the her falling for Alex. But prior to just givibg in to the programming she..... *shakes fist* hates so much, she is the most temperamental gal, honestly snapping over the slightest suggestion that he could help the NPCs.
There is a lot of telling, and not a lot of showing that had me repeatedly going, so what? We are repeatedly told that, wow, Maddie is so cool and badass and her and the Hog are so well known in the Runners, but is this ever shown to us? Not at all.
The world is interesting and I do like the sound of the Tormoal/dragon thingies. But after years and years of them attacking and being so deadly to humans, even nearly killing Maddie, all it takes is Maddie to get in a wreck for her to be able to ~START THE CHANGE~?
Then, there's the editing issues. At the beginning, it's not too bad, but about 60% onwards there are just nonsensical statements that don't mean anything. I read out multiple quotes to my family to help riddle them out and we all just looked questioningly at each other. Characters appear out of nowhere with no explanation and statements made are proven false in the very next sentence. And there's sooooooo many cringe moments and . It was just eye rolling-ly ridiculous at times
Some examples: (no spoilers)
"He's one lucky guy" [he says]
I wanted to agree, but there was something that didn't, that really didn't." - uhhhhh what didn't what lmao
"I wanted to stop the Hog and confess all [...] but the words and the pedal to the metal seemed to be stuck" - I... I didn't think people still used this unironically in the year of our Lord 2019.
October 15, 2017
Such an enjoyable read, and indeed one that I sped through in no time. Maddie's journey is anything but straightforward given her current state of health. Adding the danger of the Tromoals and her excess emotional baggage to the Hog (which is an inspired name choice for her vehicle) made for an exciting and tumultuous journey.
Definitely a story I need to know more about. Luckily, there's another book ...
Definitely a story I need to know more about. Luckily, there's another book ...
October 12, 2017
Wow!!! What an amazing story! I am in love with this story and Alex! This story is a fast read, but will have you completely sucked in from the beginning with the action! This is one NOT to miss! A MUST READ! The best part about this story...it's just the beginning!!
I'm a new, huge fan of Ms. Chapman's and I can't wait to read the rest!! UGH! Sooooo good!!
PS...I love the book cover! It is so true to the character Alex and Hog!!
I'm a new, huge fan of Ms. Chapman's and I can't wait to read the rest!! UGH! Sooooo good!!
PS...I love the book cover! It is so true to the character Alex and Hog!!
October 11, 2017
I'm a Dawn Chapman fan and pre-ordered this book. The main character Maddie is different from any character I've encountered before. She's rough around the edges but has a good heart and strong determination. I read it straight through, without being able to put it down. Can't wait to read the next book in this series!
February 9, 2018
I've read the back story to this story and I was very excited to begin reading. I was pulled into the story of Maddie immediately. The author gave just enough description to help me imagine her world and the Hog. Then there was Alex... The story is short, and action packed, yet the author managed in so few words to make me fall in love with the human, Alex!! I've pre-ordered book 2 and am looking forward to reading more about Maddie and the strange creatures she has a connection with. Holding thumbs there's also some Alex in there.
March 21, 2018
Man this is not me I don't give 5 stars but I'm amazed at this creation, it's totally beautiful and the narration was perfection ( great story and great performance ) , I want more so much more, this needs to be continued as an Audio series, there is so much more I want to say but I just can't find the words!
Read is my advice for everyone you won't regret it, I promise!!!!
Got this audiobook for free for reviewing.
Read is my advice for everyone you won't regret it, I promise!!!!
Got this audiobook for free for reviewing.
December 10, 2018
These are the third to fifth books I’ve read/listened to by this author and I can’t wait to listen to another. I first listened to Jessica’s Challenge then Dahlia’s Shadow.
All the books in the series are ones I would listen to again.
Maddie is a self-aware NPC. Although she has a difficult time going against her programming, it is possible. Throughout these books, Maddie learns a lot about the truth about herself (one of which I found awkward at first, but then it started to make sense) and the world of Puatera. These books have a story thread separate from the other Puatera books, until near the end when we gets hints how they will merge.
Book 1: Desert Runner
Maddie is a Desert Runner. She accepts high risk retrieval jobs for pay. She’s getting paid well for this job, but soon learns why all other desert runners before her declined this job. Constantly in pain from an old trauma, she has little choice now but to take her unwanted passenger with her, across dangerous Tromal breeding grounds, to his destination to complete this job.
Book 2: Desert Storm
Maddie and Alex learn the food supply usually given to the Tromal is not enough to get them through the birthing season. The local people’s lives are now at risk. After learning more about the Tromal, Maddie gathers the other desert runners in an attempt to gather enough food for them. To add to the troubles, they find a stolen Tromal egg and there is a herd of zombie cattle.
Book 3: Desert Born
Maddie finds out that, after she’s safely delivered Alex to his destination, he’s been beaten up and not completed his quest. Feeling compelled to help, she assisted him on his quest. They soon learn there is little choice but to go back to the desert and search out the Tromal or everything they know shall be threatened.
These are the first to third books I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Andrea Parsneau ) and I would listen to another. She does a great voice for Maddie. In fact, she does all the voices really well. Her narration brings the characters and story to life. The books are great, but her narration is also why I could hardly stop listening until the books were done.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
All the books in the series are ones I would listen to again.
Maddie is a self-aware NPC. Although she has a difficult time going against her programming, it is possible. Throughout these books, Maddie learns a lot about the truth about herself (one of which I found awkward at first, but then it started to make sense) and the world of Puatera. These books have a story thread separate from the other Puatera books, until near the end when we gets hints how they will merge.
Book 1: Desert Runner
Maddie is a Desert Runner. She accepts high risk retrieval jobs for pay. She’s getting paid well for this job, but soon learns why all other desert runners before her declined this job. Constantly in pain from an old trauma, she has little choice now but to take her unwanted passenger with her, across dangerous Tromal breeding grounds, to his destination to complete this job.
Book 2: Desert Storm
Maddie and Alex learn the food supply usually given to the Tromal is not enough to get them through the birthing season. The local people’s lives are now at risk. After learning more about the Tromal, Maddie gathers the other desert runners in an attempt to gather enough food for them. To add to the troubles, they find a stolen Tromal egg and there is a herd of zombie cattle.
Book 3: Desert Born
Maddie finds out that, after she’s safely delivered Alex to his destination, he’s been beaten up and not completed his quest. Feeling compelled to help, she assisted him on his quest. They soon learn there is little choice but to go back to the desert and search out the Tromal or everything they know shall be threatened.
These are the first to third books I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Andrea Parsneau ) and I would listen to another. She does a great voice for Maddie. In fact, she does all the voices really well. Her narration brings the characters and story to life. The books are great, but her narration is also why I could hardly stop listening until the books were done.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
March 1, 2018
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
I listened to ‘The Secret King: Lethao’ some months ago and Dawn Chapman’s talent completely swept me off my feet, so I decided to pay a close attention to anything new that she got released on audio. I am not really into LitRPG, although I have listened to some titles, but I wanted to give ‘Desert Runner’ a try. I am glad that I did, because I really enjoyed it, and it’s just not the typical LitRPG novel. In this case we have a NPC (non-player character) as a main character, with all the issues associated to an NPC: a certain programming that makes he behave in a certain, trapping her in her role withing the LitRPG. Maddie is a desert runner, and the quest this time is transporting a special package across the desert.
I really enjoyed Maddie’s world, but I would have liked to know more about it. For those not really into LitRPG, there is not a lot about it in this novella, so I think it could work well among sci-fi and fantasy fans. The characters are well depicted, and although there are constant reminders about their role as NPC’s, their stories were kind of endearing and felt somehow real. There is a reference to the real world that made me want to know more, so I am definitely listening to the next book in the series.
The length is just over 3 hours, which makes it ideal to listen to it in between longer books. Maybe, due to the fact that some people don’t want to spend a credit on shorter books, it might be a good idea to release the complete series together as an audiobook.
Andrea Parsneau’s narration was perfect for this book, and I think she had the ideal voice and interpreting skills to impersonate Maddie. Not only that, but she gave a unique voice and style to every character, also transmitting the character’s emotions and bringing them to life. She has a very pleasant voice and her diction is clear. The audio productions was spotless.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to ‘The Secret King: Lethao’ some months ago and Dawn Chapman’s talent completely swept me off my feet, so I decided to pay a close attention to anything new that she got released on audio. I am not really into LitRPG, although I have listened to some titles, but I wanted to give ‘Desert Runner’ a try. I am glad that I did, because I really enjoyed it, and it’s just not the typical LitRPG novel. In this case we have a NPC (non-player character) as a main character, with all the issues associated to an NPC: a certain programming that makes he behave in a certain, trapping her in her role withing the LitRPG. Maddie is a desert runner, and the quest this time is transporting a special package across the desert.
I really enjoyed Maddie’s world, but I would have liked to know more about it. For those not really into LitRPG, there is not a lot about it in this novella, so I think it could work well among sci-fi and fantasy fans. The characters are well depicted, and although there are constant reminders about their role as NPC’s, their stories were kind of endearing and felt somehow real. There is a reference to the real world that made me want to know more, so I am definitely listening to the next book in the series.
The length is just over 3 hours, which makes it ideal to listen to it in between longer books. Maybe, due to the fact that some people don’t want to spend a credit on shorter books, it might be a good idea to release the complete series together as an audiobook.
Andrea Parsneau’s narration was perfect for this book, and I think she had the ideal voice and interpreting skills to impersonate Maddie. Not only that, but she gave a unique voice and style to every character, also transmitting the character’s emotions and bringing them to life. She has a very pleasant voice and her diction is clear. The audio productions was spotless.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2018
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a huge fan of RPGs. I love the Elder Scrolls series, the Dragon Age series, Pillars of Eternity, I can go on. Desert Runner is a bit more Fallout than Elder Scrolls. It's set in the world of Puatera Online which I heard was a bit like Mad Max (which I've never seen). In this book, a pretty gritty world with a kind of post-apocalyptic feel which I don't usually see in MMORPGs. This is also the first LitRPG book I've read and definitely not
The book centers around Maddie, an NPC who accepts a quest in exchange for a lot of credits. I've never heard of an NPC taking quests so that was a new one for me. It seemed that in this world, NPCs have some degree of sentience. They are also aware of their "visitors" or players from the real world. The premise is very unique, especially seeing how aware Maddie is of her own programming.
The book is very short, clocking in at around a 100 pages, making it more like a novella. Still, it was pretty tightly paced and focused on the story which makes the world-building feel a bit lacking. The RPG mechanics aren't very well explained besides a health bar and some buffs.
What I enjoyed ultimately, is Maddie herself. She's very aware and tries to fight back against the personality and characteristics the programmers forced on her. Still, even though she does try to fight back, sometimes she simply cannot help it. I wonder if she's actually one of those NPCs who are supposed to be the player character's love interest?
The book is tightly focused on its narrative and the two characters. There is insta-love in this book which was explained as a consequence of Maddie's own nature as an NPC. That was very interesting since the insta-love here actually has a reason as to why it exists.
My main gripe here is that it's so short. It's more like an introduction to the world. Still, as an introduction, it does its job well enough to make me want to read more.
This review can also be found on The Bookworm Daydreamer
I'm a huge fan of RPGs. I love the Elder Scrolls series, the Dragon Age series, Pillars of Eternity, I can go on. Desert Runner is a bit more Fallout than Elder Scrolls. It's set in the world of Puatera Online which I heard was a bit like Mad Max (which I've never seen). In this book, a pretty gritty world with a kind of post-apocalyptic feel which I don't usually see in MMORPGs. This is also the first LitRPG book I've read and definitely not
The book centers around Maddie, an NPC who accepts a quest in exchange for a lot of credits. I've never heard of an NPC taking quests so that was a new one for me. It seemed that in this world, NPCs have some degree of sentience. They are also aware of their "visitors" or players from the real world. The premise is very unique, especially seeing how aware Maddie is of her own programming.
The book is very short, clocking in at around a 100 pages, making it more like a novella. Still, it was pretty tightly paced and focused on the story which makes the world-building feel a bit lacking. The RPG mechanics aren't very well explained besides a health bar and some buffs.
What I enjoyed ultimately, is Maddie herself. She's very aware and tries to fight back against the personality and characteristics the programmers forced on her. Still, even though she does try to fight back, sometimes she simply cannot help it. I wonder if she's actually one of those NPCs who are supposed to be the player character's love interest?
The book is tightly focused on its narrative and the two characters. There is insta-love in this book which was explained as a consequence of Maddie's own nature as an NPC. That was very interesting since the insta-love here actually has a reason as to why it exists.
My main gripe here is that it's so short. It's more like an introduction to the world. Still, as an introduction, it does its job well enough to make me want to read more.
This review can also be found on The Bookworm Daydreamer
February 24, 2018
Desert Runner was an unexpectedly delightful story for me! True confession... I'm not a gamer, and I was surprised to find that this book was a gaming story told from an NPC's perspective... Yes, I know it's right there on the blurb, but most military and gaming acronyms just slide right past me. But, don't get me wrong, I do love the genre. Ready Player One, Push Start to Play, Soda Pop Soldier to name a few... Desert Runner has now joined ranks with those Benchmark stories. The fact that this story is told through a 'self-aware' NPC is wonderful and unique! Andrea Parsneau's narration captures NPC Maddie's character perfectly...
Maddie hates the label NPC, but what can a girl do? It's what gamers call her, and she constantly struggles against that label, and against her programming... There are times when all she can do is accept a dangerous quest, against her better judgement of course, because she really needs the money for day-to-day expenditures and the potions that keep her pain at bay... The quests are normally simple delivery, but it's summer, and it's the breeding season of the Very Monstrous, and Very Hungry, and VERY Dangerous Tromal!
To further complicate matters, this time the package is a Gamer... get the story to find out how it all plays out!
Maddie hates the label NPC, but what can a girl do? It's what gamers call her, and she constantly struggles against that label, and against her programming... There are times when all she can do is accept a dangerous quest, against her better judgement of course, because she really needs the money for day-to-day expenditures and the potions that keep her pain at bay... The quests are normally simple delivery, but it's summer, and it's the breeding season of the Very Monstrous, and Very Hungry, and VERY Dangerous Tromal!
To further complicate matters, this time the package is a Gamer... get the story to find out how it all plays out!
October 28, 2018
Awesome twist on Gamelit/LitRPG
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect on this one. After finishing I can honestly say I’m ready for book 2! I’m not sure why it took me so long to start this series!
This story takes the NPC perspective which is completely refreshing. I’ve been reading so many LitRPG books lately that they were beginning to be repetitive.
The author does a great job of building the MCs backstory, adding some intrigue with the previous injury, and having some fun quirks.
One thing that stood out is how well written the author is. This is definitely not her first book and it shows through well thought out plot/wording choices. The book flowed very naturally which is why I knocked this thing out so quickly. (For me any way)
This is very LitRPG light/more Gamelit, but that is not a bad thing! (Unless you are looking for character sheets and crunchy stats!) the stats she did provide added to the story.
My only complaint is that it was too short! Don’t get me wrong, I am happy that there are additional books, I just wasn’t expecting to finish the first one so quickly!
Just a great read and I’m excited to continue the series!
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect on this one. After finishing I can honestly say I’m ready for book 2! I’m not sure why it took me so long to start this series!
This story takes the NPC perspective which is completely refreshing. I’ve been reading so many LitRPG books lately that they were beginning to be repetitive.
The author does a great job of building the MCs backstory, adding some intrigue with the previous injury, and having some fun quirks.
One thing that stood out is how well written the author is. This is definitely not her first book and it shows through well thought out plot/wording choices. The book flowed very naturally which is why I knocked this thing out so quickly. (For me any way)
This is very LitRPG light/more Gamelit, but that is not a bad thing! (Unless you are looking for character sheets and crunchy stats!) the stats she did provide added to the story.
My only complaint is that it was too short! Don’t get me wrong, I am happy that there are additional books, I just wasn’t expecting to finish the first one so quickly!
Just a great read and I’m excited to continue the series!
December 27, 2017
I love Desert Runner, and Dawn Chapman is a fantastic writer! I think the cover is great and portrays just what kind of book you’re going to get. A strong female main character takes center stage on the cover and in the story. The writing is very strong and well done, and Dawn has a way with a pen that sucks you into the story, wishing for more at the end.
Sci-fi isn’t normally something I pick up, but I’m glad I stumbled onto this book. The characters are well-done, the story moves at a nice pace that keeps you reading, and there is lots of futuristic stuff to plant you firmly into the story.
I love the main character, Maddie. She’s a self-sufficient badass who gets the job done despite her physical pain from past injuries. The story has just the right touches to really bring out the sci-fi elements, making me feel like I was in the future.
This book did it for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read sci-fi with a Mad Max feel. Actually, I recommend this book to everyone. You will fall in love with this author and her writing.
Sci-fi isn’t normally something I pick up, but I’m glad I stumbled onto this book. The characters are well-done, the story moves at a nice pace that keeps you reading, and there is lots of futuristic stuff to plant you firmly into the story.
I love the main character, Maddie. She’s a self-sufficient badass who gets the job done despite her physical pain from past injuries. The story has just the right touches to really bring out the sci-fi elements, making me feel like I was in the future.
This book did it for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read sci-fi with a Mad Max feel. Actually, I recommend this book to everyone. You will fall in love with this author and her writing.
November 28, 2018
I love the cover for this book. And the story didn't disappoint either. The female main character kicks ass and takes names.
I don't know anything about RPG or LitRPG, but I did enjoy the way Dawn set things up with the story. I fell into it easily and couldn't stop reading.
This is a short, fast read that packs a powerful punch. The writing is well done, the characters are good, and the story pulls out the emotions. I love Maggie's spunk and no nonsense approach to everything thrown at her. She is in pain from a past mission and is desperately in need of pain medicine that's hard to get. She is programmed to fall in love with pretty much everyone, and she hates it. Getting sent on a mission to the bad lands isn't something she really wants to do, but she handles it with style and kick-assery.
I think Dawn Chapman did a great job writing this. It's strong with lots of great description and Sci-fi elements.
If you like science fiction and a gamer feel, you'll love this one.
I don't know anything about RPG or LitRPG, but I did enjoy the way Dawn set things up with the story. I fell into it easily and couldn't stop reading.
This is a short, fast read that packs a powerful punch. The writing is well done, the characters are good, and the story pulls out the emotions. I love Maggie's spunk and no nonsense approach to everything thrown at her. She is in pain from a past mission and is desperately in need of pain medicine that's hard to get. She is programmed to fall in love with pretty much everyone, and she hates it. Getting sent on a mission to the bad lands isn't something she really wants to do, but she handles it with style and kick-assery.
I think Dawn Chapman did a great job writing this. It's strong with lots of great description and Sci-fi elements.
If you like science fiction and a gamer feel, you'll love this one.
April 10, 2018
Everybody knew you didn't cross the desert plains when it was Tromoal breeding season, to do so was a death sentence. That didn't stop Maddie though, her old injury was causing her distress, her health slowly decreased, and she needed more potions. If she took this job, a mission to make an important delivery, she could afford what she needed and more, not to mention the bonus of some of the payment transferred upfront so she could prepare. When she reaches Trox city, she soon discovers this delivery is not at all what she expected.
Desert Runner is the first instalment in Dawn Chapman's Puatera Online series. It is a fun read with some good world and character building. With it being from an NPC perspective, something I had not encountered before, there is less 'game talk' but with her own awareness Maddie understands more about this world, and the visitors, than most. It is fun, enjoyable, and I will certainly be I trestles to see where book two takes us.
Desert Runner is the first instalment in Dawn Chapman's Puatera Online series. It is a fun read with some good world and character building. With it being from an NPC perspective, something I had not encountered before, there is less 'game talk' but with her own awareness Maddie understands more about this world, and the visitors, than most. It is fun, enjoyable, and I will certainly be I trestles to see where book two takes us.
October 19, 2019
In this first volume of a new series, we are introduced to Maddie, the Desert Runner. A Desert Runner basically accepts quests to transport a package from one point to another. In return, they receive experience and/or gold. The series is portrayed as a litRPG taking place in a game world. In reality, at least in this first volume, there is very little resembling a litRPG. The mention of a quest and a game world containing monsters is the extent of it. Monsters known as Tromoal, large flying lizard-like beasts resembling dragons, play a major role in the storyline. Maddie’s character is interesting. She is a semi-sentient NPC who has a love-hate association with men due to her NPC code. Maddie’s quest is to deliver an important package from Trox City to Port Troli. Thus begins Maddie’s adventure. Three.point.five. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 20, 2020
Different and Well-Written
If you like reading about a strong female protagonist, this is a good book for it.
In a growing crowd of the gameLit world of books -- with a lot of new talent -- this piqued my interest by not being about some human immersing him- or herself in a virtual world and getting trapped; rather the central character is actually an NPC that is living in a set milieu and breaks free of her programming. I thought it an unusual hook so I tried it.
Indie author Dawn Chapman presents here an intriguing tale that caught my attention and held it. I had a lot of questions when it started, and enough were answered to keep me to learn more. I finished the book in one sitting, and promptly bought the sequel. Recommended.
If you like reading about a strong female protagonist, this is a good book for it.
In a growing crowd of the gameLit world of books -- with a lot of new talent -- this piqued my interest by not being about some human immersing him- or herself in a virtual world and getting trapped; rather the central character is actually an NPC that is living in a set milieu and breaks free of her programming. I thought it an unusual hook so I tried it.
Indie author Dawn Chapman presents here an intriguing tale that caught my attention and held it. I had a lot of questions when it started, and enough were answered to keep me to learn more. I finished the book in one sitting, and promptly bought the sequel. Recommended.
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