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Pangea Online #1
Death and Axes
Everything has a price. Pangea Online is no different.
Esil has spent the past year toiling in the mines of Pangea while the more wealthy traverse its myriad of gameworlds. His luck changes forever when he stumbles upon a legendary Developer's Chest, containing an invaluable Worldpass, which grants him unlimited travel to all gameworlds.
Now, Esil isn’t just stuck watching as others explore Pangea. He can finally level up.
But his in-game actions have real world consequences and failure online threatens everything he holds dear.
Esil has spent the past year toiling in the mines of Pangea while the more wealthy traverse its myriad of gameworlds. His luck changes forever when he stumbles upon a legendary Developer's Chest, containing an invaluable Worldpass, which grants him unlimited travel to all gameworlds.
Now, Esil isn’t just stuck watching as others explore Pangea. He can finally level up.
But his in-game actions have real world consequences and failure online threatens everything he holds dear.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2018
339 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Rowland
20 books536 followersS.L. Rowland is a cozy fantasy and LitRPG author known for crafting immersive worlds filled with adventure, heart, and a touch of humor. A lifelong gamer and fantasy enthusiast, he draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs, video games, and the fantastical. When he’s not writing, he enjoys weightlifting, hiking with his Shiba Inu, and enduring the heartbreak of being an Atlanta sports fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 23, 2018
Cheap imitation of Ready Player One
There is absolutely nothing original here. The author seems to have tried to capitalize on the RPO fame, by creating an almost exact copy. The boy is poor, lives in housing the same as the stacks, too poor to travel the virtual game, the virtual world is bigger, better than the real one. There is a girl who he is infatuated with after watching all her streamcasts. The game announces a contest....blah blah blah. I read to discover new worlds. I think the 5 star reviews you see here are likely friends and family of the author. There is no way anyone can read this and not see the blatant copycat writing of the author. Its almost bordering on plagiarism.
There is absolutely nothing original here. The author seems to have tried to capitalize on the RPO fame, by creating an almost exact copy. The boy is poor, lives in housing the same as the stacks, too poor to travel the virtual game, the virtual world is bigger, better than the real one. There is a girl who he is infatuated with after watching all her streamcasts. The game announces a contest....blah blah blah. I read to discover new worlds. I think the 5 star reviews you see here are likely friends and family of the author. There is no way anyone can read this and not see the blatant copycat writing of the author. Its almost bordering on plagiarism.
May 4, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the universe it set in. Here, you have a futuristic world where the real world went to shit and the air is no longer breathable and everyone spends an insane amount of time within VR. But it isn't the typical "latest VR technology" or "latest mmorpg out there". No. Pangea comes off as being the ONLY VR option, and instead of having one world with one game, with one type of lore. You have portals to different type of worlds. You have educational portals, and portals to mythological world and pirate worlds and fps worlds so you can go anywhere and be whoever you want. The only limiting thing is: Everyone is locked to experience gains and stats. Everyone levels up.
There are things I'd complain about. The MC is lucky, very very lucky. And he's nice, too nice. And that's it. There is no grand outsmarting anything, or grand new tactics. It's just an average joe who got lucky and seem a little more stubborn than most.
Nobody is as nice as this guy, is my thought. But it was an enjoyable adventure. One who saw multiple worlds, cleared quests way outside his level, stumbled into lucky finds and maybe made some friends and enemies along the way.
There are things I'd complain about. The MC is lucky, very very lucky. And he's nice, too nice. And that's it. There is no grand outsmarting anything, or grand new tactics. It's just an average joe who got lucky and seem a little more stubborn than most.
Nobody is as nice as this guy, is my thought. But it was an enjoyable adventure. One who saw multiple worlds, cleared quests way outside his level, stumbled into lucky finds and maybe made some friends and enemies along the way.
August 31, 2018
“Pangea Online” is the first piece in the newly created “Death and Axes” series which I believe is the initial work from author S. L. Rowland on Audible at the time of this review. The audiobook is rightly classified as a LitRPG Novel, Literary Role-Playing Game, which often follows one or more characters as they travel and level up in a virtual world. Even though the book has much of what I have come to expect from this type of literature, there are enough differences to hook and bring you into the story. Another thing that sets it apart from many others I have listened is it use of two narrators instead of one. We have a male performing the male characters and a female voicing the female ones. And for me, it really worked well. I want to make note that audiobook produced by Soundbooth Theater guarantees one will receive the highest level of quality performances and audio out there. I have always been a big fan of Jeff Hays and his production work even when he is not directly narrating the book himself. If you enjoy LitRPG books, I would say this is one you may want to pick up. It has a deep and engaging storyline and it seems to flow quite well from its beginning to end. Be aware, this is the first audiobook in a series and the only one currently available. I look forward to more coming from this author in the future.
Let me say from the start that this audiobook is not the best and by no means was it the worst. It really fell in the middle for me by keeping me engaged along the way. The writing was a bit more a “Young Adult” (YA) style than I prefer, yet the story and narration helped me overcome that preference and enjoy the journey. Some of the language used by the characters felt childish and crude at times, yet the book tried to keep thing centered. As with most LitRPG stories, we have a young man who was orphaned, has limited social skills, and uses gaming to alleviate the pains of the real world. It felt like a coming of age, romance, and LitRPG all mixed into one; and that is not a bad thing. You have a low-class miner who is quite interested in being liked by a game-world princess along with a band of others.
The main driving force for our characters is to win a contest and utilize the prize money to cure a very sick person. Even though this is the main plot, there are many twists and turns the books takes along the way; much like side quests in a video game. There is bonding between the party, periods of highly emotional points, and just plain fun and adventure. The listener is also granted some character flashbacks providing good information on why our characters act the way they do. What I found funny was that even in this new and different world, one cannot escape the ever-present world of sponsorship and advertising. All of this on top of an organization saying “Keep on leveling” to drive people on while holding them in the game.
As with many fantasy books, you are presented with your normal trope of characters such as Goblins, Liches, dwarfs, and rainbow unicorns. You will also see some of the standard roles or classes such as miners, rogues, royalty, etc. Yet, the author did not simply stick to the norms of a fantasy world, nope. He instead blended many of the elements, so the characters could experience them together. There were a few special times when the characters met out of world and each was quite different from one’s in-game persona. I liked the use of various pets such as owls, wolves, and bears. Each had its strengths and weakness like one would expect from a role-playing game. I thought many of the spells or magic felt new and different from other books. Overall the book felt well thought out and that it always had a direction to progress towards.
If you have listened to other books in the genre, you will be familiar with the stats, inventory, skills, and quests found in this book. Yet, this book does a good job of dropping hints about the dystopian real world the characters must survive in. The author does a decent job of letting the listener see the gloomy and cruel world these characters must face when outside of the game. I really liked that, as the title suggests from Pangea, the characters had a plethora of worlds which they could enter and explore. This also makes for a great way of making more books as the listener is often only given a slight glimpse into some of the non-fantasy (steampunk, mythology, etc.) environments. This provides the author with nearly limitless direction they can go in future books from the series.
The quality of both the narrators and the audio production are what we have come to expect from Soundbooth Theater. Both of the narrators expressed great passion, excitement, and enthusiasm while reading their portion of the book. There was also a good use of sound effects enhancing the book, but not overly used so they ever become annoying. I liked having the two different narrators as this helped make the book feel more like a play or movie. There were no noticeable audio artifacts or issues with the book’s audio that I can recall. For the audiobook purist, there is one spot, nearer the end of the book where a sentence is repeated. Just a slight editing overlook, yet the rest of the book is flawlessly narrated.
For parents and younger readers, this book does contain both vulgar and crude language at times. There are some points involving sexual topics or subject matter which may not be appropriate for all audiences. The book has characters using alcohol along with a few pieces of graphic violence, but it is nothing that would be considered excessive. If any of the above items are offensive to you, I recommend you find a different series to enjoy.
In summary, for an author’s first published audiobook, I enjoyed the journey and I think you will too. I hope the same narrators will perform the series of books as this appears to keep things joined. Additionally, I would like to see some more complex writing in future books, but this often comes over time with experience. If you are looking for a new LitRPG series to jump into, this one is a good one to start with.
Let me say from the start that this audiobook is not the best and by no means was it the worst. It really fell in the middle for me by keeping me engaged along the way. The writing was a bit more a “Young Adult” (YA) style than I prefer, yet the story and narration helped me overcome that preference and enjoy the journey. Some of the language used by the characters felt childish and crude at times, yet the book tried to keep thing centered. As with most LitRPG stories, we have a young man who was orphaned, has limited social skills, and uses gaming to alleviate the pains of the real world. It felt like a coming of age, romance, and LitRPG all mixed into one; and that is not a bad thing. You have a low-class miner who is quite interested in being liked by a game-world princess along with a band of others.
The main driving force for our characters is to win a contest and utilize the prize money to cure a very sick person. Even though this is the main plot, there are many twists and turns the books takes along the way; much like side quests in a video game. There is bonding between the party, periods of highly emotional points, and just plain fun and adventure. The listener is also granted some character flashbacks providing good information on why our characters act the way they do. What I found funny was that even in this new and different world, one cannot escape the ever-present world of sponsorship and advertising. All of this on top of an organization saying “Keep on leveling” to drive people on while holding them in the game.
As with many fantasy books, you are presented with your normal trope of characters such as Goblins, Liches, dwarfs, and rainbow unicorns. You will also see some of the standard roles or classes such as miners, rogues, royalty, etc. Yet, the author did not simply stick to the norms of a fantasy world, nope. He instead blended many of the elements, so the characters could experience them together. There were a few special times when the characters met out of world and each was quite different from one’s in-game persona. I liked the use of various pets such as owls, wolves, and bears. Each had its strengths and weakness like one would expect from a role-playing game. I thought many of the spells or magic felt new and different from other books. Overall the book felt well thought out and that it always had a direction to progress towards.
If you have listened to other books in the genre, you will be familiar with the stats, inventory, skills, and quests found in this book. Yet, this book does a good job of dropping hints about the dystopian real world the characters must survive in. The author does a decent job of letting the listener see the gloomy and cruel world these characters must face when outside of the game. I really liked that, as the title suggests from Pangea, the characters had a plethora of worlds which they could enter and explore. This also makes for a great way of making more books as the listener is often only given a slight glimpse into some of the non-fantasy (steampunk, mythology, etc.) environments. This provides the author with nearly limitless direction they can go in future books from the series.
The quality of both the narrators and the audio production are what we have come to expect from Soundbooth Theater. Both of the narrators expressed great passion, excitement, and enthusiasm while reading their portion of the book. There was also a good use of sound effects enhancing the book, but not overly used so they ever become annoying. I liked having the two different narrators as this helped make the book feel more like a play or movie. There were no noticeable audio artifacts or issues with the book’s audio that I can recall. For the audiobook purist, there is one spot, nearer the end of the book where a sentence is repeated. Just a slight editing overlook, yet the rest of the book is flawlessly narrated.
For parents and younger readers, this book does contain both vulgar and crude language at times. There are some points involving sexual topics or subject matter which may not be appropriate for all audiences. The book has characters using alcohol along with a few pieces of graphic violence, but it is nothing that would be considered excessive. If any of the above items are offensive to you, I recommend you find a different series to enjoy.
In summary, for an author’s first published audiobook, I enjoyed the journey and I think you will too. I hope the same narrators will perform the series of books as this appears to keep things joined. Additionally, I would like to see some more complex writing in future books, but this often comes over time with experience. If you are looking for a new LitRPG series to jump into, this one is a good one to start with.
October 16, 2018
Out of all the lit!RPGs I have read so far. This felt the most inspired
by Ready Player One minus the obvious pop-culture references.
It also felt like it got pulled from Sword Art Online as well.
Which basically describes this story as very derivative for me.
It was enjoyable but not exactly something memorable in terms
of anything new in storyline. Even the MC was kind of forgettable over all.
Slightly bit bothered about how a very prominent and powerful female
Elven Princess character who was supposed to be leading in the streaming
community in-world falls head over heels being all helpless once the under-leveled
MC comes to meet her. And she gets all needy over him when in truth she could
probably have cleaned out the game by herself.
I dunno. It's a pretty decent read when you're bored but otherwise there's better
books out there. Might give the 2nd book a try when I get bored enough to see what
happens next.
by Ready Player One minus the obvious pop-culture references.
It also felt like it got pulled from Sword Art Online as well.
Which basically describes this story as very derivative for me.
It was enjoyable but not exactly something memorable in terms
of anything new in storyline. Even the MC was kind of forgettable over all.
Slightly bit bothered about how a very prominent and powerful female
Elven Princess character who was supposed to be leading in the streaming
community in-world falls head over heels being all helpless once the under-leveled
MC comes to meet her. And she gets all needy over him when in truth she could
probably have cleaned out the game by herself.
I dunno. It's a pretty decent read when you're bored but otherwise there's better
books out there. Might give the 2nd book a try when I get bored enough to see what
happens next.
March 20, 2018
Oh I liked this one..
I should be asleep but alas this was far too good to put down.. I almost didn't read this, but another book I started was too serious for me to continue and I'm glad I did. I was turned off by the less than stellar reviews but as usual I can't really judge a book by what others think.
I love the underdog, or at least a good rags to riches story.. I know these tropes are overdone in LitRPG, but I can't help but enjoy them.
All in all the story & characters really made an impression on me and near the end some tears even made an appearance.. I most certainly look forward to the next book in this series.
I should be asleep but alas this was far too good to put down.. I almost didn't read this, but another book I started was too serious for me to continue and I'm glad I did. I was turned off by the less than stellar reviews but as usual I can't really judge a book by what others think.
I love the underdog, or at least a good rags to riches story.. I know these tropes are overdone in LitRPG, but I can't help but enjoy them.
All in all the story & characters really made an impression on me and near the end some tears even made an appearance.. I most certainly look forward to the next book in this series.
October 18, 2017
That was fun!
In the last few years, I've enjoyed a number of litRPG. Some are a bit formulaic, many are quite good. In some ways, they remind me of my mom's 50s sci fi I loved as a teen. Pangea online is a bit different, transcending some of the more common elements of some books. I thought out was well written and of there are more of these coming, I look forward to them. If you like litRPG, but this one. I really think you'll like it.
In the last few years, I've enjoyed a number of litRPG. Some are a bit formulaic, many are quite good. In some ways, they remind me of my mom's 50s sci fi I loved as a teen. Pangea online is a bit different, transcending some of the more common elements of some books. I thought out was well written and of there are more of these coming, I look forward to them. If you like litRPG, but this one. I really think you'll like it.
March 7, 2018
Good read
I really liked reading this book. Most likely because I also play RPG games...
The characters are well written and you get the feeling that you know people like then.
The only down side is the ending is very abrupt
I really liked reading this book. Most likely because I also play RPG games...
The characters are well written and you get the feeling that you know people like then.
The only down side is the ending is very abrupt
September 20, 2018
Pretty Entertaining
This book was pretty entertaining, though you can definitely see some huge influences from Ready Player One and Harry Potter... I would have loved more stats in a litRPG book but I was never bored reading it.
This book was pretty entertaining, though you can definitely see some huge influences from Ready Player One and Harry Potter... I would have loved more stats in a litRPG book but I was never bored reading it.
November 3, 2021
Perfect Mary Sue luckily stumbles through an adventure, everyone loves him, he meets the girl and she immediately loves him, and everything is wonderful.
Unfortunately the writing style also doesn't help the book either.
I was hoping for a fun, light adventure rooting for an underdog (and yes, this story is very "similar" to Ready Player One- though fortunately not drowning in pop culture references).
Sadly, there's no actual drama. Everything just works out. Main character gets lucky and finds a treasure that lets him travel. He finds a girl he saw online and everyone immediately loves him. His basically noob character manages to repeatedly save the day and win at anything he wants. Even when his character dies there's no impact (even for a litrpg).
I ended up skimming several of the battle sequences just to see how the plot went.
I picked up the first book as part of an omnibus trilogy, but I am not going to bother to even try book 2.
Unfortunately the writing style also doesn't help the book either.
I was hoping for a fun, light adventure rooting for an underdog (and yes, this story is very "similar" to Ready Player One- though fortunately not drowning in pop culture references).
Sadly, there's no actual drama. Everything just works out. Main character gets lucky and finds a treasure that lets him travel. He finds a girl he saw online and everyone immediately loves him. His basically noob character manages to repeatedly save the day and win at anything he wants. Even when his character dies there's no impact (even for a litrpg).
I ended up skimming several of the battle sequences just to see how the plot went.
I picked up the first book as part of an omnibus trilogy, but I am not going to bother to even try book 2.
July 11, 2025
Esil is a miner in the world of Pangea Online, where everything has a price. The more wealthy traverse all over the gameworlds while the less fortunate mine data instead of questing and adventuring. Esil, an orphan with only one good friend that he only knows from the mines, strikes metaphorical gold when he discovers a legendary Developer’s Chest.
Containing a Worldpass that grants him unlimited travel to all the gameworlds is a priceless reward, and one that sets Esil on a path that will turn his life upside down. Now instead of just watching streamers playing throughout Pangea, Esil himself can explore and level up. But his in-game actions have real world consequences, where failure online means risk to everything he holds dear.
This is the first of the books in the Pangea Online series by S.L. Rowland. Yes, many people have compared it to Ready Player One, but honestly there are a hundred similar books out there if you go looking for other LitRPGs. Many movies and books have played on these themes, and I don’t judge the book over it. I am basing my review on enjoyment and how well it accomplished the story itself.
Death and Axes did not disappoint, but it isn’t without its flaws. I listened to the audio version, narrated by Justin Thomas James and Catherine Winkel and the pair did a great job of differentiating the various characters' voices. The background music and sound effects complemented the narration, and it was overall very enjoyable listening. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if I’d read the physical/digital copy, however.
The story is centered around Esil and the friends he meets as he gains levels and prestige in Pangea. The vivid imagery and creative weaving of lives that I loved about S.L. Rowland’s Legend & Lattes is present. The depth of character for some of the main supporting characters felt shallow, including the main “love” interest. I wished that Buzz and Grayson had more page time over some of the dwarves and Aleesia. I also wasn’t fond of how people just accepted that life in the mines was normal. The classism in the book (which is a plot point, I know) could have been more effective if it wasn’t only Esil making a deal about it, I think.
Overall, a solid book that has ample room to grow into something great in the next two books. It got a higher rating because I really enjoyed listening to it.
Content Warnings:
Major - Fantasy Violence
Moderate - Classism
Minor - Terminal illness
Containing a Worldpass that grants him unlimited travel to all the gameworlds is a priceless reward, and one that sets Esil on a path that will turn his life upside down. Now instead of just watching streamers playing throughout Pangea, Esil himself can explore and level up. But his in-game actions have real world consequences, where failure online means risk to everything he holds dear.
This is the first of the books in the Pangea Online series by S.L. Rowland. Yes, many people have compared it to Ready Player One, but honestly there are a hundred similar books out there if you go looking for other LitRPGs. Many movies and books have played on these themes, and I don’t judge the book over it. I am basing my review on enjoyment and how well it accomplished the story itself.
Death and Axes did not disappoint, but it isn’t without its flaws. I listened to the audio version, narrated by Justin Thomas James and Catherine Winkel and the pair did a great job of differentiating the various characters' voices. The background music and sound effects complemented the narration, and it was overall very enjoyable listening. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if I’d read the physical/digital copy, however.
The story is centered around Esil and the friends he meets as he gains levels and prestige in Pangea. The vivid imagery and creative weaving of lives that I loved about S.L. Rowland’s Legend & Lattes is present. The depth of character for some of the main supporting characters felt shallow, including the main “love” interest. I wished that Buzz and Grayson had more page time over some of the dwarves and Aleesia. I also wasn’t fond of how people just accepted that life in the mines was normal. The classism in the book (which is a plot point, I know) could have been more effective if it wasn’t only Esil making a deal about it, I think.
Overall, a solid book that has ample room to grow into something great in the next two books. It got a higher rating because I really enjoyed listening to it.
Content Warnings:
Major - Fantasy Violence
Moderate - Classism
Minor - Terminal illness
August 5, 2018
Esil only knew life in the boxes and the mine. Data mining was the way the poor earned a roof over their head, someone had to do it, and it kept them fed and housed. He slaves away beside Buzz, a friend in the same situation living with his dying mother. There was a cure, but it cost more than a miner could dream of seeing. Then came the competition. The prize money would cover her treatment, but the likes of them had no chance of entering. They couldn't explore worlds, they could only mine. That was, until Esil struck it lucky. With one swing of his axe he uncovers something never heard of in the mines, a developers chest,, and it gives him just the opportunity to see the worlds and maybe even save Buzz's mum. Join him as he embarks on the ultimate quest.
Pangea Online: Death and Axes by S.L. Rowland is a gripping edition to the litrpg genre. There is a great balance of game mechanics, character development, worlds building and plots. It is a fun read that will keep you entertained, from quests to the competition events. It guarantees to please. With action, adventure, secrets, danger, and high stakes, lovers of this genre and bound to enjoy this well written with style and flair. I will certainly be adding book two to my future to read list.
Pangea Online: Death and Axes by S.L. Rowland is a gripping edition to the litrpg genre. There is a great balance of game mechanics, character development, worlds building and plots. It is a fun read that will keep you entertained, from quests to the competition events. It guarantees to please. With action, adventure, secrets, danger, and high stakes, lovers of this genre and bound to enjoy this well written with style and flair. I will certainly be adding book two to my future to read list.
February 23, 2025
This first-person story's protagonist begins the book as a "data miner", which involves swinging a pick in a virtual world for a place to sleep and food to eat. Which might be the silliest conceit I've ever seen in a LitRPG book. He's an orphan (of course) and his best friend has a sick mother. The mother has a condition that can only be treated by spending more money than any ordinary person would see in his life. And in the course of "data mining", he finds something that will allow him to succeed in the entertainment part of the virtual world he inhabits.
And of course, the real world has been wrecked by some sort of apocalyptic war, so people can only leave their habitation cubicles with filter masks and environment suits..
During the course of the book, the protagonist .
There's nothing vaguely new here. But what saves the book for me is that the characters are likable and the rote plot is pretty well written. Don't get this for novelty; there is none. But if you're looking for something with more of a cozy feel, it might work well. I'll be continuing the series.
And of course, the real world has been wrecked by some sort of apocalyptic war, so people can only leave their habitation cubicles with filter masks and environment suits..
During the course of the book, the protagonist .
There's nothing vaguely new here. But what saves the book for me is that the characters are likable and the rote plot is pretty well written. Don't get this for novelty; there is none. But if you're looking for something with more of a cozy feel, it might work well. I'll be continuing the series.
July 19, 2019
Pangea Online takes place in post war America. The poor people live in "boxes" sponsored by the owners of the game, mining data in the single world available for them to log into. Esil's luck changes when he finds a developer's chest with a pass allowing him unlimited access to the game's many worlds, just in time for a new tournament with a prize he desperately needs.
This is a solid LitRPG with many elements taken from Ready Player One and Harry Potter. It felt familiar, yet still unique. I especially enjoyed Esil's character, who is a steady guy you can't help but like. I prefer my LitRPG light on the stats and heavy on the character development and world building, and I really enjoyed some of the worlds Esil visited in game. If you're looking for an introduction to the genre, or a book for a young teen, this would be a good choice.
The narration was well done, with a separate female narrator for the female characters which was seamless. The main narrator had a great range of voices and his voice for Esil was spot on. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a solid LitRPG with many elements taken from Ready Player One and Harry Potter. It felt familiar, yet still unique. I especially enjoyed Esil's character, who is a steady guy you can't help but like. I prefer my LitRPG light on the stats and heavy on the character development and world building, and I really enjoyed some of the worlds Esil visited in game. If you're looking for an introduction to the genre, or a book for a young teen, this would be a good choice.
The narration was well done, with a separate female narrator for the female characters which was seamless. The main narrator had a great range of voices and his voice for Esil was spot on. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Esil is an 18 year old kid living alone in The Boxes. By day he works in the mines of a VR world; data mining. By night he peddles his static bike to power his home and eats mass produced gruel.
One day, Esil finds a developers chest and upon opening it a whole new adventure begins.
Esil goes out of his way to be the nice guy. He undertakes arduous tasks for the mother of his best friend, even though they've never met. He falls in love with the famous princess. It's all so predictable.
In fact, that's the main complaint I have about this book. It had no depth and no surprises. The whole plot was obvious from the start. It read like a teenager had written it for a high school assignment. No real character growth. No nuance. A lucky kid wins a tournament and gets to date the Princess. Yawn.
Despite my gripes, I stuck with it and enjoyed the simplicity of the story for what it was. The leveling system was cool and the means of leveling and spell collection was good too. Will it read the rest in the series? No, this story just didn't grab me and I have little interest in following Esil further.
Found it lacking - 2 stars
One day, Esil finds a developers chest and upon opening it a whole new adventure begins.
Esil goes out of his way to be the nice guy. He undertakes arduous tasks for the mother of his best friend, even though they've never met. He falls in love with the famous princess. It's all so predictable.
In fact, that's the main complaint I have about this book. It had no depth and no surprises. The whole plot was obvious from the start. It read like a teenager had written it for a high school assignment. No real character growth. No nuance. A lucky kid wins a tournament and gets to date the Princess. Yawn.
Despite my gripes, I stuck with it and enjoyed the simplicity of the story for what it was. The leveling system was cool and the means of leveling and spell collection was good too. Will it read the rest in the series? No, this story just didn't grab me and I have little interest in following Esil further.
Found it lacking - 2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2023
4.0-4.25 stars. This was a very easy listen. So much of of litrpg is not all that great, or has very poor female characters, or uses things like assault as character building. This book felt like a cross between ready player one and one of the many fantasy inspired litrpg books. The world and leveling is robust but easy to follow. I would almost call this cozy litrpg, kind of how Becky Chambers writes cozy sci-fi. There were huge stakes in the game for Esil but even though you could see stuff coming a mile away it was nice to have an easy going wish fulfillment story without the 9000 hurdles to overcome. It is a little schmaltzy at the end with him winning and Buzz and his mom, and the job offer and the confirming his identity but sometimes that is ok.
The side characters were fun too. Buzz is a good friend character written the way you'd expect him to be. I enjoyed the "mystery" with Grayson and how he ended up being even more than what you might have thought. His tragic backstory made him a little deeper character than I initially thought he'd be.
Aleesia as mentioned is fairly well written for a male author or at least not poorly written like most women in litrpg it seems. I also enjoyed the dwarves (can't remember names of hand, Orden???Plink???) that stuck around and became friends with Esil.
Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to continuing the series.
The side characters were fun too. Buzz is a good friend character written the way you'd expect him to be. I enjoyed the "mystery" with Grayson and how he ended up being even more than what you might have thought. His tragic backstory made him a little deeper character than I initially thought he'd be.
Aleesia as mentioned is fairly well written for a male author or at least not poorly written like most women in litrpg it seems. I also enjoyed the dwarves (can't remember names of hand, Orden???Plink???) that stuck around and became friends with Esil.
Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to continuing the series.
May 28, 2025
“I have a thought. It shouldn’t be possible, but I don’t see any other way.
‘Little girl?’
‘Yes?’ Her face is innocent. It makes what I’m about to ask even more preposterous.
‘Can you shoot a gun?’”
—
“Five hundred gold is a lot of money. And an alliance with the dark. No doubt he would teach me spells and abilities that could really take my game to the next level. But where is the honor in that? Just because we are in a game doesn’t mean I can abandon everything I believe in. What do I have if not my honor?”
2.5 stars. As others have pointed out, it’s a knock-off Ready Player One, but I knew that going in, and it’s a serviceable knock-off. Rowland focuses more on the gameplay aspects, which is fun. The combat scenes are short and sweet, and the plot is very quick. It was extremely fun and I tore through this in three days.
There is, however, a significant flaw. This book makes quite a few apologies and allowances for rich people and the developers of the game, who care so little about the poor masses of this world that they keep them underpaid and overworked just to keep them busy. And the work they do isn’t even important, or at least is implied not to be.
I’m interested to see where this goes. The series is definitely not beyond saving, but it needs some work for sure.
‘Little girl?’
‘Yes?’ Her face is innocent. It makes what I’m about to ask even more preposterous.
‘Can you shoot a gun?’”
—
“Five hundred gold is a lot of money. And an alliance with the dark. No doubt he would teach me spells and abilities that could really take my game to the next level. But where is the honor in that? Just because we are in a game doesn’t mean I can abandon everything I believe in. What do I have if not my honor?”
2.5 stars. As others have pointed out, it’s a knock-off Ready Player One, but I knew that going in, and it’s a serviceable knock-off. Rowland focuses more on the gameplay aspects, which is fun. The combat scenes are short and sweet, and the plot is very quick. It was extremely fun and I tore through this in three days.
There is, however, a significant flaw. This book makes quite a few apologies and allowances for rich people and the developers of the game, who care so little about the poor masses of this world that they keep them underpaid and overworked just to keep them busy. And the work they do isn’t even important, or at least is implied not to be.
I’m interested to see where this goes. The series is definitely not beyond saving, but it needs some work for sure.
April 27, 2018
This is a cool arrangement with the gaming world. People work in the game. But sometimes the game gives something special back. Esil is one of those fortunate enough to find it.
The first chapter mentions what Esil will work for through the book. I wasn't sure if it was a strong motivator in the book, but the more I got to know Esil the more I realized what a great person he is. And the drive to help works extremely well for him. Esil is a nice person. I like what he brings out in those around him. By helping others, he creates great friendships. He doesn't ask for anything in return, he's just an honest and kind person. This is the kind of person you like to see improve in life.
Esil surrounds himself with great people who feel the same in return. Buzz, Grayson, and Aleesia and her band of dwarves. All are great and kind to him, even if they have similar or different stations in life.
The story is a gentle one as we go. It's Esil meeting people and getting to know them along with learning how things go in learning to play quests in Pangea.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
The first chapter mentions what Esil will work for through the book. I wasn't sure if it was a strong motivator in the book, but the more I got to know Esil the more I realized what a great person he is. And the drive to help works extremely well for him. Esil is a nice person. I like what he brings out in those around him. By helping others, he creates great friendships. He doesn't ask for anything in return, he's just an honest and kind person. This is the kind of person you like to see improve in life.
Esil surrounds himself with great people who feel the same in return. Buzz, Grayson, and Aleesia and her band of dwarves. All are great and kind to him, even if they have similar or different stations in life.
The story is a gentle one as we go. It's Esil meeting people and getting to know them along with learning how things go in learning to play quests in Pangea.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
January 23, 2022
fast and awesome.
Dang this was a fun book. A short one, yes, but he made every word count. I was amazed how much the story felt well-built and the characters had time to evolve at such a fast pace.
The world building in this book is not extremely innovative, but it has a fresh spin on world building in the genre. The boxes people live in was an interesting idea, and I liked the realism feel from it, like from the fact they need to power the cube by riding a bicycle. The game worlds are endless but the authors do a good job handling the leveling and traveling from one to one.
The MC is well written and very believable. He does stuff I don’t necessarily agree with, but I do understand why HE would act like that.
The only thing that felt off in this story is the love story with the "princess" but it's such a small part of the book it did not bother me that much. It felt forced and unlikely, but again, not a big enough part of the story to really bother.
5/5 highly recommend it when you are in the mood for light but good reading.
Dang this was a fun book. A short one, yes, but he made every word count. I was amazed how much the story felt well-built and the characters had time to evolve at such a fast pace.
The world building in this book is not extremely innovative, but it has a fresh spin on world building in the genre. The boxes people live in was an interesting idea, and I liked the realism feel from it, like from the fact they need to power the cube by riding a bicycle. The game worlds are endless but the authors do a good job handling the leveling and traveling from one to one.
The MC is well written and very believable. He does stuff I don’t necessarily agree with, but I do understand why HE would act like that.
The only thing that felt off in this story is the love story with the "princess" but it's such a small part of the book it did not bother me that much. It felt forced and unlikely, but again, not a big enough part of the story to really bother.
5/5 highly recommend it when you are in the mood for light but good reading.
July 11, 2019
While Pangea Online (2 books) isn't particularly original (lots of Ready Player One influence) or mind-bending, it's a pleasant read that's a bit more fun than the author's other Troll books. Young kid with economic hardship finds a secret trove that allows him to enter the world of the middle- and upper-class and "pass" while playing a vast, creative, multiverse of a game world. The first book is the better of the two as the second tries too hard to be politically-minded instead of letting the audience draw its own conclusions.
Not sure I'd read a third and also not sure whether the author even wants to continue this series but there is talent on display. I hope between these and the troll books that we're leading somewhere that will take the charm and world building to someplace with a little more human story that resonates beyond political tropes. I don't plan on following up on this series or the troll one but I am keeping my eye on the author, who shows promise.
Not sure I'd read a third and also not sure whether the author even wants to continue this series but there is talent on display. I hope between these and the troll books that we're leading somewhere that will take the charm and world building to someplace with a little more human story that resonates beyond political tropes. I don't plan on following up on this series or the troll one but I am keeping my eye on the author, who shows promise.
January 23, 2022
Esil is an orphan is a post nuclear war world. Most of the people spend as much of their life as they can in the online game called Pangea Online. This is not just one game, but hundreds of different worlds. Some fantasy, some sports, just about anything. Game currency is the most stable form of world currency. Sadly, as Esil is a poor ward of the state, his world consists of a small drab room and only access to a mine where he mined away at the virtual coal. Then, one day every thing changed.
I really like the variety that this game/world provides. One chapter, Esil is deep in a coal mine, the next he is in snow capped mountains. The characters are very well developed. A huge benefit is that there is a male and female narrator if you prefer audible. Spoiler: one of my favorite aspects is that the bug in the game is actually patched once it’s found. Imagine that!
Content warning: none
I really like the variety that this game/world provides. One chapter, Esil is deep in a coal mine, the next he is in snow capped mountains. The characters are very well developed. A huge benefit is that there is a male and female narrator if you prefer audible. Spoiler: one of my favorite aspects is that the bug in the game is actually patched once it’s found. Imagine that!
Content warning: none
March 3, 2021
A Wounded Orphaned Boy Grows To Become A Heroic Man. No! It's Not "Alexander Hamilton!"
This is an excellent LitRPG novel. The VRMMORPG in this book is less evolved than in most other LitRPG books I've read, to date. The senses of taste and smell are not yet integrated into the VR environment for Pangaea Online, but this is of little import to the plot and action of the story. And is of even less import to the subplot of the story which is arguably the most intriguing part of the book. That subplot is the mystery of Esil himself. Why has he no memory of his life before he awoke in an orphanage ? Where did he come from? Does he have any living family? If so, where? Questions which seldom occur to Esil until he finds a treasure chest in the Data Mine where he works which sets his feet on the path to adventure and discovery.
This is an excellent LitRPG novel. The VRMMORPG in this book is less evolved than in most other LitRPG books I've read, to date. The senses of taste and smell are not yet integrated into the VR environment for Pangaea Online, but this is of little import to the plot and action of the story. And is of even less import to the subplot of the story which is arguably the most intriguing part of the book. That subplot is the mystery of Esil himself. Why has he no memory of his life before he awoke in an orphanage ? Where did he come from? Does he have any living family? If so, where? Questions which seldom occur to Esil until he finds a treasure chest in the Data Mine where he works which sets his feet on the path to adventure and discovery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
I could be critical of this book like other reviewers but I’m not going to do that. Because at the end of the day, this was cute and fun and I even teared up at the end.
This is a book I could see myself giving to a young boy who doesn’t really like reading but loves video games. It’s a book that is not overly complicated but is extremely compelling nonetheless. It has all the nostalgia of running MMORPG’s back when I was younger. And I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I love Esil. He’s such a sweet boy; I just want to give him the biggest hug ever. And I like his kind of blunt attitude toward things. “I just wanted to go to sleep.” 😂😂 He doesn’t complicate the world. He just lives it. It’s endearing!
I’d recommend this is to a younger audience in a heartbeat but even as an adult reader, I really enjoyed it!
This is a book I could see myself giving to a young boy who doesn’t really like reading but loves video games. It’s a book that is not overly complicated but is extremely compelling nonetheless. It has all the nostalgia of running MMORPG’s back when I was younger. And I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I love Esil. He’s such a sweet boy; I just want to give him the biggest hug ever. And I like his kind of blunt attitude toward things. “I just wanted to go to sleep.” 😂😂 He doesn’t complicate the world. He just lives it. It’s endearing!
I’d recommend this is to a younger audience in a heartbeat but even as an adult reader, I really enjoyed it!
August 9, 2024
4.5*
If the book Ready Player One had access to every video game in current pop culture, it would probably read a little something like this. (And I mean that in the best way possible.) The only thing I didn't like about it was the insert about the main character's past, because while I am sure that it's for plot purposes in the rest of the trilogy, I always dislike the implication that someone who isn't a "chosen one" archetype can be a true protagonist. Everything else about this book was a fun and hopeful story about an underdog who gets an unexpected leg up.
(It's not quite isekai, due to it's VR/Ready Player One aspect, but if you enjoy isekai you will probably enjoy this.) Recommended for anyone who enjoys playing RPGs of any sort and are always frustrated with illogical or overly greedy MCs in RPGLit stories. Also accessible for YA (or mature younger readers) due to the virtual nature of the violence and good natured main cast.
If the book Ready Player One had access to every video game in current pop culture, it would probably read a little something like this. (And I mean that in the best way possible.) The only thing I didn't like about it was the insert about the main character's past, because while I am sure that it's for plot purposes in the rest of the trilogy, I always dislike the implication that someone who isn't a "chosen one" archetype can be a true protagonist. Everything else about this book was a fun and hopeful story about an underdog who gets an unexpected leg up.
(It's not quite isekai, due to it's VR/Ready Player One aspect, but if you enjoy isekai you will probably enjoy this.) Recommended for anyone who enjoys playing RPGs of any sort and are always frustrated with illogical or overly greedy MCs in RPGLit stories. Also accessible for YA (or mature younger readers) due to the virtual nature of the violence and good natured main cast.
July 23, 2019
Just Okay - Lacks Originality
Listed to the audio version of the book. This book was easy to listen to, as most LitRPGs are. It overall made the commute back and forth to work a little easier. What I struggled with was the lack of originality. The story, setting, characters, and LitRPG elements felt like a re-creation of other popular LitRPGs without a unique or creative touch and I found it predictable and dull.
Justin Thomas James did a decent job with the narration. I did not care for Laurie Winkel's narration; it sounded kind of robotic.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Listed to the audio version of the book. This book was easy to listen to, as most LitRPGs are. It overall made the commute back and forth to work a little easier. What I struggled with was the lack of originality. The story, setting, characters, and LitRPG elements felt like a re-creation of other popular LitRPGs without a unique or creative touch and I found it predictable and dull.
Justin Thomas James did a decent job with the narration. I did not care for Laurie Winkel's narration; it sounded kind of robotic.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 29, 2018
Thrill ride
A happy feel good adventure, who doesn't root for Esil as he stomps his way through Pangea online? Dwarves, necromancers, many worlds and having fun. He has genuine tragedies and does things for his own reasons but listens to the advice of those he cares about.
I felt very close to his journey and it rocketed along through some interesting worlds steampunk, halloween, apocalypse! I think this have the book a lot of depth and it was great fun in places as he just enjoyed himself and spur of the moment does his thing.
I do recommend reading this one!
A happy feel good adventure, who doesn't root for Esil as he stomps his way through Pangea online? Dwarves, necromancers, many worlds and having fun. He has genuine tragedies and does things for his own reasons but listens to the advice of those he cares about.
I felt very close to his journey and it rocketed along through some interesting worlds steampunk, halloween, apocalypse! I think this have the book a lot of depth and it was great fun in places as he just enjoyed himself and spur of the moment does his thing.
I do recommend reading this one!
October 14, 2018
An enjoyable LitRPG lite romp
This LitRPG story is quite light on the stats and game mechanics. There are frequently terms used which non-gamers might find confusing. This story does not attempt to pad out the word count by explaining every single term.
I enjoyed the use of multiple different worlds, each with different rules, but the same characters. The plot unfolds naturally without feeling forced at any point and the ending is satisfying while still allowing for further stories.
Recommend!
This LitRPG story is quite light on the stats and game mechanics. There are frequently terms used which non-gamers might find confusing. This story does not attempt to pad out the word count by explaining every single term.
I enjoyed the use of multiple different worlds, each with different rules, but the same characters. The plot unfolds naturally without feeling forced at any point and the ending is satisfying while still allowing for further stories.
Recommend!
May 10, 2021
Good read for any of your kids under twelve.
The book was slanted toward goodness so badly that I had to use my grandmothers diabetes meter twice before finishing it. Left a taste of frosting in my mouth book was so uplifting with even the bad guy not being so bad.
Not terribly written but an unusual read for me. Don't regret reading it but won't follow the series.
I figured out where my mind was trying to lead me, this book was like listening to Mr Rogers read a dead pool story.
The book was slanted toward goodness so badly that I had to use my grandmothers diabetes meter twice before finishing it. Left a taste of frosting in my mouth book was so uplifting with even the bad guy not being so bad.
Not terribly written but an unusual read for me. Don't regret reading it but won't follow the series.
I figured out where my mind was trying to lead me, this book was like listening to Mr Rogers read a dead pool story.
July 28, 2018
Note - I was given an audible credit for a free copy of this book via the author on Reddit. He did not request a review - just that I read it.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! It's primarily LitRPG, but in an apocalyptic setting. For a much welcome change, the apocalyptic backdrop I just that - it's mentioned nearly as an afterthought. Several regions' mythology factor in which I also always find interesting. Looking forward to the second installment!
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! It's primarily LitRPG, but in an apocalyptic setting. For a much welcome change, the apocalyptic backdrop I just that - it's mentioned nearly as an afterthought. Several regions' mythology factor in which I also always find interesting. Looking forward to the second installment!
March 7, 2020
It's like an old preacher tried to write a litrpg
Very conservative and super PG. The MC is a self doubting white Knight loser, and the story is like watching paint dry. If ur in to fedoras and use the term "milady" in real life, then this book might be for you. I think the author might have played a table top game in the 80s or something but that's it... It was just very unimaginative and out of date with undeveloped everything.
Very conservative and super PG. The MC is a self doubting white Knight loser, and the story is like watching paint dry. If ur in to fedoras and use the term "milady" in real life, then this book might be for you. I think the author might have played a table top game in the 80s or something but that's it... It was just very unimaginative and out of date with undeveloped everything.
March 3, 2021
I found this book quite enjoyable. I've read books about online worlds, but never had I come across one where there are multiple and various worlds. It was pretty cool, and certainly kept the story from getting repetitious. There were all manner of worlds that Esil, the protagonist, got to explore and battle in....everything from a typical fantasy realm to steampunk.
I already have the second book and look forward to it being as fun as this one was.
I already have the second book and look forward to it being as fun as this one was.
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