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Delvers LLC #3

Adventure Capital

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By working together, Henry Sato and Jason Booth have managed to survive their unwanted trip to Ludus, an experiment planet. However, Delvers LLC has made some enemies...if monsters, bandits, mages, criminals, bounty hunters, and even dark cults can be called, "some enemies."

After their latest battle, the two have been separated and must adapt or die. Henry in particular faces a trial by fire—perhaps literally—that may be impossible for him to overcome.

The two American men will face their greatest challenges yet while working as conscripted Berber Intelligence agents. But even while outnumbered, and most likely outgunned, the former veteran EMT and resilient IT programmer will be armed with modern Earth know-how.

Unknown horrors are descending on Ludus, but Delvers LLC won’t go down without a fight.

607 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2017

624 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

Blaise Corvin

30 books635 followers
Blaise Corvin served in the US Army in several roles. He has seen the best and the worst that humanity has to offer. He is a sucker for any hobby involving weapons, art, or improv.

He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.

He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.

It's all very eccentric.

Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.

Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).

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5 stars
1,156 (48%)
4 stars
833 (34%)
3 stars
317 (13%)
2 stars
63 (2%)
1 star
19 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Soo.
2,928 reviews346 followers
August 19, 2021
3.5 Stars for Story & Narration by Jeff Hays.

Mini-Review:

Jeff Hays' style of narration is growing on me but it would be nice if he didn't sound like a morose robot during the narrating bits and only come to life for the character dialogues. I would say he's pretty talented as a voice actor. Wish he would pick a different style for the regular parts.

Lots of fun things happened in this book but there was zero chance that all of the plot points would be wrapped up by the end. It's not a bad place to pause in the story but it's not at all satisfying with the thought that I don't know if there is a next book to the series.

Slight character growth, a few reveals, lots of fun experiments and some rampaging fights made the story fun. If you're looking for a light LitRPG with a few fun twists, this series will work for you. For a more involved story, I would look elsewhere.
Profile Image for Samuel A Taylor Jr.
45 reviews
April 19, 2018
The unfortunate slide continues...

Unfortunately, the author doesn't realize that characters that are all-powerful usually make boring stories. That's the problem here. In book one, the two main characters were finding their way, and had to struggle to survive. Since then, in book 2 and book 3, they are, effectively, supermen who overcome every obstacle without challenge. That makes the tension non-existent. Now, even the secondary characters possess godlike powers and are unkillable -- in one scene, a character is disembowled and as a reader you know without a doubt they won't die from it...

I literally scrolled through pages during the climax, because I just didn't care what new and unbelievable power or circumstance would manifest to have every character overcome the insurmountable problem they faced. Yawn.

Really disappointing because the series started very well, and I like the characters (as originally created) and the overall world.
Profile Image for Jeff R Hawkins.
110 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2017
Entertaining

I remain interested by this story, in large part because the characters are still interesting. The storyline is all over the place, though, and some things just don't make sense. (The whole magic school/ sub-school /hybrid school business is seriously confusing and I think the author must have left something out or made some mistake. )
Overall I think this author has promise, but would do better to focus more. What I mean is staying with one or two points of view at a time, avoid skipping over portions of the story. All of the things that happened in these three books could have been spread out over a longer story. I'm thinking of The Lord of the Rings, which had even more points of view, but was not at all confusing.
All rambling aside, this is not great literature, but I really enjoyed it, so 4 stars.
Profile Image for Kiba Snowpaw.
Author 2 books24 followers
September 4, 2024
Introduction:
Alright, packmates, it’s time to talk about *Adventure Capital*, the third installment in Blaise Corvin’s Delvers LLC series. Published in November 2017, this 606-page beast is a LitRPG/Science Fantasy hybrid that takes readers deeper into the chaos of Ludus—a planet where two American buddies, Henry Sato and Jason Booth, are stranded, leveling up, and basically trying not to die. In this latest saga, the stakes are higher, the enemies deadlier, and the magic-tech insanity is cranked to eleven. Get your claws sharpened because we’re about to delve into a world where magic meets modern Earth know-how, and believe me, things get hairy real quick.

Plot Summary:
*Adventure Capital* picks up where the previous book left off, with Henry and Jason separated after their last battle. This time, the two are conscripted as agents for Berber Intelligence, which—let’s be real—basically means they’re being thrown headfirst into another mess, armed with Earth ingenuity and whatever magic tricks they’ve picked up along the way. Henry, a veteran EMT, faces a trial by fire (literally), and Jason, the resilient IT programmer, has to navigate a world of monsters, bandits, mages, and cults. Oh, and did I mention that bounty hunters and unknown horrors are gunning for them? Yeah, the whole “adapt or die” thing isn’t just a tagline—it’s a lifestyle on Ludus. But Delvers LLC won’t go down without a fight. The story shifts between multiple conflicts—both internal and external—forcing our heroes to level up or get left behind. It’s brutal, it’s complex, and it’s got enough twists to keep you guessing until the final page.

The Author:
Blaise Corvin, my dudes, is a master at weaving modern sensibilities into fantastical realms. He’s a US Army vet who’s seen the extremes of humanity, which probably explains why his characters are so damn resilient and pragmatic. He’s a big name in the GameLit and LitRPG scenes, and if you’re into genres where leveling systems are part of the plot, Corvin’s your guy. What sets him apart is his ability to create complex characters that feel like real people caught in an absurd, often dangerous situation. Delvers LLC is lighter on the game mechanics compared to some other LitRPG titles, but the balance of humor, action, and world-building is on point. Corvin’s other works, like *Secret of the Old Ones* and *First Song*, also showcase his versatility—blending genres like steampunk and Lovecraftian horror into the LitRPG mold. In *Adventure Capital*, Corvin proves he’s not just churning out content for the sake of it; he’s delivering an epic, well-thought-out story with real stakes.

Characters:
Henry and Jason remain at the core of the story, but their journeys in *Adventure Capital* take drastically different paths, both physically and emotionally. Henry’s development is the most interesting in this book—he’s facing a literal trial by fire that forces him to push his limits and redefine what it means to be a leader. Henry’s a no-nonsense kind of guy, and seeing him struggle with the weight of his decisions while leveling up is one of the highlights of the book. He’s the kind of character you root for because he’s flawed but determined.

Jason, on the other hand, has a different struggle. While Henry is in the thick of battle, Jason is dealing with more cerebral challenges, including complex magic and ethical dilemmas. Jason’s arc might feel slower, but it adds a layer of depth to the story that balances out the action-packed sequences with Henry.

Then we’ve got the supporting cast, and man, do they deliver. From mages to mercenaries, every side character has a distinct personality that adds to the chaos of Ludus. One of the most interesting is Mareen, whose actions create significant consequences for the entire group. Her choices are frustrating but realistic—she’s not perfect, and her struggle with power and responsibility adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.

Structure:
The structure of *Adventure Capital* follows the multi-POV style, alternating between Henry and Jason’s perspectives while occasionally dipping into the minds of other characters. This gives us a more rounded view of the world and allows Corvin to flesh out the political and magical intricacies of Ludus. The pacing is solid, though there are moments where the action slows down to allow for world-building and character introspection. This can be a double-edged sword, as some readers might find the shifts in pacing jarring. However, the payoff is worth it, especially when the action scenes hit hard and fast. Corvin’s ability to balance humor, action, and emotional beats within this structure is what keeps the book engaging from start to finish.

Themes & Analysis:
The primary theme in *Adventure Capital* is survival, but not just in the physical sense. It’s about adapting to new environments, mastering new skills, and facing the consequences of one’s actions. Henry and Jason both grapple with their roles in this strange new world, and the theme of responsibility weighs heavily on both of them. There’s also a strong undercurrent of friendship and loyalty—Delvers LLC isn’t just a business; it’s a brotherhood, and the sacrifices these characters make for each other are what give the story its emotional depth.

Another significant theme is power and the morality of its use. Mareen’s storyline is a prime example of this—her decision to take a dangerous shortcut in her pursuit of strength has lasting repercussions, and the book doesn’t shy away from exploring the cost of her actions. It’s a nuanced take on the “with great power comes great responsibility” trope, and it adds layers to the otherwise straightforward action-adventure plot.

Scenes:
There isn’t much in the way of romance or explicit scenes in *Adventure Capital*, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of emotional tension. Mareen’s storyline is rife with internal conflict, especially regarding her relationship with Henry and Jason. The bond between the two protagonists is explored more deeply, particularly in how they handle their separation and the different challenges they face. The action scenes, though, are where this book shines—intense, fast-paced, and often brutal. Whether it’s Henry going full beast mode in a battle or Jason pulling off some next-level magic, the combat is always gripping and dynamic. The stakes feel real, and Corvin doesn’t shy away from showing the toll these fights take on the characters.

World-Building:
Corvin’s Ludus is a complex world filled with magic, technology, and political intrigue. The way Corvin blends modern Earth knowledge with Ludus’ magic system is one of the most compelling aspects of the series. There’s a sense of discovery as the characters learn more about how the world works, and the reader is right there with them, uncovering new facets of the world one piece at a time. The matriarchal society is a refreshing twist, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the political dynamics of Ludus. The world feels alive, with each region and faction having its own distinct culture, rules, and power structures. It’s a deep, immersive world that sucks you in and doesn’t let go.

Praise & Critique:
Let’s talk strengths. Corvin’s character work is top-notch. Henry and Jason are fully fleshed-out protagonists with distinct voices and believable motivations. The action scenes are exhilarating, and the world-building is intricate without being overwhelming. There’s a nice balance between humor and seriousness, which keeps the tone from becoming too grim, even when the stakes are high.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, especially when the focus shifts between Henry and Jason’s vastly different storylines. Jason’s arc, in particular, can feel a bit slower compared to Henry’s action-packed journey, which might frustrate readers looking for a more consistent pace. Additionally, some of the secondary characters could have used more development—while the main cast is strong, a few side characters feel a bit one-dimensional.

Comparison:
Compared to other works in the GameLit and LitRPG genres, *Adventure Capital* holds its own. It’s lighter on the game mechanics than something like Aleron Kong’s *The Land* series, but that’s part of its charm. Corvin focuses more on character development and world-building than on stats and level-ups, which gives the book a broader appeal. Fans of *He Who Fights with Monsters* by Shirtaloon or Dakota Krout’s *Ritualist* will appreciate the blend of humor, action, and magic that defines the Delvers LLC series. However, Corvin’s focus on modern Earth technology combined with a magical fantasy world gives it a unique edge in the genre.

Personal Evaluation:
As a seasoned ice wolf with a nose for strategy and a taste for adventure, *Adventure Capital* had me hooked from the get-go. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching characters adapt to an alien world while retaining their Earthly ingenuity. Henry’s trial by fire had me on edge, and Jason’s slower, more cerebral arc balanced out the action nicely. The emotional stakes were high, and while there were a few pacing hiccups, the overall story delivered exactly what I was looking for—an immersive, action-packed fantasy that didn’t skimp on character development.

Conclusion:
If you’re a fan of GameLit, LitRPG, or just looking for an action-packed fantasy with heart, *Adventure Capital* is a solid choice. It’s not perfect, but the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses, and the world of Ludus is one you’ll want to revisit again and again. With its rich world-building, dynamic characters, and pulse-pounding action, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish. I’m giving it a strong 4 out of 5 stars—strap in, because this one’s a wild ride.
790 reviews7 followers
October 16, 2017
Blaise does it again

What a wild ride. I can see we have quite a bit more to go on Delvers LLC. I didn't feel like we got as much character development this time. We got a few new ones and a few minor ones had some air time. litRPG, GameLit, whatever. The story's exciting. Great epic world building. Looking forward to the audio book.
Profile Image for Barry Pritchard.
18 reviews
October 27, 2020
Ugh, what did I just read.

Has the author even met any real people before? The characterisation has become increasingly ridiculous as the series progresses and nobody's decisions make any sense. At all. Nobody's inner monologue comes close to justifying the decisions they end up making.

I thought the series premise held some promise initially but I am bowing out after this one.
3 reviews
August 25, 2018
The split

Wasn’t a really good idea to split the main characters because it split the story. While Henry story was interesting and cool Jason was absolutely boring he did nothing other than the final fight Jason accomplish nothing and the way he reacted to Mareen situation was terrible I honestly don’t feel bad for her because of the fact that she knew it was a terrible idea and their was no need for her to do that either they weren’t desperate to do something so stupid. Instead of her working hard and trying her best to be more powerful she tried to take the easy way right after her friend told her it was because she worked so hard that she was strong. The fact she knew is was a terrible idea and that no other ever had a happy ending after doing that should have clue her in. It was more like betrayal cause she didn’t care to even ask Henry for his opinion she didn’t care that at end of the day Henry was the one who was going to get screwed and when Jason said Henry would try to get revenge I don’t understand it was a deal and she knew going in it wasn’t going to be good to begin with make no sense for him to do that she was selfish.
1,183 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2022
I still think the skill progression in this series is too slow.

First of all I like the characters in this book. The MC‘s are not very bright, the rest of the characters are very quirky quite an eclectic group and a little bit broken. I like the quirk in the book that it’s a matriarchy society and that there are more women than men running the show. The book has good character development but slow on the skill progression in my opinion. There could be a bit more action and some dungeon crawls. Most of all of this book is about the love of friends and family the compassion people have for one another. You get to like the characters and see how they develop and you feel is actual friendship and love between them. It’s all about family. Good book going on to read next.
Profile Image for Curtis.
774 reviews20 followers
December 5, 2017
Intense Action

This latest book raises the bar on character growth. Their decisions (and the resulting costs) are explored, along with excellent POV changes to accentuate the thoughts behind those actions. This even includes the stray interactions between Higher Powers. The action is amped up yet again with some humor, and quite a few “Wait, what?” moments to keep you guessing. The characters (new and old) remain unique, interesting, and their actions fit them. The editing is also very solid. It’s hard to ask for a better story. Definitely recommended and a series worth reading.
658 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2022
Very interesting, lots of curveballs

I have enjoyed the author's writing style and the way the story progressed. There was lots of action, as well as romance, inventions and leveling up. Our heros prevailed despite overwhelming odds (again) which furthered Dolos' incomprehensible schemes. There were some awesome curveballs thrown that really took me by surprise. While lots of goals were accomplished, there are still a few villains lurking about that need to meet their demise including the criminal mastermind who has yet to be identified. Keep up the good work Blaise and after finishing this series, l will look for mord of your work.
Profile Image for Dannan Tavona.
968 reviews10 followers
Read
September 5, 2020
Enjoyable Read

Fantasy LitRPG light
The third book, we begin to see New ways to mix or create magic on this world. Henry and Jason are adapting to this world and are adjusting to the idea they can't go home. This being LitRPG, the characters gain powers in a quantifiable way. With that comes growth. Maureen has made a devil's to protect her husband. There will be a price down the road, and this devil seems to think she can challenge Dolls. Read the first two books if you haven't yet. Recommended.
Profile Image for Travis.
2,884 reviews48 followers
November 1, 2017
I thought this would be the last in the series. I'm glad to see this isn't the case. I'm also glad to see there were fewer (relatively speaking) grammatical errors in this one. It could still benefit from some good proofreading before releasing, but at least these were bearable (missing pronouns, a few cases of wrong verb tense), but even with that, it was still an enjoyable story, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for Chris Evans.
903 reviews43 followers
February 12, 2018
This book is more of a return to form. The plot progresses, there are interesting fights, and more interesting characters, things, and places. There are a couple of small issues that keep it from being a full 5 stars.
1. The ending felt a bit rushed.
2. Henry's personality feels off, he comes off more like Jason in this than his original characterization.
3. The divine point of view, ie Dolos, while funny, detracts from the atmosphere Corvin seems to be trying to build.
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,123 reviews14 followers
July 26, 2018
The trek to Berber

The Delvers, led by Jason and Henry, meet up again just as Jason and his crew are in deep trouble. They have to fight through a demon portal, rescue Mareen, fight their way across a demon world to another demon portal. This one is attacking the Berber capital by opening in the palace and putting the queen in danger. After their epic battle all they want to do is relax, sleep and build themselves up again but the Great God Dolos has his own agenda!
93 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2017
Good enough

The story goes on. Nothing new just a few adventures here and there, even in another world. Still cannot place Dolos anywhere, but finally we get to see something from the past and the whys. The Mcs still op like hell, seems it pays off to think out of the -box. If you liked the previous ones, you ganna like this one also.
Profile Image for Niels Baumgartner.
265 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2017
Stunning.

Total win. Not quite sure how your brain works to write something that fun but that was hilarious. Totally enjoyed the parts when [spoilers] and also when [spoilers]. And loved the [spoilers]. And the [spoilers] were freaking awesome! Plus when [spoilers]....

Totally worth your time.
15 reviews
December 26, 2017
Very limited & narrow character growth. The story is very split & often times I question as to how certain scenes are particularly necessary for the overall plot or character growth. Rather than progressing the story it was dragged out.

On a more positive note the consequences of character actions & decisions were portrayed fairly well & there were a few fun moments that got me to laugh.
8 reviews
January 21, 2018
Amazing

Alright I started the litrpg genre at random a few months ago and I've really been enjoying it and this one has got to be one of the most amazing series I've found so far. Characters are amazing and the banter that happens keeps it light at times so it's not to opressivly dark. Can't wait for more
Profile Image for Magila.
1,328 reviews14 followers
April 12, 2018
3.5

Knocked down based on language, as it’s not really for “all readers.” A good follow up to the rest of the series and it’s interesting where the “world” is headed.

Full disclosure, Orson Scott Card got way too philosophical for me later in the Ender series. I’m curios if the other will go down this road, or keep to the highly intriguing but not way out there...
383 reviews
September 21, 2018
I love this series of books but disliked how one of the main characters acted in this book. The wife of Henry was fairly stupid in this book. I guess it was done for later plot stuff to occur, but it just seemed stupid. It made me like and respect that character much less. Aside from that down point in the book, this was still a great story. I can't wait for more story in this series!
Profile Image for James .
1,346 reviews20 followers
November 25, 2018
A very entertaining book.

I really liked this book and I enjoyed how the author has worked in the number of characters that are interesting and important to the story.The company has not grown to large to remember who does what. It has grown to where you are kept entertained and excited by the growth of the characters.
47 reviews
December 20, 2018
Awesome

I loved this book. Out of the first three books this has been the best one so far. Just like the second book this featured some great character development. This book made me care about Aodh and his progression is amazing. I am very interested to see what happens with Mareen.
152 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2019
so I started this book around 9pm (after the rather late night and lack of sleep) then finished it and suddenly realised how tired I was... I still checked to see if book 4 was out yet before I went to bed though... I really hope it isnt too long before it comes out I would hate to forget the stuff I already read and have to speed read through it all again before getting to the next one :)
Profile Image for April Hyatt.
250 reviews
October 25, 2019
Adventure Capital

Another great book in a great series. Blaise has so many characters in the book but he does an excellent job of rotating to the different points of view of the characters and showing their physical growth and emotional weakness. Every new scene has a new and exciting monster or baddie to conquer.
Profile Image for Luek.
73 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2017
Great next chapter

I'm a fan of pretty much all of this series. This is a good continuation. The side chars get to shine a good bit in this arc. Waiting for the audio book and of course the next installment.
Profile Image for Justin .
143 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2017
Some info dumps and plot reveals.

Several good info dumps and anticipated plot reveals. The good character development and storyline / subplots advancement. Terrible, but enjoyable cliffhanger.
420 reviews7 followers
October 19, 2017
Stuff gets real.

The third installment of the series is the best yet. Still plenty of development and some exploration, but primarily a book of asskicking. It's everything I wanted in a Delvers book.
57 reviews
October 23, 2017
Non stop

As the review head implies, the action in this book is non stop, usually when a series divides into a split story it jumps back and forth a lot which I tend to dislike, the continuity was excellent, waiting for the next book.
20 reviews
October 26, 2017
Best book in the series so far

I have enjoyed delvers llc from the first book, but it really took off in this installment. Lots of action, twists in the plot and characters. Loved it.
17 reviews
November 6, 2017
Great popcorn reading with a side of whimsy and occasional depth.

Amusing, entertaining, refuses to take itself seriously, yet still has moments of real emotion between explosions. Enjoy your time laughing at Dolos!
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