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The Stork Tower #1
Nascent
Atherleah Carroll grew up in a negative-tax family in the gang-controlled suburbs of Brisbane at the end of the twenty-first century. From the age of six, she decided that she wanted more and with the help of her local gang-leader she learned the skills to escape the relentless pressure to mediocrity. On her sixteenth birthday, she was inadvertently implanted with a Neural Enhancement Chip instead of the free Government provided basic level personal AI. This mistake not only removed the limits placed on the AI but also broke some of the Government instigated control parameters. Leah’s life rapidly becomes a battle, both in the virtual-multiverse and in real life. On the Stork Tower by Wáng Zhīhuàn Along the mountains sink the last rays of sun, Towards the sea, the Yellow River does forward go. If you would fain command a thousand miles in view, To a higher storey, you are expected to go.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2017
339 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 2, 2017
Honestly one of the BEST LitRPG books I have read.
Few typos, which is uncommon in this new genre. Great character development, good story. The first 10% is in real life and only just gets into the game at that point. However, instead of taking away from the gaming side of things it just adds further to character development and shows how the real world affects the game. Instantly bought the second book.
Few typos, which is uncommon in this new genre. Great character development, good story. The first 10% is in real life and only just gets into the game at that point. However, instead of taking away from the gaming side of things it just adds further to character development and shows how the real world affects the game. Instantly bought the second book.
February 23, 2020
As of Nov 10, 2017, I have read both books and eagerly await the third. I have read quite a few litrpg and I have to say that for me this is the best I have read, and I don't say that lightly. In some ways it reminds me of The Trapped Mind Project (Emerilia Book 1) series by Michael Chatfield. It isn't similar, just reminds me.
The two books as of this writing of this review, Nascent (The Stork Tower Book 1) and Odyssey (The Stork Tower Book 2), were not only a joy to read, combining real life and two major game worlds, but also deeply affected me personally by the reflections of Leah, the MC, in what she says in her diary. I will definitely be re-reading the books to think more on what was presented.
I appreciate a good story but more than that I appreciate a good story that helps me to grow as a person. These two books have done that for me.
There are editing errors in both books but imo do not warrant a loss of a star.
NOTE TO Tony Corden: Please set up your author page with profile and picture. This fan would like to know more about you :)
The two books as of this writing of this review, Nascent (The Stork Tower Book 1) and Odyssey (The Stork Tower Book 2), were not only a joy to read, combining real life and two major game worlds, but also deeply affected me personally by the reflections of Leah, the MC, in what she says in her diary. I will definitely be re-reading the books to think more on what was presented.
I appreciate a good story but more than that I appreciate a good story that helps me to grow as a person. These two books have done that for me.
There are editing errors in both books but imo do not warrant a loss of a star.
NOTE TO Tony Corden: Please set up your author page with profile and picture. This fan would like to know more about you :)
November 30, 2018
I have read over 200 litrpg books. This book had a lot of promise, but the main character was given too much too soon. I generally like main characters who are overpowered, but this just felt like she was given everything. She was poor her entire life, and within hours of logging in to a game low level, she now has plenty of money and just gets more and more.
I generally rate books this way:
5 stars - Can't wait to read the next book
4 stars - It was good, I might get around to finishing the series eventually
3 stars - It had parts that were ok, but I will most likely never read another book in the series
2 stars - Boring and dumb with almost no redeeming features. Usually quit the book.
1 star - So bad it offends me
I generally rate books this way:
5 stars - Can't wait to read the next book
4 stars - It was good, I might get around to finishing the series eventually
3 stars - It had parts that were ok, but I will most likely never read another book in the series
2 stars - Boring and dumb with almost no redeeming features. Usually quit the book.
1 star - So bad it offends me
February 23, 2021
This was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Atherleah is a kick arse character, not for the physical stuff, or at least not only for the physical stuff... but because of her intelligence and empathy. Looking forward to the next book in The Stork Tower series.
December 21, 2017
I want to like it.
The premise is interesting and the story well written and paced, but there's very little character development, people do very dumb things with no explanations, and the world itself makes no sense.
Potentially spoilerish examples:
The MC gets a spell that summons a giant spider monster minion, she doesn't even bother to learn it and no explanation of why is given, considering the situation, she obviously isn't afraid of spiders. She never uses the clone spell she got, and Wisp never uses the Clone earings, and just about every monster drops a ton of amzingly useful stuff that never gets used. The MC gets a one of a kind book of herbs and potions and she NEVER makes a potion or picks a plant after she gets the book, I can't list them all.
What kind of economy lets you pay for school for an entire semester for the prize money given from winning a single video game boss fight. How does the company that makes this game stay in business by giving away all it's money? Pay a forty credit fee and get thousands of credits every week you play, where does the money come from?
I want really want to like this book, but I am not good at ignoring obvious inconsistencies. I'm about a quarter into the second book, and it's more of the same for good or ill.
The premise is interesting and the story well written and paced, but there's very little character development, people do very dumb things with no explanations, and the world itself makes no sense.
Potentially spoilerish examples:
The MC gets a spell that summons a giant spider monster minion, she doesn't even bother to learn it and no explanation of why is given, considering the situation, she obviously isn't afraid of spiders. She never uses the clone spell she got, and Wisp never uses the Clone earings, and just about every monster drops a ton of amzingly useful stuff that never gets used. The MC gets a one of a kind book of herbs and potions and she NEVER makes a potion or picks a plant after she gets the book, I can't list them all.
What kind of economy lets you pay for school for an entire semester for the prize money given from winning a single video game boss fight. How does the company that makes this game stay in business by giving away all it's money? Pay a forty credit fee and get thousands of credits every week you play, where does the money come from?
I want really want to like this book, but I am not good at ignoring obvious inconsistencies. I'm about a quarter into the second book, and it's more of the same for good or ill.
August 21, 2019
For some reason, I've really been craving some litrpg book and noticed this was now on KU.
If you are looking for some ff then this, not the castle you are looking for.
I'm not going to go into the premises but into one thing I really hated and loved.
So I understand that in a litrpg it is standard to have lots of stats and item descriptions but there is a point where you have too much of those. in the book, there are rare coins that can be collected and sold/traded or just used as normal currency. What I really hate is that the description, in this case, is all the same except its copper, silver, etc. I just wish the author hade summarised them a bit more because it gets way too tedious. If I'm honest I was debating on only giving this book 3 stars because this really detracted from the reading experience.
The thing I really love is how the MC comes to terms with her inner conflicts or askes questions on how to come to terms with them and make the reader maybe question some of their own surroundings.
If you are looking for some ff then this, not the castle you are looking for.
I'm not going to go into the premises but into one thing I really hated and loved.
So I understand that in a litrpg it is standard to have lots of stats and item descriptions but there is a point where you have too much of those. in the book, there are rare coins that can be collected and sold/traded or just used as normal currency. What I really hate is that the description, in this case, is all the same except its copper, silver, etc. I just wish the author hade summarised them a bit more because it gets way too tedious. If I'm honest I was debating on only giving this book 3 stars because this really detracted from the reading experience.
The thing I really love is how the MC comes to terms with her inner conflicts or askes questions on how to come to terms with them and make the reader maybe question some of their own surroundings.
February 19, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
April 6, 2018
Mixing sci-fi and fand fantasy is something I never expected to work this well.
Leah grew up in a kinda neighborhood which also makes for excellent survival skills in her case. She worked for the local boss on the side while also gaining valuable skills. Finally she was determined to make it in life so she also focused on her education even to self teaching herself beyond the normal level. When she got her chip for an AI so as to further her education, she was advised by her boss to play virtual games so as to make money for herself.
And that's where the fantasy comes in. First of all all, her chip had a few extra advantages that made for very interesting modifications to her biology and the sentience of her AI(which was supposed to be pretty low level)- she also helped this along by giving the AI freedom that others hadn't thought of. When she entered the game world, her home training (her parents being Christians) made her exceptional immediately, advancing in virtual days what took others v-weeks or months. She also caught the attention of very bad people when she saw the atrocities that the virtual world was being used to inflict on the poor and unsuspecting. She made it her personal mission to free those who have fallen into the trap that she was saved from. All in all, she became rich in days through very good playing, caught the attention of very powerful people and raised hell.
Leah grew up in a kinda neighborhood which also makes for excellent survival skills in her case. She worked for the local boss on the side while also gaining valuable skills. Finally she was determined to make it in life so she also focused on her education even to self teaching herself beyond the normal level. When she got her chip for an AI so as to further her education, she was advised by her boss to play virtual games so as to make money for herself.
And that's where the fantasy comes in. First of all all, her chip had a few extra advantages that made for very interesting modifications to her biology and the sentience of her AI(which was supposed to be pretty low level)- she also helped this along by giving the AI freedom that others hadn't thought of. When she entered the game world, her home training (her parents being Christians) made her exceptional immediately, advancing in virtual days what took others v-weeks or months. She also caught the attention of very bad people when she saw the atrocities that the virtual world was being used to inflict on the poor and unsuspecting. She made it her personal mission to free those who have fallen into the trap that she was saved from. All in all, she became rich in days through very good playing, caught the attention of very powerful people and raised hell.
July 17, 2024
3.5 stars.
There were many errors in grammar in my edition of this book – words missing, and redundant words. The story was sound though.
While the gimmick was revealed early on, it wasn't leveraged to any significant degree. Perhaps in the next book, something will develop with the weird AI installation.
I'm a fan of the protagonist, Atherleah. She's smart, driven, and assertive. I also like the way her real-world skills transfer to success in the virtual world. Her rock-solid moral compass is a little hard to swallow but I like it.
As to world-building... the dystopian version of Australia rings too true. Imagine if Oz becomes host to a handful of oligarchies with an incentive to keep the masses voiceless and powerless. It's not that far from happening. Scary stuff.
There were many errors in grammar in my edition of this book – words missing, and redundant words. The story was sound though.
While the gimmick was revealed early on, it wasn't leveraged to any significant degree. Perhaps in the next book, something will develop with the weird AI installation.
I'm a fan of the protagonist, Atherleah. She's smart, driven, and assertive. I also like the way her real-world skills transfer to success in the virtual world. Her rock-solid moral compass is a little hard to swallow but I like it.
As to world-building... the dystopian version of Australia rings too true. Imagine if Oz becomes host to a handful of oligarchies with an incentive to keep the masses voiceless and powerless. It's not that far from happening. Scary stuff.
November 26, 2017
Enthralled
There are things I love and dislike about this book. The whole concept of a futuristic society that stays jacked in almost constantly sounds somewhat familiar. I'm sure there are some who would love that.
The obvious misspellings annoyed me along with the grammar problems. I'm used to seeing these in translated light novels but I don't pay for those.
Still, the story was well worth it, although I find myself disappointed that Leah isn't learning how to code. With such a sci-fi background she's learning how to use bows & swords. Ha.
There are things I love and dislike about this book. The whole concept of a futuristic society that stays jacked in almost constantly sounds somewhat familiar. I'm sure there are some who would love that.
The obvious misspellings annoyed me along with the grammar problems. I'm used to seeing these in translated light novels but I don't pay for those.
Still, the story was well worth it, although I find myself disappointed that Leah isn't learning how to code. With such a sci-fi background she's learning how to use bows & swords. Ha.
January 16, 2018
I liked the story outside of the "game" much more than other litRPG series I've read. It really could have benefited from even a single editing pass. There were many grammatical and simple typos. The AI implant being capable of gaining its own sentience is a great idea and I hope this is explored much more in the coming books.
Read
January 9, 2020Things I enjoyed: The Stork Tower theme, the world building, Leah is competent and rational and conflicts and obstacles aren't based on her making stupid choices or lack of communication.
Things I didn't enjoy: Leah is a very Mary Sue character who never fails or struggles to overcome obstacles. It removes a lot of the tension when you know by halfway through the book she's just going to breeze through.
Three stars: I liked it, enough to continue the series and maybe recommend it, but not enough to reread it.
Things I didn't enjoy: Leah is a very Mary Sue character who never fails or struggles to overcome obstacles. It removes a lot of the tension when you know by halfway through the book she's just going to breeze through.
Three stars: I liked it, enough to continue the series and maybe recommend it, but not enough to reread it.
March 28, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable.
Several annoying misspellings and other various typos.
The ending wasn’t a cliff exactly... well, maybe a cliff exactly, but I felt no urgency due to plot armor.
But like I said, thoroughly enjoyable, so on to book 2!
Several annoying misspellings and other various typos.
The ending wasn’t a cliff exactly... well, maybe a cliff exactly, but I felt no urgency due to plot armor.
But like I said, thoroughly enjoyable, so on to book 2!
February 15, 2020
What a future Cordon has created here. It is both dystopian and utopian and is a wonderful story with much more room to grow. It creates and asks wonderful and troubling questions about AI and how we are to use them, both as people, rich or poor, and as governments. One of the plots that is created shows a very scary but I think realistic situation that will need to be carefully looked at in our own world in the future.
This story/world is vast and I expect a lot from the next books. 9/10
This story/world is vast and I expect a lot from the next books. 9/10
May 21, 2023
Terrific little KU LitRPG adventure with a strong female lead and a pretty unique world, devoured in a single afternoon. Not too much time spent on character building, but I enjoyed it all the same. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so off I go to read book 2.
March 9, 2019
I will just write about the first three books together. The first is quite good and I recommend it among litrpgs it does stand out, the next two are still decent (honestly they are retroactively driving my impression of the first down). The MC is likeable and interesting enough, and I am fond of AI companions. Some good fight writing too imo, more so in the first book before she gets a bit too imba. And the books mostly know not to dwell on uninteresting parts. (Also not to over do it with printing every single ingame notification like some litrpgs do, there are still plenty though.)
Now as with many litrpgs it reminds me not so much of someone playing an MMO but of someone playing a table top version of an MMO with an DM/GM with severe monty haul tendencies. 90% of her game time is spent on one quest or another where she was the very first person to discover it and she gets loads of loot for it (and that is from the first levels the loot doesn't seem to have much scaling with levels just look what she got before even reaching level 10 that staff should not be handed to a new player), and it gets glaringly obvious when translated to real world money because the amount of real cash she makes in a month from a game is plain absurd who is exchanging all that cash for virtual currency?
And this series has the same problem other litrpgs going this route have, making her special has limits and if you do it the wrong way the rest of the gamers just seem to carry an idiot ball. Like in book three where she solves some time limited quest on her first try and is the first to succeed. Thing is the quest is well known and people can try several times, she did nothing that nobody would have tried over the time, yes the average gamer is not all that great at solving such things but the best ones are and can be supremely persistent. For that matter she gets many thing by talking with enemies and while many players wouldn't, you know there would be some playing diplomancer style in a setting where you can not only make bets with dungeon bosses but outright convince them to ally with you under the right circumstance. It suffers a bit from trying to make her special instead of just talented and determined.
But damn I would like to play the game.
Edit: Looked ahead a bit in book four (even if I won't read it properly at this time) what she gets in that book is just going too far you should have to plot specifically for something like that. That is the problem, she is a skilled fighter and smart so being successful is fine but getting as much as she does needs more justification to not feel like the world just hands her stuff, it needs long term planning instead of just somehow ending up there. And I am starting to like the MC less. I think it will be a while before I read book 4 probably, gotten tired of the series.
Now as with many litrpgs it reminds me not so much of someone playing an MMO but of someone playing a table top version of an MMO with an DM/GM with severe monty haul tendencies. 90% of her game time is spent on one quest or another where she was the very first person to discover it and she gets loads of loot for it (and that is from the first levels the loot doesn't seem to have much scaling with levels just look what she got before even reaching level 10 that staff should not be handed to a new player), and it gets glaringly obvious when translated to real world money because the amount of real cash she makes in a month from a game is plain absurd who is exchanging all that cash for virtual currency?
And this series has the same problem other litrpgs going this route have, making her special has limits and if you do it the wrong way the rest of the gamers just seem to carry an idiot ball. Like in book three where she solves some time limited quest on her first try and is the first to succeed. Thing is the quest is well known and people can try several times, she did nothing that nobody would have tried over the time, yes the average gamer is not all that great at solving such things but the best ones are and can be supremely persistent. For that matter she gets many thing by talking with enemies and while many players wouldn't, you know there would be some playing diplomancer style in a setting where you can not only make bets with dungeon bosses but outright convince them to ally with you under the right circumstance. It suffers a bit from trying to make her special instead of just talented and determined.
But damn I would like to play the game.
Edit: Looked ahead a bit in book four (even if I won't read it properly at this time) what she gets in that book is just going too far you should have to plot specifically for something like that. That is the problem, she is a skilled fighter and smart so being successful is fine but getting as much as she does needs more justification to not feel like the world just hands her stuff, it needs long term planning instead of just somehow ending up there. And I am starting to like the MC less. I think it will be a while before I read book 4 probably, gotten tired of the series.
February 8, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded down. This review covers books 1-6.
First off, I'd call this series an enjoyable read, however at times it got a bit slow and a bit too much LitRPG-y. I loved the real-world/virtual-world interplay, (somewhat similar to Ready Player One) but I didn't really like the virtual "gaming" part that much, especially endless play-by-play combat scenes. My biggest problem is that these books hit too many of the classic LitRPG tropes and cliches:
- Main character transfers their real-world skills to the game world and is stupidly competent
- Main character treats the NPC's with decency and nobody's ever done this before so they get rewarded
- Main character understands game design theory and uses it to advance in the game
- Main character encounters important people at a ridiculous rate considering there are multiple billions of players
- Main character solves puzzles that, while not easy, are considered "unbeatable" by everyone else and it's generally ignored that smart people except for the main character exist
- Main character finds game-breaking bugs or exploits at an alarming rate while nobody else does
- Main character treats AI's like people and reaps benefits. Everyone else is totally scandalized by that
- Characters frequently go on moralistic or ethics tirades and talk about justice and right and wrong like they're some divine prophets. When they're done, everyone claps.
- Books frequently end on cliffhangers (Damn you book 6!)
- Characters and story takes itself too seriously
Overall though, If you've got kindle unlimited, this isn't a bad read. Just don't be scared to skip a page here and there. For example, you can skim the steampunk parts and not loose much of the main story.
First off, I'd call this series an enjoyable read, however at times it got a bit slow and a bit too much LitRPG-y. I loved the real-world/virtual-world interplay, (somewhat similar to Ready Player One) but I didn't really like the virtual "gaming" part that much, especially endless play-by-play combat scenes. My biggest problem is that these books hit too many of the classic LitRPG tropes and cliches:
- Main character transfers their real-world skills to the game world and is stupidly competent
- Main character treats the NPC's with decency and nobody's ever done this before so they get rewarded
- Main character understands game design theory and uses it to advance in the game
- Main character encounters important people at a ridiculous rate considering there are multiple billions of players
- Main character solves puzzles that, while not easy, are considered "unbeatable" by everyone else and it's generally ignored that smart people except for the main character exist
- Main character finds game-breaking bugs or exploits at an alarming rate while nobody else does
- Main character treats AI's like people and reaps benefits. Everyone else is totally scandalized by that
- Characters frequently go on moralistic or ethics tirades and talk about justice and right and wrong like they're some divine prophets. When they're done, everyone claps.
- Books frequently end on cliffhangers (Damn you book 6!)
- Characters and story takes itself too seriously
Overall though, If you've got kindle unlimited, this isn't a bad read. Just don't be scared to skip a page here and there. For example, you can skim the steampunk parts and not loose much of the main story.
October 7, 2022
My mom loves this book. But she also hasn't played a video game since the original Mario bros. It's very clear the author cares more about his political commentary then making a VR system that actually makes sense. The NPCs are both fully sentient and aware they're in a game but also don't seem to care. There is no tutorial. The pop up screen alerts for the game block the players view in the middle of a fight. Like the game was supposed to be popular enough you could make real money playing it but it doesn't even have a tutorial.
DNF. I couldn't suspend my disbelief
DNF. I couldn't suspend my disbelief
March 5, 2019
One happy coincidence is fine. Three in a row - not so fine. After ten happy coincidences in a row, I just can't read it anymore.
August 23, 2019
Before I start I need to cover off something I kept seeing in other reviews - 99% of the things people claim are 'spelling mistakes' and even 'typos' aren't. They're Australian/English English, not US English!
Now that said, as examples of the LitRPG/GameLit genre go, this is one of the better by far.
I'd also like to add that this review is very much in the context of this genre, to do otherwise would be unfair.
It has
- enough stats/game messages to show the game mechanics in action without the end of every chapter being 3 pages of numbers - it's maybe stats-medium, there are books out there that seem far more stats than story
- meaningful interactions with other players
- events that progress the overall and sub plots inside of the game environment
- events that progress the overall and sub plots outside of the game environment
- an MC who genuinely interacts with the NPCs rather than just being a murder-hobo
- the actual game mechanics make sense and are internally consistent
- there's an emphasis on actually fighting rather than using preset moves, this makes the game side feel far more like actual immersive VR
What else do I like about this book?
Well the overall world is well constructed
The MCs motivations make sense, and are genuinely based in her background
There's actual character development
Can't be missed off - I like the plot of this, I like where it's going, the possibilities.
There are some supporting characters that are more than just cardboard cutouts.
The MC isn't a Mary-Sue, she's fairly well powered but that's fairly standard for the genre, and she isn't anywhere near as all perfect as many MCs. Her negative side isn't entirely based off of the 'angst from Big Terrible Event in the past' trope.
The cultural elements are well written. Well, as far as I can tell from outside the cultures involved - I've read some books where even from my perspective I can see the author doesn't really know what they're writing about.
And, something else - the MC is a female character, not a 'male with girly plumbing' character, not a stereotypical girly-girl, she doesn't wear a chainmail bikini, and I can't off-hand remember any of the female characters physiques or looks being described more than that of the men, and most definitely not in the sexually focused way that's far far too common.
And, in general terms apart from the very poor vs super rich divide, there's no massive amounts of politics (which will likely seem left-leaning to many readers of the genre, because objectively speaking many writers and stories have a definite right of center position).
Criticisms? A few genuine spelling and editing mistakes, but no more than any other professionally edited book. Possibly the loot drops and leveling was a little too impressive, but again nowhere near the worst for this in the genre by a long chalk.
Beyond that, every criticism I could try and find I realised actually didn't stand up to decent scrutiny.
If you don't like this book, it'll be because of personal preferences or biases, or not understanding the genre - not because it's fundamentally flawed.
Now that said, as examples of the LitRPG/GameLit genre go, this is one of the better by far.
I'd also like to add that this review is very much in the context of this genre, to do otherwise would be unfair.
It has
- enough stats/game messages to show the game mechanics in action without the end of every chapter being 3 pages of numbers - it's maybe stats-medium, there are books out there that seem far more stats than story
- meaningful interactions with other players
- events that progress the overall and sub plots inside of the game environment
- events that progress the overall and sub plots outside of the game environment
- an MC who genuinely interacts with the NPCs rather than just being a murder-hobo
- the actual game mechanics make sense and are internally consistent
- there's an emphasis on actually fighting rather than using preset moves, this makes the game side feel far more like actual immersive VR
What else do I like about this book?
Well the overall world is well constructed
The MCs motivations make sense, and are genuinely based in her background
There's actual character development
Can't be missed off - I like the plot of this, I like where it's going, the possibilities.
There are some supporting characters that are more than just cardboard cutouts.
The MC isn't a Mary-Sue, she's fairly well powered but that's fairly standard for the genre, and she isn't anywhere near as all perfect as many MCs. Her negative side isn't entirely based off of the 'angst from Big Terrible Event in the past' trope.
The cultural elements are well written. Well, as far as I can tell from outside the cultures involved - I've read some books where even from my perspective I can see the author doesn't really know what they're writing about.
And, something else - the MC is a female character, not a 'male with girly plumbing' character, not a stereotypical girly-girl, she doesn't wear a chainmail bikini, and I can't off-hand remember any of the female characters physiques or looks being described more than that of the men, and most definitely not in the sexually focused way that's far far too common.
And, in general terms apart from the very poor vs super rich divide, there's no massive amounts of politics (which will likely seem left-leaning to many readers of the genre, because objectively speaking many writers and stories have a definite right of center position).
Criticisms? A few genuine spelling and editing mistakes, but no more than any other professionally edited book. Possibly the loot drops and leveling was a little too impressive, but again nowhere near the worst for this in the genre by a long chalk.
Beyond that, every criticism I could try and find I realised actually didn't stand up to decent scrutiny.
If you don't like this book, it'll be because of personal preferences or biases, or not understanding the genre - not because it's fundamentally flawed.
January 6, 2025
I have one peeve about this story, so far.
It is disturbing for an unusual reason. The protagonist is too unreasonably and overly nice & polite.
In all of my nearly 70 years upon the planet, I have never encountered a 16 year old who behaves in such a submissive fashion.
I suspect that Cultural differences may explain why the author has created such a protagonist. I am an American. While I suspect some teenagers raised in very strict religious households could theoretically behave like the character in this story, her demeanor is completely alien to me. Thus, it removes a great deal of authenticity from the story for me. Reading about this character suddenly reminds me of the old book/movie: The Stepford Wives.
The story is so far enjoyable, but disturbing on an almost subliminal level.
UPDATE: Story Problems.
1. The Main Character is constantly running dungeons that far exceed her level and running all levels of a dungeon until completion without exiting. Any gamer will tell you that methodology is not too smart.
2. The M.C. frequently boasts of how her skills give her an edge vs. higher level opponents. However, the author apparently has no patience to bother listing her skills during the story and the protagonist constantly tells her A.I. not to report her skill development to her. This does not compute, Will Robinson!
3. Every dungeon that I have read of so far is a cut/paste of the combat/foe pattern of each previous dungeon. The MOBs change, the foe formula does not. Wash, rinse, repeat.
4. There is too much moral angst in this story. Opposing characters try to kill the protagonist, and then she second guesses whether it was right/just of her to kill the opposition instead. I would expect such exceedingly low wisdom from an 8 or 9 year old character, not a 16 year old.
5. I don't mind it much, but the social/class struggle message buried within the story is a little heavy handed. "The Man is trying to keep the lower classes and the poor from improving their rank in life." If that were the entire message, it would not be so bad. Unfortunately, the tired trope of the hard working poor who overcome adversity by working while taking two semesters worth of classes at the same time is laughable. I have worked full time while taking 12 credit hours per term. The story of the spunky underdog who works full time while taking 20 to 24 credit hours per term at multiple colleges is nauseating and insulting to the intelligence of the readers. I am sensing an Ayn Rand sub-theme to this story: "Hard work and more hard work will set you free to be the libertarian you always dreamed of being."
As a result of the issues noted above, I am taking a star off of my previous review rating.
It is disturbing for an unusual reason. The protagonist is too unreasonably and overly nice & polite.
In all of my nearly 70 years upon the planet, I have never encountered a 16 year old who behaves in such a submissive fashion.
I suspect that Cultural differences may explain why the author has created such a protagonist. I am an American. While I suspect some teenagers raised in very strict religious households could theoretically behave like the character in this story, her demeanor is completely alien to me. Thus, it removes a great deal of authenticity from the story for me. Reading about this character suddenly reminds me of the old book/movie: The Stepford Wives.
The story is so far enjoyable, but disturbing on an almost subliminal level.
UPDATE: Story Problems.
1. The Main Character is constantly running dungeons that far exceed her level and running all levels of a dungeon until completion without exiting. Any gamer will tell you that methodology is not too smart.
2. The M.C. frequently boasts of how her skills give her an edge vs. higher level opponents. However, the author apparently has no patience to bother listing her skills during the story and the protagonist constantly tells her A.I. not to report her skill development to her. This does not compute, Will Robinson!
3. Every dungeon that I have read of so far is a cut/paste of the combat/foe pattern of each previous dungeon. The MOBs change, the foe formula does not. Wash, rinse, repeat.
4. There is too much moral angst in this story. Opposing characters try to kill the protagonist, and then she second guesses whether it was right/just of her to kill the opposition instead. I would expect such exceedingly low wisdom from an 8 or 9 year old character, not a 16 year old.
5. I don't mind it much, but the social/class struggle message buried within the story is a little heavy handed. "The Man is trying to keep the lower classes and the poor from improving their rank in life." If that were the entire message, it would not be so bad. Unfortunately, the tired trope of the hard working poor who overcome adversity by working while taking two semesters worth of classes at the same time is laughable. I have worked full time while taking 12 credit hours per term. The story of the spunky underdog who works full time while taking 20 to 24 credit hours per term at multiple colleges is nauseating and insulting to the intelligence of the readers. I am sensing an Ayn Rand sub-theme to this story: "Hard work and more hard work will set you free to be the libertarian you always dreamed of being."
As a result of the issues noted above, I am taking a star off of my previous review rating.
January 29, 2021
The first few times I read litRPG I thought it was a rather interesting idea. More and more I read, however, I find that a lot of them get bogged down with meaningless stat pages and mob grinding.
This book is definitely in that category, and probably a good 30-40 pages are dedicated to skill ups/item descriptions every time she levels or kills some monsters. There is also no real gravity to any of the fights: just repeating battles with NPCs without any greater context (politics/danger etc).
The book is the most interesting when there are actual real-world complications, either tied to her AI or -- in a similar fashion to Ready Player One -- when people try to abuse the VR game for their own nefarious plots. Unfortunately, (at least in book one) these sections make up a comparatively small portion of the book.
What makes games (and books) interesting is that you can put yourself in the shoes of your character and suspend your disbelief about the fictitious nature of the NPCs: you can empathize and care about them. In this book, however, I do find a bit of a disconnect in being able to empathize with our fictional character interact with other fictional characters in the VR game, making all (or at least most) NPC interactions pretty flat.
I don't mind the writing too much but it can focus a bit much on meaningless details, not just in the VR world but also outside. There are also some ridiculous writing at times, especially regarding characters feeling strong emotions. One of the more egregious examples I remember went something like this: She felt unbearable pain... followed a few sentences later by She decided to ignore the pain. What does "unbearable pain" mean if you can ignore it? Also, 'show don't tell', what does unbearable pain look like? How does she react? Does she cry out, does she bite her tongue, does she squirm on the ground?
Personal nitpick: Snakes (and scorpions and spiders) are venomous, not poisonous.
I also found the author overused '!' quite a lot, even in mundane dialogue where it seemed a bit weird to imagine the characters shouting at one another.
(not from the actual book, just hyperbole).
"Honey, have you had breakfast yet?"
"No!"
"Okay, but why are you shouting?"
"I am not!"
"Yes, you are, that is what the exclamation point means."
"Oh!? I did not know that!"
"Alright, well, now you know, so can you please stop it, my head is starting to hurt here."
"Yes, I'll stop right away!"
"Then please stop."
"Yes!"
"Stop shouting!"
"I will!"
"STOP!"
"Ok!"
"STOP YOU #¤(% OR I'LL RIP YOUR %)#&¤# TONGUE OUT YOU DISSOBEDINAT "#!%%!"
This book is definitely in that category, and probably a good 30-40 pages are dedicated to skill ups/item descriptions every time she levels or kills some monsters. There is also no real gravity to any of the fights: just repeating battles with NPCs without any greater context (politics/danger etc).
The book is the most interesting when there are actual real-world complications, either tied to her AI or -- in a similar fashion to Ready Player One -- when people try to abuse the VR game for their own nefarious plots. Unfortunately, (at least in book one) these sections make up a comparatively small portion of the book.
What makes games (and books) interesting is that you can put yourself in the shoes of your character and suspend your disbelief about the fictitious nature of the NPCs: you can empathize and care about them. In this book, however, I do find a bit of a disconnect in being able to empathize with our fictional character interact with other fictional characters in the VR game, making all (or at least most) NPC interactions pretty flat.
I don't mind the writing too much but it can focus a bit much on meaningless details, not just in the VR world but also outside. There are also some ridiculous writing at times, especially regarding characters feeling strong emotions. One of the more egregious examples I remember went something like this: She felt unbearable pain... followed a few sentences later by She decided to ignore the pain. What does "unbearable pain" mean if you can ignore it? Also, 'show don't tell', what does unbearable pain look like? How does she react? Does she cry out, does she bite her tongue, does she squirm on the ground?
Personal nitpick: Snakes (and scorpions and spiders) are venomous, not poisonous.
I also found the author overused '!' quite a lot, even in mundane dialogue where it seemed a bit weird to imagine the characters shouting at one another.
(not from the actual book, just hyperbole).
"Honey, have you had breakfast yet?"
"No!"
"Okay, but why are you shouting?"
"I am not!"
"Yes, you are, that is what the exclamation point means."
"Oh!? I did not know that!"
"Alright, well, now you know, so can you please stop it, my head is starting to hurt here."
"Yes, I'll stop right away!"
"Then please stop."
"Yes!"
"Stop shouting!"
"I will!"
"STOP!"
"Ok!"
"STOP YOU #¤(% OR I'LL RIP YOUR %)#&¤# TONGUE OUT YOU DISSOBEDINAT "#!%%!"
August 28, 2024
The year is 2073, and access to virtual reality is normal. Having a chip implanted to facilitate and manage that access is considered a human right. There are human rights and there are political realities: The poor can receive restricted chips with bare-bones AI support.
Virtual reality in this milieu supports many common activities - remote work, remote learning, remote meetings, etc., all in virtually-real settings. It also supports leisure activities - including hundreds of virtual game worlds. Much of the economy has moved to virtual reality, and success in these worlds can translate to wealth in the 'real' world. When Aetherleah accidentally receives an experimental chip, rather than the usual free chip, she joins one of these games, as a way to raise enough money to get a good education.
Aetherleah is wildly successful in her game/s. She was already accomplished, and her enhancements give her advantages. She also makes dangerous real-world enemies.
The mix of a real-world story with several virtual-world story lines gives the author the freedom to cross genres. Much of the story takes place in a sword-and-sorcery mmorg. The real world is a somewhat-dystopian cyberpunk setting. Aetherleah's struggle with a growing cast of enemies takes her to a space-exploration world, a steampunk setting, and eventually others. She continues to be wildly successful - in part because she is superhumanly capable, in part because her care to do the right thing keeps paying off.
I read 'Nascent' out of curiosity, then binge-read the next seven books. (Fair warning - book 9 is pending, and there's no guarantee it'll be the last.) So yes, it is a very readable page-turner. The author is a bit too heavy-handed in his use of plot devices - for instance, the bad guys never have trouble getting courts or police or the corporations running the games to cheat in their favor. And the protagonist triumphs regardless of the odds. ("You can't kill a dragon with a dagger!" "I'll stab real hard.")
Fun to read. There's been a lapse (health-related, apparently) since book 8, and I look forward to seeing the story continue.
Virtual reality in this milieu supports many common activities - remote work, remote learning, remote meetings, etc., all in virtually-real settings. It also supports leisure activities - including hundreds of virtual game worlds. Much of the economy has moved to virtual reality, and success in these worlds can translate to wealth in the 'real' world. When Aetherleah accidentally receives an experimental chip, rather than the usual free chip, she joins one of these games, as a way to raise enough money to get a good education.
Aetherleah is wildly successful in her game/s. She was already accomplished, and her enhancements give her advantages. She also makes dangerous real-world enemies.
The mix of a real-world story with several virtual-world story lines gives the author the freedom to cross genres. Much of the story takes place in a sword-and-sorcery mmorg. The real world is a somewhat-dystopian cyberpunk setting. Aetherleah's struggle with a growing cast of enemies takes her to a space-exploration world, a steampunk setting, and eventually others. She continues to be wildly successful - in part because she is superhumanly capable, in part because her care to do the right thing keeps paying off.
I read 'Nascent' out of curiosity, then binge-read the next seven books. (Fair warning - book 9 is pending, and there's no guarantee it'll be the last.) So yes, it is a very readable page-turner. The author is a bit too heavy-handed in his use of plot devices - for instance, the bad guys never have trouble getting courts or police or the corporations running the games to cheat in their favor. And the protagonist triumphs regardless of the odds. ("You can't kill a dragon with a dagger!" "I'll stab real hard.")
Fun to read. There's been a lapse (health-related, apparently) since book 8, and I look forward to seeing the story continue.
May 7, 2019
A bit of a slow start for a truly fantastic and epic series. There aren't many RL elements in this story as the MC gets her first character going. Feels a bit unreal as she power-levels through the lower tier of her character. The reasons why are explained briefly and do make sense, but they left me somewhat desiring a higher level of challenge for the MC; that itch is fully satisfied later in the series. It's a bit hard to emotionally connect / empathize with the MC, partly because she is not very emotive at all in this book (more later in the series) and partly because she is so gifted (and thus, beyond me). Despite that, I couldn't put the book down and eagerly await each new installment, buying and reading it as soon as Corden makes it available.
One unusual element in this story that I haven't seen in others is the use of an embedded AI who develops into a full character. It's both believable and a really nifty story element that I enjoyed greatly in this book and throughout the series. I particularly liked how Corden works game mechanics into the story rather than try to re-create player stat screens; it flows much better than most others in the genre.
This is _the_ world I would choose to play in, if I had a full immersion rig!
If you liked / Similar stories:
Ernest Cline's Ready Player One - character development from rank beginner; multi-virtual-world environment; player vs. big baddies. Leah doesn't have the character like-ability of Wade but the series makes up for this in plot development.
Carrie Summers' *Stonehaven League* series - character development from rank beginner; fantasy/medieval-ish world; female MC; mix of online and RL story elements. Story Tower series has a much broader story (both online and RL) than Stonehaven.
One unusual element in this story that I haven't seen in others is the use of an embedded AI who develops into a full character. It's both believable and a really nifty story element that I enjoyed greatly in this book and throughout the series. I particularly liked how Corden works game mechanics into the story rather than try to re-create player stat screens; it flows much better than most others in the genre.
This is _the_ world I would choose to play in, if I had a full immersion rig!
If you liked / Similar stories:
Ernest Cline's Ready Player One - character development from rank beginner; multi-virtual-world environment; player vs. big baddies. Leah doesn't have the character like-ability of Wade but the series makes up for this in plot development.
Carrie Summers' *Stonehaven League* series - character development from rank beginner; fantasy/medieval-ish world; female MC; mix of online and RL story elements. Story Tower series has a much broader story (both online and RL) than Stonehaven.
July 19, 2018
This is a good book with 1 particular glaring fault that, while endemic to the genre, is rather more pronounced in this particular work.
That issue being litrpg's problem of an MC getting access to secret dungeons/quests/etc far too easily. I recognize it is necessary at times to combat the pacing issues the genre has (realistic grinding is boring after all), but there is a limit. The first secret dungeon the MC runs into is perfectly plausible.... The 2nd and 3rd, however, require far too much suspension of disbelief. That no one in so many years of Dunyanin's existence would trace ants to an anthill, that isn't particularly hidden and is largely in the open (Note that after the achievement notice - players found this place easily, unlike the first dungeon), particulary when Geng pulled records of many similar anthill dungeons, is simply not believable. Neither is the nonsense that not a single player prior would have investigated the Oxen attack that let to the 3rd hidden dunegon.
That said, again, the book is overall good. The main character is intelligent, which is always a plus if only to avoid carrying the idiot ball around, and her past work for Jimmy Loo indicates she is at least sometimes willing to do what is neccesary. The development of her AI is similar to that of the one in Cosimo Yap's The Gam3 series, with the same benefits for the story.
That issue being litrpg's problem of an MC getting access to secret dungeons/quests/etc far too easily. I recognize it is necessary at times to combat the pacing issues the genre has (realistic grinding is boring after all), but there is a limit. The first secret dungeon the MC runs into is perfectly plausible.... The 2nd and 3rd, however, require far too much suspension of disbelief. That no one in so many years of Dunyanin's existence would trace ants to an anthill, that isn't particularly hidden and is largely in the open (Note that after the achievement notice - players found this place easily, unlike the first dungeon), particulary when Geng pulled records of many similar anthill dungeons, is simply not believable. Neither is the nonsense that not a single player prior would have investigated the Oxen attack that let to the 3rd hidden dunegon.
That said, again, the book is overall good. The main character is intelligent, which is always a plus if only to avoid carrying the idiot ball around, and her past work for Jimmy Loo indicates she is at least sometimes willing to do what is neccesary. The development of her AI is similar to that of the one in Cosimo Yap's The Gam3 series, with the same benefits for the story.
March 19, 2024
This series was really annoying to me. Leah is a Mary Sue, who I'm convinced shits gold. Everything she does turns out to be incredibly lucky, and it's supposedly because she is so intelligent and has those great moral values and her playing style is so unique.. that gets tiring. Because she is above reproach there is no room for growth, and everybody around her adores and instant fangirls, people are like, you are so honest and empathic here, i will gift you a mansion. We get it, Leah's special and can do no wrong. And there's this plot where she gives a lot of freedom to her ai and that's a reason why Geng develops so fast, but the players she interacts with have to always do as she says, one time she locks an NPC back into a cell because it doesn't want to follow her lead. That was confusing, because on one hand she doesn't have free thinking in her gang, but she supposedly encourages her ai to do so? Also there was a really comical scene where they were asked, so where are you going to go?
Player1: north
Player2: north
Player3: north
Player4: north
Leah: south
It's decided then, we're going south eheheheh because Leah's always right, but just out of curiosity, why do you want to go South Leah? What's your incredibly intelligent hunch?
I hate her and everything about this book
Player1: north
Player2: north
Player3: north
Player4: north
Leah: south
It's decided then, we're going south eheheheh because Leah's always right, but just out of curiosity, why do you want to go South Leah? What's your incredibly intelligent hunch?
I hate her and everything about this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2019
I'm only partway through this series and I'm not sure how I feel about it although I know that it is entertaining and I like it.
It is a wild over powered Mary Sue ride with Christian teachings.
No, I am totally not kidding.
Our Mary Sue protagonist was given a Very Special™ Implant. She honors and respects AIs and NPCs so gets secret quests and regularly breaks the game. She is victimized by Evil Persons™ and shows such strength and honor that she is Respected By The Powerful Crime Lords™ that she deals with as valued and important members of her society while Being a Paragon of Morality™ and eschewing in-game opportunities that would contradict her Strong Christian Principles™. She also offers Important Lessons™ about accepting differences and supporting each individual's inherent self identification.
In lesser hands (like the trainwreck that is Siphon), this would be a complete mess.
Here, it's a ball of fun, fast-paced, dungeoneering across realms and games and races and stats, with the occasional eye-roll as the perfect 16-yo beacon of moral clarity expounds upon proper etiquette and mercy.
What can I say? I liked it.
Know what you're getting when you go in and if none of this particularly bothers you, enjoy the ride.
It is a wild over powered Mary Sue ride with Christian teachings.
No, I am totally not kidding.
Our Mary Sue protagonist was given a Very Special™ Implant. She honors and respects AIs and NPCs so gets secret quests and regularly breaks the game. She is victimized by Evil Persons™ and shows such strength and honor that she is Respected By The Powerful Crime Lords™ that she deals with as valued and important members of her society while Being a Paragon of Morality™ and eschewing in-game opportunities that would contradict her Strong Christian Principles™. She also offers Important Lessons™ about accepting differences and supporting each individual's inherent self identification.
In lesser hands (like the trainwreck that is Siphon), this would be a complete mess.
Here, it's a ball of fun, fast-paced, dungeoneering across realms and games and races and stats, with the occasional eye-roll as the perfect 16-yo beacon of moral clarity expounds upon proper etiquette and mercy.
What can I say? I liked it.
Know what you're getting when you go in and if none of this particularly bothers you, enjoy the ride.
December 19, 2023
EDIT 2023-12-19 : The series is not finished, and the release rhythm has stopped. Observing Mr. Corden's releases, I understand that he is concentrating on his TWO other series.
Now that I've read all 8, and despite the fun (and annoyance) I had reading the series, I don't recommend it. I think he writes the story as he goes along, and some loose ends have to be tied up.
His worlds are nice and the pace interesting. Unfortunately, he could have avoided some of the filler and ended his series with this book.
ORIGINAL :
I am currently on book 5 and it generally oscillates between a rating of 2.5 and 4.5 in my opinion. The book offers very good entertainment but many points bother me.
I will skip the first circumstances which are the very basis of the book by reminding that the AIs of the different protagonists could have signaled problems, but for the sake of the story, let’s forget. Mary-Sue, sorry Leah, is a wonderful young woman. Despite difficult conditions, she has managed to develop a whole range of skills: incredible intelligence and knowledge, knife skills, thief skills, etc. Her arrival in a medieval fantasy world is an opportunity to practice magic! Great. So let’s increase strength, dexterity, constitution and…
I can continue on this theme for a long time so let’s make a list:
- Mary Sue
- A real lack of challenge
- Unique quests over and over again. I really hate that. I can accept a little well-dosed but it’s really the author’s trademark.
- A very surprising economy. The real money / virtual money parallel exists but the exorbitant amounts are debatable. Quests should not be generous (even if unique) since it means that it is the company that gives the money. On the other hand, selling the rare products of these quests can bring in… But there is a difference between the owning company that gives its funds, and the one where a person gives their money to the company that converts this money to buy the equipment.
- Leah can do too much (Mary-Sue again)
- Leah acts on too many fronts
- The story is so focused on her that the secondary characters have little flavor.
- Obvious developmental biases
Despite these points, which somewhat spoiled my initial experience, I'm still looking forward to the rest of the adventure.
Now that I've read all 8, and despite the fun (and annoyance) I had reading the series, I don't recommend it. I think he writes the story as he goes along, and some loose ends have to be tied up.
His worlds are nice and the pace interesting. Unfortunately, he could have avoided some of the filler and ended his series with this book.
ORIGINAL :
I am currently on book 5 and it generally oscillates between a rating of 2.5 and 4.5 in my opinion. The book offers very good entertainment but many points bother me.
I will skip the first circumstances which are the very basis of the book by reminding that the AIs of the different protagonists could have signaled problems, but for the sake of the story, let’s forget. Mary-Sue, sorry Leah, is a wonderful young woman. Despite difficult conditions, she has managed to develop a whole range of skills: incredible intelligence and knowledge, knife skills, thief skills, etc. Her arrival in a medieval fantasy world is an opportunity to practice magic! Great. So let’s increase strength, dexterity, constitution and…
I can continue on this theme for a long time so let’s make a list:
- Mary Sue
- A real lack of challenge
- Unique quests over and over again. I really hate that. I can accept a little well-dosed but it’s really the author’s trademark.
- A very surprising economy. The real money / virtual money parallel exists but the exorbitant amounts are debatable. Quests should not be generous (even if unique) since it means that it is the company that gives the money. On the other hand, selling the rare products of these quests can bring in… But there is a difference between the owning company that gives its funds, and the one where a person gives their money to the company that converts this money to buy the equipment.
- Leah can do too much (Mary-Sue again)
- Leah acts on too many fronts
- The story is so focused on her that the secondary characters have little flavor.
- Obvious developmental biases
Despite these points, which somewhat spoiled my initial experience, I'm still looking forward to the rest of the adventure.
November 7, 2021
Ugh... geeze, I'm going to write a review. Bleh, I hate writing reviews, but dear reader, I must warn you. This is a play by play book about gaming. There is no story here; only next she killed three more ants and got these points and treasures.
If you're looking for cool AIs, this isn't the one. The AI in this book is a mostly ignored digital note taker with all the sparkle and charm of Wikipedia.
If you're looking for story, this isn't the one. This is written out score sheet of wins, wins and more wins of the main character, an uber Mary Sue and all the stuff she got from her wins, wins, wins, wins, wins, wins, wins, wins....
This is dreadful. If you want to read about adventure games, see Ready Player One. If you want independent, functional AI, see the Murderbot Diaries.
... and the typos. Mr. Corden clearly has fans, so why doesn't he get 4 or 5 to proofread for him?
DNF at 67% because this is clearly going nowhere.
If you're looking for cool AIs, this isn't the one. The AI in this book is a mostly ignored digital note taker with all the sparkle and charm of Wikipedia.
If you're looking for story, this isn't the one. This is written out score sheet of wins, wins and more wins of the main character, an uber Mary Sue and all the stuff she got from her wins, wins, wins, wins, wins, wins, wins, wins....
This is dreadful. If you want to read about adventure games, see Ready Player One. If you want independent, functional AI, see the Murderbot Diaries.
... and the typos. Mr. Corden clearly has fans, so why doesn't he get 4 or 5 to proofread for him?
DNF at 67% because this is clearly going nowhere.
April 2, 2018
Leah comes from a very poor community, and at age 16 is able to get a basic AI chip implant to join virtual society. Lucky for her, a series of minor mishaps lasts to her reviving a much more capable AI than the one she was supposed to get. It's partially through the AI's guidance and advice and partially due to her conscientiousness that almost as soon as she logs into a virtual game to earn an income, she begins to discover quests long hidden and map areas that have gone unexplored. Balanced with virtual university, Leah begins to build a solid reputation and make friends in her new environment. This is probably the best LitRPG I've read and I'm looking forward to continuing. Excellent story, solid and relatable main character, and a fun fantasy world to explore PLUS an interesting real life to return to.
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