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Tower of Babel #2
Liar King
From the very first hour Cayden had set foot inside the massive, real-life game that was the Tower of Babel, nothing had gone according to plan. A unique skill, a handful of new friends and the wrath of an ultra-wealthy, patricidal lunatic were just some of the complications to his best laid plans.
So why was he even surprised when a special event trapped him, his companions and dozens of other players inside the tower, squaring them off against a murderous army of stone-faced warriors?
If they are to have any hope of survival, they'll have to leverage not only their own personal power, but the power of the Elan as well. There are castles to be built, armies to be raised and one real question to be posed.
How good is a self-proclaimed RPG nerd going to be at turn-based strategy?
So why was he even surprised when a special event trapped him, his companions and dozens of other players inside the tower, squaring them off against a murderous army of stone-faced warriors?
If they are to have any hope of survival, they'll have to leverage not only their own personal power, but the power of the Elan as well. There are castles to be built, armies to be raised and one real question to be posed.
How good is a self-proclaimed RPG nerd going to be at turn-based strategy?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2017
163 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 14, 2018
I still enjoy the series but this 2nd volume completely disregards the main plot line of the first and instead spins off on a side quest, and an incomplete side quest at that. If you liked the first I think you’ll enjoy it but I was hoping to encounter more of Kadens unique skill and find out more about the white knight. It seams that won’t even be likely to happen in volume 3 which seams like it’ll be the Liar King part 2.
I could also use a little less Stat Dumping and less over explication of the game mechanics.
I could also use a little less Stat Dumping and less over explication of the game mechanics.
February 6, 2018
Mini-Review:
The series is one of the better LitRPG's I have read. I like the way the author balances out the action, game specs and plot. Even with the downsides, the story is worth a shot.
Downsides:
1) PLEASE GET AN EDITOR that actually catches all of the mistakes. It was highly frustrating to see all the mistakes that littered the book from the beginning to end.
(I'll update the rating to 4 stars once the mistakes are taken care of in the ebook.)
2) That ending?!?! That wasn't an ending. It was a total laughable fart. I would have imagined that the story would end at the conclusion of the special game event. That would have made sense. Where the story currently comes to a halt is a cliffhanger.
The series is one of the better LitRPG's I have read. I like the way the author balances out the action, game specs and plot. Even with the downsides, the story is worth a shot.
Downsides:
1) PLEASE GET AN EDITOR that actually catches all of the mistakes. It was highly frustrating to see all the mistakes that littered the book from the beginning to end.
(I'll update the rating to 4 stars once the mistakes are taken care of in the ebook.)
2) That ending?!?! That wasn't an ending. It was a total laughable fart. I would have imagined that the story would end at the conclusion of the special game event. That would have made sense. Where the story currently comes to a halt is a cliffhanger.
June 18, 2020
I didn't like this one NEARLY as much as the first. The first was all go - crazy action. This was was too much talking and debating and standing around a table. It was a cool ass table - but still. Enough was enough. It put me to sleep. I doubt I'll finish it up, I don't care enough to know what happens next.
November 30, 2017
The second book of the Tower of Babel series pulls a fast one on us, as it switches from "litrpg" to "litstrat" and plunges the hero into a turn-based strategy game.
It is interesting because it fleshes out the various characters, adds to the player rota, and starts dancing around the elephant in the room (as we get our first POV from an Elan). And having our resident Runemagi improving his vocabulary massively... using legalese from a runic contract is a fun bit.
Alas, my enjoyment of the book was severely reduced because it doesn't resolve the current plot. We're left hanging, thankfully without a massive cliffhanger, but with the strategy game still in progress, Cayden still stuck in the second floor managing the troops. And I very, very much dislike that. It's the kind of problem that makes me want to delay reading the book until #3 comes out, but it's now too late. So, only 3 stars for this one.
It is interesting because it fleshes out the various characters, adds to the player rota, and starts dancing around the elephant in the room (as we get our first POV from an Elan). And having our resident Runemagi improving his vocabulary massively... using legalese from a runic contract is a fun bit.
Alas, my enjoyment of the book was severely reduced because it doesn't resolve the current plot. We're left hanging, thankfully without a massive cliffhanger, but with the strategy game still in progress, Cayden still stuck in the second floor managing the troops. And I very, very much dislike that. It's the kind of problem that makes me want to delay reading the book until #3 comes out, but it's now too late. So, only 3 stars for this one.
April 24, 2018
Not as good as the first book, though still pretty readable. I have one complaint though - I feel like a series can have one overarching aim across all books, but each book within the series should have a contained subplot, start to finish. This book introduced the subplot....and did not finish it. I feel cheated by getting only half a book. If you're considering reading this, then certainly do - but wait until book three is out. Otherwise you won't get an ending.
April 20, 2020
2.75☆
May 4, 2018
I really like Elliott's writing style and the setting, but I wasn't fond of the main mechanic of this book. Part of the charm of the previous story was it's grounding. It was a fantastical world, but the systems and rules were solid and logical. That all gets kind of thrown out in this. A large portion of this book involves the main characters playing a turn based strategy game. :/ Worse, in order to make it more like a turn based strategy there are a lot of logic and physical laws broken with no explanation to it other than 'that darn developer'.
Still, Elliott does a great job with the characterization, the story is engaging, and when he does to classic fighting it's as engaging as ever. There was just far too little of it in this. Here's to hoping the next book is better.
Still, Elliott does a great job with the characterization, the story is engaging, and when he does to classic fighting it's as engaging as ever. There was just far too little of it in this. Here's to hoping the next book is better.
September 1, 2020
Disappointed. Seriously disappointed.
Well kind of boring.
Completely deviates from the main plot and goes into a secondary boring plot which doesn't resolve at the end.
Well kind of boring.
Completely deviates from the main plot and goes into a secondary boring plot which doesn't resolve at the end.
April 20, 2020
Didn’t resolve the whole plot
It’s really enjoyable series wise, and had some good detail, but represented another set of inconsistencies from an author that needs more storyboard editing.
In the first book: we have a speed runner tower litrpg and that starts out great, but then it changes to a little more of a chosen one tower litrpg. This book had the fun quirk of a tower event changing it to more CIV building/hex turn based.... but then doesn’t even finish the plot! That seems inexcusable. Not only is there not a single floor of tower progression, but due to the macguffin that it starts with, the whole plot is actually on a floor they’ve long since encountered/passed.
If it wasn’t so detrimental to a new author I’d probably give this 3/5, but there’s so much potential here
It’s really enjoyable series wise, and had some good detail, but represented another set of inconsistencies from an author that needs more storyboard editing.
In the first book: we have a speed runner tower litrpg and that starts out great, but then it changes to a little more of a chosen one tower litrpg. This book had the fun quirk of a tower event changing it to more CIV building/hex turn based.... but then doesn’t even finish the plot! That seems inexcusable. Not only is there not a single floor of tower progression, but due to the macguffin that it starts with, the whole plot is actually on a floor they’ve long since encountered/passed.
If it wasn’t so detrimental to a new author I’d probably give this 3/5, but there’s so much potential here
February 14, 2018
Bold move, Litrpg with full RTS imbedded
Yes there are a few quibbles here and there (ie the MC’ not fully exploring the unique class that makes him one of a kind, insisting on remaining a “tank”, his original solo-speed leveling class) would have liked to see a bit more progression beyond current floor.
Besides that, great story, mechanics, imagination. Lots of fun to read.
Yes there are a few quibbles here and there (ie the MC’ not fully exploring the unique class that makes him one of a kind, insisting on remaining a “tank”, his original solo-speed leveling class) would have liked to see a bit more progression beyond current floor.
Besides that, great story, mechanics, imagination. Lots of fun to read.
July 2, 2018
Whatever momentum the first book had, it screeches to a halt in this sequel. There is an extended scene where Civilization mechanics that could have been quickly glossed over are explained over tens of pages, and then the danger diminishes from the overwatch effect. The characters are only thrust back into danger by holding the idiot ball.
The jokes and pop trivia are dated.
Overall, an excellent idea that somehow misses the mark.
The jokes and pop trivia are dated.
Overall, an excellent idea that somehow misses the mark.
July 7, 2019
A fun, if unfortunately low on content, transition novel. I read this immediately after book 1, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was pretty excited to see more about the world (and was not disappointed). The action is lightweight but enjoyable. The system and world building is interesting. Unfortunately just not a lot gets resolved in terms of plot development. It feels s lot like a typical transition story problem.
July 26, 2020
Great read, better sequel
I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment, and it did a tremendous job of continuing the story without becoming repetitive or dull. The author used tropes and devices from games and literature e in the past, but did it with a style that I have not seen matched. The only negative is that there are quite a few editing mistakes (is words out of order, missing punctuation, etc.).
I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment, and it did a tremendous job of continuing the story without becoming repetitive or dull. The author used tropes and devices from games and literature e in the past, but did it with a style that I have not seen matched. The only negative is that there are quite a few editing mistakes (is words out of order, missing punctuation, etc.).
November 18, 2017
A good addition to the series.
Pros:-
1. Great character interactions.
2. Solid use of strategy game elements.
3. Interesting addition of new characters.
4. I loved the great teamwork of all the characters.
Cons:-
1. A few grammar mistakes.
2. Missing words.
In conclusion, I recommend everyone reading the book. It's really good.
Pros:-
1. Great character interactions.
2. Solid use of strategy game elements.
3. Interesting addition of new characters.
4. I loved the great teamwork of all the characters.
Cons:-
1. A few grammar mistakes.
2. Missing words.
In conclusion, I recommend everyone reading the book. It's really good.
August 7, 2018
Extraordinarily bland book, in my opinion. I felt like a fair amount of interesting events happened in the first book, whereas this one... what happened? I feel that in the grand scheme of the story, this one would be worth at most a couple of bullet points, no more.
The characters are also grating on me already, so I guess I'm done with this series.
The characters are also grating on me already, so I guess I'm done with this series.
September 19, 2021
This book is incomplete!
Doesn't have any kind of ending.
After paying for this book, I feel entitled to get the continuation ASAP for free, or my money back.
It's set in the same universe and has the same characters with the first book, but has no connection plot wise.
The only good thing I have for this book is the interesting take on litRPG with TBS elements (turn based strategy).
Doesn't have any kind of ending.
After paying for this book, I feel entitled to get the continuation ASAP for free, or my money back.
It's set in the same universe and has the same characters with the first book, but has no connection plot wise.
The only good thing I have for this book is the interesting take on litRPG with TBS elements (turn based strategy).
April 13, 2023
The level our MC is on with his friends is closed for an event.
This really takes the fun out because the main story arc - to reach the top level - is frozen.
Still nice characters but i havent enjoyed it as much as the first on.
Doesn't make it better that this side story
This really takes the fun out because the main story arc - to reach the top level - is frozen.
Still nice characters but i havent enjoyed it as much as the first on.
Doesn't make it better that this side story
October 29, 2017
Another great book
I had been anxiously awaiting this book since I read the previous one and was not disappointed. World building, character development and a nice bit of dramatic tension — only criticism is that I finished it too fast.
I had been anxiously awaiting this book since I read the previous one and was not disappointed. World building, character development and a nice bit of dramatic tension — only criticism is that I finished it too fast.
October 30, 2017
A decent read if a bit rushed
As the continuation of ‘Speedrunner’, not a bad novel. You definitely do need to read the first novel however or you may feel a bit lost. Only real complaint is that it feels a bit short, like maybe a few chapters fell to the wayside.
As the continuation of ‘Speedrunner’, not a bad novel. You definitely do need to read the first novel however or you may feel a bit lost. Only real complaint is that it feels a bit short, like maybe a few chapters fell to the wayside.
November 3, 2017
Entertaining story, good world development
The world and characters are well developed and the story is entertaining. Does need a bit of editing as there are several places where the author accidentally uses the wrong character names.
The world and characters are well developed and the story is entertaining. Does need a bit of editing as there are several places where the author accidentally uses the wrong character names.
November 8, 2017
A bit disappointed in this one. It seems to go in a more or less completely different direction from the first book, but still requires all of the knowledge of what happened in the first book. I liked the first book, but not really this one unfortunately.
January 25, 2019
Good
The first one was better, seemed longer and to have much more going on than this one which seemed like an episode rather than a complete season like the first book in the series, still very good and definitely looking forward to the next one.
The first one was better, seemed longer and to have much more going on than this one which seemed like an episode rather than a complete season like the first book in the series, still very good and definitely looking forward to the next one.
February 24, 2020
Pleasant Second Book
I like how the author went into 4X without any problems or hiccups. This one is filled with as much adventuring as the first but on a different level. I am waiting for the third one.
I like how the author went into 4X without any problems or hiccups. This one is filled with as much adventuring as the first but on a different level. I am waiting for the third one.
March 1, 2021
Nothing to say but wow
Truly a amazing book, Tower of Babel draws you in with character depth and uniqueness such as I've never seen before. Thank you for writing this, I'll be waiting for the next one :)
Truly a amazing book, Tower of Babel draws you in with character depth and uniqueness such as I've never seen before. Thank you for writing this, I'll be waiting for the next one :)
August 24, 2021
Book two
Mistakes: There was a handful of mistakes I found. I listed them on Goodreads.
Plot: I feel like I only got half the story. This book ends without any rap up. Continued in book three.
Characters: Very childish interactions.
4.5/10
Mistakes: There was a handful of mistakes I found. I listed them on Goodreads.
Plot: I feel like I only got half the story. This book ends without any rap up. Continued in book three.
Characters: Very childish interactions.
4.5/10
July 19, 2022
I enjoyed this book, but I must warn you that this book does not finish the story. It seems like the author just gave up on writing after this book. That means that we will likely never learn whether the main character and his friends reach the top of the tower or get their wish.
October 30, 2017
Nice read. Worth the wait. The ending was not satisfactory bcoz of being a cliffhanger. Anyway nice continuation for the series.
November 2, 2017
Finished in a weird spot.
November 6, 2017
Excellence
Book three please. Couldn't put this one down. Captivating enough to cause a sleepless night. Keep up the good work.
Book three please. Couldn't put this one down. Captivating enough to cause a sleepless night. Keep up the good work.
January 6, 2018
Fantastic story
I really love this series. It's entertaining and exciting all the way through. There is never a dull moment. I can't wait to continue the series.
I really love this series. It's entertaining and exciting all the way through. There is never a dull moment. I can't wait to continue the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews