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Afterlife Online #2
Black Hat
Life’s a Grind
Living in a virtual game world sounds like the ultimate dream. Plenty of action, intrigue, and guess who gets to be the big hero?
But what happens when that digital reality gets flipped on its head? Bad guys are after your sweet loot, your fancy title is loaded with unrealistic expectations, and achieving such a high level comes with a big fat target on your back.
It isn’t long before Talon and company learn that, in an MMO, the daily grind is a literal fact of life.
Something has to give, so when a new crusader faction rolls into town, Talon senses an opportunity. Not just to get out of Dodge, but to navigate unforgiving terrain to the edge of the world where he can make a difference. Have a real impact. Be a real hero.
The catch? An awakened dragon, a city of cutthroats, and a mystical executioner with a sharpened axe to grind. Welcome to the first of a few very long days.
Living in a virtual game world sounds like the ultimate dream. Plenty of action, intrigue, and guess who gets to be the big hero?
But what happens when that digital reality gets flipped on its head? Bad guys are after your sweet loot, your fancy title is loaded with unrealistic expectations, and achieving such a high level comes with a big fat target on your back.
It isn’t long before Talon and company learn that, in an MMO, the daily grind is a literal fact of life.
Something has to give, so when a new crusader faction rolls into town, Talon senses an opportunity. Not just to get out of Dodge, but to navigate unforgiving terrain to the edge of the world where he can make a difference. Have a real impact. Be a real hero.
The catch? An awakened dragon, a city of cutthroats, and a mystical executioner with a sharpened axe to grind. Welcome to the first of a few very long days.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2017
493 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Domino Finn
32 books212 followersDomino Finn is an entertainment industry veteran, a contributor to award-winning video games, and the grizzled Urban Fantasy author of the best-selling Black Magic Outlaw series. His stories are equal parts spit, beer, and blood, and are notable for treating weighty issues with a supernatural veneer. If Domino has one rallying cry for the world, it's that fantasy is serious business.
Take up arms at DominoFinn.com
Take up arms at DominoFinn.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 6, 2017
I LOVED the first one. I can't wait to dive back into this world.
October 28, 2017
I am a fan of Mr. Finn’s Black Magic Outlaw series, and I was excited to be able to review this book. When a new crusader faction enlists Talon’s help to free another city, he is a little suspicious but agrees. When he arrives in the city and finds nothing is as he was told, he knows he needs to get back to his city, the city he is the protector of. But, when Talon is betrayed and a leader of the faction makes Talon and friends the bad guys, Talon will do whatever it takes to win the people, and his town, back. To be completely honest, I hadn’t read the first book in the series, but I trusted that the author’s skill would make that a moot point. I was right! I dived right in and was immediately drawn into the interesting world where you are uploaded into a virtual world when you die. Talon is a very interesting character; he so wants to do the right thing, and sometimes he fails. I also really liked Izzy and found her to be a wonderful female character. I’m still a little on the fence about Kyle; he can be a little annoying, but really, so can’t some real-life people. All this showed me how wonderful Mr. Finn is in building characters. I loved the plot of this book, and I loved the action; I felt like I was there! All in all, I had a hard time putting down this well-written, fun, great book. And last but not least I must mention, I really enjoyed the way the book got its title which you find out towards the end. I can’t wait to see what comes next. Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 28, 2017
Raiding a castle and killing wildkins along the way, the gamers relentlessly moved forward. Crawling through debris, Talon reached a dead end. Behind him, there was a loud bang and a scuffle among his friends and the wildkins. It had been pure inspiration to enter the Black Keep from the top rather than trek through the dungeon – at least that was what they hoped! Talon went on a little ahead to test their footing since only he had “darkvision”, allowing him to use enhanced vision in low light to see more clearly than even a torch would allow. His friends, who had been fighting the wildkins to distract them, ran after him. But Talon knew the wooden platform was not sturdy and they could fall to their deaths! Talon grabbed a rope safety line and ran back to them. When the platform indeed collapsed, they watched the wildkins plummet downward amidst the rafter wreckage while they swung together to the rock outcropping to which they were anchored by the rope. Their proficiency was rated: “Expert Searcher”. Since they had now made it to the dungeon, a 7-foot wild king sat on a throne and welcomed them. What lies ahead? This was going to be a formidable enemy!
I’m not a gamer, so I apologize if my ramblings make no sense. But despite my own failings, the author writes expertly and brings us into a gaming world of suspense and mystery! He develops the characters through their actions and relationships, which is an excellent way to do it. It lets the reader join the game, really know the characters and who is reliable. You can feel the magic coming right off the pages! Seriously, this is a well written book that will hold your interest. I recommend that you give it a chance. This author consistently takes you on a wild ride, so hang on and enjoy the experience!
I’m not a gamer, so I apologize if my ramblings make no sense. But despite my own failings, the author writes expertly and brings us into a gaming world of suspense and mystery! He develops the characters through their actions and relationships, which is an excellent way to do it. It lets the reader join the game, really know the characters and who is reliable. You can feel the magic coming right off the pages! Seriously, this is a well written book that will hold your interest. I recommend that you give it a chance. This author consistently takes you on a wild ride, so hang on and enjoy the experience!
October 28, 2017
The second book in Domino Finn's Afterlife Online LitRPG series.
This book is even more entertaining, action-packed and adventurous than 'Reboot' was. Talon, Kyle and Izzy have no idea who to put their trust in - the Angels, Lucifer, the Saints, the Bishop, the Home Guard (and we're not talking Dad's Army here)? It seems everyone has an ulterior motive, but you'll be surprised who will answer the call for help.
This is a very clever story, detailed, and great fun. It's not as statistical as other stories of this type, which you'll either like or you won't. Read the series so far and make up your own mind.
I was given an eARC which I voluntarily read and reviewed. The review is honest and the opinions are my own.
This book is even more entertaining, action-packed and adventurous than 'Reboot' was. Talon, Kyle and Izzy have no idea who to put their trust in - the Angels, Lucifer, the Saints, the Bishop, the Home Guard (and we're not talking Dad's Army here)? It seems everyone has an ulterior motive, but you'll be surprised who will answer the call for help.
This is a very clever story, detailed, and great fun. It's not as statistical as other stories of this type, which you'll either like or you won't. Read the series so far and make up your own mind.
I was given an eARC which I voluntarily read and reviewed. The review is honest and the opinions are my own.
November 4, 2017
I’m a proud gamer. I met my husband (eons ago) when he was the DM in our college D&D gaming group. My 16 and 19 year-old “children” are equally addicted, though they’ll more likely be playing MMOs than RPGs (other than our monthly family/friends D&D campaign).
If the above is all remotely understandable to you then Reboot and this book, it’s sequel Black Hat, are absolutely the series for you. If it’s all a strange language you’ll still enjoy both books (as, really, your best off reading the excellent Reboot before this one). They’re both excellently written, with strong action-filled plots, great world-building and a wonderful cast of lead and supporting characters. For non-gamers this is a 5 star book. For gamers it deserves the unavailable 6th star. Enjoy.
If the above is all remotely understandable to you then Reboot and this book, it’s sequel Black Hat, are absolutely the series for you. If it’s all a strange language you’ll still enjoy both books (as, really, your best off reading the excellent Reboot before this one). They’re both excellently written, with strong action-filled plots, great world-building and a wonderful cast of lead and supporting characters. For non-gamers this is a 5 star book. For gamers it deserves the unavailable 6th star. Enjoy.
October 18, 2018
“Recruit heroes. Build an empire. Defend it with your life.”
This is the second book in this series. It's a good book, but it's ending left me unsatisfied, which led me to get the third book to try to satisfy that feeling that things were left unfinished. I am currently awaiting the fourth book, book three ended in a logical place, but there is still a lot of things left unanswered.
I enjoyed this book, it took me back to my old RPG days, when the rendering engine lived between your ears, but it should appeal to the more modern gamers too.
This is the second book in this series. It's a good book, but it's ending left me unsatisfied, which led me to get the third book to try to satisfy that feeling that things were left unfinished. I am currently awaiting the fourth book, book three ended in a logical place, but there is still a lot of things left unanswered.
I enjoyed this book, it took me back to my old RPG days, when the rendering engine lived between your ears, but it should appeal to the more modern gamers too.
April 14, 2019
MC outsmarted by NPC over and over
I was quite enjoying the story until our MC is repeatedly outsmarted and easily out maneuvered by the NPC priest. Not only is he verbally manipulated, he literally just stands there and takes it.
After being betrayed by the same crew, he walks out for another round and lets them dictate the story again. None of the other characters notice and honestly he doesn't seem to either.
Very frustrating for me to read because there could have been other paths to follow.
I was quite enjoying the story until our MC is repeatedly outsmarted and easily out maneuvered by the NPC priest. Not only is he verbally manipulated, he literally just stands there and takes it.
After being betrayed by the same crew, he walks out for another round and lets them dictate the story again. None of the other characters notice and honestly he doesn't seem to either.
Very frustrating for me to read because there could have been other paths to follow.
October 23, 2025
I should’ve stopped at book one. Idk why I thought this series could get better. I just could not get into the world, idk but it feels stale as hell and the characters got significantly boring, and the romance was crrrinnggee I got second-hand embarrassment for Talon. I liked the idea of the lines blurring between NPCs and “residents†but that was it for me and it’s not revolutionary or anything it’s been done before in other LitRPG books. Ah, well. Onto the next adventure (that is not the 3rd book in this series)
November 27, 2017
Solid entry in the series, significant improvement in writing
The author is definitely trying to improve his writing and it shows. Still some rough edges that could use polish and a good editor but much improved.
I enjoyed this one. Cool setting. I especially love that he skips the litrpg trope of npcs bit respawning Wich had gotten quite stale.
The characters are developing and the world is too. Definitely worth a read.
The author is definitely trying to improve his writing and it shows. Still some rough edges that could use polish and a good editor but much improved.
I enjoyed this one. Cool setting. I especially love that he skips the litrpg trope of npcs bit respawning Wich had gotten quite stale.
The characters are developing and the world is too. Definitely worth a read.
February 8, 2018
Dazed and Satisfied
This story continues everything excellent from the first book, and adds action, world expansion, and a continual amount of confusion to the plot. I spent a lot of time trying to reason out motivations, drama, and direction before giving up and just rolling with it. After that it got more fun. It’s a good story with the LitRPG part done well, and worth a read, especially if you read the first book.
This story continues everything excellent from the first book, and adds action, world expansion, and a continual amount of confusion to the plot. I spent a lot of time trying to reason out motivations, drama, and direction before giving up and just rolling with it. After that it got more fun. It’s a good story with the LitRPG part done well, and worth a read, especially if you read the first book.
April 1, 2019
Good story
I enjoyed reading this story for several reasons: the characters are believable, they make mistakes, the change in location for much of the book was interesting, and there are some real underlying questions as we start to see the ripple effect from the changes to the original code/plan for the world. It will be interesting to see how things proceed, especially with the new/first player faction in Haven! On to the next book. :)
I enjoyed reading this story for several reasons: the characters are believable, they make mistakes, the change in location for much of the book was interesting, and there are some real underlying questions as we start to see the ripple effect from the changes to the original code/plan for the world. It will be interesting to see how things proceed, especially with the new/first player faction in Haven! On to the next book. :)
November 6, 2017
Wow, that was fun and exciting
Seriously a page turner. I love all the references, games, media and cultural. I read both books starting yesterday. Pretty much a non stop adventure. Just enough litRPG stuff without letting it get in the way of the story. I couldn't tell at the end whether more books are planned as the current threads were tied up fairly well.
Seriously a page turner. I love all the references, games, media and cultural. I read both books starting yesterday. Pretty much a non stop adventure. Just enough litRPG stuff without letting it get in the way of the story. I couldn't tell at the end whether more books are planned as the current threads were tied up fairly well.
November 7, 2017
This is not litrpg
The first book had a decent litrpg framework to start off and then quickly abandoned it.
This new book had al ost zero litrpg elements. I got as far as the bishop showing up in town and then I gave up.
Its a so so fantasy tale, but nothing that grabbed my attention.
The first book had a decent litrpg framework to start off and then quickly abandoned it.
This new book had al ost zero litrpg elements. I got as far as the bishop showing up in town and then I gave up.
Its a so so fantasy tale, but nothing that grabbed my attention.
November 29, 2017
Great follow-up!
The first book in the series wasn’t my favorite lit-rpg. It was a solid read, but I just never felt pulled into the world. This book changed that. I felt a connection with all of the characters, not just the MC. I found myself saying things like: “oh no!” Or “that mother $&@!?!!!!” Out loud as events transpired .Great read! I look forward to more.
The first book in the series wasn’t my favorite lit-rpg. It was a solid read, but I just never felt pulled into the world. This book changed that. I felt a connection with all of the characters, not just the MC. I found myself saying things like: “oh no!” Or “that mother $&@!?!!!!” Out loud as events transpired .Great read! I look forward to more.
December 3, 2017
Black Hat, written in a MMO setting, is the second book in the Afterlife Online series and is just as great as the first one," Reboot." Talon is part of a digital reality beta set up to house Haven. Quests abound, as does evil and Talon is determined to protect the people there!
Action from page one and plenty of twists. Well written, great characters and plot. Need book 3 ASAP, please?
Action from page one and plenty of twists. Well written, great characters and plot. Need book 3 ASAP, please?
January 19, 2018
Very convoluted.
You can see where this story is headed almost from the beginning.
Reading how the MC figures things out, that is the true genius of this book.
The MC is so wrapped up in the details he can't see the answers to his problems like the reader can from just about page one.
I'm looking forward to book three.
You can see where this story is headed almost from the beginning.
Reading how the MC figures things out, that is the true genius of this book.
The MC is so wrapped up in the details he can't see the answers to his problems like the reader can from just about page one.
I'm looking forward to book three.
February 17, 2020
Good page turner
Intriguing adventures ahead as it seems no matter your role and how good you try there is always a catch and a villian although deciding who's who isn't easy. A bit complicated this one but i liked how Finn set it all up and how it set the stage for further books .
Intriguing adventures ahead as it seems no matter your role and how good you try there is always a catch and a villian although deciding who's who isn't easy. A bit complicated this one but i liked how Finn set it all up and how it set the stage for further books .
June 13, 2020
An absolute fantastic sequel this book was everything I was hoping for and so much more the character progression is amazing the author stays true to his writing style of the first book mixing action with mystery in a perfect combination that's absolutely a treat to read. The book definitely leaves you wanting more in the best possible way.
October 31, 2017
This was my first read of a litRPG. I must admit I felt a little lost/confused at the very beginning and wished I’d read Reboot first, however I soon got into it and found I couldn’t put it down. Great plot and great characters. Thank you Mr Finn.
January 26, 2018
Better than the first one. Definitely above-average for the genre, but it's written less as LitRPG and more as "Actual fantasy world with RPG mechanics." Would like to know more about what's going on in the real world.
January 19, 2020
Book 2
Not a lot of character stat development but the world is fleshed out a bit more. Bogs down in the middle a bit but a satisfying conclusion. Interested to see what he opens next.
Not a lot of character stat development but the world is fleshed out a bit more. Bogs down in the middle a bit but a satisfying conclusion. Interested to see what he opens next.
March 10, 2020
Fun and quick
Not quite as good as the first novel. It feels like the author is turning what started out as fun and upbeat into something heavy. Not sure where the author is taking this series.
Not quite as good as the first novel. It feels like the author is turning what started out as fun and upbeat into something heavy. Not sure where the author is taking this series.
September 3, 2025
Enjoyed listening, but didn't really get into it. The story elements seemed forced at every turn, like the main character was just jumping from one event to the next without a real plan. I don't plan on continuing the series.
December 5, 2017
Good book
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Over all I think it’s a better book than book 1. If you liked the first you’ll like the second
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Over all I think it’s a better book than book 1. If you liked the first you’ll like the second
December 9, 2017
I would recommend these books to anyone. Both are wonderfully fun reads.
December 16, 2017
great read
January 1, 2018
I enjoyed it
Adventure, a cause, I like how anything can happen. A lot of expected and unexpected. It’s good! I enjoy the premise
Adventure, a cause, I like how anything can happen. A lot of expected and unexpected. It’s good! I enjoy the premise
September 27, 2018
I love how this is an afterlife mmo. It makes me want to play some wow, ff14, or gw...super fun to read for anyone who has played an mmo.
October 14, 2018
Another excellent book
Another excellent book by Domino Finn nonstop action and just plain good story telling. Can't wait to get started on the next book in the series.
Another excellent book by Domino Finn nonstop action and just plain good story telling. Can't wait to get started on the next book in the series.
December 18, 2018
these books are for the pc rpg gamers complete with 4th wall breaks. the characters are a little thin but the concept is nice and good plots
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews