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The Greystone Chronicles #2
The Dire Lands
Jupiter Tech's headquarters, Olympus, has been attacked. Lives have been lost in the real world. Alexander and friends must now thwart the servants of the Dark One both in and out of the game. With a few new allies, the Greystone Guild moves out of the noob zones to take on the challenges presented by the ruins of Dire Keep and its inhabitants. They must conquer, rebuild, and defend the Dire Lands against attacking forces. The players (and Fibble) must now overcome tougher dungeons, and more dangerous foes. Even betrayal by one of their own! This is the second book in the Greystone Chronicles series. I recommend reading the first book before this one.
510 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2017
395 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Dave Willmarth
31 books630 followersDave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 18, 2017
Good read overall
This book had me laugh out loud more than once earning me some odd looks from my classmates. My only recommendation for the author is to acknowledge certain references from other litRPG, (gnomes rule and the soul crystals were based off of chaos seeds) a good overall rule is to give credit where credit is due. This was a page turner series so far with a few grammatical issues. It was nice to have a clear antagonist rather than a huge group for once (the dark lord)
This book had me laugh out loud more than once earning me some odd looks from my classmates. My only recommendation for the author is to acknowledge certain references from other litRPG, (gnomes rule and the soul crystals were based off of chaos seeds) a good overall rule is to give credit where credit is due. This was a page turner series so far with a few grammatical issues. It was nice to have a clear antagonist rather than a huge group for once (the dark lord)
November 26, 2017
Fun read
This isn't your average litrpg, while I think some things come to easy for the MC, most things seem to happen through decent planning and the friends made of npcs.
Like any game though mistakes are made that cost lives and levels, so he isn't op.
I recommend this book and hope that it gives you at least a day of enjoyment in another world.
This isn't your average litrpg, while I think some things come to easy for the MC, most things seem to happen through decent planning and the friends made of npcs.
Like any game though mistakes are made that cost lives and levels, so he isn't op.
I recommend this book and hope that it gives you at least a day of enjoyment in another world.
January 29, 2018
New favourite author
It is a rare treat to find an author whose style and imagination means he or she gets added to my 'favourite author' list. Dave Willmarth absolutely made it an easy choice. The usual sign is when, having finished a book, I immediately search for another by the same person.
The Greystone Chronicles are a fantastic read!
It is a rare treat to find an author whose style and imagination means he or she gets added to my 'favourite author' list. Dave Willmarth absolutely made it an easy choice. The usual sign is when, having finished a book, I immediately search for another by the same person.
The Greystone Chronicles are a fantastic read!
February 1, 2018
Great book!
What an amazing book and adventure! I can’t wait to read the next story! A great litrpg that makes me want to play IO online.
What an amazing book and adventure! I can’t wait to read the next story! A great litrpg that makes me want to play IO online.
March 10, 2020
3.25☆
January 9, 2018
The Greystone Chronicles Book Two
I loved the first book which built the story up. This one carries the story forward, with more action, Intrigue and Magic all rolled in together. Make for a great adventure, if love fantasy, you will love this. Fab
I loved the first book which built the story up. This one carries the story forward, with more action, Intrigue and Magic all rolled in together. Make for a great adventure, if love fantasy, you will love this. Fab
November 23, 2017
Good read.
As good if not better than the first book, read most of it with a smile. The protagonist sometimes comes across as a bit overpowered but because he is likeable it isn't too bad. Not happy with the closing cliffhanger but hopefully the author can get book 3 finished soon.
As good if not better than the first book, read most of it with a smile. The protagonist sometimes comes across as a bit overpowered but because he is likeable it isn't too bad. Not happy with the closing cliffhanger but hopefully the author can get book 3 finished soon.
December 18, 2017
You sir are a tease. A pox on you that will generate unbidden proclivity of written words!
As I mentioned on the previous review, the same problem exists on this book. The MC always uses the same thing against the same primary antagonists and always gets the same result.
If you haven't picked up this series though, and you are into the LitRPG genre, do it now.
As I mentioned on the previous review, the same problem exists on this book. The MC always uses the same thing against the same primary antagonists and always gets the same result.
If you haven't picked up this series though, and you are into the LitRPG genre, do it now.
January 6, 2018
Good book, as usual with litrpg books, it could use more proofreading, but otherwise it was well done. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more in the series. Most litrpg fans should enjoy this one, especially since some of the solutions to problems are unusual, and that makes for interesting reading.
September 15, 2018
The female characters are abusive
The author has written the female characters as women who are totally comfortable insulting and hitting the main character whenever they want to. I guess it is supposed to show that they are strong and independent or something like that. It just comes across as abusive and mean.
Aside from that, the story and game mechanics are entertaining.
The author has written the female characters as women who are totally comfortable insulting and hitting the main character whenever they want to. I guess it is supposed to show that they are strong and independent or something like that. It just comes across as abusive and mean.
Aside from that, the story and game mechanics are entertaining.
December 12, 2017
I need more!
This book went by so fast, I am really excited to see where it goes. I am not usually so in favor of such "good guy" characters but somehow I still love it. Thankyou Dave for being such an involved author and keep up the good work!
This book went by so fast, I am really excited to see where it goes. I am not usually so in favor of such "good guy" characters but somehow I still love it. Thankyou Dave for being such an involved author and keep up the good work!
November 28, 2017
This is a great series. Loved both books. Really found them unputdownable.
December 7, 2017
Next please
I really enjoyed this book as well. More characters, more raids, more loot. Keep it coming. Can’t wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this book as well. More characters, more raids, more loot. Keep it coming. Can’t wait for the next one.
December 25, 2017
Made me cheer for the guild!
Loved the flow of the book and character development. I can’t wait for the next book! A unique view of the game!
Loved the flow of the book and character development. I can’t wait for the next book! A unique view of the game!
January 1, 2018
A Good Read.
A LitRPG story. I enjoyed the story. It is the continuation of the first book with the characters expanding their friends and guild. Looking forward to the next book.
A LitRPG story. I enjoyed the story. It is the continuation of the first book with the characters expanding their friends and guild. Looking forward to the next book.
March 12, 2019
I'm currently almost done with this book, and while it is okay, it loses points due to a plot hole I noticed and 2 other issues. I just wanted to put down how this book went with me before I forgot.
The Good:
1) The story. Seriously, aside from the issues below, this really was a good story. I'm putting the good at the top because it was primarily a good book, even if it loses points (and stars) due to the problems I have with it.
2) Not bringing back the "see ya" part. I can not tell you how cringy I found that overly silly part. I can enjoy silly, but that was over the top
Plot Hole:
When Dirk (or w/e his name is) attacks the MC and severs his hand, he is then killed in a SINGLE BLOW, even though he had the pin which was supposed to prevent death a single time. Technically that 1 hit that smooshed his skull should have taken him down to 1%.
Issues:
1) When Druegar are introduced, it isn't really explained how anyone knows what they are. Let me tell you, I've been reading fantasy for well over a decade, and the first time I ever heard of them was about a year ago when I was playing the D&D 5e campaign "Lost in the Underdark". The knowledge of these guys is REALLY obscure or niche, and while it was good that what they were was explained to the audience, it doesn't explain how any of the characters knew what such an obscure race was. Could have been solved in like 1-2 sentences.
2) The virtue signalling. I swear, there are times when I feel like yelling "I GET it, the MC and party are the GOOD GUYS!". Seriously, there are plenty of times when something is listed as SO CLEARLY EVIL and the MC & friends have a "round table" moment where they all decide to do something about it, or make a stand, or whatever. Seriously, TONE IT DOWN. I'm not saying he needs to be a bad guy, or CLEARLY selfish, or whatever, but if you feel the need to have this happen in the book, but you don't want it to be so eye-rollingly-cringy, a suggestion would be to have it happen off screen and then have the MC find out about it afterwords, where his friends (or someone else) did the good and proper (and holy, why not?) thing.
The Good:
1) The story. Seriously, aside from the issues below, this really was a good story. I'm putting the good at the top because it was primarily a good book, even if it loses points (and stars) due to the problems I have with it.
2) Not bringing back the "see ya" part. I can not tell you how cringy I found that overly silly part. I can enjoy silly, but that was over the top
Plot Hole:
When Dirk (or w/e his name is) attacks the MC and severs his hand, he is then killed in a SINGLE BLOW, even though he had the pin which was supposed to prevent death a single time. Technically that 1 hit that smooshed his skull should have taken him down to 1%.
Issues:
1) When Druegar are introduced, it isn't really explained how anyone knows what they are. Let me tell you, I've been reading fantasy for well over a decade, and the first time I ever heard of them was about a year ago when I was playing the D&D 5e campaign "Lost in the Underdark". The knowledge of these guys is REALLY obscure or niche, and while it was good that what they were was explained to the audience, it doesn't explain how any of the characters knew what such an obscure race was. Could have been solved in like 1-2 sentences.
2) The virtue signalling. I swear, there are times when I feel like yelling "I GET it, the MC and party are the GOOD GUYS!". Seriously, there are plenty of times when something is listed as SO CLEARLY EVIL and the MC & friends have a "round table" moment where they all decide to do something about it, or make a stand, or whatever. Seriously, TONE IT DOWN. I'm not saying he needs to be a bad guy, or CLEARLY selfish, or whatever, but if you feel the need to have this happen in the book, but you don't want it to be so eye-rollingly-cringy, a suggestion would be to have it happen off screen and then have the MC find out about it afterwords, where his friends (or someone else) did the good and proper (and holy, why not?) thing.
November 21, 2024
good writing, but weak male character
The book is written well and the storyline is fair.
If you like an overpowered main character, then this is a decent book. The main character never struggles. Always has the proper tool or the job. And is capable of building Rome in a day.
What really bothered me with the book is the week moral character of the male protagonist. He is surrounded by female characters who be Ray belittle and literally hit him and he takes it with a plum. At one point, the main characters, love interest, please a joke and an entire room of enemies target him and her. He is later made to feel bad and made to apologize for yelling at her to run. She never even apologizes for the situation. There are many other examples of the semi abusive relationship between the main character and the female in the story.
The book is written well and the storyline is fair.
If you like an overpowered main character, then this is a decent book. The main character never struggles. Always has the proper tool or the job. And is capable of building Rome in a day.
What really bothered me with the book is the week moral character of the male protagonist. He is surrounded by female characters who be Ray belittle and literally hit him and he takes it with a plum. At one point, the main characters, love interest, please a joke and an entire room of enemies target him and her. He is later made to feel bad and made to apologize for yelling at her to run. She never even apologizes for the situation. There are many other examples of the semi abusive relationship between the main character and the female in the story.
June 19, 2018
Interesting but slow to develop
First off if you’ve read book one you know the main character and his friends are seriously OP. That doesn’t change here. It gets worse, so from a litrpg fan perspective it dulls down the story a bit. In this book the main characters essentially has all the money, skill, and friends to do anything they want. Also I don’t feel like the author lives by his own stated game mechanics. I think torture is the main one but also the game managers don’t seem to monitor the game in crucial ways which seems absurd to me. I know the author does this to add plot points but it gets tiresome. Every chapter the main character seems to somehow role 20 every time plus loot. It’s not a bad read it just doesn’t have the depth for me.
First off if you’ve read book one you know the main character and his friends are seriously OP. That doesn’t change here. It gets worse, so from a litrpg fan perspective it dulls down the story a bit. In this book the main characters essentially has all the money, skill, and friends to do anything they want. Also I don’t feel like the author lives by his own stated game mechanics. I think torture is the main one but also the game managers don’t seem to monitor the game in crucial ways which seems absurd to me. I know the author does this to add plot points but it gets tiresome. Every chapter the main character seems to somehow role 20 every time plus loot. It’s not a bad read it just doesn’t have the depth for me.
January 12, 2019
Yay! Next please😊
Loved the continuing adventures of the Greystone Guild as they continue to battle evil players and "The Dark One" both inside and outside of Io. It is exciting to read and identify all of the characters, both new and old, as well as, the community building. The only annoying issue for me is that these women emasculate these men! If the women are upset, the men just melt and do not defend themselves. Jules is the most irritating ever, Alexander needs a stronger woman who does not mind a strong man. Other than that, cannot wait for the next book. Some editing issues...
Loved the continuing adventures of the Greystone Guild as they continue to battle evil players and "The Dark One" both inside and outside of Io. It is exciting to read and identify all of the characters, both new and old, as well as, the community building. The only annoying issue for me is that these women emasculate these men! If the women are upset, the men just melt and do not defend themselves. Jules is the most irritating ever, Alexander needs a stronger woman who does not mind a strong man. Other than that, cannot wait for the next book. Some editing issues...
February 9, 2019
Great Adventure
Wilmarth does a great job as the Greystone guild power up their new keep amd make an amazing array of new allies as they try to uncover the plans of the Dark One. It seems their is trouble in RL and in game as the forces arrayed against them seem to be a lot more substantial than they ever imagined.
Some great ideas and characters with the only negative being that Midas didn't have half as powerful a gold touch as Alexander and by extension the guild which makes it a little too easy for their level grinds so hence 4 star.
This won't stop me from reading the rest of the series however.
Wilmarth does a great job as the Greystone guild power up their new keep amd make an amazing array of new allies as they try to uncover the plans of the Dark One. It seems their is trouble in RL and in game as the forces arrayed against them seem to be a lot more substantial than they ever imagined.
Some great ideas and characters with the only negative being that Midas didn't have half as powerful a gold touch as Alexander and by extension the guild which makes it a little too easy for their level grinds so hence 4 star.
This won't stop me from reading the rest of the series however.
October 17, 2019
Plus 1 star because it took the first novel and half of this one to realize the MC is a whinny, self righteous hypocrite and overpowered to boot.
spoiler:
Fail ! minus one Star.
spoiler:
Fail ! minus one Star.
March 9, 2018
Lot of good parts but didn't compel me
I like litrpg generally the idea of being in a new world and the amazing adventures are a great escape. This series just bugs me too much to really draw me in. The main characters are handed items and unique abilities without having to work for it. I understand our hero is the son of the game developer and besties with the AI running the game but it removes any drama whatsoever for me. If you like reading about OP characters who can afford to always do the right thing this may be awesome for you. I will skip the rest of series.
I like litrpg generally the idea of being in a new world and the amazing adventures are a great escape. This series just bugs me too much to really draw me in. The main characters are handed items and unique abilities without having to work for it. I understand our hero is the son of the game developer and besties with the AI running the game but it removes any drama whatsoever for me. If you like reading about OP characters who can afford to always do the right thing this may be awesome for you. I will skip the rest of series.
November 9, 2019
Alexander and co have Baron Dire's keep, and are fortifying it for themselves. Enemies have started probing, and they're making new allies as they go.
I'm still a bit confused about why PvP is allowed in this game. Actually, I'm a bit confused on why PvP or even PvE would be allowed in any game where NPCs are run by AIs. That feels an awful lot like murder.
Also, I was sadly correct in thinking there would be a connection between the technophobic real world group and the Dark One in the game, which just, I mean.....
I'm still a bit confused about why PvP is allowed in this game. Actually, I'm a bit confused on why PvP or even PvE would be allowed in any game where NPCs are run by AIs. That feels an awful lot like murder.
Also, I was sadly correct in thinking there would be a connection between the technophobic real world group and the Dark One in the game, which just, I mean.....
September 6, 2019
keeps getting better
I've been having problems likening new authors I try, Not this one. Read 4in 4 days. reading I came to the thought why I was enjoying the author is he's a fan that's inspired by what he reads. so it seams he take part what he like from others and add his twist to it. and it seems we have the same taste. it has all the parts I like about other stories just on one.
I've been having problems likening new authors I try, Not this one. Read 4in 4 days. reading I came to the thought why I was enjoying the author is he's a fan that's inspired by what he reads. so it seams he take part what he like from others and add his twist to it. and it seems we have the same taste. it has all the parts I like about other stories just on one.
January 12, 2020
So now I get Fibble
I know it’s book two but I’ve read all these references as jokes in other books about Fibble and now I get it....didn’t in the first as I thought he’d name a character after fibble as another indie LitRPG Easter egg....
So now I know better and I’m loving this series with elements of building, dungeons and good old guild escapades. Loving the characters and look forward to reading many more.
😁
I know it’s book two but I’ve read all these references as jokes in other books about Fibble and now I get it....didn’t in the first as I thought he’d name a character after fibble as another indie LitRPG Easter egg....
So now I know better and I’m loving this series with elements of building, dungeons and good old guild escapades. Loving the characters and look forward to reading many more.
😁
August 9, 2020
Great book(s).
Mr Willmarth writes exceedingly well (less the oddly placed foul language—that adds nothing to the story or characters). His continuity of the story line, the branches and sequels, the character development, the character interactions (NPC and Adventurers), and his evident joy in writing all contribute to another successful Greystone Chronicles book.
This is an exciting writer and one worthy of continued reading.
Mr Willmarth writes exceedingly well (less the oddly placed foul language—that adds nothing to the story or characters). His continuity of the story line, the branches and sequels, the character development, the character interactions (NPC and Adventurers), and his evident joy in writing all contribute to another successful Greystone Chronicles book.
This is an exciting writer and one worthy of continued reading.
November 2, 2023
Dave Wilmarth always delivers for me. This was one of his earlier works and glad I got to it. To be fair this not as strong of a 5 star rating as I have given his other works but you can really tell that he took lessons learned here to improve his other works. I only have 2 slight knocks in that the MC is somewhat OP but on the balance the great cast of supporting characters and great pacing more than make up for it. You can bet I will be getting the next one.
August 15, 2024
Totally amazing story
I really like these books and the way the author drags you kicking and screaming into the stories. I started playing old computer games again to a similar but different experience with my characters leveling and venturing forth.
So fast the game with most similarity I've found is pathfinder.
While I've been reading these on Kindle unlimited in saving up to buy the whole lot. So I can keep them.
I really like these books and the way the author drags you kicking and screaming into the stories. I started playing old computer games again to a similar but different experience with my characters leveling and venturing forth.
So fast the game with most similarity I've found is pathfinder.
While I've been reading these on Kindle unlimited in saving up to buy the whole lot. So I can keep them.
January 13, 2018
Good Read
This was a very entertaining story that was interesting. A billionaire father makes a vr game for his sick kid to play. The sheltered kid is overpowered and has a holier than thou attitude and mets out justice to people who are just trying to make a buck in the game. Some folks try to take him out in real life... Good Story
This was a very entertaining story that was interesting. A billionaire father makes a vr game for his sick kid to play. The sheltered kid is overpowered and has a holier than thou attitude and mets out justice to people who are just trying to make a buck in the game. Some folks try to take him out in real life... Good Story
December 20, 2020
Not as funny and a little long in the story buildup, adding characters, structures and systems everywhere but the ending had a wonderful climb to an unexpected cliff. Also I'm very curious about what's happening in the real world and the positive & negative affects of the pods on their bodies during extended immersion. On to book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews