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Bushido Online #2
Friends and Foes
Now a Level 10 ronin, Seiki is slowly coming to terms with the death of Master Tsujihara and his new life in Shinshioka. Spending his days in the Wilderness, he’s venting his remaining frustration while staying away from the city drama and those griefers, like the Rogami Clan, who had made his in-game experience so challenging thus far. He has even taken up a trade skill. But when he’s presented with an offer he can’t refuse and accepts a simple mission to deliver a message to Kano Castle, he will quickly find his troubles are only just beginning. Caught in an imbroglio that will only get worse the more he tries to do well, Seiki will set off a series of events that will lead to chaos, death, and the eventual destruction of an entire territory. Surrounded by betrayal, hidden agendas and people looking to take advantage of him, who can Seiki really trust? When everything is not what it seems, it can be impossible to differentiate between friends and foes. “Bushido Friends and Foes” is the second book in the Bushido Online series, a work of litRPG fiction.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2018
211 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 19, 2020
Mini-Review:
3 Star Rating for Audiobook, 2 Star Rating for Story
4 Stars for Narration by Christian Rummel
2 Stars for Lump Plot Progression
2.5 Stars for Limited Character Development
4 Stars for Base Character Idea & Game World
The ideas for the story are cool and I like the MC. However, there is very little plot or character progress in this 600 paged book. You get a little bit more about the game world but not much. It felt like the author tried to weave a little suspense & mystery into the plot but did not manage to pull it off. Rather than tension & mystery, I am left wondering if there is a point to the dragged out events happening in the story. I would have liked it more if the reason made sense within the words written. The only way I managed to get to the end is because I made up reasons for why there are huge fog banks littering the book. I don't mind reading 600 pages of transition as long as key points are developed & happen in a clear manner. Nope.
Another book that has potential but needs more work to be finessed into a solid piece.
3 Star Rating for Audiobook, 2 Star Rating for Story
4 Stars for Narration by Christian Rummel
2 Stars for Lump Plot Progression
2.5 Stars for Limited Character Development
4 Stars for Base Character Idea & Game World
The ideas for the story are cool and I like the MC. However, there is very little plot or character progress in this 600 paged book. You get a little bit more about the game world but not much. It felt like the author tried to weave a little suspense & mystery into the plot but did not manage to pull it off. Rather than tension & mystery, I am left wondering if there is a point to the dragged out events happening in the story. I would have liked it more if the reason made sense within the words written. The only way I managed to get to the end is because I made up reasons for why there are huge fog banks littering the book. I don't mind reading 600 pages of transition as long as key points are developed & happen in a clear manner. Nope.
Another book that has potential but needs more work to be finessed into a solid piece.
February 22, 2018
This is getting unecessarily complicated with little growth. It's like a Russian LitRPG, where everything happens to a new nobody in a game, but without any of the "luck" that is normally seen with that.
There's some important points here and there throughout the book, so I can't recommend skipping it to the last 1/3rd of the novel, but that's where it's fun again and how the focus of the story should be here.
Took me 14 days to read this, 2 hrs in the last 1/3 of the book, and that should tell you something.
I'll pick up the next one when it comes out, but I'm thinking a great game world with some promising characters is getting shortchanged due to a focus on the "whodunit"
There's some important points here and there throughout the book, so I can't recommend skipping it to the last 1/3rd of the novel, but that's where it's fun again and how the focus of the story should be here.
Took me 14 days to read this, 2 hrs in the last 1/3 of the book, and that should tell you something.
I'll pick up the next one when it comes out, but I'm thinking a great game world with some promising characters is getting shortchanged due to a focus on the "whodunit"
December 10, 2021
A fun book, though the mc gets a bit whiney at times. Still, combat was fun, tons of quests based on Japanese folk lore, and the world politics were interesting. The world seems like a fun place, though small for a video game.
February 12, 2018
How dare this writer, I was hoping for a lite popcorn, easy read and was disappointed. This writer had the temerity to give this tome depth, not just a monolithic depth but layers of depth.
There was the well thought out game mechanics in detail. I felt it was too much but the explanations was spread throughout the book and I could not build up any anger.
There was our main character who has suffered a disabling injury in real life and is working out his anger and depression and fatalism with this complex game play, which was in fact designed to help him work through these issues.
There is the story of friendships deepening in a non sexual way, which is a relief, when so much of modern fiction involves detail sexual encounters, it's refreshing to have friendship without benefits.
I kept checking my progress which I don't normally do for most books. I did not want the chapters or the book to end and now I must suffer as I await the next book in the series.
Great job, well plotted and executed. Hurry with the next book if possible, do not sacrifice speed for quality though.
There was the well thought out game mechanics in detail. I felt it was too much but the explanations was spread throughout the book and I could not build up any anger.
There was our main character who has suffered a disabling injury in real life and is working out his anger and depression and fatalism with this complex game play, which was in fact designed to help him work through these issues.
There is the story of friendships deepening in a non sexual way, which is a relief, when so much of modern fiction involves detail sexual encounters, it's refreshing to have friendship without benefits.
I kept checking my progress which I don't normally do for most books. I did not want the chapters or the book to end and now I must suffer as I await the next book in the series.
Great job, well plotted and executed. Hurry with the next book if possible, do not sacrifice speed for quality though.
October 3, 2018
I was a little bit hesitant to read this book, I didn’t enjoy the previous book in the series all that much when I listened to it, but I’ve been feeling the urge to give the LitRPG genre another chance lately and figured I may as well give the series another try as well. I’m honestly glad that I did because I enjoyed Bushido Online: Friends and Foes much more than I expected to and ended up listening to it in just a few short days while it was slow at work. A lot of the issues I had with the first book were addressed quite nicely in this one.
My main problem with the first book was the way it focused so much on the social aspect of online gaming, so I was both surprised and pleased with how much of Bushido Online: Friends and Foes focused on the protagonist Seth actually playing the game and advancing his character. I thought the author did a great job of creating a believable video game world as well as some pretty detailed character classes. This is easily the type of video game or MMO I could see myself playing if it actually existed.
The one thing I think the author really nailed in both Bushido Online and Bushido Online: Friends and Foes was the protagonist Seth. I found him to be a well fleshed out character who was easy to love on just about every level. I still really love how he takes his real-world MMA skills with him into the video game and is able to use them to help himself become a much better in-game fighter than he would normally be. Though I do thing the rest of the characters in this book fell a bit flat and the story became bogged down quite a bit around the halfway point.
I also have to be honest here and say I might have enjoyed both of these books a bit more if I had read them instead of listened to them. I feel bad even saying it because I know he’s a popular narrator who’s narrated hundreds of books but I struggle to get through any book Christian Rummel narrates. I think I’m going to have to read the first two books again and then read the third book in the series whenever it releases just to see if I enjoy the series more that way instead.
All in all, I thought this was an enjoyable book with its share of flaws but considering how much I think it improved on the first book I’ll definitely be buying the next one whenever it releases.
My main problem with the first book was the way it focused so much on the social aspect of online gaming, so I was both surprised and pleased with how much of Bushido Online: Friends and Foes focused on the protagonist Seth actually playing the game and advancing his character. I thought the author did a great job of creating a believable video game world as well as some pretty detailed character classes. This is easily the type of video game or MMO I could see myself playing if it actually existed.
The one thing I think the author really nailed in both Bushido Online and Bushido Online: Friends and Foes was the protagonist Seth. I found him to be a well fleshed out character who was easy to love on just about every level. I still really love how he takes his real-world MMA skills with him into the video game and is able to use them to help himself become a much better in-game fighter than he would normally be. Though I do thing the rest of the characters in this book fell a bit flat and the story became bogged down quite a bit around the halfway point.
I also have to be honest here and say I might have enjoyed both of these books a bit more if I had read them instead of listened to them. I feel bad even saying it because I know he’s a popular narrator who’s narrated hundreds of books but I struggle to get through any book Christian Rummel narrates. I think I’m going to have to read the first two books again and then read the third book in the series whenever it releases just to see if I enjoy the series more that way instead.
All in all, I thought this was an enjoyable book with its share of flaws but considering how much I think it improved on the first book I’ll definitely be buying the next one whenever it releases.
June 3, 2018
Masterful
The second book in the series. The use of the oriental world is refreshing and well done. It’s a game world I would love to play in. The classes from Ryoushi, Samurai, Obake, Kensai, Houshi, Ninja and the main characters class Ronin are all well defined and distinct in their abilities.Nikita teaches you Japanese as you read through the story.
The plot has many levels and challenges you to keep up with the variety of enemies. You also learn all about how mmporgs run. From the RPers or role players who stay in character as much as possible, to the clans shich are groups of people whose characters join together in a kind of family who do quests. Hunt resources and support each other in order to advance their group and individual goals. Then their are War gamers who command the Shoguns troops at war against the demon clans in order to gain favor and honor points with the Shogun and his palace.
Oh and the main character “Seiki” was a world class mma fighter who was crippled in his last fight and is now blind! He is ingame because the producer of the game wants to use their game as a way to heal PTSD like illnesses and so have Seiki in the game to help him deal with the crushing loss of an athlete who has lost the ability to see.
It is a fantastically layered story I highly recommend.
The second book in the series. The use of the oriental world is refreshing and well done. It’s a game world I would love to play in. The classes from Ryoushi, Samurai, Obake, Kensai, Houshi, Ninja and the main characters class Ronin are all well defined and distinct in their abilities.Nikita teaches you Japanese as you read through the story.
The plot has many levels and challenges you to keep up with the variety of enemies. You also learn all about how mmporgs run. From the RPers or role players who stay in character as much as possible, to the clans shich are groups of people whose characters join together in a kind of family who do quests. Hunt resources and support each other in order to advance their group and individual goals. Then their are War gamers who command the Shoguns troops at war against the demon clans in order to gain favor and honor points with the Shogun and his palace.
Oh and the main character “Seiki” was a world class mma fighter who was crippled in his last fight and is now blind! He is ingame because the producer of the game wants to use their game as a way to heal PTSD like illnesses and so have Seiki in the game to help him deal with the crushing loss of an athlete who has lost the ability to see.
It is a fantastically layered story I highly recommend.
August 5, 2019
I really liked this book. I thought it was better than the first, and I liked that book pretty well. There were moments in the book where the character talked about dealing with depression, without actually stating that it was depression, and I was pleased with how it was presented. It wasn't depressing, unlike many other books where depression is involved, and instead, it was more of a way to connect with and gain insight into the main character's mindset about things. It was also a bit reassuring more because the character would fight past those negative thoughts and try to reframe his thinking or just get through it. I think seeing a character get through bouts of depression may give some depressed readers a bit of hope. I am not really sure where I am going with this. I just really appreciated how the book dealt with this. The book also featured really interesting clan politic stuff and mysteries related to it, which was very interesting to hear about. The characters were also likable. This book is definitely a worthwhile read. I am glad to have discovered Nikita Thorn's writing and look forward to seeing what else has and will be written.
March 10, 2019
Convoluted Mess
After reading the first book, I was hooked on the story. Then, for most of this book, it wasn't remotely enjoyable. The author was able to maintain tone & texture, but the story became super-convoluted without any real reason. A nine-player ping pong match that you get to read about, play by play, with a tiny sliver of logic to weave it together at the very end. Sure, the events & reactions were possible, but highly unlikely. So, those who choose to read this may want to overlook the lack of sufficient motivation for much of the story to occur. (Maybe that's what she planned for so she could have a grand reveal in a later book) That being said, I did enjoy a fraction of this book & the first book quite a bit. The last bit of the book cleans up a bit of the quagmire & gives me hope that the next one will deliver the story with a bit more reasoning to support behaviors & events.
After reading the first book, I was hooked on the story. Then, for most of this book, it wasn't remotely enjoyable. The author was able to maintain tone & texture, but the story became super-convoluted without any real reason. A nine-player ping pong match that you get to read about, play by play, with a tiny sliver of logic to weave it together at the very end. Sure, the events & reactions were possible, but highly unlikely. So, those who choose to read this may want to overlook the lack of sufficient motivation for much of the story to occur. (Maybe that's what she planned for so she could have a grand reveal in a later book) That being said, I did enjoy a fraction of this book & the first book quite a bit. The last bit of the book cleans up a bit of the quagmire & gives me hope that the next one will deliver the story with a bit more reasoning to support behaviors & events.
September 1, 2021
Book is a okay squeal to the first book but suffers from plotting problems.
The MC's character progression is moving at a okay pace, but suffers from the lack of out of the game scenes. However, the scenes where the MC has a breakthrough are well done.
The MC's main friend group is okay if a little one note.
The main plot of this book kind of drags and has too many things to keep track of. This was not helped by the fact the the main plot of the book turns out to be a mystery that barely feels worth the time when everything is revealed.
However, when all it said and done the book and series is still pretty good for a low stake more person-focused story. I look forward to reading the next book.
The MC's character progression is moving at a okay pace, but suffers from the lack of out of the game scenes. However, the scenes where the MC has a breakthrough are well done.
The MC's main friend group is okay if a little one note.
The main plot of this book kind of drags and has too many things to keep track of. This was not helped by the fact the the main plot of the book turns out to be a mystery that barely feels worth the time when everything is revealed.
However, when all it said and done the book and series is still pretty good for a low stake more person-focused story. I look forward to reading the next book.
May 8, 2019
I get by with a little help from my friends
I love it when I finish a book that nailed the ending and left me a nice mellow happy buzz at the end. The whole book is an intricate puzzle box of a mystery without any real murders (but quite a few virtual deaths, including some very strategic ones). Very well crafted with character growth for the MC and some nice life insights that I will carry away from the read even if I don't remember acquiring them. I'm torn over rushing to the next book or saving it away like a nice vintage wine. Who am I kidding. Onward to more Bushido Online.
I love it when I finish a book that nailed the ending and left me a nice mellow happy buzz at the end. The whole book is an intricate puzzle box of a mystery without any real murders (but quite a few virtual deaths, including some very strategic ones). Very well crafted with character growth for the MC and some nice life insights that I will carry away from the read even if I don't remember acquiring them. I'm torn over rushing to the next book or saving it away like a nice vintage wine. Who am I kidding. Onward to more Bushido Online.
January 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book as much as the first. These books were my first venture into litRPG and I am hooked after listening to these on audible. The narrator does a great job with the characters. Overall the story was engaging and thought provoking the whole way. I dont want to give any spoilers but there were definitely a few tear jerking, gut wrenching points. I cant wait for the next book to be released to continue to follow Seki's story. I have and will continue to recommend this book to others.
February 4, 2018
Katana sharp!
A fantastic second book in this take of Oriental LitRPG
The story is fast paced has plenty of action and intrigue but without the pages of stars that some in this genre have.
A list of characters would be nice though just to remind people of who and what affiliation they are! After a wait from the first book it was a bit confusing coming back into it and one of monsters!
A fantastic second book in this take of Oriental LitRPG
The story is fast paced has plenty of action and intrigue but without the pages of stars that some in this genre have.
A list of characters would be nice though just to remind people of who and what affiliation they are! After a wait from the first book it was a bit confusing coming back into it and one of monsters!
April 16, 2018
What a ride
I enjoyed it from start to finish. The game is exactly one I would want to play and it always delivers. The protagonist and his friends are fun to read adventuring and Seiki's development throughout felt real to me which I also enjoyed. The politics and antagonists confuse as their motivations remain unclear but I believe this should resolve into an overarching backplot. In any case I will certainly be on the lookout for the next installment
I enjoyed it from start to finish. The game is exactly one I would want to play and it always delivers. The protagonist and his friends are fun to read adventuring and Seiki's development throughout felt real to me which I also enjoyed. The politics and antagonists confuse as their motivations remain unclear but I believe this should resolve into an overarching backplot. In any case I will certainly be on the lookout for the next installment
May 9, 2018
Not bad..... started slow, but!
This book started off slow and I had to re-read the first book to remind myself of a few plot points. The middle was at times hard to muddle through but I’m glad I did. The ending tied off a few loose ends and provided purpose for a third book. The author does a good job building the main characters and enticing the read to continue reading. Not your typical LITRPG novel.
This book started off slow and I had to re-read the first book to remind myself of a few plot points. The middle was at times hard to muddle through but I’m glad I did. The ending tied off a few loose ends and provided purpose for a third book. The author does a good job building the main characters and enticing the read to continue reading. Not your typical LITRPG novel.
August 29, 2018
I must have missed it, but SethK’s name has changed to Seiki. It must have happened at a level change, but I missed it. Seiki is now level 10 and getting accustomed to the mechanics and politics of the game. In short, he is getting the bigger picture of the game and how things are run, which gives him insight into the path he should take. This in no way means Seiki has everything figured out. He still winds up getting himself into predicaments that expand into a series of events that effect whole territories. The writing is excellent, the characters wonderful, and the game knowledge is evident. The story is quite interesting given the feudal Japan setting.
April 1, 2021
Didn’t expect anything like what happened. So many incredible things occurred. The whole level moniker didn’t even matter much this time. Found myself laughing often with the unexpected reveals and I could really feel for Seki-San.
My only complaint is the names confused me at times and I found myself trying to remember who they were. But it didn’t impact the overall story any.
Starting the next one immediately.
My only complaint is the names confused me at times and I found myself trying to remember who they were. But it didn’t impact the overall story any.
Starting the next one immediately.
June 26, 2021
3,5 book.
The MC is a very likeable person, who's been through a bad experience where he loses his sight. In this second book we follow his progress of trying to understand and accept his life through a game. The MC continues sticking to his moral code which gets him into all kind of trouble, but also show his strength of character.
The plot In the game world is interesting but all experienced readers read the 'bad guys' a mile away.
The MC is a very likeable person, who's been through a bad experience where he loses his sight. In this second book we follow his progress of trying to understand and accept his life through a game. The MC continues sticking to his moral code which gets him into all kind of trouble, but also show his strength of character.
The plot In the game world is interesting but all experienced readers read the 'bad guys' a mile away.
February 4, 2018
Very enjoyable read!
I loved the first book of the series (though I still have to go back and review it). This follows on beautifully: some wonderful plot twists, fanrastic setting, and great character development (though not too fast as in some tales). Looking forward to the third one, though I think it may be a while....
I loved the first book of the series (though I still have to go back and review it). This follows on beautifully: some wonderful plot twists, fanrastic setting, and great character development (though not too fast as in some tales). Looking forward to the third one, though I think it may be a while....
February 6, 2018
This was good.
I thought I had it all worked out. Then there was the twist at the end. The layers to this were amazing lyrics well thought out. No obvious loose strings, humor and great time ends. This wasn't a sequel I was looking for but it definitely delivered more than expected.
I thought I had it all worked out. Then there was the twist at the end. The layers to this were amazing lyrics well thought out. No obvious loose strings, humor and great time ends. This wasn't a sequel I was looking for but it definitely delivered more than expected.
December 25, 2018
The second in the Bushido online series brings us back to the Digital world. Seiki grows throughout the book. and his adventures or would it be better to call it Quests get harder and harder.
Seiki goes out and performs more quests that surprise the reader in their description inside of the digital universe.
Seiki goes out and performs more quests that surprise the reader in their description inside of the digital universe.
March 15, 2019
Illiterate
I want to like this story, but I can't.
Is the author illiterate?
The following is a quote and it's but one of many horrendous errors in the book:
"Ippei claimed that they had no time for that and insisted that they rode east as soon as possible."
insisted that they rode????
I want to like this story, but I can't.
Is the author illiterate?
The following is a quote and it's but one of many horrendous errors in the book:
"Ippei claimed that they had no time for that and insisted that they rode east as soon as possible."
insisted that they rode????
March 29, 2020
Extremely fun series!
Seiki's adventures in Bushido online. Is one of the series that I consider truly spectacular. As it has everything a great story needs. Adventure, funny scenes, quests, Dungeons, Heros, and most important great characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy stories.
Seiki's adventures in Bushido online. Is one of the series that I consider truly spectacular. As it has everything a great story needs. Adventure, funny scenes, quests, Dungeons, Heros, and most important great characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes fantasy stories.
February 13, 2023
Another great addition to the series.
Truly one of the marks of a great author is to make you think everything that happens is not logical, just to show you how the MC viewpoint was lacking and the big play in the background is making all of this happen.
I would not call the ending a twist, but a really good new piece of the puzzle.
4.5/5 highly recommended
Truly one of the marks of a great author is to make you think everything that happens is not logical, just to show you how the MC viewpoint was lacking and the big play in the background is making all of this happen.
I would not call the ending a twist, but a really good new piece of the puzzle.
4.5/5 highly recommended
February 5, 2018
Great development
I'm really enjoying the ongoing character development with the main character. The internal narrative fits right in, the hints of the ultimate aim of the game and other bits Ippei drop are fantastic. Can't wait for the next!
I'm really enjoying the ongoing character development with the main character. The internal narrative fits right in, the hints of the ultimate aim of the game and other bits Ippei drop are fantastic. Can't wait for the next!
February 11, 2018
Great book that I had a hard time putting down
The storyline is continually engaging. I enjoyed seeing how the main character grows with his understanding of the game and it's players
The storyline is continually engaging. I enjoyed seeing how the main character grows with his understanding of the game and it's players
March 24, 2018
Very good
Better than the first
Good character development
Builds a strong bond with the protagonist and strong dislike of the principle villain
Still would like to see more emphasis on Bushido and Budo
Better than the first
Good character development
Builds a strong bond with the protagonist and strong dislike of the principle villain
Still would like to see more emphasis on Bushido and Budo
May 13, 2018
Loved it. Can't wait for book 3
I'm glad Thorn doesn't waste too much time in the real world aside from quick glimpses when needed. There's definitely LEVELS of mystery and riddles here, that's for sure, which keeps me turning the pages.
I'm glad Thorn doesn't waste too much time in the real world aside from quick glimpses when needed. There's definitely LEVELS of mystery and riddles here, that's for sure, which keeps me turning the pages.
August 15, 2018
Awesome Series
I'm a LitRPG fan, and I found this series. They are so good that I read them back to back. And this one is better than the first. Kudos Nikita. Can't wait to read more about Seiki.
I'm a LitRPG fan, and I found this series. They are so good that I read them back to back. And this one is better than the first. Kudos Nikita. Can't wait to read more about Seiki.
October 13, 2018
A must read for role players.
Fantastic. Very good characters. Interesting well developed storyline. Need more soon. Witty. Fun. Engrossing... exceptionally well done. Pleasure to read!!!!!!!!!,
Fantastic. Very good characters. Interesting well developed storyline. Need more soon. Witty. Fun. Engrossing... exceptionally well done. Pleasure to read!!!!!!!!!,
April 13, 2023
The story evolves. The MC gets into a big intrigue between different clans and meets new friends and foes.
Good thing over the first book is that it not feels all the time as if the MC choices would have no effect in the end.
Good thing over the first book is that it not feels all the time as if the MC choices would have no effect in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews