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Aeon Chronicles Online #1
Devil's Deal
After a deadly encounter with a forest wolf, Rowan Black survives thanks to stem cell therapy and experimental bionic brain implants. Rowan's body recovers but the treatment leaves his memories fragmented and his psyche shattered into something inhumane, irritable, and callous—and a tad bit lustful. When his doctor fails to notice this, his parents reluctantly sends him back to Westwind Highschool, resulting in the murder of Rowan's past bully.
Rowan serves two years of juvenile detention in a psychiatric center and after his 18th birthday, he is offered a choice by a powerful corporation: Either spend the next decades in a psychiatric prison or play in their fully-immersive virtual reality game, Aeon Chronicles Online, and grow into the role of the world's next major raid boss that players must defeat.
Will Rowan regain his old psyche? How will Aeon Chronicles' AI controller react to Rowan’s unique mind? Will Rowan receive help in a team-oriented game or is he alone? Find out in this 130k+ word, dark LitRPG novel!
Warning: Contains gore, profanity, and traumatizing content plus some sexual content and romance.
Rowan serves two years of juvenile detention in a psychiatric center and after his 18th birthday, he is offered a choice by a powerful corporation: Either spend the next decades in a psychiatric prison or play in their fully-immersive virtual reality game, Aeon Chronicles Online, and grow into the role of the world's next major raid boss that players must defeat.
Will Rowan regain his old psyche? How will Aeon Chronicles' AI controller react to Rowan’s unique mind? Will Rowan receive help in a team-oriented game or is he alone? Find out in this 130k+ word, dark LitRPG novel!
Warning: Contains gore, profanity, and traumatizing content plus some sexual content and romance.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
594 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2018
334 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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March 30, 2018I'm not going to give this any stars due to me not being able to finish the book. The MC is about as likeable as a dead fish and has the personality of brain dead troll. You feel sorry for the MC in the beginning, but by where I finished, I really hated the MC. He was just a tool. He ended up becoming nothing more than a ball of emotionless evil. There's a thing about being evil for a reason, or being evil because you are created that way. It's just that this character was flat as hell. If you want to know what the MC is like. Just think if Data from StarTrek was evil with no real reason as to why he was doing what he was doing. That about sums up the character. The plot was something that looked like it was going to be off the hook, but due to how much disdain I have for the MC, I can't be bothered to finish this book. I tried, I really tried, but I'd rather be hit in the face by a train than read another page.
May 2, 2018
Fantastic start to a series
I was a little hesitant going in, but I was quickly hooked. My only small wish is to know about the real world setting. I'm thinking it's something the author is going to delve into in future books, so not going to complain!
I was a little hesitant going in, but I was quickly hooked. My only small wish is to know about the real world setting. I'm thinking it's something the author is going to delve into in future books, so not going to complain!
April 4, 2018
Needs Work
This could have been a very well done novel but it falls on its face for a few reasons. *Possible SPOILERs*
1. Grammar. An editor is sorely needed.
2. The MC was absolutely perfect until he went into the game. The minute he goes in... He becomes far less intelligent than he is represented to be. I constantly had to stop reading because of how terrible his decisions were. And his psychopathic tendencies are more like juvenile hormones out of whack. I think the author should learn the difference between psychotic and psychopathic. To be quite frank, the MC cares way too damn much.
3. The MC and love interest is where the book unravels. Because of the love interest the MC goes from a psychopath (well he was for a small while irl) to a psychotic idiot (aka instead of no emotions he now is controlled by them). Honestly, the love interest is more true to her written colors than he is.
4. The VRMMORPG is clunky at best and needlessly complicated at worst. I just don’t understand why someone would follow all the typical RPG tropes when they could write something entirely new. Why must there be tanks OR dps damage dealers? I think the classes and levels were just straight boring; the individual skills were far better and unique. My biggest gripe about the skills though was the lack thereof. My meaning being that this virtual reality was more like a PC click fest with a 3D headset on. After the first few encounters the MC and all others rarely show any technical skill. They just fire off bolt this, curse that, freeze those. Defense was even worse. I will say that the MC did nail one thing, Shield Chronicles. Enough with the shields, seriously.
Honestly, the book was bittersweet. It started so well and then just devolved repeatedly. I hope my above criticisms were constructive as I truly meant them to be. Regardless, thank you for putting so much effort into this piece of work. Your dedication to writing shows and I look forward to reading your next work(s).
This could have been a very well done novel but it falls on its face for a few reasons. *Possible SPOILERs*
1. Grammar. An editor is sorely needed.
2. The MC was absolutely perfect until he went into the game. The minute he goes in... He becomes far less intelligent than he is represented to be. I constantly had to stop reading because of how terrible his decisions were. And his psychopathic tendencies are more like juvenile hormones out of whack. I think the author should learn the difference between psychotic and psychopathic. To be quite frank, the MC cares way too damn much.
3. The MC and love interest is where the book unravels. Because of the love interest the MC goes from a psychopath (well he was for a small while irl) to a psychotic idiot (aka instead of no emotions he now is controlled by them). Honestly, the love interest is more true to her written colors than he is.
4. The VRMMORPG is clunky at best and needlessly complicated at worst. I just don’t understand why someone would follow all the typical RPG tropes when they could write something entirely new. Why must there be tanks OR dps damage dealers? I think the classes and levels were just straight boring; the individual skills were far better and unique. My biggest gripe about the skills though was the lack thereof. My meaning being that this virtual reality was more like a PC click fest with a 3D headset on. After the first few encounters the MC and all others rarely show any technical skill. They just fire off bolt this, curse that, freeze those. Defense was even worse. I will say that the MC did nail one thing, Shield Chronicles. Enough with the shields, seriously.
Honestly, the book was bittersweet. It started so well and then just devolved repeatedly. I hope my above criticisms were constructive as I truly meant them to be. Regardless, thank you for putting so much effort into this piece of work. Your dedication to writing shows and I look forward to reading your next work(s).
April 6, 2018
Mixed
I had a very mixed reaction to this book.
The story itself isn't bad for litrpg. The real world back story was definitely different covering darker topics than most - the beginning was definitely shocking and had me turning pages.
But it was too inconsistent for my taste. The rpg part of the story happens in rather large jumps and there really isn't much time spent with the MC as he evolves; level 70 - powers, level 100 something - powers. Still the classes, items, and skills were interesting and detailed. I guess I just prefer a more gradual experience instead of a "now the MC is here and can do this".
My biggest gripe are how characters are presented. The book really is supposed to be dark given some of the content; murder, psychopathy, graphic sex, etc. But between those moments the characters come off (to me) as children (they are young adults w/ MC near 18). It was jarring to me to cover such dark topics and then revert to adolescent dialogue and behavior. It really took me out of the story. It may be what the author was going for but it did not suit my tastes.
I had a very mixed reaction to this book.
The story itself isn't bad for litrpg. The real world back story was definitely different covering darker topics than most - the beginning was definitely shocking and had me turning pages.
But it was too inconsistent for my taste. The rpg part of the story happens in rather large jumps and there really isn't much time spent with the MC as he evolves; level 70 - powers, level 100 something - powers. Still the classes, items, and skills were interesting and detailed. I guess I just prefer a more gradual experience instead of a "now the MC is here and can do this".
My biggest gripe are how characters are presented. The book really is supposed to be dark given some of the content; murder, psychopathy, graphic sex, etc. But between those moments the characters come off (to me) as children (they are young adults w/ MC near 18). It was jarring to me to cover such dark topics and then revert to adolescent dialogue and behavior. It really took me out of the story. It may be what the author was going for but it did not suit my tastes.
April 24, 2018
The Secret Society aspect irritated me. An editor was definitely needed. No spelling errors. Just wrong words used throughout.
I liked the virtual world. But...the player motivations just did not do it for me.
The MC is attacked by wolves and has brain damage. He gets experimental implants from an ominous doctor. Said implants render him only feeling rage and seemingly no other emotion. Except maybe lust.
MC kills his bully. Same doctor gives MC a get out of jail card - if he becomes the end raid boss. ...
All based on a glimpse of the games future thanks to Quantum computing that says the MC is the end boss.
Did I mention the doctor is part of a secret society? The society's goals - get a VR pod in every home that would let them manipulate people at will.
That's right. The MC is there to make them game more challenging to sell more devices.
About the 40% mark - something happens with the MC to give him some semblance of emotions back.
I think I would have enjoyed this more without any of the real world bits.
I'm not angry at you, Aeon Chronicles Online. Just disappointed.
Given the way the book ended - I doubt I will be giving book two a shot.
I liked the virtual world. But...the player motivations just did not do it for me.
The MC is attacked by wolves and has brain damage. He gets experimental implants from an ominous doctor. Said implants render him only feeling rage and seemingly no other emotion. Except maybe lust.
MC kills his bully. Same doctor gives MC a get out of jail card - if he becomes the end raid boss. ...
All based on a glimpse of the games future thanks to Quantum computing that says the MC is the end boss.
Did I mention the doctor is part of a secret society? The society's goals - get a VR pod in every home that would let them manipulate people at will.
That's right. The MC is there to make them game more challenging to sell more devices.
About the 40% mark - something happens with the MC to give him some semblance of emotions back.
I think I would have enjoyed this more without any of the real world bits.
I'm not angry at you, Aeon Chronicles Online. Just disappointed.
Given the way the book ended - I doubt I will be giving book two a shot.
March 23, 2018
A good story in the making but, needs work.
SPOILERS!
The story starts off with the author describing how the protagonist loves playing strategy games and is supposed to be good at them. Then the protagonist proves to be horrible at strategy and is so distracted by his love interest that I thought this was an anime romance for a second.
Let's not even get to his character build. He's an evil character, bent on world conquest. Yet, he's a glass cannon to rival any glass cannon.
How would any truely evil aligned character allow themselves to be so weak? He's so pathetic that his "girlfriend," literally could accidentally kill him while having sex. That is if he ever had the balls to have sex with her.
Don't get me wrong. This story has soooo, much potential. But, this weak, easily distracted, ballless main character is killing the story. Correct Rowan's flaws and this could potentially become a great story.
SPOILERS!
The story starts off with the author describing how the protagonist loves playing strategy games and is supposed to be good at them. Then the protagonist proves to be horrible at strategy and is so distracted by his love interest that I thought this was an anime romance for a second.
Let's not even get to his character build. He's an evil character, bent on world conquest. Yet, he's a glass cannon to rival any glass cannon.
How would any truely evil aligned character allow themselves to be so weak? He's so pathetic that his "girlfriend," literally could accidentally kill him while having sex. That is if he ever had the balls to have sex with her.
Don't get me wrong. This story has soooo, much potential. But, this weak, easily distracted, ballless main character is killing the story. Correct Rowan's flaws and this could potentially become a great story.
March 31, 2018
Different but good
The beginning didn’t drag on. It lingered on Rowan’s character defining moments and sped up from there. The story in general was told from a refreshing new perspective. Many Litrpg books are told from the perspective of a hero as he grows in a new game like fantasy realm. But this book tells the story of a perceived villain as he grows in power. Be warned though, since the book is told from the from the viewpoint of supposed villain, this book has some mature and gory content. We do get the occasional perspective of a few light based characters throughout the story. But this just furthers our understanding as to how Rowan (the main character) is viewed by society for the crime he committed in reality. Crimes I believe are not entirely his fault. But read the book and decide for you self. Do the means justify the end?
The beginning didn’t drag on. It lingered on Rowan’s character defining moments and sped up from there. The story in general was told from a refreshing new perspective. Many Litrpg books are told from the perspective of a hero as he grows in a new game like fantasy realm. But this book tells the story of a perceived villain as he grows in power. Be warned though, since the book is told from the from the viewpoint of supposed villain, this book has some mature and gory content. We do get the occasional perspective of a few light based characters throughout the story. But this just furthers our understanding as to how Rowan (the main character) is viewed by society for the crime he committed in reality. Crimes I believe are not entirely his fault. But read the book and decide for you self. Do the means justify the end?
April 17, 2018
Interesting, but flawed.
I love the approach and plotline. However, there are many places where corrections are need--most often a word or two missing--so much so that it gives the impression that English is not the author's native language, but was the language he choose to write in anyway, instead of using his native language and having it translated.
These errors, while fairly numerous, weren't severe enough to make the book unreadable, not yet. Hopefully the remaining books in the series don't contain these same errors, or worse, and push this series into that small group of books which have been unreadable due to their numerous and glaring errors.
I love the approach and plotline. However, there are many places where corrections are need--most often a word or two missing--so much so that it gives the impression that English is not the author's native language, but was the language he choose to write in anyway, instead of using his native language and having it translated.
These errors, while fairly numerous, weren't severe enough to make the book unreadable, not yet. Hopefully the remaining books in the series don't contain these same errors, or worse, and push this series into that small group of books which have been unreadable due to their numerous and glaring errors.
April 26, 2018
I hated everyone in this book.
The characters were fleshed out well. The story was good. I just hated everyone in the book, so I guess it’s good writing, too.
This plot was like real life, as in: everyone hates the monster. Everyone wants to point and stare at the monster. Everyone wants to band together and do away with the monster. But no one wants to admit they helped make the monster. And everyone had a hand in it. There are no heroes in this story. Everyone is a giant POS.
If this is where our future is headed, I’m glad I will be long dead so I don’t have to be around such horrible people.
The characters were fleshed out well. The story was good. I just hated everyone in the book, so I guess it’s good writing, too.
This plot was like real life, as in: everyone hates the monster. Everyone wants to point and stare at the monster. Everyone wants to band together and do away with the monster. But no one wants to admit they helped make the monster. And everyone had a hand in it. There are no heroes in this story. Everyone is a giant POS.
If this is where our future is headed, I’m glad I will be long dead so I don’t have to be around such horrible people.
December 26, 2019
Questions about the authors mental fitness.
This book starts oddly with a boy having been turned into a psycho through the use of technology and underground experimentation. Instead of this being interesting the MC becomes instantly super gross and unrealistic. The light side players are written almost like a stand in for a scarecrow audience so the author can explain his shit writting. Hoping the second one is better considering the ending of the first one giving a small chance for redemption.
This book starts oddly with a boy having been turned into a psycho through the use of technology and underground experimentation. Instead of this being interesting the MC becomes instantly super gross and unrealistic. The light side players are written almost like a stand in for a scarecrow audience so the author can explain his shit writting. Hoping the second one is better considering the ending of the first one giving a small chance for redemption.
March 21, 2018
Its good
Unlike most of this genre it does make the character a god tier unbeatable player in the first couple chapters, the character development it really good as well. The universe it's set in feels really rhogut out and everything seems to happen within set defined rules that seem to have real purpose.
Worth a read definitely.
Unlike most of this genre it does make the character a god tier unbeatable player in the first couple chapters, the character development it really good as well. The universe it's set in feels really rhogut out and everything seems to happen within set defined rules that seem to have real purpose.
Worth a read definitely.
April 28, 2018
The dark side
The beginning of this one has the primary character in a crazed state for an uncomfortably long time. The writing, story and world are good. Reminiscent of Awaken Online Catharsis, but less focused. I did like the story, the beginning got hard to read. I was glad I stuck with it.
The beginning of this one has the primary character in a crazed state for an uncomfortably long time. The writing, story and world are good. Reminiscent of Awaken Online Catharsis, but less focused. I did like the story, the beginning got hard to read. I was glad I stuck with it.
April 1, 2018
A pretty decent book, but it gets bogged down in the details occasionally, making it a bit of a slog at times, but it's good enough to make my will read next in series list. I didn't notice loads of errors in this one, so that is a good thing for sure.
April 2, 2018
Evil!!
Well if you are tired of Good guys always Winning then this your story.It's along story but it's very good and of course plenty of evil vs good fighting and actions but, damm I don't understand the Ending?
Well if you are tired of Good guys always Winning then this your story.It's along story but it's very good and of course plenty of evil vs good fighting and actions but, damm I don't understand the Ending?
April 5, 2018
Pretty cool!
I enjoyed this quite a bit, the characters were crazy and entertaining. Lots of litrpg elements to nerd over too. This book is a bit on the wierd side, however it wasn't too much. Read this!
I enjoyed this quite a bit, the characters were crazy and entertaining. Lots of litrpg elements to nerd over too. This book is a bit on the wierd side, however it wasn't too much. Read this!
April 14, 2018
A Good Read
It was fun reading from the POV of a apathetic psychopath, even if he only really felt like a psycho for about a third of the book. Quite a few grammar mistakes but still worth a read.
It was fun reading from the POV of a apathetic psychopath, even if he only really felt like a psycho for about a third of the book. Quite a few grammar mistakes but still worth a read.
April 18, 2018
I really like this story line because it was different from many out there. I kind of wished the mc had some additional spells and maybe the skills and tiers explained a little more. Overall I really enjoyed it!
April 9, 2018
Good plot, had grammar
I wish I could give this a better rating,but all the grammar mistakes really held this one back. Solid plot but needs a good editor.
I wish I could give this a better rating,but all the grammar mistakes really held this one back. Solid plot but needs a good editor.
April 23, 2018
Initial review
Many grammar and spelling mistakes. Limited character evolution. I will read the next installment while hoping for better. Good luck
Many grammar and spelling mistakes. Limited character evolution. I will read the next installment while hoping for better. Good luck
May 13, 2018
Unexpected fun
I quickly devoured this book. I loved the character development and the unexpected romance. Great litrpg read that moves at the perfect pace.
I quickly devoured this book. I loved the character development and the unexpected romance. Great litrpg read that moves at the perfect pace.
January 15, 2019
Good book
Good book great twist on the normal style for vrmmo books I loved it and cant wait until the rest of the series comes out :)
Good book great twist on the normal style for vrmmo books I loved it and cant wait until the rest of the series comes out :)
March 19, 2019
Solid
Really enjoyed the story. And a different world. I liked the story telling about the dark damaged players more like anti hero’s.
Really enjoyed the story. And a different world. I liked the story telling about the dark damaged players more like anti hero’s.
July 12, 2020
Rough but decent
An editor is needed badly. It's a good book but made me think of awaken online as I read it. It was alot like the farce awakens star wars 7 the parallels and similiarites to awaken online were pretty strong. Bullied kid clueless parents the bully was rich and exempt from rules. Then the mc goes on to be coming a necromancer one of the few dark aligned characters. Finally the skeleton creation ability.
An editor is needed badly. It's a good book but made me think of awaken online as I read it. It was alot like the farce awakens star wars 7 the parallels and similiarites to awaken online were pretty strong. Bullied kid clueless parents the bully was rich and exempt from rules. Then the mc goes on to be coming a necromancer one of the few dark aligned characters. Finally the skeleton creation ability.
April 20, 2018
this has potential. The editing really ruined it for me taking me out of the story with literally hundreds of missing words, incorrect words, and just plain grammatical errors.
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