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The Stork Tower #4
Rescue
A simple error leaves Leah with a unique Neural Enhancement Chip and a rapidly evolving AI implanted in her brain. In Nascent, she evaded kidnapping by virtual slavers and helped shut down some operations of the virtual crime syndicate that uses mind-controlled players as slaves. In Odyssey, she not only found a way to escape but she also uncovered deeper plots being carried out in both the virtual multi-universe and reality. In 'Change', Leah began learning how to use the additional connections her chip has made throughout her body. The Pod facility she opened expanded as she helped others from her neighbourhood. She discovered that the crime syndicate has an even greater presence in the virtual multiverse than she’d imagined. As she begins to unravel some of their secrets, they tarnish her reputation and begin removing allies and friends who can help her.
In 'Rescue' Leah works to save some of her family and friends who are held captive by the syndicate. Through all of this, she continues to expand her presence, position and power in the virtual multi-verse, in her studies and real life.
In 'Rescue' Leah works to save some of her family and friends who are held captive by the syndicate. Through all of this, she continues to expand her presence, position and power in the virtual multi-verse, in her studies and real life.
504 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2018
200 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 29, 2022
[2022]:-Not again... baby Zafir!!!! 🥺😢
[2019]:- Damn this one got me in the feels!
Admittedly I cringed when the book talks about medicare, benefits and assistance for those in need, only because I believe we should help people when we can. I agree about working hard to make your way but I won't condemn the few who truly need help... the government just needs a better way to suss out the dodgy bastards who abuse the system. Also, I shake my fists at the one percent for taking advantage of us regular people. Anyway, I'm getting too political and I'm meant to keep it all simple.
This one really got me. There was so much going on but it all flowed so well. I thought I found a favourite character I could get to know but alas that wasn't to be...
[2019]:- Damn this one got me in the feels!
Admittedly I cringed when the book talks about medicare, benefits and assistance for those in need, only because I believe we should help people when we can. I agree about working hard to make your way but I won't condemn the few who truly need help... the government just needs a better way to suss out the dodgy bastards who abuse the system. Also, I shake my fists at the one percent for taking advantage of us regular people. Anyway, I'm getting too political and I'm meant to keep it all simple.
This one really got me. There was so much going on but it all flowed so well. I thought I found a favourite character I could get to know but alas that wasn't to be...
March 28, 2018
Excellence continued
This book is a continuation of a well written exciting, very fast paced futuristic drama with full submersion gaming and education with friendly AI as helpmates, which is a 180 from my usual night and daymares about hostile AI. Mr. Corden shows himself to be a science nerd with our hero a student at MIT with her her primary interest in practical application of advanced models of string theory. Woo Hoo, it doesn't get better. Where is book 5 already?
This book is a continuation of a well written exciting, very fast paced futuristic drama with full submersion gaming and education with friendly AI as helpmates, which is a 180 from my usual night and daymares about hostile AI. Mr. Corden shows himself to be a science nerd with our hero a student at MIT with her her primary interest in practical application of advanced models of string theory. Woo Hoo, it doesn't get better. Where is book 5 already?
March 27, 2018
Mr. Corden continues to entice his audience with a well thought out and executed story.
About midway through the book, I felt that perhaps the story was being stretched too thin, between all the different worlds and what was happening in each one of them. I thought that we would end up having something similar to large epic stories where one has multiple POV's, where a lot happens but at the same time, nothing happens.
Mr. Corden did a great job of tying everything together in a way that there's very little detraction within this particular novel. When considering the overall Story so far, how carefully and thoughtful the puzzle that is being created is fitting together for the enjoyment of the reader.
If you haven't yet, pick up this series.
About midway through the book, I felt that perhaps the story was being stretched too thin, between all the different worlds and what was happening in each one of them. I thought that we would end up having something similar to large epic stories where one has multiple POV's, where a lot happens but at the same time, nothing happens.
Mr. Corden did a great job of tying everything together in a way that there's very little detraction within this particular novel. When considering the overall Story so far, how carefully and thoughtful the puzzle that is being created is fitting together for the enjoyment of the reader.
If you haven't yet, pick up this series.
March 24, 2018
Can't wait for the next one!
This series keeps getting better, it never fails to throw me surprises. Leah evolves constantly and every time I think I know what's going to happen the book takes a left turn and I'm taken by surprise again but in a good way.the end of this book has me so anxious to read the next book without giving away spoilers I'm all I'm going to say is there better be a way to fix that.
This series keeps getting better, it never fails to throw me surprises. Leah evolves constantly and every time I think I know what's going to happen the book takes a left turn and I'm taken by surprise again but in a good way.the end of this book has me so anxious to read the next book without giving away spoilers I'm all I'm going to say is there better be a way to fix that.
April 1, 2018
Well done.
This one kept me in suspense for most of the read. I could really feel the pressure Leah was under trying to juggle everything and I loved the whole bit with her breaking in to rescue Akia. It had a mission impossible feel.
Reading the bits about physics made me wonder at the author's background... But of course you could invent gobbledygook terms and I would eat it up with a spoon.
Loved seeing Leah finally use her million dollar woman abilities. Can't wait for more!
This one kept me in suspense for most of the read. I could really feel the pressure Leah was under trying to juggle everything and I loved the whole bit with her breaking in to rescue Akia. It had a mission impossible feel.
Reading the bits about physics made me wonder at the author's background... But of course you could invent gobbledygook terms and I would eat it up with a spoon.
Loved seeing Leah finally use her million dollar woman abilities. Can't wait for more!
April 1, 2018
Fantastic!
I really love the suspense I practically swam through in this book. The litrpg content was great, and I particularly enjoyed how it affected the physical reality of the main character. This is a superb piece of work! Read this!
I really love the suspense I practically swam through in this book. The litrpg content was great, and I particularly enjoyed how it affected the physical reality of the main character. This is a superb piece of work! Read this!
March 29, 2018
This Series is great! 9/10
A smart, original(imo) story taking the litrpg genre into the Epic, and can't wait till the next book comes out! I can't recommend this series enough!
A smart, original(imo) story taking the litrpg genre into the Epic, and can't wait till the next book comes out! I can't recommend this series enough!
September 29, 2020
i really like this series. I didnt pick up the the first book until change came out although I saw the covers for the first 2 book on my kindle home page for a while. I didnt know what I was missing. 3 days later and a lot of lost sleep I am hooked. This series is well written and fast paced. I am particularly interested in the SciFi world however the storylines are good and the overall plot is still coherent, I am eagerly awaiting book 5. I recommend this story.
March 24, 2018
Yes. As wonderful as the prior 3. Now I have to hold my own until 5. Please!!!!
September 21, 2022
The author thinks that more is better. So there is more action in different games, and more rescuing of enslaved people from Australia, more danger, more torture, more violence. A lot more violence and gore. So, yes! The story has flat-lined. More isn't better, it just confuses the reader, and lessens the depth of each plot arc of the story. For the whole of Book 4 for instance, we no longer know what level is Leah playing at the VRMMORPG, Dunyanin online. So the different games played are now 6. Both the organized groups of Kodomans and Emersons that deal with abduction, enslavement, exploitation, blackmail, extortion, murder and assassination of real-life opponents and public officials in the Justice sector.
The author has no regards for his main characters, in this book 4, tries several times to IRL (in real life) blind Leah, shoot and kill Leah's mom Lin, and more than 20 times that Leah has received incalculable pain from playing in all the "game mining" and doing real-life-and-death operations (without any real training or preparations). The author is rotten to the core and his dystopian apocalyptic view of the future contrasts completely with the degree of his hypocrisy.
In the beginning of Book 4, the author places the following text: "In gratitude to those who work to bring freedom from slavery, irrespective of its form". While this author promotes enslavement, enslaves millions of people 50 years from now in Earth's dystopian future. With no rule of law, no way to overcome the organized crime groups that are in collusion, corruption and depravity with the governmental agencies. So the author is the main antagonist of his story series. Creates half a dozen online games, 10-20 different story arcs to promote the enslavement of the majority of the "characters he created", if not "enslaved" then mind-controlled, if not then, tortured, battered and killed INR of the story.
I cannot imagine someone with a conscient body and mind that could like a story like this one. The author does everything possible to defeat, torture, kill, the main characters. The organized crime groups have overwhelming resources, personnel and power and the main character Leah, has absolutely no chance or probability to come out on top. Especially if the author tries several times to blind her, mame her, kill her, torture her, emotionally destroy her, etc. etc. etc. etc. Only sociopaths, psychopaths or masochists could enjoy this story series.
The author has no regards for his main characters, in this book 4, tries several times to IRL (in real life) blind Leah, shoot and kill Leah's mom Lin, and more than 20 times that Leah has received incalculable pain from playing in all the "game mining" and doing real-life-and-death operations (without any real training or preparations). The author is rotten to the core and his dystopian apocalyptic view of the future contrasts completely with the degree of his hypocrisy.
In the beginning of Book 4, the author places the following text: "In gratitude to those who work to bring freedom from slavery, irrespective of its form". While this author promotes enslavement, enslaves millions of people 50 years from now in Earth's dystopian future. With no rule of law, no way to overcome the organized crime groups that are in collusion, corruption and depravity with the governmental agencies. So the author is the main antagonist of his story series. Creates half a dozen online games, 10-20 different story arcs to promote the enslavement of the majority of the "characters he created", if not "enslaved" then mind-controlled, if not then, tortured, battered and killed INR of the story.
I cannot imagine someone with a conscient body and mind that could like a story like this one. The author does everything possible to defeat, torture, kill, the main characters. The organized crime groups have overwhelming resources, personnel and power and the main character Leah, has absolutely no chance or probability to come out on top. Especially if the author tries several times to blind her, mame her, kill her, torture her, emotionally destroy her, etc. etc. etc. etc. Only sociopaths, psychopaths or masochists could enjoy this story series.
February 21, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
March 31, 2018
Never did a title set the tone so much.
The newest entrance in the series continues the brilliant idea of weaving different worlds - digital, real and now even in-between - together. I love the idea and the execution is great.
The book itself starts comparable slowish. The cliffhanger from the last book is solved rather anticlimatic, and then the story line seems to digress. As I mentioned, the titel dictates the plot. For my taste, a bit too much. There's simply too many rescues going on at once, it feels overly busy. I hope that the new worlds introduced in "Rescue" will be fleshed out a bit over the next couple of book before we get yet more worlds. It felt very bare bones for a world that's not planned as a pure training facility from what we readers can tell. I would like some time (and page count!) to digest a bit ;-)
Also Atherleah is still too much of a Mary Sue. Best non-spoilerish example (not a direct quote, but paraphrased)
Father: "I dont like that you put trackers on us." Security guy "dont worry, I put one on Leah as well." Main Character: "And I flushed it out at once."
Why, oh why? That would've been a perfect, completely unthreatening opportunity to have her say "got me", instead of using every other character to only enhance Atherleah's awesomeness. Other people can be competent too! Show it!
The actual rescue(s) were very well done. Especially the last one had me on the edge of my seat - and I read it in bed, so that's really difficult^^
Extra points for no cliff hanger, bringing it up to a solid 9/10. Cant wait for the next installment, and I hope Tony manages to get his homepage up and runing soon, so I can haunt him better :)
Goodreads is well and dandy, but a bad plattform for authors IMHO.
The newest entrance in the series continues the brilliant idea of weaving different worlds - digital, real and now even in-between - together. I love the idea and the execution is great.
The book itself starts comparable slowish. The cliffhanger from the last book is solved rather anticlimatic, and then the story line seems to digress. As I mentioned, the titel dictates the plot. For my taste, a bit too much. There's simply too many rescues going on at once, it feels overly busy. I hope that the new worlds introduced in "Rescue" will be fleshed out a bit over the next couple of book before we get yet more worlds. It felt very bare bones for a world that's not planned as a pure training facility from what we readers can tell. I would like some time (and page count!) to digest a bit ;-)
Also Atherleah is still too much of a Mary Sue. Best non-spoilerish example (not a direct quote, but paraphrased)
Father: "I dont like that you put trackers on us." Security guy "dont worry, I put one on Leah as well." Main Character: "And I flushed it out at once."
Why, oh why? That would've been a perfect, completely unthreatening opportunity to have her say "got me", instead of using every other character to only enhance Atherleah's awesomeness. Other people can be competent too! Show it!
The actual rescue(s) were very well done. Especially the last one had me on the edge of my seat - and I read it in bed, so that's really difficult^^
Extra points for no cliff hanger, bringing it up to a solid 9/10. Cant wait for the next installment, and I hope Tony manages to get his homepage up and runing soon, so I can haunt him better :)
Goodreads is well and dandy, but a bad plattform for authors IMHO.
January 6, 2024
Rescue is the fourth book in this series. It's been a while since I read any books in this series, but it didn't take long before I was up and running with the story again. This was a good addition to the story. I think I'd have liked it better if they'd not waited until the last chapter for the rescue, and dedicated a bit more of the book to the main character's exploits in other worlds, but such is life. I personally think the rescue took up an inordinate amount of the book, and it didn't need to. It would have been a much better story by continuing her adventures, and only making one of those adventures the rescue, (which basically it was), without making the rescue an entire subplot that took the entire book to resolve. Too much build up to something that took nearly no time, and didn't really contribute to the story very much. Maybe that's just me.
In any case, I'll probably read the next book in the series.
In any case, I'll probably read the next book in the series.
February 18, 2020
One thing that has been bugging me for awhile now is how the levels factor into the gameplay. They do seem to make it realistic but Leah still shouldn’t be able to kill something with over 10X her level and it never really explained how it all works.
A lot of jumping between worlds again but I didn’t dislike the steam punk world much, and cosmos online seems to be become very rare. The Runes world however seemed fascinating and I could probably read a book focused on that game, especially with how good Geng would fit into it. But it’s presence is also minimal in this book.
Oh another thing that took down the rating of this book is her new apparent super IQ. I knew she was smart before but now she’s apparently super super smart and MIT was drooling to get a hold of her? I know the Neural enhancement had something to do with that but even before she got it she was trying to merge quantum physics with string theory or something?? Bonkers.
7/10
A lot of jumping between worlds again but I didn’t dislike the steam punk world much, and cosmos online seems to be become very rare. The Runes world however seemed fascinating and I could probably read a book focused on that game, especially with how good Geng would fit into it. But it’s presence is also minimal in this book.
Oh another thing that took down the rating of this book is her new apparent super IQ. I knew she was smart before but now she’s apparently super super smart and MIT was drooling to get a hold of her? I know the Neural enhancement had something to do with that but even before she got it she was trying to merge quantum physics with string theory or something?? Bonkers.
7/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2018
Such a delight!
I absolutely love this series.
There were a few repeat words or sentences that had things like "and but" that I don't recall in the previous installments.
When I say a few i mean under 10 that I found. This is why 4 stars instead of five.
The story and continued build of the world is wonderful, I'm patiently waiting for the next book. I do hope the editing catches the mistakes before release of installment 5.
I absolutely love this series.
There were a few repeat words or sentences that had things like "and but" that I don't recall in the previous installments.
When I say a few i mean under 10 that I found. This is why 4 stars instead of five.
The story and continued build of the world is wonderful, I'm patiently waiting for the next book. I do hope the editing catches the mistakes before release of installment 5.
May 15, 2018
Oh My God.... I guess the feeling by the end of the book (WITH THE ANNOYING CLIFFHANGERS) is somewhat similar to how one would feel after watching the last episode of GoT Season 7. I WANT MOREEE NOWWWWWW. I read the entire series in less than a week, which is bad as I have exams coming up, but I couldn't stop. It would be nice if there was like a live website or facebook page where there were live updates on when the next book (hopefully books) are coming out.
October 23, 2021
Getting a tad complex
The story started off with one virtual world and we now have 3. Leah is trying to compete against the main movers in each of these worlds, plus study at community college and MIT. It's just getting to messy
Thankfully others are starting to step up and help out but others have become concerns
I'm sure some of these sub plots have a purpose too, but nothing obvious is presenting itself just yet
The story started off with one virtual world and we now have 3. Leah is trying to compete against the main movers in each of these worlds, plus study at community college and MIT. It's just getting to messy
Thankfully others are starting to step up and help out but others have become concerns
I'm sure some of these sub plots have a purpose too, but nothing obvious is presenting itself just yet
February 23, 2022
A Bit Of A Slog
While I enjoyed the overall plot, there were many points in the book that were bogged down by too many details, in my opinion. It was hard to get through as it felt like a bit of a slog. I did really enjoy Leah's character but hope that with three of the side plots having been resolved maybe there will be less jumping from world to world and task to task. I love complicated plots but there are so many subplots that it is hard to get fully invested.
While I enjoyed the overall plot, there were many points in the book that were bogged down by too many details, in my opinion. It was hard to get through as it felt like a bit of a slog. I did really enjoy Leah's character but hope that with three of the side plots having been resolved maybe there will be less jumping from world to world and task to task. I love complicated plots but there are so many subplots that it is hard to get fully invested.
March 26, 2018
Really enjoyable read. Such a good story could have easily been twice the length and still a good read. Interesting character development and a bit more background into our heroines life and family. I love the new worlds and look forward to learning more about them. Looking forward to Atherleahs continuing adventures.
October 1, 2018
Everything just got less believable over time.
At some point dropping the game would be okay. Especially because she has other revenue streams available and tons of savings.
The game elements just got less interesting because it felt like nothing was at stake. Also she's too much of a solo player for my taste. All of the friends who I enjoyed were neglected in this one.
At some point dropping the game would be okay. Especially because she has other revenue streams available and tons of savings.
The game elements just got less interesting because it felt like nothing was at stake. Also she's too much of a solo player for my taste. All of the friends who I enjoyed were neglected in this one.
January 27, 2019
Wow.. Next level
The speed and pace of this book were insane at the end. Many of our MCs traits/enhancement are coming into play. Our MC is still in the quest to free people and to stop the baddies but more issues and villains keep raising there head. More more more.. I want more.
The speed and pace of this book were insane at the end. Many of our MCs traits/enhancement are coming into play. Our MC is still in the quest to free people and to stop the baddies but more issues and villains keep raising there head. More more more.. I want more.
March 2, 2022
This is one of those series where the author keeps adding elements and never resolves anything. This makes the books increasing unfocused and uninteresting.
A book ago I was very invested in this story and at this point I barely care anymore. It feels like we are just going to keep heaping more and more on to the story and never go anywhere with any of it.
A book ago I was very invested in this story and at this point I barely care anymore. It feels like we are just going to keep heaping more and more on to the story and never go anywhere with any of it.
August 9, 2019
This series continues to add complexity to an already complex series, without an obvious purpose. It also insists on increasing the MC's already overpowered nature. Most of the conspiracy themes are absurd. Despite this all, it's still reasonably fun to read.
August 27, 2019
I had been cruising through this series but started to lose some momentum on this one. There was a lot going on to keep track of and it was starting to miss out on some of the good ol fashioned litrpg elements.
December 23, 2019
Hacking
Another enjoyable and realistic entry. Enjoying the world and game progression. Only criticism is with the connectivity it’s hard to believe everyone doesn’t know that their consciousness can be hacked. But still very enjoyable.
Another enjoyable and realistic entry. Enjoying the world and game progression. Only criticism is with the connectivity it’s hard to believe everyone doesn’t know that their consciousness can be hacked. But still very enjoyable.
August 23, 2020
Another great book!
Really enjoy the Stork Tower series and this book didn't disappoint. Major fan of OP heroes in my books. She's very OP but still encounters struggles and has to work her way through them.
Really enjoy the Stork Tower series and this book didn't disappoint. Major fan of OP heroes in my books. She's very OP but still encounters struggles and has to work her way through them.
November 19, 2022
The habit of cycling through characters has ruined any immersion I had felt.
This just keeps adding in new places and names to replace old ones that are forgotten or discarded. The overall story seems a throwback to book one shenanigans.
This just keeps adding in new places and names to replace old ones that are forgotten or discarded. The overall story seems a throwback to book one shenanigans.
July 20, 2024
This episode slipped back into some bad habits by wallowing in extended fights that failed to advance the plot, and several multi-page exposition fests. Despite that, the ending made up for any failings. I'll be back to continue this series shortly.
March 29, 2018
fantastic storie line.
all off the books have been a good fat moving plot. The characters are well written. never a boring chapter.
all off the books have been a good fat moving plot. The characters are well written. never a boring chapter.
April 6, 2018
Good
Looking forward to the next one. Really enjoying both in game and real world aspects of the story. Also kind of fun to read about some brissy location I use to live in.
Looking forward to the next one. Really enjoying both in game and real world aspects of the story. Also kind of fun to read about some brissy location I use to live in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews