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Viridian Gate Online #5
The Lich Priest
A litRPG Adventure
January, 2043
The Vogthar Horde has come, and they bring real death with them. Not even players are safe from the power of Malware Blades …
Worse, the Realm of Order, dominion of the Overmind Sophia, is in danger—slowly being corrupted by an ancient evil, the Lich Priest. And if he is successful, it could mean the end of Sophia and the downfall of the Crimson Alliance. Grim Jack never thought he’d find himself siding with the Empire, but now that this terrible new threat has arrived, making friends of old enemies may be the only way to survive.
January, 2043
The Vogthar Horde has come, and they bring real death with them. Not even players are safe from the power of Malware Blades …
Worse, the Realm of Order, dominion of the Overmind Sophia, is in danger—slowly being corrupted by an ancient evil, the Lich Priest. And if he is successful, it could mean the end of Sophia and the downfall of the Crimson Alliance. Grim Jack never thought he’d find himself siding with the Empire, but now that this terrible new threat has arrived, making friends of old enemies may be the only way to survive.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2018
1201 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
James A. Hunter
79 books1,113 followersJames Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 4, 2019
Mini-Review:
Excellent narration by Armen Taylor.
There's another book out for the series but it's not on audio yet. I enjoyed listening to the series. The author does a good job of creating characters you can cheer or boo. I find the world building and plot progression to be simple. I wish there was more development. A solid LitRPG but it lacks elements that would push it from good to great.
Excellent narration by Armen Taylor.
There's another book out for the series but it's not on audio yet. I enjoyed listening to the series. The author does a good job of creating characters you can cheer or boo. I find the world building and plot progression to be simple. I wish there was more development. A solid LitRPG but it lacks elements that would push it from good to great.
April 5, 2018
Viridian Gate Online is probably my very favorite series in the litRPG genre so I leapt at the chance to read it ASAP. This installment of VGO begins right in the middle of all the action. I devoured this fast paced novel in just days. The characters are realistic, they have their flaws and their strengths and begin to feel like old friends that you could easily go out to grab a cup of Western Brew and chat with. You even begin to develop some fondness for characters you may have previously despised as the novel delves deeper into their stories. I really enjoyed seeing the characters evolve themselves and in their relationships in this book.
Continuing to delve into the appearance of the troubling malware blades threatening the safety of what was supposed to be a refuge for humans escaping the end of the real world and the corruption spreading across the land we are also made aware that even the gods and goddesses of VGO are not immune to the danger. Jack and his group are forced to work together with former rivals while exploring a new realm and face a powerful evil threatening the safety of his patron goddess Sophia and her realm.
The familiar is mixed with new scenery and storyline to keep things interesting as the team overcomes incredible odds, fighting for their right to survive in the VGO world. The only thing I was sad about was finishing it so quickly! James Hunter has done it again and I cannot wait for the next book!
Continuing to delve into the appearance of the troubling malware blades threatening the safety of what was supposed to be a refuge for humans escaping the end of the real world and the corruption spreading across the land we are also made aware that even the gods and goddesses of VGO are not immune to the danger. Jack and his group are forced to work together with former rivals while exploring a new realm and face a powerful evil threatening the safety of his patron goddess Sophia and her realm.
The familiar is mixed with new scenery and storyline to keep things interesting as the team overcomes incredible odds, fighting for their right to survive in the VGO world. The only thing I was sad about was finishing it so quickly! James Hunter has done it again and I cannot wait for the next book!
December 23, 2024
The Overminds Sophia and Enyo have commanded their Champions Jack and Osmark to work together against the greatest threat against Viridian Gate Online, Thanatos and his forces. So far, they haven't really done that. Sophia has decided that isn't good enough and she has cursed Jack and Osmark to suffer the same fate (life, death, and debuffs) until she removes the curse. However she didn't do that lightly. Her realm, the Realm Of Order is under attack. If she falls Viridian Gate and all those in it may be destroyed.
The Lich Priest is largely what I've come to expect from Viridian Gate Online (VGO): mediocre characterization, lackluster dialogue, cool ideas/powers, and an overall solid story. Let me start with the mediocre and bad. The characters threaten to get truly interesting from time to time, but those moments pass fast. The characters face real challenges, but they routinely are resolved too easily for my taste. The possibility of them becoming distinctly memorable is interrupted by convenient bonding and clunky dialogue. The dialogue leaves so much to desire, not only does the author love to use gaming terms, but he also never skips an opportunity to use common expressions. That may only bother me though.
The good aspects of VGO keeps bringing me back. The creativity is on display with powers and abilities. Jack has some wild powers with his Shadowmancer skill tree and his work as a Champion Of Order. The greater power also has greater cost which I appreciate, so he isn't running around as an unstoppable super being. The story overall solidified into something engaging in the last book. The digital refugees who escaped the end of their world believed they were essentially immortal, however thanks to an unhinged Overmind Thanatos death is back on the table. Now the squabble between Jack and Osmark feels like brothers fighting by comparison. Not great, but not all that concerning. The increased stakes have left me more intrigued to see the outcome. Prior to that the greatest concern I could imagine was the opposing players being locked away for an eternity by whatever faction won.
Knowing what Viridian Gate Online has been and projecting what will happen next, I do want to see how the series concludes.
2.5 out 5 stars
The Lich Priest is largely what I've come to expect from Viridian Gate Online (VGO): mediocre characterization, lackluster dialogue, cool ideas/powers, and an overall solid story. Let me start with the mediocre and bad. The characters threaten to get truly interesting from time to time, but those moments pass fast. The characters face real challenges, but they routinely are resolved too easily for my taste. The possibility of them becoming distinctly memorable is interrupted by convenient bonding and clunky dialogue. The dialogue leaves so much to desire, not only does the author love to use gaming terms, but he also never skips an opportunity to use common expressions. That may only bother me though.
The good aspects of VGO keeps bringing me back. The creativity is on display with powers and abilities. Jack has some wild powers with his Shadowmancer skill tree and his work as a Champion Of Order. The greater power also has greater cost which I appreciate, so he isn't running around as an unstoppable super being. The story overall solidified into something engaging in the last book. The digital refugees who escaped the end of their world believed they were essentially immortal, however thanks to an unhinged Overmind Thanatos death is back on the table. Now the squabble between Jack and Osmark feels like brothers fighting by comparison. Not great, but not all that concerning. The increased stakes have left me more intrigued to see the outcome. Prior to that the greatest concern I could imagine was the opposing players being locked away for an eternity by whatever faction won.
Knowing what Viridian Gate Online has been and projecting what will happen next, I do want to see how the series concludes.
2.5 out 5 stars
April 5, 2018
Yay! Time for more adventures with Grim Jack and his crew in VGO. As always, I was excited to hear author James A. Hunter had another tale in the saga to share with the world and this story does not disappoint.
Jack and his Crimson Alliance team are up to their necks in trouble as usual. The Vogthar Horde is literally at the gates and they have brought along some diabolical new weapons that are fatal to the citizens of Viridian Gate – not in the, “you’ll respawn in 30 minutes after an episode of PTSD-causing mental adjustment” sense, but in the “gone for good this time” sense.
This spells all kinds of trouble – and not just for our heroes.
Sophia, the Overmind of Order, who has taken Jack under her wing, is also in dire straits. And she wants Jack to save the day, but to do that he’ll need some help from his heretofore arch nemesis Robert Osmark, head honcho of the Empire.
As usual, Viridian Gate Online: The Lich Priest is full of rollicking fun and adventure. We get to see Jack spread his wings in a new role, and see the two opposing teams—The Crimson Alliance and The Empire —work together to save the day. The Lich Priest is a fast, enjoyable read, which makes it all the more striking that my very favorite scene was the darkest part of the book.
Warning: Mild Spoiler
Those metaphorical 30 minutes featured some of the best emotional character growth for several of the characters that I’ve seen so far in the series. Call me crazy, but I’d love a lot more of that in future books. A truly great adventure is not just about amazing fights, but also about the dark moments of doubt and fear.
/ End Spoiler
All in all, The Lich Priest is a worthy addition to the overall VGO series so far. I can’t wait to see what Grim Jack and his crew do next!
Jack and his Crimson Alliance team are up to their necks in trouble as usual. The Vogthar Horde is literally at the gates and they have brought along some diabolical new weapons that are fatal to the citizens of Viridian Gate – not in the, “you’ll respawn in 30 minutes after an episode of PTSD-causing mental adjustment” sense, but in the “gone for good this time” sense.
This spells all kinds of trouble – and not just for our heroes.
Sophia, the Overmind of Order, who has taken Jack under her wing, is also in dire straits. And she wants Jack to save the day, but to do that he’ll need some help from his heretofore arch nemesis Robert Osmark, head honcho of the Empire.
As usual, Viridian Gate Online: The Lich Priest is full of rollicking fun and adventure. We get to see Jack spread his wings in a new role, and see the two opposing teams—The Crimson Alliance and The Empire —work together to save the day. The Lich Priest is a fast, enjoyable read, which makes it all the more striking that my very favorite scene was the darkest part of the book.
Warning: Mild Spoiler
Those metaphorical 30 minutes featured some of the best emotional character growth for several of the characters that I’ve seen so far in the series. Call me crazy, but I’d love a lot more of that in future books. A truly great adventure is not just about amazing fights, but also about the dark moments of doubt and fear.
/ End Spoiler
All in all, The Lich Priest is a worthy addition to the overall VGO series so far. I can’t wait to see what Grim Jack and his crew do next!
February 12, 2019
Very Good!
Another good story in this series that the author made very exciting and entertaining the characters have personalities that are enjoyable to follow
Another good story in this series that the author made very exciting and entertaining the characters have personalities that are enjoyable to follow
July 22, 2020
3.5 Stars
August 12, 2025
Introduction
This is Viridian Gate Online #5: The Lich Priest by J.A. Hunter, a LitRPG/Fantasy hybrid unleashed into the wild on April 5, 2018. It’s a continuation of the high-stakes VGO saga—a world where humanity’s last shot at survival is inside a VRMMO, and dying in-game can mean dying for real. In this chapter, the stakes mutate into something nastier: permanent death via malware blades, gods under siege, and enemies forced into uneasy alliances. My tone? Straight from the ice caves of my mind—edgy, raw, and with enough bite to leave a mark.
Plot Summary
No spoilers, but here’s the sniff-and-track version: Grim Jack and the Crimson Alliance face the Vogthar Horde, whose weapons can delete a player’s soul from the digital afterlife. The Realm of Order, ruled by the Overmind Sophia, is on the verge of corruption by an ancient evil known as the Lich Priest. The catch? Jack has to team up with his old nemesis Robert Osmark—because when the lich wants to wipe the whole damn server, suddenly “enemy” becomes “co-op partner.” The narrative hops across realms, weaving in dungeon-crawl tension, god-level politics, and time-sensitive objectives that crank the pressure.
The Author
J.A. Hunter’s no rookie in LitRPG—he’s a name you find prowling every top 100 list in the genre. His style mixes punchy combat scenes, MMO terminology, and just enough emotional beats to keep the human element from freezing over. While not a literary prize-chaser, he’s built a loyal pack of fans who chew through each installment the moment it drops. The Lich Priest fits into his oeuvre as the “forced alliance” arc—less about grinding XP and more about watching alpha rivals test whether they can share the same hunting grounds without going for each other’s throats.
Characters
Grim Jack: still the central wolf in the pack, but here he’s navigating trust issues and forced cooperation. Robert Osmark: the slippery empire boss who blurs the line between villain and misunderstood alpha. Sophia: powerful yet vulnerable, a goddess with a ticking clock over her head. Abby, Cutter, and the rest: they get their moments, but characterization remains serviceable rather than deeply layered. There’s growth—particularly between Jack and Osmark—but also a tendency to gloss over potential emotional depth in favor of action beats.
Structure
The book’s structure is pure quest-chain: set-up, challenges, boss fight, aftermath. The pacing keeps the blood pumping, but the constant hopping between perspectives and locations can be disorienting—like being in a PvP arena when the minimap keeps glitching. While the time limit mechanic adds urgency, it occasionally feels like the narrative railroads you straight to the next objective with minimal exploration.
Themes & Analysis
We’re chewing on order vs. chaos, trust between enemies, and the question of whether survival trumps pride. The “enemy of my enemy” theme is front and center, testing whether ideological divides can be bridged when the server’s on the brink. There’s also an undercurrent of mortality—digital or not—that adds weight to the otherwise gamey stakes.
Scenes
No romance or harem fluff here—this is combat-driven storytelling. Emotional beats are tied to loss, betrayal, and grudging respect rather than bedroom subplots. The closest thing to intimacy is strategic banter under pressure and the occasional shared moment of mutual recognition between rivals.
World-Building
The Lich Priest adds a new layer to Eldgard’s lore: necrotic magic, corrupted realms, and god-tier consequences. The architecture of the world remains immersive, but the sheer volume of action sometimes pushes the setting to the background. Compared to earlier books, the political and divine elements take a bigger role, while MMO grind details stay dialed in but not overbearing.
Praise & Critique
Strengths:
- Tense, high-stakes alliance between former enemies.
- Creative boss fights and power mechanics.
- Solid escalation of the overarching threat.
- Stronger thematic presence of divine politics.
Weaknesses:
- Perspective jumps can cause whiplash.
- Some moments feel railroaded rather than player-driven.
- Character relationships still underdeveloped in places.
- Repetition of certain game/lore explanations for returning readers.
Comparison
Compared to Imperial Legion, this book focuses more on cooperation and thematic depth over massive battlefield chaos. It feels more contained but also more rail-guided. Against other LitRPGs like *He Who Fights with Monsters*, it’s heavier on combat logistics, lighter on philosophical tangents. Still, it keeps the VGO identity intact—punchy, high-energy, and dripping with MMO DNA.
Personal Evaluation
As an Alpha who thrives on strategy and reading the terrain, I liked the forced alliance angle—it’s the kind of leadership test that shows who’s in it for the kill and who’s in it for the pack. But the audiobook left me more confused than immersed at times—too many jumps, too much going on, and a few spots where I felt pieces were missing. When it locked in, though, it hit hard, like a perfect crit to the ribs.
Conclusion
The Lich Priest is a worthy continuation of VGO, even if its structure can feel like it’s pushing you down a single path. It’s a solid mix of combat spectacle, tense alliances, and higher-order stakes that keep the series moving toward something bigger. Recommended for LitRPG fans already invested in the series—but don’t start here unless you like being dropped mid-raid without your HUD.
Rating: 7.8/10 — Ice-cold alliances, hot combat, but sometimes the narrative map could use a recalibration.
March 10, 2019
The Vogthar Horde have arrived and their malware blades mean death for good, even for travellers and the Lich Priest is a threat to Sophia and the realm of order. If the Overmind Sophia falls so would the Crimson Alliance and that is why Jack decides to join Robert Osmark in a fight where their own enmity has to be put on hold whilst they fight an evil threat which could kill the whole lot of them. In order to survive they have to work together for the greater good of all. They have to face Vax-Malum who was out to claim the post of Sophia, Goddess of the realm of order, and he is in league with Serth-Rog, he is a lich priest, an undead therefore immortal and he owns the 3 necrotic pillars which he uses to create his thrall army. An army which our group of heroes is now having to face and battle with. He had been imprisoned in the grim vault but the incarnation of Serth-Rog had set him free, and this was no other than Alexio Carrera. Seems things have come full circle and they would once again have to battle their old nemesis - carrera and his lich priest, both of whom are extremely powerful and evil. Whats more our heroes have 3 days in which to put the priest to rest and destroy the pillars, his source of power after locating where these are in Eldgard! A quest like no other, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat and when it ends you just know you have to read book 6 asap!! A very addictive series which I just cannot get enough of!
September 11, 2024
This is probably my favorite entry in the series so far.
I think the ending was fantastic with the build-up and the order versus chaos representation was really memorable. The book did a really good job of mirroring Jack's thinking from Book 1 showing consistency in why he is the protagonist for what makes him special.
I think the moments between Robert and Jack were excellent and I am curious to see if this will allow them to deescalate the situation between them. I doubt it since their eventual fight has been teased from earlier books, but it seems nice that there is a potential to deescalate things.
I still don't believe Amara and Abby have spoken.
During this book, I actually got to meeting J.A. Hunter at Dragon Con and he was an incredibly down to earth author and when I asked him why Abby and Amara hadn't spoken yet, his reaction was priceless. It is nice to see an author who doesn't take potential criticism as an attack, so it makes the series even more enjoyable knowing our feedback as readers is appreciated.
Also, Jay had the best reward at the end, seriously, how is that not an AMAZING reward. I'm excited to learn what Jack's will be in the next book.
I think the ending was fantastic with the build-up and the order versus chaos representation was really memorable. The book did a really good job of mirroring Jack's thinking from Book 1 showing consistency in why he is the protagonist for what makes him special.
I think the moments between Robert and Jack were excellent and I am curious to see if this will allow them to deescalate the situation between them. I doubt it since their eventual fight has been teased from earlier books, but it seems nice that there is a potential to deescalate things.
I still don't believe Amara and Abby have spoken.
During this book, I actually got to meeting J.A. Hunter at Dragon Con and he was an incredibly down to earth author and when I asked him why Abby and Amara hadn't spoken yet, his reaction was priceless. It is nice to see an author who doesn't take potential criticism as an attack, so it makes the series even more enjoyable knowing our feedback as readers is appreciated.
Also, Jay had the best reward at the end, seriously, how is that not an AMAZING reward. I'm excited to learn what Jack's will be in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2018
Claro que puedo esperar por la siguiente entrega de Viridian Gate Online, pero lo cierto es que si en este momento estuviera disponible no dudaría en comprarla ni un segundo; complejo como suene la idea de personas reales en el futuro cercano exiliadas a un mundo digital de videojuego, que además es al estilo fantástico tipo Final Fantasy, J.A. Hunter lo hace increíblemente divertido y dinámico, sencillo incluso y lo digo como cumplido, ¿el resultado? Una aventura a la Sandokan, con momentos de Errol Flynn e incluso de la Compañía del Anillo en Lothlórien, con naves voladoras y power level; pese a su nicho reducido, el mundo se ha vuelto más tolerante y abierto, y estas obras de ficción fantástica/ciencia ficción encuentran un ámbito mayor en el cual proliferar.
Soy fan.
Soy fan.
June 6, 2018
It was a good tale overall. The main threat will never truly be killed off but at the same time the story quest from the previous book is entirely over. It was nice to see that Osmark was capable of some sentiment and in all honesty that guy wasn't too different from Jack just more driven and a bit shaded from life. I did like how things ended but at the same time the ending leaves things open for more stories to happen if the author wishes to continue with the series. On the whole this and the last book wasn't as good as the first three but most series tend to dip in ratings the longer the series last.
January 18, 2022
I have been reading the VGO series in order and have been immensely enjoying the ride. Number 5, The Lich Priest, didn't disappoint. I think this was the most creative in the series so far. Really can't wait to finish this review and start reading the next in line. As with any series, you get some repetition of how things are, who is who, what's happened in the past. James Hunter does a good job of not overdoing that more than necessary. After all, each book could be a standalone story, that stuff has to be in there. (I recommend reading in order). A must-read for any LitRPG lover.
April 6, 2018
Great Book!
The Lich Priest is another amazing installment in the Viridian Gate series. Grimm Jack and Osmark are forced to work together on a quest to stem the corruption spreading across the game. Great action, character development (especially with Osmark and Cutter), and a plot that really builds up to a cool climax. Exceptional writing from Hunter, as per usual. Totally recommend this series and the Lich Priest.
The Lich Priest is another amazing installment in the Viridian Gate series. Grimm Jack and Osmark are forced to work together on a quest to stem the corruption spreading across the game. Great action, character development (especially with Osmark and Cutter), and a plot that really builds up to a cool climax. Exceptional writing from Hunter, as per usual. Totally recommend this series and the Lich Priest.
April 12, 2018
I started this series a bit out of order and read The Artificer first and got hooked. VGO is a great dystopian future saga. The premise of having your consciousness downloaded into a computer has been around for as long as I have if not longer, but James Hunter has put a great spin on it. I mean, what gamer hasn’t given in to the need for sleep in the wee hours and dreamt they were their favorite character avatar. In VGO that is the reality for what remains of humanity. The story fills out and becomes more engaging with each book. The Lich Priest earned a solid five stars as far as this nerd is concerned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2018
Outstanding
The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend, for our champion then its hard times as both Chaos and Order must fight to preserve the Viridian Gate world from the forces of Seth Rog.
As usual amazing world building and skill trees with many a twist forcing the reader to hang on as Jack goes on a quest where even he may not return from.
From start to finish i was hooked and couldn't put it down.
The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend, for our champion then its hard times as both Chaos and Order must fight to preserve the Viridian Gate world from the forces of Seth Rog.
As usual amazing world building and skill trees with many a twist forcing the reader to hang on as Jack goes on a quest where even he may not return from.
From start to finish i was hooked and couldn't put it down.
May 13, 2018
Another great addition to the VGO lineup
One of the best things about this book is the order and balance checks. It’s interesting how the “main antagonist and protagonist” are pitted against each other to...work, together? Oh and water levels, everyone looks water levels. Anybody remember the wonderful water levels on the Kingdom Hearts games? Ya lots of good stuff here. Keep up the good work. 😁👍🏻
One of the best things about this book is the order and balance checks. It’s interesting how the “main antagonist and protagonist” are pitted against each other to...work, together? Oh and water levels, everyone looks water levels. Anybody remember the wonderful water levels on the Kingdom Hearts games? Ya lots of good stuff here. Keep up the good work. 😁👍🏻
May 14, 2018
Aargh! I am addicted
This series gets better with each installment. Jack and Osmaeck are forced to work together to save the AI world from the corruption of the Lich Priest. This also must be done within a certain time period or they will be unable to leave. The trials and tribulations are tragically steep as they endeavour to surmount yet another seemingly impossible task. Very minimal editing errors, so refreshing. Cannot wait until the next!
This series gets better with each installment. Jack and Osmaeck are forced to work together to save the AI world from the corruption of the Lich Priest. This also must be done within a certain time period or they will be unable to leave. The trials and tribulations are tragically steep as they endeavour to surmount yet another seemingly impossible task. Very minimal editing errors, so refreshing. Cannot wait until the next!
March 10, 2019
A curious reshuffling of the conflict in the series.
I was quite surprised about the way this book turns the axis of conflict that drives the series. It feels a bit forced (which it is, since it's by fiat from one of the AI "goddess" that runs the world simulation) and might cause problems that are hard to ignore.
Outside of that, it's a good reading for a litrpg, and adds neat stuff. A bit above average, but not enough for a 4.
I was quite surprised about the way this book turns the axis of conflict that drives the series. It feels a bit forced (which it is, since it's by fiat from one of the AI "goddess" that runs the world simulation) and might cause problems that are hard to ignore.
Outside of that, it's a good reading for a litrpg, and adds neat stuff. A bit above average, but not enough for a 4.
April 3, 2019
Good, but...
I still like the Book and the writing. However, the author treats the story like it’s the first time a reader has read. What this means is that there’s a lot of repetitive content if you’ve read a previous book. Regardless of that, the story progresses nicely, the heroes grow stronger, and the characters have some depth but not as much as I’d like. There’s very little interpersonal relationship development. It’s mostly just the main story that’s advancing.
I still like the Book and the writing. However, the author treats the story like it’s the first time a reader has read. What this means is that there’s a lot of repetitive content if you’ve read a previous book. Regardless of that, the story progresses nicely, the heroes grow stronger, and the characters have some depth but not as much as I’d like. There’s very little interpersonal relationship development. It’s mostly just the main story that’s advancing.
January 7, 2022
Wow, James Hunter didn't mess around with The Lich Priest. Dumping us right into this action-driven story! And I loved it! Once again Grim Jack is forced to cooperate with Robert Osmark in order to finish the quest. And boy is that quest a doozy!
So get on board with Viridian Gate Online and grab the books today. You're gonna thank me later! Oh and pick up the audiobooks not only is Armen Taylor great, but your hands will be free while listening...
So get on board with Viridian Gate Online and grab the books today. You're gonna thank me later! Oh and pick up the audiobooks not only is Armen Taylor great, but your hands will be free while listening...
April 13, 2018
A highly enjoyable side quest
This story seemed more of a side quest rather than a continuation of the main story line (or main quest). A highly significant and major side quest.
It also blurs some of the previously well-defined lines between the good guys and the bad guys leaving you with a much more realistic shades-of-grey view of the VGO world.
Highly recommended
This story seemed more of a side quest rather than a continuation of the main story line (or main quest). A highly significant and major side quest.
It also blurs some of the previously well-defined lines between the good guys and the bad guys leaving you with a much more realistic shades-of-grey view of the VGO world.
Highly recommended
April 25, 2018
Such a good series continues to impress
This was a nice little side quest that got away from the depressing antics of Carrera and the vogthar. It was also nice to see Osmark grow as a person. What the world of VGO would be with him and Jack working together as allies... I eagerly await the next installment.
This was a nice little side quest that got away from the depressing antics of Carrera and the vogthar. It was also nice to see Osmark grow as a person. What the world of VGO would be with him and Jack working together as allies... I eagerly await the next installment.
May 30, 2018
My second read/listen from author J.A. Hunter was again a wonderfully crafted Lir RPG/fantasy. I received an Audible copy of Viridian Gate Online 5 and wanted to see what it was all about & since I owned the first book I read it first, as good as it was this book was even better, although I missed a lot going from book 1 to book 5. Someday I'll have to read & review books #2, #3 & #4.
December 5, 2018
This is a great audio and I was impressed with how they tied it into the past events and also gave Osmark a different outlook.
This fits in with his new personal series which starts with articifer and makes the future not bright but perhaps a little less bleak.
Narration is outstanding from Armen as always and I can't wait for the next audio to come out.
This fits in with his new personal series which starts with articifer and makes the future not bright but perhaps a little less bleak.
Narration is outstanding from Armen as always and I can't wait for the next audio to come out.
August 14, 2021
who knew that when the MC knows his in a railroading quest and talks about it it makes it ok? really, this all book is a railroad to make the MC and the bad guy bond. but it somehow works.
I liked that fact the MC lose in fights, he is really out of his league and should not win every single fight.
cool world building and cool boss fights, very well done.
I liked that fact the MC lose in fights, he is really out of his league and should not win every single fight.
cool world building and cool boss fights, very well done.
February 9, 2022
Level Ouch
I've been enthralled with every book in the series so far and this one was no exception. A huge part of it is keeping everything so monstrously human in often very unexpected ways. Emotions are toy sized weapons used on the reader like Tinkerbell is in their heart stabbing with a toothpick one second and lighting it up with pixie dust the next!
I've been enthralled with every book in the series so far and this one was no exception. A huge part of it is keeping everything so monstrously human in often very unexpected ways. Emotions are toy sized weapons used on the reader like Tinkerbell is in their heart stabbing with a toothpick one second and lighting it up with pixie dust the next!
April 5, 2018
Team up or/and Die.
This is my favorite litrpg/gamelit series. I feel the characters are real and not just archetypes. There are people with different agendas, but it’s not easy to call anyone a villain, which is interesting.
This is my favorite litrpg/gamelit series. I feel the characters are real and not just archetypes. There are people with different agendas, but it’s not easy to call anyone a villain, which is interesting.
April 16, 2018
a great litrpg series one i heartily recommend. this book continues to develop the main character as well as other characters he has dealt with in the past. i will definitly be looking forward to continuing with this series.
May 21, 2018
Another good read for this LitRPG
I love this online fantasy world and the different scenarios that Jack Shadowstrider finds himself on. This time transported to a whole other world and set up to take on some impossible odds...you don't want to miss this fifth installment of VGO
I love this online fantasy world and the different scenarios that Jack Shadowstrider finds himself on. This time transported to a whole other world and set up to take on some impossible odds...you don't want to miss this fifth installment of VGO
May 30, 2018
Gah -_-, Hunter purposefully side quests the plot here and spends the whole time writing out one combat after another. Look, I'm sure the visuals are really impressive in your head, but it's really tedious for the reader. 1 star, at no point did he draw me into the story.
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