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Stonehaven League #1
Temple of Sorrow
Devon Walker has one chance to turn her life around.
A half-wit ogre, a legion of overgrown jungle beasts, and a power-tripping AI are trying to stop her.
Relic Online is the hottest new game out there, and it’s Devon Walker’s best hope for escaping her hard-knock life. Thanks to her rocking achievements in other games, she’s been hired as a salaried player. Even better, her new position comes with cutting-edge implants that turn RO’s virtual reality into a full sensory explosion. Her only task? Drive the game’s creator AI to the outermost limits of its creativity.
Sounds easy, right?
But when Devon logs in, her expectations shatter like an ice golem hit with a sonic blast. Wearing nothing but a cloth tunic and ragged pants, she spawns inside a ruined city overgrown by steamy jungle. With zero skills and nothing in her inventory but pocket lint, she immediately runs afoul of the city’s guardian, a stone golem the size of an apartment building. The encounter does not go well.
And Relic Online is just getting started with her.
For lovers of LitRPG, GameLit, Fantasy, and video games. Scroll up and click 'buy now' to jump into the adventure
A half-wit ogre, a legion of overgrown jungle beasts, and a power-tripping AI are trying to stop her.
Relic Online is the hottest new game out there, and it’s Devon Walker’s best hope for escaping her hard-knock life. Thanks to her rocking achievements in other games, she’s been hired as a salaried player. Even better, her new position comes with cutting-edge implants that turn RO’s virtual reality into a full sensory explosion. Her only task? Drive the game’s creator AI to the outermost limits of its creativity.
Sounds easy, right?
But when Devon logs in, her expectations shatter like an ice golem hit with a sonic blast. Wearing nothing but a cloth tunic and ragged pants, she spawns inside a ruined city overgrown by steamy jungle. With zero skills and nothing in her inventory but pocket lint, she immediately runs afoul of the city’s guardian, a stone golem the size of an apartment building. The encounter does not go well.
And Relic Online is just getting started with her.
For lovers of LitRPG, GameLit, Fantasy, and video games. Scroll up and click 'buy now' to jump into the adventure
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
1234 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
February 23, 2020
4 stars
Enjoyed this first book in the series, it had a good mix of in game exploring/fighting/building with just enough time IRL to give a more grounded feel to the whole book. The only problem I have with it is
Enjoyed this first book in the series, it had a good mix of in game exploring/fighting/building with just enough time IRL to give a more grounded feel to the whole book. The only problem I have with it is
September 8, 2019
Rating 4.0 stars
This is the first LitRPG that I have read that was written by a female author and features a female MC. I am not sure how my knowing that the author was female affected my reading of the story. Because I knew that fact though, there were some subtle differences in this story versus the other ones I have read. In LitRPG, at least the good ones, there is always at least one thing the author focuses on. Either world building, stat progression/leveling up, or the magic system. In this book the the author focused on world building/clan building. The "subtle" difference is that instead of focusing on the buildings, weapons and armor for the clan, the author focused on the relationships in the clan. I noticed that the main character was written in a way to maximize her potential. With most male MC characters the main stat is either strength, speed, or intelligence depending on if the character is a warrior, rogue or magic user. The main stat for Devon though is charisma followed closely by intelligence. Some of the traits she acquires in the book seem perfect for a female character. She levels up in cunning, deception, and improvisation. I like that. Men and women are different and the author didn't shy away from that. Instead, the author made Devon a badass in a way that no male character could be. The story itself wasn't very original but nothing in LitRPG is anymore. I did enjoy the new tech implants in their heads that allow them to play the game from their couch without using immersion pods. I am also glad this isn't another " I hate my life and want to escape into a game" type of story. Devon likes playing games and is good at it, but what she likes more is being able to pay her bills. She is offered the opportunity to get paid playing the game to help push content, using the new implants.
Overall a good story and I am excited to move onto the next one.
This is the first LitRPG that I have read that was written by a female author and features a female MC. I am not sure how my knowing that the author was female affected my reading of the story. Because I knew that fact though, there were some subtle differences in this story versus the other ones I have read. In LitRPG, at least the good ones, there is always at least one thing the author focuses on. Either world building, stat progression/leveling up, or the magic system. In this book the the author focused on world building/clan building. The "subtle" difference is that instead of focusing on the buildings, weapons and armor for the clan, the author focused on the relationships in the clan. I noticed that the main character was written in a way to maximize her potential. With most male MC characters the main stat is either strength, speed, or intelligence depending on if the character is a warrior, rogue or magic user. The main stat for Devon though is charisma followed closely by intelligence. Some of the traits she acquires in the book seem perfect for a female character. She levels up in cunning, deception, and improvisation. I like that. Men and women are different and the author didn't shy away from that. Instead, the author made Devon a badass in a way that no male character could be. The story itself wasn't very original but nothing in LitRPG is anymore. I did enjoy the new tech implants in their heads that allow them to play the game from their couch without using immersion pods. I am also glad this isn't another " I hate my life and want to escape into a game" type of story. Devon likes playing games and is good at it, but what she likes more is being able to pay her bills. She is offered the opportunity to get paid playing the game to help push content, using the new implants.
Overall a good story and I am excited to move onto the next one.
December 25, 2022
This probably qualifies as LitRPG, though it's really our world plus a game world. Devon is a gamer who gets tapped (for reasons it takes way too long to exposit) for a new immersive game for reasons. That means we have story taking place both in the real world and in the game. And Devon needs to split her time because duh.
I do not like this.
That split kills momentum periodically and not in a refreshing or helpful way. It's like flashbacks, only they have to happen after every so long because biology.
That said, I loved Devon right off and I loved seeing her play evolve with this unique game world. I loved the found family the came together through her efforts and her impulse to build community was kind of awesome. Plus, Summers obviously knows gamers (her bio says that she was a programmer for some MMORPG) and I loved how that played out with Devon when she encounters a few.
I'm going to give this four stars, though I'll admit I'm unlikely to continue the series. It's ramping up for something akin to High Fantasy and that's just not my jam.
A note about Chaste: Devon is alone in real life and doesn't have any romantic possibilities in game. Indeed, it only just occurred to me that this game would almost certainly have sexual content as immersive as it is and I am, frankly, glad that never entered the story. So this is extremely chaste.
I do not like this.
That split kills momentum periodically and not in a refreshing or helpful way. It's like flashbacks, only they have to happen after every so long because biology.
That said, I loved Devon right off and I loved seeing her play evolve with this unique game world. I loved the found family the came together through her efforts and her impulse to build community was kind of awesome. Plus, Summers obviously knows gamers (her bio says that she was a programmer for some MMORPG) and I loved how that played out with Devon when she encounters a few.
I'm going to give this four stars, though I'll admit I'm unlikely to continue the series. It's ramping up for something akin to High Fantasy and that's just not my jam.
A note about Chaste: Devon is alone in real life and doesn't have any romantic possibilities in game. Indeed, it only just occurred to me that this game would almost certainly have sexual content as immersive as it is and I am, frankly, glad that never entered the story. So this is extremely chaste.
January 8, 2019
I'm so happy to have found a litrpg with a female MC written by a female author. Yay! And listen to this - it doesn't have a single description of boobs.
But not only is the MC great the story checks all my litrpg boxes as well, there is village building questing and NPC management and just all that loveliness. I finished this one in a day and am currently reading the second one. Litrpg is just such a fun and fast-paced genre that I recommend everyone who likes fantasy and games to try out.
But not only is the MC great the story checks all my litrpg boxes as well, there is village building questing and NPC management and just all that loveliness. I finished this one in a day and am currently reading the second one. Litrpg is just such a fun and fast-paced genre that I recommend everyone who likes fantasy and games to try out.
January 17, 2019
Jump in
This book was exactly what I hoped it would be. It was a really fun adventure that consumed me as thoroughly as the Relic Online enveloped Devon. I was especially impressed with how the author balanced the game and ‘real life’ in the book seamlessly.
This book was exactly what I hoped it would be. It was a really fun adventure that consumed me as thoroughly as the Relic Online enveloped Devon. I was especially impressed with how the author balanced the game and ‘real life’ in the book seamlessly.
September 16, 2021
The story takes a while to get going, but it's a good thus far.
On the plus side, Devon Walker's a hottie.
On the plus side, Devon Walker's a hottie.
dnf
September 10, 2022Well-written, but couldn't quite get into it (a pity, since it's one of the few female-written female-lead Western litrpgs I could find). I've read a whole bunch of (particularly Chinese web) novels about 'holographic' games - especially ones where people make a living from it - and have ended up with some strong preferences.
For instance, anything heavily focused on the npcs/plot of the holographic game rarely works for me because I'm all too aware that the player is playing a story that's made up, and the people they're with are just npcs. Even if the player ends up at risk within the game world, it needs to bring something extra either in the particular situation or the puzzle-solving to deal with it, to make me invest.
For instance, anything heavily focused on the npcs/plot of the holographic game rarely works for me because I'm all too aware that the player is playing a story that's made up, and the people they're with are just npcs. Even if the player ends up at risk within the game world, it needs to bring something extra either in the particular situation or the puzzle-solving to deal with it, to make me invest.
January 14, 2019
Mini-Review: LitRPG, Soundbooth Theater Audio Production
I picked up this book because I enjoy Soundbooth Theater's audio production. I figured I'd be okay with the narrators and it was just a matter of trying out a new author + series.
Pros:
- Devon is a cool character & I like her character growth in the game.
- Overall Story Arc: Seems like there will be a nice twist of real life impacts for the game world.
- Building/Defense Game
- Nice cast of secondary NPCs. It would be cool if Emerson or Owen made a longer appearance.
Cons:
- The fighting scenes are too dry. It's pretty spot on for what you would experience when you play but it's really dull to read in a story.
- Needs more innovation or character driven narration to balance out the dull game related scenes. I like that this book is based on building a town & community but those parts need to happen in bigger spurts now that the foundation has been laid down.
I'm moving on to the second book of the series. If there's enough growth for the overall story vs a lot of game mechanics, I'll put this series on to read between other books and finish it later this year.
I picked up this book because I enjoy Soundbooth Theater's audio production. I figured I'd be okay with the narrators and it was just a matter of trying out a new author + series.
Pros:
- Devon is a cool character & I like her character growth in the game.
- Overall Story Arc: Seems like there will be a nice twist of real life impacts for the game world.
- Building/Defense Game
- Nice cast of secondary NPCs. It would be cool if Emerson or Owen made a longer appearance.
Cons:
- The fighting scenes are too dry. It's pretty spot on for what you would experience when you play but it's really dull to read in a story.
- Needs more innovation or character driven narration to balance out the dull game related scenes. I like that this book is based on building a town & community but those parts need to happen in bigger spurts now that the foundation has been laid down.
I'm moving on to the second book of the series. If there's enough growth for the overall story vs a lot of game mechanics, I'll put this series on to read between other books and finish it later this year.
September 22, 2021
This was a fairly standard LitRPG. A bit dull to be honest. Standard RPG world and story. The only thing that stood out was the fact that this was low on misogyny and wish fulfilment compared to most stories in the genres and had a female lead character.
I had fairly high hopes for this one but ended up disappointed as the tale never really held my attention. I did finish but it was a bit of a slog.
Rating: 2 stars.
Audio Note: Annie Ellicott was the main narrator but she was supported by Jeff Hays who did all the male voices. They both gave good performances and I feel like this set up worked really well for the story.
I had fairly high hopes for this one but ended up disappointed as the tale never really held my attention. I did finish but it was a bit of a slog.
Rating: 2 stars.
Audio Note: Annie Ellicott was the main narrator but she was supported by Jeff Hays who did all the male voices. They both gave good performances and I feel like this set up worked really well for the story.
April 30, 2018
I can say that I generally do not like litRPG's where the main character is trapped in a VR world. This is not one of those stories. The MC is NOT trapped in a VR world, but they fall in so much love with the VR world that they pretty much just stay logged in because the people have become family to her. This is an outstanding story that has definitely done a damn good job doing world and character building. The MC is awesome, and even the important characters are given enough life that you are actually starting to wonder more about them individually. There's just enough to keep you guessing about them, and there is one death that even had me feeling bad. I'm thoroughly enjoying this book and await it's sequel with baited breath. If you are looking for something enjoyable to read that's a LitRPG, this should be on that list.
July 10, 2018
Refreshing fun
I'm sure my review will mirror others but here goes.
How refreshing to have a female character around for something other than sex. Yeah, yeah...I get the demographic alot of litrpg is geared toward, and don't get me wrong, I like my share of raunch too, but the change in character arc is appreciated!
Enjoyed the ride. Definately going to read number 2 and hope it's as enjoyable.
I'm sure my review will mirror others but here goes.
How refreshing to have a female character around for something other than sex. Yeah, yeah...I get the demographic alot of litrpg is geared toward, and don't get me wrong, I like my share of raunch too, but the change in character arc is appreciated!
Enjoyed the ride. Definately going to read number 2 and hope it's as enjoyable.
April 14, 2019
Temple of Sorrow was an unexpected pleasure for me. I had never heard of the genre "litRPG" before, but it was one of the challenges for Pop Sugar's reading challenge this year. I'd seen the movie for Ready Player One, and didn't love it, and just wasn't super excited about this challenge. Sure, I've played video games, and even liked some of them. but not necessarily enough to read about it. I was even less excited once I investigated popular titles in the genre, and found a remarkable percentage of the genre to be written by white males. I don't care how well those white males might write; if women and POC don't have a voice in their genre, I'm not interested in reading it.
But then I came across mentions of Carrie Summers and Temple of Sorrow. About a fierce and professional female video game player, by a female author? Why not give it a try? So I did, and I was engaged by the story immediately. Carrie Summers does an excellent job of making the in-game action interesting and compelling. Devon is a solitary character, so I didn't connect with her right away, but I found her story interesting. And it was about a woman! The main character was a confident, competent geeky woman. She didn't have a romantic relationship, and seemed to be doing fine without one. The book doesn't focus on romance at all. There was a hint something might develop in later books in the series, but this story was about Devon, about her new job playing in a new gen of Virtual Reality games, about her friendship with another woman. I didn't realize how refreshing a lack of romantic focus in a story could be. The story also avoided addressing much the issues with treatment of women in video game communities--while there's a time and place for addressing that issue, it was also incredibly refreshing to read a book without any related issues. She got treated like a competent professional because she was one. And she did a good job.
Probably the only complaint that I would have is the foreshadowing for things that aren't in this story. The hints were not particularly subtle, other than a suggestion of future romantic possibility with one character. Otherwise, there were entire chapters written from the POV of an in-game character who is a demon and presumably going to interact with Devon eventually in the series. Mentions of Zaa, the other world-building AI within the game, and of potential issues with the VR implant technology also heavily foreshadowed likely turns of events in future books.
Other than that, I enjoyed the story. I don't remember there being a lot of diversity depicted, but the story is pretty heavily focused on Devon and her in-game interactions, so there weren't a lot of opportunities for diverse interactions, especially for a person living in Utah (an unusual setting for novel. We didn't see much of it, but I still appreciated the nod to life there.). I was worried that the grinding, the repetition in video games that generally derails my playing, would bring down my enjoyment of the book, but Summers makes even that fairly interesting.
I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected. I didn't want to put it down while I was reading, despite the fact that I had other books that I needed to read, and adulting to do. And now that I am finished, and back trying to read those other books, I keep thinking about this story, and wishing I was reading the second book, and wondering if I should just go ahead and buy it. Honestly, I'll probably give in soon. I want to live more in Devon's world, in game and out of it, and I want to see where this story goes. Give this a try--it might not be what you expect either. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have.
But then I came across mentions of Carrie Summers and Temple of Sorrow. About a fierce and professional female video game player, by a female author? Why not give it a try? So I did, and I was engaged by the story immediately. Carrie Summers does an excellent job of making the in-game action interesting and compelling. Devon is a solitary character, so I didn't connect with her right away, but I found her story interesting. And it was about a woman! The main character was a confident, competent geeky woman. She didn't have a romantic relationship, and seemed to be doing fine without one. The book doesn't focus on romance at all. There was a hint something might develop in later books in the series, but this story was about Devon, about her new job playing in a new gen of Virtual Reality games, about her friendship with another woman. I didn't realize how refreshing a lack of romantic focus in a story could be. The story also avoided addressing much the issues with treatment of women in video game communities--while there's a time and place for addressing that issue, it was also incredibly refreshing to read a book without any related issues. She got treated like a competent professional because she was one. And she did a good job.
Probably the only complaint that I would have is the foreshadowing for things that aren't in this story. The hints were not particularly subtle, other than a suggestion of future romantic possibility with one character. Otherwise, there were entire chapters written from the POV of an in-game character who is a demon and presumably going to interact with Devon eventually in the series. Mentions of Zaa, the other world-building AI within the game, and of potential issues with the VR implant technology also heavily foreshadowed likely turns of events in future books.
Other than that, I enjoyed the story. I don't remember there being a lot of diversity depicted, but the story is pretty heavily focused on Devon and her in-game interactions, so there weren't a lot of opportunities for diverse interactions, especially for a person living in Utah (an unusual setting for novel. We didn't see much of it, but I still appreciated the nod to life there.). I was worried that the grinding, the repetition in video games that generally derails my playing, would bring down my enjoyment of the book, but Summers makes even that fairly interesting.
I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected. I didn't want to put it down while I was reading, despite the fact that I had other books that I needed to read, and adulting to do. And now that I am finished, and back trying to read those other books, I keep thinking about this story, and wishing I was reading the second book, and wondering if I should just go ahead and buy it. Honestly, I'll probably give in soon. I want to live more in Devon's world, in game and out of it, and I want to see where this story goes. Give this a try--it might not be what you expect either. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have.
April 20, 2018
Devon Walker loves taking a break from her life and playing games. She loves playing the immersion game (?), but it has now closed after five years of success. She doesn’t know what to do anymore, as the game was giving her extra money on top of her crappy job. When a developer of the new immersion game offers her a salaried job to just play the game, she jumps at the chance. All she has to do is push the game’s creator, which is AI, to its limits. She was told that the game would be unique, but she doesn’t understand how unique it will be until she is dropped into a ruined city with no skills, armor, inventory space, or items. She was told that her pain sensors would be dulled but hers don’t seem to be. She must work her way up through the ranks of the game, but she starts to realize that this game might be more than she originally signed up for.
This was the first LitRPG novel that I had ever read, and so I had no expectations. I do like to play games, and so I was expecting the overall experience to be a bit cringy. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try, and boy was I glad that I did!
This story was unique, exciting, mysterious, and addictive. I had previously read a 300 e-page book right before it, and that book took me nearly 3 hours to complete. After starting this 400+ e-page book in the car, I was finished with it by the time the 1.5 hour ride was over.
Devon was a relatable character. She had been living on her wons since high school and had only gotten her GED, and so she is struggling to make ends meet. Most people in her situation would take advantage of being able to escape and live happy lives in the VR worlds.
The game’s systems in this novel were very thought out and well-executed. It felt almost realistic, walking with Devon through the jungle and slowly becoming more skilled at certain tasks. I also enjoyed how the NPCs were portrayed. Even though it was slightly creepy to see them acting so human-like, it added to the idea that this game was supposed to be above-average in realistic-ness. It also showed the realistic struggle of having to become a hero. One does not wake up with the ability to swing a sword and fight gigantic monsters. Devon had to learn everything from scratch. The battles were addicting and intense, and I loved every single one of them.
I really don’t have any complaints about this book! It was just an overall fun read, and it ended on such a cliffhanger that I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new fantasy/adventure read, whether or not they are fans of the LitRPG genre.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
This was the first LitRPG novel that I had ever read, and so I had no expectations. I do like to play games, and so I was expecting the overall experience to be a bit cringy. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try, and boy was I glad that I did!
This story was unique, exciting, mysterious, and addictive. I had previously read a 300 e-page book right before it, and that book took me nearly 3 hours to complete. After starting this 400+ e-page book in the car, I was finished with it by the time the 1.5 hour ride was over.
Devon was a relatable character. She had been living on her wons since high school and had only gotten her GED, and so she is struggling to make ends meet. Most people in her situation would take advantage of being able to escape and live happy lives in the VR worlds.
The game’s systems in this novel were very thought out and well-executed. It felt almost realistic, walking with Devon through the jungle and slowly becoming more skilled at certain tasks. I also enjoyed how the NPCs were portrayed. Even though it was slightly creepy to see them acting so human-like, it added to the idea that this game was supposed to be above-average in realistic-ness. It also showed the realistic struggle of having to become a hero. One does not wake up with the ability to swing a sword and fight gigantic monsters. Devon had to learn everything from scratch. The battles were addicting and intense, and I loved every single one of them.
I really don’t have any complaints about this book! It was just an overall fun read, and it ended on such a cliffhanger that I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new fantasy/adventure read, whether or not they are fans of the LitRPG genre.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
January 29, 2022
This is a great start to a fantastic series. Summers manages to really bring the immersion into her story by focusing less on mechanics and more on the characters and their relationships.
A few cliches with the Evil Corporation and brain dead CEO angle but over time this improves through the series. Also, Less is more when it comes to twist foreshadowing. This is an issue throughout the genre, with twists being obvious early in the story.
A great choice for people new to LitRPG and veterans of the Genre. I look forward to following Devon on her many adventures.
Soundbooth Theatre do an amazing job bringing the story to life in there Audiobook Performance, I Highly recommend the Audiobooks for this series.
A few cliches with the Evil Corporation and brain dead CEO angle but over time this improves through the series. Also, Less is more when it comes to twist foreshadowing. This is an issue throughout the genre, with twists being obvious early in the story.
A great choice for people new to LitRPG and veterans of the Genre. I look forward to following Devon on her many adventures.
Soundbooth Theatre do an amazing job bringing the story to life in there Audiobook Performance, I Highly recommend the Audiobooks for this series.
June 11, 2018
Can’t Wait For The Sequel
While not divergent from other entries in LitRPG, Temple of Sorrow finds a perfect balance of what makes the genre wonderful. There’s just the right amount of mechanics, character building, and world construction without getting trapped in minutiae. At the same time, all of the characters are interesting and multifaceted, including the NPCs.
Highly recommended. I eagerly await the next novel.
While not divergent from other entries in LitRPG, Temple of Sorrow finds a perfect balance of what makes the genre wonderful. There’s just the right amount of mechanics, character building, and world construction without getting trapped in minutiae. At the same time, all of the characters are interesting and multifaceted, including the NPCs.
Highly recommended. I eagerly await the next novel.
March 27, 2021
3.75
love that the main character is a female. Definitely don’t see that a lot in litRPGs.
love that the main character is a female. Definitely don’t see that a lot in litRPGs.
January 19, 2020
This was my first litrpg, read for a fantasy bingo square. I read quite a few Kindle samples of the big names in litrpg before choosing this one, and most of the "must reads" in this genre felt a little too "male wish-fulfillment"-y to me from their samples. This one stood out, I think, because of the female mc and female author, combined with third-person storytelling that avoided some of the sins of first-person POV's that I found annoying in the samples that included it.
My pick was a good one. I found this really fun! The "gameplay" in the book actually hit a couple of my personal "buttons" of things that make a story/game enjoyable, so that definitely helped boost the enjoyment factor. First, the general scope of what Devon is accomplishing in the book tends to be focused on base-building mechanics of building a community and making improvements to keep the community happy and whole. When I'm gaming myself, I am very fond of resource management and base-building types of games, so that was a perfect fit for me. And then, when it came to Devon's own "character growth", there was a lot of emphasis on improvisation and finding clever ways to combine skills to have bigger impact when combined than they each had on their own. I always enjoy books with underdogs who much find creative solutions to solve problems in my general reading, so that element hit my buttons pretty hard as well.
So, yeah, fun read. I don't think I'll ever want to jump wholeheartedly into the litrpg pool, but I'll probably continue reading this particular series. As a "one, and possibly only" example of the genre to have chosen, this one worked for me.
My pick was a good one. I found this really fun! The "gameplay" in the book actually hit a couple of my personal "buttons" of things that make a story/game enjoyable, so that definitely helped boost the enjoyment factor. First, the general scope of what Devon is accomplishing in the book tends to be focused on base-building mechanics of building a community and making improvements to keep the community happy and whole. When I'm gaming myself, I am very fond of resource management and base-building types of games, so that was a perfect fit for me. And then, when it came to Devon's own "character growth", there was a lot of emphasis on improvisation and finding clever ways to combine skills to have bigger impact when combined than they each had on their own. I always enjoy books with underdogs who much find creative solutions to solve problems in my general reading, so that element hit my buttons pretty hard as well.
So, yeah, fun read. I don't think I'll ever want to jump wholeheartedly into the litrpg pool, but I'll probably continue reading this particular series. As a "one, and possibly only" example of the genre to have chosen, this one worked for me.
May 14, 2018
This story is about the main character playing a surprisingly interesting video game.
There's a frame story about how the game developers are using untested AI and neural interfaces, and there's one dude somewhere else in the world who was sent into a coma by the game, and maybe the game is about to get UNEXPECTEDLY REAL, just like every other video game novel since Sword Art Online.
That frame story is annoying. I just want to read about Devon building her video game empire.
(I was particularly disappointed by Emerson the game developer. If you want to hire somebody, you do not hire a private detective to track her down so you can make her an offer in person and then worry about how creepy you're being. What you do is you send her an email saying "I will pay you lots of money to play video games". Do they not have email in this world?)
The game story was quite good, though. I see that this author has written a different series which is not video-game-based, and I'm making a note to read that one next.
There's a frame story about how the game developers are using untested AI and neural interfaces, and there's one dude somewhere else in the world who was sent into a coma by the game, and maybe the game is about to get UNEXPECTEDLY REAL, just like every other video game novel since Sword Art Online.
That frame story is annoying. I just want to read about Devon building her video game empire.
(I was particularly disappointed by Emerson the game developer. If you want to hire somebody, you do not hire a private detective to track her down so you can make her an offer in person and then worry about how creepy you're being. What you do is you send her an email saying "I will pay you lots of money to play video games". Do they not have email in this world?)
The game story was quite good, though. I see that this author has written a different series which is not video-game-based, and I'm making a note to read that one next.
September 17, 2020
great performances all-around by Annie Ellicott and Jeff Hayes. masters at what they do. The story itself is a decent LITRPG start with enough intrigue sprinkled in to keep you engaged. It doesn't overload the reader with technical information but keeps proper elements for it to be considered one of the genre. The pacing is good and the main character is likable enough but her personality is somewhat lacking. Overall a great starter book to this genre.
February 11, 2019
Gamers Needed
The story starts out really slowly, but after the background of the MC is covered and the story begins, you get drawn into the character.
The story was fun and I'm looking forward to seeing where the characters build from here.
The story starts out really slowly, but after the background of the MC is covered and the story begins, you get drawn into the character.
The story was fun and I'm looking forward to seeing where the characters build from here.
October 12, 2018
Really fun LitRPG with RTS elements. Can't wait to read more in the series!
July 21, 2019
Great story, I am very interested where this is going to go. I like the way this is connecting with virtual reality and RPG.
March 25, 2019
Got me hooked
I saw this book on a Facebook ad. On a whim, I decided to give it a try since I had not heard of this new LitRPG genre. The book was hard to put down! I don't think I've been this into a book in a while (recent reading includes the Golden Compass trilogy, the first two Wheel of Time books, Ursula Le Guin - Hainish cycle, Expanse series, and H.P. Lovecraft). Although I have not played any MMORPG's or D&D, I have played plenty of other RPG computer & video games, so I could follow along perfectly well. However, someone without an RPG background probably would not enjoy it as much. But yeah, I kinda felt like I was playing an RPG game as I was reading. Since I haven't read any other LitRPG books, I don't know how this one compares, but from what I've heard, this one has a unique base building element to it. But yeah, good book. Quick read. (And the next book has me even more hooked!)
I saw this book on a Facebook ad. On a whim, I decided to give it a try since I had not heard of this new LitRPG genre. The book was hard to put down! I don't think I've been this into a book in a while (recent reading includes the Golden Compass trilogy, the first two Wheel of Time books, Ursula Le Guin - Hainish cycle, Expanse series, and H.P. Lovecraft). Although I have not played any MMORPG's or D&D, I have played plenty of other RPG computer & video games, so I could follow along perfectly well. However, someone without an RPG background probably would not enjoy it as much. But yeah, I kinda felt like I was playing an RPG game as I was reading. Since I haven't read any other LitRPG books, I don't know how this one compares, but from what I've heard, this one has a unique base building element to it. But yeah, good book. Quick read. (And the next book has me even more hooked!)
August 17, 2019
Really enjoy this series. Well balanced with both an interesting real life and in-game characteristics with a good explanation of why the protagonist is staying so much in-game. Overall, one of the better series and Temple of Sorrow's does the first book start well. 33
October 26, 2019
(Review based on audio book)
Story: The world Carrie has created is amazing. There are plenty of likable characters and the humor mixed with the serious moments keeps you interested. The world, Relic Online, is so realistic and immersive you wish it existed to play now, along with the implant tech (minus the issues hinted at throughout this book). The plot is a bit slow, focusing more on Devon's day to day in the game, with some external plot splashed in there, but the events were engaging enough it's only a minor complaint. The book ends just as things were getting good, which was a slight disappointment, but it also go me to snag book two immediately.
There doesn't appear to be any romantic sub plots for this series. If there is later, I suspect it'll be rather minor. For those who don't like any sort of romance in their books, you'll probably like that about this. I'm a fan of that existing even in a small amount, so I'm holding out for something. But that won't be a deal breaker if it doesn't come up, given it's a great story.
I'd rank this a middle of the road GameLit/LitRPG. It's got some stat sheet and number crunching bits, which for audio got tedious to listen to so often after some time, but it's also not overwhelming and taking up half the book or so. This makes it a great story for those who are just getting into the genre or want to be eased into the heavier LitRPGs.
Narration: I'm a major fan of Soundbooth Theater. This is an older production for them compared to what I started with from them, but the same quality is there. Annie and Jeff were fantastic as always and really brought these characters to life.
Overall: Highly recommend this story if you love GameLit/LitRPG with some number crunching and stat sheets but not a story bogged down by it, amazing gaming world, and fantastic characters.
Story: The world Carrie has created is amazing. There are plenty of likable characters and the humor mixed with the serious moments keeps you interested. The world, Relic Online, is so realistic and immersive you wish it existed to play now, along with the implant tech (minus the issues hinted at throughout this book). The plot is a bit slow, focusing more on Devon's day to day in the game, with some external plot splashed in there, but the events were engaging enough it's only a minor complaint. The book ends just as things were getting good, which was a slight disappointment, but it also go me to snag book two immediately.
There doesn't appear to be any romantic sub plots for this series. If there is later, I suspect it'll be rather minor. For those who don't like any sort of romance in their books, you'll probably like that about this. I'm a fan of that existing even in a small amount, so I'm holding out for something. But that won't be a deal breaker if it doesn't come up, given it's a great story.
I'd rank this a middle of the road GameLit/LitRPG. It's got some stat sheet and number crunching bits, which for audio got tedious to listen to so often after some time, but it's also not overwhelming and taking up half the book or so. This makes it a great story for those who are just getting into the genre or want to be eased into the heavier LitRPGs.
Narration: I'm a major fan of Soundbooth Theater. This is an older production for them compared to what I started with from them, but the same quality is there. Annie and Jeff were fantastic as always and really brought these characters to life.
Overall: Highly recommend this story if you love GameLit/LitRPG with some number crunching and stat sheets but not a story bogged down by it, amazing gaming world, and fantastic characters.
January 14, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is my second time reading through this book. I have read the first three books in this series previously and I do not remember why I stopped so I am giving this series another go. So my stars and review will be from the re-read since I have not previously reviewed this book.
I really like Devon for the most part. I think she is smart with most of her choices that she makes in this book. I do think that it is an interesting concept of bringing in successful gamers to test the AI into developing new content, but I do not know why they are not given a “normal” player experience. Why drop her off in the middle of nowhere except to hand her a path to get overpowered. I fear that the advantages she is given literally from her first days inside the game will give her unfair advantages later on.
I like that she treats her NPCs like actual people and is able to take a small band of rag tag bunch of non-fighters into a little village in the middle of the jungle. I also enjoy town or village building aspects of this genre.
I think it is a bit strange for the lead programmer who apparently developed this super advanced AI would go to these players and try to recruit them and be so creepy in the progress. He seems to have social skills when talking to some people and absolutely none with others which doesn’t make sense.
This is my second time reading through this book. I have read the first three books in this series previously and I do not remember why I stopped so I am giving this series another go. So my stars and review will be from the re-read since I have not previously reviewed this book.
I really like Devon for the most part. I think she is smart with most of her choices that she makes in this book. I do think that it is an interesting concept of bringing in successful gamers to test the AI into developing new content, but I do not know why they are not given a “normal” player experience. Why drop her off in the middle of nowhere except to hand her a path to get overpowered. I fear that the advantages she is given literally from her first days inside the game will give her unfair advantages later on.
I like that she treats her NPCs like actual people and is able to take a small band of rag tag bunch of non-fighters into a little village in the middle of the jungle. I also enjoy town or village building aspects of this genre.
I think it is a bit strange for the lead programmer who apparently developed this super advanced AI would go to these players and try to recruit them and be so creepy in the progress. He seems to have social skills when talking to some people and absolutely none with others which doesn’t make sense.
November 28, 2025
Update: I read this one again just to see if I could get a connection. This read was better and I might read the next book next year.
So, it's 3 stars now.
O.W.L. Readathon - Divination
Third Eye - Randomly picked book
This is not a bad book but I couldn't bring myself to like it. The MC is often annoying and even though the spells and combinations she used in the end of the book were good I didn't like them. Only in the end I realized what my problem with this book was all about. Almost in every LitRPG I read death was final or had a penalty of some kind. The characters were sometimes OP but this was necessary because if they had died, it would have been final. When other characters die, they are dead and it's always a loss...
This book lacks consequences. Even in the end when the MC makes a very bad decision (which was obvious to me) she just doesn't have to suffer the consequences for it.
The story is okay... after about 50% it gets exciting. AndI liked the RL-storyline even more... but it didn't help in the end. I'm quiet sure I wont read the next book in the series.
So, it's 3 stars now.
O.W.L. Readathon - Divination
Third Eye - Randomly picked book
This is not a bad book but I couldn't bring myself to like it. The MC is often annoying and even though the spells and combinations she used in the end of the book were good I didn't like them. Only in the end I realized what my problem with this book was all about. Almost in every LitRPG I read death was final or had a penalty of some kind. The characters were sometimes OP but this was necessary because if they had died, it would have been final. When other characters die, they are dead and it's always a loss...
This book lacks consequences. Even in the end when the MC makes a very bad decision (which was obvious to me) she just doesn't have to suffer the consequences for it.
The story is okay... after about 50% it gets exciting. AndI liked the RL-storyline even more... but it didn't help in the end. I'm quiet sure I wont read the next book in the series.
April 25, 2018
A fun adventure
I've read a lot of GameLit/LitRPG in the last month and this has been one of the more enjoyable reads. Solid, believable characters with a hint of pizazz; good pacing, with a healthy amount of combat and conflict to break up world and character building; non-intrusive level systems that play an actual role rather than just a throw-away plot device. Well done.
My two gripes with it are that:
A. The bits concerning the other AI are very disjointed, nonsensical, and have no resolution or interactivity within this book. I would have chopped those and left that development for when the topic becomes addressed within the story.
B. The ease at which every dangerous scenario is resolved leaves a reader wanting. Minute failures, with no consequences, is very similar in this genre to having an overpowered MC due to some relics or artifacts. Hopefully, Devon finds herself in a lose/lose situation and doesn't come out winning more in the future. It would help add more depth to her in-game character.
Otherwise, fantastic work and I look forward to book two!
I've read a lot of GameLit/LitRPG in the last month and this has been one of the more enjoyable reads. Solid, believable characters with a hint of pizazz; good pacing, with a healthy amount of combat and conflict to break up world and character building; non-intrusive level systems that play an actual role rather than just a throw-away plot device. Well done.
My two gripes with it are that:
A. The bits concerning the other AI are very disjointed, nonsensical, and have no resolution or interactivity within this book. I would have chopped those and left that development for when the topic becomes addressed within the story.
B. The ease at which every dangerous scenario is resolved leaves a reader wanting. Minute failures, with no consequences, is very similar in this genre to having an overpowered MC due to some relics or artifacts. Hopefully, Devon finds herself in a lose/lose situation and doesn't come out winning more in the future. It would help add more depth to her in-game character.
Otherwise, fantastic work and I look forward to book two!
May 9, 2018
Minor spoilers.
Not the best LitRPG I've read, it's mostly held back by continuity errors.
Prominent Examples:
The next settlement says it needs 6 buildings to upgrade but the current Village only has the capacity for 5.
Somehow Devon knows that the ogre is a patriarch without that information ever being given to her, and she knows what Ironwood is and is capable of before she ever does research on the game (and if it's meant to just be general hard wood then it's given too much significance in the narrative).
Outside of that the narration is a bit too "tell" especially around battles and there's a drag to the book's tension around the mid point.
Not the best LitRPG I've read, it's mostly held back by continuity errors.
Prominent Examples:
The next settlement says it needs 6 buildings to upgrade but the current Village only has the capacity for 5.
Somehow Devon knows that the ogre is a patriarch without that information ever being given to her, and she knows what Ironwood is and is capable of before she ever does research on the game (and if it's meant to just be general hard wood then it's given too much significance in the narrative).
Outside of that the narration is a bit too "tell" especially around battles and there's a drag to the book's tension around the mid point.
April 27, 2018
Book one
There are two sentences that run off the page early on and a handful of wrong words used throughout this book.
I'd also like some depth added to the characters, as right now they all feel interchangeable.
The story is good and the aspects of building where nice. The base building could use more time and depth spent on them.
Overall the first book is decent and I can recommend it. Will look forward to book two.
There are two sentences that run off the page early on and a handful of wrong words used throughout this book.
I'd also like some depth added to the characters, as right now they all feel interchangeable.
The story is good and the aspects of building where nice. The base building could use more time and depth spent on them.
Overall the first book is decent and I can recommend it. Will look forward to book two.
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