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Pangea Online #2
Magic and Mayhem
Everything has a price. Pangea Online is no different.
After winning the Developer’s Tournament, Esil has a new life filled with opportunity. He’s the first person to test out their most innovative technology, full-immersion gameplay, in a brand new, unexplored gameworld. Magic and mayhem collide in ways he never thought possible and soon, he finds himself caught in a quest that may alter the course of the game for years to come.
As Esil experiences the grandeur of full-immersion and the line blurs between reality and the gameworld, the NPCs he meets feel more like friends than data. Tasked with defending a small town from dark forces, he must learn to protect its citizens from impending doom or risk losing them forever.
After winning the Developer’s Tournament, Esil has a new life filled with opportunity. He’s the first person to test out their most innovative technology, full-immersion gameplay, in a brand new, unexplored gameworld. Magic and mayhem collide in ways he never thought possible and soon, he finds himself caught in a quest that may alter the course of the game for years to come.
As Esil experiences the grandeur of full-immersion and the line blurs between reality and the gameworld, the NPCs he meets feel more like friends than data. Tasked with defending a small town from dark forces, he must learn to protect its citizens from impending doom or risk losing them forever.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2018
205 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Rowland
20 books531 followersS.L. Rowland is a cozy fantasy and LitRPG author known for crafting immersive worlds filled with adventure, heart, and a touch of humor. A lifelong gamer and fantasy enthusiast, he draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs, video games, and the fantastical. When he’s not writing, he enjoys weightlifting, hiking with his Shiba Inu, and enduring the heartbreak of being an Atlanta sports fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 15, 2018
The first literal half of the book was a slog to get through. The MC kept mentioning helping his buddies time and time again without doing anything that it just sounded whiny.
The second half though, redeemed the story.
And it's nice that the author decided to not go heavy on the clichés.
I was thinking of not bothering with the third book, whenever it comes out, but will be picking it up.
The second half though, redeemed the story.
And it's nice that the author decided to not go heavy on the clichés.
I was thinking of not bothering with the third book, whenever it comes out, but will be picking it up.
March 31, 2019
This book is well written and contains a pretty good story but it is very clear the author knows very little about siege warfare. Minor spoilers here....why the heck are the fighters not just manning the walls, even with the extra training the enemies have it should not be that hard to withstand an attack of a fortified town when the defenders have similar numbers, but only if you stay behind those fortifications...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
Solid 4 stars. I am really enjoying this series and I am super curious how the next book will go because I really like where Rowland is taking this series. 👀
I like the full immersion arc and I like the implications it has had so far and what it will bring in the future. And I’m glad Buzz and Grayson are still major characters too!
I like the full immersion arc and I like the implications it has had so far and what it will bring in the future. And I’m glad Buzz and Grayson are still major characters too!
April 3, 2019
Magic and Mayhem does a good job of continued world building, but there are a few issues.
I'm reviewing the audiobook.
Overall story and characters: 4 out o5.
Narration: That's the tough part...Justin Thomas James is not a favourite. I don't think he's bad, I just don't enjoy him...I don't hear the character at all through him; I think he often makes the main character sound kind of dull, then suddenly angry in the most manufactured way...just not my cup of tea. Now, the other voice actors that pop up too occasionally were fab! So sadly, I'll say 2 out of 5.
I like the universe. I really enjoy litrpg a lot, and that swing in quality from one title to another never leaves you knowing what to expect. I believe I really enjoyed the first book, again, based on the fun rags to riches story; I'm always a sucker for that particular plot device. I think that the author did a decent job of trying to expand the direction of the storyline, and not just leave it as poor guy makes good.
The main character is kind of cliche, but again, this was (to me) very dully coloured in by the bland narration. I'm afraid that this cast a shadow over the entire story.
The story itself was ok, but has been written better by new authors like Dean Henegar, to name one off of the top of my head. I did manage to get into the story though...the pacing was good and popping back to the "real" universe provided a very interesting back story, that I enjoyed very much. However, and this is another fault of these types of audiobooks, is that the ending was far too abrupt. Like, holy cow...it went from mid-story to "the end" so quickly that it gave me whiplash. I realize that this is method to sell books...I get it...but this was the opposite of graceful.
I'm on the fence on book 3. I think I'll pay attention to who's the main narrator to make my decision.
I'm reviewing the audiobook.
Overall story and characters: 4 out o5.
Narration: That's the tough part...Justin Thomas James is not a favourite. I don't think he's bad, I just don't enjoy him...I don't hear the character at all through him; I think he often makes the main character sound kind of dull, then suddenly angry in the most manufactured way...just not my cup of tea. Now, the other voice actors that pop up too occasionally were fab! So sadly, I'll say 2 out of 5.
I like the universe. I really enjoy litrpg a lot, and that swing in quality from one title to another never leaves you knowing what to expect. I believe I really enjoyed the first book, again, based on the fun rags to riches story; I'm always a sucker for that particular plot device. I think that the author did a decent job of trying to expand the direction of the storyline, and not just leave it as poor guy makes good.
The main character is kind of cliche, but again, this was (to me) very dully coloured in by the bland narration. I'm afraid that this cast a shadow over the entire story.
The story itself was ok, but has been written better by new authors like Dean Henegar, to name one off of the top of my head. I did manage to get into the story though...the pacing was good and popping back to the "real" universe provided a very interesting back story, that I enjoyed very much. However, and this is another fault of these types of audiobooks, is that the ending was far too abrupt. Like, holy cow...it went from mid-story to "the end" so quickly that it gave me whiplash. I realize that this is method to sell books...I get it...but this was the opposite of graceful.
I'm on the fence on book 3. I think I'll pay attention to who's the main narrator to make my decision.
July 11, 2025
The Developer’s Tournament is over and Esil has made a name for himself. He’s living a new life filled with opportunities and he’s completed his goal to help his best friend’s mom. Now, with Pangea Online’s developers testing out their most innovative technology ever, Esil finds himself experiencing the blurred lines between reality and the gameworld. Full-immersion gameplay lets him explore a brand new gameworld like never before. The NPCs feel more like friends than data, and the looming threat to the small town Esil has been tasked to defend feels all too real.
While this is a sequel to the previous Pangea Online book, it feel a little flat for me as far as story progression. If I had read this one without the first, I’d not be invested at all in seeing Esil push to better the lives of his friends’ and all those who live in the Boxes. The *Spoilers* fight with Aleesia’s family at dinner was probably one of the most genuine scenes in the story as far as that goes. *Spoilers* It almost felt like the story was trying to go in too many directions to be a solid book on its own and so became a little lost as a bridge between the first and third book.
Again, the narration and flow of the story was great and super enjoyable. I loved the parts about the in-game world, and the emotion that Esil felt being out of gameworld came across very strongly. It was nearly halfway through the book that I really got invested in this story for its own sake, and was thrilled that Greyson and Buzz got to stick around! Looking forward to the next book.
Content Warnings:
Major - Fantasy violence
Moderate - Classism
CAWPILE Rating: 4.0 / 9.0
Posted to:
Storygraph
GoodReads
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Book Club
Storygraph’s Genre Challenge 2025
While this is a sequel to the previous Pangea Online book, it feel a little flat for me as far as story progression. If I had read this one without the first, I’d not be invested at all in seeing Esil push to better the lives of his friends’ and all those who live in the Boxes. The *Spoilers* fight with Aleesia’s family at dinner was probably one of the most genuine scenes in the story as far as that goes. *Spoilers* It almost felt like the story was trying to go in too many directions to be a solid book on its own and so became a little lost as a bridge between the first and third book.
Again, the narration and flow of the story was great and super enjoyable. I loved the parts about the in-game world, and the emotion that Esil felt being out of gameworld came across very strongly. It was nearly halfway through the book that I really got invested in this story for its own sake, and was thrilled that Greyson and Buzz got to stick around! Looking forward to the next book.
Content Warnings:
Major - Fantasy violence
Moderate - Classism
CAWPILE Rating: 4.0 / 9.0
Posted to:
Storygraph
GoodReads
NetGally
Book Club
Storygraph’s Genre Challenge 2025
March 13, 2024
We return to the world with Esil as he starts his new job and has moved out of the boxes to the town with so much more to offer.
Esil sees how many here live and how everyone he knows lives in the boxes. He wants to help them all. He does start saying things to people, hoping and wanting to make a difference for so many. He starts to see that he can't help the masses at once. He starts with those he knows and can move from there to help everyone as he learns more.
This is a book where we are in the gaming world. Esil's new job is a new set up for gaming... He's in a tank of nanites and gel/liquid to make a full emersion experience in a new world. Esil can feel things in the world like real. When he gets hit, he feels that pain. The world is directed by his actions and the AI adapts to his responses and action, creating the world, quests, and events around him. The NPCs he meets feel like friends and he wants to help them as thing change in the world.
The way the story is written, it feels like Esil does see them as friends, and they to him.
I listened to the audio of this book. I really enjoyed it. There are 3 voices to add depth and life to different characters. We also have light sound effects when things happen. They add to the story and I really like that they are light in the background, that way they don't distract from the story telling. Well done! And fun! The audio brings the story and characters to life for us.
Esil sees how many here live and how everyone he knows lives in the boxes. He wants to help them all. He does start saying things to people, hoping and wanting to make a difference for so many. He starts to see that he can't help the masses at once. He starts with those he knows and can move from there to help everyone as he learns more.
This is a book where we are in the gaming world. Esil's new job is a new set up for gaming... He's in a tank of nanites and gel/liquid to make a full emersion experience in a new world. Esil can feel things in the world like real. When he gets hit, he feels that pain. The world is directed by his actions and the AI adapts to his responses and action, creating the world, quests, and events around him. The NPCs he meets feel like friends and he wants to help them as thing change in the world.
The way the story is written, it feels like Esil does see them as friends, and they to him.
I listened to the audio of this book. I really enjoyed it. There are 3 voices to add depth and life to different characters. We also have light sound effects when things happen. They add to the story and I really like that they are light in the background, that way they don't distract from the story telling. Well done! And fun! The audio brings the story and characters to life for us.
August 14, 2019
Esil's life has completely changed since the events of the developer's tournament in the first book, He's been selected as one of the first to try a new full immersion virtual reality in a new game world. In this new world, every one of Esil's actions changes the world around him, and he becomes more and more involved in the lives of the NPCs around him.
This was another great LitRPG that went by way too quickly! I prefer stories where the MC goes between real life and the game, and Esil's story in and out of the game was interesting. I liked the new world, and the higher stakes in it, and thought the game world was fleshed out well. I'd love to visit more with the original side characters from the first book, but hopefully they'll pop back in later in the series. Altogether, a solid LitRPG that kept me listening.
Like the first book, the voice for Esil fit well, and there was a separate female narrator for the female characters. The performance was seamless. The narration style in this book was a bit different, with sound effects included in the background. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This was another great LitRPG that went by way too quickly! I prefer stories where the MC goes between real life and the game, and Esil's story in and out of the game was interesting. I liked the new world, and the higher stakes in it, and thought the game world was fleshed out well. I'd love to visit more with the original side characters from the first book, but hopefully they'll pop back in later in the series. Altogether, a solid LitRPG that kept me listening.
Like the first book, the voice for Esil fit well, and there was a separate female narrator for the female characters. The performance was seamless. The narration style in this book was a bit different, with sound effects included in the background. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2022
Awesome light read
This book goes straight to the main points. Our MC is in a different state of life. He got everything going for him and he became the first human to try full immersion gaming. There are no big stakes like saving his friend's mother like in the first book; I think this is only the story to set the foundation for the main plot in the next books.
As it's a short book, nothing really big happens except for the big battle in the end, and even that one is a short one. But the story is still very interesting and the action scenes are very good. The characters are still well written and act as you expect after knowing them for a bit. And the cherry on the top is the cool (new world) world building and magic system. I wonder where the author is going to take this.
4.5/5 I highly recommend this book as a light read when you just want something fun to escape to.
This book goes straight to the main points. Our MC is in a different state of life. He got everything going for him and he became the first human to try full immersion gaming. There are no big stakes like saving his friend's mother like in the first book; I think this is only the story to set the foundation for the main plot in the next books.
As it's a short book, nothing really big happens except for the big battle in the end, and even that one is a short one. But the story is still very interesting and the action scenes are very good. The characters are still well written and act as you expect after knowing them for a bit. And the cherry on the top is the cool (new world) world building and magic system. I wonder where the author is going to take this.
4.5/5 I highly recommend this book as a light read when you just want something fun to escape to.
May 29, 2025
Unlike the first book, this one focuses on the in-game story of a new experimental full-immersion technology. It’s a very interesting idea and it was executed well enough, but in-game stories that have no bearing on the real world almost always fail to keep my attention — that’s always my gripe with Dungeon Crawler Carl. I loved the real-world, interpersonal interludes, but those are far and few between. Still, I liked how the technology actually had a real-world explanation that tied in with the themes of the series. It was good, just not my personal taste.
The themes of poverty are also presented better in this one. Esil is adamant and persistent about doing what he can to make life better for those in the Boxes, and I’m excited to see where this goes in the next book.
Overall, this was a good sequel. Most of it was not my personal speed, thus the low rating, but that doesn’t mean it was a bad book by any means.
The themes of poverty are also presented better in this one. Esil is adamant and persistent about doing what he can to make life better for those in the Boxes, and I’m excited to see where this goes in the next book.
Overall, this was a good sequel. Most of it was not my personal speed, thus the low rating, but that doesn’t mean it was a bad book by any means.
June 12, 2018
Felt incomplete
Fail has now found a new life now that he became a champion and discovered that he was the son of a Pangaea developer. As he agrees to be an Alpha tester for full immersion, he is brought to a town full of self-aware NPCs. As he works to save the town from invasion, he becomes aware that the Alpha testing also has other motives. This story felt shorter than the other for some reason, but also a bit disjointed as Esil jumped from reality, to Pangaea to Carolton. Also, felt a little sorry that Fenrir could not be brought to new game with him. Otherwise, minor editing errors but look forward to next story. Has good promise.
Fail has now found a new life now that he became a champion and discovered that he was the son of a Pangaea developer. As he agrees to be an Alpha tester for full immersion, he is brought to a town full of self-aware NPCs. As he works to save the town from invasion, he becomes aware that the Alpha testing also has other motives. This story felt shorter than the other for some reason, but also a bit disjointed as Esil jumped from reality, to Pangaea to Carolton. Also, felt a little sorry that Fenrir could not be brought to new game with him. Otherwise, minor editing errors but look forward to next story. Has good promise.
January 26, 2022
Esil’s life has changed drastically in the last few months. From working in the mines in Pangea Online to working for the company itself. He has agreed to be an Alpha tester for a new world that the are developing. They say that it can adapt to the way that you play.
This book has a different feel than the first. Rather than bounce from world to world, there is a focus on one world. He does visit different worlds in between though. There are new characters that are introduced and not all of the previous characters return. This is sad, but true to how MMORPGs are. A huge benefit is that there is a male and female narrator if you prefer audible.
Content warning: none
This book has a different feel than the first. Rather than bounce from world to world, there is a focus on one world. He does visit different worlds in between though. There are new characters that are introduced and not all of the previous characters return. This is sad, but true to how MMORPGs are. A huge benefit is that there is a male and female narrator if you prefer audible.
Content warning: none
December 12, 2023
I don't think magic and mayhem quite lived up to Death and Axes... This book was all about Esil he pretty much was living the high life after winning the tournament and receiving his rewards. Seemingly he just wants to play Pangea on Line with his friends. But he's also been beta testing a brand new concept in the game for Pangea... to make it total immersion game. My only real concern wasn’t like there were any slow spots... but it just felt like book 1 wasn’t quite connected to Magic and Mayhem as well as you would've expected a trilogy to be!
And Soundbooth Theater Productions as always was great!
And Soundbooth Theater Productions as always was great!
March 24, 2022
Really impressed with how the author took most of the character gains from the last book and wiped them out without it feeling cheap or theatrical, giving him a more mature and educated starting point while nevertheless putting him pretty much back at square one. His focus on social issues was also admirable, although the way that the corporate leadership was right on board with his humanitarian efforts was kind of pathetic. Treating executives like they'd do better if only they *knew* better is disingenuous at best, sorry. Still mostly happy with the story, otherwise.
February 24, 2025
The story of the previous book in this series is ignored except for a few of Esil's friends. Here we see Esil drafted to test a new, more immersive game and system.
The story is lower-stakes and the plot is rather rote. The characters are still likable, but there is some rather manufactured friction between them. The ending is nice, but seems a bit unearned.
Not bad, but if this had been the first book, I might not have continued. I'm going to hope that this is just second-book-syndrome striking and continue on to the last book in the series.
The story is lower-stakes and the plot is rather rote. The characters are still likable, but there is some rather manufactured friction between them. The ending is nice, but seems a bit unearned.
Not bad, but if this had been the first book, I might not have continued. I'm going to hope that this is just second-book-syndrome striking and continue on to the last book in the series.
August 10, 2018
Great evolution to the story
Fantastic evolution to the story and characters. The author gave new purpose and direction to the main character, changed to setting just enough to get me really hooked.
Only thing I didn't like was Aleesia being more of a support side character in this book. I hope in the next she gets more time and fleshed out. (And more Grayson cuz pirates are awesome).
Fantastic evolution to the story and characters. The author gave new purpose and direction to the main character, changed to setting just enough to get me really hooked.
Only thing I didn't like was Aleesia being more of a support side character in this book. I hope in the next she gets more time and fleshed out. (And more Grayson cuz pirates are awesome).
March 9, 2021
As with many sequels this follow up was not as enjoyable as the first. The diversity of storyline, which I liked so much, was pretty well gone. Don't get me wrong, the book was fine, with the same characters, but Esil wasn't the underdog anymore.
Esil goes to Pangea Online occasionally, but spends most of his time in a beta test world that just was not able hold me like the original. Unfortunate.
Esil goes to Pangea Online occasionally, but spends most of his time in a beta test world that just was not able hold me like the original. Unfortunate.
October 26, 2021
Really fun world expansion
I started with book three and loved it, so I bought the first two. They were definitely worth it. The extra character background and world building makes this a world you almost want to live in, as long as you don’t live in a box. However if you do and still have access to the online world it would still be worth it. Totally fun book and I recommend it and the series.
I started with book three and loved it, so I bought the first two. They were definitely worth it. The extra character background and world building makes this a world you almost want to live in, as long as you don’t live in a box. However if you do and still have access to the online world it would still be worth it. Totally fun book and I recommend it and the series.
February 6, 2023
Well, the first book was a take on Ready Player One, and book two is very close to Awaken Online. Well, if you're going to sample other works, at least he's picked the classics.
The originals were better.
I listened to the audio version and book 2 has these really cheesy sound effects. Book one doesn't have them and so far it doesn't seem like book 3 does either. I'll finish book 3, but this isn't a book that will stick with me once it's done.
The originals were better.
I listened to the audio version and book 2 has these really cheesy sound effects. Book one doesn't have them and so far it doesn't seem like book 3 does either. I'll finish book 3, but this isn't a book that will stick with me once it's done.
March 2, 2019
Okay book, However the MC is far to sappy and self sacrificing. I mean come on it's a game. If anything i guess this is a good book for little children. But if you are older then 15 and want your MC to be able to kill and get power for him/herself without the whole " white knight" complex this is not the book for you.
October 22, 2019
A very good sequel!The more things change,the more they stay the same,as in trouble our main character finds himself in. The extra effects seem over the top at times.This story seems unfinished,maybe a book 3 is in the works?Narration by Catherine Winkel,Justin Thomas and Jeff Hays was terrific! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
March 9, 2022
interesting approach
Just look at this thing approach to the use of indecipherable audio/video feed to the brain, it is similar to the Matrix movies, Ready Player 2’s UNI headsets, and Dakota Krout’s Completionist Chronicles, it the way that the feelings were real. It was an amazing story.
Just look at this thing approach to the use of indecipherable audio/video feed to the brain, it is similar to the Matrix movies, Ready Player 2’s UNI headsets, and Dakota Krout’s Completionist Chronicles, it the way that the feelings were real. It was an amazing story.
April 22, 2022
The changes to the main character's life were most intriguing, and how he reacts to his improvements vs. the lives of those he left behind makes for a good plot and motivation. The development of the plot surrounding full immersion was well-done and clever. I enjoyed this episode in the world of Pangea Online.
August 16, 2024
While I enjoyed this (not as much as the first, but still) it is so OBVIOUSLY a set up for the third book that it does take a little something out of it. Also, the "you can't save them all" logic being used the way it was in the book both had a smack of privilege bias and was used as a consolation prize rather than a rally to save those that could be, which is icky.
June 30, 2018
Hopeful
A very different style, book and ending to the one before, it feels like there could be more, more stories, more fun, expanding the universe. Still excellent to read and well written. Keep it up! Thank you.
A very different style, book and ending to the one before, it feels like there could be more, more stories, more fun, expanding the universe. Still excellent to read and well written. Keep it up! Thank you.
November 12, 2018
Well that was fast...
I blew through this book apparently, a little over 3 hours. I was enjoying the story so much it was a little jarring when I saw it was the end of the book. Shortness aside I really enjoyed the book.
I blew through this book apparently, a little over 3 hours. I was enjoying the story so much it was a little jarring when I saw it was the end of the book. Shortness aside I really enjoyed the book.
December 26, 2018
Fun LitRPG Mashup!
I really enjoy the world's that Rowland has put together. You get a little bit of everything here with the world hopping and it keeps you guessing where the story will go next. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Pangea Online.
I really enjoy the world's that Rowland has put together. You get a little bit of everything here with the world hopping and it keeps you guessing where the story will go next. I'm looking forward to the next installment of Pangea Online.
March 14, 2021
The more this story continues the more questions I have about the world. The MC apparently was found wandering the streets as a kid....the same streets that you can't go out in without protective gear.
April 27, 2021
The fun continues.
This installment continues the fun of the first book. The series is really shaping up. It makes you want to read more and more to find out what the characters are going to do next. Jump back in and read now.
This installment continues the fun of the first book. The series is really shaping up. It makes you want to read more and more to find out what the characters are going to do next. Jump back in and read now.
September 3, 2021
It is refreshing to encounter a LitRPG series that is composed on books that can stand alone within a series. This book has a self contained plot that is separate from the first book. There isn’t any huge cliffhanger right when the book reaches its climax. Well written series.
March 28, 2023
good story like the main characters
I often like reading books that feel good. This is one of those books. I am picky about book I like my older children read but this book series is great for them. No sex, bad language, or horrible violence
I often like reading books that feel good. This is one of those books. I am picky about book I like my older children read but this book series is great for them. No sex, bad language, or horrible violence
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews