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Archon's Chosen #1
Raiya: Starter Zone
*** GET BOOK TWO - Mid-Game for only 99 cents until 9/6/2019!*** Skree loved playing Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games. When he becomes the first player to reach level 100 in his favorite game, he is offered the chance to test a brand new game. Never one to read the fine print, he jumped at the chance to be the very first player to see the brand new game. But some opportunities are just too good to be true... Awaking to find himself trapped in a brand new world and struggling to survive, James must find a way to master the game and escape the world of Raiya. Angry wildlife, gargantuan monsters, and mysterious allies are not the only things he has to worry about. Will he have the backbone to do what is right and not what is easiest? Will the carefree Skree find something worth fighting for? Something worth dying for?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2018
250 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 1, 2019
Everyone BUT the main character in this story was awesome. This is yet another story of where the book would be a lot better if it focused on something (ANYTHING) other than the main character. If anything I believe that this story suffers from the same things that made Grimm (the TV show) awesome as well as horrible. The BIG issues is that that story and all the supporting characters are AWESOME, the MAIN CHARACTER is just an idiot. I know I'm going to be biased in this, but these are the exact people that make me solo when I play MMO games. He's character build is abysmal, he's thought process is best described as scatterbrained. For instance, he claims that he wants to have a better build for sneaking, but looking at his stats, he's setting up to become a Tank....no really. ) His emotions throughout this entire story can best be described as one giant teenage hormonal mood swing. He goes from" KILL KILL KILL" to "crying his eyes out", to "I going to be, the best there is, the best there ever was", to crying over a family he was at best meh with, to I need to kill this animal, to "how can I kill this even though it's trying to eat my face off." Skree is ALL over the place. The only thing that makes any sense are the beings around him. Him? Quite honestly, you can replace him with a piece of paper and get the same results. There's nothing about him that stands out. Nothing to write home about, and I have no reason to read any further in this series.
All in all, my biggest gripe is the fact that MC is pretty much a goofball who thinks he's smart and is one lucky sob. Also, the stats irk me. Not to say that the person who wrote this isn't a gamer, but if you're going to include stats in a story, then at least be somewhat true to how the character builds are, unless you're saying that he "magically" creates a new class due to his load out + his stats, but I don't see anything in this story to suggest him having the foresight to do that. It feels like someone pulled up 2 D&D character sheets and tried to make the MC and then threw him into a world that feels a LOT like the watered down version of the Adventures on Terra series by R.A. Mejia. The almost same plot lines come together. Character goes out, finds stuff, strains, happens to fall in with a group of Kobolds, ends up somehow getting their power as well as becoming super close with the clan, something happens to the clan, and now he's on his way to save the clan. The only difference is that R.A. Mejia actually took the time to establish the world, characters, and plot over the course of multiple books. This story did all of that in the first 1/3 of the book albert, very poorly.
This story had a LOT of promise, but there are things that happen and introduced and never heard from again. You meet the "god" of the world and never hear from him again after trying to punch him in the face (breaking your hand..see stupid MC), and then everything except for the T-Rex is pretty much one and done.
I really did NOT like how this was written out. Feels like this was a writing jam and then at the end the author ran it through grammerly and just hit publish. There's a LOT that could have been built off this one book, but absolutely nothing comes of it. The only good thing is that the pacing of this book is pretty fast, so if you DO read this, you should get to the end pretty quickly.
All in all, my biggest gripe is the fact that MC is pretty much a goofball who thinks he's smart and is one lucky sob. Also, the stats irk me. Not to say that the person who wrote this isn't a gamer, but if you're going to include stats in a story, then at least be somewhat true to how the character builds are, unless you're saying that he "magically" creates a new class due to his load out + his stats, but I don't see anything in this story to suggest him having the foresight to do that. It feels like someone pulled up 2 D&D character sheets and tried to make the MC and then threw him into a world that feels a LOT like the watered down version of the Adventures on Terra series by R.A. Mejia. The almost same plot lines come together. Character goes out, finds stuff, strains, happens to fall in with a group of Kobolds, ends up somehow getting their power as well as becoming super close with the clan, something happens to the clan, and now he's on his way to save the clan. The only difference is that R.A. Mejia actually took the time to establish the world, characters, and plot over the course of multiple books. This story did all of that in the first 1/3 of the book albert, very poorly.
This story had a LOT of promise, but there are things that happen and introduced and never heard from again. You meet the "god" of the world and never hear from him again after trying to punch him in the face (breaking your hand..see stupid MC), and then everything except for the T-Rex is pretty much one and done.
I really did NOT like how this was written out. Feels like this was a writing jam and then at the end the author ran it through grammerly and just hit publish. There's a LOT that could have been built off this one book, but absolutely nothing comes of it. The only good thing is that the pacing of this book is pretty fast, so if you DO read this, you should get to the end pretty quickly.
August 24, 2018
* * *
3 / 5
~mini review~
I read Raiya: Starter Zone solely on the Kindle app on my phone. It was my go-to book when I was stuck on the bus or in a waiting room (or on the toilet) and didn't have a physical book or my actual Kindle, so it took me a good while to get through the whole thing. The first thing to say about Raiya, is that it is clearly a self-published novel and is riddled with grammar and spelling errors. It didn't annoy me too much (as I did expect it), but it was definitely noticeable.
My standard for self-published LitRPG novels was set by Andrew Lowe's Sufficiently Advanced Magic, which is a high bar for any book to meet, self-published or not (it's incredible - seriously, read it). Raiya is not as good as that, but it was still fun. When Skree (game name) becomes the first player to hit level 100 in his favourite game, he is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to become a beta tester for the sequel. He eagerly agrees and is transported into a Raiya, a game that is unnervingly real with real consequences.
Raiya focuses quite a lot on stats and spells and combat choices. It chronicles Skree's growing abilities really closely and is very quest-focused. The main plot surrounds Skree's relationship with the Kobold people, which I thought was pretty interesting and original. There's lots of pretty standard stuff like Skree getting a pet wolf.
Raiya: Starter Zone has a fair chunk of spelling and continuity errors, but it is easy to read and enjoyable. I wasn't on the edge of my seat, but I was intrigued to see where Skree's journey would take him.
Read more of my reviews on my blog: http://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.com
3 / 5
~mini review~
I read Raiya: Starter Zone solely on the Kindle app on my phone. It was my go-to book when I was stuck on the bus or in a waiting room (or on the toilet) and didn't have a physical book or my actual Kindle, so it took me a good while to get through the whole thing. The first thing to say about Raiya, is that it is clearly a self-published novel and is riddled with grammar and spelling errors. It didn't annoy me too much (as I did expect it), but it was definitely noticeable.
My standard for self-published LitRPG novels was set by Andrew Lowe's Sufficiently Advanced Magic, which is a high bar for any book to meet, self-published or not (it's incredible - seriously, read it). Raiya is not as good as that, but it was still fun. When Skree (game name) becomes the first player to hit level 100 in his favourite game, he is offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to become a beta tester for the sequel. He eagerly agrees and is transported into a Raiya, a game that is unnervingly real with real consequences.
Raiya focuses quite a lot on stats and spells and combat choices. It chronicles Skree's growing abilities really closely and is very quest-focused. The main plot surrounds Skree's relationship with the Kobold people, which I thought was pretty interesting and original. There's lots of pretty standard stuff like Skree getting a pet wolf.
Raiya: Starter Zone has a fair chunk of spelling and continuity errors, but it is easy to read and enjoyable. I wasn't on the edge of my seat, but I was intrigued to see where Skree's journey would take him.
Read more of my reviews on my blog: http://atlasrisingbooks.wordpress.com
May 24, 2018
Book one
This book needs to be reworked in order to fix errors in spelling, as well as inconsistent bits of the story.
First off the MC just has it way to easy. He levels at a stupidly fast pace.
Bones heals him three times, but says after the third time that he can only do it once a day.
Makes a party with bones and never leaves it, meaning Bones should have received a portion of exp. every time the MC did.
MC easily kills everything that he has fought. The jungle cat should have killed him. It had him on levels and attacked from behind, which should have given it a damage bonus.
Jungle boar changed levels from three to four after it died.
A level two wolf just kinda staggers up to the MC to get for food because it is wounded.
The MC is collecting good loot way to easily. It should be harder to come by just like leveling and skill levels.
How can he really be testing a new game world of everything is just handed to him.
This book needs a rewrite before I can recommend it.
This book needs to be reworked in order to fix errors in spelling, as well as inconsistent bits of the story.
First off the MC just has it way to easy. He levels at a stupidly fast pace.
Bones heals him three times, but says after the third time that he can only do it once a day.
Makes a party with bones and never leaves it, meaning Bones should have received a portion of exp. every time the MC did.
MC easily kills everything that he has fought. The jungle cat should have killed him. It had him on levels and attacked from behind, which should have given it a damage bonus.
Jungle boar changed levels from three to four after it died.
A level two wolf just kinda staggers up to the MC to get for food because it is wounded.
The MC is collecting good loot way to easily. It should be harder to come by just like leveling and skill levels.
How can he really be testing a new game world of everything is just handed to him.
This book needs a rewrite before I can recommend it.
August 13, 2018
Lazy or stupid
If your going to write a book that includes game elements such as skills, stats etc, and present that info in “character sheets”, at least make sure they match the text. Almost every sheets has errors relative to the text. Often on the same page. The author goes to the trouble of including in a item description that it’s healing only works outside of combat and than states in several combats that the healing is all that got him through the fight. It’s your shit, at least keep it consistent, as the errors break immersion.
If your going to write a book that includes game elements such as skills, stats etc, and present that info in “character sheets”, at least make sure they match the text. Almost every sheets has errors relative to the text. Often on the same page. The author goes to the trouble of including in a item description that it’s healing only works outside of combat and than states in several combats that the healing is all that got him through the fight. It’s your shit, at least keep it consistent, as the errors break immersion.
December 19, 2018
Almost a good book. Probably the most annoying thing is how the MC distributes his skill points like a total noob. Considering he's supposed to be an experienced gamer who played his way to being the top player of a popular game, this is a pretty big inconsistently.
Having said that it's a quick easy read and quite enjoyable. I'll probably read the next one if I remember about it when it comes out.
Having said that it's a quick easy read and quite enjoyable. I'll probably read the next one if I remember about it when it comes out.
August 25, 2023
There is something wrong really wrong (sociopathy/psychopathy/suicidal tendencies/self-hatred) with an author that builds up his main characters and then kills women and children (Kobolds) in a bloody and senseless genocide. Is it the author's self-hatred??? Who in their right mind, would create a world, would create characters, life, love and purpose, just to have them destroyed in the worst possible ways? Who can be praised or respected to destroy the "art that they create"?? Is there something emotionally/psychologically wrong with the author (cry for help)???
The timing is all wrong in this dark-hell-like-dystopian-game-like-other-world-isekai-ed. Right at the highest point of action (climax) the author explains skills or levels??
I do not recommend this book or the series. Everything comes way too easy for the main character, but the author with his "reverse Midas touch" (turns his writing/story to sh*t) destroys everything that he writes. Is it beccause author/main character thinks that this story is a game and not real?? Is it a Pygmalion Effect (self-fulfilling prophecy)??
There are no maps, no warnings about the violence, genocide, carnage of women and children. No inside illustrations, no character summaries, with abilities or skills, just a copy paste of the main character's levels at the worst possible moments. This "game-like system" has no balance, makes no sense. Skree (James), main character, is "super generous" with the dead Kobolds' gold??? Who in their right mind would mis-manage other people's money so much?? Does the author and main character still believe, that they are in a game?? If they are, then why does the main character never log out?? Have a real life? Social forums/social media about the game?? Is the author/main character delusional/irrational??
Main character, James/Skree, has no real martial arts training, no real-life abilities or skills, has really not done anything well, and at the end still thinks that everything that was "experienced" in this first book was a game?? If it was just a game?? then why choose a senseless/careless/wimp as the main character (that fails to protect the Kobolds, fails at everything he does in this book)??????
The timing is all wrong in this dark-hell-like-dystopian-game-like-other-world-isekai-ed. Right at the highest point of action (climax) the author explains skills or levels??
I do not recommend this book or the series. Everything comes way too easy for the main character, but the author with his "reverse Midas touch" (turns his writing/story to sh*t) destroys everything that he writes. Is it beccause author/main character thinks that this story is a game and not real?? Is it a Pygmalion Effect (self-fulfilling prophecy)??
There are no maps, no warnings about the violence, genocide, carnage of women and children. No inside illustrations, no character summaries, with abilities or skills, just a copy paste of the main character's levels at the worst possible moments. This "game-like system" has no balance, makes no sense. Skree (James), main character, is "super generous" with the dead Kobolds' gold??? Who in their right mind would mis-manage other people's money so much?? Does the author and main character still believe, that they are in a game?? If they are, then why does the main character never log out?? Have a real life? Social forums/social media about the game?? Is the author/main character delusional/irrational??
Main character, James/Skree, has no real martial arts training, no real-life abilities or skills, has really not done anything well, and at the end still thinks that everything that was "experienced" in this first book was a game?? If it was just a game?? then why choose a senseless/careless/wimp as the main character (that fails to protect the Kobolds, fails at everything he does in this book)??????
July 8, 2018
This book desperately needs more proofreading. The grammar errors in this one were numerous and unnecessary.
I must admit there were times in this book when I wondered why the heck the characters didn't do things that were plainly obvious to rid them of their current issues. I suppose it's all about suspense, but really, sometimes, you just want to grab the characters by the hair and shake them until they see the error of their ways. This book would have suffered as a result though, (if being a hundred pages shorter is considered suffering).
Despite those rather obvious shortcomings, this was one fantastic story, and if the author can manage to get some editing done on the text, and fix most of the grammar errors, this could be one for the top 10 lists of LitRPG books.
There is a good bit of stats and levels in this one, but it's handled in such a way that it doesn't impede the story in the least. If you like the game lit stories, but don't like all the stats and such, you can comfortably read this one, and just ignore the charts scattered through the text, since they're useful information, but don't actively detract from the story if ignored.
I think most LitRPG fans wil enjoy this one.
I must admit there were times in this book when I wondered why the heck the characters didn't do things that were plainly obvious to rid them of their current issues. I suppose it's all about suspense, but really, sometimes, you just want to grab the characters by the hair and shake them until they see the error of their ways. This book would have suffered as a result though, (if being a hundred pages shorter is considered suffering).
Despite those rather obvious shortcomings, this was one fantastic story, and if the author can manage to get some editing done on the text, and fix most of the grammar errors, this could be one for the top 10 lists of LitRPG books.
There is a good bit of stats and levels in this one, but it's handled in such a way that it doesn't impede the story in the least. If you like the game lit stories, but don't like all the stats and such, you can comfortably read this one, and just ignore the charts scattered through the text, since they're useful information, but don't actively detract from the story if ignored.
I think most LitRPG fans wil enjoy this one.
December 3, 2018
Below average
I did enjoy some parts of this book and it was good enough that I finished it. Even for a self-published first book though, it’s definitely below average.
The author often forgets what he wrote just a page previously. For example, the hero can lose all his arrows and still shoot people. Skills that can only be used once a day are used multiple times etc...
It also bugs me the way skills progress. At one point a weapon skill goes up four levels with ONE SWING. The very next fight he same skill goes up twice for one or two swings.
Even if those things were fixed, the book would just be average in my opinion.
I did enjoy some parts of this book and it was good enough that I finished it. Even for a self-published first book though, it’s definitely below average.
The author often forgets what he wrote just a page previously. For example, the hero can lose all his arrows and still shoot people. Skills that can only be used once a day are used multiple times etc...
It also bugs me the way skills progress. At one point a weapon skill goes up four levels with ONE SWING. The very next fight he same skill goes up twice for one or two swings.
Even if those things were fixed, the book would just be average in my opinion.
June 26, 2018
Kobolds rule
Plot and characters are very good, though it's a little unclear how he gets into this game and if it's a game at all or some alternate world thar runs on game rules.
It's also really refreshing to see kobolds, the most reviled race in any RPG world depicted as the good guys. Very original and I look forward to seeing that explored more.
On the downside, the writing is not the best. At times it can be a bit clunky. However, it's the editing that really let's the writing down. This book really should have gone through another round of edits.
Plot and characters are very good, though it's a little unclear how he gets into this game and if it's a game at all or some alternate world thar runs on game rules.
It's also really refreshing to see kobolds, the most reviled race in any RPG world depicted as the good guys. Very original and I look forward to seeing that explored more.
On the downside, the writing is not the best. At times it can be a bit clunky. However, it's the editing that really let's the writing down. This book really should have gone through another round of edits.
July 14, 2018
Readable but Could Be Better
I browse through Litrpg titles on a monthly basis and this one popped up on recommendations so I tried it. It has a good premise and decent writing. The pacing could use some work as well as another proofreading pass or two. What was really noticeable for me was a dire need for copyeditting on the system numbers side.
All in all, I would put it at 2.5, readable but not worth purchase or recommending. Sorry.
I browse through Litrpg titles on a monthly basis and this one popped up on recommendations so I tried it. It has a good premise and decent writing. The pacing could use some work as well as another proofreading pass or two. What was really noticeable for me was a dire need for copyeditting on the system numbers side.
All in all, I would put it at 2.5, readable but not worth purchase or recommending. Sorry.
June 3, 2018
Wonderful Game Lit Minimum IRL
This story of a dude transported to a RPG world was exactly what I really enjoy about these books. He is a druid ranger rogue build. His starting area is a kolbold island. The story was very entertaining action packed thrill ride. Can't wait for the next book.
This story of a dude transported to a RPG world was exactly what I really enjoy about these books. He is a druid ranger rogue build. His starting area is a kolbold island. The story was very entertaining action packed thrill ride. Can't wait for the next book.
August 22, 2018
Not bad, Not bad at all
Blew through it in a little over 3 hours. Liked the premise and MC, and kobolds... who doesn't love kobolds.
Could use some editing but aside from a missing word here or there it wasn't unreadable by any means. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
Blew through it in a little over 3 hours. Liked the premise and MC, and kobolds... who doesn't love kobolds.
Could use some editing but aside from a missing word here or there it wasn't unreadable by any means. Definitely looking forward to the next book.
May 18, 2019
This litrpg seems to have the same problems as many of the others I've read:
The MC is kind of an idiot.
Monty Haul GM.
Level based. (Hoping the litrpg authors can outgrow this some day as it wouldn't work in any kind of sandbox world and a deity with a thousand years to ponder it must surely come up with something better.)
The MC is kind of an idiot.
Monty Haul GM.
Level based. (Hoping the litrpg authors can outgrow this some day as it wouldn't work in any kind of sandbox world and a deity with a thousand years to ponder it must surely come up with something better.)
November 7, 2019
Uh...
A gamer gets sucked into a game world on a “deserted” island, finds a primitive race, changed their destiny, made enemies of the big bad, and barely escaped. Through it all I ... had trouble caring. I just couldn’t connect to the MC nor even the secondary characters. It’s a good story, but a shallow and unengaging one. Sigh...
A gamer gets sucked into a game world on a “deserted” island, finds a primitive race, changed their destiny, made enemies of the big bad, and barely escaped. Through it all I ... had trouble caring. I just couldn’t connect to the MC nor even the secondary characters. It’s a good story, but a shallow and unengaging one. Sigh...
November 14, 2019
Fun, exciting litrpg novel
The main character has quite a few windfalls in this story. But tragedy and success are equally mixed. Reasonably well written, especially for a litrpg novel, this is an interesting read. Although the constant indecision about character build is annoying at times with how lucky he is. Overall, liked the novel and look forward to the next one.
The main character has quite a few windfalls in this story. But tragedy and success are equally mixed. Reasonably well written, especially for a litrpg novel, this is an interesting read. Although the constant indecision about character build is annoying at times with how lucky he is. Overall, liked the novel and look forward to the next one.
May 25, 2018
Good start
A great start to what I hope will be an interesting series. Good characters and introduction of enemies and the drive behind the mc. Set up for great things if it continues in the same vein as it has started
A great start to what I hope will be an interesting series. Good characters and introduction of enemies and the drive behind the mc. Set up for great things if it continues in the same vein as it has started
May 29, 2018
This was a pretty refreshing read from the typical stories of similar nature with a bunch of different twists. The world and the dynamics of the class choices are interesting and I am looking forward to more in the development of the story and world. :)
July 4, 2018
Loved it!!!!!
This was simply a fun, fantastic read. The concept of a video game transporting you to a unknown world isn't new, however I enjoy this author's take on the idea. I highly recommend this book,especially if you are new to the litrpg genre.
This was simply a fun, fantastic read. The concept of a video game transporting you to a unknown world isn't new, however I enjoy this author's take on the idea. I highly recommend this book,especially if you are new to the litrpg genre.
July 4, 2018
A classic lit rpg
New world cool characters and lots of leveling up what's better than that. Huge fan of kobolds also reminds me of another book where he becomes part of a kobold tribe I just can't remember the name lol
New world cool characters and lots of leveling up what's better than that. Huge fan of kobolds also reminds me of another book where he becomes part of a kobold tribe I just can't remember the name lol
July 21, 2018
Excellent read,but in need of proof reading. Very enjoyable.
Typos and extraneous words left in sentences make the reading occasionally annoying, but overall a very good read. Looking forward to next instalment.
Typos and extraneous words left in sentences make the reading occasionally annoying, but overall a very good read. Looking forward to next instalment.
July 23, 2018
Its worth the read
Seriously don't even bother with this review, you know this book is good so when you see the near 80 five star reviews at the time of this review so give it a shot you won't regret it
Seriously don't even bother with this review, you know this book is good so when you see the near 80 five star reviews at the time of this review so give it a shot you won't regret it
August 1, 2018
Interesting story
Story gets 5 stars, writing is good, but way too many math mistakes, inconsistent stat numbers and oh so many little grammar mistakes.
Overall a good read. Will definitely read book 2.
Story gets 5 stars, writing is good, but way too many math mistakes, inconsistent stat numbers and oh so many little grammar mistakes.
Overall a good read. Will definitely read book 2.
January 17, 2019
Not bad, but very generic LitRPG. Also, there was something about the writing that I really didn't like. It felt...fake? I don't know how to describe it, but it didn't pull me in or get me emotionally attached to any of the characters.
October 3, 2019
Really good story.
The story is great and fun, but like so many of the ebooks available these days the editing is rather poor. That aside, I highly recommend this book and I will be picking up the next in the series.
The story is great and fun, but like so many of the ebooks available these days the editing is rather poor. That aside, I highly recommend this book and I will be picking up the next in the series.
November 22, 2019
Definitely worth the read
In the genre of litrpg this book is everything your looking for. Great action, story line. The main character is strong but not super over powered. I also feel like his emotions weren't too far off from real life.
In the genre of litrpg this book is everything your looking for. Great action, story line. The main character is strong but not super over powered. I also feel like his emotions weren't too far off from real life.
April 13, 2023
more or less standard fantasy litrpg. the mc falls the levels upwards a bit too fast for my taste but it is still nicely done. towards the end additional characters are added that increases the interaction. solid read - will probably read the next book.
2-3 stars
2-3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2018
I love portal type stories, where the protagonist is transported to a fantasy world with game mechanics, so Raiya - starter zone was great for me.
May 21, 2018
i read a lot of litrpg and rarely do i like a series so much that it gets a 5 star rating. this 1st book grabbed my attention and i couldn't put it down. i can't wait for the next one to come out!
May 29, 2018
Fantastic
Ready to enjoy a great story with great Action and a hero who isn't dumb or afraid fighting then I do and highly recommend this Book 5 🌟s
Ready to enjoy a great story with great Action and a hero who isn't dumb or afraid fighting then I do and highly recommend this Book 5 🌟s
May 30, 2018
Ok book
Good story,needed to be edited better and the writer needs to man up the MC more also needed to make it harder for mc to level up
Good story,needed to be edited better and the writer needs to man up the MC more also needed to make it harder for mc to level up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews