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The War God Saga #1
War God's Mantle: Ascension: A litRPG Adventure
The gods walk again …
When Marine Corps pilot Jacob Merely crashes during a routine mission off the coast of Cyprus, he was sure it was game over.
After surviving the crash and pulling himself onto the sandy shores of a long-abandoned island, however, Jacob unwittingly stumbles headfirst into the ancient ruins of a dead city. Unfortunately, he also stumbles into an age-old battle between good and evil—and he is now its newest recruit.
The island once belonged to the Amazons, daughters of Ares, the God of War, and stood as the final bastion between the human world and the monstrosities of the Great Below. But Jacob’s arrival has awakened the old gods and disturbed the seal holding the ravaging darkness at bay.
Now, with the help of a sacred gem containing Ares’ power, Jacob must recreate the Amazonian defenders of humanity and fortify the island stronghold. And if he fails, Hades will unleash his army of the damned and the world of men will fall, giving rise to an age of walking nightmares.
"You had me at mythology. You sold me at the crafting, game mechanics, great characters, and serious action. From start to finish, War God's Mantle delivers. Do not miss this book!" — Harmon Cooper, author of Fantasy Online and The Feedback Loop series.
When Marine Corps pilot Jacob Merely crashes during a routine mission off the coast of Cyprus, he was sure it was game over.
After surviving the crash and pulling himself onto the sandy shores of a long-abandoned island, however, Jacob unwittingly stumbles headfirst into the ancient ruins of a dead city. Unfortunately, he also stumbles into an age-old battle between good and evil—and he is now its newest recruit.
The island once belonged to the Amazons, daughters of Ares, the God of War, and stood as the final bastion between the human world and the monstrosities of the Great Below. But Jacob’s arrival has awakened the old gods and disturbed the seal holding the ravaging darkness at bay.
Now, with the help of a sacred gem containing Ares’ power, Jacob must recreate the Amazonian defenders of humanity and fortify the island stronghold. And if he fails, Hades will unleash his army of the damned and the world of men will fall, giving rise to an age of walking nightmares.
"You had me at mythology. You sold me at the crafting, game mechanics, great characters, and serious action. From start to finish, War God's Mantle delivers. Do not miss this book!" — Harmon Cooper, author of Fantasy Online and The Feedback Loop series.
Audible Audio
First published January 9, 2018
729 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
James A. Hunter
79 books1,110 followersJames Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 3, 2020
Rating 1.5 stars ( I finished the book so I had to rate it more than one star, but not by much)
I think of it as a great accomplishment that I finished listening to this audiobook. There are certain things that get on my nerves and this book was filled with them. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I don't believe how a person is acting. The main character in this book is Jacob Merely, he is a marine core harrier pilot with a call sign "gamer 2" because of his love of games. He ends up crashing his plane on an island that just so happens to be the resting place of the soon to be dead Greek God of War - Ares. That premise is what made me want to get this book in the first place. I am a big Greek mythology fan, as well as a LitRPG fan (I am not much of a gamer myself, in fact I had to look on you tube to figure out why all these LitRPG and MMORPG books keep writing about "Leeeroy Jenkins!!" If you don't know, look it up on you tube, it is pretty funny). My biggest problem is not with the story, or the world building (which wasn't that good either), but with the characters. Since the main character is a marine harrier pilot, you have to assume he is at least 24 years old. In order to be an officer, you have to have gone to college, then through flight training and so on. So even though he is in his mid twenties, he talks like an 11 year old boy ( or a cross between an 11 year old boy and Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High).
Below is a list of the type of dialog the main character used:
- Amaze balls
- Boned to the max
- super duper
- dude (he said this a lot)
- dudette (yep, he went there)
- totally (he used this a lot as well, at this point I thought he was an 11 year old girl)
- literally (see comment above)
- awesome
- uber paranoid
- wicked cool
- hells yeah
And of course don't forget the idioms he used to death
- Cocked, locked and ready to rock
- Like a hot knife through butter
- Close only counts with horseshoes and hand grenades
Not to mention that he is on an island solely populated with female amazons who don't understand any of the slang and idioms he used. I have read in other books similar issues with using current slang and idioms when talking to characters that don't understand, but usually the slang words pop out accidentally and it ends up being funny. In those stories though, the person speaking realizes that the other characters don't understand so they try and explain or try not use those slang words. Not this character. It was completely unbelievable that this officer in the marines talked to other people like that. It wasn't just his dialog either. He was on an island surrounded with only women who were designed to love him and do anything he wanted and yet he acted again like an 11 year old boy who wandered into a strip club. Nobody would act the way he did.
Those reasons above are my main sticking points. As far as the story goes, it was a interesting new take in the LitRPG genre, but I don't think is was pulled off very well. The Story was not very well developed. We know about Ares and Hades in this story but what happened to the other Greek Gods? Also there was not much explanation about the Greek Mythology from the beginning, so only someone familiar with it would have a handle of what was going on, and if someone was familiar with it (as I am) it would come across as unbelievable. The author needed to either start at the beginning and explain everything, or go the other way and put much more detail into the mythology. It also did not make much sense how much importance the main character placed on his gaming experience. When he first crashes on the island and meets the dying Ares, he talks about how much is gaming experience is going to help him. WTF?! Wouldn't his experience in the marines maybe be a little more helpful?
As with the terminology above that got really frustrated with, there were also 4 more words that were used so much it was driving me crazy. And that is: Jacob Merely and War God. Whenever an amazon talked to him they either used his full name or his the War God title. Not just once every conversation, but almost every sentence that was uttered to him. I bet if you counted the number of times those 4 words were used and printed those words that many times on a piece of paper, it would cover at least 5 pages. Last, there was the mountain dew. I wanted to yell, SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN DEW ALREADY!
I have another book from this author on my reading list: Viridian Gate Online #1, and now I am not so sure about picking it up. If it is anything like this book, there is no way I want to read it!
I think of it as a great accomplishment that I finished listening to this audiobook. There are certain things that get on my nerves and this book was filled with them. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I don't believe how a person is acting. The main character in this book is Jacob Merely, he is a marine core harrier pilot with a call sign "gamer 2" because of his love of games. He ends up crashing his plane on an island that just so happens to be the resting place of the soon to be dead Greek God of War - Ares. That premise is what made me want to get this book in the first place. I am a big Greek mythology fan, as well as a LitRPG fan (I am not much of a gamer myself, in fact I had to look on you tube to figure out why all these LitRPG and MMORPG books keep writing about "Leeeroy Jenkins!!" If you don't know, look it up on you tube, it is pretty funny). My biggest problem is not with the story, or the world building (which wasn't that good either), but with the characters. Since the main character is a marine harrier pilot, you have to assume he is at least 24 years old. In order to be an officer, you have to have gone to college, then through flight training and so on. So even though he is in his mid twenties, he talks like an 11 year old boy ( or a cross between an 11 year old boy and Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High).
Below is a list of the type of dialog the main character used:
- Amaze balls
- Boned to the max
- super duper
- dude (he said this a lot)
- dudette (yep, he went there)
- totally (he used this a lot as well, at this point I thought he was an 11 year old girl)
- literally (see comment above)
- awesome
- uber paranoid
- wicked cool
- hells yeah
And of course don't forget the idioms he used to death
- Cocked, locked and ready to rock
- Like a hot knife through butter
- Close only counts with horseshoes and hand grenades
Not to mention that he is on an island solely populated with female amazons who don't understand any of the slang and idioms he used. I have read in other books similar issues with using current slang and idioms when talking to characters that don't understand, but usually the slang words pop out accidentally and it ends up being funny. In those stories though, the person speaking realizes that the other characters don't understand so they try and explain or try not use those slang words. Not this character. It was completely unbelievable that this officer in the marines talked to other people like that. It wasn't just his dialog either. He was on an island surrounded with only women who were designed to love him and do anything he wanted and yet he acted again like an 11 year old boy who wandered into a strip club. Nobody would act the way he did.
Those reasons above are my main sticking points. As far as the story goes, it was a interesting new take in the LitRPG genre, but I don't think is was pulled off very well. The Story was not very well developed. We know about Ares and Hades in this story but what happened to the other Greek Gods? Also there was not much explanation about the Greek Mythology from the beginning, so only someone familiar with it would have a handle of what was going on, and if someone was familiar with it (as I am) it would come across as unbelievable. The author needed to either start at the beginning and explain everything, or go the other way and put much more detail into the mythology. It also did not make much sense how much importance the main character placed on his gaming experience. When he first crashes on the island and meets the dying Ares, he talks about how much is gaming experience is going to help him. WTF?! Wouldn't his experience in the marines maybe be a little more helpful?
As with the terminology above that got really frustrated with, there were also 4 more words that were used so much it was driving me crazy. And that is: Jacob Merely and War God. Whenever an amazon talked to him they either used his full name or his the War God title. Not just once every conversation, but almost every sentence that was uttered to him. I bet if you counted the number of times those 4 words were used and printed those words that many times on a piece of paper, it would cover at least 5 pages. Last, there was the mountain dew. I wanted to yell, SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN DEW ALREADY!
I have another book from this author on my reading list: Viridian Gate Online #1, and now I am not so sure about picking it up. If it is anything like this book, there is no way I want to read it!
February 9, 2018
This was a fun read. It's nothing ground breaking, but a nice fun read.
Quick synopsis....
Marine (who's an uber l337 gamer) goes down on an island that Ares was killed at. Get's Aries powers and all the girls who use to back him up. And then goes out and fights against Hades to save Earth from being taken over. In between all of that is a LOT of kick ass fighting, some interesting sexual tension, and a lot of crazy women who go HAM at the drop of a hat.
My fav chapter is still....Bye Felicia. No really, that's the name of a chapter.....Go read this book....
Quick synopsis....
Marine (who's an uber l337 gamer) goes down on an island that Ares was killed at. Get's Aries powers and all the girls who use to back him up. And then goes out and fights against Hades to save Earth from being taken over. In between all of that is a LOT of kick ass fighting, some interesting sexual tension, and a lot of crazy women who go HAM at the drop of a hat.
My fav chapter is still....Bye Felicia. No really, that's the name of a chapter.....Go read this book....
May 29, 2018
The MC didn't feel believable to me. He didn't act or talk like a marine - more like a teenager stuck into a man's body.
When he gets beaten up, he can just run away bleeding. Either the bad guys are specializing in paper cuts or the authors haven't been in enough real life fights. Disorientation, waning stamina, blurred vision, throwing up things that don't happen to this guy unless he's in a 'safe area'.
When he met up with a deity and that person started talking I got so bored that it became time to escape this book.
When he gets beaten up, he can just run away bleeding. Either the bad guys are specializing in paper cuts or the authors haven't been in enough real life fights. Disorientation, waning stamina, blurred vision, throwing up things that don't happen to this guy unless he's in a 'safe area'.
When he met up with a deity and that person started talking I got so bored that it became time to escape this book.
October 28, 2018
An interesting concept. The adaptation of making a God with gaming is done well.
January 22, 2018
Unique
I was really frustrated by his lack of number crunching. Then i remembered he was a marine and not a navy pilot and it all made sense. I suppose math just wasn’t his skill no matter how many points into intelligence he got.
Story was entertaining though. And good for a few laughs as I tried to put myself in his shoes.
Good job on the writing and grammer as well. Only found to paragraphs that were obvious mistakes. Much better than the average.
Looking forward to round 2! Can’t wait.
I was really frustrated by his lack of number crunching. Then i remembered he was a marine and not a navy pilot and it all made sense. I suppose math just wasn’t his skill no matter how many points into intelligence he got.
Story was entertaining though. And good for a few laughs as I tried to put myself in his shoes.
Good job on the writing and grammer as well. Only found to paragraphs that were obvious mistakes. Much better than the average.
Looking forward to round 2! Can’t wait.
June 30, 2018
Witness a weird meteorologic phenomenon...
WHAT?! That's gotta be a magical wall or something!
Passed through a storm in a fighter plan and my radio isn't working anymore...
WHAT?! I must have been transported to another world!!
Must prevent the locals from getting their hands on my OP super Massively Impressively Advanced Technology!!
EYE ROLL TO BACK OF SCULL, MOVE ON...
Life is too short to read books you already know the plot of.
Especially when the whole is is announced before you've even landed...
WHAT?! That's gotta be a magical wall or something!
Passed through a storm in a fighter plan and my radio isn't working anymore...
WHAT?! I must have been transported to another world!!
Must prevent the locals from getting their hands on my OP super Massively Impressively Advanced Technology!!
EYE ROLL TO BACK OF SCULL, MOVE ON...
Life is too short to read books you already know the plot of.
Especially when the whole is is announced before you've even landed...
January 14, 2018
Hell yeah!
I really enjoyed this book!
I don't often give out five stars, but this book just managed to hit all my like buttons.
1: love without graphic sex scenes.
2: heroic last stands.
3: death of beloved characters
4 game elements
5 town building
6 lots of smart action, not just knee-jerk reactions to move the plot.
I recommend this book for anyone that liked the reasons above.
I really enjoyed this book!
I don't often give out five stars, but this book just managed to hit all my like buttons.
1: love without graphic sex scenes.
2: heroic last stands.
3: death of beloved characters
4 game elements
5 town building
6 lots of smart action, not just knee-jerk reactions to move the plot.
I recommend this book for anyone that liked the reasons above.
April 30, 2018
I don't feel like the main characters a Gamer or a Marine. he asked for way to much stat validation to be a gamer and he shames any marines I know especially pilots other than that I like the plot. Also if your going to generate strong women for a harem that wan't to have sex with the main character but the main character is going to turn them all down, push them away or just isn't interested just don't go with that point you really should have just made the warriors men or uninterested.
Read
March 7, 2018Listened to 9 hours of this book, but had to leave it unfinished. I'm just not that into Greek mythology for some reason and since the story relies heavily on that... well, this was just not for me. Atleast not now. I'll keep the book and have made a note on where I stopped incase I change my mind.
June 3, 2018
A wonderful book to read and awesome action
Well this is a great fresh take on the genre. I love to see the new breathe being breathed in. I had such a fun time reading this and found myself several time yelling out loud during the fight scenes. I got that engrossed into the book. The action is so well down and entertaining to read that I couldn't stop.
The Amazons, this was a interesting take on the war gods lifestyle. It's not just the typical smash and bash style but get some awesome crafting and investing going on also. I loved seeing the different types of amazons in the book and seeing how each one cares for the MC differently and how he handles the situations.
It isnt a super crunchy stat filled book but definitely get a good taste of it. It isnt overdone or shoved in your face.
Spoilers below........
I enjoyed how Ares had to style it as a video game so the MC would be able to safely assume the role of War God. It is pushed like many others in the genre but it is a great and fun way to see it.
I loved all the references and takes on Greek mythology. It was so great to see different monsters introduced and to see how they would be defeated. The different underlings of Hades were well fleshed out and all of the fight scenes had a flurry of action but weren't just slammed together.
Overall I would give this a 8.3 out of 10 and gladly recommend it to anyone who wants a awesome and entertaining book to read.
Well this is a great fresh take on the genre. I love to see the new breathe being breathed in. I had such a fun time reading this and found myself several time yelling out loud during the fight scenes. I got that engrossed into the book. The action is so well down and entertaining to read that I couldn't stop.
The Amazons, this was a interesting take on the war gods lifestyle. It's not just the typical smash and bash style but get some awesome crafting and investing going on also. I loved seeing the different types of amazons in the book and seeing how each one cares for the MC differently and how he handles the situations.
It isnt a super crunchy stat filled book but definitely get a good taste of it. It isnt overdone or shoved in your face.
Spoilers below........
I enjoyed how Ares had to style it as a video game so the MC would be able to safely assume the role of War God. It is pushed like many others in the genre but it is a great and fun way to see it.
I loved all the references and takes on Greek mythology. It was so great to see different monsters introduced and to see how they would be defeated. The different underlings of Hades were well fleshed out and all of the fight scenes had a flurry of action but weren't just slammed together.
Overall I would give this a 8.3 out of 10 and gladly recommend it to anyone who wants a awesome and entertaining book to read.
August 28, 2018
A Novel New Spin on LitRPG
I enjoyed the premise that inverted the "game becomes real" and instead extended a "reality becomes a game" to allow our feeble hero to take on the mantel of a literal greek god.
It was, for me, a new way to munge game mechanics into a novel.
A lot of license was taken with Greek mythology, for instance, the Amazons are supposed to be the daughters of Ares, so kinda twisted/incestuous to have them all be his concubines/consorts.
Jacob Merely was a great name for a protagonist who becomes a deity. Phoebe with her imperfection, Myrina with her strength, and Asteria with her goofiness were all developed interesting characters, although Asteria seemed a little too stereotypical cast as the goofy fun loving free loving heroine.
Praxidike was a worthy reoccurring enemy.
The adult situations were subdued and there was plenty of room for motivational development and other story line. The merging of new tech with Greek tech was interesting, but could have been much better explained and developed. Seemed kind of arbitrary and spotty.
I enjoyed the premise that inverted the "game becomes real" and instead extended a "reality becomes a game" to allow our feeble hero to take on the mantel of a literal greek god.
It was, for me, a new way to munge game mechanics into a novel.
A lot of license was taken with Greek mythology, for instance, the Amazons are supposed to be the daughters of Ares, so kinda twisted/incestuous to have them all be his concubines/consorts.
Jacob Merely was a great name for a protagonist who becomes a deity. Phoebe with her imperfection, Myrina with her strength, and Asteria with her goofiness were all developed interesting characters, although Asteria seemed a little too stereotypical cast as the goofy fun loving free loving heroine.
Praxidike was a worthy reoccurring enemy.
The adult situations were subdued and there was plenty of room for motivational development and other story line. The merging of new tech with Greek tech was interesting, but could have been much better explained and developed. Seemed kind of arbitrary and spotty.
January 29, 2018
Enjoyable
My RPG days are in the past, but I go back to the war board games of the 70's, so I get the whole big about upgrades, healing, choices for improvement, etc. Hunter does a good job of weaving disparate elements together, making a joyful mishmash of modern, ancient, medieval weaponry seem possible. I like the references to other authors,to Greek myths and naming conventions, to tying in a jarhead to lead amazons who struggles with modern social conventions versus ancient (nude vs clothing, etc.).
I just enjoyed the tale, with all its snide and side references.
Try it, you might like it.
My RPG days are in the past, but I go back to the war board games of the 70's, so I get the whole big about upgrades, healing, choices for improvement, etc. Hunter does a good job of weaving disparate elements together, making a joyful mishmash of modern, ancient, medieval weaponry seem possible. I like the references to other authors,to Greek myths and naming conventions, to tying in a jarhead to lead amazons who struggles with modern social conventions versus ancient (nude vs clothing, etc.).
I just enjoyed the tale, with all its snide and side references.
Try it, you might like it.
October 4, 2018
Let be VERY clear here, a John Steinbeck and Earnest Hemingway style novel this is not.
That said it remains a enjoyable experience for anyone who wants to turn off thier brains for awhile and listen to a good adventure.
The audiobook adds depth and nuance to the story that you just don't get reading the ebook.
As nerd this ticks a lot of my boxes, fantasy, RPGs, world building, mythology, ect.
My main complaint was that the author went on ad nauseam about mt. dew. Okay enough, we get it already !
So if you can sit back, relax unplug your brain, and are looking for something a little different than the average fantasy novel... then you'll probably enjoy this.
That said it remains a enjoyable experience for anyone who wants to turn off thier brains for awhile and listen to a good adventure.
The audiobook adds depth and nuance to the story that you just don't get reading the ebook.
As nerd this ticks a lot of my boxes, fantasy, RPGs, world building, mythology, ect.
My main complaint was that the author went on ad nauseam about mt. dew. Okay enough, we get it already !
So if you can sit back, relax unplug your brain, and are looking for something a little different than the average fantasy novel... then you'll probably enjoy this.
May 5, 2019
Enjoyable but flawed gamlit story
I enjoyed the overall story, but it felt very “young adult” based, and aged at that, with way too much “dude”, “dudette”, “rad” and other outdated youth speak. Personally I would rewrite the book taking out all that to increase the appeal to an expanding adult gamelit and possible haremlit audience. The single sex scene faded to black so quickly you wonder if it actually happened. There was a lot of potential for much sexier story. Not sure if/when I will get around to the next book(s), it will be much lower on my to read list as I need to cleanse my palette from all the dude speak.
I enjoyed the overall story, but it felt very “young adult” based, and aged at that, with way too much “dude”, “dudette”, “rad” and other outdated youth speak. Personally I would rewrite the book taking out all that to increase the appeal to an expanding adult gamelit and possible haremlit audience. The single sex scene faded to black so quickly you wonder if it actually happened. There was a lot of potential for much sexier story. Not sure if/when I will get around to the next book(s), it will be much lower on my to read list as I need to cleanse my palette from all the dude speak.
March 28, 2018
As a fan of previous works by James Hunter i was expecting great things and the detailed world building wa excellent. not sure the war god route works as well as say his viridian gate series as the start is a little rocky with the flow. It does pick up tho and by the end we are in full flow with a thoughly enjoyable adventure.
The very very end does fall slightly flat as maybe a little rushed and not what i expected but does not stop me from looking forward to the 2nd adventure.
Narration worked very well i thought.
The very very end does fall slightly flat as maybe a little rushed and not what i expected but does not stop me from looking forward to the 2nd adventure.
Narration worked very well i thought.
June 28, 2018
War gods Mantle
What can I say about this book. Wow, what a great start to a promising series of books. I loved all the characters and the storyline, I’ve only played a few online games. I know most of the jargon, the authors out did themselves on the Amazons Warriors. The women are truly amazing. The War God himself is a great mix up of genuine human emotions and weaknesses, that is his strength. Most guys would love to be him, but I’m not sure they could-stick to his moral code. I have always loved the Greek Myths, this book brings them into sharp focus. Fab
What can I say about this book. Wow, what a great start to a promising series of books. I loved all the characters and the storyline, I’ve only played a few online games. I know most of the jargon, the authors out did themselves on the Amazons Warriors. The women are truly amazing. The War God himself is a great mix up of genuine human emotions and weaknesses, that is his strength. Most guys would love to be him, but I’m not sure they could-stick to his moral code. I have always loved the Greek Myths, this book brings them into sharp focus. Fab
August 13, 2018
Wow
This book combines Greek mythology with modern technology, simply amazing. LitRPG? Check. World building? Check. Harem? Check. The author has made the MC relatable. I've read tons of Greek Mythology and he nailed Ares' and the Greek Gods in general perfectly. They were always self-centered and thought themselves gifts to the world. Jacob Merely (MC) proves that if you mix some good ol' American soldier inginuity with the powers of the God of War you get on helluva bad@$$. A definite must read!
This book combines Greek mythology with modern technology, simply amazing. LitRPG? Check. World building? Check. Harem? Check. The author has made the MC relatable. I've read tons of Greek Mythology and he nailed Ares' and the Greek Gods in general perfectly. They were always self-centered and thought themselves gifts to the world. Jacob Merely (MC) proves that if you mix some good ol' American soldier inginuity with the powers of the God of War you get on helluva bad@$$. A definite must read!
March 7, 2019
Great book, bad cover art
I hate to say it but the cover art was the only reason I didn't read this sooner. I'd love to say kindle unlimited is home of the indie writer, but the competition is so stiff one has to be a good writer and editor, and publicist. Good cover art is cheap and easy to get. Many successful writers are getting extraordinary good cover art. Poor art? That's a gamble.
Overall story is great I gave 5 stars. As books get more ratings the cover art doesn't matter. But I wanted to make the point, however vain, that cover art has become very important.
I hate to say it but the cover art was the only reason I didn't read this sooner. I'd love to say kindle unlimited is home of the indie writer, but the competition is so stiff one has to be a good writer and editor, and publicist. Good cover art is cheap and easy to get. Many successful writers are getting extraordinary good cover art. Poor art? That's a gamble.
Overall story is great I gave 5 stars. As books get more ratings the cover art doesn't matter. But I wanted to make the point, however vain, that cover art has become very important.
January 27, 2018
Exciting and different
I'm glad to see the variety showing up in litRPG these days. God levels, and crafting Amazon's... Wow. I was having trouble imagining this coming together story wise. The authors pulled it off well. Exciting, interesting, the pacing was excellent. Put all the pieces in place and reveal them at just the right time. I thought this was very well done. And there were explosions. I love explosions.
I'm glad to see the variety showing up in litRPG these days. God levels, and crafting Amazon's... Wow. I was having trouble imagining this coming together story wise. The authors pulled it off well. Exciting, interesting, the pacing was excellent. Put all the pieces in place and reveal them at just the right time. I thought this was very well done. And there were explosions. I love explosions.
April 23, 2018
Childish but fun
The hero looks like a thirteen year old boy in a body of adult, and his talk looks the same. Pretty badass and dude fills the pages of the book, but although all this childish talk, it is fun and entertaining.
The book tells the story of a Marine that got stranded in a mystical island and has the mission to save the world with the help of beautiful fighting women that love him, without being jealous of each other. Have to say more?
The hero looks like a thirteen year old boy in a body of adult, and his talk looks the same. Pretty badass and dude fills the pages of the book, but although all this childish talk, it is fun and entertaining.
The book tells the story of a Marine that got stranded in a mystical island and has the mission to save the world with the help of beautiful fighting women that love him, without being jealous of each other. Have to say more?
March 12, 2018
Beat down after beat down saved by luck.
Initially this was quite interesting. Fun characters, interesting antoganist and a fun rpg system.
Instead we have weak mc that either fails over and over again or gets beaten black and blue by an overpowered enemy.
The only reason the mc isn't dead is godly luck.
Couple that with cheap deaths and an unimaginative 'twist' at the end, what could have been great is just 'meh'.
Initially this was quite interesting. Fun characters, interesting antoganist and a fun rpg system.
Instead we have weak mc that either fails over and over again or gets beaten black and blue by an overpowered enemy.
The only reason the mc isn't dead is godly luck.
Couple that with cheap deaths and an unimaginative 'twist' at the end, what could have been great is just 'meh'.
June 17, 2018
Great book
Really like this book. Going to get the next book as soon as I finish the review. Great spin on LitRPG and the gaming system does not get in the way. It is explained and is actually part of the plot and adds to the story. Well written. Great plot. The hero is real and things through consequences. (ie isn't suddenly gods gift to women and sleeping with all of the amazos)
Really like this book. Going to get the next book as soon as I finish the review. Great spin on LitRPG and the gaming system does not get in the way. It is explained and is actually part of the plot and adds to the story. Well written. Great plot. The hero is real and things through consequences. (ie isn't suddenly gods gift to women and sleeping with all of the amazos)
August 19, 2018
Dude, what an adventure
Amy story that starts with a plane crash into hordes of Spiderpigs, then delivers heart warming bacon and legendary Creatures is an instant classic in my mind.
God knows what James and Aaron's minds are like!
Non-stop Spielberg inspired, Indy led, Harryhausen populated romp across the genre. And it's got Really Powerful Game!
Amazon warriors, sexy ladies and metal clad monsters.
Plot twists, did I mention the twist?
Amy story that starts with a plane crash into hordes of Spiderpigs, then delivers heart warming bacon and legendary Creatures is an instant classic in my mind.
God knows what James and Aaron's minds are like!
Non-stop Spielberg inspired, Indy led, Harryhausen populated romp across the genre. And it's got Really Powerful Game!
Amazon warriors, sexy ladies and metal clad monsters.
Plot twists, did I mention the twist?
February 5, 2018
Fun book
This is a fun book to read with plenty of adventure, romance, Amazons, gods, war, killing, strange creatures war, and did I mention killing. Looking forward for the next installment. Just a couple of small technical faults noticed from an old harrier plane captain. Keep them coming. Semper Fi.
This is a fun book to read with plenty of adventure, romance, Amazons, gods, war, killing, strange creatures war, and did I mention killing. Looking forward for the next installment. Just a couple of small technical faults noticed from an old harrier plane captain. Keep them coming. Semper Fi.
February 20, 2019
Having recently met both the authors and being impressed with what great guys they were, I checked this book out. I was not disappointed. Nice use of Gamelit leveling in a novel and unique way. It’s harem but not hardcore, and I liked how the MC wasn’t a one dimensional horndog. I’m glad book 2 is already out, and I have a new Audible
Credit dropping in 2 days. Check it out, it’s pretty good.
Credit dropping in 2 days. Check it out, it’s pretty good.
April 27, 2019
Great Read
Jacob, a Marine pilot, crashed on an island and is recruited to replace Ares as God of War. The mission: save the world! Jacob has much work to do, but finds distractions in the beautiful Amazons. I like the action, humor, and romance. I was intrigued with the plot through the end. I look forward to the next book.
Jacob, a Marine pilot, crashed on an island and is recruited to replace Ares as God of War. The mission: save the world! Jacob has much work to do, but finds distractions in the beautiful Amazons. I like the action, humor, and romance. I was intrigued with the plot through the end. I look forward to the next book.
July 14, 2020
I didn't finish this. Jacob the main guy didn't feel like a Marine. Something about his demeanor and vocabulary was just off. I couldn't bring myself to care about his plight. Mostly because it didn't make sense. Why him? Why now? Normally, the mystery of these questions would draw me. Not this time.
September 21, 2020
An entertaining story about a modern Air Force pilot thrown back to a fictional Greek island with good verses evil. The story incorporates gaming references which are pretty much lost on me, but overall it works.
It’s a good quick read and not bogged down with over descriptive sex. The characters were good but not engaging enough for me to take on books 2.
It’s a good quick read and not bogged down with over descriptive sex. The characters were good but not engaging enough for me to take on books 2.
January 19, 2018
Great read!
Good pacing with a fun protagonist. I’m interested in seeing where the story goes next. Give this series a try if you’re looking for something a little different than the usual.
Good pacing with a fun protagonist. I’m interested in seeing where the story goes next. Give this series a try if you’re looking for something a little different than the usual.
April 6, 2020
This litRPG is well-written and extremely imaginative. I really like the “good” characters and found the story fact-paced and very entertaining. I highly recommend it and plan to begin reading book 2 in this series in just a few minutes.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews