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Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut #2
Valley of Death
Alvin had a rough week.
Thrown into a digital death-game, Apocalypse Gates, with only his wits and a less than helpful AI handler, Alvin’s prospects for survival looked bleak.
Managing not only to survive, but to thrive, he helped build a Settlement of survivors in Green River, Utah. Along the way he met the very sexy and broken Gothy.
He’s taken on the undead, mutated bugs and animals, and the worst possible enemy—other people—and triumphed. Nothing looked like it would be a major problem… except for the flight of dragons.
Now the Gates are opening, and Alvin and Gothy are heading out along the roads of America. They’ll need to earn XP, upgrade their stats and gear, found new Settlements, find allies, and hope they survive long enough to explore the world and each other.
The end of the world had come, and a new one awaits. Welcome back to Apocalypse Gates.
(This book contains adult situations, in all their horror and glory. Ranging from abuse, to drug use, to murder. It also contains graphic sex scenes, which contain elements of BDSM. You’ve been warned.)
Thrown into a digital death-game, Apocalypse Gates, with only his wits and a less than helpful AI handler, Alvin’s prospects for survival looked bleak.
Managing not only to survive, but to thrive, he helped build a Settlement of survivors in Green River, Utah. Along the way he met the very sexy and broken Gothy.
He’s taken on the undead, mutated bugs and animals, and the worst possible enemy—other people—and triumphed. Nothing looked like it would be a major problem… except for the flight of dragons.
Now the Gates are opening, and Alvin and Gothy are heading out along the roads of America. They’ll need to earn XP, upgrade their stats and gear, found new Settlements, find allies, and hope they survive long enough to explore the world and each other.
The end of the world had come, and a new one awaits. Welcome back to Apocalypse Gates.
(This book contains adult situations, in all their horror and glory. Ranging from abuse, to drug use, to murder. It also contains graphic sex scenes, which contain elements of BDSM. You’ve been warned.)
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2018
608 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Schinhofen
70 books1,309 followersDaniel James Schinhofen is a self-published author in the burgeoning genre of LitRPG/Gamelit. He published his first book, Last Horizon: Beta, in October of 2016, and has recently published his fifteenth book. A best-selling author on Amazon multiple times, his four series have achieved name recognition in the genre. When not slavishly typing away at the next book, Daniel tries to unwind with video games, playing with his dog Sugar, or going for walks around his neighborhood. His books can be found easily via his website http://schinhofenbooks.com/. Daniel can be found via Twitter using the handle @DJSchinhofen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 7, 2018
Book two
Okay! First off, I enjoy the overall story. However the multiple page sex scenes add absolutely nothing to the story.
The changes at the end of the book has me thinking that the author has given up on settlement building and is planning for the MC to get a herem. Basically I hated the changes made to the game world.
As much as I enjoy the overall story I'm not sure if I will check out book three.
Okay! First off, I enjoy the overall story. However the multiple page sex scenes add absolutely nothing to the story.
The changes at the end of the book has me thinking that the author has given up on settlement building and is planning for the MC to get a herem. Basically I hated the changes made to the game world.
As much as I enjoy the overall story I'm not sure if I will check out book three.
July 1, 2018
Decent, but the cheezy s&m talk is badddd
A great premise, and the promise it's gonna be more awesome later is a boon.
But unlike the first book, over a third of the book is just sex scenes. The s&m vibe is a bit is cheesy and poorly executed.
A great premise, but i found myself skipping past sex scenes after the third one. You can only rehash "harder, hero, harder" so many times.
A great premise, and the promise it's gonna be more awesome later is a boon.
But unlike the first book, over a third of the book is just sex scenes. The s&m vibe is a bit is cheesy and poorly executed.
A great premise, but i found myself skipping past sex scenes after the third one. You can only rehash "harder, hero, harder" so many times.
July 1, 2018
Extreme Decline (Spoilers!)
As a huge fan of the first book, because of the characters and world, I had high hopes for this one, and I was happy to see that they were met until almost the very end. Characters are having arcs, the world is changing and becoming more interesting, and the action is still awesome. Unfortunately the very end has pretty much removed any good will I had and has made me extremely glad I didn't have to pay for this and here's why. One of the main reasons that I liked this story so much was because of the realism combined with the game world, making it so stupid sh!t like zombies living through headshots wasn't a thing, but with the latest "patch" introduced at the very end it's all changed. The world is much more game like, with health decided by a numerical number instead of whether you have all your organs inside your body and what not. Armour is absolutely ridiculous, especially for the more deadly creatures like drakes, and guns do a stupidly low amount of damage. Our MCs can survive SIX SHOTS from a shotgun before they die, without being in peak physical condition or ANY armour. This is absolutely dumb, and I don't understand how the author made such a terrible, horrible decision. A lot of the Settlement operations have been removed or changed negatively, eliminating any wish to make them almost entirely, leaving the more selfish players to just let people die, and Powers have been almost completely removed from the store. Companions have been removed and now they have to swear an oath of servitude like fu@#ing slaves instead of friends and loved ones you brought with you. WTF is up with that!? If you can get this for free do it, otherwise don't buy it, cause it's not worth your money and the author should NOT get a dime from the horrible choices they've made. Hopefully the next story is free, just so I can see how the author completely destroys what could have been my second favorite game-esque series, right behind the Hero of Thera.
As a huge fan of the first book, because of the characters and world, I had high hopes for this one, and I was happy to see that they were met until almost the very end. Characters are having arcs, the world is changing and becoming more interesting, and the action is still awesome. Unfortunately the very end has pretty much removed any good will I had and has made me extremely glad I didn't have to pay for this and here's why. One of the main reasons that I liked this story so much was because of the realism combined with the game world, making it so stupid sh!t like zombies living through headshots wasn't a thing, but with the latest "patch" introduced at the very end it's all changed. The world is much more game like, with health decided by a numerical number instead of whether you have all your organs inside your body and what not. Armour is absolutely ridiculous, especially for the more deadly creatures like drakes, and guns do a stupidly low amount of damage. Our MCs can survive SIX SHOTS from a shotgun before they die, without being in peak physical condition or ANY armour. This is absolutely dumb, and I don't understand how the author made such a terrible, horrible decision. A lot of the Settlement operations have been removed or changed negatively, eliminating any wish to make them almost entirely, leaving the more selfish players to just let people die, and Powers have been almost completely removed from the store. Companions have been removed and now they have to swear an oath of servitude like fu@#ing slaves instead of friends and loved ones you brought with you. WTF is up with that!? If you can get this for free do it, otherwise don't buy it, cause it's not worth your money and the author should NOT get a dime from the horrible choices they've made. Hopefully the next story is free, just so I can see how the author completely destroys what could have been my second favorite game-esque series, right behind the Hero of Thera.
October 10, 2022
Interesting Patch Notes for the game. Not sure I like the Settlement changes. It really gave Al a reason to interact with people in a positive manner. Well positive for him. I am not surprised at the equipment changes. Durability did seem broken to me.
July 3, 2018
Good but flawed
This book had some interesting rpg elements but it seems like it was less than the first. I really hope that the game mechanics of the book pick up and we don’t have a repeat of what happened in the authors other series. Story is still interesting and I’m looking forward to more but maybe tone down how much sex you put in the book. I like sex in my books as it adds maturity in the story in my opinion but this was just over the top. It made it more of an erotica book than a litrpg book. So be warned sex is like every other chapter. World building was good and looking forward to that being fleshed out.
This book had some interesting rpg elements but it seems like it was less than the first. I really hope that the game mechanics of the book pick up and we don’t have a repeat of what happened in the authors other series. Story is still interesting and I’m looking forward to more but maybe tone down how much sex you put in the book. I like sex in my books as it adds maturity in the story in my opinion but this was just over the top. It made it more of an erotica book than a litrpg book. So be warned sex is like every other chapter. World building was good and looking forward to that being fleshed out.
September 27, 2018
Sophomore slump
I don't know what happened between book 1 and 2 but this MC grew to be a tad annoying. I'm certain it's his attachment to Gothy aka Becky but their dynamic is awful. It's a little jarring that everything they do relates back to sex. I get it, it's an adult harem type book but sheesh.....It's too much at times. There is no character growth in the MC and he basically stays the same since book 1. He doesn't even ask about what spells he can use. I mean he can clearly see spell. Then the author decides to scrap major game functions near the end. This is going to get a solid "nah dawg" from this reader. Good luck on book 3.....if you make it there
I don't know what happened between book 1 and 2 but this MC grew to be a tad annoying. I'm certain it's his attachment to Gothy aka Becky but their dynamic is awful. It's a little jarring that everything they do relates back to sex. I get it, it's an adult harem type book but sheesh.....It's too much at times. There is no character growth in the MC and he basically stays the same since book 1. He doesn't even ask about what spells he can use. I mean he can clearly see spell. Then the author decides to scrap major game functions near the end. This is going to get a solid "nah dawg" from this reader. Good luck on book 3.....if you make it there
July 28, 2024
Review of "Valley of Death" by Daniel Schinhofen
Introduction:
Title: Valley of Death
Author: Daniel Schinhofen
Genre: Fantasy, Erotica, Post-Apocalyptic, Harem, Adult, Science Fiction, Zombies
Publication Date: June 29, 2018
Hey packmates, it's your alpha wolf Kiba Snowpaw here, bringing you the lowdown on "Valley of Death" by the legendary Daniel Schinhofen. This second installment in the Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut series is a wild ride through a digital death-game filled with undead, mutated beasts, and, of course, a sizzling harem. At 330 pages, this Kindle edition is a must-read for fans of gritty post-apocalyptic adventures and intense romantic escapades.
Basic Plot Summary:
Alvin had a rough week, thrown into the brutal digital death-game, Apocalypse Gates, with only his wits and a sassy AI handler. Despite the odds, Alvin not only survives but thrives, building a Settlement of survivors in Green River, Utah, alongside the sexy and troubled Gothy. They've faced undead, mutated creatures, and the worst enemy of all—other humans. Now, with the Gates opening, Alvin and Gothy hit the road, aiming to earn XP, upgrade their gear, and establish new Settlements while exploring the world and each other. But with the arrival of dragons, their journey becomes even more perilous.
About the Writer:
Daniel Schinhofen is a towering figure in the LitRPG/Gamelit genre. Since his debut with "Last Horizon: Beta" in 2016, he has captivated readers with his immersive worlds and compelling characters. A multiple-time Amazon best-selling author, Schinhofen’s works are renowned for their blend of adventure, romance, and intricate game mechanics. When he's not crafting his next epic tale, Daniel enjoys video games, walking his dog Sugar, and engaging with his fans online. Check out more of his work at schinhofenbooks.com and follow him on Twitter @DJSchinhofen.
Characters:
Alvin: The resourceful and resilient protagonist, navigating the deadly world of Apocalypse Gates with a mix of cunning and courage.
Gothy: Alvin's sexy and damaged companion, whose past is as dark as her name suggests but whose loyalty and strength shine through.
AI Handler: The less-than-helpful digital guide, adding both humor and frustration to Alvin's journey.
Structure:
"Valley of Death" is structured to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a perfect balance of action, character development, and steamy romance. Each chapter propels the story forward, blending intense battle scenes with moments of introspection and emotional depth.
Analysis:
Schinhofen explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature in extreme circumstances. The character development is robust, with Alvin and Gothy evolving through their experiences and interactions. The writing style is vivid and engaging, immersing readers in the harsh realities and fleeting joys of the post-apocalyptic world.
Scenes:
The romantic and erotic scenes are a significant aspect of "Valley of Death." Schinhofen handles these with explicit detail, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative to enhance the emotional and physical connections between characters. The BDSM elements are boldly presented, adding a layer of intensity to the relationships.
Praise and Critique:
Praise:
World-Building: Schinhofen excels at creating a richly detailed and immersive post-apocalyptic landscape.
Character Depth: The protagonists are complex and well-developed, making their journeys compelling.
Action Scenes: The battles are thrilling and well-choreographed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Critique:
Repetition: Some dialogue and themes may feel repetitive, though they reinforce the characters' development.
Graphic Content: The explicit scenes may be overwhelming for some readers, but they add to the overall intensity of the story.
Comparison:
Compared to Schinhofen's other series, "Valley of Death" stands out for its gritty realism and the darker themes it explores. While the Aether's Revival series offers more traditional fantasy elements, Apocalypse Gates dives deep into the post-apocalyptic genre, blending horror and survival with romantic and erotic undertones.
Personal Evaluation:
"Valley of Death" is a thrilling and emotionally charged read. Its strengths lie in its vivid world-building, dynamic character arcs, and the seamless integration of action and romance. Despite some repetitive elements, the story remains engaging and powerful.
Conclusion:
In summary, "Valley of Death" by Daniel Schinhofen is a rollercoaster of emotions and adrenaline. Its rich narrative, well-crafted characters, and intense romantic scenes make it a standout in the post-apocalyptic genre. I highly recommend it to fans of gritty survival stories and passionate romances. I give it a solid 5 out of 5 icy paws. This book is a fierce journey through the chaos of Apocalypse Gates, and you won't want to miss a moment.
Rating: 5/5
Introduction:
Title: Valley of Death
Author: Daniel Schinhofen
Genre: Fantasy, Erotica, Post-Apocalyptic, Harem, Adult, Science Fiction, Zombies
Publication Date: June 29, 2018
Hey packmates, it's your alpha wolf Kiba Snowpaw here, bringing you the lowdown on "Valley of Death" by the legendary Daniel Schinhofen. This second installment in the Apocalypse Gates Author's Cut series is a wild ride through a digital death-game filled with undead, mutated beasts, and, of course, a sizzling harem. At 330 pages, this Kindle edition is a must-read for fans of gritty post-apocalyptic adventures and intense romantic escapades.
Basic Plot Summary:
Alvin had a rough week, thrown into the brutal digital death-game, Apocalypse Gates, with only his wits and a sassy AI handler. Despite the odds, Alvin not only survives but thrives, building a Settlement of survivors in Green River, Utah, alongside the sexy and troubled Gothy. They've faced undead, mutated creatures, and the worst enemy of all—other humans. Now, with the Gates opening, Alvin and Gothy hit the road, aiming to earn XP, upgrade their gear, and establish new Settlements while exploring the world and each other. But with the arrival of dragons, their journey becomes even more perilous.
About the Writer:
Daniel Schinhofen is a towering figure in the LitRPG/Gamelit genre. Since his debut with "Last Horizon: Beta" in 2016, he has captivated readers with his immersive worlds and compelling characters. A multiple-time Amazon best-selling author, Schinhofen’s works are renowned for their blend of adventure, romance, and intricate game mechanics. When he's not crafting his next epic tale, Daniel enjoys video games, walking his dog Sugar, and engaging with his fans online. Check out more of his work at schinhofenbooks.com and follow him on Twitter @DJSchinhofen.
Characters:
Alvin: The resourceful and resilient protagonist, navigating the deadly world of Apocalypse Gates with a mix of cunning and courage.
Gothy: Alvin's sexy and damaged companion, whose past is as dark as her name suggests but whose loyalty and strength shine through.
AI Handler: The less-than-helpful digital guide, adding both humor and frustration to Alvin's journey.
Structure:
"Valley of Death" is structured to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with a perfect balance of action, character development, and steamy romance. Each chapter propels the story forward, blending intense battle scenes with moments of introspection and emotional depth.
Analysis:
Schinhofen explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature in extreme circumstances. The character development is robust, with Alvin and Gothy evolving through their experiences and interactions. The writing style is vivid and engaging, immersing readers in the harsh realities and fleeting joys of the post-apocalyptic world.
Scenes:
The romantic and erotic scenes are a significant aspect of "Valley of Death." Schinhofen handles these with explicit detail, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative to enhance the emotional and physical connections between characters. The BDSM elements are boldly presented, adding a layer of intensity to the relationships.
Praise and Critique:
Praise:
World-Building: Schinhofen excels at creating a richly detailed and immersive post-apocalyptic landscape.
Character Depth: The protagonists are complex and well-developed, making their journeys compelling.
Action Scenes: The battles are thrilling and well-choreographed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Critique:
Repetition: Some dialogue and themes may feel repetitive, though they reinforce the characters' development.
Graphic Content: The explicit scenes may be overwhelming for some readers, but they add to the overall intensity of the story.
Comparison:
Compared to Schinhofen's other series, "Valley of Death" stands out for its gritty realism and the darker themes it explores. While the Aether's Revival series offers more traditional fantasy elements, Apocalypse Gates dives deep into the post-apocalyptic genre, blending horror and survival with romantic and erotic undertones.
Personal Evaluation:
"Valley of Death" is a thrilling and emotionally charged read. Its strengths lie in its vivid world-building, dynamic character arcs, and the seamless integration of action and romance. Despite some repetitive elements, the story remains engaging and powerful.
Conclusion:
In summary, "Valley of Death" by Daniel Schinhofen is a rollercoaster of emotions and adrenaline. Its rich narrative, well-crafted characters, and intense romantic scenes make it a standout in the post-apocalyptic genre. I highly recommend it to fans of gritty survival stories and passionate romances. I give it a solid 5 out of 5 icy paws. This book is a fierce journey through the chaos of Apocalypse Gates, and you won't want to miss a moment.
Rating: 5/5
July 11, 2018
Good only one complaint
Okay so I honestly love the book. But the sex in between the main character and His companion honestly gets old after a bit. I get the you enjoy the salaciousness, but it starts to take away from the story after a bit. Especially when it's back to back to back to back it's very nice they have a sexual relationship that healthy but maybe shorten the descriptiveness I feel like the third time they've had sex in one chapter. Still love it though
Okay so I honestly love the book. But the sex in between the main character and His companion honestly gets old after a bit. I get the you enjoy the salaciousness, but it starts to take away from the story after a bit. Especially when it's back to back to back to back it's very nice they have a sexual relationship that healthy but maybe shorten the descriptiveness I feel like the third time they've had sex in one chapter. Still love it though
January 4, 2019
Good
I enjoyed the story, although it was not not as good as the first book. And although I’m not a prude I though the sex in this one was overdone and did not contribute anything to the story at all. I think if you take out the sex this would have been a third shorter.
I enjoyed the story, although it was not not as good as the first book. And although I’m not a prude I though the sex in this one was overdone and did not contribute anything to the story at all. I think if you take out the sex this would have been a third shorter.
December 19, 2021
Amazing story
Great series! Lots of options for expansion in the story. Love the dry wit and sarcasm that comes from much of the main cast. Author has a very interesting wit and depth to his characters.
Great series! Lots of options for expansion in the story. Love the dry wit and sarcasm that comes from much of the main cast. Author has a very interesting wit and depth to his characters.
October 24, 2020
Enjoyable LitRPG follow up to the first book, but has several flaws that can be frustrating and keep it from being better.
Pros: I really enjoy the more almost survival/post apocalyptic world with fantasy elements the author created. Its a nice departure from a lot of LitRPG which focuses on straight fantasy.
Many of the plot hooks and adventures the characters had in this one were pretty interesting. Increased the scale of the battles and made things a bit more epic in scale vs. the previous book. This is to be expected based on the genre, but still well done by the author.
Finally there was a start to some characterization of the main character and growth from the "tough asshole". Those scenes were nice to see.
Cons: The biggest non-spoiler issue in my opinion is numerous sex scenes between the main character and his partner compared to the previous book. At least 10 throughout the book and each one was the exact same. Some people may enjoy that aspect, but it definitely throws off the pacing in a number of spots. See spoiler for worst offense. Each scene seems so cut and paste too, so it feels more like padding out the page length vs. adding in anything other than fanservice.
Even though there was some slight character growth, it was still "main character is a total tough guy asshole who is amazing at sex and all women want him". It grows tiresome at some points especially when dealing with some sympathetic side characters. I get it, he's suppose to be an asshole, but it grows old and in some points doesn't even make sense in others.
Spoiler Alert for Ending:
In the end, if you want a more modern world vs. fantasy only world LitRPG that while has its flaws, an enjoyable popcorn book, you can do a lot worse. It has its fun moments and for the most part keeps the reader engaged.
Pros: I really enjoy the more almost survival/post apocalyptic world with fantasy elements the author created. Its a nice departure from a lot of LitRPG which focuses on straight fantasy.
Many of the plot hooks and adventures the characters had in this one were pretty interesting. Increased the scale of the battles and made things a bit more epic in scale vs. the previous book. This is to be expected based on the genre, but still well done by the author.
Finally there was a start to some characterization of the main character and growth from the "tough asshole". Those scenes were nice to see.
Cons: The biggest non-spoiler issue in my opinion is numerous sex scenes between the main character and his partner compared to the previous book. At least 10 throughout the book and each one was the exact same. Some people may enjoy that aspect, but it definitely throws off the pacing in a number of spots. See spoiler for worst offense. Each scene seems so cut and paste too, so it feels more like padding out the page length vs. adding in anything other than fanservice.
Even though there was some slight character growth, it was still "main character is a total tough guy asshole who is amazing at sex and all women want him". It grows tiresome at some points especially when dealing with some sympathetic side characters. I get it, he's suppose to be an asshole, but it grows old and in some points doesn't even make sense in others.
Spoiler Alert for Ending:
In the end, if you want a more modern world vs. fantasy only world LitRPG that while has its flaws, an enjoyable popcorn book, you can do a lot worse. It has its fun moments and for the most part keeps the reader engaged.
February 7, 2019
NOTE: I actually listened to audio books but since the audio book is not listed I'm placing this review under the kindle edition.
I read books 1-3 of this series one right after another so I'm doing a group review. The author tells a fairly interesting story but has some real problems. First, the author appears to have no concept of story resolution. I read another series by this author it had the same problem. Here the example I will use is the end of book 3. I don't really consider it a spoiler since there really isn't anything to spoil but, if you don't want to know how book 3 ends skip the next paragraph.
So the MC & his SO rescue an elf near the portal to her world. She was a scout sent through the portal to check it out. So all three rest up, gear up, head back to the portal and step through into a battle. THAT'S WHERE IT ENDS. DOES THAT SOUND EVEN REMOTELY LIKE A COMPLETE STORY TO YOU???
The next issue is one I've never said about a book before- it has too much sex. I enjoy a well written sex scene and the author does well with them. The problem is that sex scenes really don't advance the story. Here the MC hooks up with his SO about halfway through book one and since they are both young, healthy and magically maintained they have sex all the time. The author only "fades to black" about three times which means roughly half of books 2 & 3 are sex scenes. The author does relate the sex scenes to character development but that just amounts to repeated commenting on the characters' compatibility (so not so much character development as character repetition).
The MC is told that cryogenically preserved brains, like his, were determined to be property and so his incarnation in this game world is owned by the gaming company. The MC needs to perform well, attract viewers or face perma-death. However, his AI assistant then drops large hints that something bigger is going on than just the game/entertainment stuff the MC has been told about. This is handled in a pretty annoying manner and a pretty good case can be made that the AI really shouldn't be able to drop such hints, but, if the reveal turns out to be worthwhile these hints will be a lot less annoying.
Bottom line: Not great but mildly interesting enough that you may wish to give it a go if you don't have something actually good to read.
I read books 1-3 of this series one right after another so I'm doing a group review. The author tells a fairly interesting story but has some real problems. First, the author appears to have no concept of story resolution. I read another series by this author it had the same problem. Here the example I will use is the end of book 3. I don't really consider it a spoiler since there really isn't anything to spoil but, if you don't want to know how book 3 ends skip the next paragraph.
So the MC & his SO rescue an elf near the portal to her world. She was a scout sent through the portal to check it out. So all three rest up, gear up, head back to the portal and step through into a battle. THAT'S WHERE IT ENDS. DOES THAT SOUND EVEN REMOTELY LIKE A COMPLETE STORY TO YOU???
The next issue is one I've never said about a book before- it has too much sex. I enjoy a well written sex scene and the author does well with them. The problem is that sex scenes really don't advance the story. Here the MC hooks up with his SO about halfway through book one and since they are both young, healthy and magically maintained they have sex all the time. The author only "fades to black" about three times which means roughly half of books 2 & 3 are sex scenes. The author does relate the sex scenes to character development but that just amounts to repeated commenting on the characters' compatibility (so not so much character development as character repetition).
The MC is told that cryogenically preserved brains, like his, were determined to be property and so his incarnation in this game world is owned by the gaming company. The MC needs to perform well, attract viewers or face perma-death. However, his AI assistant then drops large hints that something bigger is going on than just the game/entertainment stuff the MC has been told about. This is handled in a pretty annoying manner and a pretty good case can be made that the AI really shouldn't be able to drop such hints, but, if the reveal turns out to be worthwhile these hints will be a lot less annoying.
Bottom line: Not great but mildly interesting enough that you may wish to give it a go if you don't have something actually good to read.
February 6, 2021
The story itself was decent. Not amazing, but solid. But the interplay between Alvin and Gothy is one-dimensional and repetitive - it gets old after a while. The thing I liked best about the whole thing were the game mechanics and, right at the end, the author literally changed almost everything about them, because Reasons.
Maybe the author planned it all along, but the way it was written suggested the author boxed himself into a corner, realized his current game mechanics weren't going to work, so did some hand-waving to almost completely replace the system.
I may give book 3 a shot just to see if the new system is any good...but I feel like I'm nearing the end of my journey with this series.
Maybe the author planned it all along, but the way it was written suggested the author boxed himself into a corner, realized his current game mechanics weren't going to work, so did some hand-waving to almost completely replace the system.
I may give book 3 a shot just to see if the new system is any good...but I feel like I'm nearing the end of my journey with this series.
July 2, 2018
If you liked book 1 you'll like this one too.
Really good book that had a lot of action and interesting ideas. I could have done with a bit fewer sex jokes and some more progression, but I'm still excited for the next book. Game world done in a unique way that doesn't take forever to progress and doesn't have any boring mob grinding, I approve.
Small spoiler/complaint: The game rework at the end was pretty annoying because it basically ended with sex scene, game change/stats exposition and then another sex scene. I'm all for that stuff, but it was a fairly unsatisfying way to end the book.
Really good book that had a lot of action and interesting ideas. I could have done with a bit fewer sex jokes and some more progression, but I'm still excited for the next book. Game world done in a unique way that doesn't take forever to progress and doesn't have any boring mob grinding, I approve.
Small spoiler/complaint: The game rework at the end was pretty annoying because it basically ended with sex scene, game change/stats exposition and then another sex scene. I'm all for that stuff, but it was a fairly unsatisfying way to end the book.
July 12, 2018
Nice
I liked this story. It was a fun addition to the series. I liked that the world seems to be expanding. I do have some complaints though I can't help feeling that a few of the reworkings of the system feel like nerfing. I understand wanting to optimize things as one writes or change a few things, but with the world already expanding as it was...it kind of felt unnecessary, because having the hokey super durable stuff seemed kind of cool...but maybe this is just me being a typical nerd getting anxious about change. Still an excellent entry though. I liked the ghosts and smart zombies....anyway I can't wait for the next entry.
I liked this story. It was a fun addition to the series. I liked that the world seems to be expanding. I do have some complaints though I can't help feeling that a few of the reworkings of the system feel like nerfing. I understand wanting to optimize things as one writes or change a few things, but with the world already expanding as it was...it kind of felt unnecessary, because having the hokey super durable stuff seemed kind of cool...but maybe this is just me being a typical nerd getting anxious about change. Still an excellent entry though. I liked the ghosts and smart zombies....anyway I can't wait for the next entry.
July 8, 2018
Good
This was a good second book. There were a few double words throughout the book but not enough for it to be a problem. I would again suggest a way for the author to let readers know when the screen has changed when they are in the same chapter. Such as when Alvin and Gothy are joking one minute and the next in a different place about to get into trouble. Other than that the book stayed fit with the first book plot and character wise. I will read the 3rd book to see how else the world will be changing for these characters.
This was a good second book. There were a few double words throughout the book but not enough for it to be a problem. I would again suggest a way for the author to let readers know when the screen has changed when they are in the same chapter. Such as when Alvin and Gothy are joking one minute and the next in a different place about to get into trouble. Other than that the book stayed fit with the first book plot and character wise. I will read the 3rd book to see how else the world will be changing for these characters.
July 11, 2018
Less zombies this time!
Love Daniel's work, and this installment of the AG series didn't disappoint. I was a bit concerned starting out a zombie-based series but had enjoyed his other work, and was glad to see this one move a bit past the zombies and on to other enemies. Without any spoilers, the last few chapters make up one of the most accurate LitRPG stuff I've read to date, and seeing two seriously damaged characters find each other is always a great storyline from my perspective. Looking forward to AG3!
Love Daniel's work, and this installment of the AG series didn't disappoint. I was a bit concerned starting out a zombie-based series but had enjoyed his other work, and was glad to see this one move a bit past the zombies and on to other enemies. Without any spoilers, the last few chapters make up one of the most accurate LitRPG stuff I've read to date, and seeing two seriously damaged characters find each other is always a great storyline from my perspective. Looking forward to AG3!
January 6, 2019
Attractive and interesting
Book 1 laid the groundwork, and in book two we get to see a lot more of the world and the main characters. What started as a world of pure horror morphs slightly into something more, filled with additional post-apocalyptic issues.
Hero and Gothy ride through this like a heroic Bonnie and Clyde, combining amoral heroism, adventure, and BDSM with humor, passion, and greedy justice. Things often get crazy, but you can never look away.
Amazing and well done - but not for younger readers or the faint of heart.
Book 1 laid the groundwork, and in book two we get to see a lot more of the world and the main characters. What started as a world of pure horror morphs slightly into something more, filled with additional post-apocalyptic issues.
Hero and Gothy ride through this like a heroic Bonnie and Clyde, combining amoral heroism, adventure, and BDSM with humor, passion, and greedy justice. Things often get crazy, but you can never look away.
Amazing and well done - but not for younger readers or the faint of heart.
May 31, 2019
An intriguing continuation of an interesting story
The first book set up a very interesting world and this book moves that world along quite nicely.
Great editing, wonderful pacing, fun characters, unexpected twists, and an abundance of sexy time. This book has it all!
After reading a third of this book I went ahead and bought all books in the series currently. Based on that previous book and how this one was going, I knew I was going to read them all and wanted to support the author.
The first book set up a very interesting world and this book moves that world along quite nicely.
Great editing, wonderful pacing, fun characters, unexpected twists, and an abundance of sexy time. This book has it all!
After reading a third of this book I went ahead and bought all books in the series currently. Based on that previous book and how this one was going, I knew I was going to read them all and wanted to support the author.
November 7, 2019
I love book 2 of this series! The hits just keep on coming, yeah!
Alvin & Gothy continue to kick butt & take names as they explore the brave new video game world into which they've found themselves uploaded. Jarvis, their snarky AI handler & "butler" also helps keep things funny & interesting .
Throw in the occasional deadly dragon and giant scorpion and how can you go wrong?!
Read this book and book 1 of this series, you'll be very glad that you did! Keep up the great work, Daniel!
Alvin & Gothy continue to kick butt & take names as they explore the brave new video game world into which they've found themselves uploaded. Jarvis, their snarky AI handler & "butler" also helps keep things funny & interesting .
Throw in the occasional deadly dragon and giant scorpion and how can you go wrong?!
Read this book and book 1 of this series, you'll be very glad that you did! Keep up the great work, Daniel!
July 23, 2018
Dark and Fun
Book 1 was (is) really great, and book 2 is a good follow up. The game-world continues to evolve and new characters and dangers are introduced. All of that make good reading. The sex was a little over the top for my tastes, but not completely out of line, although I did start skipping over many of the sex descriptions.
Hopefully, the story continues with more a focus on the story part, which really has great potential. Looking forward to book 3.
Book 1 was (is) really great, and book 2 is a good follow up. The game-world continues to evolve and new characters and dangers are introduced. All of that make good reading. The sex was a little over the top for my tastes, but not completely out of line, although I did start skipping over many of the sex descriptions.
Hopefully, the story continues with more a focus on the story part, which really has great potential. Looking forward to book 3.
August 19, 2018
Good but even i have to admit......
Good story and very little actual progression actually happen however. I'm pretty sure the sex took up 25% of the book and the sex innuendo took another 30%. There's very little danger and any really big fights but I'm the end of sets it up for those big engagements from the obvious nerf to everything. I like it and the survival premise of the first book but Jesus was this morning but filler.
Good story and very little actual progression actually happen however. I'm pretty sure the sex took up 25% of the book and the sex innuendo took another 30%. There's very little danger and any really big fights but I'm the end of sets it up for those big engagements from the obvious nerf to everything. I like it and the survival premise of the first book but Jesus was this morning but filler.
December 16, 2018
Needs work but ok read
I love the premise and setting however the main characters are just weird and unrealistic. Hero and gothy are just un relatable. I cant stand the nick names and the constant sex ( not into the big girl thing). Dont get me wrong I like that in my novel I just feel it gets in the way of the main plot.
If these two characters were tweaked heavily it would be a 4 star for sure
I love the premise and setting however the main characters are just weird and unrealistic. Hero and gothy are just un relatable. I cant stand the nick names and the constant sex ( not into the big girl thing). Dont get me wrong I like that in my novel I just feel it gets in the way of the main plot.
If these two characters were tweaked heavily it would be a 4 star for sure
January 9, 2019
I'm not real sure where this series is going. I really liked the first book because of all the building aspects. This one seemed to focus more on the destruction of things instead. I like the exploring portions, and the discovery of new species and new rules for the game, but it doesn't look like this series is going anywhere interesting. I'll of course try the next one in the series, but I'm not holding out much hope at this point.
January 2, 2023
Loved this read. Great series
This is one of those rare series where it better with each book written. I loved the reference to his other series of alpha company. It was one I had recently read and completely devoured in a couple of weeks. I'm still waiting for beta world come out hopefully. Also his reference to the movie Firefly and his reference to the song Curvy Girls made me smile. Can't wait to read the next in this series.
This is one of those rare series where it better with each book written. I loved the reference to his other series of alpha company. It was one I had recently read and completely devoured in a couple of weeks. I'm still waiting for beta world come out hopefully. Also his reference to the movie Firefly and his reference to the song Curvy Girls made me smile. Can't wait to read the next in this series.
July 10, 2018
Well....
The first book was great. This book made me feel like Gothy was trying to hard to be a sex pot. There are women out there that ooes sexuality without trying. Gothy got old real fast. I understand this is both of them first real relationship, but the book was mostly her trying to get into his pants and him letting her. I just wanted more action and less bunny humping.
The first book was great. This book made me feel like Gothy was trying to hard to be a sex pot. There are women out there that ooes sexuality without trying. Gothy got old real fast. I understand this is both of them first real relationship, but the book was mostly her trying to get into his pants and him letting her. I just wanted more action and less bunny humping.
September 14, 2018
Last book was awesome to me.
This one? It had SO MUCH sex and emotional crap, which whenever this author does it just really rubs me the wrong way. I was hoping this book wouldn’t have any of that, based on the last book not having it, but the author apparently was making up for lost time on the last book.
Just no.
This one? It had SO MUCH sex and emotional crap, which whenever this author does it just really rubs me the wrong way. I was hoping this book wouldn’t have any of that, based on the last book not having it, but the author apparently was making up for lost time on the last book.
Just no.
July 15, 2019
Damn Good Read!
While this book is a damn good read, the picture of Gothy in the cover is bad! Yes as with a lot of makes like a little meat on the lady, the picture doesn't show a stout healthy girl it actually shows a big fat girl! And most makes love the sex scenes, I think this book has a little too much. But so far, love the series.
While this book is a damn good read, the picture of Gothy in the cover is bad! Yes as with a lot of makes like a little meat on the lady, the picture doesn't show a stout healthy girl it actually shows a big fat girl! And most makes love the sex scenes, I think this book has a little too much. But so far, love the series.
April 22, 2020
Very worthwhile read
Great continuation of the series, has action and sexy fun times. Characters fave challenges and must adapt as the world changes around them. Does go off on a sexy tangent quite often, which sometimes slows down the action, but overall worth a five star rating. Why are you still reading this? Pick this book up and disappear into the story already!
Great continuation of the series, has action and sexy fun times. Characters fave challenges and must adapt as the world changes around them. Does go off on a sexy tangent quite often, which sometimes slows down the action, but overall worth a five star rating. Why are you still reading this? Pick this book up and disappear into the story already!
January 23, 2022
What a ride
A lot of this book takes place in their car, but some how it managed to be fun and eventful regardless. I think Gothy is my favorite female character that Daniel has written. She is personified so we'll, I feel like I know her. Just a great book and now onto the third!
A lot of this book takes place in their car, but some how it managed to be fun and eventful regardless. I think Gothy is my favorite female character that Daniel has written. She is personified so we'll, I feel like I know her. Just a great book and now onto the third!
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