What do you think?
Rate this book
Chronicle #2
Trial and Flame
Games are an escape?
The fickle whims of the gods force Dakkon to take that sentiment literally. The announcement of some grand tournament doesn’t equate to glory when its thrust upon him and threatens the life of his best friend.
In the virtual world called Chronicle anyone could be hunting them. To keep his unusual friend safe, Dakkon goes on the run.
But—why not use laying low to your advantage? Staying off the grid might just beget opportunity with the right amount of luck.
Avoiding well-traveled roads can certainly have its upsides. It’s the trips to unusual places where parties can collect unlikely prizes.
What secrets will Dakkon’s group uncover when they, too, are trying not to be to be discovered?
Just how worried should they be?
The fickle whims of the gods force Dakkon to take that sentiment literally. The announcement of some grand tournament doesn’t equate to glory when its thrust upon him and threatens the life of his best friend.
In the virtual world called Chronicle anyone could be hunting them. To keep his unusual friend safe, Dakkon goes on the run.
But—why not use laying low to your advantage? Staying off the grid might just beget opportunity with the right amount of luck.
Avoiding well-traveled roads can certainly have its upsides. It’s the trips to unusual places where parties can collect unlikely prizes.
What secrets will Dakkon’s group uncover when they, too, are trying not to be to be discovered?
Just how worried should they be?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2018
200 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Murphy
3 books103 followersHello!
For years I’ve been a massive fan of the LitRPG genre. Initially, I devoured the few books available in English and sought more content in episodic fan translations. Now, finally, the genre is starting to rapidly grow. I love how authors manipulate progression. There’s something wonderful about being presented with a mold, only to see it broken and surpassed.
I’ve always been drawn to stories that work to build a stable world then, once norms are established, begin to rock the boat in a big way. The first book in my series aims to establish this world boat, while offering glimpses beyond the horizon. I sincerely hope you enjoy it.
For years I’ve been a massive fan of the LitRPG genre. Initially, I devoured the few books available in English and sought more content in episodic fan translations. Now, finally, the genre is starting to rapidly grow. I love how authors manipulate progression. There’s something wonderful about being presented with a mold, only to see it broken and surpassed.
I’ve always been drawn to stories that work to build a stable world then, once norms are established, begin to rock the boat in a big way. The first book in my series aims to establish this world boat, while offering glimpses beyond the horizon. I sincerely hope you enjoy it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 13, 2020
This was an OK LitRPG story that delivered a decent mix of action and adventure as well as an easy to like lead character. Trial and Flame was not quite so good as the first book in the series but it was still a readable enough LitRPG tale.
I like the lead character in this series. Corbin/Dakkon is an easy guy to root for as he seems like a likeable guy both in the VR world and in the "real" world parts of the story. That alone is an achievement for a book in the LitRPG genre. Murphy's world is definitely a fun one but I felt like not much got added to the worldbuilding in this second volume of the series and that was a bit of a shame as both the VR world of Chronicle and the sci-fi future society Corbin lives in outside of the game have a lot of potential to develop into even cooler and more interesting places but I feel like little effort was done to help with that in this instalment.
The action in the series can be hit and miss. I think it would be more effective if there was less adventuring/RPG gaming scenes in general and more work done on the worldbuilding and character development aspects of the story. The fact that most of the actions take place in a VR world and have zero permanent effects on Corbin, and his friends, kills a lot of the tension that could be present in such scenes in a regular fantasy story. Most LitRPG authors and stories I've read have done a better job of making the stuff in their books seem more meaningful so it is a weakness for this series. I also feel more work could be done to flesh out the secondary characters. Only one of them really stands out. The others are still a bit throwaway but at least the second half of this one did a slightly better job of establishing two or three other characters.
A lack of plot progression and too many meaningless gaming action scenes that had no real stakes combined with the fact that not a lot was done by Murphy to develop the worldbuilding or make much plot progression on the big things teased at the end of the first instalment meant this second book was not quite so fun as the first one. It was still an enjoyable read so I'll definitely be back for the third book. Hopefully it makes a few improvements that up the excitement and tension factor!
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: Nick Podehl was fantastic with the audio. He is one of the best!
I like the lead character in this series. Corbin/Dakkon is an easy guy to root for as he seems like a likeable guy both in the VR world and in the "real" world parts of the story. That alone is an achievement for a book in the LitRPG genre. Murphy's world is definitely a fun one but I felt like not much got added to the worldbuilding in this second volume of the series and that was a bit of a shame as both the VR world of Chronicle and the sci-fi future society Corbin lives in outside of the game have a lot of potential to develop into even cooler and more interesting places but I feel like little effort was done to help with that in this instalment.
The action in the series can be hit and miss. I think it would be more effective if there was less adventuring/RPG gaming scenes in general and more work done on the worldbuilding and character development aspects of the story. The fact that most of the actions take place in a VR world and have zero permanent effects on Corbin, and his friends, kills a lot of the tension that could be present in such scenes in a regular fantasy story. Most LitRPG authors and stories I've read have done a better job of making the stuff in their books seem more meaningful so it is a weakness for this series. I also feel more work could be done to flesh out the secondary characters. Only one of them really stands out. The others are still a bit throwaway but at least the second half of this one did a slightly better job of establishing two or three other characters.
A lack of plot progression and too many meaningless gaming action scenes that had no real stakes combined with the fact that not a lot was done by Murphy to develop the worldbuilding or make much plot progression on the big things teased at the end of the first instalment meant this second book was not quite so fun as the first one. It was still an enjoyable read so I'll definitely be back for the third book. Hopefully it makes a few improvements that up the excitement and tension factor!
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: Nick Podehl was fantastic with the audio. He is one of the best!
December 31, 2019
I don't write many reviews anymore but I've read a number of negative reviews of this installment and wanted to counterbalance them a bit.
I thought this was an interesting and enjoyable book and a good continuation of the first book. Perhaps I haven't read and or listened to enough LitRPG books to be jaded about it but I liked it and look forward to book three.
I thought this was an interesting and enjoyable book and a good continuation of the first book. Perhaps I haven't read and or listened to enough LitRPG books to be jaded about it but I liked it and look forward to book three.
January 19, 2019
What happened?
All of the interesting premise, great character development and cool, mysterious plot that were present in book 1, now are gone.
Instead of building upon the interesting class choice of the MC in the first book, and continuing the development and introspection, now Dakkon is relegated to background cardboard cut out. He might as well not be present in the book. Last book was full of interesting struggles and improvisations where he made the best with what limited abilities his class had. Now, generic fire mage. Not a lick of originality
The action is so insanely generic. Generic dungeon, followed by generic trap dungeon. He jumped over the spikes. He hit the monster.
It seems that what was great in the first book disappeared in a generic dungeon crawler
All of the interesting premise, great character development and cool, mysterious plot that were present in book 1, now are gone.
Instead of building upon the interesting class choice of the MC in the first book, and continuing the development and introspection, now Dakkon is relegated to background cardboard cut out. He might as well not be present in the book. Last book was full of interesting struggles and improvisations where he made the best with what limited abilities his class had. Now, generic fire mage. Not a lick of originality
The action is so insanely generic. Generic dungeon, followed by generic trap dungeon. He jumped over the spikes. He hit the monster.
It seems that what was great in the first book disappeared in a generic dungeon crawler
January 12, 2019
Mini-Review: LitRPG
I had listened to the audio for the first book and didn't feel like it was a YA. It's interesting to note that the story felt more like a YA novel when I read the story. The action sequences are still weak but I like the characters, their progression and the plot developments. I really enjoyed certain segments of the adventure. All of my favorite parts deal with either the game lore or the people Dakkon meet. Overall, it was a fun adventure story. I'll read the next book when it comes out. =)
I had listened to the audio for the first book and didn't feel like it was a YA. It's interesting to note that the story felt more like a YA novel when I read the story. The action sequences are still weak but I like the characters, their progression and the plot developments. I really enjoyed certain segments of the adventure. All of my favorite parts deal with either the game lore or the people Dakkon meet. Overall, it was a fun adventure story. I'll read the next book when it comes out. =)
April 25, 2020
A great follow up book, a really fun dungeon diving novel.
There's a few things that I think are really unnecessary though and the whole marked-band situation is completely bonkers to my view and I think the author figured this out and wrote a way to get himself out of the situation.
Nonetheless, it was entertaining and that's what I'm looking for.
There's a few things that I think are really unnecessary though and the whole marked-band situation is completely bonkers to my view and I think the author figured this out and wrote a way to get himself out of the situation.
Nonetheless, it was entertaining and that's what I'm looking for.
July 28, 2019
What happened?. Last book he had one stupid class so i was hoping he would choose something cool, like an assassin or something. Guess not he chose the most generic second class there is in a book, Fire mage..... ruined the entire series. I will not be reading the next book, what a let down.
July 28, 2019
Not bad. The puzzle was boring though.
June 30, 2019
I've read that this one is worse than book one. I agree. When book one was light, this one started more serious with the tournament and Cline's predicament. It wasn't fun any more. Then it went boring. The end.
January 21, 2019
What a disappointment after book 1. I still liked it but it lost all forward momentum. Instead the characters ditched the main cliffhanger plot point and went off to solve two extremely long and tedious dungeons. And...that was pretty much the whole book except for the sudden pointless bookend. I suppose Book 3 will be . The author is clearly trying to build a larger picture of the world but dungeon crawls really aren't the best way to do that.
February 6, 2019
Meh~
The last book ended with big expectations of a tournament only to be followed by boring puzzles; the most shortsighted idea to sell a castle and one activity that was related to the tournament. I barely made it to end of this book. A boring and disappointing read.
The last book ended with big expectations of a tournament only to be followed by boring puzzles; the most shortsighted idea to sell a castle and one activity that was related to the tournament. I barely made it to end of this book. A boring and disappointing read.
October 15, 2018
Its... ok.
Not much progress is made in the book and it ends in a horrible cliffhanger.
And it started so promising.
Not much progress is made in the book and it ends in a horrible cliffhanger.
And it started so promising.
August 3, 2019
This book could have been good. Instead, it was a bit boring, annoyed me at times and devalued the MC.
Mild spoilers:
Mild spoilers:
August 26, 2019
This books near and dear in which it's different from other lit RPGs, it take a different approach I haven't yet experience others books to have done yet. This is a definite worth while book to read.
Only contrisim is the action is very confusing when their are multiple characters fighting. I think this book would have been better with better fight sences and less going on during those fight sense.
To author: ik your book was going to be good, the audible description and book cover peeked my interest.
I have a question as a fan of litRPG:
If you would write another litRPG would u considered mentioning less skill numbers, skill effects, and gerenal game statistics or less to build the story off of peoples imagination of the games mechanics?
In my opinion it takes me out of the immersion when to much statistic are given because I know the characters are in a game and being reminded of it by mentioning every detail of a skill or item or something, takes something draws me out of whatever is happening. Your book does it a better then some (the land series) but I really enjoyed the series Accidental thief because it mention just the very basics of characters lvl and skills to a minimal extent. It's just a thought, I really want to hear what your fans would think too if you asked them.
To other fans would more details about the game mechanics of chronical or less make better momentum of the the overall story?
Only contrisim is the action is very confusing when their are multiple characters fighting. I think this book would have been better with better fight sences and less going on during those fight sense.
To author: ik your book was going to be good, the audible description and book cover peeked my interest.
I have a question as a fan of litRPG:
If you would write another litRPG would u considered mentioning less skill numbers, skill effects, and gerenal game statistics or less to build the story off of peoples imagination of the games mechanics?
In my opinion it takes me out of the immersion when to much statistic are given because I know the characters are in a game and being reminded of it by mentioning every detail of a skill or item or something, takes something draws me out of whatever is happening. Your book does it a better then some (the land series) but I really enjoyed the series Accidental thief because it mention just the very basics of characters lvl and skills to a minimal extent. It's just a thought, I really want to hear what your fans would think too if you asked them.
To other fans would more details about the game mechanics of chronical or less make better momentum of the the overall story?
August 23, 2019
I enjoyed the first book much more--the character development and his skill exploration and development, plus his charming personality. This book was fine, and I look forward to the next one very much, especially because of the development at the very end. However, it didn't keep my attention like the first, and I stopped to dabble in other books, plus I had to re-read several chapters as my mind was drifting--true confessions...was listening to the superb narrator Nick Podehl. So I really want to encourage the author to keep writing!
Some have complained about the cliffhanger, but to me it felt almost like the end of some Harry Potter novels, and the main character really did have enormous purpose at the end, and I liked that. I was quite enthused by the ending and it helped me to understand the little interludes devoted to another player.
Some have complained about the cliffhanger, but to me it felt almost like the end of some Harry Potter novels, and the main character really did have enormous purpose at the end, and I liked that. I was quite enthused by the ending and it helped me to understand the little interludes devoted to another player.
September 13, 2018
Good story here. It didn't turn out quite how I expected it to, but that's ok, since readers don't dictate the story, the author does. Still, it was a bit disappointing how it ended, but I suspect in the next book in the series, we'll see interesting things, that might make up for the disappointment in this one.
If you're a fan of RPGs, you're likely to enjoy this book. If you read the first one and liked it, then you're all set for this one, it extends the storyline nicely. If you haven't read the first one, you can still read this one, but it may not draw you in without the first book to fill in the background you might need to thoroughly enjoy this one.
If you're a fan of RPGs, you're likely to enjoy this book. If you read the first one and liked it, then you're all set for this one, it extends the storyline nicely. If you haven't read the first one, you can still read this one, but it may not draw you in without the first book to fill in the background you might need to thoroughly enjoy this one.
August 12, 2019
This turned into a First to worse in my eyes, meaning the first book was awesome and now we got this smoldering pile of I don;t know what. Author turns to the stereo typical antagonist plot, human players and griefing, and PvP in game? Then turns the MC into a one trick pony with this multi class garbage and his IQ into the toilet on top of that! Look if you are flagged ( red marked for PvP ) you don't sit around town, you get the hell out of towns ASAP. You don't go to a class trainer than also go shopping you freaking morons!!
So pissed at this book now. It oozes of dumb assery and noobs than need to be smited over and over to learn a lesson.
So pissed at this book now. It oozes of dumb assery and noobs than need to be smited over and over to learn a lesson.
March 18, 2019
Great story
I really want to give this book 5 stars, it's really enjoyable. The only thing keeping me from giving it though is the ending (or rather lack there of). If the book had finished two or three scenes sooner it would have been fine, but forcing a suspenseful moment into a cliffhanger makes the ending feel cheap. (My suggestion would be to have the last scene removed and just have the town mentioned on both sides of the narrative that way suspense is created naturally and not for shock value.)
I really want to give this book 5 stars, it's really enjoyable. The only thing keeping me from giving it though is the ending (or rather lack there of). If the book had finished two or three scenes sooner it would have been fine, but forcing a suspenseful moment into a cliffhanger makes the ending feel cheap. (My suggestion would be to have the last scene removed and just have the town mentioned on both sides of the narrative that way suspense is created naturally and not for shock value.)
July 29, 2019
Based on some of the other reviews, I think this book works much better if you read it immediately after finishing or re-reading the first book in the series, as it continues directly from the last chapter in the first book. People are complaining about the ending (which is odd, since the first book ended in the same manner), but it seems to me that the author is clearly gearing up for a trilogy (or longer series) and I can't wait to binge-read all of them at once when the next book(s) comes out.
Fantastic story in the LITRPG genre.
Fantastic story in the LITRPG genre.
September 15, 2019
I liked it well enough, but no where near as good as the 1st book.
I really disliked how he saw someone with powerful fire magic, then was like, I'll copy them. It was disappointing. At least his thermomancy complimented it, but that was a given. Just wish it wasn't such a generic fire magic for a silly reason.
There were some interesting moments and the stew scene had me laughing like crazy. A few slow moments, puzzle tower was a bit drawn out. Not a huge fan of such endings, but it worked.
I am looking forward to next one. Nick Podehl was awesome as usual.
I really disliked how he saw someone with powerful fire magic, then was like, I'll copy them. It was disappointing. At least his thermomancy complimented it, but that was a given. Just wish it wasn't such a generic fire magic for a silly reason.
There were some interesting moments and the stew scene had me laughing like crazy. A few slow moments, puzzle tower was a bit drawn out. Not a huge fan of such endings, but it worked.
I am looking forward to next one. Nick Podehl was awesome as usual.
August 31, 2018
Book two
Mistakes: I didn't find anything.
Plot: this seemed like a book about side quests. You don't really get a continuation of the main plot till the very end of the book. Still an enjoyable read though I would have liked more loot.
Characters: they all kind of blend together. Nothing really makes any of them stand out.
I was able to put this book down multiple times and come back to it. I just didn't get sucked into the story. So for that I rate this book 6/10
Mistakes: I didn't find anything.
Plot: this seemed like a book about side quests. You don't really get a continuation of the main plot till the very end of the book. Still an enjoyable read though I would have liked more loot.
Characters: they all kind of blend together. Nothing really makes any of them stand out.
I was able to put this book down multiple times and come back to it. I just didn't get sucked into the story. So for that I rate this book 6/10
September 24, 2018
The story carries on
Enjoyable follow up to the first novel. It was like reading about a really great gaming session with friends in some ways, in others almost a slice of life. I enjoyed that there was no big huge important world changing Quest...that can be a bit overdone sometimes. Its telling the story of Dakkon and now his friends.
I’m looking forward to the next after the cliffhanger!
Enjoyable follow up to the first novel. It was like reading about a really great gaming session with friends in some ways, in others almost a slice of life. I enjoyed that there was no big huge important world changing Quest...that can be a bit overdone sometimes. Its telling the story of Dakkon and now his friends.
I’m looking forward to the next after the cliffhanger!
September 28, 2018
Mostly Good
I was totally lost for the first few chapters. I wish there was a simple recap. Maybe a police report or a friend who had amnesia and needed to get up to speed. At least with you next book D can update his friends with your cliffhanger ending.
Anyway I enjoyed this loot and level story. It was kinda weird how none of the party understood dungeons. Can't wait for the next book.
I was totally lost for the first few chapters. I wish there was a simple recap. Maybe a police report or a friend who had amnesia and needed to get up to speed. At least with you next book D can update his friends with your cliffhanger ending.
Anyway I enjoyed this loot and level story. It was kinda weird how none of the party understood dungeons. Can't wait for the next book.
June 15, 2020
I really enjoyed the first one and I liked much of this one too. There were parts that got tedious, but even then the writer maintains a level of creativity that you don't get in a lot of books from this genre. The characters are good and i appreciate the dialogue. Some books have dialogue that feels a bit autistic so thankfully this is not that.. also, just like the last one I enjoy how the author writes. It flows well and is easy to grasp what is being described.
April 13, 2023
Was a let down from the first one. All the real world struggles/ideas are just ignored now. the MC choose a second class that is so near the first class it is no real fun. He gets an task that is close to not possible (protect his friend) while he ignores the solution when it is pushed in his face.
The dungeons were "okay" but the loot was not interesting and the second dungeon really drew on my patience.
On the positive side the characters are still nice and the cover art is super!
The dungeons were "okay" but the loot was not interesting and the second dungeon really drew on my patience.
On the positive side the characters are still nice and the cover art is super!
August 19, 2019
This felt like a filler novel. Nothing lasting happened... almost no development or movement in the story. Bright note, there are no spoilers to give away.
Edit: Also through the book you follow the main Character's rival who didn't do anything that affected the main character. Maybe this was meant to be the first half of a book? Or maybe a side story to the main one?
Edit: Also through the book you follow the main Character's rival who didn't do anything that affected the main character. Maybe this was meant to be the first half of a book? Or maybe a side story to the main one?
December 17, 2019
Big no to blindly stumbling through puzzles, where the reader doesn't even receive answers what random ass move solved it.
All I am is disappointed. Leaving the first book with the cliffhanger of the tournament and then all the second book is equals to seemingly arbitrary dungeons with no progress, both in story and character.
All I am is disappointed. Leaving the first book with the cliffhanger of the tournament and then all the second book is equals to seemingly arbitrary dungeons with no progress, both in story and character.
November 16, 2020
Game Lit taken to Level 11!
I enjoy reading game Lit, that's for sure but, Kevin Murphy has taken it to a whole other level. This series sucked me in from book 1 but, I waited to see if it was a fluke. It's not. It's honestly just like playing an MMORPG where you're deep in the game. Excellent use of game mechanics without being too much.
I enjoy reading game Lit, that's for sure but, Kevin Murphy has taken it to a whole other level. This series sucked me in from book 1 but, I waited to see if it was a fluke. It's not. It's honestly just like playing an MMORPG where you're deep in the game. Excellent use of game mechanics without being too much.
August 7, 2018
That was a fun book
Thanks for the book!
I honestly didnt put it down. Had quite a few great and funny moments. It developed the stories and characters much deeper than i had expected. Was a good ride.
Thanks for the book!
I honestly didnt put it down. Had quite a few great and funny moments. It developed the stories and characters much deeper than i had expected. Was a good ride.
August 16, 2018
It gets better
I lived the first book of this series but the second one is even better. Great adventure, great characters, hardly and typos.. wonderful book I recommend to all fans of LitRPG. Well done Kevin! Super excited for the next installment, hope it is soon!!!
I lived the first book of this series but the second one is even better. Great adventure, great characters, hardly and typos.. wonderful book I recommend to all fans of LitRPG. Well done Kevin! Super excited for the next installment, hope it is soon!!!
August 23, 2018
Even better than the first one
Really very good. Wonderful characters and engaging storyline. I’m especially enjoying the dungeons and I’ll be stealing some ideas for my next D&D campaign.
Really very good. Wonderful characters and engaging storyline. I’m especially enjoying the dungeons and I’ll be stealing some ideas for my next D&D campaign.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews