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Awaken Online #3.5
Apathy
A side quest adventure in the best-selling world of Awaken Online!
Eliza's parents are relentless - forcing her to constantly take extra courses to prepare for college and medical school. Sometimes, it feels like her entire life has already been planned out.
Which is why she leaps at the chance to escape into a new virtual reality game, Awaken Online. What she wasn't expecting was to encounter a capricious god and his loyal "pet." Or to be chosen as this god's "avatar" within the game and forced to tackle a series of asinine quests.
Yet, she just can't shake the feeling that there is more to the irritating god than first meets the eye.
(This story is intended to be "Book 5" in the Awaken Online series. It should be read after Awaken Online: Evolution.)
Eliza's parents are relentless - forcing her to constantly take extra courses to prepare for college and medical school. Sometimes, it feels like her entire life has already been planned out.
Which is why she leaps at the chance to escape into a new virtual reality game, Awaken Online. What she wasn't expecting was to encounter a capricious god and his loyal "pet." Or to be chosen as this god's "avatar" within the game and forced to tackle a series of asinine quests.
Yet, she just can't shake the feeling that there is more to the irritating god than first meets the eye.
(This story is intended to be "Book 5" in the Awaken Online series. It should be read after Awaken Online: Evolution.)
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2018
902 people are currently reading
1067 people want to read
About the author
Travis Bagwell
20 books2,051 followersI live in Austin, Texas with my wife and our three dogs. I'm an attorney by day and an avid video game enthusiast by night. Writing fiction had been a secret dream of mine for a while. However, between school and work, that dream seemed impossible to squeeze in. A couple of years ago, I had a bit more time on my hands and I finally decided to put my nerdy interests to work by trying my hand at writing science fiction and fantasy.
I never expected the wildly positive response to my work. I am truly blown away and humbled and I only hope to be able to continue sharing my stories.
You can find me here:
https://travisbagwell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/da3strikes/
https://twitter.com/da3strikes
https://www.patreon.com/da3strikes
Or come check out our awesome fangroup and meet some cool people!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AO.Or...
I never expected the wildly positive response to my work. I am truly blown away and humbled and I only hope to be able to continue sharing my stories.
You can find me here:
https://travisbagwell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/da3strikes/
https://twitter.com/da3strikes
https://www.patreon.com/da3strikes
Or come check out our awesome fangroup and meet some cool people!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AO.Or...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
October 28, 2022
Just as long as I know what I'm getting into beforehand, there's simply nothing bad I can say about these LitRPG side quests. It's all about character development and getting good at stuff and earning a ton of attribute points.
In this case, it's about making a rather mad god's black sheep happy and character development and getting good at stuff and earning a ton of attribute points -- in that priority.
I've always loved leveling up alchemy and we also get to play with some water magic. The other theme of finally standing up for what you really want to do instead of being pushed around by well-meaning people is also pretty great. It's hard being attuned to water. :)
In this case, it's about making a rather mad god's black sheep happy and character development and getting good at stuff and earning a ton of attribute points -- in that priority.
I've always loved leveling up alchemy and we also get to play with some water magic. The other theme of finally standing up for what you really want to do instead of being pushed around by well-meaning people is also pretty great. It's hard being attuned to water. :)
July 30, 2018
Love these Side Quests
While the main series of AO is one of the best series I've read, these Side Quests are nothing to sneeze at. World building, learning more about the other characters in Jason's party, and seeing how they all come together is wonderful and something I think other series can use to enhance themselves. My question is when are we getting a Side Quests for Frank!? I would love to learn more about him.
While the main series of AO is one of the best series I've read, these Side Quests are nothing to sneeze at. World building, learning more about the other characters in Jason's party, and seeing how they all come together is wonderful and something I think other series can use to enhance themselves. My question is when are we getting a Side Quests for Frank!? I would love to learn more about him.
April 19, 2019
Awaken Online: Apathy is a Side Quest (novella) in the Awaken Online series by Travis Bagwell. This an origin story for Eliza, a character we meet in book 3.
Eliza's parents have decided she is going to medical school and have loaded her schedule to the brim with studying. Needing an escape Eliza jumps at the chance to try out the latest hit game, Awaken Online. Not long after logging in Eliza runs into the most irritating god around and his pet sheep. Suddenly Eliza finds herself chosen as the Hippie's "avatar" and sent on the most asinine series of quests imaginable.
This book was so much fun! Eliza is quite likeable and easy to sympathize with. I love how the game pushes these characters to become better versions of themselves. It was great to see Eliza grow in confidence as her character progresses through a series of seemingly unrelated and bizarre quests. Speaking of the quests, AO has some of the best in game prompts I've ever read, they're hilarious. I really wish I could play this game.
All hail Fluffy!
Eliza's parents have decided she is going to medical school and have loaded her schedule to the brim with studying. Needing an escape Eliza jumps at the chance to try out the latest hit game, Awaken Online. Not long after logging in Eliza runs into the most irritating god around and his pet sheep. Suddenly Eliza finds herself chosen as the Hippie's "avatar" and sent on the most asinine series of quests imaginable.
This book was so much fun! Eliza is quite likeable and easy to sympathize with. I love how the game pushes these characters to become better versions of themselves. It was great to see Eliza grow in confidence as her character progresses through a series of seemingly unrelated and bizarre quests. Speaking of the quests, AO has some of the best in game prompts I've ever read, they're hilarious. I really wish I could play this game.
All hail Fluffy!
August 25, 2020
Wishful, wishful thinking. I hope this one sees the light of day as a fully-fledged addition to the world of AO. atm it will sit here, waiting patiently. Come on Travis, don't let us down :)
PS - Eliza is a calculating badass and I cannot wait to see her let go.
EDIT: YES! The whole thing is finally here! For anyone that doesn't know I only had maybe eight chapters for the longest time with zero indication of getting more of this and then I waited. And waited. So worth it. While Necromancy is my first love I can appreciate getting to know the other gods and their champions. Especially knowing that they're meddling rulebreakers. Nice.
08-25-2020 Edit: This is still one of my all-time favs. Eliza is everything. I'm so glad Travis finished this one.
PS - Eliza is a calculating badass and I cannot wait to see her let go.
EDIT: YES! The whole thing is finally here! For anyone that doesn't know I only had maybe eight chapters for the longest time with zero indication of getting more of this and then I waited. And waited. So worth it. While Necromancy is my first love I can appreciate getting to know the other gods and their champions. Especially knowing that they're meddling rulebreakers. Nice.
08-25-2020 Edit: This is still one of my all-time favs. Eliza is everything. I'm so glad Travis finished this one.
Want to read
March 22, 2020🎁 The complete Awaken Online Series (7 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/22/2020)! 🎁
May 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
September 15, 2020
When I found out this was an Eliza side story I was kinda excited. Based on the main series I thought she was a potentially interesting character.
This novella destroys that potential. It essentially solidifies her as a whiny, weak willed, bland teenager with almost no personality.
My major issue with this story is that after reading her introduction in the main series, I was incredibly interested in getting a bit of resolution to her interactions with her parents. All this book does is add fuel to the fire.
All in all I feel this was an almost entirely unnecessary addition to the series.
I recommend skipping this one completely.
This novella destroys that potential. It essentially solidifies her as a whiny, weak willed, bland teenager with almost no personality.
My major issue with this story is that after reading her introduction in the main series, I was incredibly interested in getting a bit of resolution to her interactions with her parents. All this book does is add fuel to the fire.
All in all I feel this was an almost entirely unnecessary addition to the series.
I recommend skipping this one completely.
February 28, 2025
WOW! I definitely did not see any of that coming. This was a really intriguing prequel. Given the way Eliza behaved in Evolution, I really expected her to be a bit more timid in this one. And of course she was, and most of what happened was accidental. But the ending - wow! I expected to like this book, but honestly did not expect to love it as much as the others. I was wrong. Now I'm upset that I won't be getting Dominion for at least another week. The series is really growing and still remains interesting. The only bad thing I will note is that my copy had a lot of typos and grammatical errors. I realize that's to be expected with an independent product, but there has to be a way to do better. I know I would be willing to proofread for just an advance copy of the next book to be written!
October 5, 2018
This book is Eliza's (the alchemist from book 3) origin story and should probably be called book 2.75 instead of 3.5 as all of its events take place before book 3. I don't usually like following separate characters, but something about the way Travis Bagwell writes these really works for me.
I very much enjoyed this book. The character of Eliza is very likable and accessible. She struggles with self confidence, and being pushed to be what her parents want.
Eliza is given AO as a way to blow off steam and has never really played many games. This lets us get another discovery story about the world without the preconceptions of a gamer.
Good action, good pacing, sticks to the one character, and all around a fun read.
I very much enjoyed this book. The character of Eliza is very likable and accessible. She struggles with self confidence, and being pushed to be what her parents want.
Eliza is given AO as a way to blow off steam and has never really played many games. This lets us get another discovery story about the world without the preconceptions of a gamer.
Good action, good pacing, sticks to the one character, and all around a fun read.
March 28, 2024
I love awaken online, but these side quest stories are just as good! Really should’ve read this when I have read the books where we meet Eliza but nonetheless it was very enjoyable. Eliza is such an interesting character and I just love this series. I need more litrpg books like this!!
July 9, 2024
Slower pacing but fits the character. Hope this means we’ll see more of her in the main series!
September 16, 2024
I love this series so much! This one was from Eliza's POV and it was so awesome to delve into her home life, growth in AO, and overall arc.
August 5, 2018
I really good origin story.
Eliza is your straight A type of student but instead of the know it all liza simpson she is more of the shy anti-social type with pushy parents.
She learns to come out of her shell and face life head on through AO... actually she just mass murders people but same thing.
The water is cute and I liked him a lot in this one, more then in the main story actually and I do hope we get more of him and fluffy.
If you liked Jason's origin story from book one but wondered how he would have fared if he was more timid and was nagged by an odd ball god all the time then here's the book for you.
Eliza is your straight A type of student but instead of the know it all liza simpson she is more of the shy anti-social type with pushy parents.
She learns to come out of her shell and face life head on through AO... actually she just mass murders people but same thing.
The water is cute and I liked him a lot in this one, more then in the main story actually and I do hope we get more of him and fluffy.
If you liked Jason's origin story from book one but wondered how he would have fared if he was more timid and was nagged by an odd ball god all the time then here's the book for you.
January 6, 2022
I'm reading the Awaken Online novels in order, and so far, Apathy has been the one I've liked the least. Compared to the previous ones I've found this one quite slow and boring, and it's also taken me a lot more to finish it because I just didn't find the excitement to read as much and as continuously as with the previous entries in this saga. I found Eliza to be a very slow, dull and yes, boring character. The Hippie is just as insufferable as Eliza is boring, and although I can empathize with how Eliza feels towards the Hippie, because every time he appears it's just like "do we really need to do this now?".
Apart from that I do also find Elizas backstory, and real life character just boring.
It's nice to have these Sidequest novels to get to know the characters better and understand where they come from, but if I had known how this novel was going to unfold, I'd probably have skipped it.
But now it's back to Dominion, which I hope gives me a shot of excitement!
Apart from that I do also find Elizas backstory, and real life character just boring.
It's nice to have these Sidequest novels to get to know the characters better and understand where they come from, but if I had known how this novel was going to unfold, I'd probably have skipped it.
But now it's back to Dominion, which I hope gives me a shot of excitement!
April 25, 2021
Mr. Bagwell, please, buy yourself a thesaurus. My only complaint aside, let's get to the good stuff.
Once again I am floored by this series! I feel welcomed home whenever I return to the world of Awaken Online. There are few books/series that entertain me so thoroughly, and that continue to deliver even past the third or fourth installment.
I could spend all day geeking out over this book and Bagwell's world and his imagination and singularity as an author. Suffice it to say that Travis Bagwell makes my little nerd heart sing!
Once again I am floored by this series! I feel welcomed home whenever I return to the world of Awaken Online. There are few books/series that entertain me so thoroughly, and that continue to deliver even past the third or fourth installment.
I could spend all day geeking out over this book and Bagwell's world and his imagination and singularity as an author. Suffice it to say that Travis Bagwell makes my little nerd heart sing!
August 5, 2018
Good Read.
A LitRPG story. The story from the beginning of the new character/player that shows up in book 3. Interesting story. Can be read before or after book 3. It is a self contained story.
A LitRPG story. The story from the beginning of the new character/player that shows up in book 3. Interesting story. Can be read before or after book 3. It is a self contained story.
September 26, 2018
Solid book that helps flesh out Eliza's character
You could possibly read this before book 3. Though it might take a lot of the mystery out of a couple characters.
Definitely a solid addition to the world.
You could possibly read this before book 3. Though it might take a lot of the mystery out of a couple characters.
Definitely a solid addition to the world.
May 22, 2022
Sometimes when you're lost and indecisive you need a weird Hippy god and and his black sheep to push you into making choices. Any choices.
August 15, 2025
A dull novelette about the new character introduced in the last book of the primary series. Unfortunately, it’s just backstory, filling in the small gaps left in the last book with a disproportionate amount of detail.
It was dull because so much of this new character, Eliza, mirrors the other three main characters, Jason, Frank and Riley. Riley had a great novelette, but that’s because it added to her story with her own personal quest in a new area that introduced new players to the overall story. This book has none of that other than her plant companion, which had to be retconned into why he’s not in the last book.
Frank has yet to have a a novelette, but I see there’s one down the line. Based on this snoozer and Riley’s banger, it’s fifty/fifty whether it’s worth reading or not. As I said, all these characters are the same. They are high school seniors, mostly good at schoolwork (save for Frank), good looking (save for Frank for now, cause he’s overweight but losing weight so he can be even more like everyone else), have no idea what they want to do with their lives, they all have some trauma source, and they have parents that are a problem in one way or another (except for Riley). For Jason, his parents are neglectful. He resents that. Frank isn’t good enough for his parents like his siblings are. He resents that. Eliza’s parents want her to be a doctor and force her to study and take practice exams to the point she has no social life or life at all. She resents that.
See the pattern? Despite having this series recommended by a senior citizen, this is clearly YA fiction at this point. More interested in following the tropes in that genre, than the tropes in progression fantasy. These characters are crafted to resonate with angsty, rudderless teens who all think their parents are the worst and don’t have the experience to realize most people don’t know what they want in life at their age and so their story isn’t unique or even remotely interesting.
This entire book really didn’t add anything to Eliza’s character that wasn’t covered in the last book. The only additions to the overall story that will matter are the companion that got retconned and the epilogue which explained how Jason and Eliza’s meeting wasn’t coincidence but orchestrated by their patrons and presumably Alfred.
I’ve resolved to finish the series, cause it’s free and I capitalize on my kindle unlimited membership. However, I don’t expect it to get much better or rise to the level of how it was described to me by the YouTuber who recommended it. Hopefully, I will be surprised to be wrong. I want more of the fun payoffs of the first book.
It was dull because so much of this new character, Eliza, mirrors the other three main characters, Jason, Frank and Riley. Riley had a great novelette, but that’s because it added to her story with her own personal quest in a new area that introduced new players to the overall story. This book has none of that other than her plant companion, which had to be retconned into why he’s not in the last book.
Frank has yet to have a a novelette, but I see there’s one down the line. Based on this snoozer and Riley’s banger, it’s fifty/fifty whether it’s worth reading or not. As I said, all these characters are the same. They are high school seniors, mostly good at schoolwork (save for Frank), good looking (save for Frank for now, cause he’s overweight but losing weight so he can be even more like everyone else), have no idea what they want to do with their lives, they all have some trauma source, and they have parents that are a problem in one way or another (except for Riley). For Jason, his parents are neglectful. He resents that. Frank isn’t good enough for his parents like his siblings are. He resents that. Eliza’s parents want her to be a doctor and force her to study and take practice exams to the point she has no social life or life at all. She resents that.
See the pattern? Despite having this series recommended by a senior citizen, this is clearly YA fiction at this point. More interested in following the tropes in that genre, than the tropes in progression fantasy. These characters are crafted to resonate with angsty, rudderless teens who all think their parents are the worst and don’t have the experience to realize most people don’t know what they want in life at their age and so their story isn’t unique or even remotely interesting.
This entire book really didn’t add anything to Eliza’s character that wasn’t covered in the last book. The only additions to the overall story that will matter are the companion that got retconned and the epilogue which explained how Jason and Eliza’s meeting wasn’t coincidence but orchestrated by their patrons and presumably Alfred.
I’ve resolved to finish the series, cause it’s free and I capitalize on my kindle unlimited membership. However, I don’t expect it to get much better or rise to the level of how it was described to me by the YouTuber who recommended it. Hopefully, I will be surprised to be wrong. I want more of the fun payoffs of the first book.
August 31, 2018
Sorry, Travis... but again the "Hippie" just annoys me. Yes... I know he is SUPPOSED to be annoying and whatnot. But honestly, well, I don't WANT to be annoyed when I read. Well, not for such an extended period of time anyway. And of course Eliza is mostly a "mouse" in disguise as the accidental "Ice Witch" and more. I actually don't have a problem with her. Though feel bad she is stuck with the Hippie as her water elemental god. Thank goodness for Alma. Anyway, there was great potential near the end when Brian I believe had said that she NEEDS (and promises so) not take shit possibly but definitely that she NEEDS reach out for what she truly wants and let NO ONE or NOTHING get in the way of that. WELL....... she never did end up saying a damned thing to her parents... telling them to get bent about how THEY expect her to propel through school and their career path for her. She NEEDED in this book to actually TELL THEM OFF (basically) and assert herself and tell them she is NOT going to live THEIR dream for her BUT is going to do things for her own damned self!! That conversation NEEDED to happen in THIS book!!! If it had then to hell with the annoying Hippie and 5 stars this novel would've gotten. In the end she is still essentially just this meek little girl hiding from the world and never actually having done much with regards to speaking on HER OWN BEHALF, especially and notably with regards to her parents. Obviously she is somehow allowed by them to continue playing Awaken Online as is evidenced in book 3 "Evolution". But in that nothing is mentioned either of ANY "confrontation" between her and her parents. I realize the dynamics of such wouldn't be easy to work into these novels (or this novel in particular). However, it was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY IMHO!!! So 4 stars and not 5. Still though, that absolutely means I enjoyed my reading experience. Even that annoying FN s0-called god The Hippie. Can't wait for book 4 to come. And wondering if there will be a "Side Quest" novel on behalf of Frank or not. I don't think it is much necessitated or demanded. But still curious. Or even any OTHER "Side Quest" novels...
January 18, 2024
*3'75/5* Although I went slower through this one and was thinking about giving it a lower rating, I'm so embarrassed to admit I'm too obsessed with the Hippie to do so. I know I'll be thinking about this book and him in the future, so there's even a possibility of me coming back and raising the rating... I just know I've gone totally insane at this point, but damn... What am I doing with my life for this guy to completely be my type? Like he's so random and unhinged and unable to be serious but somehow can be serious and profound and insightful at given times and I completely love it. Also to remark my insane likings, the other thing about him that has me completely obsessed is the fact that he can't be trusted at all. Like you just know he's scheming something and he will betray everyone at the end, maybe not Eliza but definitely everyone else including his own brother.
I know Travis was probably just trying to create the most insufferable character but he just made the kind of man I'd fall for if he was real, no second thoughts AT ALL. So sad about myself 🙃
Anyway, Eliza's back story was so much more than I'd expected in the previous book when she was introduced. Like WTF. Being the Ice Witch already astonished me enough, like I for real didn't think she was capable of much, but the whole farm thing... That's on another level, I'd even consider that kinda superior to Jason's doings. Just thinking about the possibilities of what Eliza could create, considering she's mostly a beginner-barely intermediate level in most of her spells, and has few of them by now, still a long way to go. My bet would be on her for sure.
I thought we would see some kind of interaction with Frank and her thoughts about him (don't know why I got the impression that they had something going on in the last book) or maybe even her interactions with Jason from her point of view.
Regardless, it was very very entertaining once I got hooked on it, about 20% in, and probably my fault cause I was reading other stuff at the same time.
Now, I just need more of this Hippie in my life. Another book merely about him is much to ask for??
🙏🙏🙏😭🙃
I know Travis was probably just trying to create the most insufferable character but he just made the kind of man I'd fall for if he was real, no second thoughts AT ALL. So sad about myself 🙃
Anyway, Eliza's back story was so much more than I'd expected in the previous book when she was introduced. Like WTF. Being the Ice Witch already astonished me enough, like I for real didn't think she was capable of much, but the whole farm thing... That's on another level, I'd even consider that kinda superior to Jason's doings. Just thinking about the possibilities of what Eliza could create, considering she's mostly a beginner-barely intermediate level in most of her spells, and has few of them by now, still a long way to go. My bet would be on her for sure.
I thought we would see some kind of interaction with Frank and her thoughts about him (don't know why I got the impression that they had something going on in the last book) or maybe even her interactions with Jason from her point of view.
Regardless, it was very very entertaining once I got hooked on it, about 20% in, and probably my fault cause I was reading other stuff at the same time.
Now, I just need more of this Hippie in my life. Another book merely about him is much to ask for??
🙏🙏🙏😭🙃
February 6, 2019
Another fun romp through the Awaken Online world. This was a great little backstory into the life and drive behind Eliza's character and the path she has been placed upon. And honestly I relate so much with her shy and very introverted persona who more or less prefers to be left to her own devices. This lonely attitude however doesn't stop her from achieving her goals,
Much like Jason she seems to have immediately garnered the attentions of one of the games many gods based on who she is in her real life and how she has held back certain parts of her real self to the people who surround her.
You also get to see far more interaction with the mischievous (and amusing) water god, The Hippie and his black sheep companion Fluffy.
The evolution of Eliza is subtle but quite profound and sets us up to meet her in Evolution. Honestly I personally would have preferred to read this side quest before reading #3 Evolution, but that might just be me. In no way does reading it before or after #3 effect the fun of the books. I just personally appreciate knowing more about the character and how she comes to be who she is when we do meet her in Evolution since her entrance into that story line was pretty abrupt. This is great background and great fun, very excited to see how Eliza develops from here on out as well as to meet the rest of these gods and their chosen.
Much like Jason she seems to have immediately garnered the attentions of one of the games many gods based on who she is in her real life and how she has held back certain parts of her real self to the people who surround her.
You also get to see far more interaction with the mischievous (and amusing) water god, The Hippie and his black sheep companion Fluffy.
The evolution of Eliza is subtle but quite profound and sets us up to meet her in Evolution. Honestly I personally would have preferred to read this side quest before reading #3 Evolution, but that might just be me. In no way does reading it before or after #3 effect the fun of the books. I just personally appreciate knowing more about the character and how she comes to be who she is when we do meet her in Evolution since her entrance into that story line was pretty abrupt. This is great background and great fun, very excited to see how Eliza develops from here on out as well as to meet the rest of these gods and their chosen.
April 29, 2019
Once again being immersed in the AO world was supposed to be a breath of fresh air. Instead I found myself not really caring about much of what I was reading. I was bored for the first half of the book, only interested in parts that pertained to Alma teaching Eliza bits about alchemy. Maybe my issue came with the fact that I only just now finished the book rather then having started it immediately after Evolution when I was still deeply enthralled with how the book ended. Whatever it may be I found this book severely lacking compared to all of the other ones.
Eliza herself is a wonderful character, I love how much humanity she brings to the game and the fact that she is part of the core group makes me happy. Seeing her start her adventure though left much to be desired. As she started to get a little more savage things got a little more interesting, but those moments were very few and far between. Honestly there didn't feel like there was enough substance for me in general. The quests felt like your absolute basic entry level fetch quests and I still do not enjoy the 'hippie' (water god) as a character. The only thing that felt like it was substantial happened quite literally on the last two pages.
I'm already heavily invested in this series so honestly I'm not going to quit just because I didn't enjoy this one book, but I will say this. Jason, Frank, and Riley better grab a hold of me with both hands when I dive head first into Dominion, because I MUST know what happens with the Twilight Throne after everything else we've all been through.
Eliza herself is a wonderful character, I love how much humanity she brings to the game and the fact that she is part of the core group makes me happy. Seeing her start her adventure though left much to be desired. As she started to get a little more savage things got a little more interesting, but those moments were very few and far between. Honestly there didn't feel like there was enough substance for me in general. The quests felt like your absolute basic entry level fetch quests and I still do not enjoy the 'hippie' (water god) as a character. The only thing that felt like it was substantial happened quite literally on the last two pages.
I'm already heavily invested in this series so honestly I'm not going to quit just because I didn't enjoy this one book, but I will say this. Jason, Frank, and Riley better grab a hold of me with both hands when I dive head first into Dominion, because I MUST know what happens with the Twilight Throne after everything else we've all been through.
December 6, 2018
A fine addition although I probably would’ve enjoyed it more before Awaken Online: Evolution, If only to give me a better sense of Eliza before hand.
My criticisms at this point are that there are no real mentions of people of color in the RPG. Even Skyrim has folks of different colors. I don’t mean to have a whole population of blacks or similar; I mean there’s not even a mention of an NPC having any melatonin, unless the color is leathernecked. That’s just odd.
My second criticism is these are extremely reliant on the readers being experts RPG/RPGMMO gamers. If I hadn’t been playing for like decades now, a lot of terms would’ve slipped past me, like mobs for “mobile object blocks,” or basically creatures you encounter while adventuring out.
I’m not saying explaining each one is necessary, but it was done more often in Book 1. This set is my first litRPG (which makes no sense to me, but ok), but I read a lot of Japanese light novels and fantasy/sci-fi and there’s generally some explanation, especially since Eliza herself won’t know what mobs means, and she might question its use there when used.
Regardless, he’s got some good world building going on and the main characters are engaging, except Alex(ion), whose point of view just grates on my smooth Jason POV between chapters. (Again, I know it’s important information, but the POV switch when I’m invested in Jason is annoying.)
My criticisms at this point are that there are no real mentions of people of color in the RPG. Even Skyrim has folks of different colors. I don’t mean to have a whole population of blacks or similar; I mean there’s not even a mention of an NPC having any melatonin, unless the color is leathernecked. That’s just odd.
My second criticism is these are extremely reliant on the readers being experts RPG/RPGMMO gamers. If I hadn’t been playing for like decades now, a lot of terms would’ve slipped past me, like mobs for “mobile object blocks,” or basically creatures you encounter while adventuring out.
I’m not saying explaining each one is necessary, but it was done more often in Book 1. This set is my first litRPG (which makes no sense to me, but ok), but I read a lot of Japanese light novels and fantasy/sci-fi and there’s generally some explanation, especially since Eliza herself won’t know what mobs means, and she might question its use there when used.
Regardless, he’s got some good world building going on and the main characters are engaging, except Alex(ion), whose point of view just grates on my smooth Jason POV between chapters. (Again, I know it’s important information, but the POV switch when I’m invested in Jason is annoying.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
A fantastic short fantasy tale, even if it didn't take place within an online game.
Awaken Online Apathy takes place before the events of book 3, but was released afterward as 3.5. It deals with the player Eliza Zhao, whose full name is mentioned only once when getting screamed at by her mother IRL, and her journey of playing AO. A high school student who is on the path to medical school whether she desires to or not, gets a break from her intense studies when her parents buy her the latest craze of the online VRMMORPG of Awaken Online. It follows her journey of her reluctance of choosing a character class, to her apathetic approach to starting to learn her game characters path through out the game as she navigates her way in the region around and the city of Falcon's Hook, constantly pestered by her "idiot god" and his wooly companion.
What I loved about this book is how Eliza's character starts to understand the world and finds her niche within. Its not military strategy or ruling a city like Jason, nor is it fighting and slaying creatures like Riley and Frank. Her trajectory is much different and how she uses her knowledge of her craft (which blends in her knowledge of real world interest of essentially biology, horticulture) to overcome obstacles and quests in the game. She's a thinker and a problem solver, but unlike Jason doesn't have a single minded goal, she's brilliant but ultimately lost. She doesn't hate what she's doing but you can't really say she's super enthusiastic and on board with it. Its kind of more of a meditative state for her, that real life is so intense and unforgiving that the game world offers a peace of mind. She doesn't want to win the game, more like she wants to be left in her own solitude.
I like where this story ultimately goes, her quests are unique and interesting, the characters around her give off a silly lighthearted vibe even with their bad attempts at humor. How she deals with the other player groups is fantastic. There's no big boss monsters (well there's one) but the way its not sought out and hunted, no exploration of dungeons, no big clashing armies. Just a small tale with fantasy elements you know but written in a fresh take and could stand as its own without the trappings of an online game.
Awaken Online Apathy takes place before the events of book 3, but was released afterward as 3.5. It deals with the player Eliza Zhao, whose full name is mentioned only once when getting screamed at by her mother IRL, and her journey of playing AO. A high school student who is on the path to medical school whether she desires to or not, gets a break from her intense studies when her parents buy her the latest craze of the online VRMMORPG of Awaken Online. It follows her journey of her reluctance of choosing a character class, to her apathetic approach to starting to learn her game characters path through out the game as she navigates her way in the region around and the city of Falcon's Hook, constantly pestered by her "idiot god" and his wooly companion.
What I loved about this book is how Eliza's character starts to understand the world and finds her niche within. Its not military strategy or ruling a city like Jason, nor is it fighting and slaying creatures like Riley and Frank. Her trajectory is much different and how she uses her knowledge of her craft (which blends in her knowledge of real world interest of essentially biology, horticulture) to overcome obstacles and quests in the game. She's a thinker and a problem solver, but unlike Jason doesn't have a single minded goal, she's brilliant but ultimately lost. She doesn't hate what she's doing but you can't really say she's super enthusiastic and on board with it. Its kind of more of a meditative state for her, that real life is so intense and unforgiving that the game world offers a peace of mind. She doesn't want to win the game, more like she wants to be left in her own solitude.
I like where this story ultimately goes, her quests are unique and interesting, the characters around her give off a silly lighthearted vibe even with their bad attempts at humor. How she deals with the other player groups is fantastic. There's no big boss monsters (well there's one) but the way its not sought out and hunted, no exploration of dungeons, no big clashing armies. Just a small tale with fantasy elements you know but written in a fresh take and could stand as its own without the trappings of an online game.
June 15, 2019
This one is a little different from Riley's side quest-instead of taking place between books, it is taking place at the same time that our boy Jason is also getting started within AO. Eliza's start to the game is much slower and uneventful. She get the game from her incredibly demanding parents as a "break" from all her extra studying to be pre-Med (what her parents want). And it starts out as just that, a way for her to relax and be herself. It's nice to remember that not everyone who plays AO conquers a city their first week! Even when Eliza did start to go out on quests, she had a hard time of it, thanks in part to the Hippie and his nonsensical ways. She didn't reach as far in her potential by the end, but since she hadn't even joined up with Original Sin yet, that wouldn't have made sense. A few things did stand out though-1) did any of the members of Original Sin read about the Ice Witch on the forums? 2) what will the group think when they see how high her infamy is? 3) based on this book, it will be interesting to see how her powers grow (and if she can help Brian) 4) you could see the glimmering of water being acceptance
August 12, 2019
This book had some very intense moments with some specks of predictability. He we follow Frank as he is trying to find his place in the Original Sin team. He eventually makes his way north and finds himself in some harsh lands inhabited by a druidic village. While in this village Frank learns more about his shifting ability and comes to find his very own power. The story, especially the ending, is savage and rather entertaining. However, there were just so many cliches that it was easy to forsee where things were going at times. That is not to say that the story was not good; it did not struggle to keep me interested. Of the entire series this book ranks at about 4th or 5th favorite Awaken Online book. Some of my favorite moments involved Frank finding out the origins of his powers, Frank coming into his true power and horrifying his enemies, and the time Frank spends in real life with his family (I usually loathe his parents and sister, so that's saying something).
David Stifel reprises his role as narrator and still has it down. There are also some new voices he adds to new characters. This is refreshing as Stifel has an issue with making Jason and Frank sound alike.
David Stifel reprises his role as narrator and still has it down. There are also some new voices he adds to new characters. This is refreshing as Stifel has an issue with making Jason and Frank sound alike.
June 19, 2021
I love this series as a whole. I've enjoyed each of the books before this one, and I'm really into exploring some of the more important characters outside of everyone's favorite Necromancer. To devote full books fleshing out other characters is something of a bold move, especially if those characters haven't been received particularly well. That's not the case with this series "side" characters. Especially Eliza.
Over the course of this story, we get to follow Eliza from the start of her journey with AO, seeing what she was up to before meeting Jason. We get a closer look into her home life, and why she's so into AO. It's a form of escape for her, a reprieve from the suffocating and colorless life she's forced to live. I'll be honest, I feel a certain kinship with her, mainly due to her home life being eerily similar to the way mine was for far too long. I related to her much more than I thought I would, and seeing her come into her own (slowly but steadily) is a treat. I'm eager to see what comes next for her.
Over the course of this story, we get to follow Eliza from the start of her journey with AO, seeing what she was up to before meeting Jason. We get a closer look into her home life, and why she's so into AO. It's a form of escape for her, a reprieve from the suffocating and colorless life she's forced to live. I'll be honest, I feel a certain kinship with her, mainly due to her home life being eerily similar to the way mine was for far too long. I related to her much more than I thought I would, and seeing her come into her own (slowly but steadily) is a treat. I'm eager to see what comes next for her.
September 7, 2018
I was skeptical of this book for two reasons.
The first is that I want to know what's going to happen in the main thread. That's the one I'm invested in. That’s the reason I even know this book exists.
The second is I'm rarely interested in prequels. Unless they take place in the very distant past, it’s difficult to care what happens in them. However, Litrpg can get away with this more easily, as a lot of motivation is drawn from a simple hey let's do this quest because PROMPT. It can focus on character development while still moving the plot along. Unfortunately, it’ll take time to fill in the distaste for prequels etched in my heart.
That said, I liked this book. I liked it better than the previous book following Jason's adventures. If you've read the rest of the series and are on the fence about this one, give it a go. If you haven't, but like (or are interested in trying) litrpg, give this series a try. It's one of two I've read that I've genuinely liked.
The first is that I want to know what's going to happen in the main thread. That's the one I'm invested in. That’s the reason I even know this book exists.
The second is I'm rarely interested in prequels. Unless they take place in the very distant past, it’s difficult to care what happens in them. However, Litrpg can get away with this more easily, as a lot of motivation is drawn from a simple hey let's do this quest because PROMPT. It can focus on character development while still moving the plot along. Unfortunately, it’ll take time to fill in the distaste for prequels etched in my heart.
That said, I liked this book. I liked it better than the previous book following Jason's adventures. If you've read the rest of the series and are on the fence about this one, give it a go. If you haven't, but like (or are interested in trying) litrpg, give this series a try. It's one of two I've read that I've genuinely liked.
August 10, 2025
I really like these books. you should read them, they are very very good.
He said at the end that this one was supposed to be a short story (or i assume novella). I think it should have stayed that way. there was a lot of spoon-feeding and handholding, which was really boring. Your readers are not dumb. Every point of the plot was pretty predictable (with some small side quests added in which were nice - really nice - additions), but the outcome was always assured, so the only thing that would be interesting would be HOW it was achieved. but there was too much time taken getting there for me, and too little amazeballs. I still enjoyed it ok, but it's got nothing on the spontaneity of the first novel in this series, and it does feel like much padding was added to make this full length when it could EASILY have been just a novella and be kept snappy. Less dialogues discussing what needs to be done before it then gets done.
He said at the end that this one was supposed to be a short story (or i assume novella). I think it should have stayed that way. there was a lot of spoon-feeding and handholding, which was really boring. Your readers are not dumb. Every point of the plot was pretty predictable (with some small side quests added in which were nice - really nice - additions), but the outcome was always assured, so the only thing that would be interesting would be HOW it was achieved. but there was too much time taken getting there for me, and too little amazeballs. I still enjoyed it ok, but it's got nothing on the spontaneity of the first novel in this series, and it does feel like much padding was added to make this full length when it could EASILY have been just a novella and be kept snappy. Less dialogues discussing what needs to be done before it then gets done.
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