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Blades VR #1
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Gamers think that they are beta testing the world's first true Virtual Reality fantasy game, but are they?
Or is the magical world of Preu Treya as real as our own?
A daring experience filled with swords, sorcery, and adventure .
Or is the magical world of Preu Treya as real as our own?
A daring experience filled with swords, sorcery, and adventure .
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
First published June 7, 2017
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136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 19, 2018
Rather interesting premace for the story. Not unique by any means, but I've always liked books where the program does things the programmers don't quite intend. It's not a bug, it's a feature. Or, in this case, maybe it's a whole lot more. However, we aren't given much insight into this possibility in this first installment, though the world building is nice, it could be a bit more fleshed out, and it might be nice to see a bit more of the coorporation that is behind the game. We get tantalizing glimpses, and hopefully we'll get more in other books in the series, but it would have been nice to get a bit more here, so there's more of a solid base to build on, and more mystery for the reader to to sink their teeth into.
I'd also like to point out that this book isn't really LitRPG, (at least this first volume isn't), but it falls squarely in the Gamelit classification, so if you're looking for strictly LitRPG, this may not be what you're looking for, but if that doesn't matter to you (and in this case, it shouldn't), then grab it, and have a good read, the story is worth it.
I'd also like to point out that this book isn't really LitRPG, (at least this first volume isn't), but it falls squarely in the Gamelit classification, so if you're looking for strictly LitRPG, this may not be what you're looking for, but if that doesn't matter to you (and in this case, it shouldn't), then grab it, and have a good read, the story is worth it.
August 31, 2018
“Blades VR” is an expansive and lengthy contemporary fantasy story which I would better categorize as Literary Role-Playing literature. The book is written by Terry Schott who is also the author of “The Gamer Is Life” series; which itself is quite well received. The audiobook edition of this story is masterfully performed by Chris Ciulla who has narrated over seventy title at the time of this review. Blades VR’s audiobook version provides the listener with over twenty-one hours of story and fantasy adventure, and in most areas, it delivers what one would expect. There are a few bumps, bruises and blemishes along the way making what could have been an outstanding tale into one that is still exciting, engaging, fun, and overall exceptional. If you are looking for a long-lasting audiobook and want to be taken along on quite an adventure, you may want to give Blades VR a listen.
What happens when one takes an existing Massive Multiplayer Online game and turns it into an immersive VR experience. For those interested in playing, it is not simply a form needing to be submitted or a challenge to be completed. Nope, to get into this new VR game, one needs to pay the required two-million dollar investment fee. The story opens with some mystery and suspense around the company and its founder. After the story’s setup, we are dropped into observe some of the first few lucky people to be a part of the game’s beta world. The story has a feeling, from a fantasy perspective, a bit like The Lord of the Rings while also keeping things interesting from a science fiction perspective by having some noteworthy and unique technology driving the game. I thought the author did a good job of blending the two worlds which are often seen as polar opposites.
I enjoyed the physical and virtual worlds the author created. The scenes were painted well with a breath of color, and in some situations, he used only black and white or very muted tones. The book contained action, secrecy, and even pieces of humor. Many of the characters uses funny quips and banter between one another and this all seemed believable. I liked some of the bits and pieces of nostalgic references used in the book such as my beloved Sea Monkeys, and many past and current MMORPGs. The dialogue was well paced, however I would have like to have had a bit more definition in the way the story unfolded. The book at times seemed to meander and it took some time to get back on track. Do not get me wrong, it is a solid story if you can put up with a few speed bumps along the way. Similar to the Sea Monkeys I ordered when I was a kid, I wanted more from this book’s offering as the premise and setup hooked me from the start. It simply needed some more time at the whetstone or with the armor smith to be polished and sharpened.
The story is vast and complex. It was overall enjoyable, and I liked most of the defined characters and worlds; both physical and virtual. I liked that the story at times was told from various character’s perspectives, but this took some getting used to at first. In most cases, these two worlds (physical and VR) were separate from one another, yet the author does well when transitioning between them. We are also given a glimpse of time when they come together. Like most virtual fantasy worlds, we are shown many of the familiar tropes such as elves, druids, dwarfs, and imps. But we are also presented with a few more powerful and scary creatures like dragons, liches, and even a bard. Who plays a bard? Also, if you are given an assignment hunting for killer squirrels, I suggest you turn the offer down. I’m just saying, you have been warned.
I thought the author did a good job of blending in a little romance, tons of action, and massive amounts of questing. Yet, with any corporate entity, the question is always how they will best monetize not only the game, but all the other intellectual property (IP) while getting non-games involved. Adding elements around how one’s physical body if affected by activity in the VR world was interesting. A person’s physical body may be still be in a coma-like state, yet their mind is fully active and engaged in the VR. One of the things I thought was a bit odd was that this audiobook contains what is assumed to have been three physical books. Each book in the trilogy has its own prologue, epilogue, and chapter numbers. So, one minute you are listening to chapter 40 something, and the next you are back at chapter 1; but in book two or three. I would have preferred to have this redone in the audiobook or told in the book’s description, but this did not take away from the story in any way. For me, I have to say that I enjoyed most trying to figure out how the characters were going to “MacGyver” their way out of a situation. Here the author does a decent job of often surprising the listener.
Turning to the audiobook’s narration. The performance was solid, clear, and clean of any noticeable artifacts. I thought Chris Ciulla did a good job with inflection and setting the mood of the story with his rich and deep voice. At times it was more difficult to distinguish one character from another if you were not fully paying attention. I will say that I have listened to other narrators who are able to more easily voice multiple characters either through accents, etc. For a book as long as this one is, it would have been nice to have had this more defined and consistent.
For parents and younger readers, the book overall is quite lean in its use of vulgar language. It was so infrequent that when a word is used, I had to think twice to make sure I heard it correctly. One time I actually rewound the audio making sure I was right. There are a few uses of alcohol both in and out of game along with some very light sexual innuendos and character banter which may be considered more mature focused. Apart from these items, I was quite impressed with the author’s ability to keep the book rather clean and on topic.
In summary, the details I provided in this review only cover about a third of the notes I took while listening. I like that the book was big and felt like the adventure was going to be grand. There was action, suspense, romance, and grief as the story unfolds. We have your typical good versus evil battle, but things take a surprise turn along the way. If you like fantasy books with a touch of science fiction blended in, I would recommend you give this book a try. Is it perfect? No. However, sometimes it is the flaws that set us apart from others and this book uses them to its advantage.
What happens when one takes an existing Massive Multiplayer Online game and turns it into an immersive VR experience. For those interested in playing, it is not simply a form needing to be submitted or a challenge to be completed. Nope, to get into this new VR game, one needs to pay the required two-million dollar investment fee. The story opens with some mystery and suspense around the company and its founder. After the story’s setup, we are dropped into observe some of the first few lucky people to be a part of the game’s beta world. The story has a feeling, from a fantasy perspective, a bit like The Lord of the Rings while also keeping things interesting from a science fiction perspective by having some noteworthy and unique technology driving the game. I thought the author did a good job of blending the two worlds which are often seen as polar opposites.
I enjoyed the physical and virtual worlds the author created. The scenes were painted well with a breath of color, and in some situations, he used only black and white or very muted tones. The book contained action, secrecy, and even pieces of humor. Many of the characters uses funny quips and banter between one another and this all seemed believable. I liked some of the bits and pieces of nostalgic references used in the book such as my beloved Sea Monkeys, and many past and current MMORPGs. The dialogue was well paced, however I would have like to have had a bit more definition in the way the story unfolded. The book at times seemed to meander and it took some time to get back on track. Do not get me wrong, it is a solid story if you can put up with a few speed bumps along the way. Similar to the Sea Monkeys I ordered when I was a kid, I wanted more from this book’s offering as the premise and setup hooked me from the start. It simply needed some more time at the whetstone or with the armor smith to be polished and sharpened.
The story is vast and complex. It was overall enjoyable, and I liked most of the defined characters and worlds; both physical and virtual. I liked that the story at times was told from various character’s perspectives, but this took some getting used to at first. In most cases, these two worlds (physical and VR) were separate from one another, yet the author does well when transitioning between them. We are also given a glimpse of time when they come together. Like most virtual fantasy worlds, we are shown many of the familiar tropes such as elves, druids, dwarfs, and imps. But we are also presented with a few more powerful and scary creatures like dragons, liches, and even a bard. Who plays a bard? Also, if you are given an assignment hunting for killer squirrels, I suggest you turn the offer down. I’m just saying, you have been warned.
I thought the author did a good job of blending in a little romance, tons of action, and massive amounts of questing. Yet, with any corporate entity, the question is always how they will best monetize not only the game, but all the other intellectual property (IP) while getting non-games involved. Adding elements around how one’s physical body if affected by activity in the VR world was interesting. A person’s physical body may be still be in a coma-like state, yet their mind is fully active and engaged in the VR. One of the things I thought was a bit odd was that this audiobook contains what is assumed to have been three physical books. Each book in the trilogy has its own prologue, epilogue, and chapter numbers. So, one minute you are listening to chapter 40 something, and the next you are back at chapter 1; but in book two or three. I would have preferred to have this redone in the audiobook or told in the book’s description, but this did not take away from the story in any way. For me, I have to say that I enjoyed most trying to figure out how the characters were going to “MacGyver” their way out of a situation. Here the author does a decent job of often surprising the listener.
Turning to the audiobook’s narration. The performance was solid, clear, and clean of any noticeable artifacts. I thought Chris Ciulla did a good job with inflection and setting the mood of the story with his rich and deep voice. At times it was more difficult to distinguish one character from another if you were not fully paying attention. I will say that I have listened to other narrators who are able to more easily voice multiple characters either through accents, etc. For a book as long as this one is, it would have been nice to have had this more defined and consistent.
For parents and younger readers, the book overall is quite lean in its use of vulgar language. It was so infrequent that when a word is used, I had to think twice to make sure I heard it correctly. One time I actually rewound the audio making sure I was right. There are a few uses of alcohol both in and out of game along with some very light sexual innuendos and character banter which may be considered more mature focused. Apart from these items, I was quite impressed with the author’s ability to keep the book rather clean and on topic.
In summary, the details I provided in this review only cover about a third of the notes I took while listening. I like that the book was big and felt like the adventure was going to be grand. There was action, suspense, romance, and grief as the story unfolds. We have your typical good versus evil battle, but things take a surprise turn along the way. If you like fantasy books with a touch of science fiction blended in, I would recommend you give this book a try. Is it perfect? No. However, sometimes it is the flaws that set us apart from others and this book uses them to its advantage.
February 27, 2019
For various reasons I would normally have given this a 4-star rating. Mostly it just seems that this (and the following 2 books in this omnibus edition & the trilogy Blades VR) should really have been a notably longer series. Not necessarily in number of books; though probably there too. But in general this probably should have been written to be longer. BUT that is NOT to say that this in its current length is not good or enjoyable. Certainly not! And my 5th star with the rating comes as I had been attempting to start a new book or new book series and had gone an hour into each of 2 separate series (one a continuation of a former series in which the 3rd book was just released) and just could NOT maintain my focus nor get involved in the story AT ALL!! Then I broke out Blades VR and got perhaps 3 hours into it without any issues or lack of focus. Likely could have gone further save for the time "wasted" attempting to start in on other books/series. So for some reason this book series grabbed my attention and kept it. Still keeping it as I am well into the 2nd book already. One thing which surprised me: When purchasing the supposed book 1 Audible edition I was NOT aware that I was actually purchasing an omnibus of ALL 3 books in the series. It was a pleasant surprise mind you. Just QUITE confusing for a while a few weeks/months back when figuring all this out. So 3 books (albeit short ones) for the price of one. Pretty cool!! And an interesting story too! Perhaps that is my disappointment that it is "compacted" into just perhaps 21 hours instead of being notably longer like it very well could have and perhaps should have been. Oh, well. It's good reading.... just not for as long as I'd like before I am forced to choose another book or series which will hopefully grab my attention as well at this time. You know, the first night of reading may have been problematic as there was a major windstorm in the region and lots of ""magical"" elements in the air I could truly sense and hear (windchimes often - and more - and none near enough remotely so to be able to be heard where I was -- freaky!!)
May 15, 2019
I suppose its a good book if you're into this kind of thing. The problem is that it reads like a girl leading you on only for it all to be meaningless.
Half way through the book I still did not know what sort of class a scout is supposed to be. Having the characters enter as friends yet keeping them seperated is annoying and would have been preferred as sseperate books for each instead of the constant jumping between a multitude of characters.
I could not stand the Constant shifts between so many characters all of whom had been floundering. I'm someone who absolutely hates incompetence in game lit stories. Yet so many choose it as a way to create some sort of character growth...
I guess this book simply hit all my biggest no's for gamelit...
Half way through the book I still did not know what sort of class a scout is supposed to be. Having the characters enter as friends yet keeping them seperated is annoying and would have been preferred as sseperate books for each instead of the constant jumping between a multitude of characters.
I could not stand the Constant shifts between so many characters all of whom had been floundering. I'm someone who absolutely hates incompetence in game lit stories. Yet so many choose it as a way to create some sort of character growth...
I guess this book simply hit all my biggest no's for gamelit...
October 26, 2021
This story is part of a 'beginnings' box set and I really enjoyed it.
Similar to The Game series and The Advent Trilogy, Blades VR is about virtual reality game, a fantasy realm filled with magic, mythical lifeforms alongside heroes and villains - light and dark.
Unlike the other stories, Blades centres more on the fantasy world more than the 'real', though the latter is a vital component.
Book one introduces a number of characters - gamers and those part of the 'fantasy world' - it sees multiple plots and agendas as well as glimpses of life in the realm; all very well done.
I am certainly a fan of this author and hope his unfinished stories are ready sooner rather than later.
Highly recommended.
Similar to The Game series and The Advent Trilogy, Blades VR is about virtual reality game, a fantasy realm filled with magic, mythical lifeforms alongside heroes and villains - light and dark.
Unlike the other stories, Blades centres more on the fantasy world more than the 'real', though the latter is a vital component.
Book one introduces a number of characters - gamers and those part of the 'fantasy world' - it sees multiple plots and agendas as well as glimpses of life in the realm; all very well done.
I am certainly a fan of this author and hope his unfinished stories are ready sooner rather than later.
Highly recommended.
March 12, 2018
The fact that the book does not have an actual MC is just annoying. The constant jumping between perspectives, of which only 2 get interlinked after 85% of the book, is too annoying. If you want a smooth read without crawling your way through pages and pages of needless and uninteresting sidekick narrative, look for another book.
Wording it in RPG language: I really do not want to spend a whole book following idiots failing the RPG tutorial.
Sorry, simply not for me.
oh and [SPOILER!]
.
.
.
.
.
Heys ranger girl, you and your friend just finished you basic training? Why not go hunt for a MASTER!!! druid as your first mission, WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? ffs, really?
Wording it in RPG language: I really do not want to spend a whole book following idiots failing the RPG tutorial.
Sorry, simply not for me.
oh and [SPOILER!]
.
.
.
.
.
Heys ranger girl, you and your friend just finished you basic training? Why not go hunt for a MASTER!!! druid as your first mission, WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? ffs, really?
January 7, 2021
A pretty good escapist read. I'm starting to like this sub-genre of Vr world gaming. Granted, some are far better than others-this one being a plus. This initial book was full of a lot of getting into the world and training...but things began to come together as friends found each other inside the game. I already bought the next 2 books, so I've put my money where my mouth is and believe the growing story will prove my review correct.
Technically, the grammar was good and the text clean of typos and misused words, which I found quite refreshing!
Technically, the grammar was good and the text clean of typos and misused words, which I found quite refreshing!
July 11, 2017
Although this book clearly moves a lot slower than his others. I definitely enjoyed it just as much as his Game books and even the new Epoch book. I will warn the future readers, this is very much a set up book for a new series.
All of the characters are very spread out (in game) and most don't even meet in the first book. If they do, it's at the end. Which is fine because it gives you more time with them to find out what they want out of this game and what their motivations are.
All of the characters are very spread out (in game) and most don't even meet in the first book. If they do, it's at the end. Which is fine because it gives you more time with them to find out what they want out of this game and what their motivations are.
June 22, 2017
A good start
This book is written from multiple viewpoints. As a result none of them progressed as far as I would have liked. That being said I still enjoyed the story so far and I do plan to read the next book.
This book is written from multiple viewpoints. As a result none of them progressed as far as I would have liked. That being said I still enjoyed the story so far and I do plan to read the next book.
July 6, 2017
4.25 stars. Rounded up to 5 to encourage writing the 2nd book
4.25 stars. Rounded up to 5 to encourage writing the 2nd book.
Slower start but multiple seemingly unrelated characters start to connect At the end. Look forward to reading book 2.
4.25 stars. Rounded up to 5 to encourage writing the 2nd book.
Slower start but multiple seemingly unrelated characters start to connect At the end. Look forward to reading book 2.
August 30, 2018
Promising but not entirely sold yet
The only thing close to this that I've read is Aleron Kong's Chaos Seed series. A direct comparison cannot be made however this series does have promise. We'll see how it goes for book 2!
The only thing close to this that I've read is Aleron Kong's Chaos Seed series. A direct comparison cannot be made however this series does have promise. We'll see how it goes for book 2!
June 27, 2017
Excellent!
By page 3 I was hooked!! Terry Schott is the king of VR, his books are always a good read!!
By page 3 I was hooked!! Terry Schott is the king of VR, his books are always a good read!!
August 4, 2017
Great story.. and being a gamer myself I can totally relate to the scenarios. A prediction of the future ?? Looking forward to Book 2 :)
August 8, 2017
Very good
A little slow at the start but as the story picked up it set up what is to come. Looking forward to the next book
A little slow at the start but as the story picked up it set up what is to come. Looking forward to the next book
August 24, 2017
This is a great new series that immediately pulled me in and got me hooked on the characters. Can't wait for more!
October 18, 2017
Good read camt wait for the next book
I read the game and all the books in that series so thought I'd give this a try amd it didn't disappoint
I read the game and all the books in that series so thought I'd give this a try amd it didn't disappoint
January 25, 2018
Another good one
Took a bit to start this series. Very glad I did. Good follow up if you've read The Game series.
Took a bit to start this series. Very glad I did. Good follow up if you've read The Game series.
August 2, 2018
It was a little odd at times but I want to see where the story leads.
February 8, 2019
So boring.
March 9, 2019
Why is the plot driven by game ending issues being glossed over by the company? Not a bad premise but the issues plaguing the Beta test beggar belief.
October 31, 2018
Good story that uses virtual reality to take LARP to the next level.
Being the parent of someone who's really into LARP, this story rang true WRT the dedication of the players. It did, however, remind quite a bit of "Otherland: City of Golden Shadow" by Tad Williams.
Being the parent of someone who's really into LARP, this story rang true WRT the dedication of the players. It did, however, remind quite a bit of "Otherland: City of Golden Shadow" by Tad Williams.
September 8, 2017
It feels like a first act of a bigger book.
As a first act would be good but as a book it's not satisfying
As a first act would be good but as a book it's not satisfying
March 13, 2018
Another amazing book by Terry Schott
The Blades VR series is turning out to be just as creative as Terry's The Game Is Life series. The great thing about the books is that while there are definitely similarities, the stories are creative enough to keep you interested through the entire book. The characters are well written and the dialogue moves the story along at an entertaining pace. I will be starting Book 2 tonight!
The Blades VR series is turning out to be just as creative as Terry's The Game Is Life series. The great thing about the books is that while there are definitely similarities, the stories are creative enough to keep you interested through the entire book. The characters are well written and the dialogue moves the story along at an entertaining pace. I will be starting Book 2 tonight!
February 15, 2019
DNF. Too many POV's and the game was way too unbelievable, but mostly it just wasn't a fun read. I can see how this story might be great over the course of series, maybe it has a lot of slow build components I don't know and now I won't find out.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews