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Nora Hazard #2
Competitive Advantage
*Nora Hazard's story began prior to the events of Delvers Welcome to Ludus.* Nobody likes an escort mission. Nobody. Unfortunately for Nora, she'll be stuck travelling with Jessica, an American gamer, and Christopher, a Filipino man with a mysterious past. Somehow, the former Jackals gang leader must keep the two Terrans alive while heading south for Enheduanna’s new, insane mission. Nora will have no time to prepare, or even to stay in Soron to enjoy her unexpected celebrity status. Instead, she will need to leave for Tolstey after healing from injuries sustained in battle, wounded while protecting Soron. Despite what some may say about her now, Nora knows she is no hero. People expecting too much from her will probably be disappointed. But with the help of some new weapons and greater orb-Bonded power, surviving her new, suicidal quest might be merely improbable, not impossible. One thing is for Regardless of what happens—whether fulfilling her mission or learning to trust again—Nora will do things her own way, on her own terms.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2018
208 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Blaise Corvin
30 books635 followersBlaise Corvin served in the US Army in several roles. He has seen the best and the worst that humanity has to offer. He is a sucker for any hobby involving weapons, art, or improv.
He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.
He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.
It's all very eccentric.
Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.
Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).
He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.
He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.
It's all very eccentric.
Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.
Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 24, 2019
Notes:
I am not a fan of the narration for this series. The narration emphasizes flaws and make the characters less appealing. Nora comes across as a stereotypical dumb jock type. The humorous bits are not funny. This is all too bad. I am sure I would enjoy the story more if I just read the print vs listening to audio.
I am not a fan of the narration for this series. The narration emphasizes flaws and make the characters less appealing. Nora comes across as a stereotypical dumb jock type. The humorous bits are not funny. This is all too bad. I am sure I would enjoy the story more if I just read the print vs listening to audio.
August 4, 2018
Positive:
- I love women going berserk and ending up covered in blood and guts
- The smart way Nora dealt with the dungeon in the swamp
- Christopher, someone who does not talk but kills his opponent outright
Negative:
- Jessica was a little annoying, I hope he grows into a more sensible character
- Grown up in such a harsh environment, the rather immature reactions of Nora towards Christopher feel out of place
- Opponents have the upper hand and instead of acting, talk until Nora regained some strength or is otherwise saved. Too much cliché for my taste.
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- I love women going berserk and ending up covered in blood and guts
- The smart way Nora dealt with the dungeon in the swamp
- Christopher, someone who does not talk but kills his opponent outright
Negative:
- Jessica was a little annoying, I hope he grows into a more sensible character
- Grown up in such a harsh environment, the rather immature reactions of Nora towards Christopher feel out of place
- Opponents have the upper hand and instead of acting, talk until Nora regained some strength or is otherwise saved. Too much cliché for my taste.
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December 9, 2020
NORA'S SO BADASS!!!!
July 17, 2019
Meh
The editing had a flaw or two which a lot of books do and I try to overlook them if the flow of the story is good. Here again from the MC, there was whining instead of regret. The other characters in her party are kind of thin and it's difficult to believe that she feels anything for others. This isn't RPG, this is a mashup that mentions levels and dungeons. I get trying to avoid level and skill tables but I'm not sure that you can. They are clunky but they are probably the best way to feel the game universe and they do give a writer some flexibility in plotting, character design and interaction. I wonder what games the writer has himself played, if any.
The background gets worse rather than better, which I thought would be hard to do. The population comes from different planets but where are the planets? Are they from different extrasolar systems in our galaxy, different galaxies, different universes, parallel versions of earth, the means of abducting sentients from other planets is ..... The god, Dolos is a machine intelligence, an alien scientist, a what?
There is a Dune worm with a sixteen syllable (or so) name. There's no explanation for the evil or non-evil (is there a neutral category in this world?). The writing has some good points but overall this doesn't feel RPG and at this point the writing is starting to feel slick not game-y.
The editing had a flaw or two which a lot of books do and I try to overlook them if the flow of the story is good. Here again from the MC, there was whining instead of regret. The other characters in her party are kind of thin and it's difficult to believe that she feels anything for others. This isn't RPG, this is a mashup that mentions levels and dungeons. I get trying to avoid level and skill tables but I'm not sure that you can. They are clunky but they are probably the best way to feel the game universe and they do give a writer some flexibility in plotting, character design and interaction. I wonder what games the writer has himself played, if any.
The background gets worse rather than better, which I thought would be hard to do. The population comes from different planets but where are the planets? Are they from different extrasolar systems in our galaxy, different galaxies, different universes, parallel versions of earth, the means of abducting sentients from other planets is ..... The god, Dolos is a machine intelligence, an alien scientist, a what?
There is a Dune worm with a sixteen syllable (or so) name. There's no explanation for the evil or non-evil (is there a neutral category in this world?). The writing has some good points but overall this doesn't feel RPG and at this point the writing is starting to feel slick not game-y.
August 4, 2018
Hastening slowly!
This is another great Corwin book! The problem with his books is that they are addictive! Now we have to wait for the next book! Luckily another Delvers book will (hopefully) be out soon.
Once again Nora is fighting tremendous odds in order to protect her people. She doesn't think of herself as a hero but she is in everyone else's eyes. She thinks it's normal to help others in danger rather than run away. Nora's a tough woman who thinks that men need to be protected, probably because women outnumber men in Ludus by approx 4-1. This is a fun book with lot's of action. Highly recommend it!
This is another great Corwin book! The problem with his books is that they are addictive! Now we have to wait for the next book! Luckily another Delvers book will (hopefully) be out soon.
Once again Nora is fighting tremendous odds in order to protect her people. She doesn't think of herself as a hero but she is in everyone else's eyes. She thinks it's normal to help others in danger rather than run away. Nora's a tough woman who thinks that men need to be protected, probably because women outnumber men in Ludus by approx 4-1. This is a fun book with lot's of action. Highly recommend it!
August 14, 2018
Fun read
I enjoyed reading Blaise Corvin books. This one is full of adventures and action in the very familiar world of Lodus. The reason I gave it only 4 stars is due to my dislike of Nora the main protagonist endless stream of stupid thoughts and actions. I expected her to realize her abilities and potential and advance accordingly, rather than indulge in constant self pity. She has become one of the most formidable forces in her world, but her inability to use it without constantly hurting herself and endangering everybody around her. See her fumbling idiocy concerning her armor. I hope the author will correct this in the next book and help her gain some needed maturity.
I enjoyed reading Blaise Corvin books. This one is full of adventures and action in the very familiar world of Lodus. The reason I gave it only 4 stars is due to my dislike of Nora the main protagonist endless stream of stupid thoughts and actions. I expected her to realize her abilities and potential and advance accordingly, rather than indulge in constant self pity. She has become one of the most formidable forces in her world, but her inability to use it without constantly hurting herself and endangering everybody around her. See her fumbling idiocy concerning her armor. I hope the author will correct this in the next book and help her gain some needed maturity.
July 17, 2022
3.75*
December 3, 2024
Wonderfull continuation to the series. Is good to see Nora keep on growing not only on power but character as well. Despite the rough exterior she puts out there is an incredible kindness to her.
June 10, 2019
3 to 3.5 stars. Little better than the first book.
October 24, 2018
What is the purpose of the Jess character.
None of us talk with such people in real life, since they're too pointless and annoying to bother with, so who wants to read about them? Especially since the ever-original Sarcastic-AI shit is still going on. That was so new and clever in the first book, it'll def be even more new and clever in the second.
The MC reacts like a 13 year old with a crush at the first mention of penis, like any street-kid prolly would.
The book is full of shit like this, would have been fun, but the characters are written to be deliberately annoying, actively stupid or as in the case of ninja-man, not there.
PS: This book also has the BEST case of representation I've yet seen: "Well if he's gay he deffo should hide that here, those freaks get stoned". Well done author, well done indeed.
None of us talk with such people in real life, since they're too pointless and annoying to bother with, so who wants to read about them? Especially since the ever-original Sarcastic-AI shit is still going on. That was so new and clever in the first book, it'll def be even more new and clever in the second.
The MC reacts like a 13 year old with a crush at the first mention of penis, like any street-kid prolly would.
The book is full of shit like this, would have been fun, but the characters are written to be deliberately annoying, actively stupid or as in the case of ninja-man, not there.
PS: This book also has the BEST case of representation I've yet seen: "Well if he's gay he deffo should hide that here, those freaks get stoned". Well done author, well done indeed.
January 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is more awesome story taking place on Ludus. I have just two gripes with this book. First, the main character shouts her last name a lot. It is her battle cry, but it just seems stupid to me. Yelling her name would waste a lot of energy and confuse her enemy more than anything. A bestial noise being shouted would make more sense as a war cry to scare the enemy. My second gripe with the book is that it felt too short. The book ends at a point where it feels like you are only a quarter of the way into a book. Still, the story did have a conclusion. The conclusion just felt more like the conclusion to a part of a book rather than the whole book. I look forward to more Nora Hazard books. The series is very enjoyable, although I did enjoy the Delvers LLC series more. There is overlap of characters between the two series, so I am hoping that the two series maybe combine at some point, with the Nora Hazard books catching up in time to the Delvers LLC books and the characters joining forces. I recommend this book and its series. It is great.
August 12, 2018
Book two
While I enjoyed the story, I really can't call this gamelit or litrpg.
While you can get skills from swallowing one type of orb and rank it up by swallowing a second type, there is no rhyme or reason for the skills once you choose the base class. Nor are you told what it takes to level the skills that apparently take nothing more than imagination to learn. Nor are you told what it takes to level the base stats.
The MC just says she is stronger, faster, whatever is needed.
Again while I enjoyed the story I find it misleading to say this is gamelit.
Litrpg books have basic rules that must be followed to classify. Games have basic rules that must be followed.
This book doesn't seem to do more then barely nod in the direction of any rules.
So I've taken a star for that.
I still recommend this series for a fun story though.
While I enjoyed the story, I really can't call this gamelit or litrpg.
While you can get skills from swallowing one type of orb and rank it up by swallowing a second type, there is no rhyme or reason for the skills once you choose the base class. Nor are you told what it takes to level the skills that apparently take nothing more than imagination to learn. Nor are you told what it takes to level the base stats.
The MC just says she is stronger, faster, whatever is needed.
Again while I enjoyed the story I find it misleading to say this is gamelit.
Litrpg books have basic rules that must be followed to classify. Games have basic rules that must be followed.
This book doesn't seem to do more then barely nod in the direction of any rules.
So I've taken a star for that.
I still recommend this series for a fun story though.
September 15, 2018
Okay, Blaise Corvin is now on my "read everything" list. Both the Delvers and Hazard series are consistently good and every new book more deeply commits the reader to the fascinating world of Ludus.
Nora is a sympathetic character and, while she does kick ass, she excels at planning and preparation. I like the honest way the main characters interact and just want to get to know them better. I'm also impressed with the subtle way the LitRPG elements are used. While Aleron Kong's books may suit the actual RPG gamers out there, I prefer a lighter touch.
This book starts to foreshadow the meeting of Nora's band with Delvers LLC. I'm guessing/hoping that the next trilogy will combine both plot streams. Oh boy... can't wait.
Nora is a sympathetic character and, while she does kick ass, she excels at planning and preparation. I like the honest way the main characters interact and just want to get to know them better. I'm also impressed with the subtle way the LitRPG elements are used. While Aleron Kong's books may suit the actual RPG gamers out there, I prefer a lighter touch.
This book starts to foreshadow the meeting of Nora's band with Delvers LLC. I'm guessing/hoping that the next trilogy will combine both plot streams. Oh boy... can't wait.
August 8, 2018
So good it's Hazardous to my free time
This kept me just as enthralled and riveted as the first, the only thing that kept me from binging it was my brother's ongoing wedding. Fortunately I had a long ride back and my family members were wearing headphones so they didn't notice me whisper-yell the glorious battle cry "Hazard" alongside the main character. The author has clearly stated at this point that he is building up to a crossover with Delvers LLC so needless to say I can't wait for the potential interaction amid characters with so much power in their personalities and in their combat prowess. Read them all. You will thank Dolos.
This kept me just as enthralled and riveted as the first, the only thing that kept me from binging it was my brother's ongoing wedding. Fortunately I had a long ride back and my family members were wearing headphones so they didn't notice me whisper-yell the glorious battle cry "Hazard" alongside the main character. The author has clearly stated at this point that he is building up to a crossover with Delvers LLC so needless to say I can't wait for the potential interaction amid characters with so much power in their personalities and in their combat prowess. Read them all. You will thank Dolos.
January 10, 2019
More of the same in this book. If you liked the first book in the series you will like this one as well. The books move kind of quick, and the characters aren't as deep as I would like.
If you like nonstop action in your books this book is for you. We do get to learn a bit more about Jessica and Christopher Nora's new companions, and Nora continues to "level up" in a very non-traditional way but it works out.
I'm going to continue reading this series as it comes out, but it's not one of the first series I would recommend to someone that like the LitRPG genre.
Rating: 3.8 - I'll keep reading it, but it's not a series that I'm losing sleep over.
If you like nonstop action in your books this book is for you. We do get to learn a bit more about Jessica and Christopher Nora's new companions, and Nora continues to "level up" in a very non-traditional way but it works out.
I'm going to continue reading this series as it comes out, but it's not one of the first series I would recommend to someone that like the LitRPG genre.
Rating: 3.8 - I'll keep reading it, but it's not a series that I'm losing sleep over.
May 20, 2022
I can't really put my finger on why I'm not a fan of this series. Maybe it's that the journey is so poorly developed. They just travel somewhere, fight stuff that ambushes them, and travel some more- usually without knowing where they're going. The "team" Nora has is constantly labeled as only getting in the way. Yet the fights are generally hordes of bandit-grade foes that Nora massacres before running into a leader that underestimates her.
One thing that definitely annoys me is all the fatal wound descriptions that don't kill things. Multiple stabs to the torso/lungs, having a throat ripped out.. not enough.
One thing that definitely annoys me is all the fatal wound descriptions that don't kill things. Multiple stabs to the torso/lungs, having a throat ripped out.. not enough.
November 24, 2018
I'm digging these Nora Hazard books.
This picks up right were the last one left off, and if you liked Mitigating Risk than this will not disappoint.
I've wondered how Blaise would deal with overpowering his MCs so fast in Delvers LLC. I want more delvers, but where do they go from single handedly killing Godzilla from hell??
Nora is an Endearing character who keeps the action on Ludas, and gosh darn it I just like her to peaces.
This picks up right were the last one left off, and if you liked Mitigating Risk than this will not disappoint.
I've wondered how Blaise would deal with overpowering his MCs so fast in Delvers LLC. I want more delvers, but where do they go from single handedly killing Godzilla from hell??
Nora is an Endearing character who keeps the action on Ludas, and gosh darn it I just like her to peaces.
May 17, 2021
Pretty good, we got a bit more character interaction for this volume and to be plain, if you liked the first Nora Hazard book there's no reason you wouldn't enjoy the 2nd volume.
If there was anything I didn't like it was probably jus the floating time thing, which I feel is kind of nonsense, especially as its not a skill from an orb. However that's just picking at things, certainly not a reason to skip reading the book.
If there was anything I didn't like it was probably jus the floating time thing, which I feel is kind of nonsense, especially as its not a skill from an orb. However that's just picking at things, certainly not a reason to skip reading the book.
October 21, 2022
Really fun main character
This series has a really fun main character, and also a great set of supporting cast as well. This series has a ton of action, good use of magic and environment, and is a lot of fun to read so far. I am enjoying seeing the universe this is set in expand over time. I recommend this book and series so far. Not sure why book one didn’t have a nice review section at the end in the kindle app, but book one is also worth reading.
This series has a really fun main character, and also a great set of supporting cast as well. This series has a ton of action, good use of magic and environment, and is a lot of fun to read so far. I am enjoying seeing the universe this is set in expand over time. I recommend this book and series so far. Not sure why book one didn’t have a nice review section at the end in the kindle app, but book one is also worth reading.
November 9, 2018
Read it, you’ll love it!
All I can say is that I am extremely disappointed that I don’t have another Ludus book to read! I read the 1st 3 Delvers LLC and both of the current Nora Hazard books over the last week or two. Now, I’m eagerly waiting on Nora 3 and the rest of the Delvers series.
Keep up the great work!
All I can say is that I am extremely disappointed that I don’t have another Ludus book to read! I read the 1st 3 Delvers LLC and both of the current Nora Hazard books over the last week or two. Now, I’m eagerly waiting on Nora 3 and the rest of the Delvers series.
Keep up the great work!
January 17, 2019
Nora feels stagnant
I really liked her start in book 1, but she did not grow in book 2. She is not learning and evolving emotionally and I am having a hard time connecting.
Jessica is 100 times more interesting to me.
Still a great book in an amazing universe
. 4 out of 5 for me.
I really liked her start in book 1, but she did not grow in book 2. She is not learning and evolving emotionally and I am having a hard time connecting.
Jessica is 100 times more interesting to me.
Still a great book in an amazing universe
. 4 out of 5 for me.
July 25, 2019
A solid continuation
Better than the first even. This author has managed something that many authors cannot. Normally even when the second book is good, it’s not better than the first. Because the first had the advantage of being new. This one is a solid continuation of the story. A great read.
Better than the first even. This author has managed something that many authors cannot. Normally even when the second book is good, it’s not better than the first. Because the first had the advantage of being new. This one is a solid continuation of the story. A great read.
August 30, 2019
One Fantastic read
Quality gamelit, incredibly visceral.
Queen of the deathflag though, and that predictability bleeds throughout, but it never detracts from the story.
In fact the tale is accentuated by it; every time you're happy for Nora, it comes with that bitter "when's the rug moving" thought.
Now off to read the final book.
Quality gamelit, incredibly visceral.
Queen of the deathflag though, and that predictability bleeds throughout, but it never detracts from the story.
In fact the tale is accentuated by it; every time you're happy for Nora, it comes with that bitter "when's the rug moving" thought.
Now off to read the final book.
January 26, 2021
I'm hooked
Yup. Love the character. Love the world. Really did the magic system and I enjoy the scenes with the crazy demigoddess more than i have any right to.
I seem to be reading these about one a day so I know I'm going to run out soon and have to do the long wait, but in the meantime I am having a ball with them.
Yup. Love the character. Love the world. Really did the magic system and I enjoy the scenes with the crazy demigoddess more than i have any right to.
I seem to be reading these about one a day so I know I'm going to run out soon and have to do the long wait, but in the meantime I am having a ball with them.
August 3, 2018
Great second book of the series
I love all of the books from delver's LLC to Nora hazard I love the entire universe and I love the direction of her powers vibration and flight are interesting powers to yeah I can't wait to find out with her powers of be on 3rd rank
I love all of the books from delver's LLC to Nora hazard I love the entire universe and I love the direction of her powers vibration and flight are interesting powers to yeah I can't wait to find out with her powers of be on 3rd rank
August 3, 2018
Solid continuation but not as much fun as Delvers
The story is generally solid, but I still find myself not identifying with the characters to same extent as the delvers. Basically there still has been nothing that seems to as to the larger story.
The story is generally solid, but I still find myself not identifying with the characters to same extent as the delvers. Basically there still has been nothing that seems to as to the larger story.
August 3, 2018
Fast paced
Good follow up to the first book. Now where's book 3? I need more delvers. Blaise wrote another great story but as with all the good books they never last long enough need more.
Good follow up to the first book. Now where's book 3? I need more delvers. Blaise wrote another great story but as with all the good books they never last long enough need more.
August 3, 2018
Another great book!
Blaise Corwin doesn’t disappoint with the latest Nora book! Great character and power development. Great character interactions and a heroine you can empathize with! Read all of his books!
Blaise Corwin doesn’t disappoint with the latest Nora book! Great character and power development. Great character interactions and a heroine you can empathize with! Read all of his books!
August 3, 2018
Highly enjoyable
I've greatly enjoyed this spin off for delivers. It feels much more directed following only the one character while still being enough ludus to feel familiar and exciting
I've greatly enjoyed this spin off for delivers. It feels much more directed following only the one character while still being enough ludus to feel familiar and exciting
August 4, 2018
Another fine addition
As usual Blaise delivers another well written installment of the Ludus Universe. It’s an excellent addition to the GameLit genre as a whole. Looking forward to future iterations.
As usual Blaise delivers another well written installment of the Ludus Universe. It’s an excellent addition to the GameLit genre as a whole. Looking forward to future iterations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews