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Somnia Online #2
Anomaly
As Murmur reels in the wake of the secret her friends tried to keep, her grip on what is real and what is virtual begins to slip. What's more, she's no longer sure who she can trust.
Stalked across the continent by a rogue with a vendetta, Murmur is forced to dig deep and develop her abilities before she finds a knife in her back.
Suspicion surrounds the AIs as well. Their behaviors are too human, their reports too perfect. Shayla and Laria must uncover the truth before the system raises concerns and Murmur is lost forever.
Stalked across the continent by a rogue with a vendetta, Murmur is forced to dig deep and develop her abilities before she finds a knife in her back.
Suspicion surrounds the AIs as well. Their behaviors are too human, their reports too perfect. Shayla and Laria must uncover the truth before the system raises concerns and Murmur is lost forever.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2018
167 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Hanna
28 books169 followersKT Hanna has a love for words so extreme, a single word can spark entire worlds.
Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.
When she’s not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, and chases her daughter, husband, corgi, and cat. No, she doesn’t sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.
Note: Still searching for her Tardis
Born in Australia, she met her husband in a computer game, moved to the U.S.A. and went into culture shock. Bonus? Not as many creatures specifically out to kill you.
When she’s not writing, she freelance edits for Chimera Editing, and chases her daughter, husband, corgi, and cat. No, she doesn’t sleep. She is entirely powered by the number 2, caffeine, and beef jerky.
Note: Still searching for her Tardis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 3, 2019
I'm in love with this series. I really am, and it's hard to be impartial and not color everything pink.
Pink may not be your favorite color (nor is it mine either, pinky promise!) and I may haven't been accused of being objective before, but the fact that being impartial is hard - is true. I will do my best!
This book is awesome!!
Well, I tried 😂😂😂
If you read the first part already you'll know why I'm saying this. If you haven't, you've already made a mistake by not reading it. It can be easily corrected by going here. You're welcome.
I actually read the book over two months ago so it's very difficult to tear it apart and complain about irrelevant bits and pieces. Still, I have fond memories of the book so I know I really did enjoy it. I also rated it 5* on Audible so it must be true 😅
The story in Anomaly is a continuation of the grand saga started in the previous novel. Our main heroine (feels weird writing 'heroine' and liking it! 😆) figured out what's happening and isn't happy one bit. Stuck in the virtual world, with the selfless help from her friends, she's trying to make it as close to home as possible.
Old enemies, and new, are not making it easy. New friends, and old, may or may not be dying. Three creepy artificial intelligences (I'm sorry, Dear Grammar!) running the Somnia world still cannot agree on how to best proceed. And pretty much everyone has a hidden agenda. Wonderful!
I ruined about the first 5 minutes (that's... 10 pages? 15?) but if you haven't read the first part it wouldn't mean much to you. If you've read the first part, but haven't read the second, then I apologize to the both of you 😂
Great writing by Hanna, again, and an angelic voice of Andrea, again, made me sneak out on lunch breaks with my headphones on. Yep, I'll walk out, grab some food, sit down to eat and get my listening fix.
I probably won't exchange a word with anyone during that time, but who needs the real world anyway, right?
Hm. If our world is run by anything similar to these 3 Somnia AIs, perhaps I should take that back...
But I will still pick the next book in the series.
If you can't tell, I'm seriously hooked 😱
Anomaly (Somnia Online #2)
by K.T. Hanna, Andrea Parsneau (Narrator)
Pink may not be your favorite color (nor is it mine either, pinky promise!) and I may haven't been accused of being objective before, but the fact that being impartial is hard - is true. I will do my best!
This book is awesome!!
Well, I tried 😂😂😂
If you read the first part already you'll know why I'm saying this. If you haven't, you've already made a mistake by not reading it. It can be easily corrected by going here. You're welcome.
I actually read the book over two months ago so it's very difficult to tear it apart and complain about irrelevant bits and pieces. Still, I have fond memories of the book so I know I really did enjoy it. I also rated it 5* on Audible so it must be true 😅
The story in Anomaly is a continuation of the grand saga started in the previous novel. Our main heroine (feels weird writing 'heroine' and liking it! 😆) figured out what's happening and isn't happy one bit. Stuck in the virtual world, with the selfless help from her friends, she's trying to make it as close to home as possible.
Old enemies, and new, are not making it easy. New friends, and old, may or may not be dying. Three creepy artificial intelligences (I'm sorry, Dear Grammar!) running the Somnia world still cannot agree on how to best proceed. And pretty much everyone has a hidden agenda. Wonderful!
I ruined about the first 5 minutes (that's... 10 pages? 15?) but if you haven't read the first part it wouldn't mean much to you. If you've read the first part, but haven't read the second, then I apologize to the both of you 😂
Great writing by Hanna, again, and an angelic voice of Andrea, again, made me sneak out on lunch breaks with my headphones on. Yep, I'll walk out, grab some food, sit down to eat and get my listening fix.
I probably won't exchange a word with anyone during that time, but who needs the real world anyway, right?
Hm. If our world is run by anything similar to these 3 Somnia AIs, perhaps I should take that back...
But I will still pick the next book in the series.
If you can't tell, I'm seriously hooked 😱
Anomaly (Somnia Online #2)
by K.T. Hanna, Andrea Parsneau (Narrator)
Verdict An amazing LitRPG series!
Runtime 12:32
Overall
Performance
Story
March 5, 2020
This is a OK LitRPG series that is held back from being a good one by a few flaws. The focus of the story is on a mix of action and mystery.
The premise is good. Somnia Online is a new state of the art VR game. Wren gets the chance to be one of the very first players as her mother is part of the design team. Some experimental military software, that is being secretly tested in the game, makes it an unusually realistic VR world where the players can even experience pain! The NPC's also prove surprisingly real. Wren usually plays as a healer but the intuitive Somnia Online software assigns her an Enchanter class character based on its profile of her brain scans. The VR world is run by three surprisingly advanced AI that continue to grow and learn as the game progresses!
The plot of this second book in the series was OK. With the shock revelation that Wren is stuck in the VR world she mostly has to come to terms with the fact that it makes the happenings in the world real to her. Death in game likely means death in real life for her! With not much else to do she and her team decide to continue to level up and grow their powers. The three AI continue to grow and learn all while taking their own interest in Wren. As an added bonus we get additional scenes from the world outside the VR game. That is fun as it gives us a glimpse into how the game designers are reacting to the AI and their antics as well as adding in the intrigue of possible military applications of the software!
I like the VR world. It has the potential to be pretty cool as the creatures and magic seem a lot of fun. Especially Wren's mind control style magic. The three different AI running the game also offer a decent amount of intrigue. I'm also a big fan of the stuff going on outside the game as it offers the story an extra dimension. I feel like the "real world" is often too ignored in LitRPG stories which is a pity as there is potential for some really cool happenings there that can add extra depth and interest to the story. We get a bit of that in this story!
The characters are OK but only a few of them really get the chance to make much of an impact. Wren is a decent enough lead character. She is likeable but definitely not perfect and is easy to root for. The three AI characters are pretty intriguing. It is fun to see what they are getting up to and how they interact with Wren, the other humans, and even each other. The other characters that make an impression are mostly the ones in the real world like Wren's mother and her boss. Of Wren's team only her best friend Sin sticks in the mind. I do quite like her though and it is great to have a series where a female character has an actual best friend! The negative is that none of the other characters in the game make much of a lasting impression (apart from that stalker guy villain who pesters Wren) and nor do any of the regular game characters outside of the three super AI. That is a definite weakness.
The other big negative is that while the mystery elements of the story are intriguing and fun the action portions of the story are super dull. Wren's action quests are a total bore. Her chats with the AI and the stuff that happens in the real world are the good bits. It is a shame really as this should be a cool VR world given the building blocks but not much really happens.
I also feel like the story could benefit from a bit of humour and maybe a hint of romance. It just needs something to spice things up!
The other thing notable about this LitRPG is the fact that it was missing the misogyny that is typical of most stories in the genre.
All in all I thought this was an OK read that was nothing particularly special. It was a bit one paced at times! I might or might not read the next instalment of the series. I feel it has the potential to be a decent story but I'm just not sure it will ever get there.
Rating: 3 stars. It just makes it to 3 stars.
Audio Note: Andrea Parsneau did a fantastic job with the audio. She was god with the various character voices and was also a pretty talented voice actor in general.
The premise is good. Somnia Online is a new state of the art VR game. Wren gets the chance to be one of the very first players as her mother is part of the design team. Some experimental military software, that is being secretly tested in the game, makes it an unusually realistic VR world where the players can even experience pain! The NPC's also prove surprisingly real. Wren usually plays as a healer but the intuitive Somnia Online software assigns her an Enchanter class character based on its profile of her brain scans. The VR world is run by three surprisingly advanced AI that continue to grow and learn as the game progresses!
The plot of this second book in the series was OK. With the shock revelation that Wren is stuck in the VR world she mostly has to come to terms with the fact that it makes the happenings in the world real to her. Death in game likely means death in real life for her! With not much else to do she and her team decide to continue to level up and grow their powers. The three AI continue to grow and learn all while taking their own interest in Wren. As an added bonus we get additional scenes from the world outside the VR game. That is fun as it gives us a glimpse into how the game designers are reacting to the AI and their antics as well as adding in the intrigue of possible military applications of the software!
I like the VR world. It has the potential to be pretty cool as the creatures and magic seem a lot of fun. Especially Wren's mind control style magic. The three different AI running the game also offer a decent amount of intrigue. I'm also a big fan of the stuff going on outside the game as it offers the story an extra dimension. I feel like the "real world" is often too ignored in LitRPG stories which is a pity as there is potential for some really cool happenings there that can add extra depth and interest to the story. We get a bit of that in this story!
The characters are OK but only a few of them really get the chance to make much of an impact. Wren is a decent enough lead character. She is likeable but definitely not perfect and is easy to root for. The three AI characters are pretty intriguing. It is fun to see what they are getting up to and how they interact with Wren, the other humans, and even each other. The other characters that make an impression are mostly the ones in the real world like Wren's mother and her boss. Of Wren's team only her best friend Sin sticks in the mind. I do quite like her though and it is great to have a series where a female character has an actual best friend! The negative is that none of the other characters in the game make much of a lasting impression (apart from that stalker guy villain who pesters Wren) and nor do any of the regular game characters outside of the three super AI. That is a definite weakness.
The other big negative is that while the mystery elements of the story are intriguing and fun the action portions of the story are super dull. Wren's action quests are a total bore. Her chats with the AI and the stuff that happens in the real world are the good bits. It is a shame really as this should be a cool VR world given the building blocks but not much really happens.
I also feel like the story could benefit from a bit of humour and maybe a hint of romance. It just needs something to spice things up!
The other thing notable about this LitRPG is the fact that it was missing the misogyny that is typical of most stories in the genre.
All in all I thought this was an OK read that was nothing particularly special. It was a bit one paced at times! I might or might not read the next instalment of the series. I feel it has the potential to be a decent story but I'm just not sure it will ever get there.
Rating: 3 stars. It just makes it to 3 stars.
Audio Note: Andrea Parsneau did a fantastic job with the audio. She was god with the various character voices and was also a pretty talented voice actor in general.
September 28, 2021
Woweeeee... the series just got better!
June 24, 2020
Enjoyable but not fully 4 stars.
Murmur continues to deal with life in the game and her mom continues to deal with trying to figure out what happened and why.
As with the first book the weaving of events online and irl is done well but this time it feels a bit stretched out. There was a lot of time spent getting Murmur to a point where she learns there's a dark side to the game and that others have adopted it and at the same time, irl, a lot of time is put in to talk about events in Somnia's dev, AIs and environment but all of it comes together in between bouts of gameplay that, this time out, seems to hinder the story more than help.
The fights, guild talk, crafting talk and whatnot were all enjoyable but if they were all removed this turned strictly into a character piece, the book would have been just as good.
I enjoyed it even though some of it seemed superfluous and i look forward to book 3.
Murmur continues to deal with life in the game and her mom continues to deal with trying to figure out what happened and why.
As with the first book the weaving of events online and irl is done well but this time it feels a bit stretched out. There was a lot of time spent getting Murmur to a point where she learns there's a dark side to the game and that others have adopted it and at the same time, irl, a lot of time is put in to talk about events in Somnia's dev, AIs and environment but all of it comes together in between bouts of gameplay that, this time out, seems to hinder the story more than help.
The fights, guild talk, crafting talk and whatnot were all enjoyable but if they were all removed this turned strictly into a character piece, the book would have been just as good.
I enjoyed it even though some of it seemed superfluous and i look forward to book 3.
September 30, 2025
I found I enjoyed this book MUCH more than the first book (which wasn't bad at all) and I am glad I stuck with the series. Where the first book needed time for set up, and often felt like we were grinding with the characters, this book moves much faster and is a lot more plot oriented. I'm glad I had already ordered book three so I could just roll into it after finishing book two.
Some bigger secrets are out of the bag that the main adventuring group are facing. While key people in Storm technologies are starting to connect some dots as well. We watch Murmur grow into her powers, try to adapt to her world, and often question reality. Meanwhile, her adventuring group and those at Storm are muddling their way through some revelations and what that means.
Solid read. Series is getting better as I move along so far. Highly reccomend.
Some bigger secrets are out of the bag that the main adventuring group are facing. While key people in Storm technologies are starting to connect some dots as well. We watch Murmur grow into her powers, try to adapt to her world, and often question reality. Meanwhile, her adventuring group and those at Storm are muddling their way through some revelations and what that means.
Solid read. Series is getting better as I move along so far. Highly reccomend.
November 10, 2018
Great read
The premise of how the FIVR comes into being always interests me the most in LitRPG books. I think mainly because I’m hoping it becomes a reality while I’m still able take advantage of it in real life.
Also the ‘how the main character’ gets ‘caught up’ in the VR world need to make sense to me.
This series has a solid premise for FIVR, developing as we read, and a great reason for the MC to take the world to heart.
An excellent book, some typos, but nothing egregious. Very well written with rounded characters that are likely and unlikely in the right places.
Nice to not have to read past all the ‘chicks in chainmail’ cliches.
Heartily recommend this book.
Looking forward to book 3.
The premise of how the FIVR comes into being always interests me the most in LitRPG books. I think mainly because I’m hoping it becomes a reality while I’m still able take advantage of it in real life.
Also the ‘how the main character’ gets ‘caught up’ in the VR world need to make sense to me.
This series has a solid premise for FIVR, developing as we read, and a great reason for the MC to take the world to heart.
An excellent book, some typos, but nothing egregious. Very well written with rounded characters that are likely and unlikely in the right places.
Nice to not have to read past all the ‘chicks in chainmail’ cliches.
Heartily recommend this book.
Looking forward to book 3.
January 13, 2019
My only issue with this is how often the author repeats the "little did he know, a death in-game could result in..." and such references. I wanted to take issue also with how big a deal the party makes it as well, but I realize that realistically a few days isn't enough time to process emotions and adjust to things. It just felt repetitive. I appreciate that they give several external reasons for why the MC is how she is and reacts the way she does. She's hard to relate to in her responses, but at least there's an external reason.
Apart from that, love it! Book three is in the chamber. Fire away!
Edit: Dang it, I thought the audiobook for #3 was out. Now to decide if I should read the kindle book or wait...
Apart from that, love it! Book three is in the chamber. Fire away!
Edit: Dang it, I thought the audiobook for #3 was out. Now to decide if I should read the kindle book or wait...
September 26, 2018
Fun
It’s a great continuation of the story. The characters get stronger. The antagonists get worse. And the world is explored. But at places the plot felt hollow; the MC was constantly “woe is me” or “how could they do this to me”, the story didn’t really move forward and even seemed to step back. Depending on how the story goes in the next installment this will either be an awesome setup or a slippery slope. I truly enjoy the story.
It’s a great continuation of the story. The characters get stronger. The antagonists get worse. And the world is explored. But at places the plot felt hollow; the MC was constantly “woe is me” or “how could they do this to me”, the story didn’t really move forward and even seemed to step back. Depending on how the story goes in the next installment this will either be an awesome setup or a slippery slope. I truly enjoy the story.
January 8, 2019
A good continuation of the series. It's a fun LitRPG with interesting AI's and good character development from everyone but the MC. Our MC's continued anger and cruelty towards those trying to help her is getting very annoying to the point I'm tempted to quit if she won't grow up a little bit. The real issue is the character who is described repeatedly as dedicated, focused, strategic, and logical has not shown those characteristics at all and fails as a master gamer.
July 15, 2020
I like this series, it’s very Everquest for those old school gamers. However, this book really loses it for me a bit. When she finds out that she’s stuck in the world it becomes this constant inner monologue about it. The action and plot moving are great, when they do. But almost every is Wren, or her mom, or other employees at the company just being worried and looping through the same tired tropes. This issue seems to continue to the next books but gets a little better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2018
Awesome!!!
I’m highly anticipating the continuation of this story. There are so many ways Wren’s situation could turn out. I love the fact that I’m always wondering exactly how things turned out this way and what is going to happen next in this book and the first. Would recommend this series to anyone who loves Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Lit RPG.
I’m highly anticipating the continuation of this story. There are so many ways Wren’s situation could turn out. I love the fact that I’m always wondering exactly how things turned out this way and what is going to happen next in this book and the first. Would recommend this series to anyone who loves Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Lit RPG.
November 2, 2018
Good story but thought first was better
There was quite a bit that was good here, but the first story seemed to be put together better than this one.
Seemed like the story got away from the author for a bit, with a lot more time spent introspectively as opposed to the game and action.
Hoping the next picks up a bit.
There was quite a bit that was good here, but the first story seemed to be put together better than this one.
Seemed like the story got away from the author for a bit, with a lot more time spent introspectively as opposed to the game and action.
Hoping the next picks up a bit.
December 9, 2018
Good potential, poorly done.
With most books that bug me, i was taking notes and trying to point out all the mistakes, rather than try to remember everything and make some massive review.
Dull combat and action.
Plagued with classic female lead tropes.
Inconsistent MC personality.
Awkward dialogue and reactions that don't make sense. Are the main points.
With most books that bug me, i was taking notes and trying to point out all the mistakes, rather than try to remember everything and make some massive review.
Dull combat and action.
Plagued with classic female lead tropes.
Inconsistent MC personality.
Awkward dialogue and reactions that don't make sense. Are the main points.
March 18, 2019
Nice continuation
A very emotionally charged book, which is nicely broken up with POVs, or it could become too much. Murmur/Wren, understandably, get a bit emotional, angry, and her loved also get quite upset in every way for her predicament that gets brought up a lot this time around. Good sequel in a good series.
A very emotionally charged book, which is nicely broken up with POVs, or it could become too much. Murmur/Wren, understandably, get a bit emotional, angry, and her loved also get quite upset in every way for her predicament that gets brought up a lot this time around. Good sequel in a good series.
August 28, 2018
Beautiful Art!!!!
Really enjoyed the second book as much as the 1st one. It contains the chemistry to make a really great series.... Can't wait for more... Miss K. T. Hanna you have outdone yourself truly well-done book and continuation to series.
Really enjoyed the second book as much as the 1st one. It contains the chemistry to make a really great series.... Can't wait for more... Miss K. T. Hanna you have outdone yourself truly well-done book and continuation to series.
October 20, 2018
Stopped after a few chapters. If everyone i knew lied to me and almost got me killed, I would not forgive them right away and hug it out. MC is soft and meek. Lets people walk all over her and says "it's okay it was for my own good"
November 3, 2018
Wonderful
I would have really enjoyed being in a situation that was similar to Murmurs. I think reality is highly overrated and being able to get lost in Somnia Online' s world would be a blast. Minus of course her explosive temper lol. Looking forward to reading the next book.
I would have really enjoyed being in a situation that was similar to Murmurs. I think reality is highly overrated and being able to get lost in Somnia Online' s world would be a blast. Minus of course her explosive temper lol. Looking forward to reading the next book.
December 3, 2018
Decently entertaining. If you liked the first one, you'll like this too. Was a very similar book, building on the same character development of Wren, her friends, family, and the AIs. You learn more about the AIs and their goals.
February 3, 2019
Good story
Very enjoyable. Lots of grinding and leveling up. Ending was a little anticlimactic and could have done with more details. Still good though, looking forward to reading book 3.
Very enjoyable. Lots of grinding and leveling up. Ending was a little anticlimactic and could have done with more details. Still good though, looking forward to reading book 3.
September 6, 2019
Better than the last
This book was a rollercoaster. A lot going on that was edge of the seat at times. Two forces inevitably clash, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding our main character result in a great book
This book was a rollercoaster. A lot going on that was edge of the seat at times. Two forces inevitably clash, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding our main character result in a great book
November 13, 2020
Excellent story
This series is awesome ! I love it , with the combination of game play mechanics and the addition of AI into the game and how they learn to be more alive through the game !
This series is awesome ! I love it , with the combination of game play mechanics and the addition of AI into the game and how they learn to be more alive through the game !
October 16, 2021
It was nice to see the cat out of the bag. It is still an interesting premise but I am still having trouble connecting with Murmur she is just not likeable even with all that she has gone through all the sympathy for her goes out of the window when we see her as a character. At least for me.
June 3, 2022
In deep
I'm in this world deep. I'm really enjoying the series. Murmur is my favorite character. This litrpg should be read by everyone who loves this genre. I'm hooked and I'm a big fan of K.T Hanna now. Okay on to book number 3.
I'm in this world deep. I'm really enjoying the series. Murmur is my favorite character. This litrpg should be read by everyone who loves this genre. I'm hooked and I'm a big fan of K.T Hanna now. Okay on to book number 3.
August 23, 2018
More, more, more!
Please...? My god, this is really good and entertaining! I love Murmur/Wren and can’t wait to see what happens next. And Jirald is a huge butt. Lol
Please...? My god, this is really good and entertaining! I love Murmur/Wren and can’t wait to see what happens next. And Jirald is a huge butt. Lol
October 16, 2018
I don’t care how “in character” it was for the MC to be frequently freaking out, it wasn’t a fun experience to read. The rest of it was good tho
February 13, 2020
K.T. is the master of cliff hangers!!! Had to start book 3 right away. Loving this series so much!!! Makes an amazing audio!
March 1, 2021
Wonderful!
Loved every bit. The fights are well done and not overly detailed. The game stats are very minimal and not obtrusive.
Loved every bit. The fights are well done and not overly detailed. The game stats are very minimal and not obtrusive.
August 19, 2021
I thought book 1 was good, this one was excellent! This might be the most fun school of magic I've read about. 👍🏽👍🏽
June 30, 2022
Solid part 2,nothing to add to my first review.
September 12, 2019
Great second entry to an outstanding series
KT builds on an amazing book one in this fast paced and incredibly well written second book.
The Somnia series was one of the first series to cement my love of LitRPG & Gamelit. I have already listened to each of the books that have been released on Audible (Andrea Parsneau is amazing) and went back and bought them all for kindle since I am a stats nerd and love RPG mechanics.
If you ever enjoyed playing a MMORPG at any time I’d recommend picking this series up.
KT builds on an amazing book one in this fast paced and incredibly well written second book.
The Somnia series was one of the first series to cement my love of LitRPG & Gamelit. I have already listened to each of the books that have been released on Audible (Andrea Parsneau is amazing) and went back and bought them all for kindle since I am a stats nerd and love RPG mechanics.
If you ever enjoyed playing a MMORPG at any time I’d recommend picking this series up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews