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Stonehaven League #3
Cavern of Spirits
Once upon a time, Devon Walker got trounced by an incompetent chimera...
You know, sometimes it would be nice to catch a break. Devon's got a settlement to grow into a city, a game character she'd love to focus on leveling, and some kitchen cabinets that really need restocking. (That is, if she knew how to cook anything besides microwave popcorn.)
But regardless of what Devon would like to accomplish with her gaming time, Relic Online and the creator AIs battling for control of it aren't concerned with her precious feelings. The fate of the world is at stake. Demons are rising through planar rifts, and the denizens of the physical realm are sorely lacking in defenses. The ancient city of Ishildar holds promise as a bastion of light that might turn the tide. If only Devon, the brave heroine chosen as the city's champion, could finish her epic quest line to gain control of the place.
Of course, this would be challenge enough if she weren't confronted with disasters in the real world. After a disastrous mountain bike crash, Devon's friend, Tamara, needs her support. Emerson, a from the gaming company, can't unravel the troubling actions of the demonic AI, Zaa, without Devon's help.
And yeah, there's the little problem of a raid force of anarchist players coming to demolish Stonehaven, the only true home Devon has ever known.
Dive in for more adventure! Scroll up and clicky-click to start reading book 3
You know, sometimes it would be nice to catch a break. Devon's got a settlement to grow into a city, a game character she'd love to focus on leveling, and some kitchen cabinets that really need restocking. (That is, if she knew how to cook anything besides microwave popcorn.)
But regardless of what Devon would like to accomplish with her gaming time, Relic Online and the creator AIs battling for control of it aren't concerned with her precious feelings. The fate of the world is at stake. Demons are rising through planar rifts, and the denizens of the physical realm are sorely lacking in defenses. The ancient city of Ishildar holds promise as a bastion of light that might turn the tide. If only Devon, the brave heroine chosen as the city's champion, could finish her epic quest line to gain control of the place.
Of course, this would be challenge enough if she weren't confronted with disasters in the real world. After a disastrous mountain bike crash, Devon's friend, Tamara, needs her support. Emerson, a from the gaming company, can't unravel the troubling actions of the demonic AI, Zaa, without Devon's help.
And yeah, there's the little problem of a raid force of anarchist players coming to demolish Stonehaven, the only true home Devon has ever known.
Dive in for more adventure! Scroll up and clicky-click to start reading book 3
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2018
617 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 20, 2019
Mini-Review:
This is one of the series where I prefer listening to the audio over reading the book. I'm on the fence about this series because I really like all of the core elements that make up the stories but I'm detached during the phases between plot points. I am a total fan of the ideas that make up Relic Online, Devon & her growing domain, side characters, and how the story juggles real life with game play. I'm also bored and easily distracted. The game interactions and lore are fun but all of the parts between are dull as dirt.
I'll keep my eye out for the audiobook releases and try to keep up with the series that way.
This is one of the series where I prefer listening to the audio over reading the book. I'm on the fence about this series because I really like all of the core elements that make up the stories but I'm detached during the phases between plot points. I am a total fan of the ideas that make up Relic Online, Devon & her growing domain, side characters, and how the story juggles real life with game play. I'm also bored and easily distracted. The game interactions and lore are fun but all of the parts between are dull as dirt.
I'll keep my eye out for the audiobook releases and try to keep up with the series that way.
September 16, 2021
It was dragging there a bit but finally getting some answers to the demon thing Devon's experiencing was good. Looking forward to Tamara joining Devon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2018
Carrie Summers writes perfect LitRPG. It’s just that simple. I’ve now finished Cavern of Spirits, the third of her Stonehaven League novels, and it’s an illustration of just how wonderful LitRPG can bf when done right. That means, most importantly, a great story with great characters even ignoring the RPG aspects, and a logical reason for the character to be in an RPG setting and for the book to delve into RPG things like quests and character levels that give a genuine “in the game” feel. This book more than does all of that. It has a perfect lead in Devon, a perfect plot both in and outside of the RPG, and perfect characters both inside the game (both the NPCs and now some of the PCs) and outside (especially game developer and potential future love interest Emerson and best friend Tamara). I actually read this book twice. That’s not unusual as I am someone who re-reads most books that I enjoy. What is unusual is that I re-read it immediately. That’s a sign of how much I loved the book. Frankly, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
July 3, 2019
I really enjoy this series on audio so I waited until it was released on audible even though I wanted to consume it right after finishing the second one. The waiting fortunately didn't spoil the experience and I was able to easily jump right back into the world of Relic Online.
I really like all the characters and especially the main character Devon, and the VR world and all it's inhabitants is really fun to read about. I am however not as keen on the real life story, I don't dislike it and I can see that it serves its purpose, I just think that I prefer the kind of litrpg where the players are stuck in the other world and doesn't have to log out all the time.
One thing I liked the most about the former books was the settlement building which this book had a lot less of, and I feel like nothing of real importance happend for a huge chunk of the book which is what makes this 4 stars instead of five. But I did really enjoy it and can't wait for the fourth book to be realeased on audio!
I really like all the characters and especially the main character Devon, and the VR world and all it's inhabitants is really fun to read about. I am however not as keen on the real life story, I don't dislike it and I can see that it serves its purpose, I just think that I prefer the kind of litrpg where the players are stuck in the other world and doesn't have to log out all the time.
One thing I liked the most about the former books was the settlement building which this book had a lot less of, and I feel like nothing of real importance happend for a huge chunk of the book which is what makes this 4 stars instead of five. But I did really enjoy it and can't wait for the fourth book to be realeased on audio!
November 2, 2018
To be completely honest, without the last 1/3rd of the book, this would've been rated lower, and this is a roundup from a 3.5 as it is.
The story seems to have slowed down significantly between 2 and 3, with very little settlement building taking place this time around.
I'll be picking up #4 but if the time it took me to get through this one is any indication, I probably won't jump on it right away.
The story seems to have slowed down significantly between 2 and 3, with very little settlement building taking place this time around.
I'll be picking up #4 but if the time it took me to get through this one is any indication, I probably won't jump on it right away.
October 1, 2020
This book had a good focus on the real world, with plenty happening online also. The ending happened in a rush, setting up the next book - but it wasn't the smooth story we've had so far.
The series continues to have a strong female protagonist, and now we see her at home, ruining spaghetti :) I enjoyed her surprise at finding her character advertising for Relic Online; am surprised that this hasn't come up "in-game" yet. Favorite new character - the ostrich.
The in-game action was pretty slow in the beginning; ending this book with a major grind and boss fight was nice to see. The real world confrontation between Emerson and Penelope has built for most of two books, but that was strange. First Emerson's boss was there - and then he wasn't? I may have to go back and read that section again, because it didn't work well. I suspect our author was laying the groundwork for the next book, and it felt clumsy. Will have to chat about it with a friend who recently finished the entire series.
The series continues to have a strong female protagonist, and now we see her at home, ruining spaghetti :) I enjoyed her surprise at finding her character advertising for Relic Online; am surprised that this hasn't come up "in-game" yet. Favorite new character - the ostrich.
The in-game action was pretty slow in the beginning; ending this book with a major grind and boss fight was nice to see. The real world confrontation between Emerson and Penelope has built for most of two books, but that was strange. First Emerson's boss was there - and then he wasn't? I may have to go back and read that section again, because it didn't work well. I suspect our author was laying the groundwork for the next book, and it felt clumsy. Will have to chat about it with a friend who recently finished the entire series.
June 19, 2019
Really loved books 1 and 2, but I gotta say there’s something around 50% that keeps me from being interested in whats going on. I’ve been at it for what feels like months now, but i always wind up putting it down for something else. Maybe because of the back and forth between reality and game without much in the way of plot/character development? we seem to miss things in reality, then miss things in the game alternating back and forth without any sort of fun, new or interesting things.
Can’t really say. While i love the author i gotta be real with this one, i cant hand out 4-5 stars just cause i like every other litrpg book carrie summer’s written.
Can’t really say. While i love the author i gotta be real with this one, i cant hand out 4-5 stars just cause i like every other litrpg book carrie summer’s written.
September 24, 2018
Pretty good story here. I'd even say you could read this one without having read the previous books in the series, though some of the story parts wouldn't be as amusing without the background the other books provide, it's still a decent read, even without them. I like this addition to the storyline, and am glad there will be more forthcoming, this is a very cool world, and I'm happy to read more of it anytime I can.
April 25, 2020
Typical for a book in the middle of a series, this book leaves you semi satisfied with action in the short run, more interest towards the building climax, and building plot. Fans of the series will not want to miss this book as the essential plot events in the REAL world are, perhaps for the first time, equally important to the fantasy world story.
November 4, 2018
Solid But Falling Into Standard LitRPG Failings
The failing is that the protagonist exists in a game world, where, for a variety of reasons they somehow get so much special treatment, exceptions, super powers, and non-standard treatment that they are basically not playing the same game as everyone else. I think this is a common failing in LitRPG. By book 3, this series has fallen hopelessly into that trap.
I'd rather the characters were special because of their character, effort, moxie, etc. than that they are special by virtue of getting special powers, special treatment, and unique circumstances.
Its impressive that the relationship presumably brewing between Emerson and Devon hasn't taken off, three books into the series. It doesn't matter, its just interesting in comparison to most books in this genre.
The development of the corporation, to not be a completely heartless and evil entity was a nice twist. Penelope wasn't the villain I was expecting.
Overcoming the Phoenix was a critical juncture, and I think the book failed to explain it / tell the story very well. It just seemed to end with the Phoenix giving up due to some change in circumstance of the fight, but it wasn't clear how that was a real victory. Needed to be told better.
The fighting with the orcs, and the boss fight with the surprise twist where the big bad orc leader reveals he has a heart and loves his mommy was nice. And it foreshadows future developments in a world where good and evil might not be as binary as is often the case in fantasy worlds.
Still looking forward to the next book in the series.
The failing is that the protagonist exists in a game world, where, for a variety of reasons they somehow get so much special treatment, exceptions, super powers, and non-standard treatment that they are basically not playing the same game as everyone else. I think this is a common failing in LitRPG. By book 3, this series has fallen hopelessly into that trap.
I'd rather the characters were special because of their character, effort, moxie, etc. than that they are special by virtue of getting special powers, special treatment, and unique circumstances.
Its impressive that the relationship presumably brewing between Emerson and Devon hasn't taken off, three books into the series. It doesn't matter, its just interesting in comparison to most books in this genre.
The development of the corporation, to not be a completely heartless and evil entity was a nice twist. Penelope wasn't the villain I was expecting.
Overcoming the Phoenix was a critical juncture, and I think the book failed to explain it / tell the story very well. It just seemed to end with the Phoenix giving up due to some change in circumstance of the fight, but it wasn't clear how that was a real victory. Needed to be told better.
The fighting with the orcs, and the boss fight with the surprise twist where the big bad orc leader reveals he has a heart and loves his mommy was nice. And it foreshadows future developments in a world where good and evil might not be as binary as is often the case in fantasy worlds.
Still looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 5, 2019
Devon is getting more and more annoying. You'd think, being 3 books in, the author would begin guiding her characters towards inner growth. But if anything they're getting worse. Devon says she's not a recluse, but she's highly anxious, super paranoid, quick to anger and very narcecistic. What also gets me is that she ignores the real world to her detrement but no one is concerned. It's like a drug addiction to her. She thinks about nothing else but the game and when she gets kicked from it, she freaks out. You'd think someone would suggest moderation.
September 9, 2019
The end didn't work for me. Especially the human dynamics IRL.
In-game however, the story is still pretty solid, even if a bit DEMish from time to time...
I'm still reading.
I don't think there are more than 3 LitRPG series that have kept me hooked this long.
Nice job!
In-game however, the story is still pretty solid, even if a bit DEMish from time to time...
I'm still reading.
I don't think there are more than 3 LitRPG series that have kept me hooked this long.
Nice job!
May 4, 2020
So, here we have a taff one ...
On the one hand, the book was good. I like Carrie's writing style, which perfectly fits the kind of story and setting we have here. I also still really like the characters. Dorden and Heldi are such cool dwarves and Bob is still an annoying Blobb (In a good way annoying :-D).
On the other hand, there was the Plot. Which was more or less like in the two books before. Devon needs to find one of the vassaldoms and find the relict. It's no surprise that she does so. There are some minor obstacles, but I never ever thought "Oh my gosh! Are they going to make it all alive?!". Why don't build in some plot-twist? Like, the relict of this vassaldom is really lost and Devon needs to get some help from other players to trigger a real raid to find it? Or whatever would not be the same as in the two books before!
The only difference we had in book three compared to the other two is, that the settlement wasn't such a big topic as before.
I just have the feeling, that everything is a little bit to easy for her.
On the one hand, the book was good. I like Carrie's writing style, which perfectly fits the kind of story and setting we have here. I also still really like the characters. Dorden and Heldi are such cool dwarves and Bob is still an annoying Blobb (In a good way annoying :-D).
On the other hand, there was the Plot. Which was more or less like in the two books before. Devon needs to find one of the vassaldoms and find the relict. It's no surprise that she does so. There are some minor obstacles, but I never ever thought "Oh my gosh! Are they going to make it all alive?!". Why don't build in some plot-twist? Like, the relict of this vassaldom is really lost and Devon needs to get some help from other players to trigger a real raid to find it? Or whatever would not be the same as in the two books before!
The only difference we had in book three compared to the other two is, that the settlement wasn't such a big topic as before.
I just have the feeling, that everything is a little bit to easy for her.
September 16, 2018
With Cavern of Spirits, the third installment of the Stonehaven League series, Carrie Summers amps up the pressure, both in-game and reality for her characters. This is the most thrilling, plot driven, LitRPG series by far!
Now that Devon has conquered her demon, literally, in Relic Online, she can settle down to the management of her village. The new additions are settling in, and huts are being built as quickly as possible to accommodate the population growth. Other building has been slower because of the need to provide shelter, but still progresses. Fortifications are good overall with new improvements all the time.
The worst problem seems to be running short of iron for the forge. An expedition might be in order! What else might be near the mountains, perhaps one of Ishildar’s relics?
Devon is bothered by one more thing in-game. She has a new stat, Shadowed. Why she should have something related to a demon character, she just doesn’t get it. Emmerson isn’t responding to her messages either. How will she find answers, and how long must she keep using a “tinfoil hat” to sleep?
Emerson has his own problems. On his forced “vacation” he is having a hard time getting back into the companies computers to continue working on solutions to Relics problems. Fortunately he does have his ally working from the inside. How can he contact Devon without anyone knowing? He feels much more than responsibility for this particular player.
Come join the game, and the life and death stakes to take over a company! Get your copy of Cavern of Secrets today!
Now that Devon has conquered her demon, literally, in Relic Online, she can settle down to the management of her village. The new additions are settling in, and huts are being built as quickly as possible to accommodate the population growth. Other building has been slower because of the need to provide shelter, but still progresses. Fortifications are good overall with new improvements all the time.
The worst problem seems to be running short of iron for the forge. An expedition might be in order! What else might be near the mountains, perhaps one of Ishildar’s relics?
Devon is bothered by one more thing in-game. She has a new stat, Shadowed. Why she should have something related to a demon character, she just doesn’t get it. Emmerson isn’t responding to her messages either. How will she find answers, and how long must she keep using a “tinfoil hat” to sleep?
Emerson has his own problems. On his forced “vacation” he is having a hard time getting back into the companies computers to continue working on solutions to Relics problems. Fortunately he does have his ally working from the inside. How can he contact Devon without anyone knowing? He feels much more than responsibility for this particular player.
Come join the game, and the life and death stakes to take over a company! Get your copy of Cavern of Secrets today!
September 17, 2018
I'll admit right off, the Stonehaven League is my first real foray into reading LitRPG. But I've been a World of Warcraft addict for more than a decade, as well as playing other online games, so reading these books felt like coming home.
Carrie has done a great job of world-building, both inside the game and in the near-future US where the secondary storyline is set. I love the characters, whose strengths and flaws are both portrayed realistically. One of my favorite things about this series is how the main character, Devon, considers moral and ethical questions inside the game--she has made friends with the NPCs, she questions the morality of wholesale slaughter of orcs, etc.
The secondary storylines set in the "real world" are also well-done. Devon's friendship with Tamara continues to be important as Devon continues figuring out the way an IRL friendship works. Devon's interactions with Emerson are also fun, though I'm waffling on whether they'll stay just friends or develop a romantic relationship. Emerson seems to have a crush on Devon, but I haven't seen much evidence of Devon returning it--then again, she's not great at IRL friendships even, so maybe she's just kind of clueless at the moment.
This third book is a great addition to the series, and I can't wait to read further adventures.
Note: I received an ARC of the third book in exchange for an honest review, but I did purchase the first two books and enjoyed them thoroughly before subscribing to Carrie Summers' email list and having the opportunity for an advance copy of book three.
Carrie has done a great job of world-building, both inside the game and in the near-future US where the secondary storyline is set. I love the characters, whose strengths and flaws are both portrayed realistically. One of my favorite things about this series is how the main character, Devon, considers moral and ethical questions inside the game--she has made friends with the NPCs, she questions the morality of wholesale slaughter of orcs, etc.
The secondary storylines set in the "real world" are also well-done. Devon's friendship with Tamara continues to be important as Devon continues figuring out the way an IRL friendship works. Devon's interactions with Emerson are also fun, though I'm waffling on whether they'll stay just friends or develop a romantic relationship. Emerson seems to have a crush on Devon, but I haven't seen much evidence of Devon returning it--then again, she's not great at IRL friendships even, so maybe she's just kind of clueless at the moment.
This third book is a great addition to the series, and I can't wait to read further adventures.
Note: I received an ARC of the third book in exchange for an honest review, but I did purchase the first two books and enjoyed them thoroughly before subscribing to Carrie Summers' email list and having the opportunity for an advance copy of book three.
September 16, 2018
This is the third book in this LitRPG series and the adventures which Devon is encountering whilst in the game keep getting ever more exciting. She is really immersed in this game and has started to believe that the NPC’s of Stonehaven, which she has started to think of as her community, have desires, hopes and dreams same as in real life so when there was a threat to the company Relic online, she feared that all her friends would be killed. However many of the players were being used without their knowing whilst they were sleeping and the company had to take the necessary measures to safeguard the players and their own company before it all fell to pieces. Also in real life Devon’s only friend Tamara was in a serious accident which was threatening her life, and she needed to be with her too, but was torn between her online friends and her real life one and she felt she could abandon none of them. I really love this series and hope to read more books about Stonehaven as the world building in game is amazing and the characters ie. Devon and her online community are really charismatic and Devon is a real kick ass character even though the game keeps putting her down. She seems anti-social but her heart is in the right place. Look forward to the next book and the further enhancement of Stonehaven.
April 27, 2023
I can't wait for more to see Devon become the champion with finding each relic and for Stonehaven to grow! Oh, and what's the new happenings with the demon side of things? I'm looking forward to starting the next book SOON!
This book felt to happen fast. There's lots going on everywhere. It's well written to balance the struggles in game and the real world for Devon. I wanted to know how it all worked out as I listened. The new mission, the search for stone mines, the growth of Stone haven, the players that are staying to protect the little village, and what all is going on with straightening out the servers with Zaa and the demons...
I really enjoyed the audio version of this book! It's fun getting all the voices and feelings through audio. We get a second narrator for the male voices. I had fun when the characters were in battle and we got sound effects like in the game. Love it!
Devon's a little nervous about her shadow abilities. She's nervous about leaving the village she's created as there's people who will come to raid and destroy her little home. Though, there are loyal players who stayed to protect the town.
Things are moving along for Devon, though there are many stumbles along the way. She's creative enough to figure out how to move around or past the obstacles. I have fun seeing her do her thing in these moments.
This book felt to happen fast. There's lots going on everywhere. It's well written to balance the struggles in game and the real world for Devon. I wanted to know how it all worked out as I listened. The new mission, the search for stone mines, the growth of Stone haven, the players that are staying to protect the little village, and what all is going on with straightening out the servers with Zaa and the demons...
I really enjoyed the audio version of this book! It's fun getting all the voices and feelings through audio. We get a second narrator for the male voices. I had fun when the characters were in battle and we got sound effects like in the game. Love it!
Devon's a little nervous about her shadow abilities. She's nervous about leaving the village she's created as there's people who will come to raid and destroy her little home. Though, there are loyal players who stayed to protect the town.
Things are moving along for Devon, though there are many stumbles along the way. She's creative enough to figure out how to move around or past the obstacles. I have fun seeing her do her thing in these moments.
September 15, 2018
Ms. Summers does not disappoint.
Devon is back in the third installment of the Stonehaven League. As she struggles with an evolving village, she must try to continue the quest of finding the artifacts that will eventually allow her to release the ancient city of Ishildar for the curse that brought it down. In the real world, game developer Emerson digs deeper into the illegal mind taps that is causing dark powers to manifest online players.
In this latest segment, we encounter new enemies that Devon must find ways of defeating through ingenuity, magic and good old battle royal. This is a Role Playing Game (RPG) extraordinaire that is fun for fantasy fans as well as computer gamers or anyone who loves an action packed adventure.
This story like all open world games could go on forever and that would not be a bad thing!
Devon is back in the third installment of the Stonehaven League. As she struggles with an evolving village, she must try to continue the quest of finding the artifacts that will eventually allow her to release the ancient city of Ishildar for the curse that brought it down. In the real world, game developer Emerson digs deeper into the illegal mind taps that is causing dark powers to manifest online players.
In this latest segment, we encounter new enemies that Devon must find ways of defeating through ingenuity, magic and good old battle royal. This is a Role Playing Game (RPG) extraordinaire that is fun for fantasy fans as well as computer gamers or anyone who loves an action packed adventure.
This story like all open world games could go on forever and that would not be a bad thing!
January 4, 2019
Book 3 and still a good read
Devon the main character continues her journey and trials in her real life and in relic online.
The main character Devon runs her village and continues her relic quest for the 2nd of 5 powerful relics. In real life things are happening that cause one player to go into a coma.
It is interesting, but suffers pacing issues especially in the switch between the game and real life. The author is trying to add hints of a romance starting. I'm not sure how this will go.
The 2nd relic now is intermixed with the smurfs and the orcs. You'll need to read the book to understand.
I like the series still, but if the pacing doesn't improve in the next book it will be my last one.
Devon the main character continues her journey and trials in her real life and in relic online.
The main character Devon runs her village and continues her relic quest for the 2nd of 5 powerful relics. In real life things are happening that cause one player to go into a coma.
It is interesting, but suffers pacing issues especially in the switch between the game and real life. The author is trying to add hints of a romance starting. I'm not sure how this will go.
The 2nd relic now is intermixed with the smurfs and the orcs. You'll need to read the book to understand.
I like the series still, but if the pacing doesn't improve in the next book it will be my last one.
September 26, 2018
Good story, first arc finish
This story does a lot to wrap up a part of the first major story arc, and it does it well. The story focuses on the adventures of Devon, the shadow magic wielding sorcerer leads her town toward success.
Book 3 focuses a lot on what is happening in both the game and the real world, and both sides of the equation are interesting. Relic Online is taking off successfully- and there are still issues and bugs that are being dealt with. And still problematic AIs to wrangle.
It is a great female lead story, and the genre really benefited from it. Need more stories like this in LitRPG.
This story does a lot to wrap up a part of the first major story arc, and it does it well. The story focuses on the adventures of Devon, the shadow magic wielding sorcerer leads her town toward success.
Book 3 focuses a lot on what is happening in both the game and the real world, and both sides of the equation are interesting. Relic Online is taking off successfully- and there are still issues and bugs that are being dealt with. And still problematic AIs to wrangle.
It is a great female lead story, and the genre really benefited from it. Need more stories like this in LitRPG.
October 23, 2018
Excellently balanced storytelling
Summers is fast ascending my list of favorite LitRPG writers and rates at the very top for building a compelling game-world and real-world. The third installment in Stonehaven League offers a welcome break from the trend towards a settlement-survival story, instead favoring the protagonist's active pursuit of goals and challenges. I vastly prefer the active Devon to the reactive Devon, and the nicely detailed creatures in this one do a wonderful job adding fantasy to the Relic world. Certainly a must-read for fans of the prior two books. Cavern of Spirits leaves me eagerly anticipating a fourth entry in the series!
Summers is fast ascending my list of favorite LitRPG writers and rates at the very top for building a compelling game-world and real-world. The third installment in Stonehaven League offers a welcome break from the trend towards a settlement-survival story, instead favoring the protagonist's active pursuit of goals and challenges. I vastly prefer the active Devon to the reactive Devon, and the nicely detailed creatures in this one do a wonderful job adding fantasy to the Relic world. Certainly a must-read for fans of the prior two books. Cavern of Spirits leaves me eagerly anticipating a fourth entry in the series!
April 22, 2019
Fabulous Romp in an AI World
The characters are facing some fascinating challenges as they interact with an AI based world that changes and flexes as they do. NPC's that are nearly indistinguishable from real players. Mobs that have a relationship with the same AI Gods that the Players and NPC's do. And the long- term consequences of every action all create a wonderful depth and realism that keeps me thinking about the developing storylines long after the book is closed.
What will Zaa do now? How will Viea react? Can you mountain bike in a jungle? I'm on the edge of my virtual chair!!!
The characters are facing some fascinating challenges as they interact with an AI based world that changes and flexes as they do. NPC's that are nearly indistinguishable from real players. Mobs that have a relationship with the same AI Gods that the Players and NPC's do. And the long- term consequences of every action all create a wonderful depth and realism that keeps me thinking about the developing storylines long after the book is closed.
What will Zaa do now? How will Viea react? Can you mountain bike in a jungle? I'm on the edge of my virtual chair!!!
March 5, 2020
Great, but there is a problem with Penelope
Spoilers:
So, it turns out that Penelope did not actually mean for the implants to be highjacked, and the reason she did not immediately fix it is because she found out about the withdrawal symptoms. But the problem is the explanation why she convinced the company to give Emerson a forced vacation is because she was worried that he would just drop the patch to fix it without knowing about the withdrawal symptoms. The problem with this is that why did she not just tell him the entire story from the beginning? Get help from another expert programmer?
Spoilers:
So, it turns out that Penelope did not actually mean for the implants to be highjacked, and the reason she did not immediately fix it is because she found out about the withdrawal symptoms. But the problem is the explanation why she convinced the company to give Emerson a forced vacation is because she was worried that he would just drop the patch to fix it without knowing about the withdrawal symptoms. The problem with this is that why did she not just tell him the entire story from the beginning? Get help from another expert programmer?
February 22, 2022
This was paced great, content great, and then when she tried to explain the skills everything fell apart, and it was very apparent that the author GM never played a game in her life. "Where's the game play, show us the skills." (meanwhile cinematics, animated bullsh*t runs over the screen)
And 1/4 of the story took place in real life, compliments of SAO wannabes. Constantly going back to real life and breaking emersion gets roleplay fanatics annoyed. Adding some real life stuff at the start middle and end of the book as a pace change might be nice, but reminding the reader the game isn't real is not why we're reading this genre in the first place.
And 1/4 of the story took place in real life, compliments of SAO wannabes. Constantly going back to real life and breaking emersion gets roleplay fanatics annoyed. Adding some real life stuff at the start middle and end of the book as a pace change might be nice, but reminding the reader the game isn't real is not why we're reading this genre in the first place.
December 22, 2019
The third entry in the Stonehaven League series is good and delivers consistent quality.
Disclaimer: I am not a fan of VRMMO-type litrpg. But Mrs Summers manages to deliver a good tale, with an engrossing main character, a varied cast of supporting characters all well fleshed, and good plots. If it was just a bit out of the classic tropes of VRMMO, then it would be well worth a five-star review. As it is, it's a series worth reading, and something to recommend to people discovering the genre.
Disclaimer: I am not a fan of VRMMO-type litrpg. But Mrs Summers manages to deliver a good tale, with an engrossing main character, a varied cast of supporting characters all well fleshed, and good plots. If it was just a bit out of the classic tropes of VRMMO, then it would be well worth a five-star review. As it is, it's a series worth reading, and something to recommend to people discovering the genre.
January 20, 2020
Another home run!
The further I get into this series, the more amazed I am. In this installment of the series, there is a lot of switching from the game world to the real world, and the story line connecting the two is pretty genius. As always, the sarcastic remarks made by the AI server make me laugh, and the world building is second to none. I just realized I only clicked the 5 stars on the last book and didn’t even write a review because I was rushing to download the next book, which is what I am going to do right now...
The further I get into this series, the more amazed I am. In this installment of the series, there is a lot of switching from the game world to the real world, and the story line connecting the two is pretty genius. As always, the sarcastic remarks made by the AI server make me laugh, and the world building is second to none. I just realized I only clicked the 5 stars on the last book and didn’t even write a review because I was rushing to download the next book, which is what I am going to do right now...
September 24, 2018
Loved it.
However it took me a few chapters to get my mind into the story and to remember everything that came before. Think I spotted only 1 typo in the whole story so a big kudos for that. I cant wait for book 4. Honestly hard to put satisfaction with a series down it's easier to do constructive or destructive criticism and there was really nothing to complain about for me other than the 1 typo. Keep up the good work.
However it took me a few chapters to get my mind into the story and to remember everything that came before. Think I spotted only 1 typo in the whole story so a big kudos for that. I cant wait for book 4. Honestly hard to put satisfaction with a series down it's easier to do constructive or destructive criticism and there was really nothing to complain about for me other than the 1 typo. Keep up the good work.
October 7, 2018
Great Read
A fantastic addition to the series. Many old threads were resolved, a few new added. I really dug meeting Penelope and am glad she wasn’t a mustache twirling baddie.
I gave 4 stars because of some pacing issues. It took a long time to get to the core plot, and once resolved we jump back to the real world in roughly 2 paragraphs. It was jarring, especially with the slow start.
In any case: bring on the next book!
A fantastic addition to the series. Many old threads were resolved, a few new added. I really dug meeting Penelope and am glad she wasn’t a mustache twirling baddie.
I gave 4 stars because of some pacing issues. It took a long time to get to the core plot, and once resolved we jump back to the real world in roughly 2 paragraphs. It was jarring, especially with the slow start.
In any case: bring on the next book!
February 16, 2019
Every Problem has a Solution
Each of these stories build upon the last, so this is no surprise that the MC is learning to become a better player while at the same time starting to fix her real life issues of insecurity.
The story starts out with a challenge that ends with a lot of fun fights and challenges.
I'm definitely enjoying this storyline and looking forward to the next book in this series.
Each of these stories build upon the last, so this is no surprise that the MC is learning to become a better player while at the same time starting to fix her real life issues of insecurity.
The story starts out with a challenge that ends with a lot of fun fights and challenges.
I'm definitely enjoying this storyline and looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 31, 2019
Still good
The series is still going strong. There was a bit more real world stuff, which I traditionally wasn't as into, but it got more interesting. Surprisingly, the book also touched on some serious themes such as artificial intelligence, sentience, what is "real", and some of the merits of a VR game for those who couldn't otherwise experience some things, etc. Great book! On to the next one!
The series is still going strong. There was a bit more real world stuff, which I traditionally wasn't as into, but it got more interesting. Surprisingly, the book also touched on some serious themes such as artificial intelligence, sentience, what is "real", and some of the merits of a VR game for those who couldn't otherwise experience some things, etc. Great book! On to the next one!
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