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Irrelevant Jack #1
Irrelevant Jack
Jack is violently pulled into a game-like universe and dumped into a seaside town on the brink of destruction. When the people of Blackmoor Cove begin to ask about his combat role, Jack discovers his odd Hero Class and finds that parts of his game interface are riddled with exposed coding errors. He quickly learns that the only way the town can grow and push back the unknown substance threatening to consume it is if brave Heroes venture into an infinitely high, ever-changing tower, kill bizarre monsters for their valuable equipment drops, and then deposit those items into a special chest. As Jack struggles to level up and help save the people he has grown to care for, he learns the true nature of this simulated world and his destiny... But can he overcome his reckless nature and become the leader this strange world needs? This “Crunchy” GameLIT/LitRPG story Item-Based game mechanics, town building, countless unique monsters, boss fights, and cheaty special abilities.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
December 4, 2018
So this book is nothing like the previous Prax Venter books, it that I mean there is ZERO sex. So if that's what yanks your chain, move on. With that said, this was a fun read. The MC was someone that I enjoyed reading about, and the AI was also humorous. This is an alien, multi-dimensional, VR (but not quite VR) book. That's what I have it listed as a litrpg as well as an alt world not vr. This is one of those questions that keeps popping up over and over again. If you were living in a simulation, would that make you a real person or not? What is it that makes us "alive" so to speak and does that only pertain to "human" like creatures. This story was a fun start, but there are some things in here that left me wanting more fleshed out. It almost feels as if the end of this book was kinda smashed together, and I would have liked to see more interaction between the three main characters. The book was a bit too faced paced for what I would have liked. TBH, this book without being redundant could have easily been split into two. With that said, this is still a good read and I think that this will be one of those books that you enjoy.
December 26, 2018
Slow start but lots of fun once it got going. Not literature, not even close, just an enjoyable dungeon crawl read with pleasing progress and some fun quirks and world building
I have some time today, so let me explore why I liked this book in a little more depth because it's not a book that most people would rate 4 stars of 5 on normal merit. Its characters are wafer thin puppets. Its world is a set for a play, not a real breathing environment. Its lead's "hero's journey" is delivered with "tell don't show (sic)". So on the surface this book is crap.
Now, let me explain why I thought it was a blast and why I can't wait for book 2: it's a lot of fun to read. The author knows enough that his set dressing is weak. Instead, he focuses on the tower and the dungeon climb. The floors feel fresh and imaginative. And as the hero works his way up, they begin to take one a bit more shape and respond to his character and to that of his companions. Starting alone, he soon gains two of them and then at the end a third, so there will be a full party by the start of volume 2.
The leveling system is "beat a floor, gain a level", so you can't just farm your way to extra HP at low levels. You're rewarded for risk and pushing on to harder bosses, which makes the story more engaging to read. Plus, the second Jack's given an overpowered item, you know it has a ticking "sell by" date, and it plays its role perfectly.
Jack's love interest is Boring McBoringface (and judgy to boot) but not so annoying that I put the book down. She's redeemed somewhat as the story moves on, as are most of the paper cutout towns folk. In fact, the world seems to grow more real as Jack faces down the enemy and pushes the edges of his experience to gain a wider understanding of his world.
Jack himself is Impulse McImpulseface because he has no real characteristics or flaws to bring to the table, but who cares? His job is to explain the game, play the game, and strategize the game and he does a great job of that. His interaction with his side kick, aka Exposition McExpositionface, is fun, light, and to the point.
This book also has one of the best Isekai reasons ever, one that allows all the superficially shallow things to make sense and support the story. The author isn't coy about this. Hints are dropped from the very start, and confirmed early. It's a clever approach and one that really added to my enjoyment.
And just when I thought the tower crawl was the main attraction, it turns out that the author also brought in settlement building! Even more fun.
So, while this is admittedly a crappy book of low writing quality and poorly developed characters, I'd happily read it again and am looking forward to the sequel. In the end, books don't just grow our minds and expand our thoughts, they also entertain. This one entertained and put a big smile on my face. I'm happy for that.
I have some time today, so let me explore why I liked this book in a little more depth because it's not a book that most people would rate 4 stars of 5 on normal merit. Its characters are wafer thin puppets. Its world is a set for a play, not a real breathing environment. Its lead's "hero's journey" is delivered with "tell don't show (sic)". So on the surface this book is crap.
Now, let me explain why I thought it was a blast and why I can't wait for book 2: it's a lot of fun to read. The author knows enough that his set dressing is weak. Instead, he focuses on the tower and the dungeon climb. The floors feel fresh and imaginative. And as the hero works his way up, they begin to take one a bit more shape and respond to his character and to that of his companions. Starting alone, he soon gains two of them and then at the end a third, so there will be a full party by the start of volume 2.
The leveling system is "beat a floor, gain a level", so you can't just farm your way to extra HP at low levels. You're rewarded for risk and pushing on to harder bosses, which makes the story more engaging to read. Plus, the second Jack's given an overpowered item, you know it has a ticking "sell by" date, and it plays its role perfectly.
Jack's love interest is Boring McBoringface (and judgy to boot) but not so annoying that I put the book down. She's redeemed somewhat as the story moves on, as are most of the paper cutout towns folk. In fact, the world seems to grow more real as Jack faces down the enemy and pushes the edges of his experience to gain a wider understanding of his world.
Jack himself is Impulse McImpulseface because he has no real characteristics or flaws to bring to the table, but who cares? His job is to explain the game, play the game, and strategize the game and he does a great job of that. His interaction with his side kick, aka Exposition McExpositionface, is fun, light, and to the point.
This book also has one of the best Isekai reasons ever, one that allows all the superficially shallow things to make sense and support the story. The author isn't coy about this. Hints are dropped from the very start, and confirmed early. It's a clever approach and one that really added to my enjoyment.
And just when I thought the tower crawl was the main attraction, it turns out that the author also brought in settlement building! Even more fun.
So, while this is admittedly a crappy book of low writing quality and poorly developed characters, I'd happily read it again and am looking forward to the sequel. In the end, books don't just grow our minds and expand our thoughts, they also entertain. This one entertained and put a big smile on my face. I'm happy for that.
February 24, 2020
First of, the concept is interesting and fun. Some other parts are good too, but some are downright horrendous. The first thing is the love interest, she's described as being extremely attractive, again and again. Not only does the main character seem to be very shallow, he also seems like a fifteen year old.
The main character is of course a chosen one, and (almost) everyone just accepts him appearing out of nowhere and taking charge of everyone's lives.
There were enough good parts to keep me going, but at several moments I had to take a break from cringing at bad characters or god awful love story.
And for those who like to listen, the audiobook is pretty bad, unless of course you like multiple narrators, then it's probably passable.
The main character is of course a chosen one, and (almost) everyone just accepts him appearing out of nowhere and taking charge of everyone's lives.
There were enough good parts to keep me going, but at several moments I had to take a break from cringing at bad characters or god awful love story.
And for those who like to listen, the audiobook is pretty bad, unless of course you like multiple narrators, then it's probably passable.
August 11, 2019
I thought i'd really enjoy this book but i just couldnt seem to care. Made it about 40%
December 7, 2018
This is one of those books that nonLitRPG fans can read and enjoy, while still providing enjoyment to those who really like the genre. This one is very well edited, so you won't find more than a handful of the typical grammar and typo errors in this one that is so prevalent in other books of this type. There is an odd progression in that characters don't actually gain xp, they only level up when they've cleared a floor of a tower. There is also an extremely limited skill set, and stats are (mostly) based on the equipment one wears. I'm sure some LitRPG purists won't like this book because of those kinds of things, but I assure you, this book is definitely worth the read, and I for one sincerely hope the author continues with the series, as I'd love to see more in this world, and find out just how it is that jack finds and clears the other towers mentioned in this book, that will be an interesting ride to be sure.
June 10, 2019
A really cool mix
This story mixes the portal genre, the tower climb and a minor settlement build streak.
It's really well done and will scratch all the itches of these type of stories. Book 2 is out now, which means you'll be able to get quite a bit all at once.
The main character starts out somewhat unlikeable but has things turned around fairly early in the story to make it a nice and entertaining "journey" as opposed to the slog of a long transition.
A lot of the mechanics, especially the "specialness" of the MC, are also well thought out and executed.
There are some minor that come to mind but nothing that should reduce your enjoyment of the story.
This story mixes the portal genre, the tower climb and a minor settlement build streak.
It's really well done and will scratch all the itches of these type of stories. Book 2 is out now, which means you'll be able to get quite a bit all at once.
The main character starts out somewhat unlikeable but has things turned around fairly early in the story to make it a nice and entertaining "journey" as opposed to the slog of a long transition.
A lot of the mechanics, especially the "specialness" of the MC, are also well thought out and executed.
There are some minor that come to mind but nothing that should reduce your enjoyment of the story.
December 4, 2018
Good read
I found the story really interesting. Love the way the author feeds you information about the back story that explains what is going on then. Also that it's a sci/fy fantasy story as well as a character development and town building story as well. Lots of interesting things going on here.
I found the story really interesting. Love the way the author feeds you information about the back story that explains what is going on then. Also that it's a sci/fy fantasy story as well as a character development and town building story as well. Lots of interesting things going on here.
March 1, 2019
A big step above your average litrpg
I really appreciate the effort that Prax has put into creating this world. The main character has motivations, and the secondary characters are driven by their wants and needs as well. While there exist some plot holes, overall the story is fairly solid.
I'm looking forward to getting the next entry in the series.
I really appreciate the effort that Prax has put into creating this world. The main character has motivations, and the secondary characters are driven by their wants and needs as well. While there exist some plot holes, overall the story is fairly solid.
I'm looking forward to getting the next entry in the series.
November 7, 2019
A little unlike any other RPGlit I've read.
By this point I've lost count of all the game lit books I've read. One of the reasons why I've lost count is that they are all so similar that they blend together in my mind. Some have slightly better characters doing the same old thing, or slightly better world building for characters to do the same old thing in.
In the end the hacking and slashing at monsters with a sword in this book reads much the same as any other books with a few unique differences. How jack gets into the game world is different, and the game dynamics in this world work differently. Here there are no experience points. Jack must clear the next level to advance. Repeating a level gives no experience and few equipment upgrades. Only by beating the next new level boss can jack advance, and each new boss is deadlier than the last. Oh and if jack dies in the game that's it.
Another interesting game dynamic is the town leveling mechanics. As the town levels there are more services and amenities in the town to help the heroes and towns folk, But the higher the town level the more it attracts monsters that attack the town.
So it's still basically standard and familiar with heroes fighting monsters with medieval weapons with a few interesting differences. Oh and one more stand out here...
Possibly the most unique difference is the personal growth of our protagonist Jack. He realizes that sometimes he can be a bit of a jerk. Jack strives to take on more of a leadership roll wile his instincts urge him to go off exploring and see what's around the next corner. When Jack realizes that he's screwed up he can get defensive. But here's the shocker- Jack starts to learn and makes a conscious effort to change his behavior and attitude. I especially loved that resolving to do better was not enough to bring about a snap change, and that it took practical effort and making different choices over and over. It's the time and effort Jack invests in personal improvement that stands out.
Well done again Mr. Venter.
By this point I've lost count of all the game lit books I've read. One of the reasons why I've lost count is that they are all so similar that they blend together in my mind. Some have slightly better characters doing the same old thing, or slightly better world building for characters to do the same old thing in.
In the end the hacking and slashing at monsters with a sword in this book reads much the same as any other books with a few unique differences. How jack gets into the game world is different, and the game dynamics in this world work differently. Here there are no experience points. Jack must clear the next level to advance. Repeating a level gives no experience and few equipment upgrades. Only by beating the next new level boss can jack advance, and each new boss is deadlier than the last. Oh and if jack dies in the game that's it.
Another interesting game dynamic is the town leveling mechanics. As the town levels there are more services and amenities in the town to help the heroes and towns folk, But the higher the town level the more it attracts monsters that attack the town.
So it's still basically standard and familiar with heroes fighting monsters with medieval weapons with a few interesting differences. Oh and one more stand out here...
Possibly the most unique difference is the personal growth of our protagonist Jack. He realizes that sometimes he can be a bit of a jerk. Jack strives to take on more of a leadership roll wile his instincts urge him to go off exploring and see what's around the next corner. When Jack realizes that he's screwed up he can get defensive. But here's the shocker- Jack starts to learn and makes a conscious effort to change his behavior and attitude. I especially loved that resolving to do better was not enough to bring about a snap change, and that it took practical effort and making different choices over and over. It's the time and effort Jack invests in personal improvement that stands out.
Well done again Mr. Venter.
August 14, 2020
This book did not work well for me and I was really only able to finish it due to the frequent monster fights. The MC, Jack, is on a mine surveying team and the story opens with Jack asking to lead his own team and basically being told he is too immature. So the author lays out Jack's impending character growth in a sentence.
Jack returns to work but wanders down a side tunnel away from his team to pee. Jack, however, discovers a spaceship and is uploaded into a VR game to save the universe. The spaceship, it turns out, discovered a universe devouring fungus but then it also discovered that the fungus can't distinguish between the real world and the virtual so the crew uploaded themselves into a virtual game to keep the fungus too distracted to eat the universe. The VR game has been going on for years and all the crew are now dead inside the game and the fungus is about to win when Jack shows up.
While uploading Jack the spaceship's AI discovered a way to insert itself into the game. The AI becomes Jack's somewhat over-powered familiar. Jack is assigned the "hero" class which means he can go on dungeon dives in the town's tower and bring items out. These items upgrade the town and push the "corruption" (the virtual presence of the universe devouring fungus) back.
Upon arriving in the virtual world Jack meets the only remaining hero in town, Lex, who, conveniently enough is a young beautiful woman, so just like that Jack's love interest is sorted. Lex is concerned that Jack is a reckless dungeon diver and won't party with him at first but, predictably, Jack wins her over and they soon start making eyes at each other.
Together Jack and Lex move up the tower until they get to level 25 where Lex lost her mother years before. Upon entering Lex is shocked to find the level exactly as she left it since levels are constantly changing. It turns out that one of Lex's old teammates, Thymus, was still alive on the floor. The three make their escape and deal with the fallout of the return of Thymus. The end.
Bottom line: Weak story resolution, unimaginative characters.
Jack returns to work but wanders down a side tunnel away from his team to pee. Jack, however, discovers a spaceship and is uploaded into a VR game to save the universe. The spaceship, it turns out, discovered a universe devouring fungus but then it also discovered that the fungus can't distinguish between the real world and the virtual so the crew uploaded themselves into a virtual game to keep the fungus too distracted to eat the universe. The VR game has been going on for years and all the crew are now dead inside the game and the fungus is about to win when Jack shows up.
While uploading Jack the spaceship's AI discovered a way to insert itself into the game. The AI becomes Jack's somewhat over-powered familiar. Jack is assigned the "hero" class which means he can go on dungeon dives in the town's tower and bring items out. These items upgrade the town and push the "corruption" (the virtual presence of the universe devouring fungus) back.
Upon arriving in the virtual world Jack meets the only remaining hero in town, Lex, who, conveniently enough is a young beautiful woman, so just like that Jack's love interest is sorted. Lex is concerned that Jack is a reckless dungeon diver and won't party with him at first but, predictably, Jack wins her over and they soon start making eyes at each other.
Together Jack and Lex move up the tower until they get to level 25 where Lex lost her mother years before. Upon entering Lex is shocked to find the level exactly as she left it since levels are constantly changing. It turns out that one of Lex's old teammates, Thymus, was still alive on the floor. The three make their escape and deal with the fallout of the return of Thymus. The end.
Bottom line: Weak story resolution, unimaginative characters.
December 31, 2019
I've known about Prax Venter. I've read some of his former... err... work. And I must admit I was very very wary of this one. So You can guess my surprise when I ended up binging the audiobook in as few sittings as I could physically manage.
The story is Good. The MC has his stupid moments, but not too many. The world is surprisingly believable, and the support characters are not too cardboardy, or just as fake as the story can justify (NPC, you know).
It's a very good LitRPG, with the usual LitRPG flaws: battle-time chatting, totally impractical to simply lethal interface mechanics...
But there are so much fewer eye-rolling moments in this book than the last I attempted, I just had to grudgingly admit that Prax Venter can write good stuff.
You like LitRPG? (oh excuuuuse me! Portal Fantasy!) Read this one.
The story is Good. The MC has his stupid moments, but not too many. The world is surprisingly believable, and the support characters are not too cardboardy, or just as fake as the story can justify (NPC, you know).
It's a very good LitRPG, with the usual LitRPG flaws: battle-time chatting, totally impractical to simply lethal interface mechanics...
But there are so much fewer eye-rolling moments in this book than the last I attempted, I just had to grudgingly admit that Prax Venter can write good stuff.
You like LitRPG? (oh excuuuuse me! Portal Fantasy!) Read this one.
December 7, 2018
Book one
Mistakes: Very well edited. Nothing found.
Plot: A different take on the trapped in a game storyline. Very interesting way of town building. Having to redo every floor when you enter isn't a New idea, but the time lock is. So the old mate being trapped in the tower for 12 years didn't really for my understanding of how everything worked.
Characters: likable and you can see some growth in his personality.
8/10 look forward to book two.
Mistakes: Very well edited. Nothing found.
Plot: A different take on the trapped in a game storyline. Very interesting way of town building. Having to redo every floor when you enter isn't a New idea, but the time lock is. So the old mate being trapped in the tower for 12 years didn't really for my understanding of how everything worked.
Characters: likable and you can see some growth in his personality.
8/10 look forward to book two.
March 19, 2019
First of all the cover, ugh! I was a bit creeped out by the face on the cover. No, just no. And then I feel a bit weird saying this when so many others thought this was great, but it was just okay. I loved the transition from his life to the new reality and I liked his companion, but I got tired real fast of the endless tower. Going into the tower every day fighting from level one on up was not cool after a few chapters. I just wanted more. I probably won't be reading any follow up books.
November 26, 2018
Awesome book.
The book started off slowly but quickly picked up pace. The MC grows into his role and I loved the fact that the female protaganist is a strong lead. The characters relationship with each other has conflict, which makes them more relatabe. Enjoyed reading it and waiting for the next book.
The book started off slowly but quickly picked up pace. The MC grows into his role and I loved the fact that the female protaganist is a strong lead. The characters relationship with each other has conflict, which makes them more relatabe. Enjoyed reading it and waiting for the next book.
December 10, 2018
Interesting start
Interesting start to the series. The set up is a little different, which is always appreciated. The game world is different as well, not your standard game or GameLit book. The random nature of things keeps it interesting and different. The city building element fits right in with it. Overall, a pretty good novel!
Interesting start to the series. The set up is a little different, which is always appreciated. The game world is different as well, not your standard game or GameLit book. The random nature of things keeps it interesting and different. The city building element fits right in with it. Overall, a pretty good novel!
January 18, 2019
Pretty good start to a unique litrpg setting.
This was a fun interesting read with a need to take on the genre. Very likeable main character and the author avoided some of the overly macho pitfalls that you see in a lot of these books.
I am looking forward to the next installment.
This was a fun interesting read with a need to take on the genre. Very likeable main character and the author avoided some of the overly macho pitfalls that you see in a lot of these books.
I am looking forward to the next installment.
December 2, 2018
Well worth reading.
I really enjoyed the background premise for the MC involvement in the world. I look forward to seeing how the town evolves in the next book, and really enjoyed the creativity and game references in the tower levels.
I really enjoyed the background premise for the MC involvement in the world. I look forward to seeing how the town evolves in the next book, and really enjoyed the creativity and game references in the tower levels.
December 13, 2018
Decent first book
Sympathetic characters, compelling quest and world building. Yet another unique take on the genre. I had a little difficulty swallowing the premise, but it was still entertaining.
Sympathetic characters, compelling quest and world building. Yet another unique take on the genre. I had a little difficulty swallowing the premise, but it was still entertaining.
December 29, 2018
A fun quick story
I read this book after reading several reviews. I found it enjoyable and I do hope the author continues to write. The premise at the beginning through me for a loop, but grew on me as the story continued. At the end I was longing to read more.
I read this book after reading several reviews. I found it enjoyable and I do hope the author continues to write. The premise at the beginning through me for a loop, but grew on me as the story continued. At the end I was longing to read more.
January 18, 2019
Entertaining and just different enough!
On the surface, this might seem like any other litrpg, but in reality you are in for a pleasant surprise. Check out. You won't be disappointed.
On the surface, this might seem like any other litrpg, but in reality you are in for a pleasant surprise. Check out. You won't be disappointed.
June 20, 2020
Pretty dull start and after listening too about 45 % I just couldn't take it any longer. It was filled with boring content, lack luster plot where nothing interesting actually happened, carbon copy personalities, plot holes you could drive a semi through.
December 7, 2018
Wonderful!
This is a must read book that's easy to read and enjoy this is a love story can't wait to read next book to see where this story goes?
This is a must read book that's easy to read and enjoy this is a love story can't wait to read next book to see where this story goes?
December 9, 2018
Awesome
This is a great book. I look forward to the next one.
No harems. No sex. Well thought out and written.
This is a great book. I look forward to the next one.
No harems. No sex. Well thought out and written.
December 9, 2018
Loved this! Can’t wait for part 2!
So this book was GREAT, really fun to read! Interesting game mechanic as it pertains to leveling and an overall interesting LitRPG setting.
So this book was GREAT, really fun to read! Interesting game mechanic as it pertains to leveling and an overall interesting LitRPG setting.
December 13, 2018
Very readable litrpg
Better than average litrpg story. Young male protagonist with a game cheat and a chip on his shoulder tries to grow into a hero.
Better than average litrpg story. Young male protagonist with a game cheat and a chip on his shoulder tries to grow into a hero.
January 2, 2019
Refreshing
Great story about growing up and learning about one’s self. I saw a lot of myself and my flaws in the MC but immensely enjoyed the journey. Can’t wait for book 2.
Great story about growing up and learning about one’s self. I saw a lot of myself and my flaws in the MC but immensely enjoyed the journey. Can’t wait for book 2.
February 9, 2020
This was a story I considered reading a few times, but the synopsis just didn't give me the extra little push I needed to dive in. I'm glad I finally got to it, since this was an enjoyable story.
The book starts off a bit slow, but gets into the game world somewhere around 20 pages in (7% mark or so). The game world setup felt pretty fresh to me since Jack finds himself in a small, coastal fishing town that is on the brink of destruction by an advancing poisonous corruption. The corruption will periodically spawn monsters that attack the town and must be dealt with and the corruption itself will kill any of the game world's native NPCs on contact. The only way to fight against the corruption (so far) is to go into the town's Tower, collect loot of value, and feed it to the town as an energy source.
The Tower is a structure with 100 floors that are random each day with themed monsters and a boss on each floor. A Hero goes into the tower, kills monsters for drops, finds chests with loot, and defeats a boss to gain access to the next floor. Advancing to the next floor is an all-or-nothing proposition for loot. You can exit the tower after killing a boss and take your loot with you, but if you have to run to an exit and leave while the floor boss is still alive, you lose all your accumulated loot from that day.
I really liked the setup of this story. The things I didn't like so much mostly involved the character, Jack. He's an idiot. Luckily, there's a character arc at play and he does improve, but I still find him pretty juvenile in his thinking, especially during the romance-ish scenes. I'm all for Zero-to-Hero storylines, I just wish that the character could start off being intelligent and normal and then just get even better with experience. Jack is kind of dumb and quick to anger, so he was a bit annoying early on. I feel like my ability to stay with this series will be determined by whether Jack keeps growing, gets smarter and more mature, or if he just stays at his current point and starts getting praised by everyone. I can't help but see that as a possibility too since none of the characters are what I would call deep thinkers.
I still think this was a pretty good story and I would recommend it to anyone, not just existing LitRPG fans, but also people with no idea what this genre is and are looking to test the waters.
The book starts off a bit slow, but gets into the game world somewhere around 20 pages in (7% mark or so). The game world setup felt pretty fresh to me since Jack finds himself in a small, coastal fishing town that is on the brink of destruction by an advancing poisonous corruption. The corruption will periodically spawn monsters that attack the town and must be dealt with and the corruption itself will kill any of the game world's native NPCs on contact. The only way to fight against the corruption (so far) is to go into the town's Tower, collect loot of value, and feed it to the town as an energy source.
The Tower is a structure with 100 floors that are random each day with themed monsters and a boss on each floor. A Hero goes into the tower, kills monsters for drops, finds chests with loot, and defeats a boss to gain access to the next floor. Advancing to the next floor is an all-or-nothing proposition for loot. You can exit the tower after killing a boss and take your loot with you, but if you have to run to an exit and leave while the floor boss is still alive, you lose all your accumulated loot from that day.
I really liked the setup of this story. The things I didn't like so much mostly involved the character, Jack. He's an idiot. Luckily, there's a character arc at play and he does improve, but I still find him pretty juvenile in his thinking, especially during the romance-ish scenes. I'm all for Zero-to-Hero storylines, I just wish that the character could start off being intelligent and normal and then just get even better with experience. Jack is kind of dumb and quick to anger, so he was a bit annoying early on. I feel like my ability to stay with this series will be determined by whether Jack keeps growing, gets smarter and more mature, or if he just stays at his current point and starts getting praised by everyone. I can't help but see that as a possibility too since none of the characters are what I would call deep thinkers.
I still think this was a pretty good story and I would recommend it to anyone, not just existing LitRPG fans, but also people with no idea what this genre is and are looking to test the waters.
August 27, 2020
Cool idea, not a good introduction.
I really wanted to like this, but could barely get through it. The reason it’s getting three stars and not two is because there is clearly the ability for this series to improve. The part that killed me first was the first several chapters. You are basically as lost as the character trying to figure out what is going on. Have you ever seen how an infant has an in ability to hold its head up? Basically that’s you in the beginning of this one. You’re kind of flopping around wondering what the hell is going on and why am I being passed around like this.
I feel like the social tension that was brought in to bring drama fell a little flat and the characters were not exactly 2D but not 3D either. Basically they were like a relief you’d see on an old temple like the Pantheon: really cool but ultimately no depth.
Now, even with all this, after several (what felt like a lot of severals) chapters later where the plot is revealed, it’s a cool twist that I haven’t seen to much of, so I will tip my hat for the creativity.
The problem was the initial approach. While it was cool that the reader was kind of in the same bot as the MC in regard to information, in the end it was kind of frustrating that you had to get through a good bit of the book until you understand what’s going on.
As I said though, the book and the series all together has a lot of potential. Probably won’t go further into the series, but not an awe full read.
I really wanted to like this, but could barely get through it. The reason it’s getting three stars and not two is because there is clearly the ability for this series to improve. The part that killed me first was the first several chapters. You are basically as lost as the character trying to figure out what is going on. Have you ever seen how an infant has an in ability to hold its head up? Basically that’s you in the beginning of this one. You’re kind of flopping around wondering what the hell is going on and why am I being passed around like this.
I feel like the social tension that was brought in to bring drama fell a little flat and the characters were not exactly 2D but not 3D either. Basically they were like a relief you’d see on an old temple like the Pantheon: really cool but ultimately no depth.
Now, even with all this, after several (what felt like a lot of severals) chapters later where the plot is revealed, it’s a cool twist that I haven’t seen to much of, so I will tip my hat for the creativity.
The problem was the initial approach. While it was cool that the reader was kind of in the same bot as the MC in regard to information, in the end it was kind of frustrating that you had to get through a good bit of the book until you understand what’s going on.
As I said though, the book and the series all together has a lot of potential. Probably won’t go further into the series, but not an awe full read.
March 4, 2020
an engaging story
First off... Like I usually start my reviews... Worng words and or misspellings. I don't understand how ebooks have so many.
Otherwise let me get onto the review
So I have been avoiding these books for a while. Towers that change doesn't sound interesting to me. I want the main character to explore. However the title of the books in my mind were clever and I kept thinking I should try these. I am glad I did. The writer actually makes it interesting with the town and characters and the changing towers. I like the characters and would have given a better rating if not for two things. 1 as I mentioned above, proofreading! And 2, how the writer talks about Rhea. We get it she's overweight, large fat, obese or however you want to describe her. I am not sure why the writer feels Everytime he describes her has to mention stubby hands or clomping her feet etc... I'm not sure what the writer has against overweight people but it's not fun to read. Also he gives her no real feelings. Like she is fat so she doesn't have a love interest. In fact jack hardly notices her in that way at all except to describe how big she is. It's too bad too because otherwise the writer writes very well.
First off... Like I usually start my reviews... Worng words and or misspellings. I don't understand how ebooks have so many.
Otherwise let me get onto the review
So I have been avoiding these books for a while. Towers that change doesn't sound interesting to me. I want the main character to explore. However the title of the books in my mind were clever and I kept thinking I should try these. I am glad I did. The writer actually makes it interesting with the town and characters and the changing towers. I like the characters and would have given a better rating if not for two things. 1 as I mentioned above, proofreading! And 2, how the writer talks about Rhea. We get it she's overweight, large fat, obese or however you want to describe her. I am not sure why the writer feels Everytime he describes her has to mention stubby hands or clomping her feet etc... I'm not sure what the writer has against overweight people but it's not fun to read. Also he gives her no real feelings. Like she is fat so she doesn't have a love interest. In fact jack hardly notices her in that way at all except to describe how big she is. It's too bad too because otherwise the writer writes very well.
January 11, 2023
First published in November 2018, the adult fantasy novel, "Irrelevant Jack," by Prax Venter, is an excellent research read for anyone studying the incorporation of gaming narrative/gamer narrative into the traditional storytelling style of a novel.
This book is really well done. Jack is a twenty-something guy who works in a vaguely (and inaccurately) described hardrock mine somewhere in Central or South America, when a chance encounter in an old tunnel leaves him in a frightening, surreal situation.
To say anything more would be a spoiler. Suffice it to say, figuring out just what the heck is going on, and why, is a big part of the fun in reading this book.
As a traditional Star Wars-type story, this novel is a trope fest. It hits all the satisfying story beats of a traditional hero's journey.
I'd recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys playing video games, especially video RPGs.
Please be warned that this book is the first in a series, and the story definitely isn't completed in this first book. I do not plan to continue reading this series. For my own research purposes, my journey with Jack ends here.
Four stars. Highly recommended for gamers.
This book is really well done. Jack is a twenty-something guy who works in a vaguely (and inaccurately) described hardrock mine somewhere in Central or South America, when a chance encounter in an old tunnel leaves him in a frightening, surreal situation.
To say anything more would be a spoiler. Suffice it to say, figuring out just what the heck is going on, and why, is a big part of the fun in reading this book.
As a traditional Star Wars-type story, this novel is a trope fest. It hits all the satisfying story beats of a traditional hero's journey.
I'd recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys playing video games, especially video RPGs.
Please be warned that this book is the first in a series, and the story definitely isn't completed in this first book. I do not plan to continue reading this series. For my own research purposes, my journey with Jack ends here.
Four stars. Highly recommended for gamers.
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