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The Stork Tower #5
Ipseity
A simple error leaves Leah with a unique Neural Enhancement Chip and a rapidly evolving AI implanted in her brain. In 'Nascent', she evaded kidnapping by virtual slavers and helped shut down some operations of the virtual crime syndicate that uses mind-controlled players as slaves. In 'Odyssey', she not only found a way to escape but she also uncovered deeper plots being carried out in both the virtual multi-universe and reality. In 'Change', Leah began learning how to use the additional connections her chip has made throughout her body. The Pod facility she opened expanded as she helped others from her neighbourhood. She discovered that the crime syndicate has an even greater presence in the virtual multiverse than she’d imagined. As she begins to unravel some of their secrets, they tarnish her reputation and kidnap.
In 'Rescue' Leah hacked the secure Vault where an AI friend of hers had been archived. She not only managed to retrieve her friend but uncovered a deeper conspiracy she has yet to understand. She succeeded in downloading a secure file she'd stolen from the crime syndicate although she hasn't yet managed to understand what it means. Leah also managed to rescue her mother from the crime syndicate but not before her mother had an AI chip inserted in her brain. She not only discovers that her boyfriend's family controls their own crime syndicate, but he is being controlled virtually by his parents.
In 'Ipseity' Leah discovers that the syndicate inserted a dangerously modified AI chip in her mother, the police are actively investigating her activities, her neural architecture is continuing to change, and her enemies are becoming more numerous and determined. Also, she works to rescue her boyfriend, continue her studies at MIT, understand the broader conspiracy, save her mother, complete quests in three virtual worlds, build her growing business empire, and set her AI free.
In 'Rescue' Leah hacked the secure Vault where an AI friend of hers had been archived. She not only managed to retrieve her friend but uncovered a deeper conspiracy she has yet to understand. She succeeded in downloading a secure file she'd stolen from the crime syndicate although she hasn't yet managed to understand what it means. Leah also managed to rescue her mother from the crime syndicate but not before her mother had an AI chip inserted in her brain. She not only discovers that her boyfriend's family controls their own crime syndicate, but he is being controlled virtually by his parents.
In 'Ipseity' Leah discovers that the syndicate inserted a dangerously modified AI chip in her mother, the police are actively investigating her activities, her neural architecture is continuing to change, and her enemies are becoming more numerous and determined. Also, she works to rescue her boyfriend, continue her studies at MIT, understand the broader conspiracy, save her mother, complete quests in three virtual worlds, build her growing business empire, and set her AI free.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2018
206 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 1, 2022
[2022]:- I forgot how crazy this world is for Atherleah. I'm loving it all though.
[2019]:- I'm so glad the author provides a quick look at the next book, because that last scene was a total WTF moment! I got the feels in this again, triggers and such, but I read through my tears. It's so good. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
[2019]:- I'm so glad the author provides a quick look at the next book, because that last scene was a total WTF moment! I got the feels in this again, triggers and such, but I read through my tears. It's so good. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
July 24, 2023
I’m becoming a bit frustrated with this series and I almost thought about giving up. It isn’t because the basic story is that bad, but it isn’t getting anywhere. When it looks like some progress is being made the author just leaves it and puts in yet another monster killing session or a new irrelevant quest.
There are still millions of slaves, the government is corrupt and the murdering owners of the big corporations are still carrying on enslaving people. It’s been well over two thousand pages and Leah has made no progress. The author has made Leah a very strong character with high moral standards, but this isn’t reflected in the way he has her prioritise her tasks. Why is she off hunting for diamonds when people are being enslaved with bombs in their heads? This is not to say I don’t like some of the little excursions, especially Captain Charlotte, but I also want the main story to make some headway.
I suppose part of my problem is I am more used to heroines/heroes who would have gone for a more straightforward solution of eliminating the murderers in the ‘real’ world, rather than just ineffectually poking them in a virtual one.
Also fantasy books often require you to suspend your disbelief, but when you start to question one aspect of the book, it becomes more difficult not to notice the inconsistencies in the story.
Finally I’m getting really sick of authors who can’t finish a book without a cliff-hanger ending.
There are still millions of slaves, the government is corrupt and the murdering owners of the big corporations are still carrying on enslaving people. It’s been well over two thousand pages and Leah has made no progress. The author has made Leah a very strong character with high moral standards, but this isn’t reflected in the way he has her prioritise her tasks. Why is she off hunting for diamonds when people are being enslaved with bombs in their heads? This is not to say I don’t like some of the little excursions, especially Captain Charlotte, but I also want the main story to make some headway.
I suppose part of my problem is I am more used to heroines/heroes who would have gone for a more straightforward solution of eliminating the murderers in the ‘real’ world, rather than just ineffectually poking them in a virtual one.
Also fantasy books often require you to suspend your disbelief, but when you start to question one aspect of the book, it becomes more difficult not to notice the inconsistencies in the story.
Finally I’m getting really sick of authors who can’t finish a book without a cliff-hanger ending.
December 20, 2018
Oh man!
This is one of my favorite series and I love it that it continues to stay fresh and deliver on what I like.
What I didn't like was the cliffhanger, but I'll accept it as a launching point for the next.
The shifting between worlds seems to have really hit it's stride and it's being done so well, moving the multiple stories forward without negatively affecting any of them.
This is one of my favorite series and I love it that it continues to stay fresh and deliver on what I like.
What I didn't like was the cliffhanger, but I'll accept it as a launching point for the next.
The shifting between worlds seems to have really hit it's stride and it's being done so well, moving the multiple stories forward without negatively affecting any of them.
December 19, 2018
Great book
Another great book as always and I can't wait for the next one to see what happens next this book is definitely worth the money :)
Another great book as always and I can't wait for the next one to see what happens next this book is definitely worth the money :)
December 16, 2018
WwWow!
Loving the mc more than ever! Love how there's so much going on! Liking how there's momentum building with the mc, how her skills, abilities and character are developing! Such complexity in an amazing multiverse!
Loving the mc more than ever! Love how there's so much going on! Liking how there's momentum building with the mc, how her skills, abilities and character are developing! Such complexity in an amazing multiverse!
December 14, 2018
OMG AWESOME
So many layers. So many different things going on at once. From continuing to battle with the Kodoman's to rescuing more of the enslaved, including trying to help her boyfriend Thad. This series is a MUST READ for anyone who is a fan of LITRPG genre. I am thrilled with the latest installment in the series. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
So many layers. So many different things going on at once. From continuing to battle with the Kodoman's to rescuing more of the enslaved, including trying to help her boyfriend Thad. This series is a MUST READ for anyone who is a fan of LITRPG genre. I am thrilled with the latest installment in the series. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
December 15, 2018
Awesome book
This is book. Perfect continuation of the story. Haven't been able to put it down but it still took a day and a half for me to finish there was so much to read. Thank you Mr Corden this is my favourite series of books and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
This is book. Perfect continuation of the story. Haven't been able to put it down but it still took a day and a half for me to finish there was so much to read. Thank you Mr Corden this is my favourite series of books and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
February 25, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
June 27, 2024
Some questions 🤔
This series is friggin amazing....my 2nd time reading it. I like it that much!
SPOILER ALERT
I do have a few questions that puzzle me n wondering 🤔 does anyone else? Like WHY is Leah always so concerned she'll die while in game? It's obviously not a big deal for anyone else. She will resurrect after all. This ends with her in game escape pod blowing up.....yeah go again. How can her mom be hijacked online? OK she's got to log in so her PAI doesn't explode but every pod has safety measures so, she logs in, stays idk 20 minutes and they shut the pod down from outside as it's been show can be done. Then rinse n repeat. I know, I know book logic.
I also wanted to comment on 1 of her game trials in the dungeon when she has to pass her friends dying in a scenario 😢 she questioned afterwards how she could do it because as it goes on she finally loose it. She looses it reliving the little fawn dying. I thought it logical. Deep down she understands her friends can't truly die because they are "real" people. The fawn though is a game character but so completely real to her it's devastating 💔 because she couldn't resurrect like her friends. It's subconscious. Like when Wisp died she KNEW it wasn't real but the knee jerk reaction devastated her for a few minutes. Sorry blabbering but I'm wishing this was a book club book lol.
This series is friggin amazing....my 2nd time reading it. I like it that much!
SPOILER ALERT
I do have a few questions that puzzle me n wondering 🤔 does anyone else? Like WHY is Leah always so concerned she'll die while in game? It's obviously not a big deal for anyone else. She will resurrect after all. This ends with her in game escape pod blowing up.....yeah go again. How can her mom be hijacked online? OK she's got to log in so her PAI doesn't explode but every pod has safety measures so, she logs in, stays idk 20 minutes and they shut the pod down from outside as it's been show can be done. Then rinse n repeat. I know, I know book logic.
I also wanted to comment on 1 of her game trials in the dungeon when she has to pass her friends dying in a scenario 😢 she questioned afterwards how she could do it because as it goes on she finally loose it. She looses it reliving the little fawn dying. I thought it logical. Deep down she understands her friends can't truly die because they are "real" people. The fawn though is a game character but so completely real to her it's devastating 💔 because she couldn't resurrect like her friends. It's subconscious. Like when Wisp died she KNEW it wasn't real but the knee jerk reaction devastated her for a few minutes. Sorry blabbering but I'm wishing this was a book club book lol.
July 9, 2020
Good but getting frustrated
First off I really enjoyed the world and the concept. A good change from the litrpg stuff I’ve been picking up recently. Really liking the portal jumping, AIs, and virtual multiverse. Though MC is starting to spread herself pretty thin at this point. I’m starting having some problems with the MC and author though. We get it, right is right, wrong is wrong, you don’t need to moralize every 5 pages. I just ended up skipping through the repetitive soapbox pages. It has seemed like a bit of a plot hole to me throughout the series that the antagonists have to take real people as slaves through their coding and hacking skills in order to have slaves in their VR? Wouldn’t someone that has those technical skills just make NPCs? Can subvert PAI and hack implants but can’t just code NPCs? I could get past that just based on the enjoyment of the VR multiverse that she’s jumping through if it was for the ultra righteous personality. Will look for some other recommendations and maybe come back to the series after a bit of a break.
First off I really enjoyed the world and the concept. A good change from the litrpg stuff I’ve been picking up recently. Really liking the portal jumping, AIs, and virtual multiverse. Though MC is starting to spread herself pretty thin at this point. I’m starting having some problems with the MC and author though. We get it, right is right, wrong is wrong, you don’t need to moralize every 5 pages. I just ended up skipping through the repetitive soapbox pages. It has seemed like a bit of a plot hole to me throughout the series that the antagonists have to take real people as slaves through their coding and hacking skills in order to have slaves in their VR? Wouldn’t someone that has those technical skills just make NPCs? Can subvert PAI and hack implants but can’t just code NPCs? I could get past that just based on the enjoyment of the VR multiverse that she’s jumping through if it was for the ultra righteous personality. Will look for some other recommendations and maybe come back to the series after a bit of a break.
December 20, 2018
Absolutely love the series: constructive comments offered
The moral constancy of the character is attractive, but predictable. The occasions where this lapses, particularly where her vulnerability is exposed, provides added depth. I would like her to evolve as an adult and make decisions that are morally ambiguous.
Also, could the author mix it up a bit wrt the challenges.?
The rote manner in which they play out is becoming tedious. Really liked the Survival curve for that very reason. Btw...who is your physics consult? Perhaps a nod to the help is in order? (apologies if I've missed it, or if you do not use any)
Really looking forward to the next book.
The moral constancy of the character is attractive, but predictable. The occasions where this lapses, particularly where her vulnerability is exposed, provides added depth. I would like her to evolve as an adult and make decisions that are morally ambiguous.
Also, could the author mix it up a bit wrt the challenges.?
The rote manner in which they play out is becoming tedious. Really liked the Survival curve for that very reason. Btw...who is your physics consult? Perhaps a nod to the help is in order? (apologies if I've missed it, or if you do not use any)
Really looking forward to the next book.
March 30, 2022
The author keeps adding plot lines while resolving nothing. There is no room for anything in this book to breathe. We jump from one neglected thread to another never accomplishing anything that matters. The plot hinges on absolutely untenable suspensions of disbelief and we are asked to hold that unearned belief for book after book with no real progress or resolution.
It feels like we will eventually be jumping between a dozen meaningless worlds full of half baked plot lines where we never know what actually matters and what is just some random fancy the author had and decided to cram in to the book.
It feels like we will eventually be jumping between a dozen meaningless worlds full of half baked plot lines where we never know what actually matters and what is just some random fancy the author had and decided to cram in to the book.
December 20, 2018
So Great!
I love how much happens in these books! There's just so much that is happening to the MC throughout that she has to juggle and figure out. It's amazing how the author has created these situations, making them feel so weighty and convoluted, yet making me care about everything the MCs having to fight and figure out. This is a literal Epic Litrpg series IMO and is way underrated, review numbers wise, and I dearly hope that changes in the future bc its just too good to miss out on!! Can't wait for the next one seriously!!
I love how much happens in these books! There's just so much that is happening to the MC throughout that she has to juggle and figure out. It's amazing how the author has created these situations, making them feel so weighty and convoluted, yet making me care about everything the MCs having to fight and figure out. This is a literal Epic Litrpg series IMO and is way underrated, review numbers wise, and I dearly hope that changes in the future bc its just too good to miss out on!! Can't wait for the next one seriously!!
December 24, 2018
Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!!
I really enjoyed this book.
It seems that's a twist with the AI implanted in Atherleah's mother, so after rescuing her, leah had to make her own twisty deal (while being a nuisance) with the Kodomans. They are still working on a solution to the problem of her (Atherleah's mother) being stuck in a ruthless survival game - and her loss of all memory of her daughter. Atherleah survives an assassination attempt on her life, which also brought about new complications that turned into new abilities.
I really enjoyed this book.
It seems that's a twist with the AI implanted in Atherleah's mother, so after rescuing her, leah had to make her own twisty deal (while being a nuisance) with the Kodomans. They are still working on a solution to the problem of her (Atherleah's mother) being stuck in a ruthless survival game - and her loss of all memory of her daughter. Atherleah survives an assassination attempt on her life, which also brought about new complications that turned into new abilities.
December 30, 2018
Excellent series
A few minor editing issues, hardly worth mentioning. I just finished re-reading books 1 to 4 and now book 5. This is in my top 3 favourite series. The plots inside plots and multiple world building scenarios is amazing and the MC development makes me like her and I readily identify with her morales. It's fantastic enough but consistently believable within the context the author has created. A must read if you like the genre, in my opinion. Tony, write faster please!
A few minor editing issues, hardly worth mentioning. I just finished re-reading books 1 to 4 and now book 5. This is in my top 3 favourite series. The plots inside plots and multiple world building scenarios is amazing and the MC development makes me like her and I readily identify with her morales. It's fantastic enough but consistently believable within the context the author has created. A must read if you like the genre, in my opinion. Tony, write faster please!
January 6, 2019
A series continues strong
In many ways, this series could be emblematic of one of the two cardinal sins of LITRPG. The first, of which it is innocent, is the power-trip harem fantasy. The second, of which it is, is the overpowered MC who has no limits.
It’s true that Leah, the MC, in one short month, has become one of the most powerful people in the virtual worlds. However the gradual increase in the real world stakes,
As well as the emotional growth and vulnerability of Leah and her world more than offset the powergaming.
In many ways, this series could be emblematic of one of the two cardinal sins of LITRPG. The first, of which it is innocent, is the power-trip harem fantasy. The second, of which it is, is the overpowered MC who has no limits.
It’s true that Leah, the MC, in one short month, has become one of the most powerful people in the virtual worlds. However the gradual increase in the real world stakes,
As well as the emotional growth and vulnerability of Leah and her world more than offset the powergaming.
October 13, 2019
Same complaints here as before. There are typos. There are holes in the plot. Many of the main characters choices are goofy. All of that said, it's still fun and the plot in this installment makes more progress than previously. I'll read the next one. Something I don't appreciate is that ever book ends with an awkward cliffhanger. I much prefer authors who create a compelling enough world and characters that I want to come back rather than needing to come back for resolution. I'm not interested in pursuing this series for 20 books.
August 15, 2021
So i have really loved this series overall but one thing that i am struggling with that has continued to get worse as the series goes on is the over bloating for the books. What i mean by this is the vast stretches of time given to completely irrelevent detail about technology or worlds that are just COMPLETELY unnecessary and it is making it hard for me to want to continue because i have found myself scimming paragraphs or skipping them entirely when i see it happening and i would rather spend my time reading something where i don't have to do that to enjoy it.
6/10
6/10
December 21, 2018
You know that feeling you get when you are just craving something so bad and nothing fills that need until after you finish whatever it was you needed and it leaves you totally satisfied and sated. Well my craving for the fifth book has finally been realised and it was just SO GOOD. Everything I hoped it would be. Now my craving will only be growing again as I eagerly await the next instalment. The series only gets better and better as it progresses and even though I want to jump up and down and demand more satisfaction I know that the anticipation and final resolution will be all the more sweeter the more patient I am. Thanks Tony and keep them coming mate.
December 30, 2018
TC is in the top 5% of my all time favorite authors...
The world building and character detail are amongst the best that I have ever read. I am sad to have reached the end of another fine book but I know that there will be another in a few months time. I have placed this series at the top of my litrpg list even though it isn’t strictly on the rpg side. I am seriously amazed at the talent that went into this series. I Highly recommend reading the Stork Tower.
The world building and character detail are amongst the best that I have ever read. I am sad to have reached the end of another fine book but I know that there will be another in a few months time. I have placed this series at the top of my litrpg list even though it isn’t strictly on the rpg side. I am seriously amazed at the talent that went into this series. I Highly recommend reading the Stork Tower.
December 14, 2018
A really great chapter in the Stork Tower series
I have read all of this series and this book really lived up to expectations. Our heroine continues to struggle and grow and really demonstrates her character both her assets and her flaws. I really enjoyed this book and will pester Tony for the next one.
I have read all of this series and this book really lived up to expectations. Our heroine continues to struggle and grow and really demonstrates her character both her assets and her flaws. I really enjoyed this book and will pester Tony for the next one.
December 23, 2018
Worth the wait?
So common of plots that grow complex - time seems to slow down and less is accomplished volume to volume. Still a good read. Too many worlds involved to do real justice to all. Have to hope Author's health can survive the story! (And it wont take years between books)
So common of plots that grow complex - time seems to slow down and less is accomplished volume to volume. Still a good read. Too many worlds involved to do real justice to all. Have to hope Author's health can survive the story! (And it wont take years between books)
December 24, 2018
Excellent
The start has a few too many viewpoint jumps, and the addition of new worlds makes the old harder to hold onto, but the rl thread is truly excellent. I want more of dun, less of cos, and none of the surv in the next book, and yet I will happily read a spin-off set entirely in pneum following the adventures of Kate as the apprentice learns her craft.
The start has a few too many viewpoint jumps, and the addition of new worlds makes the old harder to hold onto, but the rl thread is truly excellent. I want more of dun, less of cos, and none of the surv in the next book, and yet I will happily read a spin-off set entirely in pneum following the adventures of Kate as the apprentice learns her craft.
January 29, 2019
Still having fun
Love this series and this latest was no exception. Fast paced as usual and full of much crunchy bad guy killing. Still more of the big picture comes out and our MC is swimming with even more sharks who will stop at nothing to hurt her and her family. Can't wait for more.
Love this series and this latest was no exception. Fast paced as usual and full of much crunchy bad guy killing. Still more of the big picture comes out and our MC is swimming with even more sharks who will stop at nothing to hurt her and her family. Can't wait for more.
August 11, 2019
This series is exhausting to read. We're bouncing between virtual worlds every few pages and it's difficult to keep caring about everything, particularly from one installation to the next. That being said, it's still reasonably unique in the space and I would like to figure out where it goes. I found Ipseity to be more interesting than the previous two, thus it gets an extra star.
October 24, 2021
Real work V-world conflict
Its getting better
The books are focusing more on the conflicts between the 2 factions rather than the game play. The game play still plays a part, but is a result of the real world conflict rather than the other way round. And for me, this is a much better approach
Its getting better
The books are focusing more on the conflicts between the 2 factions rather than the game play. The game play still plays a part, but is a result of the real world conflict rather than the other way round. And for me, this is a much better approach
April 14, 2019
Omg that ending
This was the best one yet, it got a little repetitive in the middle going from one battle to the next but picked up again as Leah's plans started to come together, and that ending, just can't wait for the next one!
This was the best one yet, it got a little repetitive in the middle going from one battle to the next but picked up again as Leah's plans started to come together, and that ending, just can't wait for the next one!
August 28, 2019
Great Female led Zero to Hero Story
This story of a poor scholarship streetwise girl who starts playing for cash to support herself for school is great. After finding out the super rich are enslaving people, she makes it her mission to destroy them.
This story of a poor scholarship streetwise girl who starts playing for cash to support herself for school is great. After finding out the super rich are enslaving people, she makes it her mission to destroy them.
February 18, 2020
Magnificence
Another wondrous addition to a series that is eating up all of my spare time! Things just keep ramping up, with plot points ending and then immediately starting on a whole new tack.
Another wondrous addition to a series that is eating up all of my spare time! Things just keep ramping up, with plot points ending and then immediately starting on a whole new tack.
April 29, 2020
Wow, well done!
Very few authors can keep a series going, while maintaining the elements that keep it entertaining, but Tony doesn't just keep the bar at a "maintain" level but continues driving it upwards... well done sir!
Very few authors can keep a series going, while maintaining the elements that keep it entertaining, but Tony doesn't just keep the bar at a "maintain" level but continues driving it upwards... well done sir!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews