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Arena #1
Arena
Thank you, thank you, thank you all for coming. What a great looking group of people we have here today. As your President, I feel it’s important to tell you all about this guy. He’s a great guy. A real stand up guy. A real go-getter. His name is Marc Havak, and let me tell you, this guy is going to be huge. See, when the aliens came down and told us they’d enslave all of the human race if we didn’t send our bigliest warrior to participate in their arena death games, I laughed at them. It was really funny because they obviously didn’t know who they were dealing with. Know what I mean? Then they said they would pick the greatest warrior, and they picked Marc Havak. He seemed like such an average guy, but he was a true blue American. He even worked as a truck driver! That’s the kind of good guy we want defending us from aliens. I took one look at Marc and realized that he was just the right guy to save our planet. I always make the best decisions, and this one was one of the best decisions. Turns out Marc was really good at kicking alien ass. He won all the games, got all the prizes, and slept with all the hot alien women. And let me tell you, these women are some real beauties, and they don’t mind sharing Marc. He is just that great. Of course, he’s still not quite as accomplished as I am, but no one is. There is more to it than that. You should check his story out. It’s a great story. A fantastic story. One of the best, and I know good stories. You’ll love it.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2019
604 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 16, 2019
This is hands down the best novel of this month and to start the year! The story begins innocently enough with the main character explaining how he lived his life for the first 30 years of it. We discover a friendly and funny guy that should have it all but was handed a bad hand of cards. Then his fortune turn and he get to forcefully join the Arena by Alien that chose him to represent his planet and save humanity from slavery and strip mining mother Terra.
When Marc and Artemis are dropped in the fire, he distinguishes himself and proves himself to be a tough boned and steel willed individual. A hero; but not the sacrificing kind. The kind of guy that survive because he got things to fight for.
What pleases me the most is how the action is described, it really vivid and fast paced. Marc know when to act first and think before doing something. He reminds me of that Action Man animation cartoon that I watched in my teens. He use the terrain and the items around him to find a solution to a problem, it is astounding. What makes me think he is a cut above the other main characters I’ve read so far in the harem genre is how helpful he is with the women and men he meets. By example he helps Artemis with her budding humanity and the hormonal cocktail of feelings bubbling inside her.
I wish the book was longer, I wanted to know more about the two other girls he met; Aurora and Nova (dang I love those names) and for the author to develop their characters more. This series is going in my favorite pile, can’t wait for more.
When Marc and Artemis are dropped in the fire, he distinguishes himself and proves himself to be a tough boned and steel willed individual. A hero; but not the sacrificing kind. The kind of guy that survive because he got things to fight for.
What pleases me the most is how the action is described, it really vivid and fast paced. Marc know when to act first and think before doing something. He reminds me of that Action Man animation cartoon that I watched in my teens. He use the terrain and the items around him to find a solution to a problem, it is astounding. What makes me think he is a cut above the other main characters I’ve read so far in the harem genre is how helpful he is with the women and men he meets. By example he helps Artemis with her budding humanity and the hormonal cocktail of feelings bubbling inside her.
I wish the book was longer, I wanted to know more about the two other girls he met; Aurora and Nova (dang I love those names) and for the author to develop their characters more. This series is going in my favorite pile, can’t wait for more.
February 22, 2019
I laughed a lot, but groaned and face palmed more. 3 1/2 stars
Mostly fun, with a sheesh ton of dumb. what do I mean by dumb? Imagine flaming chainsaw nun chucks and go from there.
Imagine all the originality of Ready Player One, with all the tact of a LitRPG harem fantasy and then add Donald Trump
The sex scenes are all implied but that's for the best here and serves the story.
The emotional build ups are schmaltzy and ham fisted. Events & character reactions are tailored to serve one-off jokes and pop culture references. The physics are on par with a Saturday morning cartoon. The entire premise of kidnapping 1 person from each world to die in an intergalactic gladiatorial arena to end all war is so stupefying idiotic it makes my head hurt.
With all that said, Logan Jacobs manages to save what could have been a total train wreck by keeping it light and never taking itself seriously.
I'm going to read the next one, but I don't think I could read two of these back to back.
Don't know if I'm laughing with it or at it, but I'm laughing, and there is a smile on my face.
Mostly fun, with a sheesh ton of dumb. what do I mean by dumb? Imagine flaming chainsaw nun chucks and go from there.
Imagine all the originality of Ready Player One, with all the tact of a LitRPG harem fantasy and then add Donald Trump
The sex scenes are all implied but that's for the best here and serves the story.
The emotional build ups are schmaltzy and ham fisted. Events & character reactions are tailored to serve one-off jokes and pop culture references. The physics are on par with a Saturday morning cartoon. The entire premise of kidnapping 1 person from each world to die in an intergalactic gladiatorial arena to end all war is so stupefying idiotic it makes my head hurt.
With all that said, Logan Jacobs manages to save what could have been a total train wreck by keeping it light and never taking itself seriously.
I'm going to read the next one, but I don't think I could read two of these back to back.
Don't know if I'm laughing with it or at it, but I'm laughing, and there is a smile on my face.
March 4, 2019
Gave up quite early on.
If a professional writer set out to anger the broadest swath of readers possible, this novel could be the result. The best I can say is that the spelling seemed good.
I'm a well-traveled middle-aged man, but even I was "triggered." The author, via his protagonist, describes every woman he meets in the most overt sexual terms. None of the characters appeared to think... or recognise a thought. The writing had the emotional depth of a 70's porno. As a reader the only way to escape the narrator's voice or the protagonist's point of view was to stop reading... so that's what I did.
There may be a small slice of humanity that finds this book funny. I accept that, and can only hope that it's a small slice.
If a professional writer set out to anger the broadest swath of readers possible, this novel could be the result. The best I can say is that the spelling seemed good.
I'm a well-traveled middle-aged man, but even I was "triggered." The author, via his protagonist, describes every woman he meets in the most overt sexual terms. None of the characters appeared to think... or recognise a thought. The writing had the emotional depth of a 70's porno. As a reader the only way to escape the narrator's voice or the protagonist's point of view was to stop reading... so that's what I did.
There may be a small slice of humanity that finds this book funny. I accept that, and can only hope that it's a small slice.
February 26, 2019
2.5 to 3 stars, it was okay, I think I would read the next book in this series as I did enjoy some parts but it was pretty standard story of this type and nothing to write home about.
January 14, 2019
Friggin Hilarious
You had me at Leroy Jenkins. The Main Character reminds me of Peter Quill (as played by Chris Pratt) from Guardians of the Galaxy. Great mix of over the top action and humor.
You had me at Leroy Jenkins. The Main Character reminds me of Peter Quill (as played by Chris Pratt) from Guardians of the Galaxy. Great mix of over the top action and humor.
January 11, 2019
This book was awesome.
Ok the author has put together a book that made me laugh in places so much that my wife was asking what's so funny. The characters are interesting and very different and enjoyable. The ladies in the book are very strong and dangerous. The action is good and the pacing is very smooth. The MC is not a whiney annoying insect but someone that accepted what happened and just deals with it. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot.
Ok the author has put together a book that made me laugh in places so much that my wife was asking what's so funny. The characters are interesting and very different and enjoyable. The ladies in the book are very strong and dangerous. The action is good and the pacing is very smooth. The MC is not a whiney annoying insect but someone that accepted what happened and just deals with it. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot.
January 12, 2019
Good book
It is part exciting and sexy. Main character is well rounded with room for improvement. Overall an excellent book to read.
It is part exciting and sexy. Main character is well rounded with room for improvement. Overall an excellent book to read.
January 12, 2019
Freakin' good!
I've read a lot of LitRPG, fantasy and sci-fi, but I've always found gladiator stories hard to get thru, just not really my thing. But. Arena was the first that I throughly enjoyed and managed the whole book.
Marc is a truckie from smallville USA and his life is going nowhere,until he ends up chosen as Earth's Champion in the crucible of carnage, a universe spanning gladiator system that pits fighter up against the horrors of galaxies and other world's champions.
This is book one in the series, spanning Marc's first week of fighting and training.
I loved the humour, really enjoyed the characters, the MC was worthy of his own book, but what I really enjoyed the most, Leroy Jenkins notwithstanding... was the descriptions on every chapter. Right from chapter one Mr Jacobs scetched a canvas of color, lights, sound, movement, and thrills. I absolutely recommend this read. The are hastens elements but it doesn't drive the story.
Looking forward to reading more.
I've read a lot of LitRPG, fantasy and sci-fi, but I've always found gladiator stories hard to get thru, just not really my thing. But. Arena was the first that I throughly enjoyed and managed the whole book.
Marc is a truckie from smallville USA and his life is going nowhere,until he ends up chosen as Earth's Champion in the crucible of carnage, a universe spanning gladiator system that pits fighter up against the horrors of galaxies and other world's champions.
This is book one in the series, spanning Marc's first week of fighting and training.
I loved the humour, really enjoyed the characters, the MC was worthy of his own book, but what I really enjoyed the most, Leroy Jenkins notwithstanding... was the descriptions on every chapter. Right from chapter one Mr Jacobs scetched a canvas of color, lights, sound, movement, and thrills. I absolutely recommend this read. The are hastens elements but it doesn't drive the story.
Looking forward to reading more.
January 14, 2019
The accidental hero!
Marcus Kavac of Delaware in the USA is chosen by some unknown beings to represent Earth in a Galactic game of carnage. In fact, if he gets through the first rounds that’s where he’ll end up; in the Crucible of Carnage! From the beginning, he has absolutely no idea what’s going on. The only thing that saves him are his two aides, Artemis and Grizz.
This is full of action and is funny. I hope the author has a book two in him and I also hope that it’s coming out soon!
Read it, it’s good.
Marcus Kavac of Delaware in the USA is chosen by some unknown beings to represent Earth in a Galactic game of carnage. In fact, if he gets through the first rounds that’s where he’ll end up; in the Crucible of Carnage! From the beginning, he has absolutely no idea what’s going on. The only thing that saves him are his two aides, Artemis and Grizz.
This is full of action and is funny. I hope the author has a book two in him and I also hope that it’s coming out soon!
Read it, it’s good.
January 13, 2019
Good book
I enjoyed this book it was a fun fast read if you like books by MSE you will enjoy this book as well!
I enjoyed this book it was a fun fast read if you like books by MSE you will enjoy this book as well!
January 10, 2019
Hell of a first book!
This is a great book, especially for a rookie author. This book is polished and a well put together. The story was fun and engaging. I truly enjoyed POTUS, his character was funny as hell. Definitely worth a read.
This is a great book, especially for a rookie author. This book is polished and a well put together. The story was fun and engaging. I truly enjoyed POTUS, his character was funny as hell. Definitely worth a read.
January 11, 2019
Amazing
I haven’t read a story this good in a while. Marc is by far one of my favorite protagonists and I can’t wait for more of his story.
I haven’t read a story this good in a while. Marc is by far one of my favorite protagonists and I can’t wait for more of his story.
April 8, 2020
A great read if you are into it, I actually was expecting something different so I am not so thrilled about keeping up with it. But my issue aside this is an entertaining read, funny and with a likable Mc (if only he didn't act like his Great Uncle invented everything that’s good in the world). His supporting characters where funny and made you feel for them (except the President) and the book actually stopped in a good place for him. Now as it has positive thing there are some situations that actually gets one dumbfounded, yes they were funny but served no other purpose even when they were funny they weren’t that much. Its like someone making a stupid joke in a serious moment, yes it seems funny from outside but completely out of place and a stupid thing to do. One of the primary moments of this is But outside of situations like that it is a great read.
January 11, 2019
Think i have found my #1 book for 2019
This book was suggested by another author (Michael-Scott Earle) as something to read. In his words it was one of his favourite books (including the things he writes). I have to agree, it is a damn good read, the MC is likeable, not an over the top hero, just a regular guy who has the makings of a true hero. His companions hit the spot perfectly. Artemis V steals many of the scenes with her messed up idioms that made me laugh sometimes out loud to the annoyance of my family. This book is well executed and now i find myself looking forward to book 2. Get on this roller coaster of epic fun.
This book was suggested by another author (Michael-Scott Earle) as something to read. In his words it was one of his favourite books (including the things he writes). I have to agree, it is a damn good read, the MC is likeable, not an over the top hero, just a regular guy who has the makings of a true hero. His companions hit the spot perfectly. Artemis V steals many of the scenes with her messed up idioms that made me laugh sometimes out loud to the annoyance of my family. This book is well executed and now i find myself looking forward to book 2. Get on this roller coaster of epic fun.
June 3, 2019
Wonderful campy trashy space gladiator saves the world
I'm really glad I saw Michael Scott Earle's recommendation of the series. A lot of fun. Simple story. You've been chosen to save the world. Then off to do a lot of fighting and impressing space babes and warrior women. And blowing up stuff. Rinse and repeat. No big mysteries as of yet. Not much thinking required. Just enjoy the show.
I'm really glad I saw Michael Scott Earle's recommendation of the series. A lot of fun. Simple story. You've been chosen to save the world. Then off to do a lot of fighting and impressing space babes and warrior women. And blowing up stuff. Rinse and repeat. No big mysteries as of yet. Not much thinking required. Just enjoy the show.
September 19, 2021
I couldn't finish this book, hell I couldn't get halfway through it, the MC is a complete idiot, and needs to be punched in the face repeatedly. I do audiobooks and some of this annoyance with the MC could be due to the reader, but sheesh, was not entertaining. Maybe i am not in the mood for it, and I will circle back around, but....doubt it. Still a Logan Jacobs fan, this just isn't one of his better stories.
January 14, 2019
Epic. Just mindstabbing epic.
Enjoyed it. Now, "enjoyed it" doesn't give justice to this. I was exhilarated with joy in the last pages of the book.
This book hit all the right cords with an amazing concoction of action and adventure.
Wow, just wow.
Loved it. And looking forward to the Audiobook.
Leeeeerroooooyyyy Jeeeeennnnnkkkkiiiinnnns!
Enjoyed it. Now, "enjoyed it" doesn't give justice to this. I was exhilarated with joy in the last pages of the book.
This book hit all the right cords with an amazing concoction of action and adventure.
Wow, just wow.
Loved it. And looking forward to the Audiobook.
Leeeeerroooooyyyy Jeeeeennnnnkkkkiiiinnnns!
May 1, 2019
Awe forn i Kat ing some
Haha what's trip. Funny as he'll and full of action. Our hero is just that. The man that rises to the occasion even when In Over his head. The Trump parity is dead on and annoying. Love it. Can't wait for next book. Oh look is already out..... Bye
Haha what's trip. Funny as he'll and full of action. Our hero is just that. The man that rises to the occasion even when In Over his head. The Trump parity is dead on and annoying. Love it. Can't wait for next book. Oh look is already out..... Bye
July 13, 2023
DNF after the first chapter. Not going to suffer through racist comments from the MC when there are plenty of better books to read.
March 19, 2019
This book was a fun read. If you are one of those people who love one liner's Die Hard style, then this will fit that nicely. Now granted, he's no John McClain, but he certainly is in the running for beings who are hard to kill. TBH, if Die Hard was a harem movie mixed with Know your meme starring Ryan Reynolds as Havock, this would be something I would definitely go to the movies to see.
Ok, on with the book. The book starts off typical Spider-Man style. Joe Ave dude gets put into a situation beyond belief and has to figure out how to acclimate to his new abilities. Havock literally is a truck driver who has a boss that can be replaced by used toilet water and still be about as useful and ends up in a tournament on the other side of the Galaxy to keep Earth from all being turned into indentured servants and succeeds in spades.
With that said, none of the characters are super defined, you're not going to find Lord of the Rings depth of characters here, but there is enough told about them that it keeps you interested in them as well as the story. This is a heavily plot driven story, while certain characters are being developed, they individually aren't central to the plot. Yes there is a harem in this story. NO they aren't lamps, well not yet including arty. Art is probably one of the few characters besides Grizz that you actually see develop throughout the story and bond (some of it at the hip mind you.)
With all the above said, the story is in fact action packed. If you're looking for something that is a nice fun easy to read, this is the book. If you're looking for a sex fueled harem story. I totally suggest that you skip this. As of typing this, I just purchased book two.
Ok, on with the book. The book starts off typical Spider-Man style. Joe Ave dude gets put into a situation beyond belief and has to figure out how to acclimate to his new abilities. Havock literally is a truck driver who has a boss that can be replaced by used toilet water and still be about as useful and ends up in a tournament on the other side of the Galaxy to keep Earth from all being turned into indentured servants and succeeds in spades.
With that said, none of the characters are super defined, you're not going to find Lord of the Rings depth of characters here, but there is enough told about them that it keeps you interested in them as well as the story. This is a heavily plot driven story, while certain characters are being developed, they individually aren't central to the plot. Yes there is a harem in this story. NO they aren't lamps, well not yet including arty. Art is probably one of the few characters besides Grizz that you actually see develop throughout the story and bond (some of it at the hip mind you.)
With all the above said, the story is in fact action packed. If you're looking for something that is a nice fun easy to read, this is the book. If you're looking for a sex fueled harem story. I totally suggest that you skip this. As of typing this, I just purchased book two.
June 6, 2019
1. I listened to the audio book but that isn't listed on goodreads.com so I'm putting my review here.
2. Arena Book 1 and Arena Book 2 get the exact same review so don't waste time looking at both.
So I was reading a really good book but wanted a break. In short I wanted a little cotton candy for the brain. That is what these books are. So on the good the author delivers as promised, action adventure with a harem. On the bad side there really isn't anything original in this story: what comes immediately to mind is the Hunger Games death competitions to pacify the larger population. Same thing here only the games are run by god-like aliens who are using them to pacify the universe.
The author essentially paints himself into a corner: the MC's only choices are to fight or die and, since there is no ultimate winner to the games, eventually the MC will die. The author may be planning some sort of overthrow to the status quo but, if so, he doesn't foreshadow it at all. The system appears to be working, with war successfully outlawed and the aliens in charge are too far beyond everyone else to ever be challenged.
The books are also a little light on resolution with the climax of book 1 being forming a team and book 2 being beating a local gangster.
Bottom line: Okay writing, not great story telling but the book is as described so you should be able to tell from the cover if this book is for you or not. (Yes, this is a book that can be judged by its cover.)
2. Arena Book 1 and Arena Book 2 get the exact same review so don't waste time looking at both.
So I was reading a really good book but wanted a break. In short I wanted a little cotton candy for the brain. That is what these books are. So on the good the author delivers as promised, action adventure with a harem. On the bad side there really isn't anything original in this story: what comes immediately to mind is the Hunger Games death competitions to pacify the larger population. Same thing here only the games are run by god-like aliens who are using them to pacify the universe.
The author essentially paints himself into a corner: the MC's only choices are to fight or die and, since there is no ultimate winner to the games, eventually the MC will die. The author may be planning some sort of overthrow to the status quo but, if so, he doesn't foreshadow it at all. The system appears to be working, with war successfully outlawed and the aliens in charge are too far beyond everyone else to ever be challenged.
The books are also a little light on resolution with the climax of book 1 being forming a team and book 2 being beating a local gangster.
Bottom line: Okay writing, not great story telling but the book is as described so you should be able to tell from the cover if this book is for you or not. (Yes, this is a book that can be judged by its cover.)
March 4, 2019
SF/fantasy novels often have elements of wish-fulfillment to them (young man is plucked from obscurity to become a wizard, etc.) but this one is perilously close to a Mary Sue/Gary Stu self-insert: a gamer schlub is plucked from his dead-end job to fight in a real-life intergalactic first-person shooter, complete with loot crates. His task, of course, is to save humanity. The action is frequent and the whole thing has a light, joking tone - it's a pretty good time.
Readers can also enjoy the anime-style harem and the frequent lurid descriptions of its members' impressive busts. It has no pretensions of being more than it is, but what it is is unapologetically shallow. Fun if you're in its target market. Sensitive readers may have thoughts about consent and it's relationship to emotional maturity.
It moves at a good clip but the narrative arc doesn't seem quite right to me: Earth's existential threat ends early and the story just keeps on going for a few more episodes, finally ending after a battle which is larger in scope but has much lower stakes. It reads like a slice out of a longer serial rather than a complete novel.
Readers can also enjoy the anime-style harem and the frequent lurid descriptions of its members' impressive busts. It has no pretensions of being more than it is, but what it is is unapologetically shallow. Fun if you're in its target market. Sensitive readers may have thoughts about consent and it's relationship to emotional maturity.
It moves at a good clip but the narrative arc doesn't seem quite right to me: Earth's existential threat ends early and the story just keeps on going for a few more episodes, finally ending after a battle which is larger in scope but has much lower stakes. It reads like a slice out of a longer serial rather than a complete novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2019
Listened to this on Audiobook. Absurdly silly, fun romp that's basically LitRPG with fantasies that live inside every 15-year-old straight guy. A little mind candy to soothe the soul.
Unhappily, the audio narrator is pretty awful. While he does voice some of the side characters interestingly and with some skill, his main "hero" voice is terrible -- overly strident, even considering he's supposed to be a cocky, swaggering, rogue. He works so hard at enunciating that the delivery is stilted and bizarre.
There are numerous "oral typos" (at one point he says 'old' when it clearly should have been 'odd,' as 'old' made no sense in context), and gross, irritating, & unintentionally hilarious mispronunciations ('euphemism' becomes 'euphanism', 'viscous as vicious,' omnipotent as 'ahm-knee-potent,' extrapolate as 'extra POE-late,' centrifugal as 'centra-FUDGE-uhl', and he pronounces the ph in 'haphazard,' so it comes out 'half-hazard.' And there was a reference to the painter [Jackson] Pollock which he pronounced 'Polack' (as in the Polish word for a man from Poland). Cringey.
Unhappily, the audio narrator is pretty awful. While he does voice some of the side characters interestingly and with some skill, his main "hero" voice is terrible -- overly strident, even considering he's supposed to be a cocky, swaggering, rogue. He works so hard at enunciating that the delivery is stilted and bizarre.
There are numerous "oral typos" (at one point he says 'old' when it clearly should have been 'odd,' as 'old' made no sense in context), and gross, irritating, & unintentionally hilarious mispronunciations ('euphemism' becomes 'euphanism', 'viscous as vicious,' omnipotent as 'ahm-knee-potent,' extrapolate as 'extra POE-late,' centrifugal as 'centra-FUDGE-uhl', and he pronounces the ph in 'haphazard,' so it comes out 'half-hazard.' And there was a reference to the painter [Jackson] Pollock which he pronounced 'Polack' (as in the Polish word for a man from Poland). Cringey.
January 25, 2020
Not for me.
I read this on the recommendation of my husband and it is a total man fic. Arena is to men what trashy romance books are to women. Every female in the book was unrealistically "smokin' hot" and their assets are always given exceptional notice. There's a LOT of jargon that if you don't play a lot of shooter games you are not going to get. The main character cites exact models of firearm that I had no idea what they were so I had to stop and go look them up.
There are also a lot of pop culture references, so much so that I found myself getting annoyed by them. It's a bad habit a few friends of my own even have, where their thoughts are defined by relating their actions and what they say to references in pop culture. It comes across as lacking original thought and creates a shallow character. (It also causes a story to age very poorly)
I really enjoyed the promise and the secondary characters, Artemis and Grizz in particular, but the main character annoyed me to know end. And the author is at least self aware enough to recognize that.
Quote:
“Artemis,” I chuckled, “I’m being silly. That’s from a movie. My brain is a constant jumble of movie quotes, pop culture references, and random non sequiturs. Some call it annoying, I say it’s part of my charm.” I winked at her.
I fall into the finding it annoying camp.
I read this on the recommendation of my husband and it is a total man fic. Arena is to men what trashy romance books are to women. Every female in the book was unrealistically "smokin' hot" and their assets are always given exceptional notice. There's a LOT of jargon that if you don't play a lot of shooter games you are not going to get. The main character cites exact models of firearm that I had no idea what they were so I had to stop and go look them up.
There are also a lot of pop culture references, so much so that I found myself getting annoyed by them. It's a bad habit a few friends of my own even have, where their thoughts are defined by relating their actions and what they say to references in pop culture. It comes across as lacking original thought and creates a shallow character. (It also causes a story to age very poorly)
I really enjoyed the promise and the secondary characters, Artemis and Grizz in particular, but the main character annoyed me to know end. And the author is at least self aware enough to recognize that.
Quote:
“Artemis,” I chuckled, “I’m being silly. That’s from a movie. My brain is a constant jumble of movie quotes, pop culture references, and random non sequiturs. Some call it annoying, I say it’s part of my charm.” I winked at her.
I fall into the finding it annoying camp.
March 28, 2020
If you like movies, games and one liners...
Read this book. I'm normally fairly rough on authors I review and it's rare to come across such a lighthearted fun read. Nothing deep thought provoking and after about a quarter of a chapter you know what is coming from our hero. Not the reluctant loner, not the anti hero, not a testosterone filled ex special forces. Nope just a truck driver with a list of puns, one liners and a lot of courage he didn't know he had.
Our hero is chosen, sent to a far off planet, gets dumped into what amounts to gladiatorial combat, drunken bar fights, hot women, a now living computer (hot chick) and a hologram as a trainer. Taking it all in stride he jumps in with both feet with a rousing shout of "Leeeroooy Jennnkiins!" and never looks back.
For a movie fan, gamer and all around fan of things related this was a blast. So why only 4 stars? Because guns have magazines not clips and yep part way through that hideous mistake raised its head, so 4 stars.
Read this book. I'm normally fairly rough on authors I review and it's rare to come across such a lighthearted fun read. Nothing deep thought provoking and after about a quarter of a chapter you know what is coming from our hero. Not the reluctant loner, not the anti hero, not a testosterone filled ex special forces. Nope just a truck driver with a list of puns, one liners and a lot of courage he didn't know he had.
Our hero is chosen, sent to a far off planet, gets dumped into what amounts to gladiatorial combat, drunken bar fights, hot women, a now living computer (hot chick) and a hologram as a trainer. Taking it all in stride he jumps in with both feet with a rousing shout of "Leeeroooy Jennnkiins!" and never looks back.
For a movie fan, gamer and all around fan of things related this was a blast. So why only 4 stars? Because guns have magazines not clips and yep part way through that hideous mistake raised its head, so 4 stars.
January 12, 2019
Interesting
Very fun humor, though I was turned off a bit at the beginning of chapter two. It eventually grew on me.
The pacing wasn't bad, especially the second half of the book where the pacing was breakneck in a great way.
I found a few errors, mostly in the beginning. They were easy to spot and in rather surprised the editor didn't clean them up. So it goes.
All in all, a great start to a fun new series. Makes me think of Hunger Games meets Gladiator with a dash of Rick and Morty topped with a generous sprinkling of humor.
Looking forward to the next entry in the series!
Very fun humor, though I was turned off a bit at the beginning of chapter two. It eventually grew on me.
The pacing wasn't bad, especially the second half of the book where the pacing was breakneck in a great way.
I found a few errors, mostly in the beginning. They were easy to spot and in rather surprised the editor didn't clean them up. So it goes.
All in all, a great start to a fun new series. Makes me think of Hunger Games meets Gladiator with a dash of Rick and Morty topped with a generous sprinkling of humor.
Looking forward to the next entry in the series!
February 19, 2019
Outer World Fantasy With A Magnificent Twist
This book was a start to finish marathon! I couldn’t put it down. The title had me thinking gladiators thrashing about in an arena. Not the out world arena conjured up by the author. The concept, flow, and characters were masterfully woven into the story with artistic skill and great dialogues. The main character, a truck driver from Earth, is immediately endearing with his attitude and appreciation for life. Quite a few grins and giggles completed the experience, one I hope many choose to enjoy. I’m off to look for the next in the series.
This book was a start to finish marathon! I couldn’t put it down. The title had me thinking gladiators thrashing about in an arena. Not the out world arena conjured up by the author. The concept, flow, and characters were masterfully woven into the story with artistic skill and great dialogues. The main character, a truck driver from Earth, is immediately endearing with his attitude and appreciation for life. Quite a few grins and giggles completed the experience, one I hope many choose to enjoy. I’m off to look for the next in the series.
April 9, 2019
I don't review books...
But this book was one of the best books I've read in a long time. And I read a LOT. Not my usual genre, but I'm very glad I picked it up. Hilarious. I don't laugh out loud at books much. I lost count of how many times I cracked up. Perfect balance of one liners, and great humor. Story was super fun. Editing was really good. Writing flowed well, story flowed well, dialog was spot on. Dialog is so clunky and lame so often in these ebooks. Not so here. Loved it. I read free with kindle unlimited, but if pay for the subsequent books if I had to. Too much fun not to.
But this book was one of the best books I've read in a long time. And I read a LOT. Not my usual genre, but I'm very glad I picked it up. Hilarious. I don't laugh out loud at books much. I lost count of how many times I cracked up. Perfect balance of one liners, and great humor. Story was super fun. Editing was really good. Writing flowed well, story flowed well, dialog was spot on. Dialog is so clunky and lame so often in these ebooks. Not so here. Loved it. I read free with kindle unlimited, but if pay for the subsequent books if I had to. Too much fun not to.
January 17, 2019
Good Cheesy Fun! Some Overt Oversexaulization of Female Characters...
Imagine a fun and cheesy sci-fi movie! This book is kind of like taking the Everyman quality of Ashe Williams from evil dead, and tossing him into space to be a gladiator rather then a demon Slayer. Besides the somewhat over sexualized female characters, which for some reason are all perpetually horny (which honestly pulls me out of the story some times). The book is fast paced non stop action that is an absolute breeze to read. Truly felt like I was reading a movie, or a TV show!
Imagine a fun and cheesy sci-fi movie! This book is kind of like taking the Everyman quality of Ashe Williams from evil dead, and tossing him into space to be a gladiator rather then a demon Slayer. Besides the somewhat over sexualized female characters, which for some reason are all perpetually horny (which honestly pulls me out of the story some times). The book is fast paced non stop action that is an absolute breeze to read. Truly felt like I was reading a movie, or a TV show!
June 13, 2019
I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
It was funny, and while I've seen this plot before I like this version better. A got a few good laughs. Just in case, I rate a story based on how much I like it, how it makes me feel and whether it has things that tick me off, and usually if I don't like a story I dont rate it all all, usually. Sometimes some stories just trigger me to hard. This story was good though. I would give it a five but the relationships are just not my flavor.(spoiled by randi Darren and Robert Lubrican.)
It was funny, and while I've seen this plot before I like this version better. A got a few good laughs. Just in case, I rate a story based on how much I like it, how it makes me feel and whether it has things that tick me off, and usually if I don't like a story I dont rate it all all, usually. Sometimes some stories just trigger me to hard. This story was good though. I would give it a five but the relationships are just not my flavor.(spoiled by randi Darren and Robert Lubrican.)
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