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Hundred Kingdoms #1
Battle Spire
Jack Kross only wanted to play the game. Now he's fighting for his life.
When a mysterious hacker takes control of Hundred Kingdoms, Jack is trapped inside the fantasy VR world along with millions of other players. But Jack is in a worse predicament. He's cornered in the very tower the terrorists have taken as their base; the only free player left within its walls. Even worse, in the real world, his body lies in a sweltering room with no hope of relief.
Playing the profession-based Scavenger class, and at a low level, Jack's prospects of fighting his way out are next to impossible. Crafting gear, traps and weapons, allying with a deadly dungeon master and an AI he can't fully trust, Jack is in a race against time to save not just himself but the millions of players held hostage.
When a mysterious hacker takes control of Hundred Kingdoms, Jack is trapped inside the fantasy VR world along with millions of other players. But Jack is in a worse predicament. He's cornered in the very tower the terrorists have taken as their base; the only free player left within its walls. Even worse, in the real world, his body lies in a sweltering room with no hope of relief.
Playing the profession-based Scavenger class, and at a low level, Jack's prospects of fighting his way out are next to impossible. Crafting gear, traps and weapons, allying with a deadly dungeon master and an AI he can't fully trust, Jack is in a race against time to save not just himself but the millions of players held hostage.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2019
703 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Miller
13 books1,208 followersTwo free novellas in ebook AND audiobook for all who sign up to my mailing list. https://www.michaelrmiller.co.uk/signup
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Michael is ‘that guy’ who enjoys - well, enjoyed... - discussing the mad fan theories of Game of Thrones even more than the books or show, and knows more about World of Warcraft than is probably healthy.
You can contact him at michael@michaelrmiller.co.uk
www.michaelrmiller.co.uk
Those who use Discord can also join my server by following this link https://discord.gg/C7zEJXgFSc
Redditors can join the community here - https://www.reddit.com/r/MichaelRMiller/
Michael is ‘that guy’ who enjoys - well, enjoyed... - discussing the mad fan theories of Game of Thrones even more than the books or show, and knows more about World of Warcraft than is probably healthy.
You can contact him at michael@michaelrmiller.co.uk
www.michaelrmiller.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
January 18, 2019
People have been telling me to read LitRPG for ages
And this was a fantastic first read! Miller does a great job of ramping up the tension and I found the scavenger class really cool! Never read anything like this before but boy did I enjoy it.
And this was a fantastic first read! Miller does a great job of ramping up the tension and I found the scavenger class really cool! Never read anything like this before but boy did I enjoy it.
May 13, 2019
I received an advance reading copy of Battle Spire in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Michael R Miller and Portal Books.
In the year 2053 our protagonist Jack Kross is an average geeky guy and the narrative starts whilst he is taking his genetic engineering examination at Xen Tech University. He is an avid gamer but when interactive role-playing games and MMO's (massively multiplayer online) took over his thoughts, personality, and life his parents weren't impressed as his grades were suffering drastically, and they were especially annoyed with the cost of the tuition fees! During some heated exchanges a compromise was fabricated. Jack promised not to play any games for 12-months, by when his qualification and studies would have been concluded. After this exam though, Jack decides he needs to jump back into a virtual world without his parent's knowledge. The plan is to book two nights in a shoddy, rundown hotel in one of the worst parts of San Fransico and play the critically acclaimed and adored new VRMMO game Hundred Kingdoms.
LitRPG is a blooming scene in the fantasy world and as far as I am aware traditional publishers haven't caught on to the craze yet. I'm not an expert and following on from Andrew Rowe and Phil Tucker, this is only the third LitRPG series that I've read but thus far I have not been disappointed by the scene at all.
When Jack enters the game world it starts off typically as a game of The Elder Scrolls would. Picking classes, races, perks, strengths etc... whilst also customising a player's online avatar and vocals. Jack ignores the classes of mages, warriors, beserkers and the like, and decides to be a scavenger. A player who is laughably weak in battle but can loot beneficial and profitable items from bodies and craft weapons, armour, jewels amongst other creations which are well sought after if created to an impressive and striking standard. In-game funds can be transferred to real life wealth and the protagonist wishes to prove to his parents that gaming isn't such a waste of time after all. Tired, after a long day of examinations and exploring this new environment, he decides to complete one final mission before expiring and sleeping for the night. He should have logged off then. He enters the titular battle spire almost at the exact time it is invaded by virtual reality but real life terrorists who have put the game on lockdown with the objective of blackmailing the government. They destroy all the NPC's and our weak hero Jack remains the only player inside the pyramidal structure. Also, any one of the 3-million players who is logged in the game at this point, well, if they die here they also will meet one's maker in real life too. Not a great time to be a level-3 scavenger, Jack.
Battle Spire is like Hard Boiled and Die Hard wrapped up in a grandiose and extravagant fantasy game. Instead of Chow Yun-Fat or Bruce Willis to save the day, we have Jack... He is facing a squad of approximately 50 villans under the instructions of level-50 capped undead Knight Azrael. There are other characters inside the spire as NPC's respawn at certain intervals. These include individuals who may aid our 'hero' such as the creepily named torturer Kreeptic, Emperor Aurelius, and Jack's (gaming name - Zoran's) AI friend Ellie who is nothing more than a voice in his head.
Jack/Zoran spends his time constructing Home Alone-style traps, levelling up, fashioning new weapons that should far exceed his current class, and completing elite level missions on his first day of play. He does this using little more than his mind as if he were to get hit even once from a player who is level-40+ he would be done for. There is also time which he has to worry about. While he is playing, his real-life self is without water and nourishment so even if he stays alive in the game, his real-life self will breathe his last breath and perish soon enough.
I had a brilliant time reading Battle Spire. After the typical LitRPG introduction to the mechanics, magic systems, levelling up statistics, and the world - I loved every single page. Miller is a phenomenally good writer and I will be checking his other works very soon. The ending is pretty spectacular and there are a plethora of set-pieces and moments where Jack uses his wit and environment to succeed against all odds which will stay with me for a while. And I'll smile remembering them. Battle Spire had me emotionally attached until the end. That's when you know an author has succeeded. Bravo, Michael.
James Tivendale.
In the year 2053 our protagonist Jack Kross is an average geeky guy and the narrative starts whilst he is taking his genetic engineering examination at Xen Tech University. He is an avid gamer but when interactive role-playing games and MMO's (massively multiplayer online) took over his thoughts, personality, and life his parents weren't impressed as his grades were suffering drastically, and they were especially annoyed with the cost of the tuition fees! During some heated exchanges a compromise was fabricated. Jack promised not to play any games for 12-months, by when his qualification and studies would have been concluded. After this exam though, Jack decides he needs to jump back into a virtual world without his parent's knowledge. The plan is to book two nights in a shoddy, rundown hotel in one of the worst parts of San Fransico and play the critically acclaimed and adored new VRMMO game Hundred Kingdoms.
LitRPG is a blooming scene in the fantasy world and as far as I am aware traditional publishers haven't caught on to the craze yet. I'm not an expert and following on from Andrew Rowe and Phil Tucker, this is only the third LitRPG series that I've read but thus far I have not been disappointed by the scene at all.
When Jack enters the game world it starts off typically as a game of The Elder Scrolls would. Picking classes, races, perks, strengths etc... whilst also customising a player's online avatar and vocals. Jack ignores the classes of mages, warriors, beserkers and the like, and decides to be a scavenger. A player who is laughably weak in battle but can loot beneficial and profitable items from bodies and craft weapons, armour, jewels amongst other creations which are well sought after if created to an impressive and striking standard. In-game funds can be transferred to real life wealth and the protagonist wishes to prove to his parents that gaming isn't such a waste of time after all. Tired, after a long day of examinations and exploring this new environment, he decides to complete one final mission before expiring and sleeping for the night. He should have logged off then. He enters the titular battle spire almost at the exact time it is invaded by virtual reality but real life terrorists who have put the game on lockdown with the objective of blackmailing the government. They destroy all the NPC's and our weak hero Jack remains the only player inside the pyramidal structure. Also, any one of the 3-million players who is logged in the game at this point, well, if they die here they also will meet one's maker in real life too. Not a great time to be a level-3 scavenger, Jack.
Battle Spire is like Hard Boiled and Die Hard wrapped up in a grandiose and extravagant fantasy game. Instead of Chow Yun-Fat or Bruce Willis to save the day, we have Jack... He is facing a squad of approximately 50 villans under the instructions of level-50 capped undead Knight Azrael. There are other characters inside the spire as NPC's respawn at certain intervals. These include individuals who may aid our 'hero' such as the creepily named torturer Kreeptic, Emperor Aurelius, and Jack's (gaming name - Zoran's) AI friend Ellie who is nothing more than a voice in his head.
Jack/Zoran spends his time constructing Home Alone-style traps, levelling up, fashioning new weapons that should far exceed his current class, and completing elite level missions on his first day of play. He does this using little more than his mind as if he were to get hit even once from a player who is level-40+ he would be done for. There is also time which he has to worry about. While he is playing, his real-life self is without water and nourishment so even if he stays alive in the game, his real-life self will breathe his last breath and perish soon enough.
I had a brilliant time reading Battle Spire. After the typical LitRPG introduction to the mechanics, magic systems, levelling up statistics, and the world - I loved every single page. Miller is a phenomenally good writer and I will be checking his other works very soon. The ending is pretty spectacular and there are a plethora of set-pieces and moments where Jack uses his wit and environment to succeed against all odds which will stay with me for a while. And I'll smile remembering them. Battle Spire had me emotionally attached until the end. That's when you know an author has succeeded. Bravo, Michael.
James Tivendale.
November 29, 2018
Sometimes, there is a book out there which fills a void in your soul that you didn't know existed till then. Battle Spire is that book for me this time of the year.
You might look at the sub-genre and think it is another coach in the LitRPG wagon train. But if you skip this book due to its genre, then you will be missing an excellent story with one of the most relatable lead characters in some time.
The early chapters in the book introduce the main character - Jack Kross - and set up the context for the rest of the story. These chapters immediately start getting into some reasonably character analysis and motivations which I liked. The fact is that Jack Kross has selfish reasons for wanting to game and not some world-saving or some other altruistic motive like in other LitRPGs. The moment this was revealed, my curiosity was piqued. But then the shit hits the fan pretty soon and I started getting Die Hard flashbacks. This is where the book grabbed me by throat and refused to let go. Holy Shit!
There are just enough Die Hard parallels to make it fun but not so much that the book becomes a Die Hard clone. I just wish that along with references to LOTR, Spiderman and other pop culture items, there had been a meta-reference to the Die Hard movie itself. That would have made a nerd like me reach 11.
The LitRPG elements of the book are well balanced between just being familiar enough that I can related to what's happening while having some new elements to keep it unique. I like the concept of the new class - 'scavenger' - which I have not seen in my limited RPG experience. The cool thing here is how Michael Miller has made this unique class so integral to the storyline, at a detailed level.
The two main characters in this book are Jack and Ellie. Once the book enters the Die Hard phase (which is quite early), the only character interactions we have are between the two. These interactions were excellent as each of them starts to understand one another, deal with their insecurities and have a very satisfying character arc. I loved the portions where they talk since there is a real conversation happening along with the usual game related and plot related discussions.
Michael Miller has managed to come up with a story that is self-contained, does not have contradictory elements and with no plot holes I could find. There is no 'stupid' plot. The villain's motivations are also complex and gray enough to be just on the line of acceptable.
And to top it all, I am left with a sense of satisfaction after finishing the book; which happens rarely.
So, in conclusion, this is a wonderful book. Do not miss it.
You might look at the sub-genre and think it is another coach in the LitRPG wagon train. But if you skip this book due to its genre, then you will be missing an excellent story with one of the most relatable lead characters in some time.
The early chapters in the book introduce the main character - Jack Kross - and set up the context for the rest of the story. These chapters immediately start getting into some reasonably character analysis and motivations which I liked. The fact is that Jack Kross has selfish reasons for wanting to game and not some world-saving or some other altruistic motive like in other LitRPGs. The moment this was revealed, my curiosity was piqued. But then the shit hits the fan pretty soon and I started getting Die Hard flashbacks. This is where the book grabbed me by throat and refused to let go. Holy Shit!
There are just enough Die Hard parallels to make it fun but not so much that the book becomes a Die Hard clone. I just wish that along with references to LOTR, Spiderman and other pop culture items, there had been a meta-reference to the Die Hard movie itself. That would have made a nerd like me reach 11.
The LitRPG elements of the book are well balanced between just being familiar enough that I can related to what's happening while having some new elements to keep it unique. I like the concept of the new class - 'scavenger' - which I have not seen in my limited RPG experience. The cool thing here is how Michael Miller has made this unique class so integral to the storyline, at a detailed level.
The two main characters in this book are Jack and Ellie. Once the book enters the Die Hard phase (which is quite early), the only character interactions we have are between the two. These interactions were excellent as each of them starts to understand one another, deal with their insecurities and have a very satisfying character arc. I loved the portions where they talk since there is a real conversation happening along with the usual game related and plot related discussions.
Michael Miller has managed to come up with a story that is self-contained, does not have contradictory elements and with no plot holes I could find. There is no 'stupid' plot. The villain's motivations are also complex and gray enough to be just on the line of acceptable.
And to top it all, I am left with a sense of satisfaction after finishing the book; which happens rarely.
So, in conclusion, this is a wonderful book. Do not miss it.
December 18, 2018
This is going to be a big hit with fans of role-playing games, whether they're tabletop players or PC or Xbox360, or most particularly VR (virtual reality) enthusiasts.
It starts off in an urban setting with a young man who loves his VR RPG having made a bet with his parents that he could refrain from playing them in exchange for a car. Needless to say, however; he can't control his urge to play his favourite game 'Hundred Kingdoms'.
I wasn't sure whether this book was going to be my sort of thing for the first few chapters. Then in chapter 4 things began to draw me in. If any of you have played games like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma, Kingdoms of Amalur, WOW (World of Warcraft) etc you will be familiar with the character generation screen. Even if you haven't played an RPG (role-playing-game) before this will take you through all the steps you will need to begin.
The idea of taking on the world in a fantasy setting appeals to me and it obviously appeals to young Jack Cross too. He sets himself up as a 'Scavenger' which is a character class more suited to the skill of crafting items than fighting bad guys. There's a lot of detail in this book that gamers will find interesting. It really is like playing the game and picking up items from those that you vanquish along your quest.
Each time you defeat a foe or find rare items or craft new ones you will be awarded exp (experience) towards levelling-up. Jack Cross chooses his in-game alias as Zoran and moves through the VR environment battling Kobolds in the early stages of his adventure. He teams up with a Ranger who helps him for a while until Zoran scavenges a rare crossbow and they disagree.
Back on his own Zoran makes his way to the Battle Spire (and this is where the story really starts). He receives his game quest and then all hell breaks loose as a hacker finds his way into the game and locks out all other players online. Now it is up to Jack (as Zoran) to find a way to flush this deadly threat out of the game's system before his body (his real body) deteriorates to the point of his death in the real world.
This is a stand-alone novel, which is pretty rare these days. So if you prefer not to wait for multiple sequels to be released this is ideal for you.
As a member of Michael Miller's group of advanced reader's, I would like to thank him for the opportunity to get a look at this book before it releases some time in January 2019.
Thanks for reading and I hope others enjoy Battle Spire as much as I did.
It starts off in an urban setting with a young man who loves his VR RPG having made a bet with his parents that he could refrain from playing them in exchange for a car. Needless to say, however; he can't control his urge to play his favourite game 'Hundred Kingdoms'.
I wasn't sure whether this book was going to be my sort of thing for the first few chapters. Then in chapter 4 things began to draw me in. If any of you have played games like Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma, Kingdoms of Amalur, WOW (World of Warcraft) etc you will be familiar with the character generation screen. Even if you haven't played an RPG (role-playing-game) before this will take you through all the steps you will need to begin.
The idea of taking on the world in a fantasy setting appeals to me and it obviously appeals to young Jack Cross too. He sets himself up as a 'Scavenger' which is a character class more suited to the skill of crafting items than fighting bad guys. There's a lot of detail in this book that gamers will find interesting. It really is like playing the game and picking up items from those that you vanquish along your quest.
Each time you defeat a foe or find rare items or craft new ones you will be awarded exp (experience) towards levelling-up. Jack Cross chooses his in-game alias as Zoran and moves through the VR environment battling Kobolds in the early stages of his adventure. He teams up with a Ranger who helps him for a while until Zoran scavenges a rare crossbow and they disagree.
Back on his own Zoran makes his way to the Battle Spire (and this is where the story really starts). He receives his game quest and then all hell breaks loose as a hacker finds his way into the game and locks out all other players online. Now it is up to Jack (as Zoran) to find a way to flush this deadly threat out of the game's system before his body (his real body) deteriorates to the point of his death in the real world.
This is a stand-alone novel, which is pretty rare these days. So if you prefer not to wait for multiple sequels to be released this is ideal for you.
As a member of Michael Miller's group of advanced reader's, I would like to thank him for the opportunity to get a look at this book before it releases some time in January 2019.
Thanks for reading and I hope others enjoy Battle Spire as much as I did.
April 20, 2020
Battle Spire is a 4 star novel. It is good but the player and item stats in the novel was just too descriptive. Hopefully book 2 will be better.
May 18, 2019
FYI: I listened to an audio book.
I have not finished this book and probably won't because it has too many major flaws. First, the author sets the MC an impossible task: Defeat 50 players above level 40 ON HIS FIRST DAY IN GAME. Second, the author goes out of his way to make his MC unlikable. The trope is, of course, real world loser but on-line hero except here the MC is a pretty big jerk on-line and in the real world he is lying to his family to get them to buy him a car. Why should I care about this guy at all?????
Finally, the author paints his MC into a corner and so the story is incredibly repetitive. MC can't fight so he keeps getting lucky and coming up with brilliant ideas over and over so he can just barely beat someone 35 levels higher than him.
Bottom line: There must be something better to read out there than this.
I have not finished this book and probably won't because it has too many major flaws. First, the author sets the MC an impossible task: Defeat 50 players above level 40 ON HIS FIRST DAY IN GAME. Second, the author goes out of his way to make his MC unlikable. The trope is, of course, real world loser but on-line hero except here the MC is a pretty big jerk on-line and in the real world he is lying to his family to get them to buy him a car. Why should I care about this guy at all?????
Finally, the author paints his MC into a corner and so the story is incredibly repetitive. MC can't fight so he keeps getting lucky and coming up with brilliant ideas over and over so he can just barely beat someone 35 levels higher than him.
Bottom line: There must be something better to read out there than this.
November 30, 2018
Die Hard meets Sword Art Online. Battle Spire is a really fun, crafting-based LitRPG that starts slow but features plenty of action. If you're a gamer, you'll probably love it!
January 4, 2019
Battle Spire is a standalone LitRPG book set in the future where a kid (college aged) has made a bet with his parents that he cannot go 6 months without playing VR games and in his attempt to thwart their bet and still play, finds himself in a heap of trouble. Zoran, aka Jack Kross, finds himself locked inside a video game as a low level player trying to take on an elite class hacker. He just needs to find his way out, or kill the player. Thankfully, he finds some help along the way and learns a lot about himself.
I'll be honest and say that I am not a huge fan of LitRPG. As a whole, I don't really understand the genre. I suppose it comes from people enjoying DnD as kids, something I did not and have never played. However, once getting inside of the video game, this book begins to read much like a fantasy novel, except your characters are leveling up and finding new gear and looting, which, I suppose some people do in fantasy novels. I did find this to be a very enjoyable read and it was really fast paced once it got off the ground running. There was tons of stuff going on, tons of action, stealth, intrigue, and drama. I felt this had everything that you would need in order to enjoy a good book.
As far as character development goes, it was a stark contrast from beginning of the book to the end of the book on our main character. He starts out as a brash kid who just seems like the type of person you wouldn't ever want to meet. By the end of the story, his demeanor has changed entirely and he becomes a likable character. Even the secondary characters have great character development and we can feel and see noticeable changes throughout.
Overall I felt if you are a fan of LitRPG and enjoy the developmental aspects of characters upgrading and gaining exp through different missions, than this would be a wonderful book for you to read. I did gain satisfaction from being a gamer even if I'm not a fan of DnD and WoW and games in that same genre.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review. All words and thoughts are my own.
I'll be honest and say that I am not a huge fan of LitRPG. As a whole, I don't really understand the genre. I suppose it comes from people enjoying DnD as kids, something I did not and have never played. However, once getting inside of the video game, this book begins to read much like a fantasy novel, except your characters are leveling up and finding new gear and looting, which, I suppose some people do in fantasy novels. I did find this to be a very enjoyable read and it was really fast paced once it got off the ground running. There was tons of stuff going on, tons of action, stealth, intrigue, and drama. I felt this had everything that you would need in order to enjoy a good book.
As far as character development goes, it was a stark contrast from beginning of the book to the end of the book on our main character. He starts out as a brash kid who just seems like the type of person you wouldn't ever want to meet. By the end of the story, his demeanor has changed entirely and he becomes a likable character. Even the secondary characters have great character development and we can feel and see noticeable changes throughout.
Overall I felt if you are a fan of LitRPG and enjoy the developmental aspects of characters upgrading and gaining exp through different missions, than this would be a wonderful book for you to read. I did gain satisfaction from being a gamer even if I'm not a fan of DnD and WoW and games in that same genre.
I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review. All words and thoughts are my own.
January 26, 2019
Cool class, interesting story
My favorite part of the story is that there's a beginning a middle and an end. It's so satisfying to see this in this day of multiple novel series.
The author also sets up the next stage of the story without making it feel or sound like a cliffhanger.
Overall, an really great crafting concept and looking forward to the next.
My favorite part of the story is that there's a beginning a middle and an end. It's so satisfying to see this in this day of multiple novel series.
The author also sets up the next stage of the story without making it feel or sound like a cliffhanger.
Overall, an really great crafting concept and looking forward to the next.
April 16, 2020
Rating 2.0 stars
The idea was good. The execution for me... not so much. This book was billed as Die Hard for LitRPG fans. While Die Hard was over the top, it was still somewhat believable because John McClain was a cop. He had some training. He got lucky and the terrorists weren't expecting any trouble. This book had the same premise as Die Hard. Inside the game is a tower with the emperor. A group of 50 high level players storm the tower and kill all the NPCs. They have released a virus into the game that will not let players log off. If a player dies in the the game, they die in real life as well. They have demands and are holding the millions of players stuck in the game as hostages. The Tower is completely locked down, nobody in or out. Jack, a low level scavenger is the only player left alive in the tower. A few things annoyed me right from the start. Jack is a very weak character. He hasn't played games in 6 months since he almost flunked out of school. He made a bet with his family that he could go 1 year without gaming. He just finished his genetics college course and decides he doesn't want to wait anymore to play. He goes to a seedy hotel hoping to hide the fact that he is playing again from his family. He ends up getting shaken down for more money by the operator of the motel and pays 900 dollars for 2 days. Jack says his goal is to show his family that playing games is important and he can make money. He is upset that his sister gets all the adoration in the family, just because she is a doctor and graduated top of her class. He doesn't get any credit from his family for all the successful raids he had while leading a guild! He decides to play as a scavenger which is something of a joke type character. He does this so he can craft objects in the game to sell, thus proving to his family that his playing games is worthwhile. I hated that. First off, being a doctor should be more important than being a gamer. Secondly, going into a game to craft and make money sounds like a job. I would think that his genetics degree would allow him to get a much better paying job. The whole concept of this type of person with this mentality really turned me off. Once he was in the game and stuck in the tower, I had even more problems. Overall, there were quit a few things I didn't like about the book and I can't think of anything that I really liked, or thought was special. I did finish it so I have to give it at least 2 stars.
The idea was good. The execution for me... not so much. This book was billed as Die Hard for LitRPG fans. While Die Hard was over the top, it was still somewhat believable because John McClain was a cop. He had some training. He got lucky and the terrorists weren't expecting any trouble. This book had the same premise as Die Hard. Inside the game is a tower with the emperor. A group of 50 high level players storm the tower and kill all the NPCs. They have released a virus into the game that will not let players log off. If a player dies in the the game, they die in real life as well. They have demands and are holding the millions of players stuck in the game as hostages. The Tower is completely locked down, nobody in or out. Jack, a low level scavenger is the only player left alive in the tower. A few things annoyed me right from the start. Jack is a very weak character. He hasn't played games in 6 months since he almost flunked out of school. He made a bet with his family that he could go 1 year without gaming. He just finished his genetics college course and decides he doesn't want to wait anymore to play. He goes to a seedy hotel hoping to hide the fact that he is playing again from his family. He ends up getting shaken down for more money by the operator of the motel and pays 900 dollars for 2 days. Jack says his goal is to show his family that playing games is important and he can make money. He is upset that his sister gets all the adoration in the family, just because she is a doctor and graduated top of her class. He doesn't get any credit from his family for all the successful raids he had while leading a guild! He decides to play as a scavenger which is something of a joke type character. He does this so he can craft objects in the game to sell, thus proving to his family that his playing games is worthwhile. I hated that. First off, being a doctor should be more important than being a gamer. Secondly, going into a game to craft and make money sounds like a job. I would think that his genetics degree would allow him to get a much better paying job. The whole concept of this type of person with this mentality really turned me off. Once he was in the game and stuck in the tower, I had even more problems. Overall, there were quit a few things I didn't like about the book and I can't think of anything that I really liked, or thought was special. I did finish it so I have to give it at least 2 stars.
July 31, 2019
Id never read a litrpg before but thought I'd give it a go. I think this was the purest form of litrpg you can get. Its basically a online rpg ( think ready player one) but in fantasy d&d setting. Cool characters, interesting story style. World building was simple in a way of d&d. However I did find the plot a little too simple. Good intro into litrpg if you want to give it a go. It does read just like a video game as its meant to.
January 19, 2019
This book has now been released!
I've already read and reviewed this book so I won't say any more than that I enjoyed it and think that if you like reading, gaming or RPG's you'll like this.
Happy Reading!
I've already read and reviewed this book so I won't say any more than that I enjoyed it and think that if you like reading, gaming or RPG's you'll like this.
Happy Reading!
March 25, 2019
Really Enjoyable litRPG
I heard about this book on reddit as being a well written book where the mc is not overpowered or lucked into a glitch/overpowered combination and is just a smart player who manages to overcome some really challenging obstacles and the book did not disappoint. There was a little overpowered combos in the book but they were not a get out of jail free card for the mc and he was still in danger fairly often. I really enjoyed this book and wish there was more in the series.
I heard about this book on reddit as being a well written book where the mc is not overpowered or lucked into a glitch/overpowered combination and is just a smart player who manages to overcome some really challenging obstacles and the book did not disappoint. There was a little overpowered combos in the book but they were not a get out of jail free card for the mc and he was still in danger fairly often. I really enjoyed this book and wish there was more in the series.
November 25, 2018
One of the funnest books I have read in a long time. I myself play RPG games and can relate with the excitement of tackling a new game. This book is full of action and adventure with a few twists and a new class of characters to consider. Loved it.
April 8, 2019
Well done!!
I liked that the main character was very honest about his own shortcomings. Many LitRPG novels end up having a main character with a very overinflated ego, so Jack’s down to earth attitude was refreshing. His problems were also something anyone growing into their own place in life might have, minus the hostage situation of course. Overall, a very emotionally satisfying read. Highly recommended!
I liked that the main character was very honest about his own shortcomings. Many LitRPG novels end up having a main character with a very overinflated ego, so Jack’s down to earth attitude was refreshing. His problems were also something anyone growing into their own place in life might have, minus the hostage situation of course. Overall, a very emotionally satisfying read. Highly recommended!
April 10, 2019
Great read
Creative fun story that keeps you engaged. Solid character development makes the plot move. Not really any surprise twists but enjoyable anyways.
Creative fun story that keeps you engaged. Solid character development makes the plot move. Not really any surprise twists but enjoyable anyways.
January 31, 2019
A great read!
From start to finish, this was a fantastic story! I cannot wait to read more about Zoran and his scavenging.
Great world building and mechanics. I like the whole scavenger aspect and making your own items. Very enjoyable.
Good balance between game mechanics and story telling.
From start to finish, this was a fantastic story! I cannot wait to read more about Zoran and his scavenging.
Great world building and mechanics. I like the whole scavenger aspect and making your own items. Very enjoyable.
Good balance between game mechanics and story telling.
November 22, 2018
The ARC of Battle Spire was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Battle Spire is an enjoyable LitRPG that blends the lore and mechanics of a game like 'World of Warcraft' with the plot structure of a movie like Die Hard. An odd mix at first glance, but it works.
The main character, Jack, decides to lock himself away for a weekend of gaming. It goes a bit pear-shaped when some other players decide to hack the game and take over the titular Spire, leaving Jack - as a low-level crafting-centric character - trapped inside. He joins forces with the game's AI - Ellie - to try and wrest control of the Spire back from the bad guys.
The parallels to Die Hard are obvious. Jack is John McClane, Azrael is Hans Gruber, and Ellie is a strange mix of Sgt. Powell and Holly. There is plenty of sneaking around, finding resources, and interesting set-pieces. I have a particular attachment to my fantasy having movie influences (Joe Abercrombie's First Law standalones being the most obvious), and it works equally well here.
The mechanics feel comfortably familiar, and Jack's focus on crafting and his level deficit make for some interesting encounters. The fights are well handled and dynamic, and have a good mix of planning and quick thinking.
The book is written in first person, and due to Jack's isolation, only he and Ellie have much depth of character - the others are largely set dressing. There are a few exceptions - Tabetha, Kreeptic, and Ignatius come to mind - but they are more cameo than character. The dynamic between Jack and Ellie is strong though, and was enough to keep me interested. There is also a nice arc with growth for each of the pair, though Jack's starts with him at a frustrating level of selfishness - the contrast is obvious, but it makes the first part of the book clearly the weakest due to Jack's unlikability.
A must-read for fans of the sub-genre. I look forward to reading the next volume.
Battle Spire is an enjoyable LitRPG that blends the lore and mechanics of a game like 'World of Warcraft' with the plot structure of a movie like Die Hard. An odd mix at first glance, but it works.
The main character, Jack, decides to lock himself away for a weekend of gaming. It goes a bit pear-shaped when some other players decide to hack the game and take over the titular Spire, leaving Jack - as a low-level crafting-centric character - trapped inside. He joins forces with the game's AI - Ellie - to try and wrest control of the Spire back from the bad guys.
The parallels to Die Hard are obvious. Jack is John McClane, Azrael is Hans Gruber, and Ellie is a strange mix of Sgt. Powell and Holly. There is plenty of sneaking around, finding resources, and interesting set-pieces. I have a particular attachment to my fantasy having movie influences (Joe Abercrombie's First Law standalones being the most obvious), and it works equally well here.
The mechanics feel comfortably familiar, and Jack's focus on crafting and his level deficit make for some interesting encounters. The fights are well handled and dynamic, and have a good mix of planning and quick thinking.
The book is written in first person, and due to Jack's isolation, only he and Ellie have much depth of character - the others are largely set dressing. There are a few exceptions - Tabetha, Kreeptic, and Ignatius come to mind - but they are more cameo than character. The dynamic between Jack and Ellie is strong though, and was enough to keep me interested. There is also a nice arc with growth for each of the pair, though Jack's starts with him at a frustrating level of selfishness - the contrast is obvious, but it makes the first part of the book clearly the weakest due to Jack's unlikability.
A must-read for fans of the sub-genre. I look forward to reading the next volume.
September 26, 2023
I started skimming at 75% into the book and ended up quitting at 80% after the MMC Zoran went back to kill more 10+ level higher enemies with rudimentary skills at level 13 instead of .
The MMC was quite unlikeable the entire story, and his self-reflection and 3rd party therapy from an AI didn't really help change my view. The story started off with him sneaking off to play virtual video games in some slum motel after his family tried to have an intervention since he was playing games in excess. In the game, Zoran often ignored the (mostly omniscient) AI helping him, thinking that his level 10 skills were better than another recommendations she could make and often selfishly battling and looting, even at 65% into the story.
Overall, between the personality and the fact that he was expected to kill mostly 20+ level enemies alone with not even expert game skills but just beginner ones, I thought the overall character growth with the action plot were just repetitive and unbelievable to me. There was an insane amount of luck and so many close calls with death that I couldn't stand to finish the book.
The MMC was quite unlikeable the entire story, and his self-reflection and 3rd party therapy from an AI didn't really help change my view. The story started off with him sneaking off to play virtual video games in some slum motel after his family tried to have an intervention since he was playing games in excess. In the game, Zoran often ignored the (mostly omniscient) AI helping him, thinking that his level 10 skills were better than another recommendations she could make and often selfishly battling and looting, even at 65% into the story.
Overall, between the personality and the fact that he was expected to kill mostly 20+ level enemies alone with not even expert game skills but just beginner ones, I thought the overall character growth with the action plot were just repetitive and unbelievable to me. There was an insane amount of luck and so many close calls with death that I couldn't stand to finish the book.
March 23, 2019
If you're looking for one of the best books in the LitRPG genre, then you could certainly do worse than to start with this one. There's of course things in this book other LitRPG stories have, (yeah, plenty of that), but there's some unique happenings in this one too, and that's one of the things that give this one flavor, and make it a great story that nearly any LitRPG fan should thoroughly enjoy. There's even enough stats facts and figures to keep those of us who enjoy that kind of thing happy. For those who don't, it's easy enough to ignore, since it's generally in tables scattered throughout the text. I highly recommend this one
January 22, 2019
STAY WITH IT!
Well, I'll admit it I wasn't sure. At the beginning, I wasn't sure if I would ever root for our hero in this book. He just seemed a little bit selfish and I wasn't sure about this 'scavenger' class. I was already a fan of Michael's from Dragon's Blade so took the chance.
Thank god I kept going. No spoilers but soon the book goes nuts and from about 25% in I could. not. put. it. down.
It's the first time I've ever been happy to have -33'c weather outside because I could sit down and crush this awesome book!
I'm expecting that others will say it but it has a Die Hard vibe, except this class isn't meant for hand to hand. How he gets around that is genuis. I literally stood and cheered after closing the last page. All the tricky things about that class become the things that make it so interesting. Just a great mix of game mechanics, awesome characters a bunch of laugh out loud moments, and room for hopefully more Battle Spire books?
Absolutely loved it! Awesome awesome awesome.
Well, I'll admit it I wasn't sure. At the beginning, I wasn't sure if I would ever root for our hero in this book. He just seemed a little bit selfish and I wasn't sure about this 'scavenger' class. I was already a fan of Michael's from Dragon's Blade so took the chance.
Thank god I kept going. No spoilers but soon the book goes nuts and from about 25% in I could. not. put. it. down.
It's the first time I've ever been happy to have -33'c weather outside because I could sit down and crush this awesome book!
I'm expecting that others will say it but it has a Die Hard vibe, except this class isn't meant for hand to hand. How he gets around that is genuis. I literally stood and cheered after closing the last page. All the tricky things about that class become the things that make it so interesting. Just a great mix of game mechanics, awesome characters a bunch of laugh out loud moments, and room for hopefully more Battle Spire books?
Absolutely loved it! Awesome awesome awesome.
January 5, 2020
Actual rating: 2.5⭐
As much as I wanted to like this, I was unfortunately bored while reading this.
It was a drag trying to finish this novel and I almost dnf this one.
It has a typical plot for a lit rpg novel. But this one felt impersonal for me though it is a first person pov. I felt disconnected on what's happening on Jack or Zoran. I think it's because he doesn't have a real living ally. He has an AI and NPCs, that's it. It felt solitary and linear, can't explain well. ✌
I have read one chinese light novel under the same genre and it was action packed and there's leadership, friendship, humor, camaraderie, strategies and a lot more.
The book I'm referring to is: Reincarnation of the Strongest Sword God: Book 1 - Starting Over
And a bit of info dump at some parts. Maybe it isn't for me.
As much as I wanted to like this, I was unfortunately bored while reading this.
It was a drag trying to finish this novel and I almost dnf this one.
It has a typical plot for a lit rpg novel. But this one felt impersonal for me though it is a first person pov. I felt disconnected on what's happening on Jack or Zoran. I think it's because he doesn't have a real living ally. He has an AI and NPCs, that's it. It felt solitary and linear, can't explain well. ✌
I have read one chinese light novel under the same genre and it was action packed and there's leadership, friendship, humor, camaraderie, strategies and a lot more.
The book I'm referring to is: Reincarnation of the Strongest Sword God: Book 1 - Starting Over
And a bit of info dump at some parts. Maybe it isn't for me.
January 10, 2019
I enjoyed this far more than I thought I would. I was provided an ARC for an honest review and I actually found myself reading it again shortly after finishing it for the first time.
This is a book set in a VR MMO, with the main character, Jack, trapped inside the game with every other player, if they die or attempt to log out they'll die for real. The premise sounds like quite a few others but the quality of writing and the Scavenger class set this book apart. Being focused on someone without a lot of offensive capabilities means there isn't a lot of straight up combat, it's about planning and laying traps, fighting smarter not harder. I also enjoyed the undercurrent of distrust he manages to plant, making you doubt the motives of the one person who's helping Jack all the way up to the final reveal.
This is definitely a book that I recommend picking up if you're a fan of the LITRPG genre.
This is a book set in a VR MMO, with the main character, Jack, trapped inside the game with every other player, if they die or attempt to log out they'll die for real. The premise sounds like quite a few others but the quality of writing and the Scavenger class set this book apart. Being focused on someone without a lot of offensive capabilities means there isn't a lot of straight up combat, it's about planning and laying traps, fighting smarter not harder. I also enjoyed the undercurrent of distrust he manages to plant, making you doubt the motives of the one person who's helping Jack all the way up to the final reveal.
This is definitely a book that I recommend picking up if you're a fan of the LITRPG genre.
February 10, 2019
I highly recommend this one
Plot comparisons to Sword Art Online would be fair but this story was still gripping. The MC, Jack, has to escape from being trapped in a game by terrorists and is able to escape after dumping some emotional baggage with the help of the game’s insightful AI.
I spent most of the book wondering: ‘holy crap how is Jack going to overcome these odds?!’ And the results were a lot fun. Jack’s unique class, Scavenger, isn’t one I’ve come across reading a lot of LitRPG so it was good to have a different character class to follow. The side characters were entertaining as well from Ellie the AI, to Kreeptic the torturer, Ignatius the gnome prince, and Emperor Aurelius whose character also evolved.
The end of the book leaves room for more story so I can’t wait for the next one.
Plot comparisons to Sword Art Online would be fair but this story was still gripping. The MC, Jack, has to escape from being trapped in a game by terrorists and is able to escape after dumping some emotional baggage with the help of the game’s insightful AI.
I spent most of the book wondering: ‘holy crap how is Jack going to overcome these odds?!’ And the results were a lot fun. Jack’s unique class, Scavenger, isn’t one I’ve come across reading a lot of LitRPG so it was good to have a different character class to follow. The side characters were entertaining as well from Ellie the AI, to Kreeptic the torturer, Ignatius the gnome prince, and Emperor Aurelius whose character also evolved.
The end of the book leaves room for more story so I can’t wait for the next one.
May 17, 2019
A refreshing and enjoyable take on LitRPG
All too often in these sorts of stories the main character ignores the crafting/profession elements of the game they are in as a distraction for their questing/levelling or the author does as a distraction from the plot, but this went the other way. The main character chose a class that is mostly ignored by others as worthless or no fun and found a way to make it work. It was fun to read how he crafted his way out of or around problems and made for a refreshing change.
There were all the elements you expect in a LitRPG story, with stats, character sheets and quests but without going over the top. The writing style was relaxed and reading it flowed easily, drawing me into the story until I frequently realised I had been reading far longer than I had intended!
Here's hoping for a sequel about the further exploits of Zoran...
All too often in these sorts of stories the main character ignores the crafting/profession elements of the game they are in as a distraction for their questing/levelling or the author does as a distraction from the plot, but this went the other way. The main character chose a class that is mostly ignored by others as worthless or no fun and found a way to make it work. It was fun to read how he crafted his way out of or around problems and made for a refreshing change.
There were all the elements you expect in a LitRPG story, with stats, character sheets and quests but without going over the top. The writing style was relaxed and reading it flowed easily, drawing me into the story until I frequently realised I had been reading far longer than I had intended!
Here's hoping for a sequel about the further exploits of Zoran...
January 2, 2019
I've read a few LitRPG books but Battle Spire was on a whole other level! While similar style of Ready Player One, story takes place in virtual game, Battle Spire quickly leave RP1 behind and really dives in. Jack, in real world, is eager and ready to play the newest and biggest game ever, Hundred Kingdom. Once in he learns more about himself than he ever thought, not all by choice. Battle Spire is action packed and immersive. You get to see Jack/Zoran build himself level by level. Things don't go as planned but he improvises. Thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book and hope Mr. Miller continues it. Fun, fast and full of thrills.
December 4, 2018
I was given a review copy.
The LitRPG scene is hit or miss at the best of times. Wonky game mechanics and over-powered main characters show up constantly. Thankfully, this doesn't fall into those traps.
The mechanics were solid and believable. I enjoyed the characters, and there was a sense of urgency to the story. The game world was kind of like if BioWare worked on WoW.
I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to more. Any more and I'm in danger of unloading a steady stream of spoilers.
One question to the author: Is there a book two planned?
The LitRPG scene is hit or miss at the best of times. Wonky game mechanics and over-powered main characters show up constantly. Thankfully, this doesn't fall into those traps.
The mechanics were solid and believable. I enjoyed the characters, and there was a sense of urgency to the story. The game world was kind of like if BioWare worked on WoW.
I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to more. Any more and I'm in danger of unloading a steady stream of spoilers.
One question to the author: Is there a book two planned?
June 8, 2019
4.5. This is exactly the type of book I look for, but it lacked a bit of emotional connection/movement. The action was good, the characters were enjoyable, and the voice acting in the audiobook were great, especially Annie Ellicott and Jeff Hayes.
It did take a little while to get moving, but once it did, it was fun. The one thing I don't like about the LitRPG is the constant repeating of character sheet stats, but that's just an issue with the genre I suppose. "Die Hard meets WoW" is a great estimation.
It did take a little while to get moving, but once it did, it was fun. The one thing I don't like about the LitRPG is the constant repeating of character sheet stats, but that's just an issue with the genre I suppose. "Die Hard meets WoW" is a great estimation.
April 15, 2019
Battle crafting madness!!
Battlespire is a digital VRMMO rendition of MacGyver. A “nerdy” guy must use his wits and his creations to save the day but the catch he is all alone and can’t stand up in a fight on his own. This story does an amazing job with finding in game work around and class mechanics to make the impossible possible, was a fun and thrilling read and personally can’t wait for a second installment. Characters were believable, well hashed out with major character development and evolution!
Battlespire is a digital VRMMO rendition of MacGyver. A “nerdy” guy must use his wits and his creations to save the day but the catch he is all alone and can’t stand up in a fight on his own. This story does an amazing job with finding in game work around and class mechanics to make the impossible possible, was a fun and thrilling read and personally can’t wait for a second installment. Characters were believable, well hashed out with major character development and evolution!
February 1, 2019
Really liked this book
I was a bit slow to warm up to the character, and for good reason, but before I realized it I was hooked! Very interesting, and different, premise and I really liked how it developed. Could benefit from a bit of quality editing, but I've been subjected worse (sadly) and it wasn't too distracting.
I was a bit slow to warm up to the character, and for good reason, but before I realized it I was hooked! Very interesting, and different, premise and I really liked how it developed. Could benefit from a bit of quality editing, but I've been subjected worse (sadly) and it wasn't too distracting.
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