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Axe Druid #1
Into the Light
A tight-knit group of buddy gamers. A relentless galactic conqueror. One big ol' axe and a whole bag of magic.
Chris and his friends had been hearing voices begging for help, but aren’t dreams supposed to stay dreams? When they finally answer the call, they’re pulled into a fantastic world with themes similar to modern role-playing games. The world of Brindolla. This is what every gamer has always wanted… right?
There's one major problem: War. The big baddie of the universe has come to collect another planet for his relentless march. The Brindollan Gods only have the power to hold him back for a short while, which they can only hope will be long enough to give Chris and his buddies a fighting chance. Either this team gets rid of War’s vanguard of minions and generals, giving the Gods a chance to keep him out for good... or War comes for Earth.
The group is ready to dive into combat, magic, and any other obstacles that come their way. No matter what needs to be done, Chris and his buddies will always do it together.
Warning: This book contains profanity.
Chris and his friends had been hearing voices begging for help, but aren’t dreams supposed to stay dreams? When they finally answer the call, they’re pulled into a fantastic world with themes similar to modern role-playing games. The world of Brindolla. This is what every gamer has always wanted… right?
There's one major problem: War. The big baddie of the universe has come to collect another planet for his relentless march. The Brindollan Gods only have the power to hold him back for a short while, which they can only hope will be long enough to give Chris and his buddies a fighting chance. Either this team gets rid of War’s vanguard of minions and generals, giving the Gods a chance to keep him out for good... or War comes for Earth.
The group is ready to dive into combat, magic, and any other obstacles that come their way. No matter what needs to be done, Chris and his buddies will always do it together.
Warning: This book contains profanity.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2019
939 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 31, 2019
Is this the most boring story in the LitRPG genre? For me it was, your experience might be different.
With such a bold statement I have to back that assertion up some how. I've listened to (I do the audio book thing) quite a few different LitRPG books, while I haven't listened to or read them all these points made it exceptionally boring for me.
The first person perspective was done poorly in my opinion. There were just too many "I's" and "My's" through the story. So it wasn't really a first person perspective but from a third person narrator perspective with the added thoughts of the narrator mixed in, but it turns out the narrator is a character. It just felt wrong.
The band of heroes we follow around have a myriad of problems. To list them off:
They all speak with the same voice, not that the narrator doesn't do enough voices, but that they all use the same terms and sentence structure and have the same attitude. There is no complexity to their interaction.
They earn nothing, everything is just given to them. There is no risk to our characters/hero(es).
The combat is kind of terrible. More times than not our chronicler either gets knocked out or goes into a rage and wakes up later so we have no idea how the combat actual resolves.
It really felt like a teenagers fantasy of how they would hope their dungeon and dragons adventure would go down: They are the hero, they show up, get given everything they need, roll a natural 20 on every combat, and take the fat loots, story ends.
With such a bold statement I have to back that assertion up some how. I've listened to (I do the audio book thing) quite a few different LitRPG books, while I haven't listened to or read them all these points made it exceptionally boring for me.
The first person perspective was done poorly in my opinion. There were just too many "I's" and "My's" through the story. So it wasn't really a first person perspective but from a third person narrator perspective with the added thoughts of the narrator mixed in, but it turns out the narrator is a character. It just felt wrong.
The band of heroes we follow around have a myriad of problems. To list them off:
They all speak with the same voice, not that the narrator doesn't do enough voices, but that they all use the same terms and sentence structure and have the same attitude. There is no complexity to their interaction.
They earn nothing, everything is just given to them. There is no risk to our characters/hero(es).
The combat is kind of terrible. More times than not our chronicler either gets knocked out or goes into a rage and wakes up later so we have no idea how the combat actual resolves.
It really felt like a teenagers fantasy of how they would hope their dungeon and dragons adventure would go down: They are the hero, they show up, get given everything they need, roll a natural 20 on every combat, and take the fat loots, story ends.
February 12, 2019
Good story, unfocused
The story is decent and entertaining. My only problem is that everything feels scattershot. We are exposed to nearly every fantasy tropes in western culture, all in one book. You end up with many mini-climaxes with no real story flow besides this feeling that they a ré e bumbling along.
I am a big fan of the group style of storytelling in this genre, which always seem to add a level of complexity without transforming the main character into an overpowering monster by the end of the first book.
I will be picking up the next book, but I do hope the story is more focused.
The story is decent and entertaining. My only problem is that everything feels scattershot. We are exposed to nearly every fantasy tropes in western culture, all in one book. You end up with many mini-climaxes with no real story flow besides this feeling that they a ré e bumbling along.
I am a big fan of the group style of storytelling in this genre, which always seem to add a level of complexity without transforming the main character into an overpowering monster by the end of the first book.
I will be picking up the next book, but I do hope the story is more focused.
January 25, 2021
Great story unless...
You aren't into threesomes, "open" marriages, and that sort of thing. I originally gave this book 5 stars but I'm changing it to 1 star because I'm not into that, and find that sort of thing pretty offensive. While my views are certainly controversial to some, I believe that authors should include warnings to allow people who find that sort of thing offensive the option to choose to not read their series.
Spoilers from here on out so don't read unless you want to know things that happen in later books.
So the series started out really good and I genuinely like the first 2 books. But by book three I started getting disappointed in the series because the MC was kind of sorta dating two girls at once. Then the girl he likes the most starts hooking up and falls in love with the second girl...then he marries the girl he loves...then his wife encourages him to hook up with the second girl...then all three start sleeping together.
So if you are into that, you'll probably love the series. But if you aren't, don't bother with this series as it will just keep going down that path more and more. I love a good romance and this element just killed the series for me because it started out that way but ended up in a much different place several books into the series. Other authors use disclaimers to allow people with different views to choose to not read their work--and I appreciate and respect being given that option. I hold marriage and being faithful to only 1 person in high regard, and will never enjoy reading a series that undermines that deeply held conviction.
You aren't into threesomes, "open" marriages, and that sort of thing. I originally gave this book 5 stars but I'm changing it to 1 star because I'm not into that, and find that sort of thing pretty offensive. While my views are certainly controversial to some, I believe that authors should include warnings to allow people who find that sort of thing offensive the option to choose to not read their series.
Spoilers from here on out so don't read unless you want to know things that happen in later books.
So the series started out really good and I genuinely like the first 2 books. But by book three I started getting disappointed in the series because the MC was kind of sorta dating two girls at once. Then the girl he likes the most starts hooking up and falls in love with the second girl...then he marries the girl he loves...then his wife encourages him to hook up with the second girl...then all three start sleeping together.
So if you are into that, you'll probably love the series. But if you aren't, don't bother with this series as it will just keep going down that path more and more. I love a good romance and this element just killed the series for me because it started out that way but ended up in a much different place several books into the series. Other authors use disclaimers to allow people with different views to choose to not read their work--and I appreciate and respect being given that option. I hold marriage and being faithful to only 1 person in high regard, and will never enjoy reading a series that undermines that deeply held conviction.
January 3, 2021
Missing the RP
Beyond the tutorial levels being a bit boring, it reads exactly like a game being played without anyone role playing. There is no depth or feeling. More like a simple board game than it should be.
I’m only 1/4 way through, but I am massively underwhelmed. I will continue for a bit more, but am quickly losing patience.
DNF
Beyond the tutorial levels being a bit boring, it reads exactly like a game being played without anyone role playing. There is no depth or feeling. More like a simple board game than it should be.
I’m only 1/4 way through, but I am massively underwhelmed. I will continue for a bit more, but am quickly losing patience.
DNF
February 15, 2019
I didn't make it much more than 10 pages. The characters were superficial, self-satisfied bros and I found them unbelievable and just couldn't connect with them.
March 4, 2019
Glad that book is over. Lots of people liked this, but I struggle to understand why. Definitely not a book style I'm fond of, although the story was okay. Sorry, can't recommend this crap.
June 25, 2019
A poorly done 'Last Starfighter' starting with so much stuff that makes you say WTF that you can't build a suspension of disbelief fast enough.
March 12, 2019
A missed chance for a good book I think. The idea is somewhat interesting, but the book itself gets boring and annoying after a couple of pages. Lost of bromancing (is that the word?), and main characters that get everything handed to them on a silver platter. Fights are short and there is too much about 'the guys'. Hardly any character development. This is not a book that I can recommend.
February 16, 2019
Fun story, a little much on the bro-mance
Fun story that takes a bunch of gamers in a new world or two. I liked the switch in the middle that surprised the characters and gave them a new way to look at the world they were in.
I was put off a bit by the heavy “bro” banter, particularly in the introduction. But it either toned down, or I got used to it.
I picked up the book because I have liked everything from Mountaindale Press.
Fun story that takes a bunch of gamers in a new world or two. I liked the switch in the middle that surprised the characters and gave them a new way to look at the world they were in.
I was put off a bit by the heavy “bro” banter, particularly in the introduction. But it either toned down, or I got used to it.
I picked up the book because I have liked everything from Mountaindale Press.
May 13, 2019
A interesting tall tale.
I enjoyed the book and thought it was a interesting story. The author kept me interested in the story and engaged with the plot. Overall the book was good but I thought that the author has started to fall into the trap of plot holes the size of Godzilla to make the characters go where they wanted instead of working the story to make the plot flow.
I enjoyed the book and thought it was a interesting story. The author kept me interested in the story and engaged with the plot. Overall the book was good but I thought that the author has started to fall into the trap of plot holes the size of Godzilla to make the characters go where they wanted instead of working the story to make the plot flow.
December 1, 2019
I Really Enjoyed the Story. Nice Character and World build up that takes the reader on a journey into a Fantasy World that is new and known at the same time. Going to pick up the next two books now as the cliff hanger is to much to pass up and needs and ending.
December 29, 2020
Awesome read
This book was so fun filled and entertaining it kept me up late nights. Oh Boy! There's 5 more books in this series and the story just keeps getting better!
This book was so fun filled and entertaining it kept me up late nights. Oh Boy! There's 5 more books in this series and the story just keeps getting better!
October 11, 2020
This book begins a series with a solid foundation of some interesting characters, well-thought out mechanics and an entertaining overall premise for the series, the author brings these elements together to deliver a strong first book in the series that manages to be a good read while also doing the world-building needed to support the subsequent books in the series.
On the whole the main character and his friends are well-realised and serve to draw the listener into the book, but at times some of the dialogue and inner monologue felt a little forced, trying a bit too hard to sell us on them being gamers, this didn't detract too much overall.
The performance of the narrator was a strong one, helping to bring the characters and world to life with a distinctive range of voices for the main cast.
Overall, an entertaining start to the series and a good listen in it's own right.
On the whole the main character and his friends are well-realised and serve to draw the listener into the book, but at times some of the dialogue and inner monologue felt a little forced, trying a bit too hard to sell us on them being gamers, this didn't detract too much overall.
The performance of the narrator was a strong one, helping to bring the characters and world to life with a distinctive range of voices for the main cast.
Overall, an entertaining start to the series and a good listen in it's own right.
July 11, 2020
I'm kind of at a lose... I was really enjoying the book, the action was picking up, they were fighting the big bad and then.... it ended. It ended before the big bad died. I...I just don't know what to think about that. So I'm taking off a star for that abrupt ending. It was unsatisfying.
Yes, I'm going to go read the next book because I love the storyline, the development of the characters, etc. But I hate actual abrupt endings like that. It's not a good cliffhanger that makes you want to go read the next book, it just feels like the author literally cut a full book in half without thinking about it.
Yes, I'm going to go read the next book because I love the storyline, the development of the characters, etc. But I hate actual abrupt endings like that. It's not a good cliffhanger that makes you want to go read the next book, it just feels like the author literally cut a full book in half without thinking about it.
February 17, 2019
Probably the best written LitRPG
This is likely the best example of LitRPG from a writers' standpoint. The prose is excellent, it has precision and clarity while evoking emotion and fleshing out the world. Zekiel, the titular Axe Druid, kicks ass with the help of his friends after they get transported to the world of Brinolla to help prevent an apocalypse in the form of War. They fight and level to help stop the coming calamity. I can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next book.
This is likely the best example of LitRPG from a writers' standpoint. The prose is excellent, it has precision and clarity while evoking emotion and fleshing out the world. Zekiel, the titular Axe Druid, kicks ass with the help of his friends after they get transported to the world of Brinolla to help prevent an apocalypse in the form of War. They fight and level to help stop the coming calamity. I can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next book.
February 25, 2019
Nicely Done!
Beautiful pacing, with fun, fresh, and likable characters. Also has a great story and magic system. Editing is good, but there’s quite a few homonyms that tend two great on yew quickly. Definitely recommended though, and definitely watching for book two.
Beautiful pacing, with fun, fresh, and likable characters. Also has a great story and magic system. Editing is good, but there’s quite a few homonyms that tend two great on yew quickly. Definitely recommended though, and definitely watching for book two.
December 30, 2019
Blown away
I picked up this book on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. Absolutely fantastic read! Classes were brilliant, story was amazing, stats were crunchy enough without being a burden to the story
I picked up this book on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. Absolutely fantastic read! Classes were brilliant, story was amazing, stats were crunchy enough without being a burden to the story
Read
November 20, 2019DNF.
December 13, 2020
I loved this book
I really enjoyed a new perspective on the litrpg genre. Not just one MC but multiple MCs. Brilliant world created and fantastic story
I really enjoyed a new perspective on the litrpg genre. Not just one MC but multiple MCs. Brilliant world created and fantastic story
November 19, 2019
The story begins with Chris and his friends telling each other that they have been hearing voices for help in their dreams. The night after they have this talk at the gym, the group finally answer the call thinking that this was just a dream. The crew is pulled to Brindolla, a fantasy world with some mechanics that you would find in modern role-playing games. This is any gamers dream... or is it the crews new reality? Eventually, we find out the Brindollan Gods are using a majority of their power to hold off a relentless galactic/dimensional conqueror, War. The gods hope this will give Chris and company long enough to amass enough power to fight of War's generals already present in the world as spies and saboteurs. This is what the tight-knit group of buddy gamers were summoned for. But what really drives the group is that if they cant get rid of War’s vanguard of minions and generals, War will eventually set his sights on Earth itself.
I have to admit, I went into this book thinking this would just be a book to pass the time while I waited on releases from my favorites. I actually am not interested in druid type classes at all, which is Zeke's (Chris' "in-game" name) class. I could never get into druids for long in games and I always prefered Shaman type characters. However, following Zeke felt new and refreshing from the characters I am used to in my LitRPG's.
The book started pretty simple with a little bit of backstory on each character in their real lives. Even into the "virtual" reality things were pretty simple to follow. It was not until the characters finished some preliminary training and conquered a tough challenge in the form of a dark and twisted community did the story begin to throw in some real depth and severity into what the characters were dealing with. It was then that I really enjoyed Christopher Johns form of build up and realized that he was holding back. Even thinking back to the brief backstory part of the book I am reminded that these guys have people they love in their world. I went from thinking this was a filler book between releases to consuming 3 audiobooks in less then a week.
Some of my favorite parts involve learning about each party members class and abilities, ALL THE DWARVES, and meeting the fey Queen of Ice and Darkness. Another favorite thing about this book is the comradery of the party and how, as a veteran myself, at home I felt with the characters. Each time I was away from the book I couldn't wait to get back to what felt like friends.
I'll also point out that B. J. Harrison did a pretty good job here as far as narration. Could use a little more work on female voices but even that was pretty good. Having listened to all 3 audiobooks I can say he does improve.
I have to admit, I went into this book thinking this would just be a book to pass the time while I waited on releases from my favorites. I actually am not interested in druid type classes at all, which is Zeke's (Chris' "in-game" name) class. I could never get into druids for long in games and I always prefered Shaman type characters. However, following Zeke felt new and refreshing from the characters I am used to in my LitRPG's.
The book started pretty simple with a little bit of backstory on each character in their real lives. Even into the "virtual" reality things were pretty simple to follow. It was not until the characters finished some preliminary training and conquered a tough challenge in the form of a dark and twisted community did the story begin to throw in some real depth and severity into what the characters were dealing with. It was then that I really enjoyed Christopher Johns form of build up and realized that he was holding back. Even thinking back to the brief backstory part of the book I am reminded that these guys have people they love in their world. I went from thinking this was a filler book between releases to consuming 3 audiobooks in less then a week.
Some of my favorite parts involve learning about each party members class and abilities, ALL THE DWARVES, and meeting the fey Queen of Ice and Darkness. Another favorite thing about this book is the comradery of the party and how, as a veteran myself, at home I felt with the characters. Each time I was away from the book I couldn't wait to get back to what felt like friends.
I'll also point out that B. J. Harrison did a pretty good job here as far as narration. Could use a little more work on female voices but even that was pretty good. Having listened to all 3 audiobooks I can say he does improve.
September 19, 2019
Like gaming with your old guild, but better and with less aggravation
- Do you like gaming?
- Have you ever played a MMORPG?
- Do you like fantasy settings/creatures
- Are you a fan of magic and unique weapons?
- Does humorous banter and intense action scenes interest you?
If you answered yes to at least half of those questions I have a good feeling you will enjoy this book.
The story follows an MC and his buddies as they go on a quest to save Brindolla. There is a lot of really good action and fun dialogue. Now, I’ve had the opportunity to read the three books that are in this series and I can tell you this. The writing in this series definitely improves with each book.
The only complaint that I had in this book was that I wanted more info to care about the other characters. That being said, the author did a great job of addressing this in books 2 and 3.
I’d recommend giving this one a shot, you should be able to tell within the first couple chapters if it’s for you. For me, it worked and I really enjoyed it. By the way, if you are an Audible listener, I’d recommend picking this up. B.J. Harrison (who I wasn’t familiar with before) does an outstanding job of narrating.
- Do you like gaming?
- Have you ever played a MMORPG?
- Do you like fantasy settings/creatures
- Are you a fan of magic and unique weapons?
- Does humorous banter and intense action scenes interest you?
If you answered yes to at least half of those questions I have a good feeling you will enjoy this book.
The story follows an MC and his buddies as they go on a quest to save Brindolla. There is a lot of really good action and fun dialogue. Now, I’ve had the opportunity to read the three books that are in this series and I can tell you this. The writing in this series definitely improves with each book.
The only complaint that I had in this book was that I wanted more info to care about the other characters. That being said, the author did a great job of addressing this in books 2 and 3.
I’d recommend giving this one a shot, you should be able to tell within the first couple chapters if it’s for you. For me, it worked and I really enjoyed it. By the way, if you are an Audible listener, I’d recommend picking this up. B.J. Harrison (who I wasn’t familiar with before) does an outstanding job of narrating.
March 8, 2021
This is a perfect book for people who love litRPG's and don't mind the Brofest!
This is about a group of friends that have been getting together... for like forever, to play mmorpg's. For some reason, they have all been sleeping poorly, as their nights are filled with disturbing gaming style dreams... eventually they're asked if they want to beat the evil, Dread War... but first they have to stop Dread War's minions in order to save this world. With a yes still on their lips they awake to find themselves inducted/abducted into a whole new game world, only finding out the reality of the situation after the fact! Finding that they're fighting not only for their lives and to save this world, but if War isn't stopped in the here and now, Earth will be War's next target! Talk about incentivising your players! So let the spit fly as they start building their stats, fighting hard to save both realms!
Although BJ Harrison is a great voice actor, I found him to be too low key, and as a result, out of place as a narrator for this high-octane, action filled, litRPG. It was a bit "off-putting"... though eventually I got used to it, I could never really endorse the choice of this narrator for this book!
This is about a group of friends that have been getting together... for like forever, to play mmorpg's. For some reason, they have all been sleeping poorly, as their nights are filled with disturbing gaming style dreams... eventually they're asked if they want to beat the evil, Dread War... but first they have to stop Dread War's minions in order to save this world. With a yes still on their lips they awake to find themselves inducted/abducted into a whole new game world, only finding out the reality of the situation after the fact! Finding that they're fighting not only for their lives and to save this world, but if War isn't stopped in the here and now, Earth will be War's next target! Talk about incentivising your players! So let the spit fly as they start building their stats, fighting hard to save both realms!
Although BJ Harrison is a great voice actor, I found him to be too low key, and as a result, out of place as a narrator for this high-octane, action filled, litRPG. It was a bit "off-putting"... though eventually I got used to it, I could never really endorse the choice of this narrator for this book!
March 26, 2020
Level grinding with mundane characters
At 50%, I stopped reading to look at reviews to see if I missed something magical about this book. What I've read so far is basic D&D level grinding, with a thin "save this world to save your own, and yourself" reasonable stuck there. The characters were all meant to be distinctive, non-human races, most played by Marines; none but the narrator stands out to me as unique, they feel interchangeable and forgettable.
Often litRPG feels like someone's game was so epic their friends suggested turning it into a book. This one could apply, and may be better enjoyed by people who were there, man.
Maybe it's me, that the book just isn't meshing with, but I can't see reading this for another two hours when there are other books I'll hopefully enjoy more waiting on my Kindle. DNF at 50%.
An example of the writing:
"Wizard, no not like the ones in the movies, these guys usually read from a spell book—think magical librarian who lost his job for burning the library down that one time. We don’t talk about that. "
At 50%, I stopped reading to look at reviews to see if I missed something magical about this book. What I've read so far is basic D&D level grinding, with a thin "save this world to save your own, and yourself" reasonable stuck there. The characters were all meant to be distinctive, non-human races, most played by Marines; none but the narrator stands out to me as unique, they feel interchangeable and forgettable.
Often litRPG feels like someone's game was so epic their friends suggested turning it into a book. This one could apply, and may be better enjoyed by people who were there, man.
Maybe it's me, that the book just isn't meshing with, but I can't see reading this for another two hours when there are other books I'll hopefully enjoy more waiting on my Kindle. DNF at 50%.
An example of the writing:
"Wizard, no not like the ones in the movies, these guys usually read from a spell book—think magical librarian who lost his job for burning the library down that one time. We don’t talk about that. "
March 26, 2022
A very well written, and detailed book. Some interesting tweaks to the expected races available, and the classes are interestingly defined as well.
Being as the book is written by someone who worked with servicemen, and features current and past servicemen, the language is a little fruity in parts - so if you can't handle real talk - this book is not for you!
If that doesn't bother you, there are plenty of laughs along the way, and the obvious bond and comeraderie between the players is well written.
Without giving too much away, the werewolves are NOT friendly! Nice to see an unromantisised version of them.
But any gamer will appreciate the solid storyline and the description of the abilities unlocked. It puts me in mind of Skyrim - that kind of open world where anything is possible and so many paths to choose from. All in all a great read. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Being as the book is written by someone who worked with servicemen, and features current and past servicemen, the language is a little fruity in parts - so if you can't handle real talk - this book is not for you!
If that doesn't bother you, there are plenty of laughs along the way, and the obvious bond and comeraderie between the players is well written.
Without giving too much away, the werewolves are NOT friendly! Nice to see an unromantisised version of them.
But any gamer will appreciate the solid storyline and the description of the abilities unlocked. It puts me in mind of Skyrim - that kind of open world where anything is possible and so many paths to choose from. All in all a great read. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 28, 2019
Like a stone rolling downhill
This book started out very hard for me to attach to. I'm a fan of litrpg books and at first this one has some inexplicable quality to it that prevented me from getting fully sucked in. I pressed on because even with that it was a book about people inside fantasy game worlds and I love that kind of thing. As I read, the writing improved and the small kinks in style were worked out. Slowly yet surely the story sucked me in and before I knew it I had leaped from 30% book completion to 95%. Mr. John's has written a book truly worth the effort and I feel rewarded for having stuck with it until it could truly sink its claws in. I'm looking forward to reading the next ASAP
This book started out very hard for me to attach to. I'm a fan of litrpg books and at first this one has some inexplicable quality to it that prevented me from getting fully sucked in. I pressed on because even with that it was a book about people inside fantasy game worlds and I love that kind of thing. As I read, the writing improved and the small kinks in style were worked out. Slowly yet surely the story sucked me in and before I knew it I had leaped from 30% book completion to 95%. Mr. John's has written a book truly worth the effort and I feel rewarded for having stuck with it until it could truly sink its claws in. I'm looking forward to reading the next ASAP
December 14, 2024
DNF. Got roughly 75% through this book by sheer grit and determination, but after a while the "why am I doing this?" won out and I'm just done.
There were parts about this book I really liked. I liked how the system, how the MC and his friends rib each other, how they tend to be good morally aligned, and how they care about their families back home.
What I don't like is almost everything about their interactions with the people of Brindolla. I don't know what it is about most of it, but it just keeps hitting my cringe factor. Maybe it was intended for audiences of young adults or something, or maybe it's just a matter of personal taste, I don't know, but point is, it's a definite "nope" from me.
There were parts about this book I really liked. I liked how the system, how the MC and his friends rib each other, how they tend to be good morally aligned, and how they care about their families back home.
What I don't like is almost everything about their interactions with the people of Brindolla. I don't know what it is about most of it, but it just keeps hitting my cringe factor. Maybe it was intended for audiences of young adults or something, or maybe it's just a matter of personal taste, I don't know, but point is, it's a definite "nope" from me.
May 6, 2019
Damn good story! Really spoke to me and my life
I really enjoyed this book, the story, the party and the underlying history that tied them all together. As a Vet myself, I made many a gaming buddy over the years for all types of games, from CCGs, to boardgames to computer games. My army buddies and I were big on Diablo and that is the one that really reminds me of how we kept in touch for years through gaming. And who doesn’t love axes???
I really enjoyed the main character and his choice to fill whatever role was needed in the group. I like to play that way also and cannot wait for the next book!
I really enjoyed this book, the story, the party and the underlying history that tied them all together. As a Vet myself, I made many a gaming buddy over the years for all types of games, from CCGs, to boardgames to computer games. My army buddies and I were big on Diablo and that is the one that really reminds me of how we kept in touch for years through gaming. And who doesn’t love axes???
I really enjoyed the main character and his choice to fill whatever role was needed in the group. I like to play that way also and cannot wait for the next book!
April 15, 2020
Captivated fantasy series
This story had me captivated after the first few pages. It's characters are funny and very believable. If you've had the chance to hang out with veterans or active duty military, you'll know these guys. And it's probably a gamers dream come true. The story is fast moving with unexpected twists. As the story flows, the characters grow and evolve. My grandson can't wait to read this book but he wants it in paperback so he'll have to wait for it. I'm looking forward to the next 3 books in the series. Fans of the Dresden Files, Rachel Morgan and the Merry Gentry series will love this series.
This story had me captivated after the first few pages. It's characters are funny and very believable. If you've had the chance to hang out with veterans or active duty military, you'll know these guys. And it's probably a gamers dream come true. The story is fast moving with unexpected twists. As the story flows, the characters grow and evolve. My grandson can't wait to read this book but he wants it in paperback so he'll have to wait for it. I'm looking forward to the next 3 books in the series. Fans of the Dresden Files, Rachel Morgan and the Merry Gentry series will love this series.
December 24, 2020
Did not finish. I don't know if it was the narration or what, but I just never caught interest in it.
I think because it was a lot of telling and not showing. The characters have extremely short quick reactions that are not realistic. He is told he is taken to a new world to never go back and see his son, and he is over it instantly.
He is given trainers, tons of gold, and perks for nothing at the beginning.
It may get better later, but if I have to make myself continue reading, it ain't worth it.
I think because it was a lot of telling and not showing. The characters have extremely short quick reactions that are not realistic. He is told he is taken to a new world to never go back and see his son, and he is over it instantly.
He is given trainers, tons of gold, and perks for nothing at the beginning.
It may get better later, but if I have to make myself continue reading, it ain't worth it.
January 22, 2021
I’ve listen to tons of LitRPGs on Audible and I have to say this is one of the best, as good as Michael Chatfield’s Emerilia series and at times even better given Christopher Johns doesn’t bog things down with stat info. I don’t even mind it ending on a cliffhanger. My only complaint was BJ Harrison’s occasional inability to differentiate main character voices or to speak in more distinctive feminine voices but I don’t fault him that difficulty nor did it impact the performance overall. Buy this audiobook! You won’t regret it. Now, time to download and start book 2.
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