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Arcane Kingdom Online #2
Dark Magic
Nowhere is safe: online or off.
The ZERO virus continues its spread across the globe. For Clay Hopewell and his friends this spells more danger than ever before.
Digitally reincarnated into the world’s most powerful online video game, Clay must now find out what’s happening on the outside to save those living in his world. On top of this, he’s been pushed into a quest by a young paranoid king, nations are preparing for war, and a malevolent glitch continues its path of destruction.
Even with the help of his sword-slinging girlfriend and thieving best bud, dark forces swirl in the background, hoping to transform the fantasy world they now call home into a digital hell.
Your next quest starts now.
The ZERO virus continues its spread across the globe. For Clay Hopewell and his friends this spells more danger than ever before.
Digitally reincarnated into the world’s most powerful online video game, Clay must now find out what’s happening on the outside to save those living in his world. On top of this, he’s been pushed into a quest by a young paranoid king, nations are preparing for war, and a malevolent glitch continues its path of destruction.
Even with the help of his sword-slinging girlfriend and thieving best bud, dark forces swirl in the background, hoping to transform the fantasy world they now call home into a digital hell.
Your next quest starts now.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2019
783 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Jakob Tanner
20 books175 followersJakob Tanner is the author of three LitRPG series: Arcane Kingdom Online, Tower Climber, and Second Chance Swordsman. His books were inspired by the Final Fantasy video game series, Dungeons and Dragons, and all the MMORPGs that have taken over his life at one point or another.
He likes playing board games, binging anime, and eating yummy food. To keep up to date with his shenanigans (as well as the status of his next book) consider signing up to his mailing list here:
https://www.jakobtanner.com/dungeondi...
Beyond that, Jakob can be found at all the usual places:
Facebook (Reader Group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/19953...
Facebook (Author Page): @jakobtannerwriter
Twitter: @jakobtanner
Website: www.jakobtanner.com
He likes playing board games, binging anime, and eating yummy food. To keep up to date with his shenanigans (as well as the status of his next book) consider signing up to his mailing list here:
https://www.jakobtanner.com/dungeondi...
Beyond that, Jakob can be found at all the usual places:
Facebook (Reader Group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/19953...
Facebook (Author Page): @jakobtannerwriter
Twitter: @jakobtanner
Website: www.jakobtanner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 3, 2019
yea, yea, I got an ARC from the author and this is a honest review
Dark Magic is a competent follow to The Chosen.
I liked the The Chosen, the first book in the Arcane Kingdom Online series due to its easy to get into writing, good action, compelling characters and great world building. I didn't like its short length or its slightly generic plot since it felt that like this book was setting up the series.
Dark Magic is the same.
When I got the ARC, I immediately started reading it (putting aside the other books I was in the middle of). And I continued reading till I finished this book. This shows that the second book is as gripping as the first. And in retrospect, it has all of the strengths of the first one.
But, and this is a big but, this book still feels like it is a stepping stone to something bigger. I get that the book is short and only so much can be filled in it, but I would have loved to seen more progress in the main plot. But that is my only complaint.
I would still recommend this as short, fun read.
Dark Magic is a competent follow to The Chosen.
I liked the The Chosen, the first book in the Arcane Kingdom Online series due to its easy to get into writing, good action, compelling characters and great world building. I didn't like its short length or its slightly generic plot since it felt that like this book was setting up the series.
Dark Magic is the same.
When I got the ARC, I immediately started reading it (putting aside the other books I was in the middle of). And I continued reading till I finished this book. This shows that the second book is as gripping as the first. And in retrospect, it has all of the strengths of the first one.
But, and this is a big but, this book still feels like it is a stepping stone to something bigger. I get that the book is short and only so much can be filled in it, but I would have loved to seen more progress in the main plot. But that is my only complaint.
I would still recommend this as short, fun read.
September 16, 2019
I received an ecopy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Dark Magic (Arcane Kingdom Online #2) by Jakob Tanner is a great follow up to The Chosen. I'm so glad I started this LitRPG series because Clay's story has really hooked me. This installment takes up right after book one ends and it does a good job of expanding the world of the game that Clay now calls home particularly through the quests he, Serena, and Shade take on for the king. It's quite similar to book one, but we begin to learn more and more background on the game itself and its developers. Overall, though, the author's style flows a little better and we already know the cast and the key points of their world. If you enjoyed The Chosen, Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel, and Aaru by David Meredith, you'll have to continue this series. I can't wait to read continue this The Fallen City after that ending. I can't wait to see where it's going to all go. Thanks again, Mr. Tanner!
Dark Magic (Arcane Kingdom Online #2) by Jakob Tanner is a great follow up to The Chosen. I'm so glad I started this LitRPG series because Clay's story has really hooked me. This installment takes up right after book one ends and it does a good job of expanding the world of the game that Clay now calls home particularly through the quests he, Serena, and Shade take on for the king. It's quite similar to book one, but we begin to learn more and more background on the game itself and its developers. Overall, though, the author's style flows a little better and we already know the cast and the key points of their world. If you enjoyed The Chosen, Radioactive Evolution by Richard Hummel, and Aaru by David Meredith, you'll have to continue this series. I can't wait to read continue this The Fallen City after that ending. I can't wait to see where it's going to all go. Thanks again, Mr. Tanner!
July 10, 2019
This series is just kind of Meh, and it doesn't help that he keeps hinting at a much more interesting story happening out in the real world.
Possibly the most frustrating part is that every death re-sets the characters progress, and they die enough that I'm not sure anyone actually increased in level. The results is watching the MC grind quests and mobs then get that all wiped away with a death, only to start over again.
Not that it seems to matter as the author treats levels as arbitrary characteristics that may or may not have a barring on the difficulty of the fight.
Possibly the most frustrating part is that every death re-sets the characters progress, and they die enough that I'm not sure anyone actually increased in level. The results is watching the MC grind quests and mobs then get that all wiped away with a death, only to start over again.
Not that it seems to matter as the author treats levels as arbitrary characteristics that may or may not have a barring on the difficulty of the fight.
August 31, 2025
Dark Magic (Arcane Kingdom Online #2) continues Clay’s story after he uploads his consciousness into the VR game to escape the deadly Zero virus in the real world. Alongside Serena and Shade, Clay finds himself pulled into a paranoid king’s quest, tasked with investigating mysterious disappearances, uncovering the truth behind a strange glitch, and dealing with the ominous mark of the Prophetic Seal. The dangers inside the game grow more tangled with those outside, setting the stage for even greater conflicts.
I really enjoyed this installment. Clay’s compassion toward NPCs set him apart from a lot of LitRPG protagonists, and his dynamic with Shade and Serena brought humor and heart to the darker parts of the story. The plot around the Prophetic Seal and the vanishing people was intriguing, and I liked how the game world is expanding while still tying back to the looming threat of Zero.
The pacing dragged a little in parts, and I did miss seeing Clay gain and explore new abilities as much as in the first book. Still, the mystery, character interactions, and the larger stakes kept me hooked. A solid continuation that left me eager to see where Book 3 will take Clay and his friends.
I really enjoyed this installment. Clay’s compassion toward NPCs set him apart from a lot of LitRPG protagonists, and his dynamic with Shade and Serena brought humor and heart to the darker parts of the story. The plot around the Prophetic Seal and the vanishing people was intriguing, and I liked how the game world is expanding while still tying back to the looming threat of Zero.
The pacing dragged a little in parts, and I did miss seeing Clay gain and explore new abilities as much as in the first book. Still, the mystery, character interactions, and the larger stakes kept me hooked. A solid continuation that left me eager to see where Book 3 will take Clay and his friends.
January 9, 2020
Wow prepare to launch yourselves into this daring roller coaster ride full of adventure and fast paced action with our team of heroes, namely Clay and Serena who are players and Shade their NPC friend and ally as these are taken as prisoners in an airship to meet the King of Laergard. This King turns out to be a seventeen year old who is plunging his country into war with their rivals Arethkar, incited to do this by his adviser, Bertwald. He sends our team of heroes on a quest to find out why people are going missing from the city and as they accept the quest they find themselves fighting terrible monsters and often fighting for their lives. One quest leads to another as they discover there is more to their quests than they ever imagined, they have to make use of their many techniques and tactics in order to stay alive and save the two children Fen and Mari who are the last to go missing. Clay worries that back home on earth the zero virus has taken everything he knew and loved but he was damned if he would let monsters take this new life from him too. I found this book to be such a page turner that I read it all in one day and am looking forward to reading book 3 in this fun and exciting series.
November 16, 2019
ONE THRILLING JOURNEY!!!
Shake down! Jakob rocks this baby from the start. A tumultuous wild ride with a surplus of unexpected misfortune and surprising incidents that blasts all of your emotions into play perfectly. One compelling storyline and gripping plot jolts this baby together smoothly and without a hitch. Action packed, fast paced, nerve racking, nail-biting, spine tingling dynamo racks it up and lays it out. The drama, intrigue, distress, turmoil, danger, and suspense make for one incredible experience. Jumping hoops, hurdling the trials and tribulations along with a horde of plot twists and sharp turns bring this baby together impeccably. The characters personalities are original, relatable and realistic with depth and qualities it feels as though you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are graphically detailed and descriptive making it easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Fantastic job Jakob, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Shake down! Jakob rocks this baby from the start. A tumultuous wild ride with a surplus of unexpected misfortune and surprising incidents that blasts all of your emotions into play perfectly. One compelling storyline and gripping plot jolts this baby together smoothly and without a hitch. Action packed, fast paced, nerve racking, nail-biting, spine tingling dynamo racks it up and lays it out. The drama, intrigue, distress, turmoil, danger, and suspense make for one incredible experience. Jumping hoops, hurdling the trials and tribulations along with a horde of plot twists and sharp turns bring this baby together impeccably. The characters personalities are original, relatable and realistic with depth and qualities it feels as though you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are graphically detailed and descriptive making it easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another in perfect balance. Fantastic job Jakob, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
February 1, 2019
I was impressed with Clay in this book, and his determination to maintain his personal moral integrity. It would be so easy, in his situation, to not see the NPC's as individuals worthy of respect - as, it seems, the AKO folks did - and so much of the conflict that Clay and party face is a direct result of that.
We learned a bit more about what's happening outside in this book, and it seems that Clay might be in a position to help out in both Illyria and Earth. The action in this book did feel more like a prerequisite to future adventure, rather than important in it's own right, so that was a bit disappointing, but I can't imagine how it would be different this early in the story.
I am excited to see where this will go, and how the players and the NPC's will ever find a way to live in harmony - especially with what's going on outside AKO.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
We learned a bit more about what's happening outside in this book, and it seems that Clay might be in a position to help out in both Illyria and Earth. The action in this book did feel more like a prerequisite to future adventure, rather than important in it's own right, so that was a bit disappointing, but I can't imagine how it would be different this early in the story.
I am excited to see where this will go, and how the players and the NPC's will ever find a way to live in harmony - especially with what's going on outside AKO.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 5, 2019
More hero's doing their thing
So our man Clay is still knee deep in it. Clay and his slowly growing band of heroes have been tasked with fixing problems in yet another kingdom. His attempt to grind is met with limited success before he is thrown in deeper into trouble and must concentrate on the kingdom problems.
The book has good flow and slowly is releasing parts of the larger story arc both in VR and out in IRL. The flavor is still somewhat game playing vs do or die as the MC is still worried about equipment cool factor as much as utility and effectiveness. That probably will change, by next book,with some of the reveals in this book. I enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait for the next one.
Full disclosure... I received an early ARC of this book for an honest review.
So our man Clay is still knee deep in it. Clay and his slowly growing band of heroes have been tasked with fixing problems in yet another kingdom. His attempt to grind is met with limited success before he is thrown in deeper into trouble and must concentrate on the kingdom problems.
The book has good flow and slowly is releasing parts of the larger story arc both in VR and out in IRL. The flavor is still somewhat game playing vs do or die as the MC is still worried about equipment cool factor as much as utility and effectiveness. That probably will change, by next book,with some of the reveals in this book. I enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait for the next one.
Full disclosure... I received an early ARC of this book for an honest review.
August 17, 2019
Again short but good
The second book of the series is a lot like the first. I like how more of they story of the game comes out. There is pretty decent game mechanics but mana usage is pretty much forgotten. The MC never runs out. You learn more about classes and how their sub classes and hybrid classes. These seem really far off due to the amount of experience needed to level up which is a little disappointing but understandable. The author did not address or come back to after combar when the MC developed/unlocked a new ability which it seemed he created. I would have figured the MC would have been curious about the result and tedted other things to see if he could unlock/develop orthers.
Again i thought the author did a good job with the story and characters. I plan on reading thr next book and hope it is better than the last.
The second book of the series is a lot like the first. I like how more of they story of the game comes out. There is pretty decent game mechanics but mana usage is pretty much forgotten. The MC never runs out. You learn more about classes and how their sub classes and hybrid classes. These seem really far off due to the amount of experience needed to level up which is a little disappointing but understandable. The author did not address or come back to after combar when the MC developed/unlocked a new ability which it seemed he created. I would have figured the MC would have been curious about the result and tedted other things to see if he could unlock/develop orthers.
Again i thought the author did a good job with the story and characters. I plan on reading thr next book and hope it is better than the last.
March 19, 2020
The real world falling the deadly disease called Zero has finally entered the AKO game. With that on Clay's mind; there's an eerie mystery involving people vanishing and a bizarre quest set by a scrambled- minded king that puts Clay and Shade fighting for their lives in a deadly arena games. Even with Serena powerful aid in a deadly cat and mouse race to save those being used by malicious forces- it may not be enough to stop their impossible quest from falling- the consequences the most dire and far reaching. The epic Litrpg continues with its striking action and intense emotional ride yet. Highly recommended.
September 12, 2024
Book 2 of Arcane Kingdom Online. This second book deepens our existing friendships and introduces us to others. Overall this is a fun and light adventure series with plenty of action. The only thing it felt light on was adding to the various skills like it did in the last book. This one was more about using the skills with just a few things added in. I am interested to see how the author develops from this point as it appears that a war book is on the horizon.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
February 4, 2019
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review. This is the second book by the author and second book in the series that I've read.
This book was an improvement over the first in the series. The flow was a little better, more characters were introduced, and the adventures always get more exciting as a party levels up. After years of playing RPGs the environment described in the book feel familiar and comfortable. I look forward to the next installment.
This book was an improvement over the first in the series. The flow was a little better, more characters were introduced, and the adventures always get more exciting as a party levels up. After years of playing RPGs the environment described in the book feel familiar and comfortable. I look forward to the next installment.
February 5, 2019
Next
Book picks up right where the first book ended. Was an interesting direction the author took with the main subject matter, gonna be interesting to see how things develope from this point forward. Was also nice that author didn't go overboard with charts and lists, but used them as the aids and flavor they should be. All in all an enjoyable read, and good setup for future books.
Book picks up right where the first book ended. Was an interesting direction the author took with the main subject matter, gonna be interesting to see how things develope from this point forward. Was also nice that author didn't go overboard with charts and lists, but used them as the aids and flavor they should be. All in all an enjoyable read, and good setup for future books.
February 6, 2019
Ghost in the machine
It was quite a fascinating read. I do like the programmer touch. I also like how they heroes were just as likely to fail a quest as complete it.
The sacrifice scene was okay.
I was kind of hoping for more of a highlander approach in terms of abilities, though that was shot down as the MC didnt really get any stronger. Oh well it was still a good book. Look forward to the next one.
It was quite a fascinating read. I do like the programmer touch. I also like how they heroes were just as likely to fail a quest as complete it.
The sacrifice scene was okay.
I was kind of hoping for more of a highlander approach in terms of abilities, though that was shot down as the MC didnt really get any stronger. Oh well it was still a good book. Look forward to the next one.
March 28, 2019
The first book was good, but my god the second was even better. How many LitRPG sequels are as good or better than the first? Not many that I've come across.
I finished Book 1 at like 2am and I really should've gone to bed. But no, fool I am I started the second.. made it to bed around 5.
Again.. Not a really good review of the actual story but I never know what to write. Is the book good? You betcha, should you read it before bed? Only if you hate sleep. Am I looking forward to the next? Yup, Should I be writing reviews when half asleep? Nope
I finished Book 1 at like 2am and I really should've gone to bed. But no, fool I am I started the second.. made it to bed around 5.
Again.. Not a really good review of the actual story but I never know what to write. Is the book good? You betcha, should you read it before bed? Only if you hate sleep. Am I looking forward to the next? Yup, Should I be writing reviews when half asleep? Nope
September 2, 2019
Fun Adventure
We continued the adventure right where we left off. This book was good but not quite as compelling as the last as certain plot points were a bit cliche and rushed. I missed having skill progression like in the first book where it was picking up new things and experimenting. But still overall good, hopefully the next book feels a bit less hectic and we can learn more about the world.
We continued the adventure right where we left off. This book was good but not quite as compelling as the last as certain plot points were a bit cliche and rushed. I missed having skill progression like in the first book where it was picking up new things and experimenting. But still overall good, hopefully the next book feels a bit less hectic and we can learn more about the world.
November 28, 2019
Arcane Kingdom Online: Dark Magic focuses more on the game then the first book, and there is a lot of plot and action for fans of the genre to enjoy. Because this book doesn’t spend time in the “real” world, I found it less dark then the first book in the series. I think that this book would work fine independently as well for readers who have not read the first book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 21, 2024
While not as strong as the first book, this was also an interesting and quick read. Most of the book dealt with a single "save the kingdom" type quest and the end was pretty much nonstop action.
Aside from that, in this book we learn more about BOTH worlds and its arguable which world is in worse shape. We also expand our adventuring party to four people and learn about our hero's cheat powers.
Worth reading, but now I need a break before book 3.
Aside from that, in this book we learn more about BOTH worlds and its arguable which world is in worse shape. We also expand our adventuring party to four people and learn about our hero's cheat powers.
Worth reading, but now I need a break before book 3.
February 24, 2019
Entertaining and very fun read
Thank you for another great book. I look forward to the next.
The rest of this review is filled with blah. A specific number of words are required for this to actually post. The first sentences are my review. So are the number of stars. I read the stories, I do not write them.
Thank you for another great book. I look forward to the next.
The rest of this review is filled with blah. A specific number of words are required for this to actually post. The first sentences are my review. So are the number of stars. I read the stories, I do not write them.
February 25, 2019
Fun
A good read and fun mix of varied RPG types. I do not care for the odd random foul language that detracts from the reading and am unsure why the author chose them. It is rather like the gratuitous sex scenes in some movies, ill placed and unnecessary.
Looking forward to the next read with some hope of a cleaner read for those who do not want polluted reads.
A good read and fun mix of varied RPG types. I do not care for the odd random foul language that detracts from the reading and am unsure why the author chose them. It is rather like the gratuitous sex scenes in some movies, ill placed and unnecessary.
Looking forward to the next read with some hope of a cleaner read for those who do not want polluted reads.
March 31, 2019
More AKO fun
I enjoyed this a bit more than the first. Book 2 is set in the game side of things. Mostly running from one quest /adventure to the next. Works for me. The descriptions are pretty good so some fights feel cinematic and occasionally implausible. We get some good villain monologues. It may not be crunchy, but I had fun reading it. And not a typo to be found.
I enjoyed this a bit more than the first. Book 2 is set in the game side of things. Mostly running from one quest /adventure to the next. Works for me. The descriptions are pretty good so some fights feel cinematic and occasionally implausible. We get some good villain monologues. It may not be crunchy, but I had fun reading it. And not a typo to be found.
August 2, 2020
I kinda wish this was a real game lol
What this author is doing with this series is as captivating as playing the game Neverwinter lol I just wish he’d dial back the realism of the main characters low level lol because he is ALWAYS getting killed or failing a quest I can’t wait for him to finally become as bad ass as the cover suggests.
What this author is doing with this series is as captivating as playing the game Neverwinter lol I just wish he’d dial back the realism of the main characters low level lol because he is ALWAYS getting killed or failing a quest I can’t wait for him to finally become as bad ass as the cover suggests.
November 30, 2025
I rated this 4 stars. I am enjoying this series. It is fun to see the RPG aspects and how the characters team up and fight. I like Clay's character and how he is true to himself even in this new form. I can understand the NPC characters who don't like the chosen characters. I have a bunch of theories. It will be interesting to see if they come true.
February 14, 2019
Outstanding
I really enjoyed book 2. It has a certain morality to the main character. I enjoy the banter between Shade and Clay. I just think their gear should be better for saving a city and a Kingdom.. Tim V.
I really enjoyed book 2. It has a certain morality to the main character. I enjoy the banter between Shade and Clay. I just think their gear should be better for saving a city and a Kingdom.. Tim V.
February 25, 2019
Another great outing for our heroes, unfortunately for them survival is getting harder. Clay is called upon to help out the kingdom,or rather should I say forcefully coerced into helping. He is going to come up against goblins,undead, the usual bad guys and he would rather not, but ever the good guy he is a sucker for people in need. He really needs to concentrate on levelling up so he can deal with some of the nastier things that are waiting in the dark to bite you. The Zero Virus is also waiting trip the unwary at every turn. Fab
August 19, 2019
Great adventure
Clay and his friends’ adventure picks up the pace and the stakes get higher in this second book. The story really pulled me in, I read it after finishing the first book earlier today! On to the third book. :)
Clay and his friends’ adventure picks up the pace and the stakes get higher in this second book. The story really pulled me in, I read it after finishing the first book earlier today! On to the third book. :)
September 3, 2022
I have read many other LitRPGs by many different authors and I have yet to find Jakob Tanner's equal. The entire AKO series is simply phenomenal. A must read for diehard LitRPG fans and new comers alike.
February 8, 2019
AKO.
Ok A. Not the best lit rpg book but very interesting in its own rite. A little short on character development. Funny prompts for debuffs and leveling.
Ok A. Not the best lit rpg book but very interesting in its own rite. A little short on character development. Funny prompts for debuffs and leveling.
February 24, 2019
Excellent!!
This is the kind of story you can read over and over because it's exciting from start to finish just beautifully written
This is the kind of story you can read over and over because it's exciting from start to finish just beautifully written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews