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World-Tree Trilogy #2
Demon Lords
It’s been years since anyone has seen Noble Vincent, the player that brought down World-Tree Online’s tyrannical moderator. Even with a lifetime of perceived experiences in the game, he still has centuries to go before the update finally ends and the people trapped in the game are freed. After taking a long vacation and traveling to many worlds, he realizes its time to get his team back together so they can try to reach the top of the World-Tree.
However, Vincent’s goal will eventually lead him to Styxis, a world consumed by a never-ending war. His path will bring him at odds with Noah, a former member of the Great Vanguard. Noah’s team climbed higher than any other before the angels crushed them, but like Vincent, he’s a man that obsessively chases his goals no matter the challenge.
Noah’s choices will lead him and many others down a path that will push the strongest players of the game to their limits. When Vincent gets caught in Styxis’s never-ending war, he too will have to decide how far he’s willing to go just to win.
However, Vincent’s goal will eventually lead him to Styxis, a world consumed by a never-ending war. His path will bring him at odds with Noah, a former member of the Great Vanguard. Noah’s team climbed higher than any other before the angels crushed them, but like Vincent, he’s a man that obsessively chases his goals no matter the challenge.
Noah’s choices will lead him and many others down a path that will push the strongest players of the game to their limits. When Vincent gets caught in Styxis’s never-ending war, he too will have to decide how far he’s willing to go just to win.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2019
637 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
E.A. Hooper
12 books124 followersEA Hooper is a lifelong storyteller. As a child he made stories with action figures or legos that would go for months on end. In elementary school he made comics during classes. Then in middle school he started writing stories in notebooks for his friends to read, beginning his pursuit of becoming a writer. Eventually he went to Austin Peay State University and earned a Bachelors Degree in English in 2013. He now lives with his wife and their cats.
You can follow him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/authoreahooper
Or twitter: https://twitter.com/Writer_EAHooper
Or check his website: https://eahooper.com
You can follow him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/authoreahooper
Or twitter: https://twitter.com/Writer_EAHooper
Or check his website: https://eahooper.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 11, 2019
Just as good as the first!
Loved the first book and the second did not disappoint. Love the world that author has created and hope that he continues to write in this world for many years
Loved the first book and the second did not disappoint. Love the world that author has created and hope that he continues to write in this world for many years
August 6, 2025
If you need something to cool off with after an emotional or hard read, I highly recommend this.
Read
February 11, 2019It felt like book two took forever to get to us but even through that wait everything was still fresh and enjoyable. Really enjoyed this book and I look forward to book 3.
July 24, 2024
Again, some of the best audio production I’ve ever experienced with an audiobook. Also had a driven plot and really strong (high level 😉) character development.
February 9, 2019
Fun book
I enjoyed reading this book. The only sticking point I have was the bouncing back and forth between the ne characters and the old. Otherwise, I highly recommend.
I enjoyed reading this book. The only sticking point I have was the bouncing back and forth between the ne characters and the old. Otherwise, I highly recommend.
April 30, 2023
Demon Lords continues the World-Tree trilogy introducing new main characters, confronting the age-old AI sentience debate, and developing the characters from the first book.
Demon Lords boldly tells the story in two ways; a tense "present day" story with familiar characters while in the past we meet Noah and Amelia. Eventually the flashbacks catch up to a thrilling conclusion. It is an idea that is executed fairly well, but admittedly may not land for every reader. The core cast of Vincent, Quinn, Xan, and Jim appear throughout the book and get nice character development. We see E.A. Hooper set his cast apart from the typical archetypes they fell into in book one. Noah is a great foil to Vincent; being a pro gamer who is willing to do whatever it takes. World Tree trilogy doesn't focus much on player progression as it does game mechanics. Something that might make well-read litrpg readers miss their crunchy stats and XP. Lastly; the main villain of this book has much more nuance and likeability than Lucas did from book one. Anyone who was desiring a more multidimensional "bad" guy will be pleased.
Demons Lords of course introduces new worlds, enemies, spells, and player inventions. This is one of Hooper's strongest things with this trilogy. In particular the new demons enemy type from the books title add an interesting dynamic that is felt throughout the entire second half of this novel. Demon Lords is not without fault however. Hooper's writing does feel a bit more formulaic which makes the serviceable prose feel less lush than it already is.
If you enjoyed World-Tree Online then book two will most definitely deliver an exciting middle chapter. The audiobook once again shines with its trinity of narrators and use of sound effects/music.
Demon Lords boldly tells the story in two ways; a tense "present day" story with familiar characters while in the past we meet Noah and Amelia. Eventually the flashbacks catch up to a thrilling conclusion. It is an idea that is executed fairly well, but admittedly may not land for every reader. The core cast of Vincent, Quinn, Xan, and Jim appear throughout the book and get nice character development. We see E.A. Hooper set his cast apart from the typical archetypes they fell into in book one. Noah is a great foil to Vincent; being a pro gamer who is willing to do whatever it takes. World Tree trilogy doesn't focus much on player progression as it does game mechanics. Something that might make well-read litrpg readers miss their crunchy stats and XP. Lastly; the main villain of this book has much more nuance and likeability than Lucas did from book one. Anyone who was desiring a more multidimensional "bad" guy will be pleased.
Demons Lords of course introduces new worlds, enemies, spells, and player inventions. This is one of Hooper's strongest things with this trilogy. In particular the new demons enemy type from the books title add an interesting dynamic that is felt throughout the entire second half of this novel. Demon Lords is not without fault however. Hooper's writing does feel a bit more formulaic which makes the serviceable prose feel less lush than it already is.
If you enjoyed World-Tree Online then book two will most definitely deliver an exciting middle chapter. The audiobook once again shines with its trinity of narrators and use of sound effects/music.
January 14, 2024
"Demon Lords" by E.A. Hooper is a continuation of the author's engaging and imaginative series, known for its creative world-building and compelling narrative. The story follows the protagonists as they navigate a complex universe filled with challenges and threats, with a particular focus on the titular Demon Lords. The narrative maintains its pace with a blend of action, adventure, and character development, keeping the reader invested in the unfolding plot. However, the story takes an unexpected turn towards the end. The introduction of a lesbian couple, without any prior development or integration into the storyline, feels abrupt and out of place. This sudden inclusion appears to lack the depth and purpose that characterizes the rest of the book, giving an impression of being more of an afterthought or an attempt to pander to current trends rather than a thoughtfully developed part of the story.
While I appreciated the book's imaginative storyline and the author's ability to create an engaging fantasy world, the last-minute introduction of the lesbian couple without any substantial character development was disappointing. It felt disconnected from the main narrative and seemed like a forced inclusion, rather than a natural progression of the plot or character arcs. This aspect of the book overshadowed my overall enjoyment of the story and has influenced my decision not to continue with the series. I had expected a more coherent and seamless narrative from Hooper, and this sudden shift in the story's focus was jarring. Consequently, I'll be returning this book and will not be purchasing the third installment in the series.
While I appreciated the book's imaginative storyline and the author's ability to create an engaging fantasy world, the last-minute introduction of the lesbian couple without any substantial character development was disappointing. It felt disconnected from the main narrative and seemed like a forced inclusion, rather than a natural progression of the plot or character arcs. This aspect of the book overshadowed my overall enjoyment of the story and has influenced my decision not to continue with the series. I had expected a more coherent and seamless narrative from Hooper, and this sudden shift in the story's focus was jarring. Consequently, I'll be returning this book and will not be purchasing the third installment in the series.
September 17, 2022
This book had the same gamer vibe and the same epic and loveable characters as last book but we also meet Noah and Amelia, a husband a wife team that enter the game together and got through a whole lot once they get stuck in the update
Noah is hell bent on heating the game to kill time and Amelia wants to kill herself and keep respawning until the update ends. Of course they disagree and Amelia helps Noah in his quest until his obsession becomes more important than anyone else. The villain in this story isn’t what you think and we get to see new worlds, bigger bosses and amazing new magic.
This story was a big slow in the middle but the ending more than made up for it. It was exciting, heart pounding, surprising and full of action. The ending left on a bit of a cliff hanger and I’m really unsure as to where the next book is going to go. But I’m ready for this conclusion….some questions I hope get answered
-what happens with Vincent?
-do they climb the world tree and meet the angels?
-are we going to see Vincent’s wife as an NPC?
-will Jim ever find a healthy relationship? lol
-are Xan and Zhang going to reconnect?
-what ARKUS’ deal? Was this all part of some master plan?
Noah is hell bent on heating the game to kill time and Amelia wants to kill herself and keep respawning until the update ends. Of course they disagree and Amelia helps Noah in his quest until his obsession becomes more important than anyone else. The villain in this story isn’t what you think and we get to see new worlds, bigger bosses and amazing new magic.
This story was a big slow in the middle but the ending more than made up for it. It was exciting, heart pounding, surprising and full of action. The ending left on a bit of a cliff hanger and I’m really unsure as to where the next book is going to go. But I’m ready for this conclusion….some questions I hope get answered
-what happens with Vincent?
-do they climb the world tree and meet the angels?
-are we going to see Vincent’s wife as an NPC?
-will Jim ever find a healthy relationship? lol
-are Xan and Zhang going to reconnect?
-what ARKUS’ deal? Was this all part of some master plan?
May 8, 2019
A second book in a very innovative LitRPG trilogy.
The entire idea of having people stuck in the game during an update, and having to wait it out to logout is good. When a 30mn patch has the game lasting subjectively a year for every 5s, you get people that face centuries of life in VR. Some consider this a vacation, some consider this an opportunity to challenge themselves.
And of course, there's always people who will not accept other people's choice, and try to manipulate them into the course they favor. Sometimes by whatever means. But Old Man Vincent (from book 1) is the guy you can count on to disrupt your better plans.
I found the book overall a bit better than book 1. The themes of abuse of power are explored in a different directions, and show that Hell is paved with good intentions (nearly literally in this case).
A few interesting speculations by characters about why this patch happen, and what it means. And there's a kind of... cliffhanger at the end that makes you wonder what is going to happen in book 3.
The entire idea of having people stuck in the game during an update, and having to wait it out to logout is good. When a 30mn patch has the game lasting subjectively a year for every 5s, you get people that face centuries of life in VR. Some consider this a vacation, some consider this an opportunity to challenge themselves.
And of course, there's always people who will not accept other people's choice, and try to manipulate them into the course they favor. Sometimes by whatever means. But Old Man Vincent (from book 1) is the guy you can count on to disrupt your better plans.
I found the book overall a bit better than book 1. The themes of abuse of power are explored in a different directions, and show that Hell is paved with good intentions (nearly literally in this case).
A few interesting speculations by characters about why this patch happen, and what it means. And there's a kind of... cliffhanger at the end that makes you wonder what is going to happen in book 3.
April 28, 2019
I like the trend of the primary antagonist or secondary-primary characters leaving the game after each book. It simplifies the plot that we know for certain that, for example, Lucas is never going to get back in the game, as we already saw his after-game experience. Noah and Amelia(?) could have been useful in the fights ahead, but it's reasonable for them to skip their way out of the game. I think it would be nice to catch up with them out-of-game in future books, like them meeting a player who tells them about all the stuff they missed.
Ezra is definitely going to be a major character in the 3rd book, but will he be a hero or villain?
Although it is very useful and makes a lot of sense in the context of this series, I'm not sure I want to see another decades-long power leveling session in the next book. It's a really convenient explanation but it kinda removes some urgency from the whole thing.
Ezra is definitely going to be a major character in the 3rd book, but will he be a hero or villain?
Although it is very useful and makes a lot of sense in the context of this series, I'm not sure I want to see another decades-long power leveling session in the next book. It's a really convenient explanation but it kinda removes some urgency from the whole thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2021
Suppose better than book 1. Still not inspiring me to read further. Though I suppose I will. I have lots of free time on my hands. And part of me was a little curious how it would end. Though the so-called cliiffender of book 2 nearly crushed that notion. 29 hours down. 14.5 to go. Oh, suppose should mention a recurring thought. Two actually. First, this feels like a telling of a current (and lame in contrast to future games and virtual realities)video game. Like even 2019 or such. Also, I get ZERO feel of them having gone thru perhaps 135 years even. Barely 100 weeks if being generous. And must state that these people would mature (in some direction) over this many years. The end game of 360 years in game would age people mentally. Like Xan (sp?) wouldn't remain some 18 year old after 180 years in game. Any argument against that is nonsense.
March 19, 2019
While I didn't quite enjoy this story as much as the first in the trilogy, it was still very good. The style follows the first book, and like the first book, I would like to see the characters growing stronger instead of jumping forward to after the fact. I understand the need to advance the clock, but skill development is a core of LitRPG.
I thought the author could have done a little more to flesh the motivations of the core characters, but the ability to bring in new characters and make them feel just as complex was impressive. Overall an engaging read.
I thought the author could have done a little more to flesh the motivations of the core characters, but the ability to bring in new characters and make them feel just as complex was impressive. Overall an engaging read.
May 24, 2019
Solid story but some rough style spots
I am really enjoying this series. It's unique in a lot of ways especially pacing that creates a neat epic feel. The characters make decisions that surprise me though I sometimes also find their choices bizarre. The writer is quite creative but gets overcome by the need to be cute sometimes.
My biggest complaint is mostly with awkward phrasing. The writing in this one is very formulaic and could use a bit more art in the prose.
But don't let that take too much away from what is darned fun.
I am really enjoying this series. It's unique in a lot of ways especially pacing that creates a neat epic feel. The characters make decisions that surprise me though I sometimes also find their choices bizarre. The writer is quite creative but gets overcome by the need to be cute sometimes.
My biggest complaint is mostly with awkward phrasing. The writing in this one is very formulaic and could use a bit more art in the prose.
But don't let that take too much away from what is darned fun.
June 2, 2019
Building A Better Villain
In the last book, the main villain (Lucas) felt flat, selfish, and gross. His dialogue and thoughts were all roughly the same. To me, he felt like a horrible person without any redeeming value. That flaw kept me from truly enjoying the first installment.
“Demon Lords” does not suffer the same weakness. The main villains feel like they have depth and reasoning that actual people can understand (at least in part).
Overall I can’t think of too many ways to improve this installment. Five stars it is.
In the last book, the main villain (Lucas) felt flat, selfish, and gross. His dialogue and thoughts were all roughly the same. To me, he felt like a horrible person without any redeeming value. That flaw kept me from truly enjoying the first installment.
“Demon Lords” does not suffer the same weakness. The main villains feel like they have depth and reasoning that actual people can understand (at least in part).
Overall I can’t think of too many ways to improve this installment. Five stars it is.
June 9, 2019
A very good continuation
I mean after the first one, I have less expectations on this because I am sure the first one was way impressive and may be we didn't find that same bad guy but this one exceeded it. The story is longer and well written. Loved the MC and Xan characters through out. Archie was a nice surprise. Also, loved the back story on the AI. Hope the author continues the same quality in the next one. I would love to here what happened to all the characters in the game :)
I mean after the first one, I have less expectations on this because I am sure the first one was way impressive and may be we didn't find that same bad guy but this one exceeded it. The story is longer and well written. Loved the MC and Xan characters through out. Archie was a nice surprise. Also, loved the back story on the AI. Hope the author continues the same quality in the next one. I would love to here what happened to all the characters in the game :)
October 23, 2025
The adventure continues and another self-righteous villain rises and falls.
Although good, I preferred the first book.
The villain there, was more believable. This one fell flat. He was a developer of ARKUS and his reasons for doing what he had done were laughable. Even a child would spit on his logic.
I would've given this 3 stars, for the sole reason that the conviction of the "villain" in this case was weak. The struggle is there, but it wasn't as real as the first book. But I have enjoyed reading it as much as I have the first. So 4 stars seems fair.
Although good, I preferred the first book.
The villain there, was more believable. This one fell flat. He was a developer of ARKUS and his reasons for doing what he had done were laughable. Even a child would spit on his logic.
I would've given this 3 stars, for the sole reason that the conviction of the "villain" in this case was weak. The struggle is there, but it wasn't as real as the first book. But I have enjoyed reading it as much as I have the first. So 4 stars seems fair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2019
Great sequel to the first book!
If you haven't read the first book in this series, I highly recommend it. Then come back and read this one. Without over-splaining things, this series really captures the meaning of being "epic". A lot of litrpg series start great but seem to tail off into something less than they were. This series started epic and has stayed epic. I truly hope the next book keeps that feel. Either way, to this point, this series is FANTASTIC!
If you haven't read the first book in this series, I highly recommend it. Then come back and read this one. Without over-splaining things, this series really captures the meaning of being "epic". A lot of litrpg series start great but seem to tail off into something less than they were. This series started epic and has stayed epic. I truly hope the next book keeps that feel. Either way, to this point, this series is FANTASTIC!
October 5, 2019
Vincent is the man!
One of the best parts about this series is that it would be super easy to make the protagonist overpowered and montage his whole training sequence up to an inevitable but drawn out victory. Instead EA Hooper writes a compelling narrative with character flaws and obstacles that seem genuinely challenging and perplexing to the reader. These books are infinitely better because of that
One of the best parts about this series is that it would be super easy to make the protagonist overpowered and montage his whole training sequence up to an inevitable but drawn out victory. Instead EA Hooper writes a compelling narrative with character flaws and obstacles that seem genuinely challenging and perplexing to the reader. These books are infinitely better because of that
October 15, 2019
Pulls it out in the end
From the 60% to 85% of the book the plot felt to much like the first book.
Archie is a interesting character. He is a great edition. Jim is a moron and causes more trouble than he is worth. Which is starting to feel predictable. Then he redeems his stupidity in the end predictably.
I’m sure book three will be something about Ezra. His name was mentioned so many times in this book he has to be a part of the last book. plus he’s the only member of the vanguard group who hasn’t faced Vincent. I’m also sure the next book will feature something about his obsession, or about someone’s obsession because it’s the reoccurring theme.
I think the author developed a lot of cool things but he kind of dead ends things on some plot points which bugs me.
In a the end the book overall was worth reading.
Good book by the end.
From the 60% to 85% of the book the plot felt to much like the first book.
Archie is a interesting character. He is a great edition. Jim is a moron and causes more trouble than he is worth. Which is starting to feel predictable. Then he redeems his stupidity in the end predictably.
I’m sure book three will be something about Ezra. His name was mentioned so many times in this book he has to be a part of the last book. plus he’s the only member of the vanguard group who hasn’t faced Vincent. I’m also sure the next book will feature something about his obsession, or about someone’s obsession because it’s the reoccurring theme.
I think the author developed a lot of cool things but he kind of dead ends things on some plot points which bugs me.
In a the end the book overall was worth reading.
Good book by the end.
April 15, 2020
I loved the addition of Noah and his wife Amelia to the story I could be wrong but it sucks that it doesn't appear that they'll be in the third book. I greatly enjoyed the imaginative power progression it fit very well both in the story and in the individual progression very well-thought-out if only there was a game out there that truly allowed you to do what was in this book.
The whole narration cast did an absolutely amazing job from start to finish!
The whole narration cast did an absolutely amazing job from start to finish!
April 29, 2021
As the second installation in the series E.A. Hooper did well in keeping the ball rolling with the same enjoyable style of the series. While perhaps not as emotionally charged as the first book, the same character building, despicable yet relatable villains, and dichotomy of the protagonist & antagonist view points, made it a compelling read. I say if you enjoyed the first your likely going to enjoy the second.
September 8, 2021
i really enjoyed it
seems the author got some notes after the first book and made things a lot more clear and logical.
the story is fun even in the parts its get a bit predicted. the pace is good, the characters feel like they evolved a bit and the new big bad cool.
the only thing is still bothering in this game mechanics is that the characters are ok with just going to do level grinding, that include horrible deaths, wail their friends are torchiere in a different world.
seems the author got some notes after the first book and made things a lot more clear and logical.
the story is fun even in the parts its get a bit predicted. the pace is good, the characters feel like they evolved a bit and the new big bad cool.
the only thing is still bothering in this game mechanics is that the characters are ok with just going to do level grinding, that include horrible deaths, wail their friends are torchiere in a different world.
March 4, 2019
Lives up to the first.
If you enjoyed the first, you will like the second. It doesn’t break new ground, but It was a good read. The major characters are back, though most get much less time. Skill development is similar and stretches out over years. You never feel Vince and company are overpowered. It is nice, and I am looking forward to the last installment of the series.
If you enjoyed the first, you will like the second. It doesn’t break new ground, but It was a good read. The major characters are back, though most get much less time. Skill development is similar and stretches out over years. You never feel Vince and company are overpowered. It is nice, and I am looking forward to the last installment of the series.
November 17, 2019
Second book as great as the first!
Another excellent litrpg installment in this trilogy. Can’t wait to read the third one. The ending surprised me somewhat. Without spoiling much, I’ll just say I had expected events to stretch into the last book, but they were cleanly resolved, making each book fairly episodic and easy to pick up, despite definitely being a trilogy.
Another excellent litrpg installment in this trilogy. Can’t wait to read the third one. The ending surprised me somewhat. Without spoiling much, I’ll just say I had expected events to stretch into the last book, but they were cleanly resolved, making each book fairly episodic and easy to pick up, despite definitely being a trilogy.
February 19, 2019
Good, but liked first better
I don't know if it's the changing POV's or something else that escapes me right now as I type this, but the first book felt like it had more depth than this one.
Still a good followup and will be picking up the next one whenever it does come out.
I don't know if it's the changing POV's or something else that escapes me right now as I type this, but the first book felt like it had more depth than this one.
Still a good followup and will be picking up the next one whenever it does come out.
March 9, 2019
Yay!
All in all, I like this litrpg. Some game mechanics and some slice of life. I like how the setting allows for so many different scenarios and imagery. The characters are well thought out and I find myself caring about them. Ready for book 3.
All in all, I like this litrpg. Some game mechanics and some slice of life. I like how the setting allows for so many different scenarios and imagery. The characters are well thought out and I find myself caring about them. Ready for book 3.
March 10, 2019
This book was awesome
I highly enjoyed this book and damn were the characters awesome. Vincent was badass and Noah was great. This was an incredible sequel to the already great 1st book.
I highly enjoyed this book and damn were the characters awesome. Vincent was badass and Noah was great. This was an incredible sequel to the already great 1st book.
March 30, 2019
Instant Classic
I have read a ton of LitRPG for many years and tons of fantasy before that and very few series keep me engaged throughout but this series will stand the test of time as a truly great example of what LitRPG can be if done well. Enjoy can’t wait for the next one.
I have read a ton of LitRPG for many years and tons of fantasy before that and very few series keep me engaged throughout but this series will stand the test of time as a truly great example of what LitRPG can be if done well. Enjoy can’t wait for the next one.
April 27, 2020
Read this
I highly highly recommend this book. Great world building. Great book. On top of that it is well written. Could not put it down. Work is going to be tough tomorrow.
I highly highly recommend this book. Great world building. Great book. On top of that it is well written. Could not put it down. Work is going to be tough tomorrow.
May 6, 2020
A quick and simple review:
Demon Lords was more brutal than the first with a more relatable villain... for the most part. The writer's style was consistent, fun, and I still enjoy reading about an old man kicking the asses of things.
Demon Lords was more brutal than the first with a more relatable villain... for the most part. The writer's style was consistent, fun, and I still enjoy reading about an old man kicking the asses of things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews