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The Alchemic Weaponeer #1
Vindication
The end of the world is not such a bad thing for Russian weapons engineer Vlad Nardoir.
Really his world ended six months ago when his wife died, and ever since then, things have been downhill. Soul-crushing medical debt. Favors to the Russian mafia. Now, asteroid. For Vlad, this is life in a nutshell.
But, in a wild twist of fate, he has found a way out. A chance to start fresh in a brand-new ultra-immersive MMORPG called Viridian Gate Online. Making the leap might kill him, but again, death is not such a bad thing for a man with nothing to live for. Even in the virtual world, however, old grudges burn true, and the past is not as far gone as it seems. He must use his quick wits, rugged persistence, and peculiar set of skills as a weapons engineer to make a place for himself in this new world, or be forcibly dragged back into the very life he fought so hard to escape.
Really his world ended six months ago when his wife died, and ever since then, things have been downhill. Soul-crushing medical debt. Favors to the Russian mafia. Now, asteroid. For Vlad, this is life in a nutshell.
But, in a wild twist of fate, he has found a way out. A chance to start fresh in a brand-new ultra-immersive MMORPG called Viridian Gate Online. Making the leap might kill him, but again, death is not such a bad thing for a man with nothing to live for. Even in the virtual world, however, old grudges burn true, and the past is not as far gone as it seems. He must use his quick wits, rugged persistence, and peculiar set of skills as a weapons engineer to make a place for himself in this new world, or be forcibly dragged back into the very life he fought so hard to escape.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2019
261 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 1, 2019
4 stars. Read down the later hopefully for this one.
Note- Finish a few days ago.
Mahalo,
RM
🇺🇸🐾
Note- Finish a few days ago.
Mahalo,
RM
🇺🇸🐾
November 30, 2019
The thing I always liked about persistent world novels was the, providing you started at the beginning of a series, it didn't matter how much you knew (or more likely, didn't know) about the world and it's going on. It introduced it, told events from other POVs even if they'd been covered elsewhere and just generally made you feel like it could be a stand alone. Unfortunately, this side story of Viridian Gate Online really failed to do this for me.
Vlad's early pre-VGO life is rushed over. We only really see him hurry through a few events, and there's not much explanation as to how this dude ended up being one of the lucky few to be saved in the game. Once inside the game things got a bit better... Until he meets a certain NPC Vlad goes about making himself useful with quests, then meets Grim Jack. After that, stuff just happens because... It's already happened in the main Grim Jack series. But why does he go along with these things? Vlad doesn't seem to have a reason as to why he'd accept Jack's invitation. Some characters are introduced, some battles happen without context (again, they've already happened in Jack's story so no need to explain what's going on with Vlad's take on the warring Imperials vs Crimson Alliance). The "romance" is out of the blue and all the more disappointingly flat for it. Character's beyond Vlad don't really develop or have much of a role.
Sorry to say I just didn't enjoy this one because of that feeling we were skipping over the bigger picture events because they're already been chronicled. I was disappointed not to get more explanation of Vlad's nonsensical actions, as well as his thoughts and feelings on what's going on in the VGO world outside of his weaponeering. I love the VGO world, but this side story just wasn't the one to tell me more about it.
-I received a copy of this ebook in a competition-
Vlad's early pre-VGO life is rushed over. We only really see him hurry through a few events, and there's not much explanation as to how this dude ended up being one of the lucky few to be saved in the game. Once inside the game things got a bit better... Until he meets a certain NPC Vlad goes about making himself useful with quests, then meets Grim Jack. After that, stuff just happens because... It's already happened in the main Grim Jack series. But why does he go along with these things? Vlad doesn't seem to have a reason as to why he'd accept Jack's invitation. Some characters are introduced, some battles happen without context (again, they've already happened in Jack's story so no need to explain what's going on with Vlad's take on the warring Imperials vs Crimson Alliance). The "romance" is out of the blue and all the more disappointingly flat for it. Character's beyond Vlad don't really develop or have much of a role.
Sorry to say I just didn't enjoy this one because of that feeling we were skipping over the bigger picture events because they're already been chronicled. I was disappointed not to get more explanation of Vlad's nonsensical actions, as well as his thoughts and feelings on what's going on in the VGO world outside of his weaponeering. I love the VGO world, but this side story just wasn't the one to tell me more about it.
-I received a copy of this ebook in a competition-
December 11, 2020
I can't recommend this audio enough as I think Hunter and Paxton have outdone themselves as this is my favourite of the side stories to VGO yet. Vlad was always a great character with his Intelligence, inventiveness , broken English and his newbie status to how online gaming worked. His life was hard as we knew, but this story opens new levels of hardship and shows us so much more that was hidden from us. I'm sorry almost to say he has replaced Cutter as my 2nd favourite and may even overtake Jack which is kinda worrying me slightly. Without to many spoilers, which I cant do to those yet to discover this story have to say that Vlads narrative rivals Jack's in overmind manuipulation / destiny and he even may have almost as many enemies. He also has some cool abilities yet to be used, and a great future I'm sure. Which until now has not been fully realised in other stories you may have came across yet. Vikas does an outstanding job doing the Narration for Vlad and others which isn't easy replacing such a character when he is already ensconced in the main series audios. If I could give 6 stars I would but I can only say when is the next audio out and are you finished it yet??
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April 1, 2019
You can tell this book was lazily ghostwritten to an outline. The plot itself is fine, and follows the larger world this book is set in, but there is absolutely no consistency in the characterization - you can practically see the writer ticking off boxes as he progresses through the chapters. The main character 'grows' only in the most technical sense; once something happens, it is basically never mentioned again. The choices the character makes are there to progress the plot, not to stand on their own as logical decisions.
For instance, the MC decides to join the rebellion faction in the game. Why? Well, this is loosely supported at best. He likes to build weapons. He would like to build weapons for nice guys. The extent of his proof that these rebels are nice guys is that they help him finish a quest and keep loot. That's LITERALLY IT. There's nothing about the philosophy of the rebels or their larger plot (which is very important to those books!), there's no personal sense of growth or bravery, he doesn't actually sit down and think any of his decisions ... Oh, and once the love of his life dies TWICE, he grieves and then almost immediately gets over it, doesn't think about it again as he instead just focuses on a quest, and it apparently does not enter into his decision to join the rebels in any way.
Like I said, it's very obvious the author is following an outline, and doing so in the most lazy way possible. I've read the other 'expanded universe' books of Viridian Gate Online, and this is by far the worst. Lazy, lazy writing. The author should have taken the themes of the outline and expanded on them, and simply didn't.
For instance, the MC decides to join the rebellion faction in the game. Why? Well, this is loosely supported at best. He likes to build weapons. He would like to build weapons for nice guys. The extent of his proof that these rebels are nice guys is that they help him finish a quest and keep loot. That's LITERALLY IT. There's nothing about the philosophy of the rebels or their larger plot (which is very important to those books!), there's no personal sense of growth or bravery, he doesn't actually sit down and think any of his decisions ... Oh, and once the love of his life dies TWICE, he grieves and then almost immediately gets over it, doesn't think about it again as he instead just focuses on a quest, and it apparently does not enter into his decision to join the rebels in any way.
Like I said, it's very obvious the author is following an outline, and doing so in the most lazy way possible. I've read the other 'expanded universe' books of Viridian Gate Online, and this is by far the worst. Lazy, lazy writing. The author should have taken the themes of the outline and expanded on them, and simply didn't.
May 9, 2022
This is my first Viridian Gate Online book. If I was able to I would give this minus 5 stars as a rating. The first half of this book is morose, depressing and stupid (the latter being its biggest crime). LitRPG's are usually fun and exciting, this one definitely isn't. The levelling etc barely happens and is what little does is understated. No excitement, no musing on options, no looking at various options etc, just a couple of lines to dump points here, no explanation, no change to character, no look at his stat's, level or anything. Also the MC's initial character selection and points go into being a magic user/wizard, but then he forgets about it and doesn't use any magic or spells. He laments too long about the loss of his beloved wife, who then spawns as an NPC, even though other characters/game, has known her for years so that makes zero sense. Of course they both fall in love in moments. Then we have a long tragic lament/memory detailing how every family member died in overly tragic and depressing circumstance. The characters Russian and it seems like its implying this is typical Russian tragedy. Then he knowingly walks into a trap, just hoping he might be wrong. Then repeats this a day later with a different individual. Both times the author gives an asinine complex reason as too why the other players don't want to kill them straight away which makes zero sense. .
At 5 hours 50 minutes into the book, that is just over 10 hours long, he meets Grim Jack and gets his unique class. The build up to this meeting and subsequent knowledge Grim Jack has re the MC is either bad writing or deliberate and the MC has been set up and manipulated by Grim Jack to be revealed in later books. How this seems to go I think its just badly written and choreographed. It improves, slightly, from here as we get to action sequences and its less depressing. However major flaws remain. We know he has plus 5 to intelligence from a dagger, but no idea what his intelligence is. We keep being told stat boosts but not what his stats are. We also get repeatedly told that his weapon's damage is boosted by 0.5 multiplied by character level, but other than him admitting he lied about his level to Grim Jack when he first met, we don't get told what his character level is. We also get told other statistics to damage, or stats or range or area of effect, all defined a number multiplied by his character level or multiplied by his skill level. But the author never tells us what his character or skill level is. Plus he has various different skills, so multiplied by which skill level remains a mystery the author doesn't bother to answer. Now back to poor plot/writing. The MC tells us multiple times he can't fight etc. He even gets ambushed by a stealth fighter who promises to return and kill him. Yet he keeps dismissing his personal guard and wandering off on his own in the middle of a major battle! One where the enemy out numbers them! When he meets the enemy he freezes up not being a fighter! Then survival seems luck based. Its not even vaguely believable.
At 5 hours 50 minutes into the book, that is just over 10 hours long, he meets Grim Jack and gets his unique class. The build up to this meeting and subsequent knowledge Grim Jack has re the MC is either bad writing or deliberate and the MC has been set up and manipulated by Grim Jack to be revealed in later books. How this seems to go I think its just badly written and choreographed. It improves, slightly, from here as we get to action sequences and its less depressing. However major flaws remain. We know he has plus 5 to intelligence from a dagger, but no idea what his intelligence is. We keep being told stat boosts but not what his stats are. We also get repeatedly told that his weapon's damage is boosted by 0.5 multiplied by character level, but other than him admitting he lied about his level to Grim Jack when he first met, we don't get told what his character level is. We also get told other statistics to damage, or stats or range or area of effect, all defined a number multiplied by his character level or multiplied by his skill level. But the author never tells us what his character or skill level is. Plus he has various different skills, so multiplied by which skill level remains a mystery the author doesn't bother to answer. Now back to poor plot/writing. The MC tells us multiple times he can't fight etc. He even gets ambushed by a stealth fighter who promises to return and kill him. Yet he keeps dismissing his personal guard and wandering off on his own in the middle of a major battle! One where the enemy out numbers them! When he meets the enemy he freezes up not being a fighter! Then survival seems luck based. Its not even vaguely believable.
March 12, 2019
Nursing the pain and heartache that comes with a recent loss, Vlad has decided to take a chance on the online virtual reality video game, Viridian Gate Online. With the end of the world in sight, he knows it's the one thing he'll be able to make the most of. The game itself is nothing like what he'd imagined it to be, however. It feels far too real for it be just a simple video game. If he's to survive the chaos that now surrounds him, he'll need to learn how to play the game in more ways than one. First, however, he'll need to make sure he survives the full transition into the game when the time comes.
I honestly can't get enough of the world James A. Hunter has created. It's awesome that he's willing to share it with a slew of authors. Each author adds their own take and unique spins on the world surrounding Viridian Gate Online. So much so, that each story gives us unique characters and further insights on the goings-on inside the game's realm.
In Vindication, Vlad's story is further expanded upon. This is a man who's recently lost his wife. A man who's had to contend with quite a few adversities, while doing everything possible to survive. The choices he's made in the past have never been the right ones, yet never once has he deterred from the one thing that's kept him going—his family's happiness and well-being.
Viridian Gate Online is a vast world. One where the last remaining citizens of earth go in order to ensure their own survival. A world where the choices you make determine the outcome of who you are and what you'll be as time goes by.
I can't wait to see what else N. H. and James have in store for us. Vlad's story is just beginning. It's awesome to see how far he's come in so short a time. The fact that we also get to meet and see more of already established characters from the initial series is also a bonus. I wonder what will become of Osmark's empire once all is said and done. Only time will tell.
More, please!
I honestly can't get enough of the world James A. Hunter has created. It's awesome that he's willing to share it with a slew of authors. Each author adds their own take and unique spins on the world surrounding Viridian Gate Online. So much so, that each story gives us unique characters and further insights on the goings-on inside the game's realm.
In Vindication, Vlad's story is further expanded upon. This is a man who's recently lost his wife. A man who's had to contend with quite a few adversities, while doing everything possible to survive. The choices he's made in the past have never been the right ones, yet never once has he deterred from the one thing that's kept him going—his family's happiness and well-being.
Viridian Gate Online is a vast world. One where the last remaining citizens of earth go in order to ensure their own survival. A world where the choices you make determine the outcome of who you are and what you'll be as time goes by.
I can't wait to see what else N. H. and James have in store for us. Vlad's story is just beginning. It's awesome to see how far he's come in so short a time. The fact that we also get to meet and see more of already established characters from the initial series is also a bonus. I wonder what will become of Osmark's empire once all is said and done. Only time will tell.
More, please!
March 19, 2019
Beautiful beginning to the Vlad expansion
Dammit Vlad why do you do this to me? I absolutely loved this story, I can't say enough how I have come to love this character even more now that he has gotten his own spinoff. This was a brilliantly written piece by Mr. Paxton.
We get to see Vlad in several stages of development and all of his quirkiness that we have all come to love and laugh at him about, well laugh with him about.
Throughout this story there are many wonderfully written ancillary characters introduced that are well thought out and actually add feeling and depth to the story and dont feel like filler. Though dammit my heart damn near gets broken a few times in this story by the crazy shit that befalls Vlad.
Bit of SPOILERS....
I dont want to spoil the story for anyone that hasnt had the chance to read it but this is the beginning of his journey into VGO, we get to catch a brief glimpse of his life before his transition. I'll leave I there so you have to read to find out just how crazy it is.
Without a doubt this is a must read book and I highly advise picking this story up and every other story that has expanded the VGO universe.
Until next time comrades. Now dammit get book 2 done already.....
Dammit Vlad why do you do this to me? I absolutely loved this story, I can't say enough how I have come to love this character even more now that he has gotten his own spinoff. This was a brilliantly written piece by Mr. Paxton.
We get to see Vlad in several stages of development and all of his quirkiness that we have all come to love and laugh at him about, well laugh with him about.
Throughout this story there are many wonderfully written ancillary characters introduced that are well thought out and actually add feeling and depth to the story and dont feel like filler. Though dammit my heart damn near gets broken a few times in this story by the crazy shit that befalls Vlad.
Bit of SPOILERS....
I dont want to spoil the story for anyone that hasnt had the chance to read it but this is the beginning of his journey into VGO, we get to catch a brief glimpse of his life before his transition. I'll leave I there so you have to read to find out just how crazy it is.
Without a doubt this is a must read book and I highly advise picking this story up and every other story that has expanded the VGO universe.
Until next time comrades. Now dammit get book 2 done already.....
March 8, 2019
Vlad is one of my very favourite characters in VGO so this book which gave us such a great background picture to where Vlad was coming from was a must from the word go! I absolutely loved this novel but thought that the stereotypical use of Russianised English was a bit too overdone and that it made Vlad look stupid, which is very far from the truth. I am hoping that Vlad gets better control on his spoken English in book 2 of the Alchemic Weaponeer which I will definitely be looking out for. The creation of awesome weaponry in conjunction with the amazing use of magic turned the fight for Rowanheath into a breath taking and daring successful venture and mostly this was due to the ingenuity of Vlad and his team. Once Vlad had decided to join the rebel faction of the Crimson Alliance to fight for freedom from tyranny for all classes, he put his heart and soul into the creation of out of this world weapons. He had had enough of greed, oppression and the earthly Gods of mankind back on Earth; he vowed that he would bend no knee to anyone now here in Eldgard, especially not to Robert Osmark or his Russian cronies, the previous employers of Vlad back home.
July 14, 2019
Fun to See Same Events Through Different Eyes
Seeing Grim Jack and
More details about the pre-game-world life of a protagonist, and how he makes the transition, was fun. You see how the spirit and intelligence are the things he takes with him, that help him in the new world he finds himself in.
Vlad, the main character, is Russian and so for some reason the super duper AI translators still translate his voice, *throughout the story* in the broken English of a Russian non-native English speaker. I find this distracting and pointless, as there are plenty of other references that establish and remind of his Russian background.
Good crunch balance, although as far too common in this genre, Vlad gets a bunch of unique special treatment in the world. Also he transitions very quickly to mid-levels, so the point at which his powers become myriad and very complex comes far too soon.
Not sure of the purpose of the NPC Ina that mirrors his wife who died of cancer in pre-game life. Either is a very long game on some hidden plot, or just a weird distraction.
The formation of the Ebenguard, with Ken the crazy sneaky rogue, Anya the stout defender, Zeno the blood priest, and Eber???.
They way that various real-life ties carried on into the virtual world was interesting idea, although a bit irrational. The mob enforcers wanting to kill you in-game to avenge a lack of debt paying in the real world that is now destroyed, etc.
Seeing Grim Jack and
More details about the pre-game-world life of a protagonist, and how he makes the transition, was fun. You see how the spirit and intelligence are the things he takes with him, that help him in the new world he finds himself in.
Vlad, the main character, is Russian and so for some reason the super duper AI translators still translate his voice, *throughout the story* in the broken English of a Russian non-native English speaker. I find this distracting and pointless, as there are plenty of other references that establish and remind of his Russian background.
Good crunch balance, although as far too common in this genre, Vlad gets a bunch of unique special treatment in the world. Also he transitions very quickly to mid-levels, so the point at which his powers become myriad and very complex comes far too soon.
Not sure of the purpose of the NPC Ina that mirrors his wife who died of cancer in pre-game life. Either is a very long game on some hidden plot, or just a weird distraction.
The formation of the Ebenguard, with Ken the crazy sneaky rogue, Anya the stout defender, Zeno the blood priest, and Eber???.
They way that various real-life ties carried on into the virtual world was interesting idea, although a bit irrational. The mob enforcers wanting to kill you in-game to avenge a lack of debt paying in the real world that is now destroyed, etc.
October 3, 2019
1. I'm new to LitRPGs but the book didn't bash me over the head with stats, leveling up, etc. It made it feel like a well-crafted story and not a number-crunching situation, somewhat like my previous (and only other) LitRPG.
2. I absolutely loved the Narrator of the audiobook at first but found myself having to slow down my audible playback speed tremendously to ensure that I understood him at times. It added nice flair and polish, but at the cost of risking the content of the story, in my opinion.
3. I like that the characters felt like real MMO players in several contexts, but you can also see how some people are treating the new world of Viridian Gate Online as a reality (like Vlad, and several others).
4. Overall, the story felt great, and I'd definitely recommend the series, especially to someone who's not quite sure about LitRPGs.
2. I absolutely loved the Narrator of the audiobook at first but found myself having to slow down my audible playback speed tremendously to ensure that I understood him at times. It added nice flair and polish, but at the cost of risking the content of the story, in my opinion.
3. I like that the characters felt like real MMO players in several contexts, but you can also see how some people are treating the new world of Viridian Gate Online as a reality (like Vlad, and several others).
4. Overall, the story felt great, and I'd definitely recommend the series, especially to someone who's not quite sure about LitRPGs.
September 24, 2019
I blame my husband even though I was the one that first talked to the author. If litrpg is your thing or you are venturing into for the first time I recommend this book and the original Viridian Gate Online. Vald didn't have an easy life before entering the game and he doesn't have an easy life before. But that makes him relatable and what do I love most is a relatable character? Nothing. Oh and N.H. Paxton is very cool as well. One thing I love about this genre's authors is they are very personable (at least the ones I have meet at DragonCon). I would have given the book a shot just based on the author being a nice man despite the premise calling to me. Vald wants to be a form of a mage but gets stuck with something else. Been there (darn you Skyrim, though I made bad choices there).
August 27, 2019
So, I accidentally read these out of order. Which was fine, since Vlad is introduced in the main story narrative. He's a fun character and I've enjoyed his arc. I feel like the dialogue is a little rough around the edges in the first one compared to the second and there's a couple of silly "anime couple" moments. Wish I could give this 3.5 stars. Definitely worth the read if you're a fan of the series though.
October 31, 2019
More perspective
I’m clearly enjoying learning more about the world of VGO. This time it is from the perspective of Vlad, the Alchemical Weaponeer, who is an early confidant of the main character. It’s interesting to see his take on the big battle at Rowanheath and his experience in the world.
He has secrets, and I am disappointed he doesn’t confide about them to anyone. I suspect it’s going to get him killed.
I’m clearly enjoying learning more about the world of VGO. This time it is from the perspective of Vlad, the Alchemical Weaponeer, who is an early confidant of the main character. It’s interesting to see his take on the big battle at Rowanheath and his experience in the world.
He has secrets, and I am disappointed he doesn’t confide about them to anyone. I suspect it’s going to get him killed.
October 29, 2022
I wonder if you have to be a big fan of the main series to like this, because the plot didn’t really make sense and the main character was extremely irritating. He’s got no consistency, going with the flow far too easily at some points and being pointlessly stubborn for no reason at others. Either this character makes sense to fans, or he’s just doing whatever to hit pre-arranged milestones. I honestly didn’t find much to like about it.
March 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! I'm still learning a lot about this universe, and this book takes place around VGO: Crimson Alliance. It follows Vlad, a Russian weapons engineer that makes his way into Viridian Gate Online. His story is of loss and eventually gain, and I can't wait to read more about Vlad in the future.
Another great book from the team at Shadow Alley Press!
Another great book from the team at Shadow Alley Press!
July 5, 2019
Great addition to VGO
I was a bit sceptical about an different author writing for the VGO series...I'm a huge fan of the series and James Hunter...but N. H. Paxton did a great job.
Vlad plans some key roles in the main series, but this book really brings him to life and fills in his history and reasoning. I'm looking forward to learning more about Vlad in the next book!
I was a bit sceptical about an different author writing for the VGO series...I'm a huge fan of the series and James Hunter...but N. H. Paxton did a great job.
Vlad plans some key roles in the main series, but this book really brings him to life and fills in his history and reasoning. I'm looking forward to learning more about Vlad in the next book!
October 15, 2019
My review is based on the audiobook. A great start to the series. Vlad is such a likeable character I couldn't help become invested in his journey. The world Building in this book is fantastic - I can easily picture the story taking place. I really enjoyed the narration. The distinct character voices & perfect pacing made this a very enjoyable listen. I look forward to more in this series
May 24, 2019
As good or better than main series
The side adventures in this series are excellent. Vlad is just awsome. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next. Plus, he is a real person, not a hero, just someone forced into being one; whether he wants to or not.
The side adventures in this series are excellent. Vlad is just awsome. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next. Plus, he is a real person, not a hero, just someone forced into being one; whether he wants to or not.
September 25, 2019
Good wodka should be drank, a shot at a time from a chilled bottle and a chilled glass. That way the alcohol evaporates as it warms as it slides down your throat.
Now I'm not saying this is best read in a fridge, at minus 4.....
Enjoy that warm feeling either way.
Now I'm not saying this is best read in a fridge, at minus 4.....
Enjoy that warm feeling either way.
April 1, 2020
All of the VGO books are amazing and this on is no different simply put it's phenomenal. Vlad was always one of my favorite characters in the Core series so this is awesome to read can't wait to read more.
April 8, 2019
Intriguing perspective and back story.
May 1, 2019
Too simple
It is too simple, no depth, or very little. Story a bit different than normal litrpg. There are worse ones, a lot. Finished the book which is a very positive sign.
It is too simple, no depth, or very little. Story a bit different than normal litrpg. There are worse ones, a lot. Finished the book which is a very positive sign.
November 9, 2019
Another great story
Another backstory which captures your attention from page 1 and leaves you anxiously waiting for the next book which can’t come fast enough
Another backstory which captures your attention from page 1 and leaves you anxiously waiting for the next book which can’t come fast enough
March 28, 2020
A great book!
Glad was one of my favorite characters of the series it's good to see him getting a sidestory. Very well written!
Glad was one of my favorite characters of the series it's good to see him getting a sidestory. Very well written!
October 18, 2020
Great read
It's really good seeing deeper into this story. Just about download the next episode. Accessing the story through both Audible and kindle
It's really good seeing deeper into this story. Just about download the next episode. Accessing the story through both Audible and kindle
October 11, 2022
The story behind Vlad, and just how he got into Viridian Gate, is a harrowing one. You feel bad for him as he looses what matters to him over and over again, but he just keeps fighting. Love it.
April 26, 2020
Vindication! The title says it all.
When a NOOB, plays through the entire game on Legendary, with one life, all you can do is bow down and say, we’re not worthy. N.H. Paxton, we’re not worthy!
Shadow Alley Press’s VGO Team has MADSILLZ! So far there’s not a Squishy in the party. Vindication was extremely well written and really dragged me through ALL the feels. Reading these expanded universe books is like stepping into a pocket dimension. Vindication delivers depth, background and a richness in character detail, that I never even dreamed could have existed. The writing talent really shines through, because is it’s also a great stand alone read.
It has all the necessary elements of Great Lit-RPG. There’s camping griefers, there’s great boss battles, and spectacular loot. A MC you can’t help but root for, the antagonist, Robert Osmark is a complete tool and even though he makes no official appearance, his evil is truly palpable. You learn to hate him through the heinous behaviors he encourages in his followers, and his followers are really some truly despicable wankers.
For the Die Hards among us, The O.G. Characters written by James Hunter make cameos reminiscent of Stan Lee popping up in a Marvel Comic movie. So, while N.H. Paxton provides us with the prescription for an awesome read, J.H. give us our fix from the depths of the Shadow-verse. It’s like magic and technology have somehow combined in a living, literary, weapon to really give knock the crap out of the reader with that, “Damn! I just read a great story,” high that us Fantasy Lit-RPG junkies fein for.
When a NOOB, plays through the entire game on Legendary, with one life, all you can do is bow down and say, we’re not worthy. N.H. Paxton, we’re not worthy!
Shadow Alley Press’s VGO Team has MADSILLZ! So far there’s not a Squishy in the party. Vindication was extremely well written and really dragged me through ALL the feels. Reading these expanded universe books is like stepping into a pocket dimension. Vindication delivers depth, background and a richness in character detail, that I never even dreamed could have existed. The writing talent really shines through, because is it’s also a great stand alone read.
It has all the necessary elements of Great Lit-RPG. There’s camping griefers, there’s great boss battles, and spectacular loot. A MC you can’t help but root for, the antagonist, Robert Osmark is a complete tool and even though he makes no official appearance, his evil is truly palpable. You learn to hate him through the heinous behaviors he encourages in his followers, and his followers are really some truly despicable wankers.
For the Die Hards among us, The O.G. Characters written by James Hunter make cameos reminiscent of Stan Lee popping up in a Marvel Comic movie. So, while N.H. Paxton provides us with the prescription for an awesome read, J.H. give us our fix from the depths of the Shadow-verse. It’s like magic and technology have somehow combined in a living, literary, weapon to really give knock the crap out of the reader with that, “Damn! I just read a great story,” high that us Fantasy Lit-RPG junkies fein for.
December 11, 2020
Best of the Best
I can't recommend this book enough as I think Hunter and Paxton have outdone themselves as this is my favourite of the side stories to VGO yet.
Vlad was always a great character with his Intelligence, inventiveness , broken English and his newbie status to how online gaming worked.
His life was hard as we knew, but this book opens new levels of hardship and shows us so much more that was hidden from us. I'm sorry almost to say he has replaced cutter as my 2nd favourite and may even overtake Jack which is kinda worrying me slightly. Without to many spoilers, which I cant do to those yet to discover this book I have to say that Vlads story rivals Jack's in overmind manuipulation and destiny and he even may have almost as many enemies.
He also has some cool abilities yet to be used, and a great future I'm sure. Which until now has not been fully realised in other stories you may have came across yet. If I could give 6 stars I would but I can only say when is the next book out and are you finished it yet??
I can't recommend this book enough as I think Hunter and Paxton have outdone themselves as this is my favourite of the side stories to VGO yet.
Vlad was always a great character with his Intelligence, inventiveness , broken English and his newbie status to how online gaming worked.
His life was hard as we knew, but this book opens new levels of hardship and shows us so much more that was hidden from us. I'm sorry almost to say he has replaced cutter as my 2nd favourite and may even overtake Jack which is kinda worrying me slightly. Without to many spoilers, which I cant do to those yet to discover this book I have to say that Vlads story rivals Jack's in overmind manuipulation and destiny and he even may have almost as many enemies.
He also has some cool abilities yet to be used, and a great future I'm sure. Which until now has not been fully realised in other stories you may have came across yet. If I could give 6 stars I would but I can only say when is the next book out and are you finished it yet??
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