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Metamorphosis Online #1
You Need a Bigger Sword
Turns out, punching zombie bears is
fun
.
Who knew?
Enter the world of Metamorphosis Online, a fully immersive video game where players compete for spots in the Global Top 10—ranks that actually pay you to play the game.
Gracie doesn't play the game to make money…at first.
Broke, single, and working a crappy job as a blackjack dealer, Gracie's just blowing off steam and having fun.
Can playing a new type of immersive game help her overcome real-life issues, or will it cause more problems?
Before she knows it, Gracie has intervened in a generations-long war between the kobolds and the fae and started a ragtag guild, and her weird math abilities make themselves known in a way that most could not have imagined.
Can she deal with being pitted against the game developers?
For the first time Gracie can remember, she has something worth fighting for.
Go up and click "Buy Me" or "Read For Free" and find out what most gamers understand.
GAMING IS REAL—MORE SO THAN BEING IRL...302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
404 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Grey
44 books91 followersNatalie Grey grew up in rural New England, surrounded by a lot of vegetables and relatively little excitement. Therefore, she was obliged to make up excitement by pretending to be a knight, mage, jet-setting international assassin, jedi, or (occasionally) a shape-shifting dragon. She read everything she could get her hands on, from Lord of the Rings to Modesty Blaise, and eventually started writing her own stories full of what-ifs and snarky put-downs. Now she lives with her two German Shepherd mixes in the frozen wilds of Minnesota, and does a lot of inventive swearing while she shovels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 1, 2021
I love reading about hot female leads like Gracie. She's an awesome character and I can't wait to see what her and her team get up to next.
May 2, 2019
Hands down, favorite book this week! I LOVED Gracie, Jay, Alex, and the rest of the crew. LitRPG is so fun, and I really enjoyed watching all of the game company politics IRL, and the in-game dungeon raid quest things (excuse my terminology; I only read about playing video games), plus job and romance complications. It was very entertaining, especially so because I loved all of the characters. I was laughing so hard while reading this book, and I sincerely thank the authors for writing it. It was incredible. 5 stars. I can't wait to see where the "Long May She Reign" quest goes, even though it's (right now) a more minor plot point. Also, the occasional other perspectives were great!
April 7, 2022
This was not my typical book that I enjoy in this genre. I am a big fan of portal fantasy and at its core this is a book about people dressing up in a suit and flailing around their living rooms. I just didn't really enjoy reading the book. There wasn't that much tension or anticipation. There wasn't enough uniqueness to capture my attention. The book was basically about the dynamics of playing MMORPGs, which I don't play. The characters were a little flat except the auxiliary characters which were very flat. There was a love interest, but it wasn't interesting. There wasn't even a bad guy just some people working hard to make their life's work a reality. Overall I just didn't like it that much, I came in expecting an imersive experience and this didn't deliver. I just couldn't get over the characters not having the real weight behind swings or blocks. They didn't even walk from place to place. Just not my cup of tea. Seems like lots of other people like it though.
May 17, 2023
An audio book relisten because I forgot the details needed to enjoy the sequel. I love the narrator’s style and voices!
April 22, 2019
Not crunchy, but oh so good.
This book confuses me. I love litrpg, and gamelit. This book has those elements, but falls more in line with a Ready Player One type of system. We don’t have a ton of stats or levels, or depth to the mechanics, or even a lot of world lore , but what we do have however are some amazingly well written characters.
This had the most realistic protagonist I’ve read in a while. She had flaws, goals, and came off as a living person. Her interactions with the other characters are what sold me on this and kept me reading. I just loved that they felt like what a real group of friends gaming are like.
I’m short, if your looking for a crunchy, overpowered, stat progressive book, this isn’t it. But if your looking for a great story about a bunch of friends sticking it to the man and having fun doing it? This is definitely it.
This book confuses me. I love litrpg, and gamelit. This book has those elements, but falls more in line with a Ready Player One type of system. We don’t have a ton of stats or levels, or depth to the mechanics, or even a lot of world lore , but what we do have however are some amazingly well written characters.
This had the most realistic protagonist I’ve read in a while. She had flaws, goals, and came off as a living person. Her interactions with the other characters are what sold me on this and kept me reading. I just loved that they felt like what a real group of friends gaming are like.
I’m short, if your looking for a crunchy, overpowered, stat progressive book, this isn’t it. But if your looking for a great story about a bunch of friends sticking it to the man and having fun doing it? This is definitely it.
July 11, 2019
Pretend the second book (and potentially later) don't exist and read this as a fun standalone. Vegas card dealer (also smart college graduate with lots of potential and no direction) finds fun and friends by playing a not-very-immersive VRMMO. There's really no more to it than that but it's a fun ride.
The second book just doesn't live up to the first, which tells the simple story of a noob player taking the lesser-worn path that made all the difference.
It may be forgettable but it was entertaining.
The second book just doesn't live up to the first, which tells the simple story of a noob player taking the lesser-worn path that made all the difference.
It may be forgettable but it was entertaining.
June 28, 2019
A very generic feeling "Players against the evil developer/producer" storyline that has some good humour in it and tries to capture the essence of a boss fight but somehow feels lacking in the execution of the attempt. Worth a read if you've got a Kindle Unlimited subscription but that's about it IMHO.
June 12, 2021
4 Oh, God! He’s So Serious. And So Tiny! Stars
You Need A Bigger Sword is the first book in the GameLit Fantasy RPG series, Metamorphosis Online, co-authored by Michael Anderle and Natalie Grey.
So rarely have I read books, related to LitRPG or GameLit where the focus is so heavily primed on the creators of the game and their squabbles. Reminds me sooo much of Ready Player One, and I would loooove to live that life SO: gimme more please. Especially without it also turning very SAO and locking the players into the game as if it’s their new everyday.
This book is practically entirely good natured fun, mixed with heavy intrigue, and appreciating the “important” things in life. Grey and Anderle tossed some weighted philosophy into the main characters growth. Which definitely added more depth (and maybe a little cliche) to this stories arc.
I’m not sure if I can stomach continuing the series though. I honestly wish they wouldn’t have dropped that Dan and Dhruv chapter in at the end, and left us blissfully ignorant for at least some of the next book. Bc it’s pretty much spoiled my happy high from these Underdogs taking the throne.
Hmmmm. May have to check in to see where this weird Easter egg quest line will take them. If it will truly influence the entire game as a whole? Or include others outside of her group, before the end? Probably have to weigh the pros and cons of suffering through the annoyance that will be Dan and Dhruv’s skeevy behavior to come.
You Need A Bigger Sword is the first book in the GameLit Fantasy RPG series, Metamorphosis Online, co-authored by Michael Anderle and Natalie Grey.
So rarely have I read books, related to LitRPG or GameLit where the focus is so heavily primed on the creators of the game and their squabbles. Reminds me sooo much of Ready Player One, and I would loooove to live that life SO: gimme more please. Especially without it also turning very SAO and locking the players into the game as if it’s their new everyday.
This book is practically entirely good natured fun, mixed with heavy intrigue, and appreciating the “important” things in life. Grey and Anderle tossed some weighted philosophy into the main characters growth. Which definitely added more depth (and maybe a little cliche) to this stories arc.
I’m not sure if I can stomach continuing the series though. I honestly wish they wouldn’t have dropped that Dan and Dhruv chapter in at the end, and left us blissfully ignorant for at least some of the next book. Bc it’s pretty much spoiled my happy high from these Underdogs taking the throne.
Hmmmm. May have to check in to see where this weird Easter egg quest line will take them. If it will truly influence the entire game as a whole? Or include others outside of her group, before the end? Probably have to weigh the pros and cons of suffering through the annoyance that will be Dan and Dhruv’s skeevy behavior to come.
August 15, 2021
I got the chance to read this book for free, I will admit I did not even look at the blurb as I just loved the title and front cover. They caught my attention quite quickly.
I was really surprised by the book, I loved the storyline and characters. As someone who plays games like this myself I am really glad I found a book that uses a game as the main concept of the story. They really do bring people together and are meant to be fun, but also shows the greed side of it as well. I was getting so angry for Gracie! I wanted her to win and enjoy the game even though Dragon Soul was fighting against her without her own knowledge.
They could have easily solved the problem by contacting her, explaining the problem and asked to work with her to solve the problem. Watch her continue to play the game and see how it progresses and make sure it did not happen to anyone else. Unfortunately money got involved.
The fight scenes were really interesting and a good pace. Great chemistry between the characters.
I did laugh about the takeaways though. For someone struggling with bills, how does Gracie afford takeaway almost every night?
Overall a really fun read and I will happily continue with the series.
I was really surprised by the book, I loved the storyline and characters. As someone who plays games like this myself I am really glad I found a book that uses a game as the main concept of the story. They really do bring people together and are meant to be fun, but also shows the greed side of it as well. I was getting so angry for Gracie! I wanted her to win and enjoy the game even though Dragon Soul was fighting against her without her own knowledge.
They could have easily solved the problem by contacting her, explaining the problem and asked to work with her to solve the problem. Watch her continue to play the game and see how it progresses and make sure it did not happen to anyone else. Unfortunately money got involved.
The fight scenes were really interesting and a good pace. Great chemistry between the characters.
I did laugh about the takeaways though. For someone struggling with bills, how does Gracie afford takeaway almost every night?
Overall a really fun read and I will happily continue with the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2019
I admit that I've been avoiding anything with Anderle's name on it since I gave up on the Kurthurian saga about 3 books in. As he was not the primary author on this I eventually caved and decided to give this a go.
I was pleasantly surprised, though I probably shouldn't have been. While this has a smart-arse female MC, she's not the bullying OP tyrant of the Kurthurian Gambit (can't even remember her name but irl I'd be looking to assassinate her, I hate bullies). The game world is well described, and unlike many (most) of these VRMMO game books, the technology is plausible within the next few years based on current tech. Characters are also well developed, at least the primary ones, and the real-world complications make this more of a "slice of life" story in many ways.
So a little off the beaten path of most VRMMO stories, but not in a bad way. I like the characters and am interested in what happens to them more than the game mechanics, the latter never being my prime interest even in this genre.
I was pleasantly surprised, though I probably shouldn't have been. While this has a smart-arse female MC, she's not the bullying OP tyrant of the Kurthurian Gambit (can't even remember her name but irl I'd be looking to assassinate her, I hate bullies). The game world is well described, and unlike many (most) of these VRMMO game books, the technology is plausible within the next few years based on current tech. Characters are also well developed, at least the primary ones, and the real-world complications make this more of a "slice of life" story in many ways.
So a little off the beaten path of most VRMMO stories, but not in a bad way. I like the characters and am interested in what happens to them more than the game mechanics, the latter never being my prime interest even in this genre.
February 3, 2020
I’m in a really fantasy mood at the moment when it comes to reading and believe me when I say that that’s usually not the genre I gravitate towards. However I’m so glad of that as I wouldn’t have discovered this book and this series, which I am thoroughly enjoying at the moment. It has a Ready Player One feel (but only with the gaming aspect) and it’s so easy to get into. For me anyways. This is a book that me and my partner decided to read together and I’m thankful.
The writing is great and so easy to understand, especially if you’re new to world of Lit RPG fantasy (like me). It had me hooked and wanting to find out what happens next and uncover why things are happening. I’ve been pulled along and feel like I’m apart of the adventure/game, discovering and uncovering. Learning about the world of Metamorphosis Online, learning the law and the history and I’m loving every step. I’ve been captivated and at the time of writing this review, I am already reading the second part as I couldn’t wait.
The writing is great and so easy to understand, especially if you’re new to world of Lit RPG fantasy (like me). It had me hooked and wanting to find out what happens next and uncover why things are happening. I’ve been pulled along and feel like I’m apart of the adventure/game, discovering and uncovering. Learning about the world of Metamorphosis Online, learning the law and the history and I’m loving every step. I’ve been captivated and at the time of writing this review, I am already reading the second part as I couldn’t wait.
March 16, 2019
Book one
Mistakes: I didn't find any
Plot: I did like that you exercised while playing the game. There where a couple of character interactions where they couldn't touch each other in game, which didn't make sense to me. The sponsor part didn't really seem to fit either. This is a New game just launched and you already had guilds being sponsored by outside companies. Another thing that just didn't fit was that the two guys in charge are willing to wreck the game and their company to try and stop a new comer that had found a quest line that they don't understand.
Characters: I found I really enjoyed the interactions of the MC's group. It really helped to focus on them and not the issues I listed.
7.5/10
Mistakes: I didn't find any
Plot: I did like that you exercised while playing the game. There where a couple of character interactions where they couldn't touch each other in game, which didn't make sense to me. The sponsor part didn't really seem to fit either. This is a New game just launched and you already had guilds being sponsored by outside companies. Another thing that just didn't fit was that the two guys in charge are willing to wreck the game and their company to try and stop a new comer that had found a quest line that they don't understand.
Characters: I found I really enjoyed the interactions of the MC's group. It really helped to focus on them and not the issues I listed.
7.5/10
January 7, 2021
It's a blast
So I clicked on this book and to tell the truth I didn't look at who wrote it , I just read the blurb for the book and was like this sounds like fun... So I got this book today read it all then went to get the second book and realize it's 2am.... and yes I will be starting the second book....so when I was looking at the second book I looked at the name of the author and was like OH no wonder I am loving this book...because as we all know Anderle and Grey are some awesome writers. So guys great job totally enjoying every word. Of course now I have to decide if sleep is over rated or not. Next book here I come...also I am blaming the both of them ( the authors) for tomorrow's coffee shortage that will be happening so I can stay awake....
So I clicked on this book and to tell the truth I didn't look at who wrote it , I just read the blurb for the book and was like this sounds like fun... So I got this book today read it all then went to get the second book and realize it's 2am.... and yes I will be starting the second book....so when I was looking at the second book I looked at the name of the author and was like OH no wonder I am loving this book...because as we all know Anderle and Grey are some awesome writers. So guys great job totally enjoying every word. Of course now I have to decide if sleep is over rated or not. Next book here I come...also I am blaming the both of them ( the authors) for tomorrow's coffee shortage that will be happening so I can stay awake....
August 24, 2019
Not bad but
The book was interesting in that what was happening in IRL was as important as in game. Most gamelit is all about in game experience. I enjoyed the real world interplay as it juxtaposed on the game. My reservation about this book and series is about the gameplay or lack of understanding of it. There are zero stats, skills, abilities, or affinities portrayed in game. I have no idea how the game works and the book is about the manipulation of said game. Though the story is fun I like more rpg or at least some. It feels hollow. Not sure if I will continue the series even though I like the narrative and story.
The book was interesting in that what was happening in IRL was as important as in game. Most gamelit is all about in game experience. I enjoyed the real world interplay as it juxtaposed on the game. My reservation about this book and series is about the gameplay or lack of understanding of it. There are zero stats, skills, abilities, or affinities portrayed in game. I have no idea how the game works and the book is about the manipulation of said game. Though the story is fun I like more rpg or at least some. It feels hollow. Not sure if I will continue the series even though I like the narrative and story.
Read
September 26, 2024DNF: 22%
I enjoyed the start of this book. The writing is solid and the MC is interesting, but what seemed like the setup for a potential love interest felt uncomfortable. Not the fact that there was a love interest (potentially, didn't finish the book, so don't know for sure), but that Jay was basically introduced through deception and stalking of the MC. The following few perspective chapters of his that I read through didn't do anything to dissuade me of his generally cringe vibe.
Could be wrong about the intended direction of their relationship, but it was off-putting enough to stop me from continuing.
I enjoyed the start of this book. The writing is solid and the MC is interesting, but what seemed like the setup for a potential love interest felt uncomfortable. Not the fact that there was a love interest (potentially, didn't finish the book, so don't know for sure), but that Jay was basically introduced through deception and stalking of the MC. The following few perspective chapters of his that I read through didn't do anything to dissuade me of his generally cringe vibe.
Could be wrong about the intended direction of their relationship, but it was off-putting enough to stop me from continuing.
May 4, 2019
Great story
I laughed several times during this story. The characters are believable and the main character Gracie is sharp, bold and believes in doing the right thing. My favorite type of hero! I do like the oddballs too of course. :)
Still, it’s nice to see someone stand up for themselves and their principals, even when it puts them in a bit of a bind. It’s just as frustrating when you see the opponent(s) taking the low road, especially when they’re out to get the hero.
On to the next book now. Go Gracie and team!
I laughed several times during this story. The characters are believable and the main character Gracie is sharp, bold and believes in doing the right thing. My favorite type of hero! I do like the oddballs too of course. :)
Still, it’s nice to see someone stand up for themselves and their principals, even when it puts them in a bit of a bind. It’s just as frustrating when you see the opponent(s) taking the low road, especially when they’re out to get the hero.
On to the next book now. Go Gracie and team!
April 13, 2023
Young woman with mathematics background works as a casino blackjack dealer and is drawn into a VR MMORPG world by her roommate. There she discovers a hidden Easter egg quest line that is frowned upon by the game owners that want to stop her.
Unaware of the schemes against her she gets help from a programmer working for the game company.
At least 50 % of the book is about the offline world and it is really good about relationships and work world. In game it is a nice party and the instance they play are interesting.
Solid book.
Unaware of the schemes against her she gets help from a programmer working for the game company.
At least 50 % of the book is about the offline world and it is really good about relationships and work world. In game it is a nice party and the instance they play are interesting.
Solid book.
March 12, 2019
Loved this book!
I love Callista and Jay and Alex and the other team members. Their cooperation as a team is great and the chatter between them is realistic, funny and razzy, when taking shots at each other. I wonder if Dan will find out that Harry is still involved in the game world. I wonder if he is! I hope Jay realized the nasty trick being played on him and his group. Can't wait for the next episode!
I love Callista and Jay and Alex and the other team members. Their cooperation as a team is great and the chatter between them is realistic, funny and razzy, when taking shots at each other. I wonder if Dan will find out that Harry is still involved in the game world. I wonder if he is! I hope Jay realized the nasty trick being played on him and his group. Can't wait for the next episode!
March 24, 2019
Great, even for a non-gamer
So, right up front, I’m not a gamer. I’ve read other LitRPG and some are good, others not so much. I picked this up because I enjoyed the authors’ other works and this one is better than others I’ve read in this genre in my opinion! The characters are engaging, there isn’t too much jargon (although there is some) to confuse the uninitiated and the plot rips right along. Worth your time and money.
So, right up front, I’m not a gamer. I’ve read other LitRPG and some are good, others not so much. I picked this up because I enjoyed the authors’ other works and this one is better than others I’ve read in this genre in my opinion! The characters are engaging, there isn’t too much jargon (although there is some) to confuse the uninitiated and the plot rips right along. Worth your time and money.
April 7, 2021
Not particularly unique. Gracie is coolest when she nonchalantly uses her stats, but the ramrod morality the author gave her is tiring.
Kind of boring.
Conflict is predictable.
Events are too convenient for MC. She is somehow the only character to try actually figuring out lore? The only one to try and enjoy the game nonstandard?
Throw away plot points and dumb 1D villains.
Not recommended.
Kind of boring.
Conflict is predictable.
Events are too convenient for MC. She is somehow the only character to try actually figuring out lore? The only one to try and enjoy the game nonstandard?
Throw away plot points and dumb 1D villains.
Not recommended.
July 28, 2021
This one is well written but I just could not get into it. The female MC has depth and is interesting but the complete lack of crunch and odd decisions and setting just end up losing me quickly. This is very much gamelit and not litrpg and I went to credit it for being somewhat unique and not following all the well laid out standard story lines it still just ended up being something I just could not get into.
November 11, 2022
A first for me
Well, never read an RPG book before so.although the blurb (and title!) sounded good, wasn't sure what to expect... I guess it started ordinary enough, a girl who enjoyed D&D getting roped in by her roommate to play a new game...and wow then it all takes off. Never been a gamer but after reading this book my interest is much greater...although must admit think I want to read more of this series first ;-)
Well, never read an RPG book before so.although the blurb (and title!) sounded good, wasn't sure what to expect... I guess it started ordinary enough, a girl who enjoyed D&D getting roped in by her roommate to play a new game...and wow then it all takes off. Never been a gamer but after reading this book my interest is much greater...although must admit think I want to read more of this series first ;-)
March 8, 2019
Loved it
As a former gamer (retired to to age ) , I really got caught up in this story and found myself tempted to try some of the newer games out there. I know my reflexes are shot , but what the Hell ...
Thank you for an adventure packed gaming story and I will eagerly wait for Metamorphosis Online book 2 .
As a former gamer (retired to to age ) , I really got caught up in this story and found myself tempted to try some of the newer games out there. I know my reflexes are shot , but what the Hell ...
Thank you for an adventure packed gaming story and I will eagerly wait for Metamorphosis Online book 2 .
March 10, 2019
A fun, fast read!
This is a great story! I liked that it was set it a normal every day world. People simply gaming to game. The ranking in-game is still a mystery, but that’s for book 2. This story moved right along, was funny and exciting, and had me rooting for Gracie. Really looking forward to book 2!
This is a great story! I liked that it was set it a normal every day world. People simply gaming to game. The ranking in-game is still a mystery, but that’s for book 2. This story moved right along, was funny and exciting, and had me rooting for Gracie. Really looking forward to book 2!
March 15, 2019
I've gotten so used to guys in pods that this book, using more contemporary tech like haptics and VR helmets, and my first female lead, was really fresh and light. With snappy dialogue, likable characters, and believable villains, it's a good intro book to LitRPG or gaming novels in general. Despite the realistic cursing, I wouldn't feel bad letting my YA reader kid enjoy it too.
March 16, 2019
I like it?
So it’s not traditional LitRPG. It’s got the elements of it but it doesn’t have the points and stats forced in. No min/max talk or balanced character spiels. And thankfully not a repeat of the character sheet every chapter!
It really does capture how it feels to be a part of the “real” world and the “game” world and how the game feel more real than reality.
So it’s not traditional LitRPG. It’s got the elements of it but it doesn’t have the points and stats forced in. No min/max talk or balanced character spiels. And thankfully not a repeat of the character sheet every chapter!
It really does capture how it feels to be a part of the “real” world and the “game” world and how the game feel more real than reality.
March 16, 2019
Wow......I couldn't stop reading
I know a lot of.people say this but I mean every word. The main charters were realistic and easy to get behind. I could connect with her and the group she ran with. I am completely satisfied with the out come and hope you will continue with many more books in this story.thank you for your hard work and keep going this way a true not to read.
I know a lot of.people say this but I mean every word. The main charters were realistic and easy to get behind. I could connect with her and the group she ran with. I am completely satisfied with the out come and hope you will continue with many more books in this story.thank you for your hard work and keep going this way a true not to read.
April 3, 2019
Math for the Win
Enjoyable start to a series. Liked the main character and it’s nice to get a female perspective of the nerd world. Only criticism is that the first VR game company would kowtow to any companies especially since the first VR world game would be worth ridiculous $$$. Otherwise looking forward to book 2.
Enjoyable start to a series. Liked the main character and it’s nice to get a female perspective of the nerd world. Only criticism is that the first VR game company would kowtow to any companies especially since the first VR world game would be worth ridiculous $$$. Otherwise looking forward to book 2.
April 24, 2019
Log in!
Very good, I am and have been a gamer online for years, TW2, WoW, and my current addiction, Stormfall, saga. This book lived some of my experiences, in a litehearted fun way. I Like gamelit stories, but some get into a rut of being too grim, this character knew the world could suck, but believed it could be better, and acted on it, Great Job!!
Very good, I am and have been a gamer online for years, TW2, WoW, and my current addiction, Stormfall, saga. This book lived some of my experiences, in a litehearted fun way. I Like gamelit stories, but some get into a rut of being too grim, this character knew the world could suck, but believed it could be better, and acted on it, Great Job!!
May 6, 2019
A Really Great Book
Gracie is a compelling, competent yet vulnerable character. The characters have great chemistry. The plot is well written and interesting. I like the game action, humor, and relationship exploration. Will Gracie and Jay develop a relationship? I look forward to the next book.
Gracie is a compelling, competent yet vulnerable character. The characters have great chemistry. The plot is well written and interesting. I like the game action, humor, and relationship exploration. Will Gracie and Jay develop a relationship? I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews