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Civilization: Barbarians: A 4X lit novel
I never expected to become a disembodied spirit running a civilization One night I fell asleep, and a dinosaur wizard offered me the choice to become the ruler of a tribe of people who’d just gotten to the middle of the stone age. It would be my job to guide them from these inauspicious beginnings to glory and greatness. Of course I signed up. Barbarians keep attacking, and they are literally cannibals, I can’t talk to anyone directly so I’m getting lonely, and I’m terrified that I’ll make a mistake, and everyone in the settlement will die horribly. But still, this is way better than any video game.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2019
226 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 15, 2019
I liked the idea behind this, not so much the execution. Actually, I hated the execution. The story seems to have a huge problem with deciding whether it's serious or comedic. So it flips flops back and forth, constantly killing any tension it builds and throwing me off.
The MC as usual pees himself, because that seems to be a requirement of MC and gutter tier humor now. Having the MC initially soil himself, referencing it a few times and to make fun of it. In comes an endless string of memes, pop culture referencing and the fourth wall breaking antics. None of whom were particularly funny or entertaining to me, which just made them grating.
The humor for the most part, is cheap slapstick and on the nose. "Haha, cat memes and lasers, haha!" This is funny, right? If this is your thing, knock yourself out, if you're looking for a serious story that puts actual thought into all of this. This one isn't for you. While it occasionally veers into the grimdark territory, the next "fart joke" instantly kills any tension or investment I had build and did so quite regularly.
Just as an example. The MC pees himself, which is referenced and made fun of several times. He then proceeds to give himself the name "Cuddles the Destroyer", how hilarious, right? Obviously, this story isn't taking itself seriously and doesn't expect anyone else to do so either. We are treated to a menu that basically runs on passive aggressive "funny" mockery, followed by the introduction of his followers, the "Hippy Elves" and an introduction scenario supposedly narrated by Liam Neeson mentioning cat memes and more.
Kinda sad. Had genuinely hoped for something more than another cheap comedy.
The MC as usual pees himself, because that seems to be a requirement of MC and gutter tier humor now. Having the MC initially soil himself, referencing it a few times and to make fun of it. In comes an endless string of memes, pop culture referencing and the fourth wall breaking antics. None of whom were particularly funny or entertaining to me, which just made them grating.
The humor for the most part, is cheap slapstick and on the nose. "Haha, cat memes and lasers, haha!" This is funny, right? If this is your thing, knock yourself out, if you're looking for a serious story that puts actual thought into all of this. This one isn't for you. While it occasionally veers into the grimdark territory, the next "fart joke" instantly kills any tension or investment I had build and did so quite regularly.
Just as an example. The MC pees himself, which is referenced and made fun of several times. He then proceeds to give himself the name "Cuddles the Destroyer", how hilarious, right? Obviously, this story isn't taking itself seriously and doesn't expect anyone else to do so either. We are treated to a menu that basically runs on passive aggressive "funny" mockery, followed by the introduction of his followers, the "Hippy Elves" and an introduction scenario supposedly narrated by Liam Neeson mentioning cat memes and more.
Kinda sad. Had genuinely hoped for something more than another cheap comedy.
July 3, 2019
I loved the idea of this book. I’ve only recently discovered LitRPG but I’ve been playing Civ since the first Civ game came out. Love Civ. Love reading. This book should have been amazing. It wasn’t. I didn’t enjoy the writing and I couldn’t get into the story. I’m even more disappointed because it feels like a wasted opportunity for something great. It has opened me up to reading more LitRPG books, which is one plus point. And I’m still playing Civ. Just one more turn...
April 16, 2019
Interesting concept, bad execution
I’m 2/3’s of the way into barbarian 4x and it’s still an awkward read, but at least the pop culture references the author used to use 3 times a page in the first few chapters have completely disappeared. I think the big reason why the book’s so awkward is that the perspective is from an eye in the sky like deity that has no direct connection or dialogue to the story’s others characters. That and the author breaks the fourth wall constantly. It kind of reads like a story someone wrote for fun without the expectation or hope of it ever getting read outside of their friend’s circle, which is at odds with all the pandering to the reader in the beginning of the book.
After finishing the book I have to admit that it isn’t entirely devoid of dialogue, but the dialogue is probably 0.1 - 1% of the total word count. This wouldn’t be so bad if the book managed to entertain people in between the two big fight scenes towards the beginning and the end of the book, but the writing is a bit bland. It describes things accurately enough but not in a way that easily allows you to imagine the environment and it’s details.
Also, even at the end of the book I’m still annoyed at the introduction. The constant pop culture references, the ridiculous and unrealistic reaction of the MC, and the breaking of the fourth wall almost made me put the book down and forget about it. The only reason I persisted is because I’m a fan of both he LITRPG genre and strategy games.
I’m 2/3’s of the way into barbarian 4x and it’s still an awkward read, but at least the pop culture references the author used to use 3 times a page in the first few chapters have completely disappeared. I think the big reason why the book’s so awkward is that the perspective is from an eye in the sky like deity that has no direct connection or dialogue to the story’s others characters. That and the author breaks the fourth wall constantly. It kind of reads like a story someone wrote for fun without the expectation or hope of it ever getting read outside of their friend’s circle, which is at odds with all the pandering to the reader in the beginning of the book.
After finishing the book I have to admit that it isn’t entirely devoid of dialogue, but the dialogue is probably 0.1 - 1% of the total word count. This wouldn’t be so bad if the book managed to entertain people in between the two big fight scenes towards the beginning and the end of the book, but the writing is a bit bland. It describes things accurately enough but not in a way that easily allows you to imagine the environment and it’s details.
Also, even at the end of the book I’m still annoyed at the introduction. The constant pop culture references, the ridiculous and unrealistic reaction of the MC, and the breaking of the fourth wall almost made me put the book down and forget about it. The only reason I persisted is because I’m a fan of both he LITRPG genre and strategy games.
February 3, 2021
A kind of different gamelit, not entirely succesful.
Unlike most gamelit novels, this one tries to tackle basically the CIV genre. The MC gets to be in charge of a settlement in a game of Civilization among various beings. While the mechanics are okay, the interactions and the in-world characters fall a little flat.
Points for attempting it, but meh for falling short.
Unlike most gamelit novels, this one tries to tackle basically the CIV genre. The MC gets to be in charge of a settlement in a game of Civilization among various beings. While the mechanics are okay, the interactions and the in-world characters fall a little flat.
Points for attempting it, but meh for falling short.
August 24, 2019
- Quote: “it would be moral to force someone to do something which they would volunteer for if they were a moral person in possession of all of the facts.”
- Thoughts: Thumbs up for this one, it's very unique in a literary way, as if told by a worried narrator constantly trying to change the story. The gamefication of the story is interesting and the story has a nice pace, with a satisfyingly ending.
▶◀
These are my personal opinions, you may discord, my final rating of the book is not necessarily linked to this system and may diverge from it.
Book Storyline
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Development: 5/5 stars
- Enjoyment: 5/5 stars
- Writing stile: 5/5 stars
- Funnyness: 4/5 stars
- Epicness: 3/5 stars
- Scaryness: 2/5 stars
- Smartness: 4/5 stars
- Addictiveness: 5/5 stars
- Plot twists: 2/5 stars
- Pace: 5/5 stars
- Storyline planning: 5/5 stars
- Ending: 4/5 stars
- Holes: 1/5 negative stars
- Self contained (Y/N): ✓
- Cliffhanger (Y/N): ×
- Adult (Y/N): ×
- Mystery (Y/N): ×
- Treasure Hunting (Y/N): ×
- Violence level: so so
- Tech level: Stone age
- Religion level: A lot of worshipping for the guides
- Main genre: Gamelit
- Subgenre: 4x Civilization
- Point of view: Inside the "player" head
- Best of it: good book with a good system
- Worst of it: probably not recommend for people that don't enjoy the genre
- Aftertaste: Gochisoosama
Cover
- Quality: 3/5 stars
- Traces: 4/5 stars
- Colors: 3/5 stars
- Style: 2/5 stars
- In a few words: I guess it's Marcus in the cover, it's ok, but not really eye catching
World
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Variety: 2/5 stars
- Consistency: 4/5 stars
- Impact on the story: 5/5 stars
- Maps: -/5 stars
- Real world (Y/N): Takes part in the story
- Journey (Y/N): ×
- Main scenario: Forest
Characters
The people the guide needs to guide is interesting, they have drawbacks and strengths, personalities. The guide himself grows attached to then.
- Consistency: 5/5 stars
- Connection: 3/5 stars
- Interactions: 4/5 Stars
- Underworld Crew (✓/×): ×
- Training (✓/×): ×
- Romance: ×
- Notable best characters: hippie elves
- Notable worse characters: ---
Setting
Being a 4x there is others civilizations in the board, the people being guided also has a history behind then, and of course there is the thing of why the guide is a guide
- Setting overall score: 5/5 Stars
- Tension: 3/5 Stars
- Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
- Hippie elves: ✓
- Badass guardian: ✓
Rules
- Devised system: 5/5 stars
- System complexity: 4/5 stars
- System explanation: 3/5 stars
- Impact on storyline: 5/5 stars
- Rulebreaker (Y/N): ×
- Type of Rule: Civilization gameplay
- Thoughts: Thumbs up for this one, it's very unique in a literary way, as if told by a worried narrator constantly trying to change the story. The gamefication of the story is interesting and the story has a nice pace, with a satisfyingly ending.
▶◀
These are my personal opinions, you may discord, my final rating of the book is not necessarily linked to this system and may diverge from it.
Book Storyline
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Development: 5/5 stars
- Enjoyment: 5/5 stars
- Writing stile: 5/5 stars
- Funnyness: 4/5 stars
- Epicness: 3/5 stars
- Scaryness: 2/5 stars
- Smartness: 4/5 stars
- Addictiveness: 5/5 stars
- Plot twists: 2/5 stars
- Pace: 5/5 stars
- Storyline planning: 5/5 stars
- Ending: 4/5 stars
- Holes: 1/5 negative stars
- Self contained (Y/N): ✓
- Cliffhanger (Y/N): ×
- Adult (Y/N): ×
- Mystery (Y/N): ×
- Treasure Hunting (Y/N): ×
- Violence level: so so
- Tech level: Stone age
- Religion level: A lot of worshipping for the guides
- Main genre: Gamelit
- Subgenre: 4x Civilization
- Point of view: Inside the "player" head
- Best of it: good book with a good system
- Worst of it: probably not recommend for people that don't enjoy the genre
- Aftertaste: Gochisoosama
Cover
- Quality: 3/5 stars
- Traces: 4/5 stars
- Colors: 3/5 stars
- Style: 2/5 stars
- In a few words: I guess it's Marcus in the cover, it's ok, but not really eye catching
World
- Originality: 5/5 stars
- Variety: 2/5 stars
- Consistency: 4/5 stars
- Impact on the story: 5/5 stars
- Maps: -/5 stars
- Real world (Y/N): Takes part in the story
- Journey (Y/N): ×
- Main scenario: Forest
Characters
The people the guide needs to guide is interesting, they have drawbacks and strengths, personalities. The guide himself grows attached to then.
- Consistency: 5/5 stars
- Connection: 3/5 stars
- Interactions: 4/5 Stars
- Underworld Crew (✓/×): ×
- Training (✓/×): ×
- Romance: ×
- Notable best characters: hippie elves
- Notable worse characters: ---
Setting
Being a 4x there is others civilizations in the board, the people being guided also has a history behind then, and of course there is the thing of why the guide is a guide
- Setting overall score: 5/5 Stars
- Tension: 3/5 Stars
- Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars
- Hippie elves: ✓
- Badass guardian: ✓
Rules
- Devised system: 5/5 stars
- System complexity: 4/5 stars
- System explanation: 3/5 stars
- Impact on storyline: 5/5 stars
- Rulebreaker (Y/N): ×
- Type of Rule: Civilization gameplay
June 10, 2019
Do you like 4x? I mean playing and watching 4x. Then you'll like this book because that is mostly what this book is about. It does what it says on the cover, it is about 4x. And it is decently written.
Now to the issues. The 4th wall breaking is too much. It isn't done for comedy, it is just done to emphasize character choice. There is almost no dialogue as Cuddles can't talk to anyone until the end. Then there is minor dialogue. Cuddles doesn't have what it takes to actually lead, a trait he admits. Which makes it weird as to why he was chosen.
They explain that at the end. Why everything is being done. I thought it was unnecessary but to each their own. And the book is slow. I expected that since it is a 4x game and 4x games tend to be slow. But it really began to drag. And there is some issue with characters following Cuddle's orders too well when he can't communicate. I guess he can get his intentions across, but how that works to picking out groups of people to act in guerilla tactics or where to put ambush spots is a bit much. It would have been better if the characters outside of 1 had more agency.
Overall, not a bad book. I feel bad leaving 3 stars because no one cares about books with less than 4.5 stars, but I want to be honest. Check it out. I do think it is worth the read and I think that the next in the series will hopefully improve upon things.
Now to the issues. The 4th wall breaking is too much. It isn't done for comedy, it is just done to emphasize character choice. There is almost no dialogue as Cuddles can't talk to anyone until the end. Then there is minor dialogue. Cuddles doesn't have what it takes to actually lead, a trait he admits. Which makes it weird as to why he was chosen.
They explain that at the end. Why everything is being done. I thought it was unnecessary but to each their own. And the book is slow. I expected that since it is a 4x game and 4x games tend to be slow. But it really began to drag. And there is some issue with characters following Cuddle's orders too well when he can't communicate. I guess he can get his intentions across, but how that works to picking out groups of people to act in guerilla tactics or where to put ambush spots is a bit much. It would have been better if the characters outside of 1 had more agency.
Overall, not a bad book. I feel bad leaving 3 stars because no one cares about books with less than 4.5 stars, but I want to be honest. Check it out. I do think it is worth the read and I think that the next in the series will hopefully improve upon things.
November 3, 2019
There are many weaknesses with the LitRPG genre. One of the worst is the sarcastic text interface trope. It's dull, it's distracting, and the jokes are near-universally not funny. Here we have one of the worst examples of it:
"Combat: Blood and iron and nukes. You love killing things and celebrating your victory seated on a throne of bones built atop a pyramid of skulls. You are a bad man. Very bad.
Population Growth: You like to watch your people fuck. Without protection. Pervert. You should feel ashamed of yourself."
The rest of the "jokes" are just references. Listen, saying "I am like Drax" is not a joke, and none of us needed this attempt at in-grouping.
It was at this point I recalled I'd seen the authors name before, and what I had taken for the mistakes of an enthusiastic amateur in earlier works, took on the shape of deliberate stylistic choices in this.
The muddle of drama and comedy fails to be funny, and fails to create tension. A Pratchett, this is not.
I'd very much advise skipping this, no matter how fascinating you find 4x.
"Combat: Blood and iron and nukes. You love killing things and celebrating your victory seated on a throne of bones built atop a pyramid of skulls. You are a bad man. Very bad.
Population Growth: You like to watch your people fuck. Without protection. Pervert. You should feel ashamed of yourself."
The rest of the "jokes" are just references. Listen, saying "I am like Drax" is not a joke, and none of us needed this attempt at in-grouping.
It was at this point I recalled I'd seen the authors name before, and what I had taken for the mistakes of an enthusiastic amateur in earlier works, took on the shape of deliberate stylistic choices in this.
The muddle of drama and comedy fails to be funny, and fails to create tension. A Pratchett, this is not.
I'd very much advise skipping this, no matter how fascinating you find 4x.
May 22, 2019
If you get past the beginning...
Confession. I almost stopped reading after the first 10 pages. The writing was convoluted. Based on the reviews, I was concerned. However, if you can get past the first 25%, it gets significantly better. The story feels more coherent. He stops breaking the forth wall. A real interaction starts to develop between the MC and the people of his tribe.
By the end, he starts to deliver on the promise of 4x LitRpg. It is a nice departure from the standard fare. Though it is still similar to base management. He has lots of active interventions as if he was a support class. I still enjoyed the progression and historical nuggets. It is less about personal development.
I would look forward to the next installment. I think it would be a better now that the intro is past and the author is in his grove
Confession. I almost stopped reading after the first 10 pages. The writing was convoluted. Based on the reviews, I was concerned. However, if you can get past the first 25%, it gets significantly better. The story feels more coherent. He stops breaking the forth wall. A real interaction starts to develop between the MC and the people of his tribe.
By the end, he starts to deliver on the promise of 4x LitRpg. It is a nice departure from the standard fare. Though it is still similar to base management. He has lots of active interventions as if he was a support class. I still enjoyed the progression and historical nuggets. It is less about personal development.
I would look forward to the next installment. I think it would be a better now that the intro is past and the author is in his grove
May 22, 2019
Book one?
Mistakes: Mostly punctuation, such as missing commas. Personally I find the pop culture reference will quickly make this book feel dated.
Plot: Buy has his brain copied to run a civilization, like a god. This was interesting, right up till we get the big explanation of what is really going on. My problem is that I enjoyed reading about how the MC guided his civilization and think the big reveal came to soon as the society had barely evolved at all.
Characters: Not that interesting. Watching the society grow was this books hook.
8/10 Unsure if there will be a book two.
Mistakes: Mostly punctuation, such as missing commas. Personally I find the pop culture reference will quickly make this book feel dated.
Plot: Buy has his brain copied to run a civilization, like a god. This was interesting, right up till we get the big explanation of what is really going on. My problem is that I enjoyed reading about how the MC guided his civilization and think the big reveal came to soon as the society had barely evolved at all.
Characters: Not that interesting. Watching the society grow was this books hook.
8/10 Unsure if there will be a book two.
May 23, 2019
Sticking this on a litrpg shelf, though it is more clearly gamelit. I don't have a gamelit shelf though.
And actually, I don't have a clear idea of what the appeal to me is of litrpg. Civilization was well-written and entertaining, but it lacked something I'm looking for in these stories. I wish I could define it better - it's no fault of the book; it would be like complaining that people in Rome don't use roman numerals for everything.
And actually, I don't have a clear idea of what the appeal to me is of litrpg. Civilization was well-written and entertaining, but it lacked something I'm looking for in these stories. I wish I could define it better - it's no fault of the book; it would be like complaining that people in Rome don't use roman numerals for everything.
May 30, 2019
Very good
First of this authors books I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it especially as I’m a mediocre Civ player 😊.
I enjoyed the plot and found the MCs to be well written and with a level of depth, well mind you the narrator is not exactly deep as he’s “guide” but well he’s interesting in his own way.
I’d definitely suggest reading this and now I’ve another new genre to devour.
Enjoy 😉
First of this authors books I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it especially as I’m a mediocre Civ player 😊.
I enjoyed the plot and found the MCs to be well written and with a level of depth, well mind you the narrator is not exactly deep as he’s “guide” but well he’s interesting in his own way.
I’d definitely suggest reading this and now I’ve another new genre to devour.
Enjoy 😉
April 30, 2019
EULA - End User License Agreement
First of all, fantastic stuff. The stakes are high in this fast paced novel and the narrator has to face challenges at every turn, from distrust by those in his care to raids by enemies and every choice has consequences.
I approve of the afterword, but I'm confused by the only footnote.
First of all, fantastic stuff. The stakes are high in this fast paced novel and the narrator has to face challenges at every turn, from distrust by those in his care to raids by enemies and every choice has consequences.
I approve of the afterword, but I'm confused by the only footnote.
July 1, 2019
Well written and interesting
This is a good book. Well written and with an interesting premise but just not my cup of tea. The world building and the character development are really good and the author has clearly put a lot of thought in to how this was going to work. I would recommend reading it. But personally it just wasn't for me.
This is a good book. Well written and with an interesting premise but just not my cup of tea. The world building and the character development are really good and the author has clearly put a lot of thought in to how this was going to work. I would recommend reading it. But personally it just wasn't for me.
April 19, 2019
Cool
A nice interesting story that delves into some very unique concepts and thought, I really enjoyed the story and the world that has been built. I would recommend this to all and can't wait for more.
A nice interesting story that delves into some very unique concepts and thought, I really enjoyed the story and the world that has been built. I would recommend this to all and can't wait for more.
May 4, 2019
Fun idea
I enjoyed the story. I hope the next one will be less meta but I can see the reasons for that in this book. I hope the author continues to stick with the main character POV as it adds much to the appeal imo.
I enjoyed the story. I hope the next one will be less meta but I can see the reasons for that in this book. I hope the author continues to stick with the main character POV as it adds much to the appeal imo.
May 16, 2019
Amazing and different
I loved it. Was great read very different then the usual litrpg, I enjoy base building and this was tremendous upgrade on the regular base builder. Taking it into civilization building was fresh and ingenious.
I loved it. Was great read very different then the usual litrpg, I enjoy base building and this was tremendous upgrade on the regular base builder. Taking it into civilization building was fresh and ingenious.
May 18, 2019
Please a second book
Honestly an interesting concept of a book, I did enjoy it. Hoping for a book 2 shortly though I would want more character development of the citizens then the "main" character.
Honestly an interesting concept of a book, I did enjoy it. Hoping for a book 2 shortly though I would want more character development of the citizens then the "main" character.
May 21, 2019
An interesting game lit story
I have never been into world building games but the author made me rethink this. I enjoy seeing a protagonist that is trying and not just OP. If you like world building games or just want a different take on game lit give this story a read
I have never been into world building games but the author made me rethink this. I enjoy seeing a protagonist that is trying and not just OP. If you like world building games or just want a different take on game lit give this story a read
May 31, 2019
Glorious start of a new Genre!
The 4x civilization aspect is great! The author does the civilization progession well and when the parts where the MC doesnt fast forward is entertaining and engaging. Definitely going to get the next book/books in this series.
The 4x civilization aspect is great! The author does the civilization progession well and when the parts where the MC doesnt fast forward is entertaining and engaging. Definitely going to get the next book/books in this series.
June 2, 2019
Different but really good
The style is not one I’ve seen before, but I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for it to fit a specific genre, stereotype, or mold, you’ll be disappointed. If you like world building, you won’t want to put the book down.
The style is not one I’ve seen before, but I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for it to fit a specific genre, stereotype, or mold, you’ll be disappointed. If you like world building, you won’t want to put the book down.
April 24, 2019
World Building
Interesting concept and start to a series. The MC irritates me some but the story keeps things rolling. Will need to wait and see how things play out in book 2.
Interesting concept and start to a series. The MC irritates me some but the story keeps things rolling. Will need to wait and see how things play out in book 2.
May 21, 2019
Cool read
Felt like there were a few rough points but great overall. Good editing and an inventive setup in what is a new type of game lit novel.
Felt like there were a few rough points but great overall. Good editing and an inventive setup in what is a new type of game lit novel.
October 6, 2019
Great concept
Loved it can't wait to see where the story goes next. Thanks for a fun read. I can't wait for book 2.👍🏿👍🏾👌🏿
Loved it can't wait to see where the story goes next. Thanks for a fun read. I can't wait for book 2.👍🏿👍🏾👌🏿
February 18, 2020
Enjoyable and Entertaining
I am really beginning to like 4x LitRPG novels. This is a nice one for newcomers to the genre. I look forward to the next one.
I am really beginning to like 4x LitRPG novels. This is a nice one for newcomers to the genre. I look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews