Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Metamorphosis Online #2

The New Queen Rises

Rate this book
Will the creators of Metamorphosis Online and their in fighting ruin the game for everyone? Over Gracie’s dead avatar.

Others want to learn what is allowing Gracie’s team to jump in the ranks, and are willing to go to great and scuzzy lengths to figure it out.

The group has decided to form a guild, but can they hold it together long enough to figure out a team tabard?

Can Gracie hold her team together while her personal life is going nowhere? Will she accept her mom’s invite to join the family for her sister’s engagement?

Metamorphosis Online is changing lives… Some for the better, some for the worse

The only thing Gracie believes is the power of her family…her digital family. She’s learning that the rest of life is just details.

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...


298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2019

187 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Natalie Grey

43 books92 followers
Natalie 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
164 (48%)
4 stars
128 (37%)
3 stars
37 (10%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews107 followers
November 2, 2021
Heck yeah! The Red Squadron dominates despite others cheating and trying to defeat them!
Gracie is so badass!!

ALSO!

A note for Natalie and Michael, in book 1, Chowder admits to being Katie who chose the ugliest character to stop guys from harassing her. But then in book 2, this one, y’all have Chowder as a skinny bloke instead.

It messed with my small amount of joy that Gracie was gaming with more girl friends.
Profile Image for Abi.
2,277 reviews
May 2, 2019
4.5 stars. Great sequel! Things get more interesting. As funny and exciting as book 1! I can't wait for book three. Guessing this will be a trilogy. So happy I found these books!
Profile Image for Elaina Myers.
356 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2019
Excellent story!

I am really enjoying this series and feel this book is a bit of a step up over the last one. In terms of the philosophical issues, most is already known, but bears repeating! I’m ready for book three now.

In Michael’s author notes, the idea of using video games as a way to work through issues in the real world, and hopefully find a good answer, is new to me. I love it!

There is another series where learning something in the game actually translates to real world improvements. Wouldn’t that be nice? I’m not sure how realistic that is, at least with today’s technology, but working through societal issues should be totally doable, if the game was interesting enough for people. :)
Profile Image for Kiba Snowpaw.
Author 2 books24 followers
October 10, 2023
Introduction:
Greetings, fellow readers and adventurers! I'm Kiba Snowpaw, the alpha lone ice wolf from the frosty world of HowlStrom, bringing you a rollicking review of "The New Queen Rises," the second installment in the "Metamorphosis Online" series by Natalie Grey and Michael Anderle. Hold onto your virtual hats as we dive into the fantastical realm of gaming, friendships, and epic quests.

Basic Plot Summary:
In this thrilling sequel, we return to the captivating world of Metamorphosis Online, where the creators' in-fighting threatens to disrupt the game. Gracie, our fearless protagonist, faces challenges on and off the digital battlefield. She's determined to keep her team at the top of the rankings despite others cheating and conspiring against them. The group decides to form a guild, but can they unite long enough to design a team tabard? Meanwhile, Gracie grapples with personal dilemmas, including her family's expectations and her evolving friendships within the game. As the game continues to change lives, Gracie learns that her digital family holds the key to understanding the rest of her existence.

Characters:
Gracie shines as a badass protagonist in "The New Queen Rises." Her unwavering determination and gaming skills make her a force to be reckoned with. The diverse cast of characters, from loyal friends to intriguing newcomers, adds depth to the story. Gracie's personal growth and the development of her relationships provide both heart and humor to this gamelit adventure.

Structure:
Natalie Grey and Michael Anderle have crafted a story that seamlessly combines gaming elements with real-life dilemmas. The pacing is superb, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The exploration of in-game dynamics and their real-world implications is a highlight, making this book a standout in the gamelit genre.

Impact:
"The New Queen Rises" delves into the fascinating concept of how online games can influence and reflect real-life character development. It prompts readers to ponder the connections between virtual experiences and personal growth. The story's relatability and thought-provoking themes make it more than just a gaming adventure.

Hook and Thesis:
From the very beginning, this book immerses you in the enchanting world of Metamorphosis Online. The hook is irresistible, drawing you into a universe where gaming transcends the boundaries of reality. The thesis is clear: life in the digital realm has the power to shape our lives in profound ways, if we're willing to embrace it.

Praise and Critique:
"The New Queen Rises" receives praise for its witty and exciting narrative, as well as its ability to keep the momentum going from the first book. However, an inconsistency regarding a character's identity may raise an eyebrow, but it's a minor hiccup in an otherwise engaging tale. Overall, this series continues to impress.

Evaluation:
In this delightful sequel, Natalie Grey and Michael Anderle continue to deliver a captivating gamelit experience that appeals to both gamers and book enthusiasts. Its blend of adventure, humor, and introspection sets it apart as a must-read in the genre.

Comparison:
"The New Queen Rises" stands tall among gamelit novels, offering a unique blend of gaming and character development. While it may be compared to other books in the genre, it distinguishes itself through its focus on real-world implications, making it a standout choice for readers.

Conclusion:
As I wrap up this review from the frigid landscape of HowlStrom, I leave you with this: "The New Queen Rises" is a fantastic continuation of the "Metamorphosis Online" series that delves into the intricate relationship between gaming and personal growth. Join Gracie and her digital family on this exhilarating journey through the gaming universe, and discover that sometimes, life's greatest lessons are learned through the pixels of a screen. Don't hesitate to dive into this adventure—your guild awaits!
Profile Image for Shayney.
444 reviews14 followers
February 9, 2020
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, which still amazes me as this isn’t my usual genre of books that I gravitate towards. The writing is good as well as the storyline. You get a lot more information in this book, regarding why and how everything is happening. Some questions you had left from the end of the first book do get answered and not just swept away. You start to care about the characters and their motives and you want them to succeed, when it feels like everything and everyone is against them.

It’s funny and fun and even brings in some important issues, or tries to anyway, regarding gaming and real life, and how the two impact on a person. I’m a little disappointed that there’s only one more book left in this series (atm?) and I’m eager to start it.

You get introduced to the same characters and to some additional ones. You get to see from other people’s perspectives and that was good. You get to see from someone new, who’s entering the group and how they find everyone and whether they fit it and how their relationship with the rest of them develops. Plus it’s interesting to see how current relationships are developing.

It wasn’t as good as the first book, possibly because that all took me by surprise, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and am eager to start Book 3.
Profile Image for Bob.
556 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2019
Beginning to Understand

A few short months ago, if asked, I wouldn't have had a clue what a Fantasy RPG Novel was. Fantasy and Novel I understood, but RPG?
How could I be so ignorant? Easy. I come from a generation before that crazy kid, Mike Anderle. I grok science fiction, and fantasy, so I tried one of Anderle's novels and got hooked.
The stories in this series by Ms. Grey have flowed smoothly. No grammar errors that set off Grammer Alarm, likewise no Spelling or Homonym Alerts.
The tale of Good vs Evil has been with us since Man, and Woman, arrived. The idea, that as you are in a game is how you turn out in life is unique. And from my limited experience, how you are in life shows in how you play an online game.
Graciela and her team are an awesome group most of us would kill to be in, but then we'd permanently disqualified from being in the group.
So far, it's been mostly bruises and broken bones for the good guys, with the occasional death to give spice and a reason to continue.
Ms. Grey, I really like your series and recommend it without qualification to anyone who comes across this review.
Now I get to start on book 3 ;-)
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews19 followers
May 10, 2019
To Lead! To Rule?

Gracie fights with herself whether or not to continue on her path with the game Metamorphosis or succumb to her parent's wishes and drift into a life she does not want. I like the action, humor, and romance. Will she have a romantic relationship? Can she take on the mantle Harry designed for himself? I look forward to another book.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,014 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2019
Twists & turns

What a tangled web has been woven! We are dropped into the middle of things, and how I want to yell at Jay and Gracie! But it’s a book. So I don’t. (Much?) Deception is entrenched, and there are so many choices for our characters to make. Will they each make the morally right choice, though? So.... what will happen in Reign with Axe and Shield?
Profile Image for Brenna.
43 reviews
May 22, 2023
I listened as an audiobook from Hoopla.

A great sequel, but sometimes the author forgets details (Jay mentions his sister while in the first book he is an only child, a big scene is made of the fact that Jay never told Gracie he was in the hill warden when I’m 97% sure he did).

I love Gracie and I’m worried for her as her influence and power grows!
362 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2024
Wonderful Series

I am totally into this series. I don't even game, and I am feeling every hit, throwing every spell, and loving every minute. I enjoy the teams' interactions both in and out of the game, too. There are life lessons woven into the game that touch us all on some level. It is very interesting to find them.
14 reviews
April 13, 2019
They hit it out of the park!

More than just an adventure into online RPG, it's both an exploration and an explanation into how our character and morals and values can be learned and understood, while having a grand time!!
791 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2019
Keeping up the pace

Great second book. Very easy to read. Relationships, deception, and a stalker of sorts. I really enjoyed the combat sequences and the virtual game that is just around the corner. A very engaging book.
93 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2019
Don't miss reading

Really enjoyed this series ,stayed up late finish it. Hope they have a third book to tie off loose ends. Iwill read again from the first to the last when we know what is happening
288 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2019
Amazing addition to the series

Literally couldn't put this book down, reading it almost straight through. Looking forward to seeing more of the blend of real world concerns and gaming, action, adventure, and where it all goes. Keep up the great work!
861 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2020
First book was good, second was better

This is a really fun series. Really enjoyed the first book. Enjoyed the second even more. Cant wait to read the third, so I won’t, and will start it....now! 😃
Profile Image for Jamie.
630 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2020
So wholesome, so salty

Absolutely devoured this, I feel that the best leaders are the one's that never wanted the job. This is such an awesome story, I'm gutted it's just a trilogy. Can't wait to read more. JL
58 reviews
January 7, 2021
Airs 541am and I just finished it ...

Yes ok so I read the first book got finished at 2am now I finished the second, yes it that fun... get ready if u start this book/ series u will lose sleep and maybe some time...lol just saying it's a total blast to read..
Profile Image for John DeBlanc.
337 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2019
New Queen Indeed

Truly bummed that this storyline is over. One of the finest gamelit stories out there. Highly recommended, very well written.
267 reviews
April 16, 2019
Gripping!

A great tale of not just an online game but a tale of corparation greed and meddling plus a person trying to find themselves in the grand scheme of life and parents. Lovely charahter development that is well thout.
Cant wait to see what happens next!
122 reviews
May 3, 2019
Very Fun LitRPG

Metamorphosis Online is a great example of the genre. Good mix of characters, villains, and game nonsense. If you like LitRPG I recommend this series.
Profile Image for Magila.
1,328 reviews16 followers
February 2, 2020
3.5

Interesting installment, and everything turns on its head a bit. If you liked the first, you won't be disappointed with this.

Caution, some strong language.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,090 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2021
Didn't hold me as much as the first book but will gladly read the next one.
Profile Image for Zachary.
704 reviews14 followers
September 10, 2021
Gracie for the win

Enjoyed this second entry in the series. More character development, and I still found myself enjoying all the characters. Looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Benjamin Graff.
28 reviews
May 6, 2022
Another great book!

An amazing 2nd book! Loved reading this and read it without putting it down. Cant wait to jump into the next book.
Profile Image for Alastar.
510 reviews
May 31, 2019
Not bad

I find myself mostly enjoying the story, but at times I also find myself rolling my eyes and hanging my head at Gracie's oh woe is me attitude.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.