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Crematoria Online #1
Rise of the Crimson Order: A Crematoria Online LitRPG Novel
Crematoria Online: A new dark fantasy LitRPG series from Matthew J. Barbeler! For fans of Diablo, Bloodborne, and The Elder Scrolls.
Once you log in, you don't log out.
Crematoria Online is the world's first alternate reality game. Players transfer their consciousness into the game world, and 10,000 souls were chosen as the first wave of Crematorians. Once they log in, they find themselves trapped in this gothic horror fantasy world.
Uncover the Secrets of Crematoria
Lucas Hutchins chooses to play as an Investigator, which gives him the ability to find clues to solve cases. But Crematoria is a world where everyone has a skeleton in their closet, and secrets are buried deep. Armed with his sword and flintlock pistol, Lucas must defend himself against those who would kill to keep the truth hidden.
Two Souls. One Destiny.
Lucas teams up with Ellie, a heavy armor-wearing Enforcer for the Eldin Judiciary. She is judge, jury and executioner, all rolled into one. Together, they seek truth and justice, but at what cost?
The Crimson Order rises.
The Crimson Queen is building an army. Citizens from the length and breadth of Crematoria are disappearing, and a mysterious symbol is being left in their wake. The sigil of the Crimson Order.
Lucas and Ellie must fight or die to save a world that is holding them both hostage.
If Crematoria burns, so will they.
A note for Even though the author of this novel is Australian, this work has been written using American spelling and conventions.
Once you log in, you don't log out.
Crematoria Online is the world's first alternate reality game. Players transfer their consciousness into the game world, and 10,000 souls were chosen as the first wave of Crematorians. Once they log in, they find themselves trapped in this gothic horror fantasy world.
Uncover the Secrets of Crematoria
Lucas Hutchins chooses to play as an Investigator, which gives him the ability to find clues to solve cases. But Crematoria is a world where everyone has a skeleton in their closet, and secrets are buried deep. Armed with his sword and flintlock pistol, Lucas must defend himself against those who would kill to keep the truth hidden.
Two Souls. One Destiny.
Lucas teams up with Ellie, a heavy armor-wearing Enforcer for the Eldin Judiciary. She is judge, jury and executioner, all rolled into one. Together, they seek truth and justice, but at what cost?
The Crimson Order rises.
The Crimson Queen is building an army. Citizens from the length and breadth of Crematoria are disappearing, and a mysterious symbol is being left in their wake. The sigil of the Crimson Order.
Lucas and Ellie must fight or die to save a world that is holding them both hostage.
If Crematoria burns, so will they.
A note for Even though the author of this novel is Australian, this work has been written using American spelling and conventions.
376 pages, ebook
First published May 5, 2019
55 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 28, 2019
I didn't like the book at first, but it grew on me. I'm trying to avoid spoilers in the rest of this review so I'm going to be vague in places.
It's got a decent amount of LitRPG elements including skills, stats, equipment, looting kills, boss monsters, etc. without being overbearing. One of my pet peeves with some LitRPG books (not this one) is when the author wants to give us the player's entire two and half page character sheet every time one single thing on said sheet changes or every time the player gets curious about a skill, a stat, etc. Of course the opposite of that is bad as well and this book seems to find the happy medium in my opinion.
The fantasy game world it's set in has swords, war hammers, knives, flintlock pistols, armor, and a little bit of magic (but not as much as in most LitRPGs.) My gut tells me that we'll see more magic in future novels as the book seems to indicate that at some point in character advancement players end up choosing sub-classes or professions that may open up the possibility of using magic. There may be a way to get magic from day 1 for some classes. Players choose from among a few races and a large number of possible classes.
The prose was fine. The books seems well edited. The first book in the series has a definite beginning, middle, and end and a story arc that is plausible, but not predictable.
The vast bulk of the story takes place in the virtual game world of Crematoria online with only a very small amount of time spent in the real world.
There is somewhat of an element of the "trapped in a video game" in the book, but I won't spoil it with details.
It's got a decent amount of LitRPG elements including skills, stats, equipment, looting kills, boss monsters, etc. without being overbearing. One of my pet peeves with some LitRPG books (not this one) is when the author wants to give us the player's entire two and half page character sheet every time one single thing on said sheet changes or every time the player gets curious about a skill, a stat, etc. Of course the opposite of that is bad as well and this book seems to find the happy medium in my opinion.
The fantasy game world it's set in has swords, war hammers, knives, flintlock pistols, armor, and a little bit of magic (but not as much as in most LitRPGs.) My gut tells me that we'll see more magic in future novels as the book seems to indicate that at some point in character advancement players end up choosing sub-classes or professions that may open up the possibility of using magic. There may be a way to get magic from day 1 for some classes. Players choose from among a few races and a large number of possible classes.
The prose was fine. The books seems well edited. The first book in the series has a definite beginning, middle, and end and a story arc that is plausible, but not predictable.
The vast bulk of the story takes place in the virtual game world of Crematoria online with only a very small amount of time spent in the real world.
There is somewhat of an element of the "trapped in a video game" in the book, but I won't spoil it with details.
April 7, 2020
A candle flame in s grimdark, rocco LitRPG
The good:
Unique new setting. Feels a little like Warhammer Fantasy, a little like Call of Cthulhu Gaslight setting, a little Steampunk. There is also a lot of imaginative world building going on. When it was recommended to me the word Lovecraftian was used but it actually reminds me more of Clark Ashton Smith, or Howard's stories, though more readable.
Unique class for the MC - an Investigator, which focuses on perception, enhanced cognition, and precision attacks with blade or flintlock pistol. It struggles a bit with the common problem of how to write enhanced intelligence, but is doing OK by focusing on the deduction and information organizing aspects.
Game Mechanics - not super crunchy, but not a bolted on side note that the author treats as an inconvenience. The numbers matter, and change the experience. It is different enough to be intriguing, and have potential. While I actually want more, the character sheet paged were limited and not super verbose.
Language - I'm honestly a little conflicted... The language is definitely a bit more elevated in complexity and word choice than your average litRPG novel, but it also rarely sparkles or sings, and can sometimes be down right plodding. Overall I appreciate an author who has faith that the reader can read above a grade school level so I'm still calling it a positive.
The less than good:
I'd like to see an end to the whole "trapped in the game" and "if you die in the game..." Tropes. They are dumb, totally unbelievable, and break willing suspension of disbelief. Nobody will ever make these games. No company would ever be able to ship them.
Anachronism- the book is set in 2070 ish but it's filled with pop culture references from 80s through 2020... But apparently there have been no quotable films or games in the 50 years between now and then.
Typos, found a few. Nothing disastrous, but if that's your trigger, beware.
Slightly lackluster MC - nothing really bad about him.. just not super relatable or inspiring either. The moral emotional conflict being forced on him regarding his teammate also feels a little creepy. But this is first book, early stages, with lots of room for character development, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
Over explaining gaming aspects - no need to explain DnD, RPGs and MMORPGs to the reader. If you're reading litRPG books, you know all this already. If this is the readers first lit RPG book, show don't tell. If really concerned they won't get it, put in a glossary at the end, but don't patronize the reader.
Summary - I enjoyed the book and found it one of the more imaginative and atmospheric litRPG I've read in a while. Definitely in the top 1/3 of the genre. It also avoids a lot of the most common pitfalls and ick that so many succumb to. I will be reading the next in the series. Not a perfect work but definitely worth reading.
The good:
Unique new setting. Feels a little like Warhammer Fantasy, a little like Call of Cthulhu Gaslight setting, a little Steampunk. There is also a lot of imaginative world building going on. When it was recommended to me the word Lovecraftian was used but it actually reminds me more of Clark Ashton Smith, or Howard's stories, though more readable.
Unique class for the MC - an Investigator, which focuses on perception, enhanced cognition, and precision attacks with blade or flintlock pistol. It struggles a bit with the common problem of how to write enhanced intelligence, but is doing OK by focusing on the deduction and information organizing aspects.
Game Mechanics - not super crunchy, but not a bolted on side note that the author treats as an inconvenience. The numbers matter, and change the experience. It is different enough to be intriguing, and have potential. While I actually want more, the character sheet paged were limited and not super verbose.
Language - I'm honestly a little conflicted... The language is definitely a bit more elevated in complexity and word choice than your average litRPG novel, but it also rarely sparkles or sings, and can sometimes be down right plodding. Overall I appreciate an author who has faith that the reader can read above a grade school level so I'm still calling it a positive.
The less than good:
I'd like to see an end to the whole "trapped in the game" and "if you die in the game..." Tropes. They are dumb, totally unbelievable, and break willing suspension of disbelief. Nobody will ever make these games. No company would ever be able to ship them.
Anachronism- the book is set in 2070 ish but it's filled with pop culture references from 80s through 2020... But apparently there have been no quotable films or games in the 50 years between now and then.
Typos, found a few. Nothing disastrous, but if that's your trigger, beware.
Slightly lackluster MC - nothing really bad about him.. just not super relatable or inspiring either. The moral emotional conflict being forced on him regarding his teammate also feels a little creepy. But this is first book, early stages, with lots of room for character development, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
Over explaining gaming aspects - no need to explain DnD, RPGs and MMORPGs to the reader. If you're reading litRPG books, you know all this already. If this is the readers first lit RPG book, show don't tell. If really concerned they won't get it, put in a glossary at the end, but don't patronize the reader.
Summary - I enjoyed the book and found it one of the more imaginative and atmospheric litRPG I've read in a while. Definitely in the top 1/3 of the genre. It also avoids a lot of the most common pitfalls and ick that so many succumb to. I will be reading the next in the series. Not a perfect work but definitely worth reading.
September 3, 2019
That was one hell of an adventure. If you love the LitRPG/GameLit genre you should definitely check this one out. If you've never read a LitRPG/GameLit novel, but you like video games, you definitely need to check this one out.
It was a bit slow going at the beginning, but still enjoyable. Looking back I didn't mind the pacing of the first half, because it's similar to starting a game: you're always slow starting out, feeling your way around the controls and the world and exploring, and that's what it felt like, the main character(s) getting a feel for what they dropped themselves into.
If the name Crematoria doesn't pique your interest already let's go over a few details that might.
Crematoria Online is a new, fully immersive MMORPG in the not-so-distant future. It costs a buttload of money though, so only wealthy people or people who have a means of getting a hold of 30 grand can play -- I didn't really like that part as it felt very limiting...but I'm not sure if there's a reason for this and it just hasn't been explained yet.
So people pay and are delivered their Crematoria Chamber, which resembles some sort of weird coffin. While inside this Chamber the player is connected to tubes that will help maintain and feed their body.
And the coffin isn't the only dark part to this world, and with a name like Crematoria that shouldn't be a surprise. There's plenty of dark and twisted elements: hybrid monsters formed from a blood-thirsty parasite is just one (lots of possibilities there for future enemies).
In Crematoria Online your consciousness is removed from your physical body and transplanted to the world of Crematoria, so everything you experience there is as lifelike as it gets. There are some major concerns with this though, but I won't get into that.
There's some twists and turns with the company and the way this new game operates, but you'll have to read the story to learn about that -- can't wait for the next book to learn more!
Lucas Hutchins is the main character in this story, a lonely young man who hit it big with a mobile app. As a person he seems pretty unremarkable, but in Crematoria he has the chance to become something different. And he chooses a class that I totally didn't see coming. His choice puts a nice spin on things and makes the story part detective novel in a way, which was totally new for me but I took to it fairly quickly.
Following Lucas's advancement through the game world was fun. I had a tiny bit of pride each time he leveled up, as if I were gaining something myself.
There is a lot of creativity in this story. Some of it has some clear inspiration, but hell what isn't inspired. Huge props to Matthew Barbeler for creating something so creatively exciting. The characters and races, the world, the villains, the magic system (so far it's only been from the villains, but it's still really cool).
The worldbuilding so far has been great and I really look forward to exploring more. This novel takes place in pretty much three areas, but there's mention of so much more.
I could keep talking about this, but I should probably just stop and let you enjoy it for yourselves. It's a great conversation novel I think, as there's so many cool things going on here.
Great job, Mr. Barbeler. I look forward to more!
It was a bit slow going at the beginning, but still enjoyable. Looking back I didn't mind the pacing of the first half, because it's similar to starting a game: you're always slow starting out, feeling your way around the controls and the world and exploring, and that's what it felt like, the main character(s) getting a feel for what they dropped themselves into.
If the name Crematoria doesn't pique your interest already let's go over a few details that might.
Crematoria Online is a new, fully immersive MMORPG in the not-so-distant future. It costs a buttload of money though, so only wealthy people or people who have a means of getting a hold of 30 grand can play -- I didn't really like that part as it felt very limiting...but I'm not sure if there's a reason for this and it just hasn't been explained yet.
So people pay and are delivered their Crematoria Chamber, which resembles some sort of weird coffin. While inside this Chamber the player is connected to tubes that will help maintain and feed their body.
And the coffin isn't the only dark part to this world, and with a name like Crematoria that shouldn't be a surprise. There's plenty of dark and twisted elements: hybrid monsters formed from a blood-thirsty parasite is just one (lots of possibilities there for future enemies).
In Crematoria Online your consciousness is removed from your physical body and transplanted to the world of Crematoria, so everything you experience there is as lifelike as it gets. There are some major concerns with this though, but I won't get into that.
There's some twists and turns with the company and the way this new game operates, but you'll have to read the story to learn about that -- can't wait for the next book to learn more!
Lucas Hutchins is the main character in this story, a lonely young man who hit it big with a mobile app. As a person he seems pretty unremarkable, but in Crematoria he has the chance to become something different. And he chooses a class that I totally didn't see coming. His choice puts a nice spin on things and makes the story part detective novel in a way, which was totally new for me but I took to it fairly quickly.
Following Lucas's advancement through the game world was fun. I had a tiny bit of pride each time he leveled up, as if I were gaining something myself.
There is a lot of creativity in this story. Some of it has some clear inspiration, but hell what isn't inspired. Huge props to Matthew Barbeler for creating something so creatively exciting. The characters and races, the world, the villains, the magic system (so far it's only been from the villains, but it's still really cool).
The worldbuilding so far has been great and I really look forward to exploring more. This novel takes place in pretty much three areas, but there's mention of so much more.
I could keep talking about this, but I should probably just stop and let you enjoy it for yourselves. It's a great conversation novel I think, as there's so many cool things going on here.
Great job, Mr. Barbeler. I look forward to more!
June 10, 2019
This is the first LitRPG genre novel I’ve read and I’m hooked to this series like a Sanguine parasite latched onto my neck. I’ve loved Barbeler’s novels in the past, particularly his Aus-horror ‘Carnifex’, and this novel grabbed me with its blend of RPG-elements, excellent plot pacing, and fun main characters.
I love seeing the problems Lucas is facing and already developing and changing in the face of them. The creatures are vivid, and I hope many artists read this and are inspired to create terrifying mutated Roach Hounds, Trash Palaces, Were-Rat and more.
Get this now and you will chew through it quickly. The good news is that Matt is working on the sequel, so we won’t have too long until we can read more!
I love seeing the problems Lucas is facing and already developing and changing in the face of them. The creatures are vivid, and I hope many artists read this and are inspired to create terrifying mutated Roach Hounds, Trash Palaces, Were-Rat and more.
Get this now and you will chew through it quickly. The good news is that Matt is working on the sequel, so we won’t have too long until we can read more!
September 23, 2019
Disclaimer- I know the author
This is my first LITRPG book, and it took me a second to adjust, but the world of crematoria- a dark fantasy MMO, like bloodborne meets dragon age- is neat and flavourful. Takes a while to get going- a lot of the info loading is up front, as the main character is introduced to the world and mechanics- but by the end it rockets along. Looking forward to the sequel, which now the table has been set should rocket along, and should solve several of the mysteries posed in this one
This is my first LITRPG book, and it took me a second to adjust, but the world of crematoria- a dark fantasy MMO, like bloodborne meets dragon age- is neat and flavourful. Takes a while to get going- a lot of the info loading is up front, as the main character is introduced to the world and mechanics- but by the end it rockets along. Looking forward to the sequel, which now the table has been set should rocket along, and should solve several of the mysteries posed in this one
May 26, 2019
A brilliant story which brings about a lot of nostalgic feels about playing an MMORPG. There's the main quest, but side quests exist as well, and this book cleverly replicates how many people would play out in a similar situation, albeit with stricter penalties should you make mistakes. I loved the detective class and the abilities/actions are very well thought out. It's refreshing to have something other than sword & board.
January 22, 2021
Really enjoyed this book
Highly recommend this book. The world is great and interesting. Cannot wait to learn more about it. Not the typical litrpg book and I mean that in the best way.
Highly recommend this book. The world is great and interesting. Cannot wait to learn more about it. Not the typical litrpg book and I mean that in the best way.
March 20, 2020
This is an impressive book in many ways.
As far as I know, this is the first book by Matthew Barbeler and as a first effort it is very good. I once heard that good books make one think, 'I'd like to do that,' while great books make one think 'I'd like to feel like that.' This book was one of the latter. It might just be me and my experience with computer and role playing games, but this book brought me the sense of wonder that the best of these games bring me and for that, I am grateful to the author.
Now, that doesn't mean that everyone will enjoy this book as much as I did and that there aren't ugly bits. Most of the book takes place in a virtual reality world and that brings with it the well-worn (dare I say hackneyed) trope of 'trapped in VR'. Although this book does well with this, much like Tad Williams great work of the Otherland series.
There are also niggles such as the heroes searching through the sewers without any mentioned light source, some fairly amazing coincidences and the protagonist missing some fairly obvious signs that the reader will probably see instantly. However these can be overlooked for the most part.
On the plus side, the author manages to insert things like computer game mechanics into the story in an interesting and fun way.
I really enjoyed reading this book and am very happy to hear that the sequel has just been released. It won't be long until I go back to the world or Crematoria Online.
As far as I know, this is the first book by Matthew Barbeler and as a first effort it is very good. I once heard that good books make one think, 'I'd like to do that,' while great books make one think 'I'd like to feel like that.' This book was one of the latter. It might just be me and my experience with computer and role playing games, but this book brought me the sense of wonder that the best of these games bring me and for that, I am grateful to the author.
Now, that doesn't mean that everyone will enjoy this book as much as I did and that there aren't ugly bits. Most of the book takes place in a virtual reality world and that brings with it the well-worn (dare I say hackneyed) trope of 'trapped in VR'. Although this book does well with this, much like Tad Williams great work of the Otherland series.
There are also niggles such as the heroes searching through the sewers without any mentioned light source, some fairly amazing coincidences and the protagonist missing some fairly obvious signs that the reader will probably see instantly. However these can be overlooked for the most part.
On the plus side, the author manages to insert things like computer game mechanics into the story in an interesting and fun way.
I really enjoyed reading this book and am very happy to hear that the sequel has just been released. It won't be long until I go back to the world or Crematoria Online.
February 16, 2020
Great story!
The story was well written and the plot line is strong enough for several books. I will definitely be reading the sequels. The story contains minor horror elements but contains nothing gross or truly disturbing so far.
The story was well written and the plot line is strong enough for several books. I will definitely be reading the sequels. The story contains minor horror elements but contains nothing gross or truly disturbing so far.
December 31, 2023
Came across this by accident because I had to look up what "LitRPG" was and came across an article by the author. A week ago I would have said that it would not be my thing, and that would be the end of it. The author's article was eloquently written and accessible, however, and I was looking for something new to read, so I thought " what the hell?" and downloaded a sample of the ebook. By the end of the sample I knew I was going to read the whole book and likely the whole series. The writing does a good job of explaining mechanics to a newbie like me without feeling too forced or contrived, the story is interesting and easy to invest in, and I was actually rooting for the main charcter, though I think he could have been a bit better fleshed- out. Best of all, in my opinion is that the female charcter and her relationship with MC avoids most of the pitfalls that so many genre novels can fall into. Thanks to the author for introducing me to an exciting new genre to get lost in...Now, on to book 2...
July 19, 2022
Interesting start.
Hits a few of the regular tropes, but otherwise a really fun read with a neat main character class. Can't wait to read the sequel.
Hits a few of the regular tropes, but otherwise a really fun read with a neat main character class. Can't wait to read the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews