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Legends Online #1
Genesis
Grab your sword and get ready to level up.
The only way out is through.
Unbeknownst to him, Ray is about to partake on an adventure filled with magical beasts, warring factions, and a leveling-up system out of this world. He'll encounter filthy bandits, musty crypts, and friendly werewolves. Oh, you heard us right.
If only he wasn't given negative charisma points around women, he might have a chance but you can't win them all.
When the only way out of the game may be through, you fight like your life depends on it. Because it just may. Survival means victory and defeat could mean the end – forever.
This one's for the underdogs out there. For lovers of adventure, the dice rollers of chaos, and the unapologetic gamers. We can't promise it'll be safe but we can promise you're in for one great journey.
Grab your copy and start reading now!
The only way out is through.
Unbeknownst to him, Ray is about to partake on an adventure filled with magical beasts, warring factions, and a leveling-up system out of this world. He'll encounter filthy bandits, musty crypts, and friendly werewolves. Oh, you heard us right.
If only he wasn't given negative charisma points around women, he might have a chance but you can't win them all.
When the only way out of the game may be through, you fight like your life depends on it. Because it just may. Survival means victory and defeat could mean the end – forever.
This one's for the underdogs out there. For lovers of adventure, the dice rollers of chaos, and the unapologetic gamers. We can't promise it'll be safe but we can promise you're in for one great journey.
Grab your copy and start reading now!
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2019
924 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Yanez
226 books536 followersInternational bestselling author, check.
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
USA Today bestselling author, check.
Writing wild tales since 2012, check, check.
I'm Jonathan, a husband, father, and writer. I write because that's what I was born to do and I love doing it. Because of the support from awesome people like you, I get to do it full-time.
Connecting with fellow lovers of the written word is important to me so please join the Pack via my website at www.jonathan-yanez.com where you can grab an exclusive story or hang out with us at www.facebook.com/groups/jonathansread...
Hope you decide to stay in touch,
Jonathan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 11, 2020
Please stop using stupid main characters
Please stop using stupid main characters.... What is with this trend of having supposed "pro gamers" that are complete idiots. If you are going to write about games, at the very least you should play them and learn what sets good gamers apart from casuals.
Please stop using stupid main characters.... What is with this trend of having supposed "pro gamers" that are complete idiots. If you are going to write about games, at the very least you should play them and learn what sets good gamers apart from casuals.
March 9, 2023
Review to come
June 5, 2019
Genesis: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online)- a review by Rosemary Kenny
Despite never having played a video game, I could see the fascination they held for my children and doubtlessly for a new generation of gamers, who can appreciate the genre and interactive elements of Genesis, Book 1 of the Legends Online by Jonathan Yanez and Ross Buzzell.
For myself, I liked the way Roy's quest for victory, levels of skill and power and interactions with the various legendary characters in Genesis, reminded me strongly of the film Jumanji, after he was accidentally 'sucked into' the game - literally!
Well worth a try, as even for non-gamers like me, there are strong plotlines and engaging character development that will no doubt get even more fascinating as the series continues, Genesis will certainly prove to be a winner for your GameLit/LitRPG bookshelves and reading devices - get yours today!
Despite never having played a video game, I could see the fascination they held for my children and doubtlessly for a new generation of gamers, who can appreciate the genre and interactive elements of Genesis, Book 1 of the Legends Online by Jonathan Yanez and Ross Buzzell.
For myself, I liked the way Roy's quest for victory, levels of skill and power and interactions with the various legendary characters in Genesis, reminded me strongly of the film Jumanji, after he was accidentally 'sucked into' the game - literally!
Well worth a try, as even for non-gamers like me, there are strong plotlines and engaging character development that will no doubt get even more fascinating as the series continues, Genesis will certainly prove to be a winner for your GameLit/LitRPG bookshelves and reading devices - get yours today!
June 10, 2021
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
Ok Concepts
Stiff to awkward writing.
Currently on Audible Plus
Ok Concepts
Stiff to awkward writing.
May 1, 2024
Enjoyable though seriously flawed
It has been a long while since I actually wrote a review. Genesis: Legends Online Book 1 calls me to for a few reasons. First, I must say that I enjoyed the book despite many technical problems.
The main character is Illume. In the beginning, he is a Podcaster. He begins with an interview with the CEO of a gaming company. He is invited to enter a fully immersive RPG. Some kind of accident happens and he gets stuck in the game. Yes, he is way overpowered! I have noticed though that many MC's in LITRPG stories are, so nothing new there. A few of his kills are possible though. He sees a chance to drop a heavy chandelier on two enemies killing them. He actually uses that tactic twice. This brings up one issue, though a minor one. The author tends to repeat things like this, the MC tripping, and several other things. Perhaps the most aggravating issue is the author's use of past AND present tense in THE SAME SENTENCE!!! "Illume walked to the table and puts down the knife..." This is done a LOT! For me, this is unforgivable! It is the primary reason for 3 stars instead of 4.
As I said earlier, I still enjoyed the book. The characters are well developed. You will get invested in them and their lives. There is violence but what do you expect in a fantasy novel. There is profanity but it is actually tastefully done. There are no sex scenes! Too many LITRPG sound like they are written by teenage boys.
I will recommend this book. I will even purchase and read the next book in the series. If they editing and proofreading improve, I may even read the entire series.
It has been a long while since I actually wrote a review. Genesis: Legends Online Book 1 calls me to for a few reasons. First, I must say that I enjoyed the book despite many technical problems.
The main character is Illume. In the beginning, he is a Podcaster. He begins with an interview with the CEO of a gaming company. He is invited to enter a fully immersive RPG. Some kind of accident happens and he gets stuck in the game. Yes, he is way overpowered! I have noticed though that many MC's in LITRPG stories are, so nothing new there. A few of his kills are possible though. He sees a chance to drop a heavy chandelier on two enemies killing them. He actually uses that tactic twice. This brings up one issue, though a minor one. The author tends to repeat things like this, the MC tripping, and several other things. Perhaps the most aggravating issue is the author's use of past AND present tense in THE SAME SENTENCE!!! "Illume walked to the table and puts down the knife..." This is done a LOT! For me, this is unforgivable! It is the primary reason for 3 stars instead of 4.
As I said earlier, I still enjoyed the book. The characters are well developed. You will get invested in them and their lives. There is violence but what do you expect in a fantasy novel. There is profanity but it is actually tastefully done. There are no sex scenes! Too many LITRPG sound like they are written by teenage boys.
I will recommend this book. I will even purchase and read the next book in the series. If they editing and proofreading improve, I may even read the entire series.
April 28, 2025
the writing isn't trying to make sense and it's game so it's ok and story is Expected but again This was what it meant to be and human characters npc At best so that's that
but it was good Waste of time
3.5 star
but it was good Waste of time
3.5 star
May 29, 2019
Entertaining
This is a fun yet action-filled tale of a young gamer who, whilst streaming a live-action immersion underwent an unexpected accident. In the meantime, he meets a town, gains companions, fights villains and gains levels. Light-hearted, good for all ages.
This is a fun yet action-filled tale of a young gamer who, whilst streaming a live-action immersion underwent an unexpected accident. In the meantime, he meets a town, gains companions, fights villains and gains levels. Light-hearted, good for all ages.
June 2, 2023
This is an ok story.
It was available on Audible Plus and as such I am happy to be generous. If I had paid for it I would probably be livid and rate it poorly.
It started off poorly with it's "this is how I got into the game" tale, and then didn't revisit at all until the end. The character's transition into the game would've been much more interesting if it had been revisited with consequences etc, (the protagonist is a famous online reviewer with millions of subscribers). It would've been more interesting if the viewers could still follow the protagonists adventure.
The action was pretty good, though a little TOO much like a video game with formulaic quests and outcomes. The rest was a little mundane.
One of the main characters has a secret used as a plot twist, but has no purpose in keeping the secret other than to be a plot twist. Another character has a plot twist (there are 2 twists towards the end) which is far too obvious as to almost be a trope.
Considering this book had two authors, it should've been much better.
Far too many real-world references used as adjectives, and far too many tacky adjectives used where creative ones were just a google search away.
If there is any evidence of these books improving I would look into reading more, as I appreciate seeing an author(s) improve. However I'm tentative about the investment.
I give it a rating of Hurumph/Meh.
It was available on Audible Plus and as such I am happy to be generous. If I had paid for it I would probably be livid and rate it poorly.
It started off poorly with it's "this is how I got into the game" tale, and then didn't revisit at all until the end. The character's transition into the game would've been much more interesting if it had been revisited with consequences etc, (the protagonist is a famous online reviewer with millions of subscribers). It would've been more interesting if the viewers could still follow the protagonists adventure.
The action was pretty good, though a little TOO much like a video game with formulaic quests and outcomes. The rest was a little mundane.
One of the main characters has a secret used as a plot twist, but has no purpose in keeping the secret other than to be a plot twist. Another character has a plot twist (there are 2 twists towards the end) which is far too obvious as to almost be a trope.
Considering this book had two authors, it should've been much better.
Far too many real-world references used as adjectives, and far too many tacky adjectives used where creative ones were just a google search away.
If there is any evidence of these books improving I would look into reading more, as I appreciate seeing an author(s) improve. However I'm tentative about the investment.
I give it a rating of Hurumph/Meh.
June 11, 2023
Nothing new. It was free on Audible so I was happy to give it a try. The story is a mashup of what you might find in Eric Ugland’s “The Good Guys” series, Vasily Mahanenko’s “The Way of the Shaman” series, and Travis Bagwell’s “Awaken Online” series.
The intro of how the MC gets trapped in the game was fairly unimaginative which, for LitRPG’s, is usually the weakest link to the overall story anyway.
The game mechanics as they relate to the MC are pretty unrealistic. Don’t get me wrong, fights are entertaining, but they would never happen in a real game. Any weapon Elum (sp?) wields, he does so with mastery. Bow and arrow? Np. Sword? Np. Axe? Np. Dagger? Np. He’s also a tank and an ice mage. I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks up healing along the series.
For once I’d like to see the lustful intent of the romantic interest in a LitRPG to be accepted without a second’s thought. Everyone always takes the gallant “No, no, I don’t want to ravish your body with sexual ecstasy, I want to build a meaningful relationship first” route. Boring!
About half way through comes the first actual ludicrous moment. The author includes a Lich boss fight that requires healing it to destroy it (like every other LitRPG) but the loot includes items that are completely OP, referred to as game-ending items. And all this from a level 5 or so character level party.
The intro of how the MC gets trapped in the game was fairly unimaginative which, for LitRPG’s, is usually the weakest link to the overall story anyway.
The game mechanics as they relate to the MC are pretty unrealistic. Don’t get me wrong, fights are entertaining, but they would never happen in a real game. Any weapon Elum (sp?) wields, he does so with mastery. Bow and arrow? Np. Sword? Np. Axe? Np. Dagger? Np. He’s also a tank and an ice mage. I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks up healing along the series.
For once I’d like to see the lustful intent of the romantic interest in a LitRPG to be accepted without a second’s thought. Everyone always takes the gallant “No, no, I don’t want to ravish your body with sexual ecstasy, I want to build a meaningful relationship first” route. Boring!
About half way through comes the first actual ludicrous moment. The author includes a Lich boss fight that requires healing it to destroy it (like every other LitRPG) but the loot includes items that are completely OP, referred to as game-ending items. And all this from a level 5 or so character level party.
August 23, 2020
As near as I can tell, this guy was a very successful internet personality with 'millions of fans' and had the kind of ratings that he gets taken in to preview an upcoming game at a company, introduced to the president, etc.
The kind of thing that only a successful, suave person gets to do.
Then, he gets trapped in the game.
I figure he must have suffered some sort of psychotic break because he suddenly became a kid who was freaked out around women.
And the kind of person who should have had someone around to literally slap the crap out of him on a regular basis.
If the game wasn't catering to him, he would have (should have) been dead multiple times.
Or it's all really bad writing.
DNF.
The kind of thing that only a successful, suave person gets to do.
Then, he gets trapped in the game.
I figure he must have suffered some sort of psychotic break because he suddenly became a kid who was freaked out around women.
And the kind of person who should have had someone around to literally slap the crap out of him on a regular basis.
If the game wasn't catering to him, he would have (should have) been dead multiple times.
Or it's all really bad writing.
DNF.
June 28, 2019
Yes!
Finally...a clean story line, no foul language, no overt sexual desires. The story line moved well, the character formations worked synergistically, and the book was a pleasure to read. While I read a digital version, this is the kind of book I love to have in paper...to go back to select areas and re-read, to turn back a few pages and reflect, and to be able to pick up a few months from now and return to the world created.
Well done, well done, well done!
Finally...a clean story line, no foul language, no overt sexual desires. The story line moved well, the character formations worked synergistically, and the book was a pleasure to read. While I read a digital version, this is the kind of book I love to have in paper...to go back to select areas and re-read, to turn back a few pages and reflect, and to be able to pick up a few months from now and return to the world created.
Well done, well done, well done!
May 28, 2019
I like this book
I like this book they were some good character creation I do like dwarfs it's always good if there are dwarfs.
I don't understand why you didn't just kill the bad guy right away the ex leader of the Old Town
I like this book they were some good character creation I do like dwarfs it's always good if there are dwarfs.
I don't understand why you didn't just kill the bad guy right away the ex leader of the Old Town
January 12, 2023
The author has a positive outlook, and thus makes the main character, the Mother Theresa of this Fantasy-isekai (I was forced into a VRMMORPG and no longer can get out) novel series. The thing is, one has a choice, to play the hand that is dealt to you (solve the problems and lives of those around you) or to prioritize yourself and solve your problems, improve your standings, and try to figure out a way to exit this Virtual Reality Massively Multi-player Online Role Playing Game fiasco (of not being able to log out) (if ever).
The author writes that the main character has broadcasting/streaming experience and is a "gamer", but the problem with this statement is that a "wizard/mage" player/profile is contradictory to a "tank" or "melee" player, and yet, the author makes this main character, a "jack of all trades", instead of specializing and becoming "over-powered" (OP) as a Mage, or a Warrior, and leaving the other descriptions (strength, dexterity, constitution, etc.) alone...
So, main character spends all his time in this "new immersion (full-dive) game" helping out strangers (in exchange of nothing) Most of the time, main character needs to put the money, potions, weapons, and rest of the team members. The author writes that they are quests, but at the end of the "quests" the loot and rewards are scarce to none.
The pop-culture mentions and movie/tv experiences of the author give it an "immaturish-naïvete" vibe to the book. If main character were really a "pro-gamer", then it's all business and none of the geeky-side-jokes that nobody inside the game understands.
The author does not explain well, how the players learn (can communicate with "NPC's" Non-player Characters from this game world), does not deepen/try to figure out the no-logout state of main character, nor the idea that a player can "only die" up to three times? What did the NPC's drop it out of a hat? Where is the game moderators? The communication with tech support? The communications with other players, to let the main character know that the company is "doing all it can" and will compensate millions, etc." that his body has been taken to a hospital and he's being closely supervised...(because not once has he needed to eat/sleep/bathroom IRL (in real life), and it seems that main character seldom eats, or his other physiological needs, inside the game either...
So this story series needs a lot of re-writes and probably a good editor, to make the story better and to polish away all of the plot holes, improve the character descriptions, improve and detail inside this new game world (political, economical, social organization, money, trade, etc.)
No maps, inside illustrations or character summaries in the inside. The highlight for me was the dragon familiar, but because it needs a better description of everything, it was handled deficiently...
The author writes that the main character has broadcasting/streaming experience and is a "gamer", but the problem with this statement is that a "wizard/mage" player/profile is contradictory to a "tank" or "melee" player, and yet, the author makes this main character, a "jack of all trades", instead of specializing and becoming "over-powered" (OP) as a Mage, or a Warrior, and leaving the other descriptions (strength, dexterity, constitution, etc.) alone...
So, main character spends all his time in this "new immersion (full-dive) game" helping out strangers (in exchange of nothing) Most of the time, main character needs to put the money, potions, weapons, and rest of the team members. The author writes that they are quests, but at the end of the "quests" the loot and rewards are scarce to none.
The pop-culture mentions and movie/tv experiences of the author give it an "immaturish-naïvete" vibe to the book. If main character were really a "pro-gamer", then it's all business and none of the geeky-side-jokes that nobody inside the game understands.
The author does not explain well, how the players learn (can communicate with "NPC's" Non-player Characters from this game world), does not deepen/try to figure out the no-logout state of main character, nor the idea that a player can "only die" up to three times? What did the NPC's drop it out of a hat? Where is the game moderators? The communication with tech support? The communications with other players, to let the main character know that the company is "doing all it can" and will compensate millions, etc." that his body has been taken to a hospital and he's being closely supervised...(because not once has he needed to eat/sleep/bathroom IRL (in real life), and it seems that main character seldom eats, or his other physiological needs, inside the game either...
So this story series needs a lot of re-writes and probably a good editor, to make the story better and to polish away all of the plot holes, improve the character descriptions, improve and detail inside this new game world (political, economical, social organization, money, trade, etc.)
No maps, inside illustrations or character summaries in the inside. The highlight for me was the dragon familiar, but because it needs a better description of everything, it was handled deficiently...
October 24, 2025
Is this a super original concept? No not really. It follows the standard in the Lit RPG genre where a guy jumps into an immersive MMO game and gets stuck there. A good chunk of the book was pretty predictable, but there were also a couple parts that weren't that left me pleasantly surprised.
The fact that Ray/Illume was never able to log out had me knowing that something else was up in the real world, only to find out that his physical body and life no longer existed and that he was fully uploaded into the game. It almost reminds me of that show "Upload" on Prime Video. That part was a nice little added touch.
Also you could spot from a mile away that either Nari or Trill we're going to end up betraying him with it heavily leaning towards Trill when he somehow knew exactly where to go when tracking down the BBEG, the Dark King. Why was that, because shocker (not really) he was the Dark King.
What did jump out that was not very predictable is that Nari was much like Illume and stuck in the game herself when it's found out that she was one of the Developers that went into try to fix the system only to have the same fate as Ray and end up dying in the real world. I'm glad that this is how her character was played out because it was a little creepy how Illume was constantly being sexually attracted to her when he perceived her just to be an NPC. It made me think back to my teenage years playing similar games and seeing how weird creepy dudes would hit on you, a male person in real life, just because you were playing a female character and they thought that you were a actually a girl behind the keyboard and mouse.
The final battle having been built up to be this epic showdown was a bit lackluster. It was said that the Dark King was essentially immortal and unbeatable, but the group was able to take him down relatively easily although it almost broke Illume to have to kill someone he had come to consider a brother.
I'm still up in the air on whether I'm going to continue the series or not and the main reason is because there are like 11 books in the series and I'm not sure this first one left me willing to commit that much time into finishing it. We shall see.
The fact that Ray/Illume was never able to log out had me knowing that something else was up in the real world, only to find out that his physical body and life no longer existed and that he was fully uploaded into the game. It almost reminds me of that show "Upload" on Prime Video. That part was a nice little added touch.
Also you could spot from a mile away that either Nari or Trill we're going to end up betraying him with it heavily leaning towards Trill when he somehow knew exactly where to go when tracking down the BBEG, the Dark King. Why was that, because shocker (not really) he was the Dark King.
What did jump out that was not very predictable is that Nari was much like Illume and stuck in the game herself when it's found out that she was one of the Developers that went into try to fix the system only to have the same fate as Ray and end up dying in the real world. I'm glad that this is how her character was played out because it was a little creepy how Illume was constantly being sexually attracted to her when he perceived her just to be an NPC. It made me think back to my teenage years playing similar games and seeing how weird creepy dudes would hit on you, a male person in real life, just because you were playing a female character and they thought that you were a actually a girl behind the keyboard and mouse.
The final battle having been built up to be this epic showdown was a bit lackluster. It was said that the Dark King was essentially immortal and unbeatable, but the group was able to take him down relatively easily although it almost broke Illume to have to kill someone he had come to consider a brother.
I'm still up in the air on whether I'm going to continue the series or not and the main reason is because there are like 11 books in the series and I'm not sure this first one left me willing to commit that much time into finishing it. We shall see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2021
In all honesty, I started this book with some low expectations after reading a couple negative reviews. but, it was a free audible and oh boy did I enjoy this.
This book, Legend Online Genesis: A LitRPG; is a tale about the protagonist Roy, who is a modern day gamer beginning with a large online following and finds himself in a complete immersion virtual reality with no exit in sight. And yes I know this sounds like Sword Art Online (SAO), Ready Player One, etc... but for me, I don’t mind how you get to the place, it’s about how the story unfolds from there and that’s exactly how this book got me.
The development of the characters was solid and I found the battle scenes to be well written offering descriptions and completely plausible (in a game setting) actions to pass each trial. I did cringe a couple times, but even then this is an emotion that I feel was intentionally invoked and served it’s purpose to put you in Roy’s boots.
This is not a typical OP (overpowered) Story where Roy blasts away faces and gets all the women and gold. It’s about love, betrayal, loot, loyalty and honor; there were so many emotions I was put through from Laughter to Solidarity in the losses in this tale it left me a reminiscent feeling just like a RolePlaying Game (RPG) I played.
I would encourage anyone who enjoys the LitRPG series, Fantasies or just wants to embark on a tale where a stereotypical gamer with all of the quirks finds his way to the glory we (gamers) seek.
Negatives: I suppose there were some inconsistencies and unanswered questions left around the beginning of the book and other parts which fell to the side as Roy moved on to each new quest. But again these things were to be expected for me, there are only so many twists you can add before it becomes repeated.
Thank you to the writers; Jonathan Yanez & Ross Buzzell can’t wait for book 2.
This book, Legend Online Genesis: A LitRPG; is a tale about the protagonist Roy, who is a modern day gamer beginning with a large online following and finds himself in a complete immersion virtual reality with no exit in sight. And yes I know this sounds like Sword Art Online (SAO), Ready Player One, etc... but for me, I don’t mind how you get to the place, it’s about how the story unfolds from there and that’s exactly how this book got me.
The development of the characters was solid and I found the battle scenes to be well written offering descriptions and completely plausible (in a game setting) actions to pass each trial. I did cringe a couple times, but even then this is an emotion that I feel was intentionally invoked and served it’s purpose to put you in Roy’s boots.
This is not a typical OP (overpowered) Story where Roy blasts away faces and gets all the women and gold. It’s about love, betrayal, loot, loyalty and honor; there were so many emotions I was put through from Laughter to Solidarity in the losses in this tale it left me a reminiscent feeling just like a RolePlaying Game (RPG) I played.
I would encourage anyone who enjoys the LitRPG series, Fantasies or just wants to embark on a tale where a stereotypical gamer with all of the quirks finds his way to the glory we (gamers) seek.
Negatives: I suppose there were some inconsistencies and unanswered questions left around the beginning of the book and other parts which fell to the side as Roy moved on to each new quest. But again these things were to be expected for me, there are only so many twists you can add before it becomes repeated.
Thank you to the writers; Jonathan Yanez & Ross Buzzell can’t wait for book 2.
April 28, 2021
This review refers to the audiobook version.
The book starts with one of the usual tropes: a player enters the game, some glitch occurs and he can't log out. (The only hope I have for his eventual release from the game is the massive time dilation factor that is mentioned in the beginning, but if he isn't that won't be the end of the world).
Ray is a somewhat typical American male - his brain stops working when he is around a pretty woman his own age. This is portrayed as a reduction in his charisma score around women. At first it really grated on me but as the book progressed (and his charisma increased) it became less of an issue.
He realises he is trapped in the game but thinks that he just has to finish some quests and then he will be able to log out. There is some character development, some LitRPG stats, some city building - something for almost everybody.
Two things bugged me more than the lack of brain activity around women: 1) There was more than one occasion in which Ray rescues a damsel in distress - a bit cliched. 2) He is such a saint that he always does the right thing when it comes to people that he would like to recruit for his town. He even gives the obvious villain in the town too much lee-way.
There is good character development (besides just the stats) and the delayed level up system is an interesting idea and is useful to get Ray out of potentially lethal encounters. All in all a good start to the series.
The book starts with one of the usual tropes: a player enters the game, some glitch occurs and he can't log out. (The only hope I have for his eventual release from the game is the massive time dilation factor that is mentioned in the beginning, but if he isn't that won't be the end of the world).
Ray is a somewhat typical American male - his brain stops working when he is around a pretty woman his own age. This is portrayed as a reduction in his charisma score around women. At first it really grated on me but as the book progressed (and his charisma increased) it became less of an issue.
He realises he is trapped in the game but thinks that he just has to finish some quests and then he will be able to log out. There is some character development, some LitRPG stats, some city building - something for almost everybody.
Two things bugged me more than the lack of brain activity around women: 1) There was more than one occasion in which Ray rescues a damsel in distress - a bit cliched. 2) He is such a saint that he always does the right thing when it comes to people that he would like to recruit for his town. He even gives the obvious villain in the town too much lee-way.
There is good character development (besides just the stats) and the delayed level up system is an interesting idea and is useful to get Ray out of potentially lethal encounters. All in all a good start to the series.
June 6, 2022
This book is a mess and the audio narrator didn't help matters. The characters are inconsistent - one always argues that she wants to be included but that goes against her later revealed background and then she's told to leave the boss fight and does without argument? Then there's the fact the the MC is like level 12 and manages to fight the big bad easily. Also there's a dropped plot thread where the MC was supposed to visit someone before the boss fight and never does. The plot twist was predictable and the boss fight was wrapped up in a snap of the fingers. The characters were bland without much depth. The writing wasn't terrible but needed an edit to elevate it to "good" as the sentence structure was wonky throughout. This wasn't helped by having a narrator that used a cadence that emphasized the wrong parts of sentences as well as strange inflections. Overall, unless you want another average LitRPG book to read, I'd not bother. There wasn't anything egregious with it but there are better examples out. there
October 11, 2020
Best amateur writing I've seen in awhile.
I gave this 4 stars because of potential but the writing was closer to 3. Surprisingly few grammatical errors, decent story, and pretty good characters. I will be reading the next book, hopeful in the potential, and would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys clean fantasy books not weighed down with sex swearing and political PC nonsense.
To the authors:
You went a little overboard with cult-classic references and it felt a little forced at times, or like the quote didn't really fit the situation.
The pacing of the book was too fast at times and stuff was a little glossed over, take more time to describe things in detail when you get to "cool" parts.
All in all, I really liked the potential and hope the rest of the series improves!
I gave this 4 stars because of potential but the writing was closer to 3. Surprisingly few grammatical errors, decent story, and pretty good characters. I will be reading the next book, hopeful in the potential, and would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys clean fantasy books not weighed down with sex swearing and political PC nonsense.
To the authors:
You went a little overboard with cult-classic references and it felt a little forced at times, or like the quote didn't really fit the situation.
The pacing of the book was too fast at times and stuff was a little glossed over, take more time to describe things in detail when you get to "cool" parts.
All in all, I really liked the potential and hope the rest of the series improves!
January 28, 2021
So this the first time I am giving something a 1 star rating and I even basically got this free but could only make it 1/3 of the way through before I just could not take it anymore. The MC is beyond frustrating but I could deal with that. My real problem is the story with tons of plot holes and directions that make no sense at all are not explained. One minutes he is going to kill a character he meets and then things transition to questing together with no reason for the transition. Bandits who surrender and explain they were pressed into a gangs service and even save his live are not trusted or given any slack. Just hard to digest or bear at all. Tons of other just odd choices. Even 20 being the base stat instead of 10 is never really explained. The magic and character system seem arbitrary as well.
June 18, 2019
Fun fantasy
As an avid Role Play Game gamer, I enjoyed this book immensely. I read this book in 9 hrs because I couldn't put it down. The book is humorous and I grew attached to the characters easily. There is a mix of so many types of characters from elves to trolls to dragons to werewolves...I felt like much of the fantastic beings were covered.
As I read the book, I never felt completely destitute....even when the plot took a serious turn for the worst. I still had hope in the characters. I appreciate that when I immerse myself in a book. It was just fun to read! Jonathan Yanez is a great writer and storyteller! This is one many great reads!
As an avid Role Play Game gamer, I enjoyed this book immensely. I read this book in 9 hrs because I couldn't put it down. The book is humorous and I grew attached to the characters easily. There is a mix of so many types of characters from elves to trolls to dragons to werewolves...I felt like much of the fantastic beings were covered.
As I read the book, I never felt completely destitute....even when the plot took a serious turn for the worst. I still had hope in the characters. I appreciate that when I immerse myself in a book. It was just fun to read! Jonathan Yanez is a great writer and storyteller! This is one many great reads!
July 24, 2020
Thrilling & Chilling
This was an enjoyable story from beginning to the ending.
I'm the beginning of starts with a renound video blogger reviewing a new game being developed. He is offered to try it out, then something goes wrong. He steps into an amazing world and needs to learn. As he learns how to love begins friends and tried to right the wrongs being done to others.
This story was vibrant and easy to follow. The characters were enjoyable and helpful to our hero. The ending, while sad, was still a highlight in the storyline.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Read in 3 days.
This was an enjoyable story from beginning to the ending.
I'm the beginning of starts with a renound video blogger reviewing a new game being developed. He is offered to try it out, then something goes wrong. He steps into an amazing world and needs to learn. As he learns how to love begins friends and tried to right the wrongs being done to others.
This story was vibrant and easy to follow. The characters were enjoyable and helpful to our hero. The ending, while sad, was still a highlight in the storyline.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Read in 3 days.
February 9, 2024
Great book.
Got this when I got the first Hunters for Hire book. Read those right away while this one sat and waited. That's the bad thing about a great author - so many books and so little time. Love the idea of the series. Love the characters and can hardly wait for more. Number two has to wait. Books due at the library soon and can't renew so they have priority for a while. Although, newest character in this one is really calling my name. I'll get to it, but not sure when. If you haven't discovered Jonathan Yanez, yet - get to wherever you get your books and, read, read, read. Sorry, Ross Buzzell, I left you out of my review. Great job as well. Legends Online #1
Got this when I got the first Hunters for Hire book. Read those right away while this one sat and waited. That's the bad thing about a great author - so many books and so little time. Love the idea of the series. Love the characters and can hardly wait for more. Number two has to wait. Books due at the library soon and can't renew so they have priority for a while. Although, newest character in this one is really calling my name. I'll get to it, but not sure when. If you haven't discovered Jonathan Yanez, yet - get to wherever you get your books and, read, read, read. Sorry, Ross Buzzell, I left you out of my review. Great job as well. Legends Online #1
November 29, 2019
Some plot holes and typos but okay
Topography is the contour of the land, typography is the visual art of arranging type to make logos and such. Spell check can't help you if there is a real word that is spelled like that. Lots of annoying stuff like that like in all indie books. Also, stuff solved a bit to easily in spots and rushing from one thing to another with nary a transition. The city building and slice of life was really truncated. I may still check out the next one to see what happens though so 3 stars.
Topography is the contour of the land, typography is the visual art of arranging type to make logos and such. Spell check can't help you if there is a real word that is spelled like that. Lots of annoying stuff like that like in all indie books. Also, stuff solved a bit to easily in spots and rushing from one thing to another with nary a transition. The city building and slice of life was really truncated. I may still check out the next one to see what happens though so 3 stars.
February 9, 2021
I honestly couldn't get through it the number of pretentious actions and plot hole we're ridiculous. Between the amount of unneeded gear description and the Insanity of how the story plays out is just ridiculous. Heck as he reading out gear at one point he even says you get the point and stops the description of the gear. The story breaks its lore when the Swordsman that accompanies the mc says how rare the skill lay on hands is then all of a sudden theirs a goblin that has a cart of healing skills come on! This is a sad attempt at being a Lit RPG don't waste your time.
March 7, 2021
It had a bit of a rough start with the youtube/live streamer character for me but once it actually got to the adventure it was great. Loved the concept of getting stuck in a game world and the adventure he had in there.
The only thing I didn't like was how much time they spent on gear stats since so much of it repeated. At least the last time an armor set came up the author caught on to it and was like "You get it."
Saw the ending coming a mile away but it didn't make me have any less feels over what happened. Definitely a fun read. Gotta pick up the rest of the series some time.
The only thing I didn't like was how much time they spent on gear stats since so much of it repeated. At least the last time an armor set came up the author caught on to it and was like "You get it."
Saw the ending coming a mile away but it didn't make me have any less feels over what happened. Definitely a fun read. Gotta pick up the rest of the series some time.
April 15, 2022
My Favorite Part Was Writing This Review Before Deleting The Book from My Kindle Library
There weren’t ever any real high points in this book. There was average and outright bad.
Plot: Obvious, Generic, and rife with holes. My eyes were practically rolling out of my head with every action any of the characters made.
I grew to absolutely HATE the protagonist’s name due to the constant repetition.
I won’t say that there isn’t anything worthwhile about this story, but if it’s there it’s far too deeply buried for me to see.
There weren’t ever any real high points in this book. There was average and outright bad.
Plot: Obvious, Generic, and rife with holes. My eyes were practically rolling out of my head with every action any of the characters made.
I grew to absolutely HATE the protagonist’s name due to the constant repetition.
I won’t say that there isn’t anything worthwhile about this story, but if it’s there it’s far too deeply buried for me to see.
May 9, 2025
This is really good but it took me 2 hours to figure out what pollis was and still not sure I think it's money still not sure🤔 but the word was tossed around alot to much without explanation. My only peeve 🙄 with this book is he keep whining about going home um hello it's like he forgot that when he got stuck in the game that the people were freaking out saying not again 😑 and then the pod or something blew-up his body is probably dead or burned up bad. Plus why get to go to a fantasy world learn magic level up and you want to go home back to a boring human existence why I don't get it I wish we really could go to a game world
January 1, 2024
MC is good at everything because he LARPd when we was younger? Discovers legendary, world altering items at level 5ish. Lots of spelling, grammer and verb tense errors. Glaring plot holes, completely unrealistic power curve, and major inconsistencies in characters and lore. Inconsistancy ex, "this spell is super rare", only for a goblin to be found selling it randomly with other similar spells right before it would be very convenient fot the MC to know... there's just a lot of laziness.
January 9, 2025
For being a pro gamer I was a bit confused as to why the main character was so confused. I also didn’t understand his logic being not wanting to be romantically involved with a character, but totally ok killing and altering to lives of every other character. Murder? Fine. Mass relocation? FINE. Kissing? GET THEE BACK SATAN!!! I also get that it is setting up for a series, but some POV into what is happening to him in the real world would have added some great detail to the story.
May 23, 2025
I like the setting but this books feels like the Mc is playing in very easy mode. Beating high level enemies with luck, before the boss fight they all found end game level gears and spells which is kinda bs. I think in the book they say it takes months during his journey but it honestly feels like a week or 2. Everything feels fast and a bit unsatisfying due to almost every quest he finishes, he gets higher level gear than he deserves imo. this books reminds me of those op Mc in isekai animes.
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