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The Rules #1
Somerset
WELCOME TO SOMERSET A land of mystery and magic! You have been chosen by our Illustrious Overlord to take part in The a no holds barred death-match, to see who among you is the most powerful. You have been transported here against your will. The only way back is to reach level 100 and defeat the final boss. Please do be careful with your life, as it is the only one you’ll get. Have a pleasant match, and remember, we’re always watching… When Sam wakes up in a strange new world with a message floating before his eyes, he thinks he's hallucinating. However, he soon discovers a land filled with dungeons, monsters, angry gnomes, and even worse, talking dogs! This is a LitRPG book, containing multiple stat sheets, message windows, dungeons and epic loot. This book contains excessive amounts of profanity, so if you're a delicate flower, be advised to read something else.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2019
305 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 3, 2022
Frankly, nothing new or strange about this LitRPG. It's straight up level up with standard opening quest adventures.
That being said, it was still fun even if the only quirk about it is random rules that must be followed for time-based boons and disadvantages. It still makes for snickers and giggles.
Is any of this a bad thing? Nope! It's all RPG goodness with none of the silliness of Earth. Escapism, pure and simple.
That being said, it was still fun even if the only quirk about it is random rules that must be followed for time-based boons and disadvantages. It still makes for snickers and giggles.
Is any of this a bad thing? Nope! It's all RPG goodness with none of the silliness of Earth. Escapism, pure and simple.
July 7, 2019
Swearing isn’t a personality trait
Main characters only defining attribute is inordinate swearing. The system is cliche and the dialogue is stilted. Would not recommend this.
Main characters only defining attribute is inordinate swearing. The system is cliche and the dialogue is stilted. Would not recommend this.
July 29, 2019
This is a review of a combination of both the book itself and the audio book version. The premise of the book is good, however the rules aspect isn't quite what I was expecting I was expecting something a lot darker like Ousama Game, but it's more like a bonus completion objective for the day. Early on the book makes a few small contradictions like many books in the genre but covers well as it's unimportant information. The quests are well rounded and the book comes full circle but again like many of the books in the genre the quest rewards seem a little out of proportion sometimes. The supporting character Emma and both companions are interesting and help the book out a lot as well, it's nice to have a semi-party type adventure and not enough LitRPG rely on normal house pet style companions. At about the 45% mark the story picks up pace and gets a lot more interesting as well and the ultimate quest for the first book is well thought out and entertaining. While some people may be bothered by the amount of swearing you know what you are getting going into it from the description, overall it largely has late night adult swim style humor. Now onto the audiobook part of the review. I started this by listening to the audiobook and within 15 minutes i felt something was off it took awhile but I figured it out. The narrator makes the characters sound like Mister Peabody and Sherman from Rocky and Bullwinkle, the late 1950's - 60's version, It's even a "boy" and his dog who is much smarter than him (especially early on) once I picked up on that I had someone else listen to it and they agreed. After that I just couldn't get that image out of my mind and it was affecting my enjoyment of the book. At about the 30% mark I switched the the text version and quickly became engaged and enjoyed the book a lot more, even re-reading what I had already listened to and found it much more enjoyable in text format. This is in no part a fault in the book, The book is really enjoyable and I will be reading the next one, however I will be staying away from audio format using this narrator in the future. Don't let my review of the narration put you off the book itself is fantastic.
January 27, 2020
I didn't get to know much about the world of Somerset and much of what I did learn was later either made irrelevant or invalidated. Everything felt paper-thin and dull. The plot wasn't very consistent or interesting and the MC was overall obnoxious and sloppy, made to be clever and kind, or stupid and cold-blooded depending on the mood of the author or to satisfy some plot contrivance. Add to that the shocking percentage of the women we meet that turn out to be vile and treacherous and it is no surprise that I found myself gritting my teeth while reading this book. At least the narrator was good!
October 7, 2019
Wasn't going great anyway but it's lucky not to get 1 star from me after that ending. Could you be more cliche?
And just for future reference having the characters say something is a bad idea and then having the main character do it anyway is not a loophole around bad writing.
Disappointed because this could have been good but there are many bably written parts to this book. Wouldn't recommend
And just for future reference having the characters say something is a bad idea and then having the main character do it anyway is not a loophole around bad writing.
Disappointed because this could have been good but there are many bably written parts to this book. Wouldn't recommend
June 15, 2019
A super fun and quick read
This book is irreverent and I'm really digging it.
It has non-stop action with a tight plot and a great set of characters. Very reminiscent of summer action movies.
Also, some of the more controversial choices made by the author in his other series aren't present, which shows growth and have peaked my interest in the other series once more.
This book is irreverent and I'm really digging it.
It has non-stop action with a tight plot and a great set of characters. Very reminiscent of summer action movies.
Also, some of the more controversial choices made by the author in his other series aren't present, which shows growth and have peaked my interest in the other series once more.
April 18, 2023
This book got significantly better 60% through
December 20, 2020
What do I ask for in a book? For it to be entertaining, but what does that mean? At the end, this is what matters to me:
• Have some kind of logic behind things.
Can have a few things happen that can he revealed later but not too many seemingly random things that can't be put together in some way.
• Have at least a few unique aspects to how things work.
Which can get more and more difficult in a popular genre.
• Don't make it too easy for the MC.
• Don't be too repetitive with anything.
• Don't be too predictable.
• Keep my interest throughout (don't have too many slow, boring parts).
• Make me want to listen to more without feeling jipped.
This can be tricky. Needs to still have a full story with a bit of depth, so if you're going to have clif hangers, just don't leave me feeling like it's nothing more than an unfinished book.
So, for this book...
It kept me entertained, had some unique aspects, and even though there was some cliche parts (which can cause those parts to be predictable), I can't say I felt bored in any part of the book.
The author did make a lot of dumb names, which can be funny and I really don't have any problem with dumb names (when their funny and/or simple and to the point), but he had the MC focus on them a bit too long which kind of touched the limit on being repetitive. Also the MC was a bit too quick to anger from small things at times.
Still, over all I liked it and it checked enough of boxes to keep me wanting more.
I think quite a few of the other comments were overly critical.
• Have some kind of logic behind things.
Can have a few things happen that can he revealed later but not too many seemingly random things that can't be put together in some way.
• Have at least a few unique aspects to how things work.
Which can get more and more difficult in a popular genre.
• Don't make it too easy for the MC.
• Don't be too repetitive with anything.
• Don't be too predictable.
• Keep my interest throughout (don't have too many slow, boring parts).
• Make me want to listen to more without feeling jipped.
This can be tricky. Needs to still have a full story with a bit of depth, so if you're going to have clif hangers, just don't leave me feeling like it's nothing more than an unfinished book.
So, for this book...
It kept me entertained, had some unique aspects, and even though there was some cliche parts (which can cause those parts to be predictable), I can't say I felt bored in any part of the book.
The author did make a lot of dumb names, which can be funny and I really don't have any problem with dumb names (when their funny and/or simple and to the point), but he had the MC focus on them a bit too long which kind of touched the limit on being repetitive. Also the MC was a bit too quick to anger from small things at times.
Still, over all I liked it and it checked enough of boxes to keep me wanting more.
I think quite a few of the other comments were overly critical.
July 6, 2019
I like the concept, but I find the execution somewhat forced in places. My 3 rating is entirely due to my personal reading experience, and the single biggest problem I had was with the MC. Sam was to me snarky and stupid to the point of self-destruction. I don't know what it is about these books in that the characters like to spit in the face of beings obviously much more powerful than themselves when playing ball would be beneficial.
Maybe it's just because I was raised to believe in consequences for things followed by a career in the Army where telling people farther up the chain from me to "fuck off" or equivalent would have DEFINITE consequences (none of them good), but I really don't identify with these guys who won't at least play along for a while to improve their position. Rant ends, I suppose.
The book is well written technically, and the MC did show growth by the end so I'll be checking out the sequel. It's good that there was development, as "oppositional defiance disorder" sufferer Sam and the ham-fisted odd-couple pairings were just not in my strike zone.
Maybe it's just because I was raised to believe in consequences for things followed by a career in the Army where telling people farther up the chain from me to "fuck off" or equivalent would have DEFINITE consequences (none of them good), but I really don't identify with these guys who won't at least play along for a while to improve their position. Rant ends, I suppose.
The book is well written technically, and the MC did show growth by the end so I'll be checking out the sequel. It's good that there was development, as "oppositional defiance disorder" sufferer Sam and the ham-fisted odd-couple pairings were just not in my strike zone.
June 26, 2019
Funny, Irreverent, and Suprising
A book that begins slowly, yet expands to provide interesting action, development, and plot, with surprising results. Surprising because once the story finds its feet it wanders into areas you wouldn’t think it would, yet it all works. Recommended for teens and up due to all the swearing.
One bother: if you have unspent attribute points you can use at 1:1, it would be crazy to not buy any - even non-class - attributes and skills prior to doing something that raises those costs to 2:1 or more. Even if a mage got their STR, CON, or CHA to a default rather than let them be weak, it’s a cost-effective deal. Not doing so makes kittens cry. Just saying.
A book that begins slowly, yet expands to provide interesting action, development, and plot, with surprising results. Surprising because once the story finds its feet it wanders into areas you wouldn’t think it would, yet it all works. Recommended for teens and up due to all the swearing.
One bother: if you have unspent attribute points you can use at 1:1, it would be crazy to not buy any - even non-class - attributes and skills prior to doing something that raises those costs to 2:1 or more. Even if a mage got their STR, CON, or CHA to a default rather than let them be weak, it’s a cost-effective deal. Not doing so makes kittens cry. Just saying.
January 10, 2023
Sam wakes on an alternate world brought over by the Over-Lord for an RPG real life reality game .
Samuel or Sam for short finds himself in the middle of a forest when he wakes up from a party he attended the night before. He remembers getting wiped out blind drunk at a party he attended the night before then nothing until he woke up .He hears a dog talking to him he freaks out maybe he was drugged by mushrooms then he remembered not having any . The dog explains he on an alternate world by by the Over-Lord an god like being an he can't return until he is defeated .recommend reading excellent book .
Samuel or Sam for short finds himself in the middle of a forest when he wakes up from a party he attended the night before. He remembers getting wiped out blind drunk at a party he attended the night before then nothing until he woke up .He hears a dog talking to him he freaks out maybe he was drugged by mushrooms then he remembered not having any . The dog explains he on an alternate world by by the Over-Lord an god like being an he can't return until he is defeated .recommend reading excellent book .
June 16, 2019
Pretty good
The mc is not very bright and the book needs far less cussing. It gets much better near the end but it's a hard read for about two thirds of the book just because the mc is so stupid and every other sentence is him cussing then the author adds a cussing bird and it's not funny after having to listen to our hero cuss so much. I use a lot of cuss words and even had to stop myself from doing it in this review but once it cleared up I found myself really enjoying the book
The mc is not very bright and the book needs far less cussing. It gets much better near the end but it's a hard read for about two thirds of the book just because the mc is so stupid and every other sentence is him cussing then the author adds a cussing bird and it's not funny after having to listen to our hero cuss so much. I use a lot of cuss words and even had to stop myself from doing it in this review but once it cleared up I found myself really enjoying the book
June 28, 2019
Major potty mouth
There is a lot of swearing. A LOT. I knew there would be some from reading the blurb, but this was excessive. I described to a friend as swear words being used as a main course instead of salt for flavor. It didn’t add anything.
The story itself was a romp poking fun at tropes and naming schemes. The MC is a bit dull, his companion much more lively and interesting. In all it was a good read and wrapped up well. I wished the wrap up detailed the rewards that were hinted at throughout the quest, but perhaps next book. Enjoy.
There is a lot of swearing. A LOT. I knew there would be some from reading the blurb, but this was excessive. I described to a friend as swear words being used as a main course instead of salt for flavor. It didn’t add anything.
The story itself was a romp poking fun at tropes and naming schemes. The MC is a bit dull, his companion much more lively and interesting. In all it was a good read and wrapped up well. I wished the wrap up detailed the rewards that were hinted at throughout the quest, but perhaps next book. Enjoy.
June 2, 2019
Bane of the bunnies
I got lured in by the light silly humor. All the quests and stats and stuff worked fine. I thank the author for the abbreviated stat sheet. Some good plot and story were lurking below and some surprises later on in the book. Well crafted book. I found the MC a little shallow which got in the way of my emotional investment. The rules are an interesting addition to the LitRPG toolkit. They worked well here.
I got lured in by the light silly humor. All the quests and stats and stuff worked fine. I thank the author for the abbreviated stat sheet. Some good plot and story were lurking below and some surprises later on in the book. Well crafted book. I found the MC a little shallow which got in the way of my emotional investment. The rules are an interesting addition to the LitRPG toolkit. They worked well here.
June 18, 2019
Near hit
Book has a lot of potential, but misses on a few points. 1) The MC is stupid and has anger control issues. 2) The divine curses add nothing to the story. Just makes it aggravating. 3) There are like 3 cuss words on every page. Every page.
I think the author is trying to make the MC funny. But instead makes him an idiot.
I'll probably give book 2 a try. I hope it gets some beta reviews and fixes. Has a lot of potential.
Book has a lot of potential, but misses on a few points. 1) The MC is stupid and has anger control issues. 2) The divine curses add nothing to the story. Just makes it aggravating. 3) There are like 3 cuss words on every page. Every page.
I think the author is trying to make the MC funny. But instead makes him an idiot.
I'll probably give book 2 a try. I hope it gets some beta reviews and fixes. Has a lot of potential.
June 21, 2020
I love how people complain that there's too much swearing and that the book is boring, etc. And yet... I loved it. It was absurd, irreverent, and didn't shy away from portraying how actual people in a tough situation might act. Suddenly getting transported to a dangerous new world would NOT result in you being calm and blase about it unless you're a fucking psycho!
So, yes, this book is great, both as a parody and as a book in itself.
So, yes, this book is great, both as a parody and as a book in itself.
April 13, 2023
Young man is teleported into a fantasy world with game like statistics. He gets a dog as companion, later meets a girl with a bird and tries to find his way through this.
Funny story that doesn't takes itself or the world it plays in too serious. Only the shitting bird was a bit too low niveau for my humor level.
But overall i really liked the story that has some more depth than the expected on first sight. Well done!
Will probably read the coming books of this series.
Funny story that doesn't takes itself or the world it plays in too serious. Only the shitting bird was a bit too low niveau for my humor level.
But overall i really liked the story that has some more depth than the expected on first sight. Well done!
Will probably read the coming books of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2023
Courtesy 3 stars; this is a 2.5.
Routine light progression fantasy with mediocre writing and unconvincing characters. The world has elements of interest but is mostly cliched. The plot is generally rote but has periods of better writing.
Note that lampshading rampant clichés does not actually make them clever.
Not particularly recommended; there are better prog. fantasies. But mildly enjoyable.
Routine light progression fantasy with mediocre writing and unconvincing characters. The world has elements of interest but is mostly cliched. The plot is generally rote but has periods of better writing.
Note that lampshading rampant clichés does not actually make them clever.
Not particularly recommended; there are better prog. fantasies. But mildly enjoyable.
August 25, 2019
Lighthearted fun
Simple story so far and basic storyline. Characters appear to be on an on the rails journey but kept interesting with variation. Told from the main characters perspective so far and I am eager for the next book. Lots of bad language and some minor crass behaviour but kept me interested.
Simple story so far and basic storyline. Characters appear to be on an on the rails journey but kept interesting with variation. Told from the main characters perspective so far and I am eager for the next book. Lots of bad language and some minor crass behaviour but kept me interested.
January 8, 2020
The story of a dickward god in the RTO supermage series by the same author
The MC is dick but you will get it and like it if you have read the other series by Author which starts with Supermage. He is a manipulative dickward god in that series and this one starts with he as a human how he became the said god. Or i hope that this theory is correct because names matched.
The MC is dick but you will get it and like it if you have read the other series by Author which starts with Supermage. He is a manipulative dickward god in that series and this one starts with he as a human how he became the said god. Or i hope that this theory is correct because names matched.
May 24, 2022
Did not finish...... The Main character's personality is one that only his mother would put up with him. And even then it would be surprising if she would have anything to do with him once he turned 18 and she kicking him out of the house .. saying good riddance.
sorry/not sorry..
This was Rather surprising since i enjoyed some of this authors other books
sorry/not sorry..
This was Rather surprising since i enjoyed some of this authors other books
June 11, 2019
Very entertaining book!!
Good story !! I've read most of the writers books and this one is the best he actually made this book very entertaining to read!!! I would recommend this book!!!
Good story !! I've read most of the writers books and this one is the best he actually made this book very entertaining to read!!! I would recommend this book!!!
June 22, 2019
Fun story
A fast and fun read, with some actual depth to it. The flashes of Sam's past were interesting, and helped to really flesh him out as a character. The somewhat silly rules are a fun and unique twist that I liked quite a bit.
A fast and fun read, with some actual depth to it. The flashes of Sam's past were interesting, and helped to really flesh him out as a character. The somewhat silly rules are a fun and unique twist that I liked quite a bit.
August 20, 2019
Amusing and easily readable, and the story does in fact feature a great dog and does have a martial artist rabbit. I look forward to the next book in the series - in the meanwhile, I'll check out some of the author's other works.
September 4, 2019
Rules. We don't no stinking rules.
What I liked about this book was the cool aspect of the whole game with special rules of the day. It was different and had a neat way of the protagonist learning as he went. The only thing I didn't like was the overexplaining of the talent tree.
What I liked about this book was the cool aspect of the whole game with special rules of the day. It was different and had a neat way of the protagonist learning as he went. The only thing I didn't like was the overexplaining of the talent tree.
August 16, 2020
Angry man constantly uses profanity
An angry man gets isekaied into an RPG world meets a polite dogo learns some magic and does some adventuring and gets the girl.
I would rate this a 8/ 10 because Gordon is the best dogo but Sam is a bad human
An angry man gets isekaied into an RPG world meets a polite dogo learns some magic and does some adventuring and gets the girl.
I would rate this a 8/ 10 because Gordon is the best dogo but Sam is a bad human
March 7, 2024
The rules concept in this book was interesting, but I dislike the main character. He is a bit of an idiot and a major jerk. There are far better litRPG series out there. I liked the rules system enough to continue with the series though.
June 5, 2019
Amazing
Fantastic writing style, interesting way of writing and gripping. A must read for me! I finished it in less than a day! A record for me
Fantastic writing style, interesting way of writing and gripping. A must read for me! I finished it in less than a day! A record for me
June 11, 2019
Great book
A great entry novel by Aaron Oster. Lots of action and leveling, fun characters and swearing. Looking forward to the next one
A great entry novel by Aaron Oster. Lots of action and leveling, fun characters and swearing. Looking forward to the next one
June 18, 2019
Entertainment
Great Read and very fun. Hard time with the MC at first but he grows on ya for sure. I already won't more. Highly recommend as a page turner I didn't won't to end
Great Read and very fun. Hard time with the MC at first but he grows on ya for sure. I already won't more. Highly recommend as a page turner I didn't won't to end
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews