Unity

Awaken Online #4.5

by Travis Bagwell

A side quest adventure in the best selling world of Awaken Online!

In the aftermath of Thorn's attack on the Twilight Throne, Frank is in an awkward position. Jason and Riley have outpaced him and everyone is hard at work rebuilding the Twilight Throne, establishing new towns, and trying to get their fledgling manufacturing operation off the ground. Everyone except Frank - who finds himself with no immediate task or goal.

So Frank decides to strike off on his own. He sets his eyes on the north, heading toward the snow-capped mountains that loom over the undead kingdom's border in the hope of improving his shapeshifting abilities.

He soon stumbles into an unexpected adventure. A journey that may unearth the secrets behind his class and finally force him to reach his true potential.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Young Adult

361 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2019

About the author

Recovering attorney and avid gamer that writes stuff! Mostly about videogames.

You can find me here:
Website: https://travisbagwell.com/
Discord: https://discord.gg/YPYcR6K
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/da3strikes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/da3strikes/
X: https://x.com/da3strikes
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/da3strikes

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For being such a lawful evil shapechanging quasi-druid alpha werewolf, Frank is a real softie.

Indeed, Frank's side story was rather great, learning more about himself and his new abilities, but what is best is the great mind-reading extra abilities that gives one's RAGE abilities the corresponding COMPASSION abilities. :)

It's a great juxtaposition to pair such caring understanding with the ability to tear people's limbs off.

Truly.

Loving this LitRPG.

[Harsh Varia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent addition to the series. This does not feel like a side quest at all. It was a really awesome book. Hope some of these characters spill over to the main story. Also this is one of my favorite litrpg series. The book is a very good stand alone read. Don't need any prior knowledge of the series to enjoy this .

[Jennifer Holik · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this series, I found it odd that Frank's side quest took place so far into the series. But then I realized that I didn't really care that much about his story initially. The placement of this side quest ended up being perfect in retrospect.

I know I've read quite a few reviews that complain that all of the characters in this series are exactly alike. While I understand where they are coming from, I personally feel they are wrong about that. Yes, all of the characters are struggling with feeling pushed around by their domineering parents. But the specifics of the conflicts and the personalities of the teens are all very different. And really, most teens are at a point where they still want to please/appease their parents, but they are also starting to realize that what they want may not be the same as what their parents want for them. And it's about to be "real life" very soon.

But I digress....

I found this story very interesting and I now wonder even more if it doesn't make sense why the author has temporarily abandoned the main storyline. Several things happened in this book that made me very curious for how things can/will progress. I can both see a possibility for a joining of Haven with The Twilight Throne, and/or for a conflict to arise between Jason & Frank down the line. I do hope we get to "see" the moment Jason first meets Franks new form.

I'm sure the Tarot books will be good, since I've enjoyed every book in this series thus far. But I am really disappointed it will be so long before I get to enjoy our main body of characters again. I may end up with a reread or 2 in the future.

[Coco.V]

🎁 The complete Awaken Online Series (7 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (3/22/2020)! 🎁

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another example of a 'Side Novel' being better than the main books in the series. Absolutely loved Unity and the overall way side characters are expanded in these.

[Ankit Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome to see Frank’s journey and transformation. The book started a bit slow, but once it picked up steam it was difficult to put down.

This was much more coherent and tighter compared to the main entry books. I wish the main entry books could shorten the length and tighten the narrative as this book.

It was really great to see Frank grow and I can’t wait to see how he is now perceived in the main entries.

[Bosseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aweome book as the rest of the series.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook w/hubby

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

This series has clamped on and refused to let go…. Much like Frank’s bite… the individual character growth, the commentary on the impact of tech on society and society on tech is startlingly real… and also all a game…

[Ethan Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d say my favorite side quest out of the ones I’ve read so far. Definitely faster paced

[Ian Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, that was invigorating!

There was so much to love in this book. I think I like it better than Catharsis. One excellent bloodbath. Some well placed running for their lives. A bit of romance. Some tears and sorrow. And heavily spiced with awesome! I could write more review or save you some time. Go read it now!

[Perm Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.

5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.

4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.

3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.

2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.

1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was it fun? Yes, mainly the second half
Should you read it? Yes, I think it's a pretty good read if you're reading the AO series

Summary: A pretty fun read about Frank's own quest inside AO. Has some interesting characters. Introduces some interesting concepts of the AO universe.

That being said, the first half felt like I was rereading Riley's side-novel and dragged a bit.

Details:
I need to set some context first before going into the review itself. I've always kinda considered Frank's parts in the novels somewhat ... meh. He always felt like he lacked character. He was more of the comic relief more often than not. Never hated him or anything but never cared about him either.

So when I saw that Unity is focused on Frank, I hesitated a lot before reading it. That being said, I am glad I read it. It was a charming story. Shed some light on some interesting mechanics in the AO universe and introduced us to some interesting character and character races in the game. Frank does go through some character development as well.

The reason I'm not rating this as high as the other books is I just ... felt the first third of the book dragged a lot. We spent chapters dealing with Frank's self-consciousness and being quite a bummer. I understand that he's reflecting what many of us feel at times, but it just ... I was actually a bit worried about the rest of the book reading that part.

The rest of the story followed the same path as Riley's arc. Introduced new characters that you can guess how the story will end for. There were some surprises along the way but in general, you can guess the ending pretty early on.

It was a pretty fun quest and shed some light on the powers that be in the game. We also see Frank face himself for the first time so it all turns out good in the end.

My main problem with this book is I felt that Frank's personality started feeling eerily similar to Riley and Jason. I understood Riley because from the very beginning, I could see similarities between her and Jason. Frank, on the other hand, I expected him to be a bit different.

That being said, it was a pleasant read. I'll probably reread it at some point (but skip the first a few chapters).

I recommend reading this but don't expect it to be as epic as the others.

[Baroness Ekat · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you follow me, you'll know that I have loved this series since first discovering it years ago and that love has not changed with the release of this new side quest story.

As much as I enjoy the main story, I really like that Bagwell has done exploration into the other characters, this time Frank, the Left Hand of the Twilight Throne. Frank is feeling like a secondary character and not providing much to the running of the Twilight Throne and seeing Jason and Riley advancing in their skills in the game. So he goes off to explore and discovers an area of NPCs that need help, even if they do not realize they do, and in doing so maybe he can advance and level his own skills at the same time.

I really liked seeing Frank become stronger - physically and emotionally, finding the power within to stand up and lead, not just follow along being a Tank.

As always, I look forward to the next installment. I'm rather hoping that a future Side Quest book might actully involve Alex (though we have been getting more of that in the main story).

if you are a gamer, I recommend this series.

[The Legend · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now, I will say that I do love the main series and the overall story and concept, However there are just too many flaws to 'like' this book.

If you've read any of the side stories you've read this book, I am not joking when I say it's the exact same as the other two. For some reason the personality the characters have in the main story is shattered in side stories and Eliza, Riley and Frank all have the same personality.

Not even joking, Franks dialogue and way of speaking is the exact same even using same phrases and thought processes of Riley.

One might surely think it's not that bad but heres the story, Frank has no self esteem and can't stand up to himself or the judgement of his parents. Huh, wait didn't Riley have no self esteem and couldn't speak up to her parents fearing their judgement. Wait! Didn't Eliza have no self estseem and do what ever her parents wanted and unable to stand up to them fearing their judgement!

Yup, same story. They start out the same , get confidence through the game and then go back to the main story where I am betting like Riley and Eliza , Frank will revert right back to his default personality.

But , is the story itself good at least even if the characters are all one note same personality? NOPE..Frank uses no brains whats so ever, even though he claims to keep picking things up from Jason and being smart. At one point he comes across people who have a town of their own and need 'trade' because not all resources are found in the same area. Wait...doesn't the Twilight Throne need trading partners? Wait isn't this village that the people with their town is mad at also could use trade and has resources? Should Frank speak to these people and use diplomacy working out a trade agreement!?! Nope. Frank sees three options. Fight, Run or run and then come back and fight. ...huh. Can't Frank claim a area is protected by the twilight throne and threaten war with the town if they do something bad? Nope! That doesn't occur to frank either. Yet he will have 'something snapped in place' in his mind moments where he figures things out like magic, but these basic concepts escape him, the writer clearly forgoing common sense in place to advance the story to plots he wants so things can happen to the characters to get them stronger.

Honestly it's just a mess and everyone act's like they are Jason when he's not in game in the first 3 books and most of the 4th. Thats literally everyone's personality in and out of game, is Jason's out of game personality. It's like the writer only sees Dominate personality and Submissive personality and those are his two choices.

Also, the character Frank feels guilty for enjoying torturing people and causing them pain for 'revenge' and then later says he 'shouldn't' feel guilty for this, that it's okay to enjoy hurting people and torture , to accept himself. What the hell kinda message is that!?! Yes he should feel guilty and no he shouldn't enjoy torturing players, even if it's a game they are feeling 50% realism, that means he's causing real pain to real people..that's not something he should 'enjoy'. Sure I can understanding not feeling guilty for defending people and killing for that but enjoying torturing yes..yes he should feel bad about that and not accept himself for that. What is this writer a psychopath that thats the message he wants out there?

Even Jason in the main series is starting to get a little off kilter, which I am hoping is all Alfred manipulating people with throwing situation at them to warp them to his tune, and not the writer's views on how people should actually behave.

[Ryan Denson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bagwell's latest side quest volume delves into a journey centered around Frank. There are many comparisons to be made with the earlier side quest, Retribution, which similarly focused the character of Riley. In many ways the two stories are remarkably similar in terms of structure and themes, yet this doesn't so much detract from originality in this volume. It further explores the line between VR and reality, much as the main series continues to do; this time with an even more emotional undertone.

The first third of the book is somewhat slow, but this is perhaps to be expected with the introduction of Haven and the druids. Bagwell remarkably shows much creative potential in still managing to add more in terms of world building, even after already publishing half a dozen other novels in the series. The druids and their mechanics, I think, add an interesting element to the nature of AO, showing the immense complexity of this world through very believable characters. The basis of their culture on empathy (and their tendency to stray from that) is a noteworthy element as well, further adding to the hyperrealism inherent in this VR world, something that is also highlighted through the immense gore and violence of this novel. The titular theme of unity is also fascinating one, and it is only in the latter portions of the book that this theme is revealed to be personal unity of one's inner struggles as much as communal unity.

Much like Retribution, this novel does a remarkable job with developing the character of someone who was often sidelined previously. In contrast to Retribution though, Unity also introduces a new character that seems like she could become a prominent figure among the other protagonists in the main series. Silver's remarkably likeable character and personality would certainly make her an excellent addition to the main cast. Bagwell does an extraordinary job of slowly revealing this character's depth from what at first may seem like just a two-dimension figure to serve as a plot point. Although Frank is clearly the main focus of this novel, in many ways this is just as much a story about Silver and her personal struggles.

Overall, a great addition to the series and well worth the read. Like all the side quest novels, it doesn't really add to the main storyline, but this one is particularly good not only for the story, but also for the new complexity added by the druids and the dragon from this novel. These elements seem to hint at much to come in later novels.

[Mr SSingh · Rating 4 out of 5]

And we come to the tale for all the readers who are also furries.



Awaken Online Unity tells the story of Frank's side quest. Motivated to change his lack of self worth and seeking to become as powerful as his friends Jason and Riley. That's the one major theme I feel that Travis Bagwell does really well with these novels and doesn't hold back on. The desire/quest for power. That his characters want to be notorious. They don't want to be the likable worshipped stereotypical fantasy heroes. A villain in the true sense that a villain never believes he/she is the villain, they believe they are the heroes in their own story. And that's the case here.

So it starts with a bear. This encounter is a great foreshadowing to where the rest of the story is ultimately going and where it ends up. Soon after Frank is captured by a group of druids where meets a new class of in game characters. Are they humans, demi-humans? Half animal creatures? What can they teach Frank about himself and his own abilities of the shift. The wolf ear, wolf tailed woman Silver who seems to have it in for him, her and her pack of Hoot, Spider, Howl, Runner, leading him to the so called Chasm to test if he is worthy of them.

I really liked this story but I wouldn't call it as amazing as some of the previous AO novels. Its predictable at points, although I like the way it used familiar fantasy tropes in written in surprising and interesting ways, the series is really good at doing this. However the Ancestor Tree surprise was too much of a dues ex machina I guess you'd call it? I like the tone shift of this one, by the third act it feels like a horror movie more than a fantasy, I thought that was awesome shift. I dunno something about it, compared to Eliza's story for instance, you could predict that yes you can sense something is bound to go wrong for her, but that arc felt more interesting than this one where Frank's feels like a burden to his friends and wants to be a his powerful his own person, you kind of know how its going to turn out...

And Franks character is inconsistent in this. Jason is more of the thinker/strategic type and Frank the brute force, but all of a sudden he becomes a battle strategist, I didn't really buy it even from his explanation of watching Jason operate in the game. Plus his character even sounds like Jason humor wise at certain points, it wasn't written consistently.

All said, it was entertaining. I mean some people just write fantasy well, even cliched fantasy well and this author just does it again and again. Looking forward to the next book in this ongoing series!

[Rajan Bahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books. The concept of empathy and me being an empath myself really woke me up. I can tell you the reviews and stuff like that but I'm going to tell you how I feel about it I had a similar issue and when I read your books I like to get lost in the forest and take it in and when I was immersing myself in this book it reflected exactly what I was doing or what was going through and I struggle with being overweight and my rich family always belittling my feelings and not knowing who I am connecting with this book felt like I was connecting with myself my real self the self I was afraid to connect with. This book really taught me many things about my empathic abilities how for some reason I'm always able to predict what people say and connect with them without them needing to say anything but I lose a sense of energy and they start talking over me and then I feel like I get taken advantage of something always grew and grew and grew and I never knew until I felt this book until I connected with him and truly saw what he was going through it really shine some light on who I was and how this Beast this anger it always seems to hurt people and it always seems like it's a rush for them people don't see me for who I am so I hide it and neglected until now I feel like I could feel again and it seems like everything is just so much more. I know who I am and I'm not afraid of him anymore I'm not afraid to be strong and face my emotions and put my hand out and say what I need to say to my true self and not be afraid of him anymore. I think this is one of my staple books to make me grab myself when I Lose Myself when I start to feel like everything is false this book I can really relate to it makes me feel like it's not bad to stand up for myself and be strong thank you Travis Bagwell you really made a masterpiece in my eyes and the funny thing is in my nightmares the thing that always wakes me up as a wolf in my favorite beasts are werewolves this book is exactly what I needed at the exact time and a perfect way to except the hurt and not just. Thank you for this I really feel like I I can face the moon again and the Starlit Skies and not Ponder why but Ponder the beauty that is the Moon end howl at it feeling hurt but feeling powerful. Also this is my first review so go easy on me

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4/5* This one was GOOD. Maybe I feel it was better than the rest only because it surpassed my expectations by a lot. I was ready to just speed through this book only to get to the next one as fast as possible, assuming this would bore me to death. But oh boy. Although Frank's still not one of my favourite characters, he definitely upped himself in my ranking. Sometimes I felt frustrated by his actions (or rather the lack of them). Like how can you not stand for yourself? Beat the sht out of that wicked sister? Or I would get kinda cringed out by his furry-kink moments with Silver (wanting to know where the fur that covered her arms would spred throughout the rest of her body, mmmm okay, you do your thing bud).

But in general, the story was GREAT. This addition to the AO world was just magnificent. I don't know why I felt soo captuvated by this druids, they seem to me so magical and powerful and interesting and HELPFUL, I hope they appear in the next book as allies to Jason. I was secretly hoping something would happen and Frank would be able to gain all 3 abilities from them, no only the shifting, which would have been to die for, would have made the Original Sin trio fkn INVINCIBLE.

But I'm sattiesfied with what we got. I hope this little spirit inside Frank's head doesn't become a problem, cause he's honestly scary. I'm also so so happy for him to finally find someone, after being for so long trapped inside that uncomfortable mess that Riley and Jason were creating, like make Frank feel included damn!

Well, hope I'll see more of Ana, and I have A LOT of hopes put on the new saga about the fire avatar! Will follow my intuition about which one to pick up first, whether the next main saga one or the fire avatar's one, although I'm sure both will be bomb, Travis NEVER disappoints.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've got to say this was my least favourite book so far.
I loved Riley and Eliza's solo stories but with Frank's I actually found it made me dislike him and changed him for the worse. I originally liked him because he was sweet and more human than the other characters but this book just changed him into a cocky and unlikable superhuman. I also felt like the supporting characters weren't as well written and the plot was rather convenient. For instance Silver transformed from this strong independent alpha to a docile smitten puppy the second she started liking Frank which is a very tiring plotline male writers constantly use for female love interests. All our "attitude problems" fall away when we find a man because of course that was the only reason we were mean to them in the first place *eye roll*. The part where she actually turned to Frank mid-battle for advice really killed me, would the alpha and effective princess of Haven who's been a highly skilled hunter really not know what to do?

Overall I found it to be a poor attempt to make a character stronger which only resulted in making him unlikable and arrogant. Thankfully the next book is back to Jason and Riley. Fingers crossed the last book will be better.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an unpredictable plot that deviates from traditional tropes, it makes a refreshing impact on its audience.

A significant highlight of this novel is the character expansion of Frank. Initially introduced as a seemingly two-dimensional figure, one might mistakenly peg him as a mere plot filler. But Bagwell deftly peels back the layers, providing readers with an intricate and deeply human backstory, unveiling a character of profound complexity and depth. The introduction of relationships like the one with Silver in the new town of Haven further fleshes out the intricate tapestry of his life.

However, "Awaken Online: Unity" is not without its flaws. The pacing of the story in its first half may not resonate with all. Those who cherish rapid action sequences might find the meticulous world-building and character introspection to be a tad lengthy. The book requires a considerable amount of patience, which is richly rewarded in the climax, but it's a commitment some readers might struggle with.

Despite this, Bagwell's commitment to depth and development is palpable. The eventual culmination and the crescendo of events in the finale render the preceding buildup well worth the wait.

Solid 4.5/5

[Ruben · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my biggest gripes with Awaken online: Dominion was the fact that Frank got sent off on some campaign while Jason and Riley were busy progressing and getting stronger through the Keeper trials. Frank getting left behind didn't sit well with me, but I knew there was a Frank sidequest story after dominion so surely there would be a lot of Frank progression resulting in Frank catching back up, right? right?? Well kind of but not really.
Halfway through I was already starting to feel disappointed. There was absolutely no progression to speak of and a lot of attention was taken up by another cringy romance plot. It's only towards the end of the book that we see the progression that i expected (hoped) would be central throughout the story. This just didn't feel like a litrpg/progression fantasy to me.
I really did start to enjoy the book towards the end, but just not enough that it fully redeemed the rest of it or the series. Dominion was a complete dud for me and this one despite the strong ending is not enough for me to continue the series. It just drifted too far away from everything I loved in the early books in the series. I'll still give this one 3 stars for the ending but I'm done with the series unfortunately.

[Sasch Stormcloak · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best novels in the series so far. I could sense Frank’s potential the moment he was introduced in previous books, and the way we discovered through his past memories how he felt and thought of himself. Also, from the moment he found that book in the dungeon, it was clear it could turn him into an incredibly powerful character. And yet how Mr. Bagwell has managed to develop his character... is pure and simply AWESOME. Better than I could have imagined myself. The way Frank has evolved from an insecure kid beaten by even his own thoughts, to a self-confident warrior capable of confronting both his enemies and his own fears felt very natural, well developed and totally made sense.

And then there’s the awesome locations that Bagwell keeps gifting us. The world of AO is incredibly rich and full of potential for uncountable side quests. Bagwell always manages for each story to make sense on its own and yet allowing everything to build up and fit in perfectly.

Can’t wait to read the confirmed story on the Fire champion, as well as the next ‘big’ installment. I especially cannot wait to see what Riley and Jason will have to say to what Frank has become...

[Cynthia S. Peralta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS STORY!!!

The authors writhing technique continues to improve in leaps and bounds! The storyline is strong, and character development is excellent! I can relate to Frank as I too am heavy and looked down upon by the world as if my weight is due to unhealthy rating habits, which is not true, but due to medications I have to take. It was great finally reading a story in which the underdog grows stronger and prices how adaptable he really is. Without Frank, Haven would have perished.

I liked Haven with its diverse druids with all their skills, and the final realization that they could be more than what they had limited themselves to. I hope to see more stories about Haven, Frank, and his love for Silver/Ana. Yes, is it possible that the world's we play in are more than they seem? Think about it, real life or gaming life....

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Frank's side quest. Not being a big Frank fan (frankly I've found him a bit boring) I rather dreaded this side story once I realized it was 100% Frank. However, I gave it time and found it better than I expected. Frank goes off to find himself and find himself he does. If you're into the series you won't want to miss it as it opens some new doors for conflict and alliance. I'm curious to see how the developments of this story impact Frank and Jason's friendship and in-game alliance.

I think this story is also and interesting counterpoint to Jason's story. Although both characters see positive changes in their real lives from playing the game Frank's family sees the changes as positive while Jason's do not.

[Crissy Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Frank. This almost felt like a coming of age story, with Frank trying to find his place in the world and level up his own skills, but with a much bloodier direction than most.

I really enjoyed this story. I think it's my favorite of the series. Frank is really an awesome character in general, and it was awesome to see him come into his own power, and find his place in Awaken Online.

I am a little disappointed that there may not be a conversation between Frank, Jason and Rylie about the events here. It's a pretty big event, though I suspect Frank's change is much bigger than Rylie's so they may have to address it at some point.

I also really hope Silver joins the party. She was also an awesome character, and I'd love to see what she evolves into.

[Cassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow.

LITRPGS are by far my favorite genre. When I first got into the Awaken series it was exciting and interesting. It has a slightly different take than what I have normally come across. Jason is definitely an unique character, personally it was hard to connect to him and Riley. Even after ready Eliza's book I didn't find that resonance that I was looking for. But Frank, thank the Gods for Frank! He has always been my favorite. Add that to the fact that side quest stories can be hard to write. This is absolutely my favorite book of the whole series. The growth of the characters is wonderful! I can't wait to see what you do next Travis, I will definitely be following you.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit primal, I'd suggest pg13 at the least. Very good story though, even if it was a bit bloody. It's good to see Frank's story bloom into full force in this book, I can't wait for more, this world is fantastic, and every book just adds to it's allure. If you've liked any of the other books in this series, you're likely to really enjoy this one. If however, you're not fond of blood, guts and gore, you may want to give this one a pass. It's not overly done, the violence is all integral to the story, but if you're the kind of person who likes their LitRPG with family friendly entertainment, this book may not be for you.

[Fred Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!! I'd been holding onto this book for a little while so I would have something special to read when I truly needed such. The time came. And Travis did NOT disappoint me at all with this side quest installment in his Awaken Online series. Wow!! I can honestly state there was only a single letdown with this book. And that is that it had to have an ending to it. Grrrrr. Lol. And now I must wait for the 5th primary installment in the series. And presently try to find something to read which won't end up "being a disappointment" after following Frank on his path of discovery. Ya know, in that sense it almost in an odd way jokingly made me feel as though it could be tagged "Self-Help" as well as fantasy and LitRPG and action-adventure. And I still wonder how much of the characters (Frank notably) are drawn from Travis' own life and his stumblings through it. As well as what he has admired in others in life along the way and wished to be like and strive towards and how he is coming to find himSELF NOW. On a side note I found some of this personally intriguing with regards to the empathic abilities represented within. There is of course the emotional empath and the so-called claircognizant so often recognized with the red glow and otherwise as well. And it was spoken of outright even. But then too there is a furthering of what we know to be plant and animal empaths. Real people in this world represent such. Personally I am primarily the first two mentioned. And as is spoken of in the book adapting to these "gifts" at an older age is damned near impossible as compared to a child being allowed to do so and being nurtured thus. Though it was evident in me in childhood, parents had me stash it away in my inner child's shame closet. It always shone through on some level of course throughout life. But the floodgates of my empathic self did not pour forth till my early 40's. Perhaps 6 or 7 years ago. And the flood waters continue to rise, even now at age 48. And I hardly can survive it! And thus it has become so much of a curse more often than it is a blessing. Even now I am primarily agoraphobic even as a result. Well, enough bitching on that! I loved this book. And for a hell of a lot more reasons than the empathic nature of some of it as mentioned. It just was amazing! A wonderfully enjoyable read! And perhaps my favorite Awaken Online book thus far?? I do still wonder (can't remove this from my present mind) how much this book and its characters are somehow represented in or representative of Travis' own life. I have wondered that often when reading, though it is only an incredibly strong feeling on occasion. One which comes to mind is Cosimo Yap's The Gam3 series. Notably at least the 3rd book. I felt as though I was experiencing the inner workings (as well as dysfunctions and manias and more) of his mind in a deep way. Or at least the possibility that what he had written paralleled how his mind truly works. Oh, will mention this... with regards to some aspect of character building I suppose. World building? Plot? Story? DEPTH OF EVERYTHING!?! This book on a number of occasions elicited a stream of tears (and further emotion) from me. Note that for 27 years of my life I didn't cry at all. And now, well, when a book can evoke such a response from me, regardless of how one might expect me to be as I am an emotional empath (and more), I find myself impressed with the author's writing with zero doubts on such. Oh, quickly, wanted to mention my notice that Travis related how often it is possible to simply "read" a person and there moods or feelings or intentions, et cetera, all through observation which doesn't even require the empathic gift/curse to sense. That is why too I call myself a "Reader" (and not of books in this regard, but of people and events and situations and things which would blow your mind. It is a gift (yes, I actually consider this a gift and not a curse). And tends to be far more prevalent (or at least "usable") amongst empaths and others too one might voice as "intuitives". BTW, with this I all too often freak people out with some measure of clairvoyance. They sit and wonder how in the fuck did I just happen to know something was going to happen. Even things as simple as predicting an interception in football on a play well before the ball is ever snapped. ANYWAY, I am surely adding this book to my Favorites list. I hope my next read is even half as enjoyable. As rewarding. And I greatly look forward to the 5th primary release in this Awaken Online series from the wonderfully talented (and I fully suspect wonderful man and human being) Travis Bagwell. Oh, don't wish to forget to mention a once-again brilliant narration by David Stifel as this is a review of the Audible edition (mental illness focus / ADD-style issues make visual reading damned near impossible for me to make a read remotely worthwhile or even possible though my so-called "reading level" is certainly advanced).
Thank you to ALL involved in this book. Even Travis' wife who he claims gratitude for her tolerance of him and who/how he can be. Frankly (absolutely no fucking pun intended as I find "pun humor" bile-inducing), I am certain it can't be remotely so unbearable................................usually.
Namastè.
)O(

Forgot to mention a revelation at some point about the cover art. That would be that the axe head(s) form a wolf's head. Hadn't noticed immediately (especially since I am reading the Audible edition and don't have a paperback copy or such in my hands and obvious visual focus). Pretty cool art work!!

[Wyatt Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review refers to the audiobook version.

I'm glad that Frank got his own side tale. The book starts off with the typical Frank moping about how useless he is and then deciding to go on an adventure away from the Twilight Throne. Frank encounters a massive bear that he kills. He eats the bear's heart and uses his ability to absorb the animal's characteristics to improve his own. However, someone isn't happy with that and attacks him because of it. I can't say much more without spoiling the story.

Frank comes out a much stronger and better character at the end of the book. An enjoyable side story (made infinitely better by almost no mention of Alex).