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Arcane Kingdom Online #4
Death Match
A mysterious invitation. A deadly tournament. The fate of the world rests with one summoner and his level-one ghost spirit.
With a new class unlocked, Clay has been chosen to compete in the infamous Solmini Summoner Tournament. No big deal, barring the mortality rate for contestants.
The plan is simple: compete, survive, and find allies in the growing conflict across Illyria. But with warring factions and political intrigue dominating the desert capital, one false move could spell disaster for Clay and his friends.
Let the trials begin.
Death Match is the fourth installment in the best-selling LitRPG series, Arcane Kingdom Online. If you love RPG mechanics, destructive glitches, epic loot, and leveling-up then you’ll love this fast-paced fantasy adventure.
With a new class unlocked, Clay has been chosen to compete in the infamous Solmini Summoner Tournament. No big deal, barring the mortality rate for contestants.
The plan is simple: compete, survive, and find allies in the growing conflict across Illyria. But with warring factions and political intrigue dominating the desert capital, one false move could spell disaster for Clay and his friends.
Let the trials begin.
Death Match is the fourth installment in the best-selling LitRPG series, Arcane Kingdom Online. If you love RPG mechanics, destructive glitches, epic loot, and leveling-up then you’ll love this fast-paced fantasy adventure.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2019
219 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Jakob Tanner
20 books175 followersJakob Tanner is the author of three LitRPG series: Arcane Kingdom Online, Tower Climber, and Second Chance Swordsman. His books were inspired by the Final Fantasy video game series, Dungeons and Dragons, and all the MMORPGs that have taken over his life at one point or another.
He likes playing board games, binging anime, and eating yummy food. To keep up to date with his shenanigans (as well as the status of his next book) consider signing up to his mailing list here:
https://www.jakobtanner.com/dungeondi...
Beyond that, Jakob can be found at all the usual places:
Facebook (Reader Group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/19953...
Facebook (Author Page): @jakobtannerwriter
Twitter: @jakobtanner
Website: www.jakobtanner.com
He likes playing board games, binging anime, and eating yummy food. To keep up to date with his shenanigans (as well as the status of his next book) consider signing up to his mailing list here:
https://www.jakobtanner.com/dungeondi...
Beyond that, Jakob can be found at all the usual places:
Facebook (Reader Group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/19953...
Facebook (Author Page): @jakobtannerwriter
Twitter: @jakobtanner
Website: www.jakobtanner.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 14, 2019
Death Match is another good instalment in the Arcane Kingdom Online series.
This series has been going from strength to strength and Death Match is no exception. It still has all the great mechanics and story telling that made the previous stories so enjoyable and it sets up the next phase for the story. Clay is becoming more and more powerful.
I liked most of the book but I think the conclusion especially the climactic battles could have been a bit more drawn out.
This series has been going from strength to strength and Death Match is no exception. It still has all the great mechanics and story telling that made the previous stories so enjoyable and it sets up the next phase for the story. Clay is becoming more and more powerful.
I liked most of the book but I think the conclusion especially the climactic battles could have been a bit more drawn out.
June 20, 2020
Another 5 star review!
Another 5 star review.
According to KU, I’ve not read this series before but there seems to be hints of dejavu.
Very enjoyable
Binge worthy
Another 5 star review.
According to KU, I’ve not read this series before but there seems to be hints of dejavu.
Very enjoyable
Binge worthy
November 13, 2019
This was another slam dunk for Jakob Tanner and AKO! I loved that we got more insight into what is going on outside the game, as well as the hint that ZERO might have been engineered for a specific purpose other than to randomly destroy society. Clay is getting stronger and more prepared to invade Arethkar, but it's going to take a lot more (I think) before he will be able to take on Konrad Takeshimi. I hope that getting to Arethkar is one thing, but getting through it will be a whole other ball of wax.
I wasn't quite clear on who was working to prevent Clay and his party from getting to the tournament. We assumed that it was the Arethkarians, in general, if not a specific one, but was all the opposition in this book Solmini sourced and planned? I wouldn't have thought that non-Arethkarians would have considered Clay to be a big enough threat to put forth that amount of effort, but maybe they were just being careful and covering their bases.
Perhaps my favorite trait of Clay's is that he is a unifying force in a world that has been splintered both socially and physically. As players don't have anywhere else to go, and have to live in AKO, Clay seems to be the one person who can bridge the divide between players and NPCs - and it has very little to do with him possessing the Prophetic Seal.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I wasn't quite clear on who was working to prevent Clay and his party from getting to the tournament. We assumed that it was the Arethkarians, in general, if not a specific one, but was all the opposition in this book Solmini sourced and planned? I wouldn't have thought that non-Arethkarians would have considered Clay to be a big enough threat to put forth that amount of effort, but maybe they were just being careful and covering their bases.
Perhaps my favorite trait of Clay's is that he is a unifying force in a world that has been splintered both socially and physically. As players don't have anywhere else to go, and have to live in AKO, Clay seems to be the one person who can bridge the divide between players and NPCs - and it has very little to do with him possessing the Prophetic Seal.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 20, 2019
"Shade spiraled through the air, daggers drawn, slicing through the incoming boars like a sentient living ninja star." — AKO, Book 4: 3%
I've been dissapointed by the LitRPG subgenre more than a handful of times — the prose and voice are often hogwash, while the dialogue can rarely be described as anything more than insufferable. Even still, I trudge forward through the muck, pulled along by that delicate thread of curiosity and hope, only for it to be severed by sentient, living ninja stars. Every. Single. Time. Now, I could ramble off on a tangent in regards to the hollow despair brought about by the sundering of such emotions, but I'll spare you.
In all fairness, if I had read the previous entries, I might have the investment required to overlook this transgression. Assuming that Mr. Tanner has improved throughout his career, though, I'm not so certain. In further fairness, the writing was unusually decent. While the dialogue still tasted of a particularly dry sand, Shade's personality moistened the meal as a whole. Regrettably, this only served to worsen the pain as my enjoyment was gutted by this particular bit of spinning steel.
Alas, whether I sift through the murky water to reclaim my lost hope is yet unknown. Mayhap my curiosity will be rekindled in time. Please, thank you, and you're welcome.
I've been dissapointed by the LitRPG subgenre more than a handful of times — the prose and voice are often hogwash, while the dialogue can rarely be described as anything more than insufferable. Even still, I trudge forward through the muck, pulled along by that delicate thread of curiosity and hope, only for it to be severed by sentient, living ninja stars. Every. Single. Time. Now, I could ramble off on a tangent in regards to the hollow despair brought about by the sundering of such emotions, but I'll spare you.
In all fairness, if I had read the previous entries, I might have the investment required to overlook this transgression. Assuming that Mr. Tanner has improved throughout his career, though, I'm not so certain. In further fairness, the writing was unusually decent. While the dialogue still tasted of a particularly dry sand, Shade's personality moistened the meal as a whole. Regrettably, this only served to worsen the pain as my enjoyment was gutted by this particular bit of spinning steel.
Alas, whether I sift through the murky water to reclaim my lost hope is yet unknown. Mayhap my curiosity will be rekindled in time. Please, thank you, and you're welcome.
February 7, 2020
I must admit that though I rated all previous books with a five star rating I was not as impressed by this, the 4th book in the series, namely because it focused mainly on Clay and his summoned creatures and we hardly got to see any action at all from the rest of the team. The battle scenes became a bit repetitive however, this does not mean that the deadly tournament Clay had been invited to join, and almost ordered by the King to attend, in order to gain the much needed allies for the looming war with Arethkar was not very exciting. The tournament was held in Solmini and was the summoner's annual tournament hence the focus on Clay. I love the action Gryph and Chip put in, however I missed the humour and sarcastic wit we usually get from Shade. Clay had the full backing of his team even though he still wondered how Clay Hopewell, the college dropout had ended up being hailed as the wizard savior and hero with so many people rooting for him. He just could not afford to lose this tournament, so the heat was on! I like the way he is advancing and the second class he was able to access and his new summoned tank even though he seems reluctant to do any work at all! Dierdra was a creature of nightmares and poor Clay was up against her but his courage never fails him and his cunning always helps him in the end. Hope to get more action from the whole team in the next book!
November 19, 2019
ONE BLAZING ADVENTURE!!!
Holy crap! Jakob raised the bar on this jaw dropping, mind blowing bombshell ramping up the stakes, keeping it real. He brought out the big guns for this thrilling storyline and gripping plot catapulting this bad boy together piece by piece flawlessly. Hurdling the trials and tribulations as trumoil and distress run rampant while speculations and chaos sets the pace in this non-stop action packed wonder. Throw in drama, danger and suspense and you have one dynamic page flipping, prize winning delight that propels this bad boy to a whole new level. Twists and turns abound with unnerving circumstances and a bounty of inadvertent surprises thrust all of your emotions bursting into play front and center. The dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into the web so deep you feel everything the characters feel one page at a time. The characters and their personalities are original, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities with just enough flaws to keep it real. The scenes are so colorfully descriptive it's easy to interpret each scenario as they play off one another flawlessly. Amazing job Jakob, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Holy crap! Jakob raised the bar on this jaw dropping, mind blowing bombshell ramping up the stakes, keeping it real. He brought out the big guns for this thrilling storyline and gripping plot catapulting this bad boy together piece by piece flawlessly. Hurdling the trials and tribulations as trumoil and distress run rampant while speculations and chaos sets the pace in this non-stop action packed wonder. Throw in drama, danger and suspense and you have one dynamic page flipping, prize winning delight that propels this bad boy to a whole new level. Twists and turns abound with unnerving circumstances and a bounty of inadvertent surprises thrust all of your emotions bursting into play front and center. The dynamics and presentation in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into the web so deep you feel everything the characters feel one page at a time. The characters and their personalities are original, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities with just enough flaws to keep it real. The scenes are so colorfully descriptive it's easy to interpret each scenario as they play off one another flawlessly. Amazing job Jakob, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
April 5, 2020
This is the most intense read of the series so far with Clay receiving an invitation to take part in a powerful summoner tournament. No way near leveled up enough to be a challenger, Clay undertakes another class quest to add further abilities and with Chip's help becomes a Ranger. As he builds up this specific skills set may not enough as the tournament is a challenge Clay and friends have never seen before. The other contestants have skills and strategies that will stretch their abilities as close to death as you can go without dying. As Clay finds out, there's far more than wining a contest behind why his fellow players are taking part... and they may be worth dying for. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2019
More battle and fun
So this book the fourth AKO book and an awesome read. This series is very satisfying in an rpg sort of way and this book is no exception. The setting has moved to a new environment in the desert but mostly it's a big tournament. The stakes are high but our hero will fight anyway. I enjoy the side questing and grinding as this is very much like playing a game. More of the overarching plot is being revealed and I expect some new development in the plot soon now that communication with IRL is up somewhat. Thanks to the author for the ARC version but I also paid as well and look forward to more of AKO. Also thanks for no cliff hangers!!!
So this book the fourth AKO book and an awesome read. This series is very satisfying in an rpg sort of way and this book is no exception. The setting has moved to a new environment in the desert but mostly it's a big tournament. The stakes are high but our hero will fight anyway. I enjoy the side questing and grinding as this is very much like playing a game. More of the overarching plot is being revealed and I expect some new development in the plot soon now that communication with IRL is up somewhat. Thanks to the author for the ARC version but I also paid as well and look forward to more of AKO. Also thanks for no cliff hangers!!!
November 21, 2019
I was given this book by the author in exchange for a honest review. This is the 4th book I've read in the Arcane Kingdom Online series.
This is an entertaining book with interesting characters and an interesting concept. For RPG gamers it easy to recognize every RPG video game you've ever played while reading this series. Like all games the more the characters level up the hard the opponents and quests. I've really enjoyed see how things like an inventory is handled. I will say this doesn't pick right up where the lady one left off and it was a little disorienting at first but it was easy to get back into the flow. I'm looking forward to the next book.
This is an entertaining book with interesting characters and an interesting concept. For RPG gamers it easy to recognize every RPG video game you've ever played while reading this series. Like all games the more the characters level up the hard the opponents and quests. I've really enjoyed see how things like an inventory is handled. I will say this doesn't pick right up where the lady one left off and it was a little disorienting at first but it was easy to get back into the flow. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 28, 2019
Arcane Kingdom Online continues in this fun adventure which is the fourth book in the series. This is an entertaining book with cool characters, an interesting game world, lots of action, and game elements. I'd recommend starting with book one, which is my personal favorite, but I suspect this book would work okay as a standalone as well. I personally tend to be less interested in the game specific elements (like stats); however, I'm sure plenty of readers really enjoy them.
Recommended for teens and adult readers. Contains violence and mild sexual situations.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Recommended for teens and adult readers. Contains violence and mild sexual situations.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 30, 2019
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
September 14, 2024
Book 4 of Arcane Kingdom Online. We get into the second tier in this one and what’s more fun than a tournament. My only downside is that the end battle should have been a little more. That said the battle before it was epic and fun. Overall I have loved how this series has evolved and excited to get to the next book. Lots of crazy battles, insane combos, and a fun little ghost pixie. This is an entertaining series to read. Warning does contain explicit language.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
August 22, 2020
Repetitive garbage
Every single fight is the same "it's immune to my physical attacks. It's immune to my magic attacks. Oh yeah, just learned new ability" that happens to destroy enemy rapidly.I
The MC is still struggling to hit 2D, 4 books into the series, and the other characters are dude-frat boy, the love interest, and a hand full of others that have no discernable personality.
Got this for free and still overpaid
Every single fight is the same "it's immune to my physical attacks. It's immune to my magic attacks. Oh yeah, just learned new ability" that happens to destroy enemy rapidly.I
The MC is still struggling to hit 2D, 4 books into the series, and the other characters are dude-frat boy, the love interest, and a hand full of others that have no discernable personality.
Got this for free and still overpaid
November 20, 2019
Phenomenal follow up
"Clay, I have an idea," said Jackson. "Shades going to hate it. Can I give it a try?" Jacob Tanner is a master at the banter during combat. His stories are also fast paced and well written. I've read this series since the first book and would happily read not just more books in the series but also spin offs.
"Clay, I have an idea," said Jackson. "Shades going to hate it. Can I give it a try?" Jacob Tanner is a master at the banter during combat. His stories are also fast paced and well written. I've read this series since the first book and would happily read not just more books in the series but also spin offs.
November 27, 2025
I rated this 3.75 stars. This story was somehow less than others in the series. The story was less compelling. Maybe it was this story was more of Clay on his own and less with the party that has some great synergy. You do get some important information in this story. I don't know how to explain why it just didn't feel the same as the others beyond the fact that the team banter wasn't there
September 3, 2022
I have read many other LitRPGs by many different authors and I have yet to find Jakob Tanner's equal. The entire AKO series is simply phenomenal. A must read for diehard LitRPG fans and new comers alike.
March 21, 2020
Great book
Stellar work once again from Jakob Tanner! Lots of action and adventure, new lands and new enemies. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from Jakob Tanner! Lots of action and adventure, new lands and new enemies. Looking forward to the next one!
May 25, 2020
Great series
Really enjoyed this series. Cannot wait until the next book. It is very interesting to see the world evolve and grow.
Really enjoyed this series. Cannot wait until the next book. It is very interesting to see the world evolve and grow.
June 16, 2020
Fun to read, character development and expanding story is exciting. Good mix of tragic and funny parts to lighten the mood.
September 18, 2020
Bit fast paced
This one feels like it moves really quickly through the events. Some exposition skipping too which I find annoying often
This one feels like it moves really quickly through the events. Some exposition skipping too which I find annoying often
February 21, 2021
Very entertaining read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books
May 9, 2021
Adventurous!!
A very good and interesting story just steady movement from exciting scenes to the next! Only the hero has weepy nerves yet overall a well told story!
A very good and interesting story just steady movement from exciting scenes to the next! Only the hero has weepy nerves yet overall a well told story!
August 23, 2021
Audio-book: Audio quality: Good, Narration: Good
Action packed, engaging and entertaining.
Action packed, engaging and entertaining.
November 10, 2022
Anticlimactic at the end
February 26, 2024
This continues to expand the world and introduce new factions, and those who are honorable or less honorable.
More of the same, and readable.
More of the same, and readable.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews