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Chronicles of Ethan #2
Hard Mode
The choice is made. One hundred lives remain. Immortality is no longer an option.
After setting the game's difficulty to Hard Mode, Ethan learns his wife is in terrible danger. The game has labeled Melody an ‘unregistered personality’ and turned her into a quest objective.
Now a ruthless band of raiders are after her for their own reasons. Some want experience, others are looking for a new challenge. One of them—Lord Beast—pursues a darker objective. If he succeeds, Melody's personality will be destroyed forever.
Nothing in Mythian is what it seems, nowhere is safe, and every bargain has an expiration date. Even Ethan’s promise to himself.
After setting the game's difficulty to Hard Mode, Ethan learns his wife is in terrible danger. The game has labeled Melody an ‘unregistered personality’ and turned her into a quest objective.
Now a ruthless band of raiders are after her for their own reasons. Some want experience, others are looking for a new challenge. One of them—Lord Beast—pursues a darker objective. If he succeeds, Melody's personality will be destroyed forever.
Nothing in Mythian is what it seems, nowhere is safe, and every bargain has an expiration date. Even Ethan’s promise to himself.
- GenresFantasy
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2019
217 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
John L. Monk
21 books133 followersJohn L. Monk lives in Virginia, USA, with his wife, Dorothy. A writer with a degree in cultural anthropology, he boldly does the dishes, roots out evil wherever it lurks, and writes his own stunts.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 22, 2019
Character grows on you, good story
There were issues with the main character in the first book that made him a "yes/no" in the likeability scale. There's definitely some redemption in the beginning of the book and the overall story arc is well developed from this point on.
The main character will still run some people the wrong way with some of the behaviors he has, and I personally didn't understand the reason for "Hard Mode" being introduced into the game when so much effort was put forward in the previous book to get the Ward system setup in a satisfactory way and the abrupt addition of the "karma" pseudo-stat caught me on a loop.
Nonetheless, I will be picking up the next book to close out the series.
There were issues with the main character in the first book that made him a "yes/no" in the likeability scale. There's definitely some redemption in the beginning of the book and the overall story arc is well developed from this point on.
The main character will still run some people the wrong way with some of the behaviors he has, and I personally didn't understand the reason for "Hard Mode" being introduced into the game when so much effort was put forward in the previous book to get the Ward system setup in a satisfactory way and the abrupt addition of the "karma" pseudo-stat caught me on a loop.
Nonetheless, I will be picking up the next book to close out the series.
November 22, 2019
Fantastic sequel adds to this hard-hitting series.
The Chronicles of Ethan started with a visceral bang - walloping both the conventions and sensibilities of LitRPG. Hard Mode takes off from Monk's impressive first foray by adding, well, a hard mode. The first novel asked what do you do when you're not a game but need to follow the one person you love into a game? The answer was learn to game.
Now the answer is get good. The answers aren't coming easier as Ethan searches for the power he needs to save his wife. In search of shortcuts, Ethan finds pain. In search of strength, he examines his weaknesses. But, you know, with magic, dragons and some leveling-up awesomeness.
The Chronicles of Ethan started with a visceral bang - walloping both the conventions and sensibilities of LitRPG. Hard Mode takes off from Monk's impressive first foray by adding, well, a hard mode. The first novel asked what do you do when you're not a game but need to follow the one person you love into a game? The answer was learn to game.
Now the answer is get good. The answers aren't coming easier as Ethan searches for the power he needs to save his wife. In search of shortcuts, Ethan finds pain. In search of strength, he examines his weaknesses. But, you know, with magic, dragons and some leveling-up awesomeness.
February 8, 2021
The second installment of the series was also quite enjoyable. I do wish we'd had more Jaddow and Rita to balance things out, but this made Ethan a more likeable character. I found myself rooting for him and wishing there were ways to earn back lives. The ending was sort of expected but does leave me wondering where it'll go from here. I have a feeling I will dislike the wife, I already have some negative thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2019
THIS ending makes me wonder what is next
The first book ended in a way that was very frustrating - and not fully explained or justified. Getting past that and into this chapter makes me happy I stuck with it. Now the main character strives to reach his goal with all sorts of obstacles thrown in his way (of course). Now he’s reached his big goal. But what is next?
The first book ended in a way that was very frustrating - and not fully explained or justified. Getting past that and into this chapter makes me happy I stuck with it. Now the main character strives to reach his goal with all sorts of obstacles thrown in his way (of course). Now he’s reached his big goal. But what is next?
December 22, 2022
Ugh.
Why do I keep reading these?
It was at least better written than the first and the protagonist mostly more tolerable.
But just ugh.
May read the third just to get it out of my system. End the year with a… something.
Why do I keep reading these?
It was at least better written than the first and the protagonist mostly more tolerable.
But just ugh.
May read the third just to get it out of my system. End the year with a… something.
June 23, 2021
the first 1/3rd of this book is just our new "mentor" getting pissed at Ethan for being creative about how he power leveled. Then convincing him to switch to Hard Mode where he only has 100 lives left so he can prove he is serious to deserve the training he was supposed to be getting now. Then to get thrown into a dungeon thats hard for him and a great place to grind on his own with no answers or help.
if I had to make a guess Jedu is in love with his wife but cant have her until she is awakened by Ethan because that's the way cypher set it up. But that theory only explains why he is a useless asshole to Ethan. It would fail because if he really just wanted Ethans wife he would power level him and then drag him to see her.
Either way I am so annoyed at the book for just trying to belittle everything with no cause that I don't really care to find the cause.
if I had to make a guess Jedu is in love with his wife but cant have her until she is awakened by Ethan because that's the way cypher set it up. But that theory only explains why he is a useless asshole to Ethan. It would fail because if he really just wanted Ethans wife he would power level him and then drag him to see her.
Either way I am so annoyed at the book for just trying to belittle everything with no cause that I don't really care to find the cause.
February 17, 2021
The second book in the series of stories set in a VRMMORPG called Mythian.
This the second book of a LitRPG Novel Series. If you have not yet read _Mythian_, the first book of the series, I strongly recommend that you read it before digging into this novel. Following my advice will save you from spoiling some of the enjoyment you would otherwise have from the first book.
Naturally, Ethan continues his self imposed quest to reunite with his wife and she continues to sleep waiting for the kiss of a hero to wake her from her stasis. Unfortunately, other heroes have heard of the Sleeping Lady guarded by a dragon and seek to be the hero who wakes her. Ethan's retirement is growing more complex by the day.
This the second book of a LitRPG Novel Series. If you have not yet read _Mythian_, the first book of the series, I strongly recommend that you read it before digging into this novel. Following my advice will save you from spoiling some of the enjoyment you would otherwise have from the first book.
Naturally, Ethan continues his self imposed quest to reunite with his wife and she continues to sleep waiting for the kiss of a hero to wake her from her stasis. Unfortunately, other heroes have heard of the Sleeping Lady guarded by a dragon and seek to be the hero who wakes her. Ethan's retirement is growing more complex by the day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 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
November 24, 2019
Good adventure with surprises
The story is well written and the characters and plot are believable. I like that there are different challenges to overcome in each book and yet the transition between them all is pretty smooth.
The ending was a surprise, but not entirely, as there was a hint of foreshadowing; I appreciate that it was not too obvious. I hope there will be a book 3! Ethan has worked really hard, conquered some very difficult situations, remained true to his wife, and I’d like to see him go further, continue having a positive impact, and be rewarded. :)
The story is well written and the characters and plot are believable. I like that there are different challenges to overcome in each book and yet the transition between them all is pretty smooth.
The ending was a surprise, but not entirely, as there was a hint of foreshadowing; I appreciate that it was not too obvious. I hope there will be a book 3! Ethan has worked really hard, conquered some very difficult situations, remained true to his wife, and I’d like to see him go further, continue having a positive impact, and be rewarded. :)
December 24, 2021
This book was better in every category from the first book: the characters developed and changed, the world got bigger and had original places/powers, the plot took unexpected turns, and the ending was huge. I expected it to take him to book 3 to get to his trapped wife (not a spoiler, that's the opening chapter's challenge). But (very minor spoiler), he gets there in book two, but things are not what he expected when he arrives. I have no idea where he will go with book 3--and that's very interesting to me.
February 3, 2020
Pretty good
Fun read. I'll read the next. Worth the download. Good editing so no distractions there. A bit frustrating as the MC isn't just a noob... He's a chronic idiot. Still fun though.
Fun read. I'll read the next. Worth the download. Good editing so no distractions there. A bit frustrating as the MC isn't just a noob... He's a chronic idiot. Still fun though.
March 7, 2020
Book 1 was ok, but I could not finish this book, I got halfway and had to drop it. The MC is too stupid to live. He literally could have been with his wife and decides not to. He makes bad decision after bad decision. Too frustrating.
March 20, 2020
Very cool. Definitely worth the read.
If you read one, you know we're in a game. But hard mode is just what the title implies. Hard mode. Go pick up book 1 if you haven't already. Completely enjoyable. (Not my normal format of book but I'm loving it.)
If you read one, you know we're in a game. But hard mode is just what the title implies. Hard mode. Go pick up book 1 if you haven't already. Completely enjoyable. (Not my normal format of book but I'm loving it.)
May 26, 2020
Still good.
Some of the fun of the story is tapering off, but it’s still a good story. The MC remains relatively not-smart about his new world, or so it seems to me.
Still, a good read.
Some of the fun of the story is tapering off, but it’s still a good story. The MC remains relatively not-smart about his new world, or so it seems to me.
Still, a good read.
November 30, 2019
Great book
Fantastic book from a fantastic publishing company. I’ve legitimately not found anything from them I didn’t enjoy. Every one seems to be quality!
Fantastic book from a fantastic publishing company. I’ve legitimately not found anything from them I didn’t enjoy. Every one seems to be quality!
February 3, 2020
Really enjoyed this book
I recommend the book and cannot wait to read the next book. Has lots of twist and a great world.
I recommend the book and cannot wait to read the next book. Has lots of twist and a great world.
February 4, 2020
Great read
Great job and a strangely addicting read. It’s an easy story to fall into and want to keep falling. Now time to read the next!
Great job and a strangely addicting read. It’s an easy story to fall into and want to keep falling. Now time to read the next!
May 30, 2020
Second book did not disappoint.
Still easy to enjoy reading. I enjoy the mora seesaw. The ending threw me though. Will have to read the third book to see if it ends well or not!
Still easy to enjoy reading. I enjoy the mora seesaw. The ending threw me though. Will have to read the third book to see if it ends well or not!
September 16, 2021
Awesome the fun continues
December 14, 2022
good read
Unexpected twist. Give it a read. Our mc continues to spend his lives for his wife. Hopefully it pays off in the end.
Unexpected twist. Give it a read. Our mc continues to spend his lives for his wife. Hopefully it pays off in the end.
July 13, 2020
Whew! That was a fun ride. I was unexpectedly charmed by the first entry in the Chronicles of Ethan series, Mythian, and I'm satisfied with this second installment: it delivered a lot of the same sort of LitRPG thrills the first book in the series offered, but it also took the plot to thrilling and unexpected places.
The Chronicles of Ethan is a self-contained trilogy that concludes with Karma's Touch, so as the middle installment, Hard Mode succeeds in doing a lot of the trilogy's required heavy lifting. It takes us from the safety of the first days to new and dangerous territories, and introduces quite a few interesting concepts that make the word of Mythian more dangerous and exciting. I'm actually surprised at how much this installment moves the plot ahead; I expected a much longer road to get to the pulse-pounding cliffhanger that wraps up this installment.
I never thought I'd find myself saying this, but if I have one criticism of this novel, it's that it seems to be playing much faster and looser with its LitRPG aspirations. I enjoyed Mythian's almost obsessive-compulsive tracking of Ethan's skills and spells, but at some point Hard Mode loses some of its number-crunching antics in favor of something that feels closer to classical high fantasy. It's not a terrible sin as the plot is breezing along and we're getting into serious drama territory, but I'd say it's part of the delight of the first novel, and I found myself missing it a bit here. That's not to say Ethan's journey ever stops being a true LitRPG tale: there's still plenty of discussions of skills and spells, and the numbers keep flying off the page.
And so, having finished the second installment, the only recourse left to me is to dive into Karma's Touch right away. Looking forward to reading the conclusion to what has shaped up to be a well-crafted and fast-paced story.
The Chronicles of Ethan is a self-contained trilogy that concludes with Karma's Touch, so as the middle installment, Hard Mode succeeds in doing a lot of the trilogy's required heavy lifting. It takes us from the safety of the first days to new and dangerous territories, and introduces quite a few interesting concepts that make the word of Mythian more dangerous and exciting. I'm actually surprised at how much this installment moves the plot ahead; I expected a much longer road to get to the pulse-pounding cliffhanger that wraps up this installment.
I never thought I'd find myself saying this, but if I have one criticism of this novel, it's that it seems to be playing much faster and looser with its LitRPG aspirations. I enjoyed Mythian's almost obsessive-compulsive tracking of Ethan's skills and spells, but at some point Hard Mode loses some of its number-crunching antics in favor of something that feels closer to classical high fantasy. It's not a terrible sin as the plot is breezing along and we're getting into serious drama territory, but I'd say it's part of the delight of the first novel, and I found myself missing it a bit here. That's not to say Ethan's journey ever stops being a true LitRPG tale: there's still plenty of discussions of skills and spells, and the numbers keep flying off the page.
And so, having finished the second installment, the only recourse left to me is to dive into Karma's Touch right away. Looking forward to reading the conclusion to what has shaped up to be a well-crafted and fast-paced story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews