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Project Stellar #1
The Incarnator
When the shattered fragments of the Black Moon collapsed onto planet Earth, splitting continents apart and flooding them with raging oceans, Darkness descended onto our world. The eruptions of hostile energy from behind the Edge distorted the laws of the physical world, creating new life forms which now threaten to take over the planet. The last remaining vestiges of humankind, too desperate for their own survival, have nothing to offer against their advance.
So it’s time to activate Incarnation: the last instruction issued by Project Stellar. In a situation when there’re not enough living beings to protect planet Earth, the dead fighters will have to rejoin the defenders’ ranks.
So it’s time to activate Incarnation: the last instruction issued by Project Stellar. In a situation when there’re not enough living beings to protect planet Earth, the dead fighters will have to rejoin the defenders’ ranks.
571 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2020
318 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 13, 2020
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.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
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.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
June 26, 2021
It's the audiobook, not listed on here, for my morning walks. Phil Thron does a terrific job but I think I had my fill of fantasy/sci fi Litrpg, respawn, level up genre.
March 14, 2020
Wow
Death is not the end for some heroes, this is a great story about a hero that hard to put down.
Death is not the end for some heroes, this is a great story about a hero that hard to put down.
March 13, 2020
I really liked this story. It looks like there will be more in the series, and that's great news, because this is a great story, and (somewhat) unique in the LitRPG genre. Most fans should thoroughly enjoy this one. If you're not a fan, it might not hurt to take a look anyhow if you're a scifi fan, since this one has some scifi elements to it.
March 13, 2020
Good
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
March 11, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: I found five, most of them after the 50% mark.
Plot: People that can return from death. A unique magic system. Neat monsters.
Characters: The Mc is interesting.
I don’t want to say more because I’m afraid I will give spoilers.
8/10
Mistakes: I found five, most of them after the 50% mark.
Plot: People that can return from death. A unique magic system. Neat monsters.
Characters: The Mc is interesting.
I don’t want to say more because I’m afraid I will give spoilers.
8/10
March 10, 2020
Good book one.
Good book one I wish I could read book 2 right now. I hope I get to read book 2 as soon as it comes out I have already pre-ordered it
Good book one I wish I could read book 2 right now. I hope I get to read book 2 as soon as it comes out I have already pre-ordered it
April 8, 2020
Interesting premise, possibly interesting character.
One of the interesting bits on the book is how it is attempting to use sci-fi concepts to turn into RPG-like mechanics - including the possibility of perma-death and having to essentially "re-roll" a new character.
There is the usual array of tropes in play, but the politics and background worldbuilding are very good and promise much. It remains to be seen how this will be realized in the next volumes, but this one, at least, works as a series beginning.
One of the interesting bits on the book is how it is attempting to use sci-fi concepts to turn into RPG-like mechanics - including the possibility of perma-death and having to essentially "re-roll" a new character.
There is the usual array of tropes in play, but the politics and background worldbuilding are very good and promise much. It remains to be seen how this will be realized in the next volumes, but this one, at least, works as a series beginning.
August 19, 2024
Solid read. Interesting mix of science fiction and magic. MMC is heroic.
April 29, 2020
An interesting read. The author throws you right in to his world, new terms and descriptions for things and words that don’t make sense. I was very very close to dropping this after the first few chapters because it was confusing and you had to really try to understand what was going on.
After that, something’s get explain, and then more and all of a sudden you’re in this thrilling ride with this incarnator rooting for him and the story.
The ending was a bit too abrupt for my liking as well but thankfully I won’t have to wait too long for the next book to be released.
7.5/10
After that, something’s get explain, and then more and all of a sudden you’re in this thrilling ride with this incarnator rooting for him and the story.
The ending was a bit too abrupt for my liking as well but thankfully I won’t have to wait too long for the next book to be released.
7.5/10
April 13, 2025
Call me heartless, but I think it's a good thing Tara was killed. She wasn't a good love-interest. A teenager having relations with a dude that was an adult 300 years ago... yuck. That being said, so much of this felt weirdly juvenile 😅 I wonder if the writing is so or if the translation lost the original 'vibe'. A shame really, cuz the premise is cool af. I should probs wait before picking up the sequel; ain't no way it's a good idea to stick with this writing for too long. But I feel like making bad decisions 😈
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
Great read!
This was a fantastic book! At first it was a little confusing but I think it was meant to be that way as everything that I had questions about gets answered later in the book. I will definitely be reading the rest of these books!
This was a fantastic book! At first it was a little confusing but I think it was meant to be that way as everything that I had questions about gets answered later in the book. I will definitely be reading the rest of these books!
June 25, 2020
Its a good book, Phil did a great job with narration and its a solid story with a a ton of things that is left to do. I don't know what it is about Russian authors that they love to put there MC's though a living hell ALL the time, but it truly is universal for them.
August 13, 2020
Fast paced Litrpg
Good job bro! I like myself some fast action, light on the mechanics. A dash of romance and a mysterious back story. Alien tech is a plus too! Looking forward to reading the next installment. Thank you!
Good job bro! I like myself some fast action, light on the mechanics. A dash of romance and a mysterious back story. Alien tech is a plus too! Looking forward to reading the next installment. Thank you!
September 1, 2020
Found this title to be enjoyable and a smooth read, I really didn't want to put it down. So I read when I had time until I finished novel. I am now awaiting the next title in the series somewhat eagerly. Thankyou Roman Prokofiev for writing something that I could enjoy..
October 16, 2024
Eh? Review for book 1-5 So first? Maybe it's due to a different moral system of the writer but Later on not much spoil, the MC gets 'Mind powers' Now a main villain also has mind powers and the MC harps on how the bad guy is twisting everyone's minds meanwhile the MC is basically enslaving and mind 'r-ping' people's wills to twist them to his too. Except when he does it, it seems 'fine?' but when others do it, it's bad? Yet he never even addresses his own hypocrisy.
Second the MC has gawker syndrome. Every time he comes upon a scene, he stands there watching what's going on instead of acting. Like other books they might describe whats going on then say the MC saw it all in a split second and already was acting as all that was described. This MC? No he'll watch people get beat up, killed and claim it 'only took a minute or two but already blank and blank were dead, I had to move'...WHAT THE HELL. Why are you standing there staring at it for a minute or two, ACT! He is constantly just ' watching' things happen then acting.
Third? Incarnators. See this is explained in the first few chapters. There is the Adaptive Stellar system which lets incarnators upgrade their bodies and take in Aspects of monsters they beat to upgrade themselves, 3 per evolution. Then atop that is the incarnator protocol that lets them return from death. Two separate things built on top of eachother. Later on the MC is trying to mess with Stellar and wants to 'fix' it in his eyes and help out the world. YET...all his focus is on incarnators. NOT ONCE does he think. Huh, why don't I make EVERYONE..all humans part of the stellar 'adaptive' project so they can upgrade. Hell even those with just a source, their whole magical power in certain ones.
Basically there are like an elite heroes and then everyone else. Which makes no sense. Make it more like adventurers. Make it so everyone can upgrade the basic adaptive way with 1 life, while the heroes incarnators are the elites. At least then they would have some support to help fight monsters. Normal adventurers. It makes no sense because the adaptive system doesn't need any of the special stuff incarnators need. He even turns off all his special stuff at times and just uses the adaptive system to upgrade his body and implant new monster skills. So in the book there is literally no reason he couldn't make all humans allowed to use Stellar adaptive systems and open up a 'SYSTEM' progression system for everyone. The fact by book 5 he doesn't even think of this when trying constantly to find more people to help fight for the world Just is plain stupid.
Some might claim you need that alien AI but you don't, those just watch the incarnators to make sure they don't break the rules and help with the returning from death and issuing missions from Stellar. If you set up 'guild halls' with stellar consoles and had staff who worked there setting out missions for adventurers to take and rewarding them. Can do it just as well as having AI in their head of every member.
Second the MC has gawker syndrome. Every time he comes upon a scene, he stands there watching what's going on instead of acting. Like other books they might describe whats going on then say the MC saw it all in a split second and already was acting as all that was described. This MC? No he'll watch people get beat up, killed and claim it 'only took a minute or two but already blank and blank were dead, I had to move'...WHAT THE HELL. Why are you standing there staring at it for a minute or two, ACT! He is constantly just ' watching' things happen then acting.
Third? Incarnators. See this is explained in the first few chapters. There is the Adaptive Stellar system which lets incarnators upgrade their bodies and take in Aspects of monsters they beat to upgrade themselves, 3 per evolution. Then atop that is the incarnator protocol that lets them return from death. Two separate things built on top of eachother. Later on the MC is trying to mess with Stellar and wants to 'fix' it in his eyes and help out the world. YET...all his focus is on incarnators. NOT ONCE does he think. Huh, why don't I make EVERYONE..all humans part of the stellar 'adaptive' project so they can upgrade. Hell even those with just a source, their whole magical power in certain ones.
Basically there are like an elite heroes and then everyone else. Which makes no sense. Make it more like adventurers. Make it so everyone can upgrade the basic adaptive way with 1 life, while the heroes incarnators are the elites. At least then they would have some support to help fight monsters. Normal adventurers. It makes no sense because the adaptive system doesn't need any of the special stuff incarnators need. He even turns off all his special stuff at times and just uses the adaptive system to upgrade his body and implant new monster skills. So in the book there is literally no reason he couldn't make all humans allowed to use Stellar adaptive systems and open up a 'SYSTEM' progression system for everyone. The fact by book 5 he doesn't even think of this when trying constantly to find more people to help fight for the world Just is plain stupid.
Some might claim you need that alien AI but you don't, those just watch the incarnators to make sure they don't break the rules and help with the returning from death and issuing missions from Stellar. If you set up 'guild halls' with stellar consoles and had staff who worked there setting out missions for adventurers to take and rewarding them. Can do it just as well as having AI in their head of every member.
February 3, 2021
Not great
Not terrible, either. Started pretty strong, and advanced nicely. But it became uneven, with some scenes being poorly written the deeper I read. Especially secondary character development was lacking.
The continued use of the term ‘avant-garde’, while technically accurate, was distracting. The French phrase does mean ‘advance guard’, but the English use of the phrase is more ‘radical and unusual’. The correct term would be ‘vanguard’ in English.
I will not continue the series. The system and the writing are not compelling.
Not terrible, either. Started pretty strong, and advanced nicely. But it became uneven, with some scenes being poorly written the deeper I read. Especially secondary character development was lacking.
The continued use of the term ‘avant-garde’, while technically accurate, was distracting. The French phrase does mean ‘advance guard’, but the English use of the phrase is more ‘radical and unusual’. The correct term would be ‘vanguard’ in English.
I will not continue the series. The system and the writing are not compelling.
April 20, 2022
This book sound so much like Dakota krout's (The Completionist Chronicles) but instead of Fantasy its pure Scify. The worldbuilding, upgrades and things like that. It's not a bad thing as a Really like Dakota Krout, but it seems like they have been penpals or something like that.
Great fast pace book with small nuggets of information about the mystery scattered around.
It'¨s not a 5 star book, but it's in the high 4 star.
Great fast pace book with small nuggets of information about the mystery scattered around.
It'¨s not a 5 star book, but it's in the high 4 star.
dnf-did-not-finish
May 10, 2021This book is based on litrpg elements, the author just used as much science jargon as possible as a way to explain away "leveling up".
I can't take this anymore. The author's trying too hard to show his magic isn't really magic. I'm not in the right head space for these types of novels at the moment.
I will put this on hold.
I can't take this anymore. The author's trying too hard to show his magic isn't really magic. I'm not in the right head space for these types of novels at the moment.
I will put this on hold.
September 2, 2024
An interesting and innovative take on LitRPG. All the basic building blocks (leveling, stats, experience, etc) of LitRPG are in the story, but the author has put them together in a very different way.
This is definitely Russian literature in that the series is perhaps a bit darker and grittier than your traditional LitRPG read, but not in a bad way. Still, don't go in expecting unicorns and rainbows. Also, the copy editing wasn't the greatest, with a number of typos throughout the book. Not too distracting, overall, however.
Worth a read if you enjoy LitRPG!
This is definitely Russian literature in that the series is perhaps a bit darker and grittier than your traditional LitRPG read, but not in a bad way. Still, don't go in expecting unicorns and rainbows. Also, the copy editing wasn't the greatest, with a number of typos throughout the book. Not too distracting, overall, however.
Worth a read if you enjoy LitRPG!
June 17, 2020
Really enjoyed
I liked this book alot. Russia authors tend to be my favorite in this genre. The translation was overall pretty good, minor things but didn't take away from the book. Book to will be a buy for me when released.
I liked this book alot. Russia authors tend to be my favorite in this genre. The translation was overall pretty good, minor things but didn't take away from the book. Book to will be a buy for me when released.
December 16, 2020
Cool concept!
This book combined aspects from some of my favorite games and offers a unique perspective on character development. It's also very well written, and while I can tell it's been translated due to some word choices, it's still a very easy read.
This book combined aspects from some of my favorite games and offers a unique perspective on character development. It's also very well written, and while I can tell it's been translated due to some word choices, it's still a very easy read.
December 5, 2021
Spoiler Alert: This series is connected with the Cats Game series. And the character Cat appears further in the series… this so awesome. You get a hint in the book as MC finds Sphere of the worlds old Capsule.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2022
5/5
I loved this book!
Feel like it doesn't get enough reviews and reads xD
Perfect marriage of postapocalyptic with a similarities to litRPG, and enough actual biological and scientific information and worldbuilding to leave me giddy with excitement.
I loved this book!
Feel like it doesn't get enough reviews and reads xD
Perfect marriage of postapocalyptic with a similarities to litRPG, and enough actual biological and scientific information and worldbuilding to leave me giddy with excitement.
March 18, 2020
Enjoyable story
Enjoyable and unique in the LITRPG genre. Modern / futuristic apocalypse style. Book one leaves a lot of questions unanswered and ends with cliff hang.
Enjoyable and unique in the LITRPG genre. Modern / futuristic apocalypse style. Book one leaves a lot of questions unanswered and ends with cliff hang.
March 21, 2020
Excellent book
June 7, 2020
Great 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.
August 24, 2020
Entertaining! !!?
WoW the story is exciting and entertaining up till the end but a lot of fun things happen though out this book it's worth your reading Time. ..
WoW the story is exciting and entertaining up till the end but a lot of fun things happen though out this book it's worth your reading Time. ..
January 29, 2021
Definitely recommend
This is a great litrpg genre book. Wish I had found it sooner. Good world building and character. A guy trying to save mankind.
This is a great litrpg genre book. Wish I had found it sooner. Good world building and character. A guy trying to save mankind.
April 17, 2021
Intriguing
Not what I expected.
Not the usual LitRPG.
Amazing world building, characters, and lots of action.
Character system is novel, but makes sense.
Not what I expected.
Not the usual LitRPG.
Amazing world building, characters, and lots of action.
Character system is novel, but makes sense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews