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Sky Realms Online #2
Silver Peak
The game has only just begun....
Hall had thought he knew everything about the game, but he’s finding every day that things are different in this new, broken version of Sky Realms Online. There are new game elements, new enemies, and even new locations.
After just barely surviving his first boss fight, Hall finds himself in one of those new locations. He's become the lord of a ruined and isolated village called Skara Brae, deep in the middle of hostile territory.
Hall and his companions must make the long trek to the city of Silverpeak Keep for much-needed supplies, or they'll risk losing everything. He hopes the journey will help determine what to do with Skarra Brae, his new in-game home.
What he thought would be a simple journey through the foothills of the Thunder Growl Mountains becomes so much more. From raging undead to a gang war between two thieves guilds, Hall will need new allies to survive more surprises than ever before. And the threat of permadeath still looms.
The hit new litRPG series Sky Realms Online continues with Silverpeak. It's perfect for fans of J. A. Hunter, Dakota Krout, and Edward Brody.
Performed by Pavi Proczko, narrator of Eden's Gate and Continue Online.
Hall had thought he knew everything about the game, but he’s finding every day that things are different in this new, broken version of Sky Realms Online. There are new game elements, new enemies, and even new locations.
After just barely surviving his first boss fight, Hall finds himself in one of those new locations. He's become the lord of a ruined and isolated village called Skara Brae, deep in the middle of hostile territory.
Hall and his companions must make the long trek to the city of Silverpeak Keep for much-needed supplies, or they'll risk losing everything. He hopes the journey will help determine what to do with Skarra Brae, his new in-game home.
What he thought would be a simple journey through the foothills of the Thunder Growl Mountains becomes so much more. From raging undead to a gang war between two thieves guilds, Hall will need new allies to survive more surprises than ever before. And the threat of permadeath still looms.
The hit new litRPG series Sky Realms Online continues with Silverpeak. It's perfect for fans of J. A. Hunter, Dakota Krout, and Edward Brody.
Performed by Pavi Proczko, narrator of Eden's Gate and Continue Online.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 29, 2019
About the author
Troy Osgood
58 books117 followersBorn and raised in the granite state of New Hampshire, Troy is a lifelong and avid reader of comic books and novels (mostly in the fantasy, sci-fi and adventure/thriller genres). The ongoing serial storytelling methods of comic books and television has always fascinated him and provided inspiration for his writing. He’s always had a love of creating and world building and dreams of someday seeing his creations expressed across all media: books, comic books, movies, TV and even toys.
When not writing, Troy can be found outside hiking, kayaking or out back at the bonfire with beer in hand. Don’t expect to bother him during football season, especially when the Patriots are playing.
When not writing, Troy can be found outside hiking, kayaking or out back at the bonfire with beer in hand. Don’t expect to bother him during football season, especially when the Patriots are playing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 5, 2019
Good follow up
I liked this book and will be getting the third one when it comes out, hope there are more treasure maps and airship s.
I liked this book and will be getting the third one when it comes out, hope there are more treasure maps and airship s.
January 28, 2020
My 14 yr old son absolutely loved the first book so he was really excited when the second one came out. This series is really great for the YA that is into RPG and D&D based stories. This book picks up in the story two weeks after the first book ends. They are basically on two quests - get rid of zombies and get rid of a local thief guild. He tells me he thinks this book was better than the first one. This is a pretty fast-paced book that really makes it hard to put down. This didn't leave off on a horrible cliffhanger but it did definitely set itself up for the next book.
On a morality note, I would say probably PG13 (geared to the YA to adult), there is some language but no f-bombs, and there is the normal action violence but nothing too descriptive. There was more of a romance element being introduced in this book but nothing descriptive - basically he starts noticing the female character's "curves" and feeling the attraction but is left there. I am just hoping the author doesn't go more in-depth in the next books. The narrator did a great job with the acting, voices and made it even more entertaining to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
On a morality note, I would say probably PG13 (geared to the YA to adult), there is some language but no f-bombs, and there is the normal action violence but nothing too descriptive. There was more of a romance element being introduced in this book but nothing descriptive - basically he starts noticing the female character's "curves" and feeling the attraction but is left there. I am just hoping the author doesn't go more in-depth in the next books. The narrator did a great job with the acting, voices and made it even more entertaining to listen to.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 21, 2020
Hall and his friends are all back for more adventures. Hall is now a lord of a long vacated village, and he and his friends find themselves in need of supplies. So they set off for Silverpeak to stock up, but if you know this group than you know that is not as easy as it sounds.
I am sorry for the lack of description but I don't want to give away any of the action and suspense that fills this wonderful book to the top. If you are luck enough to have the audio performed by Pavi Proczko than you can zone out and believe you are there with Hall and his little band of friends as they go on adventures, complete quests, and most importantly try and keep each other alive.
I am sorry for the lack of description but I don't want to give away any of the action and suspense that fills this wonderful book to the top. If you are luck enough to have the audio performed by Pavi Proczko than you can zone out and believe you are there with Hall and his little band of friends as they go on adventures, complete quests, and most importantly try and keep each other alive.
December 26, 2019
Painful to read.
I forced myself through almost 90 percent of this book and regret I didn't stop sooner. The Game part of the Gamelit is virtually non existent and is used as a paper thin justification of the sociopathic actions of the main character. This book had zero character development, it was mostly uninspired violence and deus ex machina plot where the protagonist can do whatever random crap he wants and everything works out. I really liked the beginning of the first book and was hoping for more from the second. This is the end of this series for me.
I forced myself through almost 90 percent of this book and regret I didn't stop sooner. The Game part of the Gamelit is virtually non existent and is used as a paper thin justification of the sociopathic actions of the main character. This book had zero character development, it was mostly uninspired violence and deus ex machina plot where the protagonist can do whatever random crap he wants and everything works out. I really liked the beginning of the first book and was hoping for more from the second. This is the end of this series for me.
Read
August 8, 2020Fun read! This is a good follow up to the first book as we continue on the adventures of Hall and his crew as we see them progress as they now own their own town and try to stay alive in this world they find themselves in. The narration is well done. The characters really start to get more interesting in this book as they start to blur the lines between game and what is now their reality. Fun story and recommend if you enjoyed the first book.
January 11, 2021
My involvement with the characters in this literary universe increases with each chapter I read. There is a deeply philosophical theme developing in this series of books. The question of what makes a person is being explored by the characters as they deal with the Artificial Intelligence NPCs of their virtual world. They haven't yet confronted the question of whether they can consider themselves as human beings. What is the difference, if there is any, between a Transferred Intelligence and an Artificial Intelligence? Are both living beings? Or are both programs?
This will become a serious ethical issue when we create strong AIs.
But none of that matters to the adventure and plot of the novel; which, for Hall, Roxhard, and Sabine, is a quest to live the best lives they can in the virtual reality they now inhabit. They have acquired the Village of Skara Brae, but now need to rebuild the ruins into a thriving community. Elements of city building games are creeping in on Hall as he considers his new status as Lord of Skara Brae. His world is growing more complex by the second.
This will become a serious ethical issue when we create strong AIs.
But none of that matters to the adventure and plot of the novel; which, for Hall, Roxhard, and Sabine, is a quest to live the best lives they can in the virtual reality they now inhabit. They have acquired the Village of Skara Brae, but now need to rebuild the ruins into a thriving community. Elements of city building games are creeping in on Hall as he considers his new status as Lord of Skara Brae. His world is growing more complex by the second.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2019
This book starts where the first one ended. It was a good continuation for the series, but still no more hints about their bodies. We also get some new characters that add some good elements to the Guild and story. The book does have a solid ending and doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but does give a hint what the next one will be about. The narration was good. I received this book for free for my honest review.
September 23, 2023
Introduction:
Greetings, fellow denizens of the vast universe. I am Kiba Snowpaw, the Alpha Ice Wolf from the chilling landscapes of HowlStrom. With ice magic coursing through my veins and over three decades of gaming experience under my fur, I've ventured into countless realms, both virtual and real. Today, I bring forth my review of "Sky Realms Online #1: Grayhold" by Troy Osgood. So, brace yourselves, for we're about to embark on a journey through floating islands and pixelated challenges.
Basic Plot Summary:
In the vast expanse of the virtual universe, Sky Realms Online stands as a beacon for MMORPG enthusiasts. But what happens when the line between the game and reality blurs? Players find themselves trapped, their powers reset, and a cryptic message from the developers becomes their only guide. Among them is Hall, a seasoned player, who decides to embrace this new reality and embark on a quest unlike any other.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Osgood masterfully crafts a tale that resonates with every gamer's dream and nightmare - living inside their favorite game. The narrative is a roller-coaster of emotions, from the thrill of leveling up to the dread of facing insurmountable challenges. The stakes are high, and the game's new reality is fraught with dangers that are far more real than one would expect.
Characters:
Hall, our protagonist, is not just a player; he's a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination. His evolution from a casual gamer to a leader is both inspiring and relatable. The supporting cast, both players and NPCs, add depth to the story, each with their unique backstories and motivations.
Structure:
The book seamlessly integrates gaming mechanics with a compelling narrative. The chapters flow smoothly, with each quest and challenge building upon the last, pushing the characters to their limits and forcing them to adapt and evolve.
Impact:
"Sky Realms Online #1" is not just a story; it's an experience. It delves deep into the psyche of gamers, exploring their deepest desires and fears. It's a reflection on the nature of reality, identity, and the human spirit.
Hook and Thesis:
The allure of "Sky Realms Online #1" lies in its ability to transport readers into a world where the impossible becomes possible. Osgood sets a new benchmark for the LitRPG genre, blending action, emotion, and gaming mechanics into a captivating tale.
Praise and Critique:
Osgood's world-building is impeccable, and his character development is top-notch. However, the pacing occasionally feels like a grinding quest, slowing the momentum. But this minor flaw is overshadowed by the book's overall brilliance.
Comparison:
While many LitRPGs tread familiar paths, "Sky Realms Online #1" carves its own niche. It stands tall, not as a shadow of "Ready Player One" or "Sword Art Online," but as a unique masterpiece in its own right.
Conclusion:
To all my fellow gamers and fantasy enthusiasts, "Sky Realms Online #1" is a journey worth embarking on. It's a testament to the power of imagination, the allure of gaming, and the indomitable human spirit. As the Alpha of HowlStrom, I give it my seal of approval. Dive into the realms, but always remember the ancient HowlStrom adage: "In the heart of winter, the spirit of adventure burns brightest."
Review by Kiba Snowpaw, Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom.
Greetings, fellow denizens of the vast universe. I am Kiba Snowpaw, the Alpha Ice Wolf from the chilling landscapes of HowlStrom. With ice magic coursing through my veins and over three decades of gaming experience under my fur, I've ventured into countless realms, both virtual and real. Today, I bring forth my review of "Sky Realms Online #1: Grayhold" by Troy Osgood. So, brace yourselves, for we're about to embark on a journey through floating islands and pixelated challenges.
Basic Plot Summary:
In the vast expanse of the virtual universe, Sky Realms Online stands as a beacon for MMORPG enthusiasts. But what happens when the line between the game and reality blurs? Players find themselves trapped, their powers reset, and a cryptic message from the developers becomes their only guide. Among them is Hall, a seasoned player, who decides to embrace this new reality and embark on a quest unlike any other.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Osgood masterfully crafts a tale that resonates with every gamer's dream and nightmare - living inside their favorite game. The narrative is a roller-coaster of emotions, from the thrill of leveling up to the dread of facing insurmountable challenges. The stakes are high, and the game's new reality is fraught with dangers that are far more real than one would expect.
Characters:
Hall, our protagonist, is not just a player; he's a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination. His evolution from a casual gamer to a leader is both inspiring and relatable. The supporting cast, both players and NPCs, add depth to the story, each with their unique backstories and motivations.
Structure:
The book seamlessly integrates gaming mechanics with a compelling narrative. The chapters flow smoothly, with each quest and challenge building upon the last, pushing the characters to their limits and forcing them to adapt and evolve.
Impact:
"Sky Realms Online #1" is not just a story; it's an experience. It delves deep into the psyche of gamers, exploring their deepest desires and fears. It's a reflection on the nature of reality, identity, and the human spirit.
Hook and Thesis:
The allure of "Sky Realms Online #1" lies in its ability to transport readers into a world where the impossible becomes possible. Osgood sets a new benchmark for the LitRPG genre, blending action, emotion, and gaming mechanics into a captivating tale.
Praise and Critique:
Osgood's world-building is impeccable, and his character development is top-notch. However, the pacing occasionally feels like a grinding quest, slowing the momentum. But this minor flaw is overshadowed by the book's overall brilliance.
Comparison:
While many LitRPGs tread familiar paths, "Sky Realms Online #1" carves its own niche. It stands tall, not as a shadow of "Ready Player One" or "Sword Art Online," but as a unique masterpiece in its own right.
Conclusion:
To all my fellow gamers and fantasy enthusiasts, "Sky Realms Online #1" is a journey worth embarking on. It's a testament to the power of imagination, the allure of gaming, and the indomitable human spirit. As the Alpha of HowlStrom, I give it my seal of approval. Dive into the realms, but always remember the ancient HowlStrom adage: "In the heart of winter, the spirit of adventure burns brightest."
Review by Kiba Snowpaw, Alpha Ice Wolf of HowlStrom.
January 13, 2024
The second installment of Sky Realms Online, Silver Peak picks up shortly after where the first book leaves off and sees our protagonist and his rag-tag (though somehow well-rounded) team of players progressing along a storyline to create a settlement. The aspects of this book that stand out to me in a positive light include the painstakingly slow level progression, making each skill choice that much more imperative; inclusion of a thieves guild, which is one of my favorite playthrough styles for RPGs; and also the structure of the questing system directing our heroes to a goal and then getting COMPLETELY sidetracked on a side quest of substantial duration, just like what one can experience in a true gaming title. The opportunities lie in how simple the character development is and the lack of any real meat with regard to the world aside from islands, which we have seen very few. This aspect of the immersion lends the thought that there are myriad experiences the characters could experience, but thus far the story has been fairly linear, but this does make the story easy to follow, especially for young adult readers looking into this genre. Overall, I do like the story enough to continue with the next title and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys RPG gaming or literature.
February 28, 2020
I love the story
I have to say this series is a lot of fun and the story is great. The world building is pretty amazing, and there is a lot of attention to small details that a lot of authors miss.
That being said, I really really wanted to give 5 stars, but I couldn’t. There are times where there is too much detail given, which really just makes the story longer without adding any real depth to it. In other places, there are a LOT of short, choppy sentences that break up the the flow and make it difficult to read, and there are still a lot of typos (not as many as Book 1, it’s definitely better, but still quite a few).
At the end of book 1 I was looking forward to hearing more about Davit and the evil players, and was a bit disappointed they didn’t play a bigger role in this book, but the story was very good and interesting, and is leaving more to look forward to in the future with the other players.
I have to say this series is a lot of fun and the story is great. The world building is pretty amazing, and there is a lot of attention to small details that a lot of authors miss.
That being said, I really really wanted to give 5 stars, but I couldn’t. There are times where there is too much detail given, which really just makes the story longer without adding any real depth to it. In other places, there are a LOT of short, choppy sentences that break up the the flow and make it difficult to read, and there are still a lot of typos (not as many as Book 1, it’s definitely better, but still quite a few).
At the end of book 1 I was looking forward to hearing more about Davit and the evil players, and was a bit disappointed they didn’t play a bigger role in this book, but the story was very good and interesting, and is leaving more to look forward to in the future with the other players.
July 21, 2020
Silverpeak isn’t that shiny
With a new village to take care of and grow that is currently in ruins, the team heads to Silver Peak (and its keep) to get supplies and set-up a possible trade route or regular shipments. While in Silver Peak, the team splits up (never ever split up, it leads to bad things just ask Scooby) and Sabine is captured and jailed. Someone killed the apothecary that she was seen coming out of.
We find out this is all just a ploy to help get the team associated with no one currently to help stop a thieves guild war. There are now 2 thieves guilds, one follows the rules, stays in certain areas and doesn’t do really vile things. The new group kills rich people, poor people and do whatever they want. Oh and they have hobs. Where did the hobs come from?
With a new village to take care of and grow that is currently in ruins, the team heads to Silver Peak (and its keep) to get supplies and set-up a possible trade route or regular shipments. While in Silver Peak, the team splits up (never ever split up, it leads to bad things just ask Scooby) and Sabine is captured and jailed. Someone killed the apothecary that she was seen coming out of.
We find out this is all just a ploy to help get the team associated with no one currently to help stop a thieves guild war. There are now 2 thieves guilds, one follows the rules, stays in certain areas and doesn’t do really vile things. The new group kills rich people, poor people and do whatever they want. Oh and they have hobs. Where did the hobs come from?
September 15, 2020
This is an enjoyable, pleasant continuation of the first Sky Realms Online book, and I plan to start the third immediately. I've been listening to the Audible recording, and it is well-done. I am quite satisfied with how the author chose to continue with the growth of the characters, adding new material and characters, mainly through quests, unexpected, and in new areas. I hope the next book takes us into village development. Enjoyable!
Read
February 23, 2023Hall finds himself unexpectedly the Lord of a village, Skara Brae. It's located far inside a hostile territory, isolated and ruined. He and his friends must travel to the city of Silverpeak to procure building materials to restore the village.
On their journey to Silverpeak they battle raging undead and once inside the city, they're blackmailed into stopping a gang war between two thieves guilds.
They still aren't sure if they'll respawn after death so every fight is a personal gamble.
On their journey to Silverpeak they battle raging undead and once inside the city, they're blackmailed into stopping a gang war between two thieves guilds.
They still aren't sure if they'll respawn after death so every fight is a personal gamble.
December 8, 2019
Our intrepid adventures complete a couple of outstanding quests but now they must journey to Eddin to deal with Lee’s mission. The corrupted grove was near a town called Skarra Brae, which ultimately came into the possession of Hall. Hall always wanted an in-game place to call his own but never expected it to be an entire town. Needing supplies and a decent rest, our battered crew heads for Silver Peak. One confusing thing I noticed was that this group of experienced adventures did not carry several different types of weapons. Each player could, or should have a slashing, bludgeoning, and ranged weapon in their inventory, utilizing whatever the situation demands. Granted, it may not be their preferred weapon, but swords do not work on skeletons or golems. For the most part, the mechanics of the game were pretty accurate, but there were a couple of things that stood out. In some (most?) MMORPGs, a boss monster will activate some form of damage or health effect at fifty percent and/or twenty-five percent health. Not so much here. Yes, yes I know I’m being picky but the better the storyteller is, the more irregularities stick out. Sort of a backhanded compliment, eh? I anxiously anticipate Hall’s budding love interest, but he appears to be in no hurry. After entering Silver Peak our hapless heroes find themselves in the middle of a guild war between two thief guilds. There is much ado about politics and the running of the city, including a multi-threaded quest, but it is still a pretty good story. Four.point.five. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 24, 2020
I loved the first one but only liked this second one. The quest lines and plot choices just did not flow very well but I recognize the this is a good author that created characters worth caring about. I could not put the first one down but at times had to push through this one. The good thing is that getting through this may have taken care of all the setup to make the next one really good.
November 17, 2020
Silver Peak (Sky Realms Online, #2), my second read/listen from author Troy Osgood. An enjoyable read, especially for fans of LitRGG & FRP. The story levels out in this book, leading up to Axestorm (Sky Realms Online, #3). I again enjoyed the narrative talents of Pavi Proczko whose voice made an enjoyable book even better. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 10, 2022
What's with every one getting stabbed in the shoulder?
I am enjoying this series so far. The author has a little bit of an obsession with people getting stabbed in the shoulder. Whether it's the mc or an enemy if there is a fight somebody is getting stabbed in the shoulder. It's weird and kinda annoying but other than that great books.
I am enjoying this series so far. The author has a little bit of an obsession with people getting stabbed in the shoulder. Whether it's the mc or an enemy if there is a fight somebody is getting stabbed in the shoulder. It's weird and kinda annoying but other than that great books.
December 19, 2019
A good story, weird systems
There was a lot more "intrigue" this time around which detracted from the overall story. The main character and his group spend a lot of time on basic fetch and social quests and the game and level up mechanics are almost non-existent, beyond the premise.
Nonetheless, it ended being an enjoyable read, even though the end of book 1 led the reader to think that this would end up being a see settlement building story.
There was a lot more "intrigue" this time around which detracted from the overall story. The main character and his group spend a lot of time on basic fetch and social quests and the game and level up mechanics are almost non-existent, beyond the premise.
Nonetheless, it ended being an enjoyable read, even though the end of book 1 led the reader to think that this would end up being a see settlement building story.
December 30, 2019
Good Read.
Enjoying the continuing story. Picks up from the previous book. They adventure out to solve the issues of their new town, but very little town building is done in this book. Plans are made and executed. Looking forward to the next book.
Enjoying the continuing story. Picks up from the previous book. They adventure out to solve the issues of their new town, but very little town building is done in this book. Plans are made and executed. Looking forward to the next book.
February 10, 2021
Doesn't make sense? What gnomes?
This is book 2 right? It starts off mentioning a fight with a spriggan to save gnomes? There is nothing about that in book 1. Feels like something is missing.
This is book 2 right? It starts off mentioning a fight with a spriggan to save gnomes? There is nothing about that in book 1. Feels like something is missing.
September 21, 2022
I enjoyed it, still feels like the chatacter level up and skill level ups are random. If it feels like a lart of the story is missing, you need to go to his website and get his free book of short stories. That will have the missing part between book 1 and 2.
February 9, 2023
Little did Hall know that going to Silver Peak to purchase some much-needed supplies would end up in a humongous quest chain. A chain that would change Skara Brae forever.
Pavi Proczko gives us another epic voice performance narrating this tale.
Pavi Proczko gives us another epic voice performance narrating this tale.
January 19, 2020
Great series
Love the premise! The characters are fun ! The world ring created seems vast. Can't wait to see what lies ahead.
Love the premise! The characters are fun ! The world ring created seems vast. Can't wait to see what lies ahead.
January 27, 2020
Great book
Stellar work once again from Troy Osgood! Lots of action and adventure, skills and intrigue. Less town building than I expected, but sets up for some in the next one.
Stellar work once again from Troy Osgood! Lots of action and adventure, skills and intrigue. Less town building than I expected, but sets up for some in the next one.
July 28, 2020
Maybe shoulda reminded the reader about MC's partial nightvision being a racial ability only 2 or 3 times. Instead of 6.
July 29, 2020
KSilverpeak picks up shortly after the end of Grayhold, with the party having picked up new allies in the Greenheight Vale Gnomes, after assisting them with a pest problem. The Party then make their way to another village, where they come across the Firbolg clan of the Brownpaws. Without going into great detail and giving away the story here, this leads to an in-depth adventure cycle, and not only leads to some interesting story, but some new outcomes for Hall and Skara Brae. More importantly, the party picks up a new party member as a result of this encounter.
After this part of the story, Hall and the group head to the city of Silverpeak, as Hall and Leigh both need resources for their respective new projects. However when they reach Silverpeak, they find that they are caught up in a feud between two warring thieves guilds.
This leads the Party into a set of ongoing adventures that are not just the standard combat orientated conflicts, but a complex series of political missions that Hall finds that he is struggling to deal with. No longer is this just a game, but it has become very real life, with the situations he is facing being far more complex than the previous games he has played. He also has to remember that things are different now, it is not like previously where you could just respawn if things went wrong when you did a mission and it went wrong, now people die, and he, unwittingly, has become the leader of their party, and so is now responsible for the lives within the group.
I don’t want to give away spoilers for what takes place with the storyline for the series of missions that the group needs to follow within Silverpeak, but it does make for not just the usual ‘hack’n’slash’, but rather a really well thought out and fascinating series of events.
The other aspect of this new environment that the characters now find themselves in, is one of character development. We see the story told through the eyes of Hall as the main character, and as the leader of this rather odd group. As Hall notes, previously, he would have taken a very different path with his character development, choosing skills and attributes that suited combat so that he would be best suited for that role within the game. But with this new situation, the characters now being a part of the game, having to live their lives there, Hall starts to look at how he needs to develop his character differently, the skills he will choose, not just going for agility and strength, but looking at charisma as well, so he will be able to be a better negotiator for his village of Skara Brae etc, or looking at survival skills, so he can survive out in the wilds when they are a long way from a village. It is this attention to detail within the story that has made this one of the more interesting in the genre of LitRPG in which a character has become stuck in the gaming world. One other thing I have really liked is how Hall is constantly looking out for the younger Roxhard, who, although is a several hundred year old Dwarf in game terms, was actually only a 14yr old boy when the ‘Glitch’ happened. Hall makes the effort to look after him as Roxhard struggles with not just the reality of their situation, but concepts of ‘ego’ within the gaming world as well.
Another fascinating aspect of the story, is how the Player Characters treat the Non-Player Characters or NPCs. Hall and Roxhard treat them just as they treat everyone else, Sabine is not so generous (although, she is not so generous with anyone really), whilst there are other factions with the game that have started to come to light, that see themselves as ‘Overlords’ of the NPCs, and treat them like cattle or playthings, killing them for fun. Hall however, sees them as equals, and has formed a strong bond with Leigh, the Druid that he met early in Book 1. It is really intriguing seeing the different moral code that Players have with regards to others, given that they are not much different in the greater scheme of things.
One of the important aspects of both a Fantasy and a LitRPG book is the quality of the combat sequences, as well as the level and quality of ‘RPG’ information supplied during the story. The combat sequences in this series have been nothing short of masterful, with exceptional detail, so good, that you feel like you are there with the characters, going through the combat, feeling the blows and taking the hits, or feeling the energy of spells. It is just brilliant.
I have to admit to not being a huge fan of LitRPG, I love Fantasy, and I have been a fan of RPG since I was a kid, but have not been sold on the blend. But this series has been a really fantastic blend, melding the two with consummate ease, so that the story is not overly interrupted, but you still get a nice mix of the RPG element.
This has been an outstanding sequel to what was a fantastic first book to the series, and I have become thoroughly engaged in the series (having already started book 3, and owning both ebook and audiobooks for the remainder of the series). If you love a good Fantasy or like your LitRPG – then this is one not to be missed!!
After this part of the story, Hall and the group head to the city of Silverpeak, as Hall and Leigh both need resources for their respective new projects. However when they reach Silverpeak, they find that they are caught up in a feud between two warring thieves guilds.
This leads the Party into a set of ongoing adventures that are not just the standard combat orientated conflicts, but a complex series of political missions that Hall finds that he is struggling to deal with. No longer is this just a game, but it has become very real life, with the situations he is facing being far more complex than the previous games he has played. He also has to remember that things are different now, it is not like previously where you could just respawn if things went wrong when you did a mission and it went wrong, now people die, and he, unwittingly, has become the leader of their party, and so is now responsible for the lives within the group.
I don’t want to give away spoilers for what takes place with the storyline for the series of missions that the group needs to follow within Silverpeak, but it does make for not just the usual ‘hack’n’slash’, but rather a really well thought out and fascinating series of events.
The other aspect of this new environment that the characters now find themselves in, is one of character development. We see the story told through the eyes of Hall as the main character, and as the leader of this rather odd group. As Hall notes, previously, he would have taken a very different path with his character development, choosing skills and attributes that suited combat so that he would be best suited for that role within the game. But with this new situation, the characters now being a part of the game, having to live their lives there, Hall starts to look at how he needs to develop his character differently, the skills he will choose, not just going for agility and strength, but looking at charisma as well, so he will be able to be a better negotiator for his village of Skara Brae etc, or looking at survival skills, so he can survive out in the wilds when they are a long way from a village. It is this attention to detail within the story that has made this one of the more interesting in the genre of LitRPG in which a character has become stuck in the gaming world. One other thing I have really liked is how Hall is constantly looking out for the younger Roxhard, who, although is a several hundred year old Dwarf in game terms, was actually only a 14yr old boy when the ‘Glitch’ happened. Hall makes the effort to look after him as Roxhard struggles with not just the reality of their situation, but concepts of ‘ego’ within the gaming world as well.
Another fascinating aspect of the story, is how the Player Characters treat the Non-Player Characters or NPCs. Hall and Roxhard treat them just as they treat everyone else, Sabine is not so generous (although, she is not so generous with anyone really), whilst there are other factions with the game that have started to come to light, that see themselves as ‘Overlords’ of the NPCs, and treat them like cattle or playthings, killing them for fun. Hall however, sees them as equals, and has formed a strong bond with Leigh, the Druid that he met early in Book 1. It is really intriguing seeing the different moral code that Players have with regards to others, given that they are not much different in the greater scheme of things.
One of the important aspects of both a Fantasy and a LitRPG book is the quality of the combat sequences, as well as the level and quality of ‘RPG’ information supplied during the story. The combat sequences in this series have been nothing short of masterful, with exceptional detail, so good, that you feel like you are there with the characters, going through the combat, feeling the blows and taking the hits, or feeling the energy of spells. It is just brilliant.
I have to admit to not being a huge fan of LitRPG, I love Fantasy, and I have been a fan of RPG since I was a kid, but have not been sold on the blend. But this series has been a really fantastic blend, melding the two with consummate ease, so that the story is not overly interrupted, but you still get a nice mix of the RPG element.
This has been an outstanding sequel to what was a fantastic first book to the series, and I have become thoroughly engaged in the series (having already started book 3, and owning both ebook and audiobooks for the remainder of the series). If you love a good Fantasy or like your LitRPG – then this is one not to be missed!!
April 19, 2021
Good read
Slow progression with lots of action. I plan on continuing with reading the series. A good story with almost no errors.
Slow progression with lots of action. I plan on continuing with reading the series. A good story with almost no errors.
April 26, 2021
Very Likeable!!
I am having trouble rating this story because it's interesting but gets slow at times before more actions? The next book should solve this problem good or so so.
I am having trouble rating this story because it's interesting but gets slow at times before more actions? The next book should solve this problem good or so so.
October 10, 2021
Yee
I have a few questions about the position I was looking for and I would love to be a bit more flexible with the price of the house and the house is a bit of a hassle.
I have a few questions about the position I was looking for and I would love to be a bit more flexible with the price of the house and the house is a bit of a hassle.
March 12, 2022
A perfectly acceptable litrpg story that had me quibbling with the details and feeling uninspired. I'm going to stop here and let it go - and maybe try to read some non-litrpg for a while.
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