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Respawn #4

Nightmare Mode

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The Continent is full of all kinds of places, and in some, fear rules every corner. Approaching the worst of these places is beyond the stomachs of most men and women. Entering and crossing them? Even fewer would dare that. And they would only do so with an experienced team or a heavily armored trade caravan, for only in such company would they have a chance of making it.

Even then, nothing is guaranteed. In the borderlands, a mighty tank regiment can perish in a matter of moments. The risk of any crossing is colossal.

But Cheater has no tank convoy, no trade caravan, no crack team. He has joined a parody of a party, with only one or two experienced members and a handful of unknown wildcards. Some seem so new they wouldn't cut it in kindergarten. The party leader, meanwhile, acts like a god of wine cast down to the Continent for making cheap beer his new drink of choice. Now this dubious boss consumes an endless stream of warm alcoholic fizz to fuel his life-or-death decisions.

The luckiest of players could hardly expect to succeed in such a situation. Cheater, however, has no choice.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2019

100 people are currently reading
42 people want to read

About the author

Arthur Stone

57 books263 followers
Arthur Stone is the pen name of one Arthur Smirnov, a prolific author in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.

Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com

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5 stars
334 (61%)
4 stars
160 (29%)
3 stars
43 (7%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,187 reviews86 followers
December 21, 2019
Book four

Mistakes: I found four throughout the book. Usually they where incorrectly used words.
Plot: Travel across the land and hunt monsters for loot.
Characters: The Mc acted a lot more mature in this book.
8/10
On a personal note I don’t feel like this book is worth 5.99$. Nor do I understand why this book isn’t on KU with the rest of the series, which doesn’t feel like it is finished.
Profile Image for Murtah Blake.
101 reviews
May 16, 2022
I've just finished the entire Respawn series, books 1-6 and I really enjoyed them. I listened to the audiobook while I was at work and found the entire idea of a character having multiple lives VERY interesting! Every time our character Rock/Rocky/Cheater died he would learn from his mistakes and always make his death come at a cost to his enemies. I really wish the book had continued into a 7th book, there are so many places this story could go however I understand why it didn't because this isn't the sort of story that could really end anywhere. Thanks very much Arthur Stone for writing something so interesting!(I'll copy and paste this review on all 6 books.)
Profile Image for Vincent Archer.
443 reviews22 followers
September 21, 2020
Cheater gonna cheat.

The entire tome is devoted to a team of misfits trying to do what is supposed to be impossible, in the context of the litrpg universe. Of course, having Cheater in their team, the impossible becomes merely very very hard, and we follow the struggle, slipping around enemy gangs, danger, betrayals, the weirdness of the Continent, and a finale.

And then, you discover the grand finale. And more cheating. This is cheating on steroids. But that should be on par when your hero is literally called Cheater.
Profile Image for Akshay.
848 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2024

Nightmare Mode (Respawn, #4) by Arthur Stone:



Nightmare Mode, the fourth installment in the Respawn series by Arthur Stone, continues the saga of reincarnation and second chances introduced in the earlier books. While the premise remains intriguing, the execution in this particular installment fails to reach the heights of its predecessors, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed and lacking in cohesion.



Stone's writing style remains consistent, with clear prose and descriptive language that immerses readers in the world of Nightmare Mode.



In this book, readers follow the protagonist as they navigate yet another reincarnation, this time in a world fraught with danger and darkness. While the concept is promising, the plot feels convoluted and overstuffed, with too many subplots and side characters vying for attention.



The world-building in this installment is expanded upon, with Stone delving deeper into the rules and mechanics of reincarnation, as well as the larger setting in which the story takes place.



Moreover, the character development in Nightmare Mode feels lacking, with the protagonist failing to undergo significant growth or evolution throughout the narrative. The relationships between characters also feel underdeveloped, robbing the story of emotional depth and resonance.





Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)



Nightmare Mode (Respawn, #4) may appeal to fans of the series looking for closure, but ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling and cohesive narrative. While it may provide some entertainment for casual readers, it lacks the depth and originality to stand out in a crowded genre.

Profile Image for Clint Young.
849 reviews
April 1, 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
52 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2019
Has to be my favorite litrpg type story

I can't get enough of this series. It doesn't get really into the weeds with stat distribution, but it does it in a way that still keeps you really involved and interested. Don't get me wrong, it has stats, but not the constant deliberation of some other stories. I am not doing this any justice. Let me just state I really enjoy reading this series. It keeps me reading.
76 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2020
I wanted more so I read book 5 in russian.

Cool continuation of the series with more growth, adventures and obviously massive fights. Story introduced few more played with cool abilities and Cheater ribs the System with his friends.
btw in book five he spends some time Like naked and afraid in the desert but waay cooler prizes and gets to become almost an oligarch, and has a chat with Romeo! Love the story
Profile Image for Jeffery Harper.
42 reviews
December 19, 2019
Great book excited for the next

This book did a great job of building the characters if 9there and 3expanding somewhat on how the system works. While I would like to learn more about the MC, this book was done in a way that the story isnt lacking without it. This Arthur has definitely become one of my favorites. Can't wait for his next book.
Profile Image for Zack Clay.
103 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2019
This one of my top 3 favorite series

I just reread the first 3 to read this one and hardly stopped. Games, food, sleep all became necessary distractions. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you
29 reviews
December 28, 2019
Keeps getting better

It is very seldom that I write a second review of a series but this series demands it. I read 10+ books a month, mostly LitRPG lately. I would rate this series in my top 5. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Vincent Bernhardt.
Author 15 books6 followers
February 1, 2020
Well-written, well-paced story

LitRPG is a tough genre. This series is an excellent example of writing a great story without becoming a dungeon dive.
Not that I dislike a good dungeon dive story...
So - good plot, good characters, good read.
Go ahead.
24 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2019
Great survival LiyRPG.

Can't stop reading or put it down. Such a great series....only complaint is they end.
Cant wait for next book
Profile Image for Grant Merrifield.
707 reviews14 followers
December 27, 2019
Once again an epic book.

Thank you once again for an epic book mr. Stone. I highly anticipates the next book in the series I cannot wait to read it.
Author 4 books9 followers
January 2, 2020
Amazing as usual.

Moooooooore! This is one series that keeps me coming back for more. I can't wait till the next one. Eta?
108 reviews
January 10, 2020
Absolutely astonished

This book, wow. It took my breath away. I sincerely hope more people can enjoy this book. Great job Arthur Stone.
2,515 reviews17 followers
January 29, 2020
Pretty good for most of it, but the ending is rather stupid and a bit frustrating.
Profile Image for David Bos.
101 reviews
February 21, 2020
I love this series

I have enjoyed previous installments a little more but this one was still great. The only detraction was a lack of progress towards Kitty
1 review
February 22, 2020
Excellent

Couldn't put this down. A really good series for anyone, not just fans of litrpg. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Adrian.
182 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2020
Really neat next to last book.

I choose this rating because this is a great story line. There were some rambling though. All in all I'm thankful I found this series.
175 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2020
Much better than the 3rd. For one this had an actual plot, a theme, and bit of a character development.
2,231 reviews8 followers
October 26, 2020
Very entertaining read

I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books.
1,131 reviews9 followers
October 28, 2022
Wow!

What an amazing ending!

And March’s ability- Wow!

What an addictive read. Lots of action and the rewards are incredible.
Profile Image for Thomas Goldsworthy.
132 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2024
March to the end

Great fun and loads of adventure with some laughs to boot! Look out for spiders when going to a region! Because they will not forget you!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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