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Underdog #3
The Dark Continent
Eric Bergman used to be treated like an outcast, cripple and freak. Some pitied him, others squirmed in his presence, while others still mocked him to his face. He himself even thought he was born cursed by the gods. But bit by bit, all that changed. That which was once considered a flaw or defect transformed into an advantage. And Eric slowly learned to use it to his benefit.
Eric and his friends escape Master Chi’s Hive, journey over the orcish steppe and through the Stone Forest, which tempers them and makes them a lot stronger.
During his travels, Eric discovers that his elder brother never went to the Wastes, and that his parents were lied to about what happened to him. Eric promises himself to uncover the truth about his long lost brother.
Beyond that, the more he encounters the grim heritage of the Order of Monster Hunters, the more he realizes just how perilous a game the foxman has drawn him into.
Moving through the borderlands toward his home city no more than a few days ahead of the orcish Horde, Eric still has yet to guess that his adventure is just getting started.
Eric and his friends escape Master Chi’s Hive, journey over the orcish steppe and through the Stone Forest, which tempers them and makes them a lot stronger.
During his travels, Eric discovers that his elder brother never went to the Wastes, and that his parents were lied to about what happened to him. Eric promises himself to uncover the truth about his long lost brother.
Beyond that, the more he encounters the grim heritage of the Order of Monster Hunters, the more he realizes just how perilous a game the foxman has drawn him into.
Moving through the borderlands toward his home city no more than a few days ahead of the orcish Horde, Eric still has yet to guess that his adventure is just getting started.
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2020
253 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Alexey Osadchuk
32 books525 followersAlexey Osadchuk was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. In the late 1990s his family moved to the south of Spain where they still live today.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 16, 2025
The Dark Continent is the third book in Alexey Osadchuk’s LitRPG series, Underdog. Continuing the journey of Eric Berg, this novel deepens the stakes, expands the world, and provides more thrilling adventures in the game-like fantasy realm that fans have come to love. In this installment, Osadchuk crafts a more intricate and expansive narrative while maintaining the series' hallmark blend of intense action, game mechanics, and underdog perseverance.
Plot Overview:
The Dark Continent picks up with Eric’s continuing evolution as a warrior, though he is still far from becoming the overpowered hero that many LitRPG protagonists become by the third book in their series. Instead, Eric remains constrained by his slow leveling and struggles to survive in a world that constantly challenges him. This time, his journey leads him to the mysterious Dark Continent—a foreboding and dangerous new region where untold threats and opportunities await.
Eric’s goal is clear: he must grow stronger and gain valuable experience, but the Dark Continent is a place of immense danger, filled with deadly creatures and powerful enemies. What makes the story particularly engaging is how Osadchuk weaves in the consequences of Eric’s choices. The stakes are higher, the threats are more deadly, and Eric must rely on his wits as much as his slowly growing strength to survive. The novel adds a layer of political intrigue, introducing factions and rivalries that will play a crucial role as the story develops.
Character Development:
By the third book, Eric has evolved from a naive, underpowered adventurer into a more seasoned and strategic warrior. However, his journey is far from complete. What stands out in The Dark Continent is how Osadchuk continues to explore Eric’s limitations, both in terms of his power and his emotional depth. Eric is not a one-dimensional hero; he is forced to make difficult decisions and face the consequences of those decisions.
The secondary characters are also developed more fully in this book, providing a richer, more diverse cast of personalities. While earlier books focused more narrowly on Eric’s personal struggles, The Dark Continent expands the narrative to include companions and adversaries who bring complexity and tension to the story. However, there is still room for more in-depth development of these supporting characters, as many remain defined by their roles rather than their personal arcs.
World-Building:
One of the standout features of The Dark Continent is its expanded world-building. The continent itself is a place of wonder, danger, and mystery. Osadchuk’s descriptions of the landscapes, the strange new creatures, and the hidden dangers of this region make the setting feel immersive and alive. The Dark Continent is not just a backdrop for action; it is a character in its own right, with its own secrets and complexities.
We also get a deeper sense of the politics and power struggles at play in this world. Various factions, each with their own agendas, come into play, adding layers of intrigue that elevate the story beyond a simple dungeon-crawling adventure. The interplay between these groups creates tension and conflict that adds richness to the narrative.
Game Mechanics:
As with the previous books, The Dark Continent features detailed LitRPG mechanics that will delight fans of the genre. From leveling up and acquiring new skills to understanding the intricacies of magic and combat, the novel offers a rich tapestry of game-like elements. Eric’s growth remains slow but meaningful, and his progress feels earned through hard-fought battles and clever decision-making.
For readers who enjoy the technical details of LitRPG novels, this book delivers in spades. The skill trees, stat improvements, and itemization are all well-explained and integrated seamlessly into the narrative. However, for those less familiar with or less interested in these mechanics, the frequent references to stats and abilities may feel repetitive at times.
Action and Pacing:
The pacing of The Dark Continent is well-balanced, with a mix of intense action sequences and quieter moments that allow for reflection and character development. The action scenes are well-choreographed and thrilling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The novel manages to maintain tension throughout, with high-stakes battles that push Eric to his limits.
The quieter moments, where Eric and his companions discuss strategy or deal with interpersonal conflicts, provide a necessary break from the relentless action. These scenes allow the story to breathe, giving readers a chance to absorb the world-building and appreciate the characters' growth.
Overall Experience:
The Dark Continent is a strong entry in the Underdog series, building upon the foundations of the first two books while expanding the world and deepening the character development. The Dark Continent itself is a fascinating and dangerous setting that adds new layers of intrigue and excitement to Eric’s journey.
For fans of LitRPG, The Dark Continent delivers on its promise of adventure, strategy, and underdog perseverance. It is a must-read for those who enjoy game mechanics woven into a well-crafted fantasy world. However, readers who are new to the genre may find the game elements a bit overwhelming.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Pacing: Well-balanced with thrilling action and thoughtful character moments.
Character Development: Eric continues to grow, with deeper explorations of his companions.
World-Building: Expansive and immersive, with intriguing political dynamics.
Game Mechanics: Detailed and enjoyable for LitRPG fans but potentially overwhelming for newcomers.
Enjoyment: A highly engaging read for fans of the genre, with a satisfying mix of action, strategy, and character growth.
March 21, 2020
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but not so much the last two. The story seems like just a long sequence of disconnected scenes and Deus Ex Machina, as our MC just moves through the world. His powers and items improve, but it doesn't really seem to matter to the plot as there's no sense of danger anyway; he's just going to come out on the top. His personality is a little bit off as well, jumping between self centered and do gooder as the plot requires. Some of that may be the English (I assume it's a translation), which is a little bit awkward at times and might not capture nuance properly.
Overall, I'll read the next one but that might be it.
Overall, I'll read the next one but that might be it.
March 30, 2020
Great! Slightly better than the first two books and the grammar has been fixed! However, things just seem to happen around him too easily and I haven’t found myself as invested in the MC anymore. Cliffhanger at the end has me wanting more NOW but await I must...
8/10
8/10
March 20, 2020
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
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
August 8, 2020
Short...logic flaws.
This series started out really good in book 1 but it didnt continue that way. The MC at times acts totally ignorant of basic things and at other times his logic is that of a seasoned adult many times his age. Or his logic draws from life experience he could not possibly have (like something only a seasoned army grunt would know). There doesnt seem to be any real plot either...kids just living his life. No real ambition or goals other than what is immediately in front of him.
This series started out really good in book 1 but it didnt continue that way. The MC at times acts totally ignorant of basic things and at other times his logic is that of a seasoned adult many times his age. Or his logic draws from life experience he could not possibly have (like something only a seasoned army grunt would know). There doesnt seem to be any real plot either...kids just living his life. No real ambition or goals other than what is immediately in front of him.
June 2, 2022
This series is truly a mixed bag.
On the one hand i loved the story how the weakest of the weak struggles against impossible seeming odds, some twists and would give the series 4,5 stars. On the other a truly horrible translator with only rudimentary knowledge of English (permanently mixed times, half sentences, made up phrases that ruined my reading experience throughout the ENTIRE series) and a too trusting and often stupidly generous MC. Given the shortness of the books the price of the single books is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!!
Therefore only 2 stars.
On the one hand i loved the story how the weakest of the weak struggles against impossible seeming odds, some twists and would give the series 4,5 stars. On the other a truly horrible translator with only rudimentary knowledge of English (permanently mixed times, half sentences, made up phrases that ruined my reading experience throughout the ENTIRE series) and a too trusting and often stupidly generous MC. Given the shortness of the books the price of the single books is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!!
Therefore only 2 stars.
May 30, 2020
Same as the others. A massively strong character captures Eric and forces him into servitude.
There's a weird glitch at the three-quarters mark when Eric meet a group of halflings. His personality seems to shift abruptly for no reason. Without knowing anything about them, he starts referring to them with pejoratives and refusing to offer help when they are threatened by monsters. He slowly reverted to normal after a chapter or so, but this incongruity was jarring.
There's a weird glitch at the three-quarters mark when Eric meet a group of halflings. His personality seems to shift abruptly for no reason. Without knowing anything about them, he starts referring to them with pejoratives and refusing to offer help when they are threatened by monsters. He slowly reverted to normal after a chapter or so, but this incongruity was jarring.
January 1, 2021
Near the second half of the book the main character decided to become more of a bad ass, and it reads very poorly, and it's mostly him just being a dick. Not as much fun.
April 22, 2022
4 He Was A Wanderer Stars
The Dark Continent is the third book in the Underdog series by Alexey Osadchuk.
I found myself truly starting to wonder just how many times this poor mistreated boy is going to be enslaved throughout the duration of this series. While, yes, he has managed to escape each incorrigible ne'er-do-well. His luck is simply both abysmal and somehow to his benefit? It's a knife's edge this author has walked, straddling the two concepts, yet intertwining them skillfully.
He cannot seem to catch a break when it comes to his fellow humankind. Even those spoken of with great reverance have indeed shown their true minds. As they say, never meet your idols unless you court disappointment willingly. These most recent betrayer have put two of his compatriots Inna vice that has yet to be resolved by our protag. How will one null face the King?
I'm a bit uncomfortable with the fact that the Mc was unable to in any manner remove the infestation around that final portal. Much in the same, that we are not in know as to what purpose that level of depravity served for those disgusting lizards. Somehow attached to the evil mentioned to have come from the portal in the letter. What of these Wanderers? What is their relevance in the grand scheme, especially in relation to the Hunters?
Let's see what these Places of Power mean for a new world seemingly void of magic.
The Dark Continent is the third book in the Underdog series by Alexey Osadchuk.
I found myself truly starting to wonder just how many times this poor mistreated boy is going to be enslaved throughout the duration of this series. While, yes, he has managed to escape each incorrigible ne'er-do-well. His luck is simply both abysmal and somehow to his benefit? It's a knife's edge this author has walked, straddling the two concepts, yet intertwining them skillfully.
He cannot seem to catch a break when it comes to his fellow humankind. Even those spoken of with great reverance have indeed shown their true minds. As they say, never meet your idols unless you court disappointment willingly. These most recent betrayer have put two of his compatriots Inna vice that has yet to be resolved by our protag. How will one null face the King?
I'm a bit uncomfortable with the fact that the Mc was unable to in any manner remove the infestation around that final portal. Much in the same, that we are not in know as to what purpose that level of depravity served for those disgusting lizards. Somehow attached to the evil mentioned to have come from the portal in the letter. What of these Wanderers? What is their relevance in the grand scheme, especially in relation to the Hunters?
Let's see what these Places of Power mean for a new world seemingly void of magic.
November 1, 2020
The flow of the book starts off very similar to how the other narrative flow's build. A set up ... a group of friends .. betrayal ... punishment.. working your way out. That is what the protagonist does here too.
The ending is very unique and throws an outlook that most litRPG does not. I am sure there will be other novels out there who play with this concept (which I think the book is leading too, which spoiler alert is an NPC character coming into the real world. I think there is Ryan Reynolds movie coming out that is on similar note).
Interested to see what the next book in the series bring out.
It seems like Eric is going to have a zero to hero moment and not have to depend on magic for it.
A good read.
The ending is very unique and throws an outlook that most litRPG does not. I am sure there will be other novels out there who play with this concept (which I think the book is leading too, which spoiler alert is an NPC character coming into the real world. I think there is Ryan Reynolds movie coming out that is on similar note).
Interested to see what the next book in the series bring out.
It seems like Eric is going to have a zero to hero moment and not have to depend on magic for it.
A good read.
March 23, 2020
Yay fun
So this book continues the running fun. No rest for the weary. Our intrepid MC is always a battle away from doom. These book present a harsh and unforgiving world where betrayal is common and loyalty is rare. I can't fault the hero's apathy towards hard up strangers even if it bothers me. He is however a genuinely good soul and he does help some people in distress. I can't wait for him to return and rain destruction in those who have betrayed and blackmailed him. I can't wait for more. This series is a fun and exciting read. Hope the author is hard at work for more.
So this book continues the running fun. No rest for the weary. Our intrepid MC is always a battle away from doom. These book present a harsh and unforgiving world where betrayal is common and loyalty is rare. I can't fault the hero's apathy towards hard up strangers even if it bothers me. He is however a genuinely good soul and he does help some people in distress. I can't wait for him to return and rain destruction in those who have betrayed and blackmailed him. I can't wait for more. This series is a fun and exciting read. Hope the author is hard at work for more.
April 1, 2020
If you've been following this series, then you'll want to grab this book as soon as you can. The story progresses nicely, although it may go in directions some may not expect. I'm especially excited by the end of the book, since it means future books in the series could be based just about anywhere, and that is always a recipe for excellent reading. I can't wait for the next one in the series, and I think most fans would agree with me after reading this volume in the series. Great stuff here folks.
June 28, 2022
I've just finished book 8 in the Underdog series, which means I've read the entire series now and I absolutely loved it. Some nights I could barely put the book down to go to sleep for work in the morning. I'd always say to myself just one more chapter. I enjoyed seeing our main man Eric go from a literal zero to something amazing and very interesting in constantly unexpected ways. Thank you Alexey Osadchuk! Thank you.
April 25, 2020
Very Fun!
Great book again by an extremely talented author. Mirror World was excellent. The Underdog series is also well written. Unfortunately he included foul language in this series that is not even necessary and detracts from his normally eloquent style of writing. Four stars for wasted words that add no content or flavor.
Great book again by an extremely talented author. Mirror World was excellent. The Underdog series is also well written. Unfortunately he included foul language in this series that is not even necessary and detracts from his normally eloquent style of writing. Four stars for wasted words that add no content or flavor.
February 7, 2021
Wow, Eric Bergman story is getting darker and darker, he is an excellent main character to fallow in this POV. Always trying to help out and even if he is getting bitten down or thrown deeper into the chaos of this world. Still an amazing continuance of his story! I really hope he will get back to his family members.
April 20, 2024
The series actually started quite well, but a highly fluctuating personality in the main character and a repetitive plot featuring a powerful figure capturing and then the protagonist escaping without much development in either the story or the protagonist's character, led me to drop the series after book 3.
March 21, 2020
Zero to Hero?
Really like this series. Our MC is practical and survives while rolling with the punches. Looking forward to learning more about this interesting new world in the next book.
Really like this series. Our MC is practical and survives while rolling with the punches. Looking forward to learning more about this interesting new world in the next book.
March 23, 2020
Adventure Eric Bergman has in 3 book of the series get more and more complicated. The story plot is very active and pulling from the start till the end. I like that we get some questions answered at the same time a lot stays open.
I hope we will get the 4 book soon.
I hope we will get the 4 book soon.
March 23, 2020
Could not put this one down
I’m not spoiling anything, but the twists and turns this story took definitely took me on a wild ride! The horrors Eric witnesses will shock you, his growth will amaze you, and dear Bug himself... that ending definitely excited me for the next one!
I’m not spoiling anything, but the twists and turns this story took definitely took me on a wild ride! The horrors Eric witnesses will shock you, his growth will amaze you, and dear Bug himself... that ending definitely excited me for the next one!
March 26, 2021
Harsh Reality
Content is amazing!
Very realistic view of the amorality of rulers, as can be seen of Rulers historical behavior. Go on a tour of the tower of England, it’s amazing the amount of blood spilled by the Rulers. Not very nice people...
Content is amazing!
Very realistic view of the amorality of rulers, as can be seen of Rulers historical behavior. Go on a tour of the tower of England, it’s amazing the amount of blood spilled by the Rulers. Not very nice people...
April 23, 2025
DNF at 60%. I'm tired of the trope of the paranoid secretive runaway who can't help spilling his guts to every Tom Dick and Harry he meets, then is surprised to be captured, again and again.
Plus, no offense to the author and translator, but the prose is like eating a salad with a pinch of sand.
Plus, no offense to the author and translator, but the prose is like eating a salad with a pinch of sand.
April 2, 2020
Arghhh where is the next 3 books????
Books 1 through 3 were really great I love the storyline I love the characters and Hey let's be honest everybody likes a harn..
Books 1 through 3 were really great I love the storyline I love the characters and Hey let's be honest everybody likes a harn..
May 19, 2020
MORE!!!
I want more! You need to keep writing! I'm going to be waiting for the next book and I will devour it all.
I want more! You need to keep writing! I'm going to be waiting for the next book and I will devour it all.
May 22, 2020
The adventures of the zero continues
A good story , cannot wait for the next one. You've read the last two, no way you aren't gonna get this one.
A good story , cannot wait for the next one. You've read the last two, no way you aren't gonna get this one.
June 7, 2020
Great book
Would have earned 5 stars from me, but a bit of a backstory would be great. Things were brought up from past books that I dont remember at all.
Would have earned 5 stars from me, but a bit of a backstory would be great. Things were brought up from past books that I dont remember at all.
June 29, 2020
Kindle - 2.4
August 12, 2020
Really enjoying this series
The MC remains true to form and has a series of adventures that keep you turning the pages. Sadly, I now have to wait for book 4...
Great work Alexey!
The MC remains true to form and has a series of adventures that keep you turning the pages. Sadly, I now have to wait for book 4...
Great work Alexey!
June 18, 2021
3.25☆
January 6, 2022
Good series
I am enjoying this series even though you can tell English is not their native language the author has a good storyline.
I am enjoying this series even though you can tell English is not their native language the author has a good storyline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews