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Cole Blooded #1
Cole Blooded
*This book takes place in the Artifice Universe like Delvers LLC, but does not take place on Ludus.*
Efrem "Coleslaw" White is a video game tester and college student. He was on a tropical vacation with a diverse group of strangers, classmates, and friends when disaster struck.
The next thing he knew, he was standing before a huge, floating man introducing himself as the god Dolos, and being given a second chance at life. There was a catch, though. There is always a catch.
Now Cole will need to convince all the people he's trapped with that violence is not the answer, suggesting that they all to work together to endure their death game. If he fails, he'll have to figure out how to survive on a deadly island with a shrinking, burning energy dome overhead.
Cole's MMA training and video game knowledge doesn't seem like much to rely on against mutated monsters and psychopaths with supernatural powers. If the island becomes a war of survival like he fears, he's going to have several very serious problems to deal with...fast.
***
*Cole Blooded is not classified as LitRPG, but is Battle Royale GameLit*
Efrem "Coleslaw" White is a video game tester and college student. He was on a tropical vacation with a diverse group of strangers, classmates, and friends when disaster struck.
The next thing he knew, he was standing before a huge, floating man introducing himself as the god Dolos, and being given a second chance at life. There was a catch, though. There is always a catch.
Now Cole will need to convince all the people he's trapped with that violence is not the answer, suggesting that they all to work together to endure their death game. If he fails, he'll have to figure out how to survive on a deadly island with a shrinking, burning energy dome overhead.
Cole's MMA training and video game knowledge doesn't seem like much to rely on against mutated monsters and psychopaths with supernatural powers. If the island becomes a war of survival like he fears, he's going to have several very serious problems to deal with...fast.
***
*Cole Blooded is not classified as LitRPG, but is Battle Royale GameLit*
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2019
About the author
Blaise Corvin
34 books643 followersBlaise Corvin served in the US Army in several roles. He has seen the best and the worst that humanity has to offer. He is a sucker for any hobby involving weapons, art, or improv.
He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.
He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.
It's all very eccentric.
Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.
Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).
He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.
He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.
It's all very eccentric.
Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.
Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 6, 2019
Between the unrelatable characters...
And the stereotypes this book is an embarrassment to self-publishing. A few more rounds of edits, and a lot of character revision would do wonders for this blatant fan fiction.
And the stereotypes this book is an embarrassment to self-publishing. A few more rounds of edits, and a lot of character revision would do wonders for this blatant fan fiction.
April 22, 2020
Notes:
Good Narration
Lots of Cool Concepts that add to Delvers World
Unrealistic/Unbelievable Characters/Actions
Good Narration
Lots of Cool Concepts that add to Delvers World
Unrealistic/Unbelievable Characters/Actions
September 5, 2019
A good book for what it is
The book is too short and with too many characters for the reader to have any emotional investment with anyone. Maybe with more books in the series, and with the final result of this book, it might be interesting to read the next one.
The book is too short and with too many characters for the reader to have any emotional investment with anyone. Maybe with more books in the series, and with the final result of this book, it might be interesting to read the next one.
April 2, 2025
DNR
A God intervenes before main characters expire and offers the characters an option to either participate in it's battle royal experiment or go into abyss. Experiment grants each character a unique power they might use for loosing calories followed by aging. Cringe interpersonal relationship and newfound power going to the head of characters makes for a story full of second hand shame and face palming.
Eh... Being included in the Audible Plus catalogue really was the only option I can foresee why a person would read 'Cole Blooded'. Lit-rpg in battle royal last man standing setting , with the most blank slate contemporary archetype characters (nice guy, distant beauty, edge lord gamer, retires sheriff etc.).
Conclusion: 1/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: Ryan Burke. Loved the old testament portrayal of a god. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 2.21 $/hour ( 13.75$ / 06 hrs 13 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
A God intervenes before main characters expire and offers the characters an option to either participate in it's battle royal experiment or go into abyss. Experiment grants each character a unique power they might use for loosing calories followed by aging. Cringe interpersonal relationship and newfound power going to the head of characters makes for a story full of second hand shame and face palming.
Eh... Being included in the Audible Plus catalogue really was the only option I can foresee why a person would read 'Cole Blooded'. Lit-rpg in battle royal last man standing setting , with the most blank slate contemporary archetype characters (nice guy, distant beauty, edge lord gamer, retires sheriff etc.).
Conclusion: 1/5. Listened on Audible included in plus catalogue. Narrated by: Ryan Burke. Loved the old testament portrayal of a god. Terrible value for the length of the book, buying it with USD- 2.21 $/hour ( 13.75$ / 06 hrs 13 mins ).
Values:
Terrible: >1.66 $/hour
Bad: 1 - 1.66 $/hour
Good: <1 $/hour
Dream: 0.4 - 0.27 $/hour
November 13, 2024
A dark experience
Alternate universe, humanity unmasked, experiment, false assumptions
Well written, but I also found it grim. The Delvers universe is absorbing series of books about people challenged by adversity, banding together to overcome dangers. This book takes that theme, with several false assumptions on the part of the characters, about what they were facing, as they struggle to reach the portal at the end. A quick read, yet filled with character development and harsh choices. And Dolos shows he can't be trusted, as he manipulates the escape leading right into another dangerous situation for his own purposes. Like the movie "Lifeboat," this leaves you thinking about what you would do.
Alternate universe, humanity unmasked, experiment, false assumptions
Well written, but I also found it grim. The Delvers universe is absorbing series of books about people challenged by adversity, banding together to overcome dangers. This book takes that theme, with several false assumptions on the part of the characters, about what they were facing, as they struggle to reach the portal at the end. A quick read, yet filled with character development and harsh choices. And Dolos shows he can't be trusted, as he manipulates the escape leading right into another dangerous situation for his own purposes. Like the movie "Lifeboat," this leaves you thinking about what you would do.
March 21, 2020
First, I want to applaud the author for having the tenacity to complete his novel and Blaise for supporting him/her.
As to the story itself, it was ok. Aiming GameLIT a little more at a YA audience is applaudable; I just didn’t find it very compelling. There are so many stories out there I would not necessarily prioritize digging into this one. If you are a fan of Blaise’s, I can see this being more compelling because it both expands his universe and is more General Audiences than some of his other books.
I’m glad it was available through our library system and I’d recommend borrowing it and listening to the audio if you’re into the genre.
As to the story itself, it was ok. Aiming GameLIT a little more at a YA audience is applaudable; I just didn’t find it very compelling. There are so many stories out there I would not necessarily prioritize digging into this one. If you are a fan of Blaise’s, I can see this being more compelling because it both expands his universe and is more General Audiences than some of his other books.
I’m glad it was available through our library system and I’d recommend borrowing it and listening to the audio if you’re into the genre.
March 2, 2020
Not that good overall!
This storyline truly sucked but the writing was not bad. The story was not up to a Delvers or even a Nora book. The basic premise that makes the storyline so bad is the idea that old friends and companions would turn on each other so radically and lose their sanity so quickly. Plus the main characters personality is kind of abrasive and not as likable as many of the other main characters from the authors other stories.
This storyline truly sucked but the writing was not bad. The story was not up to a Delvers or even a Nora book. The basic premise that makes the storyline so bad is the idea that old friends and companions would turn on each other so radically and lose their sanity so quickly. Plus the main characters personality is kind of abrasive and not as likable as many of the other main characters from the authors other stories.
January 27, 2021
Lord of the flies meets a pure heart.
A group of folks right before a hurricane get transported to a new world by a god (not God). Each is broken into two groups and told a single winner can return home. So the two groups race to caches left for them on the way to the gate home. Along the way they learn they have been gifted powers. But... the powers come with a price.
A group of folks right before a hurricane get transported to a new world by a god (not God). Each is broken into two groups and told a single winner can return home. So the two groups race to caches left for them on the way to the gate home. Along the way they learn they have been gifted powers. But... the powers come with a price.
July 27, 2025
Too bad. I really liked your books Blaise, but after this one I don't think I would be able to read your books again. Even if this is the other writer's influence, you put your name on it.
Cruelty to make a point, even if to make a very good point, is still cruelty. And it's completely useless, the point will not be remembered, only the cruelty.
Cruelty to make a point, even if to make a very good point, is still cruelty. And it's completely useless, the point will not be remembered, only the cruelty.
January 19, 2020
Great book
Great work from Blaise Corvin and Outspan Foster. Lots of action and an interesting premise, looking forward to seeing what the next one brings!
Great work from Blaise Corvin and Outspan Foster. Lots of action and an interesting premise, looking forward to seeing what the next one brings!
February 22, 2020
I like all Blaise Corvin's books. Including this one.
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Good job Mr. Corvin & Mr. Foster.
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Good job Mr. Corvin & Mr. Foster.
March 8, 2020
Keep it comin
Excellent as always. Loved it.
Hope book two develops well and is fun to write!
Worth reading, though I would read Delvers 1 before this one for context.
Excellent as always. Loved it.
Hope book two develops well and is fun to write!
Worth reading, though I would read Delvers 1 before this one for context.
May 6, 2020
A fight to the death with a single survivor isn't really my thing. Nothing against this book, it just doesn't do it for me.
March 19, 2021
A very interesting read.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Lots of moral questions and superpowers all mixed up and thrown into an arena.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Lots of moral questions and superpowers all mixed up and thrown into an arena.
March 25, 2024
I loved the story line and the writing was good. However, too many f-bombs for my tastes. I stopped partway through because I was tired of all the swearing.
July 11, 2024
A battle royal where you think it is every man for him or herself, but not everyone thinks that way. I liked that they had every walk of life battling it out.
February 18, 2025
Interesting story idea. It has a lot of characters for such a short story so you don't get a full range of character development.
November 11, 2019
I Enjoyed This Different Take On Parts Of The Artifice Universe
I enjoy both of these authors work. This is a different take on the “experiments” going on. It’s interesting getting to see a different aspect of “experiments” that Dolos has been doing. I liked the characters. They were interesting each unique in their own ways. It gets me eager to dive back into another “experiment”. I can’t wait till the next one.
I enjoy both of these authors work. This is a different take on the “experiments” going on. It’s interesting getting to see a different aspect of “experiments” that Dolos has been doing. I liked the characters. They were interesting each unique in their own ways. It gets me eager to dive back into another “experiment”. I can’t wait till the next one.
September 8, 2019
I've read both the Nora Hazard and Delvers LLC series, and rated them well.
This book... just so bleh.
I think my problem was just how poorly everyone acted, how self-centeredly or 'evilly'.
Nora was born/grew up on Ludus, which is a Dolos experiment world and very much a kill or be killed place.
But the early books of Delvers LLC focus on how the characters have to adapt, or not, to the new realities of Ludus.
But the biggest issue with this book is how freaking binary the characters act. It's pretty clear very early on who the 'good guys' and 'bad guys' are. The evil people are SUPER evil, in the main, the final double cross is telegraphed SO STRONGLY as to be ridiculously evident.
Also, honestly, screw these authors' viewpoint on religion. I don't know any Pastor of any Christian faith that would jump to 'This is actually God' when meeting Dolos (as opposed to an alien), and then go crazy like that. And then to get into a faux argument about 'christians' laters. Or the discussion relating to Muslims deciding that again, Dolos is god.
To the authors, my advice on this subject would be that if you're not actually going to engage on the issues of what beings like Dolos would mean for religious people, then don't even include it as a theme in your story, because it's just going to be insulting and meaningless.
This book... just so bleh.
I think my problem was just how poorly everyone acted, how self-centeredly or 'evilly'.
Nora was born/grew up on Ludus, which is a Dolos experiment world and very much a kill or be killed place.
But the early books of Delvers LLC focus on how the characters have to adapt, or not, to the new realities of Ludus.
But the biggest issue with this book is how freaking binary the characters act. It's pretty clear very early on who the 'good guys' and 'bad guys' are. The evil people are SUPER evil, in the main, the final double cross is telegraphed SO STRONGLY as to be ridiculously evident.
Also, honestly, screw these authors' viewpoint on religion. I don't know any Pastor of any Christian faith that would jump to 'This is actually God' when meeting Dolos (as opposed to an alien), and then go crazy like that. And then to get into a faux argument about 'christians' laters. Or the discussion relating to Muslims deciding that again, Dolos is god.
To the authors, my advice on this subject would be that if you're not actually going to engage on the issues of what beings like Dolos would mean for religious people, then don't even include it as a theme in your story, because it's just going to be insulting and meaningless.
September 6, 2019
I've read all of Blaise's prior novels and I'd rate this one slightly below his normally stratospheric level. It was also darker than his other books. Having said that, I'm looking forward to more of Cole's story.
Using a game-lit battle-royal format, this novel explores the emotional impact of both a last-man-standing contest as well as the corrupting effect of power. Our POV character, Cole, manages to hold onto his values and even discover his true mettle.
In the face of a narcissistic god, a hyper-dangerous jungle environment, and multiple betrayals, Cole makes new friends and comes to terms with himself. Nice.
Using a game-lit battle-royal format, this novel explores the emotional impact of both a last-man-standing contest as well as the corrupting effect of power. Our POV character, Cole, manages to hold onto his values and even discover his true mettle.
In the face of a narcissistic god, a hyper-dangerous jungle environment, and multiple betrayals, Cole makes new friends and comes to terms with himself. Nice.
September 11, 2019
I was pretty impressed
I have been a fan of the other books in the Artifice Universe, however I was a bit skeptical of how this one would be, as it is a collaboration and is also done as a battle royale style rather than the RPG style of the other books in the universe.
I was not hooked starting off reading it, but I wanted to give it a chance, so I continued on, and I am glad that I did.
This turned out to be a much better read than I had thought it would be. By the end of the book, I was left wanting to see where this could continue on to, and I am hoping to see another book come out in the series now.
I have been a fan of the other books in the Artifice Universe, however I was a bit skeptical of how this one would be, as it is a collaboration and is also done as a battle royale style rather than the RPG style of the other books in the universe.
I was not hooked starting off reading it, but I wanted to give it a chance, so I continued on, and I am glad that I did.
This turned out to be a much better read than I had thought it would be. By the end of the book, I was left wanting to see where this could continue on to, and I am hoping to see another book come out in the series now.
September 13, 2019
Battle Royal made Real
Most people have heard of the game named after a defensive structure and a time of darkness. What if, instead of the bubblegum fun of the game, the same concept happened to a group of friends on vacation. But wait. Let's give them powers from their psychosis.
If that sounds like your mash up bag of tea... this book is for you.
One star taken off because of pacing. Sometimes it flowed like a novel... and sometimes it flowed like a forced short story.
Most people have heard of the game named after a defensive structure and a time of darkness. What if, instead of the bubblegum fun of the game, the same concept happened to a group of friends on vacation. But wait. Let's give them powers from their psychosis.
If that sounds like your mash up bag of tea... this book is for you.
One star taken off because of pacing. Sometimes it flowed like a novel... and sometimes it flowed like a forced short story.
October 7, 2019
Good enough...
I didn’t hate this book.
I didn’t love it either. I honestly didn’t even like it all that much ... it had a hunger games survival theme that I just don’t enjoy.
All that said and it was well written, and a good enough story/plot/character set that I read it all the way to the end and will likely pick up the next book.
Although the plot is the type of story I don’t like - it was good - and it’s the kind of story a lot of people do (apparently) enjoy. So. -1 star for me hating the plot type. + all the rest for a dmn good book.
Good enough!
I didn’t hate this book.
I didn’t love it either. I honestly didn’t even like it all that much ... it had a hunger games survival theme that I just don’t enjoy.
All that said and it was well written, and a good enough story/plot/character set that I read it all the way to the end and will likely pick up the next book.
Although the plot is the type of story I don’t like - it was good - and it’s the kind of story a lot of people do (apparently) enjoy. So. -1 star for me hating the plot type. + all the rest for a dmn good book.
Good enough!
November 6, 2019
Human Nature
The Great God Dolos proves once again how terrible human nature can be when faced with death. Very well written and shows an insight into the truth of human nature.
The Great God Dolos proves once again how terrible human nature can be when faced with death. Very well written and shows an insight into the truth of human nature.
September 12, 2019
Interesting
Definitely an interesting book. Has some magic\game elements but not really litrpg. The ending is really good and I interesting but I found the book as a whole.kind of meh. Not bad at all but not great either. Well written and a good story but jjust missing that spark that really makes you connect with the mc.. I look forward to book 2 and seeing where the story goes.
Definitely an interesting book. Has some magic\game elements but not really litrpg. The ending is really good and I interesting but I found the book as a whole.kind of meh. Not bad at all but not great either. Well written and a good story but jjust missing that spark that really makes you connect with the mc.. I look forward to book 2 and seeing where the story goes.
October 17, 2019
Fast Sci-fi Adventure romp with creative characters.
Good plot and story. Tedious characters.
I liked this book. It’s weakness is the characters, as they all come in with some thoughts about life and it makes them all very rigid. But the drama and plot are really well done, and I’d definitely recommend this book for a quick read. Sci-fi Adventure romp with creative characters.
Good plot and story. Tedious characters.
I liked this book. It’s weakness is the characters, as they all come in with some thoughts about life and it makes them all very rigid. But the drama and plot are really well done, and I’d definitely recommend this book for a quick read. Sci-fi Adventure romp with creative characters.
September 7, 2019
Different Story, but same GameLit theme
What I liked about this story, besides the Pun title, is that the story had elements of Delvers within it, but was a completely self contained story.
The premise felt more like a game of Fortnite than an mmo, like many stories in the genre, and that was a great way for me to identify with it and enjoy it.
What I liked about this story, besides the Pun title, is that the story had elements of Delvers within it, but was a completely self contained story.
The premise felt more like a game of Fortnite than an mmo, like many stories in the genre, and that was a great way for me to identify with it and enjoy it.
September 9, 2019
Fun fast read
More Dolos! More fun. Yay. Well, this was mostly less splorpy than the Battle Royale movie. Fast and simple. A quick 2 hour read. Hunger games, Dolos style. More fun than two hours playing Minecraft. Less thrilling than the last Mad Max movie. I thought it was a wonder use of two hours. Go finish the next Delvers LLC book, Blaise.
More Dolos! More fun. Yay. Well, this was mostly less splorpy than the Battle Royale movie. Fast and simple. A quick 2 hour read. Hunger games, Dolos style. More fun than two hours playing Minecraft. Less thrilling than the last Mad Max movie. I thought it was a wonder use of two hours. Go finish the next Delvers LLC book, Blaise.
September 3, 2019
Fun and Cruel
A cliche waiting to happen, this book manages to tell a compelling and heart wrenching tale in the dolos-verse begging the reader to consider if we really know anyone at all amongst a flurry of action and bad choices. Definitely a great read.
A cliche waiting to happen, this book manages to tell a compelling and heart wrenching tale in the dolos-verse begging the reader to consider if we really know anyone at all amongst a flurry of action and bad choices. Definitely a great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews