Breck was a heavy metal rock star, to some perhaps even a rock god. Playing bass since he was ten, he learned to sing and write music under the tutelage of some of the industry's best. His band was one of the loudest and heaviest out there and they had moved from one hit record to the next with ease. Married to a supermodel and being at the top of the rock star pyramid, life for Breck was everything he'd ever wanted it to be.
Then one day while playing a fill-in gig with another band to help out an old friend, something weird happened and it wasn't just a flash back from all those acid trips he did on the road. Attacked by people he'd only seen the likes of in movies, he's forced to dive into a shadow to make good his escape. Waking up he finds himself in a place that seems like it was ripped out of the sixties and things are almost like home, but not quite.
It's not just the people looking to take advantage of him, after nearly two decades in the biz, Breck's more than used to that. It's not the strange cars, people, or buildings; a life on the road touring the world inured him to that years ago as well. It's not even some of the strange beings and creatures people are telling him that share the world he now finds himself in.
No, it's far more worse than that: He's broke... Nobody knows who he is... And his bass seems to be developing an attitude.
I've had a very varied life. I grew up in New York, on Long Island. I went to school to become an Engineer, then joined the Air Force. After that I worked first in Robotics, then in Aerospace as a Flight Test Engineer. I moved into the medical fields, then into more Technical markets working for a number of high tech companies where I became a Contractor. I used to own and raise big cats. I love motorcycles and old cars. I'm a pilot and former martial arts instructor. I'm a fan of the Reno Air Races. Then there's the stuff I'm not supposed to talk about, but that's another story. I've seen a lot of interesting stuff go by, met a lot of interesting, wonderful, strange, or sometimes just psychotic people. I've had the opportunity to work on some truly game changing technologies. And while I've had some very bad things happen to me in my life, I've never let it stop me. Keep smiling. -John
I was totally surprised by this book with the twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way to the end. The author managed to surprise me and keep me engaged with the story and the characters are continuing to develop and improve with the secondary characters being developed as well as the main character.
It’s nice to see a new story by this author. A story that stands on its own (but could be added to), and brings in new characters, situations, and plot - but still feels very much like “Valens” characters in a “Portals” environment. To me it’s the literary equivalent of the author trying new things, while still being affected by his popular styles. And that’s a good thing, really. It’s a good story, with interesting things, well edited, and worth reading. Fun stuff. Definitely recommended. 14+
This book, like most other John/Jan books, was very hard to put down even though the MC seemed a little off and as such I was finding it a bit harder than normal to really like the MC. The explanation is revealed at the end of the book with the hope that he can use this new start to 'Take Two' hence the title. The sex in the book is fade to black. I find the VeilVerse a little strange, trying to conform to a single universe where different authors try their hand at creating a story that doesn't contradict or majorly impact any other author who has done work in the universe. I originally thought, based on the first 2 VeilVerse books I read that people were travelling from one 'world' to another, but this story explains it as more fixed flat areas joined via these veil portals than a planet (characters not understanding about round planets and gravity). This makes me wonder how climates (weather), Day/Night, and rivers all work with fixed area 'Veils' which are not planets. I think I would enjoy more of John's characters in the VeilVerse, but I have also been waiting a long time for a new Portals of Infinity book, which funnily enough has a similar premise.
I'm not even sure how I stumbled upon this book. I normally try to avoid such books. Can't say that this book did anything to convince me to read more like this.
Goodreads description on this book is pretty misleading. I was hoping for a world hopping LitRPG adventures of a musician. There is some of that but mostly it is filled with monster girls and sex, and sex and some more sex. There is Power Fantasy and then there is this... Some people would love this, I guess.
The one thing that I grudgingly liked about the book was the style of writing. Whenever the main character passed out or slept, we'd have a flashback sequence and it was woven pretty well. It felt like dream sequences in a way.
I don't think I'll continue with this series. Not for me.
Weird story. This story takes place in the VeilVerse. I have read the Cultivating chaos book but not the Asgard awakening book. So, two out of 3 for me. It appears that while the foundation of the universe is the same in all the books. Each story is unique. The story follows a bass guitar rock star named Breck. He is covering a gig as a favor and all hell breaks loose. It looked liked Samurai attacked the club in New York. He takes his bass and uses it as a club (something he has done in the past) to get away and then falls into an area of blackness. He ends up in a different verse. Because he is a rock star and has seen a lot. This doesn't affect him at all. He picks himself up and goes out looking for work. Musicians can always find work. Along the way he meets supernatural creatures. I like anything this author writes so I enjoyed this book, even though it was out there. The ending didn't make any sense though.
Overall it was a decent read. The idea of being teleported to an alternative world is not particularly new, however having that alternative world be a "normal" modern setting with subtle changes was enough of a change that I enjoyed the book for the most part.
The biggest problem with this book is the MC, whom starts as a rock-star looser, but slowly builds up, over the course of the story, to some sembiance of a decent human being.
That is until the last big reveal (No spoilers so do not worry) at the end of the book. I usually love a good plot twist. This one cost the book 2 stars.
I don't usually read Van Stry, as he has a tendency to sabotage his own characters after a few books. That being said, I have (to the best of my knowledge) read all the other VeilVerse releases (at the time of this review anyway). Am I glad I read this one? Overall, sure.... The ending sucked, (which for myself is a cardinal sin), but Van Stry can write well enough on a technical level, that I don't feel like bashing my head against the kindle and his stories do flow well enough.
Do I recommend the book? sure.... just expect to have all of the character building and redemption destroyed, on the literal last page.
That was a story. In the sense that it captivates you, takes you somewhere fantastic, and has the most amazing journey. Hurray for the veilverse!! Can't wait for more!
I don't want to spoil anything. But a small review will just make the plot sound crazy. You might think a story with these elements will be too nonsensical, or maybe it was a dare between two good writers, maybe three good writers...
You know I think this story started out as a dare at a bar. I bet it went something like this:
One author says to the other: Hey dude, I bet you can't write about a portal hoping universe spanning rock star, with monsters, drugs, rock and roll, girls, and harem elements without it getting campy.
Jan: Alright your on.
Author 3: There's no way dude. It's going to end up campy but fun, like The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.
Jan: nah, I won't even make the MC the star of the band. I'll make him the bass player.
First author: Why would you do that?
Jan: Because bass players get all the chicks.
Author 3: Oh good point. Well I can't wait to see what you do with it...
This book has to be one of the most imaginative bits of fantasy I’ve read in some time. The author set up conceptual interfaces between zones and turns loose a hero like none I’ve read about before. The hero finds himself unable to return and tries to make the best of it. To top it off he’s a famous well known bass player with talent galore and it’s that talent that allows him to sustain an existence in his new realm. In the meantime the hero has a series of adventures beneficial to his present and future being. Great characters, believable dialect and very tasteful hints at adult behavior. I’m not sure I could stretch my imagination and come up with anything as enjoyable as this book. I recommend it highly and hope the next book continues the journey.
I'm probably a little biased because I'm a musician,(though definitely no rockstar by any means) but I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. And I thought I was gonna really like it! It has a depth you don't see often in these books, and an extremely flawed but understandable MC. The pace of the story kept me from putting it down, and hooked me in for every freaking page. I love that the MC has no powers and gets through with his intellect and isn't the same old, young guy gets crazy powers and saves the world. The end adds a twist I didn't see coming, but just adds to the overall character development of the MC throughout the whole book. I can only hope the next addition is as great as this. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
The blurb for this book really does not do it justice. I looked at this because I'd read the other Veilverse books and loved them. I read the blurb on this one and quite honestly, it didn't sound like something I'd enjoy.
I checked some of the other reviews and saw others saying ignore the blurb the book is great so gave it a try. I'm so glad I did, this book was fantastic.
I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll just say if you've read any of the other Veilverse books, or any books by this or the other authors and enjoyed them, then you will also enjoy this one.
Thanks for a great time John, would love to see more of these characters!
The blurb had me hesitating. It sounded like urban fantasy, monsters in real life like modern Earth, and I am not a big fan of the genre. The verse tag and John's portal series got me to buy it and I really enjoyed it.
Yeah, urban fantasy, but everybody knows about the monsters, add in a dark (and apparently unreliable narrator) but still likeable protagonist and good side characters and it made an entertaining read. Sure, some of the character development was a bit quick, the end reveal was unexpected (even on hindsight) and the harem elements are not for everybody. Those are not game breakers for me. I am looking forward to more books in this shared universe.
Starts of with a metal band riot with a twist crazy samurai looking dudes have come to crash this riot
very enjoyable book face placed could not put it down. now if anyone has read his portal books one of my favorite parts of them was the musical world and this reminds me a lot of that but expanded upon. you can really tell the author understands the rock and roll life style from the good parts to how toxic it can be
5 stars read it all in one go so very sleepy 3:am by my clock
This excellent entry into the growing VeilVerse is a great read. The MC is a deeply flawed individual and the story of how that came to be was enthralling. His actions and relations with the side characters felt genuine and very smooth. Great dialog and pacing. This whole story was wonderful and I'm looking forward to where it goes next. I'd love to see how it interacts with the rest of the VeilVerse.
I liked this story a lot. Given the author's experience writing multi-universe stories like 'Portals', then writing in the VeilVerse would seem to be a good fit. Given how this story is progressing, I believe the effort was a winning one. The protagonist has his demons which seem hidden beneath seemingly altruistic actions. There is lots of action with terrific pacing and engaging characters. What's not to like? Can't wait to see where this goes.
I purchased this book just from seeing the cover and knowing the other two in the series. After that i read the description and was really disapointed as I was expecting a cultivation or magic book not a drugged up rockstar. I am reallybglad I read it though as its an amazing story. I am conflicted about the last few pages... I dont know if it hurts the story or makes it thst much better. To each their own I guess.
I had exhausted my patience with one of the author's main series (no names, no pack drill) so I was a bit iffy about this one, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Not 5-star material, but a good fantasy read, even if the characters, particularly the MC aren't particularly relatable. I couldn't quite get a fix on the MC's personality which was a bit jarring, but I guess he's supposed to be "complicated".
Does this sub-series have legs? I can project a sequel or maybe two, but I guess we'll see. I'll read the next installment (assuming there is one) and take it from there.
The MC is a rocker on his last legs who gets dropped through a vail and gets a second chance. He's very worldly so he doesn't go though culture shock but instead lands on his feet. He helps some people, gets helped by others, fights off some thugs and then has to figure out some things. It was an interesting character study while the MC tried to find his way out of a mess.
This right here was an incredibly entertaining and enjoyable read, no fate of the world, no ex machinas, just it's own tale with 1 or 2 tidbits from others. In my opinion it fits well in this universe, like an outside looking in, background given a voice kinda thing. I will definitely read the next book.
Boy am I glad I didn't. It's a great character driven story set in an intriguing universe. Mr Van Stry had a couple great twists as well. I'm really looking forward to seeing where the MC goes from here, not to mention how things may tie into the other great books in this universe. Another great series from John Van Stry!
The characters feel "real" is the best i can describe it so many fantasy stories have unrealistic behavior and motives that it's nice to see characters behaving in realistic ways in also a fan of urban fantasy the idea of magic and mysticism in a modern ish setting 10/10 do highly recommend
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing either more like the middle. Good enough to read and not regret spending your time doing so but not something I would re-read. That's my opinion though, give it a chance and it might just be what you're looking for.
This book rolls smoothly up to the finish. The characters are strong and likable, the action is frenzied, the plot works, and the pacing doesn't waste time. The last two chapters twist several characters, and the tone of the book, which is why I qualified the header. Still, very good.
A fun and self-contained adventure in the VeilVerse.
Really enjoyed this book, despite going in with some trepidation. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys the VeilVerse setting. The characters are complex enough to be interesting and the twist at the end was something I definitely wasn't expecting and gave a final bloom of character development to Breck.
Of the there VailVerse books currently publisher I found this one to be the most fun. I was a little slow to like the Rocker MC, but I was completely won over by the end.
Breck is a rich and famous musician who falls through a hole in reality and finds himself in another world. As always, Mr Van Stry writes what can only be described as a rollicking tale.
This book has what so many harem books lack. Characters with depth you can feel for, action, and story line that is gripping. Definitely not just another 'round up babes and bang them' book.
I’m really happy that John Van Stry is now part of the VeilVerse, a third great writer! Great story, cool characters, awesome worlds. Now all of these books needs sequels!
I have never read a bad book from John Van Stry, and this is another great addition. It honestly reminds me a bit of his other series, portals of infinity. Now if only he will continue that one as it is a great read.
This is an amazing story but a mc that is different the the typical mc in a new world. He actually owns what is going on and trys to make the best out of it.
I like all of the VeilVerse books so far. I think Asgard Awakening (Awakened?) is my favorite so far, but I didn't even know there WAS a series at that point.