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The Blacklight Chronicles #1
Illusion
When an overly powerful guild threatens to take over an entire server in the worlds premier crime game, it falls to a new player and his small but powerful crew of friends to stop them.
The Life of Crime is Blacklight Industries second major immersive experience. Everyone played their first, the world famous fantasy game Brescia Online. Now, years later, the company has focused on a different genre entirely. Once plugged into the game world, you feel as though you're back in the early 21st century, and thanks to their powerful immersive AI, have all the freedom to shape the world around you one could hope for. Players build Crews, Crews control Turf, and fight one another tooth and nail for it, rising to great power and status along the way. Each server houses a major metropolitan city, and the west coast US server, Illusion, is being threatened with total takeover by an unscrupulous and power hungry Crew named GoonStorm.
Kurt joins the game three years after its release, at the request of his lifelong friend Jimmy, and in response to getting kicked out of college. The pair falls in with The Getaway Gal, The Life's most famous driver, and joins her campaign to stop Illusions most powerful guild from taking over the server entirely. Kurt sets off on a series of elaborate and harrowing heists and guerilla warfare actions towards this goal, making powerful allies and enemies along the way.
The Life of Crime is Blacklight Industries second major immersive experience. Everyone played their first, the world famous fantasy game Brescia Online. Now, years later, the company has focused on a different genre entirely. Once plugged into the game world, you feel as though you're back in the early 21st century, and thanks to their powerful immersive AI, have all the freedom to shape the world around you one could hope for. Players build Crews, Crews control Turf, and fight one another tooth and nail for it, rising to great power and status along the way. Each server houses a major metropolitan city, and the west coast US server, Illusion, is being threatened with total takeover by an unscrupulous and power hungry Crew named GoonStorm.
Kurt joins the game three years after its release, at the request of his lifelong friend Jimmy, and in response to getting kicked out of college. The pair falls in with The Getaway Gal, The Life's most famous driver, and joins her campaign to stop Illusions most powerful guild from taking over the server entirely. Kurt sets off on a series of elaborate and harrowing heists and guerilla warfare actions towards this goal, making powerful allies and enemies along the way.
- GenresScience Fiction
492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2019
36 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 25, 2019
I love this genre but I usually stick to the fantasy settings. But this was an exciting read. Full of action, great game mechanics, and completed with fun & realistic characters. The story only gets better as it progresses.
August 26, 2019
Give me more!
Litrpg GTA style. Great jobs btw. Ready and willing to read any novels, short stories or spin offs this book brings! Loved it!!!
Litrpg GTA style. Great jobs btw. Ready and willing to read any novels, short stories or spin offs this book brings! Loved it!!!
August 22, 2020
Most gamelit books tend towards either science fiction or fantasy settings, so it made for an interesting change to see the game side of this book being set in a gta-style mmo that actually works really well for this book. The real world side of this book is pretty much glossed over in this first book in the series, but it seems likely that it will have an increased level of attention in subsequent books in the series.
While the author does a good job of developing the game world setting, a bigger strength of this book would be the characters with both the main protagonists and a varied supporting cast all helping to make this a more compelling story overall.
The narration served to enhance this book very well, the range of voices and tones being suitably distinctive to help to draw the reader into the story even more, a few of the voice characterisations felt like they might be a little forced, but this did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the performance.
Overall, this was a very strong first instalment, getting the balance right between telling a complete story, while also doing all the world-building it needed to set things up for the books that will follow.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
While the author does a good job of developing the game world setting, a bigger strength of this book would be the characters with both the main protagonists and a varied supporting cast all helping to make this a more compelling story overall.
The narration served to enhance this book very well, the range of voices and tones being suitably distinctive to help to draw the reader into the story even more, a few of the voice characterisations felt like they might be a little forced, but this did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the performance.
Overall, this was a very strong first instalment, getting the balance right between telling a complete story, while also doing all the world-building it needed to set things up for the books that will follow.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
March 26, 2021
You are in for a ride!
Cars, guns and action. This is the perfect book for teenage boys who love games. I like the link and the transition between the real and the gaming world. The relationships between the characters is great and this is a fun read. Kurt is my favourite. He is teenager who thinks he can't cope with the real world and tries to hide in the virtual one. Where he fails in real life, he tries to cope in the virtual one.
I read this as a part of a book club.
Cars, guns and action. This is the perfect book for teenage boys who love games. I like the link and the transition between the real and the gaming world. The relationships between the characters is great and this is a fun read. Kurt is my favourite. He is teenager who thinks he can't cope with the real world and tries to hide in the virtual one. Where he fails in real life, he tries to cope in the virtual one.
I read this as a part of a book club.
September 1, 2019
Need more. NOW
I just finished this awesome book and need more. I love wizards and spells but this book is a breath of fresh air in this genre. So good. The world, fractions, guns, bank robberies and game play (Fox and Hound) were fantastic. Quit wasting time reading this review when you could be reading this book.
I just finished this awesome book and need more. I love wizards and spells but this book is a breath of fresh air in this genre. So good. The world, fractions, guns, bank robberies and game play (Fox and Hound) were fantastic. Quit wasting time reading this review when you could be reading this book.
August 27, 2019
Really Fun and Unique
Well written, good story, and fun beginning to end. Also props for wrapping book one up cleanly and just leaving a good hook for the next book without a cliffhanger.
Well written, good story, and fun beginning to end. Also props for wrapping book one up cleanly and just leaving a good hook for the next book without a cliffhanger.
July 26, 2020
Took a bit for me to get into but this is an interesting read. I have always wanted to see how a litrpg with a proper system dealt with something strictly set in the modern day and the results here were impressive. I'd recommend this.
August 28, 2019
Great read, fast paced and fun. The main character is smart and sneaky. Ramps up at the end of the book.
September 8, 2019
more please
I love all the shout outs to all the games in movies in the book especially the fact that Jimmy's safe house is on groove street.
I love all the shout outs to all the games in movies in the book especially the fact that Jimmy's safe house is on groove street.
July 9, 2020
It reads as though someone played the computer game GTA and decided to write a book about it.
I'm still chunking away at the book (mid-read) but so far it's rather average.
The MC is young and hasn't found his way in the world yet (yawn), he has a plucky side kick (blow up everything guy) and there is a girl who in an interesting twist seems more interested in the sidekick than the MC. Good for the author though if it changes to the MC or is used to cause a rift then boo.
We'll see - I'll add to this later - just wanted to get these thoughts down for now.
So far, it's a rather average read. Nothing special but it might actually get finished.
Further in:. Still super mediocre. The gaming world has plot inconsistencies and such. Meh overall.
Also, author doesn't seem to know the difference between oil and high explosives or even gas.
I'm still chunking away at the book (mid-read) but so far it's rather average.
The MC is young and hasn't found his way in the world yet (yawn), he has a plucky side kick (blow up everything guy) and there is a girl who in an interesting twist seems more interested in the sidekick than the MC. Good for the author though if it changes to the MC or is used to cause a rift then boo.
We'll see - I'll add to this later - just wanted to get these thoughts down for now.
So far, it's a rather average read. Nothing special but it might actually get finished.
Further in:. Still super mediocre. The gaming world has plot inconsistencies and such. Meh overall.
Also, author doesn't seem to know the difference between oil and high explosives or even gas.
August 5, 2021
A powerful high action, rollercoaster vehicle obliteration ride with very daring heists intertwined within a lovely story of friendship.
Illusion is a lit RPG book by Joseph Phelps. Book One, of the Blacklight Chronicles. For fans of high-end violence and vehicle destruction this is absolutely a must. From the beginning you feel like you are on a rollercoaster ride of sheer destruction everywhere the story leads you. This book has everything from art theft to high-speed car chases and all-out war. Deception, raids, and drama all unfolding at breakneck speed around sharp corners. These keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The roller coaster takes you to hell and back and extremely tests, friendships.
Different elements of this book will pop out at the reader as it is filled with so much amazing research From, the wonderful quotes that pop up, “All war is deception.” Sun Tzu, someone I quote often to “Profit, is sweet, even if it stems from deception.” Sophocles – 4th Century BC. To the element of the friendships both passed and present that run through it. When Kurt is expelled from college and comes home to the disappointment of his parents. He joins the game, at the request of his best friend Jimmy, who he feels he has abandoned while away. He soon realizes he has a lot to learn. Illusion is constantly under attack. By various factions wishing to own it. There are times when I wonder if Kurt will raise up to every challenge as he seems to have the odd agitation and uncertainty attacks.
Not a gamer myself, I am now better equipped to go out into its world. This book is possible to be read as a fast-moving story because it is so well written, and the detail ensures no one is left behind. It felt like a movie. The words where in a lovely reasonable sized good quality paper and print so easy to read.
Outmanned and outgunned, you need to read this book to find out how Kurt and Jimmy along with their other player friends come through their last battle.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited and as a hardback as part of a book club. Initially, I thought it was too long and too heavy on the violence, but the mix was so good right up until the end a 5 star is the right decision for this book for all the hard work and accuracy that has gone into it.
Veronica Shaw
Author.
0021 Adult a lit RPG gaming book.
Illusion is a lit RPG book by Joseph Phelps. Book One, of the Blacklight Chronicles. For fans of high-end violence and vehicle destruction this is absolutely a must. From the beginning you feel like you are on a rollercoaster ride of sheer destruction everywhere the story leads you. This book has everything from art theft to high-speed car chases and all-out war. Deception, raids, and drama all unfolding at breakneck speed around sharp corners. These keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The roller coaster takes you to hell and back and extremely tests, friendships.
Different elements of this book will pop out at the reader as it is filled with so much amazing research From, the wonderful quotes that pop up, “All war is deception.” Sun Tzu, someone I quote often to “Profit, is sweet, even if it stems from deception.” Sophocles – 4th Century BC. To the element of the friendships both passed and present that run through it. When Kurt is expelled from college and comes home to the disappointment of his parents. He joins the game, at the request of his best friend Jimmy, who he feels he has abandoned while away. He soon realizes he has a lot to learn. Illusion is constantly under attack. By various factions wishing to own it. There are times when I wonder if Kurt will raise up to every challenge as he seems to have the odd agitation and uncertainty attacks.
Not a gamer myself, I am now better equipped to go out into its world. This book is possible to be read as a fast-moving story because it is so well written, and the detail ensures no one is left behind. It felt like a movie. The words where in a lovely reasonable sized good quality paper and print so easy to read.
Outmanned and outgunned, you need to read this book to find out how Kurt and Jimmy along with their other player friends come through their last battle.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited and as a hardback as part of a book club. Initially, I thought it was too long and too heavy on the violence, but the mix was so good right up until the end a 5 star is the right decision for this book for all the hard work and accuracy that has gone into it.
Veronica Shaw
Author.
0021 Adult a lit RPG gaming book.
March 26, 2021
I honestly don't even know where to start! Haha. I'm at a loss for words.
For starters, I will say that Phelps has done a magnificent job of creating this immersive world around a single game. Down to the background things like AI behavior and game mechanics and the power-balance system, everything has been thought of. It's a well-formed, creative world above all else.
Not only is the world well made, but the characters are also phenomenal. There's not one MC that I didn't genuinely like (or at least interested me!). Some of the GoonStorm players made me want to stick my tongue out at them, but that's a pretty basic form of dislike. And that's nothing towards their author!
The biggest issue I had (and I think it's a stylistic, preference sort of thing) was the drawn out descriptions of the weaponry and vehicles within the game. I have this bad habit of kind of glazing over when reading over long detailed paragraphs so that I can hurry on to the plot parts. Sadly, I found myself doing this quite a lot in the beginning and middle of the book. It absolutely did not happen towards the end because I was completely immersed.
Overall, I'm going to give it a 4 simply because it wasn't my style. It was still a phenomenal book, though. I feel like I've just completed a major accomplishment, lol.
https://aejohnsonwrites.wordpress.com...
For starters, I will say that Phelps has done a magnificent job of creating this immersive world around a single game. Down to the background things like AI behavior and game mechanics and the power-balance system, everything has been thought of. It's a well-formed, creative world above all else.
Not only is the world well made, but the characters are also phenomenal. There's not one MC that I didn't genuinely like (or at least interested me!). Some of the GoonStorm players made me want to stick my tongue out at them, but that's a pretty basic form of dislike. And that's nothing towards their author!
The biggest issue I had (and I think it's a stylistic, preference sort of thing) was the drawn out descriptions of the weaponry and vehicles within the game. I have this bad habit of kind of glazing over when reading over long detailed paragraphs so that I can hurry on to the plot parts. Sadly, I found myself doing this quite a lot in the beginning and middle of the book. It absolutely did not happen towards the end because I was completely immersed.
Overall, I'm going to give it a 4 simply because it wasn't my style. It was still a phenomenal book, though. I feel like I've just completed a major accomplishment, lol.
https://aejohnsonwrites.wordpress.com...
March 10, 2021
They say those who fail at higher education turn to a life of crime. In this instance a life of crime is exactly the name of the 21st century based immersive game Kurt finds himself drawn into after being expelled. At first it was a way of reconnecting with Jimmy, but as the stakes increase and Illusion is on the brink of being dominated by an unstoppable force, it becomes about something more. Kurt see a chance to do something important, something that will really make a difference, but in order to pull it off he must risk losing the very thing he wants to protect.
Illusion is a litRPG by Joseph Phelps and it is one hell of a ride, the plot manipulation aspects of fable combine with the high action and violence of Grand Theft Auto and a skill levelling system, something akin to Skyrim, to provide the reader with a non-stop head spinning, action-packed ride through the crime filled streets of Illusion. This book has everything from art heists and shoot outs, to high speed car chases and all out war, not to mention bosses, raids, and drama all unfolding at breakneck speed that propels you through the book. Hold on tight because you're certainly in for one hell if a ride. Engaging characters, entertaining and fun plots, quests and raids all collide in this gripping tale that leaves you hungry for more.
Illusion is a litRPG by Joseph Phelps and it is one hell of a ride, the plot manipulation aspects of fable combine with the high action and violence of Grand Theft Auto and a skill levelling system, something akin to Skyrim, to provide the reader with a non-stop head spinning, action-packed ride through the crime filled streets of Illusion. This book has everything from art heists and shoot outs, to high speed car chases and all out war, not to mention bosses, raids, and drama all unfolding at breakneck speed that propels you through the book. Hold on tight because you're certainly in for one hell if a ride. Engaging characters, entertaining and fun plots, quests and raids all collide in this gripping tale that leaves you hungry for more.
March 25, 2021
If you like gaming, reading and full-on action films, you are going to love this book. There are so many missions and heists packed in, you're on a continuous adrenaline filled ride. I liked the bond between the three characters; Kurt, Jimmy and Gadot, and the overlap into the real world, makes it even more fun. There are some interesting extra's too, mainly Kitty, who provides one of the most epic scenes in the book! I read this as part of a book club, and it's not my genre of choice, so some of the finer detail on guns and gaming detail was a bit lost on me, but I could see the attraction to real fans. Great book and the writing flows really well too.
August 7, 2021
Very fun and entertaining!
It’s fast paced, and the characters are interesting and authentic. It’s also a unique story that’s not like anything I’ve read before. It’s basically a story about virtual reality games of the future, where you’re immersed in the game world. I’m not a gamer in real life, but it kept reminding of this role playing game I used to play in the 90s called Cyberpunk. Reading this book felt a lot like playing that game, which I absolutely loved. It actually prompted me to google the game to see if anyone is still playing it, lol. Honestly, I highly recommend this book if you like action and science fiction. It’s quite entertaining.
It’s fast paced, and the characters are interesting and authentic. It’s also a unique story that’s not like anything I’ve read before. It’s basically a story about virtual reality games of the future, where you’re immersed in the game world. I’m not a gamer in real life, but it kept reminding of this role playing game I used to play in the 90s called Cyberpunk. Reading this book felt a lot like playing that game, which I absolutely loved. It actually prompted me to google the game to see if anyone is still playing it, lol. Honestly, I highly recommend this book if you like action and science fiction. It’s quite entertaining.
August 8, 2021
"Illusion" is a high octane thrill ride from start to finish, with likeable characters and an interesting premise.
Think 'Ready Player One' but with a predominantly 'Grand Theft Auto' setting. Phelps manages to weave together a believable, futuristic world with interesting tech, where people take part in all sorts of exciting and crazy criminal activities... all within a game set in the 21st Century.
I am not a massive fan of the LitRPG subgenre which is the only reason I gave this book 4 stars. However, it was a fun ride with an enormous attention to detail put into it.
Any gamer such as myself will surely enjoy this book.
Think 'Ready Player One' but with a predominantly 'Grand Theft Auto' setting. Phelps manages to weave together a believable, futuristic world with interesting tech, where people take part in all sorts of exciting and crazy criminal activities... all within a game set in the 21st Century.
I am not a massive fan of the LitRPG subgenre which is the only reason I gave this book 4 stars. However, it was a fun ride with an enormous attention to detail put into it.
Any gamer such as myself will surely enjoy this book.
July 19, 2021
For fans of GTA this is a treat
Kurt is a dropout; he thinks classes are boring and his mantra is "Don't fall asleep." But when Jimmy invites him to play Life of Crime, a new computer game not many people are familiar with, Kurt finally finds something he's good at. And it's explosive.
The whole book felt like playing GTA (Grand Theft Auto), where you get to do anything you want. Do you want weapons, money (maybe 3 billion? :)), fool the mafia, or get a car? No problem, this book has it all.
The ending was awesome and it makes you wonder what Kurt's next job will be.
Kurt is a dropout; he thinks classes are boring and his mantra is "Don't fall asleep." But when Jimmy invites him to play Life of Crime, a new computer game not many people are familiar with, Kurt finally finds something he's good at. And it's explosive.
The whole book felt like playing GTA (Grand Theft Auto), where you get to do anything you want. Do you want weapons, money (maybe 3 billion? :)), fool the mafia, or get a car? No problem, this book has it all.
The ending was awesome and it makes you wonder what Kurt's next job will be.
July 27, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: I think I found three. Two can be argued I think. Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would.
Plot: This is a game like grand theft auto. I don't really care for the game, but found this book to be a lot of fun. Strong on action. No prostitutes where harmed in this book.
Characters: Much to my surprise I really liked the characters and rooted for their success.
9/10
Mistakes: I think I found three. Two can be argued I think. Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would.
Plot: This is a game like grand theft auto. I don't really care for the game, but found this book to be a lot of fun. Strong on action. No prostitutes where harmed in this book.
Characters: Much to my surprise I really liked the characters and rooted for their success.
9/10
August 15, 2021
A Great Read
I’ve had this book for a while but have been really busy with Covid-19 and all the ensuing chaos. But with the area where I live under heavy smoke from wildfires I have been staying home and staying indoors. Picked up this book and read it in a day and a half. Great book, great characters and a kick butt plot. Really an amazing story. I highly recommend this author.
I’ve had this book for a while but have been really busy with Covid-19 and all the ensuing chaos. But with the area where I live under heavy smoke from wildfires I have been staying home and staying indoors. Picked up this book and read it in a day and a half. Great book, great characters and a kick butt plot. Really an amazing story. I highly recommend this author.
November 22, 2020
GTA litrog
June 20, 2021
Fast paced, interesting setting
Plenty of action from the off, a more unique setting than lots of litrpg/gamelit. Well written, I look forward to a sequel
Plenty of action from the off, a more unique setting than lots of litrpg/gamelit. Well written, I look forward to a sequel
July 21, 2021
Action Packed!
Amazingly, the author packed lots of action on nearly every page. Fans of well written action stories should not miss this one!
Amazingly, the author packed lots of action on nearly every page. Fans of well written action stories should not miss this one!
August 2, 2021
I wanted to take a bit of a break from sword and sorcery LitRPG and boy oh boy I chose the perfect book! Very much looking forward to book 2.
May 24, 2021
Nostalgic!
This was highly enjoyable! A very fast paced gaming experience with everything from car chases to sneaky sneaks!
The games mechanics brought back a lot of nostalgia from old school gta, and in that regard it didn't disappoint!
From police chases to heartfelt plot as the writer weaves together a masterpiece of literacy.
Would highly recommend to anyone who loves LitRPG! Or anyone who likes a fast paced action book!
Read as part of a book club
This was highly enjoyable! A very fast paced gaming experience with everything from car chases to sneaky sneaks!
The games mechanics brought back a lot of nostalgia from old school gta, and in that regard it didn't disappoint!
From police chases to heartfelt plot as the writer weaves together a masterpiece of literacy.
Would highly recommend to anyone who loves LitRPG! Or anyone who likes a fast paced action book!
Read as part of a book club
January 27, 2020
A different take on the standard RPG (and litRPG) game. Fun, lots of action. Maybe a little too unbelieveable, even for players in a game, but it's so much fun that it doesn't really matter.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews