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Dark #2
Dark: Reincarnate
Dark will stop at nothing to keep himself out of the Spider’s tower of torture. At all costs, he will remain free from Kim’s grasp.
He has accepted a new quest, with incredible bonus objectives. If he completes the quest, he will receive the very thing he needs the most.
Yet the more he progresses, the more impossible the task seems. Should he work day in and day out, with no food or rest, he still could not possibly complete it in time. The quest is a ravenous pit, consuming all of his time and effort, hour after hour, fight after fight.
In order to have a chance, he must risk everything for equipment—and then once more risk everything for help. If his luck fails, he faces capture, betrayal, and total mental destruction.
And even if he makes it, the road he chooses, the journey he risks, may not bring him to the place he hopes for… ( as pulled from amazon store page)
He has accepted a new quest, with incredible bonus objectives. If he completes the quest, he will receive the very thing he needs the most.
Yet the more he progresses, the more impossible the task seems. Should he work day in and day out, with no food or rest, he still could not possibly complete it in time. The quest is a ravenous pit, consuming all of his time and effort, hour after hour, fight after fight.
In order to have a chance, he must risk everything for equipment—and then once more risk everything for help. If his luck fails, he faces capture, betrayal, and total mental destruction.
And even if he makes it, the road he chooses, the journey he risks, may not bring him to the place he hopes for… ( as pulled from amazon store page)
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2020
77 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Stone
57 books263 followersArthur Stone is the pen name of one Arthur Smirnov, a prolific author in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.
Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.
Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 20, 2020
Imagine you were hiding out in a VRMMO with a crippled character, trying to survive on an unreachable map built by sadists. That's Dark in a nutshell.
I loved the single-player in a vast land tone of the first Dark book but realized towards the end that he'd need to start connecting to other characters to progress the story. Sure enough Dark: Reincarnate brought Dark to new places, new engagements, and new dangers. I missed all the "let's build armor from what I can find in nature" but I recognize that had played out once he had found an abandoned settlement.
I'm going to spoil you only to the extent that I confirm he doesn't end up back in the horrible conditions that started book one.
I wish I had know that when reading because I hit a lot of stressful "Oh no no no!" moments worrying that things would resolve back to his original imprisonment. Fear not, they don't. Instead, there's more of the silly fun cleverness (although not nearly enough Boundless Evil for my tastes), lots of adventure, leveling up skills on steroids, and by the end of the book, the climax is so good it should have embedded the 1812 overture (you know the bit, the one they play on the 4th of July) during the extended joyous payback sequence. It was glorious.
I preordered this as soon as it became available and am glad I did. And while the end wraps up the story (in the worst best most hilarious way possible), there's still room for more story. I hope it goes on to book 3 because the real world issues are not close to being resolved even if the biggest tensions in the book were, at least for the moment.
The books' strengths are its humor, innovation, clever game play, and the worst VRMMO ever designed (no really, it's hilarious awful, and the characters in the novels complain bitterly about how ridiculous it is.)
It may not be for everyone but I loved it.
I loved the single-player in a vast land tone of the first Dark book but realized towards the end that he'd need to start connecting to other characters to progress the story. Sure enough Dark: Reincarnate brought Dark to new places, new engagements, and new dangers. I missed all the "let's build armor from what I can find in nature" but I recognize that had played out once he had found an abandoned settlement.
I'm going to spoil you only to the extent that I confirm he doesn't end up back in the horrible conditions that started book one.
I wish I had know that when reading because I hit a lot of stressful "Oh no no no!" moments worrying that things would resolve back to his original imprisonment. Fear not, they don't. Instead, there's more of the silly fun cleverness (although not nearly enough Boundless Evil for my tastes), lots of adventure, leveling up skills on steroids, and by the end of the book, the climax is so good it should have embedded the 1812 overture (you know the bit, the one they play on the 4th of July) during the extended joyous payback sequence. It was glorious.
I preordered this as soon as it became available and am glad I did. And while the end wraps up the story (in the worst best most hilarious way possible), there's still room for more story. I hope it goes on to book 3 because the real world issues are not close to being resolved even if the biggest tensions in the book were, at least for the moment.
The books' strengths are its humor, innovation, clever game play, and the worst VRMMO ever designed (no really, it's hilarious awful, and the characters in the novels complain bitterly about how ridiculous it is.)
It may not be for everyone but I loved it.
April 1, 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
November 19, 2021
Book two
Mistakes: Anything I found or had a question about has been posted on Goodreads. Very well written and edited as far as I could tell.
Plot: Our hero continues his struggle of being trapped in the game. A recap of the last book is needed for all of these author's books. He is very prolific, but recaps are nice.
Characters: This is the authors most annoying character. He makes some stupid mistakes because of his desire for human company. He overcomes his bad choices and grows as a person, but it was annoying getting there at times.
8/10 I look forward to book three.
Mistakes: Anything I found or had a question about has been posted on Goodreads. Very well written and edited as far as I could tell.
Plot: Our hero continues his struggle of being trapped in the game. A recap of the last book is needed for all of these author's books. He is very prolific, but recaps are nice.
Characters: This is the authors most annoying character. He makes some stupid mistakes because of his desire for human company. He overcomes his bad choices and grows as a person, but it was annoying getting there at times.
8/10 I look forward to book three.
April 4, 2020
Just Leave
Character growth has to last, has to matter, to have any meaning. This volume ends by destroying two books of character growth. The beginning of book three night as well be book one of this series.
Except the audience can grow, too. We can learn that some authors are time wasting jerks with no respect for readers.
Avoid this author.
Character growth has to last, has to matter, to have any meaning. This volume ends by destroying two books of character growth. The beginning of book three night as well be book one of this series.
Except the audience can grow, too. We can learn that some authors are time wasting jerks with no respect for readers.
Avoid this author.
April 11, 2025
Wonderful!!!
I really, really like Arthur Stone's stories! I just wish he would finish them. Its really disappointing to get to know, and root for, a character only to have the story abruptly stop at a crucial point.
That's why I'm giving only 4 stars. This book was published 5 years ago. He left it at a cliffhanger just like he did with his respawn series.
I really, really like Arthur Stone's stories! I just wish he would finish them. Its really disappointing to get to know, and root for, a character only to have the story abruptly stop at a crucial point.
That's why I'm giving only 4 stars. This book was published 5 years ago. He left it at a cliffhanger just like he did with his respawn series.
April 5, 2020
My coronavirus quarantine favourite book
So far! Fast and entertaining read for light litrpg fans had suspense and massive action and a lot of theory crafting like the book before. I want next level, I mean book.
So far! Fast and entertaining read for light litrpg fans had suspense and massive action and a lot of theory crafting like the book before. I want next level, I mean book.
April 10, 2020
Awesome
Super fun with a satisfying ending. As other reviewers have noted, the first part of the first book is grim-dark, but the rest since then has not been. I skipped the grim-dark sections and didn't miss them. Recommended
Super fun with a satisfying ending. As other reviewers have noted, the first part of the first book is grim-dark, but the rest since then has not been. I skipped the grim-dark sections and didn't miss them. Recommended
July 12, 2020
Well I finished the second book and I Really Hate Cliff Hangers... Is the story finished or will it continue on? There was a lot less repetition than the first book and it kept getting better... I hope that the story continues on.
March 29, 2020
Great book two
, Great Book 2 I enjoyed both books how to read book 3 if it was out.
Thank you me. Stone.
, Great Book 2 I enjoyed both books how to read book 3 if it was out.
Thank you me. Stone.
April 13, 2020
good, but hate cliffhangers
good story, if you like book one you'll like this on two. not a big fan of the cliffhanger ending
good story, if you like book one you'll like this on two. not a big fan of the cliffhanger ending
Read
December 14, 2020Awesome!
Stone is one of my favorite authors. His books demand I drop everything else and read them as soon as they release. This one was great and I can't wait for the next
Stone is one of my favorite authors. His books demand I drop everything else and read them as soon as they release. This one was great and I can't wait for the next
June 3, 2021
A good read, I look forward to the next book in this series to see where this goes next...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews