Eddie Hunter has discovered that he loves building. Creating things with his own hands satisfies him. Fortunately his job in the game Light Online allows for that. It also requires that he do all the other things the rest of the players in the game do, so he can't just build.
Balancing his time between adventuring and building would be easy, if it didn't seem like there were always twenty-seven more things he felt he should be doing at the same time.
To make matters worse, there's good evidence supporting a fellow player's theory that Eddie's efforts to increase the settlement level of the Meadowlands cause the game to add new content in the area. So now Eddie has even more things to add to what he's already doing.
Tom Larcombe was introduced to fantasy books at a young age. Those that were aimed more at children hooked him in, but not well enough for him to remember their names at this point in his life. Their draw led him to books aimed more for the adult reader and so he found himself, at around age eight, starting in on the Steven R Donaldson 'Thomas Covenant' series and the Hobbit, followed shortly thereafter by The Lord of the Rings books.
His reading tastes have never looked back, although they have broadened to include science fiction and the occasional non-fiction book.
He lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife, two daughters, three cats, and a variable number of chickens.
This was enjoyable, though not as much as the first two. It seemed like filler honestly, isn’t any big conflicts and it’s just him building up his town and going on a couple adventures.
I’m excited and nervous by what the ending implies but should be interesting for the upcoming book.
Confused by how much access Loki seems to have and also for what reason the developers would even include him in the game or be programmed that way.
First book was ok, second one the author started inserting more and more of the personal views. But in this one it was too much and it's killing the series for me.
People read fantasy for fun and to relax, not to be brainwashed with the authors own political, social, or religious views.
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.
So if you are on the 3rd book already, you know that this litrpg series is a bit different. Instead of it being all about adventuring it takes a different approach and I really like the change of pace. I read the 1st two a while ago and was so happy to see not only book 3, but book 4 is out as well! Eddie is a likable guy who does things a bit differently and it pays off for the most part. There is intrigue going on and often times its like 3 stories in one. Who knew that reading about a group of people building houses to help others could be so entertaining. I think Griff is not a npc but its Jimmy Carter playing that character :D Mayor Eddie has my vote. I am a little worried at the title to the next book though...
I love the mix of town building and adventuring, particularly how language, sex, and gore are kept on the minimal end making this a good recommendation for a teen
Still really like this series. No over-the-top sexy stuff and a good blend of crafting/building and exploring/adventuring. And him and his girlfriend are sweet.
Why did you read this book? A friend suggested the series and I liked the first book.
What format did you read this book in? Listened to the audiobook on Audible.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment? I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to? Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction
What was your favorite part of the book? When he got the quest to absorb another village. I think it’s funny that so much responsibility is being put on his shoulders.
Who would you suggest this book to? Unfortunately, I can’t say I recommend this series at this point…
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book? I really liked the first book, but it went downhill after that. The combat was boring to me. The base-building aspect of the game (which got me interested in the first place) had been underplayed since the second book. Unfortunately, there are just too many other LitRPG books that do several of the story point better than what I’ve seen presented in this book. Although, not bad, I just don’t find this series interesting anymore. My mind had kind of glazed over many of the story points. Plus, I think it’s messed up that the characters decided to have their memories wiped to help with someone's trauma. Forgetting isn’t the answer. Overall, this story was okay, but I won’t be continuing the series.
Any trigger warnings? Racial and Religious: Racism, Racial Profiling, Slavery, Talk of Superior Race, Prejudice, Genocide Mental Health: Trivializing Mental Illness, PTSD, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Confrontation Abuser, Nightmares about Traumatic Events Disabilities: Curing of Disabilities, Lifechanging injury Violence and Death: Death, Animal Death, Graphic Deaths, Mass Death, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence Other: Bullying
I enjoyed the crafting parts, but missed something that would make the book more interesting for a better score.
Anything that would do that is solved in the background by the AI and that kind of sucks. Dungeon runs are fine, but they're more a mid-book peak thing and then we don't get anything at the end.
In regards to that, it's super annoying how everyone reacts to someone possibly dying in a game. Freaking gamers intentionally get themselves killed in games just for the hell of it, and everyone here acts like it's some horrible thing.
Also, the MC's girlfriend is still annoying and I'd really like it if he stood up for himself instead of just taking everything.
This book has got me kinda excited especially the next phase of the Marvel universe has LOKI as series coming up.
Yes... spoiler alert... one of the AI's in the book has been naughty and hijacked the wet ware of the guy on top of the chain in the gaming company.
Weird tests are being conducted but our MC is growing from a simple inn keeper to the Mayor of the town/Village and seems to be on the track to start building an empire of sorts.
Though seemingly more focused on craft related skills he is able to work the game to his advantage and from bum in the first book turns into super productive CEO of sorts.
I think I have given the other books in this series 5 stars but this one is getting a 4. I really like this author and will continue with the series but this one fell just a tad flat and got to be repetitive and less interesting at times. I also have a bit of an issue with the background story going on in the real world but maybe with further explanation I can get onboard with it. Still to be fair this is a great book and a great value given the level of content you get with almost 500 pages as opposed to the 250 to 300 pages you see in a lot of litrpg out in the world.
An enjoyable read and good plot pacing, but needs more independent women
The only thing I’d like to see in a future series is for women to have more progression autonomy. In this series, they’re the love interest, cook and essentially “support to the men”. The NPC wives are mostly just background noise and all the major players are men.
If the author added more women in leadership, or other roles of authority, it would add more depth to the world he’s built as well as make it more interesting and engaging to read.
Another great read. I'm loving the world building that Tom press in his books and how there's some action in it but there's a heavy aspect of town creation. Looking forward to defender and would love to read more out your bike in this style. My only kind of complaint is the lack of frejya as the parts where she shows up feel like she should be mentioned more especially with her learning from Eddie.
First) there are plenty of things happening in the book, they just don't involve much adventuring.
Second) at this point in the series, the military guys arch feels over, there was almost no point to it except as a way to show Freyja taking an active role to stop Loki.
Third) this series has 100% turned away from being an adventure book to a City Simulator.
The Light Online series continues. To be a fun enjoyable series to read. With book three we get to see what happens. In the mine the discovered in the last book. As well as see the Goblins becoming a play able character (why?). Can't wait to start book four.
Nice, exciting read. Storyline has depth and you cant wait for the next chapter. I want the excitement to roll. Yet the side that supports the adventurer is brought to life. Like it.
These books series bring me great joy to read, the character's are great the pacing is very good overall it is a great read. The editing was very good too spotted no grammar problems.
It's still really good. A lot of the busyness that makes the second book confusing has cleared up, leaving just enough to get us into Eddie's head without being overwhelmed and confused.
I'm a little worried about the rogue AI in the background though...
As good as this book is and the series has been, this is clearly a bridge title. Nothing wrong with bridging high action and high emotions with credible story and character building. The military stuff is really getting interesting. 👍🏽
This is a really good series that doesn't include an over powered protagonist. There's a gradual realistic increase in ability and no chosen-one-must-save-the-world quest. There are some very amusing characters that make the story just fun.
In this third book, not only does Eddie gain levels but also town advancements and more of L's ire! Next book is already downloaded and ready for me to start reading.
Problem. Read this in Kindle Unlimited but my rating wouldn't register at Goodreads. Tried several times and over a few days. Might be missing a number of ratings and reviews?
I'm still enjoying this LitRPG with a crafting bent and easier pace, and a main character who is not an overbearing egotist. Just fun, distracting and interesting.