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The Rules #2
Pendrackon
DON'T BREAK ANY RULES, EVEN IF THEY MAKE NO SENSE.
Sam is back and better than ever! Just kidding. His life still sucks. Dragged into the video-game-like world of Somerset, he is constantly having his patience and sanity tested by the world's sheer tropiness and unoriginality. Like, for example, how Princess Willow of the East was kidnapped just a few hours after asking for his help in saving her kingdom. Or, how seemingly no-one, including the all-powerful Adventurers Guild, can do anything about it.
Worse than a world that seems to have no end of horrible naming schemes, overplayed storylines, and moronic knights with a penchant for long and overblown speeches about justice, Sam has to deal with a talking dog who seems to enjoy belittling him at every possible opportunity. Add that to the fact that all he can eat day in and day out is stew, and Sam is left with some serious anger issues.
Good thing there are all those bunnies around!
Dear Reader,
This is a LitRPG book containing stat sheets, leveling, and epic loot. This book contains excessive amounts of profanity. Like, a lot, (seriously, I mean it!) and some content that may not be suitable for children. So, if you thought the last book was too much, do everyone a favor and avoid this one. If you still complain about cursing in the reviews after this, it's all on you pal!
Sincerely,
Sam
Sam is back and better than ever! Just kidding. His life still sucks. Dragged into the video-game-like world of Somerset, he is constantly having his patience and sanity tested by the world's sheer tropiness and unoriginality. Like, for example, how Princess Willow of the East was kidnapped just a few hours after asking for his help in saving her kingdom. Or, how seemingly no-one, including the all-powerful Adventurers Guild, can do anything about it.
Worse than a world that seems to have no end of horrible naming schemes, overplayed storylines, and moronic knights with a penchant for long and overblown speeches about justice, Sam has to deal with a talking dog who seems to enjoy belittling him at every possible opportunity. Add that to the fact that all he can eat day in and day out is stew, and Sam is left with some serious anger issues.
Good thing there are all those bunnies around!
Dear Reader,
This is a LitRPG book containing stat sheets, leveling, and epic loot. This book contains excessive amounts of profanity. Like, a lot, (seriously, I mean it!) and some content that may not be suitable for children. So, if you thought the last book was too much, do everyone a favor and avoid this one. If you still complain about cursing in the reviews after this, it's all on you pal!
Sincerely,
Sam
- GenresFantasy
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2020
85 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 4, 2022
Honestly, I'm enjoying the nonsensical, tropish, arbitrary rules offered up in this game system because they breathe a bit of random life in this otherwise standard LitRPG fare.
Here's the thing: it's perfectly standard LitRPG fare. Solidly written, simple, and all the focus is on getting along with your friends/allies and leveling up. I don't really have anything negative to say about it because all the truly nonsensical aspects of LitRPGs (or anime or regular RPGs) are accepted and/or satirized here as well.
So what we have is plain adventure, kingdom-saving stuff, and increasingly powerful monsters to defeat.
It'd be perfectly forgettable if I had wanted something unique, but as it so happens, all I wanted was comfort food and a bit of grinning fun. I got that, so I'm happy.
Here's the thing: it's perfectly standard LitRPG fare. Solidly written, simple, and all the focus is on getting along with your friends/allies and leveling up. I don't really have anything negative to say about it because all the truly nonsensical aspects of LitRPGs (or anime or regular RPGs) are accepted and/or satirized here as well.
So what we have is plain adventure, kingdom-saving stuff, and increasingly powerful monsters to defeat.
It'd be perfectly forgettable if I had wanted something unique, but as it so happens, all I wanted was comfort food and a bit of grinning fun. I got that, so I'm happy.
April 19, 2023
This was way better than the first book. Bruh. I cant wait for the next book
April 6, 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
April 16, 2020
Another interesting and fun book by Aaron Oster
It's always a pleasure to see a series continued, and while many of the books may be somewhat similar, it continues to build the wonderful and wacky universe of Aaron Oster. The group dynamic is fun to witness, and (minor spoiler) it's a bit refreshing to see the romantic subplot in so many stories dropped in this series
Another great read, as always
It's always a pleasure to see a series continued, and while many of the books may be somewhat similar, it continues to build the wonderful and wacky universe of Aaron Oster. The group dynamic is fun to witness, and (minor spoiler) it's a bit refreshing to see the romantic subplot in so many stories dropped in this series
Another great read, as always
June 2, 2020
I powered through the first book and half way through the second before I finally gave up. I'll be returning book 2 later.
Picture that whiny, bratty little thirteen year old that hurls racial slurs at you on xbox live, that's Sam (minus actual racial slurs). He starts of a whiny, screaming little manchild in book one and doesn't grow at all through to halfway through book 2.
It's compounded exponentially by the targets of his ire being, basically, completely farcical. For example, he freaks out every. single. time he hears a the stupid name of a person or place in Somerset.
It's a fantasy world. You hear A LOT of new names. And when you understand the real target of his rants is actually the lacking-in-imagination author rather than any diety, it's not suddenly funny. It's even more infuriating.
We get it. You suck at naming things. MOVE ON.
The humour in general just misses the mark entirely. The author does this thing where he uses an incredibly ridiculous and obvious trope constantly, then draws attention to it to make fun of it like it somehow absolves him of using said trope in the first place.
It isn't humour to make fun of your own unimaginative writing/ dialogue, it's annoying.
This may come off as harsh, but if you're not into that kind of humour, walk away now. That's basically the whole book: a protagonist who's constantly vascilating between whining and raging and an author using tied tropes and making fun of himself for doing so.
Picture that whiny, bratty little thirteen year old that hurls racial slurs at you on xbox live, that's Sam (minus actual racial slurs). He starts of a whiny, screaming little manchild in book one and doesn't grow at all through to halfway through book 2.
It's compounded exponentially by the targets of his ire being, basically, completely farcical. For example, he freaks out every. single. time he hears a the stupid name of a person or place in Somerset.
It's a fantasy world. You hear A LOT of new names. And when you understand the real target of his rants is actually the lacking-in-imagination author rather than any diety, it's not suddenly funny. It's even more infuriating.
We get it. You suck at naming things. MOVE ON.
The humour in general just misses the mark entirely. The author does this thing where he uses an incredibly ridiculous and obvious trope constantly, then draws attention to it to make fun of it like it somehow absolves him of using said trope in the first place.
It isn't humour to make fun of your own unimaginative writing/ dialogue, it's annoying.
This may come off as harsh, but if you're not into that kind of humour, walk away now. That's basically the whole book: a protagonist who's constantly vascilating between whining and raging and an author using tied tropes and making fun of himself for doing so.
June 29, 2020
Better than last book
Kudo's to the author for toning down the swearing enough that it was less distracting. Made the dialogue better imho and I certainly enjoyed the book more than the last one. Or maybe I'm just getting desensitized, not like I counted or anything (but it felt less flippant and more appropriate).
I still don't care for the MC as he really has no redeeming qualities and thinks only of himself.
The female MC is still a sterio-typical male pig and goes out of her way to sexually harass the MC in pretty much every scene. If a guy where slapping a girls ass, ogling her naked and refusing to leave, asking a girl for sex over and over he would be crucified for it. But I guess it's ok if it's the other way around? It's not attractive at all, not funny, and so I just am left shaking my head.
Anyways, some of this authors other series are pretty good so if this is your first introduction to his work, don't let it stop you from checking out some of his other stuff. Though the females pursuing the males does seem to kinda be a thing or his now that I think about it...
Kudo's to the author for toning down the swearing enough that it was less distracting. Made the dialogue better imho and I certainly enjoyed the book more than the last one. Or maybe I'm just getting desensitized, not like I counted or anything (but it felt less flippant and more appropriate).
I still don't care for the MC as he really has no redeeming qualities and thinks only of himself.
The female MC is still a sterio-typical male pig and goes out of her way to sexually harass the MC in pretty much every scene. If a guy where slapping a girls ass, ogling her naked and refusing to leave, asking a girl for sex over and over he would be crucified for it. But I guess it's ok if it's the other way around? It's not attractive at all, not funny, and so I just am left shaking my head.
Anyways, some of this authors other series are pretty good so if this is your first introduction to his work, don't let it stop you from checking out some of his other stuff. Though the females pursuing the males does seem to kinda be a thing or his now that I think about it...
June 22, 2020
I enjoyed the book. It was not my favorite book out of Aaron’s but it was still worthy of my 4 stars. The premise is similar to book 1 so if you didn’t like book 1 then this book is not for you. If you did like book 1, then read away.
WARNING SPOILERS ARE NOT FOR THIS BOOK, BUT FOR THE RISE TO OMNISCIENCE SERIES BY AARON OSTER, (BOOK 4) DO NOT READ IF NOT PAST BOOK 4.
Well, the ending was pretty damn surprising. It was also funny in an ‘I didn’t see that coming’ sense. Pendrakon is a good book. I wish Sam didn’t hate basically everything that he meets that isn’t Loquin. I also wish he didn’t swear at every single one of his problems in hopes that they would go away. But, oh well, that’s just Sam’s personality. I will take solace in the fact that Gold puts a cap in him in book 4 of RTO.
WARNING SPOILERS ARE NOT FOR THIS BOOK, BUT FOR THE RISE TO OMNISCIENCE SERIES BY AARON OSTER, (BOOK 4) DO NOT READ IF NOT PAST BOOK 4.
Well, the ending was pretty damn surprising. It was also funny in an ‘I didn’t see that coming’ sense. Pendrakon is a good book. I wish Sam didn’t hate basically everything that he meets that isn’t Loquin. I also wish he didn’t swear at every single one of his problems in hopes that they would go away. But, oh well, that’s just Sam’s personality. I will take solace in the fact that Gold puts a cap in him in book 4 of RTO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2020
Again, I have to reiterate: This book is great. Even better than the first. The fact people STILL whine about the swearing and the fact people risking their lives on a daily basis tend to curse is baffling to me. "Keep a stiff upper lip" is the mantra of a lot of readers, apparently, if they'd genuinely be calm, collected and not swear at all while a giant fucking spider tries to melt them.
Give the book a chance and remember that this is a more realistic portrayal of how someone would act if sent to another world. The unflappable protagonists always struck me as insane, personally, so I love how these ones have to vent.
Give the book a chance and remember that this is a more realistic portrayal of how someone would act if sent to another world. The unflappable protagonists always struck me as insane, personally, so I love how these ones have to vent.
June 20, 2020
I laughed my butt off
I had a blast reading this book. Most books I read the dialogue goes on and on and it sounds like blah blah blah. But I looked forward to the dialogue in this book. Sam's cynical outlook to his predicament is worthy of a laugh. In all honestly the main character acts just as you or I would if we suddenly found ourselves in the same situation. I thank you Aaron for taking the time to entertain me as you have. I look forward to book 3. Don't let me down and not write it because a couple cry babies.
I had a blast reading this book. Most books I read the dialogue goes on and on and it sounds like blah blah blah. But I looked forward to the dialogue in this book. Sam's cynical outlook to his predicament is worthy of a laugh. In all honestly the main character acts just as you or I would if we suddenly found ourselves in the same situation. I thank you Aaron for taking the time to entertain me as you have. I look forward to book 3. Don't let me down and not write it because a couple cry babies.
August 9, 2022
Better than the last book I read, which didn't even make it in here after being abandoned 60% of the way through, despite being book 7 of 9 in a complete series.
Some of these series, I think, just need to be binged to maintain any attachment to the characters. In this case, I just never got back into the series. While I have one of the authors other series sitting on the kindle (a book 4? 3? 5?) as sometime next, I think I'll hold off for right now to make sure my feelings on this book don't unduly influence my potential enjoyment of that one.
Some of these series, I think, just need to be binged to maintain any attachment to the characters. In this case, I just never got back into the series. While I have one of the authors other series sitting on the kindle (a book 4? 3? 5?) as sometime next, I think I'll hold off for right now to make sure my feelings on this book don't unduly influence my potential enjoyment of that one.
January 12, 2023
Sam must save princess at all cost an save her father's Kingdom as well .
Sam sets out to free the Eastern Kingdom from magical over throne captured by a Bandshee . A quest requested by the princess of the Eastern Kingdom . Then is kidnapped by her loyal Knights that goes terribly wrong the princess gets kidnapped by the bandshee instead . When going thru a portal to save travel time they are attacked by the bandshee during on route thru the portal an thrown off course an put in serious danger upon stepping thru portal . recommend reading excellent series
Sam sets out to free the Eastern Kingdom from magical over throne captured by a Bandshee . A quest requested by the princess of the Eastern Kingdom . Then is kidnapped by her loyal Knights that goes terribly wrong the princess gets kidnapped by the bandshee instead . When going thru a portal to save travel time they are attacked by the bandshee during on route thru the portal an thrown off course an put in serious danger upon stepping thru portal . recommend reading excellent series
August 31, 2023
In this book, the characters struggle to reach a second dimension, the plot is hackneyed, the dialog is ... well let's just say "unconvincing", and the world design is absurd. But the action scenes are fairly well written.
I'm sure there are people besides the author* who think this book is really funny. I am not among them. This isn't one of the worst books I've read, but I can't recommend it to anyone who isn't already a major fan of the author.
* We know the author thinks this series is hilarious because he says so in the afterword.
I'm sure there are people besides the author* who think this book is really funny. I am not among them. This isn't one of the worst books I've read, but I can't recommend it to anyone who isn't already a major fan of the author.
* We know the author thinks this series is hilarious because he says so in the afterword.
April 25, 2020
This is not Hamlet, but it is fun.
This is not Hamlet, but it is fun. It’s light and witty, has plenty of snark, and the two main characters are enjoyable to follow. It’s also fun to imagine how the omniscient Gods from the other series started out. Worth a read when you want something light.
This is not Hamlet, but it is fun. It’s light and witty, has plenty of snark, and the two main characters are enjoyable to follow. It’s also fun to imagine how the omniscient Gods from the other series started out. Worth a read when you want something light.
December 23, 2020
I really don't understand why some people are giving this a 1 star. Just like the last book, when I got to the end, I wanted more. Great book. Thanks to the authors out there for taking a thought and building it in to a world and all the complexities that come with that. It's pretty amazing! It's sad when people can't appreciate how much goes in to it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2020
A little more childish than the first, but still entertaining
All the insults, focus on virginity, etc set a weird tone, but I like the basic premise of a satirical fantasy land litrpg. I just think the satire could be more terry pratchett and less... Ren and stimpy
All the insults, focus on virginity, etc set a weird tone, but I like the basic premise of a satirical fantasy land litrpg. I just think the satire could be more terry pratchett and less... Ren and stimpy
April 30, 2020
So funny
Great book. To be honest it's my favourite of all his series. With a sarcastic tone. 4th wall breaks and it confirms everything I have always felt about dogs. Birds are better and cats are the best!! (PLEASE INCLUDE CATS)
Great book. To be honest it's my favourite of all his series. With a sarcastic tone. 4th wall breaks and it confirms everything I have always felt about dogs. Birds are better and cats are the best!! (PLEASE INCLUDE CATS)
May 12, 2020
Good series
No book is ever perfect and this one wasn't an exception to that rule. It was a very enjoyable read though and I quite like the characters. I do hope there will be a 3rd book for me to read.
No book is ever perfect and this one wasn't an exception to that rule. It was a very enjoyable read though and I quite like the characters. I do hope there will be a 3rd book for me to read.
July 22, 2020
Fun book exploring the interests of tropes
Tropes as a plot point. One of the main items in the book and the author does it well. Fun to read and leaves enough of a hanger to want the next one soon.
Tropes as a plot point. One of the main items in the book and the author does it well. Fun to read and leaves enough of a hanger to want the next one soon.
October 16, 2020
Best series by Aaron Oster
I've read his other series but none of them are filled with the magic of this one. If you take the time to read any of his series I urge you to pick this one because what he has done here is pure gold.
I've read his other series but none of them are filled with the magic of this one. If you take the time to read any of his series I urge you to pick this one because what he has done here is pure gold.
February 27, 2021
I’m enjoying the series, it’s generally quite funny (although the very meta tangent when the main character went off on a rant about people who leave anonymous one star reviews complaining about language was... not nearly as funny as the author clearly thought it would be).
April 18, 2021
Fun
It’s a fun read that pokes fun at fantasy tropes while entertaining. It’s fast paced with just a few editing issues (them instead of then, et cetera) overall highly enjoyable. I hope you like it.
It’s a fun read that pokes fun at fantasy tropes while entertaining. It’s fast paced with just a few editing issues (them instead of then, et cetera) overall highly enjoyable. I hope you like it.
April 16, 2020
amazing book
this book was just as amazing as the first book probably better and i hope there’s a book three in the near future.
this book was just as amazing as the first book probably better and i hope there’s a book three in the near future.
April 18, 2020
Fun read
It's very enjoyable. A fresh breath of crassness. On a side note, I think Sam should be hooking up with Emma
It's very enjoyable. A fresh breath of crassness. On a side note, I think Sam should be hooking up with Emma
April 24, 2020
Funny
It's not often that i find a story that is light hearted and funny. Really enjoyed reading this original book.
It's not often that i find a story that is light hearted and funny. Really enjoyed reading this original book.
June 3, 2020
Excellent
Just as good as the first, trope filled litrpg that will keep you chuckling. I need six more words to finish this.
Just as good as the first, trope filled litrpg that will keep you chuckling. I need six more words to finish this.
July 18, 2020
Love it
It's like the, Scary movies, but for litrpg. It makes fun of everything and is entertaining. It's a fun read.
It's like the, Scary movies, but for litrpg. It makes fun of everything and is entertaining. It's a fun read.
August 2, 2020
Another great book. Keep up the good work Aaron.
August 8, 2020
Loved the book
I loved this whole series. I find that it’s the most funny out of all your other series. Do write the next book, I can’t wait.
I loved this whole series. I find that it’s the most funny out of all your other series. Do write the next book, I can’t wait.
August 22, 2020
The build up is awesome
I'm starting to see how all of the series might fit together and I can't wait to see if I'm right.
I'm starting to see how all of the series might fit together and I can't wait to see if I'm right.
November 15, 2020
The story is funny, even using obvious cliches the evil overlord keeps the story entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews