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Singularity Online #1
First Sorcerer
The Singularity -- the merger of man and machine into a greater whole -- is finally within humanity's grasp. When programmer Jeff Lawing gets the opportunity to join Singularity Online, the world's first realistic VRMMO and the testing ground that will lead to the Singularity, he leaps to accept.
Singularity is much more realistic and darker than Jeff had imagined, though. As a Sorcerer, his arcane magic is limited only by his imagination, but will it be enough to see him through the deadliest training quest he's ever encountered, or to protect him in a fallen realm filled with undead? Does the have the courage and passion he needs to sieze the mantle of First Sorcerer?
This book does not contain harem elements or sexual scenes. There is some profanity, and adult situations are alluded to but not detailed.
Singularity is much more realistic and darker than Jeff had imagined, though. As a Sorcerer, his arcane magic is limited only by his imagination, but will it be enough to see him through the deadliest training quest he's ever encountered, or to protect him in a fallen realm filled with undead? Does the have the courage and passion he needs to sieze the mantle of First Sorcerer?
This book does not contain harem elements or sexual scenes. There is some profanity, and adult situations are alluded to but not detailed.
ebook
First published April 14, 2020
669 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Johnson
31 books53 followersKyle Johnson is a kids gymnastics and martial arts instructor who teaches outside of Chicago. He's worked on cruise ships, traveled the world, climbed glaciers, ziplined between mountains, and even danced in the end of a rainbow.
Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?
Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
June 11, 2020
Pushing my buttons
This story pushes quite a few of my buttons that detracts from stories for me.
First the good:
Fairly well edited. There were 3 instances I remember where a word was left out. There were 2 instances of a word misspelled due to missing letters (the instead of them). 1 instance of a word misspelled due to fat fingering. That is pretty well done in this age of self publishing without an editor.
Most dialog was decent without being awkward.
Action scenes were done decently.
The bad:
Grammar needs some work. This author loves to end sentences with prepositions, which is bad in grammar even if we do speak that way in real life.
Choices for perks are way over explained.
While the dialog wasn't cringe worthy, very little dialog in this book was with other characters. 75% of the dialog was with the MC in his own head.
The MC acting like an embarrassed teenager when having to be around the female sidekick. Specifically him being embarrassed that he had to open her chest armor to get a healing bandage on her chest.
The button pushing:
OP MC killing monsters 10+ levels above him.
The need to throw endless mathematical formulas at the reader.
Non-stop perks and world firsts giving OP skills to the MC.
Super smart AI makes quests and character stats, can't handle thinking of situations and errors happening which cause MC to get even more OP abilities.
The endless chatter in the MC's head to justify making a choice about a stat, perk or ability.
Super villains that have all the resources, all the information, and higher levels than the MC yet he wins out in the end.
Drawing out the story for no reason other than to make an insanely long series. This book only gets the MC through his initial class training. He hasn't even knowingly meet another player in the game. This takes him over 4 days.
This story pushes quite a few of my buttons that detracts from stories for me.
First the good:
Fairly well edited. There were 3 instances I remember where a word was left out. There were 2 instances of a word misspelled due to missing letters (the instead of them). 1 instance of a word misspelled due to fat fingering. That is pretty well done in this age of self publishing without an editor.
Most dialog was decent without being awkward.
Action scenes were done decently.
The bad:
Grammar needs some work. This author loves to end sentences with prepositions, which is bad in grammar even if we do speak that way in real life.
Choices for perks are way over explained.
While the dialog wasn't cringe worthy, very little dialog in this book was with other characters. 75% of the dialog was with the MC in his own head.
The MC acting like an embarrassed teenager when having to be around the female sidekick. Specifically him being embarrassed that he had to open her chest armor to get a healing bandage on her chest.
The button pushing:
OP MC killing monsters 10+ levels above him.
The need to throw endless mathematical formulas at the reader.
Non-stop perks and world firsts giving OP skills to the MC.
Super smart AI makes quests and character stats, can't handle thinking of situations and errors happening which cause MC to get even more OP abilities.
The endless chatter in the MC's head to justify making a choice about a stat, perk or ability.
Super villains that have all the resources, all the information, and higher levels than the MC yet he wins out in the end.
Drawing out the story for no reason other than to make an insanely long series. This book only gets the MC through his initial class training. He hasn't even knowingly meet another player in the game. This takes him over 4 days.
May 1, 2020
FIRST SORCERER (Singularity Online, #1) is absolutely quality LitRPG, however, while I leaned towards four stars, I ended up giving the book three. The author could have benefitted from cutting out the recaps of the MC's actions. For example, one chapter may feature a fight scene and then have the first quarter of the following chapter given to rehashing his victory. Essentially, I could skip the fight scene chapter and not miss out on what happened because the important bits were guaranteed to be repeated.
Otherwise, the plotting was a treat, and you get a great OP MC to adore for the duration of the read.
This is a book I would recommend for someone looking specifically for an MC who can create whatever spells can be imagined, and with the MC being a programmer, we are treated with an entertaining basis for creation.
Otherwise, the plotting was a treat, and you get a great OP MC to adore for the duration of the read.
This is a book I would recommend for someone looking specifically for an MC who can create whatever spells can be imagined, and with the MC being a programmer, we are treated with an entertaining basis for creation.
May 22, 2020
Slow and tedious
Most of the genre, by the time you finish 5% of the story, the MC is in the game; by 25% of the book, they've figured out the basics.
In this story, almost 20% in before he gets to the game. At 50%, he hasn't gotten h half way through his tutorial mission.
It drags out so slowly that by the last 15% of the book, you're too bored to care about the mediocre "finale" .
Most of the genre, by the time you finish 5% of the story, the MC is in the game; by 25% of the book, they've figured out the basics.
In this story, almost 20% in before he gets to the game. At 50%, he hasn't gotten h half way through his tutorial mission.
It drags out so slowly that by the last 15% of the book, you're too bored to care about the mediocre "finale" .
July 8, 2020
A real shame
Another litrpg with good ideas that are ruined by very poor execution.
MC is very unlikeable, story drags out at a sluggish pace, everything is over explained, characters are flat, holes in the plot, pg rated mc with no backbone... Supposedly an adult but acts like he is twelve. It has potential and a decent premise, but it was a chore to get through
Another litrpg with good ideas that are ruined by very poor execution.
MC is very unlikeable, story drags out at a sluggish pace, everything is over explained, characters are flat, holes in the plot, pg rated mc with no backbone... Supposedly an adult but acts like he is twelve. It has potential and a decent premise, but it was a chore to get through
June 17, 2020
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
February 20, 2023
A great book!
I really enjoyed this book! Oh and finally some figured out a logical way to avoid spawn camping! It took the RPG game and did not have a person trapped in the game about to die of the did not escape back to reality. The main character is very human and handles the obstacles pretty much like a regular person would do l, by slightly freaking out for a few minutes. And there is no page after page of inner drama of weeping that the main character must do the job. He just saddles up and does it. It's a little crunchy on stats and the main character has a high intelligence, you can figure this out by his reasoning and visualize how to structure his spells. I loved his reasomed way of increasing the RPM of the saw. The ending to the training quest? That was awesome! Oh and his adversary? I started laughing! Great way to lead off to the second book without the cliffhanger. This is the kind of RPG I would like to play in real life, if the technology existed. I loved the fact the author did not increase the word count by using a seperate line over and over telling you you killed x you get x experienced points. No the AI summarized it down to conciseness you killed x out of z creatures for x exp points. I also like how the AI did not have the screens almost kill the main character his first battle. I mean it's smart to fake an entire world but does not realize the notifications will block your sight during battle? Umm instead of a visual screen why can not the character just KNOW what he just did? Oh how? Hmm let's see it's faking an range of perceptions for the person, how hard can it be not to have visual screen notification? My complaint? The way it display the stats. On the Kindle Application it's hard to read if you need large fonts. You have to zoom in and then you can read maybe three words and then you are forced to scroll left and right. Can we just please in the next book make the notification part of the text?
Really looking forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed this book! Oh and finally some figured out a logical way to avoid spawn camping! It took the RPG game and did not have a person trapped in the game about to die of the did not escape back to reality. The main character is very human and handles the obstacles pretty much like a regular person would do l, by slightly freaking out for a few minutes. And there is no page after page of inner drama of weeping that the main character must do the job. He just saddles up and does it. It's a little crunchy on stats and the main character has a high intelligence, you can figure this out by his reasoning and visualize how to structure his spells. I loved his reasomed way of increasing the RPM of the saw. The ending to the training quest? That was awesome! Oh and his adversary? I started laughing! Great way to lead off to the second book without the cliffhanger. This is the kind of RPG I would like to play in real life, if the technology existed. I loved the fact the author did not increase the word count by using a seperate line over and over telling you you killed x you get x experienced points. No the AI summarized it down to conciseness you killed x out of z creatures for x exp points. I also like how the AI did not have the screens almost kill the main character his first battle. I mean it's smart to fake an entire world but does not realize the notifications will block your sight during battle? Umm instead of a visual screen why can not the character just KNOW what he just did? Oh how? Hmm let's see it's faking an range of perceptions for the person, how hard can it be not to have visual screen notification? My complaint? The way it display the stats. On the Kindle Application it's hard to read if you need large fonts. You have to zoom in and then you can read maybe three words and then you are forced to scroll left and right. Can we just please in the next book make the notification part of the text?
Really looking forward to the next book!
May 23, 2020
Standard
Nothing really standout here. No real hook. Main character is a bit overpowered and also a simp. That simp dynamic grates.
Nothing really standout here. No real hook. Main character is a bit overpowered and also a simp. That simp dynamic grates.
June 1, 2020
Not very good
Story is dull. Simplistic with very shallow characters. It's really not worth reading. It moves slowly and is somewhat original in approach, just overall poor story.
Story is dull. Simplistic with very shallow characters. It's really not worth reading. It moves slowly and is somewhat original in approach, just overall poor story.
June 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book; I like an op'ed MC and the book had plenty of action and tension. Yes, goodies dropped a bit fast into boyo's little lap but the story flowed very nicely.
However, the joy of reading was greatly marred by what surely have to be the most shitty blue/green/red boxes ever - you cannot write about the beauty of fractals and then then have those blooming eyesores. The cover is another serious letdown. There is a way of changing background colour and having tables - it's not that hard. And while you are at it, get somebody vaguely competent for the cover. There is nothing wrong with self-publishing but please be a bit more professional about it.
However, the joy of reading was greatly marred by what surely have to be the most shitty blue/green/red boxes ever - you cannot write about the beauty of fractals and then then have those blooming eyesores. The cover is another serious letdown. There is a way of changing background colour and having tables - it's not that hard. And while you are at it, get somebody vaguely competent for the cover. There is nothing wrong with self-publishing but please be a bit more professional about it.
May 1, 2020
Wonderfully grounded.
Some negatives: some spelling errors (few) and some ahh... nope, can't remember anything else i didn't like.
Maybe spoilers
Some positives: good pacing and flow. In the beginning there is JUST enough filler to understand the protagonist, his life and personality. This foundation sets him up to where most of his later choices seems like it is coming from HIM instead of the author trying to make a Gary Stue.
I'm also a sucker for the notification bulletins (like in Alleron Kong's The Land, series)
Liked the plot and since this book focused on one area, there is HUGE potential for how to take the next book.
Some negatives: some spelling errors (few) and some ahh... nope, can't remember anything else i didn't like.
Maybe spoilers
Some positives: good pacing and flow. In the beginning there is JUST enough filler to understand the protagonist, his life and personality. This foundation sets him up to where most of his later choices seems like it is coming from HIM instead of the author trying to make a Gary Stue.
I'm also a sucker for the notification bulletins (like in Alleron Kong's The Land, series)
Liked the plot and since this book focused on one area, there is HUGE potential for how to take the next book.
May 22, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: I found quite a few mistakes in this book. Some words missing a letter, and most of the mistakes are just wrong words that autocorrect could be the cause of.
Plot: New game that is about to come out. The company lets employees beta test the game.
Characters: The Mc seemed a little bit emotional to me. Getting rage filled or weepy for no real reason that I could see.
5/10
Mistakes: I found quite a few mistakes in this book. Some words missing a letter, and most of the mistakes are just wrong words that autocorrect could be the cause of.
Plot: New game that is about to come out. The company lets employees beta test the game.
Characters: The Mc seemed a little bit emotional to me. Getting rage filled or weepy for no real reason that I could see.
5/10
April 30, 2022
Disappointed.
25% of the story is spent examining game mechanics. Another 25% is spent reading character sheets. Another 25% is spend time about decisions. Really doesn't leave much for story.
25% of the story is spent examining game mechanics. Another 25% is spent reading character sheets. Another 25% is spend time about decisions. Really doesn't leave much for story.
May 3, 2021
Okay
Overall. Some of the story is forced, and there are more than a few inconsistencies. But still an okay read. If food, it’d be cheap fast food.
Overall. Some of the story is forced, and there are more than a few inconsistencies. But still an okay read. If food, it’d be cheap fast food.
August 5, 2023
If there ever was a story that had too much information, too much analysis, too much physics and math behind every little detail that the main character does, this would win the prize (I think). At least in the first half of the book. Then, the second half is almost too good to be true. Can two halves of the same book be so diametrically different? I do not know what happened, but the second half is a good fantasy story, while the first half is of a computer programmer that can't seem to do anything right. Is it possible to make a light fantasy novel series into a physics (projectile motion class)?? I think the author is over nerding this fantasy novel series about a deep immersion VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multi-player Online Role Playing Video Game). The author takes the "fun" completely out of the fantasy in a video game equation for a computer coders turned gamer that actually took real life adventuring classes before the official launch of this video game, but seems not to be able to climb a tree and is arrested/abducted by a group of elves for trying to mutilate/tear off a branch of a living tree. Main character chose to be an Elf. Elves are supposed to be fish in water, in the forests. Main character doesn't seem to know that Elves are only supposed to use branches and trees that naturally been broken/died. But this is just one of every single choice that this main character makes in a video game. He takes an hour to decide something that should come naturally to any other player.
I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a parody of an fantasy-adventure video game, but if I were a player, or one of the game developers, I would have tried my hardest to get this guy (main character) banned from the game. (simply for taking every single detail too seriously and forgetting the forest for looking intensely at each of the leaves.
The first half this book and main character hasn't met up with his real life friend in the game (still setting up his character), the book ends and still, the only characters that the main character has interacted with are NPC's (Non-player Characters).
In the first half, an Elf offers (in the game) to give 100 years of her memories (so as to teach the main character the basics: hunting being and elf, etc.) and the character refuses because he thinks it is not right?? But receives the 100 years of memories and then still doesn't know how to do anything in the forest??? Huh??? Wait, other than making this fantasy video game a lot more complicated than can be, what is the point of this story? Where is it going?? Why is everything so hard to do to this main character??
Then, main character is forced to complete a trial for the Elves, almost miraculously, he becomes a competent fighter, competent magic user (wizard) and actually saves a damsel (demoness) in distress...
I just wish the bipolarity of this first book of the series had either made the first half of the book or the second half, but not both of them together. It's like that Batman character Two Face. They are halves of the same book, but almost have no relation to each other.
This story has no inside maps, no character summaries, no inside illustrations, just abilities and skill sheets, updated at a copy/paste level.
I liked the second half, I did not like the beginning of this fantasy novel series. I like physics and math. I understand them better than most, but if you bog down a fantasy novel series with those academic studies, then it becomes more of a handbook/workbook that real entertainment. That, and thinking about it, there is no point to making this story about a video game. I think the author could have just isekai-ed the main character to this other world and had him learn everything from the beginning anyways, without any immersion cabins, dark Artificial Intelligence NPC's, or greedy companies trying to take over the players, or eventually take over the world. (The real world not the game world).
I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a parody of an fantasy-adventure video game, but if I were a player, or one of the game developers, I would have tried my hardest to get this guy (main character) banned from the game. (simply for taking every single detail too seriously and forgetting the forest for looking intensely at each of the leaves.
The first half this book and main character hasn't met up with his real life friend in the game (still setting up his character), the book ends and still, the only characters that the main character has interacted with are NPC's (Non-player Characters).
In the first half, an Elf offers (in the game) to give 100 years of her memories (so as to teach the main character the basics: hunting being and elf, etc.) and the character refuses because he thinks it is not right?? But receives the 100 years of memories and then still doesn't know how to do anything in the forest??? Huh??? Wait, other than making this fantasy video game a lot more complicated than can be, what is the point of this story? Where is it going?? Why is everything so hard to do to this main character??
Then, main character is forced to complete a trial for the Elves, almost miraculously, he becomes a competent fighter, competent magic user (wizard) and actually saves a damsel (demoness) in distress...
I just wish the bipolarity of this first book of the series had either made the first half of the book or the second half, but not both of them together. It's like that Batman character Two Face. They are halves of the same book, but almost have no relation to each other.
This story has no inside maps, no character summaries, no inside illustrations, just abilities and skill sheets, updated at a copy/paste level.
I liked the second half, I did not like the beginning of this fantasy novel series. I like physics and math. I understand them better than most, but if you bog down a fantasy novel series with those academic studies, then it becomes more of a handbook/workbook that real entertainment. That, and thinking about it, there is no point to making this story about a video game. I think the author could have just isekai-ed the main character to this other world and had him learn everything from the beginning anyways, without any immersion cabins, dark Artificial Intelligence NPC's, or greedy companies trying to take over the players, or eventually take over the world. (The real world not the game world).
October 27, 2023
First Sorcerer (Singularity Online, #1) by Kyle Johnson
First Sorcerer is the first book in the Singularity Online series by Kyle Johnson. It is a litRPG novel that follows the story of Aranos, a young man who is transported to a virtual reality game called Singularity Online. In Singularity Online, Aranos discovers that he is a sorcerer, and he must use his powers to survive in a dangerous and unforgiving world.
First Sorcerer has a number of strengths. The worldbuilding is interesting and well-developed, with a variety of different races and cultures. The magic system is also unique and innovative. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and likable, and the relationships between them are well-written.
However, the book also has a number of weaknesses. One issue is that the pacing is slow at times. The author spends a lot of time describing the world and the magic system, which can be tedious for some readers. Additionally, the plot is somewhat predictable, and there are few surprises.
Another issue is that the author has a tendency to use expository dumps to explain the worldbuilding and magic system. This can be jarring at times, and it can also interrupt the flow of the story.
Finally, the book contains a number of clichés and tropes that are common in litRPG novels. This can make the book feel unoriginal and derivative.
First Sorcerer is a mediocre litRPG novel with a number of strengths and weaknesses. The worldbuilding, magic system, and characters are all well-done, but the pacing is slow, the plot is predictable, and the book contains a number of clichés.
First Sorcerer is the first book in the Singularity Online series by Kyle Johnson. It is a litRPG novel that follows the story of Aranos, a young man who is transported to a virtual reality game called Singularity Online. In Singularity Online, Aranos discovers that he is a sorcerer, and he must use his powers to survive in a dangerous and unforgiving world.
First Sorcerer has a number of strengths. The worldbuilding is interesting and well-developed, with a variety of different races and cultures. The magic system is also unique and innovative. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and likable, and the relationships between them are well-written.
However, the book also has a number of weaknesses. One issue is that the pacing is slow at times. The author spends a lot of time describing the world and the magic system, which can be tedious for some readers. Additionally, the plot is somewhat predictable, and there are few surprises.
Another issue is that the author has a tendency to use expository dumps to explain the worldbuilding and magic system. This can be jarring at times, and it can also interrupt the flow of the story.
Finally, the book contains a number of clichés and tropes that are common in litRPG novels. This can make the book feel unoriginal and derivative.
First Sorcerer is a mediocre litRPG novel with a number of strengths and weaknesses. The worldbuilding, magic system, and characters are all well-done, but the pacing is slow, the plot is predictable, and the book contains a number of clichés.
November 2, 2024
I didn't particularly enjoy this book, it's a solid mid at probably 2.5 stars.
My two main complaints are: 1) the main character is painfully stupid. I get that it is probably played up for humor, but it's not really that funny to me. Especially since there is some side-plot going on which is implying that he is a uniquely smart guy.
2) I don't feel like the author is a gamer? It feels like he may have googled gaming terms and there is a LOT of "most games do this" exposition that is a) superfluous, b) confusing, c) mostly not true. I played SO MANY games without meeting any of these "most games"-things that are presented in this book.
Maybe it is just targeted at a younger audience? The interactions with "the woman" seems to imply this to some degree.
I stayed with this book because reviewers in my audio book app suggests that the following books are worth it. I hope so :)
Pst. Dear male authors, stop constantly referring to female characters as "the girl" or "the woman" despite their names being known. Especially when a simple "she" would suffice. And extra especially when you never do this for the male characters, with "the boy" or "the man" every sentence.
My two main complaints are: 1) the main character is painfully stupid. I get that it is probably played up for humor, but it's not really that funny to me. Especially since there is some side-plot going on which is implying that he is a uniquely smart guy.
2) I don't feel like the author is a gamer? It feels like he may have googled gaming terms and there is a LOT of "most games do this" exposition that is a) superfluous, b) confusing, c) mostly not true. I played SO MANY games without meeting any of these "most games"-things that are presented in this book.
Maybe it is just targeted at a younger audience? The interactions with "the woman" seems to imply this to some degree.
I stayed with this book because reviewers in my audio book app suggests that the following books are worth it. I hope so :)
Pst. Dear male authors, stop constantly referring to female characters as "the girl" or "the woman" despite their names being known. Especially when a simple "she" would suffice. And extra especially when you never do this for the male characters, with "the boy" or "the man" every sentence.
July 3, 2020
A deep and interesting take on full immersion and instinctive magic!
I am definitely enjoying Jeff’s leap into singularity online and the AIs unique solutions to a brilliant instinctive programmer who leaps at the chance to challenge his abilities in a creation that he had a small part in creating.
Singularity online is more than a game, it is a step forward for humanity... but it is also a learning game and not just the players are learning.
So far I am drawn in and ready to jump into the next book. I do hope that at some point there is a deeper discussion of the reaction sand adjustments the AIs make as Jeff ‘breaks the game’ with his unique viewpoints and thought patterns.
I think patterns are what he truly is gifted at but we will see as he delves deeper into the Sorcerer’s class! Will he become a new creature or race as he takes so much from others? Will corruptions get the better of him or his companion? What will his next spell be and what snarky flavor text will the AI use?
Nice reveals at the end! 👊
I am definitely enjoying Jeff’s leap into singularity online and the AIs unique solutions to a brilliant instinctive programmer who leaps at the chance to challenge his abilities in a creation that he had a small part in creating.
Singularity online is more than a game, it is a step forward for humanity... but it is also a learning game and not just the players are learning.
So far I am drawn in and ready to jump into the next book. I do hope that at some point there is a deeper discussion of the reaction sand adjustments the AIs make as Jeff ‘breaks the game’ with his unique viewpoints and thought patterns.
I think patterns are what he truly is gifted at but we will see as he delves deeper into the Sorcerer’s class! Will he become a new creature or race as he takes so much from others? Will corruptions get the better of him or his companion? What will his next spell be and what snarky flavor text will the AI use?
Nice reveals at the end! 👊
April 4, 2024
This is the start of a fantasy LitRPG or GameLIT series about a futuristic in-development VR system where people use it for a week or more to play in a D&D like fantasy world. There were minimal real-world scenes which suited me fine. The protagonist is a programmer and I liked that he was able to use those skills for his in-game class in interesting ways. He is a little too powerful/perfect at times. I appreciated the minimal humor too as I don't like it when it gets too silly. I liked the strong focus on progression including game notifications he receives and the frequent displays of his stats. I imagine this would be terrible in audio format but I certainly like it on ebook. This first book also has a great climax that satisfyingly closes out the protagonist's first main quest while hinting at other things to come. So far I'm liking this better than a similar LitRPG/GameLIT VR series I read not long ago.
dnf-did-not-finish
February 28, 2021I'm about a quarter of the way into this book, it really wasn't what I thought it would be.
I guess I should have noticed the "online" in the title.
So far it isn't doing anything new. Sentient / near sentient AIs, some game that messes with your brain, the "it feels so real"™® technology is also present, among other things.
This feels like a knock off Awaken Online and it's many clones/ predecessors.
I will give it a few more chapters, and if nothing changes, I will shelf (most likely drop) the book.
I'm fed up of these "it's all virtual" books. I rather you write a world or society where these effects (without the stats) or abilities are common place. Not these "Let's Play" books.
It's all a game, so nothing but the character's mental state changes in the end.
I guess I should have noticed the "online" in the title.
So far it isn't doing anything new. Sentient / near sentient AIs, some game that messes with your brain, the "it feels so real"™® technology is also present, among other things.
This feels like a knock off Awaken Online and it's many clones/ predecessors.
I will give it a few more chapters, and if nothing changes, I will shelf (most likely drop) the book.
I'm fed up of these "it's all virtual" books. I rather you write a world or society where these effects (without the stats) or abilities are common place. Not these "Let's Play" books.
It's all a game, so nothing but the character's mental state changes in the end.
April 13, 2023
the MC is a beta tester for a VMMRPG world.
World concept is interesting and the background story for the last quest is good woven.
My biggest concerns here are - the first two thirds of the book there is no mentionable interaction with any other characters so it ends up being just action descriptions and musings of the MC. That is not my kind of story.
The other concern: the MC gets a lot gifts from the system. A perk here, some awesome skills there. Being the Beta-Tester and getting big rewards for doing something as the first in the game is ridiculous. there is hardly a chance NOT to do something first as there is no big history of things happen by players.
Nevertheless it is a good book.
World concept is interesting and the background story for the last quest is good woven.
My biggest concerns here are - the first two thirds of the book there is no mentionable interaction with any other characters so it ends up being just action descriptions and musings of the MC. That is not my kind of story.
The other concern: the MC gets a lot gifts from the system. A perk here, some awesome skills there. Being the Beta-Tester and getting big rewards for doing something as the first in the game is ridiculous. there is hardly a chance NOT to do something first as there is no big history of things happen by players.
Nevertheless it is a good book.
November 21, 2024
This book floored me because I didn't think it would be so good. Because I drive for a living, I listen to a ton of audiobooks. I hesitated listening to this one but finally gave in as I reached the end of my list. I'm so glad I did. In a lot of LitRPG books, the grammar and writing styles are atrocious. It seems as though the writers don't bother with deep editing or beta readers because I catch so many easily recognized errors.
However, this is one of those that didn't fit that mold. It is well-written, the characters are fleshed out, the world-building is great, the plot is engaging and weird enough to remain interesting. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series to see where it goes.
However, this is one of those that didn't fit that mold. It is well-written, the characters are fleshed out, the world-building is great, the plot is engaging and weird enough to remain interesting. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series to see where it goes.
July 19, 2020
A really fun read
As a fan of LitRPG, sometimes the stories start to meld together into the same recipe - enjoyable but all too predictable. Kyle Johnson’s First Sorcerer does a great job of breaking that mold into a fun and interesting romp through Elvish lands and beyond while setting up some potentially interesting back stories and arch enemies. There was a little bit of the ‘god-powered’/able to get through almost anything, but not over the top. I started the book this morning and couldn’t stop until I finished and and am now anxiously hoping that the next installment comes soon! Well worth your time!
As a fan of LitRPG, sometimes the stories start to meld together into the same recipe - enjoyable but all too predictable. Kyle Johnson’s First Sorcerer does a great job of breaking that mold into a fun and interesting romp through Elvish lands and beyond while setting up some potentially interesting back stories and arch enemies. There was a little bit of the ‘god-powered’/able to get through almost anything, but not over the top. I started the book this morning and couldn’t stop until I finished and and am now anxiously hoping that the next installment comes soon! Well worth your time!
October 22, 2021
Took a bit of getting into but worth it!
I was in two minds as to if I'd continue reading this book or not during the first few chapters, but slow and surely it grew on me. In fact it grew on me so much that I ended up not being able to put it down.
Honestly the protagonist does have skills and abilities hadn't to him, but that doesn't make the story any less enjoyable. They still have to think things through and its not all easy going. Secondly yes (soft spoiler maybe? Stop reading now just in case)... This book basically covers just the tutorial of the protagonist learning his way within the game but it is still very enjoyable.
I was in two minds as to if I'd continue reading this book or not during the first few chapters, but slow and surely it grew on me. In fact it grew on me so much that I ended up not being able to put it down.
Honestly the protagonist does have skills and abilities hadn't to him, but that doesn't make the story any less enjoyable. They still have to think things through and its not all easy going. Secondly yes (soft spoiler maybe? Stop reading now just in case)... This book basically covers just the tutorial of the protagonist learning his way within the game but it is still very enjoyable.
June 8, 2022
A VRMMORPG Fantasy Novel
Jeff Lawing gets to Beta test the new Virtual Reality game, Singularity Online. Choosing his character race and class, he takes on the persona of the Elven Sorcerer Aranos Evenshade, and begins his adventures in the Virtual world of Ka.
This novel may appeal to fans of the broader Fantasy genre, if they can tolerate the extensive LitRPG emphasis on development of the characters' abilities and skills and frequent Character Profile updates incorporated into the story. Those who enjoy playing RPGs may also enjoy reading this novel.
Jeff Lawing gets to Beta test the new Virtual Reality game, Singularity Online. Choosing his character race and class, he takes on the persona of the Elven Sorcerer Aranos Evenshade, and begins his adventures in the Virtual world of Ka.
This novel may appeal to fans of the broader Fantasy genre, if they can tolerate the extensive LitRPG emphasis on development of the characters' abilities and skills and frequent Character Profile updates incorporated into the story. Those who enjoy playing RPGs may also enjoy reading this novel.
July 23, 2023
DNF after 4.36h of the Audiobook.
Why? MC is still on the 2nd step of the tutorial quest...
It's just bad storytelling. It's 1/3 repeated stat screens, 1/3 inner math/justification dialogue for what he thinks he'll do but describing that to you, and then 1/3 doing anything. Changed to 2x listening speed and it didn't help, it was just bleh.
It's like some boring person's stream that is bad at the game even though they think they're really great.
There are very many other books that respect your time, read those instead.
Why? MC is still on the 2nd step of the tutorial quest...
It's just bad storytelling. It's 1/3 repeated stat screens, 1/3 inner math/justification dialogue for what he thinks he'll do but describing that to you, and then 1/3 doing anything. Changed to 2x listening speed and it didn't help, it was just bleh.
It's like some boring person's stream that is bad at the game even though they think they're really great.
There are very many other books that respect your time, read those instead.
April 18, 2020
I liked the story overall, but the MC ping-ponging between supreme competence and stupidity was a bit annoying. There were also some significant editing issues; the message about gaining a profession clearly mixes the name of one option with the description of another option. Also, the messages didnt scale with the rest of the text, and were definitely harder to read.
I realize this was just me listing complaints, but the story was fun and exciting in general.
I realize this was just me listing complaints, but the story was fun and exciting in general.
April 21, 2020
Fantastic!
I enjoyed it immensely. There were a few moments of mental face palming and frustration despite how intelligent the MC is supposed to be, however the main story progression and plot are interesting and exciting. There is literally no limit to the MC’s potential growth. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of times he struggles and is challenged. I look forward to more books from this series!
I enjoyed it immensely. There were a few moments of mental face palming and frustration despite how intelligent the MC is supposed to be, however the main story progression and plot are interesting and exciting. There is literally no limit to the MC’s potential growth. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of times he struggles and is challenged. I look forward to more books from this series!
June 8, 2020
While the story was enjoyable I am only giving this 3 stars because I think it really needs another round of editing to fix typos, misspelling, and redundant content. I found myself skipping paragraphs regularly because it felt like I had already read that part. Again I think the story is entertaining and I hope the author continues to write this series and others. I just think they need some more assistance with editing the books.
June 12, 2020
I found this to be a good read. Nothing particularly original or outstanding, but well-written with a balanced MC. He wins against higher-level opponents through cleverness and innovative use of his new powers, in such a way as to not grate like a lot of Mary/Marty Sue characters. His IRL skills mesh perfectly with the mechanics of the game, allowing some (almost) game-breaking exploits.
Enjoyable but not quite great, so it gets a 4, but a solid 4, from me.
Enjoyable but not quite great, so it gets a 4, but a solid 4, from me.
July 6, 2020
3.5 stars. Competently executed conventional LitRPG. If you're a genre fan you'll probably enjoy it.
Suffers a bunch from excessive bouts of "explanation" games to the reader, which is both distracting and a bit insulting. LitRPG authors need to trust their readers more than this. The MC OP is about average, and stats and effect bonuses don't really seem to matter all that much.
I'll definitely give the next one a shot.
Suffers a bunch from excessive bouts of "explanation" games to the reader, which is both distracting and a bit insulting. LitRPG authors need to trust their readers more than this. The MC OP is about average, and stats and effect bonuses don't really seem to matter all that much.
I'll definitely give the next one a shot.
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