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Altered Realms #1
Ascension
Some people dream of getting a second chance at life. For Eli Miller, it was never a choice.
Most of Eli’s life has been spent running, doing everything in his power to protect his family. His world is plagued by war, wild magic, and unimaginable monsters. But none of these threats are more dangerous than the immortal beings known as Adventurers. They are players and Entarra is their game. Its citizens aren’t real. Yet, to the billions of near-sentient AI that live there, the game world is the only one they will ever know. It is where they are born, live, and die. Eli is no different.
After being attacked with a strange weapon, Eli awakens as the thing he fears most: an adventurer. Struggling to cope with his new reality, he finds himself in the middle of the most nefarious plot of all: His world, and everything he loves, is about to be deleted.
Most of Eli’s life has been spent running, doing everything in his power to protect his family. His world is plagued by war, wild magic, and unimaginable monsters. But none of these threats are more dangerous than the immortal beings known as Adventurers. They are players and Entarra is their game. Its citizens aren’t real. Yet, to the billions of near-sentient AI that live there, the game world is the only one they will ever know. It is where they are born, live, and die. Eli is no different.
After being attacked with a strange weapon, Eli awakens as the thing he fears most: an adventurer. Struggling to cope with his new reality, he finds himself in the middle of the most nefarious plot of all: His world, and everything he loves, is about to be deleted.
557 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2020
255 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 16, 2020
Redundancies abound
First, this is a primer for anyone that has never played rpgs or mmos. Everything is explained, as if to a child. Repeatedly.
Then is the usual "dump multiple impossible world level quests on the level 1 noob".
Through the whole book is "players bad!" rants. Got old after the 2nd one; didn't need a whole book of this and emo existential crisis.
First, this is a primer for anyone that has never played rpgs or mmos. Everything is explained, as if to a child. Repeatedly.
Then is the usual "dump multiple impossible world level quests on the level 1 noob".
Through the whole book is "players bad!" rants. Got old after the 2nd one; didn't need a whole book of this and emo existential crisis.
May 7, 2020
I was gifted a copy of this to read. In my copy there were some spelling errors but not too many to be a distraction and it was mainly simple little things like leaving an 'e' off of the name Michelle, and things like that. Mine was an advance copy so by the time it will be printed, it will probably be fixed.
I liked the book right away as the idea of it was really interesting and it had a good introduction. The characters were pretty distinctive and had real, personalities, even the AI had her own character and personality.
There are many fight scenes and battles and they're pretty explicit. They not only battle physically but mentally as well.
It seemed a little bit long and drawn out before Eli ( main character), got going on to some quests and figuring out his place in the world and how to work things and establish a relationship with Don and others. It wasn't harrowing but it just seemed a little bit of a slow plot with a lot of battling. However, the timing of it all let you learn more about the workings of things in the world. I thought the author had some excellent ideas and concepts he put in the story that made great sense and also were new and unique from other litrpg books I've read. This definitely was original, not a copycat version of any other story I've read.
I prefer stories with no harem qualities and prefer no cussing and this did have some cussing but it wasn't overly used and I just overlooked it. I like to read things that I don't have to backtrack and rethink things. This fit the bill. Everything made sense and fit together nicely. It wasn't choppy or vague. There weren't a huge amount of pages just filled up with stats, but they were put in there in appropriate places and I like having stats in there.
As a 55 year old woman, I enjoyed it. I don't know if that's good or bad, but I am giving 5 stars and would recommend.
I liked the book right away as the idea of it was really interesting and it had a good introduction. The characters were pretty distinctive and had real, personalities, even the AI had her own character and personality.
There are many fight scenes and battles and they're pretty explicit. They not only battle physically but mentally as well.
It seemed a little bit long and drawn out before Eli ( main character), got going on to some quests and figuring out his place in the world and how to work things and establish a relationship with Don and others. It wasn't harrowing but it just seemed a little bit of a slow plot with a lot of battling. However, the timing of it all let you learn more about the workings of things in the world. I thought the author had some excellent ideas and concepts he put in the story that made great sense and also were new and unique from other litrpg books I've read. This definitely was original, not a copycat version of any other story I've read.
I prefer stories with no harem qualities and prefer no cussing and this did have some cussing but it wasn't overly used and I just overlooked it. I like to read things that I don't have to backtrack and rethink things. This fit the bill. Everything made sense and fit together nicely. It wasn't choppy or vague. There weren't a huge amount of pages just filled up with stats, but they were put in there in appropriate places and I like having stats in there.
As a 55 year old woman, I enjoyed it. I don't know if that's good or bad, but I am giving 5 stars and would recommend.
May 30, 2020
Hard to Finish
I usually love an author that can truly describe and paint a picture with words but to me this book was just meaninglessly descriptive. Seemed like every other word had 2-3 adjectives it made the reading heavy and just hard to follow at times. The main character was too broody in my opinion, to the point having an emotional crisis in the middle of every fight. I found myself skimming fight scenes, which all went the same way, with the main characters almost dying and then crying about how they almost died. The Litrpg elements seemed an afterthought of the story, the game system was explained but never fully utilized.
Overall the plot is fine and the author does a decent job of portraying his story. There wasn’t anything super original or engaging about the plot though.
I usually love an author that can truly describe and paint a picture with words but to me this book was just meaninglessly descriptive. Seemed like every other word had 2-3 adjectives it made the reading heavy and just hard to follow at times. The main character was too broody in my opinion, to the point having an emotional crisis in the middle of every fight. I found myself skimming fight scenes, which all went the same way, with the main characters almost dying and then crying about how they almost died. The Litrpg elements seemed an afterthought of the story, the game system was explained but never fully utilized.
Overall the plot is fine and the author does a decent job of portraying his story. There wasn’t anything super original or engaging about the plot though.
July 29, 2020
One of the best LitRPGs I've read.
Really just very very good. The RPG elements are good. I'm not personally a fan of the "Build Your Town" elements of any LitRPG, but they are not that bad here, and a lot of people like that. The Lit elements, however, are what set this book apart. Too many LITRPG authors forget that this is still a book, and therefore it needs to be written well. The plot needs to be interesting. The characters need depth. Altered Realms checks those boxes. It is the best written LitRPG I've read. The characters are convincing and real. The plot is engaging. The foreshadowing is convincing without being too obvious.
All that being said, it's not perfect. The most annoying thing is that while the book is primarily told from Eli's perspective, every once in a while we will get a sentance or two from someone else's perspective. If it's going to be done, it needs to be done consistently. This way, it just seems like a mistake.
Otherwise, the book is very well written, it is interesting, fun, and believable. I would recommend it to anyone, not just a LitRPG fan.
Really just very very good. The RPG elements are good. I'm not personally a fan of the "Build Your Town" elements of any LitRPG, but they are not that bad here, and a lot of people like that. The Lit elements, however, are what set this book apart. Too many LITRPG authors forget that this is still a book, and therefore it needs to be written well. The plot needs to be interesting. The characters need depth. Altered Realms checks those boxes. It is the best written LitRPG I've read. The characters are convincing and real. The plot is engaging. The foreshadowing is convincing without being too obvious.
All that being said, it's not perfect. The most annoying thing is that while the book is primarily told from Eli's perspective, every once in a while we will get a sentance or two from someone else's perspective. If it's going to be done, it needs to be done consistently. This way, it just seems like a mistake.
Otherwise, the book is very well written, it is interesting, fun, and believable. I would recommend it to anyone, not just a LitRPG fan.
October 14, 2020
This book went straight to my top 10 list over well written litRPG books. It takes inspiration from something known and turns it into something new, exciting and unexpected. The story is engaging, intriguing and easy to follow. The characters are well written with their own depth and personal traits.
The game system are built with basic RPG building blocks. It’s familiar but still unique and honestly one of the best renditions of a well known system in my opinion. Balancing the story and progression with numbers and stats can often break immersion if done wrong. Here it’s excellent done and feels a natural and a necessary part of the story.
Can’t wait for more in this story and from the author
The game system are built with basic RPG building blocks. It’s familiar but still unique and honestly one of the best renditions of a well known system in my opinion. Balancing the story and progression with numbers and stats can often break immersion if done wrong. Here it’s excellent done and feels a natural and a necessary part of the story.
Can’t wait for more in this story and from the author
May 8, 2020
This was a very enjoyable read. I was lucky enough to have been gifted an EARC from the author and was blown away by the world building and story arc. I look forward to seeing another book from this author in whatever form that may be.
January 28, 2021
Niiiic3
Seen this book on a facebook ad.Caught my attention so i tried it out.If your a fan of this type of book ill guarentee u will enjoy this one.Cant wait for more!
Seen this book on a facebook ad.Caught my attention so i tried it out.If your a fan of this type of book ill guarentee u will enjoy this one.Cant wait for more!
January 13, 2021
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first real venture into the LitRPG genre, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. For those unfamiliar with this genre and/or the general story structure like I was, the book does a good job of introducing these elements by following an NPC who has become a "player" and must learn RPG game mechanics as he's reinserted back into his world. I can see where this spoon-feeding the reader could be initially off-putting for those more familiar with the genre/gameplay, but it was integrated well into the story as we learn along with the protagonist the state of the world and quest to combat the blight that is taking over, affecting "real players" even outside the game.
In all, a very interesting story by B.F. Rockriver, and introduction to the LitRPG genre. Additionally, the narrator (Maximilian Breed) did a fantastic job. I look forward to more content from both.
This was my first real venture into the LitRPG genre, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. For those unfamiliar with this genre and/or the general story structure like I was, the book does a good job of introducing these elements by following an NPC who has become a "player" and must learn RPG game mechanics as he's reinserted back into his world. I can see where this spoon-feeding the reader could be initially off-putting for those more familiar with the genre/gameplay, but it was integrated well into the story as we learn along with the protagonist the state of the world and quest to combat the blight that is taking over, affecting "real players" even outside the game.
In all, a very interesting story by B.F. Rockriver, and introduction to the LitRPG genre. Additionally, the narrator (Maximilian Breed) did a fantastic job. I look forward to more content from both.
August 1, 2020
An absolute pleasure
A wonderful first book in a series that I look forward to. The characters are realistic and there’s a goodly amount of litrpg content, thrilling combat and mystery.
While the book definitely needs a good proof read, this doesn’t get in the way of the story’s flow. Will definitely look out for this author’s next work.
A wonderful first book in a series that I look forward to. The characters are realistic and there’s a goodly amount of litrpg content, thrilling combat and mystery.
While the book definitely needs a good proof read, this doesn’t get in the way of the story’s flow. Will definitely look out for this author’s next work.
January 7, 2021
It's been done, and better. I got 3 hours into the audiobook before I couldn't stand the dull, generic grind of this character's introduction anymore. There was nothing new, not a single interesting personal touch to catch my ear, let alone keep my attention long enough to maybe get somewhere interesting. That doesn't suggest bright possibilities for the rest of the novel.
February 9, 2021
Rating of 4.5.
In the mood for a really cool LitRPG novel? Look no further than one of my favourite debuts of 2020, the impressive first book in the Altered Realms series, Ascension by B. F. Rockriver.
Welcome to the magical land of Entarra, an elaborate world filled with all manner of complicated people, creatures and war, where death lies just around the corner. For simple hunter Eli Miller, his life consists of protecting his family and his small grove from outside forces, the most dangerous of which are the Adventurers. The Adventurers are a dangerous group of seemingly immortal beings from another dimension who treat his world like their own personal playground, killing and destroying all they encounter with little concern for consequences and the lives of the citizens of Enterra.
When a group of Adventurers attack his home, killing him and his family, Eli finds his worst nightmare coming true when, after being stabbed by a mysterious blade, instead of dying he becomes an Adventurer. Forced to become a whole new person, Eli returns to his hometown, only to discover that no-one recognises him and that he is now bound to the rules of Enterra, with quests, character sheets and a bodiless guide voicing advice in his head.
As Eli begins to explore the limitations of his new life, he soon begins to realise that his world was not what he thought it was. Enterra Online is a vast and futuristic video game, of which he and his family were NPCs, or non-player characters. Determined to find out if his family also somehow survived and get revenge on the people who attacked and killed him, Eli begins to play the game and soon becomes involved in a quest to save the land from the mysterious Blight. Teaming up with fellow Adventurer Don Nutello, Eli begins to master his new character and level up. But as the two progress even further, the finds that something is very wrong with Enterra Online. Forced to contend with mindlessly controlled Blighted creatures, dangerous magic users and corrupted Adventurers, Eli will need to use every bit of his resolve and courage to face his destiny. If he fails, it could mean the destruction of Enterra and every person and NPC trapped within.
To see the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2021/02/09/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
In the mood for a really cool LitRPG novel? Look no further than one of my favourite debuts of 2020, the impressive first book in the Altered Realms series, Ascension by B. F. Rockriver.
Welcome to the magical land of Entarra, an elaborate world filled with all manner of complicated people, creatures and war, where death lies just around the corner. For simple hunter Eli Miller, his life consists of protecting his family and his small grove from outside forces, the most dangerous of which are the Adventurers. The Adventurers are a dangerous group of seemingly immortal beings from another dimension who treat his world like their own personal playground, killing and destroying all they encounter with little concern for consequences and the lives of the citizens of Enterra.
When a group of Adventurers attack his home, killing him and his family, Eli finds his worst nightmare coming true when, after being stabbed by a mysterious blade, instead of dying he becomes an Adventurer. Forced to become a whole new person, Eli returns to his hometown, only to discover that no-one recognises him and that he is now bound to the rules of Enterra, with quests, character sheets and a bodiless guide voicing advice in his head.
As Eli begins to explore the limitations of his new life, he soon begins to realise that his world was not what he thought it was. Enterra Online is a vast and futuristic video game, of which he and his family were NPCs, or non-player characters. Determined to find out if his family also somehow survived and get revenge on the people who attacked and killed him, Eli begins to play the game and soon becomes involved in a quest to save the land from the mysterious Blight. Teaming up with fellow Adventurer Don Nutello, Eli begins to master his new character and level up. But as the two progress even further, the finds that something is very wrong with Enterra Online. Forced to contend with mindlessly controlled Blighted creatures, dangerous magic users and corrupted Adventurers, Eli will need to use every bit of his resolve and courage to face his destiny. If he fails, it could mean the destruction of Enterra and every person and NPC trapped within.
To see the full review, click the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2021/02/09/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
November 26, 2020
LitRPG is a really challenging genre, so I'm grading on a little bit of a curve here.
I think this book had some interesting stuff in it and was enjoyable but it was all over the place. I think it really would have benefited from an editor to trim it down and tighten things up. I think the storyline got especially muddled towards the end.
Also I encountered a number of grammar and spelling issues as well as awkwardly written sentences.
But overall for an author's first book, it definitely shows potential and is worth reading if you enjoy LitRPG.
**Spoilers**
Here are some plot elements that didn't make sense to me. They might have been addressed and I just missed it:
- It makes sense why Eli and Don are low level, but not really why anybody else is - especially the other players that he defeats to take over the Temple. It's clear that a player can get past level 10 with only a couple days of playing.
- It's not really explained how long Eli has been in the game, or really how long the game has even been out. A major part of the plot is that no player is supposed to have reached the point where they can take over a stronghold yet which implies that the game is still very new, like < 1 month. But there are also several other things that imply that the game has been out for much longer - like when Don mentions that selling things in the game for real currency almost crashed the world economy and laws were passed against it. Or the massive install base (millions) of full immersion pods and the fact that the military is using it for PTSD therapy. Are there other games that use that equipment? It was made to seem like this game was the first to be fully immersive in this way.
I think this book had some interesting stuff in it and was enjoyable but it was all over the place. I think it really would have benefited from an editor to trim it down and tighten things up. I think the storyline got especially muddled towards the end.
Also I encountered a number of grammar and spelling issues as well as awkwardly written sentences.
But overall for an author's first book, it definitely shows potential and is worth reading if you enjoy LitRPG.
**Spoilers**
Here are some plot elements that didn't make sense to me. They might have been addressed and I just missed it:
- It makes sense why Eli and Don are low level, but not really why anybody else is - especially the other players that he defeats to take over the Temple. It's clear that a player can get past level 10 with only a couple days of playing.
- It's not really explained how long Eli has been in the game, or really how long the game has even been out. A major part of the plot is that no player is supposed to have reached the point where they can take over a stronghold yet which implies that the game is still very new, like < 1 month. But there are also several other things that imply that the game has been out for much longer - like when Don mentions that selling things in the game for real currency almost crashed the world economy and laws were passed against it. Or the massive install base (millions) of full immersion pods and the fact that the military is using it for PTSD therapy. Are there other games that use that equipment? It was made to seem like this game was the first to be fully immersive in this way.
April 26, 2022
Standard LitRPG with all the classic elements, backstory and near-future VR based MMORPG worldbuilding.
There are level-ups (not that many), quests (don't die kinda), classes and abilities (basic stuff), some magic, decent but goreish fights (all ending with the last percent of HP dinging) , and a new spreading blight that threatens the entire world.
The writing style is verbose but rather simple. There's a single story arc with 100% focus on the MC.
There are good parts, like the bond between the MC and his in game buddy, and there are some bad parts like the tempo in the first half (slow AF) and the cringe fest of the PTSD focused narrative (gets old fast).
As I read LitRPG I didn't get any special vibes by reading this book, and I don't expect anything special from the series. The book saves itself in the last quarter, but that's too little to late
Most probably I won't read the next books unless this series stands out somehow with the stories to follow.
There are level-ups (not that many), quests (don't die kinda), classes and abilities (basic stuff), some magic, decent but goreish fights (all ending with the last percent of HP dinging) , and a new spreading blight that threatens the entire world.
The writing style is verbose but rather simple. There's a single story arc with 100% focus on the MC.
There are good parts, like the bond between the MC and his in game buddy, and there are some bad parts like the tempo in the first half (slow AF) and the cringe fest of the PTSD focused narrative (gets old fast).
As I read LitRPG I didn't get any special vibes by reading this book, and I don't expect anything special from the series. The book saves itself in the last quarter, but that's too little to late
Most probably I won't read the next books unless this series stands out somehow with the stories to follow.
May 17, 2020
Great book
A little
Light in character development but great world building. Being in the military myself I think how the author approached the PTSD/anguish portions was tasteful and worked, though it did detract from the character at times. I hope this in and of itself does not become a major focal point and we lose narrative on the LitRPG and world mechanics. Looking forward to the next installation.
A little
Light in character development but great world building. Being in the military myself I think how the author approached the PTSD/anguish portions was tasteful and worked, though it did detract from the character at times. I hope this in and of itself does not become a major focal point and we lose narrative on the LitRPG and world mechanics. Looking forward to the next installation.
May 25, 2020
Fairly good
While the book has an Interesting plot and the author seems to have some writing skill...It was a slow while the reader paged through very detailed common knowledge aspects of gaming. While many authors describe game mechanics, this book was hindered by its introduction to LitRPG.
It had a decent enough story to prevent a two star.
While the book has an Interesting plot and the author seems to have some writing skill...It was a slow while the reader paged through very detailed common knowledge aspects of gaming. While many authors describe game mechanics, this book was hindered by its introduction to LitRPG.
It had a decent enough story to prevent a two star.
May 24, 2021
Great start to a series
Really enjoyed the slang the author took on this start to the series. Just started to get into LitRpg and so checking out various authors when I can. He's done a great job , action , with a world build , really interesting take at the end , really interested in how it will continue.
Really enjoyed the slang the author took on this start to the series. Just started to get into LitRpg and so checking out various authors when I can. He's done a great job , action , with a world build , really interesting take at the end , really interested in how it will continue.
May 8, 2020
Would recommend! Loved the plot and the interactions between the characters, and I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
The only thing that mildly distracted me while reading was the commas. So many commas in weird places. But push through, fellow readers! It shall be worth it!
The only thing that mildly distracted me while reading was the commas. So many commas in weird places. But push through, fellow readers! It shall be worth it!
May 17, 2020
It has great promise....
However, the book needs to be professionally edited. The storyline is good enough to overcome the nearly constant discretions caused from dozens and dozens of spelling and grammatical errors. Invest in an editor!!!!!
However, the book needs to be professionally edited. The storyline is good enough to overcome the nearly constant discretions caused from dozens and dozens of spelling and grammatical errors. Invest in an editor!!!!!
November 13, 2020
Great Twist
This was a great book. Good plot line and pacing, fun characters. Massive twists which I loved. Needed a little but more editing, but good length and price more than offset. Excited to read more in this world.
This was a great book. Good plot line and pacing, fun characters. Massive twists which I loved. Needed a little but more editing, but good length and price more than offset. Excited to read more in this world.
May 8, 2020
New take on a old story
A very new take on a old story. The evil super A.I. is back and better than ever! Just you wait and see.
A very new take on a old story. The evil super A.I. is back and better than ever! Just you wait and see.
May 14, 2021
Well done
Litrpg where the VRMMORPG software fights back and the players are trapped. Well written and engrossing. Worthy of a read.
Litrpg where the VRMMORPG software fights back and the players are trapped. Well written and engrossing. Worthy of a read.
January 2, 2022
really great twist to the genre
I can barely wait for the next book in this series. I love the word build and new interesting twists.
I can barely wait for the next book in this series. I love the word build and new interesting twists.
April 11, 2022
Would not recommend. MC is unbearable.
March 25, 2023
interesting story
A good book characters are interesting some twists and turn in the story good enough to buy the next book
A good book characters are interesting some twists and turn in the story good enough to buy the next book
March 16, 2021
Loved Eli and the emotional rollercoaster he took us on! I always wondered how would an NPC feel if they found out they are an NPC and this book explored it very well.
Great job with pacing, prose, and battles. Absolutely loved it!
Great job with pacing, prose, and battles. Absolutely loved it!
December 3, 2020
Fantastic book, absolutely fascinated to know where this will lead. Can't wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews