What do you think?
Rate this book
Biomedical Self-Engineering #1
Biomedical Self-Engineering 1
Divorced and working as a security guard in Portland, 73 year old Carl is attacked by an unknown creature before he is able to taser it to death. After being released from the hospital, he discovers by accident that he is unwittingly acquiring DNA samples from other people he touches.
He discovers a number of shocking facts about himself when a blue box appears in his right eye, Most importantly, he discovers that his health is nowhere near to what he assumed it would be. Can he reverse the negative aspects of his health using these blue boxes somehow? And can he reverse his poor financial situation after his wife took half his pension just before retirement?
Biomedical Self-Engineering is a LitRPG slice of life adventure, following Carl as he discovers new ways of living life when he is nearing the end of his own. There are no explicit scenes, no harems, and only one swear word at the very end.
He discovers a number of shocking facts about himself when a blue box appears in his right eye, Most importantly, he discovers that his health is nowhere near to what he assumed it would be. Can he reverse the negative aspects of his health using these blue boxes somehow? And can he reverse his poor financial situation after his wife took half his pension just before retirement?
Biomedical Self-Engineering is a LitRPG slice of life adventure, following Carl as he discovers new ways of living life when he is nearing the end of his own. There are no explicit scenes, no harems, and only one swear word at the very end.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2020
238 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 19, 2020
Even though it's one of the first books I wrote, and it does have some editing issues (hopefully not too jarring), I still think it's pretty good. I'm pretty sure I have to think that since I wrote it!
July 24, 2020
A very satisfactory read.
It is a slice of life meets LitRPG with just the right amount of clean wholesome fun. If u enjoy story’s with the MC becoming a better person or just want a small break from the cliches I highly recommend this story.
It is a slice of life meets LitRPG with just the right amount of clean wholesome fun. If u enjoy story’s with the MC becoming a better person or just want a small break from the cliches I highly recommend this story.
July 14, 2020
If you're looking for an LitRPG book with a rather unique outlook on the genre, then this is a good choice.
It's not entirely unique, but it's close enough that it'll pass mustard in a review at least.
I like this approach, and while it would have been interesting to see the character grow according to our normal LITRPG mechanics, the way this one was handled raises some interesting aspects of advancement. I'm looking forward to more books in this series. I really like books where there is building involved, and while this one didn't have building as a stand-alone thing, the way it was handled kind of made the whole process a building story, which may throw some readers out of whack, but one I found (mostly) interesting, and something I would probably not mind seeing more of in other worlds. It would be interesting to see how this series plays out, so I'm keeping this author/series on my watch list.
It's not entirely unique, but it's close enough that it'll pass mustard in a review at least.
I like this approach, and while it would have been interesting to see the character grow according to our normal LITRPG mechanics, the way this one was handled raises some interesting aspects of advancement. I'm looking forward to more books in this series. I really like books where there is building involved, and while this one didn't have building as a stand-alone thing, the way it was handled kind of made the whole process a building story, which may throw some readers out of whack, but one I found (mostly) interesting, and something I would probably not mind seeing more of in other worlds. It would be interesting to see how this series plays out, so I'm keeping this author/series on my watch list.
May 15, 2021
A nice slice-of-life litrpg.
This is not an epic, but a story of someone granted litrpg-ish abilities in our modern world. The one fight with litrpg mechanics involved is resolved in a single paragraph, for instance.
The characters are relatively believable, but there are aspects which basically drop my enjoyment of the story, and that's notably the horrid "DNA" system there (no, triple-helix "DNA" and quadruple-helix not only can't exist - if they did, they would not be DNA but entirely different chemicals - but they'd be worse in terms of ability-to-energy ratio for encoding life. End of biology rant).
So, the mechanic and slice of life make it a relaxing distraction, and a way to indulge in power fantasies with a good bent, making it a notable, if not entirely exceptional, story.
This is not an epic, but a story of someone granted litrpg-ish abilities in our modern world. The one fight with litrpg mechanics involved is resolved in a single paragraph, for instance.
The characters are relatively believable, but there are aspects which basically drop my enjoyment of the story, and that's notably the horrid "DNA" system there (no, triple-helix "DNA" and quadruple-helix not only can't exist - if they did, they would not be DNA but entirely different chemicals - but they'd be worse in terms of ability-to-energy ratio for encoding life. End of biology rant).
So, the mechanic and slice of life make it a relaxing distraction, and a way to indulge in power fantasies with a good bent, making it a notable, if not entirely exceptional, story.
September 6, 2020
Fun book
I really enjoyed this one. Reminded me a lot of Re-start by Dan Sugralinov. Had that same slice of life/Game-Lit aspect of what would happen if a normal guy came across a “system” and how they would incorporate it into their life. Also enjoyed the MC and his unique hobbies and upgrade choices. It made the book much more interesting!
I really enjoyed this one. Reminded me a lot of Re-start by Dan Sugralinov. Had that same slice of life/Game-Lit aspect of what would happen if a normal guy came across a “system” and how they would incorporate it into their life. Also enjoyed the MC and his unique hobbies and upgrade choices. It made the book much more interesting!
May 13, 2021
This was a rough book but I really liked it. This was a bare-bones linear story laid out almost in diary entries. The protagonist, Carl, doesn't waste a moment with introspection, skipping straight to acceptance - even when his world is turned upside down.
The authors' portrayal of business opportunities is childishly simple but it gets the job done; moving the story forward. Ideas are introduced almost as quickly as they are forgotten. Characters are painted with a broad brush and the setting is barely mentioned. There's even a "conspiracy nut" vibe that had me worried for a while. Despite all that, it's a gripping tale.
I even read the afterword, which was sincerely motivational. I'm glad I found this book.
The authors' portrayal of business opportunities is childishly simple but it gets the job done; moving the story forward. Ideas are introduced almost as quickly as they are forgotten. Characters are painted with a broad brush and the setting is barely mentioned. There's even a "conspiracy nut" vibe that had me worried for a while. Despite all that, it's a gripping tale.
I even read the afterword, which was sincerely motivational. I'm glad I found this book.
September 25, 2020
What a great change of pace this story is. It’s just a man who got lucky and encountered something that changed his life. He could have done anything he wanted from there on but decided to be the best version of himself he could, helping others along the way.
There’s a little too much luck involved that pushes the plot forward and some of the interactions seems too easy but it was a very pleasant read.
There is some foreshadow of something big coming as well and I’m looking forward to what that can mean for the next book.
There’s a little too much luck involved that pushes the plot forward and some of the interactions seems too easy but it was a very pleasant read.
There is some foreshadow of something big coming as well and I’m looking forward to what that can mean for the next book.
July 24, 2020
It was a refreshing...
It was a refreshing, enjoyable and fairly unique book. I loved the dichotomy between the older protagonist and the litrpg like blue screens. The storyline and flow were enthralling.
I am greatly looking forward to the next book.
It was a refreshing, enjoyable and fairly unique book. I loved the dichotomy between the older protagonist and the litrpg like blue screens. The storyline and flow were enthralling.
I am greatly looking forward to the next book.
December 19, 2021
All in all, a tad dry but. . .
It is everything it states in the blurb. If you find that interesting then you will love this. For me, it was a bit boring, but that was purely a content issue and not a quality issue. I want to try the next one and get a better feel of the material.
It is everything it states in the blurb. If you find that interesting then you will love this. For me, it was a bit boring, but that was purely a content issue and not a quality issue. I want to try the next one and get a better feel of the material.
January 14, 2021
Wow, this really is a very fun slice of life story, already started the second book praying it doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
4.5
4.5
July 21, 2020
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books with a twist.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books with a twist.
July 11, 2020
The best book I have read in a while
This story was a very refreshing and new take in a relatively new genre. I very much enjoyed the perspective of a much older main character than is usually used. It is a very reasoned and down to earth approach to the story, and the genre of progression fantasy.
This story was a very refreshing and new take in a relatively new genre. I very much enjoyed the perspective of a much older main character than is usually used. It is a very reasoned and down to earth approach to the story, and the genre of progression fantasy.
July 12, 2020
Good book
I really enjoyed this book. I read it beginning to end in one day. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book!
I really enjoyed this book. I read it beginning to end in one day. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book!
June 30, 2020
Enjoyed very much.
Enjoyed very much. I am older and was very surprised at how well you wrote from the point of view of an older man. I shall read the next in the series. As an older male I am looking forward to how the main character explains the ending.
Enjoyed very much. I am older and was very surprised at how well you wrote from the point of view of an older man. I shall read the next in the series. As an older male I am looking forward to how the main character explains the ending.
June 28, 2020
Strange and Fun
This is a strange book, positing a stranger world. It is also charming, positive, and enjoyable. I found myself really liking Carl and his journey.
Minor proofreading errors and a relaxed pace will turn some away.
This is a strange book, positing a stranger world. It is also charming, positive, and enjoyable. I found myself really liking Carl and his journey.
Minor proofreading errors and a relaxed pace will turn some away.
June 24, 2020
Delightful story, very enjoyable 👍🤗
I could relate to the main character, sad to say!
Fantastic storyline in the best sense. Ready for the next episode.
Carl has an interesting life, alien help with his DNA! A continuing storyline that I'm looking forward to.
I could relate to the main character, sad to say!
Fantastic storyline in the best sense. Ready for the next episode.
Carl has an interesting life, alien help with his DNA! A continuing storyline that I'm looking forward to.
December 14, 2024
When Carl, a divorced night watchman in his 70s, is bitten by an alien, he becomes an animorph. He absorbs DNA from every animal he touches and can use those genes to alter his body. So, after he clears out his tumors and shrinks his prostate, Carl touches a dog so he can sniff out buried gold, which he uses to invest in failing business. It’s…not what I would do if I had DNA powers, but after a while I really wanted to know if Carl would be able to turn that restaurant around! Like most LitRPGs, this book is idle wish-fulfillment, but it’s saved from being boring by an unusual protagonist with interesting things to do.
June 30, 2020
Interesting premise
It was an interesting idea. The book was better than I expected. I'll be looking forward to the next one.
It was an interesting idea. The book was better than I expected. I'll be looking forward to the next one.
June 29, 2020
Entertaining
It was a interesting and engaging story. Turning back the clock on the body has great appeal. I look forward to the next one
It was a interesting and engaging story. Turning back the clock on the body has great appeal. I look forward to the next one
July 1, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: I found only two mistakes in this book. Once a word was used twice. The other was the word off missing a letter f.
Plot: Able to collect dna samples and change his body what will a bitter and angry old man do?
Characters: I found the Mc to be interesting and look forward to seeing what happens to him next.
8/10
Mistakes: I found only two mistakes in this book. Once a word was used twice. The other was the word off missing a letter f.
Plot: Able to collect dna samples and change his body what will a bitter and angry old man do?
Characters: I found the Mc to be interesting and look forward to seeing what happens to him next.
8/10
May 20, 2020
This is my first ever review anywhere and I'd just like to say that this story is awesome. It hits all my boxes and I want more. So far I have read the book twice in 24 hours. Not sure I'm able to wait too long for book 2.
Well done Sir.
Well done Sir.
December 15, 2020
Charming comfort food progression fiction. Not perfect but it won my heart. Aimed mostly at the older crowd and those who will enjoy the slices of life, particularly slightly-outdated life, storytelling. Book 2 is also a charmer. Can't wait for book 3.
June 22, 2025
Your mileage on this will 100% depend on what kind of books you enjoy. If, like me, you like slice-of-life storytelling, a healthy dose of wish fulfilment, a good dose of LitRPG style system-based magic, and plenty of good things happening to good people, then you will love this book.
It's the story of a down on his luck 73 year old man who, through circumstances of fate, gets integrated with a magical system. So long as he can keep providing unique samples of DNA (something as simple as touching as many people as possible by shaking their hands) to earn points, it will reward him with magic powers and health benefits that will overhaul his life.
Rather than run off to become a superhero, which is how most stories with this premise would go, Carl starts improving all aspects of his life one step at a time, ensuring to transform as many lives as he can along the way.
It's a wholesome story that might require you to take a lot on faith and not question it too hard, but it's easy reading fun at its best, and I loved every minute. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see where Carl's life takes him next.
It's the story of a down on his luck 73 year old man who, through circumstances of fate, gets integrated with a magical system. So long as he can keep providing unique samples of DNA (something as simple as touching as many people as possible by shaking their hands) to earn points, it will reward him with magic powers and health benefits that will overhaul his life.
Rather than run off to become a superhero, which is how most stories with this premise would go, Carl starts improving all aspects of his life one step at a time, ensuring to transform as many lives as he can along the way.
It's a wholesome story that might require you to take a lot on faith and not question it too hard, but it's easy reading fun at its best, and I loved every minute. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see where Carl's life takes him next.
May 27, 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
October 20, 2020
Fun Intro to the Author
As the first time reading anything by this author I can honestly say that it was an enjoyable read. Well the concept of lit RPG has been done time and time again, I like the idea that the main character is an older gentleman with no concept of video games or the like. It makes for a very refreshing take on this concept, and while there’s not a lot of action and explosions like you would expect, the slice of life makes it a enjoyable ride. It’s not pretentious or thinks too much of itself, instead it just makes for a great casual read, perfectly suited for a long train ride to work. Going back to my culinary background, I would describe this is a quick meal made by a soccer mom. It’s got character and Rudimental flair and although not original, it’s the people that matter and not the material. In short, I enjoyed it and I will be looking forward to reading the next one.
As the first time reading anything by this author I can honestly say that it was an enjoyable read. Well the concept of lit RPG has been done time and time again, I like the idea that the main character is an older gentleman with no concept of video games or the like. It makes for a very refreshing take on this concept, and while there’s not a lot of action and explosions like you would expect, the slice of life makes it a enjoyable ride. It’s not pretentious or thinks too much of itself, instead it just makes for a great casual read, perfectly suited for a long train ride to work. Going back to my culinary background, I would describe this is a quick meal made by a soccer mom. It’s got character and Rudimental flair and although not original, it’s the people that matter and not the material. In short, I enjoyed it and I will be looking forward to reading the next one.
September 21, 2020
A Good Read
Finally a story with the main character older than 18.I really enjoyed a book with characters closer to my age ( I'm 63) But it looks like Carl's age is changing. I've gotten into reading those fantasy books with the hero earing points to grow stronger and it feels like this book is lightly based on that and I really like it this story is based in our present time.
If your looking for a book with a lot of mindless killing or action go get one of those other books. This is a nice story of a guy that had something happen to him and he's getting better than he was ( I don't want to give away anything) but this is a great story and I can't wait for the second book in the series ( it comes out in Nov and I already pre order) Give this book a try I think you will enjoy it.
Finally a story with the main character older than 18.I really enjoyed a book with characters closer to my age ( I'm 63) But it looks like Carl's age is changing. I've gotten into reading those fantasy books with the hero earing points to grow stronger and it feels like this book is lightly based on that and I really like it this story is based in our present time.
If your looking for a book with a lot of mindless killing or action go get one of those other books. This is a nice story of a guy that had something happen to him and he's getting better than he was ( I don't want to give away anything) but this is a great story and I can't wait for the second book in the series ( it comes out in Nov and I already pre order) Give this book a try I think you will enjoy it.
August 13, 2020
Need more!
Little background... I read (like a lot). LitRPG both fantasy and Sci-fi. In my downtime I imagine scenarios where I inject myself into what’s happening in the current book I’m reading (which is what most authors want I’d imagine) For some reason this particular book hit a certain note that resonated in me like a well orchestrated symphony... call it old age (50) or just whimsical reminiscing... This book to me represents a scenario that is closer to reality than being pulled into a MMO by a glitch bolt of lightning... Angry at myself for getting pulled in and finishing this book in one sitting... Angry at Jon Svenson for only having this book available in this series! Looking impatiently forward to reading and fantasizing about “what if”...
Little background... I read (like a lot). LitRPG both fantasy and Sci-fi. In my downtime I imagine scenarios where I inject myself into what’s happening in the current book I’m reading (which is what most authors want I’d imagine) For some reason this particular book hit a certain note that resonated in me like a well orchestrated symphony... call it old age (50) or just whimsical reminiscing... This book to me represents a scenario that is closer to reality than being pulled into a MMO by a glitch bolt of lightning... Angry at myself for getting pulled in and finishing this book in one sitting... Angry at Jon Svenson for only having this book available in this series! Looking impatiently forward to reading and fantasizing about “what if”...
September 12, 2020
This book is amazing.
So I typically lit read literary RPGs. this book hits that and almost every single way it's interesting I love the story. I can't wait to hear more this guy needs to write about six more of these at least I'll buy every single one. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. The writing is fine, the quotes are awesome especially the one by Frederick Douglass. I also love of how good of a book this was all I can say is Sir you need to write more books I love this book. it's I don't know how many other ways to say it's really good piece of fiction and fact I'm going to see what else this author out there has I also love that it's about biohacking in a way so that's pretty cool.
So I typically lit read literary RPGs. this book hits that and almost every single way it's interesting I love the story. I can't wait to hear more this guy needs to write about six more of these at least I'll buy every single one. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. The writing is fine, the quotes are awesome especially the one by Frederick Douglass. I also love of how good of a book this was all I can say is Sir you need to write more books I love this book. it's I don't know how many other ways to say it's really good piece of fiction and fact I'm going to see what else this author out there has I also love that it's about biohacking in a way so that's pretty cool.
December 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, and much more than I thought I would from just reading the blurb. First, I really enjoyed reading about a protagonist who wasn't 15-25 and on a quest to save the world. The slice-of-life aspect to Carl's story was fun to follow along, and he has certainly collected a variety of businesses to invest in.
I will definitely be reading book 2, as I really want to know how Barbara is going to react to Carl's new look. Lol.
And, of course, I am curious about the scientists. What are they researching? What are the drones they were using? Why is their orbit decaying? Is Gene going to get some actual proof of aliens or perhaps have his own close encounter of the third kind. Lol.
I will definitely be reading book 2, as I really want to know how Barbara is going to react to Carl's new look. Lol.
And, of course, I am curious about the scientists. What are they researching? What are the drones they were using? Why is their orbit decaying? Is Gene going to get some actual proof of aliens or perhaps have his own close encounter of the third kind. Lol.
July 28, 2024
Very good!
Amazon says multi problem with the quality reported. I think you can ignore that warning. I'm thinking that the people who reported spelling errors did not know the meaning of the words, that were used, and did not look them up. And just said oh, it's a misplelled word.
The premise of the book is very original, with a crusty old man who is very stuck in his way of life and his manner of doing them. This changes his life as a security guard when gets bit by something. His life changes, when he survives, and wakes up. From a closed minded man, there is a very strong but well thought out character growth of the main character.
I am downloading the 2nd book after I write this and I hope that the writing continues to be as good as the first book.
Amazon says multi problem with the quality reported. I think you can ignore that warning. I'm thinking that the people who reported spelling errors did not know the meaning of the words, that were used, and did not look them up. And just said oh, it's a misplelled word.
The premise of the book is very original, with a crusty old man who is very stuck in his way of life and his manner of doing them. This changes his life as a security guard when gets bit by something. His life changes, when he survives, and wakes up. From a closed minded man, there is a very strong but well thought out character growth of the main character.
I am downloading the 2nd book after I write this and I hope that the writing continues to be as good as the first book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews