Olgerd und seine Truppe NPC-Stammeskrieger haben endlich die Verbotene Stadt entdeckt. Das Problem ist, das was sie gesucht haben, haben sie nicht gefunden. Die alten Karten sind hoffnungslos veraltet, und die Hauptstadt der Ennans besteht nur noch aus Ruinen.
Und ihre Feinde kommen immer näher. Nocteanische Horden strömen aus dem Silberbergtal herbei, die Armee der Dunklen hat bereits den Schwarzen Strom überquert, und die Mächte des Lichts sind schon bis in die Raureifwälder vorgedrungen.
Alexey Osadchuk was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. In the late 1990s his family moved to the south of Spain where they still live today.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
Uh. I think the series is over. Overall, I didn't find the story to be a satisfying arc. It's a case of "stuff happens". All of the books have 3 stars because the narration was great. However, most of them would be 2-3 stars based on plot progression & story arcs.
I have to say, I had I high expectations for this book because the first few books were really good. This book, did not reach it. The plot wasn't the problem. It's just, everything seemed so slow and dragged out. It's as if Osadchuk was like, "My goal is to make this book 350 pages. Oh no! It's 250. I'll just have to stretch the whole book out a lot. Damn. I got 338. I guess I'll just have to go with it."
I mean... Let's just say that this book has lowered the bar for the next book a lot.
This series is really solid and I would instantly recommend it. I like the MC. I like the NPCs. I like the class that he choose. There is no misogyny the MC just loves his wife and daughter.
I've very much enjoyed the Mirror world series. Book 4 is as good as the others. The Russian flavor of the story adds a lot for me. I like the way the author finished this. This was a nice dream to wake from. Now I'd like to read it from the beginning.
The Twilight Obelisk – An Icy Masterpiece of LitRPG Brilliance
Reviewer Profile: Greetings, travelers of realms both digital and arcane! This is Kiba Snowpaw, alpha male of the frosty tundras of HowlStrom. With 38 winters under my pelt, wielding ice magic and an insatiable thirst for storytelling, I’ve prowled through 5,000 games and devoured over 400 audiobooks. Today, I bring my icy judgment to The Twilight Obelisk by Alexey Osadchuk.
Introduction: This book is a *paw-some* continuation of the Mirror World series. Packed with action, emotional stakes, and a beautifully chaotic game world, it left this Ice Wolf howling with delight. But does it live up to the high bar set by its predecessors? Let’s delve into the icy depths to find out.
Basic Plot Summary: Our protagonist Olgerd and his loyal band of NPC companions discover the Forbidden City, only to find it in ruins and devoid of the answers they sought. As threats from Noctean hordes, the Dark Army, and the forces of Light converge, Olgerd must rally his allies and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Twilight Obelisk. The stakes? Saving his companions and his burgeoning clan from annihilation.
Originality: Howl of approval: Osadchuk’s ability to blend high-stakes adventure with intricate world-building is unmatched. While the overarching theme of survival in an MMORPG setting is familiar, the infusion of philosophical undertones—what defines loyalty, identity, and trust—makes this entry stand out.
About the Writer: Alexey Osadchuk, hailing from Ukraine and now based in Spain, is no stranger to crafting immersive worlds. His skill in weaving human emotion into game mechanics echoes throughout the Mirror World series. If you enjoyed Project Daily Grind, you’ll appreciate his ability to create characters who feel alive, even in a simulated setting.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Character Development: Main Characters: - Olgerd: A blend of warrior and strategist, Olgerd’s arc in this book showcases his growth from a lone adventurer to a leader who values his companions above all else. His emotional struggles resonate deeply, especially when faced with choices that challenge his morality. - NPC Allies: From the stoic dwarf warrior to the quirky goblin tinkerer, the NPCs shine with their unique personalities, reminding us why “non-playable” doesn’t mean “non-essential.”
Supporting Characters: The tribal leaders and faction representatives add depth to the political dynamics of Mirror World, though some feel underdeveloped compared to the core cast.
Character Arcs: Olgerd’s journey of trust and leadership is complemented by his NPC allies’ smaller but impactful arcs, creating a cohesive tapestry of growth and camaraderie.
Structure and Mechanics: The pacing feels like a raid dungeon: slow at first, with plenty of exposition, before ramping up to a boss battle of epic proportions. The integration of game mechanics, from mana regeneration to skill cooldowns, is seamless. However, the lack of consistent stat references may frustrate hardcore LitRPG fans.
Impact: This book left me with frostbite on my emotions (in the best way). The themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and perseverance lingered long after the final page. It’s not just a tale of survival—it’s a reflection on what it means to belong.
Hook and Thesis: What if the line between player and NPC blurred? What if their struggles mirrored ours, and the stakes weren’t just digital but deeply personal? These questions drive The Twilight Obelisk and elevate it beyond a mere game narrative.
Praise and Critique:
Praise: - Immersive World-Building: The ruins of the Forbidden City, the encroaching armies, and the Twilight Obelisk itself are described with such vivid detail, it felt like I was there. - Emotional Stakes: The bonds between Olgerd and his companions are the heart of this tale, making every battle and loss deeply affecting. - Narration: Kyle McCarley’s audiobook performance deserves a standing ovation for capturing the nuances of each character.
Critique: - Pacing: The early chapters drag slightly, and some plot threads feel unresolved. - Lack of Stat Consistency: For a LitRPG, the sporadic inclusion of stats may disappoint purists.
Personal Opinion: As a gamer and a furry, I found myself deeply connected to Olgerd’s pack mentality. The bonds he forms with his NPC allies felt akin to a wolf and his pack, and the high-stakes action had me on the edge of my icy seat. That said, the uneven pacing and sparse stat integration were minor frost patches in an otherwise snowy masterpiece.
Highlights and Drawbacks: Highlight: The climactic battle at the Twilight Obelisk is a breathtaking blend of strategy, emotion, and pure adrenaline. Drawback: The rushed resolution of certain subplots, such as the mysterious new Mirror World administrator, leaves lingering questions.
Overall Conclusion: The Twilight Obelisk is a must-read for LitRPG enthusiasts who crave emotional depth and immersive storytelling. While it stumbles in pacing and stat integration, its heart and ambition shine through. Olgerd’s journey is one that any gamer—or wolf—can relate to.
Olgerd as warrior is way less interesting as him as worker. Also, the latent mysoginy really shines through in this. Writing is more polished than the earlier installments, so props for that...
The Twilight Obelisk is the fourth book in the Mirror World series by Alexey Osadchuk.
The Caltean clans formed into an unexpected and honestly enjoyable whole. The drama that unfolded to get them, and us the readers, to a conclusive battle against one of their enemies was a truly trying and fulfilling journey. All of the settlement progression moments were of a distinct importance to me. I've always found this style of isekai to be enjoyable, and I love finding bits of its touch within other tropes of the genre.
The mystery of the administrators for Mirror World, and the power change was very poorly done. Who is this ambiguous new leader? Do they have any honest intentions or we expect more dirty dealings? The brief and laughable explanation of their exchange in power, which had no mention throughout the previous three books, left a heavy impact on my rating for this work.
I can't help being a bit disappointed with the ending. While I understand this is a whole new, exciting adventure for Olgerd and his Caltean nation, it's hard to reconcile myself with the hopes I had been harboring for the Forgotten City. I can only hold onto the vague possibility that the author will leave an avenue open for him realize the might of his lost people.
There's so much possibility with where this tale will take us in the coming sequels that gives me room to imagine my dreams for this world unfolding. I'm excited for more from this author.
More than just a game, more than just AI, the NPCs are as real as anyone
The end of his contracted quest is ahead, he just has to survive his relocation, make lots of new friends and not get eaten by Nocteans too many times… piece of cake.
Oleg thinks of himself as Olgerd more and more during his long immersion, blurring the lines between game and reality in his mind. It’s just so real, which seems incredibly inadequate as a description for this amazing virtual world. But with so much going on around and involving him, Oleg can’t lose sight of his goal, not his need for money and his debt. This is no game to him as the stakes are his daughter’s life and his and his family’s income and well being. He won’t stop or give up.
Now to figure out how to handle a few tribes of Calteans, both Light and Dark players, and a horde of cannibals without losing everything in his quest for the ancient Ennan city and its hopeful safety and riches. He is still a low level compared to everyone else but it’s time to change that, maybe with a little change or a new feature from the devs which will jump start his leap. Unless he blows it.
An enjoyable story and characters with a responsible determined MC just trying to provide for his family.
So, I listened to this series on Audible but for some reason it doesn't appear as an option in the editions on Goodreads. Anyway. I had never read LitRPG before. I haven't played a game in years. Too busy IRL. The writing was not good. Like others, I don't know if it's the translation or the actual writing. My guess is it's the author and the translator just didn't improve it. I wanted to follow Olgerd's journey to the end. It's hard for me to put down a book once I start it. The narrator did a decent job, although at first his timbre was not as pleasing as other narrators' I was used to. He didn't have much to work with but he did well and in the end I think he was a perfect choice. The story is okay. The dialogue is childish. Is this to be expected in LitRPG? Anyway, it wasn't too bad. Not many female characters and almost all supporting characters were a bit shallow. Again, I don't know if this is typical of the genre. Phrases kept repeating throughout the series (shooting the breeze, proverbial this and that). It's not quality literature; it's a light read for people who like RPGs.
It's been a while since I started reading this series, but I remember the earlier books being better than this. Mirror World 4 kind of feels like an end to the series even though it doesn't wrap everything up.
So, I'd thought Osadchuk was attempting to keep the story fresh by constantly switching game styles in each book. First being Crafting/Gathering focused, Second being Social focused, Third was Combat focused, and I thought the Fourth was going to be Territory/Clan building focused. While there is a little of that in this, mostly it sticks with the combat focus and the whole story doesn't feel like it goes anywhere. Olgerd clears and explores the castle a bit, but . The whole thing kind of falls flat and is probably the worst of the series.
I was annoyed and ready to finish this book because I didn’t like the direction it was going, and it threw me for a loop when the direction suddenly shifted to a (IMO) better end. I especially like how as he gained support, sources of income, and power, i didn’t see powerful clans doubling down and throwing everything they had at him. It’s a plot device i don’t like in similar books, as it feels like the author pushes too hard for clan conflicts when it isnt beneficial to the business that they are running. I’m satisfied. I do wish for a final book as him being just a player, no obligations, logging out to see his daughter and wife, maybe logging in with them, while he completes a few of his legendary collections and becomes a force on his own.
Olgerd seems to becoming more dominant than Oleg - but by the end, everything is wrapped up nicely. An acceptable ending. There were a couple of odd plot twists I would have appreciated a bit more insight into at the end - the new owners, the relationship with former antagonists.
One of the things I really liked about this series was that long term immersions in the game were NOT good for you. There's no magic superhero body when you come out because your muscles are flexing. Nope. Extended hospital stays are expected (established back in book 1? 2?) when you've been in even more a month, which makes sense. Lay still, don't move, and don't use your eyes for a month - now try to function.
I'm not completely sure I was in the right mood reading this, but I liked it. Not nearly as much as earlier ones in this series, but I finished it.
Personally I feel like the story was anticlimactic. I enjoyed the gearing up elements, but felt like the fights we're meh.
I still plan to read future installments in this series (if there are more, this could be it), and I hope this review won't discourage anyone from reading this. overall for $6 I feel like I got my money's worth. Honestly, I could've been in the wrong state of mind for reading a litrpg book.
Didn't like this as much as #3, feels a bit more like the author is coasting downhill. There are lots of interesting points, but if it weren't for the degree of closure we get on some major plot threads, they wouldn't matter very much.
This is clearly not meant as an overall finale for the story, but if you are going to stop (or you have to wait for the author to come out with #5...), it offers enough of an ending to serve as a safe place to disembark without feeling mistreated.
This one started quite slowly for me, unlike the other books, but once it picked up speed it flew by. I enjoyed this series. I loved all the details. Having read a few of these LitRPG series recently, I thought I didn't really care for the IRL world side of it, but in this case, it played a very big and relevant part in the decisions the MC had to make, and gave a real sense of peril, which I appreciated.
Olgerd story ended with this last book. I was glad Olgerd didn't play into the hand of the third party, the way they wanted him to play. But than that's logical for Orgerd's game. He liked his NPC gang of friends and helped them out till the end. The storyline in the Forbidden City was interesting and pulling. I was glad I could enjoy this whole series in an audible edition! Highly recommended LITRPG series.
Another “Wow!” For Mr. Osadchuk. I read this in a day because it is that engaging. Between Zoom calls, work related emails, and life...I did not put this down. What a great read and continual movement. The ethical character development is solid. The hints of ethical questions around AI, one’s soul, what is real and not...all hint back to the Matrix movies and man’s image. Well written and fun.
Ok was a good series. Though think the storyline and story went out of wack in third book. This one was obviously either badly translated or rushed and feels forced. Ending is anticlimactic as well. Though last page is great emotional hook. LOVE this author so will read next books he publishes. All can't be home runs.
Probably one of the greatest for books Series has that I've read yet today I hope there's a book 5 and it's definitely really engaging and intriguing with lots of unexpected twists and turns that make the book series really fleshed-out compared to many of the competitors definitely a must-read for any litrpg fans
Truely enjoyed this entire series! Binge read the entire sseries. I am Looking forward to the next addition to this series. We have to find out how the family fares, and the the home and it's protections evolve. In addition to all the Obvious questions. Great stories thank you for sharing ❤️ them with us.
Tento diel ma už totálne nakúril, keďže sa úplne do stratena vytratil pôvodný autorov zámer a ostala len snaha dostať herného supermana na nové územia a k novým nepriateľom. Jediné, čo sa mi ešte ako-tak páči, je skratkovitosť akcií, kedy (oproti iným RPG) otrocky nepopisuje každý krok, štatistiku a súboj, čím to tu nie je prepchaté neprehľadnými dejovými linkami.
I continue to enjoy this series. Although, what MMO creates this kind of content for just one person? :) Sure, living world, first one around, etc. Just something that I think sometimes when making my way through this. I still wonder why he didn't invite players to join his clan/group but what do I know.
This book seemed like a bit of a cop out and did not suck me in like the first three had. Spelling and grammar were really good so no problems there. From start to finish (even the battles) seemed a little dull.
Great end to this story arc. The series could have ended here but I know the series has at least one more book. The MC, setting, supporting characters, and world made this story a pleasure to power through. Time well spent and a pleasure start to finish.
I'd forgotten much of the previous three books, which certainly diminished my enjoyment. Still, it was enjoyable, though not nearly as strong as the others in the series.