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Beastborne Chronicles #1
Mark of the Founder
The Founders were the first Marked, and they used those powers to build kingdoms, subjugate the land, and enrich themselves. And they will not suffer another to join their ranks.
Lost in a world with Levels, stats, and monsters, Hal fights to survive in an unforgiving land and escape execution from its rulers.
Ingenuity and courage won’t be enough. With Marked powers he doesn’t understand, he’s easy prey for all the goblins, bandits, aberrations, and foul monsters that plague the realm.
He’ll need to abandon his humanity by embracing the beast within. To fight monsters, one has to risk becoming a monster. If he can survive long enough to Level Up.
Freedom and safety cannot be achieved alone. Only by forging bonds with fellow adventurers and monsters alike does Hal and his would-be-kingdom have any chance of surviving the hazardous realm.
Lost in a world with Levels, stats, and monsters, Hal fights to survive in an unforgiving land and escape execution from its rulers.
Ingenuity and courage won’t be enough. With Marked powers he doesn’t understand, he’s easy prey for all the goblins, bandits, aberrations, and foul monsters that plague the realm.
He’ll need to abandon his humanity by embracing the beast within. To fight monsters, one has to risk becoming a monster. If he can survive long enough to Level Up.
Freedom and safety cannot be achieved alone. Only by forging bonds with fellow adventurers and monsters alike does Hal and his would-be-kingdom have any chance of surviving the hazardous realm.
1068 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2020
2109 people are currently reading
1221 people want to read
About the author
James T. Callum
21 books223 followersMy name is James T. Callum and I’m not going to talk to you in the third person or make it seem like I’ve got some publisher or editor who has a bio on me.
I'm always available to talk, connect with readers, fellow authors, and lovable book nerds:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JamesTCallum
Website: https://www.jamestcallum.com
Twitter: @JamesTCallum
This is just me, talking to you, the reader. I’m no different than you, I love reading and gaming just the same as everybody else.
In fact, I’ve loved reading for as long as I could remember. From the very first fantasy book I read, The Wizard of Earthsea, I was hooked.
For just as long I’ve also been an avid gamer and DND player (as well as other tabletop RPGs). Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Illusion of Gaia, and on through the years as stories and graphics became better and better.
You’ll be able to find hints of inspiration from all sorts of RPGs and video games in my works. From the Final Fantasy series to Warcraft, Age of Empires to Anno, and games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Because who doesn’t love a little cosmic horror thrown in for fun?
These games (and countless others) have inspired me ever since I was a kid, and they continue to serve as my muse now that I’m much older.
Writing has always been my greatest aspiration and with your help, I hope to make it a full-time job. At the time of this writing, I still work a day job like most people. It is only thanks to Patreon that I was able to dedicate some of my spare time to writing.
So, if you’d like to provide direct support and help me achieve my goal of writing full-time (so I can write even more stories for you awesome people!) you can hop on over to my Patreon page where you’ll find tons of content.
Patrons get access to advanced chapters of upcoming books, special discord roles and discussion channels, early releases of books before anyone else, maps, cover reveals, voting, and a lot more.
And if you spot a typo or error, shoot me an email at: typos@jamestcallum.com, and I will get it fixed and re-uploaded ASAP. I aim to provide the best possible reading experience and as soon as I find an error I fix it. Once it’s fixed and updated, your reading device should update automatically with the improved version.
I'm always available to talk, connect with readers, fellow authors, and lovable book nerds:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JamesTCallum
Website: https://www.jamestcallum.com
Twitter: @JamesTCallum
This is just me, talking to you, the reader. I’m no different than you, I love reading and gaming just the same as everybody else.
In fact, I’ve loved reading for as long as I could remember. From the very first fantasy book I read, The Wizard of Earthsea, I was hooked.
For just as long I’ve also been an avid gamer and DND player (as well as other tabletop RPGs). Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Illusion of Gaia, and on through the years as stories and graphics became better and better.
You’ll be able to find hints of inspiration from all sorts of RPGs and video games in my works. From the Final Fantasy series to Warcraft, Age of Empires to Anno, and games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Because who doesn’t love a little cosmic horror thrown in for fun?
These games (and countless others) have inspired me ever since I was a kid, and they continue to serve as my muse now that I’m much older.
Writing has always been my greatest aspiration and with your help, I hope to make it a full-time job. At the time of this writing, I still work a day job like most people. It is only thanks to Patreon that I was able to dedicate some of my spare time to writing.
So, if you’d like to provide direct support and help me achieve my goal of writing full-time (so I can write even more stories for you awesome people!) you can hop on over to my Patreon page where you’ll find tons of content.
Patrons get access to advanced chapters of upcoming books, special discord roles and discussion channels, early releases of books before anyone else, maps, cover reveals, voting, and a lot more.
And if you spot a typo or error, shoot me an email at: typos@jamestcallum.com, and I will get it fixed and re-uploaded ASAP. I aim to provide the best possible reading experience and as soon as I find an error I fix it. Once it’s fixed and updated, your reading device should update automatically with the improved version.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
August 5, 2020
I would love to give this a better rating, because it was a really entertaining read. But for all the interesting concepts and likeable characters, there were simply too many things that bothered me.
First of all, there is a bit of a harem type situation going on. Almost all characters of any importance are female, main character aside of course, and they adore the MC to varying degrees. The saving grace it that this adoration is not explicitly romantic, and the all across the board gorgeous women are only a little sexualized (and are also all adults, yay). They often read as actual people rather than character props with large breasts. So even though harem stuff is usually a big no-no for me, I found it bearable here.
Another thing that bothered me, a thing that I feel is a common theme in these types of books, is the way our MC and the author himself treat the monster races, or non-human races in general. They a coddled, bereft of agency. They always need a human saviour and barely do anything on their on volition. Same here. There's some saving going on, lot's of adoration towards the MC and then nothing. The happy little monsters exist somewhere while the MC does stuff for them, without them (while he's surrounded by various human recolour women, such as sexy elves).
That aside, I just felt like the story could've done more. Not necessarily by adding plot, but by going deeper into some of the plot points. Many things are merely touched upon and only scarcely explained. Here and there I had trouble following what the author tried to convey because the writing tends to be muddled and confused. Not to a great extend, but enough to be noticeable.
Maybe the problem is actually that the author tried to do too much, by mixing too many genres and ideas, leaving some of the elements half-baked and unsatisfying. For example there is a bit that touched upon eldritch horror, but that part never felt scary or well fleshed out. I never got that "mind-bending thing from beyond the stars" feeling. Instead I got a pop culture reference that didn't fit.
There were so many interesting little things that were thrown in but then never extended upon, so many questions that were posed but then never answered, that by the end of the book I was left severely unsatisfied.
Also on a personal note, I kinda hated the cosmology. I'm simply not a fan of active gods, interdimensional travellers, single planet focused dimensions and the like. Also, fuck the language filter running-gag.
Despite all it's flaws, I do have to say that it was a good book. I liked the character for the most part, the plot was interesting and engaging, and the language was enjoyable. I was entertained, so 3 stars (maybe 3,5) for that.
First of all, there is a bit of a harem type situation going on. Almost all characters of any importance are female, main character aside of course, and they adore the MC to varying degrees. The saving grace it that this adoration is not explicitly romantic, and the all across the board gorgeous women are only a little sexualized (and are also all adults, yay). They often read as actual people rather than character props with large breasts. So even though harem stuff is usually a big no-no for me, I found it bearable here.
Another thing that bothered me, a thing that I feel is a common theme in these types of books, is the way our MC and the author himself treat the monster races, or non-human races in general. They a coddled, bereft of agency. They always need a human saviour and barely do anything on their on volition. Same here. There's some saving going on, lot's of adoration towards the MC and then nothing. The happy little monsters exist somewhere while the MC does stuff for them, without them (while he's surrounded by various human recolour women, such as sexy elves).
That aside, I just felt like the story could've done more. Not necessarily by adding plot, but by going deeper into some of the plot points. Many things are merely touched upon and only scarcely explained. Here and there I had trouble following what the author tried to convey because the writing tends to be muddled and confused. Not to a great extend, but enough to be noticeable.
Maybe the problem is actually that the author tried to do too much, by mixing too many genres and ideas, leaving some of the elements half-baked and unsatisfying. For example there is a bit that touched upon eldritch horror, but that part never felt scary or well fleshed out. I never got that "mind-bending thing from beyond the stars" feeling. Instead I got a pop culture reference that didn't fit.
There were so many interesting little things that were thrown in but then never extended upon, so many questions that were posed but then never answered, that by the end of the book I was left severely unsatisfied.
Also on a personal note, I kinda hated the cosmology. I'm simply not a fan of active gods, interdimensional travellers, single planet focused dimensions and the like. Also, fuck the language filter running-gag.
Despite all it's flaws, I do have to say that it was a good book. I liked the character for the most part, the plot was interesting and engaging, and the language was enjoyable. I was entertained, so 3 stars (maybe 3,5) for that.
August 7, 2020
I only managed to get 3% in according to my Kindle (about 30ish pages considering the 1,000+ page count) before throwing in the towel. While I suppose I'm glad the litrpg community is thriving enough to give a story like this an audience, I'm also pained because it shows how low the standards are.
The writing was lacking nearly every fundamental skill that makes prose readable. Surprisingly, I encountered few misspellings, but the sentence structure was horrible, words were misused, subjects and verbs disagreed, etc.
I legitimately didn't want to read further and risk adjusting to it because who knows how long it would take me to get those brain cells firing properly again.
If you are an experienced reader, particularly of books outside the litrpg genre, you probably won't be able to stomach this.
The writing was lacking nearly every fundamental skill that makes prose readable. Surprisingly, I encountered few misspellings, but the sentence structure was horrible, words were misused, subjects and verbs disagreed, etc.
I legitimately didn't want to read further and risk adjusting to it because who knows how long it would take me to get those brain cells firing properly again.
If you are an experienced reader, particularly of books outside the litrpg genre, you probably won't be able to stomach this.
May 28, 2021
Everything that is wrong with the genre
It's a shame the book has a high rating because it has all the bad characteristics found in fantasy (especially litrpg).
Lazy writing... plenty of inconsistencies, mistakes, holes, gaps, and flaws withing the story, magic system and characters.
Horrible MC...oh ya, definitely. He is a spoiled child that is a complete moron and acts like a prude. Super conservative bible thumper morals while managing to be a self absorbed beta.
It's a harem book, but the worst kind of harem. You guessed it, no sex but an all female supporting cast of dry humping nose bleeders.
The fights suck... I feel like you need a fedora and a mountain dew to find any enjoyment from them.
There are twists, but they are the kind thrown in because the author felt inspired or something that day... It's noticeable and jarring.
The dialogue is bland and flat, the magic system might as well not exist for all that it matters. The power creep is just horrible, .... This is basically unimaginative neck beard wish fulfillment without the smut. I really like this genre, but I wish there weren't so many horrible titles in it....
It's a shame the book has a high rating because it has all the bad characteristics found in fantasy (especially litrpg).
Lazy writing... plenty of inconsistencies, mistakes, holes, gaps, and flaws withing the story, magic system and characters.
Horrible MC...oh ya, definitely. He is a spoiled child that is a complete moron and acts like a prude. Super conservative bible thumper morals while managing to be a self absorbed beta.
It's a harem book, but the worst kind of harem. You guessed it, no sex but an all female supporting cast of dry humping nose bleeders.
The fights suck... I feel like you need a fedora and a mountain dew to find any enjoyment from them.
There are twists, but they are the kind thrown in because the author felt inspired or something that day... It's noticeable and jarring.
The dialogue is bland and flat, the magic system might as well not exist for all that it matters. The power creep is just horrible, .... This is basically unimaginative neck beard wish fulfillment without the smut. I really like this genre, but I wish there weren't so many horrible titles in it....
July 16, 2020
Horrible world building with no attempt at consistency.
This was bad from start to the point I have up trying to read it. The stats are pointless and arbitrary. There is no consideration to any actions consequence. This was a anime written out by some one who did not bother with an outline.
This was bad from start to the point I have up trying to read it. The stats are pointless and arbitrary. There is no consideration to any actions consequence. This was a anime written out by some one who did not bother with an outline.
July 5, 2020
One of my favorite books in recent memory. This thing was amazing. I immediately went on to his patreon page and read all of the next book. I am only sad that I have caught up to the author. I'll read this for however long he writes it. I saw a few negative reviews on royal road. The author has noted that a metric ton of editing/additions/and subtractions have occurred since whatever was posted there. I thought it was great. The MC was very enjoyable.
July 30, 2020
One of the best litRPGs I've read in a good while!
Before I found this book, I had gone through a string of so-so litRPGs. This one though was so refreshing! It had all the things I could ask for - solid magic system, underdog with a well-rounded character, and a party of awesome dynamic characters that kick ash! (Gotta say that the"built-in filter" for cussing was kinda annoying, but it had me chuckling at times).
So the main character (MC) basically sucked out of his normal, boring life and sent into a (parallel plane or existence/different world), as a level one noob with a glowing tattoo/sigil on his arm and no comprehension of the native language. Starts out with a string of bad luck, but finds someone to help him and realizes that his new mark makes him a bit of a person of interest and everyone wants a piece of him, some for good, but most... Not so good. The journey only gets more interesting from there - interesting chance encounters, quests, and a unique spin on the class system!
I think the thing that really kept me turning the pages (really, unable to put the book down) was that this book has this an actual plot (!!!) - a definable goal that the party is driving towards. And they make understandable decisions based on this goal. A lot of litRPGs are all about power levelling the MC, but he really doesn't get overpowered and though he manages some crazy stuff, it's mostly through a bit of planning rather than stupid luck, which I appreciate. And the koblins!!! Aaahhh! Love them. So anyway, you should totally read the book! I certainly can't wait to figure out where our MC and his party will go next, and what else we learn about this world!
Before I found this book, I had gone through a string of so-so litRPGs. This one though was so refreshing! It had all the things I could ask for - solid magic system, underdog with a well-rounded character, and a party of awesome dynamic characters that kick ash! (Gotta say that the"built-in filter" for cussing was kinda annoying, but it had me chuckling at times).
So the main character (MC) basically sucked out of his normal, boring life and sent into a (parallel plane or existence/different world), as a level one noob with a glowing tattoo/sigil on his arm and no comprehension of the native language. Starts out with a string of bad luck, but finds someone to help him and realizes that his new mark makes him a bit of a person of interest and everyone wants a piece of him, some for good, but most... Not so good. The journey only gets more interesting from there - interesting chance encounters, quests, and a unique spin on the class system!
I think the thing that really kept me turning the pages (really, unable to put the book down) was that this book has this an actual plot (!!!) - a definable goal that the party is driving towards. And they make understandable decisions based on this goal. A lot of litRPGs are all about power levelling the MC, but he really doesn't get overpowered and though he manages some crazy stuff, it's mostly through a bit of planning rather than stupid luck, which I appreciate. And the koblins!!! Aaahhh! Love them. So anyway, you should totally read the book! I certainly can't wait to figure out where our MC and his party will go next, and what else we learn about this world!
March 31, 2021
I'm starting to lose faith in this genre.
How does this book have such a high rating?
The prose is clunky. The characters are all very flat in personality, except for their inexplicable attachment to the MC. Every character is somehow utterly helpless, until the overpowered MC comes along and 'saves' the day. The world building is practically non-existent/ minimal. The plot reads less like a story, and more like a jumble of incoherent events roughly stitched together. The isekai component of the story serves no purpose other than to portray the vague sense of regret of the MC's former life. To top it all off, the book is practically bursting with deus ex machina at every page which completely removes the stakes of any problem encountered.
Like am I missing something? Idk... I feel like my initial love for this genre is fading.
How does this book have such a high rating?
The prose is clunky. The characters are all very flat in personality, except for their inexplicable attachment to the MC. Every character is somehow utterly helpless, until the overpowered MC comes along and 'saves' the day. The world building is practically non-existent/ minimal. The plot reads less like a story, and more like a jumble of incoherent events roughly stitched together. The isekai component of the story serves no purpose other than to portray the vague sense of regret of the MC's former life. To top it all off, the book is practically bursting with deus ex machina at every page which completely removes the stakes of any problem encountered.
Like am I missing something? Idk... I feel like my initial love for this genre is fading.
March 8, 2021
Really great book and right up my street. Characters are well written and I love how the main character is the hero you want him to be, a good person that still has some flaws.
The danger he's put through are big but not so big that it's unbelievable that he gets through it, and he wins in a realistic way.
The danger he's put through are big but not so big that it's unbelievable that he gets through it, and he wins in a realistic way.
July 16, 2020
Great read
If you love web novels this is a great read and if you don’t but enjoy LitRPG or fantasy it is still a great read. Loved the characters the twists kept me on my toes and I am excited for the next installment
If you love web novels this is a great read and if you don’t but enjoy LitRPG or fantasy it is still a great read. Loved the characters the twists kept me on my toes and I am excited for the next installment
July 24, 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
July 25, 2020
Pretty good! Nice length.
A nice application of the (annoying, imo) litrpg stat blocks. They played a role, but were not the determining factor in most fights.
Things I like about Beastborne:
- decent characters, and a variety
- manages to, at times, tap into the spirit of adventuring and exploration
- while it would be a nightmare to listen to stat blocks on audible, skipping through is easy
- we don't spend eons debating pros and cons of choosing stats, or discussing anything, really (looking at you The Land)
- the story moves at a decent pace
Beastborne cons:
- My biggest 'complaint' is that i personally don't like the constant threat of Rinbast. This really kills the atmosphere and sucks away Hal's ability (and ours) to explore and enjoy the world. It can also cause tension fatigue. Some tension is good, too much is... tiring.
- earlier on, it was difficult to follow the action or understand the physical setting/positioning
- some misplaced or missing commas made some sentences difficult to read, but not really an issue
- the forced love of the koblins. it felt weird. while i do like them, their place as an unknown in the world somewhat doesn't make sense
I'm a bit of a negative nancy, but I would recommend this book to others as well as wish Callum luck in his writings. 4.5/5, rounding up for the sake of a newer author. Writing is a daunting challenge.
A nice application of the (annoying, imo) litrpg stat blocks. They played a role, but were not the determining factor in most fights.
Things I like about Beastborne:
- decent characters, and a variety
- manages to, at times, tap into the spirit of adventuring and exploration
- while it would be a nightmare to listen to stat blocks on audible, skipping through is easy
- we don't spend eons debating pros and cons of choosing stats, or discussing anything, really (looking at you The Land)
- the story moves at a decent pace
Beastborne cons:
- My biggest 'complaint' is that i personally don't like the constant threat of Rinbast. This really kills the atmosphere and sucks away Hal's ability (and ours) to explore and enjoy the world. It can also cause tension fatigue. Some tension is good, too much is... tiring.
- earlier on, it was difficult to follow the action or understand the physical setting/positioning
- some misplaced or missing commas made some sentences difficult to read, but not really an issue
- the forced love of the koblins. it felt weird. while i do like them, their place as an unknown in the world somewhat doesn't make sense
I'm a bit of a negative nancy, but I would recommend this book to others as well as wish Callum luck in his writings. 4.5/5, rounding up for the sake of a newer author. Writing is a daunting challenge.
June 12, 2024
A Fresh Experience
Usually it’s difficult to flesh out a world with culture and characters that feel real without being to detail heavy but this book does a decent job of it. Action that that entertains, danger that excites, and an adventure with a goal that has more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. Highly recommend
Usually it’s difficult to flesh out a world with culture and characters that feel real without being to detail heavy but this book does a decent job of it. Action that that entertains, danger that excites, and an adventure with a goal that has more twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. Highly recommend
August 8, 2020
A wonderful page turner
This story was reminiscent of Michael Chatfield’s start of Emerilia series: the Trapped Mind Project. It’s written just as good, with a diverse cast of characters that add to the story instead of distracting from it. The story has a distinct Middle Earth feel to it, a light sense of humour, and a rich high fantasy world to discover.
Hypothetically speaking, with a better developed magic system to replace the LitRPG elements, this story would be an interesting high fantasy story, well crafted from various LitRPG tropes.
The only drawback was that some parts grew overly long for expositions of the world, and how things work. There were also some unnecessarily lengthy descriptions of what’s going on in combat scenes, but it’s a minor bumps in an otherwise smooth journey across the whole novel.
This story was reminiscent of Michael Chatfield’s start of Emerilia series: the Trapped Mind Project. It’s written just as good, with a diverse cast of characters that add to the story instead of distracting from it. The story has a distinct Middle Earth feel to it, a light sense of humour, and a rich high fantasy world to discover.
Hypothetically speaking, with a better developed magic system to replace the LitRPG elements, this story would be an interesting high fantasy story, well crafted from various LitRPG tropes.
The only drawback was that some parts grew overly long for expositions of the world, and how things work. There were also some unnecessarily lengthy descriptions of what’s going on in combat scenes, but it’s a minor bumps in an otherwise smooth journey across the whole novel.
July 13, 2020
4.8
A really good read. Unique take on our main characters class and some common yet different species. I would say my only real complaint (minor spoiler) was that near the beginning we were told our main character was going to be building a settlement, but even after 1,000 pages (which is roughly 2-3 books in the genre) he still doesn't get there. Don't get me wrong, there's good reason and a wonderfully crafted world, I'm just very interested in where this all goes!
Also found myself avoiding finishing the book the longer I read, I just didn't want it to end!
A really good read. Unique take on our main characters class and some common yet different species. I would say my only real complaint (minor spoiler) was that near the beginning we were told our main character was going to be building a settlement, but even after 1,000 pages (which is roughly 2-3 books in the genre) he still doesn't get there. Don't get me wrong, there's good reason and a wonderfully crafted world, I'm just very interested in where this all goes!
Also found myself avoiding finishing the book the longer I read, I just didn't want it to end!
July 6, 2020
Amazing!
This book is possibly the best entry in the litrpg book category I have ever read. It doesn't suffer from the same errors that other books in its category have. And I absolutely love the list of characters, beasts, skills, and a bunch of a other useful info at the end of the book. Its definitely spoliers, but it's almost like a little refresher for when the next book comes out. You can read all of his skills and how they work and not be confused later. Definitely can't wait for the second book!
This book is possibly the best entry in the litrpg book category I have ever read. It doesn't suffer from the same errors that other books in its category have. And I absolutely love the list of characters, beasts, skills, and a bunch of a other useful info at the end of the book. Its definitely spoliers, but it's almost like a little refresher for when the next book comes out. You can read all of his skills and how they work and not be confused later. Definitely can't wait for the second book!
July 28, 2020
Slow at first but picks up the pace after 300+page.
A great concept. Would have worked wonders if author edited this to make sure to novel size instead of web serial.
A great concept. Would have worked wonders if author edited this to make sure to novel size instead of web serial.
June 29, 2020
Awesome fun litrpg
An amazing book very well-written easy to read and follow and very fun read I enjoyed the book from start to finish a few dark twist and turns but many outstanding encounters and discoveries as the book continues definite mostly read for any litrpg or fantasy fan that likes book of Adventure and discovery was definitely litrpg elements that are fun and exciting definite promising series with much more to look forward to in the future I definitely will be reading all the books and probably purchasing them to an amazing book well written and Fun
An amazing book very well-written easy to read and follow and very fun read I enjoyed the book from start to finish a few dark twist and turns but many outstanding encounters and discoveries as the book continues definite mostly read for any litrpg or fantasy fan that likes book of Adventure and discovery was definitely litrpg elements that are fun and exciting definite promising series with much more to look forward to in the future I definitely will be reading all the books and probably purchasing them to an amazing book well written and Fun
July 15, 2020
Book one
Mistakes: The only mistake I found was a character leaning on a spear after it was lost.
Plot: Lots of adventure, monsters, more monsters, quest, and more monsters. Some of them very likable. No town building in this book though.
Characters: Some really good characters in this book.
8/10 I look forward to seeing more in this series.
Mistakes: The only mistake I found was a character leaning on a spear after it was lost.
Plot: Lots of adventure, monsters, more monsters, quest, and more monsters. Some of them very likable. No town building in this book though.
Characters: Some really good characters in this book.
8/10 I look forward to seeing more in this series.
May 17, 2024
It has one of the most interesting worlds in fantasy books in general, certainly in the litrpg genre. The characters are good, the flow and pacing very well done, especially considering the length of the book. It could use some polishing, with frequent spelling and grammatical errors. Each time I encountered one, it brought me out of the fantasy world. Some of the grammatical errors were consistent and I got used to, as it seemed to be a reflection of the way the writers mind worked, and gave a more unique voice to the narration. Others, not so much.
I did really appreciate how the main character crossed over to the fantasy world without the standard VR trope. I look forward to the next book :)
I did really appreciate how the main character crossed over to the fantasy world without the standard VR trope. I look forward to the next book :)
July 10, 2020
Worth the read
So good I can’t wait for the next one and I would also love to hear this on audio book
So good I can’t wait for the next one and I would also love to hear this on audio book
June 30, 2021
8.5/10
I must admit that it took a while for this book to grip me enough that I would consider continuing the series. The first half of the book, while never overtly boring, did have me concerned. The plot seemed (keyword seemed) to meander and I worried that Callum was letting his worldbuilding get away from him and into the way of the story, which I'm beginning to believe is a common mistake in LitRPG, at least among the few I've read.
To my pleasant surprise Callum proved in the back half of the book that he knew exactly what he was doing with the worldbuilding. Cleverly looping the nearly perpendicular tangents back into the main plot, fleshing out the history of his world, and providing a realistic but still satisfying rate of progression of the main character's strength, all in one fell swoop.
The action was clean and entertaining, rarely going into the territory of over-analysing the fight and slowing the pacing to a snail's crawl. The characters were all entertaining and relatively deep in their own ways. But sadly my biggest flaw of the book is that these character traits don't necessarily extend to the most important character of the book, the protagonist.
One of the more common cliches I've noticed in LitRPG novels is to have a protagonist who often makes pop-culture quips and has an overly sarcastic thought process. It's a cliche I've grown to strongly dislike, especially when it's used in place of an actual personality. While Hal is certainly not the worst offender of this trope that I've read, it is still a little grating to read, and I can't get a handle on his personality as a consequence.
Overall,
An extremely solid foundation to a new world that leaves me excited for the sequels while simultaneously not leaving too much mystery so as to make the book feel unfinished as a story by itself.
I must admit that it took a while for this book to grip me enough that I would consider continuing the series. The first half of the book, while never overtly boring, did have me concerned. The plot seemed (keyword seemed) to meander and I worried that Callum was letting his worldbuilding get away from him and into the way of the story, which I'm beginning to believe is a common mistake in LitRPG, at least among the few I've read.
To my pleasant surprise Callum proved in the back half of the book that he knew exactly what he was doing with the worldbuilding. Cleverly looping the nearly perpendicular tangents back into the main plot, fleshing out the history of his world, and providing a realistic but still satisfying rate of progression of the main character's strength, all in one fell swoop.
The action was clean and entertaining, rarely going into the territory of over-analysing the fight and slowing the pacing to a snail's crawl. The characters were all entertaining and relatively deep in their own ways. But sadly my biggest flaw of the book is that these character traits don't necessarily extend to the most important character of the book, the protagonist.
One of the more common cliches I've noticed in LitRPG novels is to have a protagonist who often makes pop-culture quips and has an overly sarcastic thought process. It's a cliche I've grown to strongly dislike, especially when it's used in place of an actual personality. While Hal is certainly not the worst offender of this trope that I've read, it is still a little grating to read, and I can't get a handle on his personality as a consequence.
Overall,
An extremely solid foundation to a new world that leaves me excited for the sequels while simultaneously not leaving too much mystery so as to make the book feel unfinished as a story by itself.
November 26, 2023
A great start
The thing with this new litrpg genre that authors overlook is the attention to detail. We are dealing with numbers here. If you get them wrong, it's a catastrophe. You need to have a firm understanding of the "system" in your worldbuilding. It's very clear that you are figuring it out as you go, which really put me off. I would have dropped the book immediately if it hadn't been recommended by a friend.
I know it sounds pedantic, but I think it's valid in a litrpg. Initially, our mc saw the ranger as a lvl12 ranger. Later we learn that levels are a sum of all classes. After that we learn that she has other classes - thief and paladin, I believe. But her "level" is not 12 and that's not how levels are read at all. Thr individual class doesn't matter for that purpose.
Can you imagine trying to navigate playing a game with these inconsistencies? No. So to gloss over them with your retcon is kind of crappy.
By the end of the book, I was really enjoying the writing. However, the entire time they were separated after the baby shaggoth fight was probably the worst published writing I've ever encountered:
"Can I ask you a question, Hal
Yes Ashera, you can ask me a question
Why did you look left, Hal?
Because I didn't think to look right, Ashera
Oh, thank you Hal, now I understand
I'm glad you understand, Ashera
Hal, I once looked right....
What are you trying to say, Ashera?
You returned my life to me, Hal"
Etc etc etc. That slog was TERRIBLE. holy crap, i just about gave up multiple times. What the hell was that? It was like 200 pages of this garbage thst felt like 20000 pages. It was on the level of the worst chinese pay by the word translated garbage I've read. Why put your readers through that when you're clearly capable of doing better?
The thing with this new litrpg genre that authors overlook is the attention to detail. We are dealing with numbers here. If you get them wrong, it's a catastrophe. You need to have a firm understanding of the "system" in your worldbuilding. It's very clear that you are figuring it out as you go, which really put me off. I would have dropped the book immediately if it hadn't been recommended by a friend.
I know it sounds pedantic, but I think it's valid in a litrpg. Initially, our mc saw the ranger as a lvl12 ranger. Later we learn that levels are a sum of all classes. After that we learn that she has other classes - thief and paladin, I believe. But her "level" is not 12 and that's not how levels are read at all. Thr individual class doesn't matter for that purpose.
Can you imagine trying to navigate playing a game with these inconsistencies? No. So to gloss over them with your retcon is kind of crappy.
By the end of the book, I was really enjoying the writing. However, the entire time they were separated after the baby shaggoth fight was probably the worst published writing I've ever encountered:
"Can I ask you a question, Hal
Yes Ashera, you can ask me a question
Why did you look left, Hal?
Because I didn't think to look right, Ashera
Oh, thank you Hal, now I understand
I'm glad you understand, Ashera
Hal, I once looked right....
What are you trying to say, Ashera?
You returned my life to me, Hal"
Etc etc etc. That slog was TERRIBLE. holy crap, i just about gave up multiple times. What the hell was that? It was like 200 pages of this garbage thst felt like 20000 pages. It was on the level of the worst chinese pay by the word translated garbage I've read. Why put your readers through that when you're clearly capable of doing better?
February 14, 2021
Venting some frustrations, but a really good book.
This is one of my favorite lit RPGs that I've read and I think its really well executed, that being said this review might not sound like it because I need to vent but I genuinely enjoyed it. The period where every lit-rpg decides to just spend 10% of the book going through obscure mechanics and perks and notifications and crafting/alchemy is honestly the worst. This book was good at naturally implementing the game mechanics into the story but still had a period in the middle where it's just incredibly tedious and uninteresting mechanics. Basically the part of games that even when I'm actually playing them I dont want to pay attention to. Also I dont know why every lit rpg is obsessed with mimics that they force into the story. I do think the story would be a lot better some sort of romance aspect (not like romance novel or harem just a normal human relstionship) and also profanity would be better. I find language filters for humor very played out in lit RPGs I'd much rather just have no swearing or the actual words what game can't you swear in anyways? These are just the things that bugged me while reading though so vent over. The book was really good and the introduction of mechanics was well executed with a cool world and characters (side characters could use more focus). Sorry if this review sounds critical I just really enjoyed it and think it could be great with some minor adjustments. Lit rpgs tend to fail the story/human interaction aspect in favor of mechanics so I'm hoping that doesn't happen with this one.
This is one of my favorite lit RPGs that I've read and I think its really well executed, that being said this review might not sound like it because I need to vent but I genuinely enjoyed it. The period where every lit-rpg decides to just spend 10% of the book going through obscure mechanics and perks and notifications and crafting/alchemy is honestly the worst. This book was good at naturally implementing the game mechanics into the story but still had a period in the middle where it's just incredibly tedious and uninteresting mechanics. Basically the part of games that even when I'm actually playing them I dont want to pay attention to. Also I dont know why every lit rpg is obsessed with mimics that they force into the story. I do think the story would be a lot better some sort of romance aspect (not like romance novel or harem just a normal human relstionship) and also profanity would be better. I find language filters for humor very played out in lit RPGs I'd much rather just have no swearing or the actual words what game can't you swear in anyways? These are just the things that bugged me while reading though so vent over. The book was really good and the introduction of mechanics was well executed with a cool world and characters (side characters could use more focus). Sorry if this review sounds critical I just really enjoyed it and think it could be great with some minor adjustments. Lit rpgs tend to fail the story/human interaction aspect in favor of mechanics so I'm hoping that doesn't happen with this one.
May 27, 2025
Wow! FannnFriggenTastic! Best book evarrr! If this was food, it would be a feast, with all the magical buffs included!!! I gobbled this book up. And when I realized that the audiobook was free for members, well that was just gravy! I was sure to enjoy Beastborne, as I've read JT Callum's "Shrubley the Monster Adventurer." And what I got by downloading this was a dynamite litRPG! Wow Beastborne, was so well written that I even felt that Hal and his friends were real, making me want to Adventure with them, at least listening/reading turned out to be the next best thing! As you know this is Hal's story, he's Isekaied right into the world of Aldim, and into the unknown but with Elora's help he can start learning what it takes to survive to live another day! What a mess he finds himself in, as it looks like he's a criminal just because he exists. But Hal persevered and starts leveling learning how the system works on the fly... 'cause at the moment running is about all he's good for. Until the goblins snatch him from him friends... and then he meets the koblins. With a quest chain to follow, he works with what little magic he has!
So yeah grab the audiobook, because you don't wanna miss Eric Michael Summerer narration! No really I challenge y'all to read this fantastic litRPG adventure!
Here's a few quotes for y'all:
"Are you shirting me? Oh really, I can’t say shirt? Florking shirtballs! What isn’t a curse here?”
“Oh, don’t give me that bullshirt!”
“Son of a bench that hurts!”
"The mimic slurped up the stew with a long purple tongue and then ate the bowl for dessert."
So yeah grab the audiobook, because you don't wanna miss Eric Michael Summerer narration! No really I challenge y'all to read this fantastic litRPG adventure!
Here's a few quotes for y'all:
"Are you shirting me? Oh really, I can’t say shirt? Florking shirtballs! What isn’t a curse here?”
“Oh, don’t give me that bullshirt!”
“Son of a bench that hurts!”
"The mimic slurped up the stew with a long purple tongue and then ate the bowl for dessert."
October 2, 2020
Someone find me a Koblin
Okay.. it’s a great book. Really. But now I want a koblin buddy and to be transported over. Yup. Okay read the real review.
Despite cheesy beginnings and a murder scene to start us off, Mark of the Founder is an amazing read with unique world building. Great action packed battles and plot twists. The author does a great job of utilizing LitRPG cliches and making them feel new. I mean look at the “every man’s worst enemy is himself” arc. Who doesn’t see that battle shaving each morning and sweating out a few bullets during the day instead of sitting back on the couch.
I love this book because of the many relationships our MC builds. I wish he would have struggled more to gain them as they all seem to fall to his glorious charisma but it’s not done blatantly and the story progresses well with all of the various characters. Don’t hide it under the passive of “friends” it was just a bit lazy but didn’t detract from the story as a whole.
What can sell you on this book is the arcs I keep mentioning. While many LitRPGs sell their grand storyline and just throw in fight scene and training scenes this story has more. It’s showing the development of H and hinting at the over-arc. Instead you get minor arcs that I don’t want to give away but I will say a few have you at the edge of your seat (or curled up in bed holding the phone two inches from your face I won’t judge). The koblins arc and the 37 story arc finale with the photo… mwuah! Perfect. I can’t wait for more.
Okay.. it’s a great book. Really. But now I want a koblin buddy and to be transported over. Yup. Okay read the real review.
Despite cheesy beginnings and a murder scene to start us off, Mark of the Founder is an amazing read with unique world building. Great action packed battles and plot twists. The author does a great job of utilizing LitRPG cliches and making them feel new. I mean look at the “every man’s worst enemy is himself” arc. Who doesn’t see that battle shaving each morning and sweating out a few bullets during the day instead of sitting back on the couch.
I love this book because of the many relationships our MC builds. I wish he would have struggled more to gain them as they all seem to fall to his glorious charisma but it’s not done blatantly and the story progresses well with all of the various characters. Don’t hide it under the passive of “friends” it was just a bit lazy but didn’t detract from the story as a whole.
What can sell you on this book is the arcs I keep mentioning. While many LitRPGs sell their grand storyline and just throw in fight scene and training scenes this story has more. It’s showing the development of H and hinting at the over-arc. Instead you get minor arcs that I don’t want to give away but I will say a few have you at the edge of your seat (or curled up in bed holding the phone two inches from your face I won’t judge). The koblins arc and the 37 story arc finale with the photo… mwuah! Perfect. I can’t wait for more.
August 17, 2020
Although this was a rather long entry into the LitRPG genre, I found it to be a fairly good one. The main character starts out lost and alone, but quicly builds friendships, gathers followers, and sets out to build their own settlement. Of course, there's tons of obstacles thrown in the way, and the tight nit group our main character has works through them all, although certainly without loss and danger. It's rather similar to many books in the genre, but I really like the way this one is handled. It touches a bit on alternate universes, which is something I've pondered writing myself, so this was particularly interesting. Often times I found myself asking why the main character didn't do things differently, but that's typically how a story goes for me anyway, so nothing new there. I liked the wide array of skills in the story, as well as the class system. Again, it's not new in it's implementation, but I thought the way it was put together made a lot of sence. I suspect the second book will have lots of building, and that's one of my favorite parts of LitRPG, so I'm sure keeping an eye out for that one, it should be lots of fun.
August 8, 2021
Why yes. One of those "anger gives you power" protagonist.
I don't know if it's me, but this book seems all over the place. Maybe too many things are being focused on all at once. The author tried to combine too many genres (to me).
The stats didn't brother me as I skipped them anytime I saw them. The multiple POVs were annoying on the other hand. Why do authors wait till you are invested in something to spring an unwanted POV on you?
I really don't trust an author who finds an elaborate way for their characters not to cuss. You can write a book without cussing and have it be mature. These lengths just further convince me that they are pandering to kids.
I will never understand these people. Wanton violence, gore and suffering is okay, but heavens forbid a cuss.
I think this ends my journey with the author and series. Things are a little too hectic (not the good kind) for me to continue.
2.5/5 Stars
I don't know if it's me, but this book seems all over the place. Maybe too many things are being focused on all at once. The author tried to combine too many genres (to me).
The stats didn't brother me as I skipped them anytime I saw them. The multiple POVs were annoying on the other hand. Why do authors wait till you are invested in something to spring an unwanted POV on you?
I really don't trust an author who finds an elaborate way for their characters not to cuss. You can write a book without cussing and have it be mature. These lengths just further convince me that they are pandering to kids.
I will never understand these people. Wanton violence, gore and suffering is okay, but heavens forbid a cuss.
I think this ends my journey with the author and series. Things are a little too hectic (not the good kind) for me to continue.
2.5/5 Stars
August 31, 2020
My most enjoyable read of 2020
First off I want to say that I read a lot of books - avg 180 a year. This means that I’m widely exposed to many new authors as they begin their journeys to writing greatness. This book has been my favorite of the 110+ that I have read this year. Each character is built out with just the right amount of backstory and personality that leaves you wanting to learn more. The title character and the reader experience the gain of knowledge about their purpose and goal as each chapter progresses. The story progresses at an appropriate pace and the stats tied to genre of LitRPG are exceptionally slipped into the beginning of chapters as needed. Many authors within this genre can go overboard with providing the reader a daunting amount of descriptions and stats for each item or level. James maintains the delicate balance of providing just what an avid gamer is looking for without overloading the casual readers. 11/10 would recommend to all of my fellow readers. I can’t wait for the remaining books.
First off I want to say that I read a lot of books - avg 180 a year. This means that I’m widely exposed to many new authors as they begin their journeys to writing greatness. This book has been my favorite of the 110+ that I have read this year. Each character is built out with just the right amount of backstory and personality that leaves you wanting to learn more. The title character and the reader experience the gain of knowledge about their purpose and goal as each chapter progresses. The story progresses at an appropriate pace and the stats tied to genre of LitRPG are exceptionally slipped into the beginning of chapters as needed. Many authors within this genre can go overboard with providing the reader a daunting amount of descriptions and stats for each item or level. James maintains the delicate balance of providing just what an avid gamer is looking for without overloading the casual readers. 11/10 would recommend to all of my fellow readers. I can’t wait for the remaining books.
August 25, 2023
Good story hampered by unnecessary complexity for LitRPG
I enjoyed the story but I took away a star as I believe the story’s complexity may turn people off, as it nearly did for me. The author has tried to jam so many large concepts into this story that it takes away from the story (my opinion only). This story has so many concepts in it including Isekai (multiple types), Multi-Verse, various folklore and DnD beings including afterlife characters, dual personalties battling for supremacy over a body along with a fairly complex LitRPG aspect with points and ‘sparks’ enabling various progression aspects. The universe the story is housed in is also complex with mana seeds, mana storms sanctums, Gods, Mad travellers and the Founders. I enjoyed the characters themselves especially the ‘Koblins’ not to be confused with Goblins. Be prepared to wrap your brain around these concepts in order to enjoy a fairly good story so far.
I enjoyed the story but I took away a star as I believe the story’s complexity may turn people off, as it nearly did for me. The author has tried to jam so many large concepts into this story that it takes away from the story (my opinion only). This story has so many concepts in it including Isekai (multiple types), Multi-Verse, various folklore and DnD beings including afterlife characters, dual personalties battling for supremacy over a body along with a fairly complex LitRPG aspect with points and ‘sparks’ enabling various progression aspects. The universe the story is housed in is also complex with mana seeds, mana storms sanctums, Gods, Mad travellers and the Founders. I enjoyed the characters themselves especially the ‘Koblins’ not to be confused with Goblins. Be prepared to wrap your brain around these concepts in order to enjoy a fairly good story so far.
May 3, 2024
Good read
I liked that the characters are well developed and the story is totally on point. I had to rip myself away from the book to get food and go to work and it was surprisingly harder than it had to be. I didn't like when the main characters split up but it's common in books this long so it wasn't that big a deal. I didn't notice any typos or editing errors. The story is very engaging and keeps you turning the pages. I also liked that it wasn't 200 pages of stat sheets. I was surprised a few times throughout the book and I'm still hoping one of the characters returns to the story later on. Overall definitely worth the time to read, the story is very engaging, the characters come across as real people and they're not flat. I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
I liked that the characters are well developed and the story is totally on point. I had to rip myself away from the book to get food and go to work and it was surprisingly harder than it had to be. I didn't like when the main characters split up but it's common in books this long so it wasn't that big a deal. I didn't notice any typos or editing errors. The story is very engaging and keeps you turning the pages. I also liked that it wasn't 200 pages of stat sheets. I was surprised a few times throughout the book and I'm still hoping one of the characters returns to the story later on. Overall definitely worth the time to read, the story is very engaging, the characters come across as real people and they're not flat. I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
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