What do you think?
Rate this book
Ciphercraft #1
Cipher's Quest
When the system that time forgot suddenly shows back up...
The Cipher ran the universe with its game-like rules, and it has chosen Cullen, an exiled bounty hunter, to be the method of its return.
He's given a quest to free a telepathic mother and son from wrongful imprisonment. If he can break his targets out of prison, they'll have to level up, learn new skills, and hunt down the prophecy's clues. All while facing down berserkers and EMP-hurling tigers, in a jungle that offers no succor.
The promised reward is that the Cipher will grant access and the associated power to all of his embattled people, turning the tide in the galactic war that's ravaging the cosmos.
Cipher's Quest is a LitRPG Science-Fantasy mashup that answers the question, "What if we took Stargate and added Final Fantasy and Age of Empires?"
The Cipher ran the universe with its game-like rules, and it has chosen Cullen, an exiled bounty hunter, to be the method of its return.
He's given a quest to free a telepathic mother and son from wrongful imprisonment. If he can break his targets out of prison, they'll have to level up, learn new skills, and hunt down the prophecy's clues. All while facing down berserkers and EMP-hurling tigers, in a jungle that offers no succor.
The promised reward is that the Cipher will grant access and the associated power to all of his embattled people, turning the tide in the galactic war that's ravaging the cosmos.
Cipher's Quest is a LitRPG Science-Fantasy mashup that answers the question, "What if we took Stargate and added Final Fantasy and Age of Empires?"
- GenresScience Fiction
ebook
First published July 21, 2020
240 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Tim Kaiver
7 books7 followersTim Kaiver is an old-school gamer who writes Sci-Fi/Fantasy LitRPG. His Cipher's Quest novel is RealRPG inspired by Final Fantasy VI's mix of magic and low-tech society, Stargate's exploration of myth and galactic consequences, and grows into what he loved about the world of Dragonlance and the first Warcraft games where it was fun to chop wood and build your army. The Ciphercraft series could easily top seven books and spin off into LitRPG adventures on numerous other worlds. Three books have been written so far, with plans to release every couple months.
Book one, Cipher's Quest released July 21, 2020 on Kindle Unlimited.
He's also writing Skateboarder Samurai, another RealRPG set in an alternate Earth where dual classes are given powers by the alien Overrulers to compete for humanity's survival in a world wide round robin tournament.
Sign up to his newsletter to catch his newest novel release: https://sendfox.com/timkaiver or to his Patreon for early access to newest chapters: www.patreon.com/timkaiver.com.
Book one, Cipher's Quest released July 21, 2020 on Kindle Unlimited.
He's also writing Skateboarder Samurai, another RealRPG set in an alternate Earth where dual classes are given powers by the alien Overrulers to compete for humanity's survival in a world wide round robin tournament.
Sign up to his newsletter to catch his newest novel release: https://sendfox.com/timkaiver or to his Patreon for early access to newest chapters: www.patreon.com/timkaiver.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 1, 2020
The book starts off with people we don't know, doing things that aren't explained, with stakes that we don't know about. The next chapter jumps to new people we don't know in the middle of something that sounds risky, but we know nothing of the context around their actions, what they're actually doing, or why we should care. Then jumps to a new chapter with yet new people we don't know.
I get the idea of starting off a book with some action to get people invested, but when none of the mechanics behind what they're doing have been explained, and you're constantly throwing around several different names and a half dozen new terms we know nothing about, the action falls flat. You can't follow a fight scene when none of the context has been explained to you. Then when the story can't stay on one point of view long enough for you to get an idea of what is actually happening before jumping to something entirely new, I can't see a reason to force myself to keep reading it.
I'm not going to put more effort into understanding what's happening than what the author puts into explaining it.
I get the idea of starting off a book with some action to get people invested, but when none of the mechanics behind what they're doing have been explained, and you're constantly throwing around several different names and a half dozen new terms we know nothing about, the action falls flat. You can't follow a fight scene when none of the context has been explained to you. Then when the story can't stay on one point of view long enough for you to get an idea of what is actually happening before jumping to something entirely new, I can't see a reason to force myself to keep reading it.
I'm not going to put more effort into understanding what's happening than what the author puts into explaining it.
Read
September 28, 2020Awsome book!
Great book . New take on a lot things. The story was good and the way the characters progress is very interesting. Can't wait to read book 2.
Great book . New take on a lot things. The story was good and the way the characters progress is very interesting. Can't wait to read book 2.
November 10, 2020
Absolutely outstanding. These characters make the book and there’s no way you can’t love them or the story.
July 24, 2020
Bounty hunters, Sci-fi, Fantasy, telepaths, and enough LitRPG elements to keep it interesting without bogging it down.
Just read it. It's pretty good.
Just read it. It's pretty good.
August 7, 2020
Great book
A solid first entry from Tom Kaiver. Lots of action and adventure, intrigue and skills.Looking forward to the next one
A solid first entry from Tom Kaiver. Lots of action and adventure, intrigue and skills.Looking forward to the next one
Read
December 26, 2020This book stands out in the bunch of other LitRPG books I've read recently for its elegant and flawless writing style and original fantasy world.
However, it wouldn't hurt to include more context in the narrative to make it easier for readers to understand what's going on and relate to characters.
Being tired of abundant in many books in this genre overly sexist and sickening descriptions of female characters based on the extend to which their physical parameters meet the male MC's erotic fantasies, I want to specifically note more ethical representation of women in Cipher's Quest.
I wasn't able to finish this book, because I found the plotline involving Ehli and her husband personally triggering, so I don't give it any rating.
However, it wouldn't hurt to include more context in the narrative to make it easier for readers to understand what's going on and relate to characters.
Being tired of abundant in many books in this genre overly sexist and sickening descriptions of female characters based on the extend to which their physical parameters meet the male MC's erotic fantasies, I want to specifically note more ethical representation of women in Cipher's Quest.
I wasn't able to finish this book, because I found the plotline involving Ehli and her husband personally triggering, so I don't give it any rating.
November 23, 2020
Really didn't care for this one. Honestly, I'm struggling to see where the LitRPG elements were as well, but even without that, the story just didn't grab me like so many do. I really couldn't summon the effort to care for the main character, or the others involved in the main storyline. Not sure who might like this one, but I suppose some might, it just wasn't my thing.
January 31, 2021
Very disjointed story. Jumps from point to point in chapters and amongst multiple points of view with no indication of change. System is ill defined and lacking any form of easy to read table or interface for the characters.
Suffers very much from the "come with me if you want to live\no time to explain" tropes. If that's your thing and you like sci do litrpg get this series
Suffers very much from the "come with me if you want to live\no time to explain" tropes. If that's your thing and you like sci do litrpg get this series
November 9, 2021
Did not finish. 2 hours and 13 minutes in (19%) and I just don't care about the characters. At all.
There's a soldier fella I don't see much of.
There's a kid I just don't care about.
There's a random telepathic thing.
There's a dip into LitRPG but no progression.
All of this amounts to a big whopping bunch of "not interesting to me".
There's a soldier fella I don't see much of.
There's a kid I just don't care about.
There's a random telepathic thing.
There's a dip into LitRPG but no progression.
All of this amounts to a big whopping bunch of "not interesting to me".
February 6, 2023
It seems that the author found it necessary for the beginning of this Sci-Fi fantasy novel series, to have a cryptic beginning (maybe because of the name of the Book Cipher's Quest???) without any world building (explanations of political, territorial, economic, commerce, social organizations and how people eat, commerce and what they do (jobs/professions/etc), their motivations, their goals, their viewpoints on life??? I find it absurd that the author, in two lines, actually describes a snake better, than the totality of all of the other characters written in this story???
Is it supposed to be yet another action-packed fly by the seat of the author's pants story??? The author barely describes his characters (by giving them names), but not much else...there are no physical/emotional/personality descriptions, no age, no gender, no way to be able to pick them out of a police lineup... No real reason to feel any investment in "their stories"...
It seems that after some time (not defined) a sequence of numbers or letters, sometimes used in cryptography to hide delicate information (encrypt/decrypt) from possible enemies/bad use of the information by third parties, showed up in this Sci-Fi series of other places (maybe worlds) maybe just deep space... and then it creates a Cipher Quest from what the author considers to be "Cipher Crafters"... This seems to be the main theme of this book series...
But, why?? Why are ciphers relevant or important? Why even though the author writes in English, the communications/conversations between the characters seem to be incomprehensible?? Did the author forget to include the first four-five chapters of this story, and this is why it appears to be a movie that is already 40-60 minutes into the story??
The author changes the characters without rhyme or reason...to make everything even more cryptic and unintelligible (mysterious/confusing)??? Is it supposed to be day in the life of different people, with nothing to tie it all together?? Did the author's dog accidentally eat his Book 1 final copy and then the author turn into the publisher an incomplete copy of this book 1???
This first book lacks a clear theme, lacks cohesion. Lacks character descriptions, world descriptions, real world building. It also lacks information about the supposed system that includes the "ciphers"... It is extremely strange that a book like this one is actually on sale/being sold if it looks like it is incomplete...and really short at about 250+ pages. No maps of this Sci-Fi world(s), no inside illustrations, no character summaries, no additional information, or the apparent "missing introductory chapters"...
Because it seems that some of the characters can communicate through telepathy, only the author knows, which characters are in front of each other and which others are a big distance apart??? It seems that this type of communication is part of the cipher, but only the author knows because the author never really explained anything...It's like if a mom, son and dad had a pre-paid mind telepathy service since forever but until the end of the story, does the "family" start communicating, sending videos, and talking...Do you think that they could get all of those years of unused telepathy back from the telepathy company???
Is it supposed to be yet another action-packed fly by the seat of the author's pants story??? The author barely describes his characters (by giving them names), but not much else...there are no physical/emotional/personality descriptions, no age, no gender, no way to be able to pick them out of a police lineup... No real reason to feel any investment in "their stories"...
It seems that after some time (not defined) a sequence of numbers or letters, sometimes used in cryptography to hide delicate information (encrypt/decrypt) from possible enemies/bad use of the information by third parties, showed up in this Sci-Fi series of other places (maybe worlds) maybe just deep space... and then it creates a Cipher Quest from what the author considers to be "Cipher Crafters"... This seems to be the main theme of this book series...
But, why?? Why are ciphers relevant or important? Why even though the author writes in English, the communications/conversations between the characters seem to be incomprehensible?? Did the author forget to include the first four-five chapters of this story, and this is why it appears to be a movie that is already 40-60 minutes into the story??
The author changes the characters without rhyme or reason...to make everything even more cryptic and unintelligible (mysterious/confusing)??? Is it supposed to be day in the life of different people, with nothing to tie it all together?? Did the author's dog accidentally eat his Book 1 final copy and then the author turn into the publisher an incomplete copy of this book 1???
This first book lacks a clear theme, lacks cohesion. Lacks character descriptions, world descriptions, real world building. It also lacks information about the supposed system that includes the "ciphers"... It is extremely strange that a book like this one is actually on sale/being sold if it looks like it is incomplete...and really short at about 250+ pages. No maps of this Sci-Fi world(s), no inside illustrations, no character summaries, no additional information, or the apparent "missing introductory chapters"...
Because it seems that some of the characters can communicate through telepathy, only the author knows, which characters are in front of each other and which others are a big distance apart??? It seems that this type of communication is part of the cipher, but only the author knows because the author never really explained anything...It's like if a mom, son and dad had a pre-paid mind telepathy service since forever but until the end of the story, does the "family" start communicating, sending videos, and talking...Do you think that they could get all of those years of unused telepathy back from the telepathy company???
January 7, 2021
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that 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. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that 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. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
January 31, 2021
I loved the twits and turns in this story. I never quite knew what would turn up next. I liked how this futuristic world/universe was built and the secrets that were revealed. The Osuna empire was interesting and liked how it controls everything yet still tries to find and annihilate people like all other empires. Loved the different take on space travel too. The story is about Cullen and what problems he runs into as his group are contracted to help a family get to a mysterious jungle planet. Then the twits and odd thing start really start happening as secrets are revealed and plan change. A space opera, mystery, and thriller all in one. The game play elements are entertaining and interesting too. Just a different type of story that was entertaining to read.
February 6, 2021
Might not be too every taste.
This one is a bit strange as the usual slow start for a first in a series ends up being a secret mission where all action/suspense goes a bit too fast i think as the middle part is a bit confusing as to who is the bad guys etc.
This lost my interest and although it comes together towards the end for a intriguing end im in two minds if i shall rush towards book 2. About 3.5 stars as that middle part brings it down a notch.
Some may find this quite good however and this may have been extended to give a bit less rush and help my interest
This one is a bit strange as the usual slow start for a first in a series ends up being a secret mission where all action/suspense goes a bit too fast i think as the middle part is a bit confusing as to who is the bad guys etc.
This lost my interest and although it comes together towards the end for a intriguing end im in two minds if i shall rush towards book 2. About 3.5 stars as that middle part brings it down a notch.
Some may find this quite good however and this may have been extended to give a bit less rush and help my interest
April 23, 2021
Well written story that draws the reader in. The characters are well- developed and the storyline, while following a classic path, has enough twists and turns to keep your attention.
The ending provides the right amount of suspense as you anticipate the next quest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The ending provides the right amount of suspense as you anticipate the next quest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2021
Cipher's Quest: A Sci-fi Fantasy LitRPG (Ciphercraft Book 1) is an interesting premise and storyline. In an alternate universe, a group of people develop gamelike powers and HUD's. They need to save their people and the galaxy from evil overlords. With religious overtones, success must include love. The story progresses nicely and ends appropriately with plenty of reasons to want to read book 2.
September 27, 2021
Great start to a series!
This book was a great read! It took till the end to get to more GameLit/RPG and stats, but there is some sprinkled throughout.
Full disclaimer, I had to push through the prologue, but once I made it, the story gripped me and kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Can’t wait to read the next one and finish out the series!
This book was a great read! It took till the end to get to more GameLit/RPG and stats, but there is some sprinkled throughout.
Full disclaimer, I had to push through the prologue, but once I made it, the story gripped me and kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Can’t wait to read the next one and finish out the series!
October 4, 2020
Fantastic book, one of the best hard sci-fi LitRPG books I've ever read. I love the Cipher system, and I really love the tigers!!!
December 3, 2020
Brilliant start to what I hope will be a great series.
Keep them coming!
Keep them coming!
December 19, 2020
The bones of a good story are present, but the story suffers from too fast a pace and a cornucopia of characters without much of a buildup.
March 16, 2021
Hard Sci-fi LitRPG with loveable characters that undergo growth and aren't just there to move the plot forward.
December 9, 2023
This book has solid promise but the character shifts and lack of explanations make following the story a task and developing interest in the characters difficult. If I could give half stars this would be a 3.5 because it could possibly be worth recommending to someone.
January 15, 2021
Book one
I felt like I got dropped into an ongoing story not something new. I couldn't get into the story because of this.
Others might enjoy this book. I couldn't.
I felt like I got dropped into an ongoing story not something new. I couldn't get into the story because of this.
Others might enjoy this book. I couldn't.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews