Break

EvoBorne #1

by Shawn M. Green

When hardcore gamer Joshua Fell signed up to participate in the new fully immersive virtual reality MMORPG EvoBorne, he never thought he would leave his world behind and enter into a game like one created by a bunch of dying Gods. Now, tasked with a quest that will almost certainly kill him, Josh must face off against eight champions vying for the same prize; the first to collect five ancient relics can make any request of the Gods they wish. Some wish for power, some wish for glory, and some wish for riches. However, Josh just wishes to go home.

Set in a world full of monsters, dungeons, and so much loot it would make a dragon envious, Josh’s quest will take him places and force him to do things he never thought he could. But if he ever wants to achieve his goal and return home, he will have to make tough choices that will forever change who he thought he was.

Follow Josh on his insane adventure in the first installment of the EvoBorne Saga: Break!

Note: Previously published title under same name. Now updated cover, professionally edited, and with additional content

Genres: Fantasy

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Hello! I hope you enjoy my books and will continue to enjoy them for as long as I am able to produce them! So... I hate about me sections, I am terrible talking about myself, but I will give it a try. I am a long time gamer and avid reader, who loves spending countless hours in new and old video games as well as a great book. I've always had a dream to write stories that people can't stop talking about and want to read again and again. I am new to letting others read what I have written but can't wait to share the worlds I create with you all.
I like to spend my days writing, reading, gaming, and exploring the world in search of magic.

I graduated college with a degree in business administration; however, my dream has always been to be an author. I love hearing from fans so please shoot me a message and let's have a conversation!

Reviews

[GaiusPrimus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice portal fantasy book, really well executed.

Fast-paced with most of the downtime fast-forwarded, a lot of focus on the right spots makes it an overall really enjoyable, popcorn style book.

Some minor characterization issues but nothing that detracted from the story. Looking forward to getting to the next one in the next little while.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty new genre for me so I really didn’t know what to expect. I really liked the book for the most part. I wasn’t expecting the semi-frequent bouts of pages of updates on item or character stats but they are to be expected in this genre I suppose.

Overall I quite liked the story line and characters. Looking forward to the next book (and rest of the series) to continue the saga of what happens to the champion... If you like LITRPG you should like this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ian Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start for the adventure

Short and easy to read, Break gets the job done. Solid beginning with some decent characters. Not very OP with a stand up MC that has some party members he counts on. I enjoyed the read.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book didn’t fail to impress, because I really enjoy reading books that take me by surprise. A lot of books nowadays provide way too much foreshadowing and make it too easy for a reader to guess the ending early on, but this was a book that finally had an ending I didn’t predict. I’m really looking forward to the second book in the series. I hope that the author can keep me guessing!

[Jim Razinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital review copy of this through BookSirens. Copyrighted 2018, it appears self-published, and recently (November 24, 2020) released on Amazon in paperback, and it looks like the author is preparing to roll the sequels out soon. This copy was riddled with typos, but that didn't get in the way of a fun adventure. Familiar, and yet unfamiliar, with the genre of LitRPG, I've read parts of several series where a "real" person/people is/are transported into the game world they are playing. Some work out better than others. Break has a slightly different spin (read the description - I don't like to summarize/spoil fiction...I find it a disservice to the reader and the author), which only has a small influence in the overall story so far, and I think, overall, that it does work out better than others. It certainly is a page-turner - I finished it in one night.

The main character is young - late teens - and Green gives him an appropriate naivete to go with a hardcore gamer geekdom. Slight backstory, which may (there are hints) or may not come into play in the later books. Steeped in the game mechanics, some might find that part a bit much while others might geek all over it. I don't know. I don't do MMORPGs. I did have my younger two sons (all four are gamers of different sorts) take a look at the book. The youngest (21) instantly got an "elite" impression of Green because of a description of the main character's friend in the first chapter:

Liv was seriously the hottest gamer girl you'd ever meet, and I don't mean she was a hot girl who 'played' games, as most of them were. The woman was an actual gamer!

Well, he only read Chapter 1 and as far as I could tell, that was the last something like that came up. My 23 year old read farther, to Chapter 4, wanting to see what happened when the crossover happened. But...I took my iPad back so I could read it first! I'll see if he wants to read the rest and I'll amend this with his comments.

In the author's note, Green says "I have put my heart into it, and I hope that when you finish the last page, you are left wanting more." I was, and was a wee disappointed that I have to wait until December 12 and 26 for the next two books.

[Nirah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

I was recommended this one and i find myself disappointed. The story has merit but the disjointed way the elements are put together means that there is no real earned emotional or tangible payout. The relationships make little sense and the depth the author is trying to push isn't actually there. The characters are underdeveloped and there is a fair amount of "telling not showing" about the main character. None of the MC's "character development feels deserved or sensible. The world feels flat, the story is rushed, and I'm not interested in continuing the series.

[James Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fantasy adventure novel lover but had never read litrpg before. This being my first quest into that realm of novel was an epic one. The book made it super easy for me to understand the differences and pick up on the litrpg elements as to that of a normal fantasy novel. The story, characters, and journey within the book was such a fun and exciting read. Can't wait to read the second book in the series!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Break by Shawn M Green is written in a way that makes you want to keep reading. That is a sure sign of a good book. I enjoyed this well balanced LitRPG. I really liked the main character and his perception of how the world should go round. I think you will find it a good read also. I for one, am very glad there is book 2 waiting as another ARC, cuz I did not want this story to end yet. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gayla Essen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book was much better than I thought it would be and I can’t wait to read the next one. Unexpected consequences for young kids who are just out to have a day of fun lead them on an epic journey to save all of their lives. Adventure, betrayal, and friendships abound in a world none of them could ever imagined entering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Steve Filson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a slow start this book exploded into action, Excellent story line. The Character / World building were great. Gamer's will love this read,Sword & Sorcery addicts will fall in love . What are Your Stats ??hoping to get the next installment as an Honest ARC reviewer I received this ebook for an Honest review. I Recommend this book for YA / adults **for the gore factor.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing new series

Some good points in how the world is done, a little obvious I found although the action and game mechanics are interesting.

The main characters for me are the best bits and bringing a few encouraging side complications helps with the story interest.

I will be reading further into this series and perhaps check out other works created by the author.

[Inger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fun LitRPG story even if your not into gaming. It has a great plot and fantastic characters with a couple of twist and it doesn't go crazy with too much item listing. It's well written and reads fast. No graphic sexual content but does have violence. I recommend for early teens and up. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle & David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book

Good story. I loved the world and all the game screens. The loot system is good too.

The story did have a little profanity in it so it lost one star Profanity only distracts from a story. Finding other ways too express feelings of a character without profanity adds greatly to a story.

[James Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible ride of a book. This was my first litRPG so I was nervous at first but so glad I gave this a read. Fun, developed, and intriguing characters, excellent dialogue, and alot of adventure. I've already started the second book in series and excited for more to come!

[Susan May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the idea of the story The characters were very well developed & each served a unique purpose. I recommend this book. Can't wait for book 2.

[Ian Towers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting concept with great world building. Dialogue could use some improvement but overall very enjoyable!

[Steve Filson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I,m hooked...Sent to a Fantastical World , Magic ,Magical Beasts, Swashbuckling , Spells ,Action , Adventure , God's , and their minions...What's not to like ??? I did receive this book as an ARC Reviewer,But would love the story line either way, World/Character Building Excellence !! And the dynamics between the characters makes this exceptional. Anticipating the next installment.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit clunky at times but overall an interesting story and a good intro to LitRPG. I found myself wanting to learn more about the characters and look forward to future adventures.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily