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The World #7
Elusive Prey
Now that Startum Ironwolf has reached Domenic’s stronghold, there are a number of obstacles to surpass if he’s going to have any hope in helping his friend escape the massive Chaos Storm Alliances army that’s camped on his friend’s doorstep. The first and foremost being his friend’s refusal to run away and fight another day.
Unbeknownst to either of them, even if they do manage to escape the PKers that are out for their blood, the Orcish horde has arrived and are blocking their path of escape. Somehow, Star has to make peace amongst his friends and figure out a way to survive the overwhelming odds stacked against them or everything he’s been fighting for will be lost.
Unbeknownst to either of them, even if they do manage to escape the PKers that are out for their blood, the Orcish horde has arrived and are blocking their path of escape. Somehow, Star has to make peace amongst his friends and figure out a way to survive the overwhelming odds stacked against them or everything he’s been fighting for will be lost.
586 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2020
369 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Jason A. Cheek
25 books278 followersJason A. Cheek, author of The World and The Last Paladin Series, lives in Germany due to his current job assignment. He lives with his wife and daughter, along with their two dogs Monte and Melow. Originally from West Palm Beach, Jason was born in Florida.
Interested in martial arts, swords, archery, Dungeon & Dragons, the SCA (Society of Creative Anachronisms), reading Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Jason became a computer gamer after leaving the Army. Paying his own way through college while working as a waiter, he studied to become an Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Teaching himself computers and networking on his own time. Jason changed career paths, becoming a Regional Systems Administrator several years later. During this time, he played many hours of first person shooters and strategy games at LAN parties around the United States or logged into Anarchy Online and World of Warcraft leading his guilds.
Excelling in his career as an Information Technology Specialist, Jason became a Microsoft Certified Systems Security Engineer and VMware Certified Professional, furthering his knowledge by learning new technology whenever possible.
Expanding his horizons, Jason became interested in extreme sports and traveling. Finding a job that allowed him to travel around the world while working on computers, he taught himself German and Polish and met his wife Anja.
Always interested in writing, Jason began his first novel called Flight, Book One of The Last Paladin Series, in 2013 and self-published the next year in 2014. He went on to continue writing, releasing the popular series The World in 2018.
Interested in martial arts, swords, archery, Dungeon & Dragons, the SCA (Society of Creative Anachronisms), reading Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Jason became a computer gamer after leaving the Army. Paying his own way through college while working as a waiter, he studied to become an Occupational Therapist Assistant.
Teaching himself computers and networking on his own time. Jason changed career paths, becoming a Regional Systems Administrator several years later. During this time, he played many hours of first person shooters and strategy games at LAN parties around the United States or logged into Anarchy Online and World of Warcraft leading his guilds.
Excelling in his career as an Information Technology Specialist, Jason became a Microsoft Certified Systems Security Engineer and VMware Certified Professional, furthering his knowledge by learning new technology whenever possible.
Expanding his horizons, Jason became interested in extreme sports and traveling. Finding a job that allowed him to travel around the world while working on computers, he taught himself German and Polish and met his wife Anja.
Always interested in writing, Jason began his first novel called Flight, Book One of The Last Paladin Series, in 2013 and self-published the next year in 2014. He went on to continue writing, releasing the popular series The World in 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 15, 2020
Rip snortin', battle o'rama, casts of thousands, and more. Really.
Loved that this opened back at Broken Fang and with Minny, one of my personal favorites. Squeeing like a fan girl over mining finds? Smiles. Battle junkies gotta love this one. Lesson: Orc definition of alliance. 😑 The PVE encounters were creative and, in some instances, surprisingly outrageous. The comic relief at the end? Perfect. Does anyone do "people stuff" better than this author? There's so much more, but you'll have to just read it. Don't miss the post credit scene. Without the usual section markers 😤 you have to look for it.
Loved that this opened back at Broken Fang and with Minny, one of my personal favorites. Squeeing like a fan girl over mining finds? Smiles. Battle junkies gotta love this one. Lesson: Orc definition of alliance. 😑 The PVE encounters were creative and, in some instances, surprisingly outrageous. The comic relief at the end? Perfect. Does anyone do "people stuff" better than this author? There's so much more, but you'll have to just read it. Don't miss the post credit scene. Without the usual section markers 😤 you have to look for it.
August 13, 2020
This book is an excellent continuation of the series. The author kept up the action throughout the book without it being tiring. The addition of sections that keep plot arcs from previous books moving along was a great addition. The ending scenes were hilarious in addition to bringing things to a conclusion. Aging myself but it was like the studio fight scene in 'Blazing Saddles'. Cannot say anymore without serious spoilers.
August 11, 2020
An amusing read.
With some new Point of view characters thrown in for this book, it was a little more difficult to track the timeline of events, that said I greatly enjoyed most of the new POV chapters.
With some new Point of view characters thrown in for this book, it was a little more difficult to track the timeline of events, that said I greatly enjoyed most of the new POV chapters.
August 11, 2020
Turn Back
I kind of don't know where to start. It really needs some editing; there is a massive amount of grammar errors, spelling errors, and misused words. Also, an obscene amount of cultural references. Straight named drops for so many other shows, movies, games, franchises, anything and everything. If this series ever gets big enough to catch a real lawyer's eye it is in serious trouble. The slew of references felt forced and like it was pandering to readers in a "see how cool I am, I know about Naruto too!" sort of way. The plot dragged and was one long chase scene that took place over one day. Characterization is weak in that everyone is shallow and only 1 layer deep. Character actions and interactions are not realistic and don't make sense. Additionally, every player in the game is a massive jerk that acts like a 12 year old playing Halo in their basement. The humor is literally all dick jokes and lines from an FPS lobby chat log. There is just too much that doesn't make logical sense or does not reflect what human beings are actually like.
I kind of don't know where to start. It really needs some editing; there is a massive amount of grammar errors, spelling errors, and misused words. Also, an obscene amount of cultural references. Straight named drops for so many other shows, movies, games, franchises, anything and everything. If this series ever gets big enough to catch a real lawyer's eye it is in serious trouble. The slew of references felt forced and like it was pandering to readers in a "see how cool I am, I know about Naruto too!" sort of way. The plot dragged and was one long chase scene that took place over one day. Characterization is weak in that everyone is shallow and only 1 layer deep. Character actions and interactions are not realistic and don't make sense. Additionally, every player in the game is a massive jerk that acts like a 12 year old playing Halo in their basement. The humor is literally all dick jokes and lines from an FPS lobby chat log. There is just too much that doesn't make logical sense or does not reflect what human beings are actually like.
August 12, 2020
One of my favorite series
7 books in and my desire for more of Star and his adventures has only increased. I love this series and although not a lot of time passed in the story again, it definitely has not mattered as the sheer amount of contend and detail more than made up for how it only covers a 24 hour period. Although these books don't usually end on a cliffhanger (thank you) they still end in a way that leaves me burning for the next book. Please hurry and release the next one lol
7 books in and my desire for more of Star and his adventures has only increased. I love this series and although not a lot of time passed in the story again, it definitely has not mattered as the sheer amount of contend and detail more than made up for how it only covers a 24 hour period. Although these books don't usually end on a cliffhanger (thank you) they still end in a way that leaves me burning for the next book. Please hurry and release the next one lol
August 13, 2020
The concept is fantastic
This is an excellent series that has grown stronger with every book. Giving us the full view by bringing all these characters in with their own chapters is fantastic. Thank you keep it rolling!
This is an excellent series that has grown stronger with every book. Giving us the full view by bringing all these characters in with their own chapters is fantastic. Thank you keep it rolling!
August 8, 2020
Pretty good
I was concerned with the 24 hour timeline that was set at the beginning of the book. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the author was able to pull off a good story, advancing all the dangling plots, and move on to the next story arc.
While the typos were plenty (I marked all I found), none were overly distracting and no major plot errors. I do miss dragging a good train though. EQ was fun in that regard, ESO not so much. Looking forward to the next installment.
I was concerned with the 24 hour timeline that was set at the beginning of the book. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the author was able to pull off a good story, advancing all the dangling plots, and move on to the next story arc.
While the typos were plenty (I marked all I found), none were overly distracting and no major plot errors. I do miss dragging a good train though. EQ was fun in that regard, ESO not so much. Looking forward to the next installment.
August 13, 2020
Great series
The series and the story keep getting better. The people grow as does the plot. You also have to wonder when people's ignorance catches up with them...
The series and the story keep getting better. The people grow as does the plot. You also have to wonder when people's ignorance catches up with them...
August 8, 2020
Epic book.
I love this book I love that whole series. The world books are awesome. I wanna read 8 9 10 right now
I love this book I love that whole series. The world books are awesome. I wanna read 8 9 10 right now
August 7, 2020
Favorite so far!
Book 7 is probably my favorite so far. The ending was an absolute hoot! I will not spoil anything but it was epic! 5 stars!!!
Book 7 is probably my favorite so far. The ending was an absolute hoot! I will not spoil anything but it was epic! 5 stars!!!
September 8, 2020
This was awesome. Loved the action and the game ever expanding lore. I wasn’t sure about how the author had us have multiple POV with players and people of the world but it was pretty cool seeing the world through there eyes and listening to their opinions. Liked how we got to see a lot of POV with the people connect to Star from allies to enemies to vassals. And liked how the growing lore we get from how the kingdoms and the social structure operate and the monster races that Star is going against. Wondering if we see an admin that actually sees the people of the world as actual people and not just ones and zeros. I am hoping to see star interact with other players a little curious how they are going to treat him when they realize that he isn’t the guy chaos storm is painting him as. Can’t wait for book 8 definitely looking forward to the hobgoblin invasions and how broken fang hold has improved and how everyone is going to interact with each other when new and old allies meet up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2020
Plots good, but there’s way too much needlessly whiney sub commentary
We get it. The MC’s motivations are anti griefer... but on book 7, we don’t need the same copy and pasted section about how people are just too sensitive, my friends are assholes but that’s because we are tough, and we’re different than these other assholes bc they are spawn camper and we who enlighten against that. Also NPC’s are real people, so people shouldn’t be mean.
The author has a whole moan fest about people who put stats in the middle of the book to stuff the pages, but if you removed the regurgitated “this am my motivations” speech from this book it would be about forty pages shorter... and two stars better, bc at the end of the day the plot is good, the world is engaging, the whole concept of nightmare start players is probably the best rationale for how a single MC can be such a game changer out of the genre, and there was finally some development of a few other characters with richer side stories in this book than others.
We get it. The MC’s motivations are anti griefer... but on book 7, we don’t need the same copy and pasted section about how people are just too sensitive, my friends are assholes but that’s because we are tough, and we’re different than these other assholes bc they are spawn camper and we who enlighten against that. Also NPC’s are real people, so people shouldn’t be mean.
The author has a whole moan fest about people who put stats in the middle of the book to stuff the pages, but if you removed the regurgitated “this am my motivations” speech from this book it would be about forty pages shorter... and two stars better, bc at the end of the day the plot is good, the world is engaging, the whole concept of nightmare start players is probably the best rationale for how a single MC can be such a game changer out of the genre, and there was finally some development of a few other characters with richer side stories in this book than others.
August 13, 2020
So I went at this one with a clean slate, still have it one star.
The balance is completely off, the players are all psychotic. If you are not part of Startum's faction you are a sexual predator. The admin is useless and biased. His "friends" are selfish, thoughtless and do not take anything serious. They are suppose to be pro gamers. The game itself has every monster ready to take everything. The book itself is now just about interpersonal relationships and not about the game world. And the last eighth of the book is all stat tables.
The balance is completely off, the players are all psychotic. If you are not part of Startum's faction you are a sexual predator. The admin is useless and biased. His "friends" are selfish, thoughtless and do not take anything serious. They are suppose to be pro gamers. The game itself has every monster ready to take everything. The book itself is now just about interpersonal relationships and not about the game world. And the last eighth of the book is all stat tables.
September 6, 2020
I like this series.. but I honestly could do without all the drama (hurt feelings and cranky women angle..) If it wasn't for that stuff I would give it a 5 star. Even with that stuff in here, definitely worth the read :)
August 16, 2020
I like the progress.
Honestly I am really glad that this series is continuing as it’s one of few that’s different from your usually cookie cutter, litrpg series that are available on KU.
As was mentioned in the synopsis, this was another 24 hour book which meant that there was a lot of action in a short time which really kept me reading. There was some making up between friends, as well as some progress in the stories of the other players, which I also found really enjoyable. Stories of Orion, whom we have heard about a lot before or Thomases sister were what I enjoyed the most. If there is one thing I could complain about it’s how the PvP in Th World seems to have no purpose, there’s no benefits nor any punishments for killing and dying. I’m not expecting an exact copy of WoWs honour system but having something like a kill counter with rewards for higher numbers and penalties for loosing it would have been nice. I hope the next book will have some game patches that are aimed at everybody and not just Startums party. Because as of this book, that admin that’s running around is completely useless and seems really biased. Then again a maybe it’s intentional. Either way I liked the book and I’m waiting for more to come.
Honestly I am really glad that this series is continuing as it’s one of few that’s different from your usually cookie cutter, litrpg series that are available on KU.
As was mentioned in the synopsis, this was another 24 hour book which meant that there was a lot of action in a short time which really kept me reading. There was some making up between friends, as well as some progress in the stories of the other players, which I also found really enjoyable. Stories of Orion, whom we have heard about a lot before or Thomases sister were what I enjoyed the most. If there is one thing I could complain about it’s how the PvP in Th World seems to have no purpose, there’s no benefits nor any punishments for killing and dying. I’m not expecting an exact copy of WoWs honour system but having something like a kill counter with rewards for higher numbers and penalties for loosing it would have been nice. I hope the next book will have some game patches that are aimed at everybody and not just Startums party. Because as of this book, that admin that’s running around is completely useless and seems really biased. Then again a maybe it’s intentional. Either way I liked the book and I’m waiting for more to come.
September 1, 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
September 1, 2020
Now I gotta hang on till the next one :(
Nooooo I don't wanna wait I'm too into the story cause it's been so amazing so far. I hope if your a new reader considering this story you give it a go cause it's been a roller coaster of awesome players and action packed to say the least.
Dear author please consider adding a what's happened up till now synopsis at the start of book 8 as I and I'm sure many others will read many books between the end of this one and the release of book 8. For me it's an average of 1 book a day more if it's less then a 6 hr read...I read fast and am disable so really don't do much else. That make going back to on going adventures hard so I generally only read complete series but this one I couldnt help but start even knowing it there was more to come and realizing book 7 came out the same month I started book 1. Your doing a bang up job! (My best d n d role play line: My level 10 barbarian says to the level 20 paladin you must let me lead, I know what I'm doing! I have a level 6 intelligence after all.)
Nooooo I don't wanna wait I'm too into the story cause it's been so amazing so far. I hope if your a new reader considering this story you give it a go cause it's been a roller coaster of awesome players and action packed to say the least.
Dear author please consider adding a what's happened up till now synopsis at the start of book 8 as I and I'm sure many others will read many books between the end of this one and the release of book 8. For me it's an average of 1 book a day more if it's less then a 6 hr read...I read fast and am disable so really don't do much else. That make going back to on going adventures hard so I generally only read complete series but this one I couldnt help but start even knowing it there was more to come and realizing book 7 came out the same month I started book 1. Your doing a bang up job! (My best d n d role play line: My level 10 barbarian says to the level 20 paladin you must let me lead, I know what I'm doing! I have a level 6 intelligence after all.)
August 15, 2020
Jason has really taken a great set of characters and plot lines and intertwined them perfectly. His novels are a great mix of humor and adventure that reflect real-world struggles in a GameLit setting. This book will emotionally engage you with laugh-out-loud antics, anger-inducing injustices, and righteous vengeance. Jason’s character development throughout the series has gone from good to great and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
August 16, 2020
Another good addition to the series
A lot more world building, more perspectives, and a tremendous amount of fighting. If you have gotten this far in the series it is pretty much what you would expect, and the story is progressing nicely. Progress on getting back to his lands is slow, but with everything going on that is to be expected.
The only reason I don’t give it five stars is that an editor is really needed to do some cleanup work on it.
A lot more world building, more perspectives, and a tremendous amount of fighting. If you have gotten this far in the series it is pretty much what you would expect, and the story is progressing nicely. Progress on getting back to his lands is slow, but with everything going on that is to be expected.
The only reason I don’t give it five stars is that an editor is really needed to do some cleanup work on it.
August 23, 2020
Guild versus Player Killers
I can’t believe that in real life, there are IAK’s(Indie Author Killers) posting negative reviews on the newbies Authors. For now on I’m paying attention to low rated stories to find those corrupted creatures and boycotting them.
Anyway this story of a group of professional gamers going against a syndicate of player killers was Fantastic and Awesome.
I can’t believe that in real life, there are IAK’s(Indie Author Killers) posting negative reviews on the newbies Authors. For now on I’m paying attention to low rated stories to find those corrupted creatures and boycotting them.
Anyway this story of a group of professional gamers going against a syndicate of player killers was Fantastic and Awesome.
September 18, 2020
Amazing
I’m always amazed by the characters that Jason has created in The World. I feel the pain of each loss and the thrill of each of victory that Star has as if they are my own. The World feels like a 2nd home for me and as I read each book, my only thought is how I wish I could put on my own suit, climb into my own egg and login to this awe inspiring story that he has created. Without extra pages of tables of character stats, I still feel like I know Star’s stats and skills like my own favorite avatars from my games. Honestly if you like Litrpg then you must read this series. Keep the books coming Jason, your fans have your back and the “alliance” against you can suck a bag of you know what.
I’m always amazed by the characters that Jason has created in The World. I feel the pain of each loss and the thrill of each of victory that Star has as if they are my own. The World feels like a 2nd home for me and as I read each book, my only thought is how I wish I could put on my own suit, climb into my own egg and login to this awe inspiring story that he has created. Without extra pages of tables of character stats, I still feel like I know Star’s stats and skills like my own favorite avatars from my games. Honestly if you like Litrpg then you must read this series. Keep the books coming Jason, your fans have your back and the “alliance” against you can suck a bag of you know what.
August 17, 2020
Great story
It is one of the best stories out there he keeps it life like be tween the game and rile life the story plot is one of the best out there by far i wish more people did half as good in there plots as him .
It is one of the best stories out there he keeps it life like be tween the game and rile life the story plot is one of the best out there by far i wish more people did half as good in there plots as him .
August 17, 2020
Incredible Read
Outstanding!! Each story line feeds so well into the overall story. The characters each have such individualized characteristics. Great read and looking forward to where this story is going.
Outstanding!! Each story line feeds so well into the overall story. The characters each have such individualized characteristics. Great read and looking forward to where this story is going.
August 18, 2020
Thank you!
I am always entertained and lacking sleep when you pull out your magic pen. Character dimensions are filling out nicely as is the story line. I cant wait ti see what happens next but I will be holding my breathe for it. Thank you Jason!
I am always entertained and lacking sleep when you pull out your magic pen. Character dimensions are filling out nicely as is the story line. I cant wait ti see what happens next but I will be holding my breathe for it. Thank you Jason!
August 19, 2020
Awesome adventure
I loved this book and all that offers just like all the other books in the series. I can't say enough good things about it. The writing and story telling get better with every book.
I loved this book and all that offers just like all the other books in the series. I can't say enough good things about it. The writing and story telling get better with every book.
August 20, 2020
The long awaited continuation!
I have no idea how Jason writes so fast, but what an absolute champ. The jumping between characters for multiple parts of a large battle across multiple chapters was awesome. Getting up to speed on different story elements in between was cool as well. This was well done. I can't wait for book 8.
I have no idea how Jason writes so fast, but what an absolute champ. The jumping between characters for multiple parts of a large battle across multiple chapters was awesome. Getting up to speed on different story elements in between was cool as well. This was well done. I can't wait for book 8.
August 29, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this installment
Lots of action, longer book, found out more about what is happening back home. I look forward to the next one. And the number of grammatical errors is very few, wasn't distracting to me at all.
Lots of action, longer book, found out more about what is happening back home. I look forward to the next one. And the number of grammatical errors is very few, wasn't distracting to me at all.
September 9, 2020
Book 7!
Jason Cheek takes us back his The World series in book 7 Elusive Prey. Another fun romp with one of the best in the game. Things are heating up for out valiant players and the orc hordes are here!
Jason Cheek takes us back his The World series in book 7 Elusive Prey. Another fun romp with one of the best in the game. Things are heating up for out valiant players and the orc hordes are here!
September 13, 2020
Yet another great addition
Another great addition. The change to multiple POV was good. It felt like we hadn't seen what some of the gang was up to for a good while. Keep up the good work!
Also, I for one appreciate the stats mostly at the end. The other thing I've seen done well was putting them in for footnotes.
Another great addition. The change to multiple POV was good. It felt like we hadn't seen what some of the gang was up to for a good while. Keep up the good work!
Also, I for one appreciate the stats mostly at the end. The other thing I've seen done well was putting them in for footnotes.
August 17, 2020
Amazing series. The whole idea of an interactive game where you are living out the game. Characters are incredible. Vast differences in the characters and the development of their stories is wonderful. Can't wait to continue reading more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews