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A Bard's Tale #1
The Halfwit Halfling
My crime? Petting the wrong ginger cat.
What should’ve been a pleasant evening indoors with cheesy chips with gravy ended with an unhealthy dose of transmigration when I pet the wrong ginger cat. To make matters worse, the divine entity that should have protected me in this new world instead slapped me with the crippling Pacifist trait and condemned me to a life of incarceration in Game World.
It’s not over though. There is no way in hell I’m going to take this lying down. I may not be able to fight for survival, but wit and charisma can go a long way.
What should’ve been a pleasant evening indoors with cheesy chips with gravy ended with an unhealthy dose of transmigration when I pet the wrong ginger cat. To make matters worse, the divine entity that should have protected me in this new world instead slapped me with the crippling Pacifist trait and condemned me to a life of incarceration in Game World.
It’s not over though. There is no way in hell I’m going to take this lying down. I may not be able to fight for survival, but wit and charisma can go a long way.
- GenresFantasy
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 27, 2020
This is gonna be a long one. Let's get that out of the way. I want to adress several things, some of which might not seem immediately relevant to that review, and might seem to be left open for discussion. The review itself will be, as all of my reviews go, done with a mostly objective eye. While yes, subjectiveness might sneak it's way in, this is a look at what this story presents itself as, what it wants to be and how well it lives up to those standards.
Note that despite my trying me goshdamn best to be objective and not too controversial, this review and what it said in it is still my own opinion, and not presented as a hard set of facts. Take everything I say with some salt.
Backround:
I'm not going to mince words. The LITRPG genre had become largely stagnant to me. I find less and less books interest me when I have read the essentials of the genre and every new book seems to contain the same basic premise with a minor twist or gimmick. It had become the same flavor of Apocalypse Survival, VRMMO Quest To Be Highest Level, poorly executed and bleh Harem Quest, frankly boring forumla of Level Up And Use OP Skillz. There is no life in these books. One largely follows the other with minor variations and it's own little dash of flavor. Like eating at MacDonald's over and over with minor changes to your meal.
Oh yes, I'm aware that good authors release quality books that they spend long amounts of time working on and perfecting, and I applaud those dedicated authors and enjoy their works when I have time. Yet the pile of scribbled-out Make A Quick Buck works grows higher every day and I feel like the genre is going to take a damn good kick to find a solution to this.
The Halfwit Halfling is not that story.
No single story can have that impact and be that lever. It is, however, a godamn good start. It is fresh. It is well-thought out with poignant humor and likeable characters. For a comedy fantasy with an MC who is SUPPOSED to be charming, this is life and death. The reader LIKING Perry is what will make and break their experience.
I'm not mincing words. I have found I despise most Cha-based MCs in Litrpgs, given how lazily they're written or how skewed the author's idea of 'likeable' isz often making MCs who are outright assholes I'f gladly punch if I met them IRL into swaggering fuckbois who flash a smile and a skill at someone and have a lifelong friend.
JPal does not make that mistake. His writing doesn't use Skills as a crutch or a way to hastily describe how something completely fooking implausible has happened. Instead, he writes and likeable character with limits, failings and who has to use every trick he has to get by when caught in a bad situation.
Story:
To specify. This review is being written two weeks after having read THH, with no re-reading to refresh my memory. This is to see wether or not this work has insofar withstood the test of time and remained memorable to me after having finished it and moved on.
It largely has. The premise is unique, fully remembered and can be mentally described from it's inception to execution. The idea of cosmic horrors sponsoring champions and sending them to fight while gambling on the outcomes is as ludicrous as ever, yet I can happily say it was not wasted or fumbled. Proper care has been paid, giving it proper depth and insight in this first book.
The setting has been wonderfully constructed so far, again with proper depth and care I rarely find in LITRPGs, more akin to literary fantasy yet still fitting into the flow of the tale. Stats, skills and levels are integrated well, have in-world explanations that make sense, and the MC isn't the only person who knows how to use magic and navigate it.
I consider the plot to be well-constructed but not perfect, keeping the flow moving while never rushing, opening more information about the world and character development even as the stakes advance. With the exception of the ending, which, to be brutally honest could have been built a little better, this is something I would gladly binge-read more of.
The small easter eggs and subtle hints dropped for later books were tucked away inside satisfying dialogue and character progression, with moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud and others that made me simply enjoy this story.
As it was meant to be.
Grammar:
It's been professionally edited by a studio that knows how to do its job and doesn't settle for anything less than top-notch.
That should say it all.
Style:
JPal has, no mucking around, a very readable style. The story has an easy flow to it, combined with natural charm that a comedy lives and dies on. Proper attention is given to depth and pacing (mostly) and dialogue flows smoothly. At no time could I describe myself as bored or getting there, yet I wasn't truly riveted where everything else fell away. This isn't to disparge the obvious amounts of skill in the writing and editing, it's just me not hyping this like it's the Biggest, Bestest Thing Ever and disappointing readers when they find that out themselves.
Still, a slick, flowing style is something I would live to see more authors emulate in the genre.
Characters:
This is two things. A comedy, and a character driven story. This is what it lives and dies by. And I can say without reservation that this lives on in glory. The cast? Well-constructed and fleshed-out. Proper backstories, reasoning and development all around. No skimping, and no info-dumping. All while maintaining the smooth, steady flow I have lovingly described above.
Perry himself passess the test. As I mentioned before, I hold charisma based characters to a higher standard because I, the reader, must actually like him in order for others liking him to seem plausible to my critical mind. Perry succeeds. He's a person in a bad situation with a toolset artificially forced on him that he might not necessarily know how to handle perfectly.
The solution is not neatly dumped in his lap, does the universe align to give him the perfect opportunity. Instead, he works for it.
He is not, as I describe it, artificially charming, where a character on page may swoon for him and I wouldn't know wtf is going on because that line felt about as seductive as wet sandpaper stroking my bush.
He is instead, built to be likeable, relateable, with his own unique set of strengths and flaws. He can cook and he can sing. 10/10 housewifey material. The british accent can be worked around.
The rest of the cast, -and there are quite a few but I'm mentally tired and won't prattle- are just as well-developed, and presented in whatever light the author pleases. This works. Oh it works. I won't say much because spoils, but shout-out to my man Hruk and his new journey into the wonderful world of elf girls with a kink for smol goblins. 10/10 would read that scene again.
Tlde: Everything in this section is excellently done.
Closing:
Look, if you want something to laugh over, read for some honest feels and even get some unexpectedly wholesome moments while dying inside at the humor and excellent execution, then by all means, go buy this book or read it on RoyalRoad. It's more than worth it.
Note that despite my trying me goshdamn best to be objective and not too controversial, this review and what it said in it is still my own opinion, and not presented as a hard set of facts. Take everything I say with some salt.
Backround:
I'm not going to mince words. The LITRPG genre had become largely stagnant to me. I find less and less books interest me when I have read the essentials of the genre and every new book seems to contain the same basic premise with a minor twist or gimmick. It had become the same flavor of Apocalypse Survival, VRMMO Quest To Be Highest Level, poorly executed and bleh Harem Quest, frankly boring forumla of Level Up And Use OP Skillz. There is no life in these books. One largely follows the other with minor variations and it's own little dash of flavor. Like eating at MacDonald's over and over with minor changes to your meal.
Oh yes, I'm aware that good authors release quality books that they spend long amounts of time working on and perfecting, and I applaud those dedicated authors and enjoy their works when I have time. Yet the pile of scribbled-out Make A Quick Buck works grows higher every day and I feel like the genre is going to take a damn good kick to find a solution to this.
The Halfwit Halfling is not that story.
No single story can have that impact and be that lever. It is, however, a godamn good start. It is fresh. It is well-thought out with poignant humor and likeable characters. For a comedy fantasy with an MC who is SUPPOSED to be charming, this is life and death. The reader LIKING Perry is what will make and break their experience.
I'm not mincing words. I have found I despise most Cha-based MCs in Litrpgs, given how lazily they're written or how skewed the author's idea of 'likeable' isz often making MCs who are outright assholes I'f gladly punch if I met them IRL into swaggering fuckbois who flash a smile and a skill at someone and have a lifelong friend.
JPal does not make that mistake. His writing doesn't use Skills as a crutch or a way to hastily describe how something completely fooking implausible has happened. Instead, he writes and likeable character with limits, failings and who has to use every trick he has to get by when caught in a bad situation.
Story:
To specify. This review is being written two weeks after having read THH, with no re-reading to refresh my memory. This is to see wether or not this work has insofar withstood the test of time and remained memorable to me after having finished it and moved on.
It largely has. The premise is unique, fully remembered and can be mentally described from it's inception to execution. The idea of cosmic horrors sponsoring champions and sending them to fight while gambling on the outcomes is as ludicrous as ever, yet I can happily say it was not wasted or fumbled. Proper care has been paid, giving it proper depth and insight in this first book.
The setting has been wonderfully constructed so far, again with proper depth and care I rarely find in LITRPGs, more akin to literary fantasy yet still fitting into the flow of the tale. Stats, skills and levels are integrated well, have in-world explanations that make sense, and the MC isn't the only person who knows how to use magic and navigate it.
I consider the plot to be well-constructed but not perfect, keeping the flow moving while never rushing, opening more information about the world and character development even as the stakes advance. With the exception of the ending, which, to be brutally honest could have been built a little better, this is something I would gladly binge-read more of.
The small easter eggs and subtle hints dropped for later books were tucked away inside satisfying dialogue and character progression, with moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud and others that made me simply enjoy this story.
As it was meant to be.
Grammar:
It's been professionally edited by a studio that knows how to do its job and doesn't settle for anything less than top-notch.
That should say it all.
Style:
JPal has, no mucking around, a very readable style. The story has an easy flow to it, combined with natural charm that a comedy lives and dies on. Proper attention is given to depth and pacing (mostly) and dialogue flows smoothly. At no time could I describe myself as bored or getting there, yet I wasn't truly riveted where everything else fell away. This isn't to disparge the obvious amounts of skill in the writing and editing, it's just me not hyping this like it's the Biggest, Bestest Thing Ever and disappointing readers when they find that out themselves.
Still, a slick, flowing style is something I would live to see more authors emulate in the genre.
Characters:
This is two things. A comedy, and a character driven story. This is what it lives and dies by. And I can say without reservation that this lives on in glory. The cast? Well-constructed and fleshed-out. Proper backstories, reasoning and development all around. No skimping, and no info-dumping. All while maintaining the smooth, steady flow I have lovingly described above.
Perry himself passess the test. As I mentioned before, I hold charisma based characters to a higher standard because I, the reader, must actually like him in order for others liking him to seem plausible to my critical mind. Perry succeeds. He's a person in a bad situation with a toolset artificially forced on him that he might not necessarily know how to handle perfectly.
The solution is not neatly dumped in his lap, does the universe align to give him the perfect opportunity. Instead, he works for it.
He is not, as I describe it, artificially charming, where a character on page may swoon for him and I wouldn't know wtf is going on because that line felt about as seductive as wet sandpaper stroking my bush.
He is instead, built to be likeable, relateable, with his own unique set of strengths and flaws. He can cook and he can sing. 10/10 housewifey material. The british accent can be worked around.
The rest of the cast, -and there are quite a few but I'm mentally tired and won't prattle- are just as well-developed, and presented in whatever light the author pleases. This works. Oh it works. I won't say much because spoils, but shout-out to my man Hruk and his new journey into the wonderful world of elf girls with a kink for smol goblins. 10/10 would read that scene again.
Tlde: Everything in this section is excellently done.
Closing:
Look, if you want something to laugh over, read for some honest feels and even get some unexpectedly wholesome moments while dying inside at the humor and excellent execution, then by all means, go buy this book or read it on RoyalRoad. It's more than worth it.
August 29, 2020
An interesting premise
I’ve been following this book on Royalroad, and I quite enjoy it. The characterization is a strong point of the writing, with the growth of the main character being what keeps me coming back. Worth a read for sure!
I’ve been following this book on Royalroad, and I quite enjoy it. The characterization is a strong point of the writing, with the growth of the main character being what keeps me coming back. Worth a read for sure!
August 31, 2020
A good read
This story was a lot of fun, and a more than solid rookie offering. I enjoyed this story immensely and would recommend it to fans of the genre.
This story was a lot of fun, and a more than solid rookie offering. I enjoyed this story immensely and would recommend it to fans of the genre.
August 28, 2020
Goat!
I've been wanting to read a litrpg story with pets and here it is. My only complaint is that I wish the story was more about the pets and less about sex
I've been wanting to read a litrpg story with pets and here it is. My only complaint is that I wish the story was more about the pets and less about sex
September 13, 2020
Nice
A different litrpg story but very interesting. I enjoyed the under powered MC for once. Also a realistic reaction to being snatched to another world.
A different litrpg story but very interesting. I enjoyed the under powered MC for once. Also a realistic reaction to being snatched to another world.
December 31, 2020
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
August 29, 2020
Cheesy chips with gravy. I've never loved the drunken delicacy but loved the book.
December 13, 2020
Good
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
October 25, 2020
Decent.
I thought the story was well told overall. The bit with the flower leading to the mc's engagement was a complete fail given the context in which he obtained the flower. Other than that, the story was well written and left plenty of room for a continuation.
I thought the story was well told overall. The bit with the flower leading to the mc's engagement was a complete fail given the context in which he obtained the flower. Other than that, the story was well written and left plenty of room for a continuation.
October 11, 2020
I did a video review of this book. If you want to see my thoughts, check it out here: https://youtu.be/Sk1SdLC9bnM
October 20, 2020
I received a copy of this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a cute little story! I giggled and laughed the whole way through. I'm a sucker for a well written Dnd Style knockoff story.
Our hero gets sucked from his mediocre life in our world into a RPG style world where various cosmic powers sponsor "champions" to compete for fame and glory. Unfortunately, he gets pulled in by a denizen of a power who already had a champion in play, so she can't actually sponsor him. So instead of getting a cushy starter character, he gets a Elder Scrolls style opening. Aka- He starts in Jail.
Learning his way through the mechanism of the game world takes a bit of getting used to, but Perry is determined to make the most of his current situation. But he's a bit of a haphazard player, also very true to real for those who play DnD. In his short time in the world he manages to stage a prison break, get his first companion turned catatonic, accidentally propose to a chiefs daughter, tame a goat and get kicked off of a farm.
I liked the supporting characters, they set up a typical 'Adventuring Group' trope nicely, a Necromancer, a Bard, a Mage and.... a scribe? Not a balanced group, but certainly a good one to start with.
I hope there is more of this story, but even if not, that also fits the DnD trope. Eventually, people just stop coming and you never get closure.
This was a cute little story! I giggled and laughed the whole way through. I'm a sucker for a well written Dnd Style knockoff story.
Our hero gets sucked from his mediocre life in our world into a RPG style world where various cosmic powers sponsor "champions" to compete for fame and glory. Unfortunately, he gets pulled in by a denizen of a power who already had a champion in play, so she can't actually sponsor him. So instead of getting a cushy starter character, he gets a Elder Scrolls style opening. Aka- He starts in Jail.
Learning his way through the mechanism of the game world takes a bit of getting used to, but Perry is determined to make the most of his current situation. But he's a bit of a haphazard player, also very true to real for those who play DnD. In his short time in the world he manages to stage a prison break, get his first companion turned catatonic, accidentally propose to a chiefs daughter, tame a goat and get kicked off of a farm.
I liked the supporting characters, they set up a typical 'Adventuring Group' trope nicely, a Necromancer, a Bard, a Mage and.... a scribe? Not a balanced group, but certainly a good one to start with.
I hope there is more of this story, but even if not, that also fits the DnD trope. Eventually, people just stop coming and you never get closure.
September 24, 2020
The Half-Wit Halfling ended too soon. This is a short book, and almost feels like a mere precursor or origin story for an epic adventure.
If that's the case, I will read every bit of it.
Every moment of this book oozes charm, much like the protagonist. Perry is a screw-up, a lovable, selfish-but-decent kid with a sliiight drinking problem. I enjoyed every conversation he had with a random not-goblin.
The real genius of this book, that sets it apart form other LitRPG's, is the character's encoded preference for pacifism. You won't see a ton of fights in this book. The progression and conflict take place through conversation, chases, and tense games of hide-and-seek. It's a breath of fresh air in a frequently-stale genre.
If you have even a passing interest in either Halflings, LitPRG, or even just a few twists on RPG tropes, give this one a whirl.
If that's the case, I will read every bit of it.
Every moment of this book oozes charm, much like the protagonist. Perry is a screw-up, a lovable, selfish-but-decent kid with a sliiight drinking problem. I enjoyed every conversation he had with a random not-goblin.
The real genius of this book, that sets it apart form other LitRPG's, is the character's encoded preference for pacifism. You won't see a ton of fights in this book. The progression and conflict take place through conversation, chases, and tense games of hide-and-seek. It's a breath of fresh air in a frequently-stale genre.
If you have even a passing interest in either Halflings, LitPRG, or even just a few twists on RPG tropes, give this one a whirl.
March 29, 2021
Not bad
This was ok. It was about a young man who finds himself as a character in a cosmic RPG, and has to fumble around, figuring out how the game works, while trying to survive. For what it was, the story sounded exactly as I imagine a story of this kind would be told, from the point of view of a young man. Luckily, I have some gaming experience, so it made some sense to me. It's not really my kind of reading, but I can see its appeal to a certain demographic. *I received a copy of the book as part of a Goodreads promotion, in exchange for an honest review.*
This was ok. It was about a young man who finds himself as a character in a cosmic RPG, and has to fumble around, figuring out how the game works, while trying to survive. For what it was, the story sounded exactly as I imagine a story of this kind would be told, from the point of view of a young man. Luckily, I have some gaming experience, so it made some sense to me. It's not really my kind of reading, but I can see its appeal to a certain demographic. *I received a copy of the book as part of a Goodreads promotion, in exchange for an honest review.*
September 5, 2020
A good comedic read with a genuinely likeable main character that appeals to a wide range of readers. I would highly recommend that you pick up this book. There is a little bit of sexual themes but it's done in a way that make sense and is still appealing to female audiences. Probably would recommend that this book is for reasons 13 and up but other than that it's a good read for everyone interested in the genre.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews