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Chrysalis #1
Chrysalis
Anthony has been reborn! Placed into the remarkable game-like world of Pangera.
However, something seems a little off. What's with these skills? Bite? Dig?
Wait....
I've been reborn as a WHAT?!
Follow Anthony as he attempts to adjust to his new life, to survive and grow in his new Dungeon home!
However, something seems a little off. What's with these skills? Bite? Dig?
Wait....
I've been reborn as a WHAT?!
Follow Anthony as he attempts to adjust to his new life, to survive and grow in his new Dungeon home!
2836 pages, ebook
First published May 31, 2022
1203 people are currently reading
1450 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
June 19, 2022
Probably more for children, I found it unbearable. Comic like sound effects, CRUNCH and POW and constant all caps shouting, forced humor, mwhahaha and gnihihi...
Definitely not meant for adults
Definitely not meant for adults
July 10, 2022
Audible Review
So Jeff Hays and Annie Ellicott did an amazing job. This is one of those books that has to be experienced via audiobook. So much fun.
Love how the MC imagines the God of his world to appear like Gandalf and then proceeds to praise or curse using various Gandalf related themes. Found myself laughing so many times.
Loved the unique and interesting world, MC evolution, and humor. So refreshing!
So Jeff Hays and Annie Ellicott did an amazing job. This is one of those books that has to be experienced via audiobook. So much fun.
Love how the MC imagines the God of his world to appear like Gandalf and then proceeds to praise or curse using various Gandalf related themes. Found myself laughing so many times.
Loved the unique and interesting world, MC evolution, and humor. So refreshing!
June 22, 2022
This book didn't do it for me. It was an easy read but I was never engrossed. The protagonist seemed shallow. There was no sense of fear or passion. It was like Anthony was playing a game, not living a life.
On the plus side, the world-building was interesting. I honestly want to know how it all functioned... just not enough to continue the series.
On the plus side, the world-building was interesting. I honestly want to know how it all functioned... just not enough to continue the series.
June 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book I'm a big litrpg fan. But more than that I'm a massive fan of Jeff Hayes he's a narrator god he could read the phone book and make it entertaining
September 25, 2020
This is a story about a man with an awful life and pet ants reincarnated as an ant and finally having a family. It is also an isekai dungeon-delving level-up fight-big-bad-bosses kind of story. But unlike many of those stories, this one is very well-written in several ways: it has a cutesy, informal tone, it is introspective and compelling and humanising with a full range of emotions for the protagonist (confusion, indecision, fear, pain, laziness, contentment, glee), and it actually has no mary sues or harems (tis sad how I needed to say that, right?). There are many good cultural references, clever usages of words, metaphors and idioms that are legit but that I've never encountered in all my readings of "professional literature" (or "amateur literature" for that matter), and eye-opening thoughts and outlooks of life that I'd never think to have before reading this story. On these grounds alone, this story is worth 5 stars for me.
On the downside, the author wrote this in a rush, and it is very obviously so with the many typos, misspellings, wrong words, and sometimes poor sentence structures. And while there is a very obvious pacing curve (props to that), the lulls can be a little too long and boring at times.
On the downside, the author wrote this in a rush, and it is very obviously so with the many typos, misspellings, wrong words, and sometimes poor sentence structures. And while there is a very obvious pacing curve (props to that), the lulls can be a little too long and boring at times.
July 26, 2022
This was recommended to me for a while now. I'm glad that it's finally been professionally edited (I hope).
This book was utterly childish, filled with bad puns that kids would enjoy, and a "meh" story.
I don't know if I will pick up the sequel. I guess I don't find an ant doing ant stuff interesting. Those people that kept ants as "pets' might like this.
2.5/5 Stars
This book was utterly childish, filled with bad puns that kids would enjoy, and a "meh" story.
I don't know if I will pick up the sequel. I guess I don't find an ant doing ant stuff interesting. Those people that kept ants as "pets' might like this.
2.5/5 Stars
June 12, 2022
KU Review
Great blend of humor and action. Definitely an epic world story getting created in the background of the monster evolution storyline. Can’t wait to see where it goes.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Great blend of humor and action. Definitely an epic world story getting created in the background of the monster evolution storyline. Can’t wait to see where it goes.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
June 13, 2022
Decent story, it was meant for a younger audience than I wanted but still okay.
January 16, 2026
3.5 very solid, I wish there was a little more characters but I do hear there are more as the series progresses! Love Jeff Hayes in the audio as well! But very very solid! I will continue!
July 10, 2023
I read this book on a whim, and while I didn't love it or anything, I don't necessarily think it was bad. It's a book that doesn't take itself seriously and was clearly written with fun in mind. It was fun and quirky, but I didn't like the lack of dialogue for much of the book. Progression speed made sense, but I still felt it was slow (even though it really wasn't).
I don't know if I'll continue it, but maybe next time I'm bored and want a quick fling of a book I'll pick up book 2.
I don't know if I'll continue it, but maybe next time I'm bored and want a quick fling of a book I'll pick up book 2.
November 12, 2022
I do appreciate it when a writer decides to create a protagonist that isn't human. Don't often see ant characters chosen either. RinoZ does a lot with the potential here and he has a good setting as well. The only thing wrong with it is that it's a bit repetitive, I think in large part to his inability to have much of a social component. I hope this changes some how in the next one.
May 23, 2024
Enjoyed this. Many amusing moments. It reminds me a lot of So I'm a Spider, So What? A socially inept guy is reincarnated as an ant and has to find his way back to his colony in a world filled with monsters.
October 18, 2025
I had so much fun reading this.
I was trying to get into history books, I read way, and halfway through the second I noticed I'm reading a lot slower and less frequently. So I figured I shouldn't force myself into it and take it slow like I did with book reading in general.
This book was supposed to get me back into the fun, and that it did. A sole reincarnated man trying to survive a nightmarish dungeon while reuniting with his ant family. It's perfect fun.
Easy to read, easy to follow, lots of excitement, nonstop action, intrigue and fun. Anthony is relatable and honestly unusually smart for an Isekai MC.
And the glorious Jeff Hays brings it all to life as usual. This HAS to be listened to, not read. Makes it atleast x10 better.
Definitely reccomend !
7.5/10
I was trying to get into history books, I read way, and halfway through the second I noticed I'm reading a lot slower and less frequently. So I figured I shouldn't force myself into it and take it slow like I did with book reading in general.
This book was supposed to get me back into the fun, and that it did. A sole reincarnated man trying to survive a nightmarish dungeon while reuniting with his ant family. It's perfect fun.
Easy to read, easy to follow, lots of excitement, nonstop action, intrigue and fun. Anthony is relatable and honestly unusually smart for an Isekai MC.
And the glorious Jeff Hays brings it all to life as usual. This HAS to be listened to, not read. Makes it atleast x10 better.
Definitely reccomend !
7.5/10
August 12, 2025
Surprisingly gripping LitRPG about life as a reincarnated ant. Great worldbuilding, fun progression, and way more intense than you'd expect. Who knew ant life could be this entertaining? Looks promising, in my hunt for DCC replacement.
November 5, 2025
Loved the narration, loved the format, loved it all. Just what I needed. By the glorious beard of Gandalf himself, I highly recommend this wonderful book. I shall continue to explore the series and look forward to it.
May 29, 2025
So fun. Absolutely loved the whole book
April 15, 2023
[Summary]
Anthony... has died. Luckily for him, a wizened old voice informs him that he has been reborn on the world of Pangera - a planet of humans, monsters, and litRPG rules. He quickly learns that he's been reborn as a monstrous ANT, trapped in a dungeon beneath the surface. Separated from his colony and lost on one the dungeon's top floor, it takes all of Anthony's cunning just to survive. Luckily the transition to a new body comes with a certain awareness of how to use it - a call to kill other monsters, consume their biomass, and EVOLVE.
After learning that each species he consumes grants a single point of Biomass, Anthony is able to evolve different appendages. Changing his eyes so their visual range is closer to that of a humans, enhancing pheromone glands, strengthening his carapace to withstand blows. The possibilities are endless but Anthony focuses on being the 'all-arounder' and invests evenly across his new body. If only the process didn't itch so much, causing him a horrific sensation each time he advances his physical form.
As Anthony matures his form and develops his Skills within the dungeon, he also accrues levels. Upon reaching level 5 he's provided the ability to evolve, though the options are few to begin with. Killing other monsters also divests them of a core, which can be used to create a magical core for yourself. Anthony quickly takes to the idea of being a magic ant and begins developing the practice early on in the story. Though the process is satisfying and becoming capable of surviving humans, terrifyingly large crocodiles, wolf-snake hybrids, and the sort is fulfilling but Anthony has a goal...
Find his family and serve the queen because ants f*cking rule.
[Final Thoughts]
While the story and characters are nothing to write home about, the system is expansive and interesting. The different flora and fauna that the author comes up with are engaging and I actually experienced some hype when Anthony underwent evolutions. I undersold how expansive the skill system is, alongside the evolutions of different monsters but both have equal amounts of depths. Skills like Bite, Dig, and Sneak can all be leveled up to 5 and then evolve into a more focused version such as Crushing Bite, etc. The limb evolutions vary greatly too from simple offense and defense options to classic cultivation tropes like 'collect mana each time you impact the ground'.
There are a LOT of reused jokes and Anthony as a character doesn't grow very much until his second evolution, with the story (at least on audible) carried by Jeff Hayes' narration (same guy as Dungeon Crawler Carl, if that's any indication). Everything is presented very lightly and the story is tremendously easy to follow. If you told me this was a Young Adult LitRPG I would believe you implicitly. That said, perfectly serviceable entry level series.
The way that interactions are written between Anthony and Tiny evokes that same frenetic energy as Donut and Mongo or Carl and Donut at the start of DCC. Even the writing style's focus reminds me an awful lot of Dungeon Crawler Carl's characterization. The attempts at comedy too. It seems that the author of DCC and RinoZ has some minor connection because he's reviewed his books (as Princess Donut).
I let that lead my expectations. Interesting that Chrysalis beat DCC to publication though.
Anthony... has died. Luckily for him, a wizened old voice informs him that he has been reborn on the world of Pangera - a planet of humans, monsters, and litRPG rules. He quickly learns that he's been reborn as a monstrous ANT, trapped in a dungeon beneath the surface. Separated from his colony and lost on one the dungeon's top floor, it takes all of Anthony's cunning just to survive. Luckily the transition to a new body comes with a certain awareness of how to use it - a call to kill other monsters, consume their biomass, and EVOLVE.
After learning that each species he consumes grants a single point of Biomass, Anthony is able to evolve different appendages. Changing his eyes so their visual range is closer to that of a humans, enhancing pheromone glands, strengthening his carapace to withstand blows. The possibilities are endless but Anthony focuses on being the 'all-arounder' and invests evenly across his new body. If only the process didn't itch so much, causing him a horrific sensation each time he advances his physical form.
As Anthony matures his form and develops his Skills within the dungeon, he also accrues levels. Upon reaching level 5 he's provided the ability to evolve, though the options are few to begin with. Killing other monsters also divests them of a core, which can be used to create a magical core for yourself. Anthony quickly takes to the idea of being a magic ant and begins developing the practice early on in the story. Though the process is satisfying and becoming capable of surviving humans, terrifyingly large crocodiles, wolf-snake hybrids, and the sort is fulfilling but Anthony has a goal...
Find his family and serve the queen because ants f*cking rule.
[Final Thoughts]
While the story and characters are nothing to write home about, the system is expansive and interesting. The different flora and fauna that the author comes up with are engaging and I actually experienced some hype when Anthony underwent evolutions. I undersold how expansive the skill system is, alongside the evolutions of different monsters but both have equal amounts of depths. Skills like Bite, Dig, and Sneak can all be leveled up to 5 and then evolve into a more focused version such as Crushing Bite, etc. The limb evolutions vary greatly too from simple offense and defense options to classic cultivation tropes like 'collect mana each time you impact the ground'.
There are a LOT of reused jokes and Anthony as a character doesn't grow very much until his second evolution, with the story (at least on audible) carried by Jeff Hayes' narration (same guy as Dungeon Crawler Carl, if that's any indication). Everything is presented very lightly and the story is tremendously easy to follow. If you told me this was a Young Adult LitRPG I would believe you implicitly. That said, perfectly serviceable entry level series.
The way that interactions are written between Anthony and Tiny evokes that same frenetic energy as Donut and Mongo or Carl and Donut at the start of DCC. Even the writing style's focus reminds me an awful lot of Dungeon Crawler Carl's characterization. The attempts at comedy too. It seems that the author of DCC and RinoZ has some minor connection because he's reviewed his books (as Princess Donut).
I let that lead my expectations. Interesting that Chrysalis beat DCC to publication though.
May 14, 2024
This was my first LitRPG and it was alright. Things seemed kind of slow even though Anthony was in almost constant battles so that he could level up. I feel like it was slow because the only event that is driving the story is this wave, which I feel is unclear if it actually happened or if this is still just the prelude. Other than gaining levels, there isn't really anything else driving the story. I mean, yes, Anthony was in search of the colony, but it didn't seem like that big of deal once he got there. Like yes, he was there and found his queen mother but it was rather anticlimactic. There were a few funny moments. The voice actors do a good job in bringing the story to life. I just feel like something is missing to really make it a fun engaging read.
July 22, 2022
Almost Awesome
This story of a young man being reborn as a dungeon monster Ant was a very interesting entertaining and almost
a amazing read. It fell short when he started acting super stupid by not looking at his pet ape's stats. The only reason I could figure, the Author wanted people to yell at his book.
This story of a young man being reborn as a dungeon monster Ant was a very interesting entertaining and almost
a amazing read. It fell short when he started acting super stupid by not looking at his pet ape's stats. The only reason I could figure, the Author wanted people to yell at his book.
December 6, 2025
An antsome antventure
It was an interesting book. I have read other books about humans becoming monsters, but this was the first time I had read of human being reincarnated as a monster. I look forward to more of the story.
It was an interesting book. I have read other books about humans becoming monsters, but this was the first time I had read of human being reincarnated as a monster. I look forward to more of the story.
May 20, 2022
Excellent reliable LitRPG with hundreds of chapters to feast on ! A bit campy, but the world building is top notch.
June 23, 2022
This book was an absolute blast to listen to! The LitRPG genre amazes me on a weekly basis and books like this are why! 👍🏾👍🏾
August 13, 2024
Interesting perspective and fun story.! I look forward to the next installment in this series.
January 29, 2025
I was legit shocked at how good this book was. I really didn't think I was going to like it about somebody being born again as an ant. But it's a great told story and the narration is awesome
October 17, 2025
TL;DR: Solid monster‑evolution LitRPG with clean systems, consistent dungeon logic, sharp ant biology, and steady pacing. Some campy combat onomatopoeia and the recurring “business end” phrasing pulled me out at times, but I’m continuing the series.
Snapshot: A reincarnated human wakes as a tiny monster in a lethal dungeon and survives by learning, evolving, and building a hive. Expect skill gains, incremental upgrades, and practical problem solving from a narrator adapting to an insect body while keeping human memory and judgment.
Strengths: Tactical clarity in fights and resource use. Evolutions feel earned and tie to problem solving rather than free power. The dungeon ecology follows rules that hold together. System readouts are brief and let the story move. The ant material stands out: the author knows real colony behavior, then makes intentional tweaks to fit a gamified setup and explains what differs. World building is the most novel element and is delivered in measured portions. The evolution scenes where the protagonist writhes in pain made me laugh because he still wants the upgrade while forgetting how much it hurts.
Tradeoffs: Not trying to reinvent the subgenre. The grind brings some repetition by design, and frequent stat panes may test readers who prefer pure prose. Several combat beats lean on comic‑book sound effects (a few “POW”s had me hearing 1960s Batman). More variety there, or swapping in tighter descriptive text, would help. A few anatomy lines reach for ornate synonyms, and the recurring “business end” language reads like an idiom gone sideways.
Audience match: Good fit for readers who like monster‑evo LitRPG, dungeon‑core survival, and progression that rewards planning over brute force. If you enjoy hive fiction or have an interest in bees and ants, there’s extra fun here. The progression system is probably closest to the Completionist series based on my reading experience. I was also getting some mental overlap from Hive Minds Give Good Hugs thematically speaking.
Notes: Picked this up on LitRPG recommendations. I like ants and puns, and this delivers both without getting cute about it. I listened on Audible, and Jeff Hays remains one of my favorite narrators. I enjoyed this book enough that I’ve already started Chrysalis 2: Upping the Ante.
Snapshot: A reincarnated human wakes as a tiny monster in a lethal dungeon and survives by learning, evolving, and building a hive. Expect skill gains, incremental upgrades, and practical problem solving from a narrator adapting to an insect body while keeping human memory and judgment.
Strengths: Tactical clarity in fights and resource use. Evolutions feel earned and tie to problem solving rather than free power. The dungeon ecology follows rules that hold together. System readouts are brief and let the story move. The ant material stands out: the author knows real colony behavior, then makes intentional tweaks to fit a gamified setup and explains what differs. World building is the most novel element and is delivered in measured portions. The evolution scenes where the protagonist writhes in pain made me laugh because he still wants the upgrade while forgetting how much it hurts.
Tradeoffs: Not trying to reinvent the subgenre. The grind brings some repetition by design, and frequent stat panes may test readers who prefer pure prose. Several combat beats lean on comic‑book sound effects (a few “POW”s had me hearing 1960s Batman). More variety there, or swapping in tighter descriptive text, would help. A few anatomy lines reach for ornate synonyms, and the recurring “business end” language reads like an idiom gone sideways.
Audience match: Good fit for readers who like monster‑evo LitRPG, dungeon‑core survival, and progression that rewards planning over brute force. If you enjoy hive fiction or have an interest in bees and ants, there’s extra fun here. The progression system is probably closest to the Completionist series based on my reading experience. I was also getting some mental overlap from Hive Minds Give Good Hugs thematically speaking.
Notes: Picked this up on LitRPG recommendations. I like ants and puns, and this delivers both without getting cute about it. I listened on Audible, and Jeff Hays remains one of my favorite narrators. I enjoyed this book enough that I’ve already started Chrysalis 2: Upping the Ante.
July 20, 2022
Rating: Legendary
Review (By Oscar): I loved, loved, loved, loved this hilarious book by RinoZ! It was filled with ant-puns, and while it was a simple story, it was great. You know what you are getting when you start this book, and it never changes. While there is no incredibly complex characters, philosophical struggles, or many other things that one would see in a deeper book, you don't need it. This is a popcorn book, through and through. It's filled with funny jokes, monster evolution, and a human who is in an ant's body. I devoured this book in just about a day, and then proceeded to annoy everyone I saw with ant puns. It is contagious. Side effects of reading Chrysalis include: recommending it to people, making ant puns, calling your butt the business end, or other similar things, shouting, "For the colony," and forgetting about an obvious detail *cough* mutations itch *cough.* I love seeing Anthony learn more about the world, and eventually make his way back to the colony and begin helping out there. His love for a colony of ants is infectious, and his and the Queen's interactions always make me laugh out loud. She is like a mother who is trying to reign in her hyper kid. And is a massive ant! Though, I must say that, currently, Tiny is my favorite character. That little monkey that isn't so little anymore and loves to fight is just the best. He has so much fire and personality packed into his body, and his intelligence, or rather lack thereof, causes many problems for Anthony. While Anthony attempts to do the best he can to help Tiny, Tiny never fails to struggle and fight against what is best for him. At the same time, we also see the humans of the world who are delving into the Dungeon to attempt to hold off a swarm of monsters that they know will soon be coming. This is something that Anthony learns of, and also has to help to save the colony later on, further showcasing his love for it, and ability to put his life on the line for his family. All in all, this is an incredible book that I definitely recommend you to check out, if you haven't already! There are already 986 chapters out on Royal Road and more to come, with the second book releasing on Amazon in September!
If you want to see more reviews like this, check out progressionalfantasyreviews.com! I hope this helps!
Review (By Oscar): I loved, loved, loved, loved this hilarious book by RinoZ! It was filled with ant-puns, and while it was a simple story, it was great. You know what you are getting when you start this book, and it never changes. While there is no incredibly complex characters, philosophical struggles, or many other things that one would see in a deeper book, you don't need it. This is a popcorn book, through and through. It's filled with funny jokes, monster evolution, and a human who is in an ant's body. I devoured this book in just about a day, and then proceeded to annoy everyone I saw with ant puns. It is contagious. Side effects of reading Chrysalis include: recommending it to people, making ant puns, calling your butt the business end, or other similar things, shouting, "For the colony," and forgetting about an obvious detail *cough* mutations itch *cough.* I love seeing Anthony learn more about the world, and eventually make his way back to the colony and begin helping out there. His love for a colony of ants is infectious, and his and the Queen's interactions always make me laugh out loud. She is like a mother who is trying to reign in her hyper kid. And is a massive ant! Though, I must say that, currently, Tiny is my favorite character. That little monkey that isn't so little anymore and loves to fight is just the best. He has so much fire and personality packed into his body, and his intelligence, or rather lack thereof, causes many problems for Anthony. While Anthony attempts to do the best he can to help Tiny, Tiny never fails to struggle and fight against what is best for him. At the same time, we also see the humans of the world who are delving into the Dungeon to attempt to hold off a swarm of monsters that they know will soon be coming. This is something that Anthony learns of, and also has to help to save the colony later on, further showcasing his love for it, and ability to put his life on the line for his family. All in all, this is an incredible book that I definitely recommend you to check out, if you haven't already! There are already 986 chapters out on Royal Road and more to come, with the second book releasing on Amazon in September!
If you want to see more reviews like this, check out progressionalfantasyreviews.com! I hope this helps!
December 7, 2022
You Have Died...
Anthony was cooking dinner and woke up in a white cloudy kind of area in a peaceful state. He is told that he died and he will reborn in a new world in a game like with status, levels etc. Wait why are his skills bite and acid shot? And then his species is announced as hatchling ant worker.
Anthony was a human teenager and now he is an ant. What is he supposed to do now? He awakens in his white ant body and tries to use his antennae to find others like him. He accidentally stumbles upon a crocodile like creature eating other ants. Run away… Anthony digs himself into a small tunnel and collapses the entrance. Think Anthony think. He assigns the points he was given, and decides after a half an hour to go back out but in the opposite direction of the crocodile creature.
As he heads in the opposite direction, he sees a myriad of beasts near a pool of water and climbs onto the ceiling. There seems to be another one of the crocodile beasts, a few dog or wolf like beasts, a group of centipedes and some sort of lizard creature. Anthony decides to figure out which of the beasts head in which direction. As he is watching all of this his stealth levels up. After sometime, he decides to go build a tunnel of his own to stay safe in. He needs to eat and find others like him that are his next steps.
This story is more a slice of life for an ant in a dungeon as he learns how to survive whilst being pursued by other dungeon monsters, leveling up, staying away from nasty humans and trying to find his colony. It definitely takes on a humorous tone but there are still some slower parts.
Anthony was cooking dinner and woke up in a white cloudy kind of area in a peaceful state. He is told that he died and he will reborn in a new world in a game like with status, levels etc. Wait why are his skills bite and acid shot? And then his species is announced as hatchling ant worker.
Anthony was a human teenager and now he is an ant. What is he supposed to do now? He awakens in his white ant body and tries to use his antennae to find others like him. He accidentally stumbles upon a crocodile like creature eating other ants. Run away… Anthony digs himself into a small tunnel and collapses the entrance. Think Anthony think. He assigns the points he was given, and decides after a half an hour to go back out but in the opposite direction of the crocodile creature.
As he heads in the opposite direction, he sees a myriad of beasts near a pool of water and climbs onto the ceiling. There seems to be another one of the crocodile beasts, a few dog or wolf like beasts, a group of centipedes and some sort of lizard creature. Anthony decides to figure out which of the beasts head in which direction. As he is watching all of this his stealth levels up. After sometime, he decides to go build a tunnel of his own to stay safe in. He needs to eat and find others like him that are his next steps.
This story is more a slice of life for an ant in a dungeon as he learns how to survive whilst being pursued by other dungeon monsters, leveling up, staying away from nasty humans and trying to find his colony. It definitely takes on a humorous tone but there are still some slower parts.
May 14, 2025
If you’re a fan of LitRPG adventures with a clever twist and a surprising amount of heart, Chrysalis #1 – The Antventure Begins by RinoZ is a refreshing and wildly entertaining read. The premise alone is enough to hook you: one moment, teenager Anthony is making dinner—next, he’s dead and reincarnated… as a hatchling ant worker.
Thrown into a dungeon-like world governed by game mechanics, Anthony must adapt fast, starting with a rather underwhelming skillset—bite and acid shot. From there, the story becomes an unexpectedly delightful blend of survival, strategy, humor, and introspection as Anthony learns what it means to live—and think—like an ant. The pacing balances lighthearted slice-of-life moments with tense encounters against terrifying dungeon monsters. And despite the bizarre premise, RinoZ manages to create a compelling journey of growth and identity.
But what truly elevates this audiobook experience is Jeff Hayes’ phenomenal narration. His performance brings Anthony's inner monologue to life with humor, charm, and emotional nuance. Hayes nails the comedic timing, amplifies the suspense when danger lurks, and injects personality into every interaction—even when the cast is made up of insects, beasts, and other dungeon dwellers. His voice work adds depth and warmth, making Anthony’s journey all the more immersive.
Highly recommended for fans of isekai, dungeon-core, or LitRPG stories with a unique perspective—and an especially great pick if you're looking for a fun and engaging audiobook. Jeff Hayes delivers a standout narration that makes this already enjoyable story unmissable.
Thrown into a dungeon-like world governed by game mechanics, Anthony must adapt fast, starting with a rather underwhelming skillset—bite and acid shot. From there, the story becomes an unexpectedly delightful blend of survival, strategy, humor, and introspection as Anthony learns what it means to live—and think—like an ant. The pacing balances lighthearted slice-of-life moments with tense encounters against terrifying dungeon monsters. And despite the bizarre premise, RinoZ manages to create a compelling journey of growth and identity.
But what truly elevates this audiobook experience is Jeff Hayes’ phenomenal narration. His performance brings Anthony's inner monologue to life with humor, charm, and emotional nuance. Hayes nails the comedic timing, amplifies the suspense when danger lurks, and injects personality into every interaction—even when the cast is made up of insects, beasts, and other dungeon dwellers. His voice work adds depth and warmth, making Anthony’s journey all the more immersive.
Highly recommended for fans of isekai, dungeon-core, or LitRPG stories with a unique perspective—and an especially great pick if you're looking for a fun and engaging audiobook. Jeff Hayes delivers a standout narration that makes this already enjoyable story unmissable.
April 14, 2025
Not a masterpiece, but y’all judging too early
Look, I’ll be honest — Book 1 of Chrysalis isn’t that interesting. It’s slow. A bit clunky. And the MC? Well, let’s just say I’ve seen kitchen appliances with more emotional range. But you know what? That’s fine.
Because this is a web novel, people. A real one.
Not your polished, team-edited, traditionally published thing. This is probably the author’s first dive into writing, with zero help, no editor, and definitely no marketing team telling them, “Cut this by 20k words.”
That’s what makes it raw. That’s what makes it web novel energy.
The thing most folks don’t get is: you’re not supposed to judge a web novel by its first book. You don’t even get to the real meat until like Book 4. If you’re the kind of reader who starts checking how many chapters are left before finishing the prologue, then sorry to break it to you, but web novels ain’t for you.
Web novels are commitment.
You don’t sip them — you drown in them.
If the thought of reading 400+ chapters makes you tired, then nah, don’t bother. Close the tab. Go read a 12-episode manga and call it a day.
But if you can hang? If you can survive the early grind, the awkward writing, and some really questionable evolution decisions… there’s something cool here. Something different.
So yeah — it’s not perfect. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s a slow burn, not a firecracker.
Look, I’ll be honest — Book 1 of Chrysalis isn’t that interesting. It’s slow. A bit clunky. And the MC? Well, let’s just say I’ve seen kitchen appliances with more emotional range. But you know what? That’s fine.
Because this is a web novel, people. A real one.
Not your polished, team-edited, traditionally published thing. This is probably the author’s first dive into writing, with zero help, no editor, and definitely no marketing team telling them, “Cut this by 20k words.”
That’s what makes it raw. That’s what makes it web novel energy.
The thing most folks don’t get is: you’re not supposed to judge a web novel by its first book. You don’t even get to the real meat until like Book 4. If you’re the kind of reader who starts checking how many chapters are left before finishing the prologue, then sorry to break it to you, but web novels ain’t for you.
Web novels are commitment.
You don’t sip them — you drown in them.
If the thought of reading 400+ chapters makes you tired, then nah, don’t bother. Close the tab. Go read a 12-episode manga and call it a day.
But if you can hang? If you can survive the early grind, the awkward writing, and some really questionable evolution decisions… there’s something cool here. Something different.
So yeah — it’s not perfect. But it doesn’t have to be. It’s a slow burn, not a firecracker.
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