What do you think?
Rate this book
OVR World Online #1
Zee Locked-In
In the bleak, not too distant future, most people with the ability have fled online to the virtual reality, OVR World Online. Zachary "Zee" Jones was never going to be able to afford to become a player. Until he was arrested after committing a crime to save his mother's life and included in the Inmate Player Program. Even without perception filters to limit his pain, it was better than the alternative sentences. He has the opportunity to earn more money in a 5-year sentence than he could have in his entire life as a hospital janitor. Zee is jacked into Gygax, a high fantasy adventure game world filled with knights, magic, and monsters. But Zee quickly learns that just because the world is virtual, it doesn't mean the danger isn't real. Can he find his fortune, maybe a few allies, avoid the dangers of adventuring as an Inmate, and unravel the mystery behind the game's confounding sentient computer program wearing a familiar face called the Doctor?
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
191 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 23, 2021
I honestly can't grab onto how this book has such high ratings. I really can't. This is dull and boring. I have read my share of Litrpgs and I will preface this by saying I got halfway through the book before I just couldn't take it.
Pre VR world (Real world) - Interesting and I had no problems with it. It took the stuff we deal with today and project it to the future which is good. The prison concept isn't unique, but it is good one.
VR World - Uhhh... There really isn't much to Gygax. I mean the author takes on the point of making the NPCs just computer coded AI and not lifelike. So, you really can't care for the NPCs like in some LITrpgs. Its just there and not very interesting
Characters - Jeeze... Let's start with the support characters. The main 3 we run across really dont have any flaws. Lemorak is over leveled paladin, Byrn is exotic, sexy assassin and Macha is sexy ninja. All 3 have the personality and depth of cardboard. The main character Zee is worse. He is God's gift to women for these 2 are after him with very little effort and him acting like a bumbling moron. He quickly progresses with very little effort and between zee, Macha, and Byrn I couldnt handle the cringy dialogue. If you are reading this then you know what I am talking.
Lastly, I am disappointed. I actually didn't mind Zach when he went out of his way to help his family. I had to put it down, because I simply couldn't care for the characters. With the Author quickly progressing through levels and achievements, it didn't feel like character really earned them. The MC also got achievements that we didn't even read how he got, he just got them. I give a 3 no matter what if I finish a book, but couldn't so settle for a 2.
I could put on the spoilers tag, but really if you can finish this novel... you are stronger than me.
Pre VR world (Real world) - Interesting and I had no problems with it. It took the stuff we deal with today and project it to the future which is good. The prison concept isn't unique, but it is good one.
VR World - Uhhh... There really isn't much to Gygax. I mean the author takes on the point of making the NPCs just computer coded AI and not lifelike. So, you really can't care for the NPCs like in some LITrpgs. Its just there and not very interesting
Characters - Jeeze... Let's start with the support characters. The main 3 we run across really dont have any flaws. Lemorak is over leveled paladin, Byrn is exotic, sexy assassin and Macha is sexy ninja. All 3 have the personality and depth of cardboard. The main character Zee is worse. He is God's gift to women for these 2 are after him with very little effort and him acting like a bumbling moron. He quickly progresses with very little effort and between zee, Macha, and Byrn I couldnt handle the cringy dialogue. If you are reading this then you know what I am talking.
Lastly, I am disappointed. I actually didn't mind Zach when he went out of his way to help his family. I had to put it down, because I simply couldn't care for the characters. With the Author quickly progressing through levels and achievements, it didn't feel like character really earned them. The MC also got achievements that we didn't even read how he got, he just got them. I give a 3 no matter what if I finish a book, but couldn't so settle for a 2.
I could put on the spoilers tag, but really if you can finish this novel... you are stronger than me.
February 13, 2021
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
February 26, 2021
*audio book review*
Why is everyone giving this book 5 stars? It is honestly not that good and truthfully I have seen better. This particular Litrpg is "dystopia porn" with a mix of MC sadness machine. Tell me if you head of this before. The government has failed the people so corporation has taken over and is running the country like a business. Basically, Trump's wet dream while he is humping money as orphans watch. So the MC's mother is sick and his dad is a social justice warrior/ loser and all round lazy fuck. He steals his meds to save his mom and is sent to prison to play the game 24/7 while they use his brain as data server. Already, this sounds like a cheap version of the Matrix where as the corporations are the evil brain and body harvesters...except the corps seems more evil somehow. Anyway, the problem with all this is 1) the MC is a 2D sad sack and super boring 2) every few minuets the writer writes a little bit about the new corporate world. Let me just say that the world sound horrible and depressing.
Lack of government, lack of jobs, environmental damage, the super rich class, the viral plague and it goes on and on. By the the 3rd hour I was contemplating suicide. I mean if i lived in that world, I would kill myself, my family and a few other innocent people just so they don't suffer in a world that is hell.
Why is everyone giving this book 5 stars? It is honestly not that good and truthfully I have seen better. This particular Litrpg is "dystopia porn" with a mix of MC sadness machine. Tell me if you head of this before. The government has failed the people so corporation has taken over and is running the country like a business. Basically, Trump's wet dream while he is humping money as orphans watch. So the MC's mother is sick and his dad is a social justice warrior/ loser and all round lazy fuck. He steals his meds to save his mom and is sent to prison to play the game 24/7 while they use his brain as data server. Already, this sounds like a cheap version of the Matrix where as the corporations are the evil brain and body harvesters...except the corps seems more evil somehow. Anyway, the problem with all this is 1) the MC is a 2D sad sack and super boring 2) every few minuets the writer writes a little bit about the new corporate world. Let me just say that the world sound horrible and depressing.
Lack of government, lack of jobs, environmental damage, the super rich class, the viral plague and it goes on and on. By the the 3rd hour I was contemplating suicide. I mean if i lived in that world, I would kill myself, my family and a few other innocent people just so they don't suffer in a world that is hell.
October 25, 2020
Worst I've read this year
First, you'd better be willing to choke on endless sjw politics; the entirety of the story is based on them. The MC is the typical whiney idiot that current authors have mistaken for "edgy". He's " smart" because we're told so, even though he keeps acting like an idiot. Can't act human around girls.
The plot is too shallow to even be called that; the characters are even more shallow than the plot. Descriptions, when they even exist, are bland, and the fight scenes are a good cure for insomnia.
The book was never edited; that or the editor was a lobotomized 2nd grader with English as a 3rd or 4th language.
TL;DR: I got this for free n Kindle, and still overpaid.
First, you'd better be willing to choke on endless sjw politics; the entirety of the story is based on them. The MC is the typical whiney idiot that current authors have mistaken for "edgy". He's " smart" because we're told so, even though he keeps acting like an idiot. Can't act human around girls.
The plot is too shallow to even be called that; the characters are even more shallow than the plot. Descriptions, when they even exist, are bland, and the fight scenes are a good cure for insomnia.
The book was never edited; that or the editor was a lobotomized 2nd grader with English as a 3rd or 4th language.
TL;DR: I got this for free n Kindle, and still overpaid.
October 9, 2020
Survive online or suffer a far worse fate offline
In a capitalist dystopian future reminiscent of Elysium, the MegaCorps run much of the US, including the prison system. Those who fall foul of the justice system, may end up doing hard labour until they drop, but if they are lucky, they just might be sent into OVR World, to try to pay off their debt to society. In a Matrix-like system, people are jacked-in using pods that keep their bodies alive while their brains' spare processing power lines cryptocurrency as they play the game. After stealing the meds to cure his mother's otherwise fatal cancer, Zee finds himself in a struggle to survive this online playground of the rich and famous. Pop culture references from James Bond to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy provide Easter eggs to the eagle-eyed. Warning, contains both in-game and IRL violence, in-game sex, NPC artificial stupidity, along with both in-game and IRL deaths! Looking forward to book 2, hoping it has been released or will be soon...
In a capitalist dystopian future reminiscent of Elysium, the MegaCorps run much of the US, including the prison system. Those who fall foul of the justice system, may end up doing hard labour until they drop, but if they are lucky, they just might be sent into OVR World, to try to pay off their debt to society. In a Matrix-like system, people are jacked-in using pods that keep their bodies alive while their brains' spare processing power lines cryptocurrency as they play the game. After stealing the meds to cure his mother's otherwise fatal cancer, Zee finds himself in a struggle to survive this online playground of the rich and famous. Pop culture references from James Bond to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy provide Easter eggs to the eagle-eyed. Warning, contains both in-game and IRL violence, in-game sex, NPC artificial stupidity, along with both in-game and IRL deaths! Looking forward to book 2, hoping it has been released or will be soon...
May 18, 2022
Zachary "Zee" Jones, the former hospital janitor, enters the virtual world called Gygax via the Inmate Player Program. Pop culture references abound. Did any of you know the passphrase to the Bond painting? Zack acquired an unprecedented squirt of brilliance using his brand new spells and dealing with the elementals when they were below the Goblin’s Keep. It made for an exciting scenario but his newly discovered knowledge was unlikely. Without giving up spoilers, the quest they are on leads to the next volume. It also adds considerable danger as this is a PvP world, and once they leave the Orientation Zone they will be vulnerable. I like the story. The premise is deeper than I first thought considering the Doctor’s research. Volume two is out but not yet available in Audible. I’ll get it when I can.
October 31, 2020
What’s black and white and red all over
Different take on on classic trapped in online game. Story comes alive as protagonist learns to stay “alive”. When new “doctor” appears the whole story takes on a new track.
Different take on on classic trapped in online game. Story comes alive as protagonist learns to stay “alive”. When new “doctor” appears the whole story takes on a new track.
January 7, 2021
Surprisingly unique!
This was a fast and fun read. The story is captivating, without being to heavy handed on some of the details. Definitely worth checking our if you're on the fence.
This was a fast and fun read. The story is captivating, without being to heavy handed on some of the details. Definitely worth checking our if you're on the fence.
January 15, 2021
Great new series.
One of the best new LitRPG series I've read recently. Solid story, characters, and combat. Well paced, actions actually have consequences, and an interesting hook for the future.
Can't wait for more.
One of the best new LitRPG series I've read recently. Solid story, characters, and combat. Well paced, actions actually have consequences, and an interesting hook for the future.
Can't wait for more.
January 16, 2021
I loved it! And my husband loved it! I have a tendency to set up my iPad and read during lunch. Normally my husband just reads small bits of books like this but this time he wanted to actually read the story. So after a little over a month of lunch reading we both finished it together :)
May 3, 2021
You have to check this one!
I really liked this book. Enjoyed the character progression and the new world the author created. Looking forward to the next ones to see where it goes!!
I really liked this book. Enjoyed the character progression and the new world the author created. Looking forward to the next ones to see where it goes!!
July 15, 2022
This book is pure candy. Proudly derivative, possibly incomprehensible to non-nerds, it is a patchwork of references, the favorites being James Bond and Dr. Who. The plot relies on character tropes and conventional plot devices. Monroe is like an insanely-creative dungeon master: There is a limited number of possible outcomes, but there are still surprises, as the trope you get isn't the trope that you're led to expect. The flow of the writing is also excellent.
I really enjoyed this book. I recommend it for fellow nerds.
I really enjoyed this book. I recommend it for fellow nerds.
October 8, 2020
Great story
So kwel class mixture. Nice evil corporation overlords and fun quests. Enjoyable interlocking storyline as well. Very much looking forward to the next novel!
So kwel class mixture. Nice evil corporation overlords and fun quests. Enjoyable interlocking storyline as well. Very much looking forward to the next novel!
October 22, 2020
As an 80's kid this was fun
Only tv show not referenced from my childhood that I did not watch with my family was Wonder years unless I missed it. Fun book. Looking forward to the next one.
Only tv show not referenced from my childhood that I did not watch with my family was Wonder years unless I missed it. Fun book. Looking forward to the next one.
October 22, 2020
Good stuff
This was enjoyable. Different concept, I enjoyed that this was more high stakes. Character development was good. Should def check it out
This was enjoyable. Different concept, I enjoyed that this was more high stakes. Character development was good. Should def check it out
November 11, 2020
Great Start!!
Loved the books, loved the characters! No option to follow the author though.. Really looking forward to the next book!!
Loved the books, loved the characters! No option to follow the author though.. Really looking forward to the next book!!
November 21, 2020
Loved it.
Not sure about the stats on the weapons, but the story was tight and flowed well. I look forward to the next one.
Not sure about the stats on the weapons, but the story was tight and flowed well. I look forward to the next one.
November 27, 2020
Pretty darn good
World and character development good, action scenes good, couldn't put it down , will anxiously watch for the next book
World and character development good, action scenes good, couldn't put it down , will anxiously watch for the next book
September 7, 2021
Great start to a new series
I really enjoyed this book. Fun characters and lots of actions. I especially loved all the pop culture references. I'm looking forward to the next one
I really enjoyed this book. Fun characters and lots of actions. I especially loved all the pop culture references. I'm looking forward to the next one
April 13, 2022
Excellent story! Now I want the next one.
April 23, 2022
Really enjoyed it. Tbh it’s my first book in this gender, but I loved it. Can’t wait to get into the second one.
November 24, 2020
Good enough to forget lunch!
Kept me on the the edge of my chair . loved the action and choices he made to solve both battles and puzzles that he faced!
Kept me on the the edge of my chair . loved the action and choices he made to solve both battles and puzzles that he faced!
April 13, 2021
Different storyline
I’m looking forward to the next one. It is a different take on the usual litrpg. Similar to ready player one maybe?
I’m looking forward to the next one. It is a different take on the usual litrpg. Similar to ready player one maybe?
October 4, 2020
Very good
This story was written for me. Every pop culture reference was spot on and made me chuckle. Characters were diverse and interesting. The book is heavy on stats and class choices but the stats are a brief focus with plenty of time for action. My only disappointment is that to this point there has been no crafting etc. Definitely looking for the sequel.
This story was written for me. Every pop culture reference was spot on and made me chuckle. Characters were diverse and interesting. The book is heavy on stats and class choices but the stats are a brief focus with plenty of time for action. My only disappointment is that to this point there has been no crafting etc. Definitely looking for the sequel.
October 18, 2020
A great start on hopefully a new series
Interesting plot line and opening to a new series. A few typos and grammatical errors but all in all decent editing. A bit of eye rolling at the social justice stuff but I get why as it was a build up of the character background. Looking forward to the next one.
Interesting plot line and opening to a new series. A few typos and grammatical errors but all in all decent editing. A bit of eye rolling at the social justice stuff but I get why as it was a build up of the character background. Looking forward to the next one.
October 4, 2020
Fantastic read, even for non-player types.
Fantastic and really fun, an interesting take on a dystopian future and VR/RPG worlds. Love the characters and the pace, can't wait to see what happens next!
Fantastic and really fun, an interesting take on a dystopian future and VR/RPG worlds. Love the characters and the pace, can't wait to see what happens next!
November 23, 2020
Starts Dark but is satisfying by the end
Story and world focuses a little too much on hopelessness at the beginning in my opinion but becomes much more satisfying by the end.
Story and world focuses a little too much on hopelessness at the beginning in my opinion but becomes much more satisfying by the end.
March 23, 2022
interesting approach
This book had an interesting idea with the main character having special processing abilities for Crypto Currency, and that he is also the missing key to a project.
This book had an interesting idea with the main character having special processing abilities for Crypto Currency, and that he is also the missing key to a project.
September 30, 2020
Great fun
A quite amazing story that was really fun and very entertaining to read some definite fun spins and twists on the story little bit of darkness and a lot of fun definitely a must-read for any litrpg fan
A quite amazing story that was really fun and very entertaining to read some definite fun spins and twists on the story little bit of darkness and a lot of fun definitely a must-read for any litrpg fan
September 27, 2020
Good litrpg story
A fun read. An interesting take on the litrpg genre. If you like these kinds of stories it is definitely worth the read.
A fun read. An interesting take on the litrpg genre. If you like these kinds of stories it is definitely worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews