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True Smithing #2
True Smithing II
The Crafting Continues…
To Angus, things couldn’t be more perfect. Sure, he still has to deal with an aging body in the outside world that won’t allow him to do much… But he’s found solace in Alterwelt, a virtual world where he can craft to his heart’s content and indulge in his life’s true passion. Spending his time between fulfilling orders and expanding his ever-growing smithing guild, Hephaestus is living the dream, so to speak.
But maybe, just maybe things were a little too perfect.
As he’ll quickly learn, there’s a growing movement gaining traction in the real world; Moralizers who denounce all the violence and depravity that pervade virtual worlds. Their demands are simple: they want the “games” neutered; they want Alterwelt and other Imperium spaces strictly regulated, which could threaten the world Angus has come to call his home.
Behind the movement stands one familiar foe: Lord Liberath, the same individual Hephaestus had managed to oust when the blacksmith had been accused of item hacking.
Through some power play, the Moralizers get their wish, and a new patch is applied to enforce their new rules. When Hephaestus logs back in, it is to find that they wiped out every player’s history. Gone is their experience, gone are their gear and levels… It wouldn’t be so bad if they hadn’t also completely disabled the manual mode.
Hephaestus despairs. It would seem that Liberath got his revenge in the end. Still, maybe not everything is lost… Not one to quit in the face of adversity, Hephaestus discovers one of the founding secrets of Alterwelt that might be the key to saving his beloved world.
Join Hephaestus as he puts his crafting abilities to the test by re-teaching the game all about crafting. Join him as he puts everything on the line to earn his nickname as the true god of smithing!
To Angus, things couldn’t be more perfect. Sure, he still has to deal with an aging body in the outside world that won’t allow him to do much… But he’s found solace in Alterwelt, a virtual world where he can craft to his heart’s content and indulge in his life’s true passion. Spending his time between fulfilling orders and expanding his ever-growing smithing guild, Hephaestus is living the dream, so to speak.
But maybe, just maybe things were a little too perfect.
As he’ll quickly learn, there’s a growing movement gaining traction in the real world; Moralizers who denounce all the violence and depravity that pervade virtual worlds. Their demands are simple: they want the “games” neutered; they want Alterwelt and other Imperium spaces strictly regulated, which could threaten the world Angus has come to call his home.
Behind the movement stands one familiar foe: Lord Liberath, the same individual Hephaestus had managed to oust when the blacksmith had been accused of item hacking.
Through some power play, the Moralizers get their wish, and a new patch is applied to enforce their new rules. When Hephaestus logs back in, it is to find that they wiped out every player’s history. Gone is their experience, gone are their gear and levels… It wouldn’t be so bad if they hadn’t also completely disabled the manual mode.
Hephaestus despairs. It would seem that Liberath got his revenge in the end. Still, maybe not everything is lost… Not one to quit in the face of adversity, Hephaestus discovers one of the founding secrets of Alterwelt that might be the key to saving his beloved world.
Join Hephaestus as he puts his crafting abilities to the test by re-teaching the game all about crafting. Join him as he puts everything on the line to earn his nickname as the true god of smithing!
- GenresFantasy
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2020
369 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 12, 2022
While this did seem like it would be a great follow-up to the first True Smithing book, there was a remarkable lack of actual smithing going on, alas, and I wasn't all that interested in the whole "shutting down the hyper-realistic game world" storyline.
Unfortunately, that took up most of the story, removing the more focused crafting aspects that I loved so much from the first.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting THAT much. I wanted my LitRPG fix. Specifically, I wanted to see some massive leveling up from crafting. My expectations didn't match what I wanted from the book so it's entirely about me being fickle.
It's fine, otherwise, and if you wanted a different kind of fantasy/SF. Light fun, some logic worldbuilding errors, but I never expected much out of LitRPG. I just want to have fun and feel like I'm gaming. :)
Unfortunately, that took up most of the story, removing the more focused crafting aspects that I loved so much from the first.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting THAT much. I wanted my LitRPG fix. Specifically, I wanted to see some massive leveling up from crafting. My expectations didn't match what I wanted from the book so it's entirely about me being fickle.
It's fine, otherwise, and if you wanted a different kind of fantasy/SF. Light fun, some logic worldbuilding errors, but I never expected much out of LitRPG. I just want to have fun and feel like I'm gaming. :)
April 6, 2024
I'm going to nope on out of this book. How is the guy who was proven to abuse his position not laughed out of any anti-VR movement? Why do the bad guys have such paper thin motivations? What happened to the crafting?
March 1, 2022
High potential, but bad execution
I had really high hopes for this book, the first one had issues but the blacksmithing kept it together enough to enjoy it. This book was just a big mess… I really don’t even know where to start, so I'll point out a few things that just ruined the immersion and fun.
The time dilution is a mess. 1 minute in the real world is worth an hour, and in the real world a bit more than a year has gone by, so decades in the game world, in which the MC dated his girlfriend but he still has issues with their age difference? And for some reason his daughter is now a corporate lawyer after just one year passed in real life? And his son is a programmer? They were both blacksmiths a year ago. It seems they only got their new jobs because the author needed someone to fill that role and was too lazy to think about new characters. And again with the time passing by for them. Decades passed! Why are they still acting like their wife and fiancé died yesterday? I'm sorry but if they still act the way they do no relationship would have managed to survive for that long.
The reason the big bad can topple his uncle and claim the company is unsatisfying. His uncle has a family in the virtual world, why would he risk them by letting his crazy nephew control everything? And the fact that his former friend just decided after 30 years she is mad he did not want to date her and ruin his game to millions? How is that even revenge on him?
And why oh why does the author think that the big bad would even get permission to do even 1% of the crazy things he does? His first decision is to ruin the way the company makes money and make the player base get bored with their products. Mind you that they know what would happen, and it's not a decision that went bad over time. He would get sacked and lose his role in the company even if he has 51% of the company… he will still have his shares, but would not have a say on the company decisions. And how does the author explain that the other shareholders let that happen? Angus did not say hello after he bought his shears in the company so they were out to get him… come on…
Even the blacksmithing part that held the first book was not as good because there was no real time for Angus to focus on it with all the crazy stuff going on…
I have plenty more to say, but I think I will stop here. It's obvious that the author does not have good beta readers or even a good editor, because I don’t think a real press company will let these mistakes happen. And don’t get me wrong here, I think the author has a lot of potential, but publishing a book is not a one man job.
It's a first for me in a while, but I do not recommend this book. 2/5 as it "was ok" and I did finish it.
I had really high hopes for this book, the first one had issues but the blacksmithing kept it together enough to enjoy it. This book was just a big mess… I really don’t even know where to start, so I'll point out a few things that just ruined the immersion and fun.
The time dilution is a mess. 1 minute in the real world is worth an hour, and in the real world a bit more than a year has gone by, so decades in the game world, in which the MC dated his girlfriend but he still has issues with their age difference? And for some reason his daughter is now a corporate lawyer after just one year passed in real life? And his son is a programmer? They were both blacksmiths a year ago. It seems they only got their new jobs because the author needed someone to fill that role and was too lazy to think about new characters. And again with the time passing by for them. Decades passed! Why are they still acting like their wife and fiancé died yesterday? I'm sorry but if they still act the way they do no relationship would have managed to survive for that long.
The reason the big bad can topple his uncle and claim the company is unsatisfying. His uncle has a family in the virtual world, why would he risk them by letting his crazy nephew control everything? And the fact that his former friend just decided after 30 years she is mad he did not want to date her and ruin his game to millions? How is that even revenge on him?
And why oh why does the author think that the big bad would even get permission to do even 1% of the crazy things he does? His first decision is to ruin the way the company makes money and make the player base get bored with their products. Mind you that they know what would happen, and it's not a decision that went bad over time. He would get sacked and lose his role in the company even if he has 51% of the company… he will still have his shares, but would not have a say on the company decisions. And how does the author explain that the other shareholders let that happen? Angus did not say hello after he bought his shears in the company so they were out to get him… come on…
Even the blacksmithing part that held the first book was not as good because there was no real time for Angus to focus on it with all the crazy stuff going on…
I have plenty more to say, but I think I will stop here. It's obvious that the author does not have good beta readers or even a good editor, because I don’t think a real press company will let these mistakes happen. And don’t get me wrong here, I think the author has a lot of potential, but publishing a book is not a one man job.
It's a first for me in a while, but I do not recommend this book. 2/5 as it "was ok" and I did finish it.
July 14, 2023
This is what happenes if you mix up westworld and ready player one.
To be honest, this one was a drudge. I got to it because the first book in the series – although flawed was an enjoyable enough listen. The characters where charming, the tale simple enough. This time around the plot holes were simply too big – and tempered with an air of….see I’m aware this is a plot hole my characters even address it and tell you to don’t mind.
I think this one could have done with a hefty dose of show don’t tell. The book keeps telling me Hepheistos and Alistera have been a couple for a virtual lifetime – but at the start of it they still hackle with the concept of it. It never feels like they have fallen into a comfortable routine of knowing each other by heart.
Then there is this whole complication of live-extending measurements. With people essentially living their lives within the game and not quite leaving behind mortal bodies – if you give one company a basic unruled monopoly over what to do with real live extending means – wouldn’t there be a regulating body? You simply can’t just fuck over the majority of your paying customers – even provoke deaths….and don’t have a declining player base? Or lawsuits up your butt?
Money runs the world and dead people combined with a desolated game. Again, something they try to address. But never really get around.
All in all this book tries to be a high-stakes book but the feeling never truly sets in because the main character seemingly treats every threat like there is none.
Sadly the first instalment of the series was much better!
To be honest, this one was a drudge. I got to it because the first book in the series – although flawed was an enjoyable enough listen. The characters where charming, the tale simple enough. This time around the plot holes were simply too big – and tempered with an air of….see I’m aware this is a plot hole my characters even address it and tell you to don’t mind.
I think this one could have done with a hefty dose of show don’t tell. The book keeps telling me Hepheistos and Alistera have been a couple for a virtual lifetime – but at the start of it they still hackle with the concept of it. It never feels like they have fallen into a comfortable routine of knowing each other by heart.
Then there is this whole complication of live-extending measurements. With people essentially living their lives within the game and not quite leaving behind mortal bodies – if you give one company a basic unruled monopoly over what to do with real live extending means – wouldn’t there be a regulating body? You simply can’t just fuck over the majority of your paying customers – even provoke deaths….and don’t have a declining player base? Or lawsuits up your butt?
Money runs the world and dead people combined with a desolated game. Again, something they try to address. But never really get around.
All in all this book tries to be a high-stakes book but the feeling never truly sets in because the main character seemingly treats every threat like there is none.
Sadly the first instalment of the series was much better!
October 19, 2020
Can't say I enjoyed this book. It was a nice closure to the series, although I suppose the author could place more in the world, though it would be a rather large departure from the first two books in it, but as it stands, it appears to be complete, and I have to say, for the most part, the second book really wasn't all that great. If you just want a nice wrap up to the series, by all means, take down a copy and read away. On the other hand, if you're looking for an enthralling tale, like the first one was, you're likely to be disappointed. I didn't think the story needed most of the machanations of the main character's adversary, and although it made for a more complete storyline, I think the story would have been just as good with less interruptions, and more character building. The ending is decent enough, but the overall build up to it (well), sucked.
I'd seriously considered a 2-star rating, but I figured it wasn't really fair, since the story did eventually get to it's point, and while I didn't appreciate it's method of getting there, others may not be bothered nearly as much, so I let it slide, but definitely a solid 2.5 stars, mostly for what I'd consider to be story drift, rather than actual story content.
I'd seriously considered a 2-star rating, but I figured it wasn't really fair, since the story did eventually get to it's point, and while I didn't appreciate it's method of getting there, others may not be bothered nearly as much, so I let it slide, but definitely a solid 2.5 stars, mostly for what I'd consider to be story drift, rather than actual story content.
December 16, 2020
Surprisingly dull
The writing style is solid. You will enjoy the ideas behind the crafting and real world smithing. However, that's about it. There's basically nothing in the book but crafting descriptions and dialogue. If you're looking for leveling and game development, this isn't it.
The characters don't seem to have logical motivations. Even the unhinged characters don't make sense in their irrationality.
There's a few plot holes from the first book to the second.
I finished the book, but was glad when it was done.
The writing style is solid. You will enjoy the ideas behind the crafting and real world smithing. However, that's about it. There's basically nothing in the book but crafting descriptions and dialogue. If you're looking for leveling and game development, this isn't it.
The characters don't seem to have logical motivations. Even the unhinged characters don't make sense in their irrationality.
There's a few plot holes from the first book to the second.
I finished the book, but was glad when it was done.
January 12, 2024
Similar to book 1 this was a cosy fantasy sci-fi story
With a welder in a virtual world and the politics involved
What is moral/immoral and the impact, pros and cons of virtual reality living
I was bored a little in this one
With more step by step talks of forging and smithing which for Boring quickly
It was in the first book too but seemed more in this book
I liked the other stories running through this one
From a spoiled rich kid, to love in virtual reality and what constitutes being alive or not
With a welder in a virtual world and the politics involved
What is moral/immoral and the impact, pros and cons of virtual reality living
I was bored a little in this one
With more step by step talks of forging and smithing which for Boring quickly
It was in the first book too but seemed more in this book
I liked the other stories running through this one
From a spoiled rich kid, to love in virtual reality and what constitutes being alive or not
October 29, 2020
Fun Read
Angus/Hephaestus struggles with restoring the digital world to what it was before the Moralizers and a mad man took over and reduced it to a shadow of the experience it once was. He uses legal means as well as persuasion to rally the users to resist Lord Liberath. How can he continue his struggle and be with Altara if he his dying in the outside world while thriving in the digital world? I like the action, humor, and romance.
Angus/Hephaestus struggles with restoring the digital world to what it was before the Moralizers and a mad man took over and reduced it to a shadow of the experience it once was. He uses legal means as well as persuasion to rally the users to resist Lord Liberath. How can he continue his struggle and be with Altara if he his dying in the outside world while thriving in the digital world? I like the action, humor, and romance.
September 25, 2020
True Smithing 2: A Crafting LitRPG Series is the end of the duology by Jared Mandani, a fitting end to a great series. Jared once again takes us back to his universe where crafting and gaming come together in a wonderful fashion, his attention to detail and the story culminates in an epic battle and comeuppance.
October 25, 2020
True Smithing
I have immensely enjoyed the two published works under this title. There is just something to be said about the crafting elements that often get forgotten in our favorite RPG's. With that being said, there are a plethora of spelling and grammar mistakes in this book, and I would suggest contacting an editor to have them corrected.
I have immensely enjoyed the two published works under this title. There is just something to be said about the crafting elements that often get forgotten in our favorite RPG's. With that being said, there are a plethora of spelling and grammar mistakes in this book, and I would suggest contacting an editor to have them corrected.
December 30, 2020
A Return to Alterwelt
Hephaestus and Altara have become Administrators of Alterwelt to prevent abusers like Liberath from recurring. Unfortunately, worse villains, The Moralizers, are plotting on the "outside" to invade and destroy the heart and soul of Alterwelt. More unfortunately still, The Moralizers may win despite all the powers a True Smith and a master of melee combat can bring to the fight.
Hephaestus and Altara have become Administrators of Alterwelt to prevent abusers like Liberath from recurring. Unfortunately, worse villains, The Moralizers, are plotting on the "outside" to invade and destroy the heart and soul of Alterwelt. More unfortunately still, The Moralizers may win despite all the powers a True Smith and a master of melee combat can bring to the fight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2020
Fantastic story
Fantastic story! Not as much crafting as the first, but definitely a big part still. The interaction of real and virtual was great. Took some interesting twists, curious to see what's next
Fantastic story! Not as much crafting as the first, but definitely a big part still. The interaction of real and virtual was great. Took some interesting twists, curious to see what's next
October 12, 2020
This is just bad.
I have never seen the worst of humanity highlighted as clearly as was done here. The story is lacking, the characters are flat and unbelievable, the plot is pure drivel. This is just bad.
I have never seen the worst of humanity highlighted as clearly as was done here. The story is lacking, the characters are flat and unbelievable, the plot is pure drivel. This is just bad.
November 8, 2020
Holy cow the twists.
Great book. Good ending(?) to the series. I see much potential for spin-offs in the same universe. Maybe different games or even further into the future to see what humans have done.
Great book. Good ending(?) to the series. I see much potential for spin-offs in the same universe. Maybe different games or even further into the future to see what humans have done.
November 5, 2021
Probably the most boring thing I have read in 10 years and I'm 8k books in.
It's not litrpg for starters as no stats leveling ect ect, first book was amazing this was a dragged out wish wash of shite.
It's not litrpg for starters as no stats leveling ect ect, first book was amazing this was a dragged out wish wash of shite.
June 28, 2022
Besides the issues I have with the timeline, the age of the MC's kids, the inconsistent time dilation, and the fact that streaming or recording wasn't mentioned once, this is a fun and short series worth your time. 👍🏾👍🏾
September 30, 2020
Very entertaining read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it to everyone that like crafting and lots of action
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it to everyone that like crafting and lots of action
November 4, 2020
Good book
Great 2 book Series.
Of a third comes out I’ll read it too.
Middle of story got a bit slow.
Ending was great.
No cliffhangers.
Bingeable
Great 2 book Series.
Of a third comes out I’ll read it too.
Middle of story got a bit slow.
Ending was great.
No cliffhangers.
Bingeable
November 17, 2020
I liked this book
Good story but both books had a little to much crafting for me thats why I gave three stars. But give one a try to see for yourself.
Good story but both books had a little to much crafting for me thats why I gave three stars. But give one a try to see for yourself.
October 2, 2021
Decent
It was a mostly good story, but there were a few places that confused me. Good characters, very believable. Would read more of these.
It was a mostly good story, but there were a few places that confused me. Good characters, very believable. Would read more of these.
April 19, 2021
I don't know how to feel about this....
And by this I mean the fact that the series is done. Holy shit that was an emotional rollercoaster. It was heartbreaking enough to be realistic but dammit if they didn't get a HEA after all.
I.... whoooooooooh. I need a minute to process lol
And by this I mean the fact that the series is done. Holy shit that was an emotional rollercoaster. It was heartbreaking enough to be realistic but dammit if they didn't get a HEA after all.
I.... whoooooooooh. I need a minute to process lol
December 29, 2024
I struggled with this book as it felt as if it had lost it's soul that had been present in the first book. Yes it is about gaming, yes there is some smithing but this felt political, anti gaming not anti smithing. Some of the changes were too far fetched to really have been allowed by a company who wanted to make any profits. I felt as if it was a little spoilt brat trying to be big and undercutting everything in the process even the main core that made the last book enjoyable.
Sadly it did not help that I predicted the ending which spoilt the big twist for me.
Sadly it did not help that I predicted the ending which spoilt the big twist for me.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews