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635 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2019
Plot Overview:
The Wastes picks up right after the events of the first book, with Eric embarking on a perilous journey through the harsh and unforgiving territory known as the Wastes. This desolate land is home to terrifying monsters, treacherous landscapes, and mysterious factions. Eric’s ultimate goal remains the same: survive, grow stronger, and gain experience in a world where his low leveling ability severely limits his progress.
What makes The Wastes stand out is how the environment itself becomes an antagonist. The land is dangerous, filled with deadly creatures and harsh conditions that test Eric’s survival skills at every turn. The challenges he faces here are not just about combat; they involve endurance, strategy, and adapting to the unforgiving terrain. The tension is palpable, with every decision Eric makes potentially leading to life or death consequences.
Character Development:
One of the most rewarding aspects of this book is Eric’s continued growth. He remains an underdog, but his journey through the Wastes forces him to evolve both physically and mentally. Eric is not a conventional LitRPG protagonist—he doesn't have overwhelming power at his disposal, which makes his progress feel realistic and earned. The hardships he faces shape him, and his ingenuity and perseverance are highlighted more than his physical strength or skills.
Secondary characters, while present, are not as deeply explored as Eric himself. However, there is a slight improvement from the first book in terms of giving more personality to some of Eric’s companions. The relationships he builds are still secondary to his personal struggle, but they add layers to his interactions and help round out the story.
Game Mechanics:
As with the first book, The Wastes leans heavily on LitRPG mechanics, and fans of the genre will appreciate the detail that Osadchuk provides. The leveling system, skill acquisitions, and item management are all seamlessly integrated into the plot. However, much like in the previous book, Eric’s progress is intentionally slow, which is a core part of the story’s appeal. His underdog status is not an artificial hurdle—it is central to the narrative.
This slow progression can be both a strength and a weakness, depending on the reader. On one hand, it creates a sense of realism and builds tension; Eric’s victories feel more hard-fought and rewarding. On the other hand, for readers who prefer faster-paced LitRPG stories with rapid leveling, the deliberate pacing may feel frustrating at times. There are moments where the detailed breakdowns of skills and stats can interrupt the flow of the story, especially during crucial action scenes.
World-Building:
The Wastes themselves are a grim and fascinating setting. Osadchuk’s descriptions of this desolate landscape create an immersive atmosphere. The danger feels real, and the environment adds a new dimension to the story that wasn’t as prevalent in the first book. The addition of new factions and creatures gives a sense of a larger, more complex world at play.
However, much of the world-building is still centered around Eric’s immediate survival. The larger geopolitical aspects of the world, while hinted at, remain in the background. This book focuses more on Eric’s personal journey rather than expanding the world in a broad sense, but this works in favor of the narrative, keeping the reader's attention on the protagonist’s plight.
Action and Pacing:
The pacing in The Wastes is consistent with the series’ overall tone. While it’s slower than many other LitRPG books, the pacing matches the grind-like nature of Eric’s progress. The action scenes are well-done, particularly in how they force Eric to think strategically rather than simply overpower his enemies. This is where the book shines—it’s not about raw strength; it’s about using limited resources and making smart choices in a dangerous world.
There are moments when the pacing drags, particularly when the game mechanics are explained in detail. While this depth will appeal to hardcore LitRPG fans, it may slow the narrative for those more focused on story progression.
Overall Experience:
The Wastes is a worthy continuation of the Underdog series. It stays true to its title, with Eric constantly being pushed to his limits in a world that seems determined to keep him down. His journey is one of grit, determination, and survival. This book emphasizes the slow, grinding progression that makes Eric’s victories feel more significant.
The novel may not be for every LitRPG fan. Readers who prefer faster-paced action and rapid progression might find it a bit slow. But for those who enjoy seeing a character work hard for every achievement and appreciate the tension of survival in an unforgiving world, The Wastes delivers a compelling and immersive experience.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆