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Gods & Kings #1
Caesar's Shadow
History obsessed gamer Matt Bailey has always dreamed of commanding his own Roman Legion. Now he can. The newest VRMMORPG Gods & Kings is the closest thing to a time machine he’ll ever get.
With the powers of his Warrior Priest class Matt must build his army, level his followers, and discover new battle formations that will help him defeat his enemies and become a true Roman general. More victories means more glory and more men – so Matt must use all his knowledge of history to give his fighters the edge in battle, as well as buffing his troops with ancient magic and even summoning mythic beasts to fight alongside his men. It’s awesome!
But his carefree attitude soon earns the scorn of a serious competitor who has made it his mission to rewrite history and see Matt and his allies destroyed. To see the version of Rome he loves come to life, Matt must use all his skill to defeat his nemesis and save the empire.
With the powers of his Warrior Priest class Matt must build his army, level his followers, and discover new battle formations that will help him defeat his enemies and become a true Roman general. More victories means more glory and more men – so Matt must use all his knowledge of history to give his fighters the edge in battle, as well as buffing his troops with ancient magic and even summoning mythic beasts to fight alongside his men. It’s awesome!
But his carefree attitude soon earns the scorn of a serious competitor who has made it his mission to rewrite history and see Matt and his allies destroyed. To see the version of Rome he loves come to life, Matt must use all his skill to defeat his nemesis and save the empire.
- GenresFantasy
504 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2020
244 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 20, 2020
This is a waste.
An unremarkable character set in a poorly designed game. Mechanics do not work and break any immersion for the reader. Main Character is weak, he has no plans and does not act as if he has any gaming experience. I read the first fifth of this watching him bumble around while the plot advanced seemingly without any effort on his part. He felt unneeded and replaceable.
An unremarkable character set in a poorly designed game. Mechanics do not work and break any immersion for the reader. Main Character is weak, he has no plans and does not act as if he has any gaming experience. I read the first fifth of this watching him bumble around while the plot advanced seemingly without any effort on his part. He felt unneeded and replaceable.
December 24, 2020
Stop referring to the MC as Matt!
Was very excited to read this novel based on the setting. In the beginning of the novel I was like, “Who the heck is Matt?” Then I realized that I wasn’t reading about another character and the author refers to the MC using their name in IRL while they’re in game. Aside from that, the MC has the physical base attributes of a starting character which contradicts how the MC is able to fight in the midst of battle while dumping all their stats into intelligence. Just overall disappointed after reading this book. I gave an extra star for potential.
Was very excited to read this novel based on the setting. In the beginning of the novel I was like, “Who the heck is Matt?” Then I realized that I wasn’t reading about another character and the author refers to the MC using their name in IRL while they’re in game. Aside from that, the MC has the physical base attributes of a starting character which contradicts how the MC is able to fight in the midst of battle while dumping all their stats into intelligence. Just overall disappointed after reading this book. I gave an extra star for potential.
April 2, 2023
LitRPG is often a hit-and-miss for me, more likely to be a miss than a hit. Often the characters are shallow, the plot repetitive and the prose poor.
None of this applies to Caesar's Shadow! This is a fantastic book I enjoyed from start to finish.
I'm a sucker for everything antique and ancient Rome in particular, so I was excited to dive into this world and it didn't disappoint.
We follow gamer Matt, who plays the brand-new VRMMORPG Gods & Kings for the first time. In this game you enter ancient Rome at its most interesting time: Caesar is about to sack the republic to become its sole ruler.
Matt has the choice of which faction he wants to join: the Imperials (Caesar), the Republicans (Pomepei and Cicero), Egypt (Cleopatra) or one of the many rebel factions in Greece, Gaul or Carthago.
Naturally, he chooses Caesar's legion and a unique adventure begins.
As the story advances we meet Caesar, Marc Anthony, Cicero, Octavian, Cleopatra and many other historical personalities who appear in the game as NPCs. Matt soon finds it's quite a challenge to navigate Rome's political intrigues and stay alive, but the NPCs aren't his biggest problems, other players are. Everyone wants the ultimate power and some are completely ruthless in their efforts to achieve it...
I absolutely loved the world the author has created here! If you know a little bit about history, you'll quickly realize how much research went into this book, as despite being LitRPG, the author puts a lot of care into historical accuracy. All historical characters are well-written and believable and Matt is a likable main character.
All the time I was thinking: damn, I would LOVE to play this game!
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and LitRPG readers who seek something different than the usual stories.
This book was a lot of fun and I can't wait for the sequel!
None of this applies to Caesar's Shadow! This is a fantastic book I enjoyed from start to finish.
I'm a sucker for everything antique and ancient Rome in particular, so I was excited to dive into this world and it didn't disappoint.
We follow gamer Matt, who plays the brand-new VRMMORPG Gods & Kings for the first time. In this game you enter ancient Rome at its most interesting time: Caesar is about to sack the republic to become its sole ruler.
Matt has the choice of which faction he wants to join: the Imperials (Caesar), the Republicans (Pomepei and Cicero), Egypt (Cleopatra) or one of the many rebel factions in Greece, Gaul or Carthago.
Naturally, he chooses Caesar's legion and a unique adventure begins.
As the story advances we meet Caesar, Marc Anthony, Cicero, Octavian, Cleopatra and many other historical personalities who appear in the game as NPCs. Matt soon finds it's quite a challenge to navigate Rome's political intrigues and stay alive, but the NPCs aren't his biggest problems, other players are. Everyone wants the ultimate power and some are completely ruthless in their efforts to achieve it...
I absolutely loved the world the author has created here! If you know a little bit about history, you'll quickly realize how much research went into this book, as despite being LitRPG, the author puts a lot of care into historical accuracy. All historical characters are well-written and believable and Matt is a likable main character.
All the time I was thinking: damn, I would LOVE to play this game!
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and LitRPG readers who seek something different than the usual stories.
This book was a lot of fun and I can't wait for the sequel!
June 29, 2022
This book is straddling the fence between irritating and good enough.
On one hand, this book excels at classical history (roman, egyptian, etc). The author has really done their research and it shows. I generally enjoy military themes, so that helped a lot in coasting along the tale.
The narrator managed a decent performance - not outstandingly moving, but not distracting either. I just wish they would stop fake-shouting... It sounds ridiculous. When you need to shout, just lean back and belt it out like a BOSS. Come on!
But other than that, this book is full of confusion.
- IRL time is very badly managed. The MC spends way too much time in the game without adverse effects, given his logistics. On the contrary, IRL is adapting to his game time: he only bothers logging off when his avatar is conveniently travelling. Single timeline MMO games are hard to pull off. This book does not make a good use of that narrative tool.
- MC is taking on a military carrier, refuses to invest anything in brawn, and still manages to find himself in the thick of battle all the time. Bullshit.
- MC is the biggest hypocrite in the world. Plans on to riding a famous character's coattail to become Emperor (no less), but still manages to talk shit about another character that is actually walking the walk. There's a massive disconnect between the actions MC is taking and his avowed ambitions.
- In-game UX makes no sense. World events that you have to hide from NPC, to keep role-play? Assistant AI that disappears when other players are around? That's stupid! 80% of the time NPCs behave totally lifelike. And then, you get moments when they inexplicably fail consistency. MC was getting away with an unbelievable amount of cheek for his rank. It's either a game or it isn't. Author never managed to make their mind which it is. And that indecision created countless occurrences of immersion-breaking uncanny valley moments.
-Antagonists keeps seeking MC out, for absolutely zero gain, turning them into cardboard villains. Lucius is so far ahead of MC in the rankings that he should not even remember MC's name. But instead, he's made to constantly contact MC, to gloat or goad... It would have been at least useful if that personal antagonism was a driving force in the adventure, but it really isn't. Lucius is the bully because someone has to be.
The annoying things in this book were recurrent and serious enough to make me not want to check out the next volume personally. This is not a "bad" book. It's just full of... issues.
YMMV
On one hand, this book excels at classical history (roman, egyptian, etc). The author has really done their research and it shows. I generally enjoy military themes, so that helped a lot in coasting along the tale.
The narrator managed a decent performance - not outstandingly moving, but not distracting either. I just wish they would stop fake-shouting... It sounds ridiculous. When you need to shout, just lean back and belt it out like a BOSS. Come on!
But other than that, this book is full of confusion.
- IRL time is very badly managed. The MC spends way too much time in the game without adverse effects, given his logistics. On the contrary, IRL is adapting to his game time: he only bothers logging off when his avatar is conveniently travelling. Single timeline MMO games are hard to pull off. This book does not make a good use of that narrative tool.
- MC is taking on a military carrier, refuses to invest anything in brawn, and still manages to find himself in the thick of battle all the time. Bullshit.
- MC is the biggest hypocrite in the world. Plans on to riding a famous character's coattail to become Emperor (no less), but still manages to talk shit about another character that is actually walking the walk. There's a massive disconnect between the actions MC is taking and his avowed ambitions.
- In-game UX makes no sense. World events that you have to hide from NPC, to keep role-play? Assistant AI that disappears when other players are around? That's stupid! 80% of the time NPCs behave totally lifelike. And then, you get moments when they inexplicably fail consistency. MC was getting away with an unbelievable amount of cheek for his rank. It's either a game or it isn't. Author never managed to make their mind which it is. And that indecision created countless occurrences of immersion-breaking uncanny valley moments.
-Antagonists keeps seeking MC out, for absolutely zero gain, turning them into cardboard villains. Lucius is so far ahead of MC in the rankings that he should not even remember MC's name. But instead, he's made to constantly contact MC, to gloat or goad... It would have been at least useful if that personal antagonism was a driving force in the adventure, but it really isn't. Lucius is the bully because someone has to be.
The annoying things in this book were recurrent and serious enough to make me not want to check out the next volume personally. This is not a "bad" book. It's just full of... issues.
YMMV
October 26, 2020
Why this ending?
Riveting read. Lots of setup, but our MC works hard to rise the ranks and to become strong.
Two issues I thought were 1. The ending. Despite it going strong another way for quite a while beforehand, things are resolved in less than 20 minutes. 2. Huge lack of middle management in the Roman Empire. It's pretty much MC-> Lead General -> Caesar directly, which to me bothered me with how unrealistic it was. The rise to power and the workings of army management were needlessly simplified in a book that doesn't lack complex battles and politics.
Overall a good read. Nothing screamed out as amazing to me but I will continue the series. Definitely could use a better ending to give me some more excitement for the next.
Riveting read. Lots of setup, but our MC works hard to rise the ranks and to become strong.
Two issues I thought were 1. The ending. Despite it going strong another way for quite a while beforehand, things are resolved in less than 20 minutes. 2. Huge lack of middle management in the Roman Empire. It's pretty much MC-> Lead General -> Caesar directly, which to me bothered me with how unrealistic it was. The rise to power and the workings of army management were needlessly simplified in a book that doesn't lack complex battles and politics.
Overall a good read. Nothing screamed out as amazing to me but I will continue the series. Definitely could use a better ending to give me some more excitement for the next.
October 12, 2020
Very enjoyable and very good!
This was great Roman litrpg. It’s quite different from Limitless Lands and is very focused on Rome and its environs. It tells a great story, it’s a great length, and it has fun litrpg elements.
This story is well written with very few errors and takes a fun approach to an ancient history MMO. There isn’t much IRL stuff and very little that I didn’t like (couple unrealistic things like not resting troops, but that’s petty stuff).
Overall absolutely worth a read and I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series, especially because of the battles and whatnot in this one.
This was great Roman litrpg. It’s quite different from Limitless Lands and is very focused on Rome and its environs. It tells a great story, it’s a great length, and it has fun litrpg elements.
This story is well written with very few errors and takes a fun approach to an ancient history MMO. There isn’t much IRL stuff and very little that I didn’t like (couple unrealistic things like not resting troops, but that’s petty stuff).
Overall absolutely worth a read and I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series, especially because of the battles and whatnot in this one.
November 30, 2020
A fantastic historical inspired fantasy
A litrpg book that is low on stats and numbers, but in a way that keeps them relevant. I would have liked to see a more in depth advancement of the troops, and hopefully in the future a larger diversity to the troops. Though this is covered in the larger battles in a somewhat meaningful way. Overall i am looking forward to more book like this from the author
A litrpg book that is low on stats and numbers, but in a way that keeps them relevant. I would have liked to see a more in depth advancement of the troops, and hopefully in the future a larger diversity to the troops. Though this is covered in the larger battles in a somewhat meaningful way. Overall i am looking forward to more book like this from the author
January 6, 2021
I've always had a hard time reading books based in the Roman era, whether they be real history, or fiction stories based there. I don't know what it is about that time, I just can't muster the slightest bit of enthusiasm for stories based there, and this LitRPG entry was no different. It's a decent story as far as it goes, and I have no doubt others will thoroughly enjoy this book, but for me, this one just fell flat, and brought me nothing but aggrivation for wasting my time
November 5, 2020
Wonderful Combo of Ancient History, Fantasy, and LitRPG
When it comes to reading....
I love history, historical fiction, fantasy, and LitRPG. And this book combines them all!
Those who may be put off by the paganism and polytheism, just remember....It’s fantasy set in a game world. Take it with a grain of salt and just enjoy the ride.... the ride of a Mithraic bull. :-)
When it comes to reading....
I love history, historical fiction, fantasy, and LitRPG. And this book combines them all!
Those who may be put off by the paganism and polytheism, just remember....It’s fantasy set in a game world. Take it with a grain of salt and just enjoy the ride.... the ride of a Mithraic bull. :-)
November 9, 2020
Great start to a new series!
Was a fantastic start to a new series built upon known history with some light game lit elements didn't lose it's self to spreadsheets of filler like so many other game lit types. All this considering there didn't feel like two much fantasy to take away from the fighting action.
Was a fantastic start to a new series built upon known history with some light game lit elements didn't lose it's self to spreadsheets of filler like so many other game lit types. All this considering there didn't feel like two much fantasy to take away from the fighting action.
November 21, 2020
A good read that entertained me
Good read has a bit rpg stuff low on stats a few skills with cool downs. All and all a good story that I didn't mind reading all way through or had skip over parts. Nothing fancy but just a good read that kept me entertained. Wrapped things up in the end and left open for 2nd book nicely which I will be reading
Good read has a bit rpg stuff low on stats a few skills with cool downs. All and all a good story that I didn't mind reading all way through or had skip over parts. Nothing fancy but just a good read that kept me entertained. Wrapped things up in the end and left open for 2nd book nicely which I will be reading
December 28, 2020
I have been expecting little of some litrpg books, but even ith low expectations this was a weak addition to the genre. Really poorly made system, with an MC that follows more than guide. It was a nice idea, merging history with games, but it is weak on both parts, its not a good historic novel and its an even worst litrpg one.
January 30, 2022
As with many LitRPGs, this one had a pretty decent premise but got ruined by the actual game and characters.
The MC acts like an idiotic headless chicken while no one from the players behaves like a human.
Also, why does every book from this genre have stupid game mechanics? What I wouldn't give for a balanced playthrough and not some tryhard 'special' crap.
The MC acts like an idiotic headless chicken while no one from the players behaves like a human.
Also, why does every book from this genre have stupid game mechanics? What I wouldn't give for a balanced playthrough and not some tryhard 'special' crap.
September 18, 2023
Amazing. Simply an Amazing read and that 500 pages sure went by quickly. It was well writen and I couldnt get enough of it. Losing many hours of sleep in a few days time. The sad part is that we haven't got an update for book 2 and its going on 3 years between books.
October 24, 2020
You got a start on a great book series.
The character is good, the plot good and the way you combined them into a story is good. Get the second book out.
The character is good, the plot good and the way you combined them into a story is good. Get the second book out.
October 27, 2020
Awesome!
This book was truly a new take on the genre. If you liked limitless lands you will love this book.
This book was truly a new take on the genre. If you liked limitless lands you will love this book.
October 31, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed!
I love playing any kind of civilization games and while it may not have the same feel to it, it did bring back some nostalgia of playing those games. Good show!
I love playing any kind of civilization games and while it may not have the same feel to it, it did bring back some nostalgia of playing those games. Good show!
January 16, 2021
Interesting
Love the fact that subordinates don't die without any acknowledgment. And the main character is not that over power. Will keep reading.
Love the fact that subordinates don't die without any acknowledgment. And the main character is not that over power. Will keep reading.
March 27, 2021
Historical litRPG
A really interesting idea: an MMO based on real history. The author clearly knows his stuff. Waiting for a sequel.
A really interesting idea: an MMO based on real history. The author clearly knows his stuff. Waiting for a sequel.
July 26, 2021
I found Caesar’s Shadow to be a fantastic read, and would recommend to anyone. Full of action and gripping battles. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 21, 2021
Had promise but the MC is an idiot
I really liked the idea of this book but the MC is unlikable and stupid. Couldn’t get past the 18% mark.
I really liked the idea of this book but the MC is unlikable and stupid. Couldn’t get past the 18% mark.
January 11, 2022
A bland, flat character (loser archetype) that nobody (reader included) cares about goes through a dull story told in a tedious way. DNF
September 25, 2022
Excellent historical details
The history is absolutely spot on, but considering the period is relatively very well detailed, the fiction part does not add all that much.
The history is absolutely spot on, but considering the period is relatively very well detailed, the fiction part does not add all that much.
March 13, 2023
I had high hopes for this book, but it was just ok.
October 13, 2020
Great little, hope there's a sequel
This book was a good read it had no spelling errors, was true to the history of that time, I think it was a great read and well worth the price.
This book was a good read it had no spelling errors, was true to the history of that time, I think it was a great read and well worth the price.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews