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Farming Livia #1
Tallrock
An untapped frontier. Reaping and sowing. Redemption through growth.Matt is running from a life that he no longer wants, and he’s found a solution. By logging in to the newest game, Livia, he gains chances that he can’t get anywhere else. Matt chooses to cut out a new life for himself on the edge of civilization, by venturing to the frontier town of Tallrock. As soon as he gains his class, the newly minted Cycle Mage has one farming.Now known in-game as Kastigan, he gains a starting bonus parcel of virgin land that he will need to convert to farmland from the ground up. Kastigan needs to decide what to grow, what animals to raise, and who to hire; all while dealing with a Legion Commander who hates him for no apparent reason, surviving in the wild land where monsters roam freely, and uncovering lost relics from a forgotten time.If he succeeds, he will create a new home for himself. If he fails, he will lose not only his farm, but all the workers, crops, and beasts that he has spent every last penny to acquire.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2020
204 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 28, 2020
First half of a great book
I enjoy the authors others work quite a bit, so it was easy for me to trust him and pick up this book. The world building is good, if not a bit over the top. It’s a semi unique approach to litrpg with the main character not getting into any fights at all. It leans more on the crafting and settlement creation, which I tend to enjoy when it’s done well.
The biggest issues with this book is that there is really no significant plot or conflict in any way. There is no building challenge for the main character, no protagonist, no resolution to anything. The only motivation for the whole story is just the main character trying to see if he can do things. With some emotional backstory as a fake unrealistic reason. The main character spends so much time doing every little thing on his farm with such a random array of skills that the reader doesn’t even know what his abilities will allow him to do in the future. There is just no direction for the character. The ending is just a random point Xander decided to stop writing. I can’t even call it a cliff hanger because that usually implies there is some level of suspense or great resolution coming up I want to read and that is not the case in this book. I expect the main character to slowly plod along as he did the entire book.
This book should have been the start to a much larger first book that has a larger plot. All said I might read the second book in the hope that Xander gets into deeper portion of the story, with this first 300 page prologue out of the way.
I enjoy the authors others work quite a bit, so it was easy for me to trust him and pick up this book. The world building is good, if not a bit over the top. It’s a semi unique approach to litrpg with the main character not getting into any fights at all. It leans more on the crafting and settlement creation, which I tend to enjoy when it’s done well.
The biggest issues with this book is that there is really no significant plot or conflict in any way. There is no building challenge for the main character, no protagonist, no resolution to anything. The only motivation for the whole story is just the main character trying to see if he can do things. With some emotional backstory as a fake unrealistic reason. The main character spends so much time doing every little thing on his farm with such a random array of skills that the reader doesn’t even know what his abilities will allow him to do in the future. There is just no direction for the character. The ending is just a random point Xander decided to stop writing. I can’t even call it a cliff hanger because that usually implies there is some level of suspense or great resolution coming up I want to read and that is not the case in this book. I expect the main character to slowly plod along as he did the entire book.
This book should have been the start to a much larger first book that has a larger plot. All said I might read the second book in the hope that Xander gets into deeper portion of the story, with this first 300 page prologue out of the way.
November 21, 2020
Nice enough
But there is a morose undercurrent that pervades the novel.
The MC is entering the game partially to escape the memory of recent loss in his real life. Unfortunately, while the loss is fairly well explained the rest of the world is virtually blank and the MC is little more than a a sad enigma. Most of the real world is depicted as a disaster due to humans, but actual details are little more than ‘humans are horrible and destroyed the planet.’
The game world is well structured. Almost too well structured as the MC doesn’t face any truly daunting issues. At least not directly.
The complexity of the game world is heavily in play, but the MC rarely works specifically using things he chose. For instance, Mana Cultivation was something he wanted, he got it, then it practically wasn’t mentioned again. Even though he uses mana quite regularly.
Few typos. Actually quite well written. Earned the novel a higher rating than the story deserves.
I likely will pick up the sequel when it arrives, but I hope the pace and the tension increase.
But there is a morose undercurrent that pervades the novel.
The MC is entering the game partially to escape the memory of recent loss in his real life. Unfortunately, while the loss is fairly well explained the rest of the world is virtually blank and the MC is little more than a a sad enigma. Most of the real world is depicted as a disaster due to humans, but actual details are little more than ‘humans are horrible and destroyed the planet.’
The game world is well structured. Almost too well structured as the MC doesn’t face any truly daunting issues. At least not directly.
The complexity of the game world is heavily in play, but the MC rarely works specifically using things he chose. For instance, Mana Cultivation was something he wanted, he got it, then it practically wasn’t mentioned again. Even though he uses mana quite regularly.
Few typos. Actually quite well written. Earned the novel a higher rating than the story deserves.
I likely will pick up the sequel when it arrives, but I hope the pace and the tension increase.
December 16, 2020
Unexpected
I was hoping for the next in the Red Mage series when I saw something was available by this author. This is something very different then Red Mage besides both being in litrpg. This is a very farm/craft driven character so far that has death spells and uses them in farm useful ways. This isn't as violent as Red Mage is so far but it hints at a very violent possible storyline. I like Kastigan and hope to read more about his world soon. Also I hope for the next Red Mage ;)
I was hoping for the next in the Red Mage series when I saw something was available by this author. This is something very different then Red Mage besides both being in litrpg. This is a very farm/craft driven character so far that has death spells and uses them in farm useful ways. This isn't as violent as Red Mage is so far but it hints at a very violent possible storyline. I like Kastigan and hope to read more about his world soon. Also I hope for the next Red Mage ;)
November 29, 2020
Great "Slice of Life" litrpg
This is a great story about crafting and building. There is mention of bad guys and a possible change coming but nothing is needed urgently.
The protagonist just wants to set up as a farmer and doesnt particularly want to do the normal adventuring. So if you prefer diving into some of the mechanics of building and farming challanges this is a great book.
Cant wait for the next book in the series
This is a great story about crafting and building. There is mention of bad guys and a possible change coming but nothing is needed urgently.
The protagonist just wants to set up as a farmer and doesnt particularly want to do the normal adventuring. So if you prefer diving into some of the mechanics of building and farming challanges this is a great book.
Cant wait for the next book in the series
November 30, 2020
Excellent crafting and settlement building
This is a fantastic story focused on settlement development and crafting told through a slice of life style. Good editing and easy to read. Once I started I could not stop. The story is set with the MC playing a game to earn money. The real life parts to the story are minimal and noninvasive at this stage establishing the MC’s motivation to play.
This is a fantastic story focused on settlement development and crafting told through a slice of life style. Good editing and easy to read. Once I started I could not stop. The story is set with the MC playing a game to earn money. The real life parts to the story are minimal and noninvasive at this stage establishing the MC’s motivation to play.
November 26, 2020
This is a solid first novel in a new series
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to more! This is almost purely a frontier settlement start up and I really wanted more! Thank you!
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to more! This is almost purely a frontier settlement start up and I really wanted more! Thank you!
November 26, 2020
Another amazing book!
I love Xanders previous books and this is no exception! The focus on crafting is a nice change and makes the MC more likeable than the standard OP MCs you see in this genre!
I eagerly await the next instalment!
I love Xanders previous books and this is no exception! The focus on crafting is a nice change and makes the MC more likeable than the standard OP MCs you see in this genre!
I eagerly await the next instalment!
July 3, 2021
07/03/21 Notes:
Listened to the audiobook for re-read & enjoyed it! However, the episodic formula makes the book feel undone and abrupt in how it stops vs comes to a plotted end.
06/19/20 Notes:
Read the story when it was released on RoyalRoad.
Listened to the audiobook for re-read & enjoyed it! However, the episodic formula makes the book feel undone and abrupt in how it stops vs comes to a plotted end.
06/19/20 Notes:
Read the story when it was released on RoyalRoad.
December 1, 2020
I felt like I just read the tutorial for the story.
Technically speaking, the writing quality is excellent and the story is fairly coherent. Also, I’m a fan of the author’s Red Mage books and it’s great to see him write more. Unfortunately, I really didn’t enjoy this book.
First off, I have a problem with the main character. He is uncharismatic and unremarkable, and yet is constantly getting tons of help from the NPCs around him. This makes him comes off as lazy as well, as he is spoon fed vital information and rewards just for existing. He doesn’t even seem all that grateful for the help. I guess you could call it hero’s privilege and it happens in most stories, but it seems rather gratuitous in this one.
Also, the pacing of the story is slow. It made reading a chore and finishing a challenge. I get that this wasn’t going to be a hardcore adventure novel with the whole farming angle, but there is so little excitement or growth. And any dangers the main character faces are already muted by the fact he is just playing a game. As with most of these type of stories, there are also brief interludes into the “real” world. These added little, except to slow the story down even further and highlight how playing VR all day would have severe health and social consequences. The author could have really spiced things up more. Honestly, the most concern I had was whether or not the “hero” was going to make rent.
And what’s up with the main character being so broke and clueless? He is a grown man betting everything on somehow making a living farming in a game he has no idea how to play. He says he’s done his research, and yet he is ignorant about so many important things - including how to be a farmer. In fact, the AI literally has to rebuild his character and then immediately saddles him with an extremely capable NPC personal assistant. The main character is clearly intelligent and can crunch numbers like a champ, but it’s also pretty clear he would have failed without the substantial help he received.
In regards to finances, his situation is even more dire. Apparently, the main character doesn’t even have $100 to his name after “investing” everything into the game. The idea he has no funds to make even basic purchases for his “job” is utterly ridiculous. More importantly though, how does he pay for real life incidentals? I would be more sympathetic if he was borderline homeless or a kid, except he is actually bailing on an established technical career and aiming for a substantial monthly gaming income to float his lifestyle.
Another big problem that doesn’t sell the story for me is how artificial everything is in game. How bad could this be? Well, several skills trigger a mini game like trying to solve some kind of Sudoku or Tetris puzzle. And at one point, a plant spawns a frigging book as loot. I know being in a game is a common trope in litRPG and I’m open to the idea, but I’ve yet to see it done well from a dramatic standpoint. Personally, I find it all just pulls me out of the story and this one leaned very heavily into game logic. Heck, the author even has the main character remark that he is just in a game at times.
There were some highlights, such as an amusing twist on bonded pet mechanics for use as commercial pet trading. I also enjoyed the parts of farming that were actually base building and the struggle of resource management. Several supporting characters were rather interesting as well, which only highlighted how boring and generally inept the main character was in contrast. I don’t understand the author’s logic for this as it is clearly by design. It’s almost like he is trying to sabotage his own hero. Even though I could find no fault with the writing itself, the end result was I never really cared about the main character or his struggles in the real world. I’m sure others will find the book more appealing, but it just wasn’t for me.
Technically speaking, the writing quality is excellent and the story is fairly coherent. Also, I’m a fan of the author’s Red Mage books and it’s great to see him write more. Unfortunately, I really didn’t enjoy this book.
First off, I have a problem with the main character. He is uncharismatic and unremarkable, and yet is constantly getting tons of help from the NPCs around him. This makes him comes off as lazy as well, as he is spoon fed vital information and rewards just for existing. He doesn’t even seem all that grateful for the help. I guess you could call it hero’s privilege and it happens in most stories, but it seems rather gratuitous in this one.
Also, the pacing of the story is slow. It made reading a chore and finishing a challenge. I get that this wasn’t going to be a hardcore adventure novel with the whole farming angle, but there is so little excitement or growth. And any dangers the main character faces are already muted by the fact he is just playing a game. As with most of these type of stories, there are also brief interludes into the “real” world. These added little, except to slow the story down even further and highlight how playing VR all day would have severe health and social consequences. The author could have really spiced things up more. Honestly, the most concern I had was whether or not the “hero” was going to make rent.
And what’s up with the main character being so broke and clueless? He is a grown man betting everything on somehow making a living farming in a game he has no idea how to play. He says he’s done his research, and yet he is ignorant about so many important things - including how to be a farmer. In fact, the AI literally has to rebuild his character and then immediately saddles him with an extremely capable NPC personal assistant. The main character is clearly intelligent and can crunch numbers like a champ, but it’s also pretty clear he would have failed without the substantial help he received.
In regards to finances, his situation is even more dire. Apparently, the main character doesn’t even have $100 to his name after “investing” everything into the game. The idea he has no funds to make even basic purchases for his “job” is utterly ridiculous. More importantly though, how does he pay for real life incidentals? I would be more sympathetic if he was borderline homeless or a kid, except he is actually bailing on an established technical career and aiming for a substantial monthly gaming income to float his lifestyle.
Another big problem that doesn’t sell the story for me is how artificial everything is in game. How bad could this be? Well, several skills trigger a mini game like trying to solve some kind of Sudoku or Tetris puzzle. And at one point, a plant spawns a frigging book as loot. I know being in a game is a common trope in litRPG and I’m open to the idea, but I’ve yet to see it done well from a dramatic standpoint. Personally, I find it all just pulls me out of the story and this one leaned very heavily into game logic. Heck, the author even has the main character remark that he is just in a game at times.
There were some highlights, such as an amusing twist on bonded pet mechanics for use as commercial pet trading. I also enjoyed the parts of farming that were actually base building and the struggle of resource management. Several supporting characters were rather interesting as well, which only highlighted how boring and generally inept the main character was in contrast. I don’t understand the author’s logic for this as it is clearly by design. It’s almost like he is trying to sabotage his own hero. Even though I could find no fault with the writing itself, the end result was I never really cared about the main character or his struggles in the real world. I’m sure others will find the book more appealing, but it just wasn’t for me.
May 9, 2021
I hope the author doesn't repeat his mistake (in my opinion) of his Advent Series. He is talented and writes a great story and characters (I also hope he makes it single POV, and keeps it that way).
Sadly this looks like it is going to be a "we're in a game" novel. I really dislike these. If you are making a world, make it real, like the advent series.
I hate the "porting into a game", where if anything happened, you can just take off your VR goggles. There is no real danger. Everything negative can be fixed by logging out. I understand the protagonist wants money, but I really don't like these "Let's Play" novels. I would rather the world be game like, than you actually playing a literal game.
I will finish it because I like survival type novels, but if something doesn't change drastically before the end, I'm dropping the series. It's already annoying having to skip over the stats.
Why list stats?
The protagonist will explain everything that changed anyway. Just say that he looked at his stats and have him note what changed. Dear god I hate stats.
I can't take this book serious. There is a mini game, within the game.
Even though I like the aspect of the book (farming, surviving on the frontier, etc), I don't think I can continue this series if everything is just going to be a game.
I finished the book and I'm done with the series.
Not picking up any sequels.
3/5 Stars
Sadly this looks like it is going to be a "we're in a game" novel. I really dislike these. If you are making a world, make it real, like the advent series.
I hate the "porting into a game", where if anything happened, you can just take off your VR goggles. There is no real danger. Everything negative can be fixed by logging out. I understand the protagonist wants money, but I really don't like these "Let's Play" novels. I would rather the world be game like, than you actually playing a literal game.
I will finish it because I like survival type novels, but if something doesn't change drastically before the end, I'm dropping the series. It's already annoying having to skip over the stats.
Why list stats?
The protagonist will explain everything that changed anyway. Just say that he looked at his stats and have him note what changed. Dear god I hate stats.
I can't take this book serious. There is a mini game, within the game.
Even though I like the aspect of the book (farming, surviving on the frontier, etc), I don't think I can continue this series if everything is just going to be a game.
I finished the book and I'm done with the series.
Not picking up any sequels.
3/5 Stars
April 3, 2024
I didn't know if I'd like it when I requested it, it proved even with very little combat that it can be enjoyable. I hope the author continues this series and I look forward to book 2.
November 21, 2020
Most enjoyable read
What’s it about a bloke wanting to escape his normal boring life in a broken world wanting to just farm and dabble in lots of different things, sometimes it’s great to just have a nice slice of life story with a bit of action a slice of unknown and a sprinkling of background.
If your after tech trees fighting and action maybe it’s not for you but I have it a chance and was glad I did.
What’s it about a bloke wanting to escape his normal boring life in a broken world wanting to just farm and dabble in lots of different things, sometimes it’s great to just have a nice slice of life story with a bit of action a slice of unknown and a sprinkling of background.
If your after tech trees fighting and action maybe it’s not for you but I have it a chance and was glad I did.
November 23, 2020
Xander Bryce writes awesome books!
Xander Bryce writes awesome books! I wish he wrote faster! I really enjoyed this book it was a great offbeat take on the litrpg genre and left.me.wanting more. If you enjoyed this check out his other books, they are well worth the read.
Xander Bryce writes awesome books! I wish he wrote faster! I really enjoyed this book it was a great offbeat take on the litrpg genre and left.me.wanting more. If you enjoyed this check out his other books, they are well worth the read.
November 22, 2020
Really enjoyable book
I love that this book wholly focused on crafting and town building - two of the things I love - instead of mostly combat that so club of the rest of LitRPG focuses on. Can’t wait for the next one!
I love that this book wholly focused on crafting and town building - two of the things I love - instead of mostly combat that so club of the rest of LitRPG focuses on. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 15, 2020
A new series (I hope) from Xander Boyce that emphasizes a main character who wants to make something of the world he’s in, rather than delve into dungeons. The main character and the storyline hooked me pretty quickly. I did have to look up the Alderson Disk that is the game world, but that isn’t critical to the story, though a map might help.
Now I have another series to wait on...
Now I have another series to wait on...
Read
May 29, 2021Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would DNF a book from one of my favorite new authors. Yet here we are and I got 15 min into the audiobook, at which point I just couldn't force my self to keep going. It was a bunch of info dump about farming and stuff, which let's be honest I couldn't give less of a crap about. If you care about farming and don't mind 0 character development or personality. Then go ahead and read it. However if you like me saw the name Xander Boyce and instantly thought. Oh wow a new series by the author of the hugely popular series (Red mage) this I have to read. Then don't bother this book reads as if it was written by a completely different author. It has 0 things in common with the awesome book series (Red Mage). Despite that Xander Boyce remains one of my favorite authors and I don't think that'll change.
December 18, 2020
It's not Red Mage, but who cares! It's a thoroughly enjoyable read, with some settlement building right out of the bat and a lot of interesting characters.
March 15, 2021
What killed this book right from the start for me:
- Too little IRL
- no context
- no purpose
In short, it's a bloody Twitch stream.
In a book
What a way to misuse Andrea Parsneau!
- Too little IRL
- no context
- no purpose
In short, it's a bloody Twitch stream.
In a book
What a way to misuse Andrea Parsneau!
February 23, 2021
The author does some things very well in this book and having read earlier work by this author is looks to me as if he is improving. However, this book has one glaring flaw- it fails to provide any story resolution.
MC is looking for a change, the reasons for that desire are hidden for much of the book and author’s handling of this aspect of the story are superb so I will not be spoiling that part of the story. The MC lands on becoming a career VR gamer and so moves to the border town Tallrock and sets up a potato and wheat farm. All the way he makes a beast tamer NPC friend who becomes a partner in the farm. When the NPC ends up with 10 followers the farm quickly begins to look like it will become a settlement in spite of not having a single residence or harvest yet. The MC ends up discovering an old mine now inhabited by intelligent kobolds and so the MC negotiates mining rights with the kobolds. While in the mine it appears to the MC that the mine might be the entrance to a dungeon so the MC invites player friends of his to come explore the mine. MC meets those players in Tallrock. The end.
As you can probably see from the above recitation, the author didn’t even remotely attempt for story resolution. There is one kind of story that can get away with that- a travel log story where it is all about the journey and not the destination. While much of this story is written that way (which is why a story with no resolution is even getting 2 stars) the end spoils it. The author may as well have ended this book by writing “next is a dungeon adventure but I’m not going to tell you about it now because I want to sell you two mediocre books instead of one good one”.
Bottom line: If you don’t care about story resolution you should read this book because it was otherwise well above average. However, if you do care about story resolution then don’t waste your time.
MC is looking for a change, the reasons for that desire are hidden for much of the book and author’s handling of this aspect of the story are superb so I will not be spoiling that part of the story. The MC lands on becoming a career VR gamer and so moves to the border town Tallrock and sets up a potato and wheat farm. All the way he makes a beast tamer NPC friend who becomes a partner in the farm. When the NPC ends up with 10 followers the farm quickly begins to look like it will become a settlement in spite of not having a single residence or harvest yet. The MC ends up discovering an old mine now inhabited by intelligent kobolds and so the MC negotiates mining rights with the kobolds. While in the mine it appears to the MC that the mine might be the entrance to a dungeon so the MC invites player friends of his to come explore the mine. MC meets those players in Tallrock. The end.
As you can probably see from the above recitation, the author didn’t even remotely attempt for story resolution. There is one kind of story that can get away with that- a travel log story where it is all about the journey and not the destination. While much of this story is written that way (which is why a story with no resolution is even getting 2 stars) the end spoils it. The author may as well have ended this book by writing “next is a dungeon adventure but I’m not going to tell you about it now because I want to sell you two mediocre books instead of one good one”.
Bottom line: If you don’t care about story resolution you should read this book because it was otherwise well above average. However, if you do care about story resolution then don’t waste your time.
February 23, 2022
This book was enjoyable for a slice of life LitRPG, but felt a bit empty at times, and the pacing was slow even by SoL standards.
The MC’s reason for make the virtual world his new real world was done very well. Super emotional, a real gut punch when it is finally revealed around the halfway point. On top of that it has the gentle story telling that slice of life needs to succeed, and some great background characters. Xander Boyce always does a great job writing his books as well, so it should be noted that this is a pretty talented writer.
I did the audio, and Andrea is such a gem in the world of narration. She had the perfect tone and rhythm for such a somber fantasy book.
What really held me back from going to 5 stars were a couple elements. First, the pacing was very difficult for me. It was a lot of pausing to gather herbs, pausing to go over farming elements, pausing to stare at the valley, pausing to pet the animals. It felt like fairly simple mechanics would take a very long time to complete, and that the MC, despite making it known that he was desperate to make this virtual world work out financially, was in no real rush to actually accomplish his goal. Next, most of the dialogue was only exposition. There wasn’t the classic slice of life fun banter or cafe style conversation, it was all just someone explaining more game elements every single time they opened their mouth. This was strange considering how much genuinely good dialogue the author puts in his other novels.
Overall, would I recommend it? Yes. Definitely. If nothing else it is a well written novel with a chill vibe, and Andrea as the audiobook narrator is just the cherry on top. Very good for anyone who just wants a relaxing read at a slow pace. I hope the second book opens up the world even more!
The MC’s reason for make the virtual world his new real world was done very well. Super emotional, a real gut punch when it is finally revealed around the halfway point. On top of that it has the gentle story telling that slice of life needs to succeed, and some great background characters. Xander Boyce always does a great job writing his books as well, so it should be noted that this is a pretty talented writer.
I did the audio, and Andrea is such a gem in the world of narration. She had the perfect tone and rhythm for such a somber fantasy book.
What really held me back from going to 5 stars were a couple elements. First, the pacing was very difficult for me. It was a lot of pausing to gather herbs, pausing to go over farming elements, pausing to stare at the valley, pausing to pet the animals. It felt like fairly simple mechanics would take a very long time to complete, and that the MC, despite making it known that he was desperate to make this virtual world work out financially, was in no real rush to actually accomplish his goal. Next, most of the dialogue was only exposition. There wasn’t the classic slice of life fun banter or cafe style conversation, it was all just someone explaining more game elements every single time they opened their mouth. This was strange considering how much genuinely good dialogue the author puts in his other novels.
Overall, would I recommend it? Yes. Definitely. If nothing else it is a well written novel with a chill vibe, and Andrea as the audiobook narrator is just the cherry on top. Very good for anyone who just wants a relaxing read at a slow pace. I hope the second book opens up the world even more!
February 2, 2024
This is "old school" litrpg, in that the rpg in question is an actual VR game that the MC goes in and out of.
I saw the word "morose" get used on an Amazon review of this one, and I think that may apply here. There is a sadness to where the MC is in their life and what they hope to accomplish.
At one point, it sounded like there was a plan for a book 2, to happen after book 3 in a different series got written. Book 3 got published 23 months ago, and book 1 of a different series has come out in the meanwhile. I'm not sure if that means this is abandoned or still to come eventually, but I think I'll leave this one where it is.
Why?
The morose-ness wasn't what I was looking for. The stakes (it's 100% a game, not trapped, no end of the world, etc) are so low that it feels just a bit like watching someone play a game on youtube, which can be fun!, but isn't what I'm looking for now. I think mostly though it's that you're watching someone in the middle of actively destroying their life. I have hope that if the series does continue that the MC would be able to turn their real life around a bit too, but for now it's a bit too much of watching someone eat bitter.
Apparently with time, my tastes have changed a bit, and I find myself far more fascinated by isekai and cultivation. Even rpg elements in the real world, post-apocalyptic or not, are fun.
I do really enjoy the author's writing, and look forward to reading Books 2 and 3 of Red Mage. I may check out Freshman Drive as well, as it reminds me a bit of one of the Russians I read a few years ago (when I discovered litrpg in my quest to read more from authors who weren't middle-aged white male native english speakers and possibly cheated a bit in my quest for diversity by diving into a bunch of russian litrpg).
I saw the word "morose" get used on an Amazon review of this one, and I think that may apply here. There is a sadness to where the MC is in their life and what they hope to accomplish.
At one point, it sounded like there was a plan for a book 2, to happen after book 3 in a different series got written. Book 3 got published 23 months ago, and book 1 of a different series has come out in the meanwhile. I'm not sure if that means this is abandoned or still to come eventually, but I think I'll leave this one where it is.
Why?
The morose-ness wasn't what I was looking for. The stakes (it's 100% a game, not trapped, no end of the world, etc) are so low that it feels just a bit like watching someone play a game on youtube, which can be fun!, but isn't what I'm looking for now. I think mostly though it's that you're watching someone in the middle of actively destroying their life. I have hope that if the series does continue that the MC would be able to turn their real life around a bit too, but for now it's a bit too much of watching someone eat bitter.
Apparently with time, my tastes have changed a bit, and I find myself far more fascinated by isekai and cultivation. Even rpg elements in the real world, post-apocalyptic or not, are fun.
I do really enjoy the author's writing, and look forward to reading Books 2 and 3 of Red Mage. I may check out Freshman Drive as well, as it reminds me a bit of one of the Russians I read a few years ago (when I discovered litrpg in my quest to read more from authors who weren't middle-aged white male native english speakers and possibly cheated a bit in my quest for diversity by diving into a bunch of russian litrpg).
February 20, 2024
3.5 Stars
Soo, it is better than Magriculture in the the setting feels more rugged and bigger which I like. Just the presence of the other people on the farm and having multiple pets that the MC likes to play with was also a fantastic choice compared to the bland experience Magriculture was. The Mc was not by himself like in Farming for Gold too. However, the lightheartedness and general wholesome attitude in Beware the Chicken made that way more enjoyable to read. I also think that it felt way more stressful for the MC for a majority of the book before we get the knowledge of him making it in the virtual world. I wish the reward cycle happened quicker. I wouldn't mind the numbers being smaller lol. Also, I found the stats info largely unnecessary and was cluttering up the story. I wished the author just limited the info of all the spells or skills to those relevant to the story. It was especially a bit painful at the beginning when there were so many of them back to back and I didn't know which or what info was really important to remember. Like, just remove all the prerequisites for each spell except just mentioning which ones he is able to cast. The cooldown for almost all of them wasn't needed except the ones he actively uses. Same with the mana costs. Wish we only had those info for those few spells and only mention the rest when the mc actually got the them. But otherwise, it was a decent read. My ranking of farming progression stories is 1) Beware of Chicken 2) Farming for Gold 3) Tallrock 4) Magriculture. I have to also add the farming translated chinese webnovels into the list sometime too. It's just the tropes is a tad different.
Soo, it is better than Magriculture in the the setting feels more rugged and bigger which I like. Just the presence of the other people on the farm and having multiple pets that the MC likes to play with was also a fantastic choice compared to the bland experience Magriculture was. The Mc was not by himself like in Farming for Gold too. However, the lightheartedness and general wholesome attitude in Beware the Chicken made that way more enjoyable to read. I also think that it felt way more stressful for the MC for a majority of the book before we get the knowledge of him making it in the virtual world. I wish the reward cycle happened quicker. I wouldn't mind the numbers being smaller lol. Also, I found the stats info largely unnecessary and was cluttering up the story. I wished the author just limited the info of all the spells or skills to those relevant to the story. It was especially a bit painful at the beginning when there were so many of them back to back and I didn't know which or what info was really important to remember. Like, just remove all the prerequisites for each spell except just mentioning which ones he is able to cast. The cooldown for almost all of them wasn't needed except the ones he actively uses. Same with the mana costs. Wish we only had those info for those few spells and only mention the rest when the mc actually got the them. But otherwise, it was a decent read. My ranking of farming progression stories is 1) Beware of Chicken 2) Farming for Gold 3) Tallrock 4) Magriculture. I have to also add the farming translated chinese webnovels into the list sometime too. It's just the tropes is a tad different.
January 12, 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
July 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this slice-of-life, litRPG. Matt initially launches himself into a new game, Livia, just to leave his real life behind... Matt (aka Kastigan in his game-persona) sets up his character build, wanting to be something completely different from the usual type of player... he wants to farm, not fight. He wants to get his hands in the soil, so starting as a Level 1 Cycle Mage, he spring-boards on to other classes. Buying up land, practicing at building craft, herb craft, leather craft, etc, you know... everything that will help make farming on the frontier really fruitful! He also develops a trade relationship with the Kobolds in the mine/dungeon found on his property... And yes, he makes allies too! I loved it for both the characters, and the crafting aspects of the story!
I figured that I knew how and where things would end up, but it really caught me off guard... I wasn't ready to leave this rich, mostly untamed world quite yet! Grab the book to find out what happens, 'cause I ain't gonna tell you!
I saw several reviews complaining about the ending... Just get it together folks! I've heard several of y'all screaming about when the author leaves you hanging from the proverbial cliff's edge, but this is a story with a good conclusion, leaving Matt with friends and laughter, and yet still you complain! You just can't have it both ways people!
Andrea Parsneau is in top form (as usual) as she narrates Xander Boyse's tale!
I figured that I knew how and where things would end up, but it really caught me off guard... I wasn't ready to leave this rich, mostly untamed world quite yet! Grab the book to find out what happens, 'cause I ain't gonna tell you!
I saw several reviews complaining about the ending... Just get it together folks! I've heard several of y'all screaming about when the author leaves you hanging from the proverbial cliff's edge, but this is a story with a good conclusion, leaving Matt with friends and laughter, and yet still you complain! You just can't have it both ways people!
Andrea Parsneau is in top form (as usual) as she narrates Xander Boyse's tale!
March 30, 2021
Ok start.... But slow
This book is the start of a new series in which the MC Matt is using a VR lotto enter a new online e game and farm.... Literally. There would seems that matt has some personal problems and he's trying to escape from IRL and perhaps live in the game permanently if he can support himself by farming.This is all well I'm good and some of the IRL problems show themselves within the story But overall this book is like reading a slice of life.Though he's go to be self sufficient in the game world is The majority of the book there doesn't seem to be any real Quest line in the making. There are hints and undiscovered areas that hint of opportunity but nothing definitive.The nothing was wrong with the read it was very slow and had no major action and Nothing to put the way of what the big picture will be in the future it though I expect book to will expound upon some of those undiscovered elements. Though I will be probably reading the second book to see if anything actually happens in this series I do think the authors previous series was a better story..
This book is the start of a new series in which the MC Matt is using a VR lotto enter a new online e game and farm.... Literally. There would seems that matt has some personal problems and he's trying to escape from IRL and perhaps live in the game permanently if he can support himself by farming.This is all well I'm good and some of the IRL problems show themselves within the story But overall this book is like reading a slice of life.Though he's go to be self sufficient in the game world is The majority of the book there doesn't seem to be any real Quest line in the making. There are hints and undiscovered areas that hint of opportunity but nothing definitive.The nothing was wrong with the read it was very slow and had no major action and Nothing to put the way of what the big picture will be in the future it though I expect book to will expound upon some of those undiscovered elements. Though I will be probably reading the second book to see if anything actually happens in this series I do think the authors previous series was a better story..
January 8, 2021
This is a new series by an author who writes another series I love, Red Mage. Since Red Mage was so good, I have this a try. It is definitely an enjoyable read, and I will continue with the rest of the series, but I am not eagerly awaiting new releases like I am with Red Mage.
This book has pacing issues. I have no problem with the lack of combat from the MC. I love the fact that he is building a town and leveling up crafting. The problem is that the author focuses too much on the Main character's depression and random things that do not matter. I read several pages written about him playing with his new pet, and thinking about how nice it was.
It's fine I suppose, but I found myself skimming through quite a few paragraphs that were not central to the story or plot. I wanted to read about progress, and I don't mean with his skills or levels. I mean progress with his plan and roadblocks for his plan. So far, he has hit zero roadblocks. I hope that changes in book 2.
With just a few changes, this series could be even more amazing than Red Mage is.
This book has pacing issues. I have no problem with the lack of combat from the MC. I love the fact that he is building a town and leveling up crafting. The problem is that the author focuses too much on the Main character's depression and random things that do not matter. I read several pages written about him playing with his new pet, and thinking about how nice it was.
It's fine I suppose, but I found myself skimming through quite a few paragraphs that were not central to the story or plot. I wanted to read about progress, and I don't mean with his skills or levels. I mean progress with his plan and roadblocks for his plan. So far, he has hit zero roadblocks. I hope that changes in book 2.
With just a few changes, this series could be even more amazing than Red Mage is.
March 2, 2021
A wonderful first
This is my first book from the author, and though I had this in my queue I'd left it alone for a while since the blurb was interesting but also left me leery with the first line being a downer. I'm glad to say though that from the start I was kept intrigued and interested, so looking forward to more in the series!
Update: So it turns out I've read another story from this author, Advent, but it was a web novel at the time, so the name didn't mean anything to me until I went looking to see if Book 2 was already out. LOL Still, this book was of a much more mature quality writing than before, so def deserves the 4 stars, though I would give it 4.5 if I could; it lacked a real hook for me to give it 5 since I rarely give those.
This is my first book from the author, and though I had this in my queue I'd left it alone for a while since the blurb was interesting but also left me leery with the first line being a downer. I'm glad to say though that from the start I was kept intrigued and interested, so looking forward to more in the series!
Update: So it turns out I've read another story from this author, Advent, but it was a web novel at the time, so the name didn't mean anything to me until I went looking to see if Book 2 was already out. LOL Still, this book was of a much more mature quality writing than before, so def deserves the 4 stars, though I would give it 4.5 if I could; it lacked a real hook for me to give it 5 since I rarely give those.
July 17, 2023
Another great story from Xander Boyce. I read the book and listened to the audiobook. I usually don't like litrpg where the world is in a vrmmorpg but I have this book a shot because I love the red mage series. I was pleasantly surprised with how great the story was. The real world exists and does fuel the MCs drive to play the game but it doesn't overwhelm the actual time in the game. The MC treats the game as if it is his real world and I liked that a lot. As for the narrator for the audiobook, it's not often you have a female narrator paired with a male MC but I really liked how Andrea did. She's easy to listen to and does a good job separating characters. Overall, I loved this one and will 100% be picking up the next book AND audiobook when they comes out.
January 27, 2021
Not a good book. Skip it and read the second one, maybe, when it comes out.
Tldr; mc is a typical, mage-ey mage(mostly by accident), who just happens to not care about typical rpg stuff and decided to go the crafter route. He buys a ton of land and literally all his crafting skills as well. Don't worry, resources and free help just continuously fall into his lap, so that there's almost no conflict. The author takes a couple of swipes at making you empathize with the MC, but it doesn't land and doesn't really seem like the sob stories matter.
Also scatterbrained MC who spaces out every 5 minutes, even in dangerous places cliche.
Tldr; mc is a typical, mage-ey mage(mostly by accident), who just happens to not care about typical rpg stuff and decided to go the crafter route. He buys a ton of land and literally all his crafting skills as well. Don't worry, resources and free help just continuously fall into his lap, so that there's almost no conflict. The author takes a couple of swipes at making you empathize with the MC, but it doesn't land and doesn't really seem like the sob stories matter.
Also scatterbrained MC who spaces out every 5 minutes, even in dangerous places cliche.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2021
Let me preface this with the fact that I am not and never have been a "gamer" and this is not my normal reading material. A gamer would understand the set-up (the first couple of chapters) much better than I did. Once the actual storyline started I found it interesting and imaginative. Even though I didn't understand all of the gaming references, it still drew me in to the storyline. Since my son is the author, I'll leave it at that!
2021 - 52 book reading challenge - #13 - Includes an exotic animal - there are several unusual and imaginary animals that play interesting roles in the book.
2021 - 52 book reading challenge - #13 - Includes an exotic animal - there are several unusual and imaginary animals that play interesting roles in the book.
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