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Aether Knight #1
Aether Knight
Aether Online sounded like Alex's dream. Now, it's his nightmare.
Cheating his way to the head of the line, Alex is one of the first to play Aether Online, the world’s first full immersion VRMMO. Alex quickly learns that once you're in, you can't get out.
Trapped in the Aether Lands, Alex must become an Aether Knight to survive. Struggling in a world under siege, Alex must learn to fulfil his new role, hunting the deadly machine beasts known as Machina for parts. Every kill brings him new materials, new equipment to forge, each beast slain making Alex more powerful.
Hunting monsters is only the first step. Alex must gather allies and master the mysterious powers of the Aether if he ever hopes of getting home.
Cheating his way to the head of the line, Alex is one of the first to play Aether Online, the world’s first full immersion VRMMO. Alex quickly learns that once you're in, you can't get out.
Trapped in the Aether Lands, Alex must become an Aether Knight to survive. Struggling in a world under siege, Alex must learn to fulfil his new role, hunting the deadly machine beasts known as Machina for parts. Every kill brings him new materials, new equipment to forge, each beast slain making Alex more powerful.
Hunting monsters is only the first step. Alex must gather allies and master the mysterious powers of the Aether if he ever hopes of getting home.
- GenresFantasy
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2020
73 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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January 5, 2021A LitRPG light novel with Monster Hunter elements. Thoroughly enjoyable short read.
December 13, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The writing is a little weak (I would say slightly above a "beach read") but the story and characters have a lot of potential. The narrator, Matt Jenkins honestly is detrimental to the tale, and I hope that when the author continues the tale that a new narrator is chosen.
You join Alex as he has won the ability to play the newest VRMMO which has been billed as the final breakthrough that will make VRMMOs extremely life like. As soon as he enters the new world he knows something has gone horribly wrong. With nothing else to do Alex starts to explore his new world and figure out how this game will be played. Alex meets, friends along the way and after "days" within the game begins to realize that something is terribly wrong.
Overall this is decent introduction to a new universe. Some further editing would have been helpful but it does not take away from the overall story. I would recommend against the audiobook as the narration almost had me stop the book a few chapters in. My biggest complaint about the story is it almost feels like a teaser with how short it is. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
You join Alex as he has won the ability to play the newest VRMMO which has been billed as the final breakthrough that will make VRMMOs extremely life like. As soon as he enters the new world he knows something has gone horribly wrong. With nothing else to do Alex starts to explore his new world and figure out how this game will be played. Alex meets, friends along the way and after "days" within the game begins to realize that something is terribly wrong.
Overall this is decent introduction to a new universe. Some further editing would have been helpful but it does not take away from the overall story. I would recommend against the audiobook as the narration almost had me stop the book a few chapters in. My biggest complaint about the story is it almost feels like a teaser with how short it is. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 16, 2020
~Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook copy of this book. ~
The narrator does a decent job and I didn’t hate any of the voices he used (although some of the female voices were a bit annoying).
One of the reasons I requested an audiobook of this book was litrpg with a male protagonist and no harems. I get tired of that particular wish fulfillment in litrpgs. Alex and Casey aren’t super fleshed out in this book, but because it is short and it has a lot of world-building I think that is to be expected. I did like both Alex and Casey and the other characters seem like they have potential.
I think this is a solid introduction to the world of Aether. I wish it wasn’t so short, but I suppose this way we can expect to get more releases quicker than if the author aimed for 300 pages per book. I did end up following the author's page on Amazon because I am intrigued enough to keep following along (plus I pay for kindle unlimited and I might as well find more authors who use it).
The narrator does a decent job and I didn’t hate any of the voices he used (although some of the female voices were a bit annoying).
One of the reasons I requested an audiobook of this book was litrpg with a male protagonist and no harems. I get tired of that particular wish fulfillment in litrpgs. Alex and Casey aren’t super fleshed out in this book, but because it is short and it has a lot of world-building I think that is to be expected. I did like both Alex and Casey and the other characters seem like they have potential.
I think this is a solid introduction to the world of Aether. I wish it wasn’t so short, but I suppose this way we can expect to get more releases quicker than if the author aimed for 300 pages per book. I did end up following the author's page on Amazon because I am intrigued enough to keep following along (plus I pay for kindle unlimited and I might as well find more authors who use it).
June 17, 2022
Overall it was decent for a monster hunter fan like me, as close as it got to the mechanics of the games with some original aspects and the isekai approach.
It would've needed a lot more editing though. Many errors felt like nobody ever read over the text even once, which meant I stumbled a lot over sentences, making it a harder read. Somehow I wanted to finish this short book, but it took me ages to actually do. And if it were any longer I probably would not have bothered.
The basic story inside the game world is as simple as the monster hunter game stories, which is not necessarily a good thing. This story had a bit more meat to it though, which was nice. I didn't like the MC that much, and Casey was only ok.
The fight against the Muckmother was a nice read, but the writing just wasn't as strong compared to other books. I don't think I want to continue reading the other books, unless they are edited better. Still, nice effort and the author should continue his work.
It would've needed a lot more editing though. Many errors felt like nobody ever read over the text even once, which meant I stumbled a lot over sentences, making it a harder read. Somehow I wanted to finish this short book, but it took me ages to actually do. And if it were any longer I probably would not have bothered.
The basic story inside the game world is as simple as the monster hunter game stories, which is not necessarily a good thing. This story had a bit more meat to it though, which was nice. I didn't like the MC that much, and Casey was only ok.
The fight against the Muckmother was a nice read, but the writing just wasn't as strong compared to other books. I don't think I want to continue reading the other books, unless they are edited better. Still, nice effort and the author should continue his work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2020
Whether this audiobook should be properly classed as an isekai or a VRMMO, I am not quite sure, but I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice mix of drama and action, interesting bits of steampunk tossed in almost as an aftertought At first I found the narrator's voice a bit annoying, but it quickly grew upon me. The only issue I have with this title is that it was not truly a complete story line, but rather ended abruptly with a great many plot lines still up in the air. Other than that reservation, I recommend this for anyone who is a fan of GameLit, LitRPG, Isekai or even Steampunk. Please note that I received a review copy of this audiobook at my request with the understanding that I write a review. All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2020
Solid introduction
Solid throughout. A gear-based party LitRPG is a refreshing concept for me, after primarily spending my last few LitRPG books in class-and-stat style systems. The setting is wonderfully crafted.
My biggest issue is this is really just the first arc of a story rather than a completed story in whole. It's good for what it is, and I'd recommend it even, but it needs more chunks to truly be satisfying. As such, there is a lot of setup. That's expected in a first book, especially in LitRPG, but with a novella, it's quite noticeable. Thankfully, the system and the setting are more than interesting enough to keep me hooked.
Here's to the sequel!
Solid throughout. A gear-based party LitRPG is a refreshing concept for me, after primarily spending my last few LitRPG books in class-and-stat style systems. The setting is wonderfully crafted.
My biggest issue is this is really just the first arc of a story rather than a completed story in whole. It's good for what it is, and I'd recommend it even, but it needs more chunks to truly be satisfying. As such, there is a lot of setup. That's expected in a first book, especially in LitRPG, but with a novella, it's quite noticeable. Thankfully, the system and the setting are more than interesting enough to keep me hooked.
Here's to the sequel!
March 13, 2021
Better Sword Art Online
A fun, entertaining new LitRPG. Aether Knight breathes new life into some classic tropes and game mechanics, combining them into a rich world brimming with mystery.
The main characters feel like typical gamers, easy for the reader's to connect to. I'm intrigued to see how they develop as the story progresses.
Gregory has crafted an interesting world here, and I eagerly look forward to exploring it along with Alex and Casey.
If you're a fan of LitRPGs with a focus on action, I highly suggest picking this up.
A fun, entertaining new LitRPG. Aether Knight breathes new life into some classic tropes and game mechanics, combining them into a rich world brimming with mystery.
The main characters feel like typical gamers, easy for the reader's to connect to. I'm intrigued to see how they develop as the story progresses.
Gregory has crafted an interesting world here, and I eagerly look forward to exploring it along with Alex and Casey.
If you're a fan of LitRPGs with a focus on action, I highly suggest picking this up.
April 13, 2021
A short and sweet I’m trapped in a game world novel!
A completely unoriginal troop nowadays. Go to log into a game, find out that it’s a transport to a different world. On this world there’s no monsters in the traditional sense. There’s mechanical beasts of any steam punk fantasy! More interesting, all of civilization is limited to a single city. One bastion of isolated peoples. The world building is a little week. And the character for development is almost nonexistent. However, the actions you things are fun. Moreover, the concept is edgy enough to be exciting!
A completely unoriginal troop nowadays. Go to log into a game, find out that it’s a transport to a different world. On this world there’s no monsters in the traditional sense. There’s mechanical beasts of any steam punk fantasy! More interesting, all of civilization is limited to a single city. One bastion of isolated peoples. The world building is a little week. And the character for development is almost nonexistent. However, the actions you things are fun. Moreover, the concept is edgy enough to be exciting!
October 13, 2021
It is easy to see where this comes from, and that is both good and bad.
The authors work is interesting and the details are quite creative. The problem is in the overall narration. This reads more like a twelve episode anime than a short story. The creative details are impressive, but the characteristic details are lacking. The basis for the work is such that I will continue the series to see if it improves.
The authors work is interesting and the details are quite creative. The problem is in the overall narration. This reads more like a twelve episode anime than a short story. The creative details are impressive, but the characteristic details are lacking. The basis for the work is such that I will continue the series to see if it improves.
November 21, 2020
A damn god homage to monster Hunter games
A fantastic read that pays great tribute to the monster hunter series in a really unique way. By making the enemies more science fiction than fantasy. Awesome job!
A fantastic read that pays great tribute to the monster hunter series in a really unique way. By making the enemies more science fiction than fantasy. Awesome job!
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December 24, 2020Great book
Stellar work from Tracy Gregory! Lots of action and adventure, monsters and skills, tech and magic. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work from Tracy Gregory! Lots of action and adventure, monsters and skills, tech and magic. Looking forward to the next one!
January 5, 2021
Great read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to its sequel. I hope to see much more work created by this talented author in the future!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to its sequel. I hope to see much more work created by this talented author in the future!
March 16, 2021
Brilliant book. It never wastes your time and has no unnecessary filler. Third book by the author I have enjoyed. Check out their other series real time star-commander which is also a good fun read.
August 21, 2023
Please sort out the typos!
June 14, 2025
amazing book but too short
I absolutely loved this this book and there were so many directions to tale it but the author just chose the easiest and shortest.
I absolutely loved this this book and there were so many directions to tale it but the author just chose the easiest and shortest.
September 3, 2021
Initially, the machinima element provides a unique feel to the story, but things become more generic as they progress. Despite that, I still enjoyed it somewhat and it might develop if the author gets an editor. Seriously, get an editor. If you already have an editor, get a new editor.
Character 3/10, Plot 6/10, Game Mechanics 5/10, Writing 3/10, Enjoyment 4/10
A good story for me usually revolves around a good character and that was a bit of a problem here since I didn't care for the main character at all. He is the player who isn't good at anything, but spends a bunch of time reading the wiki, ends up thinking he's good, and proceeds to inform everyone else how they should play the game.
To make the idiot MC look smart, the book made all the other characters even dumber by having them never think of using items for their one and only purpose (see Stun Bombs).
While the story is a bit generic underneath the semi-unique concept of machinima, there's still potential there. I am personally a fan of beginnings, especially for Gamelit and Litrpg before the power curve gets out of hand, but even I will tolerate a basic setup if there is even a hint that it will pay off.
The writing is below average, even for the Litrpg genre. There was a certain degree of vocabulary used that seemed contradictory to the poor grammar and sentence structure. It was like high school vocabulary used with elementary school grammar. It suffered heavily from short sentence syndrome ( See Spot. See Spot run. Run, Spot, run).
The writing constantly used the same pronoun to refer to different things from one sentence to the next without referencing the change to a new subject. The author also failed to set scenes often so you would end up with dialogue in space aimed at a different person than expected because now the MC is across the room even though it was never mentioned.
While it might seem that I spent a lot of time trashing this book, it's possible the author will spend some time developing the characters and getting an editor or a ghost writer to smooth out the prose. So for that reason, there are worse things you could do than check out this story.
Character 3/10, Plot 6/10, Game Mechanics 5/10, Writing 3/10, Enjoyment 4/10
A good story for me usually revolves around a good character and that was a bit of a problem here since I didn't care for the main character at all. He is the player who isn't good at anything, but spends a bunch of time reading the wiki, ends up thinking he's good, and proceeds to inform everyone else how they should play the game.
To make the idiot MC look smart, the book made all the other characters even dumber by having them never think of using items for their one and only purpose (see Stun Bombs).
While the story is a bit generic underneath the semi-unique concept of machinima, there's still potential there. I am personally a fan of beginnings, especially for Gamelit and Litrpg before the power curve gets out of hand, but even I will tolerate a basic setup if there is even a hint that it will pay off.
The writing is below average, even for the Litrpg genre. There was a certain degree of vocabulary used that seemed contradictory to the poor grammar and sentence structure. It was like high school vocabulary used with elementary school grammar. It suffered heavily from short sentence syndrome ( See Spot. See Spot run. Run, Spot, run).
The writing constantly used the same pronoun to refer to different things from one sentence to the next without referencing the change to a new subject. The author also failed to set scenes often so you would end up with dialogue in space aimed at a different person than expected because now the MC is across the room even though it was never mentioned.
While it might seem that I spent a lot of time trashing this book, it's possible the author will spend some time developing the characters and getting an editor or a ghost writer to smooth out the prose. So for that reason, there are worse things you could do than check out this story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews