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Digital Rebirth Chronicles #1
Asgard's Fall
Noah didn’t expect much from entering the virtual reality world of Asgard’s Fall. Even the danger of the experimental full immersion technology didn’t put him off. It beat living in a nursing home and was supposed to let him feel young again, at least until modern medicine and his body gave out.
But there was something wrong with Asgard’s Fall. The “gods” running the game didn’t act like AIs were supposed to most of the time. And some of the players took things too seriously, like they knew something about the game that Noah didn’t. Forced to rely on skills he abandoned a lifetime ago and new digital abilities that resemble ancient magics more than modern code, Noah has to unravel the mysteries behind Asgard’s Fall. And in doing so, discover an ancient threat that has forced a world long hidden from mankind into the light.
But there was something wrong with Asgard’s Fall. The “gods” running the game didn’t act like AIs were supposed to most of the time. And some of the players took things too seriously, like they knew something about the game that Noah didn’t. Forced to rely on skills he abandoned a lifetime ago and new digital abilities that resemble ancient magics more than modern code, Noah has to unravel the mysteries behind Asgard’s Fall. And in doing so, discover an ancient threat that has forced a world long hidden from mankind into the light.
886 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2020
546 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 19, 2020
No agency
This book had such a cool premise but the only way the author had to move the plot along completely stripped the main character of any meaningful agency which made reading this book a long drawn out slog. Things happen to the character and he just reacts time and time again its boring.
This book had such a cool premise but the only way the author had to move the plot along completely stripped the main character of any meaningful agency which made reading this book a long drawn out slog. Things happen to the character and he just reacts time and time again its boring.
January 25, 2021
Just gave up a fifth of the way through.
A tedious, boring start to an improbable story. The whole thing is one happenstance after another all pointing to a overly complex plot twist. Nothing worth trying to follow given the unlikable main character, and pointless game setting.
A tedious, boring start to an improbable story. The whole thing is one happenstance after another all pointing to a overly complex plot twist. Nothing worth trying to follow given the unlikable main character, and pointless game setting.
January 12, 2021
Asgard's Fall has a more sophisticated writing style than a lot of GameLit out there, is fairly well executed, and well above-average for an author's first publication, however it is filled with overly capricious gods, obvious betrayals, rushed plot lines, and a relatively poorly developed game system that made it quite difficult for me to invest in.
I particularly don't enjoy it when authors give themselves permission to do just about anything that they want in order to forward their stories, and this novel ranks high on that scale. Our MC's internal narration acknowledges this in places where he says stuff to himself along the lines of "this mechanic/plot twist doesn't make any sense but I just don't have time to worry about that." I also don't love it when clever MCs manage to defeat characters "over 40X their level" or whatever... a bit of OP makes it fun, but the amount we get here is just eye-rolling at times.
It was good enough that I'll try to read the next one and hope that some of the things that bothered me about this first volume improve.
I particularly don't enjoy it when authors give themselves permission to do just about anything that they want in order to forward their stories, and this novel ranks high on that scale. Our MC's internal narration acknowledges this in places where he says stuff to himself along the lines of "this mechanic/plot twist doesn't make any sense but I just don't have time to worry about that." I also don't love it when clever MCs manage to defeat characters "over 40X their level" or whatever... a bit of OP makes it fun, but the amount we get here is just eye-rolling at times.
It was good enough that I'll try to read the next one and hope that some of the things that bothered me about this first volume improve.
December 19, 2020
Epic epic book.
What a great book.
I really like the characters the story as well as the different worlds.
Thank you Hinshaw..
What a great book.
I really like the characters the story as well as the different worlds.
Thank you Hinshaw..
January 27, 2021
Wow, I didn't expect this!
Mr. Hinshaw must have gone to the Tolkien School of Writing. That is the only possible explanation for a work as absolutely DENSE as this. The only analogy that I can come up with; the truly talented juggler that starts with three balls. Then, he adds plates, cups, a couple of chainsaws, tosses in three knives and adds fire to the mix, just to keep you interested. Mr. Hinshaw does all of that and then, to make sure that you're paying attention, he starts doing backflips, while jumping a dirt bike over a line of buses, through a flaming hoop. Yeah, that's how many things are going on in this book. If you're looking for a bedtime story, you chose wrong. If you're looking for something that will keep your mind actively engaged, gasping at the next wild turn of this rollercoaster, start reading. I'm an amateur author who can barely keep three balls in the air and I'm positively in awe of this author.
Mr. Hinshaw must have gone to the Tolkien School of Writing. That is the only possible explanation for a work as absolutely DENSE as this. The only analogy that I can come up with; the truly talented juggler that starts with three balls. Then, he adds plates, cups, a couple of chainsaws, tosses in three knives and adds fire to the mix, just to keep you interested. Mr. Hinshaw does all of that and then, to make sure that you're paying attention, he starts doing backflips, while jumping a dirt bike over a line of buses, through a flaming hoop. Yeah, that's how many things are going on in this book. If you're looking for a bedtime story, you chose wrong. If you're looking for something that will keep your mind actively engaged, gasping at the next wild turn of this rollercoaster, start reading. I'm an amateur author who can barely keep three balls in the air and I'm positively in awe of this author.
December 5, 2020
Boring
To much describing things not enough story to back it up!! I got a third of the way through before giving up..
To much describing things not enough story to back it up!! I got a third of the way through before giving up..
November 28, 2020
A Zelazny-esqe mix of LITRPG and the epic.
A 97 year old facing continued illness and decline is offered a chance to be virtually young again in the game world of Asgard’s Fall. Once he arrives he finds the world of “god’s” facing Ragnarok may have greater consequences than he could ever have expected.
Very well-written with a nice mix of the personal and the epic, this is perhaps just barely LITRPG. It feels almost like those elements may have been added after the fact, nonetheless they do work organically in a story which I am reluctant to share more details lest I spoil. I look forward to the next one.
A 97 year old facing continued illness and decline is offered a chance to be virtually young again in the game world of Asgard’s Fall. Once he arrives he finds the world of “god’s” facing Ragnarok may have greater consequences than he could ever have expected.
Very well-written with a nice mix of the personal and the epic, this is perhaps just barely LITRPG. It feels almost like those elements may have been added after the fact, nonetheless they do work organically in a story which I am reluctant to share more details lest I spoil. I look forward to the next one.
February 22, 2021
Book that tries so hard but falls short.
The author clearly invested a lot into this book and I would like to thank him. However as others have pointed out, the character has no agency. He’s a fly on the wall. His emotional responses are shunted multiple times. I have to warn you that my review is based on only 17% of the book because I couldn’t finish it. The internal monologue was killing the story. It was so frequent and jarred the storyline. As other reviewers have pointed out the character is not purposeful or stands up for himself. Usually downtrodden characters have a cause to drive forward. To persevere through the malaise get better, stronger, smart, richer or whatever the plot line establishes. The MC just is, no cause or dedication. There was a shadow of one established at the beginning. But it fell flat once the character was in the game world. Oh he feels and can do stuff now? Then do stuff, not have the character sit around and marvel at his youth then blunder into problems. The plot drives the character not the character driving the plot. Also the pay to win bull crap is taken to the extreme. This would marginalize most players and cause them to reject the game. Especially with the price amounts you describe. It’s extortion the whole way through. Causal players would dump this game and contrary to most beliefs. It’s casual game play that drives numbers up for a game. Needless to say the game would fall out of favor so quick it wouldn’t recover in a heartbeat. So needless to say I’m sure this would be made obvious. Besides with a daughter who doesn’t like this, why didn’t she point out these issues to her father before he join the trial. The problem comes down to having real humans as the main characters but not actually having them act naturally human. It doesn’t draw you into the story. You need something believable, tangible to draw people into the story. This doesn’t have that. Instead the author uses enormous amounts of world building. To the point of calling it world flooding instead of building. I mean really, how many times are going to describe horse crap in the mud. The story feels so alien that it’s difficult to truly immerse yourself in the story. I’m sorry but I just couldn’t finish it. I find it sad because I didn’t leave the story mad, but more so empathetic for the author. For the unpolished jewel he will have a lot of problems fixing, if they can. I wish them the best of luck.
The author clearly invested a lot into this book and I would like to thank him. However as others have pointed out, the character has no agency. He’s a fly on the wall. His emotional responses are shunted multiple times. I have to warn you that my review is based on only 17% of the book because I couldn’t finish it. The internal monologue was killing the story. It was so frequent and jarred the storyline. As other reviewers have pointed out the character is not purposeful or stands up for himself. Usually downtrodden characters have a cause to drive forward. To persevere through the malaise get better, stronger, smart, richer or whatever the plot line establishes. The MC just is, no cause or dedication. There was a shadow of one established at the beginning. But it fell flat once the character was in the game world. Oh he feels and can do stuff now? Then do stuff, not have the character sit around and marvel at his youth then blunder into problems. The plot drives the character not the character driving the plot. Also the pay to win bull crap is taken to the extreme. This would marginalize most players and cause them to reject the game. Especially with the price amounts you describe. It’s extortion the whole way through. Causal players would dump this game and contrary to most beliefs. It’s casual game play that drives numbers up for a game. Needless to say the game would fall out of favor so quick it wouldn’t recover in a heartbeat. So needless to say I’m sure this would be made obvious. Besides with a daughter who doesn’t like this, why didn’t she point out these issues to her father before he join the trial. The problem comes down to having real humans as the main characters but not actually having them act naturally human. It doesn’t draw you into the story. You need something believable, tangible to draw people into the story. This doesn’t have that. Instead the author uses enormous amounts of world building. To the point of calling it world flooding instead of building. I mean really, how many times are going to describe horse crap in the mud. The story feels so alien that it’s difficult to truly immerse yourself in the story. I’m sorry but I just couldn’t finish it. I find it sad because I didn’t leave the story mad, but more so empathetic for the author. For the unpolished jewel he will have a lot of problems fixing, if they can. I wish them the best of luck.
February 22, 2021
Never trust a God, especially if its smiling at you!
This book takes a while to set up the rules of its universe, but by the end its clear why some of the earlier events played out as they did. This is some solid world building and good use of 'real world' mythology.
The Gods of Rome, Greece and Norse legend are always said to be capricious... Mr Hinshaw is one of the few authors who 'gets it'. Remember that old fable about the scorpion and the river, now apply that to gods. A Trickster's gotta trick! As with all good part one's this leaves the reader wanting to know more.
This book takes a while to set up the rules of its universe, but by the end its clear why some of the earlier events played out as they did. This is some solid world building and good use of 'real world' mythology.
The Gods of Rome, Greece and Norse legend are always said to be capricious... Mr Hinshaw is one of the few authors who 'gets it'. Remember that old fable about the scorpion and the river, now apply that to gods. A Trickster's gotta trick! As with all good part one's this leaves the reader wanting to know more.
August 1, 2021
Compelling litrpg with distinctly new magic/abilities system: Characters have a personal pantheon of gods/goddesses they select as they grow and gain abilities based on their chosen gods. This makes for much more interesting strategies of what gods/goddesses to choose in order to get abilities based on their aspects. This system feels very refreshing to me and I love the numerous and imaginative possibilities it gives. The main character is likable and realistic with nuances that add to the story. Overall, I highly recommend the book and look forward to the next!
January 26, 2022
unexpectedly awesome
This is a well written book that is much better than other “fell into a video game” books. Good characters, twisty plot, and lots of adventure.
This is a well written book that is much better than other “fell into a video game” books. Good characters, twisty plot, and lots of adventure.
July 10, 2022
This book went from intriguing! to WTF in such a short time it got my head spinning.
The first few chapters are a gem of effort at a proper backstory, and a shining example of what to do before being dropped into a virtual world: lay a personality groundwork. We also get our first paradox. MC went through an incredible amount of effort to get into the "Game" , to end up behaving as if he was the solicited party. Entitled much? The Evil Corporation trope mishandled.
Then we get into the actual game, and suddenly nothing makes sense anymore! The MC goes from political powerhouse with connections to literal luggage for the most contrived reason I've ever seen, but still manages to make off with an OP boon for his troubles.
This is my first LitRPG ever in which pay-to-win is a thing. What MC pays for, and the amount he pays, is absolutely ridiculous, given the stakes at the time. We keep getting some future event dangled in our faces, but we never get any inkling as to its significance, for anyone, MC included.
But wait. There's more!
We've established that MC has a lifeful of life experience, but he still alternates between social ineptitude and incredible amount of cheek for absolutely no reason .
At no point does he get to actually manifest the gravitas that should come with his years.
The level of convolution just keeps jumping through the roof, with an increasingly improbable pantheon , kidnapping (again 😔),
ridiculous OP moves , and the never-ending self-introspection.
But wait, there's more!
We get a plot twist quite early with a massive info-dump.
Turns out, the game was not a game!
We're actually in an Isekai! Just that Truck-kun is a FIVR pod.
Oh yes, and Gods are real, and "end of the world", and... stuff.
At this point, I'm like "What the hell is going on in this book?"
The beginning does not make any sense anymore. Why did MC have to work so hard to get in?
What a mess. Even thinking about going back in gives me a headache.
Don't have time for this...
The first few chapters are a gem of effort at a proper backstory, and a shining example of what to do before being dropped into a virtual world: lay a personality groundwork. We also get our first paradox. MC went through an incredible amount of effort to get into the "Game" , to end up behaving as if he was the solicited party. Entitled much? The Evil Corporation trope mishandled.
Then we get into the actual game, and suddenly nothing makes sense anymore! The MC goes from political powerhouse with connections to literal luggage for the most contrived reason I've ever seen, but still manages to make off with an OP boon for his troubles.
This is my first LitRPG ever in which pay-to-win is a thing. What MC pays for, and the amount he pays, is absolutely ridiculous, given the stakes at the time. We keep getting some future event dangled in our faces, but we never get any inkling as to its significance, for anyone, MC included.
But wait. There's more!
We've established that MC has a lifeful of life experience, but he still alternates between social ineptitude and incredible amount of cheek for absolutely no reason .
At no point does he get to actually manifest the gravitas that should come with his years.
The level of convolution just keeps jumping through the roof, with an increasingly improbable pantheon , kidnapping (again 😔),
ridiculous OP moves , and the never-ending self-introspection.
But wait, there's more!
We get a plot twist quite early with a massive info-dump.
Turns out, the game was not a game!
We're actually in an Isekai! Just that Truck-kun is a FIVR pod.
Oh yes, and Gods are real, and "end of the world", and... stuff.
At this point, I'm like "What the hell is going on in this book?"
The beginning does not make any sense anymore. Why did MC have to work so hard to get in?
What a mess. Even thinking about going back in gives me a headache.
Don't have time for this...
January 21, 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
January 25, 2021
I'll start by saying this could of been very good but fell short and I'll explain why.
#. MC constantly saying things about AI and how so on so breaks gaming feel or realism extra in the game world, and doing this constantly just breaks flow and feel of book
#. MC being ok with wife he loved and thought dead leaving him for another man and having offer family was hard to take and annoying really.
#. Color choices for game notice window's now most was very good and easy to see, but one thing was red and black background in particular was hard to impossible to see. (Only see in black white and grey's.)
#. Stat sheet box.
Was horrible one worse ever seen hear for litrpg only way would be worse it couldn't see words at all reasons why is below;
1.Because bottom half cut of screen just missing and could not see at all the luck area and below, and next page wear menchaned gods and skills they offer, most that missing as well. (Only know has luck area because showed it once but no number next too it.)
2. The class,race,mp, hp,xp. Extra did not match with answer right next too them was all over place and hard to work out.
#. As one faverate things in litrpg books is game state area and game boxes info making so half missing in areas and cannot see no matter what try added with color code makes hard to see in some made for disappointing and frustrating read.
Really wanted to like this had some great ideas with multi god pantheons and how interact with each offer and people, was truly fun and exciting.
(Stars 2 and half.)
#. MC constantly saying things about AI and how so on so breaks gaming feel or realism extra in the game world, and doing this constantly just breaks flow and feel of book
#. MC being ok with wife he loved and thought dead leaving him for another man and having offer family was hard to take and annoying really.
#. Color choices for game notice window's now most was very good and easy to see, but one thing was red and black background in particular was hard to impossible to see. (Only see in black white and grey's.)
#. Stat sheet box.
Was horrible one worse ever seen hear for litrpg only way would be worse it couldn't see words at all reasons why is below;
1.Because bottom half cut of screen just missing and could not see at all the luck area and below, and next page wear menchaned gods and skills they offer, most that missing as well. (Only know has luck area because showed it once but no number next too it.)
2. The class,race,mp, hp,xp. Extra did not match with answer right next too them was all over place and hard to work out.
#. As one faverate things in litrpg books is game state area and game boxes info making so half missing in areas and cannot see no matter what try added with color code makes hard to see in some made for disappointing and frustrating read.
Really wanted to like this had some great ideas with multi god pantheons and how interact with each offer and people, was truly fun and exciting.
(Stars 2 and half.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
Startlingly good.
I'm always happy when I find books that re-explore tropes that I like, and the digital afterlife aspect is what drew me to give this a try. I often find myself reading books that are poor on description and worldbuilding and childish in writing and technique because amatures are a great source of re-invention and inspiration.
Asgard's Fall is a delightful exception, suckerpunching you with expert imagery, riviting plot, and natural feeling character by-play, while still expanding the boundries on the concept of digital rebirth as a theme.
I frimly believe this book is best enjoyed WITHOUT hints or descriptions or spoilers. Just jump right in! Every interaction between the MC and the godly cast of characters in this is rife with personality, myth-history, and surrealism. Expectations are constantly being,turned on their head, both in respect to the supernatural and litrpg genre.
I won't comment any more on its relationship to those genres, except to say that this should be delightful and surprising to anyone who enjoys them, and anyone who enjoys mythology.
I'm always happy when I find books that re-explore tropes that I like, and the digital afterlife aspect is what drew me to give this a try. I often find myself reading books that are poor on description and worldbuilding and childish in writing and technique because amatures are a great source of re-invention and inspiration.
Asgard's Fall is a delightful exception, suckerpunching you with expert imagery, riviting plot, and natural feeling character by-play, while still expanding the boundries on the concept of digital rebirth as a theme.
I frimly believe this book is best enjoyed WITHOUT hints or descriptions or spoilers. Just jump right in! Every interaction between the MC and the godly cast of characters in this is rife with personality, myth-history, and surrealism. Expectations are constantly being,turned on their head, both in respect to the supernatural and litrpg genre.
I won't comment any more on its relationship to those genres, except to say that this should be delightful and surprising to anyone who enjoys them, and anyone who enjoys mythology.
August 16, 2021
Slow start, but enjoyed the ending
I almost shelved this. I got sick of it at first because it felt too chaotic and repetitive. So many gods and different myths to keep track of threw me off. Also, if I had a dollar for every time it talked about being an old man and how so many things were different with a new body I would be rich!
I’m glad I stick with it though. At about the halfway mark he starts being more proactive instead of getting owned by everyone one. This is also when his character progression hits overdrive and he gets awesome.
Once the MC’s build and setup was solidified it also became easier to keep track of the different gods and their cool quirks. I kept having to look up different names to understand their back story better and really ended up enjoying that aspect.
I’m glad I stuck with it and awake a sequel eagerly!
I almost shelved this. I got sick of it at first because it felt too chaotic and repetitive. So many gods and different myths to keep track of threw me off. Also, if I had a dollar for every time it talked about being an old man and how so many things were different with a new body I would be rich!
I’m glad I stick with it though. At about the halfway mark he starts being more proactive instead of getting owned by everyone one. This is also when his character progression hits overdrive and he gets awesome.
Once the MC’s build and setup was solidified it also became easier to keep track of the different gods and their cool quirks. I kept having to look up different names to understand their back story better and really ended up enjoying that aspect.
I’m glad I stuck with it and awake a sequel eagerly!
dnf
January 30, 2022I liked how it started a lot but it lost me at the abrupt death and move to a new world view where the gods are real and things are soul bound for real. The new mission to rescue certain people was a bit abrupt too leaving me struck with ‘but why’? I love lit rpgs and I love syfy. I just felt like this abandoned the best parts of lit rpg and pivoted to a syfy where I feel like I missed the exposition. Like two different stories sewn together. I stuck through it through the trip through hell, but I kept feeling so uncertain about the environment now that it’s no longer the game and not earth that I couldn’t catch up and get sucked into it again.
If I have to rate it, it would be a 1-star, but I don’t want to do that because it feels like I’m only rating that way due to my own mental inflexibility.
If I have to rate it, it would be a 1-star, but I don’t want to do that because it feels like I’m only rating that way due to my own mental inflexibility.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2021
I enjoyed Asgard's Fall for the most part. There were sections of the book where the author was trying to develop back story and the reading became a chore and I just had to chug through. Honestly it is as if the author was not sure whether he was writing an epic novel or a LitRPG type book. The action was pretty good. Some things were developed well but others were not. I also found the introduction of so many different gods from different mythos to get confusing at times. It seemed like the author had information he was determined to add regardless of how well it fit into the story line. I will say that I am invested enough to be looking forward to see what happens in the second book of the series if there is one.
March 19, 2021
Wow, this was a long one! It gets a 4 overall since I managed to stick with it for nearly 900 pages, but honestly it could have been trimmed somewhat.
The author was trying to fit a LOT of backstory into this, and while he mostly succeeded it's arguable whether it was worth the effort to go to that length. Since it seems to be my standard of measurement, LotR managed an entire epic quest (minus all the indexes, etc.) in about the same number of pages as this book.
You will have to determine if it's worth your time, but you should give it at least 100 pages if you decide to try it. At this point I'll probably read the next one, but only if it shows up soon or comes with a synopsis, as I don't see wading through this again. WAY too many moving parts.
The author was trying to fit a LOT of backstory into this, and while he mostly succeeded it's arguable whether it was worth the effort to go to that length. Since it seems to be my standard of measurement, LotR managed an entire epic quest (minus all the indexes, etc.) in about the same number of pages as this book.
You will have to determine if it's worth your time, but you should give it at least 100 pages if you decide to try it. At this point I'll probably read the next one, but only if it shows up soon or comes with a synopsis, as I don't see wading through this again. WAY too many moving parts.
January 26, 2022
Look, I'm sorry. If you like this...book, please enjoy.
I got halfway through this one and returned it to Audible, and it's not the reader. The book claims to be "Lit-Rpg", but really it's not. I'll be good and stay away from spoilers but I will say it's long winded and has an internal cosmology that is so loose as to pretty much allow anything. It never really establishes an internal logic and what it does have can be changed at the drop of the proverbial hat.
We moved from Lit-Rpg, to cosmic struggle, to family angst and so on.
Frankly I just got bored. It didn't really seem worth the time (this is a 33+ hour listen. This is usually good news...but not here).
Well, that's it. I can't recommend this one. If you like it I'm happy for you.
I got halfway through this one and returned it to Audible, and it's not the reader. The book claims to be "Lit-Rpg", but really it's not. I'll be good and stay away from spoilers but I will say it's long winded and has an internal cosmology that is so loose as to pretty much allow anything. It never really establishes an internal logic and what it does have can be changed at the drop of the proverbial hat.
We moved from Lit-Rpg, to cosmic struggle, to family angst and so on.
Frankly I just got bored. It didn't really seem worth the time (this is a 33+ hour listen. This is usually good news...but not here).
Well, that's it. I can't recommend this one. If you like it I'm happy for you.
May 1, 2023
Picked this book up on a whim during a digital sale, not expecting much. I’m so glad I did. Hinshaw’s charters and story development are absolutely wonderful, and the pacing has exactly the correct amount of intrigue and action. It’s an incredibly fun journey of discovery and progression, and invested me deeply in the world and its characters.
If you’re new to the LITRPG genre, don’t worry. Apart from occasional reference points detailing Noah’s “stats,” this plays out narratively like a traditional sci-fi/fantasy novel. Anything you need to understand deeper is spelled out seamlessly within the dialog and the story itself, without giant “infodumps” (apart from the aforementioned “stat” references.
Definitely worth a read.
If you’re new to the LITRPG genre, don’t worry. Apart from occasional reference points detailing Noah’s “stats,” this plays out narratively like a traditional sci-fi/fantasy novel. Anything you need to understand deeper is spelled out seamlessly within the dialog and the story itself, without giant “infodumps” (apart from the aforementioned “stat” references.
Definitely worth a read.
August 12, 2023
Audio book review
DNF
The start of this book was very interesting, and it got my attention right away. I enjoy the clear human world, game world separation. The life and death twist with the hospital and the lawyers, love that, just the right amount of twist. However, right after that the human world gets more supernatural, and our main character finds out truths about his wife and family. Instead of the clear divide between reality and game where the line between the two is explored, there is no line, and you can't tell the difference between the two anymore. I can't say for sure if this is the only reason, but I rapidly lost interest. I signed up for a LitRPG, and this just isn't feeling right....fantastic writing, but not for me.
DNF
The start of this book was very interesting, and it got my attention right away. I enjoy the clear human world, game world separation. The life and death twist with the hospital and the lawyers, love that, just the right amount of twist. However, right after that the human world gets more supernatural, and our main character finds out truths about his wife and family. Instead of the clear divide between reality and game where the line between the two is explored, there is no line, and you can't tell the difference between the two anymore. I can't say for sure if this is the only reason, but I rapidly lost interest. I signed up for a LitRPG, and this just isn't feeling right....fantastic writing, but not for me.
February 5, 2021
Entertaining in places
This was a good premise, written pretty decently. I never could get to a point of liking the MC though. Dude is always blacking out, getting kidnapped, being forced to things he doesn’t want to, and getting his butt kicked. I also struggled through a lot of the internal and external dialogue as well as descriptions. The reason for the length of the book seems to be due to the fact that six paragraphs are used for any description where other authors would use one. I’m not sure if I’ll read the next one or not. While I enjoyed the story, the book felt tedious.
This was a good premise, written pretty decently. I never could get to a point of liking the MC though. Dude is always blacking out, getting kidnapped, being forced to things he doesn’t want to, and getting his butt kicked. I also struggled through a lot of the internal and external dialogue as well as descriptions. The reason for the length of the book seems to be due to the fact that six paragraphs are used for any description where other authors would use one. I’m not sure if I’ll read the next one or not. While I enjoyed the story, the book felt tedious.
January 20, 2022
Sets up an amazing world that the author clearly has put a lot of time and love into and wants to show off. The problem is that the story isn't really fleshed out and feels forced. The pacing is also really slow because every small action taken leads to two pages of worldbuilding.
I'll check out the next book because I really enjoyed the concept and world but this one really needs some professional editing for things like pacing, story beats, and *show don't tell*. If you can handle that you might enjoy it but if you need a strong story or constant action you might want to pass unless it gets a major revision.
I'll check out the next book because I really enjoyed the concept and world but this one really needs some professional editing for things like pacing, story beats, and *show don't tell*. If you can handle that you might enjoy it but if you need a strong story or constant action you might want to pass unless it gets a major revision.
December 26, 2020
Dark, but interesting
Interesting storyline and plot development. There were more than a couple of frustrating inconsistencies with the MC's personality, rationale and the timeline of his life that didn't flow as well as it probably could have. Other than the author injecting those inconsistent elements into the story, it was enjoyable. I could only immerse myself into the story for so long before I became frustrated and had to take a break. A twisty little grimdark tale that has kept my interest during the holidays.
Interesting storyline and plot development. There were more than a couple of frustrating inconsistencies with the MC's personality, rationale and the timeline of his life that didn't flow as well as it probably could have. Other than the author injecting those inconsistent elements into the story, it was enjoyable. I could only immerse myself into the story for so long before I became frustrated and had to take a break. A twisty little grimdark tale that has kept my interest during the holidays.
March 6, 2021
Gods and mayhem
A good story, intermingling gods from all eras with mortals and a transformed RPG. Well drawn story with characters of twisting mythology.
The main characters mortal age and transformation are a unique vehicle. His every changing strength and innate wiliness make fir a good character. Had to skip a lot of early passages where Noah is self dislodging or being used to lay story found work; it’s just too much introspection that slows the story.
Over all a good read! Thank you.
A good story, intermingling gods from all eras with mortals and a transformed RPG. Well drawn story with characters of twisting mythology.
The main characters mortal age and transformation are a unique vehicle. His every changing strength and innate wiliness make fir a good character. Had to skip a lot of early passages where Noah is self dislodging or being used to lay story found work; it’s just too much introspection that slows the story.
Over all a good read! Thank you.
July 17, 2021
Not my cup of tea. I've never been a big fan of the whole roman vs. greek vs other pantheons god relations, and one that has a LitRPG story based on all of that was a major chore for me to finish. (took me something like 5 months to work through it). If you're a fan of mythical tales, and you enjoy your LitRPG with a healty dose of real world intervention (albeit a mostly nonexistent reality), then this story should appeal to you. If on the other hand, you're more of a scifi person (like me), then this story won't impress.
August 29, 2021
Bad writing, boring story
The writing is flat and boring. The character is generic and we are told 97 years old at the start of the story. Also he’s had a stroke but there is nothing in the writing to suggest any of that. Overall the story feels like it was written by someone still in high school writing about their video game experiences from playing MMOs. I found myself skipping whole pages of boring exposition that did nothing to advance any semblance of a plot. I recommend readers avoid this book.
The writing is flat and boring. The character is generic and we are told 97 years old at the start of the story. Also he’s had a stroke but there is nothing in the writing to suggest any of that. Overall the story feels like it was written by someone still in high school writing about their video game experiences from playing MMOs. I found myself skipping whole pages of boring exposition that did nothing to advance any semblance of a plot. I recommend readers avoid this book.
January 23, 2022
Interesting take on the "sucked into a game" litRPG subgenre, with the main character learning about a world of secrets that had, unbeknownst to him, surrounded him for most of his life. Lots of subterfuge, manipulation, magic, and struggles. I kind of hate the pantheon system and how confusing it is, but I think the author must have too because he basically cheated his way past it entirely in one short scene. Some of the politicking and manipulations were kind of confusing and the main character has a silly amount of luck, but it was still a decent story and I'm looking forward to next.
December 29, 2020
Massive value
This one is much longer, deeper, and more rewarding than anticipated. The protagonist grows, and both the world and the the supporting cast are rich in detail and development.
On the negative side, although there is a lot of action, it can be slightly boggy in terms of monologues, both internal and external.
I greatly enjoyed it and will read more by the author. You’ll like it too if you like epic fantasy or sword and sorcery.
This one is much longer, deeper, and more rewarding than anticipated. The protagonist grows, and both the world and the the supporting cast are rich in detail and development.
On the negative side, although there is a lot of action, it can be slightly boggy in terms of monologues, both internal and external.
I greatly enjoyed it and will read more by the author. You’ll like it too if you like epic fantasy or sword and sorcery.
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