King's League

King's League #1

by Jason Anspach, Mark Boyett (Narrator)

Length: 12 hrs 40 mins

King’s League is more than a game… it’s a way of life.

For recently expelled college dropout Dirk Wilson, picking up and re-selling other player’s scraps from cleared dungeons and side quests gone sideways is the only thing keeping him from living on the streets.

Tired of ramen noodles, past due notices, and feeling like his future is over before it ever started, Dirk decides that if he’s going to make something of himself, it’ll be within the game, taking advantage of the real life payouts from selling in-game goods on King’s League’s River Market.

But the game leaves little margin for error, and Dirk’s virtual problems grow as large as his real life ones as he discovers a powerful conspiracy that impacts players from level one to level 99.

1,000,000 copy #1 Bestselling authors Jason Anspach & JN Chaney team up to tell this action-packed, humorous LitRPG adventure that blends the cheeky fun of Ready Player One with all the adventure and excitement of Elder Scrolls & World of Warcraft.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published June 9, 2020

About the author

JASON ANSPACH is the author of Galaxy's Edge, Wayward Galaxy, Forgotten Ruin. and more.

He lives in Puyallup, WA with his wife and their seven (not a typo) children.

Reviews

[Logan Horsford · Rating 1 out of 5]

A complete loser (first hour of the book will tell you that) who has loser friends (who get him in trouble because they are even dumber than he is) is playing a really shitty game (not just level based PVP but one in which you get 30x normal creature XP for killing another PC) manages to find an over powered item (this and over powered classes have become a dead horse trope within the LitRPG genre) that someone who is extremely stupid or has mental problems forgot to loot from their kill (seriously - in a RPG who forgets to loot especially when there is only one dead thing around?).

After an hour and a half of listening to the audio book, I wanted someone more competent to come bash in the MC's head, take the OP magic doo-dah and have the camera of the story follow them around for awhile. It would have been better than continuing to wallow in the loser stink of the MC who will (if another dead horse trop of LitRPG's is used) suddenly start winning without any real plan and only a vague motivation - perhaps relying on their 'anger' or 'reaching deep down inside of themselves to discover hidden strength'.

Done, DNF.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars, well written and fun.

My only real problem was there's an issue with scale. The game can't be both as popular as it's made out to be AND only have one top player. It's a pretty major plot hole. It would never happen. You often get one guild thats above all others but they are never without competition.

Being reset to level one and having the game made so PvP is the way of life would make it incredibly unpopular to crafters and people wanting to play for fun, therefore there would be an alternative game just as good visually/gameplay but with some major PvP restrictions. I'd predict this alternative game would be much more popular, so the scenario described just wouldn't exist.

Character stat development didn't make sense. It implies that all players end with the exact same stats at lvl 99 which is poor game design.

[GaiusPrimus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Two prolific and highly regarded authors come together to put something together that really play to their strengths.

Action sets are really fun to read and we get a truckload of entertainment throughout. I have some concerns about how the mechanics are/will be handled, but I'll wait until the next book in the series before I drop a verdict.

[Soo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:

Great Narration by Mark Boyett - He made the story more interesting.

This was a fun, gamelit story. Story elements only worked if you don't think too hard about it. More entertaining for kids than adults. I enjoyed the audiobook because the narration was great. I doubt I would want to read the story in print.

[Ralph Trickey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really struggled to finish.
The game system is horrible, 1000 xp for killing another player, you get the same for killing a level 1 and a level 99. High level players can kill everyone including guards and buildings in a beginner town and gain enough gold to clear the Player Killer flags. Oh, and you don't respawn, you have to reroll your characters.

No game company is going to leave things that way. The first time I was killed as a level 1 by a PKer and had to restart would be the last time I logged in. That would also be the time that the developers tweaked the algorithms to keep players in the game.

They also talked about using a just a helmet and no haptic feedback, but later were talking about feeling pain and how sore his muscles were from the workout after the session which implies a full body suit.

The combat is simplistic, all 1 person against everything with no interesting MOB or raid tactics. Did I mention that the main character was a Rogue and was also very resilient and dealt incredible close quarters and ranged damage and could throw spells? Please pick a class and use it.

The plot is simplistic, someone got a special artifact and leveled to 99 in a week while ignoring his guild and then goes on to attack the main PK guild. It was pretty obvious what was going to happen from the beginning.

Oh, and they threw in a gratuitous encounter with a rich kid at the beginning. No reason, he didn't show up anywhere else.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic first novel in a series!

Pros : great writing and character development. The story is interesting and likeable

Cons : a lot of these litRPG books fall prey to the same kind of strange logic. Authors seem to think that gamers would be willing to pay a lot of money to play a game where anyone can come along at any time kill you, take all your things, and reset you to level one where you have to start over again. The truth is not very many people would be willing to do this at all. As it currently is, most people never play on hardcore mode for anything because they don't like losing their things. So in the future, with advancements in technology, nobody's going to pay a fortune to buy VR hardware to live in a world where you lose everything repeatedly. Of course that's just my opinion, and but as an avid gamer for the past 20 years, I would never play a game where I can lose years worth of investment on somebody else's win. So reading stories that have this is a main element just annoys me at times.

[Sarafisher001 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like watching paint dry

The people giving this a positive review must have really low standards. It's actually impressive how boring and predictable it is, and the mc is just a loser with no back bone that whines about everything

[Micah Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5 stars.

I think this is my first true LitRPG (unless you count Ready Player One?), and I really enjoyed it. I'd always wondered if the genre would feel too strange to me with its love of listing out detailed stats, but at least with this book none of that bothered me at all. The story keeps its focus on the human element (what the people playing the characters are doing in and out of game), and it does a good job of giving strong impressions of pretty much all the major characters. The villain is one of those "fun to hate" types, and I found myself relating to the main character's determination to take him down. The story and themes are overall pretty simple, putting King's League firmly into what I call "fun popcorn flick" territory, and I'm quite happy with that.

I already have the audiobook for book 2 downloaded, and I'm looking forward to listening to it!

[Randall Beem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am and avid fan of both Anspach and Chaney and when I heard that they co-wrote this book, that was all that I needed to hear. It being LitRPG was a cherry on top. This book is different than most other books in this genre because both authors are well established and it shows. Most of the books in the genre are new authors and leave a lot to be desired. Not here. Bother Jason and Jeff brought their A game and wrote one of the best books in the genre(sorry that I keep using that word). I loved Dirk, Noog and Stony and can’t wait for them to write more in this amazing story.

[Kiba Snowpaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introduction:
Yo, strap in packmates, because we’re about to deep-dive into the neon-lit, PvP hellscape that is *King’s League*, a collab masterpiece by Jason Anspach and J.N. Chaney. Dropped in June 2020, this beast of a LitRPG novel throws us into a dystopian future where being a loser IRL ain’t the end of your misery—nope, you can be one in the virtual world too! But for our boy Dirk Wilson, that’s exactly where things start looking up, or at least they try to. This is more than just an MMORPG—*King's League* is a way of life, and if Dirk doesn’t get his act together, he's going to be downing ramen noodles and dodging eviction notices for the rest of his miserable days. We’re talking high stakes in-game and out, but throw in some broken mechanics, cutthroat PvP, and a conspiracy that’s as tangled as a wolf’s mane after a blizzard, and you’ve got a story that’s as thrilling as it is frustrating. So, let’s crack into it.

Plot Summary:
Picture this: Dirk Wilson, college dropout, living in the real-world equivalent of his own personal dungeon—broke, out of options, and about to be homeless. But hey, at least there’s King’s League, the virtual game that’s not just a pastime but a legitimate way to earn real-world cash. It’s no surprise that Dirk turns to grinding in this MMO just to scrape by. His job? Picking up scraps from failed dungeon runs and selling them for a few coins. It’s not glamorous, but it’s better than starving.

However, things kick into high gear when Dirk stumbles upon an overpowered item—because, of course, he does—and soon he’s embroiled in a virtual conspiracy that spans from level 1 noobs to top-tier level 99 bosses. The game’s mechanics are brutal, and PvP is king. One wrong move and you’re sent back to level 1, forced to start all over. Dirk’s real-life struggles seem small compared to what’s coming at him in-game: guild wars, shady players, and an exploit that might just get him killed… in real life. Yeah, that’s right—there’s more at stake here than just losing an account. With enemies both virtual and real closing in, Dirk has to level up fast and figure out who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes, or it’s game over—permanently.

The Author:
Jason Anspach and J.N. Chaney are two heavyweights in the LitRPG and military sci-fi genres. You probably know Anspach from his galaxy-spanning *Galaxy's Edge* series, which is a hit with anyone who loves Star Wars but with more grit and fewer plot holes. Chaney’s no lightweight either, with his *Renegade Star* series blowing up in the indie sci-fi space. When these two teamed up for *King’s League*, it wasn’t just another LitRPG cash grab—it was a legit attempt to merge their strengths into something new. Anspach brings the action-heavy scenes, while Chaney adds layers of conspiracy and world-building that give the story its depth. If you’ve read any of their other works, you’ll know they don’t shy away from tough situations or brutal consequences, and *King’s League* is no exception.

Characters:
Dirk Wilson is the quintessential underdog—he’s a down-on-his-luck, borderline loser who spends most of his time in-game trying to scrape by. But here’s the thing: Dirk’s not your typical LitRPG protagonist. He’s not overpowered from the start, he’s not some chosen one destined to save the world. He’s just a regular guy, trying to make a living in a world that’s been stacked against him both virtually and IRL. That said, when Dirk stumbles onto something big in-game—an overpowered item that any sensible player would have looted right away—he’s thrust into a game-changing conspiracy. This item levels the playing field, but Dirk’s still gotta figure out how to use it to his advantage without getting PK’d by stronger, more experienced players.

Then there’s the supporting cast. Noog and Stony, Dirk’s equally down-and-out buddies, provide comic relief and help round out Dirk’s character. They’re lovable idiots, sure, but you get the feeling that, much like Dirk, they’re just trying to survive in this cutthroat world. The villains? Oh, they’re deliciously hateable. The top-tier players are elitist jerks who’ll stomp on anyone below them just to maintain their position, and the guilds are filled with backstabbing, power-hungry opportunists. Everyone’s out for themselves, which makes the world of *King’s League* feel brutal, realistic, and, quite frankly, exhausting.

Structure:
This novel moves fast. The pacing is relentless, which works in its favor for the most part. The chapters are short and punchy, keeping the reader engaged as Dirk navigates one obstacle after another. There’s hardly any downtime, which makes sense given the high-stakes environment of the game world and Dirk’s real-life problems. However, this pacing can also be a downside—there are moments where you wish the authors had slowed down, given the characters and the world a bit more room to breathe. The plot’s like a snowball rolling downhill, getting bigger and more dangerous as it goes, but it doesn’t always take the time to explore its more intriguing elements, like the virtual economy or the deeper mechanics of the game.

The narrative flips between in-game action and real-life struggles, but it’s clear the authors want to keep the focus on the game. And why not? That’s where all the fun is. However, the transitions between the two can sometimes feel jarring, like you’re being yanked out of one world and dropped into another without much warning. Still, the structure works overall, especially for a LitRPG where the game itself is just as important as the characters.

Themes & Analysis:
At its core, *King’s League* is a story about survival. It’s about clawing your way up from the bottom, whether that’s in a game or in real life. Dirk’s struggle to make ends meet in the real world mirrors his fight to survive in *King’s League*, and the game becomes a metaphor for the larger system that’s stacked against him. There’s also a strong theme of loyalty—Dirk’s relationships with Noog and Stony aren’t just about friendship; they’re about survival, about having someone to rely on in a world where everyone else is looking out for themselves.

The game itself also serves as a commentary on modern gaming culture. The brutal PvP system, where high-level players can gank low-level noobs with no consequence, mirrors the cutthroat nature of real-life systems where the rich get richer, and the poor get crushed. There’s a not-so-subtle jab at how these kinds of mechanics are designed to keep certain players on top while keeping others down, and it’s hard not to draw parallels to real-world socioeconomic systems.

Scenes:
So, any steamy romance in this one? Nah, not really. This ain’t that kind of LitRPG, and honestly, I think we’re all better off for it. There’s no harem, no awkward love triangles, and no pointless romance subplots to distract from the action. Instead, the focus is squarely on the game and Dirk’s journey through it. And man, when the action hits, it hits hard. The combat scenes are fast-paced, tactical, and intense, with Dirk constantly on the edge of losing it all. The standout moments come when Dirk has to outthink his enemies rather than outfight them, using his underdog status to his advantage.

World-Building:
Anspach and Chaney have created a world in *King’s League* that’s as immersive as it is unforgiving. The game itself feels fully fleshed out, with a complex economy, brutal PvP mechanics, and a hierarchy that’s clearly been established for years. What’s cool is how they blend the virtual with the real—Dirk’s struggles in-game directly impact his real-life survival, and vice versa. The game’s mechanics are well thought out, though not without their flaws (looking at you, overpowered item drop and questionable XP distribution). But the authors make it clear that this world is a brutal one, where players are just as likely to stab you in the back as they are to help you out.

The virtual world of *King’s League* is a fascinating setting, but it’s the way it reflects the real world that makes it truly interesting. There’s a sense of despair that permeates both worlds—whether it’s the grind of real life or the grind of leveling up in the game, Dirk’s journey feels like an uphill battle at every turn.

Praise & Critique:
Let’s howl out some praise first: *King’s League* is a fun, fast-paced LitRPG that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The game mechanics are well-integrated into the story, and Dirk is a relatable, if slightly whiny, protagonist. The action scenes are tight, the stakes are high, and the world-building is solid. Anspach and Chaney’s writing style complements each other well, and you can tell they had fun crafting this world.

However, there are some critiques to be made. The game’s mechanics, while cool, don’t always hold up under scrutiny. The XP system, in particular, feels a bit broken, and the idea that a game with such brutal PvP mechanics would be popular seems far-fetched. The pacing, while fast, sometimes leaves little room for character development or deeper exploration of the world. And while Dirk’s journey is engaging, it does rely a bit too much on the “underdog finds overpowered item” trope that’s become a staple of the genre.

Comparison:
Compared to other LitRPGs, *King’s League* holds its own, but it’s not without its flaws. If you’re a fan of *Ready Player One* or *Sword Art Online*, you’ll find a lot to like here, though *King’s League* leans more into the gritty, real-world consequences of virtual success. It’s less about saving the world and more about surviving in it, which gives it a unique edge compared to some of the more fantastical LitRPGs out there. However, if you’re looking for something with deeper mechanics or more innovative world-building, you might find *King’s League* a bit lacking.

Personal Evaluation:
For me, *King’s League* was a solid, entertaining read. It didn’t blow my mind, but it kept me engaged from start to finish. Dirk’s story is relatable, and the world of *King’s League* is brutal but fascinating. The game’s mechanics could use some work, but the action scenes and fast pacing more than made up for it. It’s not the most innovative LitRPG out there, but it’s a fun, fast ride, and sometimes, that’s all you need.

Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a LitRPG that’s fast-paced, action-packed, and a little gritty, *King’s League* is worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun ride, and Dirk is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. The world-building is solid, the action is intense, and the stakes feel real, both in and out of the game. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys LitRPGs, especially those who like a bit of real-world struggle mixed into their virtual adventures. Overall, I’m giving *King’s League* a solid 4 out of 5. It’s not going to change the game, but it’s a hell of a good time.

[Dion Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing partnership

Seeing these two authors team up with Mountain Dale press was already thrilling, but they brought in a great first book to the table. I’m usually more of a fan of the LITrpgs that are not VR but the real life stakes of the Mc struggling to get by in a world without enough work for everyone helps drive the decisions he makes home. He can be a bit whiney about his best friend being an idiot though

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best MMO style fantasy book out there!

Great take on professional gaming and gamers in general. Interesting take on a collapsing world economy that is now being driven by the gaming industry. If you game, you gotta read this one!

[Stand Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Premise and plot, perfection

This book was one of my most enjoyed reads recently. It just had so many good things going for it and leaves much room for further story developments. I'm a little bummed I can't jump in and play the game myself it sounds great

[Danny Cannon]

This is what LitRPG should be!

This was an amazing read, and a great listen. So many LitRPG novels get mired in the states to the point that it detracts from the story. Not so here. Great story, great dialog, great action, great JOB by both authors!
Highly recommended!

[Koffe]

At 2 hours 12 minute mark I had been waiting for something good to actually happen for 2 hours 11 minutes. This was one of the most boring books I've read as of late. A story about a complete loser/scrub/noob/pleb all of the aforementioned applies. With a single friend, that is an even bigger one than him. Don't waste your time on this book, it doesn't improve after some time like some books do. Nope it just keeps going on and on in the same boring stilted, lackluster manner it started with.

[Travis Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good and recommend read though I am cautious about the rest of the series. This is a zero to hero story and goes from level 1 to 99 in just one book. There are 6 books in this series and I dont know how the authors are going to get the reader engaged.

Hook - Decent to Good. You start with an absolute zero that finds a special artifact that could elevate his status in life. Dirk is someone down on his luck, behind on rent, and trying to get by and this is all he has to get him out of this predicament.

World Building - There isnt as much as you might think. Sure there are places in this story but only two are memorable (River Market and Ash City.) Every other place in this book is just go here, fight monsters, get xp and loot, and on to the next place over and over. There is decent world building but its not one of those systems or games that you would want to find yourself in like other systems in books.

Characters - I am very critical usually of characters and dialogue. Dirk is a good protagonist. Though he does have his preachy moments. He had something bad happen in school with his best friend Brian. Every chance Dirk gets, he holds it over his friends head and I read a little of the next book and he continues to do that. That isnt really a friend. That is a target you can guilt trip every chance you are mad. As far as Dirk the in game person. Love the type of character he made maybe not the person he is. I do love Stoneburner though. He is a great side character. Salvatore is a better antagonist than Dirk is a protagonist though in the end comes off as weak and pathetic.

Overall its a good novel and maybe only standalone novel in this 6 part series. I would still recommend it though Dirk would have to pick up on being likeable enough to care. What is crazy is that Ash City (Dawnshire) is his city. He is the lord. He is never around for obvious reason in the book. He gets pissy though with Brian and Stoneburner for why his image is so bad when Dirk ignores there calls and goes silent for long periods of time. Almost enough to lower a star but 4 star is solid for this book.

[Books With Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Technically well-written, and very well narrated. In fact narration saved this book for me and helped me finish it.

I bought this because I'm a big fan of the Galaxy's Edge series so I was curious to read a different genre by (one of) the same author(s).
But, this was not up to parr for me. I've read a much better LitRPG series and sometimes it was like these authors may have read this series too, because there were a few resemblances. (Not like a copy however, more like an influenced by/inspired by). But, this story didn't really grab me. There were no stakes that I cared for, the MC wasn't a likeable character. He also didn't seem to be a very good gamer, nor was he particularly smart or good at strategy or some other skill. He levelled up but there was still a huge difference between him and other equally high-levelled characters. The way he defeats & kills the end 'boss' was, frankly, rather uninspired. I mean, he basically kept beating and beating and beating on his foe until he finally collapsed. Yawn.
Maybe the authors intend for the MC to learn throughout the series, and grow as a person as well as a gamer, but they first have to make me care about him for me to want to be part of his journey.
As it is, I don't.

I'll happily continue my Galaxy'e Edge saga and my other LitRPG series, but this one I will not be contuing, alas.

[Ribbon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Your enjoyment of King's League is going to depend heavily on how you feel about pop culture references in books. Like accidentally opening the pour side of the pepper container instead of sift, this book has too much for my taste and I found it hard to enjoy the otherwise fine book.

This is a VR MMO LitRPG but the real world still has some relevance. Dirk sells in-game items for real-world money and often has to choose between keeping gear to survive in-game or selling it to pay rent and buy groceries.

The King's League game sounds miserable. PKill encouraged, extremely harsh penalties for dying, and painfully slow progression. Dirk soon finds an overpowered god-helmet that increases his experience gains, so at least we don't have to suffer for long. He discovers corruption among the highest level players and most popular streamer and sets out to overthrow their tyrany. Hopefully not get evicted from his apartment.

The fight scenes are well written and varied. Dirk fights lots of different monster and player types, solo and occasionally in a group. Locations are varied and described well. There are only a few characters but they each have different voices.

Content warnings: Player killing and bullying, objectification of women, fat phobia, giant spiders, the R slur once. The closest the book gets to having a female character is one conversation 97% of the way through.

[Rafael · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, albeit probably the worst MMO-like game I'd never like to play, ever. A bit repetitive in the beginning going on about him having to meet due on his rent, which luckily he just got around to at some poin making it mostly irrelevant.

So, basically he's lucky to receive a random drop of a powerful item, allowing him to open up a until then closed door to a new city within the game. Prior to that he figured out the major streamer Salvatore was griefing many players in this PvP centric game, while keeping up a facade of helping newbies.

Sprinkle in some fights, some Stoneburner guy that jumps from roleplaying to being himself and a game system I can't see being successful ever. Sure, it's a different time and money ingame is worth the same outside of it. Doesn't seem coherent though and is never explained in detail, which is probably for the best. Don't really care that much.

I did finish it because it was decent enough, but the end fight against Salvatore with all the griefers from that guild was more than just annoying.
The narrator did a good job, but I don't think I want to continue with this series.

[Clint Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alert

First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”

Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.

To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.

To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.

To potential readers: 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. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.

Cheers

[Stanislas Sodonon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of the audiobook.

If this book has one thing going for it, it's the tone. The very best flow I've ever seen in an LitRPG. And that's quite an achievement for a book written in the first person present tense. The jokes and asides are on point every time, and it was really great fun to experience. Mark Boyett brings this brilliant piece of writing to life in a very vivid way, but let's be honest, if it ain't written, it can't be said, so in as much as I admire him for the excellent work, he had excellent material .

This being said.

The MC was a hypocrite. The villains were really stupid and lacked any refinement. So many people seemed to accept being drafted into harassing others in what is supposed to be a distraction that it stopped looking like a game. Lots and lots of plot holes Like how exactly does the antagonist find out the MC's real identity?.

I'm torned between huge talent for voicing, and little talent for plotting. So I choose a middle ground.
3 stars. That should be safe.

[Sidsel Varmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

I liked this well enough. I lost the thread every once in a while and had to skip some of the more involved descriptions of battle and sneaking, but it caught me attention again each time. I think it's just a personal preference on writing style. At least the grammar and spelling was flawless.

I really liked the overall plot and enjoyed the characters. Says something about a genre when you celebrate the characters being real, relateable and not assholes/idiots, but yay! Only assholes in this book were supposed to be so that's nice.

Sometimes stories like this can be a bit overwhelming, especially when one guy goes up against a whole guild of bad guys or becomes lord of some kind of holding and citybuiling starts. It gets so big and the MC (and most often the author too) keeps forgetting things and it becomes a bit messy. Here the story was tightly controlled and MC actually made use of his assets - including friends, so that was nice.

The book has a lot going for it, and though it wasn't my favorite, I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Timidobserver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's one of the few litrpg books where the character has some kind of unique power or ability that I can tolerate. That said, the main character is on a very steep path toward being OP. The main reason it works is because the primary antagonist has a similar ability. No harems or romance at all, which is always a major plus for me.

The only minor problem is the main character's weird decision making skills. I am starting to wonder if it's a book about someone experiencing multiple personalities or some kind of schizophrenia. The main character goes from knowing that something is an incredibly bad idea and being entirely set on not doing it to just doing it in a blink. He goes from having his entire being focused on accomplishing a goal like it is his sole mission in life to just randomly doing things that hurt the goal. His decision making will give you whiplash. Despite this minor gripe, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5, rounded up. A very good example of the genre, maybe even an exemplar of a sub-genre "driven to video games by economic necessity".

The setting is near-future automation-driven unemployment dystopia, something that looks increasingly inevitable. As bad as that sounds, the alternative to that is some sort of civilizational collapse and technological dark age, so bring on the immersive sims and universal basic income!

Seriously though, there is good use of personal relationships, 2-and-a-half D villains, and realistic low-drama economic drivers for the MC's behaviour. All of this makes the whole thing more relatable, at least to any of us who've at any time had to make the choice between rent and eating. It was a very short period of my life (19, just moved out of the house), but I haven't forgotten when payday meant I could have pizza instead of the pasta and me-made soups I survived on for the other 13 days.

Not quite great, but a very good book and an engaging read.

[Chris Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books that kept my attention all the way through. The setting is somewhat typical for a litrpg, but has a lower tech feel to it. I also really enjoyed the slower pace, more strategic mindset at play, probably because it's more along the lines of how I like to play games like this.

He unfortunately falls into the Human, short human, very short human, trap of species selection, but it's less noticeable since he never goes through character creation. I just wish authors would take more creative liberty with playable fantasy species.

Side note: "Ebon Forge" huh? What's the chance that's a combination Ebon Hawk and Star Forge ;)? Especially since it's supposed to be an actual, powerful place that's currently lost. If so, got to give props to an old EU fan.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one

Mistakes: I didn’t find any out and out mistakes, but there are a couple of times that information given earlier in the story gets repeated. Since the information has no real bearing on the story I felt that it was unnecessary.

Plot: This is the story of a guy that is as close as you can get to rock bottom, that with the help of an OP piece of equipment is able to turn his luck around.

Characters: I really like the Mc. He would be the type of person that I’d be glad to know in real life.

8/10 I just thought that the level cap was to low and for the Mc to easy to reach.

[Enzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun. It really has a way to carry you into the story and the character. Dirk is a College dropout. But there is a story behind that, and his best friend is most of it. Dirk plays "King's League" a game that has also become its own economy. As he puts it, the game is great except for all the Player KIllers. But with a tough grind requirements and even harder specialization advancement, killing a player for 1000 experience is a ok. Don't like to have the PK label pay and get it brushed off. Dirk moans the fact that it keeps happening. Until he finds a unique Helm.
Now he is off to the races and everyone seems to be gunning for him.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Well that was action packed levelling grinding mayhem of the best kind and I for one can’t wait for more.... yes the MC is OP with his helm but he’s a decent guy and doesn’t let it go to his head. The grinding is interesting as it gets him the levels he needs but not repetitive so we can just whizz along for the ride.

The pacing and editing are good and overall this is a believable well crafted book that’ll have me looking for the next one. Go on read it you be glad you did.

Enjoy 😁

[SAS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun but forgettable

The story is well written as you would expect from two accomplished authors. It was an ok read but there wasn’t anything that really connected this reader to the story or the protagonist. Without going into spoilers, the MC was well described and a decent protagonist brandished with a few scars from life but I could care less whether he succeeded or not in his quest. There was almost no character progression that was not handed to him through obtaining an over powered item.

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is very well written (especially compared to a typical LitRPG), however it has a fundamental flaw that right from the get-go killed the suspension of disbelief for me. I just don't think it's possible for a hardcore MMORPG to be that popular and ubiquitous. There's a bunch of other game related stuff that would be a bit far-fetched but it just doesn't make sense: if nearly everyone is getting sent back to level 1 over and over again another developer would come along with a non-hardcore game and all the disenfranchised people that are getting PKed would play that instead.