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One Up #2
Grow Up
Welcome to Law/School! Up until this morning, the biggest thing Josh had to worry about was completing Shadow Souls on sadistic difficulty. Oh, and his upcoming exams.That was before he caught the attention of a planet of intergalactic trial-by-combat lawyers that use giant mechs to fight their legal battles. Now he has bigger things to worry about. Much, much bigger. The only advantage he has is his trusty games controller, but will it be enough to beat a Level 10 Behemoth?Josh isn’t the only one having a rough day. Gargle was your run-of-the-mill, body swapping, ethereal alien courier. Everything was going great, until he was dropped off on Earth and asked to blend in with a crowd of teenagers. Josh only has to save the world, Gargle has to survive puberty. If you love humour, sci-fi and GameLit then this is the book for you! Note that while this book shares the same universe as Level Up, it has its own cast of characters. Both books can be enjoyed standalone.
440 pages, Paperback
Published August 11, 2019
177 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Craig Anderson
14 books72 followersCraig Anderson can't stand writing about himself in the third person. I’m a Brit that lives in Canada, and I moved here via Australia, so no matter where I go people hear my bizarre accent and ask me where I’m from. I have a beautiful wife, two rambunctious kids, a cat called Sydney, and a Sheepadoodle puppy.
I love to write humour (yes that is how they spell it where I am from!) with just a touch of depth. If I can make you laugh and then make you think, I’m on the right track. I have a soft spot for characters with hidden strength, the types that no-one thinks will amount to anything. Give me a nun-chuck wielding elf or a granny hacker any day of the week.
I love to write humour (yes that is how they spell it where I am from!) with just a touch of depth. If I can make you laugh and then make you think, I’m on the right track. I have a soft spot for characters with hidden strength, the types that no-one thinks will amount to anything. Give me a nun-chuck wielding elf or a granny hacker any day of the week.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 6, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on Kindle Unlimited, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 50 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure on Amazon. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on Kindle Unlimited, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 50 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure on Amazon. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
December 8, 2020
Aliens, man
In a Freaky Friday worthy body swap, this book explores two strange alien planets, their bizarre, inconsistent customs, and has a newb save the day in surprisingly fun ways in each.
The first book in the series was litRPG themed, this one focuses more on mech wars. Not my personal fandom, so I'll admit to skimming some of those geeked out details, while admiring the passion behind them at the same time.
An example of the writing, which features Vogon worthy lawyers:
“You think that a race of sentient beings, with the capability and technology to travel between galaxies, is going to do so with the sole intention of gathering all their data rectally? I’m not sure you have thought this all the way through. If we want to scan you, we’ll just do this.”
In a Freaky Friday worthy body swap, this book explores two strange alien planets, their bizarre, inconsistent customs, and has a newb save the day in surprisingly fun ways in each.
The first book in the series was litRPG themed, this one focuses more on mech wars. Not my personal fandom, so I'll admit to skimming some of those geeked out details, while admiring the passion behind them at the same time.
An example of the writing, which features Vogon worthy lawyers:
“You think that a race of sentient beings, with the capability and technology to travel between galaxies, is going to do so with the sole intention of gathering all their data rectally? I’m not sure you have thought this all the way through. If we want to scan you, we’ll just do this.”
January 13, 2021
A Couple of Well Explored Concepts and Laugh-Out-Loud Moments
An alien society where everyone works completely off of assigned tasks, worth is measured by importance of tasks, and those who have no tasks may be eliminated in the name of efficiency.
Circumstances compel body or roll switching, so that the human Josh gets a good taste of this alternative lifestyle, and Blurgon an ethereal alien gets to take over his life and discover the freedom and chaos of having to decide his own path and tasks.
A system of lawyering wherein lawyers battle by controlling large robots to decide the outcome of cases is clever and thought out. The mechanics for balancing the value of the robot being used to battle effecting the damages and penalties is cool.
A quick read that you will love, don't miss this book. Completely unrelated to the previous book in the series, except for a brief coda regarding the masterminds who control the simulation that is Earth, which frankly doesn't add much.
An alien society where everyone works completely off of assigned tasks, worth is measured by importance of tasks, and those who have no tasks may be eliminated in the name of efficiency.
Circumstances compel body or roll switching, so that the human Josh gets a good taste of this alternative lifestyle, and Blurgon an ethereal alien gets to take over his life and discover the freedom and chaos of having to decide his own path and tasks.
A system of lawyering wherein lawyers battle by controlling large robots to decide the outcome of cases is clever and thought out. The mechanics for balancing the value of the robot being used to battle effecting the damages and penalties is cool.
A quick read that you will love, don't miss this book. Completely unrelated to the previous book in the series, except for a brief coda regarding the masterminds who control the simulation that is Earth, which frankly doesn't add much.
March 4, 2022
lovely little series!
As a teenage boy I would have LOVED the one up series. I started reading them expecting something along the line of ready player one but soon realised they are more suited for a younger reader. That didn’t stop me reading both in the series though! They’ve not got the intricacies of more developed stories but they are certain page turners, the main character in grow up, Josh is very relatable and you are definitely rooting for him. As you are Marcus in level up (which would make a great film!). I appreciated the epilogues in both, but not sure they added anything to the stories, if anything they removed a bit of that fuzzy happy feeling. I’m so pleased I stumbled across these and I have recommended them to my friend to read to his young lads, as he will enjoy them as much as they will. I’m now on the hunt for more like this, thank you Craig Anderson!
As a teenage boy I would have LOVED the one up series. I started reading them expecting something along the line of ready player one but soon realised they are more suited for a younger reader. That didn’t stop me reading both in the series though! They’ve not got the intricacies of more developed stories but they are certain page turners, the main character in grow up, Josh is very relatable and you are definitely rooting for him. As you are Marcus in level up (which would make a great film!). I appreciated the epilogues in both, but not sure they added anything to the stories, if anything they removed a bit of that fuzzy happy feeling. I’m so pleased I stumbled across these and I have recommended them to my friend to read to his young lads, as he will enjoy them as much as they will. I’m now on the hunt for more like this, thank you Craig Anderson!
October 4, 2020
More crazy and hilarious underdog fighting the OP overlords.
Another fast paced adventure featuring a collection of underdogs forced to fight against laughably OP enemies for their very survival. Hilarious cultural misunderstandings ensue as a plot vaguely reminiscent of The Last Starfighter plays out in a more modern context with added Ghost in the Shell energy based alien lifeforms.
Another fast paced adventure featuring a collection of underdogs forced to fight against laughably OP enemies for their very survival. Hilarious cultural misunderstandings ensue as a plot vaguely reminiscent of The Last Starfighter plays out in a more modern context with added Ghost in the Shell energy based alien lifeforms.
January 10, 2020
I picked up this book after reading the previous one in the series: Level Up. I was surprised to discover this genre of books (GameLit), which speaks to me.
Just like the previous book, Grow Up makes fun of situations that we consider normal by looking at them from a different perspective. This time we look at humanity through the eyes of an alien that has to impersonates a boy on Earth. Many times the alien is confused by our behavior, why we do the things we do, and how we do them.
Meanwhile, the boy is sent across the galaxy to the alien's home planet to work in their "legal system," which has hilarious rules and practices (but I won't spoil too much). In this part, the author plays with terminology from the legal world to create an amusing alternate legal system.
Throughout the book, you alternate between Earth and the Alien civilization.
All that being said, there were also parts of the book I didn't enjoy. At multiple times in the book, I felt although it was unnecessarily stretched out. Certain parts were a hassle to get through, and I skimmed quite a lot.
Overall, I liked the book. If a third-book is in the works, I hope it will go more towards the style of the first one.
Just like the previous book, Grow Up makes fun of situations that we consider normal by looking at them from a different perspective. This time we look at humanity through the eyes of an alien that has to impersonates a boy on Earth. Many times the alien is confused by our behavior, why we do the things we do, and how we do them.
Meanwhile, the boy is sent across the galaxy to the alien's home planet to work in their "legal system," which has hilarious rules and practices (but I won't spoil too much). In this part, the author plays with terminology from the legal world to create an amusing alternate legal system.
Throughout the book, you alternate between Earth and the Alien civilization.
All that being said, there were also parts of the book I didn't enjoy. At multiple times in the book, I felt although it was unnecessarily stretched out. Certain parts were a hassle to get through, and I skimmed quite a lot.
Overall, I liked the book. If a third-book is in the works, I hope it will go more towards the style of the first one.
January 4, 2020
Incredibly Good Transitions
In my opinion, a mark of a well planned story line is the magnitude of feels each transition leaves. Opposed to some books where the transition is simply a device to further inform the reader of story progression, I was deeply excited (not anxious) each time this story transitioned between characters. Well done, and thanks for another super fun read!
In my opinion, a mark of a well planned story line is the magnitude of feels each transition leaves. Opposed to some books where the transition is simply a device to further inform the reader of story progression, I was deeply excited (not anxious) each time this story transitioned between characters. Well done, and thanks for another super fun read!
May 17, 2021
Give it a try
If your reading the reviews before you try this book, I want to warn you , it starts rather slow . BUT ! Just get through the first few pages THEN it takes off and and both books are really fun reading. I just hope the author is working on the third book in the series. I will give this book a big Thumbs Up.
If your reading the reviews before you try this book, I want to warn you , it starts rather slow . BUT ! Just get through the first few pages THEN it takes off and and both books are really fun reading. I just hope the author is working on the third book in the series. I will give this book a big Thumbs Up.
October 10, 2020
No stress, just humor and a nice read
This book is a little different. Good paced and some nice twists. I was looking for a book that kept my interest and let me relax while I read it. To the author, Thank You.
This book is a little different. Good paced and some nice twists. I was looking for a book that kept my interest and let me relax while I read it. To the author, Thank You.
October 25, 2020
(Nearly) Endless Laughs
Like the previous book, this read has me laughing cover to (digital) cover! The antics of the main characters are so improbable that you can’t help but laugh. Enjoy!
Like the previous book, this read has me laughing cover to (digital) cover! The antics of the main characters are so improbable that you can’t help but laugh. Enjoy!
November 23, 2020
Love this author's humour and story telling
Love this author's humour and story telling. This is the second of their novels ive read and look forward to more. I loved gargles shenanigans especially.
Love this author's humour and story telling. This is the second of their novels ive read and look forward to more. I loved gargles shenanigans especially.
July 13, 2021
I wasn’t quite sure where this was going, but it very much grew on me. Not quite with the immediate zing of something like Randoms, it nonetheless kept me chuckling. Anderson’s got an easy, flowing style which makes the books quite digestible and I’d recommend them without hesitation.
December 6, 2022
Phenomenal 2nd book
The story has changed enough to keep it interesting. The focus and backsotry changed enough to keep it unique in its own read. I can't wait to finish the third book.
The story has changed enough to keep it interesting. The focus and backsotry changed enough to keep it unique in its own read. I can't wait to finish the third book.
Read
December 7, 2023A Quality Read
Honestly, I don't really do book reviews, but I felt compelled it give this 5 thumbs up. A really well written flowing book centered around two conjoined storylines interwoven with hints of scifi, gaming, humour and edge of the seat stuff. I will be back for more.😀
Honestly, I don't really do book reviews, but I felt compelled it give this 5 thumbs up. A really well written flowing book centered around two conjoined storylines interwoven with hints of scifi, gaming, humour and edge of the seat stuff. I will be back for more.😀
March 16, 2020
Would read more, but a good ending
Decent book. Lots of unlikely scenarios. But a fun read.
Writing quality is good, although for me a bit fast paced.
Decent book. Lots of unlikely scenarios. But a fun read.
Writing quality is good, although for me a bit fast paced.
August 21, 2020
Great fun and a quick read
The humor was good, the story original and it left me wanting more just like the other book. Worth the time!
The humor was good, the story original and it left me wanting more just like the other book. Worth the time!
December 28, 2020
It was better than Book #1 and kept me interested.
December 29, 2022
Jumps around
The jumping back and forth between two story lines in the same book was too complicated. Hard to follow.
Kind of a fun read though. Worth giving it a try.
The jumping back and forth between two story lines in the same book was too complicated. Hard to follow.
Kind of a fun read though. Worth giving it a try.
February 8, 2023
Great read
it has great characters and story line which opens up to planets of adventures, can't wait to read what happens next.
it has great characters and story line which opens up to planets of adventures, can't wait to read what happens next.
February 23, 2023
Tremendous fun
What an enjoyable romp! Such a charming universe with oodles of humour and intrigue, not to mention relatable and interesting characters. Hooked!
What an enjoyable romp! Such a charming universe with oodles of humour and intrigue, not to mention relatable and interesting characters. Hooked!
August 5, 2024
“[T]he one planet we are observing is suddenly both vulnerable and stupidly dangerous, and we’ve unleashed a potentially universe ending event?”
August 14, 2020
Not sure where to classify this one, but it was pretty fun, so that's enough for me. I'll be interested to see where the first book tie-ins at the end take us in book 3, but I'll be checking it out.
December 24, 2019
Wonderful second in the series!!!
Maybe a different character arch from the first book but still full of wonderful gaming analogies. Seeing the universe thru a humans eyes and seeing earth thru an aliens ... just awesome!!
Maybe a different character arch from the first book but still full of wonderful gaming analogies. Seeing the universe thru a humans eyes and seeing earth thru an aliens ... just awesome!!
December 29, 2020
I have read a lot of books in my fiscal book year, and Craig Anderson has some of the most fun, engaging, and fast paced books I have read. In the 80ish books I have read in 2020 I would say both of this books, Grow up and Level Up, were two of my favorites. The stories drag you in quickly and before you know it you are living out the protagonists life. While neither book is ground breaking or even that unique of a story, both are thoroughly enjoyable leaving you wanting more when you finish. IF the point of reading is entertainment, then these two books really hit the nail on the head. Highly recommend.
October 15, 2019
Where to begin. The story is just laughably bad, the writing sounds like a cringy teenager's fanfiction. All the 5 star ratings have no review accompaniment so all I can think is that they are all this guy's family and friends. it's the only thing that makes sense to me.
August 6, 2022
Great read
Clever gamer/syfy/ready player one like book. The story moved fast and was always one step ahead of the reader! Looking forward to the next book.
Clever gamer/syfy/ready player one like book. The story moved fast and was always one step ahead of the reader! Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews