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Overtaken Online #1
Daemonorg Prison-Lab
A Dark LitRPG / LitFPS SciFi-Shooter
OVERTAKEN ONLINE. The world's first FPS VR-MMORPG with 100% immersion. Reminiscent of classics like Doom and Dead Space, but with RPG-elements that enable players to level up and develop skills – and sprinkled with a pinch of magic.
The 33-year old game designer Dex Walsh spends an entire year devoured by sorrow after the death of his wife. As a last-ditch effort to regain his joy, he sells everything and joins Overtaken Online.
Expecting to spawn in a noob-friendly area with guidance from his personal assistant, he instead finds himself naked and alone in a dark prison cell rapidly filling with gas.
Under-leveled and with no idea how to escape, he quickly learns no-one wants him alive in this godforsaken place...
Strap on your ammo belts, reload your weapons, and join this struggling Battle-Marine as he blasts through waves of demonic aliens while rescuing prisoners and increasing his power.
Beware! This story contains:
- Blood and guts
- Foul language!
- Notifications / pop-ups / inventory management
- No sex / No harem
OVERTAKEN ONLINE. The world's first FPS VR-MMORPG with 100% immersion. Reminiscent of classics like Doom and Dead Space, but with RPG-elements that enable players to level up and develop skills – and sprinkled with a pinch of magic.
The 33-year old game designer Dex Walsh spends an entire year devoured by sorrow after the death of his wife. As a last-ditch effort to regain his joy, he sells everything and joins Overtaken Online.
Expecting to spawn in a noob-friendly area with guidance from his personal assistant, he instead finds himself naked and alone in a dark prison cell rapidly filling with gas.
Under-leveled and with no idea how to escape, he quickly learns no-one wants him alive in this godforsaken place...
Strap on your ammo belts, reload your weapons, and join this struggling Battle-Marine as he blasts through waves of demonic aliens while rescuing prisoners and increasing his power.
Beware! This story contains:
- Blood and guts
- Foul language!
- Notifications / pop-ups / inventory management
- No sex / No harem
- GenresScience Fiction
552 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
220 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 9, 2021
I think this book hits a very specific type of reader: mostly male, and are fans of the Doom, Call of Duty, Gears, and all the other military ops first person shooters. How do I know? Because I love all those things, and despite a few errors, I enjoyed the book.
The opening chapters really could have been skipped. The dead wife, the depression, and all the rest don't really add anything to the bulk of the story. It doesn't really matter why he pays up to join Overtaken Online, and making him sadder just distracts from the action.
And there is a lot of action. Instead of starting in a field of daisies as he learns the game, he starts in a prison lab where genetic experimentation takes place. Various species try to kill him, and each time he finds a way to get his hands on a weapon and kill. And kill. And kill some more.
I enjoyed this very much. Yes, there are editing errors and missing words, and some other misses as other reviewers have mentioned, but so what? Did these detract from my enjoyment?
Nope, they didn't.
Recommended if you like first person shooters. 5/5*
The opening chapters really could have been skipped. The dead wife, the depression, and all the rest don't really add anything to the bulk of the story. It doesn't really matter why he pays up to join Overtaken Online, and making him sadder just distracts from the action.
And there is a lot of action. Instead of starting in a field of daisies as he learns the game, he starts in a prison lab where genetic experimentation takes place. Various species try to kill him, and each time he finds a way to get his hands on a weapon and kill. And kill. And kill some more.
I enjoyed this very much. Yes, there are editing errors and missing words, and some other misses as other reviewers have mentioned, but so what? Did these detract from my enjoyment?
Nope, they didn't.
Recommended if you like first person shooters. 5/5*
March 4, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: I found a few scattered throughout the book.
Plot: Who would pay 30k to play a game? A guy that can't get over his dead wife, but seems to have no problem forgetting her once he's in the game. You can't pull the pin on a grenade with your teeth, definitely not when wearing a full face helmet.
Characters: Nobody talks like that. The way the characters interact with each other makes me think that they all suffer from brain damage.
5/10
Mistakes: I found a few scattered throughout the book.
Plot: Who would pay 30k to play a game? A guy that can't get over his dead wife, but seems to have no problem forgetting her once he's in the game. You can't pull the pin on a grenade with your teeth, definitely not when wearing a full face helmet.
Characters: Nobody talks like that. The way the characters interact with each other makes me think that they all suffer from brain damage.
5/10
March 13, 2021
Blah
First, it took 6 chapters to *finally* start the game. 30pgs describing scenery and people who *won’t be in the rest of the book*!.
Then, the MC flip-flops between ‘this is a game’ and ‘this is real’ so often...dude, you are trapped in a prison in a volcano fighting demons. How about you get on with it? Awfully slow for someone who is experiencing pain and happens to be poisoned.
At one point, the MC stopped in a room after getting off an elevator. No real reason to stop, but he and the secondary character stayed long enough for enemies to *use the elevator to get to them*. Just as he worried they would pages earlier. Duh.
DNF
First, it took 6 chapters to *finally* start the game. 30pgs describing scenery and people who *won’t be in the rest of the book*!.
Then, the MC flip-flops between ‘this is a game’ and ‘this is real’ so often...dude, you are trapped in a prison in a volcano fighting demons. How about you get on with it? Awfully slow for someone who is experiencing pain and happens to be poisoned.
At one point, the MC stopped in a room after getting off an elevator. No real reason to stop, but he and the secondary character stayed long enough for enemies to *use the elevator to get to them*. Just as he worried they would pages earlier. Duh.
DNF
March 31, 2021
Give about 2 and half stars.
Reasons.
#. MC keeps on ruining immersion in read by saying things like this is just a game or its VR.
#. Constant menchaning body in pod. (Sigh.)
#. Whole first part book before enters game was long and tedious read hard get through.
#. MC gun use only or should say mainly is ok but more fun when addes offer types/styles of fighting.
(Unless gun-fu kinda thing like reflecting bullets or like guy in film when its illegal to feel emotions and wanted movie.)
#. Liked when mc did things on his own.
#. MC there just npc was annoying and insistence calling them humans can understand even if was bit grr. (& immersive destroying. )
#. Keep wanting him use MP viles because magic a mind powers add bio-tech & mechanical enhancing fun lol.
#. MC seemed a bit to needy at times and desperate not to be alone found this of putting.
#. Nice have more state panel and leveling skills abilities extra. (I just love these things.)
May change slightly after longer thought about it, but final thought its a decant fun mix read action parts are a lot and well done adventure not bad with nice ideas in hear and decant fun read.
Reasons.
#. MC keeps on ruining immersion in read by saying things like this is just a game or its VR.
#. Constant menchaning body in pod. (Sigh.)
#. Whole first part book before enters game was long and tedious read hard get through.
#. MC gun use only or should say mainly is ok but more fun when addes offer types/styles of fighting.
(Unless gun-fu kinda thing like reflecting bullets or like guy in film when its illegal to feel emotions and wanted movie.)
#. Liked when mc did things on his own.
#. MC there just npc was annoying and insistence calling them humans can understand even if was bit grr. (& immersive destroying. )
#. Keep wanting him use MP viles because magic a mind powers add bio-tech & mechanical enhancing fun lol.
#. MC seemed a bit to needy at times and desperate not to be alone found this of putting.
#. Nice have more state panel and leveling skills abilities extra. (I just love these things.)
May change slightly after longer thought about it, but final thought its a decant fun mix read action parts are a lot and well done adventure not bad with nice ideas in hear and decant fun read.
November 21, 2021
Not good
Wow pulling a pin from a grenade with your teeth? The writer really needs to learn what he is wrting!! Even in a game the force of the spring would have destroyed his face.Getting up and brushing off brick fragments while he was being attacked? Does the writer know that just the concusion from the grenade would have busted his eardrums and if it was a frag grenade it would have torrn him to peices..i gues not because their is more books in this series!!
Wow pulling a pin from a grenade with your teeth? The writer really needs to learn what he is wrting!! Even in a game the force of the spring would have destroyed his face.Getting up and brushing off brick fragments while he was being attacked? Does the writer know that just the concusion from the grenade would have busted his eardrums and if it was a frag grenade it would have torrn him to peices..i gues not because their is more books in this series!!
November 10, 2021
Not a fan
I had high hopes for this book in the genre but Though I finished the book I really didn't enjoy it too much. The MC was mostly annoying jerk most of the time and only a nice guy occasionally. The system Is very simple and somewhat nebulous. Just didn't feel Well put together.Don't think I'll be reading the second book.
I had high hopes for this book in the genre but Though I finished the book I really didn't enjoy it too much. The MC was mostly annoying jerk most of the time and only a nice guy occasionally. The system Is very simple and somewhat nebulous. Just didn't feel Well put together.Don't think I'll be reading the second book.
November 28, 2021
Disappointed
I don't know if I expected too much of this book before I started reading or if it was something else, but having finished it with difficulty I'm left rather disappointed with the storyline. I honestly cannot point to anything specific bit for me it just felt as if the story dragged along without the highs and lows I was expecting.
I don't know if I expected too much of this book before I started reading or if it was something else, but having finished it with difficulty I'm left rather disappointed with the storyline. I honestly cannot point to anything specific bit for me it just felt as if the story dragged along without the highs and lows I was expecting.
April 23, 2021
Inconsistent character development
First of all... no one says “awesomeness” it’s just “awesome”. From the grieving 33 year old to being a teenager the character development is very subpar. I quit the book at chapter 17 and will not continue.
First of all... no one says “awesomeness” it’s just “awesome”. From the grieving 33 year old to being a teenager the character development is very subpar. I quit the book at chapter 17 and will not continue.
May 21, 2021
I didn’t enjoy the writing style.
September 23, 2023
Introduction:
Greetings, fellow inhabitants of HowlStrom. It is I, Kiba Snowpaw, the alpha Ice Wolf with the power of ice magic, bringing you a review from the icy depths of my gaming den. As someone who has been immersed in the world of gaming for over 36 years, I have ventured into countless virtual realms, and today, I share my thoughts on Ben Ormstad's "Overtaken Online #1: Daemonorg Prison-Lab."
Basic Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Dex Walsh, a 33-year-old game designer who, after the tragic loss of his wife, decides to sell everything and immerse himself in Overtaken Online, the world's first FPS VR-MMORPG. However, instead of a warm welcome, he finds himself trapped in a dark, sinister prison-lab, surrounded by demonic creatures and faced with life-threatening challenges.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Ormstad's narrative is a thrilling blend of classic FPS games like Doom and Dead Space, combined with RPG elements and a touch of magic. The story's pacing is intense, with action-packed sequences that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The game's mechanics, including leveling up and skill development, are intricately woven into the narrative, providing depth and immersion.
Characters:
Dex Walsh, our protagonist, is a complex character. His grief and sorrow are palpable, making his decision to escape reality and dive into the game understandable. As he navigates the challenges of the prison-lab, we see his resilience, determination, and growth. The secondary characters, though not as fleshed out, add depth and intrigue to the story.
Structure:
The book's structure is well-balanced, with a mix of backstory, action sequences, and character development. The initial chapters, which delve into Dex's past and his reasons for joining the game, set the tone for the challenges he faces later on.
Impact:
"Overtaken Online #1" is not just a tale of virtual battles and leveling up. It's a story of resilience, coping with loss, and finding purpose in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the therapeutic potential of gaming and virtual worlds.
Hook and Thesis:
The book's hook lies in its unique setting—a prison-lab filled with demonic creatures, where the stakes are high, and survival is the only goal. The underlying thesis is the exploration of grief, coping mechanisms, and the fine line between reality and virtuality.
Praise and Critique:
Ormstad deserves praise for crafting a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends action, RPG elements, and emotional depth. However, the story does have its flaws. The constant reminders of the game's virtual nature can be jarring, and some character interactions feel forced or unnatural.
Evaluation:
Despite its shortcomings, "Overtaken Online #1" is a thrilling read that offers a fresh take on the LitRPG genre. The action sequences are exhilarating, the game mechanics are well-integrated, and the emotional depth adds layers to the narrative.
Comparison:
While the book draws inspiration from classic FPS games, it also stands out in the LitRPG genre. Unlike many other titles that focus solely on action and game mechanics, Ormstad's work delves deep into the protagonist's psyche, making it a unique and memorable read.
Conclusion:
In the vast universe of LitRPGs, "Overtaken Online #1: Daemonorg Prison-Lab" shines bright. It's a roller-coaster ride of emotions, action, and virtual challenges. For those looking for a fresh and immersive LitRPG experience, this book is a must-read. As the icy winds of HowlStrom howl in the background, I, Kiba Snowpaw, give this book a frosty four out of five stars. Until our next adventure, keep your paws warm and your spirits high!
Greetings, fellow inhabitants of HowlStrom. It is I, Kiba Snowpaw, the alpha Ice Wolf with the power of ice magic, bringing you a review from the icy depths of my gaming den. As someone who has been immersed in the world of gaming for over 36 years, I have ventured into countless virtual realms, and today, I share my thoughts on Ben Ormstad's "Overtaken Online #1: Daemonorg Prison-Lab."
Basic Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Dex Walsh, a 33-year-old game designer who, after the tragic loss of his wife, decides to sell everything and immerse himself in Overtaken Online, the world's first FPS VR-MMORPG. However, instead of a warm welcome, he finds himself trapped in a dark, sinister prison-lab, surrounded by demonic creatures and faced with life-threatening challenges.
Analysis/Evaluation:
Ormstad's narrative is a thrilling blend of classic FPS games like Doom and Dead Space, combined with RPG elements and a touch of magic. The story's pacing is intense, with action-packed sequences that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The game's mechanics, including leveling up and skill development, are intricately woven into the narrative, providing depth and immersion.
Characters:
Dex Walsh, our protagonist, is a complex character. His grief and sorrow are palpable, making his decision to escape reality and dive into the game understandable. As he navigates the challenges of the prison-lab, we see his resilience, determination, and growth. The secondary characters, though not as fleshed out, add depth and intrigue to the story.
Structure:
The book's structure is well-balanced, with a mix of backstory, action sequences, and character development. The initial chapters, which delve into Dex's past and his reasons for joining the game, set the tone for the challenges he faces later on.
Impact:
"Overtaken Online #1" is not just a tale of virtual battles and leveling up. It's a story of resilience, coping with loss, and finding purpose in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the therapeutic potential of gaming and virtual worlds.
Hook and Thesis:
The book's hook lies in its unique setting—a prison-lab filled with demonic creatures, where the stakes are high, and survival is the only goal. The underlying thesis is the exploration of grief, coping mechanisms, and the fine line between reality and virtuality.
Praise and Critique:
Ormstad deserves praise for crafting a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends action, RPG elements, and emotional depth. However, the story does have its flaws. The constant reminders of the game's virtual nature can be jarring, and some character interactions feel forced or unnatural.
Evaluation:
Despite its shortcomings, "Overtaken Online #1" is a thrilling read that offers a fresh take on the LitRPG genre. The action sequences are exhilarating, the game mechanics are well-integrated, and the emotional depth adds layers to the narrative.
Comparison:
While the book draws inspiration from classic FPS games, it also stands out in the LitRPG genre. Unlike many other titles that focus solely on action and game mechanics, Ormstad's work delves deep into the protagonist's psyche, making it a unique and memorable read.
Conclusion:
In the vast universe of LitRPGs, "Overtaken Online #1: Daemonorg Prison-Lab" shines bright. It's a roller-coaster ride of emotions, action, and virtual challenges. For those looking for a fresh and immersive LitRPG experience, this book is a must-read. As the icy winds of HowlStrom howl in the background, I, Kiba Snowpaw, give this book a frosty four out of five stars. Until our next adventure, keep your paws warm and your spirits high!
September 23, 2025
Can a Kindle run Doom? Apparently, yes it can— but only if you jailbreak your device. Even if it wasn’t possible, then this book might be an okay substitute…that is, if you’re not bothered by reading from the perspective of a depressed horndog.
It has a pretty rough beginning, which really put me off reading it when I first checked it out about two years ago. The main character isn’t exactly likeable, although to an extent his unpleasant personality can be justified by the grief he’s feeling. Also, uh, was it necessary to point out that some random scientist who immediately gets her arse kicked by Frida had a “thicc womanly figure”? (quoted verbatim) This isn’t a harem book so you don’t need to tell the reader how attractive every single female character looks. Even the women in the villainous alien faction are described as buxom, for crying out loud.
Don’t get me wrong, I like sexy characters as much as the next guy, but if you’re not writing a romance or erotica story it feels completely ridiculous and off-putting if the narration is constantly saying “HEY! Did you know that this character is hot?” I personally don’t like it when authors aren’t upfront about it. There are already warnings for things like violence and language in the blurb, so I think these should be changed a bit…even though it says “no sex/no harem” it was a bit too sexually charged for me.
Once you get past the first 10%, it becomes an explosive shoot ‘em up with a dose of RPG goodness. It’s not always that you see books in this genre based around shooters, so props to Ormstad for making a series that’s not just the usual high fantasy fare.
The titular prison-lab is a very effective setting for Dexter’s battles in Overtaken Online. The claustrophobic descriptions make the action a lot more engaging.
Ultimately, I did really enjoy this but it’s a bit too silly (and too horny) to get anything more than three stars. It’s the literary equivalent of an old B-movie you’d find on VHS at a flea market.
It has a pretty rough beginning, which really put me off reading it when I first checked it out about two years ago. The main character isn’t exactly likeable, although to an extent his unpleasant personality can be justified by the grief he’s feeling. Also, uh, was it necessary to point out that some random scientist who immediately gets her arse kicked by Frida had a “thicc womanly figure”? (quoted verbatim) This isn’t a harem book so you don’t need to tell the reader how attractive every single female character looks. Even the women in the villainous alien faction are described as buxom, for crying out loud.
Don’t get me wrong, I like sexy characters as much as the next guy, but if you’re not writing a romance or erotica story it feels completely ridiculous and off-putting if the narration is constantly saying “HEY! Did you know that this character is hot?” I personally don’t like it when authors aren’t upfront about it. There are already warnings for things like violence and language in the blurb, so I think these should be changed a bit…even though it says “no sex/no harem” it was a bit too sexually charged for me.
Once you get past the first 10%, it becomes an explosive shoot ‘em up with a dose of RPG goodness. It’s not always that you see books in this genre based around shooters, so props to Ormstad for making a series that’s not just the usual high fantasy fare.
The titular prison-lab is a very effective setting for Dexter’s battles in Overtaken Online. The claustrophobic descriptions make the action a lot more engaging.
Ultimately, I did really enjoy this but it’s a bit too silly (and too horny) to get anything more than three stars. It’s the literary equivalent of an old B-movie you’d find on VHS at a flea market.
January 6, 2025
This was odd... It felt short, we didn't do much. MC is 33 going on 13, that in itself isn't the issue. All characters sound the same and use the same inside jokes and references. Regardless of which culture they're from. Even the aliens use urban lingo and none of this takes place on earth! So how would these NPCs know anything...
MC loved his wife and is mourning her. Unless there's a female near him, then his wife never existed and he's unable not to be attracted to the female in his vicinity. It's weird.
Overall, this wasn't bad but it wasn't good either.
MC loved his wife and is mourning her. Unless there's a female near him, then his wife never existed and he's unable not to be attracted to the female in his vicinity. It's weird.
Overall, this wasn't bad but it wasn't good either.
April 12, 2021
Well written and well placed
Read this book despite a poor review from somebody else, which makes no sense to me now. The character feels real and likeable. Everything that happens ultimately fits into the storyline.
The writing is tight and clean, the action is well done. I would recommend this over a bunch of junk written by well known authors in this genre.
Good read, time to see if the author wrote anything else!
Read this book despite a poor review from somebody else, which makes no sense to me now. The character feels real and likeable. Everything that happens ultimately fits into the storyline.
The writing is tight and clean, the action is well done. I would recommend this over a bunch of junk written by well known authors in this genre.
Good read, time to see if the author wrote anything else!
December 26, 2021
Good read
A different take on traditional litrpg. It's a fun dark first book in a series. I loved the balance of horror and humour. No OP main characters which is a touch more realistic for the genre. I will definitely read the next book in the series. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
A different take on traditional litrpg. It's a fun dark first book in a series. I loved the balance of horror and humour. No OP main characters which is a touch more realistic for the genre. I will definitely read the next book in the series. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
January 7, 2023
Daemonorg Prison-Lab (Overtaken Online #1) by Ben Ormstad. I have to admit I love LitRPG-style stories. That said, this is LitRPG Syfy total immersion story is one you should put on your TBR list. Thanks Ben for your imagination, your characters, and the game you came up with. Didn’t want to put the book down. Can't wait to get into book 2.
March 13, 2024
Good idea bad implementation
The idea is good. The pacing goes well.
But, the main character just doesn't work for me.
1- The history given for the MC doesn't match how he treats Frida.
2- The MC acts/talks like a teenager.
3- The constant use of buzzwords/internet slang/gaming lingo is off-putting.
I struggled to finish book 1 and will not continue the series.
The idea is good. The pacing goes well.
But, the main character just doesn't work for me.
1- The history given for the MC doesn't match how he treats Frida.
2- The MC acts/talks like a teenager.
3- The constant use of buzzwords/internet slang/gaming lingo is off-putting.
I struggled to finish book 1 and will not continue the series.
March 21, 2021
An enjoyable story
Dark and action packed. I found myself skipping some of the descriptions and blitzed through the section before he got into game but the characters and world building were good enough that I am definitely reading the next one.
Dark and action packed. I found myself skipping some of the descriptions and blitzed through the section before he got into game but the characters and world building were good enough that I am definitely reading the next one.
April 11, 2021
Great book.
Really enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to read the next book and learn more about the world. Honestly the only downside of this book is I have to wait for the next one.
Really enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to read the next book and learn more about the world. Honestly the only downside of this book is I have to wait for the next one.
August 23, 2021
Loved everything about this book. I had the feeling of a really good dungeon-crawl and I enjoyed every part of it.
The characters are fleshed out and the skill system is very solid. I'm lookingg forward to the next installment!
The characters are fleshed out and the skill system is very solid. I'm lookingg forward to the next installment!
November 1, 2021
worth the read
I found the book worth reading and characters easy to like. A bit simplistic at times in the writing but I look forward to seeing where the author takes the story from here.
I found the book worth reading and characters easy to like. A bit simplistic at times in the writing but I look forward to seeing where the author takes the story from here.
August 2, 2024
I didn't read the overview of this book before listening to it so I didn't know about the foul language.
The story and plot were good but there were so many unnecessary f**KS that it detracted from the story. I don't think I'll continue with the series.
The story and plot were good but there were so many unnecessary f**KS that it detracted from the story. I don't think I'll continue with the series.
August 15, 2024
Not a bad start for a new series. I'm still enjoying the LitTPG genre and Ben did a good job in building a world that is suspenseful and scary. The characters work well with each other and the story tied them decently together. Definitely going to want more.
March 24, 2021
Fun sci-fi LitRPG! Love the characters and the feel of the setting. Will Read the next one for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
Excellent
A real exciting story with plenty of exciting action from start to finish I. Enjoyed it except the crazy silly stuff Dex be.talking?
A real exciting story with plenty of exciting action from start to finish I. Enjoyed it except the crazy silly stuff Dex be.talking?
November 15, 2022
Awesome series, but it is iridescent iris not pupil almost certainly.
November 22, 2022
Such a wild ride of creativity, depth, and punchy characters.
January 17, 2023
Interesting start. There isn’t much sci-fi/fps LitRPG out there. Guns make stats a little less relevant. The characters are well developed and interesting. The story is solid and thought out well enough to justify it being book 1, which is to say, the book ends at a place that makes sense.
March 3, 2023
Good book so far the only issue I have is the main character's voice (Audible) grates on my nerves. I would probably enjoy it better through reading than listening...
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews