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Phase Shift #2.5
Death of Fear
Home. No other word fills Annalise with the same amount of joy...and the same amount of terror.
Parted from Troias for reasons he can't know and she can't face, Annalise returns to her hometown determined to liberate it and make it a safe haven. She doesn't know what happened to her family or her friends, and she's terrified to find out.
When she discovers the entire city is living under a pall of fear, though, Annalise must put her own terrors aside and fight for what is hers. Nothing is as it seems, and the only person she can truly count on is herself.
Fear rules her home, but Annalise is determined that it won't rule her any more...even if she has to die to make that happen.
Parted from Troias for reasons he can't know and she can't face, Annalise returns to her hometown determined to liberate it and make it a safe haven. She doesn't know what happened to her family or her friends, and she's terrified to find out.
When she discovers the entire city is living under a pall of fear, though, Annalise must put her own terrors aside and fight for what is hers. Nothing is as it seems, and the only person she can truly count on is herself.
Fear rules her home, but Annalise is determined that it won't rule her any more...even if she has to die to make that happen.
- GenresFantasy
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2021
152 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Johnson
31 books52 followersKyle Johnson is a kids gymnastics and martial arts instructor who teaches outside of Chicago. He's worked on cruise ships, traveled the world, climbed glaciers, ziplined between mountains, and even danced in the end of a rainbow.
Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?
Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 14, 2023
This is a between story that authors sometimes insert into long serieses. You can easily skip it if you like. Maybe. It is a key emotional development with Annalise and if you care about their relationship, you probably want to read this. I cared. So I read it. And don't regret it.
I hate the premise for this setup with her needing to face some things and to do so without Troias. I reject that as a thing with people you love. I know people believe this, so it isn't unrealistic. It's just a personal dislike and put me on the back foot for the story and I bring it up so you can correct for the windage yourself.
I'll admit that I love Annalise more than a little. She's tough and capable and determined enough to get the important things done. So I loved seeing her taking on tough challenges and proving that she's not just backup, she's a force entirely of her own. Having her take on an entire screwed-up community and the accompanying bad guy was outstanding.
And I like even more how she handled the personal stuff. It's a little unrealistic that two of her inner circle survived the Shift, but I'll roll with it for the sake of the story. Plus, Johnson handled those interactions incredibly well, I think. I particularly liked how the emotional catharsis it was building to manifest and that Johnson handled it with such grace.
Add an active plot with a great pace and a perfect foil for Annalise to face and this is an easy five stars; yes, despite my premise-rejecting beginning. I was thoroughly engaged and I'm glad Johnson took the time to explore this so artfully given that he decided to go down the path in the first place.
A note about Chaste: Annalise is still in love with Troias so I'd have been unable to continue the series at all if she screwed that up with shenanigans. She didn't, I am happy to say. There's some creepy-dude byplay and some non-sexual nudity of side characters, but none of that says "steam" to me. Or even "unchaste". Your mileage could very well vary, so season to taste.
I hate the premise for this setup with her needing to face some things and to do so without Troias. I reject that as a thing with people you love. I know people believe this, so it isn't unrealistic. It's just a personal dislike and put me on the back foot for the story and I bring it up so you can correct for the windage yourself.
I'll admit that I love Annalise more than a little. She's tough and capable and determined enough to get the important things done. So I loved seeing her taking on tough challenges and proving that she's not just backup, she's a force entirely of her own. Having her take on an entire screwed-up community and the accompanying bad guy was outstanding.
And I like even more how she handled the personal stuff. It's a little unrealistic that two of her inner circle survived the Shift, but I'll roll with it for the sake of the story. Plus, Johnson handled those interactions incredibly well, I think. I particularly liked how the emotional catharsis it was building to manifest and that Johnson handled it with such grace.
Add an active plot with a great pace and a perfect foil for Annalise to face and this is an easy five stars; yes, despite my premise-rejecting beginning. I was thoroughly engaged and I'm glad Johnson took the time to explore this so artfully given that he decided to go down the path in the first place.
A note about Chaste: Annalise is still in love with Troias so I'd have been unable to continue the series at all if she screwed that up with shenanigans. She didn't, I am happy to say. There's some creepy-dude byplay and some non-sexual nudity of side characters, but none of that says "steam" to me. Or even "unchaste". Your mileage could very well vary, so season to taste.
March 24, 2021
More writing about the shift? What’s not to love.
It’s unlikely you’re coming to this ignorant of the larger body of work it comes from, but this could be right on its own so easily. An RPG apocalypse book set in Wisconsin Follows the journey of the main series female protagonist, as she comes to terms with her past and some of the choices she made.
Definitely a personal journey narrative, but as always filled with the fascinating world building that is so enjoyable about the series. Plus it may have the greatest dog in all of LITRPG
No harem, not very crunchy just the occasional character sheet, terrific action.
It’s unlikely you’re coming to this ignorant of the larger body of work it comes from, but this could be right on its own so easily. An RPG apocalypse book set in Wisconsin Follows the journey of the main series female protagonist, as she comes to terms with her past and some of the choices she made.
Definitely a personal journey narrative, but as always filled with the fascinating world building that is so enjoyable about the series. Plus it may have the greatest dog in all of LITRPG
No harem, not very crunchy just the occasional character sheet, terrific action.
May 27, 2022
Disappointing series extra.
I did not care for this book and had to force myself to finish it. I really like the first 2 books in the series and I hope the author gets back to that writing style.
So this book is from Annalise point of view, and Trois is only in the very beginning and the very end. This different pov was a great idea, but my issue is with Annalise's attitude. She is very selfish and demands that things will be her way or not at all. Her actions toward others would not be acceptable if they were done to her. And she justifies it all based on her emotions; feelings that she doesn't even communicate to the people it's affecting.
Her double standard is infuriating. She justifies her treatment of others by playing the victim card, but then demands that everyone respect her as a powerful independent leader.
This book made me really dislike Annalise and now I'm concerned that it's going to ruin the rest of the series for me.
I recommend you skip this one.
I did not care for this book and had to force myself to finish it. I really like the first 2 books in the series and I hope the author gets back to that writing style.
So this book is from Annalise point of view, and Trois is only in the very beginning and the very end. This different pov was a great idea, but my issue is with Annalise's attitude. She is very selfish and demands that things will be her way or not at all. Her actions toward others would not be acceptable if they were done to her. And she justifies it all based on her emotions; feelings that she doesn't even communicate to the people it's affecting.
Her double standard is infuriating. She justifies her treatment of others by playing the victim card, but then demands that everyone respect her as a powerful independent leader.
This book made me really dislike Annalise and now I'm concerned that it's going to ruin the rest of the series for me.
I recommend you skip this one.
April 30, 2021
Annalise’s story is laid bare as she faces her past and her inner demons
Annalise needed to escape after she and Troias fought the dracosaur, which led to the death of their unborn child. She feels responsible and fear drives her away. She goes to her hometown to deal with her fear where it started and maybe make her own peace. She can’t go back to Troias yet, she has to conquer her fear. But when she arrives in her hometown, she discovers someone posing as Baron Samedi. Myth comes alive or just some self important asshat who needs a bullet because one of the things Annalise does quite well is shoot.
Redemption may be ahead but the road is full of emotional and real physical pain. She needs to decide if she’s strong enough, then prove it to herself.
A great story arc that gives us more of Annalise’s thoughts and history!
Annalise needed to escape after she and Troias fought the dracosaur, which led to the death of their unborn child. She feels responsible and fear drives her away. She goes to her hometown to deal with her fear where it started and maybe make her own peace. She can’t go back to Troias yet, she has to conquer her fear. But when she arrives in her hometown, she discovers someone posing as Baron Samedi. Myth comes alive or just some self important asshat who needs a bullet because one of the things Annalise does quite well is shoot.
Redemption may be ahead but the road is full of emotional and real physical pain. She needs to decide if she’s strong enough, then prove it to herself.
A great story arc that gives us more of Annalise’s thoughts and history!
October 13, 2022
Woe, I always dread the half step books, but this one cements Mr Johnson as a talented author.
If you're on the fence about this one,read it. Analise is a breath of fresh air. She's more irreverent, darker, and tougher than Troias. And she's been selling herself short.this book is well paced and contained. And it makes Analis's motivations and personality a lot clearer. Tories is always so zen, and Analyse has plenty going on upstairs to contrast. She's also a great tragic figure, who's finally decided to not be one anymore. The psychology of the character is so intimately portrayed, and all squarely from her own very defined point of view. She's one of the most realistically portrayed characters I've read, period. And I read a lot. Thanks for the fabulous read, Mr Johnson.
If you're on the fence about this one,read it. Analise is a breath of fresh air. She's more irreverent, darker, and tougher than Troias. And she's been selling herself short.this book is well paced and contained. And it makes Analis's motivations and personality a lot clearer. Tories is always so zen, and Analyse has plenty going on upstairs to contrast. She's also a great tragic figure, who's finally decided to not be one anymore. The psychology of the character is so intimately portrayed, and all squarely from her own very defined point of view. She's one of the most realistically portrayed characters I've read, period. And I read a lot. Thanks for the fabulous read, Mr Johnson.
January 24, 2023
Anna Lise’s cathartic journey, well worth the read
An excellent story concerning Annalisa’s character development. She goes from a timid individual to a person who stands on her own 2 feet. Yes, the story is Grimm it’s about abuse but if you know somebody in the situation, you should read this book because you can learn a lot. It is a tough book to push through but well worth it. It makes you laugh cry, cheer and it shows you the indomitable spirit of one persons journey. I Decided to read this book because if Anna left the series, I wasn’t going to read anymore. Well worth the nread.
An excellent story concerning Annalisa’s character development. She goes from a timid individual to a person who stands on her own 2 feet. Yes, the story is Grimm it’s about abuse but if you know somebody in the situation, you should read this book because you can learn a lot. It is a tough book to push through but well worth it. It makes you laugh cry, cheer and it shows you the indomitable spirit of one persons journey. I Decided to read this book because if Anna left the series, I wasn’t going to read anymore. Well worth the nread.
November 9, 2025
This is a good story. I give it 5/5, and for a short story that is rare. I generally find there is just not enough time to really develop and show some character development. But here, you DO get that. This is blatantly a filler for why Annalise left in the middle of the previous book. So, if you are fan you are going to read this one too. Obviously. But I think it might be not TOO confusing for a new reader as well. That's pretty good writing in my view.
In this case, it's mostly about character development. From the previous book you know she comes back stronger, but not why or how. And now I do!
In this case, it's mostly about character development. From the previous book you know she comes back stronger, but not why or how. And now I do!
September 16, 2021
Books 1-3:
Brilliant LitRPG for fans of System Apocalypse type books.
Great prose, characters I could like and relate too, doesn't fail any common sense checks, fun roller coaster action ride + a new and Novel magic system.
Good progression both in geography and in plot with no repetitive stats and power uses. Kept me hooked all through.
Loved it and finished all 4 books in a binge read week. Can't wait for book 5.
Highly recommended!
Brilliant LitRPG for fans of System Apocalypse type books.
Great prose, characters I could like and relate too, doesn't fail any common sense checks, fun roller coaster action ride + a new and Novel magic system.
Good progression both in geography and in plot with no repetitive stats and power uses. Kept me hooked all through.
Loved it and finished all 4 books in a binge read week. Can't wait for book 5.
Highly recommended!
December 22, 2021
This is meant to be a side story about growth. It does not feel authentic.
When your series main character behaves in an inhuman manner, the eternal levels of understanding and forgiveness, there are no consequences to anyone's actions. Without consequences there is no actual growth. Without real growth there is no point to the book. This is just a short, pointless story without any real impact.
When your series main character behaves in an inhuman manner, the eternal levels of understanding and forgiveness, there are no consequences to anyone's actions. Without consequences there is no actual growth. Without real growth there is no point to the book. This is just a short, pointless story without any real impact.
April 1, 2021
Good
After the first two books, the character interaction and depth was lacking beyond the MC, but this short story opens up a lot for the main SC. Hopefully we’ll see that character continue going forward. If food, it’d be some comfort food that reminds you of a passed loved one.
After the first two books, the character interaction and depth was lacking beyond the MC, but this short story opens up a lot for the main SC. Hopefully we’ll see that character continue going forward. If food, it’d be some comfort food that reminds you of a passed loved one.
May 2, 2021
Well...
This is one hell of a book. I can’t speak to the ‘right’-ness of the stuff in the latter half (especially the end), but it is weighty. The kind of stuff that makes a character deep.
Not the same MC as the main series. This book gave the main supporting character a chance to grow and shine.
One of the better SysApoc series.
This is one hell of a book. I can’t speak to the ‘right’-ness of the stuff in the latter half (especially the end), but it is weighty. The kind of stuff that makes a character deep.
Not the same MC as the main series. This book gave the main supporting character a chance to grow and shine.
One of the better SysApoc series.
November 27, 2021
Wish I hadn't read it
This book progresses the story line and explains some responses from the previous books. I've been enjoying this series so far but this story has left a sick feeling in my gut dealing with the MC's trauma and eventual betrayal. I'll have to decide if I want to read the next one but at the moment it's doubtful.
This book progresses the story line and explains some responses from the previous books. I've been enjoying this series so far but this story has left a sick feeling in my gut dealing with the MC's trauma and eventual betrayal. I'll have to decide if I want to read the next one but at the moment it's doubtful.
September 11, 2022
Girl Power
This is a quick read, but dives deep into the mind of a victim of abuse. Massive trigger warning: this is a lot harder to read if you've also been abused. But, the beautiful thing is watching the mental journey progress. It ends positively as well. Imma big fan of this series, and i really enjoyed this book. Shoot Lance, Shoot! :D
This is a quick read, but dives deep into the mind of a victim of abuse. Massive trigger warning: this is a lot harder to read if you've also been abused. But, the beautiful thing is watching the mental journey progress. It ends positively as well. Imma big fan of this series, and i really enjoyed this book. Shoot Lance, Shoot! :D
January 12, 2023
Emotional Rollercoaster
This book was an emotional roller-coaster. The ups and downs and yet it explained so much of what had been in the background of an important main character without any apparent ret-con. It fits with everything we know from the other books. Very well done. Actually brought tears to my eyes.
This book was an emotional roller-coaster. The ups and downs and yet it explained so much of what had been in the background of an important main character without any apparent ret-con. It fits with everything we know from the other books. Very well done. Actually brought tears to my eyes.
April 10, 2021
Very good book.
I really enjoyed the book. The story and character development was great. Also there was very little too no profanity in the book so that is very good.
It was also good to get the main characters back together and repairing their relationship.
I really enjoyed the book. The story and character development was great. Also there was very little too no profanity in the book so that is very good.
It was also good to get the main characters back together and repairing their relationship.
April 13, 2021
Liked it
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. Normally I don't read books that don't advance the main story line. But I am glad that I did this time. The book answered a lot of questions about Annalise
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. Normally I don't read books that don't advance the main story line. But I am glad that I did this time. The book answered a lot of questions about Annalise
April 24, 2021
4.5. Well written and an interesting "side-quest", but loses a 1/2 star from me as the secondary stories are never my favourites. I did like the resolution, so I look forward to getting back on the main sequence with book 3.
May 2, 2021
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. I didn't like the way she left in book 2, but I really like the author, so I gave it a shot and was pleasantly surprised by how much I did like it.
Very well done character development and the fighting was smart, which I liked.
Very well done character development and the fighting was smart, which I liked.
July 14, 2021
Fantastic side story.
I know people don’t like side stories, but it’s nice to have the perspective of one of the main characters and what they’re going through. This was a great read and my sappy ass cried at the end!
I know people don’t like side stories, but it’s nice to have the perspective of one of the main characters and what they’re going through. This was a great read and my sappy ass cried at the end!
July 17, 2021
Nice story addition to the world. It's only a side story, but it covers some important events, and cements the hold on the world by some of it's characters, and it's an interesting tale to boot, so go ahead and add this one to your read list if you've read others in the series and liked them.
December 8, 2021
Really good short story
I really enjoyed getting a better look into Annalise life. I would recommend this book for people. It might not be necessary but it adds flavor to the book series
I really enjoyed getting a better look into Annalise life. I would recommend this book for people. It might not be necessary but it adds flavor to the book series
January 25, 2022
outstanding
I loved the way you closed most of the open questions or things left undone up. It did seem a little rushed at the end, but it was still great. I am starting the next one right now.. love it!!!
I loved the way you closed most of the open questions or things left undone up. It did seem a little rushed at the end, but it was still great. I am starting the next one right now.. love it!!!
May 11, 2022
Annalisas story
Excellent "novella" (it's longer than many books) that expands on Annalisas choices after the defeat of the risen beast and it's an action packed story about redemption and searching for who you are.
Excellent "novella" (it's longer than many books) that expands on Annalisas choices after the defeat of the risen beast and it's an action packed story about redemption and searching for who you are.
October 3, 2022
Neat side story
During book 2 a lot of character development was curtailed for action and city building but this side story does add richness to the whole series while telling the story from Non MC perspective. Not critical read but good nevertheless.
During book 2 a lot of character development was curtailed for action and city building but this side story does add richness to the whole series while telling the story from Non MC perspective. Not critical read but good nevertheless.
August 31, 2023
Another great book in the series.
Well, this one was an emotional roller coaster. Hope the rest of the series keeps up to the same standard as it has so far. Did notice one or two mistakes in spelling but nothing to get worked up about.
Well, this one was an emotional roller coaster. Hope the rest of the series keeps up to the same standard as it has so far. Did notice one or two mistakes in spelling but nothing to get worked up about.
March 22, 2021
Wow. What an emotional journey. I am very impressed with this book and think that anyone who has enjoyed the first two books of the series will appreciate this more in depth look at Annalise.
May 20, 2021
Good book
Now I’m looking to king for next please this was such a teas so I’m hoping for the next one sooner.
Now I’m looking to king for next please this was such a teas so I’m hoping for the next one sooner.
June 29, 2021
Very interesting read.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend it to anyone who likes LitRPG and survival type of books.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend it to anyone who likes LitRPG and survival type of books.
December 8, 2021
Required reading
This might well be the best book I’ve read this year. Handled a very difficult topic extremely well. Heartbreaking and some unexpected moments.
This might well be the best book I’ve read this year. Handled a very difficult topic extremely well. Heartbreaking and some unexpected moments.
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February 13, 2022Great book
Stellar work once again from Kyle Johnson! Lots of action and adventure, and a wider view of the world. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from Kyle Johnson! Lots of action and adventure, and a wider view of the world. Looking forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews