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Arcana Unlocked #1
Unbound
A game too good to be true. A golden opportunity. A nightmare he can’t escape.
If Arthur Mallory plays one more steaming pile of garbage disguised as a virtual role-playing game, he might hang up his gaming hat for good. When he discovers the new “deep dive” game Worlds Unbound, he decides it might be worth a try. If it sucks, he'll just return it the next day and cancel the financing.
The game is everything he could have wanted, even without elves or dwarves or character creation. The magic system has him hooked.
He’s willing to overlook the mangled sleep schedule and crippling nightmares if it means feeling that power running through his veins. But when an accident leaves his headset broken, he realizes he might be cut off from the magic – and the game – for good.
He’s not going to let that happen.
If Arthur Mallory plays one more steaming pile of garbage disguised as a virtual role-playing game, he might hang up his gaming hat for good. When he discovers the new “deep dive” game Worlds Unbound, he decides it might be worth a try. If it sucks, he'll just return it the next day and cancel the financing.
The game is everything he could have wanted, even without elves or dwarves or character creation. The magic system has him hooked.
He’s willing to overlook the mangled sleep schedule and crippling nightmares if it means feeling that power running through his veins. But when an accident leaves his headset broken, he realizes he might be cut off from the magic – and the game – for good.
He’s not going to let that happen.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2021
147 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 21, 2021
I just don't care. Not even a little.
When your set up involves a useless main character that in no way engenders any sympathy or empathy, you are off to a bad start. Add in a fringe worthy game concept and you are done. At no poi t did I care what was happening, that is not good.
When your set up involves a useless main character that in no way engenders any sympathy or empathy, you are off to a bad start. Add in a fringe worthy game concept and you are done. At no poi t did I care what was happening, that is not good.
May 24, 2021
I tried.
I seriously tried. But this isn't a book or a story, it's just a constant smattering of references to other fantasy novels. Every page has some reference or another, and suddenly you're thinking of the other story instead, totally breaking you out of this one. How unfortunate.
I seriously tried. But this isn't a book or a story, it's just a constant smattering of references to other fantasy novels. Every page has some reference or another, and suddenly you're thinking of the other story instead, totally breaking you out of this one. How unfortunate.
March 23, 2023
There's a point in the story that makes no sense to me, and that's the whole betrayal scene. No clue why the character (either one of them) felt betrayed, that whole scene doesn't fit with the rest of the narrative. Other than that, the story was a good one, and is one I'd have no problem recommending for others. It's just that that betrayal scene promises to play a large part in future books in the series, and I don't understand how you can base an entire line of events on something that didn't really occur.
Sure, I've seen that kind of thing before, but then it was usually explained in some way to shift the POV so you could understand why the character felt the way they did. Here there wasn't any of that, just instant 180 Degree reversal on actions, and completely out of the blue. Neither character had the slightest idea what happened, and yet, one has sworn death and vengeance on the other? How's that work?
I realize I'm focusing on one scene in the book too much, but it's seriously going to be a huge part of future volumes based on how the book ended, and the whole scene just made no sense whatsoever.
So, as a result, I feel like any future books are going to be based on a lie. I prefer for my fiction to at least make sense, nobody just wakes up one day, and says oh, I'm now that person't worst nightmare, especially because they did something they didn't know they did, and I had no clue it happened, or even what it meant after I was told, yet I'm going to focus my entire being on getting revenge, especially when I'm currently being held captive by the very same person that told me about the action I didn't even know was done, and didn't understand what the action meant any more the original person did. That's just stupid.
I am very likely to go back to this series in the future, but I can't read something like that right now without having that whole made up scene that doesn't fit anywhere in the story in mind, and that would severely limit my ability to enjoy the story for what it is.
I'll try in a few months after I stop feeling betrayed by the story.
Sure, I've seen that kind of thing before, but then it was usually explained in some way to shift the POV so you could understand why the character felt the way they did. Here there wasn't any of that, just instant 180 Degree reversal on actions, and completely out of the blue. Neither character had the slightest idea what happened, and yet, one has sworn death and vengeance on the other? How's that work?
I realize I'm focusing on one scene in the book too much, but it's seriously going to be a huge part of future volumes based on how the book ended, and the whole scene just made no sense whatsoever.
So, as a result, I feel like any future books are going to be based on a lie. I prefer for my fiction to at least make sense, nobody just wakes up one day, and says oh, I'm now that person't worst nightmare, especially because they did something they didn't know they did, and I had no clue it happened, or even what it meant after I was told, yet I'm going to focus my entire being on getting revenge, especially when I'm currently being held captive by the very same person that told me about the action I didn't even know was done, and didn't understand what the action meant any more the original person did. That's just stupid.
I am very likely to go back to this series in the future, but I can't read something like that right now without having that whole made up scene that doesn't fit anywhere in the story in mind, and that would severely limit my ability to enjoy the story for what it is.
I'll try in a few months after I stop feeling betrayed by the story.
May 29, 2021
Alert
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
By all accounts, this is a perfectly worded review. Unfortunately, some of our fellow readers are offended that I am not pouring my heart out and offering a detailed and intimate breakdown of my thoughts on the books. As such they have reported me to the authorities and I have been warned against continuing my bad behavior. I will not. So I may be banned. If so, it was a fun journey with you.
If I enjoy a book, my goal is to promote it and help the author by encouraging others to read it. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
By all accounts, this is a perfectly worded review. Unfortunately, some of our fellow readers are offended that I am not pouring my heart out and offering a detailed and intimate breakdown of my thoughts on the books. As such they have reported me to the authorities and I have been warned against continuing my bad behavior. I will not. So I may be banned. If so, it was a fun journey with you.
If I enjoy a book, my goal is to promote it and help the author by encouraging others to read it. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
November 25, 2021
No...
Like, no...
I'm not sure what it is about this book. Maybe the levity of tone from the narrator, or maybe the schizophrenic POV, or maybe the bizarre suite of totally mind-boggling events in the tutorial, or right after ...
The intro was confusing as hell, and borderline cringy with its less than subtle Bible references. And all that mythology went nowhere.
I did enjoy the class-taking ceremony, and the witty use of the Manual as holy scripture. That was clever. But then, the whole thing just ... went to shit. Everytime I pick the audiobook back up, my eyes glaze over. It just becomes background noise that I can't focus on or get dragged into for the life of me. I always seem to be knee-deep in stupid stats sheet, or skill description, or some such drivel.
There are books like that, when you just... lose the signal, so to speak, and can never reconnect.
I'm throwing in the towel at chapter 9.
Like, no...
I'm not sure what it is about this book. Maybe the levity of tone from the narrator, or maybe the schizophrenic POV, or maybe the bizarre suite of totally mind-boggling events in the tutorial, or right after ...
The intro was confusing as hell, and borderline cringy with its less than subtle Bible references. And all that mythology went nowhere.
I did enjoy the class-taking ceremony, and the witty use of the Manual as holy scripture. That was clever. But then, the whole thing just ... went to shit. Everytime I pick the audiobook back up, my eyes glaze over. It just becomes background noise that I can't focus on or get dragged into for the life of me. I always seem to be knee-deep in stupid stats sheet, or skill description, or some such drivel.
There are books like that, when you just... lose the signal, so to speak, and can never reconnect.
I'm throwing in the towel at chapter 9.
August 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book, and I urge others to check out the LitRPG genre whether you are a gamer or not. I enjoyed that the framework is set in the future, and that today's pop culture references are referred to as things the character's grandpa talked about. My favorite though, are the extra details in this future world like universal income and the metric system. It reminds me of Ray Bradbury's novels and how he envisioned what the future might bring. The heart of the story though, is set in a high magic fantasy world that most gamers will find familiar. The transitions between the two were well written and I am hooked on the overall story. I love anything where characters are so immersed that they question their own reality. It reminds me of West World. I look forward to the 2nd and 3rd books in the series because I still have so many questions about the mystery that is unfolding.
May 15, 2022
DNF
Some people would probably enjoy this book but it wasn’t for me.
The MC was dumb as a rock and annoying to boot. His spirit companion was jealous and annoying too. Their interactions were forced and unnatural and the conversations felt bland.
Most authors have a niche. Some do great fight scenes, others are hilarious, some do awesome world building, etc. What an author shouldn’t do is try to force something they aren’t good at. This book wasn’t funny. I could tell the author wanted it to be but it just wasn’t. Author should have left it alone and focused more on his world building which I was starting to enjoy.
Waaaay to many notifications all the time. Perception crucial failure this, athletics success that. Sure fire way to ruin a fight scene or any scene IMO.
Some people would probably enjoy this book but it wasn’t for me.
The MC was dumb as a rock and annoying to boot. His spirit companion was jealous and annoying too. Their interactions were forced and unnatural and the conversations felt bland.
Most authors have a niche. Some do great fight scenes, others are hilarious, some do awesome world building, etc. What an author shouldn’t do is try to force something they aren’t good at. This book wasn’t funny. I could tell the author wanted it to be but it just wasn’t. Author should have left it alone and focused more on his world building which I was starting to enjoy.
Waaaay to many notifications all the time. Perception crucial failure this, athletics success that. Sure fire way to ruin a fight scene or any scene IMO.
May 7, 2021
Even though I'm not a gamer or a techie, I LOVED this book. Admittedly there were some references I'm not 100% sure I "got," but that did not diminish the wonderful, vivid storytelling which was exciting, engrossing, and funny.
Gregory Blackburn writes with a style that's a cross between Tolkien and Douglas Adams. I loved the little irreverent gems scattered throughout. I can't wait for book 2!! Definitely recommend!
Gregory Blackburn writes with a style that's a cross between Tolkien and Douglas Adams. I loved the little irreverent gems scattered throughout. I can't wait for book 2!! Definitely recommend!
January 5, 2022
3.5 stars. Not entirely coherent and in places hard to follow. Story was basically interesting, but the injections of excessive lists of "game" options and pseudo coding language caused me to glaze and skim several times. Also not certain that I care all that much about the MC. Unlike some reviewers I did make it through to the end and am currently starting book 2 in hope that the setup in this book makes it worthwhile.
November 10, 2021
DNF 44%.
All of the main characters seem to have the maturity of children. At this point in the story the MC has nothing established to make me care about him or his endeavours. The story is a bit of a mess, and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. No signs of a plot. MC has no goals and there is no driving force for the plot or story.
Audiobook narration is well done by James Patrick Cronin.
All of the main characters seem to have the maturity of children. At this point in the story the MC has nothing established to make me care about him or his endeavours. The story is a bit of a mess, and doesn't seem to be going anywhere. No signs of a plot. MC has no goals and there is no driving force for the plot or story.
Audiobook narration is well done by James Patrick Cronin.
April 14, 2021
Great read!
Another fun and exciting adventure of a read! I am very glad to have read it. If you like LitRpg you definitely need to read this author.
Another fun and exciting adventure of a read! I am very glad to have read it. If you like LitRpg you definitely need to read this author.
April 20, 2021
Very nicr
I enjoyed it a lot. What more can be said except I have to write twenty words to say that.
I enjoyed it a lot. What more can be said except I have to write twenty words to say that.
April 25, 2021
I enjoyed it
Unbound is a good read. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to finding out where the author takes them.
Unbound is a good read. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to finding out where the author takes them.
May 30, 2021
Not For Me
When I read I get a picture in my head and imagine what is going on in the story. This story does not compute for me.
When I read I get a picture in my head and imagine what is going on in the story. This story does not compute for me.
April 22, 2022
I just don't remember this one very well. I think it was fine just not very memorable.
April 16, 2021
Interesting new release from a new author to MDP.
Favorite quote from the book:
"Ari get over here, I am about to do something stupid"
"I am going to destroy this ring so fast it will make Frodo's head spin"
There are a ton of cultural references that make this book fun to listen to. Very creative and fun to read.
Minimal profanity
No sexual content
No drugs or alcohol
Favorite quote from the book:
"Ari get over here, I am about to do something stupid"
"I am going to destroy this ring so fast it will make Frodo's head spin"
There are a ton of cultural references that make this book fun to listen to. Very creative and fun to read.
Minimal profanity
No sexual content
No drugs or alcohol
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews