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JustInTime #1
ChronoTemplar
You don't always get a second chance... unless you're a pawn for an eldritch horror that: (A) can bend time, and (B) is a sore loser.
Justin Thyme is not a good man, nor one destined for glory. He was meant to die in obscurity, yet another level 82 Templar that was just about to get chewed up by a horde of skittering monstrosities clawing at humanity's last enclave.
One short conversation with a time-splitting monstrosity later, and Justin finds himself flung five years into the past—right when the Earth was first chosen to host the 9,947th Gladiatorial Games.
Justin must now do all that he can to help save the world from crumbling under the twin pressures of monsters and murderers. But it's not all about grinding experience, gaining the most levels, and kicking the most ass. He can’t even stand out too much, lest he draw the attention of the other eldritch horrors observing Earth’s struggles for their amusement.
No, it’s all about making the right connections, sowing the seeds of hope, culling the pests causing despair… oh, and exploiting the hell out of the System with his ‘borrowed’ ability to tweak time to his advantage.
*ChronoTemplar is a dark, crunchy litRPG with lots of stats, skills and battles, for those who love action and complex characters.
Justin Thyme is not a good man, nor one destined for glory. He was meant to die in obscurity, yet another level 82 Templar that was just about to get chewed up by a horde of skittering monstrosities clawing at humanity's last enclave.
One short conversation with a time-splitting monstrosity later, and Justin finds himself flung five years into the past—right when the Earth was first chosen to host the 9,947th Gladiatorial Games.
Justin must now do all that he can to help save the world from crumbling under the twin pressures of monsters and murderers. But it's not all about grinding experience, gaining the most levels, and kicking the most ass. He can’t even stand out too much, lest he draw the attention of the other eldritch horrors observing Earth’s struggles for their amusement.
No, it’s all about making the right connections, sowing the seeds of hope, culling the pests causing despair… oh, and exploiting the hell out of the System with his ‘borrowed’ ability to tweak time to his advantage.
*ChronoTemplar is a dark, crunchy litRPG with lots of stats, skills and battles, for those who love action and complex characters.
- GenresLitrpgFantasyTime Travel
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 27, 2021
Better litrpg stories
I should have read the reviews 1st. I don't care for the racial undertone it distracted from the story. I stopped to question what the author was trying to imply or say. The name of the country that the story takes place, should have been my first warning/clue.
I should have read the reviews 1st. I don't care for the racial undertone it distracted from the story. I stopped to question what the author was trying to imply or say. The name of the country that the story takes place, should have been my first warning/clue.
May 7, 2021
Not crunchy at all
No skill choices, no class ability descriptions really outside the one, typographical errors, and a very blatant racest rant halfway through the book. I guess I should have guessed considering the author chose a timeline where the south won the civil war, but wow. Was not expecting.
No skill choices, no class ability descriptions really outside the one, typographical errors, and a very blatant racest rant halfway through the book. I guess I should have guessed considering the author chose a timeline where the south won the civil war, but wow. Was not expecting.
May 9, 2021
A little disappointed
When I first read the summary for this book and found out it was a regressor story I was super excited! Regressor stories are by far my favorite niche in the GameLit genre.
This had none of the things typical to those kinds of stories. Normally when the MC goes back in time they use all their past knowledge to get all the best loot, skills, classes, secrets, galore. None of that happens here. He picks the same class with the same skills. All he does different this time around is redistribute his stats better and try to warn/prepare mankind. The story overall was fine, and I might have enjoyed it more if I wasn’t comparing it to other books of the same type.
Also found the story itself a little boring. Not much happens. No real character progression or evolution. I stuck with it until the 75% mark and eventually got bored and threw in the towel.
Ultimately this was a story about warning and organizing mankind. With a smidgin of murderer hunting thrown in.
When I first read the summary for this book and found out it was a regressor story I was super excited! Regressor stories are by far my favorite niche in the GameLit genre.
This had none of the things typical to those kinds of stories. Normally when the MC goes back in time they use all their past knowledge to get all the best loot, skills, classes, secrets, galore. None of that happens here. He picks the same class with the same skills. All he does different this time around is redistribute his stats better and try to warn/prepare mankind. The story overall was fine, and I might have enjoyed it more if I wasn’t comparing it to other books of the same type.
Also found the story itself a little boring. Not much happens. No real character progression or evolution. I stuck with it until the 75% mark and eventually got bored and threw in the towel.
Ultimately this was a story about warning and organizing mankind. With a smidgin of murderer hunting thrown in.
June 15, 2021
This is a tough one to judge, here's why. . .
The front end is well written with a good story but is filled with characters I do not like. I don't hate them, I just don't care about them. That leaves me with a book I like with content I do not. That is just the front end. The second half is boring. Nothing much really happens and it is a chore to read. The end sneaks up on you without you realizing. The second half is a book I do not like with no content. And finally, the end. What to say about the end. It comes out of nowhere, with you having been killed to sleep with the aforementioned second half. It feels forced, but I like where it leaves the story. I did not care for this book overall, but I would definitely give a second in the series a chance.
The front end is well written with a good story but is filled with characters I do not like. I don't hate them, I just don't care about them. That leaves me with a book I like with content I do not. That is just the front end. The second half is boring. Nothing much really happens and it is a chore to read. The end sneaks up on you without you realizing. The second half is a book I do not like with no content. And finally, the end. What to say about the end. It comes out of nowhere, with you having been killed to sleep with the aforementioned second half. It feels forced, but I like where it leaves the story. I did not care for this book overall, but I would definitely give a second in the series a chance.
May 17, 2021
Heavy Mary Sue abuses.
Bad time travel story. Hero goes back in time and ignores almost all knowledge of future.
Instead he saves the day by spreading common sense. Hm, maybe the government agents should use the magic powers they were offered rather than just die.
So only the hero realises his and only after watching all mankind die first. Mary Sue, where are you?
Bad time travel story. Hero goes back in time and ignores almost all knowledge of future.
Instead he saves the day by spreading common sense. Hm, maybe the government agents should use the magic powers they were offered rather than just die.
So only the hero realises his and only after watching all mankind die first. Mary Sue, where are you?
May 9, 2021
Stand Alone?
Mistakes: I went back and forth between three and four stars. This is a well written book, however the time jumps and lack of looting bothered me.
Plot: A very bad man is given the chance to save humanity. Shunted to an alternative timeline and given limited powers to control time. He must battle not just invading hordes, but also those that hunt their fellow humans for exp.
Now I didn't mind the time powers, but the sudden jumps in levels or to different situations bothered me. So did the lack of loot.
Characters: A deeper look into the MC's background would have helped sell him as a darker character.
6/10
Mistakes: I went back and forth between three and four stars. This is a well written book, however the time jumps and lack of looting bothered me.
Plot: A very bad man is given the chance to save humanity. Shunted to an alternative timeline and given limited powers to control time. He must battle not just invading hordes, but also those that hunt their fellow humans for exp.
Now I didn't mind the time powers, but the sudden jumps in levels or to different situations bothered me. So did the lack of loot.
Characters: A deeper look into the MC's background would have helped sell him as a darker character.
6/10
November 13, 2021
(Audiobook)
This is a decent LitRPG book, with an elephant in the room that made me question "WHY" halfway though the book. I've listened to books where everyone gets powers and only a few really bad people miss-use that power. The anarchists in this book is way more likely based on my view of humanity. While not a huge issue for me, but it's literally in the title, this is 7/10 for Crunchyness, no skill descriptions on what wasn't chosen and lack of loot descriptions. One issue I did have is that all the MC did through time travel was spread, common sense. I find it hard to believe after a couple weeks most governments would not realize the rules to the new world and adapt.
The elephant, this is set in an alternate universe where the major changes that I recall is the US and China civil wars ended up different, and there is no UN. If you edit this stuff all out, it would make no practical difference in the story, so I'm confused why it's in here at all. I was trying to give the author the benefit of the doubt that he wasn't someone who says the "The South will rise again", since we are dealing with time travel, maybe he will travel to alternate dimensions. But after finishing I'm left confused, and this distraction took me out of the book.
This is a decent LitRPG book, with an elephant in the room that made me question "WHY" halfway though the book. I've listened to books where everyone gets powers and only a few really bad people miss-use that power. The anarchists in this book is way more likely based on my view of humanity. While not a huge issue for me, but it's literally in the title, this is 7/10 for Crunchyness, no skill descriptions on what wasn't chosen and lack of loot descriptions. One issue I did have is that all the MC did through time travel was spread, common sense. I find it hard to believe after a couple weeks most governments would not realize the rules to the new world and adapt.
The elephant, this is set in an alternate universe where the major changes that I recall is the US and China civil wars ended up different, and there is no UN. If you edit this stuff all out, it would make no practical difference in the story, so I'm confused why it's in here at all. I was trying to give the author the benefit of the doubt that he wasn't someone who says the "The South will rise again", since we are dealing with time travel, maybe he will travel to alternate dimensions. But after finishing I'm left confused, and this distraction took me out of the book.
December 20, 2021
It was a mediocre read at first if a little dull for what it was but as you read on you find the author dropping more and more of his political opinions and racist beliefs into the story. From the book being set in a US where the South won the civil war (which had no impact on the plot at all and was the first red flag), to long racist tirades about people of color supposedly trying to take more than they deserved to the detriment of white people, to a black man going on about how his brother was a useless drug dealer who got himself killed, and even a hard R n-word being dropped it was painfully uncomfortable and disturbing to read a book where the MC and consequently the author had such horrific political takes forced unnaturally into the book. It was entirely unnecessary and had no reason to be in the book at all.
Even without the racism it was just boring. The story was mediocre at best and I’ve read far better written LitRPG. Hard pass.
Even without the racism it was just boring. The story was mediocre at best and I’ve read far better written LitRPG. Hard pass.
August 12, 2021
This book, simply begs for a sequel
Thoroughly enjoyable story, which questions, humanities morality this difference between squeaky clean and pure evil, devolving into shades of grey for the common good, well worth your time and money!
Thoroughly enjoyable story, which questions, humanities morality this difference between squeaky clean and pure evil, devolving into shades of grey for the common good, well worth your time and money!
July 13, 2021
i liked the ending, hated much of the rest.
Still ,looking forward the next book.
Still ,looking forward the next book.
May 27, 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
January 23, 2022
One of my reading buddies said this book was okay if I skipped the stats. That is exactly what I will do.
I know I can't complain about the stats, as the book states its' intentions right in the title... and boy does it follow through. The author uses every opportunity he has to throw some stats into the story. But after completing this, I don't think he reached the level of Jonathan Brooks when it comes to stats.
The book is about a alternate reality where the confederates won,and the world's countries are slightly distributed differently.
The story was okay enough after I learned how to spot and bypass stats before they even showed up.
I'm not sure if I want to read the sequel or not. The protagonist wasn't really "larger than life", and because of this "system", a person using their brains and environment to overcome obstacles wouldn't work out. You are affected with ailments such as "stunned, dazed, confused, etc" just like it was a game. That sucks and is one of the things I don't like about this book. The reality is too "game like".
3/5 Stars
I know I can't complain about the stats, as the book states its' intentions right in the title... and boy does it follow through. The author uses every opportunity he has to throw some stats into the story. But after completing this, I don't think he reached the level of Jonathan Brooks when it comes to stats.
The book is about a alternate reality where the confederates won,and the world's countries are slightly distributed differently.
The story was okay enough after I learned how to spot and bypass stats before they even showed up.
I'm not sure if I want to read the sequel or not. The protagonist wasn't really "larger than life", and because of this "system", a person using their brains and environment to overcome obstacles wouldn't work out. You are affected with ailments such as "stunned, dazed, confused, etc" just like it was a game. That sucks and is one of the things I don't like about this book. The reality is too "game like".
3/5 Stars
July 4, 2021
It's very unclear as to why this story has several racism undertones, such as the main character arising from a racist group, an altered timeline where the Confederacy won the US Civil War. Overall the racial undertones feel somewhat off. The story goes on to show that the protagonist is at least trying to not be racist anymore because now they have "green-skinned" to fight. I am interested to see where the story goes, but I feel the story's historical undertones don't make this story quite as good as it could be, as there seems to be little to no point to the racist undertones, as presently all they seem to help with is establish that the main character grew up taking out his frustrations on what in this timeline was the losing side in the US Civil War, with little to no direct reasoning.
October 29, 2021
I'm not sure exactly what "crunchy" means in this context, but this ain't no light novel, that's for sure. This rates a 4.5; I read it on the strength of "Meet the Alexes" and it's not quite that good, so I have to put a bit of daylight between the two books.
Like MtA, it's a stand-alone book, and again I appreciate that. I like series if they're done well, but at the best of times keeping track of what happened in the last one is a nuisance. Authors: the "story so far" prefaces are not a waste of time, as I will always read them unless I've rolled straight off of the previous book.
Also like many in MtA, the MC is no hero, but neither is he (this time around) an outright villain. Definitely anti-hero territory. If that doesn't put you off, it's a good read and a good telling of an alien game-world apocalypse.
Like MtA, it's a stand-alone book, and again I appreciate that. I like series if they're done well, but at the best of times keeping track of what happened in the last one is a nuisance. Authors: the "story so far" prefaces are not a waste of time, as I will always read them unless I've rolled straight off of the previous book.
Also like many in MtA, the MC is no hero, but neither is he (this time around) an outright villain. Definitely anti-hero territory. If that doesn't put you off, it's a good read and a good telling of an alien game-world apocalypse.
May 29, 2021
Really liked this one. It falls into the redo genre, I.E. the book starts with the main character going back in time to do over what humans screwed up the first time. I've generally liked other books of this kind I've read in the past, so it was no surprise when it turned out I enjoyed this one as well. On the other hand, the ending did surprise me, and it probably sets the tone for future books in the series. Well worth the read in my opinion.
November 16, 2021
Is this a new LitRPG trend? This one taking place on an alt history earth rather than a fantasy world. Not entirely sure why it's an alt history Earth as it seems to be a minor plot point. The story is a pretty good setup for future stories.
May 6, 2021
Odd choice of MC
Really good story. Kind of a strange choice as an MC tho.You usually at least want an MC who is a decent person, or a raging ahole doing the antihero thing. This dude was a legit psycho in the past. Kinda hard to care too much fir an MC with such a bad background. Like he was an awful man so it's strange that he's the MC.
Really good story. Kind of a strange choice as an MC tho.You usually at least want an MC who is a decent person, or a raging ahole doing the antihero thing. This dude was a legit psycho in the past. Kinda hard to care too much fir an MC with such a bad background. Like he was an awful man so it's strange that he's the MC.
November 26, 2021
Racist psychopath is given the chance save humanity and potentially redeem himself in the process. Moderately entertaining litRPG action follows, with occasional use of magic chrono powers. And then... well, it all wraps up rather quickly. Lots of room for a sequel, but there is an actual ending you can point to and walk away from. Which I was happy to do. Slightly south of 3 stars.
September 20, 2022
great first novel
No spoilers. Love this genre of book with the single anti hero and time traveling. MC is great and seems like a real person without forced narrative to under lower or humanize him. Natural writer with a gift to provide an engaging and fluid story without falling into the normal pitfalls common in these series.
No spoilers. Love this genre of book with the single anti hero and time traveling. MC is great and seems like a real person without forced narrative to under lower or humanize him. Natural writer with a gift to provide an engaging and fluid story without falling into the normal pitfalls common in these series.
August 3, 2023
it’s another murder hobo novel
The regression trope is just a recycled Idea from other novels. The story would have been somewhat good but the MC had to become another one of those psychopath who loved killing teenagers, boys and girls alike. Not sure what’s wrong with the author’s mind but I find it a rather disturbing read. I had to stop half way for my own sanity.
The regression trope is just a recycled Idea from other novels. The story would have been somewhat good but the MC had to become another one of those psychopath who loved killing teenagers, boys and girls alike. Not sure what’s wrong with the author’s mind but I find it a rather disturbing read. I had to stop half way for my own sanity.
April 23, 2021
It is a great book
Can’t wait for the next book, this book really hit the spot and I like how the love interest didn’t start right off in the beginning and took a decent amount of time to start
Can’t wait for the next book, this book really hit the spot and I like how the love interest didn’t start right off in the beginning and took a decent amount of time to start
April 26, 2021
Great story, with a very unexpected twist/cliffhanger!
I was going to just recommend this as a great book to read but the latter half of the book kept ramping up and up until the twist at the end..changed it to a must read !
I was going to just recommend this as a great book to read but the latter half of the book kept ramping up and up until the twist at the end..changed it to a must read !
June 9, 2021
What a surprise!
I have read a lot of LitRPG and I am happy to say I have never read one like this. It is definitely more on the rougher side but that's my preference. The twists! Well done author.
I have read a lot of LitRPG and I am happy to say I have never read one like this. It is definitely more on the rougher side but that's my preference. The twists! Well done author.
June 9, 2021
An interesting take on the genre!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, where the author manages to capture the reality of what would happen in a situation like one described in the book as well as showing humanities greatest strengths!
I thoroughly recommend this book!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book, where the author manages to capture the reality of what would happen in a situation like one described in the book as well as showing humanities greatest strengths!
I thoroughly recommend this book!
February 22, 2022
Fantastic
If time travel is not your thing or litrpg then this is not the book for you, but if you like a zero to hero saving humanity by defieing the odds and giving the middle finger to the bad guys while doing it then crack on.
If time travel is not your thing or litrpg then this is not the book for you, but if you like a zero to hero saving humanity by defieing the odds and giving the middle finger to the bad guys while doing it then crack on.
February 22, 2023
A very interesting book.
This LITRPG novel was a good read as I enjoyed the world building and I like how the story progressed. The MC was interesting as he was a broken man trying to clean-up and do what was needed to protect those he could.
This LITRPG novel was a good read as I enjoyed the world building and I like how the story progressed. The MC was interesting as he was a broken man trying to clean-up and do what was needed to protect those he could.
January 16, 2024
This was a treat. I really enjoyed the world that was created and the real life situations that would most likely happen if an alien force just happened to enforce RPG rules to the world for a reality TV show. It's a real decent story and adventure and the way it ends just makes you want more.
April 25, 2021
Good stuff
Cool litrpg. Good system. Enjoyed the premise of the game. Heavy action gets tedious at times but the realistic brutality keeps it shockingly interesting.
Cool litrpg. Good system. Enjoyed the premise of the game. Heavy action gets tedious at times but the realistic brutality keeps it shockingly interesting.
April 26, 2021
Twist. Ending
Holy cow. That was... I don’t even know. One of the best I’ve read in a while. Fairly balanced MC, not really overpowered.
Holy cow. That was... I don’t even know. One of the best I’ve read in a while. Fairly balanced MC, not really overpowered.
April 30, 2021
Decent read but way overdone on the stats nonsense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews