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Shadow Sun #5
Unification
Allistor just wants to restore the human race. He’s doing his best with the resources he’s gathered to locate other survivors around the world and unite them. His intentions are good, and he pushes hard. The drake eggs are hatching, and his people have dreams of both a murder chicken cavalry and a drake-mounted air force. A small army of class trainers are helping to make his citizens stronger than ever, better able to survive the hazards of their new reality. But fate, and the aliens who keep throwing stronger and more deadly challenges at him, are working against Allistor. The threat of vengeance from the Fomorian Matron, the machinations of Loki and Hel, and the jealousy of a fellow human with a lesser noble title, all add to the pressure.When seeming good fortune turns to tragic loss, Allistor must push through and remain strong in order to face the very beings responsible for the apocalypse on earth. The murderers of humanity. And in this confrontation, even victory has dire consequences.
499 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2021
277 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Dave Willmarth
31 books628 followersDave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
May 18, 2021
2.5 stars.
So.
Where do I start?
The positives. I still love the world building. The system is very interesting, the whole thing with the alien races and creatures from the Collective has so much potential. This has been very well exploited in these five books. Also, I'm a fan of the base-building/kingdom-building trope and I have to say this is hitting the bullseye for me. I love watching the day to day difficulties of handling a growing empire. This part of the books is very well done. For all that he is basically wrapped in iron-steel plot-armor and a very special snowflake to boot, Allistor is still a surprinsingly relatable and enjoyable protagonist. He's got some flaws I don't like much, and some of his decisions are questionable at best, but I'm strangely fond of him. Poor guy is genuine and doing his best for everyone.
Now, on to the less pleasant stuff.
1. AMANDA.
Urgh.
Alright, full disclosure, I never really liked her character nor connected with her as a person. I always felt that the author sort of shoved her down our throats because Allistor needed to have a love interest. She was a really bland character from the beginning, nothing was memorable about her. Amanda only existed to be a prop for Allistor, the typical and dull female character whose only purpose was to further the protagonist's growth by getting hurt. Or dying. Defintely dying. The only saving grace of the whole relationship was that it didn't spiral into a harem.
As soon as they got together back in book 1, I thought she was too ordinary for Allistor. You know, the cliche pretty healer with clever one-liners. She could fire a gun better than our protagonist but she only did it a handful of times. She was a great healer, but we only saw her casting heals in the background. None of her skills were capitalized on. As I said, I was waiting for the author to kill her off at any moment just so that Allistor could get all depressed and swear vengeance or something.
But then she stuck around for more than four books, and I kind of got used to having her around.
Now, once again, I wasn't a fan of the character, but I can't help but be annoyed by her death. Author did her dirty. Yes, Amanda was way too bland for super-special Prince Allistor, but instead of trying to flesh her out and make her more interesting, the author decided to go the true and well-traveled path of killing the male protagonist's love interest to motivate him. And I guess there's already another girl waiting right around the corner to pick up the slack and comfort Allistor (I'm talking about you, Melise of the alluring curves, stunning beauty, see-through dress, and no personality traits whatsoever. More on that later).
Moreover, Amanda's death was lame. It was easily forgotten. Literally one week later, one of Allistor's buddy's making jokes about how Allistor should get a woman of his own instead of hugging Nancy. Yes, he was immediately sorry afterward, but I feel like this is a good metaphor of Amanda's very existence : forgettable. Allistor has one crying session, shout from the rooftop once, has one scene where he comfort the kids about losing their mother-figure (which was a cringe fest) and then everyone moves on ... *because she would have wanted them to laugh and be happy.*
*sigh*
She had the potential to be much more and was reduced to a pretty healer and surogate mom. The more I think about it, the more I'm annoyed with the whole thing. This relationship was shoved down my throat for 4+ books, and for what, exactly?
2. Next point: adopting the kids.
What is up with that? Allistor is literally refering to William as "his son" and joking about beating Ady and Sidney's future boyfriends like some sort of middle-aged dad cliche.
Hold the f*** up. In a previous book, it was stated that Allistor was 20 at the start of the apocalypse, a college student. One year later, he's 21 max. Addy and Sydney are described as teenagers. Not tweens of 11-13 years old, but older teenagers who are said to be 15-16 years old (book 4, page 167). They are verbatim refered to as "ladies" and "young women" (book four, pages 170-175). Allistor is barely 5-6 years older than them. Daddy material, he is freaking not. Why not a sister-brother relationship instead? Even William is said to be ten, not four. Considering that the three of them lost their parents within the past year, that they are more than old enough to remember them, I found Allistor's plan to adopt them very stupid, inconsiderate, and plain non-sense. And is the middle of the apocalypse really the time when you want to build a family? When you could die at any moment and leave them your protection and a target on their backs?
The marriage was already pushing it (guy's 21, it's the end of the world, he's been with the woman less than a year, come on) but I could grumpily accept it since it served the purpose of keeping the douchebags in the Collective from throwing daughters and granddauthers at him.
3. Fuzzy and Helen.
"Buddy" got forgotten in this book. Helen too. They're almost never around. Missed them.
4. Melise.
Amanda 2.0, exept prettier, more special cuz she's got a sword and she's an elf. Once again, she's not a character in her own right, but a love interest for Allister. The difference between those two concepts is not even that subtle, since 85% of the lines used to describe Melise are about her attractive appearance and setting her up as a piece of eye-candy.
Exhibit A:
"Allistor tried not to stare at the beautiful elfess as she smiled up at him. Rather than the airy and revealing clothes she’d worn at their first meeting, she now wore tight-fitting armor that appeared to be fashioned from scaled reptile skin. It hugged her form [...]"
"She flashed him another bright smile that caused his heart to thump a few extra beats."
"You do not wish my company?” She asked, her lower lip extending into the most adorable pout."
"Allistor was having a hard time focusing. He was uncomfortably aware of Melise sitting, slightly too close for his comfort, to his left."
"Melise yawned, stretching her arms above her head, distracting Allistor to an even higher degree."
"“I believe I would like that very much.” She practically purred at him."
"Her touch was much lighter than that. She was making it clear that she was available and interested in him, while maintaining a carefully respectful and precise distance and acknowledging his recent loss."
Ah, yes. How considerate. The man has lost his fiance not a week ago (a fiance she knew and was nice to her, despite her family's obvious scheming to shove her in his bed) but she's already flirting with him. Do you not have anything else to do, woman? What about dealing with the advancing horde of living-dead? Trying to level up?
And Allistor, I like you well enough, but I don't care how pretty a girl is: anyone who just lost the so-called love of their life wouldn't be in the mood to check out other women. And what's up with Harmon suddenly devolving in a chuckling dude-bro pushing his buddy toward Melise as if he didn't know Allistor had just lost Amanda? This is middle-school level of ribbing, ignorant and insensitive, and I expected much better from him.
I thing the author did himself a disservice here: he tried to introduce another love-interest too quickly. Instead of taking time to set up Melise as a proper character with a distinct personality and goals, she's reduced to her appearance, to a pretty girl flirting with a guy. Tell me instead how well she can fight. Show me how she interacts with her guards. What about the elves' supposed hatred of zombies and dark magic? How does she feel about the million of undead gathered at the gate? Maybe give me a little background about her life.
Just flesh out the character dammit, and wait more than a week in-book to make her a potential love interest who's only there to flirt and cutely pout.
5. Cast of characters.
I love when there are lots of characters in kingdom-building narratives. I mean, the two sort of go hand in hand. But I wish the author would let us spend more time with the characters already there instead of constantly introducing new Stronghold leaders. The cast is very rich, diversified and interesting enough. A few of Allistor's inner circle are nicely fleshed out (Meg, Helen, Nancy, Ramon, L'Olwyn...). Instead of filling chapters with new characters that will almost never be mentionned again (Dean, Lars, Virginia....) it would be better to expand on the characters we see more often. There's lots of potential there to make a wonderful epic of interwoven narratives if only the author didn't get lost in the scale of his own world and refocused on his core characters.
Take Goodrich, for example. He was there in the background for a long time, the funny loyal guy, but we never truly got to know him. The only time when we really got a glimpse of a real personality and what was going on in his head was before he died. I just feel his death would have been more impactful if the author had focused on him as a character a little more (yes, there was that *funny* scene where he was made a eunuch by the killer chicken, but what do we really know about him? What about his family? His life before the apocalypse, the people he lost?)
Okay, I could go on and on about the things I love and dislike, but I'm going to stop here. All in all, this is a solid series, but frustrating because it's not living up to it's full potential. Yet.
I'll still check out the next book.
So.
Where do I start?
The positives. I still love the world building. The system is very interesting, the whole thing with the alien races and creatures from the Collective has so much potential. This has been very well exploited in these five books. Also, I'm a fan of the base-building/kingdom-building trope and I have to say this is hitting the bullseye for me. I love watching the day to day difficulties of handling a growing empire. This part of the books is very well done. For all that he is basically wrapped in iron-steel plot-armor and a very special snowflake to boot, Allistor is still a surprinsingly relatable and enjoyable protagonist. He's got some flaws I don't like much, and some of his decisions are questionable at best, but I'm strangely fond of him. Poor guy is genuine and doing his best for everyone.
Now, on to the less pleasant stuff.
1. AMANDA.
Urgh.
Alright, full disclosure, I never really liked her character nor connected with her as a person. I always felt that the author sort of shoved her down our throats because Allistor needed to have a love interest. She was a really bland character from the beginning, nothing was memorable about her. Amanda only existed to be a prop for Allistor, the typical and dull female character whose only purpose was to further the protagonist's growth by getting hurt. Or dying. Defintely dying. The only saving grace of the whole relationship was that it didn't spiral into a harem.
As soon as they got together back in book 1, I thought she was too ordinary for Allistor. You know, the cliche pretty healer with clever one-liners. She could fire a gun better than our protagonist but she only did it a handful of times. She was a great healer, but we only saw her casting heals in the background. None of her skills were capitalized on. As I said, I was waiting for the author to kill her off at any moment just so that Allistor could get all depressed and swear vengeance or something.
But then she stuck around for more than four books, and I kind of got used to having her around.
Now, once again, I wasn't a fan of the character, but I can't help but be annoyed by her death. Author did her dirty. Yes, Amanda was way too bland for super-special Prince Allistor, but instead of trying to flesh her out and make her more interesting, the author decided to go the true and well-traveled path of killing the male protagonist's love interest to motivate him. And I guess there's already another girl waiting right around the corner to pick up the slack and comfort Allistor (I'm talking about you, Melise of the alluring curves, stunning beauty, see-through dress, and no personality traits whatsoever. More on that later).
Moreover, Amanda's death was lame. It was easily forgotten. Literally one week later, one of Allistor's buddy's making jokes about how Allistor should get a woman of his own instead of hugging Nancy. Yes, he was immediately sorry afterward, but I feel like this is a good metaphor of Amanda's very existence : forgettable. Allistor has one crying session, shout from the rooftop once, has one scene where he comfort the kids about losing their mother-figure (which was a cringe fest) and then everyone moves on ... *because she would have wanted them to laugh and be happy.*
*sigh*
She had the potential to be much more and was reduced to a pretty healer and surogate mom. The more I think about it, the more I'm annoyed with the whole thing. This relationship was shoved down my throat for 4+ books, and for what, exactly?
2. Next point: adopting the kids.
What is up with that? Allistor is literally refering to William as "his son" and joking about beating Ady and Sidney's future boyfriends like some sort of middle-aged dad cliche.
Hold the f*** up. In a previous book, it was stated that Allistor was 20 at the start of the apocalypse, a college student. One year later, he's 21 max. Addy and Sydney are described as teenagers. Not tweens of 11-13 years old, but older teenagers who are said to be 15-16 years old (book 4, page 167). They are verbatim refered to as "ladies" and "young women" (book four, pages 170-175). Allistor is barely 5-6 years older than them. Daddy material, he is freaking not. Why not a sister-brother relationship instead? Even William is said to be ten, not four. Considering that the three of them lost their parents within the past year, that they are more than old enough to remember them, I found Allistor's plan to adopt them very stupid, inconsiderate, and plain non-sense. And is the middle of the apocalypse really the time when you want to build a family? When you could die at any moment and leave them your protection and a target on their backs?
The marriage was already pushing it (guy's 21, it's the end of the world, he's been with the woman less than a year, come on) but I could grumpily accept it since it served the purpose of keeping the douchebags in the Collective from throwing daughters and granddauthers at him.
3. Fuzzy and Helen.
"Buddy" got forgotten in this book. Helen too. They're almost never around. Missed them.
4. Melise.
Amanda 2.0, exept prettier, more special cuz she's got a sword and she's an elf. Once again, she's not a character in her own right, but a love interest for Allister. The difference between those two concepts is not even that subtle, since 85% of the lines used to describe Melise are about her attractive appearance and setting her up as a piece of eye-candy.
Exhibit A:
"Allistor tried not to stare at the beautiful elfess as she smiled up at him. Rather than the airy and revealing clothes she’d worn at their first meeting, she now wore tight-fitting armor that appeared to be fashioned from scaled reptile skin. It hugged her form [...]"
"She flashed him another bright smile that caused his heart to thump a few extra beats."
"You do not wish my company?” She asked, her lower lip extending into the most adorable pout."
"Allistor was having a hard time focusing. He was uncomfortably aware of Melise sitting, slightly too close for his comfort, to his left."
"Melise yawned, stretching her arms above her head, distracting Allistor to an even higher degree."
"“I believe I would like that very much.” She practically purred at him."
"Her touch was much lighter than that. She was making it clear that she was available and interested in him, while maintaining a carefully respectful and precise distance and acknowledging his recent loss."
Ah, yes. How considerate. The man has lost his fiance not a week ago (a fiance she knew and was nice to her, despite her family's obvious scheming to shove her in his bed) but she's already flirting with him. Do you not have anything else to do, woman? What about dealing with the advancing horde of living-dead? Trying to level up?
And Allistor, I like you well enough, but I don't care how pretty a girl is: anyone who just lost the so-called love of their life wouldn't be in the mood to check out other women. And what's up with Harmon suddenly devolving in a chuckling dude-bro pushing his buddy toward Melise as if he didn't know Allistor had just lost Amanda? This is middle-school level of ribbing, ignorant and insensitive, and I expected much better from him.
I thing the author did himself a disservice here: he tried to introduce another love-interest too quickly. Instead of taking time to set up Melise as a proper character with a distinct personality and goals, she's reduced to her appearance, to a pretty girl flirting with a guy. Tell me instead how well she can fight. Show me how she interacts with her guards. What about the elves' supposed hatred of zombies and dark magic? How does she feel about the million of undead gathered at the gate? Maybe give me a little background about her life.
Just flesh out the character dammit, and wait more than a week in-book to make her a potential love interest who's only there to flirt and cutely pout.
5. Cast of characters.
I love when there are lots of characters in kingdom-building narratives. I mean, the two sort of go hand in hand. But I wish the author would let us spend more time with the characters already there instead of constantly introducing new Stronghold leaders. The cast is very rich, diversified and interesting enough. A few of Allistor's inner circle are nicely fleshed out (Meg, Helen, Nancy, Ramon, L'Olwyn...). Instead of filling chapters with new characters that will almost never be mentionned again (Dean, Lars, Virginia....) it would be better to expand on the characters we see more often. There's lots of potential there to make a wonderful epic of interwoven narratives if only the author didn't get lost in the scale of his own world and refocused on his core characters.
Take Goodrich, for example. He was there in the background for a long time, the funny loyal guy, but we never truly got to know him. The only time when we really got a glimpse of a real personality and what was going on in his head was before he died. I just feel his death would have been more impactful if the author had focused on him as a character a little more (yes, there was that *funny* scene where he was made a eunuch by the killer chicken, but what do we really know about him? What about his family? His life before the apocalypse, the people he lost?)
Okay, I could go on and on about the things I love and dislike, but I'm going to stop here. All in all, this is a solid series, but frustrating because it's not living up to it's full potential. Yet.
I'll still check out the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
This book broke my heart so good. I loathe when we lose favourite characters but man, it fit the story so well, and my goodness… the feelings! 😭
I was also sad it ended 'cause I don't have book six to get into, but I'm also very happy knowing that there's more to come.
I was also sad it ended 'cause I don't have book six to get into, but I'm also very happy knowing that there's more to come.
May 6, 2021
Loving where the story is going
Out of all the post-apocalyptic series it there, this is one of two stories that really did a great job of capturing a very "real" response to an even like this.
While Allister is the archetypal hero, he comes with a lot of very human flaws and characteristics that really endear him to the reader.
When's the next one out? 😀
Out of all the post-apocalyptic series it there, this is one of two stories that really did a great job of capturing a very "real" response to an even like this.
While Allister is the archetypal hero, he comes with a lot of very human flaws and characteristics that really endear him to the reader.
When's the next one out? 😀
May 20, 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
May 17, 2021
Predictable, Time Wasting
What does an author do with a romantic character that he does not use? If he is basic then kill them to foster some other character's growth.
Why are there scenes with Earl Rajesh before Allistor meets him? To fill pages with pointless character descriptions. Alternatively stated, to waste the reader's time.
We get a lot of pages on the politics of the alien pantheon, which affects nothing the humans do. It serves no purpose beyond trying to build sympathy with readers. Sympathy those characters could earn when they interact with the heroes.
Not recommended. I intend to stop reading Shadow Sun entirely; which is disappointing, as I fondly remember being enchanted by the first volume.
What does an author do with a romantic character that he does not use? If he is basic then kill them to foster some other character's growth.
Why are there scenes with Earl Rajesh before Allistor meets him? To fill pages with pointless character descriptions. Alternatively stated, to waste the reader's time.
We get a lot of pages on the politics of the alien pantheon, which affects nothing the humans do. It serves no purpose beyond trying to build sympathy with readers. Sympathy those characters could earn when they interact with the heroes.
Not recommended. I intend to stop reading Shadow Sun entirely; which is disappointing, as I fondly remember being enchanted by the first volume.
October 13, 2021
Review of Books 1-5
One of the best series in the genre that I binge read all 5 books within a week. Set in Earth in a post apocalyptic setting where the planet has been assimilated into "universal collective" and more than 90% of population has been wiped out. New and mutated monster's roam the planet, a new system of stats and skills are made available to survivors. It's chaos everywhere. We follow the MC, Allistor who uses his experience as gamer to survive and help others survive and eventually rise to position of strength.
The world building is excellent. We have the right amount of information to feel like we are part of the new monstrous world. The prose is subtle enough that we feel the flight of the survivors and get the adrenalin rush as they go about their survival. Right blend of action, adventure and emotive content to make it all come together realistically. The magic system is unique and refreshing and use of vortex was innovative and gripping. The plot then escalates to intergalactic proportions as events on Earth have a ripple effect through the galaxy and the events there have a immediate impact on Earth.
I was not a fan of use of Norse mythology in here. Maybe I because a bit jaded because of Marvel, but felt a purer fantasy setting would have been better. The character development also left a bit to be desired. Though the progression of the MC was captivating none of the other characters were developed sufficiently to add color to the background.
Those niggles aside, this is a brilliant read, that I'd happily recommend to fans of this genre!
One of the best series in the genre that I binge read all 5 books within a week. Set in Earth in a post apocalyptic setting where the planet has been assimilated into "universal collective" and more than 90% of population has been wiped out. New and mutated monster's roam the planet, a new system of stats and skills are made available to survivors. It's chaos everywhere. We follow the MC, Allistor who uses his experience as gamer to survive and help others survive and eventually rise to position of strength.
The world building is excellent. We have the right amount of information to feel like we are part of the new monstrous world. The prose is subtle enough that we feel the flight of the survivors and get the adrenalin rush as they go about their survival. Right blend of action, adventure and emotive content to make it all come together realistically. The magic system is unique and refreshing and use of vortex was innovative and gripping. The plot then escalates to intergalactic proportions as events on Earth have a ripple effect through the galaxy and the events there have a immediate impact on Earth.
I was not a fan of use of Norse mythology in here. Maybe I because a bit jaded because of Marvel, but felt a purer fantasy setting would have been better. The character development also left a bit to be desired. Though the progression of the MC was captivating none of the other characters were developed sufficiently to add color to the background.
Those niggles aside, this is a brilliant read, that I'd happily recommend to fans of this genre!
May 2, 2021
If you've gotten to book 5, you know what to expect. Allistor is just as chaotic as before, reacting to issues without thinking ahead and still coming out on top.
As with Battleborne, Allistor and team get off the hook a little too easily. Yes, it makes sense but it's also a let down that he doesn't have to fight the last battle.
This book feels like the end of the first arc. The Norse gods are a big part of this story, and much of what happens revolves around then.
It also feels like this was a difficult story for the author to write. I could be wrong, but that was the vibe I picked up on. Like maybe he didn't want to write it so he could write something else, or maybe there was stuff going on in his personal life. I still enjoyed the book, but there you go.
As has been mentioned by other reviewers, the author has no trouble killing off key characters. It didn't really bother me as this isn't the kind of series where I felt connected to the characters, but it is there and will affect the next few books for sure.
Again, I have to mention just little Allistor plans for the future. There's a lot of happy-clappy stuff at the start where the citizens of Invictus talk about how great everything is, and that it's only going to get better.
I'm still giving book 5 a solid rating, and I will read book 6, but I'm starting to feel like everyone but Allistor is a red shirt crewperson from Star Trek. Allistor will be your friend, and he'll avenge your death and have a moment of silence when you die, but then life moves on.
4/5*
As with Battleborne, Allistor and team get off the hook a little too easily. Yes, it makes sense but it's also a let down that he doesn't have to fight the last battle.
This book feels like the end of the first arc. The Norse gods are a big part of this story, and much of what happens revolves around then.
It also feels like this was a difficult story for the author to write. I could be wrong, but that was the vibe I picked up on. Like maybe he didn't want to write it so he could write something else, or maybe there was stuff going on in his personal life. I still enjoyed the book, but there you go.
As has been mentioned by other reviewers, the author has no trouble killing off key characters. It didn't really bother me as this isn't the kind of series where I felt connected to the characters, but it is there and will affect the next few books for sure.
Again, I have to mention just little Allistor plans for the future. There's a lot of happy-clappy stuff at the start where the citizens of Invictus talk about how great everything is, and that it's only going to get better.
I'm still giving book 5 a solid rating, and I will read book 6, but I'm starting to feel like everyone but Allistor is a red shirt crewperson from Star Trek. Allistor will be your friend, and he'll avenge your death and have a moment of silence when you die, but then life moves on.
4/5*
May 4, 2021
Really enjoyed this just as I have the rest of the series. I hope there is more to this series but this could easily be a stopping point based on other series this author has done, there are enough loose ends to continue it or end it here, like i said hopefully more we readers always want more. This volume has some darker twists to the story and a lot of plot resolutions so there is a lot to look forward to. If you're at this book you've already read the previous ones and you know what you are in for. highly recommended.
May 4, 2021
What is probably my favourite series of this genre continues with another excellent book. Engaging, well-paced and not lacking in stuff going on, I went through this one pretty quickly.
Allistor has to stop giving second chances to people who wish him harm, as that constantly bites him in the ass. Learning to be at least polite to beings far more powerful than himself should also be high on his self-development list. Overall a worthy book in this series, but some spoilers follow below.
I don't know if I was supposed to be very upset about Amanda getting killed, but I wasn't. I never warmed to her as a character, and for me the chemistry between her and Allistor was always strained. Could be the author came to the same conclusion and realized that she was a poor choice for the wife/consort of the MC as he grew to multi-world emperor. That could just be my assessment, but I think clearing the decks of her was the right move for the story.
Allistor has to stop giving second chances to people who wish him harm, as that constantly bites him in the ass. Learning to be at least polite to beings far more powerful than himself should also be high on his self-development list. Overall a worthy book in this series, but some spoilers follow below.
I don't know if I was supposed to be very upset about Amanda getting killed, but I wasn't. I never warmed to her as a character, and for me the chemistry between her and Allistor was always strained. Could be the author came to the same conclusion and realized that she was a poor choice for the wife/consort of the MC as he grew to multi-world emperor. That could just be my assessment, but I think clearing the decks of her was the right move for the story.
May 24, 2021
Book five
Mistakes: I didn't find anything wrong with this book. In fact I think that this is the best book in the series so far.
Plot: Old enemies are finally defeated. What the consequences will be, we can't wait to see.
Characters: Important characters are lost and the MC has finally stopped giving enemies a free pass.
10/10
Mistakes: I didn't find anything wrong with this book. In fact I think that this is the best book in the series so far.
Plot: Old enemies are finally defeated. What the consequences will be, we can't wait to see.
Characters: Important characters are lost and the MC has finally stopped giving enemies a free pass.
10/10
May 4, 2021
No fear
I like when an author doesn’t pull punches. Killing an important character is a bold move, but it also adds meaning to the narrative, as ‘plot armor’ ceases being sufficient to protect everyone.
Breaks/brakes - learn the difference. Other than that, pretty clean prose.
This is one of the stronger System Apocalypse series published.
I like when an author doesn’t pull punches. Killing an important character is a bold move, but it also adds meaning to the narrative, as ‘plot armor’ ceases being sufficient to protect everyone.
Breaks/brakes - learn the difference. Other than that, pretty clean prose.
This is one of the stronger System Apocalypse series published.
May 11, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
I have been waiting for this book for a long time. This was a good continuation of the series. There are some surprising moments. There were some side arcs that I didn't think really added much to the book and then there were some that I felt needed more attention
I have been waiting for this book for a long time. This was a good continuation of the series. There are some surprising moments. There were some side arcs that I didn't think really added much to the book and then there were some that I felt needed more attention
June 7, 2021
I am very tired of authors killing off female characters simply to provide their male protagonists with something to do. It's.....incredibly trite and lazy writing, especially in these times. You have incredibly disappointed me, and I had bought all your books on Amazon and on Audible. They had used to be comfort reading books. But I'm done. I have better things to do than read lazy writing and poorly-edited books. Too bad for me.
May 7, 2021
Unsatisfying ending, but great read
Enjoyed the whole book, only thing i hated about it was the last chapter. One of the biggest draws to these types of books is the loot and when you pimp it off to the next book it is just salting the grass. Otherwise thanks and Gnomes Rule!
Enjoyed the whole book, only thing i hated about it was the last chapter. One of the biggest draws to these types of books is the loot and when you pimp it off to the next book it is just salting the grass. Otherwise thanks and Gnomes Rule!
March 17, 2023
Mostly good, but Amanda's death is where the series starts to take a huge downturn.
In addition to it rarely being a good idea to kill off the MC's primary love interest, because that nearly always feels cheesy and emotionally manipulative, Amanda's death felt forced. I kept expecting you to use Loki's death as a way to fuel some Aesir magic to bring her back and was disappointed when you didn't. The story just sort of felt weird and hollow after that, including book 6.
I got the feeling that killing off likeable main cast members might be something you do in order to force emotional investment in the story, which is concerning since I'm looking forward to book 2 of the Mars System Reboot series and now I'm reluctant to get invested in any of the characters. Killing off a handful of named characters per book just makes me detach from your story and your world so that when fun and interesting things do happen, they are proportionately less delightful. There are better and less antagonistic ways to imbue the story with stakes and urgency.
Aside from this Martin-esque penchant for randomly killing supporting characters, I really really enjoy your work, so I genuinely hope there is less of this in your other series.
Also, seriously, man, waiting until book 5 of 6 to kill off the romantic partner who's been in the series from book 1 was just awful. Like... the random deaths were bad enough, but the Amanda thing really killed the whole series. I'm not saying I'll never buy your books again, but I will certainly be waiting until the series is complete and reading the reviews first from now on. I binge read these in a week and I was ultimately left feeling let down because of this.
In addition to it rarely being a good idea to kill off the MC's primary love interest, because that nearly always feels cheesy and emotionally manipulative, Amanda's death felt forced. I kept expecting you to use Loki's death as a way to fuel some Aesir magic to bring her back and was disappointed when you didn't. The story just sort of felt weird and hollow after that, including book 6.
I got the feeling that killing off likeable main cast members might be something you do in order to force emotional investment in the story, which is concerning since I'm looking forward to book 2 of the Mars System Reboot series and now I'm reluctant to get invested in any of the characters. Killing off a handful of named characters per book just makes me detach from your story and your world so that when fun and interesting things do happen, they are proportionately less delightful. There are better and less antagonistic ways to imbue the story with stakes and urgency.
Aside from this Martin-esque penchant for randomly killing supporting characters, I really really enjoy your work, so I genuinely hope there is less of this in your other series.
Also, seriously, man, waiting until book 5 of 6 to kill off the romantic partner who's been in the series from book 1 was just awful. Like... the random deaths were bad enough, but the Amanda thing really killed the whole series. I'm not saying I'll never buy your books again, but I will certainly be waiting until the series is complete and reading the reviews first from now on. I binge read these in a week and I was ultimately left feeling let down because of this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
Didn't he have 15,000 - 30,000 droids? He was buying them in batches of 5,000. But at the time of his DIRE NEED he has only 100 eliminating Zombies? 100?
Wasn't Chloe supposed to bond with a baby Drake???
Weren't the twins supposed to be teenagers, William supposed to be 10, and Allistor 21? How the flying fuck are we taking about him becoming their DAD?
Oh don't even get me started on Droids accompanying the raid groups and just standing their like wax statues. They have a command to kill Necromancers ASAP but they are just letting the humans play out their wet video game fantasies???
Allistor spends billions in Upgrading AI and Prime and neither of them recommend DRONES? Forget about Harmon, your friendly neighborhood galactic arms dealer, and the beastkin mercanries, or even the 4 highly paid advisors, he is surrounded by whole bunch of gamers and probably drone enthusiasts who don't even say 'hey idiot Prince how about fucking some DRONES?'??
I think, Dave Willmarth, the author hired some college kid to write this garbage. Creative license has it's limits.
Wasn't Chloe supposed to bond with a baby Drake???
Weren't the twins supposed to be teenagers, William supposed to be 10, and Allistor 21? How the flying fuck are we taking about him becoming their DAD?
Oh don't even get me started on Droids accompanying the raid groups and just standing their like wax statues. They have a command to kill Necromancers ASAP but they are just letting the humans play out their wet video game fantasies???
Allistor spends billions in Upgrading AI and Prime and neither of them recommend DRONES? Forget about Harmon, your friendly neighborhood galactic arms dealer, and the beastkin mercanries, or even the 4 highly paid advisors, he is surrounded by whole bunch of gamers and probably drone enthusiasts who don't even say 'hey idiot Prince how about fucking some DRONES?'??
I think, Dave Willmarth, the author hired some college kid to write this garbage. Creative license has it's limits.
June 9, 2021
More awesomeness in an excellent series
So Allister is still pushing to help what's left of humanity and looking to settle the score with those who brought the earth into the collective early. This book witnesses the start of that and some vengeance. There are more HUGE powers in the collective that are now turning an eye to little ol'earth and Allister now must get both stronger and smarter is he is to lead the humans back from the brink. There is some loss in this book as the new world is not forgiving. The author is not shy when a friendly character meets his/her end. Unlike many series there is character attrition and new additions. This makes this series very good and fluid. I enjoy look forward to the next book and sooner is better. If you liked the early books in this series then you will enjoy this one though the time is slowly changing from immediate personal survival to empire survival.
So Allister is still pushing to help what's left of humanity and looking to settle the score with those who brought the earth into the collective early. This book witnesses the start of that and some vengeance. There are more HUGE powers in the collective that are now turning an eye to little ol'earth and Allister now must get both stronger and smarter is he is to lead the humans back from the brink. There is some loss in this book as the new world is not forgiving. The author is not shy when a friendly character meets his/her end. Unlike many series there is character attrition and new additions. This makes this series very good and fluid. I enjoy look forward to the next book and sooner is better. If you liked the early books in this series then you will enjoy this one though the time is slowly changing from immediate personal survival to empire survival.
April 4, 2022
good story, unsatisfying ending.
This is still a day in the life lit RPG of the main character. Story progression, around a little bit of dungeon crawling. If you were looking for a straight character building up his stats with a little storyline built in this is not it. On the other hand the story was pretty good it actually didn’t even need the lit RPG elements. The MC could’ve been energize vitalized some other way. There are actually no dungeons and I think of them in this book. Nor any dungeon cores found. And since this book has been written there has not been another one. So the story has been left wide open. I do not know if the author is going to write additional books in the series but the ending is not satisfying the way it is left. The reason I’m giving it four stars is for the story itself. The MC is still a buffoon as far as I’m concerned but the story is compelling.
This is still a day in the life lit RPG of the main character. Story progression, around a little bit of dungeon crawling. If you were looking for a straight character building up his stats with a little storyline built in this is not it. On the other hand the story was pretty good it actually didn’t even need the lit RPG elements. The MC could’ve been energize vitalized some other way. There are actually no dungeons and I think of them in this book. Nor any dungeon cores found. And since this book has been written there has not been another one. So the story has been left wide open. I do not know if the author is going to write additional books in the series but the ending is not satisfying the way it is left. The reason I’m giving it four stars is for the story itself. The MC is still a buffoon as far as I’m concerned but the story is compelling.
May 22, 2021
Great book, getting kinda close to grimdark
Android this but, for the most part. It was genuinely engaging start to finish, and I never wanted to put it down. I have over the amount of infancide and that's why the realistic, is also becoming exhausting to read about. There are moments of levity that really really help. Keep the story from being super emotionally devastating. But I don't know that there was enough of that in this book. Unless he's coming up on the end of the story in the next book or two, and it's just trying to build to a climax. Otherwise reading a book this negative is very exhausting and demoralizing. Which sucks because as I said, it's a fn amazing book. And I absolutely loved it. But when I finished it I was almost glad it was over, because that was just so tired of being sad
Android this but, for the most part. It was genuinely engaging start to finish, and I never wanted to put it down. I have over the amount of infancide and that's why the realistic, is also becoming exhausting to read about. There are moments of levity that really really help. Keep the story from being super emotionally devastating. But I don't know that there was enough of that in this book. Unless he's coming up on the end of the story in the next book or two, and it's just trying to build to a climax. Otherwise reading a book this negative is very exhausting and demoralizing. Which sucks because as I said, it's a fn amazing book. And I absolutely loved it. But when I finished it I was almost glad it was over, because that was just so tired of being sad
December 6, 2021
This was a weak installment.
There is more insight into the system and some interesting base building, but besides that this story goes nowhere.
I’m all for major characters dying in novels, if it has a reason and leads into other things… which this one did not (not to mention the asinine inclusion of the elf girl and their ridiculous interactions). Even the side characters that we know get immediately forgotten and not mentioned again.
Another gripe with this story is there isn’t any real challenge. I think Allistor gets in a single “fight” the entire story and the person in question wasn’t a match. There are some bigger wide scale battles that he participates in but in the end it didn’t even really matter.
Will pick up the next one but not expecting great things from this any longer.
There is more insight into the system and some interesting base building, but besides that this story goes nowhere.
I’m all for major characters dying in novels, if it has a reason and leads into other things… which this one did not (not to mention the asinine inclusion of the elf girl and their ridiculous interactions). Even the side characters that we know get immediately forgotten and not mentioned again.
Another gripe with this story is there isn’t any real challenge. I think Allistor gets in a single “fight” the entire story and the person in question wasn’t a match. There are some bigger wide scale battles that he participates in but in the end it didn’t even really matter.
Will pick up the next one but not expecting great things from this any longer.
March 18, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this book
This book had some epic scenes and amazing action. But I have to wonder why some things happened. The big death was heartbreaking, and horrifying, and I don’t know that it had any real purpose other than to be emotionally draining. And did the blurb give away the culprit behind that death even though the book itself didn’t?
Also, with the severity of the penalties that the System imposes on the Ancient Ones, why would either Loki or Hel have done this? What were their motivations other than being ‘insane’? There wasn’t enough of a benefit to either character to support the risks that they took.
And is this the end of the series? If so, that was a rather unsatisfying end. If not, what can challenge Allistor now? Or does he now simply take the next few decades solidifying a foundation for his rather excessive OP?
This book had some epic scenes and amazing action. But I have to wonder why some things happened. The big death was heartbreaking, and horrifying, and I don’t know that it had any real purpose other than to be emotionally draining. And did the blurb give away the culprit behind that death even though the book itself didn’t?
Also, with the severity of the penalties that the System imposes on the Ancient Ones, why would either Loki or Hel have done this? What were their motivations other than being ‘insane’? There wasn’t enough of a benefit to either character to support the risks that they took.
And is this the end of the series? If so, that was a rather unsatisfying end. If not, what can challenge Allistor now? Or does he now simply take the next few decades solidifying a foundation for his rather excessive OP?
May 8, 2021
Solid book with some flaws
I enjoyed reading this book. The author is doing a good job of constructing an interesting universe. That said, there were a few things in the book that just didn’t fit.
During the book, the MC’s capitol is attacked by undead. Several people die. The MC is hurt and furious about the loss of his people. There deaths come across as very contrived. The only way for them to happen is for the victims and the MC to do a lot of stupid things that make no sense. Given that these are battle-tested veterans veterans the circumstances just aren’t believable. Also does the MC not have a general?
Put differently the large scale battle sequences need a lot of work but the rest of the book is solid.
I enjoyed reading this book. The author is doing a good job of constructing an interesting universe. That said, there were a few things in the book that just didn’t fit.
During the book, the MC’s capitol is attacked by undead. Several people die. The MC is hurt and furious about the loss of his people. There deaths come across as very contrived. The only way for them to happen is for the victims and the MC to do a lot of stupid things that make no sense. Given that these are battle-tested veterans veterans the circumstances just aren’t believable. Also does the MC not have a general?
Put differently the large scale battle sequences need a lot of work but the rest of the book is solid.
May 10, 2021
Already looking forward to the next book
This is a solid book and had a lot of payoff and from a buildup in previous novels further characters characterization development to place but mostly focused on Alistair there was a key event that took place that I'm still not sure how I feel about and I don't feel I can discuss properly without leaving huge spoilers since I am writing this review using voice to text technology I hope you forgive any imperfections in the result I'm interested in seeing which direction the author takes this book since as of the end of this book Alistair has basically united all Earth I don't know if space operates the direction which he tends to go or defending Earth from alien hordes looking forward to seeing the result
This is a solid book and had a lot of payoff and from a buildup in previous novels further characters characterization development to place but mostly focused on Alistair there was a key event that took place that I'm still not sure how I feel about and I don't feel I can discuss properly without leaving huge spoilers since I am writing this review using voice to text technology I hope you forgive any imperfections in the result I'm interested in seeing which direction the author takes this book since as of the end of this book Alistair has basically united all Earth I don't know if space operates the direction which he tends to go or defending Earth from alien hordes looking forward to seeing the result
June 13, 2021
Exceptional
I can only say this: This writer is fabulous, I have read all his series and none of them have disappointed me except I wish there were more to read. When I read his books I am not just reading a story I am living the story and I don’t want them to end. Some writers seem to lose the story after book two or three in a series but these series keep getting better as the series goes on. I do hope I see more to the dark elf chronicles, I keep thinking about it and the fact it’s not finished which drives me nuts. Thank you for giving us a place to go when we need to get away from this world even if it’s an hour or two at a time.
I can only say this: This writer is fabulous, I have read all his series and none of them have disappointed me except I wish there were more to read. When I read his books I am not just reading a story I am living the story and I don’t want them to end. Some writers seem to lose the story after book two or three in a series but these series keep getting better as the series goes on. I do hope I see more to the dark elf chronicles, I keep thinking about it and the fact it’s not finished which drives me nuts. Thank you for giving us a place to go when we need to get away from this world even if it’s an hour or two at a time.
May 14, 2021
Absolutely fantastic!
As usual, Dave Willmarth delivers. This series grabs me for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it contains a balance of LitRPG elements, while also maintaining its Scifi roots. One of my favorite things, is that none of the characters are perfect, and they all make mistakes. Not only that, but they learn from them, and it provides a real growth metric, besides just the crunchiness of the numbers and stat sheets. I recommend this series to anyone and everyone I think will like it, and will continue to do so!
As usual, Dave Willmarth delivers. This series grabs me for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it contains a balance of LitRPG elements, while also maintaining its Scifi roots. One of my favorite things, is that none of the characters are perfect, and they all make mistakes. Not only that, but they learn from them, and it provides a real growth metric, besides just the crunchiness of the numbers and stat sheets. I recommend this series to anyone and everyone I think will like it, and will continue to do so!
May 31, 2021
Another great installment in the series. These books are always a joy to read, and this one is no exception. I really enjoy this series, and always love when a new book is released. Somehow I missed this release back in April, but having read it now, I'm willing to bet most folks who have liked other books in the series won't be disappointed by this one. It appears, there's great things stirring in this universe, and it certainly looks like there's some fantastic happenings in store for all of us readers to come, and I for one, can't wait.
June 23, 2021
Astounding plot books and pacing.
I only had one complaint and I just can't see any reason why the MC wouldn't do this besides driving the plot.
Spoiler: Why not send the droids with the sewer exploration team? Important lives would be saved and since they end up exploring down after some deaths i just can't see why not send them in the first place?!? Sorry if i was only one bothered by this....I loved every heart wrenching and emotionally scarring moment but also the hilarious moments as well.
I only had one complaint and I just can't see any reason why the MC wouldn't do this besides driving the plot.
Spoiler: Why not send the droids with the sewer exploration team? Important lives would be saved and since they end up exploring down after some deaths i just can't see why not send them in the first place?!? Sorry if i was only one bothered by this....I loved every heart wrenching and emotionally scarring moment but also the hilarious moments as well.
July 21, 2021
Shocked
As this series progresses it's hard for the author to focus on what he wants to say. The more relationships Allistor gets the more muddled the story becomes.
Don't stop writing the series though! The writing is well done, adequately paced and despite my words above, is really interesting and fun to read.
There are a few shocking moments in this book though that hit you out of nowhere so it will be a pleasure to find out the ramifications of those plotlines lead.
As this series progresses it's hard for the author to focus on what he wants to say. The more relationships Allistor gets the more muddled the story becomes.
Don't stop writing the series though! The writing is well done, adequately paced and despite my words above, is really interesting and fun to read.
There are a few shocking moments in this book though that hit you out of nowhere so it will be a pleasure to find out the ramifications of those plotlines lead.
August 12, 2021
I was annoyed by how quickly people freeze in space
I'm no expert, but I'm pretty certain people can't freeze in a matter of seconds in the vacuum of space. You'd lose heat through radiation only, which is a slow process, I believe.
Anyhow, that one item really aggravated me. Otherwise I really enjoy the epic premise of this series. The writing can be a little rough at times, but is usually an enjoyable read.
I'd give this story 5 stars, except that space thing really rubbed me the wrong way.
I'm no expert, but I'm pretty certain people can't freeze in a matter of seconds in the vacuum of space. You'd lose heat through radiation only, which is a slow process, I believe.
Anyhow, that one item really aggravated me. Otherwise I really enjoy the epic premise of this series. The writing can be a little rough at times, but is usually an enjoyable read.
I'd give this story 5 stars, except that space thing really rubbed me the wrong way.
January 11, 2022
Fantastic
I read a TON of fantasy fiction and I had never read a litRPG series before this one. I just assumed it would be a cheesy story with terrible writing. Man was I wrong! Not only was the story fantastic but the writing was top notch. The entire series is basically non stop action. I couldn't put it down. As soon as I finished this series I read the Battleborne series and thought it was just as good. I'm about to start the Grey stone series tonight and I can't wait. Keep up the great work!
I read a TON of fantasy fiction and I had never read a litRPG series before this one. I just assumed it would be a cheesy story with terrible writing. Man was I wrong! Not only was the story fantastic but the writing was top notch. The entire series is basically non stop action. I couldn't put it down. As soon as I finished this series I read the Battleborne series and thought it was just as good. I'm about to start the Grey stone series tonight and I can't wait. Keep up the great work!
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