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Underdog #7
Arbiter
The skies of the Dark Continent teem with ravening beasts. Thousands of refugees are at the gates of Foreston seeking salvation from a mysterious scourge. The Wastes are infested with herds of bloodthirsty necromorphs that devour every living thing in their path. A Dark Gateway has opened in the Stone Forest, allowing a horde of otherworldly monsters to come flooding through. Adversaries from time immemorial are gathering armies and amassing forces. Ancient enemies are forming alliances. The world of the Great System stands once again on the precipice of change. A new war is coming.
- GenresFantasy
587 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2021
83 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Alexey Osadchuk
32 books522 followersAlexey Osadchuk was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. In the late 1990s his family moved to the south of Spain where they still live today.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 16, 2025
Book Review: Arbiter (Underdog, #7) by Alexey Osadchuk
Arbiter is the seventh book in the Underdog series, continuing the thrilling LitRPG saga that fans of the genre have come to love. Alexey Osadchuk delivers another action-packed installment that deepens the lore, develops the characters, and moves the overarching plot towards an epic climax. As with previous books in the series, Arbiter maintains a delicate balance of character progression, world-building, and intense combat sequences, keeping readers hooked until the very end.
Genre: LitRPG, Fantasy, Adventure
Plot Summary:
In this book, we follow Dirk as he continues his quest in the dangerous world of Disgardium. The stakes are higher than ever as Dirk, who has now assumed the mantle of the Arbiter, finds himself facing new enemies, powerful alliances, and moral dilemmas. With the looming threat of annihilation over the world, the choices he makes have far-reaching consequences, not just for him but for everyone in Disgardium.
As an Underdog, Dirk is once again pitted against overwhelming odds, but his new role as Arbiter grants him powers and responsibilities that challenge his very identity. The story expertly blends personal development with large-scale conflicts, giving readers both intimate moments with the characters and epic battles that shape the fate of entire nations.
Key Strengths of the Book:
Character Growth: Dirk’s journey from an underdog to the Arbiter is one of the most compelling arcs in LitRPG. His transformation feels natural, and his internal struggles add depth to his character.
World-Building: Osadchuk continues to expand the rich world of Disgardium, introducing new regions, factions, and threats. The political intrigue and shifting alliances keep the narrative fresh and exciting.
Combat and Strategy: The battles in Arbiter are not just physical; they require strategic thinking, and the RPG elements are well-integrated. The power-ups, skills, and equipment continue to play a central role in the story, making it a satisfying read for gamers.
Emotional Depth: The relationships between the characters, especially Dirk’s connections with his friends and allies, are explored more deeply in this book. These emotional stakes make the reader invested in their fates.
Weaknesses:
Pacing Issues: At times, the book can feel a bit slow, especially during the buildup of certain political plotlines. Some readers might feel these moments drag the action down slightly.
Complexity: For readers who are not deeply familiar with the mechanics of LitRPG, the game-like elements (stats, levels, abilities) might feel overwhelming. While this is a genre staple, newcomers may find it hard to follow.
Themes and Reflections:
One of the most powerful themes in Arbiter is the exploration of power and responsibility. As Dirk ascends to the role of Arbiter, he is no longer just a player trying to survive. He is a leader, a decision-maker, and his actions have repercussions on a global scale. The moral dilemmas he faces reflect real-world issues of governance, leadership, and the weight of authority. Additionally, the series delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the question of whether it is worth sacrificing the few for the many.
Final Thoughts:
Arbiter (Underdog, #7) is a thrilling continuation of an already captivating series. Alexey Osadchuk’s world-building, character development, and skillful incorporation of LitRPG mechanics keep this book engaging for both fans of the genre and readers who enjoy epic fantasy adventures. Despite occasional pacing issues, the overall story arc, emotional depth, and action sequences make Arbiter a highly recommended read for LitRPG enthusiasts.
Rating: 4/5
Overall, Arbiter is an exciting entry in the Underdog series, continuing the tradition of epic storytelling, complex character arcs, and a detailed RPG-driven world. For those who have been following Dirk’s journey, this book is a must-read, while new readers are encouraged to start from the beginning to fully appreciate the intricacies of the story.
October 1, 2021
OMG, what an amazing time wrecking ending. And we lost everything 😭. We're is the new book.
April 23, 2022
4 Something Very Long Forgotten Stars
Arbiter is the seventh book in the Underdog series by Alexey Osadchuk.
While it is true that Eric has gained many allies throughout his year of transformation. It has become terribly clear they would not stand beside him, as he would them, through the end of the world. They continue to offer mere tokens of tribute, as a show of support. Lacking in true commitment. So many of them talk of a common enemy, and yet still squabble amongst themselves for tries at power. While the humans of this world have proven themselves so easily controlled and prone to betrayal or twisting their oaths to suit their own machinations. The other races and species have shown they are not immune to these same blunders.
The System has indeed saw fit to grant our null long lost powers of Light. But it is yet unclear how this Great System is planning to use our protag to cleanse their world of Darkness. Perhaps it is as Eric seems to be thinking at the end of this book. That all his work to rebuild the Order of Hunters was only the first step, in concert with his resurrection of the Hearts of the Forest. However, now it is time for cast aside the two powers to welcome in what will bring him true strength: His path as a Renegade, and possibly even leveled at that.
I find myself most happy for Mee and his fellow gremlins. Their futures look bright. A resurrection of their people. The only consequence being his divergent path from our Mc. He is one of few characters that I can say without question will came to Eric's aid, no matter how far their paths split from each other.
It saddens how many foxfolk and Order Hunters bravely, yet foolishly, stayed behind to lose their lives so uselessly. They merely wanted to stand beside their leader, in support of his sacrifice. I simply can't help but imagine the good they could have done joining the rest of their forces at their other strongholds.
I wonder what will become of all his blood oaths, that relied on his position as a Hunter and Arbiter? Will his change in status render them void? It will not be a new sensation for him, to be alone in the world yet again. While he will have his summons hopefully? I can easily imagine his 'allies' using his lack of such a strong title to excuse their future inaction.
I wonder where the next book will take us, and if it will be the resolution for this continuous adventure? Or if it just a continuation, and not the end of the series....
Arbiter is the seventh book in the Underdog series by Alexey Osadchuk.
While it is true that Eric has gained many allies throughout his year of transformation. It has become terribly clear they would not stand beside him, as he would them, through the end of the world. They continue to offer mere tokens of tribute, as a show of support. Lacking in true commitment. So many of them talk of a common enemy, and yet still squabble amongst themselves for tries at power. While the humans of this world have proven themselves so easily controlled and prone to betrayal or twisting their oaths to suit their own machinations. The other races and species have shown they are not immune to these same blunders.
The System has indeed saw fit to grant our null long lost powers of Light. But it is yet unclear how this Great System is planning to use our protag to cleanse their world of Darkness. Perhaps it is as Eric seems to be thinking at the end of this book. That all his work to rebuild the Order of Hunters was only the first step, in concert with his resurrection of the Hearts of the Forest. However, now it is time for cast aside the two powers to welcome in what will bring him true strength: His path as a Renegade, and possibly even leveled at that.
I find myself most happy for Mee and his fellow gremlins. Their futures look bright. A resurrection of their people. The only consequence being his divergent path from our Mc. He is one of few characters that I can say without question will came to Eric's aid, no matter how far their paths split from each other.
It saddens how many foxfolk and Order Hunters bravely, yet foolishly, stayed behind to lose their lives so uselessly. They merely wanted to stand beside their leader, in support of his sacrifice. I simply can't help but imagine the good they could have done joining the rest of their forces at their other strongholds.
I wonder what will become of all his blood oaths, that relied on his position as a Hunter and Arbiter? Will his change in status render them void? It will not be a new sensation for him, to be alone in the world yet again. While he will have his summons hopefully? I can easily imagine his 'allies' using his lack of such a strong title to excuse their future inaction.
I wonder where the next book will take us, and if it will be the resolution for this continuous adventure? Or if it just a continuation, and not the end of the series....
September 24, 2021
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
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.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. 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
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.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. 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
June 2, 2022
This series is truly a mixed bag.
On the one hand i loved the story how the weakest of the weak struggles against impossible seeming odds, some twists and would give the series 4,5 stars. On the other a truly horrible translator with only rudimentary knowledge of English (permanently mixed times, half sentences, made up phrases that ruined my reading experience throughout the ENTIRE series) and a too trusting and often stupidly generous MC. Given the shortness of the books the price of the single books is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!!
Therefore only 2 stars.
On the one hand i loved the story how the weakest of the weak struggles against impossible seeming odds, some twists and would give the series 4,5 stars. On the other a truly horrible translator with only rudimentary knowledge of English (permanently mixed times, half sentences, made up phrases that ruined my reading experience throughout the ENTIRE series) and a too trusting and often stupidly generous MC. Given the shortness of the books the price of the single books is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!!
Therefore only 2 stars.
October 13, 2021
Didn't care for this one
Seriously, what happened! This book felt so rushed! The editing was terrible, and the dialogue, worse. This felt like kids playing with action figures and a Saturday morning cartoon with how cartoonish and childish it was. Another reviewer noted that, there were zero stats in the book, and I can confirm that that's spot on. Not sure what the author is doing here.
Seriously, what happened! This book felt so rushed! The editing was terrible, and the dialogue, worse. This felt like kids playing with action figures and a Saturday morning cartoon with how cartoonish and childish it was. Another reviewer noted that, there were zero stats in the book, and I can confirm that that's spot on. Not sure what the author is doing here.
February 7, 2022
Book seven
Mistakes: I sent a detailed list of mistakes to the editing team after reading the ARC and checking for translation errors. They either didn't bother with my list or only did part of it. I still found nine mistakes. I listed them on Goodreads.
Plot: The battle picks up against the Steel King and the forces of darkness.
Characters: The MC is one of my favorites.
7/10 Looking forward to book eight.
Mistakes: I sent a detailed list of mistakes to the editing team after reading the ARC and checking for translation errors. They either didn't bother with my list or only did part of it. I still found nine mistakes. I listed them on Goodreads.
Plot: The battle picks up against the Steel King and the forces of darkness.
Characters: The MC is one of my favorites.
7/10 Looking forward to book eight.
June 28, 2022
I've just finished book 8 in the Underdog series, which means I've read the entire series now and I absolutely loved it. Some nights I could barely put the book down to go to sleep for work in the morning. I'd always say to myself just one more chapter. I enjoyed seeing our main man Eric go from a literal zero to something amazing and very interesting in constantly unexpected ways. Thank you Alexey Osadchuk! Thank you.
October 2, 2021
can’t wait for the next one
I remember when there was just the first book out. It looked interesting but didn’t quite catch my eye. I’m so glad that when there was 2-3 books out that I gave it a shot and started reading them. This story has progressed so much further then I thought it would, when I first read the bio on book 1.
I remember when there was just the first book out. It looked interesting but didn’t quite catch my eye. I’m so glad that when there was 2-3 books out that I gave it a shot and started reading them. This story has progressed so much further then I thought it would, when I first read the bio on book 1.
November 14, 2021
Wow. For those of you keeping up with the series, you're going to like this one. Lot of action here, plenty of building (I like building), serious battles where everything is on the line, and a fairly decent ending, though it does feel a bit abrupt). In any case, there's certainly the promise of more in the series, and that's a good thing. A good way to spend several hours.
February 12, 2023
Opäť kniha naberá megalomanské rozmery, do ktorých pribúdajú ďalšie postavy a línie, pričom tie predchádzajúce neboli uzavreté. Fakt, že je hlavná postava -násťročný chlapec, ktorý sa šmahom ruky stáva taktickým a strategickým géniom a motivuje prejavmi na úrovni Napoleona, degraduje potešenie z čítaného...
September 24, 2021
Good and gives you what you expect
The Grammer. Hallelujah the small mistakes with punctuation, spelling, capitalization and grammar really brings you out of immersion but besides that more or less good. You're 7 books in don't kid yourself into thinking your going to stop.
The Grammer. Hallelujah the small mistakes with punctuation, spelling, capitalization and grammar really brings you out of immersion but besides that more or less good. You're 7 books in don't kid yourself into thinking your going to stop.
April 18, 2022
Not as much adventuring with his pals and smacking people that wronged him as I liked, but it was okay enough.
I will pick up the next book. I wonder when this series will end. It feels like I'm reading an anime at times.
3/5 Stars
I will pick up the next book. I wonder when this series will end. It feels like I'm reading an anime at times.
3/5 Stars
July 25, 2024
Pretty big dip in the series
Definitely did not enjoy this book as much as a lot of prep for the next book and much less growth for the protagonist. He either gets completely demolished or completely demolished sovere he's fighting every single time and it's just a little meh
Definitely did not enjoy this book as much as a lot of prep for the next book and much less growth for the protagonist. He either gets completely demolished or completely demolished sovere he's fighting every single time and it's just a little meh
September 23, 2021
Woot great book.
Could not pit it down.
I really liked this whole series of books.. I can't wait until the next 2 or 3 come out.
Could not pit it down.
I really liked this whole series of books.. I can't wait until the next 2 or 3 come out.
September 24, 2021
Good
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
Read
September 24, 2021Love it
Hands down one of my favorite books when the next one coming out the characters progression is great and the overall story is starting to come to a head.
Hands down one of my favorite books when the next one coming out the characters progression is great and the overall story is starting to come to a head.
September 24, 2021
Excellent!
I do so love this series. Each time a new book comes out I finish it in one day. Unfortunately that means a whole lot of waiting for the next one.
I do so love this series. Each time a new book comes out I finish it in one day. Unfortunately that means a whole lot of waiting for the next one.
September 24, 2021
out of this world
Could t put the book down. Looked up and it was 3 am. Started reading and was immediately hooked and dragged along an instance ride. Amazing story. Read it!!
Could t put the book down. Looked up and it was 3 am. Started reading and was immediately hooked and dragged along an instance ride. Amazing story. Read it!!
September 25, 2021
Excellent!
Wow - top flight LitRPG.
Huge amount of action in a series that helped create the entire genre. Great addition.
Wow - top flight LitRPG.
Huge amount of action in a series that helped create the entire genre. Great addition.
January 12, 2022
Good book
Again this is a translation so the grammar and syntax can be off. Otherwise its a good story and I look forward to the next one
Again this is a translation so the grammar and syntax can be off. Otherwise its a good story and I look forward to the next one
February 18, 2022
Excellent book
I found the story very interesting and look forward to seeing the next installment of this series of books. The story was also unique.
I found the story very interesting and look forward to seeing the next installment of this series of books. The story was also unique.
December 28, 2022
good read
The mc keeps doing everything to win. Can’t decide if it’s worth it but he keeps going anyway.
Good read
The mc keeps doing everything to win. Can’t decide if it’s worth it but he keeps going anyway.
Good read
January 28, 2023
7.5/10 the ending was great and then rest was good.
April 17, 2023
Richtig gut die ganze reihe
November 27, 2025
When the valiant little tailor, alone against everyone, becomes an all-powerful warlord, surrounded by dozens of companions and allies, I fall asleep.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews