What do you think?
Rate this book
Life in Exile #1-3
Life in Exile #1-3
THIS ISN'T A GAME. THIS IS HIS NEW LIFE.2000+ Pages of epic LitRPG adventure about a family trapped in a game-world called Eloria with no way out. "As a lover of LitRPG, this is the only one I have seen that involves an entire family. The parent and sibling dynamics add a new twist!"--Amazon Reviewer ★★★★★Dave has been wandering through life for a long time. His day job bores him and he never seems to be able to meet his family's expectations. The only escape he's ever had is his love of MMORPGs. But when he becomes the subject of a test without even knowing it, he's portaled into a game-world called Eloria with no escape. It's a frequent daydream of his, however, in none of those dreams did his wife and daughter ever accompany him. Now, Dave must balance protecting his family with exploring his dream... oh, and trying to stay alive. Monstrous beasts roam Eloria, worst of all, an undead army led by the vile Death Knight.He'll have to adapt fast and learn to cooperate if he hopes to make a new home for his family. And just maybe, along the way, he'll find out why they're living a life in exile.Experience the first three books in a LitRPG saga perfect for fans of C.M Carney, Blaise Corvin, and Charles Dean.Also available on Audible, narrated by Peter Berkrot (Alpha World, Earth Force). 50+ Hours for 1 Credit.
1444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2021
175 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 27, 2022
Well, I’ve certainly heard better, then again, I’ve heard worse too. Let us begin.
The Watcher, a member of the first race, answered the call of his long-lost brother. The Condemned asked, “Why does He treat them as He does?” The Nelson family is chosen by The Watcher to test them, to challenge their worthiness. Twelve were chosen. Sent through a portal, the Nelson family finds themselves in Eloria, where “life is conflict”. The game mechanics are there, with some odd “core attributes” such as bravery, fury, faith, and teamwork. Experience, skills, abilities, and levels are all present. Running, swimming, survival, and speak languages, among many others, are skills. Class is a rare designation, or profession, only given by a quest. To make matters for the Nelsons worse, they had entered Eloria in the middle of a war; the Goblin War. Continuing, they find their way to the village of Airis’s Rise. As the story unfolds, the Nelsons continue to gain skills, abilities, and levels. The most interesting part of the story for me is that there are three main characters, i.e. Dave, Emily, and Mira, not counting the youngest Jackson and Sarah, as opposed to usually only one MC in other stories. Following each character as they develop and increase along their paths is quite interesting. Emily has become a Daughter of Redemption, a priestess healer of the goddess Chenille. The drake, Altrachia became dungeon master of her very own dungeon, named The Tomb of Dave Nelson, populating it with evolved monsters and beasts influenced by her dragon ancestry. All that was missing now were humans to enter, then the fun would begin. The Death Knight, Droshnikai, also called The Bone Man by the goblins, led the goblins to destroy all the lumber camps. The scarcity of this resource is part of the plan by his co-conspirator or master, Semien to weaken the strength of the kingdom of Albia during the war. The last camp to destroy was Airis’s Rise. Captain Maxwell Smart and associated soldiers of the King’s Purple and Gold military are sent to recon the disturbances at the lumber camps. Maxwell Smart, lol. The King of Albia decreed that the northern territory, which includes Airis’s Rise, bordered by Mirkwood Forest will become a Royal Barony directly under his control, and will be a buffer between Mirkwood and Albia. The Mirkwood had historically belonged to the Elves but was now seized by Albia, making it part of the kingdom. This act would not sit well with the Elves and may have unforeseen consequences. Of course, every Barony needs a Baron to rule it. Presenting David Nelson, Baron of Mirkwood, and Emily, the Baroness. Mitzu Cata, i.e. “found one” aka Emily, is decreed one of The Circle and named Lady Amerie by Coanoway, the Elven King. The Barony would be co-ruled by Albia and the Elves. It was time to enter the dungeon, use it to level up, and gain any needed magical articles it may bestow. Upon realizing that a raid party wanted to enter, the dungeon reformed, grew, and became more powerful. Its name also changed to Bastion of Thralls (indentured servants). Should an adventurer die within, they would remain as a thrall in the dungeon. The day of reckoning is coming to Airis’s Rise. Will the Nelson family and Airis’s Rise stand against the Goblin Hoard? War is coming to Eloria, Orcs, Dwarves, Humans, Goblins, Minotaurs, all races will be affected. And as all unfolds, The Watcher watches.
I am much more impressed with the story than initially expected. The game mechanics are excellent, the characters and the story are both compelling and interesting. I look forward to the fourth volume of the series.
The Watcher, a member of the first race, answered the call of his long-lost brother. The Condemned asked, “Why does He treat them as He does?” The Nelson family is chosen by The Watcher to test them, to challenge their worthiness. Twelve were chosen. Sent through a portal, the Nelson family finds themselves in Eloria, where “life is conflict”. The game mechanics are there, with some odd “core attributes” such as bravery, fury, faith, and teamwork. Experience, skills, abilities, and levels are all present. Running, swimming, survival, and speak languages, among many others, are skills. Class is a rare designation, or profession, only given by a quest. To make matters for the Nelsons worse, they had entered Eloria in the middle of a war; the Goblin War. Continuing, they find their way to the village of Airis’s Rise. As the story unfolds, the Nelsons continue to gain skills, abilities, and levels. The most interesting part of the story for me is that there are three main characters, i.e. Dave, Emily, and Mira, not counting the youngest Jackson and Sarah, as opposed to usually only one MC in other stories. Following each character as they develop and increase along their paths is quite interesting. Emily has become a Daughter of Redemption, a priestess healer of the goddess Chenille. The drake, Altrachia became dungeon master of her very own dungeon, named The Tomb of Dave Nelson, populating it with evolved monsters and beasts influenced by her dragon ancestry. All that was missing now were humans to enter, then the fun would begin. The Death Knight, Droshnikai, also called The Bone Man by the goblins, led the goblins to destroy all the lumber camps. The scarcity of this resource is part of the plan by his co-conspirator or master, Semien to weaken the strength of the kingdom of Albia during the war. The last camp to destroy was Airis’s Rise. Captain Maxwell Smart and associated soldiers of the King’s Purple and Gold military are sent to recon the disturbances at the lumber camps. Maxwell Smart, lol. The King of Albia decreed that the northern territory, which includes Airis’s Rise, bordered by Mirkwood Forest will become a Royal Barony directly under his control, and will be a buffer between Mirkwood and Albia. The Mirkwood had historically belonged to the Elves but was now seized by Albia, making it part of the kingdom. This act would not sit well with the Elves and may have unforeseen consequences. Of course, every Barony needs a Baron to rule it. Presenting David Nelson, Baron of Mirkwood, and Emily, the Baroness. Mitzu Cata, i.e. “found one” aka Emily, is decreed one of The Circle and named Lady Amerie by Coanoway, the Elven King. The Barony would be co-ruled by Albia and the Elves. It was time to enter the dungeon, use it to level up, and gain any needed magical articles it may bestow. Upon realizing that a raid party wanted to enter, the dungeon reformed, grew, and became more powerful. Its name also changed to Bastion of Thralls (indentured servants). Should an adventurer die within, they would remain as a thrall in the dungeon. The day of reckoning is coming to Airis’s Rise. Will the Nelson family and Airis’s Rise stand against the Goblin Hoard? War is coming to Eloria, Orcs, Dwarves, Humans, Goblins, Minotaurs, all races will be affected. And as all unfolds, The Watcher watches.
I am much more impressed with the story than initially expected. The game mechanics are excellent, the characters and the story are both compelling and interesting. I look forward to the fourth volume of the series.
July 26, 2021
Once again I found myself completely mesmerized by a litRPG, and it quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year!
This book follows an entire family: husband and wife and their 3 kids, as they're swallowed by a portal, ending up in game-world! In my experience, this was a whole new twist to this broadly storied sub-genre.
The story is complex, and it's told through multiple view points which the narrator handled quite deftly... Man, I love a good narrator!
Probably because a family was involved, I found that the book played hardball with my emotions, and it had my Mama Bear hackles up!
Wow! Peter Berkrot where have you been all my life! I'm going to definitely need to be on the lookout for more of your work!
So, peeps... you're gonna want to read/listen to this action packed, character driven plot, in order to find out what happens! Since I picked up the boxed set, I can assure you that the pace doesn't let up in subsequent books! Now, where's the audio for book 4, Watcher's Repose?
This book follows an entire family: husband and wife and their 3 kids, as they're swallowed by a portal, ending up in game-world! In my experience, this was a whole new twist to this broadly storied sub-genre.
The story is complex, and it's told through multiple view points which the narrator handled quite deftly... Man, I love a good narrator!
Probably because a family was involved, I found that the book played hardball with my emotions, and it had my Mama Bear hackles up!
Wow! Peter Berkrot where have you been all my life! I'm going to definitely need to be on the lookout for more of your work!
So, peeps... you're gonna want to read/listen to this action packed, character driven plot, in order to find out what happens! Since I picked up the boxed set, I can assure you that the pace doesn't let up in subsequent books! Now, where's the audio for book 4, Watcher's Repose?
January 4, 2022
A good story but limited
The family! Aarg, the family. They are the central viewpoint of the story but are caricatures of people. Archetypes of Archetypes with shallow thoughts and limited understanding. They are a family in name only. Bound together only by blood and circumstances. They stay out of obligation and through trauma bonding. In the real world, the parents would not last as a couple without the obligation/duty of children. They're personalities and life goals are at odds and they never truly merge.
That being said, as the problems fade into the background, if you can make it past chapter 14, the story is excellent. If there are more books, I will certainly read those.
I will say I've never ranted at a book as much as I have this one. Especially one that I completed.
The family! Aarg, the family. They are the central viewpoint of the story but are caricatures of people. Archetypes of Archetypes with shallow thoughts and limited understanding. They are a family in name only. Bound together only by blood and circumstances. They stay out of obligation and through trauma bonding. In the real world, the parents would not last as a couple without the obligation/duty of children. They're personalities and life goals are at odds and they never truly merge.
That being said, as the problems fade into the background, if you can make it past chapter 14, the story is excellent. If there are more books, I will certainly read those.
I will say I've never ranted at a book as much as I have this one. Especially one that I completed.
December 21, 2025
Character Diva
My experience with LitRPGs is admittedly a bit shallow, so my thoughts on this series may lack the refined insight of someone with better understanding. That being said, I put the MCs of this series as the most annoying, most frustrating, most growth-resistant of all the series I have read to date. Just when it seemed like either the husband or wife were becoming more willing to live and adjust to their new normal, they displayed the same behavior that made them unlikable to me. I’ve enjoyed the characters from Cradle, Dissonance, and Primal Hunter. The folks in this series just don’t do it for me.
My experience with LitRPGs is admittedly a bit shallow, so my thoughts on this series may lack the refined insight of someone with better understanding. That being said, I put the MCs of this series as the most annoying, most frustrating, most growth-resistant of all the series I have read to date. Just when it seemed like either the husband or wife were becoming more willing to live and adjust to their new normal, they displayed the same behavior that made them unlikable to me. I’ve enjoyed the characters from Cradle, Dissonance, and Primal Hunter. The folks in this series just don’t do it for me.
December 8, 2024
Capolavoro? no di sicuro. Buona lettura? direi di si.
Il fatto che sia stata una famiglia intera a essere trasportata nel mondo della magia è interessante. Le interazioni ben fatte e i personaggi pur crescendo sono abbastanza congruenti dall'inizio alla fine.
Mi fa storcere il naso la velocità con cui tutta la famiglia livella in poche settimane, quando i nativi del posto sono ancora al palo dopo una vita.
Il fatto che sia stata una famiglia intera a essere trasportata nel mondo della magia è interessante. Le interazioni ben fatte e i personaggi pur crescendo sono abbastanza congruenti dall'inizio alla fine.
Mi fa storcere il naso la velocità con cui tutta la famiglia livella in poche settimane, quando i nativi del posto sono ancora al palo dopo una vita.
September 15, 2021
Great series.
Very well written series from Sean Oswald. Characters that grow and act, they don't just sit around and wait to be acted upon. The system is well developed and you can tell there was an over arching plot that was conceived before publication. Looking forward to more in the series and more from Sean in other worlds.
Very well written series from Sean Oswald. Characters that grow and act, they don't just sit around and wait to be acted upon. The system is well developed and you can tell there was an over arching plot that was conceived before publication. Looking forward to more in the series and more from Sean in other worlds.
February 12, 2024
Needs an editor
I got the impression the author was not a native English speaker.
While I did get the storyline, the writing was rife with grammar, spelling, and word choice errors.
I got the impression the author was not a native English speaker.
While I did get the storyline, the writing was rife with grammar, spelling, and word choice errors.
July 9, 2021
Interesting take, an entire family gets transported. Feudal world, different people have different level caps, most are lower, a few are higher.
July 28, 2021
Not bad.
It was fairly interesting. Certainly is lengthy but has enough to keep it moving. Doesn't get too bogged down by stat updates, so you can skip those.
It was fairly interesting. Certainly is lengthy but has enough to keep it moving. Doesn't get too bogged down by stat updates, so you can skip those.
December 27, 2021
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
June 23, 2022
Good book. Like the series
July 1, 2022
A most enjoyable read
Is what I was waiting for a in a litrpg, I want more from this story line and can only wait.
Is what I was waiting for a in a litrpg, I want more from this story line and can only wait.
July 18, 2023
Fun Read
Great development of characters and the world they lived in. Fun to read and work through. Will read more from the author
Great development of characters and the world they lived in. Fun to read and work through. Will read more from the author
October 19, 2023
I’m so glad it is over.
I’ll try to flesh out this review later. I’m just too exhausted by how difficult it was to make myself finish this. TLDR; I do not recommend this book.
I’ll try to flesh out this review later. I’m just too exhausted by how difficult it was to make myself finish this. TLDR; I do not recommend this book.
August 26, 2021
Cheese and Crackers
Wow that was fun. I like the back and forth. With the power gain and the setbacks staying hand in hand. It’s a different take on the genre that I really enjoyed. With the whole family and varying perspectives due to that. At first so much perspective change so often, annoyed me. Once I got the feel of the story pace and understood how the writer was wanting to tell the story I started to enjoy it better. Great characters and growth throughout with engaging struggles. I am definitely going to keep an eye on this series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Wow that was fun. I like the back and forth. With the power gain and the setbacks staying hand in hand. It’s a different take on the genre that I really enjoyed. With the whole family and varying perspectives due to that. At first so much perspective change so often, annoyed me. Once I got the feel of the story pace and understood how the writer was wanting to tell the story I started to enjoy it better. Great characters and growth throughout with engaging struggles. I am definitely going to keep an eye on this series. Can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews