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The OP Lich is a Returnee #2
Crafter
Akagawa Kaori – The Archlich, the Lord of the Dead, Lich Queen of Risen Athelia, Hopebringer, Demon’s Bane, the Dark Hero. Forcibly summoned to another world, she earned many names and titles over the forty years she spent there, before she defeated the Demon King. And then she returned, to a world that had been greatly changed by the introduction of magic to the world.
Of course, something as crazy as someone returning from another world couldn't just go unremarked. It took months for the pomp and fanfare to die down, all while she smiled, and made the rounds, telling her story to the families of those she lost in the other world. But now, she has time for herself, and time to move forward.
But what does an archlich who is clearly too powerful to be seriously threatened by anyone in the world do, when the 15 minutes of fame starts to wind down? Does she set about conquering the world? Not if you are this lich. Instead, she wants to get down to one of the things she did in the old world whenever she needed to distract herself from the war: crafting. After all, who better to bring the world in the dawn of a magical age than one who has spent forty years immersed in a magical world, learning all she could?
Of course, something as crazy as someone returning from another world couldn't just go unremarked. It took months for the pomp and fanfare to die down, all while she smiled, and made the rounds, telling her story to the families of those she lost in the other world. But now, she has time for herself, and time to move forward.
But what does an archlich who is clearly too powerful to be seriously threatened by anyone in the world do, when the 15 minutes of fame starts to wind down? Does she set about conquering the world? Not if you are this lich. Instead, she wants to get down to one of the things she did in the old world whenever she needed to distract herself from the war: crafting. After all, who better to bring the world in the dawn of a magical age than one who has spent forty years immersed in a magical world, learning all she could?
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2021
359 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Grosse
233 books210 followersI'm a rookie author, looking to write stories that I enjoy writing. Not gonna get awards, but honestly, I'm happy with each and every person that reads my work.
Stuart is a sci-fi and anime geek, who dabbles in tabletop and video gaming. He enjoys cosplaying and has gone to DragonCon annually since 2009. Frozen Soul is his first book.
It is a sad, sad day when you finally break down and realize that you will never have the life you wanted, never do the things you wished to do, and never see the things you wanted to see. All because of a stupid lack of lightsabers.
I was a 26 y/o college student at Armstrong Atlantic State University, as a theater major. Went to school for a while before, dropped out, tried to go back, dropped out.. Not much to say other than the fact that I'm a laid back guy, and the only drama I like is the kind that's on the stage.
If I act like an idiot, or do anything to offend you, chances are it is not intentional, and I'm being oblivious. In that case, hit me upside the head, and tell me, because I don't catch subtle hints.
Lives in Athens, Georgia, USA
https://www.facebook.com/Mirikon
mirikon@gmail.com
Stuart is a sci-fi and anime geek, who dabbles in tabletop and video gaming. He enjoys cosplaying and has gone to DragonCon annually since 2009. Frozen Soul is his first book.
It is a sad, sad day when you finally break down and realize that you will never have the life you wanted, never do the things you wished to do, and never see the things you wanted to see. All because of a stupid lack of lightsabers.
I was a 26 y/o college student at Armstrong Atlantic State University, as a theater major. Went to school for a while before, dropped out, tried to go back, dropped out.. Not much to say other than the fact that I'm a laid back guy, and the only drama I like is the kind that's on the stage.
If I act like an idiot, or do anything to offend you, chances are it is not intentional, and I'm being oblivious. In that case, hit me upside the head, and tell me, because I don't catch subtle hints.
Lives in Athens, Georgia, USA
https://www.facebook.com/Mirikon
mirikon@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 20, 2021
Feels incomplete, pacing issues
TLDR; too much lore, not enough story. When will the MC be challenged?
Same as book 1, this feels less like a novel and more like a DnD manual. It is like being on a guided tour instead being a story you can immerse yourself in.
There is also not enough conflict or problem solving. 60% of the story is the MC discussing magical theory. Then she makes a delivery and discusses more magic theory for 20% more before on the last chapter there is conflict and action.
Don't get me wrong, I like intelligent characters who understand their powers and apply critical thinking. I love Pure Castors even more. It is obvious a lot of thought and time went into building the magic system and rules.
But not enough happens for this to qualify as a full novel. It is way too short. Even if you think of this as a "slice of life" style story it is novella sized at best.
I think I will wait for this series to be completed and maybe bundled into a complete anthology. Reading it piece meal like this is painful.
TLDR; too much lore, not enough story. When will the MC be challenged?
Same as book 1, this feels less like a novel and more like a DnD manual. It is like being on a guided tour instead being a story you can immerse yourself in.
There is also not enough conflict or problem solving. 60% of the story is the MC discussing magical theory. Then she makes a delivery and discusses more magic theory for 20% more before on the last chapter there is conflict and action.
Don't get me wrong, I like intelligent characters who understand their powers and apply critical thinking. I love Pure Castors even more. It is obvious a lot of thought and time went into building the magic system and rules.
But not enough happens for this to qualify as a full novel. It is way too short. Even if you think of this as a "slice of life" style story it is novella sized at best.
I think I will wait for this series to be completed and maybe bundled into a complete anthology. Reading it piece meal like this is painful.
September 13, 2021
Just as bas as the first
First, this isn't a book. Its the next few chapters of the story; much like Royal Road, where authors post sections as they get done, rather than a finished product
Because of this, there is no plot, no character development; nothing to judge as a complete story, because it is one.
Next, there's the authors insistence on inserting their political opinions. Always a mistake.
Next is the forced weebo-ism. A German, in Germany, is acting Japanese, using all of the honorific and such, rather than acting like a German.
Conversations are written using English spelling for Japanese words without translation, so if you don't speak Japanese, you don't know what is said.
Then there is the usual batch of grammar and spelling errors expected from any self-published Kindle book.
In all, this author needs to learn how to tell a story, and then rework this, not publishing until its finished.
First, this isn't a book. Its the next few chapters of the story; much like Royal Road, where authors post sections as they get done, rather than a finished product
Because of this, there is no plot, no character development; nothing to judge as a complete story, because it is one.
Next, there's the authors insistence on inserting their political opinions. Always a mistake.
Next is the forced weebo-ism. A German, in Germany, is acting Japanese, using all of the honorific and such, rather than acting like a German.
Conversations are written using English spelling for Japanese words without translation, so if you don't speak Japanese, you don't know what is said.
Then there is the usual batch of grammar and spelling errors expected from any self-published Kindle book.
In all, this author needs to learn how to tell a story, and then rework this, not publishing until its finished.
October 17, 2021
Didn't like it
I have a few words for the author. WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING WITH THIS STORY!?!?! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!? WHAT POSSESSED YOU TO MAKE A SLICE OF LIFE LICH FEEL GOOD STORY!! ARE YOU SICK?!? Where is the BLOOD the WAR I get it there is some blood and gentle maiming but come on man I have read your other works, what is going on!?! I expected so much MORE this reads like a kiddy bedtime story compared to your other stuff man. I dunno what's going on with you. I miss darkmoore
I have a few words for the author. WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING WITH THIS STORY!?!?! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!!? WHAT POSSESSED YOU TO MAKE A SLICE OF LIFE LICH FEEL GOOD STORY!! ARE YOU SICK?!? Where is the BLOOD the WAR I get it there is some blood and gentle maiming but come on man I have read your other works, what is going on!?! I expected so much MORE this reads like a kiddy bedtime story compared to your other stuff man. I dunno what's going on with you. I miss darkmoore
August 30, 2021
A nice short satisfying book
Short and sweet and still an interesting turn on the Isekai stories. I’ve only ever read one other story that’s along similar lines that I found to be similarly satisfying and that story was a rail road story and has since been dropped to my knowledge I’d very much look forward to the next book in the series and finding out just how much the bad guys have been underestimating her in the long run.
Short and sweet and still an interesting turn on the Isekai stories. I’ve only ever read one other story that’s along similar lines that I found to be similarly satisfying and that story was a rail road story and has since been dropped to my knowledge I’d very much look forward to the next book in the series and finding out just how much the bad guys have been underestimating her in the long run.
October 18, 2021
Control the undead.
This Novella level read carries the story into the crafting artifacts thread discussed in the first volume. The techno language governing the magic system is logical and easy to follow. Character development is limited and the story is more action adventure. Still what's a Lich Queen to do? And does she see a thread to these attacks?
I'm waiting for the next volume.
This Novella level read carries the story into the crafting artifacts thread discussed in the first volume. The techno language governing the magic system is logical and easy to follow. Character development is limited and the story is more action adventure. Still what's a Lich Queen to do? And does she see a thread to these attacks?
I'm waiting for the next volume.
August 18, 2021
More crafting less story
In the second installment it had a lot more detail about crafting and world building. Which in itself is interesting but I myself more prefer the story and I can't wait to see what happens next. I will be buying the next book cuz I am intrigued to see more about the clandestine people who are afraid of losing their power.
In the second installment it had a lot more detail about crafting and world building. Which in itself is interesting but I myself more prefer the story and I can't wait to see what happens next. I will be buying the next book cuz I am intrigued to see more about the clandestine people who are afraid of losing their power.
February 14, 2022
A Light Novella.
The second novella in a series of four, at the time of this review. The Isekai theme strongly continues from the first novela; as the main character, The Lich Queen, is as out of place in the post-Awakening Earth as the school girl she once was was in Athelia.
This novella may interest fans of the broader Fantasy genre and those who enjoy playing RPGs.
The second novella in a series of four, at the time of this review. The Isekai theme strongly continues from the first novela; as the main character, The Lich Queen, is as out of place in the post-Awakening Earth as the school girl she once was was in Athelia.
This novella may interest fans of the broader Fantasy genre and those who enjoy playing RPGs.
August 5, 2021
Sigh
Same as before. Not bad, but Yet Another Series Tying Up The Author. This was a bit to heavy on the crafting details, great for a game system lore, but a bit much for one of the usual serial type books the author does.
Same as before. Not bad, but Yet Another Series Tying Up The Author. This was a bit to heavy on the crafting details, great for a game system lore, but a bit much for one of the usual serial type books the author does.
August 8, 2021
Different from other series but still engaging.
The main strength of Grosse''s work has always been interesting characters with diverse levels of involvement. The content can change, but that is what makes a five star reading experience.
The main strength of Grosse''s work has always been interesting characters with diverse levels of involvement. The content can change, but that is what makes a five star reading experience.
August 9, 2021
Awesome continuation of the series. Though I have to say it seems the world is on the road to ticking off an undead overlord who can and will give someone a very bad day. I can't help but wonder about who the bad guys behind the scenes are...
August 27, 2021
Still too short.
To put it simply this feels like a fourth of a book if that. Without spoilers the content is: talk to some people, make an enchantment, have a fight. Nothing is wrapped up, no closure provided.
To put it simply this feels like a fourth of a book if that. Without spoilers the content is: talk to some people, make an enchantment, have a fight. Nothing is wrapped up, no closure provided.
July 18, 2023
Crafting
This book focused more on Akagawa's crafting prowess. There's still some combat, and it's OP brutal—loved it. I enjoyed the specific methods that are used for crafting. The mysterious four are of course pontificating to each other at the end.
This book focused more on Akagawa's crafting prowess. There's still some combat, and it's OP brutal—loved it. I enjoyed the specific methods that are used for crafting. The mysterious four are of course pontificating to each other at the end.
November 15, 2023
Well, the OP part is in the title, so no way to complain here. Very fun read. The individual installments are quite short (can be easily read through in a single day), but also cheap - so in total worth my money.
August 7, 2021
Boring
Most of the book is boring crafting stuff with a smidgen of action at the end. Basically alot of potential wasted
Most of the book is boring crafting stuff with a smidgen of action at the end. Basically alot of potential wasted
August 31, 2021
Too short
I have no problems with short stories, even serialized short stories but this book was four chapters of a webnovel not a complete book.
I have no problems with short stories, even serialized short stories but this book was four chapters of a webnovel not a complete book.
September 11, 2021
Really enjoyed
This series so far. Looking forward to the next one.
Also, still waiting for the next into the black too.
This series so far. Looking forward to the next one.
Also, still waiting for the next into the black too.
January 30, 2022
another good one
Really like this one. I do like the description and the detail of the making and explanations of the magic items.
Really like this one. I do like the description and the detail of the making and explanations of the magic items.
June 29, 2025
interesting read
The writing needs a little help with pacing and character development, but it is a fast read with loads of potential
The writing needs a little help with pacing and character development, but it is a fast read with loads of potential
July 5, 2025
I finished this short book by skimming, just to confirm there was zero plot. It was 100% exposition. That's a remarkable accomplishment, but not an admirable one.
December 4, 2025
Really good short story
A really good short story. I enjoyed reading this novel. I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
A really good short story. I enjoyed reading this novel. I am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews