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New Era Online: Biomancer #1
Biomancer
John Slater never had any interest in video games. Now he’s got to beat one to save his brother.
A battle-hardened, ex-special forces soldier, John was never a fan of games, unlike his brother. But now, he’s got to learn and learn fast if he has any chance of saving his younger sibling. Magic, monsters and levels are new to him, and his real-world skills aren’t as useful as he thinks.
Lucky for him, he’s used to adapting on the fly. And soon, the world will know why his squadmates called him Seraph, the death angel.
Note: Events in Biomancer happen after Life Reset. The two plot lines are not directly connected however and can be read independently.
A battle-hardened, ex-special forces soldier, John was never a fan of games, unlike his brother. But now, he’s got to learn and learn fast if he has any chance of saving his younger sibling. Magic, monsters and levels are new to him, and his real-world skills aren’t as useful as he thinks.
Lucky for him, he’s used to adapting on the fly. And soon, the world will know why his squadmates called him Seraph, the death angel.
Note: Events in Biomancer happen after Life Reset. The two plot lines are not directly connected however and can be read independently.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
609 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2021
278 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Shemer Kuznits
18 books858 followers
Shemer has been a fan of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and RPG games since the early 80’s.
In 2016 he started writing his first novel: Life Reset which turned into a 6-book series with its grand finale published in 2021. Each book in the series became an Amazon bestseller.
In 2019 Shemer quit his day job as a software developer to become a full-time author and released his second series: Earth Force, a sci-fi series consisting of a 2-book arc. Shemer hopes to garner enough community awareness and support to start writing the second arc.
As an avid gamer, a D&D dungeon master, and Navy veteran, Shemer has a wealth of life experience to draw on for his writing. His books always include elements of kingdom/settlement development where the protagonist is forced to carve out a new place for themselves in the face of adversity.
Shemer spends his days writing and his nights fighting crime (well, mostly convincing his kids to go to bed, which is very similar).
Shemer also enjoys writing about himself in the third-person and hopes you find his work enjoyable.
To follow-up on news and new releases, please subscribe to the newsletter:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 30, 2021
Book one
Nope! Just nope! The author has little to no idea about crime or police response or soldiers in the special forces. Swat will not burst into a bank with an armed suspect and a bunch of hostages. They will however use hostage negotiators and snipers.
Most people in the special forces are giant nerds and extremely intelligent. They also spend a lot of time playing video games on their down time. (When not drinking and chasing the ladies.) The MC comes off as a giant twat from the very first page. I couldn't read much of this drivel.
0.5/10
Nope! Just nope! The author has little to no idea about crime or police response or soldiers in the special forces. Swat will not burst into a bank with an armed suspect and a bunch of hostages. They will however use hostage negotiators and snipers.
Most people in the special forces are giant nerds and extremely intelligent. They also spend a lot of time playing video games on their down time. (When not drinking and chasing the ladies.) The MC comes off as a giant twat from the very first page. I couldn't read much of this drivel.
0.5/10
September 19, 2021
Pretty good start to a new series. I like that it builds off his other his previous series it helps with the world building because some of the work is already done. It is pretty novel that real world skills are not as important as game skills. Most of this book is farming experience as our MC discovers, understands and develops his game world skills.
June 12, 2022
A brother’s love is stronger than any trial, even virtual death
Seraph is a hardened special forces operator who is retired but not well adjusted to life outside combat. His brother was harmed by the New Era Online game that captured and tortured initial players within the game world for what felt like years to them due to time dilation. Seraph/John thinks getting his brother back into new era online could help him, he’s currently in a coma. So he hatches a scheme to get into the game with the help of some hacking and by committing a crime as currently only convicts can enter it due to safety concerns.
So he has a plan and follows through and ends up in a small private server area of the game that is being used for psychological testing. They are trying to use a small private instance of the game world to help dangerous felons rehabilitate.
Seraph doesn’t think he has any issues, he’s just a man with a plan to save his brother. He has a rude awakening ahead, as not everything is what it seems inside New Era Online. He’s here to save his brother and the doctors want to prove this new therapy can work. Only time will tell who is on top after the process runs it’s initial trial.
It is after all, only a game…
Seraph is a hardened special forces operator who is retired but not well adjusted to life outside combat. His brother was harmed by the New Era Online game that captured and tortured initial players within the game world for what felt like years to them due to time dilation. Seraph/John thinks getting his brother back into new era online could help him, he’s currently in a coma. So he hatches a scheme to get into the game with the help of some hacking and by committing a crime as currently only convicts can enter it due to safety concerns.
So he has a plan and follows through and ends up in a small private server area of the game that is being used for psychological testing. They are trying to use a small private instance of the game world to help dangerous felons rehabilitate.
Seraph doesn’t think he has any issues, he’s just a man with a plan to save his brother. He has a rude awakening ahead, as not everything is what it seems inside New Era Online. He’s here to save his brother and the doctors want to prove this new therapy can work. Only time will tell who is on top after the process runs it’s initial trial.
It is after all, only a game…
March 21, 2022
Summary its about one idiot brother trying to rescue another idiot brother. The first idiot brother has no clue about gaming, he doesn't even know the state of his brother in game, aside from him being in a comma outside the game. It takes the same plot from SAO light novel, but this MC is totally clueless about gaming and the game itself is so unbelievable unbalanced.
Not even going to get into Police response to a crime that is being committed.
Not even going to get into Police response to a crime that is being committed.
March 15, 2022
Not for Me
This story made no sense to me. Mc brother stuck in game have his mind broken. So he goes to Jail to get in the game, but doesn’t care at all how the game works? All the AI knows of real people and want to destroy them. Still don’t get how going into the game helps his brother.
This story made no sense to me. Mc brother stuck in game have his mind broken. So he goes to Jail to get in the game, but doesn’t care at all how the game works? All the AI knows of real people and want to destroy them. Still don’t get how going into the game helps his brother.
September 11, 2021
First half kind of suck, but it's there to build to something better.
This isn't life reset. It isn't the story of a hero. In fact the protagonist is sort of a minor sociopath that is forced to develop empathy. I didn't enjoy a lot of this novel, but it's intriguing enough to make me want to pick up the second.
This isn't life reset. It isn't the story of a hero. In fact the protagonist is sort of a minor sociopath that is forced to develop empathy. I didn't enjoy a lot of this novel, but it's intriguing enough to make me want to pick up the second.
September 14, 2021
Not good
Like his last series, the author tried to make it math heavy to justify things. Just like the last series, his math is wrong, almost continually. 21 is not 10% of 132, just for an example.
The rest is just very predictable schlock.
Like his last series, the author tried to make it math heavy to justify things. Just like the last series, his math is wrong, almost continually. 21 is not 10% of 132, just for an example.
The rest is just very predictable schlock.
October 25, 2021
An unexpected hero
I enjoyed following up on the universe that Shemer crafted in the Life reset series. The main character is different from others of similar books and has his own goals and ideals. Looking forward to more
I enjoyed following up on the universe that Shemer crafted in the Life reset series. The main character is different from others of similar books and has his own goals and ideals. Looking forward to more
October 9, 2021
couldn’t finish
Lack of research. MC fairly stupid and unlikeable. Actually didn’t make it past 5 chapters as the continuing idiocy of the MC made it impossible to keep going
Lack of research. MC fairly stupid and unlikeable. Actually didn’t make it past 5 chapters as the continuing idiocy of the MC made it impossible to keep going
December 8, 2022
This one was hard. On the one hand the world building was fascinating. A truly real virtual reality environment that was real enough to put someone in a coma. On the other hand it defies belief that the main character barely understood the basics of how video games work but was willing to Plunge himself into one with this harebrained plan that was never realized (I guess that's what sequels are for).
I also found it hard to listen to on audio book and could not stand the narration (apparently unlike everyone else in the audible review).
In summary, I'm interested enough to read the sequel's plot synopsis but not enough to read it and put myself through that again.
I also found it hard to listen to on audio book and could not stand the narration (apparently unlike everyone else in the audible review).
In summary, I'm interested enough to read the sequel's plot synopsis but not enough to read it and put myself through that again.
August 1, 2023
I wanted to like it but just couldnt
Really went into this thinking that it sounded like a cool idea even though I'm not a big fan of stuck in game stories. Was not a big fan of the progression as it's pretty much completely outside of the protagonist control. Makes it very one-dimensional. Same goes for gameplay if he's the only player and even though the AI is a very realistic, he basically doesn't treat them as humans or barely does. There's no clever use of mechanics or anything along those lines. It's pretty much straight hack melee story with one character. In one town. Who fights against the half dozen different mobs.
Really went into this thinking that it sounded like a cool idea even though I'm not a big fan of stuck in game stories. Was not a big fan of the progression as it's pretty much completely outside of the protagonist control. Makes it very one-dimensional. Same goes for gameplay if he's the only player and even though the AI is a very realistic, he basically doesn't treat them as humans or barely does. There's no clever use of mechanics or anything along those lines. It's pretty much straight hack melee story with one character. In one town. Who fights against the half dozen different mobs.
January 12, 2022
This was a fantastic find, I'm glad I took a chance on this book. I like the fact that I did not read it in one go. Also, I enjoyed the book so much that I literally did not want to put it down.
[[:Spoiler alert::]
There were some areas that could be improved such as the main character not relying on the so called deity he continuously calls upon and thinks for himself for a change. But other than that, it was a fantastic book to read. Something I would like to see however is the characters (Giddy & John) growth.
Anyways, I can't wait until the next adventure.
[[:Spoiler alert::]
There were some areas that could be improved such as the main character not relying on the so called deity he continuously calls upon and thinks for himself for a change. But other than that, it was a fantastic book to read. Something I would like to see however is the characters (Giddy & John) growth.
Anyways, I can't wait until the next adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
Biomancing is a very cool new concept for a hero!
Shemer did it again. The story of John the ex-special force soldier is intense. The story follows his personal growth and healing while he tries to reach his brother in the game world of NEO. The story is interesting, unique and full of fast-paced battles. The world building in this book is also solid (even though the story happens in NEO it's all new material).
Long story short, Shemer somehow managed to avoid the spinoff syndrome and make this series something interiorly new.
5/5 highly recommended.
Shemer did it again. The story of John the ex-special force soldier is intense. The story follows his personal growth and healing while he tries to reach his brother in the game world of NEO. The story is interesting, unique and full of fast-paced battles. The world building in this book is also solid (even though the story happens in NEO it's all new material).
Long story short, Shemer somehow managed to avoid the spinoff syndrome and make this series something interiorly new.
5/5 highly recommended.
June 4, 2023
These LitRPGs are super easy to fall into. Seriously. Total formula, but it’s a formula I love because it cuts through all the boring stuff and gets to the weird and gruesome game mechanics right away and lets us feel the blood spurt as we eviscerate our online enemies.
Me, I just wanna level up with him.
In this case, being Deathless and having so much flesh-crafting skills, from level one to almost twenty, is a real delight. Always looking forward to the next corruption.
Me, I just wanna level up with him.
In this case, being Deathless and having so much flesh-crafting skills, from level one to almost twenty, is a real delight. Always looking forward to the next corruption.
April 9, 2022
Couldn't buy the MC as a special forces operative with decades of experience. As 'some dude new to gaming', sure. As a generic soldier with a tour or two, absolutely. But I've known too many SF and senior officers, NCO's etc to buy this guy as one of them. Those sort of people have a different mold/thought process, etc than this guy.
September 6, 2021
Great news series, nicely different take and tone
After the fun roller-coaster that was Life Reset, Shemer has really opened himself up and given something fun and different.
Can't wait to see where this goes next. Such great opportunities for growth.
After the fun roller-coaster that was Life Reset, Shemer has really opened himself up and given something fun and different.
Can't wait to see where this goes next. Such great opportunities for growth.
September 13, 2021
Cool idea
The beginning was somewhat too slow-pacing for my taste, but the theme and all biomancer thing was cool enough to proceed. And I am agree with Matsuo. We need more unpredictable actions. The one in the end - well, I am already waiting next book 🙂👍
The beginning was somewhat too slow-pacing for my taste, but the theme and all biomancer thing was cool enough to proceed. And I am agree with Matsuo. We need more unpredictable actions. The one in the end - well, I am already waiting next book 🙂👍
September 15, 2021
Very different
I loved Life Reset series , I can't say it was better than Biomancer just totally different even though it takes place in the same "world" so to speak. I am looking forward to book two and the continuation of the story line...
I loved Life Reset series , I can't say it was better than Biomancer just totally different even though it takes place in the same "world" so to speak. I am looking forward to book two and the continuation of the story line...
September 25, 2021
Another great one!
Shemar Kuznits has done it again! What a wonderful first book in a new series. Really loved the darker tone to the story and can’t wait to see where this goes from here!
Shemar Kuznits has done it again! What a wonderful first book in a new series. Really loved the darker tone to the story and can’t wait to see where this goes from here!
September 27, 2021
Great new series
Solid start in the new series, two IRL years after the original series’ ending. Great read, a bit darker in form and the MC is a bit less of a do-gooder than Oren was.
Solid start in the new series, two IRL years after the original series’ ending. Great read, a bit darker in form and the MC is a bit less of a do-gooder than Oren was.
October 25, 2021
A fantastic slow burn
Different from Life: Reset where growth occurred in leaps and bounds, we see the MC undergo growth on multiple fronts simultaneously be it emotional, psychological or physical.
Different from Life: Reset where growth occurred in leaps and bounds, we see the MC undergo growth on multiple fronts simultaneously be it emotional, psychological or physical.
October 26, 2021
Welcome back to NEO!
Kuznits delivers with an excellent return to the world of New Era Online!
Seraph's time in NEO is fun, brutal, and thankfully not just a rehash of Oren's story.
Can't wait to see what comes next for our resident Biomancer.
Kuznits delivers with an excellent return to the world of New Era Online!
Seraph's time in NEO is fun, brutal, and thankfully not just a rehash of Oren's story.
Can't wait to see what comes next for our resident Biomancer.
November 8, 2021
Read this read it right now
I really enjoyed this book it was so nice jumping back into new era and I can’t wait to read the next installment it was so good . I can’t recommend it enough .
I really enjoyed this book it was so nice jumping back into new era and I can’t wait to read the next installment it was so good . I can’t recommend it enough .
November 16, 2021
Plugs the right strings
The idea of consuming enemies to grow in power is not new. However it is very well executed in this case and it was a very enjoyable read.
In some ways Id say it is better than life reset, in some a bit worse.
The idea of consuming enemies to grow in power is not new. However it is very well executed in this case and it was a very enjoyable read.
In some ways Id say it is better than life reset, in some a bit worse.
March 20, 2022
Really enjoyed this book
Very very interesting world. I cannot wait to learn more about it. It was interesting to see real word experience NOT count in the game. I highly recommend this boom
Very very interesting world. I cannot wait to learn more about it. It was interesting to see real word experience NOT count in the game. I highly recommend this boom
September 21, 2022
Interesting take, and I appreciated the unique struggles the hero went through with his build restrictions. A little weird/ gross but at least it was unique. The irl stuff is hard to believe, but one doesn't read game lit for the realism.
April 2, 2023
Lots of potential that seems to be wasted.
The story has an interesting premise but the actual writing could use a lot of work. Narration is great so overall not a bad listen but not something I would recommend.
The story has an interesting premise but the actual writing could use a lot of work. Narration is great so overall not a bad listen but not something I would recommend.
August 11, 2023
4-
Not what I expected - unlike the main series, this one does not involve city building and politics at all - it's pretty much all about combat - not what I was looking for.
While there are some references to the events of main series, those are few and far between.
Not what I expected - unlike the main series, this one does not involve city building and politics at all - it's pretty much all about combat - not what I was looking for.
While there are some references to the events of main series, those are few and far between.
November 3, 2023
Got kind of tedious didn't have the same charm or interest the first book had. It was a fun little throwback seeing some of the older monsters and the AI but overall not a great follow up to what was an amazing story
September 7, 2021
Great follow up for the Neo world
Good world building and a new take on the MC ,all in all this is worth reading esp if you liked the authors other works
Good world building and a new take on the MC ,all in all this is worth reading esp if you liked the authors other works
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews