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The Weight of It All #4
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The tournament finals are starting, and the group's hard work has finally paid off. Fierce fights await, but they've proven time and again that they have what it takes to push through the pressure. They've trained, they've Ranked up, and they're ready.
But when a catastrophe hits, no amount of hard work could have ever prepared them.
Preparations are done and war is coming - will Terrence be able to protect himself OR his family from the world around him?
What happens if your life and everything you knew is blown away within moments.
Find out in the latest installment of 'The Weight Of It All,' Collapse.
But when a catastrophe hits, no amount of hard work could have ever prepared them.
Preparations are done and war is coming - will Terrence be able to protect himself OR his family from the world around him?
What happens if your life and everything you knew is blown away within moments.
Find out in the latest installment of 'The Weight Of It All,' Collapse.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2021
77 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 10, 2021
Rating 4.0 stars
Better than the previous books. A huge event happened in the second half of the book that changed the nature of the series. My problem with this series is that I always wanted a little more. The main character has an interesting affinity for weight and I keep waiting for something really cool to happen and it just doesn't. His powers are developing really slow. However, in the book it is mentioned how fast his abilities are developing. It is book 4 and it has only been a year since he had his powers. At this pace it would take until book 20 until he has some really cool powers. There is also the conflict between was is written and what I think about what is written. The MC trains all the time, he keeps winning his fights but I keep thinking of him as a terrible fighter. His go-to move is throw his weapon at the other person. He wants to fight hand to hand against someone that has a weapon. How does he keep winning fights like that? Overall it is what it is and will keep reading the series. I just can't wait for the time when I feel the MC really is a good fighter, I think the story would become more interesting then.
Better than the previous books. A huge event happened in the second half of the book that changed the nature of the series. My problem with this series is that I always wanted a little more. The main character has an interesting affinity for weight and I keep waiting for something really cool to happen and it just doesn't. His powers are developing really slow. However, in the book it is mentioned how fast his abilities are developing. It is book 4 and it has only been a year since he had his powers. At this pace it would take until book 20 until he has some really cool powers. There is also the conflict between was is written and what I think about what is written. The MC trains all the time, he keeps winning his fights but I keep thinking of him as a terrible fighter. His go-to move is throw his weapon at the other person. He wants to fight hand to hand against someone that has a weapon. How does he keep winning fights like that? Overall it is what it is and will keep reading the series. I just can't wait for the time when I feel the MC really is a good fighter, I think the story would become more interesting then.
October 8, 2021
another great installment in the series
I love this series! I received an advanced copy of this book to review and it was absolutely perfect. J.J. Thorn is one of my favorite authors and puts out great work quickly! I all ways go back and start the series over with every new book he puts out and the series gets better and better! Read the series now! You won’t regret it!!
I love this series! I received an advanced copy of this book to review and it was absolutely perfect. J.J. Thorn is one of my favorite authors and puts out great work quickly! I all ways go back and start the series over with every new book he puts out and the series gets better and better! Read the series now! You won’t regret it!!
September 14, 2025
Collapse continues Terrence’s journey in The Weight of It All series, and it’s another fantastic installment full of danger, growth, and creative use of affinities. The stakes keep rising as dungeon runs become more brutal, rival teams stir up conflict, and the cost of every decision feels heavier than ever.
What I really enjoyed in this book:
The dungeon runs are tense and unpredictable, with monsters, traps, and high-stakes battles that kept me hooked.
Tom and his party once again shine — their experience and grit lead to some of the best dungeon sequences so far.
Terrence’s creativity with his Weight Affinity is incredible. The way he keeps finding new applications, not just to fight but also to help his friends, makes him one of my favorite progression fantasy protagonists.
The mix of survival, character growth, and clever affinity problem-solving makes this book a standout in the series. Every volume pushes the world and characters forward, and Collapse does it with intensity. I can’t wait to see where Terrence and his friends go next.
What I really enjoyed in this book:
The dungeon runs are tense and unpredictable, with monsters, traps, and high-stakes battles that kept me hooked.
Tom and his party once again shine — their experience and grit lead to some of the best dungeon sequences so far.
Terrence’s creativity with his Weight Affinity is incredible. The way he keeps finding new applications, not just to fight but also to help his friends, makes him one of my favorite progression fantasy protagonists.
The mix of survival, character growth, and clever affinity problem-solving makes this book a standout in the series. Every volume pushes the world and characters forward, and Collapse does it with intensity. I can’t wait to see where Terrence and his friends go next.
January 26, 2022
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
December 29, 2021
So first of all, Book four done out of planned six books? Personally , I think this is a mistake. I know the author wanted to do six books since near the start or maybe since then but due to the pacing and the evolving story, that seems like a waste or rushing the last two. Four books just to get done with prep, now we only get two books for explore Ren's life and future? Unless he dies in book six ending abruptly, this seems like a let down. We won't even get to see how Ren's skills develop, he's only Rank 2, we won't ever see him Reach rank 9 or 10!
Also this is a good story, while there are flaws with pacing, if the author wants to do only 6, with say a 20 book series, the pacing is fine even if the books are a tad short. 200-300 pages might be average but with this placing 400-500 would be better for each book. The characters are unique with their own personalities, too many books have characters who are super similar with just some quirks, with this, each of them is their own person.
Now that all aside, The book itself was fun, no real slow parts , all engaging and great interactions. Fun to read if frustrating that Ren has given up what used to make him great. He became such a 'genius' because he kept thinking of new ways to use his Rank 1 skill and energy manipulation to his eyes and how to use it with his skill. This is pretty much forgotten once he got rank 2 , he doesn't seem at all to try to use energy WITHOUT a skill to just power his body or arms. We see him try 'jumping' but never find out the results. It's a shame really to see him not constantly trying to find new uses for his affinity , instead focusing purely on his skill and tournament.
I personally had hoped that Ren would understand that skills are 'shortcuts' or 'hints' at what the affinity could do but not focus. That seems to be the mistake everyone makes, and why most get stuck doing the same thing over and over, like Ren is starting to. Skills are basically premade guides to show a function of the affinity but TRUE users of it, focus on the affinity itself and applications of it, not the skills and end up making their own skills. Like Lin who makes shackles sure but also made dark blobs to block sight and disorient, A true user of her affinity, not reliant on premade skills by the goddess.
Honestly there was so much he could do with WEIGHT, that I hoped for more. The fact he seems to just fall on and squish all his enemies most the time is a let down. That's not going to work when the enemies are 5 times his size or have powerful claws to tear him in half. Four books in and he's still focused on the now and not the future, no planning. No thinking of how he wants his affinity to progress to fight all types of monsters in dungeons, not just ones he can lay on.
As for unarmed combat? He wants to be a dungeon diver. Does he not realize blunt weapons such as fist ruin hides , meats, organs , bones and all the valuable stuff from monsters? Pulverizing flesh ruins hide for armor, as well as everything else. So no, unarmed combat is stupid for his given goals. Which he's making no thought towards.
I had hoped for him to think of stuf like increasing his weapon's weight to make it swing heavier or his arms to get more weight behind the downward strokes. Perhaps try to learn area of affect things to make zones that slow enemies or crush them due to heavy weight, or light weight so he could rush around the battlefield.
Then they mention enchanting and I was like oh, he's going to realize he can use his increased weight skill to put that on a weapon and have a weapon that increases it's weight at the last minute and slams into enemies, like his axe. Nope.
It just seems every unique and fun idea of what he could do with his affinity and it's applications is tossed aside for ...laying on his enemies. A paperweight. Some might think this is the author being lazy but I don't, since we've seen unique skills for others, like Jen. It's literally just Ren not thinking outside the box and being stuck on current goals and not the future. Even though at the start he was the one to think most outside the box and apparently great at thinking of skill variations for others, just not himself.
While this is all fine if they were going to develop the series to slowly build up to that, again 6 book and were on 4. So clearly not happening, which means disappointment. Hell even a the simple jump real high and crush like boulder idea was fine until it showed it hurts him too to fall while heavy. Even his heavy punches hurt him, so clearly need more unique applications.
So while this is a great series and I recommend reading it, I'd say it's wasting tons of potential. we've barely scratched what Zane can end up doing, where the others will grow. The adventurers and stories they could have of dungeons, war, exploring other lands, gaining new skills. Joining the guilds, treasure and fighting evil merchants. To see Ren learn about skills and affinities and teach others, perhaps learning how people gain affinities as well. All of it. Tons for this series to do but ...four out of six books done and we just finished one year of prep. I hope the series ends good but honestly. I can't see that happening without it being extended, unless were going to end Ren's story and focus on others with more books but even then that's a super let down as we've spent so much time on Ren and his growth.
Also this is a good story, while there are flaws with pacing, if the author wants to do only 6, with say a 20 book series, the pacing is fine even if the books are a tad short. 200-300 pages might be average but with this placing 400-500 would be better for each book. The characters are unique with their own personalities, too many books have characters who are super similar with just some quirks, with this, each of them is their own person.
Now that all aside, The book itself was fun, no real slow parts , all engaging and great interactions. Fun to read if frustrating that Ren has given up what used to make him great. He became such a 'genius' because he kept thinking of new ways to use his Rank 1 skill and energy manipulation to his eyes and how to use it with his skill. This is pretty much forgotten once he got rank 2 , he doesn't seem at all to try to use energy WITHOUT a skill to just power his body or arms. We see him try 'jumping' but never find out the results. It's a shame really to see him not constantly trying to find new uses for his affinity , instead focusing purely on his skill and tournament.
I personally had hoped that Ren would understand that skills are 'shortcuts' or 'hints' at what the affinity could do but not focus. That seems to be the mistake everyone makes, and why most get stuck doing the same thing over and over, like Ren is starting to. Skills are basically premade guides to show a function of the affinity but TRUE users of it, focus on the affinity itself and applications of it, not the skills and end up making their own skills. Like Lin who makes shackles sure but also made dark blobs to block sight and disorient, A true user of her affinity, not reliant on premade skills by the goddess.
Honestly there was so much he could do with WEIGHT, that I hoped for more. The fact he seems to just fall on and squish all his enemies most the time is a let down. That's not going to work when the enemies are 5 times his size or have powerful claws to tear him in half. Four books in and he's still focused on the now and not the future, no planning. No thinking of how he wants his affinity to progress to fight all types of monsters in dungeons, not just ones he can lay on.
As for unarmed combat? He wants to be a dungeon diver. Does he not realize blunt weapons such as fist ruin hides , meats, organs , bones and all the valuable stuff from monsters? Pulverizing flesh ruins hide for armor, as well as everything else. So no, unarmed combat is stupid for his given goals. Which he's making no thought towards.
I had hoped for him to think of stuf like increasing his weapon's weight to make it swing heavier or his arms to get more weight behind the downward strokes. Perhaps try to learn area of affect things to make zones that slow enemies or crush them due to heavy weight, or light weight so he could rush around the battlefield.
Then they mention enchanting and I was like oh, he's going to realize he can use his increased weight skill to put that on a weapon and have a weapon that increases it's weight at the last minute and slams into enemies, like his axe. Nope.
It just seems every unique and fun idea of what he could do with his affinity and it's applications is tossed aside for ...laying on his enemies. A paperweight. Some might think this is the author being lazy but I don't, since we've seen unique skills for others, like Jen. It's literally just Ren not thinking outside the box and being stuck on current goals and not the future. Even though at the start he was the one to think most outside the box and apparently great at thinking of skill variations for others, just not himself.
While this is all fine if they were going to develop the series to slowly build up to that, again 6 book and were on 4. So clearly not happening, which means disappointment. Hell even a the simple jump real high and crush like boulder idea was fine until it showed it hurts him too to fall while heavy. Even his heavy punches hurt him, so clearly need more unique applications.
So while this is a great series and I recommend reading it, I'd say it's wasting tons of potential. we've barely scratched what Zane can end up doing, where the others will grow. The adventurers and stories they could have of dungeons, war, exploring other lands, gaining new skills. Joining the guilds, treasure and fighting evil merchants. To see Ren learn about skills and affinities and teach others, perhaps learning how people gain affinities as well. All of it. Tons for this series to do but ...four out of six books done and we just finished one year of prep. I hope the series ends good but honestly. I can't see that happening without it being extended, unless were going to end Ren's story and focus on others with more books but even then that's a super let down as we've spent so much time on Ren and his growth.
November 28, 2021
KU Review
This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: very good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Summary: the humanity and likability of the MC and his friends is what makes this a good read. bit more drama and trauma in this one
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
This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: very good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Summary: the humanity and likability of the MC and his friends is what makes this a good read. bit more drama and trauma in this one
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
November 12, 2022
This is a review for The Weight of it All 1-5 as I read them back to back.
This book is a mix of standard Lit RPG / magic school tropes with a somewhat unique magic system. The main character gets an unusual, and seemingly useless magic power during his age groups 'touch the magic crystal' er 'touch the statue' day. Weight, which lets him see the weight of stuff. Immediately, anyone familiar with things like this will suspect this is a prelude to some sort of gravity/density manipulation magic which will be extremely powerful.
It's all pretty good but a little too predictable and tropey. I probably will continue on though.
This book is a mix of standard Lit RPG / magic school tropes with a somewhat unique magic system. The main character gets an unusual, and seemingly useless magic power during his age groups 'touch the magic crystal' er 'touch the statue' day. Weight, which lets him see the weight of stuff. Immediately, anyone familiar with things like this will suspect this is a prelude to some sort of gravity/density manipulation magic which will be extremely powerful.
It's all pretty good but a little too predictable and tropey. I probably will continue on though.
October 17, 2021
Heavy
If you are familiar with the series do you know what to expect progress steady progress not the fastest progress we normally see in the genre but slow steady progress. Excellent story excellent plot points I am a bit worried about the progress however. At this pace this is going to be a long series not a bad thing but just something to consider. I also wonder how are our characters going to begin to advance beyond where they are now we see other characters that take years decades to advance so how are these you for characters going to make it. Maybe we will get some sort of time loop forward or something I don’t know but I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
If you are familiar with the series do you know what to expect progress steady progress not the fastest progress we normally see in the genre but slow steady progress. Excellent story excellent plot points I am a bit worried about the progress however. At this pace this is going to be a long series not a bad thing but just something to consider. I also wonder how are our characters going to begin to advance beyond where they are now we see other characters that take years decades to advance so how are these you for characters going to make it. Maybe we will get some sort of time loop forward or something I don’t know but I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
October 10, 2021
Slow paced adventure..
The story immediately dives into where we left off in the previous book. Issue with this is the supporting characters are too many to count and remember meaningfully. A synopsis at the beginning of each book would have been much more useful instead of cast of characters in the end of a book. Overall slow but meaningful plot progression is good but offset by individual book size which is on lower side. Will wait for 2-3 more books to release before I pick up the series again.
The story immediately dives into where we left off in the previous book. Issue with this is the supporting characters are too many to count and remember meaningfully. A synopsis at the beginning of each book would have been much more useful instead of cast of characters in the end of a book. Overall slow but meaningful plot progression is good but offset by individual book size which is on lower side. Will wait for 2-3 more books to release before I pick up the series again.
October 14, 2021
Not bad but nothing new to be honest
I wasn’t blown away by this book, I hoped that it would pick up the pace where the previous ones dragged but it was more of the same. 75% of the book is a tournament that hardly has any fights and doesn’t matter in the end anyway because of a poorly executed plot device. Mediocre might be the best description I have. The ideas are great but the execution wasn’t the best in my opinion. The books definitely not bad though, just has noticing in it to make it stand out from all the others in the genre.
I wasn’t blown away by this book, I hoped that it would pick up the pace where the previous ones dragged but it was more of the same. 75% of the book is a tournament that hardly has any fights and doesn’t matter in the end anyway because of a poorly executed plot device. Mediocre might be the best description I have. The ideas are great but the execution wasn’t the best in my opinion. The books definitely not bad though, just has noticing in it to make it stand out from all the others in the genre.
March 13, 2022
i like most of the book,story isnt the best but the characters teamwork is okay but the MC sometimes whines to much, he kills one of the aholes in the tournament and cries about it. Come on it wasnt real and that guy was a massive dick, the dude tried to kill his friends in the last book but he whines about killing the jerk.
April 20, 2022
Growing up to become a dungeoneer thru all the chaos .
Terrence faces challenges after a dungeon collapse an his mom dies protecting her daughter from monster attacks . He must pick up the pieces an grieve his mother an stay together with his dad an his little sister . recommended reading excellent series .
Terrence faces challenges after a dungeon collapse an his mom dies protecting her daughter from monster attacks . He must pick up the pieces an grieve his mother an stay together with his dad an his little sister . recommended reading excellent series .
April 15, 2023
Fair to Middli’
Not as good as the first story. Seemed to get bogged down and loose it’s direction at times. I gave this one a three because I hope the next one will be better, with better development of characters. There are so many I found myself wondering at times who the hero/ heroines are supposed to be.
Not as good as the first story. Seemed to get bogged down and loose it’s direction at times. I gave this one a three because I hope the next one will be better, with better development of characters. There are so many I found myself wondering at times who the hero/ heroines are supposed to be.
October 26, 2021
Great Reading
This story of a King who took a dungeon core so his son could have a affinity killing thousands. So the other kingdom returns the favor triggering war. Our young MC still has a year before he has to become a soldier. Great Series
This story of a King who took a dungeon core so his son could have a affinity killing thousands. So the other kingdom returns the favor triggering war. Our young MC still has a year before he has to become a soldier. Great Series
October 8, 2021
Good
Another good book. If you liked the first three books then you’ll probably like the fourth book. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Another good book. If you liked the first three books then you’ll probably like the fourth book. I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 8, 2021
Great addition
The writing is getting better and the pacing is great. Progression wise the story is now rolling excited to see what happens next.
Wish the book was longer though.
The writing is getting better and the pacing is great. Progression wise the story is now rolling excited to see what happens next.
Wish the book was longer though.
October 12, 2021
Good read
The story doesn’t progress as fast or always in the manner expected but it is a good thing. It is not too predictable
The story doesn’t progress as fast or always in the manner expected but it is a good thing. It is not too predictable
October 13, 2021
School is out!
This book covers the end of Prep and the tournament and has non stop excitement and adventure as the gang begins the next stage of their lives.
This book covers the end of Prep and the tournament and has non stop excitement and adventure as the gang begins the next stage of their lives.
October 14, 2021
Solid story
I can't wait for more. This is a great world with some great characters. I could see this going on for a long time.
I can't wait for more. This is a great world with some great characters. I could see this going on for a long time.
October 24, 2021
Another good installment.
Another good installment. I want more though. Only took me a couple of hours to finish. It’s was a great appetizer but I am ready for a meal.
Another good installment. I want more though. Only took me a couple of hours to finish. It’s was a great appetizer but I am ready for a meal.
January 17, 2022
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
January 31, 2022
great book
This is a great book series. I really enjoyed reading it as the story is very engaging. I have even read straight to 2am one night. Can’t wait for the next book.
This is a great book series. I really enjoyed reading it as the story is very engaging. I have even read straight to 2am one night. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 22, 2022
Captivating!
I could not put it down. Well defined characters. Story line going at the right pace, not rushed. Cannot wait for the next book in the serie.
I could not put it down. Well defined characters. Story line going at the right pace, not rushed. Cannot wait for the next book in the serie.
August 7, 2022
Another solid installment of this series. Some tragedy and loss, and some stakes involved beyond school. 👍🏾👍🏾
December 7, 2022
Mejora la acción, entretenida.
February 28, 2023
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I liked these books. I read all of them before I started to give a review. All the books had great action and characterisation. I enjoyed the plot line.
I liked these books. I read all of them before I started to give a review. All the books had great action and characterisation. I enjoyed the plot line.
November 10, 2023
Purchased this edition on November 9, 2023, from Amazon for $4.99 plus tax, 4th book in series. Enjoyed 1st 3 in the series, from Amazon for free...4th book in series
August 14, 2024
The title and cover really explain the major plot beats here - but Terrence and co also get to fight in the end of the year tournament.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews