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Foodstuffs #2
Minced Meat
They plucked him out of his own familiar world to kill him with extreme prejudice. This is what always happens to those who are just food in the bowl for someone with a better luck.
But consider yourself warned: he is a very special food—the kind that eats you right back. Think again whether you really want to come and get him.
And if you still do, just stay put. He’ll come for you himself.
But consider yourself warned: he is a very special food—the kind that eats you right back. Think again whether you really want to come and get him.
And if you still do, just stay put. He’ll come for you himself.
592 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2021
88 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Stone
55 books262 followersArthur Stone is the pen name of one Arthur Smirnov, a prolific author in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.
Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.
Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com
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September 16, 2021Thank you all for your reviews, you are all great fellows.
Our main task is to improve the quality of the text and meet the wishes of the readers. Ergo, I ask everyone who finds any errors and / or inaccuracies to write to me in a personal here or by mail - arthurstone2017@gmail.com .
Thank you in advance.
Our main task is to improve the quality of the text and meet the wishes of the readers. Ergo, I ask everyone who finds any errors and / or inaccuracies to write to me in a personal here or by mail - arthurstone2017@gmail.com .
Thank you in advance.
September 16, 2021
Book two
Mistakes: While the author has pretty bad editing, I want to say he is an excellent story teller and I look forward to book three. All 16 mistakes that I found are listed on Goodreads.
Plot: This book gets us the rest of the way through tier one. Plenty of action.
Characters: The female MC says sorry to often, otherwise she is rock solid. I like the way the male MC thinks and acts.
7/10 Just because I really enjoyed the story. Looking forward to more.
Mistakes: While the author has pretty bad editing, I want to say he is an excellent story teller and I look forward to book three. All 16 mistakes that I found are listed on Goodreads.
Plot: This book gets us the rest of the way through tier one. Plenty of action.
Characters: The female MC says sorry to often, otherwise she is rock solid. I like the way the male MC thinks and acts.
7/10 Just because I really enjoyed the story. Looking forward to more.
February 24, 2024
Minced Meat (Foodstuffs #2) by Arthur Stone:
Minced Meat (Foodstuffs #2) by Arthur Stone continues the culinary-themed adventure in a world where food is both a source of pleasure and peril. While the series holds promise for a unique and engaging story, this installment struggles to maintain the momentum of its predecessor, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed and lacks cohesion.
Stone's writing style remains accessible, with vivid descriptions of food and culinary techniques that continue to tantalize the senses. However, the plot feels scattered and lacks focus, with numerous subplots vying for attention without ever fully coalescing into a cohesive whole.
In this book, readers are once again thrust into the dangerous world of food smuggling and illicit trade as the protagonist navigates the treacherous underworld. While the concept is intriguing, the plot feels overstuffed with unnecessary details and tangents, detracting from the overall pacing and flow of the narrative.
The world-building in this installment remains minimal, with little expansion on the rules and mechanics governing the society or the larger geopolitical landscape. This lack of development hampers the reader's immersion in the setting and detracts from the overall experience.
Moreover, the character development in Minced Meat feels lacking, with the protagonist and supporting cast failing to undergo significant growth or evolution throughout the narrative. While there are moments of tension and conflict, they ultimately feel superficial and fail to resonate with the reader.
When critically analyzing the plot, it becomes apparent that Minced Meat struggles to maintain a clear sense of direction and purpose. The conflicts feel contrived and arbitrary, lacking the emotional weight needed to invest readers in the story. Additionally, certain plot threads are left unresolved, leaving the narrative feeling incomplete and unsatisfying.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Minced Meat (Foodstuffs #2) is a disappointing continuation of the series, offering a lackluster and uninspired narrative that struggles to engage its audience. While it may provide some entertainment for fans of the genre, it ultimately lacks the depth and substance needed to leave a lasting impression.
January 24, 2025
Really love the side characters and the different personalities they have. Also the different reactions to trauma make it feel realistic
September 11, 2025
I really enjoyed diving right into the *Foodstuffs* world with *Minced Meat*, the second book in the series. The story picks up right where the first left off, jumping into tense combat and survival tactics as the MC navigates a deadly LitRPG environment. Stone’s vivid descriptions of food-themed action still hit hard, creative, and unlike anything else I’ve read. The main character continues to grow stronger fast, leveling up his skills and pushing through brutal challenges on each floor.
The pacing generally stays strong, though some bits slowed down with overly detailed mechanics or world‑building that felt a bit scattered. On the plus side, side characters bring real personality and keep scenes lively—even if they could use a bit more development. I loved how the setting feels alive and dangerous, blending gritty competition with survival‑game stakes in a way that stays entertaining.
Some of the translation and editing feel rough at times, muddling clarity—yet the concept and momentum still kept me hooked. The ending wraps up the tier in a way that feels satisfying but still leaves me wanting more—perfect for a series reader like me. Overall, *Minced Meat* is a vibrant, action‑packed continuation that plays to the strengths of Arthur Stone’s imaginative LitRPG vision. I’m excited to see what comes next and definitely recommend it to fans of dark, skill‑driven fantasy.
The pacing generally stays strong, though some bits slowed down with overly detailed mechanics or world‑building that felt a bit scattered. On the plus side, side characters bring real personality and keep scenes lively—even if they could use a bit more development. I loved how the setting feels alive and dangerous, blending gritty competition with survival‑game stakes in a way that stays entertaining.
Some of the translation and editing feel rough at times, muddling clarity—yet the concept and momentum still kept me hooked. The ending wraps up the tier in a way that feels satisfying but still leaves me wanting more—perfect for a series reader like me. Overall, *Minced Meat* is a vibrant, action‑packed continuation that plays to the strengths of Arthur Stone’s imaginative LitRPG vision. I’m excited to see what comes next and definitely recommend it to fans of dark, skill‑driven fantasy.
January 13, 2022
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: good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Summary: great follow up to the first. Again, can’t wait for the next.
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: good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Summary: great follow up to the first. Again, can’t wait for the next.
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
September 20, 2021
Better when Sinner was solo
I'll be honest, this one didn't grip me the way the first did. The plot was fine, and the action sequences, but it felt like this one needed another round of editing.
Two issues dragged it down compared to last book.
First - verbosity and excessive rambling description and explanations.
Second, dialogue. The language was maybe "natural" like unplanned unscripted vocalization, but again way to verbose and unfocused. Dialogue in movies and books should be an idealized , tighter version than the verbal diarrhea we spout at the water cooler.
I think the story might translated? Maybe they have a different translator between book one and book two? Anyway it just wasn't as tight and a suffered from the difference. If it is on KU, I might pick up book three, but at the editing isn't tighter I probably won't continue to book four.
I'll be honest, this one didn't grip me the way the first did. The plot was fine, and the action sequences, but it felt like this one needed another round of editing.
Two issues dragged it down compared to last book.
First - verbosity and excessive rambling description and explanations.
Second, dialogue. The language was maybe "natural" like unplanned unscripted vocalization, but again way to verbose and unfocused. Dialogue in movies and books should be an idealized , tighter version than the verbal diarrhea we spout at the water cooler.
I think the story might translated? Maybe they have a different translator between book one and book two? Anyway it just wasn't as tight and a suffered from the difference. If it is on KU, I might pick up book three, but at the editing isn't tighter I probably won't continue to book four.
July 6, 2022
Well, this was bad.
The first book was fine, not fantastic but readable with an interesting idea.
This one has the interesting idea, but the characters, dialogues, plot twist all that stuff they closer to what you would expect from the first draft of the book.
Maybe it is partly a translation problem. Not sure why I even listened to this book in English, I think there is just no Russian audiobook. But then again, Respown series are pretty good, and it has, generally speaking, the same premise, but none of these problems.
Will not read the third book. But will try another series. I hope it would be better... and I hope it would use metric system, I'm like 97.3% sure in the original text there were none of these yards, and pounds, and "It was as high as three washing machines and weighted like 762 squirrels or something".
The first book was fine, not fantastic but readable with an interesting idea.
This one has the interesting idea, but the characters, dialogues, plot twist all that stuff they closer to what you would expect from the first draft of the book.
Maybe it is partly a translation problem. Not sure why I even listened to this book in English, I think there is just no Russian audiobook. But then again, Respown series are pretty good, and it has, generally speaking, the same premise, but none of these problems.
Will not read the third book. But will try another series. I hope it would be better... and I hope it would use metric system, I'm like 97.3% sure in the original text there were none of these yards, and pounds, and "It was as high as three washing machines and weighted like 762 squirrels or something".
September 16, 2021
I want to rate it higher
This is a fascinating series. Dark, yet hopeful. MC is strong, but he is prey. Paranoia and aggression is how to survive.
But.
This dearly needs editing. Both content and copy editing.
The misspellings and homonym mistakes are littered throughout. Far too many to excuse.
On the content side, there is some awkward dialogue and truly odd phrase selections. People talking to each other don’t actually use names very often, especially if they are the only ones present. The moments of French were either too correct for non-speakers or oddly archaic.
I really like the series. I want to find out what happens on Tier 2.
But this needs to be cleaned up…a lot…before I recommend it to others.
This is a fascinating series. Dark, yet hopeful. MC is strong, but he is prey. Paranoia and aggression is how to survive.
But.
This dearly needs editing. Both content and copy editing.
The misspellings and homonym mistakes are littered throughout. Far too many to excuse.
On the content side, there is some awkward dialogue and truly odd phrase selections. People talking to each other don’t actually use names very often, especially if they are the only ones present. The moments of French were either too correct for non-speakers or oddly archaic.
I really like the series. I want to find out what happens on Tier 2.
But this needs to be cleaned up…a lot…before I recommend it to others.
October 6, 2021
I enjoyed it
I gave it a 4 instead of 5 because the wording was confusing sometimes or things didn't line up from earlier. The wording bothered me less once I realized it was translated. One thing I wanted to mention was a lot of people had complained about a cliffhanger ending and I don't consider it one if you are aware it is a series. I was worried about where it would drop off but it was just as the first tier ended. Sure we want to see what happens next but that's a good stopping point for a book.
I gave it a 4 instead of 5 because the wording was confusing sometimes or things didn't line up from earlier. The wording bothered me less once I realized it was translated. One thing I wanted to mention was a lot of people had complained about a cliffhanger ending and I don't consider it one if you are aware it is a series. I was worried about where it would drop off but it was just as the first tier ended. Sure we want to see what happens next but that's a good stopping point for a book.
January 10, 2022
Fun Read BUT Poor Quality
This is not the normal quality from Mr. Stone. I normally enjoy his books. This one was poorly written, grammar was atrocious, and there were multiple missing elements to the story line.
I am unsure what happened to this book but it is not worth the read. His first in the series was 3 stars due to grammar and some story line issues. This one barely made two.
Edit the book and try again Mr. Stone.
This is not the normal quality from Mr. Stone. I normally enjoy his books. This one was poorly written, grammar was atrocious, and there were multiple missing elements to the story line.
I am unsure what happened to this book but it is not worth the read. His first in the series was 3 stars due to grammar and some story line issues. This one barely made two.
Edit the book and try again Mr. Stone.
December 2, 2023
One of the rare occasions where the sequels get better than the first, there are some plot holes and some weird fails in writing but this is now one of my favorite litrpgs, The major complaint I have is that it can be slow when describing skills and stuff with some repetition and long descriptive chapters that slow the pace quite a lot and could be shortened, but overall its very enjoyable and interesting.
August 20, 2024
The second volume starts immediately after the first: at day 3ish and continues until the end of the floor, day 15ish.
Sinner levels up a bunch to 13 and learns things. The final trade zone involves a bunch of familiar faces.
A desperate plan is hatched to kill/slow/defeat/impede the caste participants who are making life hell for the Meat players.
In the end, Sinner is dragged self-conscious across the finish line by Lynxy and Trask.
Sinner levels up a bunch to 13 and learns things. The final trade zone involves a bunch of familiar faces.
A desperate plan is hatched to kill/slow/defeat/impede the caste participants who are making life hell for the Meat players.
In the end, Sinner is dragged self-conscious across the finish line by Lynxy and Trask.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2021
Enjoyed the book, but needs some editing
So five stars because I really enjoyed the book, but there were several issues with editing that need to be addressed. Mostly with homonyms and tense, but also a couple of instances with just page long single character dialogue that should have been broken into multiple paragraphs.
So five stars because I really enjoyed the book, but there were several issues with editing that need to be addressed. Mostly with homonyms and tense, but also a couple of instances with just page long single character dialogue that should have been broken into multiple paragraphs.
October 25, 2021
great book. a little fluffed up for content
It was good enough I read this immediately after the first in only a few days. Sadly had a couple of flaws like going into to much detail about mechanics and therefore making it a lot of work on the reader. But it’s a good progression book and had a more than decent storyline once u get pass the extra detail.
It was good enough I read this immediately after the first in only a few days. Sadly had a couple of flaws like going into to much detail about mechanics and therefore making it a lot of work on the reader. But it’s a good progression book and had a more than decent storyline once u get pass the extra detail.
January 14, 2022
Not precisely bad, but too weird to be good, and the translation isn’t doing it any favors. Our emotionless main character gets an equally flat, but prettier, sidekick, and we meet a few more casually racist characters. Still fun, I guess, and I’ll likely read the third, but it’s not clear where we are going or if there’s any endgame planned.
March 11, 2023
Book and content itself was solid, but the narration was very poor compared to the previous book. I typically hate this narrator to the point of abandoning books due to his inability to make characters distinguishable, and making everything sound whiny and monotone.
I gained hope after the first book, this one was a miss, so here's hoping his next performance is more inspiring.
I gained hope after the first book, this one was a miss, so here's hoping his next performance is more inspiring.
September 26, 2021
Very good
I am really enjoying this series! The author has a fairly brutal approach to his characters. They suffer a lot. Their enemies suffer more. Nice change of pace from light novels.
I am really enjoying this series! The author has a fairly brutal approach to his characters. They suffer a lot. Their enemies suffer more. Nice change of pace from light novels.
September 29, 2021
Gritty
Takes off from where it left off in last book. I enjoyed the feeling of the MC being more powerful than most others. Lot of exciting fighting sequences, levelling up , enemies. Can’t wait for tier 2
Takes off from where it left off in last book. I enjoyed the feeling of the MC being more powerful than most others. Lot of exciting fighting sequences, levelling up , enemies. Can’t wait for tier 2
October 7, 2021
Great continuation of the first book
Such a unique storyline! I loved it. I really appreciated that he wasn't totally alone and actually found some other good people, as well as the rest of them. Can't wait for the next one!
Such a unique storyline! I loved it. I really appreciated that he wasn't totally alone and actually found some other good people, as well as the rest of them. Can't wait for the next one!
October 7, 2021
always interesting
I do love Arthur Stone for his creative OP characters and always disappointed that I don’t get to find out what comes next in the series before the book ends. Looking forward to the next.
I do love Arthur Stone for his creative OP characters and always disappointed that I don’t get to find out what comes next in the series before the book ends. Looking forward to the next.
October 11, 2021
Great Adventure
I really enjoyed this second book in this series and am eagerly awaiting the third book. This series is much better than the alpha series even with the few typos and slight grammar issues.
I really enjoyed this second book in this series and am eagerly awaiting the third book. This series is much better than the alpha series even with the few typos and slight grammar issues.
October 14, 2021
Love the story, bad editing
Live his storytelling, this book is no exception but unlike his other series, this one is edited horrendously. Pages missing, choppy and all over the place.
Live his storytelling, this book is no exception but unlike his other series, this one is edited horrendously. Pages missing, choppy and all over the place.
October 24, 2021
The second book is way better than the first
In the first books defense, the main character was very weak at the beginning but the story picked up pretty fast. This book the MC has some strength but still plays it smart. I look forward to the next one in the series.
In the first books defense, the main character was very weak at the beginning but the story picked up pretty fast. This book the MC has some strength but still plays it smart. I look forward to the next one in the series.
December 7, 2021
Meh
This is a DNF. Kept trying to come back and give it a read, but there’s always better alternatives. If food, it’d be gas station food that you had to eat to take your medicine or something.
This is a DNF. Kept trying to come back and give it a read, but there’s always better alternatives. If food, it’d be gas station food that you had to eat to take your medicine or something.
December 10, 2021
Awesome Series
This story of a guy who is chosen for a Gods game. He gets a Nightmare start. He is thrown into the ocean buck naked with zero stats, zero info, and a group of well equipped people hunting him. Great Story
This story of a guy who is chosen for a Gods game. He gets a Nightmare start. He is thrown into the ocean buck naked with zero stats, zero info, and a group of well equipped people hunting him. Great Story
May 12, 2023
A really enjoyable read.
The MC is very interesting as I really want to know more about what kind of background he had in the past. The story continues to keep me guessing and wanting more. Overall a great read.
The MC is very interesting as I really want to know more about what kind of background he had in the past. The story continues to keep me guessing and wanting more. Overall a great read.
September 15, 2024
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
September 15, 2021
Not good
Mayed it to 75% but no further the story was boring and the writing was horrible!! If Russians are going to sell their books they need a better understanding of English
Mayed it to 75% but no further the story was boring and the writing was horrible!! If Russians are going to sell their books they need a better understanding of English
September 16, 2021
Fast, fun, exciting, scary, absolutely everything I wanted from the sequel.
I can't wait for the next one.
I can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews