Chad’s thirty-day sentence may be over, but his trolling has just begun. Forsaking his old ways, he fully embraces a future as Chod, the hero of the forest trolls.
But life in Isle of Mythos isn’t easy for the barbarian summoner. Chod has angered more than one hero on his quest to save his people from extinction, and they’ve sworn vengeance. With a target on his back, Chod is about to find out how difficult the world can be for a hero that looks like a monster.
S.L. Rowland is a cozy fantasy and LitRPG author known for crafting immersive worlds filled with adventure, heart, and a touch of humor. A lifelong gamer and fantasy enthusiast, he draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs, video games, and the fantastical. When he’s not writing, he enjoys weightlifting, hiking with his Shiba Inu, and enduring the heartbreak of being an Atlanta sports fan.
I thought Sentenced to Troll was one of the more enjoyable LitRPG books I've read so far so I was looking forward to this sequel. This series does have a slightly YA feel to it but that works as the lead character is super likeable and on a traditional fantasy coming of age journey that sparks plenty of character growth. The story also has a good mix of adventure and fun secondary characters.
This story picked up where the events of the first book wrapped up. Chad decides to stay in the ultra realistic VR world after his 30-day sentence has finished after it becomes clear the technology that powers the system has malfunctioned and considers him a vital part of the program. If he leaves the whole game world will cease to exist! Inside the game Chad/Chod heads to meet the human king to broker a peace deal between them and the trolls.
It was a fun enough story. Chad took his fun Imp sidekick with him on all his adventures and was eventually joined by his real life human friend in the game world for some adventuring!
I did not enjoy this quite so much as the first book in the series but I'm not sure if that is because the story in this one was not quite as exciting or if it just lacked the freshness of the first book in the series or if the timing of this read was an issue. I ran Sentenced to Troll 2 alongside a reread of one of my favourite series, Red Rising, and that might have made this pale a little by comparison!
All in all I still feel like this was a fun read and I'll follow Chad and his friends next adventures for sure.
Rating: 3 stars.
Audio Note: Eric Martin did a good job with the audio. His general narration was very good and his character voices were decent as well.
I absolutely adore this series. Limmery has my whole heart & if anything happens to him, my life might be over. This one wasn't as good as the first. I missed the leveling up and getting a lot of new skills, but I think this one was meant to set up the rest of the series.
The book starts off well, but once again I had the issue where I would zone out through a lot of the middle of the book. The result was me going back over the middle mutliple times in an attempt to retain it. For sure, part of it is the monotonous reader, but most of the middle of the book is meaningless grinding for levels.
It seems to me Rowland has lost the plot. The point of everything going on is:
1. Test a program meant to rehabilitate violent prisoners - Result: The violent prisoners have become outlaws in the game as well and, if anything, seem to be getting more violent and marginalized. The programmers are doing nothing to correct this and just letting them go.
2. Find out why the system started crashing when the Chad left the game. - Result: Mostly ignored, it's just an excuse for him to stay there and get his friend invited in. No searching for the cause, no information if it's only his leaving causing it, nothing.
The story is by far more focused on the story of the game, which would be fine if he set that up, but I'm just left wondering what the point is. Are they really going to leave the game state persistent when it goes fully live? That never happens in RL Alpha's and Beta's especially since the story has already progressed a lot. Are they not going to update things based on this Beta? I mean, if this story continues all the way and Chod kills the Dark Wizard, wouldn't that necessitate a re-initialization before it goes public? That would make everything meaningless.
Figure out what you want your story to be Rowland and then explain how it's going to work.
The first book in this series worked well in it's own right, but didn't really pay much heed to the premise that resulted in the player having to play as a troll in the first place, this book moves things even further away from that premise towards a more traditional scenario where both the main character and his main real-life friend are discovering more of the wider world.
Prior to the arrival ingame of his real-life friend, Chod and his group of trolls (and imp) quickly dealt with the underlying issue from the first book i.e. that of the trolls being hated by human npcs, going forwards there are still some problems relating to the previous enmity. Their journey to the human capital and the treaty they establish with the king potentially gives the author a lot of flexibility in the future with subsequent conflicts being due to the actions of Chod and his companions rather than simply being automatic due to him being part of the troll race itself.
In general the narrator does a good job, the main cast all have suitably distinctive voices and the supporting cast are also voiced pretty well too, helping to nicely enhance the impression of the book.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable one and is stronger than the first one in some ways such as the progression of the main storyline for the series. I am eager to listen to the next one when it becomes available.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
Chod is back in the Isle of Mythos, and his adventures as a big blue troll continue. After his success in his last quest to protect the troll village, Chod is ready to explore more of the world and meet its inhabitants. Meanwhile, his old friend is somewhere on the Isle of Mythos, and the felons are targeting Chod and everything he cares for.
I really enjoyed this second installment in the series! I loved that this book explored more of the world and introduced different races and characters. I prefer to read gamelit that is lighter on stats, and there are enough stats here to follow along and cheer for Chod without slowing down the action or being at all repetitious. I genuinely enjoy the characters this author created, and wanted to spend more time with them all. The world is fun and the story immersive. All in all, I'd definitely recommend it to gamelit fans.
The narration is really well done, with the perfect voice for Chod. He performs the voices for each character distinctly and effortlessly. Great performance! I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. Can't wait to listen to book 3!
Chad has survived 30 days in full-immersion. He’s forsaken his old cyber bully ways, having committed to being Chod the Hero of the Forest Trolls. But when Chad is pulled from Mythos, something happens to the code of Isle of Mythos. He agrees to go back in, indefinitely, even though he’s angered many of the other human heroes. Chod is about to find out how difficult the world can be for a hero who looks like a monster.
This book was slightly more interesting than the first one. Chod is more developed and more likable, putting the tribe’s needs before his ego. I wish the code flaw was explored more on page, rather than getting tiny glimpses, but I get that Chod is the MC here and not the people experimenting on human brains with their immersion therapy. The character development might be the best in this one, but the story is mostly a bridge between books one and two. I like the bits and pieces of lore dropped about the ancient history of Mythos. Again, I liked the supporting characters more than the MC. Especially those in the misfit’s Circus
Content Warnings: Major - Fantasy violence, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Moderate - xenophobia Minor - Bullying
I guess it's technically litrpg/progression fantasy, because the protagonist is playing a fully immersive VR video game. But those things are almost nonexistent, and barely relevant to the story. And given that it's a video game, the story has like, zero stakes. The protagonist is attached to the NPCs, but the reader isn't. None of them are fleshed out enough to even matter for the most part. The one that's there the most speaks in broken muppet. The addition of a second player did nothing for the story. There's no real addressing of what's being done so he can log out. It's just a meh story. There's so many hooks presented, but we're basically just reading the main quest of a game, with all the damning faint praise that entails. He's not using his gamer knowledge to abuse any mechanics, or do better than other players, or have any real goals in game, and doesn't seem to care about all the IRL plot stuff for long enough to have more than a sad moment. I fail to see the point of this story as a sequel. It's just plodding filler.
I absolutely loved diving back into the world of Sentenced to Troll with book two. Getting to follow Chad/Chod on another round of chaotic, heartfelt, and often hilarious adventures was exactly what I needed.
One of the highlights for me was seeing Taryn join him in the game. Their friendship, banter, and “I know you too well” energy add so much charm to the story. And once Limery gets thrown into the mix? Things become even better. The dynamic between the three of them is fantastic — equal parts snark, loyalty, and absurd shenanigans.
Rowland balances humor, action, and genuine character growth so well. Chod continues to evolve from a punishment-assigned troll into someone who actually cares about the people around him, and watching that transformation is half the joy of reading this series.
Fast-paced, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, Sentenced to Troll 2 is an absolute gem.
So good I read parts 1 & 2 in a single day. Can't wait to read more. I'd love to have a mix in of what's going on in the outside real world as well. Why were prisoners sentenced to this? Maybe there is a sinister\conspiracy reasoning? Was it voluntary? What are some of those prisoners internal dialogue and thought process maybe some are being successfully rehabilitated and may even join Chads team? Do Chads parents really miss him and what's their story? What about his online following in the streaming community? Are they worried with no explanation as to where he is now? Great characters and I love the details given to really make this read like an RPG game adventure. Keep it up! 5*****
The other players or felons are out for Chod (or Chad). He is now a big blue troll and even stands out among the fellow trolls. His friend from the real world has joined him in game but Chod needs to find out where he is. This book talks about leveling up, gear and dungeon diving, but you can feel the tension and situation building in the background as things start to happen. You learn more about the Isle of Mythos and the history of the people who live there. Oh and by the way his friend who is football player size in the real world is a dwarf druid in game. Since his friend is a noob and people are out for Chod, they need to level him up fast.
If You Have Not Read The First Book Of This Series, Put This One Down And Read Go Read It First.
You really do not want to jump into this series in the middle of the plot. Even with the summary of the first book the author has provided; starting with this book is not the best of ideas, if your goal in reading this book is the enjoyment of discovering the character development and plot progression of the series.
This is book, and the series of which it is a part, is an example of the LitRPG genre. Naturally it will appeal to fans of that genre, but it is likely to appeal to fantasy fans in general and to those who enjoy playing RPGs as well.
What I enjoyed about this book, was how it expanded the world laid out in book one, as well as set up a different story. The first story was about saving the Trolls from the world, whereas this book is about the main character finding a place for trolls in the world - by being a hero and creating ties between the various nations.
It is a fun tale, and I recommend this book and subsequent troll stories, because the author is quite proficient in writing an engaging yarn.
This one was an improvement upon the last. It was fun to see Chod’s friend from the real world join in on the fun. It gives Chod someone to talk to and clash with about things in the real world. We meet more of the important figures in Isles of Mythos and there are some fun dungeon and fight sequences to help fill out the story. But this series has yet to really blow my mind. I’m hoping Sentenced to Troll 3 will convinced me to listen to 4-6 as well.
Liked it a bit less than the first one, but still it was enjoyable. I might light his friend character a bit more on book 3, but I don't feel any attachment to him on this one. I LOVE Limmy, he is my favorites! I know the MC has issues with some "heroes" but I thought that the whole game option was to make them better people.....but they are just worst. Also the story is revolving WAY too much on that narrative, which takes away the LitRPG vibe from the book. Hope the next one is better. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!
A story that has serious moments, but mainly resides in light-hearted humor. Enjoyable heroes, evil to overcome, steadily building strength. LitRPG with some stats, but unlike many it doesn't feel like the author pads their word count by putting in 4 pages of stats every chapter. Professionally edited and we'll worth the price of admission.
The only thing I hated about this book was that it ended. This was absolutely another fantastic read. I love the character progression the skill allocation feels logical instead of feeling like the skills are a crutch to move the story ahead which is nice it makes it more immersive and believable that this could be a real game also enjoy that the author doesn't make the MC super Op I can't wait for the next book in the series.
This was a really fun book that moved the series forward in an interesting direction. Loved the way that the main character now works with friends. The different ecosystems on the island are also interesting and makes me wonder if the island is fairly large like half Australia size or how big exactly. Definitely enjoyed this book and series so far, and recommend both.
This book has a very different feel from the first book. The direction of the series changes pretty dramatically and there is a much bigger emphasis on adventuring with his new group and leveling. Because of this the plot is not as concise and focused as it was in the first book. I’m interested to see if things pick up in the next installment.
I don't normally give 5 stars. I think that there is ALWAYS room for improvement. But with this series, I honestly just couldn't find anything wrong. Characters , editing, flow, it just ALL worked !! I can't wait for more of the series.
Yes...I need more! Wonderful story with so many possibilities available with such a big world. It’s like we’ve just finished the tutorial/beginner zone and are now ready for the main story!! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
Nothing big or flashy in this book just continuation from 1 and more grind. However the story arc is slowly opening up. More good and more bad. And hints of more to come. Many flashy battles and some good loot. Looking forward to the next book.
Truly an amazing read for the world building that goes on. The characters, through a little shallow, are enjoyable and charismatic in a way that allows the book to flourish.
I am enjoying this series. The world is well created and the main characters don’t feel overpowered like other books in this genre. Keep up the good work.
The races introduced in this book were cool to read-by far my most favourite were the MC interactions with the mountain trolls and the ebony dwarfs. But it had some grammar issues and I didn't like the ending.
The idea is excellent but: 1) it's a YA book as many themes are missing (real life, sexuality, mature feelings and thoughts) 2) the question is basically boring many times. Focuss on the main quest! 3) the world is boring. 20? 50? players? In MMORPG we have the word "massive".
Rolled right into this sequel and couldn’t be happier! Everything done right in the first has continued into the second and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
When a monster becomes more humane than the humans, you know the story is going places. The ending is a perfect transition for the next book. I hope it comes out soon.