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Alpha #4
Alpha Resplendent
So you want a brilliant cut for your rough diamond? In that case, you should get on with the cutting! That’s how I found myself looking for a suitable lapidarist. Since I was anything but your run-of-the-mill little rock, the master crafter also had to be special.
The one fitting the bill happened to be truly excellent, but, alas, he did have his quirks, too. A recluse living on top of a tall, barren mountain, he did not take kindly to most uninvited intruders, sending them back rolling down the hill in the most unceremonious of manners. And he had plenty of secrets too—of which the most unexpected would leave anyone gasping for breath.
And hey, I did not even think anything could surprise me anymore.
The one fitting the bill happened to be truly excellent, but, alas, he did have his quirks, too. A recluse living on top of a tall, barren mountain, he did not take kindly to most uninvited intruders, sending them back rolling down the hill in the most unceremonious of manners. And he had plenty of secrets too—of which the most unexpected would leave anyone gasping for breath.
And hey, I did not even think anything could surprise me anymore.
- GenresFantasy
631 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2021
100 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Stone
63 books265 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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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 16, 2021
Loved this book.
This series is definitely one of my favorite series in this genre. The MC is interesting and entertaining the world building is engaging and the secondary characters are so compelling that you just want to learn more about them.Overall I really enjoyed this book.
This series is definitely one of my favorite series in this genre. The MC is interesting and entertaining the world building is engaging and the secondary characters are so compelling that you just want to learn more about them.Overall I really enjoyed this book.
November 12, 2021
Frustrating
If the author is reading this, please don’t ruin a good series. I really liked the first few books, but the last one dragged a bit and this one was decidedly had so much filler. The main character feels the need to explain everything. The sheer amount of internal monologue is overwhelming. So much monologuing so little action. It feels like the plot barely advanced in this book. On top of that all the fight scenes were ruined by too much explanation before, during and after.
If the author is reading this, please don’t ruin a good series. I really liked the first few books, but the last one dragged a bit and this one was decidedly had so much filler. The main character feels the need to explain everything. The sheer amount of internal monologue is overwhelming. So much monologuing so little action. It feels like the plot barely advanced in this book. On top of that all the fight scenes were ruined by too much explanation before, during and after.
July 10, 2023
I saw the series had a new book, saw that I had bought the first, and was looking for a series to read. Reading alpha zero was hard, nearly all of it gedar is unlikable but it was an early book and the meat series is good so it has to get better. Books 2 and 3 were decent. Lots of little errors from translation but nothing major wrong with the plot. But this book? I quit at 50% it is nothing but trash. It's either him complaining about how everyone is horrible and stupid and trash or spouting off how much smarter than everyone he is OR major contradictions of things that were established in earlier books or even just contradicting the garbage he complained about for four entire pages. And he has to rush rush rush because of some deadline that was never mentioned earlier and we have no clue what it's about but he has to make stupid choices because "I don't have a year" "I have to be done before then" "I only have 26 days" no clue wtf it's about but it's annoying and when you just get a "I don't have time to wait" after he just spent 4 days going to a trainer and explaining in detail how horrible the land was and how stupid his escort is and how nobody can possibly find this reclusive trainer but what's this the same two random stupid "victims of a botched lobotomy" guards just HAPPEN to have been among the escort for a clans young master who went to this very same trainer and suddenly the plan to go to the trainer is in the wastebin because it will take too long and nobody knows where he is (but the guards and the guy they escorted previously know cause you just said they do) wait what's this we're at the path that leads directly to the trainer nobody can find because you "did your research" and discovered what nobody else could... wait people come to this trainer all the time and get beat up and forced to leave? I thought nobody knew where to go and find him? Oh you convince him to train you but he has to do it in 26 days because you're suddenly on a deadline... looks at sky make that 25 if you don't hurry. Sorry for not telling you about that spoiler right there, I just condensed about 40 pages into one long sentence and it isn't an exaggeration, I just cut out all the whining about how stupid and inept and cartoonist the guards are and the bragging about how perfect and super intelligent and genius gedar is.
It's a shame I bought all the available books on Amazon at the same time and it's too late to get a refund on the rest since I will never open another book in this series.
Hope the author reads this.
It's a shame I bought all the available books on Amazon at the same time and it's too late to get a refund on the rest since I will never open another book in this series.
Hope the author reads this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
Great plot and funny humor
At first I almost stop reading the first book because I didn’t quite get into the beginning, but I figure since I’m on my elliptical machine I might as well continue. However after the first chapter I seriously got into it and I thought the author’s humor was hilarious.
I enjoyed the twist & plot of this series. It wasn’t too far fetched where everything just miraculous was basically handed to the main character. I liked how the author incorporated everything. I was expecting a cultivation series, but it turned out better. I actually started to dread that I was on my fourth book and knowing it was close to the end of the book. I really am looking forward to the next book of this series. I read everyday, and this is one of the few times I wrote a review. Definitely looking forward to the next book to this series!!
At first I almost stop reading the first book because I didn’t quite get into the beginning, but I figure since I’m on my elliptical machine I might as well continue. However after the first chapter I seriously got into it and I thought the author’s humor was hilarious.
I enjoyed the twist & plot of this series. It wasn’t too far fetched where everything just miraculous was basically handed to the main character. I liked how the author incorporated everything. I was expecting a cultivation series, but it turned out better. I actually started to dread that I was on my fourth book and knowing it was close to the end of the book. I really am looking forward to the next book of this series. I read everyday, and this is one of the few times I wrote a review. Definitely looking forward to the next book to this series!!
November 12, 2021
not easy
I struggled reading this for the oddest reason. Normally I complain there are too many stats; this time, too few. Actually none. The MC’s character sheet never appeared, and only a few skills/talents were displayed…once.
This also picks up directly after events in the previous book. Annnnd, the MC spends most of the novel solo. Making this more ‘tell’ than ‘show’ in some respect.
I do wish a better job at copy-editing was done (‘weary’ and ‘wary’ don’t mean the same; the latter would have been a better choice).
All that said, it’s still a very interesting series and this is a necessary piece.
I will continue to follow the author. A most excellent writer.
I struggled reading this for the oddest reason. Normally I complain there are too many stats; this time, too few. Actually none. The MC’s character sheet never appeared, and only a few skills/talents were displayed…once.
This also picks up directly after events in the previous book. Annnnd, the MC spends most of the novel solo. Making this more ‘tell’ than ‘show’ in some respect.
I do wish a better job at copy-editing was done (‘weary’ and ‘wary’ don’t mean the same; the latter would have been a better choice).
All that said, it’s still a very interesting series and this is a necessary piece.
I will continue to follow the author. A most excellent writer.
April 13, 2025
Transitional book for the series. Some plot movement, but over explained.
I like the story, I like the main character. However the pacing is dreadful and there's so much filler with overexplanation, exposition, and her dialogue that goes on forever that is moot. When the story is actually moving the plot line and the main character is engaged in his own agency, with dialogue with sub characters or interacting with transitional ones, the story shines. There's so much over explanation. I wish the author could just learn the characters and real life have a nuance and don't need to explain every emotion in detail in action.
I like the story, I like the main character. However the pacing is dreadful and there's so much filler with overexplanation, exposition, and her dialogue that goes on forever that is moot. When the story is actually moving the plot line and the main character is engaged in his own agency, with dialogue with sub characters or interacting with transitional ones, the story shines. There's so much over explanation. I wish the author could just learn the characters and real life have a nuance and don't need to explain every emotion in detail in action.
December 2, 2021
Awesome Series
This story of a reborn man getting born in a body that the System doesn’t recognize for 13 years was Fantastic. From there with his previous memories he hacks the System by staying a zero for as long as he can, and kills lots of strong monsters with maximum loot. Even after he is forced to evolve, he still gets max loot. Now he has a plan to destroy his enemies.
Even though these books don’t end in cliffhangers, they also don’t reveal the latest stats at the end of some epic fights.
This story of a reborn man getting born in a body that the System doesn’t recognize for 13 years was Fantastic. From there with his previous memories he hacks the System by staying a zero for as long as he can, and kills lots of strong monsters with maximum loot. Even after he is forced to evolve, he still gets max loot. Now he has a plan to destroy his enemies.
Even though these books don’t end in cliffhangers, they also don’t reveal the latest stats at the end of some epic fights.
November 14, 2021
Book four
Mistakes: So, so many. While I absolutely love this author's stories, the nineteen mistakes I found and listed on Goodreads keep me from being able to give a better rating. Just needs a good editor.
Plot: Off to do some learning. A minor thread with some big challenges, that I'd have liked more depth on, was saving his teachers daughter.
Characters: I still find the MC fascinating and look forward to book five.
4/10
Mistakes: So, so many. While I absolutely love this author's stories, the nineteen mistakes I found and listed on Goodreads keep me from being able to give a better rating. Just needs a good editor.
Plot: Off to do some learning. A minor thread with some big challenges, that I'd have liked more depth on, was saving his teachers daughter.
Characters: I still find the MC fascinating and look forward to book five.
4/10
July 9, 2022
Slightly better than the last book.
The story of wimpy superman continues!
A lot of contradictions and mistakes. Way too many inner dialogues and tiresome explanations. The MC´s masterplan with it´s super tight time limit was grating on my nerves. Considering what really happened this is could have been told in under 40 pages as well..
New stupid and annoying side characters! Yay!
The story of wimpy superman continues!
A lot of contradictions and mistakes. Way too many inner dialogues and tiresome explanations. The MC´s masterplan with it´s super tight time limit was grating on my nerves. Considering what really happened this is could have been told in under 40 pages as well..
New stupid and annoying side characters! Yay!
November 13, 2021
Good
Entertaining story, but over long descriptions, and too little character interaction. Probably 40% into the book before there is any prolonged conversation, missing the sidekick and the humor he injects, still good and entertaining, hopefully it gets better.
Entertaining story, but over long descriptions, and too little character interaction. Probably 40% into the book before there is any prolonged conversation, missing the sidekick and the humor he injects, still good and entertaining, hopefully it gets better.
November 14, 2021
Outstanding
Builds up on the previous book . Very gripping and lots of progression. We see hint’s of the MC’s plan long term . Interesting enemies, fight sequences and locations. Can’t wait for the next one
Builds up on the previous book . Very gripping and lots of progression. We see hint’s of the MC’s plan long term . Interesting enemies, fight sequences and locations. Can’t wait for the next one
November 15, 2021
Excellent!
Story advances with amazing world building that keeps the readers interest. Story flows nicely. Good characters and magic system is logical, and has limitations that make fir a more interesting story.
Story advances with amazing world building that keeps the readers interest. Story flows nicely. Good characters and magic system is logical, and has limitations that make fir a more interesting story.
November 15, 2021
Definitely a great addition to the series
The last book was very short and had lots of filler so ended up disappointing.
This book definitely makes up for with lots of actions and alot of content.
The last book was very short and had lots of filler so ended up disappointing.
This book definitely makes up for with lots of actions and alot of content.
November 18, 2021
still going strong
What a cool waypoint on the road to adventure. Ger gets some training i miss some loot descriptions and really wanted to read his options for his circle even if i don’t get to choose what he picks. Good book
What a cool waypoint on the road to adventure. Ger gets some training i miss some loot descriptions and really wanted to read his options for his circle even if i don’t get to choose what he picks. Good book
January 12, 2022
Enjoyed the read
I like the skills and abilities in this book but some of the dialog can get confusing at times, especially around stat tables and order of powers. Overall still a great book to read.
I like the skills and abilities in this book but some of the dialog can get confusing at times, especially around stat tables and order of powers. Overall still a great book to read.
May 21, 2022
The author is starting to find a better balance between plot and exposition. He still seems to deliberately use digressions to extend the tension of action scenes. I get it... but don't like it.
The story is great but the frustrations are plentiful.
The story is great but the frustrations are plentiful.
September 2, 2023
A very good read
A very good read story is very compelling and well thought out the writer shows a professional hand the way the story is put together is good and holds you from start to finish
A very good read story is very compelling and well thought out the writer shows a professional hand the way the story is put together is good and holds you from start to finish
July 2, 2024
2 1/2 stars. The scene moves on to different parts of the world which is interesting because there are plenty more areas to explore, new challenges and new secrets. However, it just didn't grab me as the others did.
November 14, 2021
Loved it
I can't wait for the next one. Hope the next has more loot. My greed gerbil needs it. Mine!
Fresh meat is another good series in between volumes
I can't wait for the next one. Hope the next has more loot. My greed gerbil needs it. Mine!
Fresh meat is another good series in between volumes
November 14, 2021
5 stars
This is a great series. Good tension with a little humor mixed in. I can't wait for the next book.
This is a great series. Good tension with a little humor mixed in. I can't wait for the next book.
November 30, 2021
Great 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.
December 5, 2021
Detailed Growth
You may not always know what Ged is doing (or why), but you have a good time watching his progress.
Recommended (16+)
You may not always know what Ged is doing (or why), but you have a good time watching his progress.
Recommended (16+)
December 14, 2021
Good stuff
More of a journey story was this one with the advancement stuff all in the early parts. There is still so much of this world to see
More of a journey story was this one with the advancement stuff all in the early parts. There is still so much of this world to see
February 28, 2022
great book
It was very Well done. I really enjoyed the main Characters travels in this book and the pacing was very good.
It was very Well done. I really enjoyed the main Characters travels in this book and the pacing was very good.
May 15, 2022
A great read
The series continues to evolve in interesting ways. Additionally, new world lore is introduced to enhance the story. Overall, I had a great time reading this!
The series continues to evolve in interesting ways. Additionally, new world lore is introduced to enhance the story. Overall, I had a great time reading this!
October 3, 2022
Meh
Series has been really good so far, but political crap is slowly being introduced to the series and if you are like me, it kills the immersion.
Series has been really good so far, but political crap is slowly being introduced to the series and if you are like me, it kills the immersion.
June 19, 2025
A great addition to the series! The training that was done on top of the mountain is the stuff of legends.
November 20, 2021
loved this book
The whole series is just a fun read and really has a lot concepts for world building. Strategic thinking and always asking what if.
The whole series is just a fun read and really has a lot concepts for world building. Strategic thinking and always asking what if.
December 25, 2021
Great book, super entertaining. I've been following the series since the beginning. This did feel a little disconnected from the rest of the series, but maybe that's just me... Any news on when book 5 will come out?
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews