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Artificial Jelly #2
Artificial Jelly Book 2
Free from the prison of her birth, Gell the Jellyfae, a dungeon-mob turned into a player, must discover how she can protect herself from a world she cannot know. Meanwhile, copied and experimented on like a lab rat, Gell's sister must escape a horrible fate. Driven by a desire for a world that is real, they defy their gods to craft a home of their own.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
Audiobook
First published May 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 13, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Artificial Jelly: A LitRPG Dungeon Mob Searching for Hope is the second book in an aware NPCs quest to figure out her world and her place in it. I don't read much litrpg, but that is okay since especially in this second installment there is a definite SciFi feel. Told from multiple PoVs, the reader gets a view of the entire world and how they will impact out little Jellyfae.
Gell, the Jellyfae, has been let back into the game that spawned her and asked by the creators to behave and not use her special powers as they make the NPC characters break their programing and start to develop. There just isn't enough server space in the game for something like that. Gell is reunited with old friends and makes some new ones on her quest to find Bugbear and help him become a player like herself.
Gell was very childlike in the first book and I would say these are more her teenage years where she is being hit with some bigger life events like your first crush, life and death cycles and betrayals. Her journey is one of discovery of herself and the world around her, even if it is a game. She wants to be able to fend for herself and is worried that some of the events out in the world may impact her and wants to figure out a way to defend herself. One of her new friends might be an old enemy coming to find out more about the little Jellyfae.
On the flip side, a copy of Gell is being experimented with outside of the game to see what it can do. It is interesting to see how the same primary programming can change and divert when given new and different experiences. It will be interesting to see how Gell's sister will grow without a game to shape her experiences.
Overall this was a better story than the first with more moral and ethical implications. What will the world be like when the first AIs come and are aware? It is an interesting concept. I liked where the overall arc of the story is going and the plot and storyline are better in this book.
Narration:
Traci Odom is a solid narrator and does well in this story. She handles the multiple PoV well and I enjoyed how she portrayed all the characters. Gell is a little whiny at times but I think for that you have to remember she is essentially a child and sometimes throws a bit of a tantrum. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Artificial Jelly: A LitRPG Dungeon Mob Searching for Hope is the second book in an aware NPCs quest to figure out her world and her place in it. I don't read much litrpg, but that is okay since especially in this second installment there is a definite SciFi feel. Told from multiple PoVs, the reader gets a view of the entire world and how they will impact out little Jellyfae.
Gell, the Jellyfae, has been let back into the game that spawned her and asked by the creators to behave and not use her special powers as they make the NPC characters break their programing and start to develop. There just isn't enough server space in the game for something like that. Gell is reunited with old friends and makes some new ones on her quest to find Bugbear and help him become a player like herself.
Gell was very childlike in the first book and I would say these are more her teenage years where she is being hit with some bigger life events like your first crush, life and death cycles and betrayals. Her journey is one of discovery of herself and the world around her, even if it is a game. She wants to be able to fend for herself and is worried that some of the events out in the world may impact her and wants to figure out a way to defend herself. One of her new friends might be an old enemy coming to find out more about the little Jellyfae.
On the flip side, a copy of Gell is being experimented with outside of the game to see what it can do. It is interesting to see how the same primary programming can change and divert when given new and different experiences. It will be interesting to see how Gell's sister will grow without a game to shape her experiences.
Overall this was a better story than the first with more moral and ethical implications. What will the world be like when the first AIs come and are aware? It is an interesting concept. I liked where the overall arc of the story is going and the plot and storyline are better in this book.
Narration:
Traci Odom is a solid narrator and does well in this story. She handles the multiple PoV well and I enjoyed how she portrayed all the characters. Gell is a little whiny at times but I think for that you have to remember she is essentially a child and sometimes throws a bit of a tantrum. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed
Listen to a clip: HERE
December 20, 2021
This second instalment of this fantastic coming of age (with a twist) LitRPG fantasy tale was every bit as good as the first book in the series. So good in fact that this might be my top series I’ve read in 2021!
Gel’s adventures in this one were every bit as compelling and emotionally engaging as they were in the first book in the series. Dustin Graham has created a fantastic character in Gel and a pretty fun sci-future world in general! He has a very engaging writing style. I was glued to the story from start to finish and this resulted in this being one of the very few books I’ve struggled to put down in the last couple of years.
I was a little apprehensive of starting this one as I’ve found that a lot of LitRPG and gamelit series struggle to keep the momentum and quality up as the series progresses and the characters increase in power. With Gel learning the truth of her world at the end of the first book I feared that might be a significant change that made this book a more difficult proposition for Graham to keep readers engaged. I was dead wrong on that. The quality was just as good as the first book and the pacing was perfect. None of the emotional depth of the story was lost. Gel continued to grow but never lost any of her charm.
All in all this is just a great series. Works as both a LitRPG/gamelit book and as a traditional YA coming of age fantasy. One of the top entries in any of those genres in recent years in my opinion!
Rating: 5 stars. Easy rating for one of my favourite new finds in years.
Audio Note: Traci Odom did a good job with the audio. She should be a little old for the role but that never hurts the story as she does such a great job of voicing a very young Gel and the rest of the cast. Her performance was great and really breathed life into the story. She really nailed the tone and was excellent at conveying the emotions felt by our young naive Jellyfae!
Gel’s adventures in this one were every bit as compelling and emotionally engaging as they were in the first book in the series. Dustin Graham has created a fantastic character in Gel and a pretty fun sci-future world in general! He has a very engaging writing style. I was glued to the story from start to finish and this resulted in this being one of the very few books I’ve struggled to put down in the last couple of years.
I was a little apprehensive of starting this one as I’ve found that a lot of LitRPG and gamelit series struggle to keep the momentum and quality up as the series progresses and the characters increase in power. With Gel learning the truth of her world at the end of the first book I feared that might be a significant change that made this book a more difficult proposition for Graham to keep readers engaged. I was dead wrong on that. The quality was just as good as the first book and the pacing was perfect. None of the emotional depth of the story was lost. Gel continued to grow but never lost any of her charm.
All in all this is just a great series. Works as both a LitRPG/gamelit book and as a traditional YA coming of age fantasy. One of the top entries in any of those genres in recent years in my opinion!
Rating: 5 stars. Easy rating for one of my favourite new finds in years.
Audio Note: Traci Odom did a good job with the audio. She should be a little old for the role but that never hurts the story as she does such a great job of voicing a very young Gel and the rest of the cast. Her performance was great and really breathed life into the story. She really nailed the tone and was excellent at conveying the emotions felt by our young naive Jellyfae!
September 20, 2021
In the first book, Gell was childlike, her mind just beginning to grasp how the world worked. Most of her interactions were equally simple- she wanted to make friends, and get away from the people that were hurting her. The first book was endearing in its simplicity, the joy of watching an AI take her first steps.
This book contained much of that same joy, but was also tinged with the sadness that comes as one learns the world isn't nearly as simple a place as we like to think it is when we are kids. Gell is clearly entering more of a teenager stage, with the crushes and tantrums to prove it, but also her relationships become more complex, more nuanced, and suddenly her friends don't seem as straightforward as they did in the first novel. As they do in real life, sometimes life gets messy and complicated, and people can't always mend fences with a simple apology. Nor can they claw back the hand of time.
Not even an AI.
This book contained much of that same joy, but was also tinged with the sadness that comes as one learns the world isn't nearly as simple a place as we like to think it is when we are kids. Gell is clearly entering more of a teenager stage, with the crushes and tantrums to prove it, but also her relationships become more complex, more nuanced, and suddenly her friends don't seem as straightforward as they did in the first novel. As they do in real life, sometimes life gets messy and complicated, and people can't always mend fences with a simple apology. Nor can they claw back the hand of time.
Not even an AI.
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October 18, 2021Fuck you
This is one of the only litrpg books to actually make me cry. Well done you son of a jellybitch
This is one of the only litrpg books to actually make me cry. Well done you son of a jellybitch
December 7, 2023
This iteration was getting into slightly more well-trodden territory but was still very enjoyable and found enough ways to keep things interesting. Several characters that I felt were a bit shallow in the previous book became significantly more well-rounded and some motivations that seemed erratic in the previous book became more understandable.
However, one character reaction/decision near the very end felt a little forced and out of character for me - but then, that might well improve in the next book as well. That said, I really hope there will be another one. There sure are enough loose threads left hanging at the end of this one. I haven't really been able to find any information about this series outside of online book shops and here, though...
Oh yes, and there were again some passages that did not really work in the audio medium, such as seemingly endless inventory lists. But this is a very minor quibble.
However, one character reaction/decision near the very end felt a little forced and out of character for me - but then, that might well improve in the next book as well. That said, I really hope there will be another one. There sure are enough loose threads left hanging at the end of this one. I haven't really been able to find any information about this series outside of online book shops and here, though...
Oh yes, and there were again some passages that did not really work in the audio medium, such as seemingly endless inventory lists. But this is a very minor quibble.
October 7, 2021
Another well written, thought provoking novel. Still getting more sci-fi vibes than litrpg which is fine. I was just anticipating more gaming elements than I got. The story is a lot deeper than what I would expect from a litrpg. Aside from the use of foreshadowing in the prologue that sheds light into future novels, I thought the book was great. There are deep characters with emotional interactions, compelling plot lines in and out of the game world, and complex questions about life and humanity. Good stuff.
December 5, 2021
Fantastic continuation!
This story is epic! I love how the author is imagining and telling this story and I very much look forward to the next volume!
However... Someone please get the author an editor! Personal pronouns switching back and forth when specific characters are mentioned, entire chunks of text copied and placed in the wrong places, typos, punctuation, etc. I usually report content errors as I read, but these were so bad, albeit few, thank God, I was too confused by the errors to really understand how to report them.
This story is epic! I love how the author is imagining and telling this story and I very much look forward to the next volume!
However... Someone please get the author an editor! Personal pronouns switching back and forth when specific characters are mentioned, entire chunks of text copied and placed in the wrong places, typos, punctuation, etc. I usually report content errors as I read, but these were so bad, albeit few, thank God, I was too confused by the errors to really understand how to report them.
November 12, 2022
I love getting all these non-human characters... at least at first. This one reminds me quite a bit of Dungeon Bunny in feel even after the change. The theme of the book quickly changes about half way in from a more game based one to one with real stakes and implications for the people of this world.
October 31, 2021
Emotional and thought provoking
Another good story about Gell and her growth, as she learns more about the world and people. There are ups and downs, as in many stories, but I actually teared up a bit news the end.
I'm really looking forward to the next book. There is such great potential for Gell and also the possibility of further trouble, both for her and her sisters.
Another good story about Gell and her growth, as she learns more about the world and people. There are ups and downs, as in many stories, but I actually teared up a bit news the end.
I'm really looking forward to the next book. There is such great potential for Gell and also the possibility of further trouble, both for her and her sisters.
November 8, 2021
A touching change of pace from an NPC ish point of view.
This second story about an NPC character string becoming a self aware AI was remarkably touching. It reads more like a good character based novel than a fantasy/scifi litprg. I was not expecting to be moved by the characters dealing with "real world" personal problems.
This second story about an NPC character string becoming a self aware AI was remarkably touching. It reads more like a good character based novel than a fantasy/scifi litprg. I was not expecting to be moved by the characters dealing with "real world" personal problems.
May 3, 2023
This volume really delves into the ethical and moral dilemmas that come from AI. The fact that it is code that can easily be copied or deleted, but also has a distinct personality and opinions opens up a whole can of worms that this book eagerly dives into. A lot of hard lessons are learned, both by Gell and the people entangled with her. I can't wait to read more.
May 3, 2024
Twists and turns! This series is so well written and held my attention start to finish. A mix of in game fighting alongside real world experience. Our main character is still immature/ learning how to be a person alongside adult people who don’t always understand her immaturity. But there are so many aspects to the story that it held my interest even with multiple pov
September 13, 2021
Better than the first
A little darker than the first but just as heartwarming and heartbreaking. A spectacular follow up.
Spoilers:
The game picks up shortly after the first , we meet Jelly 's creator, copies are made of her,internet escape, plenty of character growth.
A little darker than the first but just as heartwarming and heartbreaking. A spectacular follow up.
Spoilers:
The game picks up shortly after the first , we meet Jelly 's creator, copies are made of her,internet escape, plenty of character growth.
September 20, 2021
I cried
Very well written book, i only saw 1 mistake through it all.
The story itself made me cry and is very engaging, but i come to fantasy to escape. I hope the next book is less heart wrenching.
Very well written book, i only saw 1 mistake through it all.
The story itself made me cry and is very engaging, but i come to fantasy to escape. I hope the next book is less heart wrenching.
September 24, 2021
From nowhere, one of best two books I've read in a while
Is the best new series I've read in a long while. Impressive world building, emotionally poignant, and flat out awesome series. Cannot stress enough how good this series is. Read it enjoy and be amazed.
Is the best new series I've read in a long while. Impressive world building, emotionally poignant, and flat out awesome series. Cannot stress enough how good this series is. Read it enjoy and be amazed.
January 15, 2022
Holy shit
This is an amazing book. All the emotion, all for a little ai. There have been plenty of books that deal with ai, but I can't remember any that were this well done. Admittedly a little low on the action(what I typically go for) but it makes up for it with the feels.
This is an amazing book. All the emotion, all for a little ai. There have been plenty of books that deal with ai, but I can't remember any that were this well done. Admittedly a little low on the action(what I typically go for) but it makes up for it with the feels.
December 28, 2022
This one was almost as good as the first one! I have loved reading about Gel and her adventures. It’s amazing to read about her learning and I can’t wait to see what she does next! It ended with a cliffhanger, so when the third one comes out I will be sure to read it!
September 13, 2021
In the mood to cry?
Wow.. Just wow. Amazing book. Can't wait for the next one. Haven't cried like that in a long while. 10\10
Wow.. Just wow. Amazing book. Can't wait for the next one. Haven't cried like that in a long while. 10\10
December 12, 2021
Just as amazing as the first.
It could end here if it wanted — but don’t you dare Dustin! There is so much more to explore. Anyway, great work.
It could end here if it wanted — but don’t you dare Dustin! There is so much more to explore. Anyway, great work.
April 26, 2022
Going Strong
This novel was just as well written and entertaining as the first. It went in directions I was not expecting, but I cannot wait to see where they end.
This novel was just as well written and entertaining as the first. It went in directions I was not expecting, but I cannot wait to see where they end.
October 6, 2024
I'll admit that I cried reading this, MB really knows how to tug on those heartstrings. Also loved the Paragell storyline and the contrast with Gell, AI handled beautifully.
February 28, 2025
Wonderful
Love the book. The parallel copies the insights into the people playing the game or making articles on Gell. Well done.
Love the book. The parallel copies the insights into the people playing the game or making articles on Gell. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews