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Awaken Online #5.5
Side quest: Happy
Pain. Chaos. Happiness?
Dominic Hart was screwed.
Diagnosed with terminal cancer, no money for treatment, and an athletic scholarship hanging by a thread... he didn't have many options. But the university clinic had offered him a free videogame . Some sort of "therapy," they said. A way to while away the hours until he kicked the bucket. Yay.
What Dom wasn't expecting was to get swindled by a surly casino owner right out of the gate. Or get dropped in a backwater hellhole voted the “#1 worst starting location in Awaken Online.” That might have been because a videogame mafia controlled the city. Or maybe it was because even the plant life could kill you. Regardless, his shit luck had obviously tagged along for the ride.
But that's life. The odds are stacked in the house's favor, you're running out of chips, and you have to decide to hit or fold. For Dom, he decides to go all in. What does he really have to lose?
It's just his life and happiness hanging in the balance.
Dominic Hart was screwed.
Diagnosed with terminal cancer, no money for treatment, and an athletic scholarship hanging by a thread... he didn't have many options. But the university clinic had offered him a free videogame . Some sort of "therapy," they said. A way to while away the hours until he kicked the bucket. Yay.
What Dom wasn't expecting was to get swindled by a surly casino owner right out of the gate. Or get dropped in a backwater hellhole voted the “#1 worst starting location in Awaken Online.” That might have been because a videogame mafia controlled the city. Or maybe it was because even the plant life could kill you. Regardless, his shit luck had obviously tagged along for the ride.
But that's life. The odds are stacked in the house's favor, you're running out of chips, and you have to decide to hit or fold. For Dom, he decides to go all in. What does he really have to lose?
It's just his life and happiness hanging in the balance.
624 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2021
234 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Travis Bagwell
20 books2,057 followersI live in Austin, Texas with my wife and our three dogs. I'm an attorney by day and an avid video game enthusiast by night. Writing fiction had been a secret dream of mine for a while. However, between school and work, that dream seemed impossible to squeeze in. A couple of years ago, I had a bit more time on my hands and I finally decided to put my nerdy interests to work by trying my hand at writing science fiction and fantasy.
I never expected the wildly positive response to my work. I am truly blown away and humbled and I only hope to be able to continue sharing my stories.
You can find me here:
https://travisbagwell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/da3strikes/
https://twitter.com/da3strikes
https://www.patreon.com/da3strikes
Or come check out our awesome fangroup and meet some cool people!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AO.Or...
I never expected the wildly positive response to my work. I am truly blown away and humbled and I only hope to be able to continue sharing my stories.
You can find me here:
https://travisbagwell.com/
https://www.facebook.com/da3strikes/
https://twitter.com/da3strikes
https://www.patreon.com/da3strikes
Or come check out our awesome fangroup and meet some cool people!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/AO.Or...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
December 27, 2021
Amazing!
Travis did it again. Dom is my new favourite character. Such good story, satisfying progress, and incredible conclusion.... I think I'd prefer him to win 9ver Jason 😎
Travis did it again. Dom is my new favourite character. Such good story, satisfying progress, and incredible conclusion.... I think I'd prefer him to win 9ver Jason 😎
December 10, 2022
Another side-tale to the world. But this one is about luck. Or rather, a cool little definition of happiness.
Basically, throw a truly massive mountain of shit at someone on the off-chance that they get through it -- and if they do, THAT'S HAPPINESS.
*silent thought*
Yep. That sounds about right.
So, in this LitRPG, expect nothing but a mountain of crap being poured upon this poor MC, with his friends, as they learn to die gracefully. Of course, with all this respawning time, it's really pretty much nothing but death. :)
I had a good time with this. It's all about endurance training. A LOT of endurance training, with bonuses if you take on WAY too much crap. :)
Basically, throw a truly massive mountain of shit at someone on the off-chance that they get through it -- and if they do, THAT'S HAPPINESS.
*silent thought*
Yep. That sounds about right.
So, in this LitRPG, expect nothing but a mountain of crap being poured upon this poor MC, with his friends, as they learn to die gracefully. Of course, with all this respawning time, it's really pretty much nothing but death. :)
I had a good time with this. It's all about endurance training. A LOT of endurance training, with bonuses if you take on WAY too much crap. :)
June 2, 2022
I’ll give it 1.5 for being easy to read. This is not for me, I will not be finishing it, I heard how it ends and it seems like such a waste of my time. Why was this almost 30 hours?!? What is the point?!? Why are these characters so boring and lifeless?!? Ugh anyway. Definitely not for me but I’m glad others who like this genre seem to enjoy it.
June 18, 2022
This book had a really interesting premise, but then failed to deliver. Pacing was weird and confusing, emotional moments and conversations were missing or skimmed over, the theme of grappling with mortality was skimped on. Overall disappointing because there really was potential here.
June 19, 2022
This had so much potential in its set up and then managed to not deliver on basically any of it.
December 1, 2024
Best book of the series so far! Love the new characters and their dynamics. A ton of original mechanics and fun adventures.
January 4, 2022
"Did you know that the term 'happiness' is synonymous with luck in many European languages in your world?"
"You can't define happiness by itself. It's just the opposite of a bundle of different things ̶ of pain, sorrow, fear, loss, depression, anxiety, discomfort. That clusterfuck of painful shit."
Bagwell's latest side quest, Happy, is perhaps most remarkable for its introduction of a (possible) avatar that is not a caster to the AO series. Dom's warrior-like class, serves as a creative addition to a cohort of main character that has been predominantly filled with magic users. Likewise, Bagwell manages again to add central character distinct in personality and age from the previous ones, while also serving to provide him with strong (and relatable) motivation for continuing with in the world of AO.
The book's themes focus primarily around death. As with Jason in the first novel, catharsis serves as an initial motivation for Dom, but it is through dying so many times within AO that Dom learns to cope his terminal diagnosis in the real world. Thus, the brutal realism of death in AO serves an explicit purpose here. The effect of this VR world on the personalities and behaviours of the real world is one of the recurring themes of the series as whole. With Dom's story, we see again to potential for such a realm to aid in coping with such real life trauma. The anti-capitalist stance was an excellent element to see brought up occasionally as well. Even in a futuristic timeline, the vampiric American medical system still stands out as a familiar dystopian element, driving the plot forward of this story as with countless novels, TV shows (cf. Breaking Bad) and more.
While Bagwell has explored deep philosophical elements in the AO series before, this time it is intricately bound up in the mechanics of Dom's fighting style. Luck serves as poignant theme for anyone dealing with a terminal illness at a relatively young age, but the factor of luck is also inherently tied to Dom's abilities, more than any other character. It serves to benefit him at many points in the novel, illustrating a picture of the world that acknowledges the influences outside factors, and even the randomness of reality. The Gambler's own unorthodox conception of happiness via chaos, likewise, serves to force the reader to pause and ponder our popular conceptions of happiness, and perhaps even consider it as being more determined by external factors than we would like to admit. In that sense, even if not wholly believable, the Gambler's ideology serves as useful counter to the intellectually lazy ideas of positive psychology and mindfulness that persist so strongly in modern popular culture.
Happy also gives the most substantial character progression of any figure in the series so far. Dom's physical changes in AO mirror his other transformation from social isolation to the creation of his guild with his new friends. While ostensibly being a novel centered around Dom, Happy is also essentially a story of founding of as it introduces these new characters, just as much as it tells Dom's journey. The revival of characters like Lauren and Vanessa from previous books is also a nice touch, building upon Bagwell's characteristic habit from previous novels of including vignettes of the world through the eyes of other characters. While these two had previously been merely two-dimensional antagonists, serving as rivals for Jason and Finn in their earlier appearances, recasting them as more meaningful figures with their own backstories serves to also add a greater touch of realism to this fictional world. In particular, this (as well as the similarities between Dom and Booker) highlights a nuanced realism that conventional fantasy designations like protagonist/antagonist always being relative terms, which can easily be shifted depending on perspective. With the epilogue, there is also some foreshadowing, and reminder of another potential external influence with the subtle actions of the morally grey character of Alfred. Overall, the novel serves as another interesting addition to series with the story of the (presumptive) air avatar and his band of (un)lucky thieves.
"You can't define happiness by itself. It's just the opposite of a bundle of different things ̶ of pain, sorrow, fear, loss, depression, anxiety, discomfort. That clusterfuck of painful shit."
Bagwell's latest side quest, Happy, is perhaps most remarkable for its introduction of a (possible) avatar that is not a caster to the AO series. Dom's warrior-like class, serves as a creative addition to a cohort of main character that has been predominantly filled with magic users. Likewise, Bagwell manages again to add central character distinct in personality and age from the previous ones, while also serving to provide him with strong (and relatable) motivation for continuing with in the world of AO.
The book's themes focus primarily around death. As with Jason in the first novel, catharsis serves as an initial motivation for Dom, but it is through dying so many times within AO that Dom learns to cope his terminal diagnosis in the real world. Thus, the brutal realism of death in AO serves an explicit purpose here. The effect of this VR world on the personalities and behaviours of the real world is one of the recurring themes of the series as whole. With Dom's story, we see again to potential for such a realm to aid in coping with such real life trauma. The anti-capitalist stance was an excellent element to see brought up occasionally as well. Even in a futuristic timeline, the vampiric American medical system still stands out as a familiar dystopian element, driving the plot forward of this story as with countless novels, TV shows (cf. Breaking Bad) and more.
While Bagwell has explored deep philosophical elements in the AO series before, this time it is intricately bound up in the mechanics of Dom's fighting style. Luck serves as poignant theme for anyone dealing with a terminal illness at a relatively young age, but the factor of luck is also inherently tied to Dom's abilities, more than any other character. It serves to benefit him at many points in the novel, illustrating a picture of the world that acknowledges the influences outside factors, and even the randomness of reality. The Gambler's own unorthodox conception of happiness via chaos, likewise, serves to force the reader to pause and ponder our popular conceptions of happiness, and perhaps even consider it as being more determined by external factors than we would like to admit. In that sense, even if not wholly believable, the Gambler's ideology serves as useful counter to the intellectually lazy ideas of positive psychology and mindfulness that persist so strongly in modern popular culture.
Happy also gives the most substantial character progression of any figure in the series so far. Dom's physical changes in AO mirror his other transformation from social isolation to the creation of his guild with his new friends. While ostensibly being a novel centered around Dom, Happy is also essentially a story of founding of as it introduces these new characters, just as much as it tells Dom's journey. The revival of characters like Lauren and Vanessa from previous books is also a nice touch, building upon Bagwell's characteristic habit from previous novels of including vignettes of the world through the eyes of other characters. While these two had previously been merely two-dimensional antagonists, serving as rivals for Jason and Finn in their earlier appearances, recasting them as more meaningful figures with their own backstories serves to also add a greater touch of realism to this fictional world. In particular, this (as well as the similarities between Dom and Booker) highlights a nuanced realism that conventional fantasy designations like protagonist/antagonist always being relative terms, which can easily be shifted depending on perspective. With the epilogue, there is also some foreshadowing, and reminder of another potential external influence with the subtle actions of the morally grey character of Alfred. Overall, the novel serves as another interesting addition to series with the story of the (presumptive) air avatar and his band of (un)lucky thieves.
December 25, 2021
Travis Bagwell returns to Awaken Online in this side installment that is a wonderful blend of action, emotion, and philosophy that results in an origin story that's hard to put down.
My favorite aspect of this book is the way Bagwell approaches death and suffering. Our protagonist, Dom, is dying in real life and serves as an interesting backdrop to our "therapist AI" who decides the best way to help is to have Dom die in game... a lot. In all of the AO books, deaths are described as painful experiences. Not quite the real thing but enough to make everyone fear the outcome. The physical, emotional, or in most cases quest failure resulting from death means that most of our other main characters have to avoid it, sometimes veering dangerously close to plot armor.
By having Dom die a lot though we get two things. First, we have a character who can suffer, fail, and grow. Throughout the book, I was reminded of the idea that suffering is necessary for biological change. Suffering forces us to adapt, or at least to remove the negative stimuli, and in the case of Dom (and later cast of characters) enables them to grow and become stronger and we get to experience that character journey along the way. I LOVE all of the misfits from previous books that made their way into this book and I'm glad we get to continue seeing their own journeys (and revenge attempts).
As an aside, it's interesting to position this book in the greater AO narrative and think about what this concept means in terms of growth for Alfred. What does suffering look like for an AI? Is their growth different? And how will Bagwell bring us along to experience that character development? Alfred has always been more of a plot driver or psuedo-character rather than something fully fleshed out and I'm excited to see Bagwell hopefully approach these topics given his recent philosophy dialogues that feature prominently in both Hellion and Happy
Second while admittedly the failures are small, thousands of deaths, it frees Bagwell up to write an environment that rightfully feels dangerous and so our payoff for existing and growing feels organic and is all the more enjoyable.
The action in the book is well written and the skills on display are unique and exciting to see displayed.
I liken this book to superhero comics in that we end up with a squad of folks with complementary powers. I am enjoying this trend of team creation (Suicide Squad, anyone?). As a reader I can get more "what if" scenarios and imagine more characters squaring off in epic duels and can get more flexibility in showcasing our characters skills and abilities.
This book was a joy to read. Couldn't put down. All of the call-outs to other media were cherry on top.
Already psyched for the showdown coming and to find out how Dom might be involved with Rachel's death and Robert's "eccentricities".
My favorite aspect of this book is the way Bagwell approaches death and suffering. Our protagonist, Dom, is dying in real life and serves as an interesting backdrop to our "therapist AI" who decides the best way to help is to have Dom die in game... a lot. In all of the AO books, deaths are described as painful experiences. Not quite the real thing but enough to make everyone fear the outcome. The physical, emotional, or in most cases quest failure resulting from death means that most of our other main characters have to avoid it, sometimes veering dangerously close to plot armor.
By having Dom die a lot though we get two things. First, we have a character who can suffer, fail, and grow. Throughout the book, I was reminded of the idea that suffering is necessary for biological change. Suffering forces us to adapt, or at least to remove the negative stimuli, and in the case of Dom (and later cast of characters) enables them to grow and become stronger and we get to experience that character journey along the way. I LOVE all of the misfits from previous books that made their way into this book and I'm glad we get to continue seeing their own journeys (and revenge attempts).
As an aside, it's interesting to position this book in the greater AO narrative and think about what this concept means in terms of growth for Alfred. What does suffering look like for an AI? Is their growth different? And how will Bagwell bring us along to experience that character development? Alfred has always been more of a plot driver or psuedo-character rather than something fully fleshed out and I'm excited to see Bagwell hopefully approach these topics given his recent philosophy dialogues that feature prominently in both Hellion and Happy
Second while admittedly the failures are small, thousands of deaths, it frees Bagwell up to write an environment that rightfully feels dangerous and so our payoff for existing and growing feels organic and is all the more enjoyable.
The action in the book is well written and the skills on display are unique and exciting to see displayed.
I liken this book to superhero comics in that we end up with a squad of folks with complementary powers. I am enjoying this trend of team creation (Suicide Squad, anyone?). As a reader I can get more "what if" scenarios and imagine more characters squaring off in epic duels and can get more flexibility in showcasing our characters skills and abilities.
This book was a joy to read. Couldn't put down. All of the call-outs to other media were cherry on top.
Already psyched for the showdown coming and to find out how Dom might be involved with Rachel's death and Robert's "eccentricities".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2021
Gripping, Brutal, Cathartic
I'm always excited to see a new book by Travis and this has been the most enjoyable yet. It has been a pleasure to see his world become more and more clear through new perspectives. Best one yet, though can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone book.
I'm always excited to see a new book by Travis and this has been the most enjoyable yet. It has been a pleasure to see his world become more and more clear through new perspectives. Best one yet, though can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone book.
July 28, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
January 10, 2022
Overpowered MC that should lose more.
I really like the series from Bagwell. Whereas in many LitRPG the main character ultimately (or quickly) becomes overpowered and the story boring. With Jason and Finn that never seemed to happen as their opponents are equally strong or smart. Not so much with Dom.
Basically, the MC spawns in a high-level grinding zone and simply grinds untill he is so powerful that nothing can harm him. In the climax of the sory, Dom faces an entire army by himself and wins by just... Walking to the finish. Unstoppable. Boring. It got me rooting for the bad guys actually.
Don't get me wrong. I understand that Bagwell wanted to create a tank character and I really look forward to how he pits him against Jason and Finn. But the book lacks the usual adversity and ingenuity of the other books in the series. Not saying I could do better of course. Just hoping that in the next book the MCs will lose more (weird as that may sound). Dominion was brilliant!
I really like the series from Bagwell. Whereas in many LitRPG the main character ultimately (or quickly) becomes overpowered and the story boring. With Jason and Finn that never seemed to happen as their opponents are equally strong or smart. Not so much with Dom.
Basically, the MC spawns in a high-level grinding zone and simply grinds untill he is so powerful that nothing can harm him. In the climax of the sory, Dom faces an entire army by himself and wins by just... Walking to the finish. Unstoppable. Boring. It got me rooting for the bad guys actually.
Don't get me wrong. I understand that Bagwell wanted to create a tank character and I really look forward to how he pits him against Jason and Finn. But the book lacks the usual adversity and ingenuity of the other books in the series. Not saying I could do better of course. Just hoping that in the next book the MCs will lose more (weird as that may sound). Dominion was brilliant!
January 22, 2022
SPOILER FILLED
Awaken Online: Happy, is the eleventh (or maybe twelfth book?) in the Awaken Online Series. It's a side character novel that takes place sometime during the main characters Jason's ascent in developing the Twilight Throne, and Finn's conquest and creation of Sanscrit, if I remember correctly.
So, a short summary. The story involves Dom, a college football player who gets diagnosed with cancer and has a short time to live. His life goes to shit, further so when he realizes he can't afford the treatments. But his nurse suggests to him, yep, the game from Ceruellian Entertainment, that patients seem to have a positive affect with playing. And he gets hooked into Awaken Online.
Much like Jason and the other avatars, Dom is sort of chosen by one of the games deities, or Alfred behind the scenes. This time he starts in a casino, which I love the idea of a dilapitating casino powered by magic and steampunk tech that has a door that has an entry way that goes into the abyss, but its eye-rollingly convenient that when Dom was a kid his dad took him from casino to casino because he repaired slot machines or whatever the hell, so Dom naturally takes to the setting familiar. Backstory. The god that is stuck in the purgatory running it is the god of happiness, with a philosophy that I found told interestingly and well as to what gives people happiness.
Anyhow Dom starts off in the jungle sky islands in a city known as Aislen. Aislen is run by the Jackals, a group that is stuck along with the players in the hardest start point of Awaken Online (very interesting idea here). See none of the players who start here can successfully escape it, the monsters and traps of the jungle are just too great obstacles to successfully overcome. Basically, they're stuck under the Jackals rule unless they go solo, which is what Dom does. But eventually he meets up with a bard. And a chicken. And a few minor characters from previous novels. And they band together and go against the Jackals while accomplishing other in game things no-one’s ever done before.
Travis Bagwell delivers a good story, and I am constantly surprised by his inventiveness and sheer fun of these books. This is AOs version of the superhero, or in this case supervillain tale. But I have some criticisms. First things I liked.
-The dire python first encounter made my skin crawl. As someone who HATES snakes, being digested alive by one is one of my irrational personal fears so that was really unsettling.
-Another mention, But I love the idea of the casino hub world and that its lorded by the God of Happiness, and that slot machines are run by metals and crystals and magic. And that there is a main door that opens to oblivion and sucks you out back to the main game world. Good stuff.
-I loved the Truggle side plot where they bind the goblins to the casino
-Dom is an interesting character and his training of facing game death mirroring his real life not only athletic training and growing, but his dealing with the facing the real possible death from his illness. That was a really good idea, and Dom’s approach of brute forcing it but being smart and strategic about how he trains based on how he trains in football was a clever idea done well.
- I liked Wingman as the Death Chicken but have issue with some of his scenes. But Wingman knocking the smoker over and it is falling through the floors of the guild hall was great.
-Adrian’s idea of crowdfunding in game, that kick starters can raise money for different quests to be accomplished, assassination missions, ec... was great
-Taking strategy from Jason and co. It's nice to acknowledge that every character isn't the smartest person in the room who comes up with their own ideas all the time, sometimes they need help.
Now my criticisms
I found it funny with the amount of graphic and gruesome violence in AO novels, the disclaimer had to be said at the beginning that the character may curse a bit too much, really? If kids reading this can stomach the violence than a bunch of F bombs shouldn't faze them. And it's kind of gratuitously violent for a book that has a lot of comic relief. I mean the characters are practically destroying entire ecosystems of animals. I don't know how I feel about that, maybe I’m getting older. I guess in a video game, say Diablo you massacre hundreds of thousands of demon spawns. I mean in Final Fantasy for example, you slaughter different creatures, but the tone is established that it’s clearly a pixel/anime game world, whereas AO prides itself on its ‘in game realism’.
But like, Page 703 example of the violence: “The blood ran through waters..” Like blood falls from the massacre that happened. Maybe it’s the comedic tone and Dom and co’s nonchalance about it that makes it off-putting at times. With Jason’s story it is meant to be shocking, he’s playing a bad guy. With Dom, yeah he becomes Smiles (AOs version of the Joker) but he’s not really the Joker because he doesn’t do things for pure chaos, its more survival. He doesn’t get the power trip from manipulation and destruction that Jason does.
Modern slang being used in the year 204X/ 207X or whenever future year AO takes place. Hoomans. Gender fluid. Woke-ass humans. Get good. Selfies. I mean its distracting; slang would change by then and all these terms would be lame by then, wouldn’t they? Also, chicken nuggets were used twice to describe Wingman once by a character thinking it and then another character saying it.
It appears the Gambler can enter the game world and recruit. Don’t know how he does this whilst the other gods can’t interfere directly like that.
I notice that Bagwell has his characters roll their eyes a lot. Particularly after telling a lame, bad joke. It doesn't make the joke any better that the character recognizes how bad it is. His characters sometimes start to sound the same, like trying to be the wittiest most clever person in the room, the way Jason does. They all have a similar type of humor. I wish there was more distinct differences in personalities.
Wingmen feasting on the slain. I mean, yeah, I get it, this is a subversion of the cute Chocobo like mascot, but its just way overdone and gross to read about, again contrasted with the humor.
The biggest one I have is that Adrian dies repeatedly to train his stats. Then later Vanessa, Lauren, Willow, and Walt. To me this negates the importance of Dom's own trait, his resilience. It makes sense for his character to face death again and again, but not so much Adrian's character. That implies that Adrian is as strong willed as Dom, whilst everything in his character, speech, and actions, indicates that he isn't. And he has no reason to be. He isn't the one facing the possibility of dying soon. Nor is he a real-life athlete who trains hard to improve himself. His character is the support bard, it would have made more sense to have written him as an artist type who is completely reluctant to face death, to train his body, but rather focused on his music. I think this training should have been relegated just to Dom. I don’t believe that everyone is psychologically prepared to go through what he did (even in a game). Like in real life, people are willing to push themselves, and part of me believes “what one man can do; another can do.” But within that frame there are some who always push harder than others, and few still willing to go the extra mile. And some people who aren’t willing at all. I think it would have been more interesting if it was reflected in maybe one of the characters rather than just having everyone succeed. Also, maybe a betrayal by one of them for the unexpected.
But all in all, I give it 3.5/5, still a good addition to the AO saga and I look forward to the next one as always!
Awaken Online: Happy, is the eleventh (or maybe twelfth book?) in the Awaken Online Series. It's a side character novel that takes place sometime during the main characters Jason's ascent in developing the Twilight Throne, and Finn's conquest and creation of Sanscrit, if I remember correctly.
So, a short summary. The story involves Dom, a college football player who gets diagnosed with cancer and has a short time to live. His life goes to shit, further so when he realizes he can't afford the treatments. But his nurse suggests to him, yep, the game from Ceruellian Entertainment, that patients seem to have a positive affect with playing. And he gets hooked into Awaken Online.
Much like Jason and the other avatars, Dom is sort of chosen by one of the games deities, or Alfred behind the scenes. This time he starts in a casino, which I love the idea of a dilapitating casino powered by magic and steampunk tech that has a door that has an entry way that goes into the abyss, but its eye-rollingly convenient that when Dom was a kid his dad took him from casino to casino because he repaired slot machines or whatever the hell, so Dom naturally takes to the setting familiar. Backstory. The god that is stuck in the purgatory running it is the god of happiness, with a philosophy that I found told interestingly and well as to what gives people happiness.
Anyhow Dom starts off in the jungle sky islands in a city known as Aislen. Aislen is run by the Jackals, a group that is stuck along with the players in the hardest start point of Awaken Online (very interesting idea here). See none of the players who start here can successfully escape it, the monsters and traps of the jungle are just too great obstacles to successfully overcome. Basically, they're stuck under the Jackals rule unless they go solo, which is what Dom does. But eventually he meets up with a bard. And a chicken. And a few minor characters from previous novels. And they band together and go against the Jackals while accomplishing other in game things no-one’s ever done before.
Travis Bagwell delivers a good story, and I am constantly surprised by his inventiveness and sheer fun of these books. This is AOs version of the superhero, or in this case supervillain tale. But I have some criticisms. First things I liked.
-The dire python first encounter made my skin crawl. As someone who HATES snakes, being digested alive by one is one of my irrational personal fears so that was really unsettling.
-Another mention, But I love the idea of the casino hub world and that its lorded by the God of Happiness, and that slot machines are run by metals and crystals and magic. And that there is a main door that opens to oblivion and sucks you out back to the main game world. Good stuff.
-I loved the Truggle side plot where they bind the goblins to the casino
-Dom is an interesting character and his training of facing game death mirroring his real life not only athletic training and growing, but his dealing with the facing the real possible death from his illness. That was a really good idea, and Dom’s approach of brute forcing it but being smart and strategic about how he trains based on how he trains in football was a clever idea done well.
- I liked Wingman as the Death Chicken but have issue with some of his scenes. But Wingman knocking the smoker over and it is falling through the floors of the guild hall was great.
-Adrian’s idea of crowdfunding in game, that kick starters can raise money for different quests to be accomplished, assassination missions, ec... was great
-Taking strategy from Jason and co. It's nice to acknowledge that every character isn't the smartest person in the room who comes up with their own ideas all the time, sometimes they need help.
Now my criticisms
I found it funny with the amount of graphic and gruesome violence in AO novels, the disclaimer had to be said at the beginning that the character may curse a bit too much, really? If kids reading this can stomach the violence than a bunch of F bombs shouldn't faze them. And it's kind of gratuitously violent for a book that has a lot of comic relief. I mean the characters are practically destroying entire ecosystems of animals. I don't know how I feel about that, maybe I’m getting older. I guess in a video game, say Diablo you massacre hundreds of thousands of demon spawns. I mean in Final Fantasy for example, you slaughter different creatures, but the tone is established that it’s clearly a pixel/anime game world, whereas AO prides itself on its ‘in game realism’.
But like, Page 703 example of the violence: “The blood ran through waters..” Like blood falls from the massacre that happened. Maybe it’s the comedic tone and Dom and co’s nonchalance about it that makes it off-putting at times. With Jason’s story it is meant to be shocking, he’s playing a bad guy. With Dom, yeah he becomes Smiles (AOs version of the Joker) but he’s not really the Joker because he doesn’t do things for pure chaos, its more survival. He doesn’t get the power trip from manipulation and destruction that Jason does.
Modern slang being used in the year 204X/ 207X or whenever future year AO takes place. Hoomans. Gender fluid. Woke-ass humans. Get good. Selfies. I mean its distracting; slang would change by then and all these terms would be lame by then, wouldn’t they? Also, chicken nuggets were used twice to describe Wingman once by a character thinking it and then another character saying it.
It appears the Gambler can enter the game world and recruit. Don’t know how he does this whilst the other gods can’t interfere directly like that.
I notice that Bagwell has his characters roll their eyes a lot. Particularly after telling a lame, bad joke. It doesn't make the joke any better that the character recognizes how bad it is. His characters sometimes start to sound the same, like trying to be the wittiest most clever person in the room, the way Jason does. They all have a similar type of humor. I wish there was more distinct differences in personalities.
Wingmen feasting on the slain. I mean, yeah, I get it, this is a subversion of the cute Chocobo like mascot, but its just way overdone and gross to read about, again contrasted with the humor.
The biggest one I have is that Adrian dies repeatedly to train his stats. Then later Vanessa, Lauren, Willow, and Walt. To me this negates the importance of Dom's own trait, his resilience. It makes sense for his character to face death again and again, but not so much Adrian's character. That implies that Adrian is as strong willed as Dom, whilst everything in his character, speech, and actions, indicates that he isn't. And he has no reason to be. He isn't the one facing the possibility of dying soon. Nor is he a real-life athlete who trains hard to improve himself. His character is the support bard, it would have made more sense to have written him as an artist type who is completely reluctant to face death, to train his body, but rather focused on his music. I think this training should have been relegated just to Dom. I don’t believe that everyone is psychologically prepared to go through what he did (even in a game). Like in real life, people are willing to push themselves, and part of me believes “what one man can do; another can do.” But within that frame there are some who always push harder than others, and few still willing to go the extra mile. And some people who aren’t willing at all. I think it would have been more interesting if it was reflected in maybe one of the characters rather than just having everyone succeed. Also, maybe a betrayal by one of them for the unexpected.
But all in all, I give it 3.5/5, still a good addition to the AO saga and I look forward to the next one as always!
December 16, 2021
Of all the side quest stories in this series, I like this one best. His experience with the health care system certainly resonated with me. My brother had terminal brain cancer and no insurance. Several times he had to go to the emergency room because of seizures and I remember how cold doctors were because they knew they could do nothing for him; not because he was terminal, but because he had no insurance and no money. I wasn’t sure if they didn’t care or were uncomfortable with the circumstances. Anyway, I loved Dom’s determination and spirit. His courage in facing down death reminded me a lot of my brother. I hope Dom makes it. It’s nice to imagine a future where, if you had the money, there is hope of a cure. My brother had no hope of survival even if he had money, but he never (or hardly ever) let despair get him by the throat. I railed at the unfairness of his situation and the indifference of the hospitals and some doctors but he never did. He just grinned and kept on living as best he could.
I can’t wait to find out what happens to Gloria and how or if Dom will face off with Jason.
I can’t wait to find out what happens to Gloria and how or if Dom will face off with Jason.
February 15, 2022
The. Best. Of. The. Series.
Travis Bagwell has outdone himself with this entry. Almost too good! I loved the characters, style, and stakes presented more than the main series.
It was as if Bagwell played Persona 5 and was like “That was great, but I got one better.”
I didn’t know what to expect with this one, but I was excited to get into it after Tarot’s heartfelt setup to Hellions explosive conclusion. This entry offers another perspective shift that illuminates how massive the world of awaken online truly is. I thought I’d get bored with another toon getting up to speed with the rest of the avatars but this one offered such a unique take that was both exciting and familiar. I had a lot of moments where I felt a swelling in my chest or puffy eyes from the raw emotion that is conjured.
Well done Travis!
Slow meaningful clap!
Keep surprising us and I’ll keep throwing money at you good sir!
Travis Bagwell has outdone himself with this entry. Almost too good! I loved the characters, style, and stakes presented more than the main series.
It was as if Bagwell played Persona 5 and was like “That was great, but I got one better.”
I didn’t know what to expect with this one, but I was excited to get into it after Tarot’s heartfelt setup to Hellions explosive conclusion. This entry offers another perspective shift that illuminates how massive the world of awaken online truly is. I thought I’d get bored with another toon getting up to speed with the rest of the avatars but this one offered such a unique take that was both exciting and familiar. I had a lot of moments where I felt a swelling in my chest or puffy eyes from the raw emotion that is conjured.
Well done Travis!
Slow meaningful clap!
Keep surprising us and I’ll keep throwing money at you good sir!
January 20, 2024
Happy was such an incredible book and Travis Bagwell did it again with introducing a new character that I absolutely love! Dom has been going through one bad thing after another and has been having such horrible luck in his life. He was feeling really down in the dumps after being diagnosed with cancer and it got him depressed. After getting introduced to the world of AO it truly was incredible to see him conquer his fears and make new friends in the process. Overall I am loving the Awaken Online series so much!
August 1, 2022
Again, this whole series is a fun ride. Fascinating world building. The characters are a crazy mix and fun and silly – and then somber and scary. Super fun!
February 27, 2022
Travis, you did it again!
Damn the books in this series are quite a ride. The new super hero of the MCU series… um sorry the new avatar of the AO series Dom is even more complex from the rest. Being lucked out and diagnosed with cancer and about 6 month left, our pro athlete and health fanatic starts to bury himself in depression and for all intent and purpose gives up.
But luck would have it and Dom gets lucky enough to win a free headset and subscription to AO, there he finds the rush of life again with the help of the air god (?), or is he the happiness god? God of chaos? Probably the ladder.
In AO Dom finds another down on his luck man who tries to show the world the Bard class is not as lame as they think. And together they decide to rob the guild who took control of their starting town in order to pay for Dom's treatments. They succeed to do it thanks to Dom's crazy training regimen and with the help of a non-less than a battle chicken named wing man.
At this point I felt I read a full book and was surprised to find out there are 50% more to the book. After robbing the Jackals guild Dom and Bard start their own guild and shout out for more players to try and get to them in order to join the new guild.
And for my opinion?
This book is a bloody epic. Dom's way of training is extreme, the reason he has to play the game is interesting and again, Travis's characters are very complex and believable, and the world building is spot on.
5/5 highly recommended. I think you can read this book at any point before book six of the main series.
Can't wait for the next book.
Damn the books in this series are quite a ride. The new super hero of the MCU series… um sorry the new avatar of the AO series Dom is even more complex from the rest. Being lucked out and diagnosed with cancer and about 6 month left, our pro athlete and health fanatic starts to bury himself in depression and for all intent and purpose gives up.
But luck would have it and Dom gets lucky enough to win a free headset and subscription to AO, there he finds the rush of life again with the help of the air god (?), or is he the happiness god? God of chaos? Probably the ladder.
In AO Dom finds another down on his luck man who tries to show the world the Bard class is not as lame as they think. And together they decide to rob the guild who took control of their starting town in order to pay for Dom's treatments. They succeed to do it thanks to Dom's crazy training regimen and with the help of a non-less than a battle chicken named wing man.
At this point I felt I read a full book and was surprised to find out there are 50% more to the book. After robbing the Jackals guild Dom and Bard start their own guild and shout out for more players to try and get to them in order to join the new guild.
And for my opinion?
This book is a bloody epic. Dom's way of training is extreme, the reason he has to play the game is interesting and again, Travis's characters are very complex and believable, and the world building is spot on.
5/5 highly recommended. I think you can read this book at any point before book six of the main series.
Can't wait for the next book.
October 6, 2023
Best Avatar By Far!@!
Good lord Mr Bagwell, Smiles me impressed! Seriously in love with this new “semi” Avatar, and the gang that makes up “Death & Taxes”. Love the guild name, a Double Inevitability. And Smiles starting pals? A Bard? Really? You MUST BE an old school EQ player! Did you ever think you’d really pull that off as well as you just did? Seriously, how many millenial designers do you think you’ve now influenced, forcing them to return to their MMPOs to add a new “lost” class??? And you truly shine your genius by introducing the mighty “Cluck Cluck.” Every player realizes just how deadly a resident chicken can become… The rest of the “Death & Taxes” reads almost like a clip from The Breakfast Club. The misunderstood ice princess, the rebellious teen, the bored senior citizen, the loner … and then you top it all off by personalizing the big BAD BOOKER and after wiping out his guild and taking everything he (virtually) owned, Smiles invites him right into D&T, where Smokes just ao obviously befits… Man, dont get me wrong, I treally enjoy followingthee
Good lord Mr Bagwell, Smiles me impressed! Seriously in love with this new “semi” Avatar, and the gang that makes up “Death & Taxes”. Love the guild name, a Double Inevitability. And Smiles starting pals? A Bard? Really? You MUST BE an old school EQ player! Did you ever think you’d really pull that off as well as you just did? Seriously, how many millenial designers do you think you’ve now influenced, forcing them to return to their MMPOs to add a new “lost” class??? And you truly shine your genius by introducing the mighty “Cluck Cluck.” Every player realizes just how deadly a resident chicken can become… The rest of the “Death & Taxes” reads almost like a clip from The Breakfast Club. The misunderstood ice princess, the rebellious teen, the bored senior citizen, the loner … and then you top it all off by personalizing the big BAD BOOKER and after wiping out his guild and taking everything he (virtually) owned, Smiles invites him right into D&T, where Smokes just ao obviously befits… Man, dont get me wrong, I treally enjoy followingthee
December 26, 2021
The side quest books (of any series) often fail to catch my fancy as do the main sequence books, but this one stands very well on its own, despite the references to Jason and the main plot.
Some interesting examination of motivation and morality in a virtual environment, and I think that we can agree that raping, torturing and intentionally killing people (who can't come back from it) who are minding their own business are all bad things. Some would argue that anything goes in the pursuit of survival, but at a certain point you'd have to examine what kind of life you're preserving.
Held my attention, and although I feel it could have been a bit shorter there is no one piece that I can identify as being too long. If you like the other books this is a good choice. If you've not read them you may still enjoy this on its own merits.
Some interesting examination of motivation and morality in a virtual environment, and I think that we can agree that raping, torturing and intentionally killing people (who can't come back from it) who are minding their own business are all bad things. Some would argue that anything goes in the pursuit of survival, but at a certain point you'd have to examine what kind of life you're preserving.
Held my attention, and although I feel it could have been a bit shorter there is no one piece that I can identify as being too long. If you like the other books this is a good choice. If you've not read them you may still enjoy this on its own merits.
February 5, 2022
Another great book in the Awaken Online world
We have another player with different style, circumstances and motivations than our previous characters. Dom is dying, and Awaken Online was supposed to be just a way to pass his final days, but then the god of happiness (or more accurately the god of chaos) decides to test him as his avatar, and from there our adventure starts.
It's definitely different than previous ones, in more than one way, but in the ways that matter is the same. It's about a character, defying the odds and becoming a powerhouse that breaks all rules and defeat everyone. I can't wait to see what happens next, since I know that they are going to go against our favorite avatars, and with everything that's going on and the clues we are getting about something much bigger going on, I just know that it's going to get really epic.
So much happens in this book that it would be difficult to explain. Dom finds a way to face his imminent death by dying in the game, in the process becoming stronger, and then he teaches others to do the same. It's kind of bizarre, but it works so well for them, and we have a group with very different personalities, that make a really interesting collaboration.
And Wingman! It's the best companion ever! Who could have imagined that a battle chicken could be so cute and bloodthirsty? It's just the best! I want a Wingman plush!
So, it's a long book, but it doesn't feel that way, so much is always happening that it feels like it's gone too fast. Really good, especially if you are in the Awaken Online world already.
We have another player with different style, circumstances and motivations than our previous characters. Dom is dying, and Awaken Online was supposed to be just a way to pass his final days, but then the god of happiness (or more accurately the god of chaos) decides to test him as his avatar, and from there our adventure starts.
It's definitely different than previous ones, in more than one way, but in the ways that matter is the same. It's about a character, defying the odds and becoming a powerhouse that breaks all rules and defeat everyone. I can't wait to see what happens next, since I know that they are going to go against our favorite avatars, and with everything that's going on and the clues we are getting about something much bigger going on, I just know that it's going to get really epic.
So much happens in this book that it would be difficult to explain. Dom finds a way to face his imminent death by dying in the game, in the process becoming stronger, and then he teaches others to do the same. It's kind of bizarre, but it works so well for them, and we have a group with very different personalities, that make a really interesting collaboration.
And Wingman! It's the best companion ever! Who could have imagined that a battle chicken could be so cute and bloodthirsty? It's just the best! I want a Wingman plush!
So, it's a long book, but it doesn't feel that way, so much is always happening that it feels like it's gone too fast. Really good, especially if you are in the Awaken Online world already.
December 10, 2021
And Bagwell delivers another hit!
Man what a ride!! This book was a departure in a lot of ways from either Jason or Finn's tone and style. More language use by far, and also more humorous. I laughed more at this one than any other AO book. And let's all take a moment to admit that Dom is a *blanking* bad mofo. If you dont finish this one respecting the heck out of him then idk what to even say. It was also super cool to see how so many loose threads from other books got tied up here. Oh! Wingman for best sidekick! If you like AO then you have GOT to read this one. Man I'm already dying(hah), for the next book to see just how crazy it's going to be! Things are really moving in AO these days!
Man what a ride!! This book was a departure in a lot of ways from either Jason or Finn's tone and style. More language use by far, and also more humorous. I laughed more at this one than any other AO book. And let's all take a moment to admit that Dom is a *blanking* bad mofo. If you dont finish this one respecting the heck out of him then idk what to even say. It was also super cool to see how so many loose threads from other books got tied up here. Oh! Wingman for best sidekick! If you like AO then you have GOT to read this one. Man I'm already dying(hah), for the next book to see just how crazy it's going to be! Things are really moving in AO these days!
January 28, 2023
Dom is a college student relying on a football scholarship to pay for his education. However, after a field injury he learns that the pain in his knees is more than a minor thing... he has terminal cancer with 6-12 months to live. That is, unless he can get the very expensive treatment he needs. But money is not something he or his father have.
Gifted with a VR console, Dom escapes into the new game Awaken Online, where he learns more about himself than he ever thought possible, including that it is possible to find friends and a purpose to do what is needed.
+++
I find that I am really enjoying the side-quest books in this series and I am very interested in how the results of this book play into the overall arc of this series.
Gifted with a VR console, Dom escapes into the new game Awaken Online, where he learns more about himself than he ever thought possible, including that it is possible to find friends and a purpose to do what is needed.
+++
I find that I am really enjoying the side-quest books in this series and I am very interested in how the results of this book play into the overall arc of this series.
December 23, 2021
Awe inspiring
****SPOILERS AHEAD*****
This story hit a little too close to home, recently lost my mother due to bladder cancer and it has been hard to deal with the fallout of it. The hospital scene at the beginning, to the nurse and the indifference of the doctors had made me put down my kindle a few times. But, I made myself read and I'm glad that I did, what drove me to keep reading is how Mr. bagwell handled the character, Dominic Hart. I love this character way more than Jason, which is nuts because I see so much of myself as Jason. I loved the entire team that surrounded him and enjoyed their interactions. Original Sin is about to have finally met their match.
****SPOILERS AHEAD*****
This story hit a little too close to home, recently lost my mother due to bladder cancer and it has been hard to deal with the fallout of it. The hospital scene at the beginning, to the nurse and the indifference of the doctors had made me put down my kindle a few times. But, I made myself read and I'm glad that I did, what drove me to keep reading is how Mr. bagwell handled the character, Dominic Hart. I love this character way more than Jason, which is nuts because I see so much of myself as Jason. I loved the entire team that surrounded him and enjoyed their interactions. Original Sin is about to have finally met their match.
February 1, 2023
A bit conflicted on this one as while it was nice and comfortable being back in this world, despite following new characters, the word choice used in this book is bad. I could give a flying fuck about the swear words, I'm talking about the racist language (going Native, savage and green skins are notable examples). Having more female characters is nice but the characters in power are still mostly men. This book seemed a bit better about not overloading readers with stats (though it was still a little much) while also not giving a summary of all the gods and what affinities/concepts they are. I really can't remember them all at this point.
February 1, 2022
Another Amazing Addition
This book does wonders to flesh out a broader world that the main books present. It also excels in telling the story of why someone would want to escape to a virtual world while also making this world work for the characters. This books actually had me itching to to go back and re-read the entire series and that is not something I do before the whole thing is over.
As always I’m anxious to read the next installment and can’t wait to get my hands on it.
This book does wonders to flesh out a broader world that the main books present. It also excels in telling the story of why someone would want to escape to a virtual world while also making this world work for the characters. This books actually had me itching to to go back and re-read the entire series and that is not something I do before the whole thing is over.
As always I’m anxious to read the next installment and can’t wait to get my hands on it.
February 13, 2022
“Happily” suckered again
Each time Travis branches off to another Avatar in the series i grudgingly start the book, reluctant that the author put so much time and energy into a “side story “when it could have been a book on one of the main characters, only for me to finish the book confused and realizing that i have been successfully suckered into having yet another “favorite” character as Travis continues to weave the complicated web that is layer on layer of amazing character development in this extraordinary world he calls Awaken Online
Each time Travis branches off to another Avatar in the series i grudgingly start the book, reluctant that the author put so much time and energy into a “side story “when it could have been a book on one of the main characters, only for me to finish the book confused and realizing that i have been successfully suckered into having yet another “favorite” character as Travis continues to weave the complicated web that is layer on layer of amazing character development in this extraordinary world he calls Awaken Online
November 8, 2022
A good bounce back from the mediocre Tarot series. Dom was quite a interesting character and despite being interesting, the plot felt a bit...off. from happiness to sorrow to general villainy, the book tries a bit hard to provide a reasonable backstory and justification to Dom and his guild, but it just doesn't mesh well and the reasoning is well, a bit contrived. I just wish the plot was a bit more coherent.
Sill it brings back to good old memories of earlier side quests and I enjoyed the read.
Sill it brings back to good old memories of earlier side quests and I enjoyed the read.
November 13, 2025
Bangers and Mash
A side quest you say?
This was amazing! Dom might end up being one of my favorite characters in this series! Eliza still has a special place in my <3
It's great to get all these different perspectives of what's happening in this world and I've read every book up to this point including Finn's. And although Finn may not be needed or the other sidequest, reading them really creates a more, in-depth story.
Bard...
The Big Cluck..
Pewpew!
Great story. I'm happy I read this.
So happy I can...smile :)
A side quest you say?
This was amazing! Dom might end up being one of my favorite characters in this series! Eliza still has a special place in my <3
It's great to get all these different perspectives of what's happening in this world and I've read every book up to this point including Finn's. And although Finn may not be needed or the other sidequest, reading them really creates a more, in-depth story.
Bard...
The Big Cluck..
Pewpew!
Great story. I'm happy I read this.
So happy I can...smile :)
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