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Threadbare #5
The Phantom of the Lop Ear
Threadbare has been kidnapped by pirates!
But this is just the first step in the plan of the malevolent and mysterious puppeteer who's manipulated the pirates into bear-nappery. Which was supposed to be a proper princess kidnapping, but things went a bit sideways.
To uncover this strange mastermind's plan and properly thwart it, Threadbare must play along, keep his friends alive while they attempt to rescue him, make new friends, and help the old ones during this dangerous journey to parts unknown, all to confront the deadly and devious beastkin known only as the Phantom of the Lop Ear...
But this is just the first step in the plan of the malevolent and mysterious puppeteer who's manipulated the pirates into bear-nappery. Which was supposed to be a proper princess kidnapping, but things went a bit sideways.
To uncover this strange mastermind's plan and properly thwart it, Threadbare must play along, keep his friends alive while they attempt to rescue him, make new friends, and help the old ones during this dangerous journey to parts unknown, all to confront the deadly and devious beastkin known only as the Phantom of the Lop Ear...
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2021
28 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 19, 2024
Once upon a time there was a teddybear who had been kidnapped (bearnapped?) by pirates. It was supposed to be a proper princess kidnapping, but things went a bit sideways. Now Threadbare must play along in order to uncover who the mastermind is that has been working from the shadow to manipulate events and buy himself enough time for his friends to attempt a rescue.
The Phantom of the Lop Ear is the fifth book in Andrew Seiple's Threadbare series. The story has gotten complicated and follows several plot threads. Threadbare's is the most straight forward as he attempting to keep the status quo and keep the pirates from tossing him overboard. The group back in Sylvania is working frantically to find threadbare and mount a rescue. Plus there's PoV scenes from the conspirators from the first book for glimpses of what is happening in the background to cause these events to happen. Even with all that I'm still not entirely sure who the "bad guys" are though pretty confident it involves . I'm looking forward to seeing how this all wraps up in the final book. I hope the elf is right and that they can .
As before, this includes characters from Small Medium but not much from Blasphemy Online yet. I assume that's still coming.
The Phantom of the Lop Ear is the fifth book in Andrew Seiple's Threadbare series. The story has gotten complicated and follows several plot threads. Threadbare's is the most straight forward as he attempting to keep the status quo and keep the pirates from tossing him overboard. The group back in Sylvania is working frantically to find threadbare and mount a rescue. Plus there's PoV scenes from the conspirators from the first book for glimpses of what is happening in the background to cause these events to happen. Even with all that I'm still not entirely sure who the "bad guys" are though pretty confident it involves . I'm looking forward to seeing how this all wraps up in the final book. I hope the elf is right and that they can .
As before, this includes characters from Small Medium but not much from Blasphemy Online yet. I assume that's still coming.
February 10, 2022
My goodness this was bad; it seems as though the author hasn't learnt anything from the last episode in this series.
The key problem is complexity. There are three previous series set in the Threadbare universe, each of which has a large set of characters, its own storyline, a different writing style, and even a different genre. This fourth series tries to bring all the above together, and it's a complete disaster: the books bounce between different characters, now all mixed up together, and try to do too much. There's no way to empathise with the characters or to care about them or their storylines, because you spend the entire time being confused about what's supposed to be going on and who's doing what (and why!). It's disruptive, and worse than that, it's boring. I've just finished this book, and I have no idea what the point was supposed to be.
I would recommend reading the other three series in this universe, but would absolutely steer clear of this one; it's incoherent.
The key problem is complexity. There are three previous series set in the Threadbare universe, each of which has a large set of characters, its own storyline, a different writing style, and even a different genre. This fourth series tries to bring all the above together, and it's a complete disaster: the books bounce between different characters, now all mixed up together, and try to do too much. There's no way to empathise with the characters or to care about them or their storylines, because you spend the entire time being confused about what's supposed to be going on and who's doing what (and why!). It's disruptive, and worse than that, it's boring. I've just finished this book, and I have no idea what the point was supposed to be.
I would recommend reading the other three series in this universe, but would absolutely steer clear of this one; it's incoherent.
December 4, 2024
The first three books of the Threadbare series were weird, quirky, and very engaging, making for a very unique LitRPG story that I enjoyed overall. Then came the fourth book, starting a brand new saga of the story, and I found it very underwhelming. I went into this fifth book of the series hoping that it would pick back up again, but unfortunately, it did not.
Honestly, this book was quite boring. It shouldn't be as long as it is, I feel, considering that a big chunk of it is spent on Threadbare at the pirate ship, exploring it, interacting with everyone, biding his time, while Celia and others make plans and attempt to rescue him. Often, these scenes drag and drag, and even bits of action here and there don't help with the slow pace. There are also way too many things going on, from Threadbare's side, then Celia's, then the villains, then these new characters, Chase and her sister, who came out of nowhere last book (their companions being with Celia and Threadbare now) and I could barely keep up on what every group was doing and for what reason. Some stuff is revealed, sure, but not enough. Then there's this Daffodil guy who's been making life hard for everyone for a yet vague reason, even after revealing that it seems he comes from the "real" world, not this fantasy land. What's the guy's deal? And honestly, why should I even care? He's barely even been in the books.
In terms of characters, it's once more a mixed bag. Most of the characters who are prevalent in this book are newer to the story, so we gotta get used to a bunch of characters still. Cagna, Bastien and Thomasi were fairly likable, and Bastien's gimmick is fun. Renny, I want to like him, but he doesn't display any distinct or unique personality traits like many other characters do. The halvens, I'm a bit befuddled by, they're sorta fleshed out but not by much, and their own storyline seems detached to the rest of the book. And then another villain, the Phantom, is quite intriguing, but he's barely even in the book, so it feels like a wasted opportunity. The pirates continue to be annoying, especially Anne (how she's apparently and by far the strongest character in the series despite coming from out of nowhere feels like a stretch), and they continue to commit all manner of crimes and atrocities and still get away with it with no form of punishment, and at time even rewards, getting to the point of ridiculous, making it annoying to read. Then there's a whole thing about Madeline and Garon getting married, and I dunno, that relationship has been extremely weird from the start and even rather off-putting, considering it seemingly kinda sorta began when Garon was still underage, vampire or not.
It's jarring, how this started out as such a good series, then got a case of acute sequelitis in its second arc. It's just nowhere near as fun anymore. There's one last book left in the series, and it has a cool looking dragon in the cover. Dragons tend to make everything better, so I hope that the final book can pick up the slack and give us at least a decent finale.
Honestly, this book was quite boring. It shouldn't be as long as it is, I feel, considering that a big chunk of it is spent on Threadbare at the pirate ship, exploring it, interacting with everyone, biding his time, while Celia and others make plans and attempt to rescue him. Often, these scenes drag and drag, and even bits of action here and there don't help with the slow pace. There are also way too many things going on, from Threadbare's side, then Celia's, then the villains, then these new characters, Chase and her sister, who came out of nowhere last book (their companions being with Celia and Threadbare now) and I could barely keep up on what every group was doing and for what reason. Some stuff is revealed, sure, but not enough. Then there's this Daffodil guy who's been making life hard for everyone for a yet vague reason, even after revealing that it seems he comes from the "real" world, not this fantasy land. What's the guy's deal? And honestly, why should I even care? He's barely even been in the books.
In terms of characters, it's once more a mixed bag. Most of the characters who are prevalent in this book are newer to the story, so we gotta get used to a bunch of characters still. Cagna, Bastien and Thomasi were fairly likable, and Bastien's gimmick is fun. Renny, I want to like him, but he doesn't display any distinct or unique personality traits like many other characters do. The halvens, I'm a bit befuddled by, they're sorta fleshed out but not by much, and their own storyline seems detached to the rest of the book. And then another villain, the Phantom, is quite intriguing, but he's barely even in the book, so it feels like a wasted opportunity. The pirates continue to be annoying, especially Anne (how she's apparently and by far the strongest character in the series despite coming from out of nowhere feels like a stretch), and they continue to commit all manner of crimes and atrocities and still get away with it with no form of punishment, and at time even rewards, getting to the point of ridiculous, making it annoying to read. Then there's a whole thing about Madeline and Garon getting married, and I dunno, that relationship has been extremely weird from the start and even rather off-putting, considering it seemingly kinda sorta began when Garon was still underage, vampire or not.
It's jarring, how this started out as such a good series, then got a case of acute sequelitis in its second arc. It's just nowhere near as fun anymore. There's one last book left in the series, and it has a cool looking dragon in the cover. Dragons tend to make everything better, so I hope that the final book can pick up the slack and give us at least a decent finale.
May 10, 2022
3/5 The fifth Threadbare book just didn’t impress me like the previous installments. I don’t know if it’s because I never finished the Small Medium Trilogy or start the Blasphemy Online series but I just didn’t know what was going on for almost the first half of the book. The main plot of Threadbare and the pirates was simple enough but everything going on in Sylvania with Chase and crew was lost on me. It all came together a bit in the end and the ending itself was decent but being lost for large segments took away some of the enjoyment for me. Maybe I wasn’t paying as close attention as I should have been. If that’s the case then those segments weren’t as gripping and that’s not great either.
The characters and setting are still fantastic and the humor while not as prevalent as it once was is still solid. The characters have more depth which is great but with a larger number of main cast and POV characters it’s harder to remain focused on the overall story.
I will still continue with Mr. Dread Bear but I will maybe try to squeeze in the books starring other cast members before launching into book 3. At the very least you should probably read Small Medium 1-3.
The characters and setting are still fantastic and the humor while not as prevalent as it once was is still solid. The characters have more depth which is great but with a larger number of main cast and POV characters it’s harder to remain focused on the overall story.
I will still continue with Mr. Dread Bear but I will maybe try to squeeze in the books starring other cast members before launching into book 3. At the very least you should probably read Small Medium 1-3.
May 27, 2022
Bunnies, rebellions and plots abound!
Wow, just wow. Having read all of the other series it is amazing to see them all coming together and blurring. Whilst there are less levels to be gained in this book there is old favourite characters, new friends (series clashing) and more active chaos from them all. Threadbare sucks at subterfuge but it is a fun and highly enjoyable chaos that has climbed from the last book. Far more understanding of the bunnies and their motives. I loved the realistic look at mental health and the effect on the person. Bring on the last book!
Wow, just wow. Having read all of the other series it is amazing to see them all coming together and blurring. Whilst there are less levels to be gained in this book there is old favourite characters, new friends (series clashing) and more active chaos from them all. Threadbare sucks at subterfuge but it is a fun and highly enjoyable chaos that has climbed from the last book. Far more understanding of the bunnies and their motives. I loved the realistic look at mental health and the effect on the person. Bring on the last book!
December 26, 2021
Things are heating up for Threadbare and Cylvania
I remember having some complaints about the last book and its feel. I don't feel the same for this one, which makes me feel like maybe I need to reread that one and see if maybe I was just in a bad mood, because this one was excellent.
There's some more canon-welding going on. Not only are Chase and company present, but Midian shows up, LivingDeadGrrl is referenced, and Pat(rician) is apparently still heading up Eidolon.
I remember having some complaints about the last book and its feel. I don't feel the same for this one, which makes me feel like maybe I need to reread that one and see if maybe I was just in a bad mood, because this one was excellent.
There's some more canon-welding going on. Not only are Chase and company present, but Midian shows up, LivingDeadGrrl is referenced, and Pat(rician) is apparently still heading up Eidolon.
March 26, 2022
I love this little bear
Dreadbear is just so earnest and friendly and kind and exactly the kind of teddy bear everyone deserves to have. Hes also written so believably that it draws me in like few other storys do.
Dreadbear is just so earnest and friendly and kind and exactly the kind of teddy bear everyone deserves to have. Hes also written so believably that it draws me in like few other storys do.
August 17, 2022
I thought it was a 4.5 until the last few minutes of the book, but the author just HAD to go there.
I get enough of trans stuff in real life, I don't want to hear about it in my pleasure reading. I guess this is where I stop trusting the author to not insert this kinda thing in.
I get enough of trans stuff in real life, I don't want to hear about it in my pleasure reading. I guess this is where I stop trusting the author to not insert this kinda thing in.
January 23, 2022
Amazing book
Another awesome addition to this series! I absolutely love this series. I look forward to the next volume. Hopefully our heroes can come through and save the world.
Another awesome addition to this series! I absolutely love this series. I look forward to the next volume. Hopefully our heroes can come through and save the world.
May 27, 2022
Eleven books into the Threadbare Verse and the stories become more intricate and interwoven in such a fun and worthwhile way. The callbacks and payoffs are very much worth it. 👍🏾👍🏾
Read
January 11, 2023Can’t wait for the next one, in either series for this universe.
January 24, 2023
Adrift
Who doesn't love a good teddy bear Gollum story? Maybe some kind of jerk! Do you love it or are you a jerk?
Who doesn't love a good teddy bear Gollum story? Maybe some kind of jerk! Do you love it or are you a jerk?
July 9, 2023
getting a little busy with oracles
March 29, 2024
Characters grow, the world reveals new things, and adventures are had by all. :)
May 7, 2024
Loved ann bunny
November 17, 2022
Again, I might need to re-read this one now that I've read the Small Medium trilogy. Half the stuff going on here was difficult to follow. But the characters I was struggling to follow have been properly introduced and established to me, now.
On second read, this was a better tale - but still not as strong a story as other titles.
On second read, this was a better tale - but still not as strong a story as other titles.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews