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The Whispering Crystals #3
Unimagined Adventures
There’s a fine line between real and imagined, between lies and truth.
Emma and her friends are about to enter Hub Three, which will undoubtedly present another explosive cocktail of dangerous inhabitants, from freaky flora and fauna to manipulative fellow survivors.
Great timing, really, for Emma to begin questioning Suri’s motives, having caught the mysterious Artificial Intelligence out in a lie for the first time.
On top of that, she’ll have to deal with her burgeoning attraction to Kaitlynn, and the insane idea that her very sexuality has been warped by the Laws of Being that govern the Realm of Crystals.
Will the Blue Dragons overcome the stresses of a new Hub? Will Emma find out what’s really going on in the so-called Dreamscapes?
Will she dare open up her heart?
Emma and her friends are about to enter Hub Three, which will undoubtedly present another explosive cocktail of dangerous inhabitants, from freaky flora and fauna to manipulative fellow survivors.
Great timing, really, for Emma to begin questioning Suri’s motives, having caught the mysterious Artificial Intelligence out in a lie for the first time.
On top of that, she’ll have to deal with her burgeoning attraction to Kaitlynn, and the insane idea that her very sexuality has been warped by the Laws of Being that govern the Realm of Crystals.
Will the Blue Dragons overcome the stresses of a new Hub? Will Emma find out what’s really going on in the so-called Dreamscapes?
Will she dare open up her heart?
527 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2021
148 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
H.C. Mills
15 books35 followersH.C. Mills is a Dutch author, who dabbles in acting and singing in musicals, and even (play)writing them. He used to teach physics and chemistry, and once represented his country in the 2008 International Biology Olympiad, but please don't hold that against him.
As a physics-nerd, H.C. Mills naturally gravitates to hard magic systems, but he also enjoys writing comedy and romance.
Like most authors worth their salt, he is a true sadist who takes pleasure in the mental anguish of his imaginary friends/brainchildren--or better yet, in making them cause their own suffering. He refuses to give them anything for free, but will usually leave a window cracked open for them somewhere, to escape whatever peril he plunges them in.
He's also a big fan of Tabletop RPG's, and can even be watched every Sunday, playing on the Pathfinder Livestream 'Rules as Fun' here: twitch.tv/rulesasfun
(Pathfinder is like D&D but with more choices and flavour)
Check out the first episode of the campaign here: youtu.be/watch?v=a5Vo5AVA4IA
Or sign up for his mailing list on his website: hcmillsofficial.com
As a physics-nerd, H.C. Mills naturally gravitates to hard magic systems, but he also enjoys writing comedy and romance.
Like most authors worth their salt, he is a true sadist who takes pleasure in the mental anguish of his imaginary friends/brainchildren--or better yet, in making them cause their own suffering. He refuses to give them anything for free, but will usually leave a window cracked open for them somewhere, to escape whatever peril he plunges them in.
He's also a big fan of Tabletop RPG's, and can even be watched every Sunday, playing on the Pathfinder Livestream 'Rules as Fun' here: twitch.tv/rulesasfun
(Pathfinder is like D&D but with more choices and flavour)
Check out the first episode of the campaign here: youtu.be/watch?v=a5Vo5AVA4IA
Or sign up for his mailing list on his website: hcmillsofficial.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 13, 2022
This was pretty long winded. I'm still struggling with the stats - 3 books into the series - but I happily skip through all of that just to get to the heart of the story itself.
I was disappointed that Mills decided that Emma had issues, although valid; about being gay and into Kat. I understand Emma's hesitance though... I'm more than sure that a majority of us went through all of that uncertainty while figuring out how to label ourselves, or to accept our attractions.
It was a brutal third book with Bruce and Samuel, but I was more concerned about Emma and Kat. I'll definitely be reading the next book 'cause I need to know what happens betweenthe two ladies!!
I was disappointed that Mills decided that Emma had issues, although valid; about being gay and into Kat. I understand Emma's hesitance though... I'm more than sure that a majority of us went through all of that uncertainty while figuring out how to label ourselves, or to accept our attractions.
It was a brutal third book with Bruce and Samuel, but I was more concerned about Emma and Kat. I'll definitely be reading the next book 'cause I need to know what happens betweenthe two ladies!!
March 22, 2023
This is third in an isekai LitRPG series. Read in order.
I didn't get past 5% or so before I was just tired. Mills has Emma go all "I don't like girls" for no discernable reason and Suri sticks her oar in in such a way as to illustrate how little she cares about Emma except as a vehicle to, um, no idea, actually. So I'm just tired of the Kaitlyn/Emma ship now and don't like where Mills is going with the rest of the story. So I'm done.
I didn't get past 5% or so before I was just tired. Mills has Emma go all "I don't like girls" for no discernable reason and Suri sticks her oar in in such a way as to illustrate how little she cares about Emma except as a vehicle to, um, no idea, actually. So I'm just tired of the Kaitlyn/Emma ship now and don't like where Mills is going with the rest of the story. So I'm done.
March 12, 2023
Gets better
The story seems to stall as it is only in one place, but man what a story. Digging into the next book right now.
The story seems to stall as it is only in one place, but man what a story. Digging into the next book right now.
January 23, 2024
dnf. I couldnt keep trying to justify to myself reading this load of crap. no matter how desperate I am to get my litrpg fix, im not desperate enough to push any further in this series. classic example of a decent plot spoiled by a horrible gay/feminist agenda. Nobody wants to read your coming out of a closet struggles wrapped up in a litrpg fantasy. if you wonder if the author ever rights the ship - she doesnt. The series is trash.
March 19, 2022
So this turned into an episode of Survivor.
This is mired in minutia and relationship nonsense. The entire trip is nothing but a series of poor choices. The hub is just a bad reality tv show. This has lost all the impact of book one.
This is mired in minutia and relationship nonsense. The entire trip is nothing but a series of poor choices. The hub is just a bad reality tv show. This has lost all the impact of book one.
September 16, 2024
One of the best books I have ever read.
I have read this complete series about 10 times since discovering it back in 2021. This book in particular is one of my favorites of the six. The writing is excellent, H.C. Mills is a heck’ve an artist when it comes to writing and telling his stories. Each character has individuality and depth - especially Loudmouth.
The only disappointment is that the series has ended, though I truly hope (wish, pray, might even beg on my hands and knees, use my cancer card if I have to) that the author considers my following statement:
Please, consider writing at least one book where the realms reverse - where the non-human characters (and the humans) face “a big bad” on Earth. While the humans face the realities of what’s changed in the years they’ve been gone.
To other readers: Don’t miss out on this exceptional series. This is in my top 5 favorite series, okay, probably my top two. OKAY! Possibly number one. Point is - read it, buy it, support H.C. Mills on Patreon (you can find the information at the end of any of the books! You’ll also fine MY name as a supporter!
I have read this complete series about 10 times since discovering it back in 2021. This book in particular is one of my favorites of the six. The writing is excellent, H.C. Mills is a heck’ve an artist when it comes to writing and telling his stories. Each character has individuality and depth - especially Loudmouth.
The only disappointment is that the series has ended, though I truly hope (wish, pray, might even beg on my hands and knees, use my cancer card if I have to) that the author considers my following statement:
Please, consider writing at least one book where the realms reverse - where the non-human characters (and the humans) face “a big bad” on Earth. While the humans face the realities of what’s changed in the years they’ve been gone.
To other readers: Don’t miss out on this exceptional series. This is in my top 5 favorite series, okay, probably my top two. OKAY! Possibly number one. Point is - read it, buy it, support H.C. Mills on Patreon (you can find the information at the end of any of the books! You’ll also fine MY name as a supporter!
January 18, 2025
Well that was fun. Even though I think the magic system is totally dooffy as hell, it's a known consequence. And I get the books because I like the characters and Emma's devil may care attitude when when it comes to surviving. But jeez Emma couldn't you have left your sexual hang-ups at home? Pleezz! You can dive head first into a fight, so why can't you grow a backbone and talk to your friends when you're uncomfortable with their behavior. And what the eff is goin on with Suri, the AI that’s suppose to be helping?!?
So yeah grab this action-driven litRPG adventure and watch Emma and her team to see what it takes as they struggle through this hub.
Here's a couple of quotes for ya:
“You call him... Mr Fluffybutt?” “I sure do,” she coos at the frightening bird of prey, reaching out to scratch its head with the claws at the tip of her wing. “Because he’s got the fluffiest butt around, yes he does, yes he does! Who’s a good boy? You are!”
She perks up. “Ooh, I love points!” Of course you do. I suppress the urge to shake my head. “First question! What’s your name?” “Ooh! I know this one: it’s Raindrop!
So yeah grab this action-driven litRPG adventure and watch Emma and her team to see what it takes as they struggle through this hub.
Here's a couple of quotes for ya:
“You call him... Mr Fluffybutt?” “I sure do,” she coos at the frightening bird of prey, reaching out to scratch its head with the claws at the tip of her wing. “Because he’s got the fluffiest butt around, yes he does, yes he does! Who’s a good boy? You are!”
She perks up. “Ooh, I love points!” Of course you do. I suppress the urge to shake my head. “First question! What’s your name?” “Ooh! I know this one: it’s Raindrop!
January 5, 2022
fun
Emma and crew have arrive at the new Hub and face a new level up challenge: level and pair off. The crew struggles to get what they need to level and to find a sixth among the dwindling survivors. They find the environment and time working against them. Eventually they kidnap a new crewman and head out.
This is a continuation and not a stand alone. It is well told a good fun. Suggestive situations make a more firm appearance. As well as questions of situational morality. In all it’s highly enjoyable.
Emma and crew have arrive at the new Hub and face a new level up challenge: level and pair off. The crew struggles to get what they need to level and to find a sixth among the dwindling survivors. They find the environment and time working against them. Eventually they kidnap a new crewman and head out.
This is a continuation and not a stand alone. It is well told a good fun. Suggestive situations make a more firm appearance. As well as questions of situational morality. In all it’s highly enjoyable.
May 31, 2023
gay for you was old twenty years ago
The longer this goes on the more sick I am of Emma’s “oh no I’m only attracted to you because of the fourth law so we can’t be together because of we got back to earth I’d be straight again and our relationship would have uneven sexual attraction and based on this hypothetical I’m going to make us both miserable now instead”. The worldbuilding is interesting but pretty grim.
The longer this goes on the more sick I am of Emma’s “oh no I’m only attracted to you because of the fourth law so we can’t be together because of we got back to earth I’d be straight again and our relationship would have uneven sexual attraction and based on this hypothetical I’m going to make us both miserable now instead”. The worldbuilding is interesting but pretty grim.
January 2, 2022
Apparently all people are gay, and if you aren't acting on it your are indoctrinated and repressed
So the first several pages are basically a rant about how all people are really gay, and those who don't act on it are actually simply indoctrinated and have atrophied their brain by repressing their natural selves....
No thank you, I don't need that crap in a fun read.
So the first several pages are basically a rant about how all people are really gay, and those who don't act on it are actually simply indoctrinated and have atrophied their brain by repressing their natural selves....
No thank you, I don't need that crap in a fun read.
January 8, 2022
Did not enjoy as much
Did not enjoy this book as much as the others. Mainly due to the last part which felt rushed and inconsistent on a character development level. Without spoiling anything, basically I stopped caring about any of the characters in the end and won’t be continuing the series.
Did not enjoy this book as much as the others. Mainly due to the last part which felt rushed and inconsistent on a character development level. Without spoiling anything, basically I stopped caring about any of the characters in the end and won’t be continuing the series.
December 26, 2022
Hypocritical MC
Emma goes on and on about ethics, can't slaughter a village just got our save and goes on and does exactly that without searching for any alternatives.
Same goes with killing humans
Why the hell is there WOKE Shit in my novel dude, 'thrm, I identify as them' do you have to put that??
I literally felt like puking as read that line
Emma goes on and on about ethics, can't slaughter a village just got our save and goes on and does exactly that without searching for any alternatives.
Same goes with killing humans
Why the hell is there WOKE Shit in my novel dude, 'thrm, I identify as them' do you have to put that??
I literally felt like puking as read that line
February 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this story except for the teenage love angst bit. it was characterized very well, but it just drug on. I am undecided if I will continue the series.
this is a personal preference due to generally not liking young adult books. The series so far has done a great job of balancing young adult with good storytelling and I have very much enjoyed it.
this is a personal preference due to generally not liking young adult books. The series so far has done a great job of balancing young adult with good storytelling and I have very much enjoyed it.
September 22, 2025
Honestly, the angsty relationship situation between Emma and Kaitlyn was kind of funny at first, then a bit cute with them stealing kisses and such as they went. Now it's just frustrating and the level of gay panic the Emma has been experiencing has quite literally caused me to stress out. I still like the ideas used in the world, and some of the characters, but I cant finish this one. I started off liking them, but I just cant keep going anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2022
Turns into YA Story
Way too much teen angst for people in their twenties! This one has ALL of the annoying young adult tropes that you could want if you’re into that kind of story, but you would think that you’re reading about a bunch of 13 year olds based on how they act.
Way too much teen angst for people in their twenties! This one has ALL of the annoying young adult tropes that you could want if you’re into that kind of story, but you would think that you’re reading about a bunch of 13 year olds based on how they act.
July 4, 2022
Really enjoyed this third book of the series. While I don't completely understand the entire magic system, I am enjoying the world and the adventures. The characters are really what keep me coming back though. Can't wait to continue and see what happens next.
January 2, 2023
Not a bad tale. Not sure some of the drama was necessary, but it worked. Probably will read more in the series, though I'll always wonder why Emma didn't use the same tactic on the girl at the end that she did on the chief, but I guess it wouldn't have had the same effect.
April 8, 2023
thunder witch is pissed and i love it!
Finally, the MC's team becomes the star and contributes greatly to the story.
Loudmouth is a gem and I love him
The Romance is a bit too much but i love the reasoning behind it.
Finally, the MC's team becomes the star and contributes greatly to the story.
Loudmouth is a gem and I love him
The Romance is a bit too much but i love the reasoning behind it.
April 22, 2023
Oh the drama
Dear lord, Emma, get over yourself. This whole "I love her but I'm not that way" business is just so lame. Emma is so cool in every other aspect, but that is just so annoying. Also, I don't for 1 second believe Suri is actually an AI. Still, on to the next one.
Dear lord, Emma, get over yourself. This whole "I love her but I'm not that way" business is just so lame. Emma is so cool in every other aspect, but that is just so annoying. Also, I don't for 1 second believe Suri is actually an AI. Still, on to the next one.
January 15, 2022
No thanks
I liked the books up to here, thanks but I couldn't put myself in the char anymore so I lost interest
I liked the books up to here, thanks but I couldn't put myself in the char anymore so I lost interest
February 20, 2022
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone like LitRPG and progression type of books a very good twist.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone like LitRPG and progression type of books a very good twist.
April 6, 2022
Still enjoyable, but I find all the extra libido unnecessary also all the lgbt references start to feel over the top preachy.
April 5, 2023
great story…little too YA with the love
Title says it all. It’s great until it’s not with Emma. Just be more of an adult and embrace your feelings.
Title says it all. It’s great until it’s not with Emma. Just be more of an adult and embrace your feelings.
April 20, 2023
The author has a way of making me fall in love with a minor character. I adore Loudmouth! I hope I'll get to see more of Loudmouth in the future series.
June 22, 2024
Excessive gazing at stats, mediocre characterisation, childish taunting of every single opponent. Read if you like seeing numbers go up even to the detriment of everything else.
July 23, 2024
Gets better
The story seems to stall as it is only in one place, but man what a story. Digging into the next book right now.
The story seems to stall as it is only in one place, but man what a story. Digging into the next book right now.
October 7, 2024
Better and better
This was truly an enjoyable read, a nice level up. Following these characters development and interactions is addicting. On to the next.
This was truly an enjoyable read, a nice level up. Following these characters development and interactions is addicting. On to the next.
January 6, 2025
Great!
March 6, 2025
This one was my favorite. I laughed out loud at parts. I am annoyed that Emma and Katie are not progressing in their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2024
-Ok I think I’m actually loving these now it’s all I think about I literally can’t put it down and I have so much hw to do lol
-first things first gotta get this off my chest but the way Emma treated kaitlynn in this book was not it at all
I also did NOT like the whole Jacob having a crush on Emma thing like just ew no especially bc he’s supposed to be gay and I get that sexuality is fluid obviously but it seems like his feeling are there bc he is being influenced by the game/her powers and it just feels so icky - I also don’t like it bc it gives those weird harem anime vibes where every fucking character has a crush/sexual tension w/ the main character which is just icky and so fucking unrealistic - also I feel like it was only put in there to make Emma question her genuine feelings for Kaitlynn and blame her mistreating her on elements of the game which is laaaammeee it would’ve been better if she was just genuinely questioning herself bc that’s valid
-Also if the whole yin yang thing was really a thing and u we’re as straight as u claim why wouldn’t u be into Dave then - like would it really matter if he had a girl & kid if the attraction that the crystals cause was that strong?? Like it’s strong enough to make u gay but not to make u attracted to a taken man?? Like ok
The action/trials in this book where a lot more entertains then the previous ones - Jacob’s little adventure w/ the frog was actually a fun read I hope they meet up w/ him again in future books
The fight w/ Steve? at the end had me so anxious omf
The fact that this bitch really was tryna act like she wasn’t going into the next trials w/ kaitlynn really pissed me off too
-Also the whole communicating through touch thing really just didn’t make any sense to me if objective meaning is a thing - the only way it makes sense is if the crystals can’t feel what they feel?? I mean that could make sense bc they do feel pain but their AI doesn’t seem to feel it when they do even though they’re inside their head
-This lightning witch bitch is scaring me a lil
-The land of imagination shit confuses me kind of reminds me of Ronan from The Raven Boys the ways she can bring stuff back - Siri being worried about it but not really is also sus
-first things first gotta get this off my chest but the way Emma treated kaitlynn in this book was not it at all
I also did NOT like the whole Jacob having a crush on Emma thing like just ew no especially bc he’s supposed to be gay and I get that sexuality is fluid obviously but it seems like his feeling are there bc he is being influenced by the game/her powers and it just feels so icky - I also don’t like it bc it gives those weird harem anime vibes where every fucking character has a crush/sexual tension w/ the main character which is just icky and so fucking unrealistic - also I feel like it was only put in there to make Emma question her genuine feelings for Kaitlynn and blame her mistreating her on elements of the game which is laaaammeee it would’ve been better if she was just genuinely questioning herself bc that’s valid
-Also if the whole yin yang thing was really a thing and u we’re as straight as u claim why wouldn’t u be into Dave then - like would it really matter if he had a girl & kid if the attraction that the crystals cause was that strong?? Like it’s strong enough to make u gay but not to make u attracted to a taken man?? Like ok
The action/trials in this book where a lot more entertains then the previous ones - Jacob’s little adventure w/ the frog was actually a fun read I hope they meet up w/ him again in future books
The fight w/ Steve? at the end had me so anxious omf
The fact that this bitch really was tryna act like she wasn’t going into the next trials w/ kaitlynn really pissed me off too
-Also the whole communicating through touch thing really just didn’t make any sense to me if objective meaning is a thing - the only way it makes sense is if the crystals can’t feel what they feel?? I mean that could make sense bc they do feel pain but their AI doesn’t seem to feel it when they do even though they’re inside their head
-This lightning witch bitch is scaring me a lil
-The land of imagination shit confuses me kind of reminds me of Ronan from The Raven Boys the ways she can bring stuff back - Siri being worried about it but not really is also sus
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews