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Paragon #1
Paragon of Blood
All Auric Cain ever wanted was a chance.
A chance to prove himself. A chance to take control of his life. A chance to be more than a lowly D-Tier, the lowest of the low in a world broken by the arrival of an alien, enigmatic being known as The System.
And the seemingly endless hordes of Gateborn that accompanied it.
But chances are hard to come by in the fallen remains of humanity. A century of decline, of desperate struggle, making just surviving another day challenge enough, let alone striking out to find and challenge an Ascension Gate.
Or in Auric’s case, even getting permission to try.
But when he finally takes matters into his own hands, that's when he finally gets his chance. A chance that sets of a chain events that no one, let alone him, could have ever anticipated. A chain of events that could very well reshape Reality itself.
Unless he can find a way to stop it.
A chance to prove himself. A chance to take control of his life. A chance to be more than a lowly D-Tier, the lowest of the low in a world broken by the arrival of an alien, enigmatic being known as The System.
And the seemingly endless hordes of Gateborn that accompanied it.
But chances are hard to come by in the fallen remains of humanity. A century of decline, of desperate struggle, making just surviving another day challenge enough, let alone striking out to find and challenge an Ascension Gate.
Or in Auric’s case, even getting permission to try.
But when he finally takes matters into his own hands, that's when he finally gets his chance. A chance that sets of a chain events that no one, let alone him, could have ever anticipated. A chain of events that could very well reshape Reality itself.
Unless he can find a way to stop it.
542 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
319 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Luke Chmilenko
40 books1,571 followersWriting far faster than his hands can withstand, Luke Chmilenko hails from the Great White North where he lives with his wife and two daughters. Toiling endlessly Luke juggles his time between a rapidly growing catalogue of series while playing far more video games than he would ever openly admit.
If you're interested in getting all the news about Luke's upcoming work, check out his website at: http://lukechmilenko.com/
If you're interested in getting all the news about Luke's upcoming work, check out his website at: http://lukechmilenko.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 7, 2022
This is an audiobook review.
Interesting start. Unlike typical post apocalyptic LitRPG stories that begin when the system first arrives on earth, this story starts 2 generations after the fact. We get to see the struggles of humanity as they scramble to rebuild functioning societies and fight off monster swarms from dungeon outbreaks.
Straight away we get to see the different levels of power between the MC who is at D-tier (the lowest class) and the stereotypical ‘humanity’s best’ A-tier team. It was abit obvious the direction the story was headed; either the grey outlook of life for the greater good vs naive but somewhat optimistic clear black and white good vs evil angle.
Overall I enjoyed the world building, and diverse system powers. It wasn’t anything particularly new, but it was executed nicely. I have a few gripes with this story though. The MC grew in power too quickly. Granted he started from the bottom and was actively suppressed by his grandmother, but the jump in tiers was too abrupt. Auric’s fight in the last battle was annoying. He should have liberally used his purge ability on the system moderator but for some reason he chose to fight with his sword. The whole ordeal left me confused with the objective of the system. On one hand it wants to destroy entropy; however, in the last battle the system enforcer embodied an entropic shard monster?? It was confusing.
The journal entries at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch. It made the book feel more grounded, and it gave us a look and the thought process of Amedea and some of the reasons behind the tough decisions she made.
Overall, this book would have been a solid 4/5, but I was left with so many questions, and there were some glaring inconsistencies. Who is Mercutio? How can Amadea seemingly interact with the system the way she does? Are A-tiers really the highest power level humans can reach? Since there are ‘S’ and ‘SS’ tier dungeon gates I highly doubt it. Why are there so many different abnormal gates and what is their purpose? And so much more. Nevertheless, I still look forward to the next book if anything so it could answer some of the questions I have.
Interesting start. Unlike typical post apocalyptic LitRPG stories that begin when the system first arrives on earth, this story starts 2 generations after the fact. We get to see the struggles of humanity as they scramble to rebuild functioning societies and fight off monster swarms from dungeon outbreaks.
Straight away we get to see the different levels of power between the MC who is at D-tier (the lowest class) and the stereotypical ‘humanity’s best’ A-tier team. It was abit obvious the direction the story was headed; either the grey outlook of life for the greater good vs naive but somewhat optimistic clear black and white good vs evil angle.
Overall I enjoyed the world building, and diverse system powers. It wasn’t anything particularly new, but it was executed nicely. I have a few gripes with this story though. The MC grew in power too quickly. Granted he started from the bottom and was actively suppressed by his grandmother, but the jump in tiers was too abrupt. Auric’s fight in the last battle was annoying. He should have liberally used his purge ability on the system moderator but for some reason he chose to fight with his sword. The whole ordeal left me confused with the objective of the system. On one hand it wants to destroy entropy; however, in the last battle the system enforcer embodied an entropic shard monster?? It was confusing.
The journal entries at the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch. It made the book feel more grounded, and it gave us a look and the thought process of Amedea and some of the reasons behind the tough decisions she made.
Overall, this book would have been a solid 4/5, but I was left with so many questions, and there were some glaring inconsistencies. Who is Mercutio? How can Amadea seemingly interact with the system the way she does? Are A-tiers really the highest power level humans can reach? Since there are ‘S’ and ‘SS’ tier dungeon gates I highly doubt it. Why are there so many different abnormal gates and what is their purpose? And so much more. Nevertheless, I still look forward to the next book if anything so it could answer some of the questions I have.
July 13, 2022
I'm leaving it in the middle with three stars. The writing's good but I just didn't like the story itself. So much corruption faced by Auric and Val. Poor things.
March 1, 2022
Apocalyptic twist!!
Great start to a new series! Definitely a page turner! Interesting progression system for the character with some delicious twists! Don’t worry no spoilers! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
Great start to a new series! Definitely a page turner! Interesting progression system for the character with some delicious twists! Don’t worry no spoilers! Keep writing and I’ll keep reading!!!
March 1, 2022
I received an ARC in return for a honest review.
I loved the pacing of this story. It dragged me in straight away and I couldn't put it down.
I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
I loved the pacing of this story. It dragged me in straight away and I couldn't put it down.
I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
May 27, 2025
Fun premise, but predictable at times, and didn't feel like it went anywhere the last 1/2-ish
March 9, 2022
This has a Main Character that just ruined the whole story.
A very slow build up left you halfway through and completely bored. The MC is foolish, cowardly and has no place in what is happening. The twists and turns that come near the end are far too little and far too late. The paragon for which this is named is very unimpressive. This never captures your attention, and with a MC you actively dislike, it is nothing that you want to keep reading.
A very slow build up left you halfway through and completely bored. The MC is foolish, cowardly and has no place in what is happening. The twists and turns that come near the end are far too little and far too late. The paragon for which this is named is very unimpressive. This never captures your attention, and with a MC you actively dislike, it is nothing that you want to keep reading.
August 2, 2022
Luke Chmilenko is the author/co-author of some books I love (Ascend Online and Iron Prince) and several books I can't even finish.
Its impressive how uneven his books are, he is a prolific author working on several series at the time, but his latest work , at least for me is getting progressively worse.
I will still check whatever he launches, his good works are great, but lately there are quite more misses than hits.
Its impressive how uneven his books are, he is a prolific author working on several series at the time, but his latest work , at least for me is getting progressively worse.
I will still check whatever he launches, his good works are great, but lately there are quite more misses than hits.
April 9, 2024
Paragon of Blood is the first book in a series where ranks are based on not just levels, but tiers. higher tiers have more levels in them, and of course, the higher the tier, the more the levels grant. Of course, none of that matters if you're dragged into a portal, and used for a sacrifice to grant someone else power. And when that happens to the main character in this one, he doesn't go gently into te long night, no, not at all. His actions lead to all kinds of reveals about the system, and people he thought he knew all his life. It's one heck of a roller coaster ride, and it's a really good tale for sure. I'm reading the next one as soon as I can, this I just have to see. Great stuff here, with the exception of no building, which I like so much in LitRPG stories, but this one does have a whole lot of behind the system reveals, which I also tend to like, so if that's your kind of story, then grab yourself a copy, and have at it.
March 17, 2025
Disappointed
I wish this book really had my attention the whole way through, but it was such a letdown after a half-way decent start. If it’s not the lack of a cohesive plot, it’s the repetitive phrasing in prose. After a while, it felt like the author’s voice just felt bland and dry.
I just didn’t care for any of the supporting cast and I barely feel anything for the MC. He rises pretty quickly in rank and we’re meant to believe he can’t beat a few of his peers, but we’re never able to witness that. Some further interaction between Auric and Salvo would’ve helped further the relationships in this book a lot. I’m not even going to touch on the ending, but to keep it blunt, that was just a cop out and I can’t fathom why the author would write the ending like that. There was just no conclusion whatsoever, even an ounce of achievement in some way.
Luke Chmilenko is celebrated as a Titan in the LitRPG space and maybe this is just one of his weaker stories. *shrugs*
I wish this book really had my attention the whole way through, but it was such a letdown after a half-way decent start. If it’s not the lack of a cohesive plot, it’s the repetitive phrasing in prose. After a while, it felt like the author’s voice just felt bland and dry.
I just didn’t care for any of the supporting cast and I barely feel anything for the MC. He rises pretty quickly in rank and we’re meant to believe he can’t beat a few of his peers, but we’re never able to witness that. Some further interaction between Auric and Salvo would’ve helped further the relationships in this book a lot. I’m not even going to touch on the ending, but to keep it blunt, that was just a cop out and I can’t fathom why the author would write the ending like that. There was just no conclusion whatsoever, even an ounce of achievement in some way.
Luke Chmilenko is celebrated as a Titan in the LitRPG space and maybe this is just one of his weaker stories. *shrugs*
May 26, 2024
Closer to 3 stars than 5. The book has a lot going for it, the writing is well done and the world and setup were both interesting.
Most of me wished the MC had to work his way up the ranks instead of skipping to the end and not earning it, though I guess I understand why and it allowed the plot to take prominence and go in slightly different directions than most LitRPG. The problem was that everything took a backseat to the plot, particularly the characters and anything related to the magic system, Fighting, etc... I mean, the MC was instantly top tier ranked so why should he have to actually learn to use his new abilities and explore their incredible possibilities. No, that'd be far too interesting and add more depth to the story and make me feel more connected to the character and respect him more and follow the fights more when he tries out ideas and pushes his limits....
Most of me wished the MC had to work his way up the ranks instead of skipping to the end and not earning it, though I guess I understand why and it allowed the plot to take prominence and go in slightly different directions than most LitRPG. The problem was that everything took a backseat to the plot, particularly the characters and anything related to the magic system, Fighting, etc... I mean, the MC was instantly top tier ranked so why should he have to actually learn to use his new abilities and explore their incredible possibilities. No, that'd be far too interesting and add more depth to the story and make me feel more connected to the character and respect him more and follow the fights more when he tries out ideas and pushes his limits....
March 22, 2022
A mix of coming of age and system apocalypse
Our MC, Auric is 18 and still stuck at the bottom tier of power. He’s maxed out and his grandma(who’s his guardian) won’t let him try and advance. Enter teenage stupidity and recklessness that ends with things going haywire. All this set in a backdrop of a post apocalyptic USA after a mysterious System has changed the world 100 years ago. An enjoyable book, with a relatable MC if you can recall your teenage years. Plot twists make for an enjoyable bit of interesting surprise, and the powers that Auric develops are pretty cool too!
Our MC, Auric is 18 and still stuck at the bottom tier of power. He’s maxed out and his grandma(who’s his guardian) won’t let him try and advance. Enter teenage stupidity and recklessness that ends with things going haywire. All this set in a backdrop of a post apocalyptic USA after a mysterious System has changed the world 100 years ago. An enjoyable book, with a relatable MC if you can recall your teenage years. Plot twists make for an enjoyable bit of interesting surprise, and the powers that Auric develops are pretty cool too!
March 6, 2022
I expected better
The writing is fine. Aside from the MC being written as an idiot. The premise is interesting, a new take on the system apocalypse genre. It was none the less a struggle for me to finish. In almost any given scene the MC can be counted on to miss or flat out ignore the information he is given and do something pointless or stupid there by creating a meandering path to the books end. Just meh. Both these guys have written a lot and this seems a pretty weak effort.
The writing is fine. Aside from the MC being written as an idiot. The premise is interesting, a new take on the system apocalypse genre. It was none the less a struggle for me to finish. In almost any given scene the MC can be counted on to miss or flat out ignore the information he is given and do something pointless or stupid there by creating a meandering path to the books end. Just meh. Both these guys have written a lot and this seems a pretty weak effort.
June 7, 2022
This is a VERY similar vibe to Solo Leveling (the webtoon). It has similar ranking systems, and combines a "system" with LitRPG leveling styles.
I felt like the book started off pretty slow, but got cooler towards the end.
Will for sure read the next one when it comes out because I love Chmilenko in general, and I am hoping that the next in the series is better since our MC and others will be stronger and more in the zone.
I felt like the book started off pretty slow, but got cooler towards the end.
Will for sure read the next one when it comes out because I love Chmilenko in general, and I am hoping that the next in the series is better since our MC and others will be stronger and more in the zone.
April 19, 2024
Really cool world with some very interesting game mechanics. I’m a fan over OP MCs but I feel like the meteoric raise in power here cheated me out of enjoying the game mechanics and the world. This was exacerbated by delving in atypical gates. I wanted more of the “normal” world not all these exceptions. That being said, I really enjoyed the story. I am hoping for more character and world building elements in the next book now that we have some things established.
March 28, 2022
KU Review
Interesting post apocalyptic novel set not at the beginning like most system stories but decades later. Also in interesting twist on leveling. Definitely worth a read.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Interesting post apocalyptic novel set not at the beginning like most system stories but decades later. Also in interesting twist on leveling. Definitely worth a read.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
April 26, 2024
Great Read
This new series mixes a lot of familiar threads into a worthy read as abilities & invasion creates a nice mix of action and adventure.
The characters work well, and there are enough hints to give an exciting insight into the rest of the series.
With known authors having a good catalogue behind them, this should be a good experience.
This new series mixes a lot of familiar threads into a worthy read as abilities & invasion creates a nice mix of action and adventure.
The characters work well, and there are enough hints to give an exciting insight into the rest of the series.
With known authors having a good catalogue behind them, this should be a good experience.
April 22, 2022
Worth your time and attention!
A well written book, characters and story certainly hold your attention. If you enjoy litrpg or fantasy then this book is worth your time and attention. Quality writing from quality authors!
A well written book, characters and story certainly hold your attention. If you enjoy litrpg or fantasy then this book is worth your time and attention. Quality writing from quality authors!
May 17, 2022
Interesting realm story
I was kinda put off at first with the hero of story. He was very low powered, and it would seem he wasn't lazy, just impatient so he took dangerous risks. He is 18, but seems like he is 16, the way he acts, and talks to his sister.
I was kinda put off at first with the hero of story. He was very low powered, and it would seem he wasn't lazy, just impatient so he took dangerous risks. He is 18, but seems like he is 16, the way he acts, and talks to his sister.
May 20, 2022
Luke, please make it stop. This is awful. If you want to push a series along how about the ONE that everyone is waiting for? Warformed may be the most anticipated series in the genre and over a year since its release we get...this. Hard no. 1 star.
November 17, 2022
Feel new and different from others litrpg books
New and different enough while still keeping the basic premise of system litrpg story I like action and and character I just need the next book please
New and different enough while still keeping the basic premise of system litrpg story I like action and and character I just need the next book please
March 1, 2022
Loved it.
I love this book. It introduces very interesting characters and a cool new concept for a world. Luke is an automatic must buy, and this did not disappoint.
I love this book. It introduces very interesting characters and a cool new concept for a world. Luke is an automatic must buy, and this did not disappoint.
March 15, 2022
Fun Story
Interest post apocalyptic LitRPG story. Concept is interesting, and I think it shows a good start I hope will build into a longer running story.
Interest post apocalyptic LitRPG story. Concept is interesting, and I think it shows a good start I hope will build into a longer running story.
March 24, 2022
Very fun
I had a lot of fun with this book. Great characters, intriguing lot, and awesome action. Give it a shot, you'll like it.
I had a lot of fun with this book. Great characters, intriguing lot, and awesome action. Give it a shot, you'll like it.
April 1, 2022
Average.
I don't think I'll be continuing this series.
I don't think I'll be continuing this series.
April 27, 2022
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
April 11, 2024
amazing world
A man amazingly written world with fun powers and fantastic characters that shock and surprise you! On to book two!
A man amazingly written world with fun powers and fantastic characters that shock and surprise you! On to book two!
May 9, 2025
It was a nice story. Clean enough. Lots of training. I do like West, the head spirit. That added lots to the interest and story.
April 12, 2024
Auric annoyed the heck out of me. Stop it, Auric! Stop being an idiot.
March 14, 2022
Loved the book! It really was a fun new type of litRPG adventure, and I can't wait to read the next book. Hopefully coming soon? :)
June 16, 2022
Listened to it on audible and really enjoyed it. 5/5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews