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Apocalypse Cultivation #1
Trojan Nightmare
The Earth has been overrun with monsters...
Post-Apocalypse America is unrecognizable from the past. Jake survives by working as the leader of a scavenging adventuring team. A former mage, now he follows the strange path of cultivation, taught to him by a mysterious traveler.
As far as he knows, he is one of the only people on Earth with this power.
Events will unfold that change Jake's life forever. Jake might even lose his very humanity while trying to do the right thing. But in return, perhaps he will grasp a second chance to save himself and others, to correct the past. He is about to be caught up in something much greater than himself.
Will he be consumed by the machinations of greater powers? Only one thing is for certain. No matter how terrible the odds, Jake doesn't give up.
Experience the start of the next hit LitRPG series from bestseller Blaise Corvin. This is a cultivation story with elements of eastern fantasy, but also includes LitRPG and GameLit tropes.
Post-Apocalypse America is unrecognizable from the past. Jake survives by working as the leader of a scavenging adventuring team. A former mage, now he follows the strange path of cultivation, taught to him by a mysterious traveler.
As far as he knows, he is one of the only people on Earth with this power.
Events will unfold that change Jake's life forever. Jake might even lose his very humanity while trying to do the right thing. But in return, perhaps he will grasp a second chance to save himself and others, to correct the past. He is about to be caught up in something much greater than himself.
Will he be consumed by the machinations of greater powers? Only one thing is for certain. No matter how terrible the odds, Jake doesn't give up.
Experience the start of the next hit LitRPG series from bestseller Blaise Corvin. This is a cultivation story with elements of eastern fantasy, but also includes LitRPG and GameLit tropes.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2022
525 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Blaise Corvin
30 books635 followersBlaise Corvin served in the US Army in several roles. He has seen the best and the worst that humanity has to offer. He is a sucker for any hobby involving weapons, art, or improv.
He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.
He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.
It's all very eccentric.
Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.
Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).
He currently lives in Texas, in a house full of enough geeky memorabilia to start a museum.
He likes talking about himself in 3rd person and posting pictures of himself holding tarantulas. Sometimes, he pretends he is not an idiot with a terrible sense of humor.
It's all very eccentric.
Blaise currently writes mostly in the GameLit genre and LitRPG subgenre, exciting new classifications of fiction where characters either play a game (usually VR), or live in a world with game-like elements.
Delvers LLC is GameLit, lightly LitRPG, mostly a Fantasy/SciFi Adventure. Secret of the Old Ones is hard LitRPG, complete with XP and leveling...plus has Lovecraftian and steampunk elements (because why not?).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 26, 2022
4/5
A litRPG progression book with time resetting aspects.
Even though I've read some litRPG works with a similar premise, this one had some uniqueness to it that made me want to proceed with the book. And I'm glad I did, it was a fun read.
The lack of secondary characters was the biggest letdown in this book. Hopefully, the author will remedy that in the sequel.
A litRPG progression book with time resetting aspects.
Even though I've read some litRPG works with a similar premise, this one had some uniqueness to it that made me want to proceed with the book. And I'm glad I did, it was a fun read.
The lack of secondary characters was the biggest letdown in this book. Hopefully, the author will remedy that in the sequel.
October 22, 2022
Trojan Nightmare started well but quickly goes downhill. It did so for the same reason that so many other books in this subgenre of fantasy do... . In fact, there are two main reasons that I can think of why this book failed to engage me despite what I thought of as a lot of promise in this story and an interesting start.
The first issue is a lack of secondary characters for the main character to play off. This is a surprisingly common problem that I find in this subgenre. So many of these books start with the hero on his own, fighting through battles and growing his power over the course of individual trials, often for half of the book, before finally interacting with another character. In order for the story to work, you need a staggeringly interesting main character who can hold the audience's interest even when alone. We didn't get one here.
As is more commonly the case, the protagonist fails to keep the interest of the reader because it just becomes a series of trials, one after another, that does little to flesh out the main character as a character or to progress much of the plot in general. Usually when I'm starting a new series that begins this way I often blur through the opening chapters, hoping that soon we'll get some interaction with other characters and the story can really begin.
The second issue is a lack of stakes beyond the primary reason of just staying alive and surviving for the next adventure. Neither is growing powerful for the sake of growing powerful all that interesting either. The best books have something on the line that is external to the main character (with the notable exception of stories that are character studies).
What is most frustrating about this book is that it had those stakes when it started. In fact, coming to think of it, it had a solution to the first problem as well. Unfortunately, when the story takes a turn it throws these things away and from that point on out the story lost me and I became less engaged with each adventure as it unfolded.
In fact, I can pinpoint the moment when I lost interest, it was when the
By the end of the novel, I felt like I just read a list of things that had happened rather than a story that was leading to a bigger story. It very much felt like I was reading something along the lines of "The protagonist does a thing and this happens, so the protagonist does another thing and something else happens." The simple formula was on repeat all the way through the book leading the protagonist from one adventure to the next but never really progressing the story all that much. In fact, it felt like it just kept going until the author decided the book was done and inserted the final chapter to lead on to the next book.
So overall this felt like reading a collected anthology of individual adventures with nothing really engaging about them. For that reason, I can only give this book two stars.
The first issue is a lack of secondary characters for the main character to play off. This is a surprisingly common problem that I find in this subgenre. So many of these books start with the hero on his own, fighting through battles and growing his power over the course of individual trials, often for half of the book, before finally interacting with another character. In order for the story to work, you need a staggeringly interesting main character who can hold the audience's interest even when alone. We didn't get one here.
As is more commonly the case, the protagonist fails to keep the interest of the reader because it just becomes a series of trials, one after another, that does little to flesh out the main character as a character or to progress much of the plot in general. Usually when I'm starting a new series that begins this way I often blur through the opening chapters, hoping that soon we'll get some interaction with other characters and the story can really begin.
The second issue is a lack of stakes beyond the primary reason of just staying alive and surviving for the next adventure. Neither is growing powerful for the sake of growing powerful all that interesting either. The best books have something on the line that is external to the main character (with the notable exception of stories that are character studies).
What is most frustrating about this book is that it had those stakes when it started. In fact, coming to think of it, it had a solution to the first problem as well. Unfortunately, when the story takes a turn it throws these things away and from that point on out the story lost me and I became less engaged with each adventure as it unfolded.
In fact, I can pinpoint the moment when I lost interest, it was when the
By the end of the novel, I felt like I just read a list of things that had happened rather than a story that was leading to a bigger story. It very much felt like I was reading something along the lines of "The protagonist does a thing and this happens, so the protagonist does another thing and something else happens." The simple formula was on repeat all the way through the book leading the protagonist from one adventure to the next but never really progressing the story all that much. In fact, it felt like it just kept going until the author decided the book was done and inserted the final chapter to lead on to the next book.
So overall this felt like reading a collected anthology of individual adventures with nothing really engaging about them. For that reason, I can only give this book two stars.
May 7, 2022
Needs work.
Not a bad premise. The writing is mostly flat. The author has a terrible habit of breaking up action scenes with pointless exposition. For as many tales as BC has released I expected better.
Not a bad premise. The writing is mostly flat. The author has a terrible habit of breaking up action scenes with pointless exposition. For as many tales as BC has released I expected better.
August 28, 2025
one of his best yet
Blaise is one of those authors who you drop whatever you were reading to pick up his latest book. Wile a few of his most recent books haven't packed the punch of his earlier work, the punch is back in a big way here. This book hits.
Trojan Nightmare feels a lot like Welcome to Ludus (Delvers LLC, #1). Not just the trippy monsters and jerky gods, but also the humor, and excitement, and sheer joy of the ride. This book pulls you along and makes you want to skip meals and sleep just to keep reading.
This book is very much back to basics and I'm in love all over again with things that I thought I was tired of. Transported to another world,... Cultivation,... Yawn. These things are getting tired I thought, but not in the hands of Mr. Corvin. He reminds us why we liked them in the first place.
-The Apocalypse has come to earth and Jake is the leader of a band of adventures who are fighting monsters to protect what is left of the world. Things kick off right from the start and Blaise doesn't keep you waiting around for things to get crazy.
The only draw back here is that this book was published less than a week ago and now I've got a long wait for book two. And oh man, do I want that book right NOW!
---1 Year Later---
After reading a series of disappointing and lackluster books I began to question whether it was the books that were bad, or whether it was me who was burnt-out, and maybe becoming a grumpy old guy who just can't be pleased by anything new. So I decided to reread the last truly GREAT, fun to read book that qualified as a slam dunk and see if I still had the joy of reading -when what I was reading wasn't crap. First off, I chose this book when thinking of something sure to please. And secondly, I think I might have even liked it more the second time.
So it turns out those other books were just crap.
Blaise is one of those authors who you drop whatever you were reading to pick up his latest book. Wile a few of his most recent books haven't packed the punch of his earlier work, the punch is back in a big way here. This book hits.
Trojan Nightmare feels a lot like Welcome to Ludus (Delvers LLC, #1). Not just the trippy monsters and jerky gods, but also the humor, and excitement, and sheer joy of the ride. This book pulls you along and makes you want to skip meals and sleep just to keep reading.
This book is very much back to basics and I'm in love all over again with things that I thought I was tired of. Transported to another world,... Cultivation,... Yawn. These things are getting tired I thought, but not in the hands of Mr. Corvin. He reminds us why we liked them in the first place.
-The Apocalypse has come to earth and Jake is the leader of a band of adventures who are fighting monsters to protect what is left of the world. Things kick off right from the start and Blaise doesn't keep you waiting around for things to get crazy.
The only draw back here is that this book was published less than a week ago and now I've got a long wait for book two. And oh man, do I want that book right NOW!
---1 Year Later---
After reading a series of disappointing and lackluster books I began to question whether it was the books that were bad, or whether it was me who was burnt-out, and maybe becoming a grumpy old guy who just can't be pleased by anything new. So I decided to reread the last truly GREAT, fun to read book that qualified as a slam dunk and see if I still had the joy of reading -when what I was reading wasn't crap. First off, I chose this book when thinking of something sure to please. And secondly, I think I might have even liked it more the second time.
So it turns out those other books were just crap.
March 17, 2022
Better than I expected.
I was expecting this book to be pretty much a by the numbers cultivation book, maybe with harem elements (based on the front cover), but I should have realized Mr. Corvin would not do that, he's too good a writer for that.
I won't spoil what made this different then I thought it would be, except to reassure readers who don't like harem novels. There are no harem elements in this book, at all.
Looking forward to the second book in this series. Not as much as Delvers LLC, but we are 4 or 5 books in on that series (more if you count the Nora Hazzard series, which seems to have been neatly folded in to Delvers), so I have a lot more of an investment in that series, so far.
I was expecting this book to be pretty much a by the numbers cultivation book, maybe with harem elements (based on the front cover), but I should have realized Mr. Corvin would not do that, he's too good a writer for that.
I won't spoil what made this different then I thought it would be, except to reassure readers who don't like harem novels. There are no harem elements in this book, at all.
Looking forward to the second book in this series. Not as much as Delvers LLC, but we are 4 or 5 books in on that series (more if you count the Nora Hazzard series, which seems to have been neatly folded in to Delvers), so I have a lot more of an investment in that series, so far.
March 17, 2022
Had high hopes
Sad disappointment. I had hopes that it would be a good ssries....considering the author. However, it was just overly dramatic fluff.
Sad disappointment. I had hopes that it would be a good ssries....considering the author. However, it was just overly dramatic fluff.
March 18, 2022
The last few Blaise Corvin books haven’t done much for me, but this one hits it out of the park.
Jake is a Georgia boy when the Purple Rain hits, kicking off the apocalypse. He’s a human adventurer and cultivator trying to grow in power when a giant portal opens and everyone is sent to try and close it.
Not a good idea.
I won’t spoil what happens next, but it sets up the rest of the book. There are elements of First Song for people who remember it, but it’s not a big focus of the book.
Jake is inventive, doesn’t give up, and doesn’t bow down to evil gods with bad manners. He cares about his family and does his best to protect the best part of humanity
This book is the best kind of rollercoaster ride. The action is nonstop, and while there are a few slow moments, it’s usually for cultivation. I didn’t see anything I hadn’t read before, but it’s put together in a very compelling way.
Highly recommended 5/5*
Jake is a Georgia boy when the Purple Rain hits, kicking off the apocalypse. He’s a human adventurer and cultivator trying to grow in power when a giant portal opens and everyone is sent to try and close it.
Not a good idea.
I won’t spoil what happens next, but it sets up the rest of the book. There are elements of First Song for people who remember it, but it’s not a big focus of the book.
Jake is inventive, doesn’t give up, and doesn’t bow down to evil gods with bad manners. He cares about his family and does his best to protect the best part of humanity
This book is the best kind of rollercoaster ride. The action is nonstop, and while there are a few slow moments, it’s usually for cultivation. I didn’t see anything I hadn’t read before, but it’s put together in a very compelling way.
Highly recommended 5/5*
April 17, 2022
I know I said I wouldn't read Blaise Corvin , but three friends recommended it... I hope the author has improved his craft, and doesn't pull any pandering stunts.
This book's start was slow and mostly uninteresting, but it eventually picked up and kept the head of steam. I'm willing to read the sequel. I hope the author keeps up the pace, and doesn't make his protagonist stupid.
3/5 Stars
This book's start was slow and mostly uninteresting, but it eventually picked up and kept the head of steam. I'm willing to read the sequel. I hope the author keeps up the pace, and doesn't make his protagonist stupid.
3/5 Stars
March 18, 2022
This just didn't work for me. I've enjoyed other books by this author, but this one reads a bit like fanfic/Mary Sue....maybe it's trying to write a cultivator story and just tossing terms into the story - meridian, cycling, copper rank, etc without seeming to know what they really mean.
Not my best analogy either, but I'm going to give this series a pass.
Not my best analogy either, but I'm going to give this series a pass.
April 22, 2022
This is another one of those re-set time books. Not sure if this is becoming a new Genre on it's own or what, but I've come across a few of them recently.
I really like this one. First because it's clearly just a one off time reset, but also because the story line is just really good. I really want to know where this all goes. It's a brutal setting with engaging characters.
I really like this one. First because it's clearly just a one off time reset, but also because the story line is just really good. I really want to know where this all goes. It's a brutal setting with engaging characters.
May 17, 2022
This whole is lacking a cohesive story.
The main character is portrayed as a survivor that never quits. This is radically changed to foster unneeded angst. That cheapens the MC, add in the lack of story and this is a massive failure. The drama is foisted on us. The combat is just horrible. The cultivation is just thrown in without any solid base.
The main character is portrayed as a survivor that never quits. This is radically changed to foster unneeded angst. That cheapens the MC, add in the lack of story and this is a massive failure. The drama is foisted on us. The combat is just horrible. The cultivation is just thrown in without any solid base.
June 2, 2022
4 May He Be Covered In The Blood Of Evil Forever Stars
Trojan Nightmare is the first book in the Apocalypse Cultivation series by Blaise Corvin.
Ugh, I'm kind of upset over the fact that I found this book now, before any more of the series was already out. I want to keep exploring Jake's path of cultivation, retribution, and heroics.
I completely forgot about the title while submerged in this book. However, it is still more telling than I initially realized. Trojan? HA! I wonder how many forces had knowledge of the Purple Rain's imminence? Outside of the obvious, there are bound to be more than one outside power actively building their followers and introduction to this newly seeded world.
This books plot in some ways reminds me of DFZ, with all of the gods coming out of the wood work. Dark, but not evil leanings especially. It's so intriguing to discover another side of the Apocalypse from the viewpoint of a returner that has been twisted into a more monstrous countenance. I think it's terribly more interesting than if he was the normal run-of-the-mill goodie-two-shoes type. But, this take on heroics lends itself more towards what I've experienced within Mangas or animes. The monstrous appearance attached to a more morality focused Mc is a lot more open to interpretation and variance, especially allowing for hilarious misconceptions at first meetings.
Given the deal he makes with the Morrigan at the end of the book, I wonder if he will ever see his sister again? While she may still live, he didn't even learn the name of her new light owned world. Under that same premise is the entirety of the bargain he agreed to with his new Goddess. It is an unexpected boon that he can spend so much more time on this next world without much having passed on Earth, and therefore be able to travel back and assist more of the human race in surviving like he achieved before his final transfer. If the trend continues given how much time he had to commit towards advancement and growing stronger, he needs all of the time he can get to truly be powerful enough to stand against all comers.
I wonder if the next book will have glimpses into the happenings of Earth, while he is on Murim, or not? Or just leave it as a surprise for when he finally travels back to his home planet?
Trojan Nightmare is the first book in the Apocalypse Cultivation series by Blaise Corvin.
Ugh, I'm kind of upset over the fact that I found this book now, before any more of the series was already out. I want to keep exploring Jake's path of cultivation, retribution, and heroics.
I completely forgot about the title while submerged in this book. However, it is still more telling than I initially realized. Trojan? HA! I wonder how many forces had knowledge of the Purple Rain's imminence? Outside of the obvious, there are bound to be more than one outside power actively building their followers and introduction to this newly seeded world.
This books plot in some ways reminds me of DFZ, with all of the gods coming out of the wood work. Dark, but not evil leanings especially. It's so intriguing to discover another side of the Apocalypse from the viewpoint of a returner that has been twisted into a more monstrous countenance. I think it's terribly more interesting than if he was the normal run-of-the-mill goodie-two-shoes type. But, this take on heroics lends itself more towards what I've experienced within Mangas or animes. The monstrous appearance attached to a more morality focused Mc is a lot more open to interpretation and variance, especially allowing for hilarious misconceptions at first meetings.
Given the deal he makes with the Morrigan at the end of the book, I wonder if he will ever see his sister again? While she may still live, he didn't even learn the name of her new light owned world. Under that same premise is the entirety of the bargain he agreed to with his new Goddess. It is an unexpected boon that he can spend so much more time on this next world without much having passed on Earth, and therefore be able to travel back and assist more of the human race in surviving like he achieved before his final transfer. If the trend continues given how much time he had to commit towards advancement and growing stronger, he needs all of the time he can get to truly be powerful enough to stand against all comers.
I wonder if the next book will have glimpses into the happenings of Earth, while he is on Murim, or not? Or just leave it as a surprise for when he finally travels back to his home planet?
March 28, 2022
Fighting Nightmares
The purple rain happened about 6 years ago and the world changed. When the apocalypse hit, everything shifted. Some people who were down on their luck decided to let some of the evil beings in. This led to some smart monsters which made fights even harder. If they can think like humans, they might be able to outthink you. Chi powered your body and spells.
Jake and the team were trying to make some money by taking out a witch, but the problem was two come out of the building. Almost the entire team was lost in the first salvo. The guns were not working against the fisherwitch. She had a barrier which normal guns couldn’t penetrate. This was happening more and more lately, but with bullets hard to come by maybe this wasn’t so bad.
The team are all different levels and have different fighting styles. One uses crossbows, one uses magic, one is former military and one a former hippie. It is definitely a ragtag crew. Jake had Landry tank one of the witches while the rest of them took the second one. The rest of them took the witch down and Jake went in and finished it off. Then they went and finished off the second one. They went back to base and then found out that scientists had found a stabilized tear in space time. This could be the source of a possible invasion. The government has conscripted all teams and they are supposed to head there.
Great story, definitely recommend!
The purple rain happened about 6 years ago and the world changed. When the apocalypse hit, everything shifted. Some people who were down on their luck decided to let some of the evil beings in. This led to some smart monsters which made fights even harder. If they can think like humans, they might be able to outthink you. Chi powered your body and spells.
Jake and the team were trying to make some money by taking out a witch, but the problem was two come out of the building. Almost the entire team was lost in the first salvo. The guns were not working against the fisherwitch. She had a barrier which normal guns couldn’t penetrate. This was happening more and more lately, but with bullets hard to come by maybe this wasn’t so bad.
The team are all different levels and have different fighting styles. One uses crossbows, one uses magic, one is former military and one a former hippie. It is definitely a ragtag crew. Jake had Landry tank one of the witches while the rest of them took the second one. The rest of them took the witch down and Jake went in and finished it off. Then they went and finished off the second one. They went back to base and then found out that scientists had found a stabilized tear in space time. This could be the source of a possible invasion. The government has conscripted all teams and they are supposed to head there.
Great story, definitely recommend!
October 19, 2022
I was hesitant to read but came away ecstatic.
This is a very enjoyable story that bucked many of my expectations of where the story was going in given the genre.
The story is focused on a MC that starts a somewhat average powered human in a post apocalyptic world (with magic, cultivation, superpowers) but quickly become something else and something more. The MC is obviously strong with very strong potential after the change but he never comes across as overpowered for the important situations he find himself in and there is tension throughout.
As the story progresses past the initial suprise I thought I'd pegged its direction, you know 'right regrets, save the loved ones etc'. But things change in ways I didn't expect and actually appreciated. Important things don't always go his way but he makes laudable effort to do his best and recover from his setbacks. Rarely do I admire a protagonist so.
There is one aspect that intially put me off (on a personal taste level not to do with the story or writing quality) which was the MC occasionally quoting Bible scripture. But in context it made sense, he never took it too seriously so I read on and I am glad that I got over my initial aversion. When it intially happened I thought the MC was going to become a 'good-guy-paladin' type but that is nowhere near where the story went and I'm pleased. All in all, looking forward to the reading the next book.
This is a very enjoyable story that bucked many of my expectations of where the story was going in given the genre.
The story is focused on a MC that starts a somewhat average powered human in a post apocalyptic world (with magic, cultivation, superpowers) but quickly become something else and something more. The MC is obviously strong with very strong potential after the change but he never comes across as overpowered for the important situations he find himself in and there is tension throughout.
As the story progresses past the initial suprise I thought I'd pegged its direction, you know 'right regrets, save the loved ones etc'. But things change in ways I didn't expect and actually appreciated. Important things don't always go his way but he makes laudable effort to do his best and recover from his setbacks. Rarely do I admire a protagonist so.
There is one aspect that intially put me off (on a personal taste level not to do with the story or writing quality) which was the MC occasionally quoting Bible scripture. But in context it made sense, he never took it too seriously so I read on and I am glad that I got over my initial aversion. When it intially happened I thought the MC was going to become a 'good-guy-paladin' type but that is nowhere near where the story went and I'm pleased. All in all, looking forward to the reading the next book.
June 22, 2022
Oh hell no, but Jake seems to be both the unluckiest and luckiest bastard on earth
But well, he won’t be on Earth for long as he and the city he are in are transported to a hell realm. Survival is unlikely for any and only Jake remains ‘free’ of the humans. Then he has to survive and find a way to gain enough power to fight back.
Then it gets really weird and Jake has to do it all over again, he lost his family once and soon he will have another opportunity to try and save them. Except for the god he pisses off screwing him on the timeline rewind, and now he’s no longer human and has a long road ahead to save his family. Rough decisions and hard challenges to morality will mold Jake into an Earthly nightmare for invaders… if he survives his transition and can gain enough power. As principles without power to back them are meaningless. Without power Jake cannot protect himself or anyone he cares for, and the road to power is rarely pleasant, easy, or short land Jake will die if he isn’t careful as this is no game!
But well, he won’t be on Earth for long as he and the city he are in are transported to a hell realm. Survival is unlikely for any and only Jake remains ‘free’ of the humans. Then he has to survive and find a way to gain enough power to fight back.
Then it gets really weird and Jake has to do it all over again, he lost his family once and soon he will have another opportunity to try and save them. Except for the god he pisses off screwing him on the timeline rewind, and now he’s no longer human and has a long road ahead to save his family. Rough decisions and hard challenges to morality will mold Jake into an Earthly nightmare for invaders… if he survives his transition and can gain enough power. As principles without power to back them are meaningless. Without power Jake cannot protect himself or anyone he cares for, and the road to power is rarely pleasant, easy, or short land Jake will die if he isn’t careful as this is no game!
May 11, 2022
I cannot say enough nice things about this particular story.
It has an intelligent protagonist, who does the best he can with what cards he is dealt.
Succeeding and failing in (almost) equal measure.
As a fan of cultivation novels, it was also a treat to have a character and story where
I have only read Mr. Corvin's 'Veil-Verse' novels up till the point that I picked up Trojan Nightmare. Those stories were good, but not "rush out and read everything this author has written" good.
This novel was "that" good and I will be having a look at some of his other works in the near future.
Thank you for an excellent story, I look forward to a second book. This one was well worth the $ I spent on it.
It has an intelligent protagonist, who does the best he can with what cards he is dealt.
Succeeding and failing in (almost) equal measure.
As a fan of cultivation novels, it was also a treat to have a character and story where
I have only read Mr. Corvin's 'Veil-Verse' novels up till the point that I picked up Trojan Nightmare. Those stories were good, but not "rush out and read everything this author has written" good.
This novel was "that" good and I will be having a look at some of his other works in the near future.
Thank you for an excellent story, I look forward to a second book. This one was well worth the $ I spent on it.
December 5, 2024
3.5 stars.
This post-apocalyptic progression urban fantasy is surprisingly good. It starts a bit slowly, but after a bit, it starts to build momentum, and by the end, it's a toboggan ride.
This is largely a single-character book. Oh, there are more named characters, but they're essentially cardboard cutouts, intended to provide opposition, aid, or terrain for the protagonist. The arc of the protagonist is interesting, though, beginning as a soldier fighting against arcane invaders in a post-apocalyptic America and ending .
The plot is not the usual sort of "kill a thing, gain power, kill another thing" common to most progression fantasy books. The ending is a major diversion from the main run of the plot, and I think it detracts from the overall story.
This book was both interesting and different enough that I'll be continuing the series.
This post-apocalyptic progression urban fantasy is surprisingly good. It starts a bit slowly, but after a bit, it starts to build momentum, and by the end, it's a toboggan ride.
This is largely a single-character book. Oh, there are more named characters, but they're essentially cardboard cutouts, intended to provide opposition, aid, or terrain for the protagonist. The arc of the protagonist is interesting, though, beginning as a soldier fighting against arcane invaders in a post-apocalyptic America and ending .
The plot is not the usual sort of "kill a thing, gain power, kill another thing" common to most progression fantasy books. The ending is a major diversion from the main run of the plot, and I think it detracts from the overall story.
This book was both interesting and different enough that I'll be continuing the series.
March 16, 2022
Good new book but dark
1st book in the new series. I certainly enjoy this book but it did take an interesting turn and certainly very dark. The hero/antihero Thing is a lot of fun. I'm curious to see where it goes in the long run. I normally not in the time loop thing but this worked out well enough. It seems that in this series time can be a little fluid under specific circumstances. The whole apocalypse was not initially well described but if it's later in the book sort of bring more that to front. The MC/whatever. LOL. Is likable Person?. The humor is simple but entertaining and engaging. There are various secondary characters that are fairly well described through out the book however not many of them stick around, each for their own reasons. I look forward to more books in the series but it looks like they will be slow coming.
1st book in the new series. I certainly enjoy this book but it did take an interesting turn and certainly very dark. The hero/antihero Thing is a lot of fun. I'm curious to see where it goes in the long run. I normally not in the time loop thing but this worked out well enough. It seems that in this series time can be a little fluid under specific circumstances. The whole apocalypse was not initially well described but if it's later in the book sort of bring more that to front. The MC/whatever. LOL. Is likable Person?. The humor is simple but entertaining and engaging. There are various secondary characters that are fairly well described through out the book however not many of them stick around, each for their own reasons. I look forward to more books in the series but it looks like they will be slow coming.
August 30, 2022
Why did I give this a five-star review? There are a lot of apocalypse books out there. And I'm not an RPG fan. So, this must have been a special book. The character is always the underdog here but due to his prior knowledge and sheer stubbornness pulls off some interesting situations in his favor. And the RPG stats don't bother me with this book, some books are excessive to the level of distraction. There were a few times when the situation replays in his mind were a bit repetitive, but oh well, the book balanced it out with action. Now, top that with a well written book, no spell check goofs, no repeated paragraphs and a plot that's easy to follow. Throw in a few ancient gods and some interesting switches with a character that could make an adult have nightmares but loves children. This makes for a winner to me.
September 20, 2022
The MC always muttering "it
shouldn’t be so soon after Purple Rain" I'm tired of this repeated lines. He created a guide but didn't really asked himself if it's really for good? Yup he saved millions of lives but at what cost? He sacrificed his own family tho... To be honest he can really save his family if he didn't released that guide and it irks me to read a "IT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING" Bs even tho he is only a _ _ _ _ _ _ that time and can't think properly... Still good tho and I can give 3 stars and it's my first time leaving a review here even tho I already read too many books and can't even finish a series because sometimes it's not the direction that I wanted so yeah... In this week I already read 8 books but never finish the entire book of each one of it... And it's really a pain in the a$$ because I'm more gritting my teeth this week. Turning back in time really is the best.
shouldn’t be so soon after Purple Rain" I'm tired of this repeated lines. He created a guide but didn't really asked himself if it's really for good? Yup he saved millions of lives but at what cost? He sacrificed his own family tho... To be honest he can really save his family if he didn't released that guide and it irks me to read a "IT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING" Bs even tho he is only a _ _ _ _ _ _ that time and can't think properly... Still good tho and I can give 3 stars and it's my first time leaving a review here even tho I already read too many books and can't even finish a series because sometimes it's not the direction that I wanted so yeah... In this week I already read 8 books but never finish the entire book of each one of it... And it's really a pain in the a$$ because I'm more gritting my teeth this week. Turning back in time really is the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2022
I really enjoyed reading/listening to this book and to Luke Daniel's (it's really always a coin toss on whether I'll like Daniel's narrative performance). But I gave Trojan Nightmare a chance and I'm sure glad I did!
This litRPG is a post-apocalypse earth where where monsters roam with only a few pockets of humans survivor's fighting back! Jake one of the few, received what should've been a punishment from a dark god, but he's not the kinda guy to just rollover and accept his fate! He doesn't give up and will turn it into an advantage if he can! Jake starts down a path of cultivation, in order to get strong enough to fight back! Will he succeed, and humans get a second chance, or will Jake lose his humanity entirely.
Go grab the book and see what happens!
This litRPG is a post-apocalypse earth where where monsters roam with only a few pockets of humans survivor's fighting back! Jake one of the few, received what should've been a punishment from a dark god, but he's not the kinda guy to just rollover and accept his fate! He doesn't give up and will turn it into an advantage if he can! Jake starts down a path of cultivation, in order to get strong enough to fight back! Will he succeed, and humans get a second chance, or will Jake lose his humanity entirely.
Go grab the book and see what happens!
May 5, 2022
A fresh & interesting take, stumbled a bit in execution
The system of the world is interesting, and the MCs growth path is something I haven't seen before.
This series is closer to the grimdark side; the world is out to screw over humans and everything is stacked against them in an unfair way.
Would have been an easy 5 stars but the mid 60-90% of the book really stumbled. The writing is much more interesting when the MC is alone, much of the dialogue is stilted and unnatural.
The story also jumps to the vantage point of random powerless humans for no apparent reason other than to validate how cool and powerful everyone thinks the MC is.
The action climax was oddly the most boring part of the book, it could lose big chunks of text and not lose anything important.
The system of the world is interesting, and the MCs growth path is something I haven't seen before.
This series is closer to the grimdark side; the world is out to screw over humans and everything is stacked against them in an unfair way.
Would have been an easy 5 stars but the mid 60-90% of the book really stumbled. The writing is much more interesting when the MC is alone, much of the dialogue is stilted and unnatural.
The story also jumps to the vantage point of random powerless humans for no apparent reason other than to validate how cool and powerful everyone thinks the MC is.
The action climax was oddly the most boring part of the book, it could lose big chunks of text and not lose anything important.
June 19, 2022
Love the unique way the MC has to cultivate and plan out his progression. I am a sucker for an MC that can be OP at times, but still face and find ways to overcome tough challenges at other times.
A lot of terminology and background information is thrown around with the assumption the reader just knows. While most of the time you get the gist of the idea you also don’t have the whole picture.
Progression and advancement aren’t fully explained, and while I know that’s because he is charting unexplored waters, it would still be nice to have a baseline of comparison to what other cultivators must do.
A lot of terminology and background information is thrown around with the assumption the reader just knows. While most of the time you get the gist of the idea you also don’t have the whole picture.
Progression and advancement aren’t fully explained, and while I know that’s because he is charting unexplored waters, it would still be nice to have a baseline of comparison to what other cultivators must do.
March 17, 2022
Unexpected directions
It’s not really LitRPG, in that there doesn’t seem to be a ‘system’ providing answers or quests. But it’s also not pure cultivation, as classes and skills are at least discussed.
No harem (the cover is a bit misleading for genre norms). Graphic violence and scenes of the depravity of man.
I really enjoyed how the MC made some decisions for reasons other than ‘the right thing to do’. And the few times he leaned in to his strengths and stopped dancing around conversational norms.
A very strong entry into the field.
It’s not really LitRPG, in that there doesn’t seem to be a ‘system’ providing answers or quests. But it’s also not pure cultivation, as classes and skills are at least discussed.
No harem (the cover is a bit misleading for genre norms). Graphic violence and scenes of the depravity of man.
I really enjoyed how the MC made some decisions for reasons other than ‘the right thing to do’. And the few times he leaned in to his strengths and stopped dancing around conversational norms.
A very strong entry into the field.
March 20, 2022
Good book
I enjoyed the book but the plot was all of the place with God's, alternate planes, different dimensions, time redo's, race changes, magic, cultivation, and more. It was like the author just decided to throw every possible genre into the mix. There was a lot of good action. Not a huge fan of a monster race for the mc because it so limits the interaction with other people. Pretty much a solo adventure which gets a little dull for me. I will give the next book a shot though.
I enjoyed the book but the plot was all of the place with God's, alternate planes, different dimensions, time redo's, race changes, magic, cultivation, and more. It was like the author just decided to throw every possible genre into the mix. There was a lot of good action. Not a huge fan of a monster race for the mc because it so limits the interaction with other people. Pretty much a solo adventure which gets a little dull for me. I will give the next book a shot though.
March 23, 2022
This one has everything but the kitchen sink, but still manages to work well!
As the title says, this book really has it all! Cultivation, system apocalypse, evolutions, dungeons(sorta), other universes, gods, demons, “do over time loop”…the list goes on! You’d think with this much going on it would be a hot mess. But you’d be wrong! Corbin somehow manages to make all these disparate plot threads and tropes into a cohesive whole. Color me impressed! Fun, action oriented, and despite the cover it’s clean on the sexy front. Loved it! Can’t wait for book 2!
As the title says, this book really has it all! Cultivation, system apocalypse, evolutions, dungeons(sorta), other universes, gods, demons, “do over time loop”…the list goes on! You’d think with this much going on it would be a hot mess. But you’d be wrong! Corbin somehow manages to make all these disparate plot threads and tropes into a cohesive whole. Color me impressed! Fun, action oriented, and despite the cover it’s clean on the sexy front. Loved it! Can’t wait for book 2!
September 12, 2022
Great book great MC.
Great storyline, engaging plot, great MC. MC is not overpowered but is a thinking man’s character. He is not like other emcees in books who forget what they know when they come in to a situation that has game mechanics, he uses his powers and brain to outwit his enemies. Other authors should take note of this author‘s MC and write more characters like Jake. Eagerly awaiting the next book. Full of action mystery suspense leveling and a great main character what else could you ask for
Great storyline, engaging plot, great MC. MC is not overpowered but is a thinking man’s character. He is not like other emcees in books who forget what they know when they come in to a situation that has game mechanics, he uses his powers and brain to outwit his enemies. Other authors should take note of this author‘s MC and write more characters like Jake. Eagerly awaiting the next book. Full of action mystery suspense leveling and a great main character what else could you ask for
November 21, 2022
Pretty good
I read it. I enjoyed it. I didn't like ALL the little bit of cosmic horror seeping in on the edges but to each his own.
My recommendation for the author is to be carefull of the internal rants, especially during high tension points in the story. There was one event in a sealed apartment (you know which one) that could have been shorter and more direct. At the very least it could have been rearranged for better pacing. In my personal opinion at least a page of those chapters could have been cut with no loss of actual exposition.
I read it. I enjoyed it. I didn't like ALL the little bit of cosmic horror seeping in on the edges but to each his own.
My recommendation for the author is to be carefull of the internal rants, especially during high tension points in the story. There was one event in a sealed apartment (you know which one) that could have been shorter and more direct. At the very least it could have been rearranged for better pacing. In my personal opinion at least a page of those chapters could have been cut with no loss of actual exposition.
March 19, 2022
Great perspective
Another really enjoyable read by Corvin. A different twist on the normal cultivation stories I have read, with a great overarching conflict, good battles and enjoyable progression. I particularly enjoyed the MC dealing with his religion and the poor circumstances he finds himself in. Looking forward to the next in the series. I highly recommend all of Corvin’s work, after this go back and read all his other series.
Another really enjoyable read by Corvin. A different twist on the normal cultivation stories I have read, with a great overarching conflict, good battles and enjoyable progression. I particularly enjoyed the MC dealing with his religion and the poor circumstances he finds himself in. Looking forward to the next in the series. I highly recommend all of Corvin’s work, after this go back and read all his other series.
March 19, 2022
I found this to be well paced and a good read. I'm a bit iffy on the author's work, mostly because I tend to not like the MCs. In this case I found the MC to be intelligent AND sensible, two things that don't always (often) go together. People who mouth off to powerful beings deserve whatever happens to them, and Jake is aware of this.
The ending is wide open for more, without a painful cliff-hanger, so I'll see what happens.
The ending is wide open for more, without a painful cliff-hanger, so I'll see what happens.
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