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Mars System Reboot
Late 21st century Earth is overcrowded, her natural resources dwindling rapidly. World governments and greedy mega corporations are forced to work together toward a solution.
A crew of ten humans are sent to Mars aboard Hyperion I to locate a suitable site and establish the first colony. After a months-long flight to the red planet, just as they are about to descend to the surface, problems arise. A careless accident kills a crew member, damages the ship, forcing the others to launch early. And that's just the beginning of their troubles.
On day one they learn that magic is real, and that the planet, in fact the entire galaxy, is governed by a complicated and merciless System. Their assimilation into the System makes them enemies of the paranoid powers that be on Earth, and they find themselves cut off. No communications with family, no resupply, they're on their own on a mostly dead world.
And nearly every form of life they do encounter is out to kill them.
Join Commander Fletcher and her crew as they struggle to survive a new world with new but familiar rules.
A crew of ten humans are sent to Mars aboard Hyperion I to locate a suitable site and establish the first colony. After a months-long flight to the red planet, just as they are about to descend to the surface, problems arise. A careless accident kills a crew member, damages the ship, forcing the others to launch early. And that's just the beginning of their troubles.
On day one they learn that magic is real, and that the planet, in fact the entire galaxy, is governed by a complicated and merciless System. Their assimilation into the System makes them enemies of the paranoid powers that be on Earth, and they find themselves cut off. No communications with family, no resupply, they're on their own on a mostly dead world.
And nearly every form of life they do encounter is out to kill them.
Join Commander Fletcher and her crew as they struggle to survive a new world with new but familiar rules.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2022
About the author
Dave Willmarth
33 books635 followersDave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 10, 2022
I wanted to like it
I enjoyed the author’s other series.
But.
It felt amateurish. Like I was being beaten with a massive cluebat, while also suffering through bad acting.
Astronauts, on a very important and very expensive mission,…I would expect more competence and intelligence. They didn’t act like they were the product of extensive testing and training, the result of a difficult selection process.
It felt forced. They were forced to make stupid mistakes, repeatedly, in order to advance a planned narrative.
I quit around 40%. Maybe I’ll return at some point.
I enjoyed the author’s other series.
But.
It felt amateurish. Like I was being beaten with a massive cluebat, while also suffering through bad acting.
Astronauts, on a very important and very expensive mission,…I would expect more competence and intelligence. They didn’t act like they were the product of extensive testing and training, the result of a difficult selection process.
It felt forced. They were forced to make stupid mistakes, repeatedly, in order to advance a planned narrative.
I quit around 40%. Maybe I’ll return at some point.
March 15, 2022
There are so many players in this book and it's only just begun. It's been a painstakingly slow start but the story's good so far. I'm keen to see what the New Atlanteans get up to, but I'm more eager to see how Skippy and Thorne will catch up with them. The unknowns are terrifying, only because they seem to hold so much power... but I'm sure we'll learn more in the next book.
The book's made me miss the Shadow Sun and Battleborne characters though.
The book's made me miss the Shadow Sun and Battleborne characters though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2022
a Solid Idea that Fails to Deliver
A team is sent to explore Mars in the semi near future. The ship gets there but not without problems, which forces them to land somewhere other than their ideal location.
When they get there, Captain Fletcher and two others find odd diamonds that feel wet. They’re compelled to hold or eat them, and when the inevitable happens, they’re identified as Martians.
Not humans. The people back on Earth don’t take the news well.
Which is where we begin to run into problems. I didn’t understand why the people on Earth would think they’re aliens when they have almost the exact same physiology as before.
The other problem is that it’s tough to combine sci-fi and fantasy, and while Dave does an admirable job, it still felt disjointed. We get some pure fantasy elements later in the books, while the first 40% is entirely sci-fi.
Lastly, reusing gods used in previous books feels weird. I get that they’re separate series, and unless they are intended to be eventually be the same gods in different forms, I just thought it was weird. That’s all.
Overall, the book worked in sections more than as a whole. I'll also mention that as happened with the Battleborne series, the characters seem to get a lot of stuff without working for it.
4/5*
A team is sent to explore Mars in the semi near future. The ship gets there but not without problems, which forces them to land somewhere other than their ideal location.
When they get there, Captain Fletcher and two others find odd diamonds that feel wet. They’re compelled to hold or eat them, and when the inevitable happens, they’re identified as Martians.
Not humans. The people back on Earth don’t take the news well.
Which is where we begin to run into problems. I didn’t understand why the people on Earth would think they’re aliens when they have almost the exact same physiology as before.
The other problem is that it’s tough to combine sci-fi and fantasy, and while Dave does an admirable job, it still felt disjointed. We get some pure fantasy elements later in the books, while the first 40% is entirely sci-fi.
Lastly, reusing gods used in previous books feels weird. I get that they’re separate series, and unless they are intended to be eventually be the same gods in different forms, I just thought it was weird. That’s all.
Overall, the book worked in sections more than as a whole. I'll also mention that as happened with the Battleborne series, the characters seem to get a lot of stuff without working for it.
4/5*
March 14, 2022
I'm trying but the science is so bad
The story seems fun, and the premise os good, but om less than a quarter in and the science is just so bad... first is the "windstorms" and hiw violent and dangerous they are, yes there are 100mph windsotrms commonly on mars but, and it's a BIG but, the atmosphere on Mars is so this as to be no existent, so a hundred mile per hour wind would feel like a light breeze, rather than a home destroying hurricane. Yes the wind is dangerous, but more so because of the dust it would stir up, clogging electronics and blocking light for solar panels.
Next, if you took your space suit off your blood would boil in seconds, and you would quickly pass out and die (a couple minutes), even getting back under pressure quickly, you would be incapacitated and need to be put I. A decompression chamber for an extended recovery. Just because there is an "atmosphere" on Mars, we're talking single digit millibars. Humans need in the hundreds of millibars to breathe, and would die immediately from blood emblosims (air bubbles forming in your blood because the pressure is so low dissolved oxygen and nitrogen spo taneously form bubbles) at anything below 61 millibars. So just taking off you helmet or glove to "check the air" would cause you to immediately depressurize and die, all the air in your lungs would be explosively sucked out of you, causing your lungs to collapse (ever have your wind knocked out of you? This would be much worse). You definitely would be talking to anyone even if you could magically survive, there is no air to use to speak! How could you talk if you have no air in your lungs?! Next, all the fluids in your body would boil, including the water in your saliva, eyeballs, lings, and yes blood! Your tongue and eyes and muscles would quickly begin swelling (withing seconds) and you would not be able to move and you lost control of your muscles, as the swelling would pinch off nerves.
So in short, simple physics would cause all of the water in your body to boil, all the air would be sucked out of your lungs, and you would die. Unless you had some sort of air magic that pressurized the atmosphere of Mars immediately around you yo be a hundred times thicker in your immediate vicinity. There is no body modification that can alter this that was discussed. They were Stull talking, so lungs weren't sealed off, mouth was open so all orifices were exposed to extreme low pressure. So unless physics suddenly changed this is simply unfeasible.
Please Dave, do some basic research before writing a novel. I'll try and keep reading, but I doubt I'll make it far with your "science" being so aweful.
The story seems fun, and the premise os good, but om less than a quarter in and the science is just so bad... first is the "windstorms" and hiw violent and dangerous they are, yes there are 100mph windsotrms commonly on mars but, and it's a BIG but, the atmosphere on Mars is so this as to be no existent, so a hundred mile per hour wind would feel like a light breeze, rather than a home destroying hurricane. Yes the wind is dangerous, but more so because of the dust it would stir up, clogging electronics and blocking light for solar panels.
Next, if you took your space suit off your blood would boil in seconds, and you would quickly pass out and die (a couple minutes), even getting back under pressure quickly, you would be incapacitated and need to be put I. A decompression chamber for an extended recovery. Just because there is an "atmosphere" on Mars, we're talking single digit millibars. Humans need in the hundreds of millibars to breathe, and would die immediately from blood emblosims (air bubbles forming in your blood because the pressure is so low dissolved oxygen and nitrogen spo taneously form bubbles) at anything below 61 millibars. So just taking off you helmet or glove to "check the air" would cause you to immediately depressurize and die, all the air in your lungs would be explosively sucked out of you, causing your lungs to collapse (ever have your wind knocked out of you? This would be much worse). You definitely would be talking to anyone even if you could magically survive, there is no air to use to speak! How could you talk if you have no air in your lungs?! Next, all the fluids in your body would boil, including the water in your saliva, eyeballs, lings, and yes blood! Your tongue and eyes and muscles would quickly begin swelling (withing seconds) and you would not be able to move and you lost control of your muscles, as the swelling would pinch off nerves.
So in short, simple physics would cause all of the water in your body to boil, all the air would be sucked out of your lungs, and you would die. Unless you had some sort of air magic that pressurized the atmosphere of Mars immediately around you yo be a hundred times thicker in your immediate vicinity. There is no body modification that can alter this that was discussed. They were Stull talking, so lungs weren't sealed off, mouth was open so all orifices were exposed to extreme low pressure. So unless physics suddenly changed this is simply unfeasible.
Please Dave, do some basic research before writing a novel. I'll try and keep reading, but I doubt I'll make it far with your "science" being so aweful.
March 5, 2022
Awesome storyline and plot!
Sci-fi AND fantasy?!
As I am a lover of the litrpg genre, it was almost a sure bet that I would like the story. I say almost because there are plenty litrpg that I have discontinued out of boredom.
But this kept my attention until the last word. Kinda funny, I was so intent on reading it that I was literally falling asleep determined not to give into sleep despite it being 2 am (lol!).
I’m quite anxious for the next book to see if all the scheming that the different groups will succeed.
Sci-fi AND fantasy?!
As I am a lover of the litrpg genre, it was almost a sure bet that I would like the story. I say almost because there are plenty litrpg that I have discontinued out of boredom.
But this kept my attention until the last word. Kinda funny, I was so intent on reading it that I was literally falling asleep determined not to give into sleep despite it being 2 am (lol!).
I’m quite anxious for the next book to see if all the scheming that the different groups will succeed.
March 1, 2022
Very cool
Usually when I'm not reading litrpg I'm reading space operas. This combines the best of both world...worlds.... and an ancient missing city!!!! Dave weaves a fantastic tale, and did so without making the while book about poop. Which some basement dwelling authors seem to do. Thank you dave!!!!
Usually when I'm not reading litrpg I'm reading space operas. This combines the best of both world...worlds.... and an ancient missing city!!!! Dave weaves a fantastic tale, and did so without making the while book about poop. Which some basement dwelling authors seem to do. Thank you dave!!!!
March 24, 2022
First half of book was good, but...
First half of book was good, innovative and had nice potential.
But since “Progenitor” appears, it changed. I don’t like when author change behavior of his character without reason. In this case group of adult top scientists was “playing” very hard survival/colonization of Mars and studently they changed to group of adults with teenager’s mindset obsessed with killing playing very easy game.
First half of book was good, innovative and had nice potential.
But since “Progenitor” appears, it changed. I don’t like when author change behavior of his character without reason. In this case group of adult top scientists was “playing” very hard survival/colonization of Mars and studently they changed to group of adults with teenager’s mindset obsessed with killing playing very easy game.
March 15, 2022
okay
Overall okay read. Almost had to DNF this one after the joke of a litrpg system and the absolutely absurd premise of the mars and earth objectives/situations, but the story turned out good enough and there is a minute amount of mitigation when the characters have what should be obvious pointed out to them. If food, it’d be fast food.
Overall okay read. Almost had to DNF this one after the joke of a litrpg system and the absolutely absurd premise of the mars and earth objectives/situations, but the story turned out good enough and there is a minute amount of mitigation when the characters have what should be obvious pointed out to them. If food, it’d be fast food.
May 22, 2022
I wish that I had seen, going in, some sign that this was going to be a LitRPG. I might have been more generous in my reading in that case. I don't know why I feel the compulsion to give LitRPG a bit of slack, but there it is, like the generous spirit with which I might approach a children's musical production.
Anyway. I went into this expecting a strange book, and I suppose I got that. But, again, I ran into the same issue as my last LitRPG: the author wasn't very good at writing. This time, the basics were there, mostly, but it certainly never came across as anything better than amateur.
I think the thing that struck me most of all was the tone. The problem glared at me right from the first page. Our hero began by trying to get a good night's sleep, because it was going to be a big day tomorrow! Yes, a big day tomorrow! Delivered complete with exclamation mark, as if talking about a kid anticipating her birthday party. One paragraph later, this juvenile line was offset by our hero swearing. Who is this book for? I'm hardly a prude about language, but it was fucking discombobulating. And the problem never really let up throughout. Supposed badass adults frequently acted like cartoon children, and the writing style uncomfortably straddled that same line.
Also, and I'm beginning to think that this is just a staple of the genre: the dialogue was dreadfully awkward. Somebody needs to tell these authors to read their books aloud before hitting the metaphorical print button.
Anyway. I went into this expecting a strange book, and I suppose I got that. But, again, I ran into the same issue as my last LitRPG: the author wasn't very good at writing. This time, the basics were there, mostly, but it certainly never came across as anything better than amateur.
I think the thing that struck me most of all was the tone. The problem glared at me right from the first page. Our hero began by trying to get a good night's sleep, because it was going to be a big day tomorrow! Yes, a big day tomorrow! Delivered complete with exclamation mark, as if talking about a kid anticipating her birthday party. One paragraph later, this juvenile line was offset by our hero swearing. Who is this book for? I'm hardly a prude about language, but it was fucking discombobulating. And the problem never really let up throughout. Supposed badass adults frequently acted like cartoon children, and the writing style uncomfortably straddled that same line.
Also, and I'm beginning to think that this is just a staple of the genre: the dialogue was dreadfully awkward. Somebody needs to tell these authors to read their books aloud before hitting the metaphorical print button.
May 20, 2022
Stupid people get stupid prizes.
I can understand mistakes happening, technical or otherwise. but the idiot ball is handed around like a never ending mug of beer is a total turn off. The lack of care by the supposed astronauts (more like the authors personal inserts) makes this a difficult read. The whole time basic survival tips, such as testing the food they find on mars before eating it, are ignored and the food is just delicious.
Without a doubt the situation of having the astronauts be ordered to be killed is manufactured to ensure that there is a source of conflict within the story. Otherwise a story of man vs wild would be far too tame. The killing of the main characters relatives and family is a level of stupidity that cannot be described in words.
This story attempts to make a magical litrpg version of The Martian and fails miserably. Don't recommend reading this, no matter how much I like LITRPG it's simply too dumb and contrived.
I can understand mistakes happening, technical or otherwise. but the idiot ball is handed around like a never ending mug of beer is a total turn off. The lack of care by the supposed astronauts (more like the authors personal inserts) makes this a difficult read. The whole time basic survival tips, such as testing the food they find on mars before eating it, are ignored and the food is just delicious.
Without a doubt the situation of having the astronauts be ordered to be killed is manufactured to ensure that there is a source of conflict within the story. Otherwise a story of man vs wild would be far too tame. The killing of the main characters relatives and family is a level of stupidity that cannot be described in words.
This story attempts to make a magical litrpg version of The Martian and fails miserably. Don't recommend reading this, no matter how much I like LITRPG it's simply too dumb and contrived.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2022
Okaaay that was different.
Wow. Definitely new twist on the system take over thing. Seems in this series we're gonna slowly slide right in. There is an ancient war between earth and mars of sorts And Lift over system on mars Gets activated by new colonists. However it seems all of this is machinations by higher or older beings. Still the would be colonists are now new Martian's. And a game like system is allowing them to improve themselves. There is a whole lot of Queste lines of swords going on in this book that will leave to a lot more in the series. The book mostly follows to of the leaders of the new colonial group/new Martians. There is not a lot of growth but certainly some. A whole lot of learning by everybody of with the system is and with the situation is overall how they got there and what they have to do. Lot of foundations in this book. All serious fighting and fun know romance or at least none of consequence. There is a whole lot going on and it looks like book 2 will have even more. A lot of factions at play so we'll see how it works out. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the second 1. This author seems to not disappoint.
Wow. Definitely new twist on the system take over thing. Seems in this series we're gonna slowly slide right in. There is an ancient war between earth and mars of sorts And Lift over system on mars Gets activated by new colonists. However it seems all of this is machinations by higher or older beings. Still the would be colonists are now new Martian's. And a game like system is allowing them to improve themselves. There is a whole lot of Queste lines of swords going on in this book that will leave to a lot more in the series. The book mostly follows to of the leaders of the new colonial group/new Martians. There is not a lot of growth but certainly some. A whole lot of learning by everybody of with the system is and with the situation is overall how they got there and what they have to do. Lot of foundations in this book. All serious fighting and fun know romance or at least none of consequence. There is a whole lot going on and it looks like book 2 will have even more. A lot of factions at play so we'll see how it works out. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the second 1. This author seems to not disappoint.
April 1, 2022
2.5 stars. Didn't catch my interest for some reason. I guess the most concrete critique I have is that the characters rarely seemed like the experts you would expect to send on a interplanetary mission. The whole "Kyle got drunk off his ass and blew up our spaceship" opening for a prime example.
March 8, 2022
Book one
Mistakes: I did find a couple. I have listed them on Goodreads.
Plot: The first manned mission to Mars runs into problems when they activate a System after landing on the planet. I was expecting some real base building and survival like story. Instead I got aliens and no need for base building because they find a city ship.
Good story, just a bit weird.
Characters: I actually like the pets the best, but of the human characters I like the female reporter.
7/10 I'll watch for book two.
Mistakes: I did find a couple. I have listed them on Goodreads.
Plot: The first manned mission to Mars runs into problems when they activate a System after landing on the planet. I was expecting some real base building and survival like story. Instead I got aliens and no need for base building because they find a city ship.
Good story, just a bit weird.
Characters: I actually like the pets the best, but of the human characters I like the female reporter.
7/10 I'll watch for book two.
March 24, 2022
Stoppes at 80%
I really tried. This book has a semi interesting premise, but it gets bogged down in relatively lame quests with loads of exposition. Few if any twists or originality. A magic system where they can create their own spells but they wind up creating a couple and then having everything handed to them by an alien after that. The pacing is also really slow.
I really tried. This book has a semi interesting premise, but it gets bogged down in relatively lame quests with loads of exposition. Few if any twists or originality. A magic system where they can create their own spells but they wind up creating a couple and then having everything handed to them by an alien after that. The pacing is also really slow.
March 15, 2022
Passable... But could use a bit of cleaning up. And while I'll admit most LitRPG "rationales" are a stretch, this one just felt a bit too much like "take all the gaming tropes, but try to mix in The Martian".
Fine for some light reading, but that's about it.
Fine for some light reading, but that's about it.
May 8, 2022
The Wrong Stuff
The story skips the normal prologue of character/world building and goes right into the action. That’s perfectly fine, but the problem here is some bad science is involved that sets the tone for the rest of the book.
First off, the mission commander immediately initiates “emergency launch protocols” after an explosive event. She does this without even waiting for a full damage report, checking on the status of her crew, or verifying orbital positioning. This might work for a Fast and Furious movie, but not space flight as we know it, which requires precise planning and calculated maneuvers over vast distances.
Case in point, the action is then pulled to a complete stop with a lunch meeting to actually figure out what to do next. The first order of business? Bitch about their dead crew member. Oh, and one of these geniuses is also drunk. I’m not kidding. Investigating the cause of the catastrophic accident isn’t even discussed, because that would be boring I guess.
Maybe the author was just going for a cheesy B movie script and I’m being too critical. On the other hand, the cover of this book looks a lot like Ben Bova’s Mars. If you’re gonna ripoff the cover of another book, then I think it’s fair to make a comparison. The science in that book is actually well-researched and written. Especially if you consider it was first published 30 years ago. If you want good Sci Fi, go read it instead.
But I digress. This is a LitRPG book, so I’ll cut it some slack and ignore science for the rest of this review.
Following the theme of a B movie script, the “astronauts” seem to have neglected attending mission briefings for the sake of story exposition. Even without that clumsy setup, these people are not the crème of the crop. What they are good at is stirring up drama with a potent mix of lack of foresight, poor interpersonal skills, and truly terrible decision making. It made me feel sorry for the AI “Skippy” who had to deal with these morons. I just wished it had flushed them all into space when it had the chance.
In regards to LitRPG, the “system” doesn’t make an appearance until 10% into the book and it’s about 20% when we see it in action. While the system itself is standard stuff, I do like the twist of how it manifests in the “real” world as a localized relic of Martian society, as opposed to a system apocalypse or yet another isekai scenario. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much all the good I can say about it.
I liked some of the author’s other works and didn’t come into this one with high expectations. To be fair, the writing and grammar is competent. Unfortunately, the storytelling is mediocre and uninspired with most of the characters being juvenile and unfit for their roles. I couldn’t force myself to finish this book and will pass on anything else in this series.
The story skips the normal prologue of character/world building and goes right into the action. That’s perfectly fine, but the problem here is some bad science is involved that sets the tone for the rest of the book.
First off, the mission commander immediately initiates “emergency launch protocols” after an explosive event. She does this without even waiting for a full damage report, checking on the status of her crew, or verifying orbital positioning. This might work for a Fast and Furious movie, but not space flight as we know it, which requires precise planning and calculated maneuvers over vast distances.
Case in point, the action is then pulled to a complete stop with a lunch meeting to actually figure out what to do next. The first order of business? Bitch about their dead crew member. Oh, and one of these geniuses is also drunk. I’m not kidding. Investigating the cause of the catastrophic accident isn’t even discussed, because that would be boring I guess.
Maybe the author was just going for a cheesy B movie script and I’m being too critical. On the other hand, the cover of this book looks a lot like Ben Bova’s Mars. If you’re gonna ripoff the cover of another book, then I think it’s fair to make a comparison. The science in that book is actually well-researched and written. Especially if you consider it was first published 30 years ago. If you want good Sci Fi, go read it instead.
But I digress. This is a LitRPG book, so I’ll cut it some slack and ignore science for the rest of this review.
Following the theme of a B movie script, the “astronauts” seem to have neglected attending mission briefings for the sake of story exposition. Even without that clumsy setup, these people are not the crème of the crop. What they are good at is stirring up drama with a potent mix of lack of foresight, poor interpersonal skills, and truly terrible decision making. It made me feel sorry for the AI “Skippy” who had to deal with these morons. I just wished it had flushed them all into space when it had the chance.
In regards to LitRPG, the “system” doesn’t make an appearance until 10% into the book and it’s about 20% when we see it in action. While the system itself is standard stuff, I do like the twist of how it manifests in the “real” world as a localized relic of Martian society, as opposed to a system apocalypse or yet another isekai scenario. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much all the good I can say about it.
I liked some of the author’s other works and didn’t come into this one with high expectations. To be fair, the writing and grammar is competent. Unfortunately, the storytelling is mediocre and uninspired with most of the characters being juvenile and unfit for their roles. I couldn’t force myself to finish this book and will pass on anything else in this series.
January 25, 2025
First, let me say, I liked this book. There is clearly more to say, and if the author does come out with a sequel I will definitely be reading it!
However, what took it down from a 5 star to a 4 star was 2 things. The clunkiness at the start, and the amalgamation of science fiction with fantasy.
This is a LitRPG that uses magic and stats, but it is set in a scientific world 50-100 years from now when astronauts are sent to colonize Mars. This is not a portal situation. That is actually more acceptable somehow. This is a science-based world where the astronauts stumble onto something on Mars that starts giving them stats, and a bit of magic, and it takes off from there. This was a hurdle that my mind had a hard time accepting. I will say, though, that it was at this point that the story became 5 star. Things start happening! It's exciting! Characters reveal more of themselves. There's conflict. The scenes where they fight creatures are very well written. So, it might be more me, than the story. If you can accept that both science and magic can exist at the same time, then you'll be fine.
I would rate the start as a 2 or a 3 (out of 5). Fortunately the clunkiness (as I thought of it) only lasted maybe 4 chapters. The initial reactions of the crew during the accident felt forced and not real. For example, yes, the captain does have to make snap decisions in a crisis, in this case, to basically abandon ship. However, not a half page later she is calling a meeting to discuss things with the crew. Woah! Which is it? If we have time to talk about it then it's not that bad an emergency. So that threw me off right away.
There was also an immediate reaction from the entire crew to blame the crew member who died during an explosion. Hold on. So you're blaming him when you don't really know what happened?
A third thing that is not really bad but I had to think about, was the reactions of the people in charge back on earth. It felt like a bad pot-boiler thriller; very over the top. Ie, let's kill everyone who finds out about what's going on on Mars. Later you find out why, but at the time it just doesn't fit what most people (barring idiotic conspiracy theorists) think of how things work in the real world. I think a little foreshadowing would have helped at that point.
As I write this I realize these are relatively small things, but when they happen in the first 5 pages, it sets the tone. It took me a while to get over that. And, I have to say, the author does come through. He changed my mind from an initial 2/3 to a 5.
All in all, it starts out rough and gets so much better. Since it's been 3 years since this was published I don't think there will be a sequel. But I would like one.
However, what took it down from a 5 star to a 4 star was 2 things. The clunkiness at the start, and the amalgamation of science fiction with fantasy.
This is a LitRPG that uses magic and stats, but it is set in a scientific world 50-100 years from now when astronauts are sent to colonize Mars. This is not a portal situation. That is actually more acceptable somehow. This is a science-based world where the astronauts stumble onto something on Mars that starts giving them stats, and a bit of magic, and it takes off from there. This was a hurdle that my mind had a hard time accepting. I will say, though, that it was at this point that the story became 5 star. Things start happening! It's exciting! Characters reveal more of themselves. There's conflict. The scenes where they fight creatures are very well written. So, it might be more me, than the story. If you can accept that both science and magic can exist at the same time, then you'll be fine.
I would rate the start as a 2 or a 3 (out of 5). Fortunately the clunkiness (as I thought of it) only lasted maybe 4 chapters. The initial reactions of the crew during the accident felt forced and not real. For example, yes, the captain does have to make snap decisions in a crisis, in this case, to basically abandon ship. However, not a half page later she is calling a meeting to discuss things with the crew. Woah! Which is it? If we have time to talk about it then it's not that bad an emergency. So that threw me off right away.
There was also an immediate reaction from the entire crew to blame the crew member who died during an explosion. Hold on. So you're blaming him when you don't really know what happened?
A third thing that is not really bad but I had to think about, was the reactions of the people in charge back on earth. It felt like a bad pot-boiler thriller; very over the top. Ie, let's kill everyone who finds out about what's going on on Mars. Later you find out why, but at the time it just doesn't fit what most people (barring idiotic conspiracy theorists) think of how things work in the real world. I think a little foreshadowing would have helped at that point.
As I write this I realize these are relatively small things, but when they happen in the first 5 pages, it sets the tone. It took me a while to get over that. And, I have to say, the author does come through. He changed my mind from an initial 2/3 to a 5.
All in all, it starts out rough and gets so much better. Since it's been 3 years since this was published I don't think there will be a sequel. But I would like one.
November 7, 2022
Overall it was an enjoyable read. Personally I wish there were no inns, goblins, rats, etc. I really liked the borer worms and the more alien creatures as they are on Mars, so that makes a bit more logical sense to me. But with a small nod at the end, there may be a reason for that. Certainly enough to make me want to read a second book.
Also, all these "professionals" acted more like teenagers once they get to Mars, so that was a little difficult to roll with.
There is a decent amount of anti-corporation, alcohol making people super stupid, and cold blooded murder.
Even after all that, I did enjoy the read. Curious enough to read a second book. I really love the premise of the System, the mutiny, even the quests. but wish it had less fantasy and more Sci fi.
Also, all these "professionals" acted more like teenagers once they get to Mars, so that was a little difficult to roll with.
There is a decent amount of anti-corporation, alcohol making people super stupid, and cold blooded murder.
Even after all that, I did enjoy the read. Curious enough to read a second book. I really love the premise of the System, the mutiny, even the quests. but wish it had less fantasy and more Sci fi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2022
I love pretty much everything Dave Willmarth writes but, to give this one 5 stars; I needed to switch from the audible version to the kindle version. Nothing really wrong with the narration per se other than it being overly dramatic sometimes. Also, I liked some of the background characters like Thorne and Stella as much and sometimes more than the main group. 5 stars for originality and great story flow and balance. Most of his books are real pager burners that I have found easy to enjoy a 2nd reading. This one will just get the one read and though I will read the next one I can't say I am in a huge hurry for it. Then again Dave is super talented so the next one just might set the hook.
April 7, 2022
Dropped at about 65%.
The first half of the book (aka the sci-fi leaning part) is mostly good. There's a little too much gaming lingo for my taste, especially at what I feel like inappropriate times. Also not the biggest fan of the various men talking about hot babes on their mission, or the lack thereof.
As a side note, and I won't go into detail here, but it's very noticeable that this book was written by an American.
At about the 50% mark, we start switching from sci-fi to what I would describe as "medieval fantasy isekai". Might pick it up again later, but that really isn't what I signed up for.
The first half of the book (aka the sci-fi leaning part) is mostly good. There's a little too much gaming lingo for my taste, especially at what I feel like inappropriate times. Also not the biggest fan of the various men talking about hot babes on their mission, or the lack thereof.
As a side note, and I won't go into detail here, but it's very noticeable that this book was written by an American.
At about the 50% mark, we start switching from sci-fi to what I would describe as "medieval fantasy isekai". Might pick it up again later, but that really isn't what I signed up for.
April 2, 2022
SF is Space Fantasy
This is a fun read. Anyone familiar with D&D style leveling and classes will find this entertaining. Monsters to fight. Ancient ruins to explore. All set on Mars.
The reason this is not getting 5 stars from me, is the character's lack of follow-up. Crewmates die, but no grieving. Magical gems were found in the first cave explored, but nowhere else. A mysterious, powerful figure acts as a mentor, but no one questions why it can advise but not act.
I will be glad to read the next installment
This is a fun read. Anyone familiar with D&D style leveling and classes will find this entertaining. Monsters to fight. Ancient ruins to explore. All set on Mars.
The reason this is not getting 5 stars from me, is the character's lack of follow-up. Crewmates die, but no grieving. Magical gems were found in the first cave explored, but nowhere else. A mysterious, powerful figure acts as a mentor, but no one questions why it can advise but not act.
I will be glad to read the next installment
April 25, 2022
8/10: Excellent read, well written, fell right into the fictional world created.
Assimilation process complete! You are now eligible to become a citizen of … Mars!
It took to chapter four to realise this was a LitRPG, a genre I had not enjoyed before. Somehow, I had missed that in the blurb.
Whatever the reason for the oversight, it ended up being a blessing, because I was invested in the story by the time I cottoned onto the genre thing. Hook, line and sinker.
Great story!
Assimilation process complete! You are now eligible to become a citizen of … Mars!
It took to chapter four to realise this was a LitRPG, a genre I had not enjoyed before. Somehow, I had missed that in the blurb.
Whatever the reason for the oversight, it ended up being a blessing, because I was invested in the story by the time I cottoned onto the genre thing. Hook, line and sinker.
Great story!
March 9, 2022
fun
A fun and fascinating blend of fantasy and sci-fi. The story is riveting and fast paced, well edited, and highly enjoyable. It’s a quick read that was over before I realized and I was sad that it was over. It is definitely not a stand alone. I look forward to the next one. Enjoy.
Plot? Earth mission to mars gone wrong, System introduced, Magic is real, conspiracy, growth, and preparation for conflict.
A fun and fascinating blend of fantasy and sci-fi. The story is riveting and fast paced, well edited, and highly enjoyable. It’s a quick read that was over before I realized and I was sad that it was over. It is definitely not a stand alone. I look forward to the next one. Enjoy.
Plot? Earth mission to mars gone wrong, System introduced, Magic is real, conspiracy, growth, and preparation for conflict.
March 20, 2022
This was awesome.
I read an absolute ton of litrpg, fantasy, and science fiction books. I love Dave’s work and I’ve read most of it. This is my favorite one so far. There’s something about the characters, group, setting, everything that just hits all the right notes to me. I’m almost sad I didn’t wait for the series to have more books in it as I’m firing for more. Amazing job Dave eagerly await the next installment.
I read an absolute ton of litrpg, fantasy, and science fiction books. I love Dave’s work and I’ve read most of it. This is my favorite one so far. There’s something about the characters, group, setting, everything that just hits all the right notes to me. I’m almost sad I didn’t wait for the series to have more books in it as I’m firing for more. Amazing job Dave eagerly await the next installment.
June 28, 2022
A good read
I chose this rating because I found the book quite enjoyable. The characters were varied and interesting. I found the characters are enjoyable to follow. I also liked the Progenitor. I liked the different litrpg system used in the book. It is quite different from others I read, but found it interesting. I found the beginning of the book was quite slow, but it picked up momentum as I read on and found myself eager for another installment. Keep up the good work!!
I chose this rating because I found the book quite enjoyable. The characters were varied and interesting. I found the characters are enjoyable to follow. I also liked the Progenitor. I liked the different litrpg system used in the book. It is quite different from others I read, but found it interesting. I found the beginning of the book was quite slow, but it picked up momentum as I read on and found myself eager for another installment. Keep up the good work!!
March 8, 2022
Another bloody good book from the grumpy old Man
Dave Willmarth has a gift for creating a world you sort of believe could happen. Over and over again he blends story, world building and character growth into a coherent whole. As always a few little nods to other people and even to himself. Easter eggs always make me smile when I know the who and why.
Dave Willmarth has a gift for creating a world you sort of believe could happen. Over and over again he blends story, world building and character growth into a coherent whole. As always a few little nods to other people and even to himself. Easter eggs always make me smile when I know the who and why.
March 11, 2022
Started off great then. . .
But the same snag I have noticed with another Willmarth series. A little over halfway through, this goes from hardcore mode to easy mode. Takes all the tension out of it and undermines the character growth. First half is a five star, second half is a two star. I like the characters so I rounded up.
But the same snag I have noticed with another Willmarth series. A little over halfway through, this goes from hardcore mode to easy mode. Takes all the tension out of it and undermines the character growth. First half is a five star, second half is a two star. I like the characters so I rounded up.
March 22, 2022
Good start
Overall I liked it a lot. It really wandered for a bit with pretty flat 1 dimensional characters but I see how they could develop into richer characters in time. The plot mechanics come off stilted in the beginnings but I see where it's heading and I'll keep reading the series.
Overall I liked it a lot. It really wandered for a bit with pretty flat 1 dimensional characters but I see how they could develop into richer characters in time. The plot mechanics come off stilted in the beginnings but I see where it's heading and I'll keep reading the series.
March 23, 2022
One of my favorite authors
Was so excited to see a new book out by Dave. I was thrown a little by it being sci/fi and will admit it was a little hard getting into it. But I do like sci/fi and as my title says I love Dave's books. You have to give it time and once the story hits its stride it gets good and once it gets good the story flies. Keep writing Dave please!
Was so excited to see a new book out by Dave. I was thrown a little by it being sci/fi and will admit it was a little hard getting into it. But I do like sci/fi and as my title says I love Dave's books. You have to give it time and once the story hits its stride it gets good and once it gets good the story flies. Keep writing Dave please!
March 26, 2022
KU Review
Willmarth is always good for a sci-fi/fantasy blend of litrpg. This looks like it’s going to be a really interesting series. Another book I couldn’t put down and finished wanting more.
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.
Willmarth is always good for a sci-fi/fantasy blend of litrpg. This looks like it’s going to be a really interesting series. Another book I couldn’t put down and finished wanting more.
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.
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