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Portal to Nova Roma #3
Portal to Nova Roma: The Rhine
As the dust settles on the battlefield of Carthage, Alexander finds himself struggling to cope with the aftermath of war. Plagued by demonic corruption and mental exhaustion, he searches for any means to restore his strength and secure his rapidly expanding empire.
In his desperation, Alexander turns to a mysterious prisoner who offers a unique form of power that could help him achieve his goals. But with the prisoner's motivations unclear, Alexander must weigh the risks of trusting this enigmatic figure against his own desperate need for a solution. In addition to his personal struggles, Alexander faces the daunting task of securing trade routes for Venice before the pirate threat returns.
Seeking new sources of resources and allies, he leads his legion north to the scattered outposts on the dangerous frontier.
But the region is fraught with danger, as many of the outposts have recently been overrun by powerful monsters - or possibly by treachery. To survive, Alexander and his legion must rely on new allies, new technology, and strange, unknown powers that Alexander alone may be able to master.
As Alexander ventures deeper into the unknown, he must also grapple with his own inner demons and find a way to heal his mind and body. Can he overcome the challenges ahead and lay claim to the resources of the frontier?
In his desperation, Alexander turns to a mysterious prisoner who offers a unique form of power that could help him achieve his goals. But with the prisoner's motivations unclear, Alexander must weigh the risks of trusting this enigmatic figure against his own desperate need for a solution. In addition to his personal struggles, Alexander faces the daunting task of securing trade routes for Venice before the pirate threat returns.
Seeking new sources of resources and allies, he leads his legion north to the scattered outposts on the dangerous frontier.
But the region is fraught with danger, as many of the outposts have recently been overrun by powerful monsters - or possibly by treachery. To survive, Alexander and his legion must rely on new allies, new technology, and strange, unknown powers that Alexander alone may be able to master.
As Alexander ventures deeper into the unknown, he must also grapple with his own inner demons and find a way to heal his mind and body. Can he overcome the challenges ahead and lay claim to the resources of the frontier?
733 pages, ebook
First published January 14, 2023
686 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 17, 2023
Book three
Still a really good story, the MC is so overpowering that nothing is really a challenge.
I still don't like dragons as pets, but if you're immortal it does work a bit better.
Looking forward to book four.
8/10
Still a really good story, the MC is so overpowering that nothing is really a challenge.
I still don't like dragons as pets, but if you're immortal it does work a bit better.
Looking forward to book four.
8/10
January 23, 2023
attack of the clones
A good installment - the MC is way overpowered but what he faces in the future makes his power seem needed. I like the new cast of characters. A ton of empire building, which I love.
Rating : 4/5
Cover: 1/4
Narration: n/a
Favorite Line: NA
A good installment - the MC is way overpowered but what he faces in the future makes his power seem needed. I like the new cast of characters. A ton of empire building, which I love.
Rating : 4/5
Cover: 1/4
Narration: n/a
Favorite Line: NA
January 18, 2023
This has a story being driven via a crowbar.
Book one was all about character exploration, I loved it. Book two was rehashing obvious tropes, I found it boring. This one is about character choices that only serve to drive a story beat, they are forced in with a crowbar regardless of whether they fit. This could replace the MC with generic hero A and it wouldn't be any different.
Book one was all about character exploration, I loved it. Book two was rehashing obvious tropes, I found it boring. This one is about character choices that only serve to drive a story beat, they are forced in with a crowbar regardless of whether they fit. This could replace the MC with generic hero A and it wouldn't be any different.
March 5, 2023
And the series is back on track! Much much better than book two.
May 14, 2023
Really good.
January 18, 2023
Fun story but has issues
It was a bit slow to start off, but then picked up about 20% of the way in. It was pretty enjoyable, with a nice few interesting plotlines. However, one significant issue was the severe underusage of the word "had". There are probably more than a hundred places where the past perfect tense would have been much more appropriate, such as in flashbacks or scenes occurring in the past from the characters' POV, but it is not used. This makes for sometimes confusing reading where you are unsure as to when the scene is taking place.
It was a bit slow to start off, but then picked up about 20% of the way in. It was pretty enjoyable, with a nice few interesting plotlines. However, one significant issue was the severe underusage of the word "had". There are probably more than a hundred places where the past perfect tense would have been much more appropriate, such as in flashbacks or scenes occurring in the past from the characters' POV, but it is not used. This makes for sometimes confusing reading where you are unsure as to when the scene is taking place.
January 18, 2023
Alexander’s story gets getting better
If the second book was kind of dark theme, this one feels very bright and optimistic. And adds a large complexity to the characters and locations. Great read.
If the second book was kind of dark theme, this one feels very bright and optimistic. And adds a large complexity to the characters and locations. Great read.
March 31, 2023
Sigh. I'm two chapters in, and how things are going, it looks like the author is going to use some bullshit excuse so the protagonist will be angry, and do stupid things.
If the author stretches this shit for the entire book and has some bullshit anime-esque crap about the protagonist being corrupted by darkness, I'm dropping the series.
I already didn't enjoy how book two went.
I don't know how I'm supposed to read into this.
Why am I getting the feeling that the author played League of Legends? All of these new abilities the protagonist is showing in this book are the exact same as characters like Galio, Garen, Tryndamere, etc. I haven't played League in many, many years, but when these abilities were used, those characters instantly came to mind. Lazy writing on the author's part?
So...
Okay. Now I'm sure the author is cribbing from League of Legends. Vlad and some of his abilities just made an appearance.
The story thankfully didn't go how the start made it look like it was going. There were many things I didn't like in this book, but at least it ended better than it started... although the end was kind of a cliffhanger.
I guess I have two more books and will have finished the series.
I wonder if the author will pick back up Jake's Magical Market after this.
3/5 Stars
If the author stretches this shit for the entire book and has some bullshit anime-esque crap about the protagonist being corrupted by darkness, I'm dropping the series.
I already didn't enjoy how book two went.
I don't know how I'm supposed to read into this.
Why am I getting the feeling that the author played League of Legends? All of these new abilities the protagonist is showing in this book are the exact same as characters like Galio, Garen, Tryndamere, etc. I haven't played League in many, many years, but when these abilities were used, those characters instantly came to mind. Lazy writing on the author's part?
So...
Okay. Now I'm sure the author is cribbing from League of Legends. Vlad and some of his abilities just made an appearance.
The story thankfully didn't go how the start made it look like it was going. There were many things I didn't like in this book, but at least it ended better than it started... although the end was kind of a cliffhanger.
I guess I have two more books and will have finished the series.
I wonder if the author will pick back up Jake's Magical Market after this.
3/5 Stars
January 24, 2024
From lawful good to chaotic evil (spoilers)
Why?
MC was a good guy wanting to help the world. He still wants to change the world, but his methods have gone full demon lord evil. He's now relishng the terror, pain and death of human beings. I won't be surprised at the throne made out of the skulls of his enemies as he revels in the lament of their women.
First he bonds with an evil spirit who plays with the tormented souls of her victims. But she's a nice girl. Anyway it's OK because he plays with souls too.
Next he suffers demonic corruption and gets a literal inner demon, and is in constant danger of becoming a mindless mass murderer. At least the corruption is in better control by the end of this book. Because his evil spirit girlfriend is helping him manage his mental fortress.
Next he creates evil armor that seeks death and destruction of any kind.
Then he learns blood magic, because of course. He's currently carrying around the blood of thousands of warriors that he killed.
Next, he gets a necromancy perk. Because, of course. He's now raising the corpses of his enemies to fight for him. A literal evil necromancer raising armies of the dead.
Along the way he decides to create some AIs. And teach those AIs to creat more AIs. Because that went so well on his original Earth.
I'm leaving out the introduction of modern weapons and machines. I was OK with that. It seems necessary. Unlike all the rest of his descent.
Then there's the virtue signaling. Pronouns. Why does this stuff have to follow me into my gamelit escapism?
Oh and a cute little flirtation with gay necrophilia subtext. Why not? So random.
I LOVE the plot and I generally like MC's character. In book one he actively shies away from the dark stuff. Now he's the same guy personality-wise, but is casually adopting death magic.
Author is a talented writer but is ruining this for me. I can forgive a lot but necromancy is just gross.
Why?
MC was a good guy wanting to help the world. He still wants to change the world, but his methods have gone full demon lord evil. He's now relishng the terror, pain and death of human beings. I won't be surprised at the throne made out of the skulls of his enemies as he revels in the lament of their women.
First he bonds with an evil spirit who plays with the tormented souls of her victims. But she's a nice girl. Anyway it's OK because he plays with souls too.
Next he suffers demonic corruption and gets a literal inner demon, and is in constant danger of becoming a mindless mass murderer. At least the corruption is in better control by the end of this book. Because his evil spirit girlfriend is helping him manage his mental fortress.
Next he creates evil armor that seeks death and destruction of any kind.
Then he learns blood magic, because of course. He's currently carrying around the blood of thousands of warriors that he killed.
Next, he gets a necromancy perk. Because, of course. He's now raising the corpses of his enemies to fight for him. A literal evil necromancer raising armies of the dead.
Along the way he decides to create some AIs. And teach those AIs to creat more AIs. Because that went so well on his original Earth.
I'm leaving out the introduction of modern weapons and machines. I was OK with that. It seems necessary. Unlike all the rest of his descent.
Then there's the virtue signaling. Pronouns. Why does this stuff have to follow me into my gamelit escapism?
Oh and a cute little flirtation with gay necrophilia subtext. Why not? So random.
I LOVE the plot and I generally like MC's character. In book one he actively shies away from the dark stuff. Now he's the same guy personality-wise, but is casually adopting death magic.
Author is a talented writer but is ruining this for me. I can forgive a lot but necromancy is just gross.
October 7, 2024
The world is exceptional and interesting , my only gripe is that the main character gets slightly annoying as the series continues. Hope MC gets more interesting in the next book
February 24, 2025
A good, but not great series. Lots of elements I personally enjoy in the progression genre, such as empire/base building, crafting, and interesting magic system. But the characters are all subpar, not very likable or memorable other than Alexander’s really interesting origin story. Their relationships don’t quite feel as fleshed out as they reflect on the pages.
It was my hope that Alexander would grow as a person, seeing as he’s a new person literally, but that has only happened in certain ways. On one hand he can be incredibly patient, like with Roland, but in others he’s brutal and murderous like with the mob boss. He seems so contradictory.
I do appreciate at least at this point Alexander finally self acknowledges his desire to create an empire, so looking forward hopefully to some consolidation of his personhood in the next two novels and hopefully he finally becomes likable. Cause even three books in, he’s still such a flat character.
This novel is different from the others. The first was focused more on the origin story and initiating us into the world and magic system. The second was mostly focused on Venice and Carthage, the latter of which was especially fun even if the circumstances to get there were so contrived. The Rhine is focused mainly on four aspects: empire building, a new class, crafting, and setting up for the future conflicts of the named but not released sequels Paris and Empire.
The empire is building as Venice, which Alexander and his faction now control, starts building a navy for an eventual confrontation, in a later novel, with the pirate kingdom based in Sardinia. But then the rest of the novel is spent in the alps, building bases and recruiting outposts and settlements along the Rhine to trade and become formal members of their burgeoning empire. That part is really interesting for building lovers. Lots of details on the various places, the fortifications, the industrial and trading elements, etc.
The new class is discovered after Alexander goes on a scouting expedition to Sardinia, finding out they are too powerful to confront yet. But he succeeds in cutting off one of the resources they have used to create their empire and gets a class out of it. One that allows him to clone himself for every 10 levels of the legendary class, up to level 80. With 0 having a clone, so basically he can have 9 clones eventually. They share attributes, titles, and some skills, but classes are individual. So eventually each clone will have a different focus. Won’t spoil any more other than they are all still one conscious being with just multiple bodies something Alexander is particularly capable of doing thanks to his origin.
However, this makes him even less relatable to me as reader. I already found myself just not caring about him as a character, now I don’t see how that gets any better. Still a very interesting concept I can’t wait to see fully fleshed out, but it does make it harder for this series to ascend for me from four to five stars from good to great if I don’t really vibe with any of the characters.
The crafting element is something I really enjoy. But I do feel there was almost too much going on too fast, the whole automaton angle was completely unexpected, and I don’t know how I feel about it. If the themes of this series are about what makes a person a person, we are certainly exploring it. I just don’t know if I can follow with the author’s conclusions seeing as I don’t think the premises are believable. We can do anything in fantasy of course, but for the themes to apply to the real world, it has to be believable.
Finally we are setting up for a couple of fun arcs. First, Alexander is finally gonna become a mage. Second, we gotta deal with these murderous yet powerful Parisians, and of course the Pirates. Then it’s time to go home and conquer Nova Roma. And that’s the end of the series according to the author. He’s simultaneously writing the last two books. Hopefully to be published sometime this year.
But my question, which is probably better saved for after I’ve read book five, is how is this other world portal element from book 2 gonna play into this timeline? Is there gonna be another series after this one? It is both simultaneously refreshing and disappointing to learn a series has a finite end that is planned out. There’s so many progression series, many into the double digits in the entires now, with no end in sight. It’s nice to see an author who wants to tell a concise story, free of filler. But I also think this series has narrative potential to go past the becoming emperor point. And I think I enjoy this world and magic system enough to want to see that. So maybe we get a new series after?
It was my hope that Alexander would grow as a person, seeing as he’s a new person literally, but that has only happened in certain ways. On one hand he can be incredibly patient, like with Roland, but in others he’s brutal and murderous like with the mob boss. He seems so contradictory.
I do appreciate at least at this point Alexander finally self acknowledges his desire to create an empire, so looking forward hopefully to some consolidation of his personhood in the next two novels and hopefully he finally becomes likable. Cause even three books in, he’s still such a flat character.
This novel is different from the others. The first was focused more on the origin story and initiating us into the world and magic system. The second was mostly focused on Venice and Carthage, the latter of which was especially fun even if the circumstances to get there were so contrived. The Rhine is focused mainly on four aspects: empire building, a new class, crafting, and setting up for the future conflicts of the named but not released sequels Paris and Empire.
The empire is building as Venice, which Alexander and his faction now control, starts building a navy for an eventual confrontation, in a later novel, with the pirate kingdom based in Sardinia. But then the rest of the novel is spent in the alps, building bases and recruiting outposts and settlements along the Rhine to trade and become formal members of their burgeoning empire. That part is really interesting for building lovers. Lots of details on the various places, the fortifications, the industrial and trading elements, etc.
The new class is discovered after Alexander goes on a scouting expedition to Sardinia, finding out they are too powerful to confront yet. But he succeeds in cutting off one of the resources they have used to create their empire and gets a class out of it. One that allows him to clone himself for every 10 levels of the legendary class, up to level 80. With 0 having a clone, so basically he can have 9 clones eventually. They share attributes, titles, and some skills, but classes are individual. So eventually each clone will have a different focus. Won’t spoil any more other than they are all still one conscious being with just multiple bodies something Alexander is particularly capable of doing thanks to his origin.
However, this makes him even less relatable to me as reader. I already found myself just not caring about him as a character, now I don’t see how that gets any better. Still a very interesting concept I can’t wait to see fully fleshed out, but it does make it harder for this series to ascend for me from four to five stars from good to great if I don’t really vibe with any of the characters.
The crafting element is something I really enjoy. But I do feel there was almost too much going on too fast, the whole automaton angle was completely unexpected, and I don’t know how I feel about it. If the themes of this series are about what makes a person a person, we are certainly exploring it. I just don’t know if I can follow with the author’s conclusions seeing as I don’t think the premises are believable. We can do anything in fantasy of course, but for the themes to apply to the real world, it has to be believable.
Finally we are setting up for a couple of fun arcs. First, Alexander is finally gonna become a mage. Second, we gotta deal with these murderous yet powerful Parisians, and of course the Pirates. Then it’s time to go home and conquer Nova Roma. And that’s the end of the series according to the author. He’s simultaneously writing the last two books. Hopefully to be published sometime this year.
But my question, which is probably better saved for after I’ve read book five, is how is this other world portal element from book 2 gonna play into this timeline? Is there gonna be another series after this one? It is both simultaneously refreshing and disappointing to learn a series has a finite end that is planned out. There’s so many progression series, many into the double digits in the entires now, with no end in sight. It’s nice to see an author who wants to tell a concise story, free of filler. But I also think this series has narrative potential to go past the becoming emperor point. And I think I enjoy this world and magic system enough to want to see that. So maybe we get a new series after?
February 24, 2023
I still find myself constantly ready to jump back into these books and read what happens next.
The MC is skilling up fast and I keep worrying that he's gonna go OP. I've seen it time and again in books and especially TV shows, where they give a character power to defeat the ultimate baddy, then increase it when the next baddy shows up, only to realize they don't know where to go. They're basically capable of ending the universe now and we don't know how to make a bad guy that makes them struggle.
Instead, when the MC of The Rhine levels up and gets really cool powers, they still run into plenty of challenges and stronger opponents. You just realize how weak he and his starting area really were.
I would like to see a little more from some of the other characters. I'd like to see the MC get invested in helping them evolve and grow. They certainly do, but it's off screen and I feel like they are going to end up as an OP character, but not have others near enough to their level to help them. A theme of the series has been having others help the MC and not doing it all yourself. They take the brunt of the work in some situations, but others make it all work.
Other than that, I don't have any complaints. I've enjoyed them all and I'm excited for the next two.
The MC is skilling up fast and I keep worrying that he's gonna go OP. I've seen it time and again in books and especially TV shows, where they give a character power to defeat the ultimate baddy, then increase it when the next baddy shows up, only to realize they don't know where to go. They're basically capable of ending the universe now and we don't know how to make a bad guy that makes them struggle.
Instead, when the MC of The Rhine levels up and gets really cool powers, they still run into plenty of challenges and stronger opponents. You just realize how weak he and his starting area really were.
I would like to see a little more from some of the other characters. I'd like to see the MC get invested in helping them evolve and grow. They certainly do, but it's off screen and I feel like they are going to end up as an OP character, but not have others near enough to their level to help them. A theme of the series has been having others help the MC and not doing it all yourself. They take the brunt of the work in some situations, but others make it all work.
Other than that, I don't have any complaints. I've enjoyed them all and I'm excited for the next two.
March 6, 2023
Please sir may I have some more?
Man ho man Mathews you glorious genius! You took the A.I. aspect of the story and made it a freaking lot batter with the new class! Made me think a lot about how A.I. would think and react in real and magical worlds scenarios.
This story was already awesome and one of the best out there but it seems that the author took the reader's comment in real consideration and made the series even better. I just love the fact he took the OP from the main hero by splitting his power but somehow made him even more powerful in the process.
And for the story itself, lots and lots of open world vibes, awesome 1 time random encounters that give our hero some cool insights and interesting powers. The main goal of the story (or more of our hero) is getting clear and we can start to see where this is going. And somehow the author keeps us on our toes and introduces new elements and enemies to the story that makes us think everything all over.
This is an absolute must read series. The only one side for it at the moment is that we need to wait for the last 2 books.
5.5/5 really it's that good.
Man ho man Mathews you glorious genius! You took the A.I. aspect of the story and made it a freaking lot batter with the new class! Made me think a lot about how A.I. would think and react in real and magical worlds scenarios.
This story was already awesome and one of the best out there but it seems that the author took the reader's comment in real consideration and made the series even better. I just love the fact he took the OP from the main hero by splitting his power but somehow made him even more powerful in the process.
And for the story itself, lots and lots of open world vibes, awesome 1 time random encounters that give our hero some cool insights and interesting powers. The main goal of the story (or more of our hero) is getting clear and we can start to see where this is going. And somehow the author keeps us on our toes and introduces new elements and enemies to the story that makes us think everything all over.
This is an absolute must read series. The only one side for it at the moment is that we need to wait for the last 2 books.
5.5/5 really it's that good.
March 6, 2023
Alright, I am officially done with this series. Way to many issues.
1 ) The author decided to hamstring the MC with this demonic infestation and then every encounter the author is going into great detail the MC is losing his temper because the demonic infestation. That doesn't make good story telling, you have so many other directions or opportunities to explore the world, the MC has only been to a few cities at most that is just padding the book.
2 ) Character sheet review, wonder if the author knows that each review is longer than 15 mins each time now.
3 ) The scale of difficulty in the bad guys, it's gotten out of hand also. They are scaling with the MC and again he has only seen a hand full of cities. You don't need to do that, sometimes a good ole over powered ass beating is what some bad guys need. What is going to happen is the MC visits a new continent, is he going to run into cultivators or Smog that can level a entire mountain just because the MC maybe able to do that?
4 ) The super advanced AI is still pre teen moron and not learning from past mistakes. Also guns and calibers of said weapons.
1 ) The author decided to hamstring the MC with this demonic infestation and then every encounter the author is going into great detail the MC is losing his temper because the demonic infestation. That doesn't make good story telling, you have so many other directions or opportunities to explore the world, the MC has only been to a few cities at most that is just padding the book.
2 ) Character sheet review, wonder if the author knows that each review is longer than 15 mins each time now.
3 ) The scale of difficulty in the bad guys, it's gotten out of hand also. They are scaling with the MC and again he has only seen a hand full of cities. You don't need to do that, sometimes a good ole over powered ass beating is what some bad guys need. What is going to happen is the MC visits a new continent, is he going to run into cultivators or Smog that can level a entire mountain just because the MC maybe able to do that?
4 ) The super advanced AI is still pre teen moron and not learning from past mistakes. Also guns and calibers of said weapons.
February 6, 2026
Powercreep continues. No more real problems to face. It's still the same LitRPG about some super Artificial Intelligence that has decided to move onto a new universe, one where magic exists. Think VOLUNTARY ISEKAI.
In the third book, we get to see our protagonist go full on balls to the floor insane in capabilities. He also gets "humbled" but not really. Everyone is happy to serve him, and wherever he goes goodness abounds. He has a literal cheat code in that he can just feed his Dragon cores and it'll become ultra giga powerful, and then all he has to do is point it at things to destroy, but we can't be having logic.
Also you have a Dwarvorod, but not railway... PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD INDUSTRIALIZE. MAKE FACTORIES, SPREAD NANOFACTORIES FAR AND WIDE, it's easy to standardize and do what every single normal empire has done.
This issue also suffers from: 30,000 barbarians attacked:
We killed five thousand
We killed "a few" thousands
They split their army into 5 camps
We destroyed 3 of them.
TURNS OUT THERES 15000 more barbarians???
What is it with writer of this genre that they can't keep track of numbers?
In the third book, we get to see our protagonist go full on balls to the floor insane in capabilities. He also gets "humbled" but not really. Everyone is happy to serve him, and wherever he goes goodness abounds. He has a literal cheat code in that he can just feed his Dragon cores and it'll become ultra giga powerful, and then all he has to do is point it at things to destroy, but we can't be having logic.
Also you have a Dwarvorod, but not railway... PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD INDUSTRIALIZE. MAKE FACTORIES, SPREAD NANOFACTORIES FAR AND WIDE, it's easy to standardize and do what every single normal empire has done.
This issue also suffers from: 30,000 barbarians attacked:
We killed five thousand
We killed "a few" thousands
They split their army into 5 camps
We destroyed 3 of them.
TURNS OUT THERES 15000 more barbarians???
What is it with writer of this genre that they can't keep track of numbers?
January 15, 2023
MC becomes OP
Some really interesting ideas that lead to fascinating possibilities. Normally, as the cast grows, the narrative becomes tangled because the MC can’t be in two places at once. Everything is simplified with one skill/class
Really enjoying this. I’m very eager to read the next two books.
I do need to point out some flaws. For starters, there’s a lot of talk early on about making Venice, a center of trade. The problem is that at the point where they are discussing trade, Venice does not have a lot of trade partners. The narrative seemed to be leaning on Venice’s historical role without taking into account the current situation.
I would also recommend reconfiguring the character sheet so that the first part reflects the base attributes and common perks or skills. In effect, showing what each will have, and then listing the individual breakdowns.
I will pre-order the next books.
Some really interesting ideas that lead to fascinating possibilities. Normally, as the cast grows, the narrative becomes tangled because the MC can’t be in two places at once. Everything is simplified with one skill/class
Really enjoying this. I’m very eager to read the next two books.
I do need to point out some flaws. For starters, there’s a lot of talk early on about making Venice, a center of trade. The problem is that at the point where they are discussing trade, Venice does not have a lot of trade partners. The narrative seemed to be leaning on Venice’s historical role without taking into account the current situation.
I would also recommend reconfiguring the character sheet so that the first part reflects the base attributes and common perks or skills. In effect, showing what each will have, and then listing the individual breakdowns.
I will pre-order the next books.
February 5, 2023
Blood for the Blood God!
My favorite book so far. This one read like a true adventure. The start was a bit 4/5, but from 10% and forth, the story became really interesting. I applaud the Doppelganger class and think it has been the best addition to the story, providing options for lots of interesting paths - which were realized.
The kingdom-building aspect of the story was also nicely done. I didn't care much about the trading stuff, but the conflicts were interesting and didn't feel like some random boorish filler. And Alex wasn't just soloing everything like these random dollar-store overpowered protagonists. His allies got involved, too. Their contribution to the conflicts felt real.
In comparison to book 2, the world grew in size and the opponents became a lot more intriguing.
All in all, a clear recommendation.
My favorite book so far. This one read like a true adventure. The start was a bit 4/5, but from 10% and forth, the story became really interesting. I applaud the Doppelganger class and think it has been the best addition to the story, providing options for lots of interesting paths - which were realized.
The kingdom-building aspect of the story was also nicely done. I didn't care much about the trading stuff, but the conflicts were interesting and didn't feel like some random boorish filler. And Alex wasn't just soloing everything like these random dollar-store overpowered protagonists. His allies got involved, too. Their contribution to the conflicts felt real.
In comparison to book 2, the world grew in size and the opponents became a lot more intriguing.
All in all, a clear recommendation.
January 31, 2023
I'd rate this book higher than book two in the series. The whole doppelganger process has implications that vastly enhance the plot. Speaking of the plot, the pacing is excellent throughout the story... never lagging.
The scope of the setting has been enlarged, with hints of a much bigger stage in books to come. At the same time, the narrative is mostly delivered in manageable bite-sized chunks. The only large-scale, action set-piece is told well. I was never confused or lost.
My only note is that the Monk seems ancillary to the story. I'd like to see his role be more active, or act as an important catalyst to some major event.
This book was great value. It's a chunky boy and only cost $4. Thank you J.R.
The scope of the setting has been enlarged, with hints of a much bigger stage in books to come. At the same time, the narrative is mostly delivered in manageable bite-sized chunks. The only large-scale, action set-piece is told well. I was never confused or lost.
My only note is that the Monk seems ancillary to the story. I'd like to see his role be more active, or act as an important catalyst to some major event.
This book was great value. It's a chunky boy and only cost $4. Thank you J.R.
March 8, 2023
phenomenal work
Honestly one of the best series in the genre. There is depth and volume in the books. Also the books are long enough that I don’t blast right through them in just an afternoon. It seems the author has a real direction where he wants to take the series and he provides plenty of milestones along the way. Also he regularly involves the overarching narrative without getting lost in the side stories. Only unfortunate thing about the story is there are so many acting groups of people that I find myself hoping to hear about previous groups - such as the dark elves in Nova Roma. Though this is not a bad thing - and it allows for further side stories in the future. Looking forward to the next books and really hoping they release this year!
Honestly one of the best series in the genre. There is depth and volume in the books. Also the books are long enough that I don’t blast right through them in just an afternoon. It seems the author has a real direction where he wants to take the series and he provides plenty of milestones along the way. Also he regularly involves the overarching narrative without getting lost in the side stories. Only unfortunate thing about the story is there are so many acting groups of people that I find myself hoping to hear about previous groups - such as the dark elves in Nova Roma. Though this is not a bad thing - and it allows for further side stories in the future. Looking forward to the next books and really hoping they release this year!
January 7, 2026
I hate that it’s over but I love the pacing
Discovered this series after looking around and being burnt out by incompetence MCs, ever rising stakes due to authors coming from daily chapters on Royal Road and only knowing how to increase pressure and never take a break, and the lack of consolidation and reflection in a MC that allows for breathing and growth in a story. My biggest lament is that there isn’t another trilogy to dive into, but I get the sense that Mathew’s writes this way intentionally so I’m going to grab another set and get lost for a week. This was such an enjoyable read and everything respected me as a reader and was a good balm for my soul after dozens of LitRPG slop.
Discovered this series after looking around and being burnt out by incompetence MCs, ever rising stakes due to authors coming from daily chapters on Royal Road and only knowing how to increase pressure and never take a break, and the lack of consolidation and reflection in a MC that allows for breathing and growth in a story. My biggest lament is that there isn’t another trilogy to dive into, but I get the sense that Mathew’s writes this way intentionally so I’m going to grab another set and get lost for a week. This was such an enjoyable read and everything respected me as a reader and was a good balm for my soul after dozens of LitRPG slop.
January 20, 2023
A Favorite Series
Alexander continues to gain power and attributes as he meets challenges to the empire he is building to protect innocents and ones he loves. He has escaped the Pirate King's clutches and defeated the demons, he now decides to investigate the Pirate King's base on Sardinia. After causing a lot of trouble, he decides he doesn't have the power to bring down the Pirate operation yet. So he decides to tackle the frontier surrounding the Rhine river. Battle, barbarians, and monsters ensue. Like the action, humor, alternate history, and tentative romance. I look forward to the next book.
Alexander continues to gain power and attributes as he meets challenges to the empire he is building to protect innocents and ones he loves. He has escaped the Pirate King's clutches and defeated the demons, he now decides to investigate the Pirate King's base on Sardinia. After causing a lot of trouble, he decides he doesn't have the power to bring down the Pirate operation yet. So he decides to tackle the frontier surrounding the Rhine river. Battle, barbarians, and monsters ensue. Like the action, humor, alternate history, and tentative romance. I look forward to the next book.
February 20, 2023
A little all over the place
Quite literally in a sense but puns aside, the book is really unfocused. Coming into part three, we already had half a dozen major important conflicts/stories and all of them are ignored for virtually the whole book. Overall, it does a fair impression of feverishly running around an MMO's world and constantly unlocking new locations, quests and system mechanics... Which is an interesting effect but is not really a good thing.
There are plenty of good moments, interesting side characters and cool ideas sprinkled throughout the book but we rarely if ever get the necessary time to linger and appreciate them.
Quite literally in a sense but puns aside, the book is really unfocused. Coming into part three, we already had half a dozen major important conflicts/stories and all of them are ignored for virtually the whole book. Overall, it does a fair impression of feverishly running around an MMO's world and constantly unlocking new locations, quests and system mechanics... Which is an interesting effect but is not really a good thing.
There are plenty of good moments, interesting side characters and cool ideas sprinkled throughout the book but we rarely if ever get the necessary time to linger and appreciate them.
March 6, 2025
Portal to Nova Roma: The Rhine
Alexander and his legion are struggling after the Battle of Carthage. Then, an opportunity presents itself. A prisoner offers him a deal that could help change everything. That and a warning of things to come. Alexander will need to seize any chance that he can and use every piece of technology that he can to save his friends and the world itself.
This isekai litrpg has taken some great twists in this book alone! I did enjoy the different changes of pace that took place in this story. The action scenes are very well done and the slow burn relationship is a nice touch too. Christian Gilliland does a great job as the narrator!
Content Warning: language
Alexander and his legion are struggling after the Battle of Carthage. Then, an opportunity presents itself. A prisoner offers him a deal that could help change everything. That and a warning of things to come. Alexander will need to seize any chance that he can and use every piece of technology that he can to save his friends and the world itself.
This isekai litrpg has taken some great twists in this book alone! I did enjoy the different changes of pace that took place in this story. The action scenes are very well done and the slow burn relationship is a nice touch too. Christian Gilliland does a great job as the narrator!
Content Warning: language
January 25, 2023
Keeps getting better
As things settle down, the reader is treated to more crafting and more inventions. New faces join the crew and bring their skills into the mix. Things really take off in this book with the battles becoming more intense and a nice offshoot to the story happens which really adds to the interesting story. We learn that dwarves mothers routinly beat the children with shovel to straighten them up. Great story line, things get more interesting with each new book, so book 4 should really give us an idea of how the war and other things will progress.
As things settle down, the reader is treated to more crafting and more inventions. New faces join the crew and bring their skills into the mix. Things really take off in this book with the battles becoming more intense and a nice offshoot to the story happens which really adds to the interesting story. We learn that dwarves mothers routinly beat the children with shovel to straighten them up. Great story line, things get more interesting with each new book, so book 4 should really give us an idea of how the war and other things will progress.
August 22, 2023
Very happy with this series
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The development of the characters and the situation are going well. The author handles the battles and magical situations without breaking out the magic wand. The story line is interesting and keeps the reader engaged. I will be definitely purchasing the next book when it's available. Only draw back is having to wait for the next books in the series. Hope the author decides to continue with the series instead of ending it in two more books.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The development of the characters and the situation are going well. The author handles the battles and magical situations without breaking out the magic wand. The story line is interesting and keeps the reader engaged. I will be definitely purchasing the next book when it's available. Only draw back is having to wait for the next books in the series. Hope the author decides to continue with the series instead of ending it in two more books.
January 10, 2023
There’s something here for everyone — I think the (one of) the twist(s) in this book ends up as a good way to handle the tendency in this genre to head in too many directions at once by a few books into a series. Still spreads somewhat thin, but does so in a way that feels believable and intentional for these particular characters. Nice for balancing different types of conflict. Looking forward to the next!
January 17, 2023
read this book you won’t be disappointed. Five stars all the way.
Excellent, what can I say. Fast paced, fun, great MC. The MC has plenty of growth that occurs in the book. Great cast of side characters no slow spots very enjoyable. My only dilemma is what am i going to read now? I tried not to blow through this book right away, but couldn’t help it. You will find this book enjoyable. don’t give many books 5 stars, this one deserves it best of the series.
Excellent, what can I say. Fast paced, fun, great MC. The MC has plenty of growth that occurs in the book. Great cast of side characters no slow spots very enjoyable. My only dilemma is what am i going to read now? I tried not to blow through this book right away, but couldn’t help it. You will find this book enjoyable. don’t give many books 5 stars, this one deserves it best of the series.
January 17, 2023
Enjoyably readable litrpg series
Very readable and re-readable series (3 of 5 books at this time). Well paced story combining a clever magic system, mix of adventures and character development. Avoids common pitfalls— Main character is very powerful but not OP; no gratuitous harem and sex; challenges scale with MC but are not infinite (thinking of web novels with hundreds of chapters and scaling to immortals, gods, senior gods, ad infinitum).
Very readable and re-readable series (3 of 5 books at this time). Well paced story combining a clever magic system, mix of adventures and character development. Avoids common pitfalls— Main character is very powerful but not OP; no gratuitous harem and sex; challenges scale with MC but are not infinite (thinking of web novels with hundreds of chapters and scaling to immortals, gods, senior gods, ad infinitum).
January 20, 2023
This may be the strongest book in the series to date. It's a good thing too, as if it wasn't good I wouldn't have made it through nearly 800 pages of it.
Normally I'm not overfond of books that have a lot of changing pov, but the specific version here works well. Things are getting bigger in scope and from the two more planned books it looks like Alexander is headed for the big time in this monster apocalypse alt earth. Alexander Imperator!
Normally I'm not overfond of books that have a lot of changing pov, but the specific version here works well. Things are getting bigger in scope and from the two more planned books it looks like Alexander is headed for the big time in this monster apocalypse alt earth. Alexander Imperator!
January 22, 2023
Another success
The third book in JR's litrpg portal fantasy is just as good as the previous.
The scale of Alexander's influence has grown far from the lone adventurer he was at the start of the first book, this book focuses on his first steps of taking over the Rhine region and building the beginning of an empire.
If you enjoy litrpg/ portal fantasy/ progression fantasy/ alternate magical history you'll likely enjoy this series.
Looking forward to the next book!
The third book in JR's litrpg portal fantasy is just as good as the previous.
The scale of Alexander's influence has grown far from the lone adventurer he was at the start of the first book, this book focuses on his first steps of taking over the Rhine region and building the beginning of an empire.
If you enjoy litrpg/ portal fantasy/ progression fantasy/ alternate magical history you'll likely enjoy this series.
Looking forward to the next book!
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