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The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound #2
The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound 2: A LitRPG Adventure
With the advantage of the mix-up of starting in the Dungeon, Randidly has been able to found a Village for survivors to gather. With their growing forces, they’ve begun to nurture other outposts of humanity, teaching them the hard-earned lessons he paid for in blood and sweat.
584 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 26, 2022
Great… when it’s good
Overall I thought this was a good addition to the storyline, however it was really irritating to have to read through so many pages of highly repetitive training where very little happened. Personally I think this book could be cut down by 30% if the author summarized a bit more when it came to training so there was less slow paced content that didn’t really move the story forward and instead focused on the story, action, character development etc. Randidly has relatively a little dimension to his character, he’s essentially a perfectionist workaholic and a masochist and that’s pretty much all there is to him. He doesn’t really have a personality because he doesn’t really like interacting with people. So I guess he’s also a loner. In fact, most of the characters are pretty one dimensional and boring. This book also feels more like two books because the plot shifts so significantly. Initially when randomly is still on earth, it’s all about the tribulation in Downingtown. However as that actually arrives, the main character travels to an entirely different world which essentially resets the story. For me, what that amounted to was that the main character abandon the story at the climax which was the tribulation, and then switched the New World and the story ends with a little fight on a boat with very little drama. In my opinion the ending of both of those stories was squandered and the author didn’t provide much of a payoff for the reader. I still like the story, but I don’t feel like it very much is happening. I could summarize the plot in a couple of sentences. Again, I think it’s still a pretty interesting book but I think the Author would be better served by a focus on character development and story instead of training.
Overall I thought this was a good addition to the storyline, however it was really irritating to have to read through so many pages of highly repetitive training where very little happened. Personally I think this book could be cut down by 30% if the author summarized a bit more when it came to training so there was less slow paced content that didn’t really move the story forward and instead focused on the story, action, character development etc. Randidly has relatively a little dimension to his character, he’s essentially a perfectionist workaholic and a masochist and that’s pretty much all there is to him. He doesn’t really have a personality because he doesn’t really like interacting with people. So I guess he’s also a loner. In fact, most of the characters are pretty one dimensional and boring. This book also feels more like two books because the plot shifts so significantly. Initially when randomly is still on earth, it’s all about the tribulation in Downingtown. However as that actually arrives, the main character travels to an entirely different world which essentially resets the story. For me, what that amounted to was that the main character abandon the story at the climax which was the tribulation, and then switched the New World and the story ends with a little fight on a boat with very little drama. In my opinion the ending of both of those stories was squandered and the author didn’t provide much of a payoff for the reader. I still like the story, but I don’t feel like it very much is happening. I could summarize the plot in a couple of sentences. Again, I think it’s still a pretty interesting book but I think the Author would be better served by a focus on character development and story instead of training.
March 6, 2022
This was an ok experience for me. It read a bit more like a side mission than part of the main plot, at least as far as events in the first book would have me believe. I wasn't particularly interested in anything that happened and the plot was in no hurry to go anywhere, providing only table-setting even for the side mission.
So, this was a very slow-paced book with a ton of navel-gazing, which rarely bothers me, but in other stories, the self-reflection tends to have a bit more relevance to the plot rather than aimless thoughts that are subsequently tossed aside. Should I worry about this thing, well I've got to keep moving forward anyway...rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat times 5,000.
These books are still decent when I want to read a little gamelit on a lunch break without thinking too much about anything. Or if I wanted to take a shot every time the author has to mention the MC's emerald green eyes, this book would provide quite a party.
So, this was a very slow-paced book with a ton of navel-gazing, which rarely bothers me, but in other stories, the self-reflection tends to have a bit more relevance to the plot rather than aimless thoughts that are subsequently tossed aside. Should I worry about this thing, well I've got to keep moving forward anyway...rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat times 5,000.
These books are still decent when I want to read a little gamelit on a lunch break without thinking too much about anything. Or if I wanted to take a shot every time the author has to mention the MC's emerald green eyes, this book would provide quite a party.
March 10, 2023
This is second in a LitRPG series and picks up right after the first. You should read in order.
So the struggle picks up and I honestly liked how Randidly learned to delegate better to all the folks in Donnyton, but particularly with Lyra. This was awesome. I particularly love the Annie/Dozer power couple. They're so cute and a little scary. I hate, more than a little, what happened after Randy left because .
Once Donnyton is all settled, the rest of the story is essentially a long training montage. Not a bad thing for me, but might drag for others so it bears mentioning. I liked most of those events, not least picking up some semi-interesting side characters. I was a bit disappointed that an obvious rivalry wasn't picked up at all but expect that to be drawn forward more in the next book.
A next book I might not read because I'm not in love with some of the system developments. This is all spoiler, but not the kind I'm going to bother tagging because it's too important to my point. Feel free to skip this paragraph. It turns out that everything is about this thing called Aether and the entire setup is kind of a huge screw-you to everyone involved. It's essentially an addictive substance the system is using to fuel all the skills people are developing to give them power. Only it turns out to be a limited resource. So wellsprings (villages and townships etc) are super important and being separated from one can give you, I kid you not, Aether Withdrawal/sickness. And the author is revealing that Randy is a super-special dude because he is, personally, a wellspring of his own. So yay, right? Too fast there partner because if it is found out, he'll be hunted down for the resource by people way more powerful than he is. Plus, the system itself, the thing that knows all about Aether and stuff and hands it out in such a way as to promote violence for reasons we still have no clue of, has misidentified Randy's power source and tagged him as a "heretic" because it thinks that he is drinking down the blood of innocents for that power.
All of this contrivance is making it hard for me to care much. It's just the author having his thumb on the "create antagonists of everyone" scale. But this became so much worse with the epilogue. An epilogue is supposed to wrap things up and/or give a extra meaning to the climax. At least, in my personal world where I get to create meanings and definitions for things. i.e. for me personally. But this one neutered a key accomplishment and also a new antagonist for Donnyton. One that makes zero sense. I mean, it's bad enough that
All of which adds to a three star rating and the probability that I'll not bother with the next story. I mean, that's not a given. A trusted reviewer/friend says the next is just a long training montage and I like that just fine. But we'll see.
A note about Steamy/Chaste: There's enough sexual byplay that I can't really call this chaste. There's not enough detail or progression for this to be Steamy. So neither tag on this one.
So the struggle picks up and I honestly liked how Randidly learned to delegate better to all the folks in Donnyton, but particularly with Lyra. This was awesome. I particularly love the Annie/Dozer power couple. They're so cute and a little scary. I hate, more than a little, what happened after Randy left because .
Once Donnyton is all settled, the rest of the story is essentially a long training montage. Not a bad thing for me, but might drag for others so it bears mentioning. I liked most of those events, not least picking up some semi-interesting side characters. I was a bit disappointed that an obvious rivalry wasn't picked up at all but expect that to be drawn forward more in the next book.
A next book I might not read because I'm not in love with some of the system developments. This is all spoiler, but not the kind I'm going to bother tagging because it's too important to my point. Feel free to skip this paragraph. It turns out that everything is about this thing called Aether and the entire setup is kind of a huge screw-you to everyone involved. It's essentially an addictive substance the system is using to fuel all the skills people are developing to give them power. Only it turns out to be a limited resource. So wellsprings (villages and townships etc) are super important and being separated from one can give you, I kid you not, Aether Withdrawal/sickness. And the author is revealing that Randy is a super-special dude because he is, personally, a wellspring of his own. So yay, right? Too fast there partner because if it is found out, he'll be hunted down for the resource by people way more powerful than he is. Plus, the system itself, the thing that knows all about Aether and stuff and hands it out in such a way as to promote violence for reasons we still have no clue of, has misidentified Randy's power source and tagged him as a "heretic" because it thinks that he is drinking down the blood of innocents for that power.
All of this contrivance is making it hard for me to care much. It's just the author having his thumb on the "create antagonists of everyone" scale. But this became so much worse with the epilogue. An epilogue is supposed to wrap things up and/or give a extra meaning to the climax. At least, in my personal world where I get to create meanings and definitions for things. i.e. for me personally. But this one neutered a key accomplishment and also a new antagonist for Donnyton. One that makes zero sense. I mean, it's bad enough that
All of which adds to a three star rating and the probability that I'll not bother with the next story. I mean, that's not a given. A trusted reviewer/friend says the next is just a long training montage and I like that just fine. But we'll see.
A note about Steamy/Chaste: There's enough sexual byplay that I can't really call this chaste. There's not enough detail or progression for this to be Steamy. So neither tag on this one.
May 5, 2022
Seemed needlessly aggravating maybe was 3 & 1/2 stars
starts out about as good as book 1, but the author invents some contrived complications that add nothing what so ever, but instead make the story seem less original, more derivative, and more aggravating. Mysteriously the author decides that he/she is tired of writing a LitRPG novel and decides to become a cheep Kung-Fu drama knock off of crouching tiger, hidden dragon or some shit, god knows why.
One of my biggest pet peeves as a reader rears it's ugly head here. The MC suddenly decides to do something pointless and stupid out of the blue, at the exact time and place to magically set off a series of unlikely events that drive the story in a new direction. Oh how lazily convenient.
My second pet peeve is retcon-ing that creates new inconsistency where none existed. This usually makes everything feel like the author couldn't be bothered to plot events out in advance, or to go back and do some rewriting.
When the author is signaling that they don't give a damn, why should I?
-I will very likely read book 3, but I'm gonna be salty about it. You only get so much good will Noret Flood, or puddles, or whatever your name is. Good will is like Ether, don't pointlessly waste it, you may never get it back.
starts out about as good as book 1, but the author invents some contrived complications that add nothing what so ever, but instead make the story seem less original, more derivative, and more aggravating. Mysteriously the author decides that he/she is tired of writing a LitRPG novel and decides to become a cheep Kung-Fu drama knock off of crouching tiger, hidden dragon or some shit, god knows why.
One of my biggest pet peeves as a reader rears it's ugly head here. The MC suddenly decides to do something pointless and stupid out of the blue, at the exact time and place to magically set off a series of unlikely events that drive the story in a new direction. Oh how lazily convenient.
My second pet peeve is retcon-ing that creates new inconsistency where none existed. This usually makes everything feel like the author couldn't be bothered to plot events out in advance, or to go back and do some rewriting.
When the author is signaling that they don't give a damn, why should I?
-I will very likely read book 3, but I'm gonna be salty about it. You only get so much good will Noret Flood, or puddles, or whatever your name is. Good will is like Ether, don't pointlessly waste it, you may never get it back.
February 16, 2022
This started fine and then fell into a different book.
The start was okay, but lacked any real conclusion. The journey into another world became a stereotypical , trope filled wuxia book. It was horribly boring and obvious. The character growth, and I hesitate use that term, was atrocious. Given the direction it left off at, I doubt this series has anything left in it. This entire book feels like the writer just ran out of ideas and tried to start over with a different style.
The start was okay, but lacked any real conclusion. The journey into another world became a stereotypical , trope filled wuxia book. It was horribly boring and obvious. The character growth, and I hesitate use that term, was atrocious. Given the direction it left off at, I doubt this series has anything left in it. This entire book feels like the writer just ran out of ideas and tried to start over with a different style.
February 20, 2022
Not recommended
1st book was great humanity survival and ppl coming together.. Etc this book started amazing but after 20% it become the most annoying litrpg book I've read in a while MC becomes a criminal and kills ppl for no reasons.
And female characters are treated like objects and the story didn't go anywhere after 90 chapters.
I'm not getting the next book I'm done with this series.
1st book was great humanity survival and ppl coming together.. Etc this book started amazing but after 20% it become the most annoying litrpg book I've read in a while MC becomes a criminal and kills ppl for no reasons.
And female characters are treated like objects and the story didn't go anywhere after 90 chapters.
I'm not getting the next book I'm done with this series.
March 21, 2022
Review of books 1 & 2:
Now this is a strange review for me to write, because this book has many facets that I don't usually like in a LitRPG book and usually would DNF it far quicker, but this has been weirdly compelling that I read the first two books out back-to-back:
The MC isn't the usual do-gooder type. He really wants to do good, but they way he chooses is to let people learn by hard trials, which comes across as a bit uncaring and callous, but serves as a more realistic take on the situation. The fact that MC might be on a spectrum suffering from social awkwardness adds a lot of reality to the character. It's a harsh world out there and the harsh outlook fits right in and sets this apart from most other books.
There are a lot of stats and skill-up's all through, even during middle of the battles, which I initially found annoying. The MC having access to a LOT of skills just adds to the clutter. Despite this, the progress is anything but standard. The classes, skills and abilities are more unique which keeps things fresh. Skip reading through these made me enjoy the plot progress more.
The world building is immersive and the plot progression is not something that I could progress. MS doesn't lead or make decisions for humanity. He gives them the way and leaves it up to them to follow successfully or not, which I felt was a brilliant take on the genre.
Overall despite the flaws, I enjoyed this and looking forward to book 3.
Now this is a strange review for me to write, because this book has many facets that I don't usually like in a LitRPG book and usually would DNF it far quicker, but this has been weirdly compelling that I read the first two books out back-to-back:
The MC isn't the usual do-gooder type. He really wants to do good, but they way he chooses is to let people learn by hard trials, which comes across as a bit uncaring and callous, but serves as a more realistic take on the situation. The fact that MC might be on a spectrum suffering from social awkwardness adds a lot of reality to the character. It's a harsh world out there and the harsh outlook fits right in and sets this apart from most other books.
There are a lot of stats and skill-up's all through, even during middle of the battles, which I initially found annoying. The MC having access to a LOT of skills just adds to the clutter. Despite this, the progress is anything but standard. The classes, skills and abilities are more unique which keeps things fresh. Skip reading through these made me enjoy the plot progress more.
The world building is immersive and the plot progression is not something that I could progress. MS doesn't lead or make decisions for humanity. He gives them the way and leaves it up to them to follow successfully or not, which I felt was a brilliant take on the genre.
Overall despite the flaws, I enjoyed this and looking forward to book 3.
January 9, 2024
Could be way better
The first book I felt was pretty decent. This one fell off hard.
- So many hanging plot points with his powers. Just move some forward already.
- every battle the author will describe some fantastical move by the MC that basically the opponent will brush off just to keep the battle going.
-At this point I have no idea why he is fighting the system and not getting a class other than "don't tell me what to do"
- Shal. Just totally craps on the MC the whole book then gets even angrier and more abusive at the MC when the MC does exactly what Shal trained him to do.
-Finally, the last chapter of the book is another plot line that isn't needed at all and doesnt really have any basis for. Just add it to the 15 other plotlines they haven't moved forward or is there for no reason.
The first book I felt was pretty decent. This one fell off hard.
- So many hanging plot points with his powers. Just move some forward already.
- every battle the author will describe some fantastical move by the MC that basically the opponent will brush off just to keep the battle going.
-At this point I have no idea why he is fighting the system and not getting a class other than "don't tell me what to do"
- Shal. Just totally craps on the MC the whole book then gets even angrier and more abusive at the MC when the MC does exactly what Shal trained him to do.
-Finally, the last chapter of the book is another plot line that isn't needed at all and doesnt really have any basis for. Just add it to the 15 other plotlines they haven't moved forward or is there for no reason.
February 17, 2022
Warning!!
This is *NOT* a traditional novel. This is part two of a massive work. The end is not really an end so much as a minor lull in the action. Some of the momentous events from this book don’t really become clear for a while.
A few copywriting issues with homophones (“formerly” vs ‘formally’, for instance).
It’s weird to be reading this after having gone so much further in the original incarnation on Royal Road. Very happy to reimburse the author for the fun I had reading it the first time.
Looking forward to the next.
This is *NOT* a traditional novel. This is part two of a massive work. The end is not really an end so much as a minor lull in the action. Some of the momentous events from this book don’t really become clear for a while.
A few copywriting issues with homophones (“formerly” vs ‘formally’, for instance).
It’s weird to be reading this after having gone so much further in the original incarnation on Royal Road. Very happy to reimburse the author for the fun I had reading it the first time.
Looking forward to the next.
July 3, 2024
4.5 stars. Interesting progression to the series.
May 13, 2022
Great solid story. Awesome narration.
October 15, 2023
This is the second book in a row that gets 5-stars from me despite there being some major flaws in parts of the book. This time around it continues to get that extra star for its characters and sheer enjoyment level. The flaws, while big, don't ever impact it enough to remove more than 10% of enjoyment from these books, and in a 5-star rating system that gives us 4.5 that I have to round up from... But that's enough math, on to what I didn't like and then what I did about this book.
The first thing I didn't like was that in the opening quarter of the book, it felt like I was watching a kid with ADHD flipping through channels on the TV and never settling on just one. The author was trying (and in my mind failing) to follow multiple POV characters at the same time, but he did so in the most frustrating way imaginable. Rather than letting a scene play out from beginning to end, then moving on to the next scene with a different POV, he instead lets a scene progress until the first significant plot point, then cuts away to another scene to do the same. This means that each scene that might have been about 2500-3000 words (about the length of an average single chapter) is spread out over 5-6 chapters in 500-word increments. It made for a really broken way of telling a story which meant I never got invested in the story and was often angry at how fractured everything felt.
Wrapping up the Randidly's city storyline from the last book really wasn't all that satisfying either. The story kind of fizzled out rather than going out with a bang, and it just wasn't all that enjoyable to read... However...
From there on out this book found its rhythm and I enjoyed it much more. Don't get me wrong, there are still gripes to be found in that the story doesn't really tell a complete narrative, that this feels like a load of adventures strung together rather than one complete book, or a myriad of other little things that should frustrate me. However, it's all overshadowed by yet more excellent character work, a sense of constant progression, and an ability to keep me hooked. I also may be more forgiving of those flaws when I know that this is actually adapted into book form from a story that was never meant to be read in that format and therefore doesn't actually break up neatly that way.
Whatever the reason, I can admit that there are flaws with this book and that it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I am confident in saying that if you enjoyed the last book then you should love this one... and if you loved the last book as I did, then there's a good chance you'll love this one as well.
My only real gripe now is that this is the last audiobook (as of the writing of this review) so I am going to have to either wait for the next one or head on over to Royal Road to keep reading. Knowing how impatient I am, it's obvious which of those options I'll choose, so it looks like I'll be spending Easter glued to my iPad and forgetting that the rest of the world exists. I wonder if it says something about me that this sounds like an Easter well spent...
The first thing I didn't like was that in the opening quarter of the book, it felt like I was watching a kid with ADHD flipping through channels on the TV and never settling on just one. The author was trying (and in my mind failing) to follow multiple POV characters at the same time, but he did so in the most frustrating way imaginable. Rather than letting a scene play out from beginning to end, then moving on to the next scene with a different POV, he instead lets a scene progress until the first significant plot point, then cuts away to another scene to do the same. This means that each scene that might have been about 2500-3000 words (about the length of an average single chapter) is spread out over 5-6 chapters in 500-word increments. It made for a really broken way of telling a story which meant I never got invested in the story and was often angry at how fractured everything felt.
Wrapping up the Randidly's city storyline from the last book really wasn't all that satisfying either. The story kind of fizzled out rather than going out with a bang, and it just wasn't all that enjoyable to read... However...
From there on out this book found its rhythm and I enjoyed it much more. Don't get me wrong, there are still gripes to be found in that the story doesn't really tell a complete narrative, that this feels like a load of adventures strung together rather than one complete book, or a myriad of other little things that should frustrate me. However, it's all overshadowed by yet more excellent character work, a sense of constant progression, and an ability to keep me hooked. I also may be more forgiving of those flaws when I know that this is actually adapted into book form from a story that was never meant to be read in that format and therefore doesn't actually break up neatly that way.
Whatever the reason, I can admit that there are flaws with this book and that it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I am confident in saying that if you enjoyed the last book then you should love this one... and if you loved the last book as I did, then there's a good chance you'll love this one as well.
My only real gripe now is that this is the last audiobook (as of the writing of this review) so I am going to have to either wait for the next one or head on over to Royal Road to keep reading. Knowing how impatient I am, it's obvious which of those options I'll choose, so it looks like I'll be spending Easter glued to my iPad and forgetting that the rest of the world exists. I wonder if it says something about me that this sounds like an Easter well spent...
February 19, 2022
4.5. So many times I wish Goodreads would allow 1/2 stars, and this is one of them. Started well, but seemed to drag on in the second half which is where it loses the 1/2 star.
I'm not sure what think of the MC; more so, I don't know what I SHOULD think of him. It's unclear where his development is going sometimes, but I assume that's intentional so I won't slag the story for that. He was socially awkward before the System, and post-System we add PTSD and some serious masochistic tendencies. Some signs by the end of this book that he may actually become an actual person capable of meaningful social interaction.
Longer than it needed to be for the amount of forward progress, but that seems to be a feature of these works that began life as internet serials. If you read the first one you'll have a pretty good idea what you're getting here.
I'm not sure what think of the MC; more so, I don't know what I SHOULD think of him. It's unclear where his development is going sometimes, but I assume that's intentional so I won't slag the story for that. He was socially awkward before the System, and post-System we add PTSD and some serious masochistic tendencies. Some signs by the end of this book that he may actually become an actual person capable of meaningful social interaction.
Longer than it needed to be for the amount of forward progress, but that seems to be a feature of these works that began life as internet serials. If you read the first one you'll have a pretty good idea what you're getting here.
April 12, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars
This was a good continuation of the character of Randidly Ghosthound but not really of the overall story. I have finally gotten to the point where I don't cringe at the name. I do like when the second name is used as a moniker. After he ties up some loose ends with the village. Randidly has to go and payback a dept to Shah on his home planet. This takes up the last 3/4 of the book. It was all about training and getting stronger so that Randidly was able to help Shah with his problems. If you like training montagues then this is the book for you. If you are looking for something that moves the story forward then you will be disappointed. Overall though I still really enjoyed it. I still think it is third behind He who fight with monsters and Defiance of the fall for recent epic litrpg books.
This was a good continuation of the character of Randidly Ghosthound but not really of the overall story. I have finally gotten to the point where I don't cringe at the name. I do like when the second name is used as a moniker. After he ties up some loose ends with the village. Randidly has to go and payback a dept to Shah on his home planet. This takes up the last 3/4 of the book. It was all about training and getting stronger so that Randidly was able to help Shah with his problems. If you like training montagues then this is the book for you. If you are looking for something that moves the story forward then you will be disappointed. Overall though I still really enjoyed it. I still think it is third behind He who fight with monsters and Defiance of the fall for recent epic litrpg books.
August 6, 2022
This book was rather bad.
I agree with the opinion of another reader who stated that the author seems to be eager to change the story from litrpg to something like wuxia genre.
The majority of this book (and the next as well) is just a huge side quest that doesn´t further the story and mostly consists of dull repetitive training, skill allocation and a rather short tournament.
The book starts bland. The MC returns to his village but when he meets a gang of plunderers he becomes a wimp again. Later on, he checks upon the ridiculous, arrogant Hollywood actors. He gets called to help his mentor and spends the rest of the book training or fighting.
The world building is sub par. The character development as well. But the biggest crime is that author forces the horrible bitch Helen and her arrogant punching bag companion on the reader. I truly loath these guys.
I agree with the opinion of another reader who stated that the author seems to be eager to change the story from litrpg to something like wuxia genre.
The majority of this book (and the next as well) is just a huge side quest that doesn´t further the story and mostly consists of dull repetitive training, skill allocation and a rather short tournament.
The book starts bland. The MC returns to his village but when he meets a gang of plunderers he becomes a wimp again. Later on, he checks upon the ridiculous, arrogant Hollywood actors. He gets called to help his mentor and spends the rest of the book training or fighting.
The world building is sub par. The character development as well. But the biggest crime is that author forces the horrible bitch Helen and her arrogant punching bag companion on the reader. I truly loath these guys.
August 21, 2022
I really don't understand what the author was shooting for in this book.
"Let's try to make the character more whiny and less likable." Check.
"He's overpowered, so maybe have him make a bunch of really dumb decisions to balance it out?" Check.
"The action sequences may be too exciting, so let's insert some random daydreaming in the middle to break it up." Check.
"Let's take all the characters people grew to care about from the first book and throw them away, and replace them with a bunch of one-dimensional characters in completely new locations." Check.
"How about if I introduce a completely worthless straw-man character in the last 10% of the book and make him the final boss fight?" Check.
Honestly, 3 stars may be generous and this one just inherited a star from the first book. Stupidly, I went ahead and read the third book as well though.
"Let's try to make the character more whiny and less likable." Check.
"He's overpowered, so maybe have him make a bunch of really dumb decisions to balance it out?" Check.
"The action sequences may be too exciting, so let's insert some random daydreaming in the middle to break it up." Check.
"Let's take all the characters people grew to care about from the first book and throw them away, and replace them with a bunch of one-dimensional characters in completely new locations." Check.
"How about if I introduce a completely worthless straw-man character in the last 10% of the book and make him the final boss fight?" Check.
Honestly, 3 stars may be generous and this one just inherited a star from the first book. Stupidly, I went ahead and read the third book as well though.
March 16, 2022
KU Review
Something about the mc keeps me glued to the pages. Have a hard time setting it down. Maybe it’s the perseverance and growth through the pain. Inspiring.
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.
Something about the mc keeps me glued to the pages. Have a hard time setting it down. Maybe it’s the perseverance and growth through the pain. Inspiring.
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.
August 23, 2023
The society of planet Tellus is so far beyond anything stable that this whole book becomes a joke. I gave up halfway because it was just too painful to continue. Also, the main char has not leveled his "analyze" once since about chapter 3 of the first book. Maybe he forgot?
July 20, 2023
This was a real page turner but for the worst reason. It was boring, full of repetitive irrelevant fluff. I’m done with this series.
December 9, 2025
Book 1 was excellent.
After book 1, the first half of this book was very hard to get through. The second half redeemed it, along with the overall story, but I encountered some hurdles reading this one.
The copyediting on book 1 is essentially low-professional level; it's imperfect, but very good. This book - and the rest of the series I've read so far - is a significant step backward, at or below the average level among self-published LitRPGs. It's the kind of thing that likely won't matter in an audiobook format, as the narrator will speak naturally and issues like "feint" vs "faint" or "people's" vs "peoples'" vs "peoples" won't come up; but I wince every time I read about "sewing discord", see misconjugated verbs, or come across yet another adjective that should be an adverb. There's a lot of "he drunk" and "he had drank" to wade through.
Stylistically, and this is more a personal issue, book 1 began tightly focused on the main character, and gradually expanded to include more and more intervals that briefly featured other point of view characters. By the early-middle part of book 2, that accelerated to become multiple near-random point of view characters per chapter, so much so that one fight by the main character is stretched out across five chapters to the point of near incoherence while we flit around to other characters like an ADHD squirrel. I nearly tossed the book aside during this sequence. This is something that may not bother everyone, but I couldn't even remember who some of these characters were supposed to be.
Once the narrative finally settles back on fewer characters the strength of the story carries the book well, but I'd debated between 3 and 4 stars on this book. I'm more impressed by books 3 & 4.
After book 1, the first half of this book was very hard to get through. The second half redeemed it, along with the overall story, but I encountered some hurdles reading this one.
The copyediting on book 1 is essentially low-professional level; it's imperfect, but very good. This book - and the rest of the series I've read so far - is a significant step backward, at or below the average level among self-published LitRPGs. It's the kind of thing that likely won't matter in an audiobook format, as the narrator will speak naturally and issues like "feint" vs "faint" or "people's" vs "peoples'" vs "peoples" won't come up; but I wince every time I read about "sewing discord", see misconjugated verbs, or come across yet another adjective that should be an adverb. There's a lot of "he drunk" and "he had drank" to wade through.
Stylistically, and this is more a personal issue, book 1 began tightly focused on the main character, and gradually expanded to include more and more intervals that briefly featured other point of view characters. By the early-middle part of book 2, that accelerated to become multiple near-random point of view characters per chapter, so much so that one fight by the main character is stretched out across five chapters to the point of near incoherence while we flit around to other characters like an ADHD squirrel. I nearly tossed the book aside during this sequence. This is something that may not bother everyone, but I couldn't even remember who some of these characters were supposed to be.
Once the narrative finally settles back on fewer characters the strength of the story carries the book well, but I'd debated between 3 and 4 stars on this book. I'm more impressed by books 3 & 4.
January 4, 2025
Currently sitting at 39% read and it’s getting harder to enjoy this. The side characters may have personality’s that you find likable but they don’t have much depth to them. They feel too easily replaceable and very surface level. With all the constant POV changes it wouldn’t hurt to take a deeper dive into their thoughts and tidbits of their background for a deeper connection considering just how many POV changes there are. Lyla is an exception to this but the others could use some love too. When the story does decide to focus on Rand it’s usually for training. It begins to feel like useless filler at a certain point. RG trains to get stronger but also to keep his mental in check. So whenever he begins training, which is a lot, expect to also hear the same complaints over and over again. He does fight a lot still but I can’t help but feel underwhelmed when he does. He’s pretty OP with the system so he either kills something very easily or charges headfirst into the danger zone spamming abilities using a seemingly endless supply of potions to keep him going because he doesn’t know how to think ahead or keep his cool. This in turn makes all the hard focus on training feel almost pointless in a way. The “big bad tribulation” is also weaker than RG and is constantly in hiding to avoid him so the story most likely wont pick up until RG leaves to assist shal but it is a major slog getting there so far. Don’t start reading this expecting to be as entertained as the first.
July 6, 2025
I really wanted this book to be just as enjoyable as the first one was, but it was not. It felt like 75% of the book was spent inside the main character’s head with his thoughts that fade in and out of depression or psychosis; only leaving a little bit of action happening. Then the author's deliberate removal of the progression part of the book is a pretty big downfall for me. The black potion takes the whole progression part out of the progression fantasy, and that is the genre I thought I was reading.
On top of that every fight has the same pattern. The main character gets into a fight, the main character refuses to use all skills and underestimates opponent, the main character gets his ass kicked, the main character says he is stupid and uses more skills. Then we have a bazillion words explaining all the thoughts, worries, and plans of the main character instead of him just doing shit. It gets pretty old and formulaic which removes a lot of the interest the author built into the magic system and world.
Overall I would enjoy more forward progress instead of time spent in the main character's head, but maybe this is just a setup book for what is to come...I am going to hope for that in book 3. The action and setting in book 1 was what made it so enjoyable, so removing both of those from book 2 made it pretty difficult to get through. A return to the first book would be so very refreshing.
I guess I give it one more book before writing it off as a loss.
On top of that every fight has the same pattern. The main character gets into a fight, the main character refuses to use all skills and underestimates opponent, the main character gets his ass kicked, the main character says he is stupid and uses more skills. Then we have a bazillion words explaining all the thoughts, worries, and plans of the main character instead of him just doing shit. It gets pretty old and formulaic which removes a lot of the interest the author built into the magic system and world.
Overall I would enjoy more forward progress instead of time spent in the main character's head, but maybe this is just a setup book for what is to come...I am going to hope for that in book 3. The action and setting in book 1 was what made it so enjoyable, so removing both of those from book 2 made it pretty difficult to get through. A return to the first book would be so very refreshing.
I guess I give it one more book before writing it off as a loss.
March 26, 2022
The book just started and I already don't care for the spoiled Hollywood actress and her POVs.
It looks like this will be a continuous thing, and I don't want anymore.
Dear lord where did all these POVs come from? For the first half of the book there were many people who I didn't want to read, but they did give more information on what's happening.
I'm sure I don't remember all these POVs in book one. I also hope book three isn't flooded by more POVs.
It seems this book Master Hunter K and Defiance of the Fall all share aspects, but I think Defiance of the fall and Ghost hound are the closest.
Both rely on a plant motifs and the cycle of life (death to nourish new growth) to gain power.
I am leaning to liking Defiance more because there are less POVs in that compared to this series.
It seems the next book already has a powder keg set up, and a lit fuse burning.
So many problems need resolution. I hope book three doesn't disappoint.
3/5 Stars
It looks like this will be a continuous thing, and I don't want anymore.
Dear lord where did all these POVs come from? For the first half of the book there were many people who I didn't want to read, but they did give more information on what's happening.
I'm sure I don't remember all these POVs in book one. I also hope book three isn't flooded by more POVs.
It seems this book Master Hunter K and Defiance of the Fall all share aspects, but I think Defiance of the fall and Ghost hound are the closest.
Both rely on a plant motifs and the cycle of life (death to nourish new growth) to gain power.
I am leaning to liking Defiance more because there are less POVs in that compared to this series.
It seems the next book already has a powder keg set up, and a lit fuse burning.
So many problems need resolution. I hope book three doesn't disappoint.
3/5 Stars
September 23, 2022
Some lazy writing to position Randidly for later on
I got very irritated with Randidly’s refusal to consider a class at the beginning of this book. Before this point, we only heard that holding off a bit would lead to a potentially better class, but there was absolutely nothing to indicate that eventually taking a class would be worth it. Randidly’s sudden stubbornness over being forced to make a choice didn’t make sense, given the knowledge that he had at the time. Just because it sort of worked out for him as this book progressed didn’t really make up for the irrational reactions that led up to it.
Why does the System seem to think that Randidly is participating in activities that aren’t happening? Who is manipulating things behind the scenes, and why?
I got very irritated with Randidly’s refusal to consider a class at the beginning of this book. Before this point, we only heard that holding off a bit would lead to a potentially better class, but there was absolutely nothing to indicate that eventually taking a class would be worth it. Randidly’s sudden stubbornness over being forced to make a choice didn’t make sense, given the knowledge that he had at the time. Just because it sort of worked out for him as this book progressed didn’t really make up for the irrational reactions that led up to it.
Why does the System seem to think that Randidly is participating in activities that aren’t happening? Who is manipulating things behind the scenes, and why?
February 6, 2023
The Ghosthound goes Abroad
Another gripping adventure!
Looking forward to the next volume.
Another gripping adventure!
Looking forward to the next volume.
March 3, 2025
Solid story, but really just a straight-line vehicle for power progression.
Of course, this IS a lit-RPG that's all about power-creep and unlocked skill trees and greater destruction, so why not? It succeeds on those exact reasons. And it's fun.
Maybe later the story might get deeper, or not, but for a book full of great action and development, I can't complain at all.
My synesthesia sees ash in the air and feels sweat on my skin. I don't exactly need to yell with rage into the air, but I reserve the right.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
Of course, this IS a lit-RPG that's all about power-creep and unlocked skill trees and greater destruction, so why not? It succeeds on those exact reasons. And it's fun.
Maybe later the story might get deeper, or not, but for a book full of great action and development, I can't complain at all.
My synesthesia sees ash in the air and feels sweat on my skin. I don't exactly need to yell with rage into the air, but I reserve the right.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
June 14, 2023
I just don’t find the main character likable
Respect the authors skills and dedication to the work. But, I don’t understand why he chose to create a character that is more and more unlikable. It eroded my ability to enjoy the book. The change from earth to another planet was discordant and off putting. Overall I just wanted to finish the book because of all the time I already invested and the ending was anticlimactic also. I won’t continue the series. It’s also irritating that he killed or “transformed “ Lyerla and just left the readers hanging. You know for me to take this time to write this review is unusual but it reflects my overall feeling about the book/series.
Respect the authors skills and dedication to the work. But, I don’t understand why he chose to create a character that is more and more unlikable. It eroded my ability to enjoy the book. The change from earth to another planet was discordant and off putting. Overall I just wanted to finish the book because of all the time I already invested and the ending was anticlimactic also. I won’t continue the series. It’s also irritating that he killed or “transformed “ Lyerla and just left the readers hanging. You know for me to take this time to write this review is unusual but it reflects my overall feeling about the book/series.
April 29, 2024
4.4 stars. I enjoyed this book and was happy to see Randidly behaving a bit less antisocial. He talked a bit more and was more involved with Donnyton.
Seeing the different ways Randidly was viewed/treated was interesting (he had an up-down moment).
I found this book's side characters more likable than the previous one. However, I wasn't really impressed with Shal (he's low-key abusive), and there were a bit too many side characters (I couldn't quite keep track of all of them).
I thought the author's approach to life and death was interesting. While the ordeal wasn't as cool as the other LitRPG books I've read, it was more realistic.
Seeing the different ways Randidly was viewed/treated was interesting (he had an up-down moment).
I found this book's side characters more likable than the previous one. However, I wasn't really impressed with Shal (he's low-key abusive), and there were a bit too many side characters (I couldn't quite keep track of all of them).
I thought the author's approach to life and death was interesting. While the ordeal wasn't as cool as the other LitRPG books I've read, it was more realistic.
April 2, 2025
I mean this is really more of the same, both in terms of the series and the genre. I enjoyed it, blasted through it, but just like the first it has some problems. In a very similar vein as the first I think it starts off really solid with some good pacing coming out of the conclusion of the first book, but again it really starts to slow down at the 2/3's mark. Hopefully this doesn't become too much of a pattern for the series, especially since is resides in a genre where fast bombastic ending are what really keep you going from one book to the next.
Hopefully this tournament goes by fast, as I really want to get back to Donnyton.
Hopefully this tournament goes by fast, as I really want to get back to Donnyton.
December 28, 2025
Read this book on my Kindle.
Pros: More of the same offered by the first book. Fun fights, interesting progression, worldbuilding, etc. Progression of storyline regarding how world is shifting/where friends are.
Cons: A lot of 'the main character is so cool' talk between characters. More horny underaged girls lusting after the main character, seeing a pattern here. Writing is stilted at times- definitely could have used a few editing passes for quality's sake. Found myself reading to get it over with instead of for satisfaction.
All in all, this book just barely toed the line between reading it/ putting it down for me.
Would not recommend.
Would not read again.
Pros: More of the same offered by the first book. Fun fights, interesting progression, worldbuilding, etc. Progression of storyline regarding how world is shifting/where friends are.
Cons: A lot of 'the main character is so cool' talk between characters. More horny underaged girls lusting after the main character, seeing a pattern here. Writing is stilted at times- definitely could have used a few editing passes for quality's sake. Found myself reading to get it over with instead of for satisfaction.
All in all, this book just barely toed the line between reading it/ putting it down for me.
Would not recommend.
Would not read again.
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