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The Calamitous Bob #2
In Kazar
After crossing a magically radioactive desert and fending off a necromancer, Viv can aspire to some respite from all the horrors and foul-smelling undead. The border city of Kazar promises to be a haven where she can rest, learn how to use her new powers, and understand why she ended up in the fantastic world of Nyil. Arthur the pocket dragon and the genocidal golem Solfis are nice and all but she yearns for some human contact and look, there are plenty of humans around. With their own agenda.
Surely, nothing horrible will come to disturb her peace.
Surely.
Surely, nothing horrible will come to disturb her peace.
Surely.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2022
277 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 22, 2024
Riding the momentum from the first book, I went right into this and enjoyed it even more than the first volume.
It feels like the author found his groove with the character and the somewhat relentless low-level humor from Viv's perspective has receded to a less annoying level. Rather than feeling the need to describe each and every thing with an off-the-wall simile, things are usually described as they are unless it's something particular enough to warrant some extra flair.
The expected lesbian romance showed up, but I felt like it developed reasonably and the story didn't have to go out of its way for it. I felt like most of the scenes doubled as legit characterization for Viv as well, so unless you really hate F/F romance, I don't think this should bother many people.
I really enjoy the pacing of this series and how we spend a nice amount of time in the development phases of the character's growth, the worldbuilding, and limiting the exposure to new characters and locations. It helps portray things as if they matter rather than just running through a series of disposable "early game" locations and characters like so many other series do.
The story's broad strokes follow a predictable path, but unless you are familiar with story structure, you might encounter a few surprises in this volume. But even if you are familiar with story beats and see things coming, it was a satisfying experience and nothing felt cliche (to me anyway). I also appreciate how well this story translates into books considering it started as a web serial by my understanding.
I can't wait to see where the next volume takes us and how far Viv goes with the current character arc.
It feels like the author found his groove with the character and the somewhat relentless low-level humor from Viv's perspective has receded to a less annoying level. Rather than feeling the need to describe each and every thing with an off-the-wall simile, things are usually described as they are unless it's something particular enough to warrant some extra flair.
The expected lesbian romance showed up, but I felt like it developed reasonably and the story didn't have to go out of its way for it. I felt like most of the scenes doubled as legit characterization for Viv as well, so unless you really hate F/F romance, I don't think this should bother many people.
I really enjoy the pacing of this series and how we spend a nice amount of time in the development phases of the character's growth, the worldbuilding, and limiting the exposure to new characters and locations. It helps portray things as if they matter rather than just running through a series of disposable "early game" locations and characters like so many other series do.
The story's broad strokes follow a predictable path, but unless you are familiar with story structure, you might encounter a few surprises in this volume. But even if you are familiar with story beats and see things coming, it was a satisfying experience and nothing felt cliche (to me anyway). I also appreciate how well this story translates into books considering it started as a web serial by my understanding.
I can't wait to see where the next volume takes us and how far Viv goes with the current character arc.
June 3, 2024
put a chick in it - make her lame and gay
The amount filler of this book is as annoying as unnecessary. The concept of a prudish ex-soldier who grew up in Cote d´Azur is rather preposterours. I could have done without all the statements about period blood, hairy legs, various statements about orifices and undergarments.
The protagonist seems to change her sexual orientation as an attention starved, blue haired youth from Tik Tok his/her gender. Apropos, i get really tired of this "progressive" use of they/them for single persons in the books. The whole lesbian love story was awkward, boring and unrealistic - obviously just inserted to fill the diversity quote.
I hated how entitledly she treated the inquisitors.
The real plot is very short. The only funny thing is the dragon..
The amount filler of this book is as annoying as unnecessary. The concept of a prudish ex-soldier who grew up in Cote d´Azur is rather preposterours. I could have done without all the statements about period blood, hairy legs, various statements about orifices and undergarments.
The protagonist seems to change her sexual orientation as an attention starved, blue haired youth from Tik Tok his/her gender. Apropos, i get really tired of this "progressive" use of they/them for single persons in the books. The whole lesbian love story was awkward, boring and unrealistic - obviously just inserted to fill the diversity quote.
I hated how entitledly she treated the inquisitors.
The real plot is very short. The only funny thing is the dragon..
July 25, 2025
The end nearly made me consider bumping this up to a 3.5, but ultimately the meat of the story only just warranted the 3.
The author writes with this tine of superiority that I really don't like, constantly degrading other peoples' intelegence, repeatedly using the R word, stating a character must be autistic in a truly terrible way because they were stupid and describing them as vacant and drooling and only smart enough to clean. It really feels skeevy and takes a lot of the enjoyment away.
And the weird tone of some sexual things continued, this time where the MC got her ex drunk enough (on purpose) so that they would finally sleep with her and it was shown her ex really didn’t remember much the next day, but it was posed as some sort of romatic act? like she believed in their love so hard consent didn't matter?
I like the story alright and I really liked the end and what it is setting up, but so much of the writing and the view point it seems to hold makes me feel icky when reading it, so IDK, I think i'll read more but I'll proobably take a bit of a break first.
The author writes with this tine of superiority that I really don't like, constantly degrading other peoples' intelegence, repeatedly using the R word, stating a character must be autistic in a truly terrible way because they were stupid and describing them as vacant and drooling and only smart enough to clean. It really feels skeevy and takes a lot of the enjoyment away.
And the weird tone of some sexual things continued, this time where the MC got her ex drunk enough (on purpose) so that they would finally sleep with her and it was shown her ex really didn’t remember much the next day, but it was posed as some sort of romatic act? like she believed in their love so hard consent didn't matter?
I like the story alright and I really liked the end and what it is setting up, but so much of the writing and the view point it seems to hold makes me feel icky when reading it, so IDK, I think i'll read more but I'll proobably take a bit of a break first.
October 2, 2024
This one didn't have the same emotional impact as book one. I'm happy to continue reading but I don't like the way Viv is so analytical with the members of her new community.
August 25, 2025
Better?
Still too many uses of a certain slur for my comfort, honestly, but it’s still an interesting story. We’ll see how the next book goes.
Still too many uses of a certain slur for my comfort, honestly, but it’s still an interesting story. We’ll see how the next book goes.
September 25, 2024
The normal male author writing female lead issues. It's not always good but everything around it is interesting. I wish there was a little more gearing I love the group fights. It's a respectful understanding of litrpg which you don't always get. Someone actually played and I like to see that. Sometimes other styles have a floatyness and you want to yell things like get your consumables. Make sure you have runes on that food for storage. LOL practices your craft. and you don't have to hell the stay alive stuff you gotta tell people to newbies to the game/fantasy/ understanding the practicals in fantasy world stuff.
Overall everything with Author is a girl good, who loves her snacks and reading. And everything is wonderful. I'd give 5 stars to the boook just for Author being a good girl.
Overall everything with Author is a girl good, who loves her snacks and reading. And everything is wonderful. I'd give 5 stars to the boook just for Author being a good girl.
January 7, 2023
Втората част на историята за френската военна мацка, внезапно пренесена във вълшебен свят и изживяваща се като черна вещица за съжаление затъва в тъй добре познатото на младите автори в наши дни блато на безкрайна модерна благочестивост, изразяваща се във въпиющата нужда на протагониста да спасява и да се грижи за всичко живо.
December 21, 2025
This book has more of character relationships, along with everything good from the first book, elevating this book to a great one, in my opinion. One thing in particular that really made me love it is how alive the world feels. The way characters approach romance feels real. The questions someone would have about regrowing limbs in a fantasy world, coupled with the reaction of those who can answer such questions, feels so real. Finally, the use of language. The ideas that make sense for a remote town in a world with magic coupled with words like "fuck" and jokes and styles of talking make the world feel like a modern day version of an alternate world. This is as opposed to just having characters be transported to the equivalent of a medieval times world with magic swords and dragons.
All of these things together make the world feel more alive and interesting to me. And when you're dealing with an isekai setting, it's fun to see your expectations for the current world clash with what exists. And it's incredibly enjoyable when, through this kind of world-building, you get a feeling for how the new world should be and so can be surprised in an unexpected way. Not in the "oh, this world is suddenly so different because I had no idea this existed" but more in the "oh, for this new world setting, that was something unexpected". It's essentially that when you're drawn into a new world, it starts to become yours and that makes for a great read, in my opinion. I suppose the best contrast between the ideas I mentioned above comes from the approach taken to the world of Harry Potter, first in the original series by J. K. Rowling, where we're surprised by things completely foreign to us vs. the interpretation of the world combined in Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality, where we end up being surprised by Harry's exploitation of the world around him. Don't get me wrong, I love both things, but I just wanted to better explain how I feel about this world. And also to be clear, I don't quite recall being surprised by how Viviane herself exploited something in the world in an unexpected way, but rather how her interaction with the inquisitor went regarding regrowing limbs went and how unexpected the inquisitor's response was.
All of these things together make the world feel more alive and interesting to me. And when you're dealing with an isekai setting, it's fun to see your expectations for the current world clash with what exists. And it's incredibly enjoyable when, through this kind of world-building, you get a feeling for how the new world should be and so can be surprised in an unexpected way. Not in the "oh, this world is suddenly so different because I had no idea this existed" but more in the "oh, for this new world setting, that was something unexpected". It's essentially that when you're drawn into a new world, it starts to become yours and that makes for a great read, in my opinion. I suppose the best contrast between the ideas I mentioned above comes from the approach taken to the world of Harry Potter, first in the original series by J. K. Rowling, where we're surprised by things completely foreign to us vs. the interpretation of the world combined in Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality, where we end up being surprised by Harry's exploitation of the world around him. Don't get me wrong, I love both things, but I just wanted to better explain how I feel about this world. And also to be clear, I don't quite recall being surprised by how Viviane herself exploited something in the world in an unexpected way, but rather how her interaction with the inquisitor went regarding regrowing limbs went and how unexpected the inquisitor's response was.
September 7, 2025
The plot is very lacking.
The MC keeps shit talking people for no reason. In the first book she would shit talk all of the knights and people in the fort. Saying how dirty and smelly and boring they were. The fort was without water for cleaning, so I don't see how the MC wasn't smelly herself. In this book she is shit talking more people, talking down to workers. Describing characters as stupid, drooling, autistic, etc. She puts down males more than females, which makes her seem like a male hating lesbian.
The lesbian scenes are ultra cringe. The first time they kiss, they are both giving performative voice lines:
“You surprised me, stole a kiss, and now you expect to flee without retribution? I think not.”
“I just wanted to live.”
“Feeling alive yet?”
“Hm. Not sure. Weshouldtryagainjustincase!!!”
Who talks like this when having their first kiss? Nobody.
The golem doesn't talk at all anymore. The author is just pretending it no longer exists. The MC never charges golem, which makes no sense, since it is her strongest protector/weapon. It would make sense to charge the golem completely, before even going to the town.
The MC keeps shit talking people for no reason. In the first book she would shit talk all of the knights and people in the fort. Saying how dirty and smelly and boring they were. The fort was without water for cleaning, so I don't see how the MC wasn't smelly herself. In this book she is shit talking more people, talking down to workers. Describing characters as stupid, drooling, autistic, etc. She puts down males more than females, which makes her seem like a male hating lesbian.
The lesbian scenes are ultra cringe. The first time they kiss, they are both giving performative voice lines:
“You surprised me, stole a kiss, and now you expect to flee without retribution? I think not.”
“I just wanted to live.”
“Feeling alive yet?”
“Hm. Not sure. Weshouldtryagainjustincase!!!”
Who talks like this when having their first kiss? Nobody.
The golem doesn't talk at all anymore. The author is just pretending it no longer exists. The MC never charges golem, which makes no sense, since it is her strongest protector/weapon. It would make sense to charge the golem completely, before even going to the town.
July 23, 2023
I'm becoming used to the errors, but for pity's sake will someone tell the author that the plural of armour is armour! Irritatingly, 'armours' is a valid word, but it's the third person present from of the verb. 'Jack armours bill' meaning that he puts armour on the guy. I know it's picking nits, but that REALLY got to be irritating.
Anyway, (calm... calm...) the second volume is less of a fantasy novel and more of a slice-of-life romance with some fighting. I suppose you could say there's world building, but what mostly happens is Viv develops her skills and we get the ever-present and irritating status window displays, a lot. Why does anyone think those are a good idea? I was really thinking that I wouldn't bother with volume 3. This one was funny enough, probably more so than the first book, but it drags a fair bit and I was not looking forward to more of the same. Then the last few pages changed everything and I'll probably decide I want to find out what happens next. Not immediately; I think I'll read some well-written fantasy manga instead (Frieren).
Anyway, (calm... calm...) the second volume is less of a fantasy novel and more of a slice-of-life romance with some fighting. I suppose you could say there's world building, but what mostly happens is Viv develops her skills and we get the ever-present and irritating status window displays, a lot. Why does anyone think those are a good idea? I was really thinking that I wouldn't bother with volume 3. This one was funny enough, probably more so than the first book, but it drags a fair bit and I was not looking forward to more of the same. Then the last few pages changed everything and I'll probably decide I want to find out what happens next. Not immediately; I think I'll read some well-written fantasy manga instead (Frieren).
September 16, 2025
Oof, significantly less good than the first one. The usage of the r-word continues and I feel like the story just treads water until the last 20% of the book. Yes, this is partly because it was first published on Royal Road but the amount of nothing that happens in this book is just astounding.
But the romance is what truly adds to the dip in quality for me. It's one of those "male author writes lesbian romance" things and it's exactly as badly written as you'd think. Added to that, the fact that the romantic partner dies at the end, off-screen no less, is just the worst but entirely typical plot device one would expect from this kind of thing. Spoilers, I guess, but whatever, it doesn't deserve a spoiler tag; I felt Varska's death coming when I was already at the mid point of the novel but held out hope the author wouldn't turn out to be the hack he so clearly was. Imagine still doing a Bury Your Gays trope in 2022.
Anyway, when there's action and/or politics and/or world building involved, the book's pretty good. Just a shame this one was a dud.
But the romance is what truly adds to the dip in quality for me. It's one of those "male author writes lesbian romance" things and it's exactly as badly written as you'd think. Added to that, the fact that the romantic partner dies at the end, off-screen no less, is just the worst but entirely typical plot device one would expect from this kind of thing. Spoilers, I guess, but whatever, it doesn't deserve a spoiler tag; I felt Varska's death coming when I was already at the mid point of the novel but held out hope the author wouldn't turn out to be the hack he so clearly was. Imagine still doing a Bury Your Gays trope in 2022.
Anyway, when there's action and/or politics and/or world building involved, the book's pretty good. Just a shame this one was a dud.
May 29, 2024
Well-written LitRPG!
It is unfortunate when series come from RoyalRoad which are poorly paced, poorly written, and either slightly-to-terribly misogynistic.
But not so with The Calamitous Bob!
An excellent series that follows a female MC, The Calamitous Bob is a tale filled with goodness, inclusivity, and the cutest dragon. (All Hail Arthur!)
Also, there is plenty of badas*ery and the fight scenes are exceptionally enjoyable. (If there was any question that a series about world change is peaceful, you can put that to rest. Expect harrowing battles, stirring scenes, and heart-wrenching moments.)
The second book continues the trend and I highly recommend!
It is unfortunate when series come from RoyalRoad which are poorly paced, poorly written, and either slightly-to-terribly misogynistic.
But not so with The Calamitous Bob!
An excellent series that follows a female MC, The Calamitous Bob is a tale filled with goodness, inclusivity, and the cutest dragon. (All Hail Arthur!)
Also, there is plenty of badas*ery and the fight scenes are exceptionally enjoyable. (If there was any question that a series about world change is peaceful, you can put that to rest. Expect harrowing battles, stirring scenes, and heart-wrenching moments.)
The second book continues the trend and I highly recommend!
June 11, 2022
Wow. I did NOT see THAT coming.
Viv, AKA the Calamitous Bob, is a thoroughly enjoyable heroine whose story is well worth the time and energy spent. She is fortunate, but not ridiculously lucky. She is a young and increasingly formidable mage, but not unbelievably overpowered. She must work and struggle to earn her advances, risking not only her own life but also her friends'. Her adventures seem appropriate and the author does a marvelous job revealing them, while whetting your appetite for the next. Book Three cannot come too soon for me.
Viv, AKA the Calamitous Bob, is a thoroughly enjoyable heroine whose story is well worth the time and energy spent. She is fortunate, but not ridiculously lucky. She is a young and increasingly formidable mage, but not unbelievably overpowered. She must work and struggle to earn her advances, risking not only her own life but also her friends'. Her adventures seem appropriate and the author does a marvelous job revealing them, while whetting your appetite for the next. Book Three cannot come too soon for me.
June 12, 2022
unexpected
I had no idea this was coming. A very pleasant surprise.
Not a huge amount of progress as a mage, more of an attempt to set a solid foundation after escaping from the deadlands. A relationship that turns sexual, but not graphic. Secondary characters become deeper and more developed.
And it looks like the next one will be quite…kinetic. Violently so.
Solid prose.
I had no idea this was coming. A very pleasant surprise.
Not a huge amount of progress as a mage, more of an attempt to set a solid foundation after escaping from the deadlands. A relationship that turns sexual, but not graphic. Secondary characters become deeper and more developed.
And it looks like the next one will be quite…kinetic. Violently so.
Solid prose.
August 30, 2025
Generally ok. Romance seems artificial and forced, would be better if it started more organically. Seemed like the author only included it for plot rather than to be part of the story.
Audiobook is ok. Some of the narrators aren't properly matched with the others so it can be a bit jarring when the loudness changes abruptly. Also they added an effect over one of the characters that just makes it harder to hear (and also wasn't present in the previous audiobook.
Audiobook is ok. Some of the narrators aren't properly matched with the others so it can be a bit jarring when the loudness changes abruptly. Also they added an effect over one of the characters that just makes it harder to hear (and also wasn't present in the previous audiobook.
September 5, 2025
two free hits to get hooked and then pay
I am an addict reader. I read Kindle Unlimited not because they are the best books but because the price is right. There are a lot of good pay authors out there that I am neglecting with KU. So when I found out the 3rd book and after are only for additional pay I was disappointed. I’ll circle back after Patrick R’s third book comes out. This book was a little short and books 1 and 2 combined really make up a proper story.
I am an addict reader. I read Kindle Unlimited not because they are the best books but because the price is right. There are a lot of good pay authors out there that I am neglecting with KU. So when I found out the 3rd book and after are only for additional pay I was disappointed. I’ll circle back after Patrick R’s third book comes out. This book was a little short and books 1 and 2 combined really make up a proper story.
January 30, 2024
The ENDING?! I can't wait for book three.
This one was a bit slower in build up than book one, but the second half of this was fantastic and the payoff was very much worth it. There was more of the dated language used but again, it's an older serial, I'm not going to count it against it. Just noting for awareness for readers coming into it.
This one was a bit slower in build up than book one, but the second half of this was fantastic and the payoff was very much worth it. There was more of the dated language used but again, it's an older serial, I'm not going to count it against it. Just noting for awareness for readers coming into it.
March 14, 2025
I continue to love the series. This is only the second web serial that I've gotten drawn into but I love the sort of...never-ending continuation of the story vibe from one book to the next? Like the authors get to spend more time on smaller details because there's no concerns with hitting a page or word limit.
Plus I just adore Arthur.
Plus I just adore Arthur.
August 17, 2025
Amazing Installment, Can’t Wait for the Next
I loved the second book. I’ve enjoyed seeing Viv’s character grow and develop attachments to this world. The ending did a good job tying up the end of this chapter of her journey and a great place for the start of the next book. I really enjoyed the audible actors as well.
I loved the second book. I’ve enjoyed seeing Viv’s character grow and develop attachments to this world. The ending did a good job tying up the end of this chapter of her journey and a great place for the start of the next book. I really enjoyed the audible actors as well.
January 14, 2023
Book two
Okay so maybe book one was the authors first time writing, this one was much better with a lot less mistakes. You can see what I found listed on Goodreads.
Story is getting better, but I would like Viv to gather more loot.
7/10
Okay so maybe book one was the authors first time writing, this one was much better with a lot less mistakes. You can see what I found listed on Goodreads.
Story is getting better, but I would like Viv to gather more loot.
7/10
April 15, 2023
Viv continues to do her best to burn as many bridges as possible with powerful twats while aligning herself with oppressed minorities. There's a great focus on combat and training in this volume, with the framework for the next few volumes being set up here too.
October 26, 2023
Fantastic
This was undoubtedly another fantastic addition to the series, and even though it ends on a solemn note, you know that the future will certainly be interesting. If you enjoyed the first book, I really do think that you will enjoy the second.
This was undoubtedly another fantastic addition to the series, and even though it ends on a solemn note, you know that the future will certainly be interesting. If you enjoyed the first book, I really do think that you will enjoy the second.
December 29, 2023
This is an entertaining ramble of a tale. It follows the story of Viv who is transported from her mundane life on Earth to a world where she can use magic. She has adventures. She makes friends. She gets involved in stuff. It's delightfully fun.
February 26, 2024
So good
This book was and amazing tied with cool characters, smart story, engrossing world setting, great character development, exiting battle sequences and and awesome main character that had one of the most interesting growth I've ever seen. Can't wait to read the next one.
This book was and amazing tied with cool characters, smart story, engrossing world setting, great character development, exiting battle sequences and and awesome main character that had one of the most interesting growth I've ever seen. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 18, 2024
Viv is finally out of the wastelands and back in civilization-which leads to much bigger problems. I loved the queer romance, Viv’s growing found family, and the inevitable progression of Viv’s empire.
July 10, 2022
good
Rating: 4.5/5
Cover : 3/5
Narration: NA
Favorite Line: “never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.”
Rating: 4.5/5
Cover : 3/5
Narration: NA
Favorite Line: “never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.”
September 27, 2022
so good!!
If book one was amazing book 2 has to be in my top favorite books of 2022 thus far. I loved it. More world building, more character building, we get a war, heroic romance and we get vengeance and a blood feud! I can’t wait for book 3!
If book one was amazing book 2 has to be in my top favorite books of 2022 thus far. I loved it. More world building, more character building, we get a war, heroic romance and we get vengeance and a blood feud! I can’t wait for book 3!
January 10, 2023
A good continuation
A good continuation, however I thought the ending was kind of harsh and undeserved after all Vivienne has done. Still a decent read though.
A good continuation, however I thought the ending was kind of harsh and undeserved after all Vivienne has done. Still a decent read though.
January 27, 2023
Not as much here, still good but less of the same stretches out
August 9, 2023
OK, that's really well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews