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The Grand Game #3
The World Nexus
Multiplying foes. A deadly city. And with no clear path to his goals, how will Michael survive Nexus?
Michael reaches Nexus, but finds advancing more challenging than he’d anticipated. Factions abound, allegiances shift, and separating truth from lies is harder than ever.
The line between friend and foe blurs, and Michael’s path grows murkier.
Nexus is a place of both opportunity and danger. Sitting at the heart of the world, the city is home to thousands—ordinary people, players, but Powers too. Can Michael remain free of their clutches, or will he become entangled in the Powers’ machinations?
Will Nexus be the death of Michael?
Follow Michael on his epic journey and find out!
Michael reaches Nexus, but finds advancing more challenging than he’d anticipated. Factions abound, allegiances shift, and separating truth from lies is harder than ever.
The line between friend and foe blurs, and Michael’s path grows murkier.
Nexus is a place of both opportunity and danger. Sitting at the heart of the world, the city is home to thousands—ordinary people, players, but Powers too. Can Michael remain free of their clutches, or will he become entangled in the Powers’ machinations?
Will Nexus be the death of Michael?
Follow Michael on his epic journey and find out!
742 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
1140 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Tom Elliot
21 books337 followers"Tom Elliot's writing is like his hero: it never quits." - Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Kate Daniels series.
Wander through epic worlds of dungeons, dragons, and magic created by fantasy author, Tom Elliot.
Reader. Gamer. Writer. That’s me :).
I enjoy creating worlds for readers to explore, and of course, amazing magic for my characters to wield!
In June 2021, I released my debut novel, The Grand Game. It follows the adventures of Michael, an assassin with a ‘wolven’ heritage and is told from the first-person perspective. Step by step, we watch as Michael grows from a lowly level 1 noob to… well, you’ll see soon enough.
Between my day job and family, I indulge in my passion for writing, reading and gaming. I favour CRPGs and turn-based strategy games, and epic fantasy novels.
You can support my writing on: PATREON, and follow me on social media through: Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Still writing,
Tom.
Wander through epic worlds of dungeons, dragons, and magic created by fantasy author, Tom Elliot.
Reader. Gamer. Writer. That’s me :).
I enjoy creating worlds for readers to explore, and of course, amazing magic for my characters to wield!
In June 2021, I released my debut novel, The Grand Game. It follows the adventures of Michael, an assassin with a ‘wolven’ heritage and is told from the first-person perspective. Step by step, we watch as Michael grows from a lowly level 1 noob to… well, you’ll see soon enough.
Between my day job and family, I indulge in my passion for writing, reading and gaming. I favour CRPGs and turn-based strategy games, and epic fantasy novels.
You can support my writing on: PATREON, and follow me on social media through: Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Still writing,
Tom.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 22, 2024
A fabulously woven game lit!
This third installment like its predecessor is a direct continuation of the events of Micheal's adventures in the Forever Kingdom so it can't be read as a stand-alone.
We follow him as he finally concocts the means of escaping the Awakened Undead sector controlled by the Power, Erebus, he found himself resurrected in within the first book. His evolution and growth has been handled extremely well and his perseverance against indomitable odds provides a very interesting vignette to follow. Hard to believe it's the author's debut series.
After unknowingly spending a year in stasis during his teleport to the great city sector, Nexus, controlled by a powerful faction called the Triumvirate, he finds himself a lone wolf amongst innumerable and powerful foes at worse and indifferent neutral parties at best. Nevertheless he expertly navigates the power, politics and deceit necessary to see himself keep leveling up and finally establishing a firm progress on the path of Wolf.
The characters, game mechanics and world-building are excellent and we get more of the backstory about the ancients and Primes. A very well made LitRPG series that keeps on improving with every iteration, highly recommended.
2023 Read
This third installment like its predecessor is a direct continuation of the events of Micheal's adventures in the Forever Kingdom so it can't be read as a stand-alone.
We follow him as he finally concocts the means of escaping the Awakened Undead sector controlled by the Power, Erebus, he found himself resurrected in within the first book. His evolution and growth has been handled extremely well and his perseverance against indomitable odds provides a very interesting vignette to follow. Hard to believe it's the author's debut series.
After unknowingly spending a year in stasis during his teleport to the great city sector, Nexus, controlled by a powerful faction called the Triumvirate, he finds himself a lone wolf amongst innumerable and powerful foes at worse and indifferent neutral parties at best. Nevertheless he expertly navigates the power, politics and deceit necessary to see himself keep leveling up and finally establishing a firm progress on the path of Wolf.
The characters, game mechanics and world-building are excellent and we get more of the backstory about the ancients and Primes. A very well made LitRPG series that keeps on improving with every iteration, highly recommended.
2023 Read
April 24, 2023
This is third in an ongoing series that depends on you knowing the rest before picking up this one. Read in order.
So Michael gets to Nexus, finally, only to find that Loken has put him in stasis for a year in transit. Which has less effect than you'd expect except that it means his allies in the prior zone are worried for him. He's still on his own, though now in a sector that is full of people doing their thing. Nexus is the central economic hub of this fractured world so there's lots available and Michael spends gold like water.
I knew we'd get more lone wolf action and that isn't wrong. Michael is still being pressed by greater powers and still has to scramble for survival. Which means lots of action and a frenetic pace (until the tone shift in the next paragraph). He does find some allies of a quieter nature so he isn't shut out from getting needed resources and that was a relief (though the pricing seems a bit wild. Like he spends a pile on information that seemed a bit skimpy for the enormous cost).
I was surprised by some of the developments, including a long section . Elliot does handle things very well and I wasn't bored or disappointed, which is a lot harder than he makes it look.
Anyway, I'm still all-in with Michael and eager to continue the story. Which makes this five stars from me. I will say that this book is a slowing of the power fantasy and Michael still remains a loner so I'd understand if others weren't as sanguine as I am with the developments.
Random pet-peeve with the author: Elliot does not appear to know the difference between "tangle" and "entangle". Any time Michael tangles with an enemy (i.e. engages in a fight), Elliot writes it as "entangle". It was really bad in the first book, only once or twice in subsequent books. It bugs me disproportionately every single time.
A note about Chaste: Michael is still a loner and still in a very low-trust environment. There's no place for intimacy, even of the casual kind. So this is very chaste.
So Michael gets to Nexus, finally, only to find that Loken has put him in stasis for a year in transit. Which has less effect than you'd expect except that it means his allies in the prior zone are worried for him. He's still on his own, though now in a sector that is full of people doing their thing. Nexus is the central economic hub of this fractured world so there's lots available and Michael spends gold like water.
I knew we'd get more lone wolf action and that isn't wrong. Michael is still being pressed by greater powers and still has to scramble for survival. Which means lots of action and a frenetic pace (until the tone shift in the next paragraph). He does find some allies of a quieter nature so he isn't shut out from getting needed resources and that was a relief (though the pricing seems a bit wild. Like he spends a pile on information that seemed a bit skimpy for the enormous cost).
I was surprised by some of the developments, including a long section . Elliot does handle things very well and I wasn't bored or disappointed, which is a lot harder than he makes it look.
Anyway, I'm still all-in with Michael and eager to continue the story. Which makes this five stars from me. I will say that this book is a slowing of the power fantasy and Michael still remains a loner so I'd understand if others weren't as sanguine as I am with the developments.
Random pet-peeve with the author: Elliot does not appear to know the difference between "tangle" and "entangle". Any time Michael tangles with an enemy (i.e. engages in a fight), Elliot writes it as "entangle". It was really bad in the first book, only once or twice in subsequent books. It bugs me disproportionately every single time.
A note about Chaste: Michael is still a loner and still in a very low-trust environment. There's no place for intimacy, even of the casual kind. So this is very chaste.
November 3, 2022
lone wolf
The MC remains substantially alone throughout the novel. If you enjoyed the first two, stay the course.
I will continue to follow the series. It ended with an unexpected cliffhanger.
The MC remains substantially alone throughout the novel. If you enjoyed the first two, stay the course.
I will continue to follow the series. It ended with an unexpected cliffhanger.
November 3, 2022
This is becoming one of my favorite fantasy series to read! I really enjoy the growth that Michael has in each book, but also that the author isn't just slamming him with overpowered abilities. A very similar series being Solo Leveling has that issue where the main character is essentially a god halfway through the series. In The Grand Game the author shows that things can go wrong for the main character and he may not always get his way. Carefully laid plans can fail, he can get hurt, and can completely fail at times, but he never gives up and uses his brain to look at a problem from different angles. I'm super excited for the next book and have already pre-ordered it!
May 11, 2023
*Chef’s kiss*
This is the best LitRPG series I’ve encountered. Compelling from start to finish with plenty of unexpected twists and challenges for Michael in this entry. Standard warning though: You have to be a fan of the LitRPG genre or into similarly charged mediums (D&D, MMORPGs, etc…) to enjoy this series. It is not broadly targeted.
This is the best LitRPG series I’ve encountered. Compelling from start to finish with plenty of unexpected twists and challenges for Michael in this entry. Standard warning though: You have to be a fan of the LitRPG genre or into similarly charged mediums (D&D, MMORPGs, etc…) to enjoy this series. It is not broadly targeted.
November 4, 2022
Can’t wait for the next one!
Do not pass on this series.Not only is a awesome and entertaining book, is a great read too. Top notch in the genre.
Do not pass on this series.Not only is a awesome and entertaining book, is a great read too. Top notch in the genre.
February 13, 2023
Early impressions: the MC gets more annoying as the books go on. When told to wait (in a perfectly reasonable place/time to do so) he says "why?" Because I fucking said so, and it's a reasonable thing to do under the circumstances. Incessant questions, of everyone he meets. Well past the point of polite inquiry; I'm not surprised that there are people trying to hunt him down.
End of book assessment: As long as Michael isn't interacting with people, he's a decent MC. The aforementioned juvenile social traits and the inability to let certain things go irritates me, but if he's dungeon crawling he's ok. This book got bogged down in a certain dungeon level, but the efficient telling of the other levels, and the economical fight scenes, are redeeming features.
Although the early parts nearly made me punt it back, in the end it was good enough to keep me interested. At least until the next book. Hopefully Michael becomes a functional adult in social situations by then.
End of book assessment: As long as Michael isn't interacting with people, he's a decent MC. The aforementioned juvenile social traits and the inability to let certain things go irritates me, but if he's dungeon crawling he's ok. This book got bogged down in a certain dungeon level, but the efficient telling of the other levels, and the economical fight scenes, are redeeming features.
Although the early parts nearly made me punt it back, in the end it was good enough to keep me interested. At least until the next book. Hopefully Michael becomes a functional adult in social situations by then.
June 15, 2023
This was ok, but it would have been significantly better if it wasn't so much stats & grind. WAY too much stats & grind. It was good enough that I listened to the first four, but I was constantly rolling my eyes at the "reading of the profile page." It was over. the. fucking. top.
May 20, 2024
4.5 stars. Series has been improving with each book.
November 5, 2022
Another good one!
I was really looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint. I love the mc and all the shenanigans he gets up to! I love the battles and his growth in power. I am waiting for the next one author! Please hurry!
I was really looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint. I love the mc and all the shenanigans he gets up to! I love the battles and his growth in power. I am waiting for the next one author! Please hurry!
March 16, 2023
KU Review
Love the hero’s journey. Seems the deck is definitely stacked against him. While I don’t alway appreciate the chip on his shoulder, it is definitely warranted. On to the next.
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.
Love the hero’s journey. Seems the deck is definitely stacked against him. While I don’t alway appreciate the chip on his shoulder, it is definitely warranted. On to the next.
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.
November 4, 2022
Nexus
Loved the book I look forward to reading the next one hoping to see new adventures and loot and continue this awesome series.
Loved the book I look forward to reading the next one hoping to see new adventures and loot and continue this awesome series.
January 6, 2023
This was actually a very nice read, but the author managed to make some of the key points that were supposed to be explored in this book move on to the next book, but still I'm hyped
November 5, 2022
The ending is um um um
I don’t want you to rush to the end of the book there is a lot of meat here but that ending is good. Now what do I say about this book 1st I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.. Now I’ve been judged all the books in the series and they have been really good building upon each other and expanding upon the story. If you read the first book you start off wondering what’s going on here exactly by the time you get through the second story you’re like OK I could see some potential here and at the end of the third story you’re like hurry up hurry up hurry up what’s next.
No specifically focusing on the third book the MC a growth MC expand as a character there are some touching moments there is a moment where things might tend to drag along a bit much but overall I don’t see that as a problem. what is the portion of the book that was all about story and the character building I just think it could’ve been handled slightly better not much just slightly. Overall the transition to a new area and other areas afterwards how great that are some unexpected moments here I won’t spoil them but when you get to them you know what they are and they are great you don’t see them coming don’t even try and anticipate them just read on. No one issue I think the book needs to address is character strength high understand why the MC is able to overpower individuals stronger than himself but the book needs to do a better job explaining that. Whether you argue it’s because of the set up the main character institutes or if you argue it’s because he has a better class than his opponents whatever that may be The book needs to dive further into that idea. You see the MC overpower creatures and characters that are several levels beyond him that was OK at the end of the second book but when you see it happen again and again I want an explanation just make it clear why he’s able to do this. Even if you don’t make it clear we need a hint as to what makes him so extraordinary. I have my ideas some of them were shattered after reading this book but we need some thing. overall like I said this book is worth binging you will fly through it you will want the next book in the series sadly it was taken down from Royal Road so you can’t go there and read it you literally have to wait. I will be waiting.
I don’t want you to rush to the end of the book there is a lot of meat here but that ending is good. Now what do I say about this book 1st I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.. Now I’ve been judged all the books in the series and they have been really good building upon each other and expanding upon the story. If you read the first book you start off wondering what’s going on here exactly by the time you get through the second story you’re like OK I could see some potential here and at the end of the third story you’re like hurry up hurry up hurry up what’s next.
No specifically focusing on the third book the MC a growth MC expand as a character there are some touching moments there is a moment where things might tend to drag along a bit much but overall I don’t see that as a problem. what is the portion of the book that was all about story and the character building I just think it could’ve been handled slightly better not much just slightly. Overall the transition to a new area and other areas afterwards how great that are some unexpected moments here I won’t spoil them but when you get to them you know what they are and they are great you don’t see them coming don’t even try and anticipate them just read on. No one issue I think the book needs to address is character strength high understand why the MC is able to overpower individuals stronger than himself but the book needs to do a better job explaining that. Whether you argue it’s because of the set up the main character institutes or if you argue it’s because he has a better class than his opponents whatever that may be The book needs to dive further into that idea. You see the MC overpower creatures and characters that are several levels beyond him that was OK at the end of the second book but when you see it happen again and again I want an explanation just make it clear why he’s able to do this. Even if you don’t make it clear we need a hint as to what makes him so extraordinary. I have my ideas some of them were shattered after reading this book but we need some thing. overall like I said this book is worth binging you will fly through it you will want the next book in the series sadly it was taken down from Royal Road so you can’t go there and read it you literally have to wait. I will be waiting.
June 10, 2025
MC: "I have to get rid of this tracking spell! Therefore, I must immediately kill myself!"
If you don't know how to write plot, you can always act like the thing you want to happen is the only choice! Silliest crap I've ever read.
If you don't know how to write plot, you can always act like the thing you want to happen is the only choice! Silliest crap I've ever read.
November 2, 2022
More of Michael's adventures, though I think there are a couple of things that make this my least favorite book in the series. First, near the beginning of the book, Michael makes some uncharacteristically stupid decisions. I suppose that was the author wanting to show the stakes and that things don't work out for the protagonist some times, which I appreciate, but it could've been done in a smoother manner. Also, the pacing near the end of the book is all over the place, some parts being too slow and others being done in a single chapter. Still, I'm looking forward to the rest of the story.
March 26, 2024
Book three
Individual books beat the omni books because they have needed information in them that the omni doesn't have.
Still find the story silly. Full of plot holes. I'll admit that this one doesn't have as many as the others. Have you noticed that almost everything is one hundred yards away?
I think I've only seen three times were it was different. But really 80 and 90 yards isn't much different.
3/10
Individual books beat the omni books because they have needed information in them that the omni doesn't have.
Still find the story silly. Full of plot holes. I'll admit that this one doesn't have as many as the others. Have you noticed that almost everything is one hundred yards away?
I think I've only seen three times were it was different. But really 80 and 90 yards isn't much different.
3/10
November 25, 2022
Fun Read - needs more depth
The MC is running for his life constantly. While it’s well written & the lore has a solid foundation - the MC is a little shallow on character development in my opinion. House Wolf has become his identity but it’s guiding principles are inherently minimal.
Who is MC if he’s not roaming & hunting? After 3 books I’m still not sure.
The MC is running for his life constantly. While it’s well written & the lore has a solid foundation - the MC is a little shallow on character development in my opinion. House Wolf has become his identity but it’s guiding principles are inherently minimal.
Who is MC if he’s not roaming & hunting? After 3 books I’m still not sure.
November 16, 2022
Skimmed over most of the last 50%
March 20, 2024
📖 Rating based on Immersive Reading 🎧
Story: 4 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
Narration: 4 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
General: 4 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
A Refreshing Surprise Amidst Skepticism 🌟
-- NO SPOILER SECTION --
Main Points Summary:
-> The introduction of new dynamics and perspectives rejuvenated the series, bringing unexpected depth.
-> Middle sections are action-packed, maintaining intrigue with hunts and player interactions.
-> The dungeon sequences, while crucial, suffer from repetitiveness, lacking creativity and interactivity.
->
A Tale of Unexpected Turns:
Entering "The Grand Game" with modest expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by the third installment's fresh narrative directions. The suspense and complexity of hunts and new player dynamics kept me thoroughly engaged.
However, the recurring dungeon explorations began to feel monotonous, echoing previous ventures without adding much novelty. Despite this, the overall storyline and its unfolding within the vivid universe of the game kept the reading experience above par.
Narration and Immersive Experience:
The narrator's ability to convey deep emotions adds a rich layer to the immersive reading experience, even though minor discrepancies between the audiobook and Kindle version occasionally disrupt the flow. These inconsistencies, while not detrimental, are noticeable to avid followers of both formats. Nonetheless, the narration remains a strong asset, enhancing the connection to the characters and their journey.
Final Thoughts:
This third book stands out for its ability to defy initial expectations, weaving in novel elements that breathe life into the ongoing saga. While the repetitiveness of dungeon encounters marks a slight dip in creativity, the overall narrative, enriched by solid character development and intriguing new challenges, keeps the anticipation for the next installment alive. The journey through "The Grand Game" remains, undeniably, a compelling one.
-- Small SPOILER SECTION --
Dungeon Dynamics Critique:
Anticipation for Future Interactions:
The ending sets the stage for eagerly awaited developments. Despite the dungeons' familiarity, the final revelations and the protagonist's evolution promise an intriguing continuation of the saga. The hope for enhanced interactivity and innovation in future dungeon narratives lingers, alongside the excitement for what lies ahead in the protagonist's unique path.
Story: 4 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
Narration: 4 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
General: 4 ⭐/ 5 ⭐
A Refreshing Surprise Amidst Skepticism 🌟
-- NO SPOILER SECTION --
Main Points Summary:
-> The introduction of new dynamics and perspectives rejuvenated the series, bringing unexpected depth.
-> Middle sections are action-packed, maintaining intrigue with hunts and player interactions.
-> The dungeon sequences, while crucial, suffer from repetitiveness, lacking creativity and interactivity.
->
A Tale of Unexpected Turns:
Entering "The Grand Game" with modest expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by the third installment's fresh narrative directions. The suspense and complexity of hunts and new player dynamics kept me thoroughly engaged.
However, the recurring dungeon explorations began to feel monotonous, echoing previous ventures without adding much novelty. Despite this, the overall storyline and its unfolding within the vivid universe of the game kept the reading experience above par.
Narration and Immersive Experience:
The narrator's ability to convey deep emotions adds a rich layer to the immersive reading experience, even though minor discrepancies between the audiobook and Kindle version occasionally disrupt the flow. These inconsistencies, while not detrimental, are noticeable to avid followers of both formats. Nonetheless, the narration remains a strong asset, enhancing the connection to the characters and their journey.
Final Thoughts:
This third book stands out for its ability to defy initial expectations, weaving in novel elements that breathe life into the ongoing saga. While the repetitiveness of dungeon encounters marks a slight dip in creativity, the overall narrative, enriched by solid character development and intriguing new challenges, keeps the anticipation for the next installment alive. The journey through "The Grand Game" remains, undeniably, a compelling one.
-- Small SPOILER SECTION --
Dungeon Dynamics Critique:
Anticipation for Future Interactions:
The ending sets the stage for eagerly awaited developments. Despite the dungeons' familiarity, the final revelations and the protagonist's evolution promise an intriguing continuation of the saga. The hope for enhanced interactivity and innovation in future dungeon narratives lingers, alongside the excitement for what lies ahead in the protagonist's unique path.
December 4, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars
This is a good addition to the series. It has all the same problems as the previous book but all the same good points as well. Michael ends up in Nexus with a few goals in mind. Find the other wolf scion and get his third class. Things don't quite go as planned though Overall, I did enjoy the book and am looking forward to the next one.
This is a good addition to the series. It has all the same problems as the previous book but all the same good points as well. Michael ends up in Nexus with a few goals in mind. Find the other wolf scion and get his third class. Things don't quite go as planned though Overall, I did enjoy the book and am looking forward to the next one.
June 11, 2024
4.5 rounded up
Michael's adventure/journey continues. In the city of Nexus he's shocked to see that the city itself is somewhat of a neutral territory not under the control of any of the powers. Rather its under the jurisdiction of something called the triumvirate. A neutral party that can pull rank, or otherwise put in check any of the existing powers in the forever kingdom. The caveat being the triumvirate have no influence outside of Nexus.
This is important because it ties into Michael's goals in this book. He quickly discovers that his tasks are on hold since he's not sworn to any one power [besides Wolf]. Add on to that problem he's dealing with a group of assassins called the Mantises whom for some reason unbeknownst to us have a contract out on him. Technically we know it's because he's earned the ire of a power, but we don't know 100% why; though we can guess.
The bulk of the book is spent with Michael trying to find ways to circumvent the restrictions his neutrality, and past actions has burdened him with. Unable to enter into sectors exclusive to players sworn to a power Michael is limited in where he can go, and what he can accomplish. This is compounded by him having to deal with the tailing assassins who just won't let him catch his breath.
The later half of the book sees Michael delve into a dungeon, which is a nice return to form considering all the trials he's been under. Now he's able to JUST focus on clearing the dungeon.
Downside; just like the previous two this book ends on a cliffhanger. Be prepared to jump right into book 4. Also there is some repetitive moments where he's dealing with the assassins over, and over, and over, and over. It adds tension to the story, but at one point I wanted them to go away so Michael could get on with his tasks. Also, I may not have noticed this in the previous books; but in this installment he really goes heavily with the "Damnation!" curse. Not a big thing, but it gets repetitive.
Michael's adventure/journey continues. In the city of Nexus he's shocked to see that the city itself is somewhat of a neutral territory not under the control of any of the powers. Rather its under the jurisdiction of something called the triumvirate. A neutral party that can pull rank, or otherwise put in check any of the existing powers in the forever kingdom. The caveat being the triumvirate have no influence outside of Nexus.
This is important because it ties into Michael's goals in this book. He quickly discovers that his tasks are on hold since he's not sworn to any one power [besides Wolf]. Add on to that problem he's dealing with a group of assassins called the Mantises whom for some reason unbeknownst to us have a contract out on him. Technically we know it's because he's earned the ire of a power, but we don't know 100% why; though we can guess.
The bulk of the book is spent with Michael trying to find ways to circumvent the restrictions his neutrality, and past actions has burdened him with. Unable to enter into sectors exclusive to players sworn to a power Michael is limited in where he can go, and what he can accomplish. This is compounded by him having to deal with the tailing assassins who just won't let him catch his breath.
The later half of the book sees Michael delve into a dungeon, which is a nice return to form considering all the trials he's been under. Now he's able to JUST focus on clearing the dungeon.
Downside; just like the previous two this book ends on a cliffhanger. Be prepared to jump right into book 4. Also there is some repetitive moments where he's dealing with the assassins over, and over, and over, and over. It adds tension to the story, but at one point I wanted them to go away so Michael could get on with his tasks. Also, I may not have noticed this in the previous books; but in this installment he really goes heavily with the "Damnation!" curse. Not a big thing, but it gets repetitive.
March 20, 2023
I enjoyed the book but still had the same issues as with the previous one; the story felt a little haphazard and I didn't see much rhyme or reason to the stats, they felt more decorative than functional.
Parts often felt like they had an ambitious plan but then ended in a pedestrian implementation. Like, It's, you know, fine but it's just a disappointing resolution to what felt like an unnecessarily drawn out and complex setup.
I will likely continue the series but I'm not racing to get to it.
Parts often felt like they had an ambitious plan but then ended in a pedestrian implementation. Like, It's, you know, fine but it's just a disappointing resolution to what felt like an unnecessarily drawn out and complex setup.
I will likely continue the series but I'm not racing to get to it.
July 10, 2023
4.5 rounded up!
The first and second books in this series were both solid four stars, but this book edged closer to five. Michael is still a lone wolf type, but now that he's in a city, he's able to interact with more people, and do more things. The author also threw in a few touches of humor, though the style is still far from being a knee-slapper. Still, this book felt a bit brighter than the first two.
I liked Michael's journey in this book - he starts out as an ignorant hayseed making multiple mistakes, to finding his footing somewhat. Except someone sent assassins after him making it very hard to make progress on his primary quest.
He's still gaining levels and skills, but he's truly outclassed in many ways. I enjoyed that he isn't overpowered, but is able to use the skills he has, and his cleverness to get out of trouble. Mostly. That one dungeon was something else. Unexpected, but important to Michael's progress.
On to the next book because I didn't want to wait to see what happens next.
The first and second books in this series were both solid four stars, but this book edged closer to five. Michael is still a lone wolf type, but now that he's in a city, he's able to interact with more people, and do more things. The author also threw in a few touches of humor, though the style is still far from being a knee-slapper. Still, this book felt a bit brighter than the first two.
I liked Michael's journey in this book - he starts out as an ignorant hayseed making multiple mistakes, to finding his footing somewhat. Except someone sent assassins after him making it very hard to make progress on his primary quest.
He's still gaining levels and skills, but he's truly outclassed in many ways. I enjoyed that he isn't overpowered, but is able to use the skills he has, and his cleverness to get out of trouble. Mostly. That one dungeon was something else. Unexpected, but important to Michael's progress.
On to the next book because I didn't want to wait to see what happens next.
November 20, 2022
Brilliant series
This is another great book in such a good series. Top, top notch lit RPG. The world expands more, Michael grows more in interesting and well earned directions, more information is gained but many more questions are posed. The only bit I had slight issue with was I felt the dungeon was starting to drag - I didn’t expect it to go on so long. I underestimated the author though and when I realised that we were really leaning into staying in this dungeon for a awhile I got back on board and it was well worth it. Then after everything it ends on a cliffhanger and you find out the next book isn’t coming out for months - I could have cried. Still so far I think this is the tightest execution of lit RPG I’ve read - everything you want out of the genre is there but it’s all just done so god damn well with its own compelling spin on things. Can’t recommend enough.
This is another great book in such a good series. Top, top notch lit RPG. The world expands more, Michael grows more in interesting and well earned directions, more information is gained but many more questions are posed. The only bit I had slight issue with was I felt the dungeon was starting to drag - I didn’t expect it to go on so long. I underestimated the author though and when I realised that we were really leaning into staying in this dungeon for a awhile I got back on board and it was well worth it. Then after everything it ends on a cliffhanger and you find out the next book isn’t coming out for months - I could have cried. Still so far I think this is the tightest execution of lit RPG I’ve read - everything you want out of the genre is there but it’s all just done so god damn well with its own compelling spin on things. Can’t recommend enough.
February 15, 2023
Still not sure about the pacing, but I do enjoy the journey
I complained, in my review of the last book, that Michael’s leveling was too fast without some kind of time dilation going on. Now, he spent nearly a year in the guardian dungeon and is little more prepared to face his challenges than he was before. I can see some potential ways that he’ll be able to avoid his enemies and get to the salt marshes, but I hope that all of his skill advancement gained in this book will translate to a greater facility to level up to meet his goals.
Having said that, Michael has certainly gained a couple of key advancements here that can’t help but make his future attainment of Prime status much smoother. And will his discovery in the arctic level of the dungeon become a significant milestone as he progresses?
I complained, in my review of the last book, that Michael’s leveling was too fast without some kind of time dilation going on. Now, he spent nearly a year in the guardian dungeon and is little more prepared to face his challenges than he was before. I can see some potential ways that he’ll be able to avoid his enemies and get to the salt marshes, but I hope that all of his skill advancement gained in this book will translate to a greater facility to level up to meet his goals.
Having said that, Michael has certainly gained a couple of key advancements here that can’t help but make his future attainment of Prime status much smoother. And will his discovery in the arctic level of the dungeon become a significant milestone as he progresses?
November 4, 2022
Hot garbage!
Take an interesting story, in an interesting world, then toss in obnoxious quantities of stat dumps, skill dumps, a difficult to comprehend system, and an extra helping of unnecessary political drama (not real life politics), toss all that in the blender and you're left with a mediocre novel where 15% is actual story, and everything else takes up the pages.
I get the feeling this was never a book, but a royal road novella that the author added to weekly, and that's how it reads. Arcs and story plots just drop off at the end, such a random place to end the book.
I don't recommend this book. There is much better out there, and I cannot support a lazy author importing RR crap.
Take an interesting story, in an interesting world, then toss in obnoxious quantities of stat dumps, skill dumps, a difficult to comprehend system, and an extra helping of unnecessary political drama (not real life politics), toss all that in the blender and you're left with a mediocre novel where 15% is actual story, and everything else takes up the pages.
I get the feeling this was never a book, but a royal road novella that the author added to weekly, and that's how it reads. Arcs and story plots just drop off at the end, such a random place to end the book.
I don't recommend this book. There is much better out there, and I cannot support a lazy author importing RR crap.
May 11, 2024
I certainly enjoyed the story, but it was not without its problems. Michael began to irritate me in quite early in the book, he seemed to lose all his common sense. Unfortunately this irritation was compounded as the story progressed, but this time it was the author that was the problem. He has fallen into the trap of having to make every problem more and more difficult and the odds or surviving so unbelievable there seemed little point in continuing to read the story. E.g. having only just managed to kill two Mantis assassins the author’s next step is to send hundreds.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars
July 31, 2025
This book is no where as entertaining and as well paced as the first two in the series. It drags a lot through the dungeon section. I found myself stepping away from it and using the time to catch up on other things, and this was not the case with the first two. The ending was also horrible. I don't know why so many litRPG authors find it necessary to end a book at a cliff hanger, but it is completely uncalled for.
There is just enough happening to advance the story, and I'm looking forward to book four hopefully picking up the series plot with entertaining character progression leading the way.
There is just enough happening to advance the story, and I'm looking forward to book four hopefully picking up the series plot with entertaining character progression leading the way.
October 4, 2023
Incredibly good. Series just get better and better.
Can't say enough good things about this series. The main character is smart fun logical and so enjoyable to read. Anyone who's been a gamer or understands gaming dynamic literature will love this book. It's so rare that the third book in a series can still keep the reader engaged and actually excited about what's going to happen next. This book does all that and more it's fun, fast-paced, with awesome world building, and thrilling. Literally can't wait to read book 4!!!!
Can't say enough good things about this series. The main character is smart fun logical and so enjoyable to read. Anyone who's been a gamer or understands gaming dynamic literature will love this book. It's so rare that the third book in a series can still keep the reader engaged and actually excited about what's going to happen next. This book does all that and more it's fun, fast-paced, with awesome world building, and thrilling. Literally can't wait to read book 4!!!!
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