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Eight #1
Eight
Life’s tough when you’re trapped in an eight-year-old body on another world.
His name is Eight. Not really, but that’s what the System decided after a slip of the tongue. One moment, he was stepping out the office door on the way home, and the next waking up on a hillside below a town wall. Oh, and the gate guard drove him off, because he thought Eight was a monster.
What’s a boy to do in a world full of magic and so many, many hungry creatures searching for their next meal? Well, there’s an old man inside that body, and he'll use everything he’s learned in his sixty-four years to survive. Starting a fire? Sure. Crafting a spear? Check. Defending the cave he calls home? Also check, a big one.
There are allies too, but not the kind you’d expect.
Eight is a LitRPG novel of magical survival—of discovery, bushcraft, and creatures weird and wonderful.
His name is Eight. Not really, but that’s what the System decided after a slip of the tongue. One moment, he was stepping out the office door on the way home, and the next waking up on a hillside below a town wall. Oh, and the gate guard drove him off, because he thought Eight was a monster.
What’s a boy to do in a world full of magic and so many, many hungry creatures searching for their next meal? Well, there’s an old man inside that body, and he'll use everything he’s learned in his sixty-four years to survive. Starting a fire? Sure. Crafting a spear? Check. Defending the cave he calls home? Also check, a big one.
There are allies too, but not the kind you’d expect.
Eight is a LitRPG novel of magical survival—of discovery, bushcraft, and creatures weird and wonderful.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2022
1139 people are currently reading
1673 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
July 7, 2023
I made it about a quarter before snoozing out. I'm not much for survival stories anyway, but this one was particularly a stretch. I don't care what your brain age is, an eight year-old is going to have a tougher time with things. Much tougher than the author portrays. And I don't just mean the magic otter who shows up to deus up the place. Though honestly, that was enough.
If you're into survival, or have a much higher tolerance for author chicanery, you might like this a lot better than I did. I finally had it when kid genius manages to convey "teach me magic in exchange for this magic knife" in a few hand signs.
If you're into survival, or have a much higher tolerance for author chicanery, you might like this a lot better than I did. I finally had it when kid genius manages to convey "teach me magic in exchange for this magic knife" in a few hand signs.
October 14, 2022
5 I'd Never Proposed To By A Colony Of Lichen Before Stars
Eight is the first book in a LitRPG Novel of Magical Survival series by Samer Rabadi.
This book embodies the adage: never judge a book by its cover. The cover seems simple enough, you can intuit a few facts of the story easily: a child alone, in a forest, fighting to survive. But until you step into the intrigue of Eight's evolution within this new world, you won't be able to fully capture the wonder and enjoyment the author managed to create within these pages.
I don't remember ever experiencing an author working so hard to continue to showcase the native language. Most isekai's or LITRPG's come with some handy language skill or hack that bypasses this obstacle entirely. But I have surprisingly come to enjoy the contrast between the English language and Diaksh.
The magic system of this world is entertaining, as well. It captures bits and pieces of other examples I've come across in similarity. The magic cores both possessed by people and creatures, that allow the leveling or advancing process. I also so enjoy when an author allows both qi and mana to share space within the same work. They are contrasting ideologies, in most senses, and I enjoy seeing how they branch apart.
I wonder if the next book will finally have Eight visiting the nearby town? What other dangers he can stumble into, and miraculously survive?
I hope to see all of this new family flourish. Aluali, Billisha, the uekisheile, and Ikfael. Along with Eight's growth within this new and exciting world.
Eight is the first book in a LitRPG Novel of Magical Survival series by Samer Rabadi.
This book embodies the adage: never judge a book by its cover. The cover seems simple enough, you can intuit a few facts of the story easily: a child alone, in a forest, fighting to survive. But until you step into the intrigue of Eight's evolution within this new world, you won't be able to fully capture the wonder and enjoyment the author managed to create within these pages.
I don't remember ever experiencing an author working so hard to continue to showcase the native language. Most isekai's or LITRPG's come with some handy language skill or hack that bypasses this obstacle entirely. But I have surprisingly come to enjoy the contrast between the English language and Diaksh.
The magic system of this world is entertaining, as well. It captures bits and pieces of other examples I've come across in similarity. The magic cores both possessed by people and creatures, that allow the leveling or advancing process. I also so enjoy when an author allows both qi and mana to share space within the same work. They are contrasting ideologies, in most senses, and I enjoy seeing how they branch apart.
I wonder if the next book will finally have Eight visiting the nearby town? What other dangers he can stumble into, and miraculously survive?
I hope to see all of this new family flourish. Aluali, Billisha, the uekisheile, and Ikfael. Along with Eight's growth within this new and exciting world.
November 4, 2022
I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book at the start but the more I read, the more I enjoyed the character Eight aka Oliver, and the story itself. Whilst I knew it was gaming literature/LitRPG, Rabadi didn't write this story in the typical format where the character is warned at the start about what's actually happening to them or where they are.
It was different, which I appreciate... but I felt bad for little Eight, even with his very adult mind and memories. He was physically still, just a kid. I'm eager to see where Rabadi takes this series.
It was different, which I appreciate... but I felt bad for little Eight, even with his very adult mind and memories. He was physically still, just a kid. I'm eager to see where Rabadi takes this series.
October 5, 2022
A slight variation of the normal LitRPG. A 63-year-old human man ends up on another world in the body of a child. He doesn't know the language and he's stuck in the forest. Luckily, he has some knowledge of bushcraft that he can use from his old life but it will be a struggle to survive but there is plenty of wonders and a few friends along the way that just might help him thrive.
I like the day-to-day description of him making things to survive. Sometimes it gets a bit much and that will depend on the individual reader. I like that Eight isn't overpowered. He struggles and does not win all the fights (without help he'd be a goner sometimes) but he gets better slowly. There is plenty of action as well.
A fun read.
I like the day-to-day description of him making things to survive. Sometimes it gets a bit much and that will depend on the individual reader. I like that Eight isn't overpowered. He struggles and does not win all the fights (without help he'd be a goner sometimes) but he gets better slowly. There is plenty of action as well.
A fun read.
September 23, 2022
4.5 stars. I wasn't sure about the premise of this one, but that fact it was an old guy transmigrated into a kid's body made me give it a go. I have no interest in reading YA stuff, particularly ridiculously precocious pre-teens running rings around people stronger and with a shit-load more life experience than them.
Sixty-four is old enough to have seen and lived though some shit, and this guy has. The only reason it doesn't get the full 5 stars is the story, while very well executed, just didn't reach that level for me. However, it kept me engaged, and I'm going to try the sequel, so we'll see if that quality carries through.
Sixty-four is old enough to have seen and lived though some shit, and this guy has. The only reason it doesn't get the full 5 stars is the story, while very well executed, just didn't reach that level for me. However, it kept me engaged, and I'm going to try the sequel, so we'll see if that quality carries through.
October 26, 2022
Well, I went 70 pages (18%) deep and I can't justify any more. This just isn't for me. I was bored to tears and completely uninterested in the character's personality, the lack of anything really happening for a long time, and then I just didn't care even when some things finally moved forward.
Maybe if you like those start-from-scratch survival games like Ark, then you might really enjoy this. You might enjoy following a bland old man's personality in an 8-year-old's body as he makes flint tools and then fights with some poop worms that grew out of a giant turd nearby.
I just don't have the patience to see where this goes. I regret giving it as many pages as I did.
Maybe if you like those start-from-scratch survival games like Ark, then you might really enjoy this. You might enjoy following a bland old man's personality in an 8-year-old's body as he makes flint tools and then fights with some poop worms that grew out of a giant turd nearby.
I just don't have the patience to see where this goes. I regret giving it as many pages as I did.
April 8, 2023
How many times have I said not to judge a book by its cover? I am such a hypocrite because that's what I did with this one.. Fate kept throwing it in my face but did I listen? Noooooo! I kept disregarding it purely because it depicted a kid on the cover. What an idiot! I didn't even glance at the precis before I threw it on my never going to read list until I heard about it from a couple of friends. Then I scurried back to see what it was all about. I am still kicking myself for not picking it up earlier.
The cover clearly undermines the story. If you can get over it and take the plunge, you will not regret it if you like the usual elements of LitRPG like the main lead dying and his spirit transferring into another body in a completely different world with fantastical creatures.
I was skeptical at the beginning because of such a young protagonist. It was a needless fear that it would not be entertaining. The monologue of Eight and his amusing quips kept me going despite the slow meandering path the plot was taking in the first half of the book. I even thought of skimming the pages but the slice of life accounting helped in adding the details to introduce the world Eight was in. The way he uses his past life knowledge reminded me of the Swiss Family Robinson. This was an account of survival albeit in a strange but wonderful world of new dangers!
I really loved the world the author has built with the new creatures. For once I was glad that he didn't give the instantaneous language learner to Eight! The way he has to learn the language is fun and engaging, in my view. By far, my favourite part is meeting Ikfael and the uekisheile. They give life to the book in a way that I am looking forward to more of their shenanigans than Eight's in the future! I hope Billisha and Aluali also get more scope in the sequel. I want to see how their story pans out.
The end had me craving to continue the series ASAP and I was delighted that the book#2 was already available. Woe to me if I had to wait! Let's see if the author can keep me sated in the future books!
My one line review : An engaging and promising story of survival in a world with fantastical creatures!
My rating : 4.5/5
My re read factor : 3/5
Flo
The cover clearly undermines the story. If you can get over it and take the plunge, you will not regret it if you like the usual elements of LitRPG like the main lead dying and his spirit transferring into another body in a completely different world with fantastical creatures.
I was skeptical at the beginning because of such a young protagonist. It was a needless fear that it would not be entertaining. The monologue of Eight and his amusing quips kept me going despite the slow meandering path the plot was taking in the first half of the book. I even thought of skimming the pages but the slice of life accounting helped in adding the details to introduce the world Eight was in. The way he uses his past life knowledge reminded me of the Swiss Family Robinson. This was an account of survival albeit in a strange but wonderful world of new dangers!
I really loved the world the author has built with the new creatures. For once I was glad that he didn't give the instantaneous language learner to Eight! The way he has to learn the language is fun and engaging, in my view. By far, my favourite part is meeting Ikfael and the uekisheile. They give life to the book in a way that I am looking forward to more of their shenanigans than Eight's in the future! I hope Billisha and Aluali also get more scope in the sequel. I want to see how their story pans out.
The end had me craving to continue the series ASAP and I was delighted that the book#2 was already available. Woe to me if I had to wait! Let's see if the author can keep me sated in the future books!
My one line review : An engaging and promising story of survival in a world with fantastical creatures!
My rating : 4.5/5
My re read factor : 3/5
Flo
October 2, 2022
Odd disconnected collection of words
While thw writing itself was clean, grammatical and fairly well written...after 20% of the book i still had a sense of odd disconnection. I found the stray from typical and traditional status screens to be an overt focus that was just mere word fill for a book about a dude who was brought into new world as eight. Pretty boring.
While thw writing itself was clean, grammatical and fairly well written...after 20% of the book i still had a sense of odd disconnection. I found the stray from typical and traditional status screens to be an overt focus that was just mere word fill for a book about a dude who was brought into new world as eight. Pretty boring.
March 27, 2023
A good audiobook. Well worth the read. I enjoyed that the character has to deal with real consciences of life and death situations instead of just breezing through everything.
October 27, 2022
Rating 3.0 stars
This one just didn't speak to me. It should be in my wheelhouse. A person dies and he gets sent to another world. He was 60 years old when he died but ends up as an eight-year-old on this new world. He isn't given much information and has to stumble through everything. The good news is that he was an avid hunter on earth, and he worked on a bunch of TV shows that dealt with surviving in the wilderness. So, he knows how to hunt, make shelter, makes tools, etc. I am more of a practical person and like to know how things are done. I also like to know the process on learning new things. For this it seemed like he already knew how to do everything with survival. It didn't seem like he needed to figure anything out, so I wasn't as interested. There was magic in this world but the rules for it was kind of nebulous. There was chi, mana, soul magic and something called silver light. I am not really sure the rules for how any of that worked. Instead of dealing with the practical part of the world I felt like the author wanted to wax poetic about everything. The MC was always trying to be "one with the land". He spoke often about his dead wife who died of cancer 11 years ago and how her spirit seems to be with him to help him. Overall, it just didn't speak to me. I didn't understand why he was given a chance at a new life on this world. I didn't understand what his purpose was supposed to be.
This one just didn't speak to me. It should be in my wheelhouse. A person dies and he gets sent to another world. He was 60 years old when he died but ends up as an eight-year-old on this new world. He isn't given much information and has to stumble through everything. The good news is that he was an avid hunter on earth, and he worked on a bunch of TV shows that dealt with surviving in the wilderness. So, he knows how to hunt, make shelter, makes tools, etc. I am more of a practical person and like to know how things are done. I also like to know the process on learning new things. For this it seemed like he already knew how to do everything with survival. It didn't seem like he needed to figure anything out, so I wasn't as interested. There was magic in this world but the rules for it was kind of nebulous. There was chi, mana, soul magic and something called silver light. I am not really sure the rules for how any of that worked. Instead of dealing with the practical part of the world I felt like the author wanted to wax poetic about everything. The MC was always trying to be "one with the land". He spoke often about his dead wife who died of cancer 11 years ago and how her spirit seems to be with him to help him. Overall, it just didn't speak to me. I didn't understand why he was given a chance at a new life on this world. I didn't understand what his purpose was supposed to be.
December 7, 2022
9/10
This was my first LitRPG. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This feels like a very interesting and unique genre. As an individual who enjoys video games, D&D and other table top games, I think I should explore it more.
It is about a man in his early 60s who dies and is essentially transported into the body of an 8 year old boy in a RPG. While he tries to survive in this new and deadly world, he shares small but meaningful tidbits into his past life.
I am currently struggling with my relationship with my father, and my mother passed away within the year. For this reason, the book felt incredibly touching and heartbreaking to me at many parts. I appreciate and love Eight as a character, because in many ways, he is the father that I wished mine was. He is sweet, loyal, determined, hardworking, and incredibly gentle. I am lucky to say that he does remind me of my own husband.
Much of the book resembled the grind, monotony, and small wins of an RPG. I wouldn’t say that there was any one giant climax to the book, but the pacing was steady, and we got to experience Eight’s trials and tribulations along with him.
This was my first LitRPG. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This feels like a very interesting and unique genre. As an individual who enjoys video games, D&D and other table top games, I think I should explore it more.
It is about a man in his early 60s who dies and is essentially transported into the body of an 8 year old boy in a RPG. While he tries to survive in this new and deadly world, he shares small but meaningful tidbits into his past life.
I am currently struggling with my relationship with my father, and my mother passed away within the year. For this reason, the book felt incredibly touching and heartbreaking to me at many parts. I appreciate and love Eight as a character, because in many ways, he is the father that I wished mine was. He is sweet, loyal, determined, hardworking, and incredibly gentle. I am lucky to say that he does remind me of my own husband.
Much of the book resembled the grind, monotony, and small wins of an RPG. I wouldn’t say that there was any one giant climax to the book, but the pacing was steady, and we got to experience Eight’s trials and tribulations along with him.
September 8, 2022
Solid writing.
But the story drags in the middle. The different perspectives would have been helpful earlier on. All in all this is a fun story that could use a bit more world building.
But the story drags in the middle. The different perspectives would have been helpful earlier on. All in all this is a fun story that could use a bit more world building.
December 5, 2022
Took a while before I started to get into the story but the longer I read, the more interesting it became.
December 19, 2024
DNF 29% This was not for me. The writing quality was really nice, better than you see with a lot of LitRPGs, but it wasn't fun. I read over 100 pages and there wasn't and sense of wonder, humor, or intrigue that would keep me engaged. It was just a list of qualities of why this person was the most capable person to ever be a main character, and ways that they could boredly show that while not reacting really to their circumstances. Plus, there was a real focus on poop that I really did not enjoy. The main character's, monsters', and animals'. For the first 100 pages the author does not stop talking about it, page after page it kept coming up, and it's really weird and off putting.
October 10, 2022
Highly recommended
A true gem of a book! Uses litRPG tropes to tell story filled with subtlety and range of emotion than are normally found in this genre. I highly recommended the book
A true gem of a book! Uses litRPG tropes to tell story filled with subtlety and range of emotion than are normally found in this genre. I highly recommended the book
December 23, 2023
DNF at 54% or the end of chapter 15
I LIKE both survival stories and LITRPG so this should theoretically be in my wheelhouse but personally, it's just not very good.
I think if you've never had exposure to either genres it's a passable story, but frankly it fuses both setups into the worst parts of each, and with zero clarity and purpose to boot.
The incredible minutiae of detail for the system apparently has a lot of shit going on from body power and qi and magic and random skills and also gods....
- but you don't understand shit about how a character's progression is supposed to work with it until much later (which let's be real, is the main draw of litrpg)
- and nothing about these skills and is ever explored enough for this to be relevant to the story. I'm 50% of the way through!!!! And your System mechanics could be easily replaceable with NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I mean this for real. The system does not come into place as being relevant at all beyond him getting some minor suggestion feedback as he "levels up" and also he talks to himself a bit.
The survival of a young child in a foreign wilderness but he has his memories and history as an old isekai-ed person
- (who did tv stuff??? Reality shows? Producing?? Directing??? honestly it's not too clear what exactly he did before on Earth except that it has to do with those. Maybe all of the jobs given his ability to do basically everything. Why didn't you lay this out immediately for reference)
- and so apparently, he knows alllll about survival and can figure out his priorities and how to do shit in his child body
- the fact that we have earth plants that he can immediately ping onto as holding the exact same role as they did on earth being edible, etc.
- WOW.... that's. Kinda lazy.
- so like, what was the point of him surviving in the wilderness again? He already knows what he should be doing apparently and he's just putting it into practice.
As a protagonist he has actually very little personality outside of his past survival knowledge and tenuous family relationships. He's reactive and going through the motions. He does survival shit and then contemplates his family when he's done or in between actions.
Giving it a star for actually trying to do more with the protagonist's history like the occasional fingerprints of culture and personal relationships even if it's STILL not explored very thoroughly.
This book would have benefited from focusing in on a specific aspects more and actually bringing up a main overarching goal for the protagonist to guide him through the meticulous semi-survival story.
I LIKE both survival stories and LITRPG so this should theoretically be in my wheelhouse but personally, it's just not very good.
I think if you've never had exposure to either genres it's a passable story, but frankly it fuses both setups into the worst parts of each, and with zero clarity and purpose to boot.
The incredible minutiae of detail for the system apparently has a lot of shit going on from body power and qi and magic and random skills and also gods....
- but you don't understand shit about how a character's progression is supposed to work with it until much later (which let's be real, is the main draw of litrpg)
- and nothing about these skills and is ever explored enough for this to be relevant to the story. I'm 50% of the way through!!!! And your System mechanics could be easily replaceable with NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I mean this for real. The system does not come into place as being relevant at all beyond him getting some minor suggestion feedback as he "levels up" and also he talks to himself a bit.
The survival of a young child in a foreign wilderness but he has his memories and history as an old isekai-ed person
- (who did tv stuff??? Reality shows? Producing?? Directing??? honestly it's not too clear what exactly he did before on Earth except that it has to do with those. Maybe all of the jobs given his ability to do basically everything. Why didn't you lay this out immediately for reference)
- and so apparently, he knows alllll about survival and can figure out his priorities and how to do shit in his child body
- the fact that we have earth plants that he can immediately ping onto as holding the exact same role as they did on earth being edible, etc.
- WOW.... that's. Kinda lazy.
- so like, what was the point of him surviving in the wilderness again? He already knows what he should be doing apparently and he's just putting it into practice.
As a protagonist he has actually very little personality outside of his past survival knowledge and tenuous family relationships. He's reactive and going through the motions. He does survival shit and then contemplates his family when he's done or in between actions.
Giving it a star for actually trying to do more with the protagonist's history like the occasional fingerprints of culture and personal relationships even if it's STILL not explored very thoroughly.
This book would have benefited from focusing in on a specific aspects more and actually bringing up a main overarching goal for the protagonist to guide him through the meticulous semi-survival story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2023
Amazing. Light, but deep; engrossing & so entertaining!
I have rarely if ever come across a story that gripped my attention while touching both my heart and my spirit! This book is a really exciting adventure story while also offering just enough information about physical survival in wilderness and spiritual development alike without going so in depth that the thread of the story is lost. (It seems like guidance on topics you might want to explore on your own, rather than deep exploration and lecturing.) This light touch on such deep topics is really hard to pull off! (Bravo, Author Samer Rabadi!)
I have rarely if ever come across a story that gripped my attention while touching both my heart and my spirit! This book is a really exciting adventure story while also offering just enough information about physical survival in wilderness and spiritual development alike without going so in depth that the thread of the story is lost. (It seems like guidance on topics you might want to explore on your own, rather than deep exploration and lecturing.) This light touch on such deep topics is really hard to pull off! (Bravo, Author Samer Rabadi!)
December 25, 2022
Most of this story can be described as a LitRPG survival procedural. I'd have thought this would be off-putting for me, but I liked it. It is cool watching as a young boy (sort of) is forced to leverage unknown magics to defeat monsters that are well above his level.
There's a refreshingly spiritual element to the "system" in addition to a relatively complex combination of mana, Qi, and two-tone monster cores. Just about all the magic tropes get a look-in... mana channels, dantians, and mana-powered runes.
There's not a lot of plot in book one. I expect that to change as the series develops. There was a teaser right at the end that alluded to Eight having a future adventure in a nearby village. That sounds good.
There's a refreshingly spiritual element to the "system" in addition to a relatively complex combination of mana, Qi, and two-tone monster cores. Just about all the magic tropes get a look-in... mana channels, dantians, and mana-powered runes.
There's not a lot of plot in book one. I expect that to change as the series develops. There was a teaser right at the end that alluded to Eight having a future adventure in a nearby village. That sounds good.
February 25, 2023
Surprising depth
Okay, I know that reading through the constantly growing litRPG genre is not the best way to find a book written with particular authorial skill. Heart, sure. Technical ability, yes. But not poetry. But Eight surprised me. The protagonist didn't feel like a character, he felt like a human. The story unfolded as something closer to the classic Hatchet--survival against the odds born from hard experience and hard work--than the kind of inside-baseball stats fest where a Mary Sue rolls over every impediment that this genre can often generate. I don't mean this review to sound so back handed, but I felt compelled to write it because this novel was such a pleasant surprise and such a breath of fresh air in a burgeoning genre that infrequently surprises.
Okay, I know that reading through the constantly growing litRPG genre is not the best way to find a book written with particular authorial skill. Heart, sure. Technical ability, yes. But not poetry. But Eight surprised me. The protagonist didn't feel like a character, he felt like a human. The story unfolded as something closer to the classic Hatchet--survival against the odds born from hard experience and hard work--than the kind of inside-baseball stats fest where a Mary Sue rolls over every impediment that this genre can often generate. I don't mean this review to sound so back handed, but I felt compelled to write it because this novel was such a pleasant surprise and such a breath of fresh air in a burgeoning genre that infrequently surprises.
January 8, 2023
What a hidden gem!
This is a really low key gamelit story, not to say there is no action and battles, it's just not a world changing story, and like some marvel character once said, "It's not about saving THE world it's about saving THEIR world". So this is a really nice change of pace in the genre. No constant battles and rapid leveling in order to save the world or be the biggest and strongest, it's about knowing the surrounding and exploring nature.
And a big bonus is that the author slides (usually) untold stories about Mexican culture and magical beings
4.5/5 highly recommended
This is a really low key gamelit story, not to say there is no action and battles, it's just not a world changing story, and like some marvel character once said, "It's not about saving THE world it's about saving THEIR world". So this is a really nice change of pace in the genre. No constant battles and rapid leveling in order to save the world or be the biggest and strongest, it's about knowing the surrounding and exploring nature.
And a big bonus is that the author slides (usually) untold stories about Mexican culture and magical beings
4.5/5 highly recommended
April 11, 2023
A book that creeps in on you.
I knew I would like this book by the end of the first chapter, what I didn't expect was how entrapped I would become in it. I meant to take my time reading this, only to be so absorbed into the story that I didn't notice that many hours had passed and I had found the ending. My only hope is that there is a sequel either already written or one that will come soon. I really want to see more of Eight's story.
I knew I would like this book by the end of the first chapter, what I didn't expect was how entrapped I would become in it. I meant to take my time reading this, only to be so absorbed into the story that I didn't notice that many hours had passed and I had found the ending. My only hope is that there is a sequel either already written or one that will come soon. I really want to see more of Eight's story.
July 3, 2025
An absolute pleasure to read. This takes litrpg and isekai a lot more seriously than most of the genre, and treats it with originality, respect, and a Mayan/Aztec flair. Heavy focus on survival skills that seem well researched. I loved it and am reading the next one.
Here's my review of this series on YouTube, up through Book 4.
Here's my review of this series on YouTube, up through Book 4.
November 5, 2022
I am half way through and we are still building the character. Too much noise and not enough action. Could be good, but have lost interest.
June 10, 2025
This is an excellent book, and this series has potential to be top tier. 👍🏽👍🏽
October 4, 2023
I couldn't get into this novel for the same reason that I can't get into so many novels in this subgenre; it takes far too long to introduce a hook.
One of the first goals an author should work towards should be to provide the readers with a strong hook that grabs their attention and invests them in the story. This could be intriguing world-building, an interesting plot, a strong cold open, or best of all, a really engaging character that you can't help but get attached to right from the start. In an ideal world, an author would provide something from all of the above, and really get a reader invested. But for some reason, there are a great number of books in this subgenre that don't do this.
They are writing books that are incredibly similar to so many others that are crowding this corner of the market, but strangely they feel like the subtle changes they make to the overall formula is enough to keep a reader's interest. I have lost count of the number of times that I have read an isekai/litRPG novel where the main character starts their story isolated in a survival situation that is used as a plot device to introduce the reader to the world and the magic system. They always have to slowly feel out their situation, discover the mechanics of the world they are in, and just learn how to survive before finally meeting other characters and the story can actually start.
Once upon a time, this subgenre was so unique to me that this would have been enough, then there was a time when I would wait it out hoping the story would pick up; now I just find it so incredibly tedious. I don't want to have to read a third of a novel (which is probably the best-case scenario in most cases) before the actual story kicks in. Life is just too short.
This is why I have bowed out of this novel early. I made it through 11 chapters (about a third of the novel) before I realised I had completely zoned out and was just going through the motions of reading, and have bowed out rather than going back and starting again. As always, it's a shame to do this because the premise was interesting enough to bring me into the story in the first place, but overall it just didn't work and I'm not going to stick with it.
It gets 2-stars because if this is your first foray into this sub-genre then this story might just have enough about it to keep you reading as it's not poorly written, just unoriginal. However, as it couldn't keep my attention long enough to finish it, I can't give it any more stars than that.
One of the first goals an author should work towards should be to provide the readers with a strong hook that grabs their attention and invests them in the story. This could be intriguing world-building, an interesting plot, a strong cold open, or best of all, a really engaging character that you can't help but get attached to right from the start. In an ideal world, an author would provide something from all of the above, and really get a reader invested. But for some reason, there are a great number of books in this subgenre that don't do this.
They are writing books that are incredibly similar to so many others that are crowding this corner of the market, but strangely they feel like the subtle changes they make to the overall formula is enough to keep a reader's interest. I have lost count of the number of times that I have read an isekai/litRPG novel where the main character starts their story isolated in a survival situation that is used as a plot device to introduce the reader to the world and the magic system. They always have to slowly feel out their situation, discover the mechanics of the world they are in, and just learn how to survive before finally meeting other characters and the story can actually start.
Once upon a time, this subgenre was so unique to me that this would have been enough, then there was a time when I would wait it out hoping the story would pick up; now I just find it so incredibly tedious. I don't want to have to read a third of a novel (which is probably the best-case scenario in most cases) before the actual story kicks in. Life is just too short.
This is why I have bowed out of this novel early. I made it through 11 chapters (about a third of the novel) before I realised I had completely zoned out and was just going through the motions of reading, and have bowed out rather than going back and starting again. As always, it's a shame to do this because the premise was interesting enough to bring me into the story in the first place, but overall it just didn't work and I'm not going to stick with it.
It gets 2-stars because if this is your first foray into this sub-genre then this story might just have enough about it to keep you reading as it's not poorly written, just unoriginal. However, as it couldn't keep my attention long enough to finish it, I can't give it any more stars than that.
October 16, 2022
it’s really a 10
I just finished the book 8 and I have to give it a 10. Excellent story with an MC and a system that you see grow and that you come to understand somewhat appreciate and want more of. This is about survival for the most part at least for this book I haven’t gotten to the others and it’s not holding the MC’s hand. I don’t often see too many authors approach survival from this perspective but here it’s done wonderfully.
No I did have one I wouldn’t call it an issue but it was something I found it difficult to wrap my head around. The MC is in his 50s when he dies he wakes up as an 8 year old. No I can understand the character having to get used to a New World in magic and LITRPG mechanics. However you don’t normally see too many people in their 50s who would be familiar with these ideas existing. No there was also a time when he referred to his heritage his Latino heritage I think that could’ve been expound upon a little bit more to help us understand the ideas behind the culture or if it couldn’t have been expound upon then it should’ve been left out. I still think there’s opportunity to grow into that to show more of that so I don’t hold it as a strike against the book after all nothings perfect but I do want to know more about it.
For those who may not know the book is featured on RoyalRoad the third book in the series the first two books are on KU.
NOTE TO THE AUTHOR
Now I know some authors read their reviews and I always write a note to them this may have spoilers so caution if you read it. I loved the end of the book the children he found building the relationship with them the Symbiot or parasite whatever you wish to call it he builds a relationship with those were amazing ideas. There was a small point in the book or I thought this is dragging on it wasn’t keeping me as entertained as I wanted it to do but then we entered into the cave system and off it went. My only caution would be careful about areas where the boat can become dull That did happen for a brief moment in this book we just stayed a little bit too long in the Glen and nothing really important seemed to be happening. I recognize it was world building and developing the system but it wasn’t as entertaining as the previous portions of the book. As I said nothings perfect so I don’t hold it against the author but since I’m writing a note to the author I have to let them now.
I just finished the book 8 and I have to give it a 10. Excellent story with an MC and a system that you see grow and that you come to understand somewhat appreciate and want more of. This is about survival for the most part at least for this book I haven’t gotten to the others and it’s not holding the MC’s hand. I don’t often see too many authors approach survival from this perspective but here it’s done wonderfully.
No I did have one I wouldn’t call it an issue but it was something I found it difficult to wrap my head around. The MC is in his 50s when he dies he wakes up as an 8 year old. No I can understand the character having to get used to a New World in magic and LITRPG mechanics. However you don’t normally see too many people in their 50s who would be familiar with these ideas existing. No there was also a time when he referred to his heritage his Latino heritage I think that could’ve been expound upon a little bit more to help us understand the ideas behind the culture or if it couldn’t have been expound upon then it should’ve been left out. I still think there’s opportunity to grow into that to show more of that so I don’t hold it as a strike against the book after all nothings perfect but I do want to know more about it.
For those who may not know the book is featured on RoyalRoad the third book in the series the first two books are on KU.
NOTE TO THE AUTHOR
Now I know some authors read their reviews and I always write a note to them this may have spoilers so caution if you read it. I loved the end of the book the children he found building the relationship with them the Symbiot or parasite whatever you wish to call it he builds a relationship with those were amazing ideas. There was a small point in the book or I thought this is dragging on it wasn’t keeping me as entertained as I wanted it to do but then we entered into the cave system and off it went. My only caution would be careful about areas where the boat can become dull That did happen for a brief moment in this book we just stayed a little bit too long in the Glen and nothing really important seemed to be happening. I recognize it was world building and developing the system but it wasn’t as entertaining as the previous portions of the book. As I said nothings perfect so I don’t hold it against the author but since I’m writing a note to the author I have to let them now.
October 27, 2023
"Eight (Eight #1)" by Samer Rabadi is a science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a complex and mysterious world. With its combination of compelling characters and intricate world-building, this book offers an engaging experience for fans of the genre.
The story introduces us to a dystopian society where individuals are assigned numerical identities rather than names. The central character, "Eight," embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging the strict and oppressive order of the world in which they live. The premise holds great promise and serves as a strong foundation for the narrative.
One of the novel's strengths is the character development. Eight is a multifaceted protagonist with a compelling mix of vulnerability and resilience. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in Eight's journey as they confront the mysteries of their world. The supporting characters also contribute depth to the story, and their interactions and relationships add authenticity to the narrative.
Rabadi's writing style is vivid and descriptive, immersing readers in the intricate world he has created. The world-building is a notable aspect of the book, as it brings to life a society with its own rules, rituals, and history. The attention to detail in crafting this dystopian world adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a captivating backdrop for the story.
The plot is filled with intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists, which keep readers engaged throughout the novel. As Eight delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding their existence, the narrative gains momentum, and the sense of urgency intensifies. The pacing is well-managed, and the plot is consistently engaging.
In conclusion, "Eight (Eight #1)" is a compelling science fiction novel that offers an immersive and thought-provoking experience. With its well-developed characters, intricate world-building, and a plot filled with mystery and suspense, this book sets the stage for an exciting series. Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction and stories of self-discovery will find "Eight" to be a rewarding and captivating read.
The story introduces us to a dystopian society where individuals are assigned numerical identities rather than names. The central character, "Eight," embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging the strict and oppressive order of the world in which they live. The premise holds great promise and serves as a strong foundation for the narrative.
One of the novel's strengths is the character development. Eight is a multifaceted protagonist with a compelling mix of vulnerability and resilience. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in Eight's journey as they confront the mysteries of their world. The supporting characters also contribute depth to the story, and their interactions and relationships add authenticity to the narrative.
Rabadi's writing style is vivid and descriptive, immersing readers in the intricate world he has created. The world-building is a notable aspect of the book, as it brings to life a society with its own rules, rituals, and history. The attention to detail in crafting this dystopian world adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a captivating backdrop for the story.
The plot is filled with intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists, which keep readers engaged throughout the novel. As Eight delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding their existence, the narrative gains momentum, and the sense of urgency intensifies. The pacing is well-managed, and the plot is consistently engaging.
In conclusion, "Eight (Eight #1)" is a compelling science fiction novel that offers an immersive and thought-provoking experience. With its well-developed characters, intricate world-building, and a plot filled with mystery and suspense, this book sets the stage for an exciting series. Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction and stories of self-discovery will find "Eight" to be a rewarding and captivating read.
December 9, 2023
It was ok, I guess. The world itself is pretty interesting and I like survival stories, but the book somehow just didn't hold my attention. It didn't help that there were parts I found weird, and other parts I just simply hated.
Good:
-Good old Don't Starve/Subnautica/Robinson Crusoe/Mysterious Island style survival,
-magical runes causing magical magic effects,
-awesome otter lady
Extremely weird:
-Uncomfortable amount of talk of excretions. The book starts by MC thinking about bowel movements, then the first real fight is caused by a dragon shitting next to MC, then he goes looking for deer pellets, then his system describes cores as soul shit, then he randomly sees a monster with the skill "flatulence", etc. There were at least 3 other instances, but my brain (thankfully) already ereased the corresponding memories. Somehow everything revolved around shitting.
Bad:
-The snarky(?) system is aweful. It sounds like what happens, when a person never had fun in their lives, didn't encounter a joke during their lifetime, and only knows about the concept of laughing because some acquantance of theirs tried explaining it to them. Now imagine that person trying to write something funny, and you get the system. It's just random references to things, then MC laughing at the unfunny thing the system said, or maybe saying "Thanks system, I appreciate the reference". It's jarring as hell.
-The MC is just bland. So is everything else. I don't know if it's the writing style or something else, but everything felt muted somehow. This can be a positive, at times it contributed to a feeling of meditative peace, but most of the time it just made me focus on the book less.
I probably won't continue with the series. It's not bad, but I didn't find it good either. It was a strong OK. Hope your experience will be better.
Good:
-Good old Don't Starve/Subnautica/Robinson Crusoe/Mysterious Island style survival,
-magical runes causing magical magic effects,
-awesome otter lady
Extremely weird:
-Uncomfortable amount of talk of excretions. The book starts by MC thinking about bowel movements, then the first real fight is caused by a dragon shitting next to MC, then he goes looking for deer pellets, then his system describes cores as soul shit, then he randomly sees a monster with the skill "flatulence", etc. There were at least 3 other instances, but my brain (thankfully) already ereased the corresponding memories. Somehow everything revolved around shitting.
Bad:
-The snarky(?) system is aweful. It sounds like what happens, when a person never had fun in their lives, didn't encounter a joke during their lifetime, and only knows about the concept of laughing because some acquantance of theirs tried explaining it to them. Now imagine that person trying to write something funny, and you get the system. It's just random references to things, then MC laughing at the unfunny thing the system said, or maybe saying "Thanks system, I appreciate the reference". It's jarring as hell.
-The MC is just bland. So is everything else. I don't know if it's the writing style or something else, but everything felt muted somehow. This can be a positive, at times it contributed to a feeling of meditative peace, but most of the time it just made me focus on the book less.
I probably won't continue with the series. It's not bad, but I didn't find it good either. It was a strong OK. Hope your experience will be better.
September 28, 2022
This book had some of the usual tropes and plot points common in Portal LitRPG. However, the execution was good. Right from the first chapter, the author weaved a nice balance between character growth, worldbuilding and tension. Add some loveable side characters and humor to the mix and you get an enjoyable read.
I've read a few litRPGs before, but this subgenre continues to surprise me in terms of how the system interface and power progression are implemented. Eight, our main character from Earth, was in his fifties before being thrown into a fantasy world with game like mechanics. His experience and knowledge of practical life skills came in handy, especially as his starting stats and physical features were not suited for survival in this world.
The magical creatures and spirits were my favorite parts of the worldbuilding. They weren't just info dumped, but organically integrated with the story. The ecosystem felt believable, instead of something like "it's a fantasy world, anything is possible".
There were a few things I don't enjoy reading (zombies for example), but overall I had fun reading this book and looking forward to the sequels.
I've read a few litRPGs before, but this subgenre continues to surprise me in terms of how the system interface and power progression are implemented. Eight, our main character from Earth, was in his fifties before being thrown into a fantasy world with game like mechanics. His experience and knowledge of practical life skills came in handy, especially as his starting stats and physical features were not suited for survival in this world.
The magical creatures and spirits were my favorite parts of the worldbuilding. They weren't just info dumped, but organically integrated with the story. The ecosystem felt believable, instead of something like "it's a fantasy world, anything is possible".
There were a few things I don't enjoy reading (zombies for example), but overall I had fun reading this book and looking forward to the sequels.
September 30, 2022
Excellent new series
Nothing not usually at the start. 60 year old man arrives in a new world In a young new body in this case though the body is only 8 years old. Awkward. I'm not sure why the author chose this young age. Maybe to avoid Any need for romance in the series but it did give a name to the MC.. Eight. Regardless it's still an incredible book. The system is a bit unique and the social structure is Different. I'm assuming we Will learn more as the Series progresses. It is a lot of fun to learn about the system along with the protagonist. Eight It's not stupid and he has played a few games before but the uniqueness of the system still makes it difficult to learn What's what. I certainly enjoyed riding with him as he discovers And delights in his new existence. And we the readers get to enjoy it as well. However that said this new world is harsh and very unforgiving. Dedication and persistence pay off but so does a healthy dose of paranoia. Eight is an awesome character with a good moral compass. And I enjoy and look forward to reading more the series In the trials and joys that Eight has to experience.
Nothing not usually at the start. 60 year old man arrives in a new world In a young new body in this case though the body is only 8 years old. Awkward. I'm not sure why the author chose this young age. Maybe to avoid Any need for romance in the series but it did give a name to the MC.. Eight. Regardless it's still an incredible book. The system is a bit unique and the social structure is Different. I'm assuming we Will learn more as the Series progresses. It is a lot of fun to learn about the system along with the protagonist. Eight It's not stupid and he has played a few games before but the uniqueness of the system still makes it difficult to learn What's what. I certainly enjoyed riding with him as he discovers And delights in his new existence. And we the readers get to enjoy it as well. However that said this new world is harsh and very unforgiving. Dedication and persistence pay off but so does a healthy dose of paranoia. Eight is an awesome character with a good moral compass. And I enjoy and look forward to reading more the series In the trials and joys that Eight has to experience.
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