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The Weight of It All #3
Everwood (The Weight Of It All): A LitRPG Fantasy Adventure
Into the Everwood, Prep's Dungeon Dive is here! Closing towards the end of Prep, Terrence and his team are now working harder than ever to Rank Up and progress in their Affinities.
When an old acquaintance decides to stand in their way, will the team be able to deal with the threat? Packs of monsters will stand in their way, but will their fellow students be their most significant burden to overcome?
For Tom and his group, the death of their friend is only the beginning. They're ready to leave the Dungeon for good, but will the Dungeon let them?
Will Omar, the leader of the expedition?
Find out in the latest installment of 'The Weight Of It All,' Everwood.
When an old acquaintance decides to stand in their way, will the team be able to deal with the threat? Packs of monsters will stand in their way, but will their fellow students be their most significant burden to overcome?
For Tom and his group, the death of their friend is only the beginning. They're ready to leave the Dungeon for good, but will the Dungeon let them?
Will Omar, the leader of the expedition?
Find out in the latest installment of 'The Weight Of It All,' Everwood.
314 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 14, 2025
Everwood is the third book in JJ Thorn’s The Weight of It All series, and it continues Terrence’s journey through growth, challenges, and survival in a world shaped by affinities and dungeons. The stakes are higher than ever as Terrence and his friends train, test their limits, and face both monsters and rival students in order to keep moving forward.
What really stood out to me were the chapters with Tom (Terrence’s uncle) and his party in the dungeon. Those sections were packed with tense, creative encounters and really showed how dangerous and unpredictable the dungeon can be. The difficult situations they had to overcome were some of my favorite scenes.
Another huge highlight for me was seeing how Terrence keeps coming up with new ideas for his and his friends’ affinities. The creativity in problem-solving, experimenting with powers, and finding unexpected ways to push past limits is exactly what I love in progression fantasy.
This series just keeps getting better, and Everwood delivers on all fronts — character growth, action, dungeon tension, and plenty of clever affinity work.
What really stood out to me were the chapters with Tom (Terrence’s uncle) and his party in the dungeon. Those sections were packed with tense, creative encounters and really showed how dangerous and unpredictable the dungeon can be. The difficult situations they had to overcome were some of my favorite scenes.
Another huge highlight for me was seeing how Terrence keeps coming up with new ideas for his and his friends’ affinities. The creativity in problem-solving, experimenting with powers, and finding unexpected ways to push past limits is exactly what I love in progression fantasy.
This series just keeps getting better, and Everwood delivers on all fronts — character growth, action, dungeon tension, and plenty of clever affinity work.
June 9, 2021
Trudging along step by step day by day
4.5 Stars
So we get to see the story continue we get to watch the main protagonist grow further and they finally into their first dungeon. The action sequences are great for the story even the schooling let’s call it sequences are great for the story. I only have one issue progression. In three books it doesn’t seem like the story is really progressing fast enough. Especially with how we are introduced to other characters who have spent years and I do mean years growing and developing. The interlude branch of the story follows a relative of the main character who has spent years developing how are we going to see this type of development in the main character if it is taking us three books to progress only a few steps. How many books would we have to read before the main character reaches any rank in general let alone the low rank of his relative. My point is the story is progressing but it’s a slow pace when you really step back and look at things. We do see the story fast forward a month in this book a few weeks here a few weeks there during the interlude we see it jump far ahead now the timelines don’t match up with the main character but we see it’s possible to jump really far ahead hopefully we’ll see some of that in the next few books. However overall great story I love the premise I hope we get to see the main character and his friends do something truly new and unexpected for this universe. Perhaps something that will allow them to advance farther or faster than those before them.
4.5 Stars
So we get to see the story continue we get to watch the main protagonist grow further and they finally into their first dungeon. The action sequences are great for the story even the schooling let’s call it sequences are great for the story. I only have one issue progression. In three books it doesn’t seem like the story is really progressing fast enough. Especially with how we are introduced to other characters who have spent years and I do mean years growing and developing. The interlude branch of the story follows a relative of the main character who has spent years developing how are we going to see this type of development in the main character if it is taking us three books to progress only a few steps. How many books would we have to read before the main character reaches any rank in general let alone the low rank of his relative. My point is the story is progressing but it’s a slow pace when you really step back and look at things. We do see the story fast forward a month in this book a few weeks here a few weeks there during the interlude we see it jump far ahead now the timelines don’t match up with the main character but we see it’s possible to jump really far ahead hopefully we’ll see some of that in the next few books. However overall great story I love the premise I hope we get to see the main character and his friends do something truly new and unexpected for this universe. Perhaps something that will allow them to advance farther or faster than those before them.
November 12, 2022
This is a review for The Weight of it All 1-5 as I read them back to back.
This book is a mix of standard Lit RPG / magic school tropes with a somewhat unique magic system. The main character gets an unusual, and seemingly useless magic power during his age groups 'touch the magic crystal' er 'touch the statue' day. Weight, which lets him see the weight of stuff. Immediately, anyone familiar with things like this will suspect this is a prelude to some sort of gravity/density manipulation magic which will be extremely powerful.
It's all pretty good but a little too predictable and tropey. I probably will continue on though.
This book is a mix of standard Lit RPG / magic school tropes with a somewhat unique magic system. The main character gets an unusual, and seemingly useless magic power during his age groups 'touch the magic crystal' er 'touch the statue' day. Weight, which lets him see the weight of stuff. Immediately, anyone familiar with things like this will suspect this is a prelude to some sort of gravity/density manipulation magic which will be extremely powerful.
It's all pretty good but a little too predictable and tropey. I probably will continue on though.
November 25, 2021
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
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. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: very good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Summary: the humanity and likability of the MC and his friends is what makes this a good read
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
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. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: very good
Game elements: minimal
Harem elements: none
Summary: the humanity and likability of the MC and his friends is what makes this a good read
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
July 14, 2021
Coming of age
Not a “Cather in the Rye” for sure. But the trilogy does move VERY slowly towards an end. I see other writers in the group have taken it up. I have not read any of those stories and doubt that I will.
I have written before about the poor editing these books get, same word repeated 2 or more times in one sentence, words dropped, etc. Just a poor job in general. At least I hope it is the fault of the editor and not the writer.
As for the story itself it takes so long to get from Terrence’s house to the Prep school, and an interminable time to get through all the thoughts in his head, and then to the action of killing monsters which you can see coming tens of pages away.
This book MAY be ok for preteens, but I am a bit concerned about poor writing habits they could pick up.
Not a “Cather in the Rye” for sure. But the trilogy does move VERY slowly towards an end. I see other writers in the group have taken it up. I have not read any of those stories and doubt that I will.
I have written before about the poor editing these books get, same word repeated 2 or more times in one sentence, words dropped, etc. Just a poor job in general. At least I hope it is the fault of the editor and not the writer.
As for the story itself it takes so long to get from Terrence’s house to the Prep school, and an interminable time to get through all the thoughts in his head, and then to the action of killing monsters which you can see coming tens of pages away.
This book MAY be ok for preteens, but I am a bit concerned about poor writing habits they could pick up.
June 9, 2021
By far my favourite book of the series so far.
I started reading this series on a recommendation of a friend and I've been really excited to read about how the MC grows his affinity as each book comes out, and I love how the author is coming up with interesting new ways of interpreting how he can do so. We're introduced to more fights and dungeons and the action is a lot heavier in this book along with what I felt were some surprising moments that really draw you in as a reader. I look forward to seeing how things continue to progress for all the characters as the series only continues to get better and more action packed! Great third book.
I started reading this series on a recommendation of a friend and I've been really excited to read about how the MC grows his affinity as each book comes out, and I love how the author is coming up with interesting new ways of interpreting how he can do so. We're introduced to more fights and dungeons and the action is a lot heavier in this book along with what I felt were some surprising moments that really draw you in as a reader. I look forward to seeing how things continue to progress for all the characters as the series only continues to get better and more action packed! Great third book.
June 10, 2021
Good read slow burn
This series has a slower burn to it that works well with the pacing in the story. It has an interesting concept in the main characters emphasis on changing the weight of himself and able to view the weight of others - and is presenting hints about how his abilities may grow in time that are fascinating. I hope I get to see more of it in later books - lots of fun set up here with some fun pay offs on previous books as well.
This series has a slower burn to it that works well with the pacing in the story. It has an interesting concept in the main characters emphasis on changing the weight of himself and able to view the weight of others - and is presenting hints about how his abilities may grow in time that are fascinating. I hope I get to see more of it in later books - lots of fun set up here with some fun pay offs on previous books as well.
July 23, 2021
Excellent coming of age litrpg!
I picked this book up on a whim, and I am so happy I did. The MC is believable and develops well in the book. The action is well paced, with the fights show casing both a character still learning and a character well into his career.
The daily development of Tom and his team is a fantastic counterpoint to Ren and his team of beginers. I eagerly await book 4!
I picked this book up on a whim, and I am so happy I did. The MC is believable and develops well in the book. The action is well paced, with the fights show casing both a character still learning and a character well into his career.
The daily development of Tom and his team is a fantastic counterpoint to Ren and his team of beginers. I eagerly await book 4!
August 13, 2024
The end of this book was in a much more logical place, for both Tom and Terrence, than the first two books.
It seems like a lot of the actions that happened in the 2nd half of this book ought to have repercussions.
I'm also curious if there's any significance to the male Fox heir being missing from that particular scene - will we learn in the future where they went or was that just a thing that happened?
It seems like a lot of the actions that happened in the 2nd half of this book ought to have repercussions.
I'm also curious if there's any significance to the male Fox heir being missing from that particular scene - will we learn in the future where they went or was that just a thing that happened?
June 15, 2021
Improved
The author's writing skills have begun to improve and the plot and litrpg aspects are still enjoyable. My only concern is that I cannot see an end to the book, the main character is clearly meant to go high but that will take tens of books with the current pace. I just hope that the author still has the ending in mind so that the book doesn't drag on and on.
The author's writing skills have begun to improve and the plot and litrpg aspects are still enjoyable. My only concern is that I cannot see an end to the book, the main character is clearly meant to go high but that will take tens of books with the current pace. I just hope that the author still has the ending in mind so that the book doesn't drag on and on.
July 27, 2021
Good
Not amazing, not brilliant, but I’ll read the next one for sure. The story works reasonably well. The weaving of the plot lines is a bit awkward since they are not yet connected. Presumably the next book will help. It seemed to end about four chapters too soon. All in all, good book.
Not amazing, not brilliant, but I’ll read the next one for sure. The story works reasonably well. The weaving of the plot lines is a bit awkward since they are not yet connected. Presumably the next book will help. It seemed to end about four chapters too soon. All in all, good book.
December 21, 2021
And I am done with this series.
These are getting progressively worse. The story is just so forced. The combat is ridiculous. The school is abysmal. The funny idea for the MC's progression is no longer interesting, it is just boring and unbelievable. The interlude sections just seem pointless.
These are getting progressively worse. The story is just so forced. The combat is ridiculous. The school is abysmal. The funny idea for the MC's progression is no longer interesting, it is just boring and unbelievable. The interlude sections just seem pointless.
December 22, 2021
The overall writing was fun but if I thought the MC’s progression was meager in the previous books it felt almost nonexistent in this one.
It’s sad I enjoyed the other much smaller POV of his uncle than the main storyline.
The actual story of these three books should have been condensed into one book.
It’s sad I enjoyed the other much smaller POV of his uncle than the main storyline.
The actual story of these three books should have been condensed into one book.
June 9, 2021
Great third book
We see the characters advance and grow and learn more about them.
The advancement is great and I like the fact that they are good at what they do but not overpowered.
We see the characters advance and grow and learn more about them.
The advancement is great and I like the fact that they are good at what they do but not overpowered.
June 15, 2021
Still enjoying this full speed ride of a story.
Still enjoying this full speed ride of a story. Love the thinking mans progression of a unique ability as Ren makes his way in his world.
Still enjoying this full speed ride of a story. Love the thinking mans progression of a unique ability as Ren makes his way in his world.
June 15, 2021
It’s really a 3.5
Very slow progression the MC is honestly kind of forgettable we are three books in and nothing had really progressed. I’m not sure but I think the author regrets the heavy gift because it rarely is s
Used.
Very slow progression the MC is honestly kind of forgettable we are three books in and nothing had really progressed. I’m not sure but I think the author regrets the heavy gift because it rarely is s
Used.
July 17, 2021
People have realistic reactions
In this book people don’t just get over things right away and while the drive for the plot is simple it is very steady and realistic for kid his age. I love the book and recommend it to you.
In this book people don’t just get over things right away and while the drive for the plot is simple it is very steady and realistic for kid his age. I love the book and recommend it to you.
August 29, 2021
Good progression
This book has done good progression of both abilities and characters. The stage had been set for a big event and it leaves you wanting to pick up the next book immediately
This book has done good progression of both abilities and characters. The stage had been set for a big event and it leaves you wanting to pick up the next book immediately
April 19, 2022
A students dream of becoming a dungeon fighter
The end of prep school is ending it's second semester free of charge, students dungeon dive professors support, tournament finals to see whose the best in that semester overall . recommend reading excellent series.
The end of prep school is ending it's second semester free of charge, students dungeon dive professors support, tournament finals to see whose the best in that semester overall . recommend reading excellent series.
April 25, 2022
Can’t finish.
39% and I’m bored to tears. The plot so far is very predictable and dare I say boring.
The protagonist is a country bumpkin one dimensional parody of all litrpgs.
Every aspect of the magic system is difficult and boring. The bad guys typically and boring.
This series is awful.
39% and I’m bored to tears. The plot so far is very predictable and dare I say boring.
The protagonist is a country bumpkin one dimensional parody of all litrpgs.
Every aspect of the magic system is difficult and boring. The bad guys typically and boring.
This series is awful.
November 9, 2023
Purchased this edition on November 1, 2023, from Amazon for free. Before the Collapse (The Weight Of It All Omnibus, Books 1-3): A LitRPG Fantasy and Academy Adventure. Excellent RPG type of story line with a good story line and great characters.
February 12, 2025
Nice continuation.
This story, while not amazing, is still a decent one. The character progression is a little slow at times, but that just makes it more realistic. I would recommend this series as an introduction to the genre, but don't hope for a lot of excitement.
This story, while not amazing, is still a decent one. The character progression is a little slow at times, but that just makes it more realistic. I would recommend this series as an introduction to the genre, but don't hope for a lot of excitement.
June 9, 2021
Good
I enjoyed the slow progression and the world building. I still think the series should have been better as a webnovel/patreon series but I still enjoyed it.
I enjoyed the slow progression and the world building. I still think the series should have been better as a webnovel/patreon series but I still enjoyed it.
August 6, 2021
Good
Continues the story and the characters personal development nicely. I look like the choices Ren makes for his fighting style should be good.
Continues the story and the characters personal development nicely. I look like the choices Ren makes for his fighting style should be good.
October 25, 2021
Excellent Series
This story of a young man going to school to become a dungeoneer after getting a weird super power was a very entertaining read.
This story of a young man going to school to become a dungeoneer after getting a weird super power was a very entertaining read.
January 26, 2022
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
January 28, 2022
great book
Best yet for this book series. I love how the story is progressing and can’t wait to start the next book
Best yet for this book series. I love how the story is progressing and can’t wait to start the next book
May 17, 2022
This series is progressing quite nicely. Not as much palace intrigue as I would have assumed by this point, that's probably a good thing. 👍🏾👍🏾
February 28, 2023
Everwood
I liked these books. I read all of them before I started to give a review. All the books had great action and characterisation. I enjoyed the plot line.
I liked these books. I read all of them before I started to give a review. All the books had great action and characterisation. I enjoyed the plot line.
September 28, 2026
Writing style: 3/5
Genre: 5/5
Pace : 5/5
Hook : 4/5
Ending : 5/5
Over All : 4.4 5
I did really like this one excited to see where the story goes.
Genre: 5/5
Pace : 5/5
Hook : 4/5
Ending : 5/5
Over All : 4.4 5
I did really like this one excited to see where the story goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews