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A Student Wants to Live #1
The Onset
Ich bin ein College-Student, der den Abstieg der Erde in die Hölle mit seinen eigenen Augen gesehen hat. Ein dunkles Objekt ist zur Erde gekommen und hat die Hälfte des Planeten in Zombies verwandelt. Sie leben davon, uns – Menschen – zu töten, denn jeder Mord nährt ihre Entwicklung und macht sie stärker.
Außer den Zombies gibt es auch Mutanten, mutierte Tiere. Dazu noch Monster: bizarre Kreaturen, die über enorme Stärke und beachtliche Fähigkeiten verfügen.
Levels, Fähigkeiten, bisher unbekannte Objekte … unsere Welt hat sich verändert.
Wir haben nur dann eine Chance, zu überleben, wenn wir kämpfen. Indem wir Zombies, Mutanten und Monster töten, werden nämlich auch wir stärker.
Und ich, Andrej Primus, werde der Stärkste von allen sein.
Außer den Zombies gibt es auch Mutanten, mutierte Tiere. Dazu noch Monster: bizarre Kreaturen, die über enorme Stärke und beachtliche Fähigkeiten verfügen.
Levels, Fähigkeiten, bisher unbekannte Objekte … unsere Welt hat sich verändert.
Wir haben nur dann eine Chance, zu überleben, wenn wir kämpfen. Indem wir Zombies, Mutanten und Monster töten, werden nämlich auch wir stärker.
Und ich, Andrej Primus, werde der Stärkste von allen sein.
629 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2023
532 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 16, 2023
No no no no noooooooo. This could have been such a fun story. Instead what I got was a misogynistic, ableist manifesto.
There's not a single woman mentioned in this book whose body isn't analyzed (particularly her breasts). They're all written as weaker and dumber than the men, even going so far as saying things like "do you need a girl?" and constantly having them make food for the MC. They're all written as shallow, nothing other than pretty faces, only there for the MC's pleasure and use. The MC himself is so extremely arrogant, cocky, and just overall annoying that I could barely pay attention to him.
There's also a trans character that is treated really shitty as well. He's described by his breasts, which is the way the MC treats everyone he sees as a woman. He's treated as though he should be useless and misgendered fairly often and just overall regarded with disgust from the MC.
I thought we might get some pretty cool amputee in an apocalypse representation, but that did not happen at all. He's described as less than human after losing his arm and repeatedly is in disbelief that he can do anything at all without that arm. Then they just fix it with a prosthetic that's "better than a real arm."
Almost everything in this book came away with a disgusting take and I ended up just being uncomfortable the entire time. It was extremely disappointing and I would not recommend this to literally anyone. Which is so sad because it has warned me away from litRPG and could have been so awesome for younger readers.
Thanks, I guess, to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me an early copy of the audiobook.
There's not a single woman mentioned in this book whose body isn't analyzed (particularly her breasts). They're all written as weaker and dumber than the men, even going so far as saying things like "do you need a girl?" and constantly having them make food for the MC. They're all written as shallow, nothing other than pretty faces, only there for the MC's pleasure and use. The MC himself is so extremely arrogant, cocky, and just overall annoying that I could barely pay attention to him.
There's also a trans character that is treated really shitty as well. He's described by his breasts, which is the way the MC treats everyone he sees as a woman. He's treated as though he should be useless and misgendered fairly often and just overall regarded with disgust from the MC.
I thought we might get some pretty cool amputee in an apocalypse representation, but that did not happen at all. He's described as less than human after losing his arm and repeatedly is in disbelief that he can do anything at all without that arm. Then they just fix it with a prosthetic that's "better than a real arm."
Almost everything in this book came away with a disgusting take and I ended up just being uncomfortable the entire time. It was extremely disappointing and I would not recommend this to literally anyone. Which is so sad because it has warned me away from litRPG and could have been so awesome for younger readers.
Thanks, I guess, to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me an early copy of the audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
I wanted to love this. I really did.
But the main MC was not likeable at all.
I did really like the zombies, the video game level ups, and the actual world building.
I did not like the way any non male character was portrayed.
The narration was fine, the narrator did what they could for this one, so I was able to listen and enjoy some parts of this story.
But the main MC was not likeable at all.
I did really like the zombies, the video game level ups, and the actual world building.
I did not like the way any non male character was portrayed.
The narration was fine, the narrator did what they could for this one, so I was able to listen and enjoy some parts of this story.
January 19, 2024
The Onset - A Promising Premise Hindered by Execution
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Onset by Boris Romanovsky, the first book in the "A Student Wants to Live" series, presents a compelling premise, but unfortunately falls short in its execution. The plot revolves around a student's desire to survive in a dystopian world, which holds great potential for an engaging narrative. However, several issues detract from the overall reading experience.
The plot of The Onset opens with a young student, Alex, struggling to adapt to a post-apocalyptic setting. The story follows his attempts to navigate this harsh environment while confronting various challenges and threats. The concept of a student trying to survive in a dystopian world is intriguing, as it offers an opportunity to explore themes of resilience, adaptation, and the human will to live.
Unfortunately, the novel's potential is hindered by a disjointed and meandering narrative. The plot lacks clear direction and focus, often veering off into tangential subplots that fail to contribute meaningfully to the central story. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for readers to engage with the characters or the overarching narrative. While some diversions can enrich a story, they should ideally connect with the main plot in a way that enhances the reading experience, which is not the case here.
The characters themselves also leave much to be desired. Alex's character development is minimal, and his motivations remain vague throughout the story. The supporting characters lack depth and often feel like one-dimensional plot devices rather than fully realized individuals. This makes it challenging for readers to invest emotionally in the characters' fates.
The writing style in The Onset is serviceable but lacks the depth and polish necessary to bring the story to life. The descriptions and dialogues are often straightforward and fail to create a vivid and immersive atmosphere that is crucial in a post-apocalyptic setting. This hinders the reader's ability to connect with the story on an emotional level.
In conclusion, while The Onset introduces a promising premise of a student's struggle for survival in a dystopian world, it falls short due to a disjointed plot, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of narrative cohesion. The potential for a gripping and thought-provoking tale is there, but it remains unrealized in this first installment. While some readers may appreciate the premise and the author's attempt to explore a unique angle within the dystopian genre, the overall execution leaves much to be desired.
January 19, 2023
This is my first book by this author. I believe it's a Russian translation since it's from Magic Dome books.
Andrew is a student at a university in Novosibirsk south of Siberia. He's good looking, but as a lot of guys do, he wants the girl who pays no attention to him.
A dark sphere enters Earth's orbit. It then goes into the Earth, heading toward the core. People going about their daily lives start turning into zombies, and because it's random it can happen in a house, an apartment... anywhere, really.
Andrew fights back. He kills a couple zombies and earns handheld sized spheres for his actions. The spheres hold a variety of different objects, from stat-enhancing berries to skills to weapons.
I won't spoil what happens next. The book is fine up until the 70% mark. Andrew is a decent leader as he goes around saving people in the city while fighting the undead. He develops some decent skills and becomes a bonafide zombie killer. The action is good, and while the zombies aren't the best antagonists, it's easy and fun to read.
Something changes at the sixty percent mark. Andrew's ego starts inflating, and it doesn't ever stop. He becomes so off-putting that I skipped a couple pages to get back to the action. This guy doesn't know the word humble. He expects female attention in return for skills, and he wants to name the group after him.
His core team talks him down, but just barely. I wanted to like the book. The first half while not great kept me interested enough to keep reading. The editing is just okay, which is probably a result of the Russian translation. The stats, skills, and abilities are all over the place. In the beginning he only has a few go-to moves. As he gets stronger, he adds more skills, then even more again. It got to a point where I had no idea how many skills Andrew actually has, and even worse, I didn't care.
I came really close to giving this book three stars. I'm giving it four, but I won't deny that it bothered me when the book went off the rails. For the current generation this book might be right up their alley. I'm older, and I just couldn't bring myself to agree with Andrew and the direction he takes the group.
4/5*
Andrew is a student at a university in Novosibirsk south of Siberia. He's good looking, but as a lot of guys do, he wants the girl who pays no attention to him.
A dark sphere enters Earth's orbit. It then goes into the Earth, heading toward the core. People going about their daily lives start turning into zombies, and because it's random it can happen in a house, an apartment... anywhere, really.
Andrew fights back. He kills a couple zombies and earns handheld sized spheres for his actions. The spheres hold a variety of different objects, from stat-enhancing berries to skills to weapons.
I won't spoil what happens next. The book is fine up until the 70% mark. Andrew is a decent leader as he goes around saving people in the city while fighting the undead. He develops some decent skills and becomes a bonafide zombie killer. The action is good, and while the zombies aren't the best antagonists, it's easy and fun to read.
Something changes at the sixty percent mark. Andrew's ego starts inflating, and it doesn't ever stop. He becomes so off-putting that I skipped a couple pages to get back to the action. This guy doesn't know the word humble. He expects female attention in return for skills, and he wants to name the group after him.
His core team talks him down, but just barely. I wanted to like the book. The first half while not great kept me interested enough to keep reading. The editing is just okay, which is probably a result of the Russian translation. The stats, skills, and abilities are all over the place. In the beginning he only has a few go-to moves. As he gets stronger, he adds more skills, then even more again. It got to a point where I had no idea how many skills Andrew actually has, and even worse, I didn't care.
I came really close to giving this book three stars. I'm giving it four, but I won't deny that it bothered me when the book went off the rails. For the current generation this book might be right up their alley. I'm older, and I just couldn't bring myself to agree with Andrew and the direction he takes the group.
4/5*
August 25, 2023
Not my cup of tea
I love litrpg, but this one was all over the place, both in pacing and power.
Got over the major plot points of abandonment and dismemberment super quickly, almost sociopathic in his treatment of everyone around.
The weird obsession with Elon Musk's imaginary tech was one thing, but the constant attempts at meta humor fell really flat.
"Oh, he's so stereotyped that if he was a character in a book you would hate him. Unless it was my book, then you'd have to love him!" Nope, hitting all the OP stereotypes with very lackluster combat dialog.
Even ignoring weird writing, the story constantly says everyone is wiped out, only for there to have been way more.
Or his surprise at a zombie dog, within the same chapter of killing a mutant dog pack leader, which in story would have been separated by 5 minutes.
I stuck through hoping it would get better, but the beginning was the strongest part of the story, with an absolute clusterfu** of a climatic ending attempt.
Maybe someone else will like it, but definitely not something I'll follow up on.
I love litrpg, but this one was all over the place, both in pacing and power.
Got over the major plot points of abandonment and dismemberment super quickly, almost sociopathic in his treatment of everyone around.
The weird obsession with Elon Musk's imaginary tech was one thing, but the constant attempts at meta humor fell really flat.
"Oh, he's so stereotyped that if he was a character in a book you would hate him. Unless it was my book, then you'd have to love him!" Nope, hitting all the OP stereotypes with very lackluster combat dialog.
Even ignoring weird writing, the story constantly says everyone is wiped out, only for there to have been way more.
Or his surprise at a zombie dog, within the same chapter of killing a mutant dog pack leader, which in story would have been separated by 5 minutes.
I stuck through hoping it would get better, but the beginning was the strongest part of the story, with an absolute clusterfu** of a climatic ending attempt.
Maybe someone else will like it, but definitely not something I'll follow up on.
October 24, 2023
A vile, pathetic, fantasy of a boy (the author and the MC) who desperately needs therapy.
IF you feel this book should have a rating of over 2 stars, you should seek guidance and/or therapy and/or a positive role model in your life.
Also, not the point here, but riddled with logical inconsistencies and extremely poor story planning / progression.
The near 4-star rating of this book speaks volumes about the LitRPG community - and in the process makes me a little ashamed to be a part of it.
IF you feel this book should have a rating of over 2 stars, you should seek guidance and/or therapy and/or a positive role model in your life.
Also, not the point here, but riddled with logical inconsistencies and extremely poor story planning / progression.
The near 4-star rating of this book speaks volumes about the LitRPG community - and in the process makes me a little ashamed to be a part of it.
December 18, 2022
I received a review copy of this book.
I'm not normally a zombie fan, but I have to say, this book was very well done. Plenty of action, lots of stats, an interesting leveling system, (sadly, no dragons though), and lots of beginner world building. The next book in the series promises lots of building, (one of my favorite things in LitRPG stories), so I'm looking forward to the next one for sure.
Happy to have read this one folks, if you're a end of the world type of story kind of person, you'll enjoy this one, if you're a zombie fan, you'll love this one, and if you're a fan of hard working folks just getting by, while kicking some apocalypse butt, then you'll definitely want to read this one.
I'm not normally a zombie fan, but I have to say, this book was very well done. Plenty of action, lots of stats, an interesting leveling system, (sadly, no dragons though), and lots of beginner world building. The next book in the series promises lots of building, (one of my favorite things in LitRPG stories), so I'm looking forward to the next one for sure.
Happy to have read this one folks, if you're a end of the world type of story kind of person, you'll enjoy this one, if you're a zombie fan, you'll love this one, and if you're a fan of hard working folks just getting by, while kicking some apocalypse butt, then you'll definitely want to read this one.
November 6, 2024
It started off strong, and initially, I was fine with the perspective (oggling women, the casual and probably unintentional misogyny).
I was really in it for the zombie action, the fast pace, and the unique plot (rpg style). However, it just got tiresome. When the back-patting action eclipses the zombie action, I have to skedaddle.
I was really in it for the zombie action, the fast pace, and the unique plot (rpg style). However, it just got tiresome. When the back-patting action eclipses the zombie action, I have to skedaddle.
May 14, 2023
bad gas station food
If this book were food, it would be gas station food that sends you running for the bathroom. Beyond the weird love affair with Tesla and Elon musk, so so so so so many more things just make absolutely no sense.
If this book were food, it would be gas station food that sends you running for the bathroom. Beyond the weird love affair with Tesla and Elon musk, so so so so so many more things just make absolutely no sense.
March 4, 2024
Decent idea but terrible execution. This book reads as a bad harem novel without any of the payoff. Any female characters that appeared in more than 2 scenes decided that the MC is their savior and they should be doing everything they can to make him happy. For some reason the MC is obsessed with their breast to the point you might suspect the author is a 13 year old boy.
The zombies get pretty generic, lots of Runners and Jumpers and don't forget about the invisible ones. Mutated animals become red ones and green ones. The really special monster are only unique in their absurdity, like the fat, smelly, disgusting residential advisor zombie. Don't worry though, nobody feels bad for her because she was just as fat, smelly and disgusting in real life. Oh, and she used to sexually abuse guys.
By far the worst part of the book is the MC himself. He's the strongest, most popular, and most special boy in all the world. How could anyone ever disagree with him? He flies around sitting on a giant throne wearing his crown. No matter how strong you are he can't wait to tell you how much stronger he is and why you need to just shut up and get with the program. He's literally a post apocalyptic influencer who doesn't make mistakes(because he'll just have the girls fix it in post). When he's not thinking about boobs he's thinking about how cool he looks.
The main reason I'm writing this review is because I just have to talk about my two biggest WTF moments in this book.
The first is when two very minor character appear in what I believe is their second and last scene in this book only to make out before the reveal that they're brother and sister. WHY? Such a weird and unnecessary choice that adds nothing at all. Was this a translation issue?
And the one thing I absolutely can't wrap my head around is the scene where our PROTAGONIST laments about the poor homeless man he used to see who is now a zombie. One of the girls tells him to quit joking around because apparently the PROTAGONIST used to get drunk and throw empty beer bottles at this homeless man and everyone has a good laugh. W T F? I guess it's a cultural issue because I've rarely come across a single moment that so effortlessly destroys a character.
The zombies get pretty generic, lots of Runners and Jumpers and don't forget about the invisible ones. Mutated animals become red ones and green ones. The really special monster are only unique in their absurdity, like the fat, smelly, disgusting residential advisor zombie. Don't worry though, nobody feels bad for her because she was just as fat, smelly and disgusting in real life. Oh, and she used to sexually abuse guys.
By far the worst part of the book is the MC himself. He's the strongest, most popular, and most special boy in all the world. How could anyone ever disagree with him? He flies around sitting on a giant throne wearing his crown. No matter how strong you are he can't wait to tell you how much stronger he is and why you need to just shut up and get with the program. He's literally a post apocalyptic influencer who doesn't make mistakes(because he'll just have the girls fix it in post). When he's not thinking about boobs he's thinking about how cool he looks.
The main reason I'm writing this review is because I just have to talk about my two biggest WTF moments in this book.
The first is when two very minor character appear in what I believe is their second and last scene in this book only to make out before the reveal that they're brother and sister. WHY? Such a weird and unnecessary choice that adds nothing at all. Was this a translation issue?
And the one thing I absolutely can't wrap my head around is the scene where our PROTAGONIST laments about the poor homeless man he used to see who is now a zombie. One of the girls tells him to quit joking around because apparently the PROTAGONIST used to get drunk and throw empty beer bottles at this homeless man and everyone has a good laugh. W T F? I guess it's a cultural issue because I've rarely come across a single moment that so effortlessly destroys a character.
July 4, 2023
Sadly, I have to agree with all the other reviews.
Now I've read quite a few Russian authors and their viewpoints on women in books can some times feel a bit backdated for other countries. Like the women expected to make food and listen to the men. While it is there in other books, most the time it's so slight or a comment here or there that is cringe that can be ignored. Not this book. This book nearly every other page is the MC looking at the women's breasts and commenting on them, ordering them around or just showing how the girls by mass do no fighting and support the main male hero.
I figured that most people were just very sensitive to dislike the MC due to his attitude and it couldn't be that bad. IT WAS. Nearly every internal thought was about how great he was or bad ass he looked (To himself. He literally thinks 'I looked so bad ass there' ) or how pretty some girl is. Even after he gets betrayed by a pretty girl who he liked just for her looks, he didn't learn a thing.
He also refers to girls he'd never spoken to before as "My Stacy" and things like that.
So horrible focus on neckbeard Russian Harem and Ego blown character. Ding points. Then he also seems to not even consider skills he gets and forgets them or doesn't offer them to others in his new group who might be able to use them. Skill 'Kiss of Death' Which sounds like a poison skill or something. No he instantly assumes it's a 'kissing' literal skill and forgets it. Arithmetic Magic. Does he look to combine it or use it for someone who's good at math. Nope.
All in all the Characters in this book are the worst. While the plot and story could been great and seemed a interesting system that could have been fun. The characters ruin it. Unless you are some boob crazed women are possessions person. This book probably isn't for you. If you're wanting to fantasize about being the most bad ass fedora wearing harem master of skillz, yes skills with a Z. Then this is YOUR BOOK. Congrats you found the perfect book for you. Otherwise. Run. Run from this book.
Now I've read quite a few Russian authors and their viewpoints on women in books can some times feel a bit backdated for other countries. Like the women expected to make food and listen to the men. While it is there in other books, most the time it's so slight or a comment here or there that is cringe that can be ignored. Not this book. This book nearly every other page is the MC looking at the women's breasts and commenting on them, ordering them around or just showing how the girls by mass do no fighting and support the main male hero.
I figured that most people were just very sensitive to dislike the MC due to his attitude and it couldn't be that bad. IT WAS. Nearly every internal thought was about how great he was or bad ass he looked (To himself. He literally thinks 'I looked so bad ass there' ) or how pretty some girl is. Even after he gets betrayed by a pretty girl who he liked just for her looks, he didn't learn a thing.
He also refers to girls he'd never spoken to before as "My Stacy" and things like that.
So horrible focus on neckbeard Russian Harem and Ego blown character. Ding points. Then he also seems to not even consider skills he gets and forgets them or doesn't offer them to others in his new group who might be able to use them. Skill 'Kiss of Death' Which sounds like a poison skill or something. No he instantly assumes it's a 'kissing' literal skill and forgets it. Arithmetic Magic. Does he look to combine it or use it for someone who's good at math. Nope.
All in all the Characters in this book are the worst. While the plot and story could been great and seemed a interesting system that could have been fun. The characters ruin it. Unless you are some boob crazed women are possessions person. This book probably isn't for you. If you're wanting to fantasize about being the most bad ass fedora wearing harem master of skillz, yes skills with a Z. Then this is YOUR BOOK. Congrats you found the perfect book for you. Otherwise. Run. Run from this book.
December 24, 2024
Unfortunately the story is very juvenile
The plot would be nice enough but the characters are very rudimentary and the story would need meaningful social interactions and humour to be good. It would also help if more of the tragedies that happened would be shown..
The protagonist is an immature, horny young man with sociopathic tendencies who obsesses over and comments on lady bumps all the time. He is definitely not very bright and lucky to have skilled followers to guide him all the time..
The youtube fan channel and the cringe worthy comments by his groupie combined with the protagonist's golden throne and crown make him come across as a mega poser!
Criticism and comments
I found it bizarre that the protagonist wasted so much time instead of power leveling especially as he knew better. I also his permanent snacking on the stamina berries moronic as he needed them later..
I was highly amused about 10 feet zombies walking around in buildings...
In several scenes the protagonist left dangerous but easily disposable enemies behind for no reason..
The translator confused toughness with durability.
The statement that there was nothing left for science to discover made me laugh!
The author's obsession with Elon Musk got abit out of hand for my taste..
Why would anyone need SEVERAL pianos in the post apocalypse?
The Petrovich scene is absurd given the statement of his friend that he used to throw bottles at him. It made the protagonist even less likeable.
I was disgusted by the incest for fun scene.
The plot would be nice enough but the characters are very rudimentary and the story would need meaningful social interactions and humour to be good. It would also help if more of the tragedies that happened would be shown..
The protagonist is an immature, horny young man with sociopathic tendencies who obsesses over and comments on lady bumps all the time. He is definitely not very bright and lucky to have skilled followers to guide him all the time..
The youtube fan channel and the cringe worthy comments by his groupie combined with the protagonist's golden throne and crown make him come across as a mega poser!
Criticism and comments
I found it bizarre that the protagonist wasted so much time instead of power leveling especially as he knew better. I also his permanent snacking on the stamina berries moronic as he needed them later..
I was highly amused about 10 feet zombies walking around in buildings...
In several scenes the protagonist left dangerous but easily disposable enemies behind for no reason..
The translator confused toughness with durability.
The statement that there was nothing left for science to discover made me laugh!
The author's obsession with Elon Musk got abit out of hand for my taste..
Why would anyone need SEVERAL pianos in the post apocalypse?
The Petrovich scene is absurd given the statement of his friend that he used to throw bottles at him. It made the protagonist even less likeable.
I was disgusted by the incest for fun scene.
August 7, 2024
Didn’t finish. Got through 65% though.
Tried my very best but the MC reminded me a bit of the character in He Who Fights With Monsters. Andrew was way too fixated on women and his ego surrounding them. If that aspect was removed it would probably be an okay read. Not great, but okay.
There was also a lot of Russian sensibilities and world views that I really don’t agree with, but it’s a Russian book so obviously that was expected. I could look past that, but honestly this guys arrogance was the biggest turn off.
It is possible to write confident, proud men without them being quite so…haughty. And that formula has nearly zero to do with impressing women.
Honor. Courage. Perseverance. Keeping your word. Compassion. Fidelity (in the non-romantic sense, though that also applies).
These make a character worth following. And characters that don’t have this but are working towards it are also compelling. But characters like Andrew that seem to devolve and get further away from these things is very off putting and almost juvenile.
Oh! Maybe a teen wrote this….
Anyway. This series is a pass for me.
Tried my very best but the MC reminded me a bit of the character in He Who Fights With Monsters. Andrew was way too fixated on women and his ego surrounding them. If that aspect was removed it would probably be an okay read. Not great, but okay.
There was also a lot of Russian sensibilities and world views that I really don’t agree with, but it’s a Russian book so obviously that was expected. I could look past that, but honestly this guys arrogance was the biggest turn off.
It is possible to write confident, proud men without them being quite so…haughty. And that formula has nearly zero to do with impressing women.
Honor. Courage. Perseverance. Keeping your word. Compassion. Fidelity (in the non-romantic sense, though that also applies).
These make a character worth following. And characters that don’t have this but are working towards it are also compelling. But characters like Andrew that seem to devolve and get further away from these things is very off putting and almost juvenile.
Oh! Maybe a teen wrote this….
Anyway. This series is a pass for me.
March 10, 2023
This was going to be a three star right till the end.
This is fun but has numerous issues. The characters are flat. The women are described by their level of attractiveness and one quirk, that is all they are. Three men by their power and then one quirk. The main character, well first off he is a sociopath, has a horrible sense of humor. He has no direction. The story is random and pointless because of this. He is basically an immature high school kid, not sure of his age but that is his level of mentality. If you go at this for a fun, random ride with no point, then it is okay. Not good, just okay.
This is fun but has numerous issues. The characters are flat. The women are described by their level of attractiveness and one quirk, that is all they are. Three men by their power and then one quirk. The main character, well first off he is a sociopath, has a horrible sense of humor. He has no direction. The story is random and pointless because of this. He is basically an immature high school kid, not sure of his age but that is his level of mentality. If you go at this for a fun, random ride with no point, then it is okay. Not good, just okay.
August 6, 2023
This wasn't too bad.
I didn't like how the protagonist didn't really describe the zombies at the beginning. So it was kind of hard to imagine them just killing their former classmates.
If the zombies immediately turned putrid, I could understand, but they have to be pretty hardcore to just start killing like that.
I didn't like how this turned into some apocalypse twitch novel subplot, with everyone streaming on the internet. I got some serious Play to Live Vibes from it. I'm willing to read the sequel.
3/5 Stars
I didn't like how the protagonist didn't really describe the zombies at the beginning. So it was kind of hard to imagine them just killing their former classmates.
If the zombies immediately turned putrid, I could understand, but they have to be pretty hardcore to just start killing like that.
I didn't like how this turned into some apocalypse twitch novel subplot, with everyone streaming on the internet. I got some serious Play to Live Vibes from it. I'm willing to read the sequel.
3/5 Stars
February 11, 2025
Book 1 of the A Student Wants to Live series. As with a lot of books in this genre, this feels written for the early college crowd. Overall, the writing is fine and there are plenty of discoveries and changes that allow the “game” world to feel huge. This novel is set in Russia, which makes sense for the writer. Overall, a strong beginning, but there are definite complexities with the branching out play styles that will be interesting to see how they are juggle moving forward. The adult content isn’t horrible, but there is definitely enough that I would recommend a mature audience. I did enjoy this one and will continue with the series.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
June 6, 2023
okay
I actually quite enjoy this it was so ridiculous it was entertaining ,it's very much a YA book with a cast of kids , Andrew the MC is a misogynistic narcissist who has delusions of grandeur , he's fortunate to be surrounded by competent allies as he's not the sharpest tack in the box , his habit of describing the physical attributes of every female he meets is almost as annoying as his envy of everybody who has a skill he likes of doesn't understand , I'll give book two a go for laughs.
I actually quite enjoy this it was so ridiculous it was entertaining ,it's very much a YA book with a cast of kids , Andrew the MC is a misogynistic narcissist who has delusions of grandeur , he's fortunate to be surrounded by competent allies as he's not the sharpest tack in the box , his habit of describing the physical attributes of every female he meets is almost as annoying as his envy of everybody who has a skill he likes of doesn't understand , I'll give book two a go for laughs.
April 30, 2024
what did I just read?
Where to begin? This book was all gas and no brake and not in a good way. It kept throwing characters at me without explaining them very well and then reintroducing them as side characters but I couldn’t remember who they were. Most of the battles couldn’t really be followed because of too much happening and nothing taking more than a few paragraphs. It’s a good premise but the writing was torture and I could barely make it through. There really isn’t much world building either, it was just go time from the beginning.
Where to begin? This book was all gas and no brake and not in a good way. It kept throwing characters at me without explaining them very well and then reintroducing them as side characters but I couldn’t remember who they were. Most of the battles couldn’t really be followed because of too much happening and nothing taking more than a few paragraphs. It’s a good premise but the writing was torture and I could barely make it through. There really isn’t much world building either, it was just go time from the beginning.
July 28, 2024
Great start to a series.
I tend to love LitRPG books when we’ll written and this series is really good. I’m glad this got translated because it’s definitely a worthwhile read.
I like the plot points and the way the characters are developing. You also get multi-pov which is actually super helpful to learn about various characters that are existing in the backgrounds. This book definitely makes you want to read the next ones. And Andrew/Benedict is written in a way that actually seems believable.
I tend to love LitRPG books when we’ll written and this series is really good. I’m glad this got translated because it’s definitely a worthwhile read.
I like the plot points and the way the characters are developing. You also get multi-pov which is actually super helpful to learn about various characters that are existing in the backgrounds. This book definitely makes you want to read the next ones. And Andrew/Benedict is written in a way that actually seems believable.
January 23, 2023
KU Review
Pretty intense and non-stop. But also full of humor and downright silliness. Fun read. The apocalypse system is pretty interesting but it feels like there was always too much happening to really delve into the specifics.
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.
Pretty intense and non-stop. But also full of humor and downright silliness. Fun read. The apocalypse system is pretty interesting but it feels like there was always too much happening to really delve into the specifics.
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.
January 31, 2023
So Disappointing
The main character has so much potential but comes with the biggest Savior complex that ruins the story. Doesn't matter if it is his secret school girl crush, his childhood girl buddy, or any other girl with boobs... the second they do a pouty little sad sigh... the so called hero responds with what's between his legs runs off to save the day. Could not finish the story.... HORRIBLE!
The main character has so much potential but comes with the biggest Savior complex that ruins the story. Doesn't matter if it is his secret school girl crush, his childhood girl buddy, or any other girl with boobs... the second they do a pouty little sad sigh... the so called hero responds with what's between his legs runs off to save the day. Could not finish the story.... HORRIBLE!
April 16, 2023
Woah....okay, for real, if we get the zombie apocalypse, I kinda want this one. Real life with video game capabilities and stats? Item drops? Performance attributes, level ups? Sign me up!!!
All except the freakin' mutant rats and zombie rats.
That sh+t can stay far the heck away!
Enjoyed this as an audiobook. Have a feeling all the game stat updates would be super annoying in print. Tended to get lengthy at some points. Also, the narrator sounds like Jesse Eisenberg and I loved it.
All except the freakin' mutant rats and zombie rats.
That sh+t can stay far the heck away!
Enjoyed this as an audiobook. Have a feeling all the game stat updates would be super annoying in print. Tended to get lengthy at some points. Also, the narrator sounds like Jesse Eisenberg and I loved it.
February 1, 2023
great world, great system, butttt
Like I stated loved the world and the system, all fun and different enough to keep things interesting. However some of the characters are either abrasive or down right unlikable. For me I find myself disliking the Mc through out 60% of his dialogue but it was still enjoyable enough that I want to see how book 2 plays out!
Like I stated loved the world and the system, all fun and different enough to keep things interesting. However some of the characters are either abrasive or down right unlikable. For me I find myself disliking the Mc through out 60% of his dialogue but it was still enjoyable enough that I want to see how book 2 plays out!
February 3, 2023
Every females breasts are described.
Author is super one track. It’s the apocalypse but he will describe every pair of breasts every time it comes on scene. Except for the last fight scene. Fix this and it’s a three star. Plot development seems a bit weak to me but maybe it’s a cultural difference in taste.
Author is super one track. It’s the apocalypse but he will describe every pair of breasts every time it comes on scene. Except for the last fight scene. Fix this and it’s a three star. Plot development seems a bit weak to me but maybe it’s a cultural difference in taste.
April 19, 2023
This wasn’t bad by any means. I liked the video game style action and the zombies were cool. There were just parts that didn’t seem well executed. The narrator was great. I don’t know if I’ll continue the series. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2023
I think the most important thing to convey is how amazing the world-building was. It's such a wonderful universe to create in such a limited amount of time.
Is the main character a little annoying? Yeah. He's a weeb, and his objectification of women makes me uncomfortable. However, he's still somehow likable. There's nothing amazing about him. He's just a dude.
Overall, a pretty good book.
Is the main character a little annoying? Yeah. He's a weeb, and his objectification of women makes me uncomfortable. However, he's still somehow likable. There's nothing amazing about him. He's just a dude.
Overall, a pretty good book.
August 31, 2023
Fair warning: The MC just gets more annoying with every Chapter of this book, all the girls want to sleep with him and he thinks he is just the best thing that has ever graced earth. Barely managed to finish this book. Sad, because the setting seemed interesting, but I cannot endure this MC any longer.
February 18, 2024
The young will survive
A young college age man gets caught in a zombie apocalypse, and it is just trying to survive. His first group throws him to a monster, but he gets stronger because of this and starts his own group with his childhood friend. I liked how he treats his people, strong but fair, for the most part, but harsh when he needs to be. I am ready for book 2.
A young college age man gets caught in a zombie apocalypse, and it is just trying to survive. His first group throws him to a monster, but he gets stronger because of this and starts his own group with his childhood friend. I liked how he treats his people, strong but fair, for the most part, but harsh when he needs to be. I am ready for book 2.
June 14, 2024
Horrible- Do Not Recommend
I’m not sure if the challenge is with the writing alone or influenced because it’s a translation. This book had some interesting game aspects but it was dismissive to women, queer-phobic, and juvenile. I could not finish as it just made me feel “ick” the entire time.
I’m not sure if the challenge is with the writing alone or influenced because it’s a translation. This book had some interesting game aspects but it was dismissive to women, queer-phobic, and juvenile. I could not finish as it just made me feel “ick” the entire time.
January 20, 2023
Interesting concept and system
Very typically Russian author, with all the Russian male author tropes of every other Russian male author.
All that aside.
It's pretty well written and translated?
The system and story are interesting along with the basic concept.
Very typically Russian author, with all the Russian male author tropes of every other Russian male author.
All that aside.
It's pretty well written and translated?
The system and story are interesting along with the basic concept.
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