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The Calamitous Bob #3
The Death Path
Kazar has fallen. All that is left of the border city is a caravan of refugees skirting the edge of the deadlands and the dangers that lurk there. The situation is grim but Viv is not done for. The Kazarans are alive and looking for revenge, and Viv? She has all the tools to provide it.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 31, 2023
Kind of tedious.
That's sort of impressive for something with two pitched battles, a few other big fights, and the discovery of a magic no one thought could be done on Nyil. This book has its moments (mostly to do with Arthur), but overall it consists of a few set piece battles which are lacklustre at best, strapped together with a lot of mundanity. You can sort of tell when the author thought things were getting too boring: suddenly there's a boss fight for no other reason than that nothing's happened for three chapters. This book starts out mundane, continues to be mostly boring, and then ends incredibly abruptly for no apparent reason.
This book's pet peeve is 'traits.' "You use that word a lot. I do not think it means what you think it means." What does the author think a trait is. It seems like it's some facial feature. I've been wondering for three books, but this time 'her traits were emaciated' came up and I have no idea what that's supposed to mean! To make matters worse, English got traits as a lone word from French, so it's not like the author can be misunderstanding what a trait is. If anyone can explain this to me, please do.
I don't think I'll be reading the next book any time soon. It feels like the author has got a bit bored of writing the web series. The earlier books handled combat well and had more humour. This one is just kind of tedious.
That's sort of impressive for something with two pitched battles, a few other big fights, and the discovery of a magic no one thought could be done on Nyil. This book has its moments (mostly to do with Arthur), but overall it consists of a few set piece battles which are lacklustre at best, strapped together with a lot of mundanity. You can sort of tell when the author thought things were getting too boring: suddenly there's a boss fight for no other reason than that nothing's happened for three chapters. This book starts out mundane, continues to be mostly boring, and then ends incredibly abruptly for no apparent reason.
This book's pet peeve is 'traits.' "You use that word a lot. I do not think it means what you think it means." What does the author think a trait is. It seems like it's some facial feature. I've been wondering for three books, but this time 'her traits were emaciated' came up and I have no idea what that's supposed to mean! To make matters worse, English got traits as a lone word from French, so it's not like the author can be misunderstanding what a trait is. If anyone can explain this to me, please do.
I don't think I'll be reading the next book any time soon. It feels like the author has got a bit bored of writing the web series. The earlier books handled combat well and had more humour. This one is just kind of tedious.
December 27, 2024
This was another enjoyable volume, though one without a singular sense of climax compared to the previous two.
While I have no complaints about the pacing, this was the first volume that reminded me that the story was originally a serial. The plot was mostly bridging the aftereffects of Book 2's conclusion and connecting it to the wider geopolitical issues and the trouble likely coming in Book 4.
In the meantime, this volume expands what we know of the magic by introducing a bit more info on paths as well as showing Viv develop her magic skills further. We also get a bit more info on some of the pantheon and their influence.
All in all, I don't have a lot to say about this one. I enjoyed it as I was reading it, but there weren't really any standalone highlights. It was a steady development of plot, setting, and character. As far as table-setting books go, this one still felt pretty good as we constantly got introduced to new characters or information. I'm looking forward to where the next book takes things.
While I have no complaints about the pacing, this was the first volume that reminded me that the story was originally a serial. The plot was mostly bridging the aftereffects of Book 2's conclusion and connecting it to the wider geopolitical issues and the trouble likely coming in Book 4.
In the meantime, this volume expands what we know of the magic by introducing a bit more info on paths as well as showing Viv develop her magic skills further. We also get a bit more info on some of the pantheon and their influence.
All in all, I don't have a lot to say about this one. I enjoyed it as I was reading it, but there weren't really any standalone highlights. It was a steady development of plot, setting, and character. As far as table-setting books go, this one still felt pretty good as we constantly got introduced to new characters or information. I'm looking forward to where the next book takes things.
May 29, 2024
Well-written LitRPG!
It is unfortunate when series come from RoyalRoad which are poorly paced, poorly written, and either slightly-to-terribly misogynistic.
But not so with The Calamitous Bob!
An excellent series that follows a female MC, The Calamitous Bob is a tale filled with goodness, inclusivity, and the cutest dragon. (All Hail Arthur!)
The third book continues the trend and I continue to highly recommend!
It is unfortunate when series come from RoyalRoad which are poorly paced, poorly written, and either slightly-to-terribly misogynistic.
But not so with The Calamitous Bob!
An excellent series that follows a female MC, The Calamitous Bob is a tale filled with goodness, inclusivity, and the cutest dragon. (All Hail Arthur!)
The third book continues the trend and I continue to highly recommend!
October 11, 2025
While the initial book were a bit more focused, this one just.. isn't. It's a somewhat interesting story told in an exceedingly boring way if that makes sense.
At a high level I think that the issue is of depth... This book doesn't really dive into ANY topic at depth and instead dabbles in every topic shallowly. Examples?
● Every few chapters Viv seems to get a power-up, but the actual training is off-screened 90% of the time. No real details are given for Viv's new understanding of magic or how it works.
● The character motivations and rational has been slowly dissolving over the books, and there really isn't an end goal here besides "Prince bad/retribution". Viv has never expressed an interest in being a leader, yet she becomes one and seems to just roll with it....
● Outside of motivations, the characters personalities seem to have solidified and there is no real growth happening for anyone besides the pet, and the dragons growth is mostly there for comedic relief.
● Politics plays a big part of the story in this book, but talking about politics is generally avoided and the MC mostly delegates or off-screens it. Which is exactly the opposite of how political intrigue concepts work. The result is just mediocre hand-waving that is boring to read.
I have more complaints, but I'm just gonna end it with this... The book is fine, but does not excel in any particular area.
At a high level I think that the issue is of depth... This book doesn't really dive into ANY topic at depth and instead dabbles in every topic shallowly. Examples?
● Every few chapters Viv seems to get a power-up, but the actual training is off-screened 90% of the time. No real details are given for Viv's new understanding of magic or how it works.
● The character motivations and rational has been slowly dissolving over the books, and there really isn't an end goal here besides "Prince bad/retribution". Viv has never expressed an interest in being a leader, yet she becomes one and seems to just roll with it....
● Outside of motivations, the characters personalities seem to have solidified and there is no real growth happening for anyone besides the pet, and the dragons growth is mostly there for comedic relief.
● Politics plays a big part of the story in this book, but talking about politics is generally avoided and the MC mostly delegates or off-screens it. Which is exactly the opposite of how political intrigue concepts work. The result is just mediocre hand-waving that is boring to read.
I have more complaints, but I'm just gonna end it with this... The book is fine, but does not excel in any particular area.
October 12, 2026
I start my reviews at three stars. This was book 200 for 2026
I enjoyed the first two books, both 4 stars, and enjoyed this one. Although, it took me a minute to get into the flow. I think it's because I transitioned from audible to kindle for this book because it was looking like the rest of the series was never going to be recorded (after I bought this book, they of course did do so for at least a couple of more). I'm not sure if it was the space between reads or the switch in format, but it was slow going at first.
It's a good story with a solid lead. The motivations are all clear and she keeps her focus on what can be done and pushes 'wants to do' down the road. Not terrible system stuff stays mostly in the background, although it pops its head up from time to time. But it doesn't hurt the story and the system doesn't make you wonder why things are happening or why something is possible, etc. Decent to good support characters, who doesn't like a baby dragon after all.
Sometimes things get brought up, sort of looked at, and then dropped, the transitions can be strange when that happens. Hard to tell if it's just an insignificant therefore we won't deal with it thing or just a missed opportunity or the author just didn't pick it back up. Seeing it in text form made it more obvious that the author just sort of has that style.
We finally have the series name get used/explained.
Still, a solid book for a solid series.
I enjoyed the first two books, both 4 stars, and enjoyed this one. Although, it took me a minute to get into the flow. I think it's because I transitioned from audible to kindle for this book because it was looking like the rest of the series was never going to be recorded (after I bought this book, they of course did do so for at least a couple of more). I'm not sure if it was the space between reads or the switch in format, but it was slow going at first.
It's a good story with a solid lead. The motivations are all clear and she keeps her focus on what can be done and pushes 'wants to do' down the road. Not terrible system stuff stays mostly in the background, although it pops its head up from time to time. But it doesn't hurt the story and the system doesn't make you wonder why things are happening or why something is possible, etc. Decent to good support characters, who doesn't like a baby dragon after all.
Sometimes things get brought up, sort of looked at, and then dropped, the transitions can be strange when that happens. Hard to tell if it's just an insignificant therefore we won't deal with it thing or just a missed opportunity or the author just didn't pick it back up. Seeing it in text form made it more obvious that the author just sort of has that style.
We finally have the series name get used/explained.
Still, a solid book for a solid series.
November 30, 2022
uninteresting magic system
Her magic is a little too boring. What started as a potentially interesting magic system and world has grown stale. For a world where everyone has at least some magic, we see very little of it. To make matters worst, all the MC can do is destroy stuff. The author hinted at other uses and aspects of her power ( you see it for healing) but ultimately her magic is lame. It’s not even offset by interesting magics around her. Kudos to the author for keeping her progression realistic, but it’s honestly not enough to entertain.
Her magic is a little too boring. What started as a potentially interesting magic system and world has grown stale. For a world where everyone has at least some magic, we see very little of it. To make matters worst, all the MC can do is destroy stuff. The author hinted at other uses and aspects of her power ( you see it for healing) but ultimately her magic is lame. It’s not even offset by interesting magics around her. Kudos to the author for keeping her progression realistic, but it’s honestly not enough to entertain.
December 4, 2023
4.5 stars
Really enjoyed this installment. I think this is definitely my favorite series that has done the lit-rpg sort of slowly gaining more power and influence as we go style of book. The writing gets better and more engaging in my opinion with every book. The pacing is a bit wobbly at times but I enjoy the characters every time I read more about them (especially Solfis) so it doesn't bother me as much. Still love this author's work so so much
Really enjoyed this installment. I think this is definitely my favorite series that has done the lit-rpg sort of slowly gaining more power and influence as we go style of book. The writing gets better and more engaging in my opinion with every book. The pacing is a bit wobbly at times but I enjoy the characters every time I read more about them (especially Solfis) so it doesn't bother me as much. Still love this author's work so so much
October 28, 2023
Great
This was another great addition to the series that I very much enjoyed, and I’m really curious on how the main character will grow in both power and skill. I do wish that she used some of her abilities, a bit more creatively, such as a shotgun, like blast, or a condensed black mana shot to act as a sniper shot. But overall, really love the story.
This was another great addition to the series that I very much enjoyed, and I’m really curious on how the main character will grow in both power and skill. I do wish that she used some of her abilities, a bit more creatively, such as a shotgun, like blast, or a condensed black mana shot to act as a sniper shot. But overall, really love the story.
March 5, 2024
I couldn't wait for book four, I've already started it which is fairly unheard of for me.
Another fantastic installment in this series. Alex Gilbert continues to grow as a writer, which I love seeing. I'm also loving how Viv is developing and how Solfis's own plan maybe be coming to fruition.
Another fantastic installment in this series. Alex Gilbert continues to grow as a writer, which I love seeing. I'm also loving how Viv is developing and how Solfis's own plan maybe be coming to fruition.
June 15, 2024
REVIEW...
This is an interesting set of books. At first I thought that it would be elementary and not up to pare. I took a chance and found them full of interesting characters, action, and the baby dragon is not your cute little baby. The set starts slow but gets better over time. These books are well worth your time.
This is an interesting set of books. At first I thought that it would be elementary and not up to pare. I took a chance and found them full of interesting characters, action, and the baby dragon is not your cute little baby. The set starts slow but gets better over time. These books are well worth your time.
December 24, 2025
And here we go. We have:
1. Stakes
2. Interesting characters who don't just serve one purpose
3. Unconventional storytelling using multiple perspectives
4. A likeable MC...who is not a Mary Sue
5. A most unconventional interpretation of isekai
Yep, I am definitely enjoying the ride and now I'm locked in.
1. Stakes
2. Interesting characters who don't just serve one purpose
3. Unconventional storytelling using multiple perspectives
4. A likeable MC...who is not a Mary Sue
5. A most unconventional interpretation of isekai
Yep, I am definitely enjoying the ride and now I'm locked in.
April 15, 2026
Viv becomes the leader of Kazar, inspires the Kazarans to fight for their city and with the Training of Solifis and Viv's planning they put in the work to take back the city after the prince leaves.
Overall, the story was a bit of slice of life, with planning for war, some battles, lots of training, but still entertaining to read.
Overall, the story was a bit of slice of life, with planning for war, some battles, lots of training, but still entertaining to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2022
Lady Bob
Well done. Progression in the story and the skills. New Nation / town building elements in full effect
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Narration: NA
Favorite Line: You can sprinkle flecks of gold on a turd, but it won’t stink any less.
Well done. Progression in the story and the skills. New Nation / town building elements in full effect
Rating: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Narration: NA
Favorite Line: You can sprinkle flecks of gold on a turd, but it won’t stink any less.
November 4, 2022
superior firepower
Developing towards a massive confrontation. MC grows slowly but steadily as both warrior and politician.
Baby dragons make interesting choices.
Looking forward to book 4.
Developing towards a massive confrontation. MC grows slowly but steadily as both warrior and politician.
Baby dragons make interesting choices.
Looking forward to book 4.
January 14, 2023
Book three
The writing is getting better as the story goes on. Some mistakes will be listed on Goodreads.
This isn't a town building series or even a Kingdom building series. It's an Empire builder.
I'm going to go read more on Royalroad now.
8/10
The writing is getting better as the story goes on. Some mistakes will be listed on Goodreads.
This isn't a town building series or even a Kingdom building series. It's an Empire builder.
I'm going to go read more on Royalroad now.
8/10
April 16, 2023
Features a lot of political intrigue and battles as a new nation slowly shapes up at the peak of the civil war between the two countries it split from. Viv will definitely get that Genocidal Maniac skill sooner rather than later...
December 29, 2023
This is an entertaining ramble of a tale. It follows the story of Viv who is transported from her mundane life on Earth to a world where she can use magic. She has adventures. She makes friends. She gets involved in stuff. It's delightfully fun.
August 18, 2024
An intense journey for Viv as she fights for the displaced Citizens of Kazar while deeply grieving her lost partner. You really start to see Viv’s extreme commitment to vengeance, which, as a reader, is very fun to follow.
September 13, 2025
I enjoy Alex's work.
I enjoyed his vampire story with Arianne. And, I enjoy this one because the people in the story don't seem to act in a contrived way. Finished the book in three days during work.
I enjoyed his vampire story with Arianne. And, I enjoy this one because the people in the story don't seem to act in a contrived way. Finished the book in three days during work.
February 14, 2026
I am loving this.
This is rapidly becoming my second favorite Lit-RPG series. It is well paced and has a logical progression. I am not even upset on having to pay for it. I wish there was an audio version though
This is rapidly becoming my second favorite Lit-RPG series. It is well paced and has a logical progression. I am not even upset on having to pay for it. I wish there was an audio version though
November 4, 2022
Great book
Another great book in the series. If you want to read ahead, go to royalroad.com. I’m looking forward to picking up the next book.
Another great book in the series. If you want to read ahead, go to royalroad.com. I’m looking forward to picking up the next book.
November 24, 2022
Really enjoyed this book.
I would so recommend this book. Its just as good as the previous book. I can't wait for lance to get what he deserves.
I would so recommend this book. Its just as good as the previous book. I can't wait for lance to get what he deserves.
January 10, 2023
Excellent
Honestly I keep enjoying this series more and more. I'm really enjoying watching Vivienne come in to her power as well as Arthur growing up.
Honestly I keep enjoying this series more and more. I'm really enjoying watching Vivienne come in to her power as well as Arthur growing up.
January 27, 2023
Better than the last but still lagging a bit behind the first book.
May 20, 2023
A very good read
A very good read I love this set of books good story well written and very compelling
I don't think you will regret reading this set of books
A very good read I love this set of books good story well written and very compelling
I don't think you will regret reading this set of books
February 2, 2024
I think this was about the point in the series where I realised that the author really knew what they were doing. One of the few webnovel/online writers who really seems to get it.
June 30, 2024
Amazing Series!
Awesome serious, really hoping for an audio version some day. Excellent writing, good pacing without being rushed or too slow.
Awesome serious, really hoping for an audio version some day. Excellent writing, good pacing without being rushed or too slow.
August 5, 2024
Well damn. Also whoever did this art for this is a fucking genius
August 15, 2024
Still fun, still impressive, still a great read. Loving it.
October 3, 2024
This finished at an odd point in the story and featured some very small "armies" but I'm here for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews