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Realm Grinder #1
Tower Reborn
Inside the Tower, there is only one choice—climb or die.
John Mavren and his comrades eventually reached the 100th floor, five years after the desolation of the outside world and twenty years after the Tower first appeared. In a violent battle to ascend, John was struck down even as he dealt the final blow to the last boss.
Those who survived were granted passage off ruined Earth and into worlds unknown, but they refused. Instead, they asked the Final Guardian for only a single grace—that John be returned to life.
Time moved backwards.
Bestowed with a fragment of his original power and with almost no memory of what had happened before, John wakes up in the past only one year after the arrival of the Tower.
With a sense of impending doom and a single, desperate hope for survival, John knows he must conquer the Tower and defeat those who dwell within.
He must become powerful enough to overcome a forgotten future and stop the apocalypse.
John Mavren and his comrades eventually reached the 100th floor, five years after the desolation of the outside world and twenty years after the Tower first appeared. In a violent battle to ascend, John was struck down even as he dealt the final blow to the last boss.
Those who survived were granted passage off ruined Earth and into worlds unknown, but they refused. Instead, they asked the Final Guardian for only a single grace—that John be returned to life.
Time moved backwards.
Bestowed with a fragment of his original power and with almost no memory of what had happened before, John wakes up in the past only one year after the arrival of the Tower.
With a sense of impending doom and a single, desperate hope for survival, John knows he must conquer the Tower and defeat those who dwell within.
He must become powerful enough to overcome a forgotten future and stop the apocalypse.
674 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2022
403 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 3, 2022
A book about speed running.
Remember when the first speed run a dark souls happened, they grab a powerful weapon (drake sword or spears for our MC), bypass any leveling or treasures to basically cheap the bosses down as fast as possible using exploits (or OP exclusive skills), and beat the big baddie (a giant city destroying crystal dragon). That’s this book.
Overall it’s okay. The Main Character is alright I guess, not really enough character development to say otherwise. Side characters are just the roles they fill. Even if they die you don’t really feel anything because you don’t really interact enough to develop anything for them. The story is alright but too quick to really flesh out anything meaningful, which is surprising because it’s a fairly long book as far as Game-lit goes.
Like is titles the review, it’s a speed run. As interesting as they are to watch, reading about an MC who basically fumbles through half a book by the skin of his teeth is incredibly frustrating and leads to an immensely boring read. I mean you don’t even know where the tower is, you have no clue about where in the world it’s located, how everyone is speaking so many languages, or what the stats, if you could call them that, do! It’s rushed and bloated with chapters about neat tower areas that the MC just blitzed through.
Pick it up if you have time or really like the tower/system genre. Do not pick it up if you want an OP regressor novel.
Remember when the first speed run a dark souls happened, they grab a powerful weapon (drake sword or spears for our MC), bypass any leveling or treasures to basically cheap the bosses down as fast as possible using exploits (or OP exclusive skills), and beat the big baddie (a giant city destroying crystal dragon). That’s this book.
Overall it’s okay. The Main Character is alright I guess, not really enough character development to say otherwise. Side characters are just the roles they fill. Even if they die you don’t really feel anything because you don’t really interact enough to develop anything for them. The story is alright but too quick to really flesh out anything meaningful, which is surprising because it’s a fairly long book as far as Game-lit goes.
Like is titles the review, it’s a speed run. As interesting as they are to watch, reading about an MC who basically fumbles through half a book by the skin of his teeth is incredibly frustrating and leads to an immensely boring read. I mean you don’t even know where the tower is, you have no clue about where in the world it’s located, how everyone is speaking so many languages, or what the stats, if you could call them that, do! It’s rushed and bloated with chapters about neat tower areas that the MC just blitzed through.
Pick it up if you have time or really like the tower/system genre. Do not pick it up if you want an OP regressor novel.
December 15, 2022
OK story, definitely written for teenagers.
This book is definitely written for the young adult crowd. The MC is very shallow, doesn’t seem to show any consideration concerning the people around him, the people he’s insulted, who stood by him while he was climbing the tower. I personally liked the character of Farida, who traveled with him along his climb, who sacrificed herself and saved his life on numerous occasions. He treated her very poorly. There was no repercussions because of his actions. she was hurt and wounded, emotionally by his actions, and he really did not try to locator, his one dimensional, thinking, climb climb, climb the tower. This is not a lesson for young people to just arbitrarily use, people to accomplish what you want to achieve. If the authors could bring John back, they can bring her back. The game mechanics were very simplistic. For example, if you’re going to throw spears, why don’t you have an enchantment to bring them back to your hand? That was only accomplished for one spear later on in the book. Why don’t you have healing items? After all, you have teleport gems to take you from here to there. like I said, the story is OK, could be better, but the MC needs to grow up hope the author will accomplish this in the next book. I will probably read it if I have nothing else to read.
This book is definitely written for the young adult crowd. The MC is very shallow, doesn’t seem to show any consideration concerning the people around him, the people he’s insulted, who stood by him while he was climbing the tower. I personally liked the character of Farida, who traveled with him along his climb, who sacrificed herself and saved his life on numerous occasions. He treated her very poorly. There was no repercussions because of his actions. she was hurt and wounded, emotionally by his actions, and he really did not try to locator, his one dimensional, thinking, climb climb, climb the tower. This is not a lesson for young people to just arbitrarily use, people to accomplish what you want to achieve. If the authors could bring John back, they can bring her back. The game mechanics were very simplistic. For example, if you’re going to throw spears, why don’t you have an enchantment to bring them back to your hand? That was only accomplished for one spear later on in the book. Why don’t you have healing items? After all, you have teleport gems to take you from here to there. like I said, the story is OK, could be better, but the MC needs to grow up hope the author will accomplish this in the next book. I will probably read it if I have nothing else to read.
November 27, 2022
KU Review
Fantastic thrill ride. Several times I found myself stressing over an outcome. Truly a great book when it can elicit that much emotion in a reader.
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.
Fantastic thrill ride. Several times I found myself stressing over an outcome. Truly a great book when it can elicit that much emotion in a reader.
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.
May 2, 2023
stop throwing the spear
This book fell solidly in the did not finish category. The story jumps so frequently and without any explanation. As many others have said the characters and world aren’t fleshed out enough to make the reader care about them.
My largest complaint tho, through all the time skips, MC throws his spear in every battle. Which is definitely the first rule as a spearman, don’t throw your only weapon.
I doubt I will ever return to this series.
This book fell solidly in the did not finish category. The story jumps so frequently and without any explanation. As many others have said the characters and world aren’t fleshed out enough to make the reader care about them.
My largest complaint tho, through all the time skips, MC throws his spear in every battle. Which is definitely the first rule as a spearman, don’t throw your only weapon.
I doubt I will ever return to this series.
November 9, 2023
This is yet another Re-Do/Reset Tower Dungeon back in time/second chance to defeat the imminent apocalypse. What is different in this one, is that is it constantly sad and depressing. John, main character also suffers from amnesia. So, he can't take advantage of his vast experience, his first time around the Tower Dungeon Apocalypse. With really nothing to fight for, and still nothing to gain from the constant dungeon delving (up the tower), this author, demonstrates a dark-humanity, where corruption, greed, and depravity are more important in an imminent apocalypse, than the common good.
This first book has character summaries of his levels and skills, has inside illustrations (some in color), does not really describe this "alternate reality-imminent-apocalypse" well: there are no system descriptions of the world (geopolitical, territorial, social, economic, religious, etc.) No forums, or news published, rankings, etc. to make it more game-system-like. Supposedly people from all over the world delve in this dungeon, but the author never really explains how all of these foreigners can communicate with each other, or communicate with the "aliens-beast-spirit-folk" from the Tower Dungeon.
It needs a lot of work, a lot of polish. The story needs a reason (a good one) for it to be worth the sacrifice. The Tower Dungeon is super hard, the people instead of helping each other are trying to kill each other and it's just not a good Tower Dungeon story to read or to recommend.
This first book has character summaries of his levels and skills, has inside illustrations (some in color), does not really describe this "alternate reality-imminent-apocalypse" well: there are no system descriptions of the world (geopolitical, territorial, social, economic, religious, etc.) No forums, or news published, rankings, etc. to make it more game-system-like. Supposedly people from all over the world delve in this dungeon, but the author never really explains how all of these foreigners can communicate with each other, or communicate with the "aliens-beast-spirit-folk" from the Tower Dungeon.
It needs a lot of work, a lot of polish. The story needs a reason (a good one) for it to be worth the sacrifice. The Tower Dungeon is super hard, the people instead of helping each other are trying to kill each other and it's just not a good Tower Dungeon story to read or to recommend.
December 27, 2022
This book is unlike anything I've ever read. The best way do describe it would be as a mix between a D&D campaign and an RPG game, but in book form.
The book starts with the MC John Mavren waking up in Beggar's end. A huge tower that appeared when monsters were unleashed on Earth. The tower consists of floor, each with it's on challenges and gauntlets and let's you level up and gain new skills. He soon finds out that he already has a contract with the tower, though he can't remember anything from before.
When a threat threatens the world outside of the tower John takes it upon himself to speedrun the rest of the floors.
It's definitely an entertaining and interesting read, especially for those (like me) that are into D&D and (RPG) games. But also a book you will definitely need to take time to read so you don't miss little hints and clues given throughout the book.
The thing I would have loved to see more of would have been character development. The character that I felt did get development and a redemption arc ended up sacrificing themselves. Which was disappointing.
But all in all definitely worth a read and I'm curious to see how this story will develop in the second book in this series.
The book starts with the MC John Mavren waking up in Beggar's end. A huge tower that appeared when monsters were unleashed on Earth. The tower consists of floor, each with it's on challenges and gauntlets and let's you level up and gain new skills. He soon finds out that he already has a contract with the tower, though he can't remember anything from before.
When a threat threatens the world outside of the tower John takes it upon himself to speedrun the rest of the floors.
It's definitely an entertaining and interesting read, especially for those (like me) that are into D&D and (RPG) games. But also a book you will definitely need to take time to read so you don't miss little hints and clues given throughout the book.
The thing I would have loved to see more of would have been character development. The character that I felt did get development and a redemption arc ended up sacrificing themselves. Which was disappointing.
But all in all definitely worth a read and I'm curious to see how this story will develop in the second book in this series.
November 29, 2022
book one
I’ll be honest with you I drop this book early on. The interactions between the characters they don’t even know each other within the first few pages was so unbelievable that I dropped this book.
I’ll explain why, your world has just been hit with an apocalyptic event. You’re trudging down the highway you are going to see many bodies on the side of the road and many more who are not quite dead, who have given up. Now, when this first started, you might’ve tried to help one or two but as time goes on, you’re going to become used to the sight of the bodies and you’re gonna quit caring about those who have given up. So there’s no way that the young lady would’ve cared about some befuddled young man on the side of the road. She definitely wouldn’t have asked him. Hey, did you hear me she would’ve shrugged and kept walking.
I know you’re supposed to suspend believe for books like this But if you can’t even be a little realistic, I’m not gonna read your story.
I’ll give this book a .02 out of 10 couldn’t even keep my interest for the first 10 pages.
I’ll be honest with you I drop this book early on. The interactions between the characters they don’t even know each other within the first few pages was so unbelievable that I dropped this book.
I’ll explain why, your world has just been hit with an apocalyptic event. You’re trudging down the highway you are going to see many bodies on the side of the road and many more who are not quite dead, who have given up. Now, when this first started, you might’ve tried to help one or two but as time goes on, you’re going to become used to the sight of the bodies and you’re gonna quit caring about those who have given up. So there’s no way that the young lady would’ve cared about some befuddled young man on the side of the road. She definitely wouldn’t have asked him. Hey, did you hear me she would’ve shrugged and kept walking.
I know you’re supposed to suspend believe for books like this But if you can’t even be a little realistic, I’m not gonna read your story.
I’ll give this book a .02 out of 10 couldn’t even keep my interest for the first 10 pages.
June 30, 2023
Much like our hero, this is the second time I've experienced this journey. I read it when it first came out and again now (six months later) and I still don't know what is going on. The MC is on a speed run even before he learns of the super spell to save the world. This book isn't even about power leveling, just power... ascending? Higher levels of the tower and a slow progression of levels. I don't understand how he didn't die. I don't understand how his friend became the ruler. I don't understand how his friend angered the super nerds. I don't understand how the two followed him past the racing levels. I don't understand how assassins got past the race level AND the MC Escher level. I am so lost. Maybe the second book will finally tell us something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2022
Nope nuh huh
The basic premise guy goes climbs tower and gets sent back. Well kind of. The entire book is the author prancing and tip toeing around that plotpoint. Oh god is it tedious, is it as tedious as the many floors and battles probably not. The author likes telling more than showing. While hinting at things over and over until you just want to throw the book and say I'm out. I'm so incredibly annoyed bc it is overall well written. The world building isn't bad if tedious and boring. The main character is .. Dull.. The side characters are confusing in that they don't act as they should. Or for that matter how anyone would act. Loved the premise hated the execution.
The basic premise guy goes climbs tower and gets sent back. Well kind of. The entire book is the author prancing and tip toeing around that plotpoint. Oh god is it tedious, is it as tedious as the many floors and battles probably not. The author likes telling more than showing. While hinting at things over and over until you just want to throw the book and say I'm out. I'm so incredibly annoyed bc it is overall well written. The world building isn't bad if tedious and boring. The main character is .. Dull.. The side characters are confusing in that they don't act as they should. Or for that matter how anyone would act. Loved the premise hated the execution.
December 7, 2023
Tower Reborn: A LitRPG Adventure (Realm Grinder Book 1), my nineteenth read author Wolfe Locke, at 552-pages it is the longest work I’ve read from him. Another unique, captivating, well-written read leaving you panting for more. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to Locke’s Tower Unleashed: A LitRPG Adventure (Realm Grinder Book 2). (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 29, 2023
Very good tower climbing LitRPG
This was an enjoyable book. First and foremost there is tower climbing. Second, it is set in a post apocalypse world. Third, there is some big event that is alluded to many times but never fully revealed. This event seems to involve some kind of time travel. Lastly, there is a slice of life aspect that really adds veracity to the story.
I recommend it!
This was an enjoyable book. First and foremost there is tower climbing. Second, it is set in a post apocalypse world. Third, there is some big event that is alluded to many times but never fully revealed. This event seems to involve some kind of time travel. Lastly, there is a slice of life aspect that really adds veracity to the story.
I recommend it!
March 9, 2024
Tower Reborn is the first book in this series, and it's a winner. Great story here, and lots of world building as well. Really nice story that takes a lot of the best parts of tower climbing, and makes it into one heck of a story. I'm definitely reading more in this series when I find them. Highly recommended.
November 23, 2022
Hmmmm
Guy with a mysterious past climbs a tower and levels up. That’s about it. Quite well written but just not very ambitious. I kept waiting for big reveals or origins, or even some new skills, but it remained resolutely 3 stars.
Guy with a mysterious past climbs a tower and levels up. That’s about it. Quite well written but just not very ambitious. I kept waiting for big reveals or origins, or even some new skills, but it remained resolutely 3 stars.
November 30, 2022
Tower Reborn is another great title from Wolfe Locke. This one is ACTION PACKED and an absolute joy to read. I look forward to book 2 in the series and everything Wolfe has in store for us! Audio Version: Adam Stubbs does a good job with the characters and overall narration.
December 16, 2022
Meh
Didn't finish this. Some nice plot and setting ideas. Similar in some ways to Sword Art Online. But the mistakes and typos are a bit annoying, the characters have no depth or unique voice, and the narrative seems disjointed and random.
Didn't finish this. Some nice plot and setting ideas. Similar in some ways to Sword Art Online. But the mistakes and typos are a bit annoying, the characters have no depth or unique voice, and the narrative seems disjointed and random.
December 29, 2022
I finally decided to give Wolfe Locke a second chance. And although this book was a slow starter I discovered that the further John climbed up into the Tower the more absorbed I became. Just wait 'til you get to the floor 15(?) where Chaos school resides, and particularly all the libraries found there.
November 27, 2022
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
November 27, 2022
good
A bit slow, but builds.
The magic / points system is strange, and only seems to work in the tower.
A bit slow, but builds.
The magic / points system is strange, and only seems to work in the tower.
November 28, 2022
In dire need of editing.
It started off okay, but all of the time skips and editing errors are annoying as all get out. ........
It started off okay, but all of the time skips and editing errors are annoying as all get out. ........
November 28, 2022
Good book
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
November 30, 2022
Really good
This book was a lot of fun. It had some minor pacing issues, but it was really quite entertaining. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
This book was a lot of fun. It had some minor pacing issues, but it was really quite entertaining. I'm really looking forward to the next one.
December 6, 2022
Fun
Game mechanics were ok. Relationship building was ok. It did not get bogged down in explaining what various skills did over and over again. Did it in the narrative
Game mechanics were ok. Relationship building was ok. It did not get bogged down in explaining what various skills did over and over again. Did it in the narrative
December 21, 2022
Really good.
So glad I found this book. It is not the typical tower climber. In fact a lot of the action reflects the need of the civilization out side the tower.
So glad I found this book. It is not the typical tower climber. In fact a lot of the action reflects the need of the civilization out side the tower.
January 23, 2023
Eh
Not a bad book. Reincarnation, tower, world ending. Grind and climb. Entertaining but nothing new here. Worth a read though.
Not a bad book. Reincarnation, tower, world ending. Grind and climb. Entertaining but nothing new here. Worth a read though.
April 22, 2023
Goof read
Good read can't wait to read book 2. Well written will recommend to a friend to read this book. Loved it.
Good read can't wait to read book 2. Well written will recommend to a friend to read this book. Loved it.
January 1, 2024
dnf. No character depth
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews