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The Fortifier #1
The Fortifier
Surviving the first days of the apocalypse, William is a wreck and hiding in an attic. The daily acid storms, floating elementals, and bizarre mutated animals are the least of his problems. The reality-warping apocalypse has rules and a system much like those in video games. To survive, he must learn how the new uncooperative system works, choose a class without any real knowledge of what it does and create a place safe from the spawning horrors.
For William, staying alive isn’t enough. He will need to bring other survivors together and build a fortification large enough for all of them if he ever wants to strike back at the things that took everyone he loved. That is if he can ever gain control over himself and finally get any answers to what has happened.
For William, staying alive isn’t enough. He will need to bring other survivors together and build a fortification large enough for all of them if he ever wants to strike back at the things that took everyone he loved. That is if he can ever gain control over himself and finally get any answers to what has happened.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2022
753 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
February 28, 2023
Okay, none of this character actually works. Will is a sloppy mess, weeping into his elbow but that's not actually the problem. I mean, it wasn't fun, but I pushed through. The setting and power fantasy were fine. Decent enough to hold my attention. And the plot wasn't a complete mess, though it was very much beads-on-a-string for a story that's all about building an area into a safe zone. The one ongoing threat that might have been an ongoing antagonist has, like, a single actual appearance they where feed it a bunch of corpses and bugger off. It's a little funny that it's a giant rabbit, but Will's seeming overreaction robs it of any humor it might have had.
The real problem with this story, though, is all the character interactions. These just don't work very well, coming across stilted and over-managed. Landtroop delivers not only the actions and reactions, but also the interpretations and what we're supposed to understand from them. Which was needed because some of those (re)actions were not the ones I expected. And it doesn't help that there are words used wrong in several places making the whole production a bit amateurish.
I kept reading because the book had interesting moments. But those were relatively sparse so all I can give is three stars. It's a decent LitRPG of the system apocalypse style. But a bit overwrought.
A note about Chaste: There's opportunity for shenanigans, but Will is still weeping so he declines. There's nudity, but I didn't think it crossed into steam. This is very much a judgement call and I could as easily have called this barely steamy.
The real problem with this story, though, is all the character interactions. These just don't work very well, coming across stilted and over-managed. Landtroop delivers not only the actions and reactions, but also the interpretations and what we're supposed to understand from them. Which was needed because some of those (re)actions were not the ones I expected. And it doesn't help that there are words used wrong in several places making the whole production a bit amateurish.
I kept reading because the book had interesting moments. But those were relatively sparse so all I can give is three stars. It's a decent LitRPG of the system apocalypse style. But a bit overwrought.
A note about Chaste: There's opportunity for shenanigans, but Will is still weeping so he declines. There's nudity, but I didn't think it crossed into steam. This is very much a judgement call and I could as easily have called this barely steamy.
December 8, 2022
This is a bit rough but it has SO MUCH potential.
The character work is sublime, the concept is great. The setting has plenty of growth potential. The hints are good in that they show a direction, but had in that they are left as a cliffhanger. The rough comes from the transitions. This reads in a very choppy manner. The story more than makes up for it so I hope further books will naturally smooth out.
The character work is sublime, the concept is great. The setting has plenty of growth potential. The hints are good in that they show a direction, but had in that they are left as a cliffhanger. The rough comes from the transitions. This reads in a very choppy manner. The story more than makes up for it so I hope further books will naturally smooth out.
December 11, 2022
Big Fan of OP, world building apolocalypse story
It had a shadow sun feel to it. The MC is decent. You can tell he is more mature there is no cringy romance he all about his buisness. I look forward to seeing his personal growth in book 2.
It had a shadow sun feel to it. The MC is decent. You can tell he is more mature there is no cringy romance he all about his buisness. I look forward to seeing his personal growth in book 2.
December 2, 2022
This book has a lot of problems.
Others have done the same types of stories, and done a much better job.
He definitely needed better editing.
Too many stat sheets where everything is listed when it’s not needed basically used to bump up the word, count or page count.
Quite a bit of the story would’ve benefited from being more flushed out.
I dropped this book at 78% because I got tired of it.
The main characters class is a fortifier. Yet he is mastering everything else as well.
Leveling is done way too quickly for a nightmare world. They don’t seem to have any problem rising levels.
Or beating bars, monsters.
I’ll give this a four out of 10. There is massive room for improvement.
Others have done the same types of stories, and done a much better job.
He definitely needed better editing.
Too many stat sheets where everything is listed when it’s not needed basically used to bump up the word, count or page count.
Quite a bit of the story would’ve benefited from being more flushed out.
I dropped this book at 78% because I got tired of it.
The main characters class is a fortifier. Yet he is mastering everything else as well.
Leveling is done way too quickly for a nightmare world. They don’t seem to have any problem rising levels.
Or beating bars, monsters.
I’ll give this a four out of 10. There is massive room for improvement.
December 26, 2022
Very good read
This is a interesting take on the apocalyptic liturp, I like the lead protagonist and his real life reactions. You empathize with him quickly and are invested in his continuing well-being. I really hope to see book two soon, I'd like to see what happens with the new remnant races and how far they reach in saving more of Earth's populations.
This is a interesting take on the apocalyptic liturp, I like the lead protagonist and his real life reactions. You empathize with him quickly and are invested in his continuing well-being. I really hope to see book two soon, I'd like to see what happens with the new remnant races and how far they reach in saving more of Earth's populations.
December 5, 2022
This is my first book by this author.
What we have here is an apocalypse. It happens late at night with strange creatures appearing from nothing and people are screaming and dying all around.
William survives just barely. The acid rain has destroyed all the uncovered vehicles and any metals roofs, but he manages to find an attic that he crawls into while hoping that everything will go back to normal.
Why the attic? Because only idiots choose to hide in the basement. William acquires an assistant and the option of thousands of classes he can take, but he wants one that will help him survive for the long term. Hiding in the attic with limited food doesn't translate well to a long life.
After much thought, he picks the fortifier. It lets him gather resources and then once he hits the requirements, he can turn his location into a safe zone. He can even have other people stay there with him.
I will mention that the apocalypse isn't all that unique here. The land doesn't get chopped up until it's unrecognizable, but there is a kiosk to buy things with points that have been earned, along with many of the familiar skills.
Despite the apocalypse being not very unique, I still enjoyed the book. The editing is fairly atrocious, and I mean that in terms of misspelled words, words that were spelled phonetically, and of course the editing itself. Then again, I rate books on how much I enjoy them, not how technically proficient they are. And despite the problems, I enjoyed the book.
The stats are there like you would expect, and William's growth is linear so he doesn't become OP. He does have anger problems, but that's an issue for book two. It did seem that skill increases happened any time a character used that skill, which is fine early on but a problem as they begin to get stronger.
Overall, I can't recommend the book. There are a lot of problems here that I hope the author gets fixed in book two. I did enjoy it, and that's enough for me. 5/5*
What we have here is an apocalypse. It happens late at night with strange creatures appearing from nothing and people are screaming and dying all around.
William survives just barely. The acid rain has destroyed all the uncovered vehicles and any metals roofs, but he manages to find an attic that he crawls into while hoping that everything will go back to normal.
Why the attic? Because only idiots choose to hide in the basement. William acquires an assistant and the option of thousands of classes he can take, but he wants one that will help him survive for the long term. Hiding in the attic with limited food doesn't translate well to a long life.
After much thought, he picks the fortifier. It lets him gather resources and then once he hits the requirements, he can turn his location into a safe zone. He can even have other people stay there with him.
I will mention that the apocalypse isn't all that unique here. The land doesn't get chopped up until it's unrecognizable, but there is a kiosk to buy things with points that have been earned, along with many of the familiar skills.
Despite the apocalypse being not very unique, I still enjoyed the book. The editing is fairly atrocious, and I mean that in terms of misspelled words, words that were spelled phonetically, and of course the editing itself. Then again, I rate books on how much I enjoy them, not how technically proficient they are. And despite the problems, I enjoyed the book.
The stats are there like you would expect, and William's growth is linear so he doesn't become OP. He does have anger problems, but that's an issue for book two. It did seem that skill increases happened any time a character used that skill, which is fine early on but a problem as they begin to get stronger.
Overall, I can't recommend the book. There are a lot of problems here that I hope the author gets fixed in book two. I did enjoy it, and that's enough for me. 5/5*
January 27, 2023
Haven't been this excited for a series in a long while.
The setting is standard System fare, but somehow stands out as unique. The writing is very engaging and the protagonist relatable, funny and likeable. Once again, I find myself sighing at having to wait for the next book. Not fair!
The setting is standard System fare, but somehow stands out as unique. The writing is very engaging and the protagonist relatable, funny and likeable. Once again, I find myself sighing at having to wait for the next book. Not fair!
January 28, 2023
Very captivating story.
I enjoyed this book very much. I liked the MC. The characters were interesting and the situations, while mostly typical apocalypse genre, were keeping my interest. I would recommend this series.
I enjoyed this book very much. I liked the MC. The characters were interesting and the situations, while mostly typical apocalypse genre, were keeping my interest. I would recommend this series.
January 25, 2023
I like it.
I like the building aspects of this story. I eagerly await the next installment to see what has been hidden for the first tutorial.
I like the building aspects of this story. I eagerly await the next installment to see what has been hidden for the first tutorial.
January 11, 2023
Fantastic Read
I have read many LitRPG books, some were great and some, no so much. I also have read much science fiction, mystery, and action novels. It has been awhile since I have had a very hard time putting down a book, but this is one of them. I love all the things this book contains; great main and supporting characters, lots of action without gratuitous blood and guts. A wonderful story line without filler. You get what's going on without being bogged down by text book type chapters. Fantastic escape fiction. I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading the second in the series.
I have read many LitRPG books, some were great and some, no so much. I also have read much science fiction, mystery, and action novels. It has been awhile since I have had a very hard time putting down a book, but this is one of them. I love all the things this book contains; great main and supporting characters, lots of action without gratuitous blood and guts. A wonderful story line without filler. You get what's going on without being bogged down by text book type chapters. Fantastic escape fiction. I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading the second in the series.
May 18, 2024
I guess the search continues for a base-building/settlement-focused gamelit. I went about 60 pages (20%) before deciding to drop.
I normally break down a rating for character, plot, setting/game mechanics, writing, and enjoyment, but despite reading far enough to know I won't enjoy this book, I don't think I really got enough exposure to rate some of the categories.
From a character standpoint, I really didn't like the MC, and the supporting characters were just another snarky A.I. and a half dozen one-dimensional thug types that tried to break into the MC's base (as of 60 pages in). I will say that the MC had more personality than many of the bland gamelit protagonists out there, but his main trait seemed to be an inflated sense of self-importance that made me think of how tiring it would be to spend time around this person.
Despite the story's claim that the MC was smarter than average, I saw no sign of it. Rather, I mostly saw a lack of smarts, considering the MC's repeated failure to ask his A.I. basic clarifying questions that anyone I know with a magical spirit Google would have asked along the way.
The MC also had a martial arts and fighting background, evidently with some full contact and kickboxing mixed in. Without more justification for why he quit and became an old fat slob, it felt more like a convenient backstory trope to justify how he could fight people in the System Apocalypse rather than a legit history. Especially when the first fight happened, and he just used some dumb Hapkido moves like a knife hand into an arm break. It made me laugh out loud. Not that you couldn't make it work if you wanted to, but why would you want to unless you are doing a Steven Seagal impression? Please don't @ me with examples of ridge hand moves in fights. I know it happens and can even be effective, but I laugh out loud regardless.
I thought the writing was a strange mix of good and very poor. There was a fair amount of flavor compared to the more bland prose we usually see in gamelit, but there were a lot of proofreading and grammar errors. A lot to the tune of at least one per page. Misspellings, subject-verb disagreement, failure to capitalize, unnecessary capitalizations, missing apostrophes...pretty much a rogue's gallery of errors that showed a need for additional editing passes. Not so atrocious that it was unreadable, but definitely too many to pretend they weren't there.
There was also a strange sequence to certain events, like when the MC first added some stat points, he told his AI to add two points to Constitution, but the story hadn't even shown the reader what the stat options were until a few pages later. There was also an altercation where the MC mentions that he wasn't fast enough to dodge an incoming attack, but this was before any descriptors were given to cue the reader's imagination for what type of attack was coming that he failed to dodge. These are things that beta readers are helpful with since it's sometimes hard for an author to differentiate what has actually made it to the page versus what the scene looks like in their head.
I guess if you're interested in a base-building gamelit and don't mind the growing pains of a new author, a snarky and self-important character, and also don't mind an extreme amount of freebies handed out willy-nilly in the beginning, then you might give this a go. At the very least, it's good to see some new authors and new angles to the genre.
I normally break down a rating for character, plot, setting/game mechanics, writing, and enjoyment, but despite reading far enough to know I won't enjoy this book, I don't think I really got enough exposure to rate some of the categories.
From a character standpoint, I really didn't like the MC, and the supporting characters were just another snarky A.I. and a half dozen one-dimensional thug types that tried to break into the MC's base (as of 60 pages in). I will say that the MC had more personality than many of the bland gamelit protagonists out there, but his main trait seemed to be an inflated sense of self-importance that made me think of how tiring it would be to spend time around this person.
Despite the story's claim that the MC was smarter than average, I saw no sign of it. Rather, I mostly saw a lack of smarts, considering the MC's repeated failure to ask his A.I. basic clarifying questions that anyone I know with a magical spirit Google would have asked along the way.
The MC also had a martial arts and fighting background, evidently with some full contact and kickboxing mixed in. Without more justification for why he quit and became an old fat slob, it felt more like a convenient backstory trope to justify how he could fight people in the System Apocalypse rather than a legit history. Especially when the first fight happened, and he just used some dumb Hapkido moves like a knife hand into an arm break. It made me laugh out loud. Not that you couldn't make it work if you wanted to, but why would you want to unless you are doing a Steven Seagal impression? Please don't @ me with examples of ridge hand moves in fights. I know it happens and can even be effective, but I laugh out loud regardless.
I thought the writing was a strange mix of good and very poor. There was a fair amount of flavor compared to the more bland prose we usually see in gamelit, but there were a lot of proofreading and grammar errors. A lot to the tune of at least one per page. Misspellings, subject-verb disagreement, failure to capitalize, unnecessary capitalizations, missing apostrophes...pretty much a rogue's gallery of errors that showed a need for additional editing passes. Not so atrocious that it was unreadable, but definitely too many to pretend they weren't there.
There was also a strange sequence to certain events, like when the MC first added some stat points, he told his AI to add two points to Constitution, but the story hadn't even shown the reader what the stat options were until a few pages later. There was also an altercation where the MC mentions that he wasn't fast enough to dodge an incoming attack, but this was before any descriptors were given to cue the reader's imagination for what type of attack was coming that he failed to dodge. These are things that beta readers are helpful with since it's sometimes hard for an author to differentiate what has actually made it to the page versus what the scene looks like in their head.
I guess if you're interested in a base-building gamelit and don't mind the growing pains of a new author, a snarky and self-important character, and also don't mind an extreme amount of freebies handed out willy-nilly in the beginning, then you might give this a go. At the very least, it's good to see some new authors and new angles to the genre.
November 22, 2022
surprised
I have read quite a few litrpg genre books, basically all of them, and I have to say I’m not usually a fan of base/town building aspected ones. This one easily make it very interesting and had enough action the keep it exciting while also being very interesting in the base building aspects. I very much enjoyed it! Can’t wait for the sequel.
I have read quite a few litrpg genre books, basically all of them, and I have to say I’m not usually a fan of base/town building aspected ones. This one easily make it very interesting and had enough action the keep it exciting while also being very interesting in the base building aspects. I very much enjoyed it! Can’t wait for the sequel.
February 6, 2023
I've read a fair few LitRPG and this one hits all the best of the genre while also being its own thing. The MC is probably the most believable I've ever read in any fantasy novel. The action was moderate and well done. The story moved at a great pace and never got bogged down with stats but it did include them as any good LitRPG should.
I'm a sucker for first person books so the MC has to be good. He was funny, charming, brooding, and no nonsense but all exactly as made sense to the world. I LOVE that the author didn't just ignore the feelings of people that had lost family yet balanced that with a fun story. Honestly its damn near impossible to find that balance. For that alone he he did a great job. There were a few typos but not many and no more than any other book I've ever read. I'm looking forward to book two and more of the bunny.
I'm a sucker for first person books so the MC has to be good. He was funny, charming, brooding, and no nonsense but all exactly as made sense to the world. I LOVE that the author didn't just ignore the feelings of people that had lost family yet balanced that with a fun story. Honestly its damn near impossible to find that balance. For that alone he he did a great job. There were a few typos but not many and no more than any other book I've ever read. I'm looking forward to book two and more of the bunny.
February 6, 2023
surprisingly awesome
I started this book with very low expectations. I am so happy I did. In terms of progressive leveling and gaming mechanics the books offer nothing new. But the main character does. How many books have a fifty three year old hero?
I started this book with very low expectations. I am so happy I did. In terms of progressive leveling and gaming mechanics the books offer nothing new. But the main character does. How many books have a fifty three year old hero?
January 23, 2023
Amazing story with great potential!
it's well written with a good flow, unlike many others in its genre.
The pace is great without a big power creep, keeping the tension in the story.
The protagonist is not stupid, somewhat relatable, and not a teen who screams at monsters.
The story keeps to the story, without using power levels to constantly feed some adhd craving.
People have to work around this, and work out a way to reasonably level.
Overall, it's a great story which stands on its own without the LitRPG elements.
These elements add an interesting twist to an already great story!
This is by far my favourite LitRPG story! Hope to see more <3
it's well written with a good flow, unlike many others in its genre.
The pace is great without a big power creep, keeping the tension in the story.
The protagonist is not stupid, somewhat relatable, and not a teen who screams at monsters.
The story keeps to the story, without using power levels to constantly feed some adhd craving.
People have to work around this, and work out a way to reasonably level.
Overall, it's a great story which stands on its own without the LitRPG elements.
These elements add an interesting twist to an already great story!
This is by far my favourite LitRPG story! Hope to see more <3
January 19, 2023
😈💛💚💙💜😭
OMMFG I'm in love with this book, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!! What a great start to a series and thing's are about to get crazy. Ending was amazing and I am happy that there are more races. Interested to see there integration and our MC'S progress.
OMMFG I'm in love with this book, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!! What a great start to a series and thing's are about to get crazy. Ending was amazing and I am happy that there are more races. Interested to see there integration and our MC'S progress.
January 10, 2023
want next book!
I throughly enjoyed reading it. Good story with a main character that seems real with real human flaws. Grammar has never been my strong suit so while I noticed problems I wasn’t overly bothered by it. Thankfully the author actually ended the story even if it left you with lots of questions. I want next book!
I throughly enjoyed reading it. Good story with a main character that seems real with real human flaws. Grammar has never been my strong suit so while I noticed problems I wasn’t overly bothered by it. Thankfully the author actually ended the story even if it left you with lots of questions. I want next book!
January 1, 2023
Refreshing
This book was way better than I expected. The character development was very clean and flowed well with the story. We haven't seen a full breakdown yet but knowing he's on the edge of keeping it together keeps the book very realistic. It had interesting concepts I haven't seen in alot of lit rpgs lately - I just wish the stats were in a blocked list like the norm it's very hard to read it just in text form.
This book was way better than I expected. The character development was very clean and flowed well with the story. We haven't seen a full breakdown yet but knowing he's on the edge of keeping it together keeps the book very realistic. It had interesting concepts I haven't seen in alot of lit rpgs lately - I just wish the stats were in a blocked list like the norm it's very hard to read it just in text form.
December 31, 2022
entertaining read
Light read of apocalyptic base building with rpg stats and progression (not too crunchy), with a snarky AI type assistant. I enjoyed it start to finish didn’t want to put it down. Looking forward to seeing how the world building will progress in book 2 when it comes out.
Light read of apocalyptic base building with rpg stats and progression (not too crunchy), with a snarky AI type assistant. I enjoyed it start to finish didn’t want to put it down. Looking forward to seeing how the world building will progress in book 2 when it comes out.
December 30, 2022
Really good
A great rpg story. I really liked the mc and how clever he is. The leveling system was good and even though there isn't much background about the mc I liked that. It didn't focus on flashbacks which I appreciate. Interesting plot twists too. I look forward to the second.
A great rpg story. I really liked the mc and how clever he is. The leveling system was good and even though there isn't much background about the mc I liked that. It didn't focus on flashbacks which I appreciate. Interesting plot twists too. I look forward to the second.
December 30, 2022
This an Apocalyptical LITRPG book. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
December 23, 2022
Most enjoyable
Im giving it five stars because it was better than most base building books, the protagonist has his flaws as he is was human, yep he is old a nobody frightened to death the apocalypse came and now he is surviving and thriving the journey is awesome plenty of fighting and good humour with shades of humanity, no harem no sexy times yet but thats just like life, it can't be fight then bang a girl fight bang a girl this has feelings and emotion the people and women are like normal wich i apreciate, not all fantasy has to be catgirls or sexy elfs (i dont mind if they are thrown in hint).
Im giving it five stars because it was better than most base building books, the protagonist has his flaws as he is was human, yep he is old a nobody frightened to death the apocalypse came and now he is surviving and thriving the journey is awesome plenty of fighting and good humour with shades of humanity, no harem no sexy times yet but thats just like life, it can't be fight then bang a girl fight bang a girl this has feelings and emotion the people and women are like normal wich i apreciate, not all fantasy has to be catgirls or sexy elfs (i dont mind if they are thrown in hint).
December 4, 2022
I personally thought this was fantastic, I finished it in one day and have clearly become spoiled by Royal Road because I immediately went to look for more but no such luck. I eagerly await the next book,. Additionally congratulations to the author on his first book, I hope others enjoy it as much as I did and that it does well.
December 20, 2022
I LOVED this book, stayed up late reading it and it's one of my favorite litrpgs so far. Very similar to The First Defier and Jake's Magical Market which are also amazing gamelit books with huge character development and city building aspects.
December 22, 2022
Very good read
Not the most original but very well written(shadow sun series). The humor had me laughing out loud. I loved it and will definitely get the next one!
Not the most original but very well written(shadow sun series). The humor had me laughing out loud. I loved it and will definitely get the next one!
December 9, 2022
Excellent story
As a fan of world building stories, this one as hit my sweet spot. Great protagonist, good action scenes and dialogue. Also, innovative monsters, moral choices and a good sprinkling of humor. Recommend read.
As a fan of world building stories, this one as hit my sweet spot. Great protagonist, good action scenes and dialogue. Also, innovative monsters, moral choices and a good sprinkling of humor. Recommend read.
November 21, 2022
Excellent
A very good entertaining litrpg with strong character creation and a very different class for the.main character well worth buying
A very good entertaining litrpg with strong character creation and a very different class for the.main character well worth buying
November 22, 2022
Good read.
I liked the wide selection of character types. The book was not cookie cutter characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I liked the wide selection of character types. The book was not cookie cutter characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 29, 2022
Excellent!
Very well done LitRPG! Lots of action, well written characters, and an excellent story. Magic system is easy to understand.
Very well done LitRPG! Lots of action, well written characters, and an excellent story. Magic system is easy to understand.
December 1, 2022
Very good book
This is a fine litrpg fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the cook. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine litrpg fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the cook. I anxiously await the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews