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Hack, Slash & Burn #2
Hack, Slash & Burn 2
The battle for the world of Halanor has only just begun.
Calder, his party, and the rest of the Touched in Berring were able to hold off an entire orc army from destroying their village, but the danger to their world has not yet passed.
The entirety of Halanor is under attack. The forces of Darkness have only increased their onslaught. More Dark Portals are popping up all over the world, with all manner of beast stepping through.
While Calder struggles to understand what it means to be an Avatar of Light, he and his party venture out of Berring in hopes of protecting their world from the threat against it.
Hack, Slash & Burn is a medieval LitRPG fantasy series with portals to other worlds, different classes, stats, levels and spells.
Calder, his party, and the rest of the Touched in Berring were able to hold off an entire orc army from destroying their village, but the danger to their world has not yet passed.
The entirety of Halanor is under attack. The forces of Darkness have only increased their onslaught. More Dark Portals are popping up all over the world, with all manner of beast stepping through.
While Calder struggles to understand what it means to be an Avatar of Light, he and his party venture out of Berring in hopes of protecting their world from the threat against it.
Hack, Slash & Burn is a medieval LitRPG fantasy series with portals to other worlds, different classes, stats, levels and spells.
- GenresFantasy
483 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2023
131 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 4, 2025
Was the book good? Not really. Was it bad, absolutely not.
The story was entertaining by yet just ok. Alas, for this story the protagonist and his group is made to struggle through impossible odds through the use of plot devices and stupidity pills. The MC continually make bad decisions because "the reward is worth the risk". This and his personality make it hard to like the MC. In the end, dues ex is needed to get them out of trouble or save the day. If the protagonist is supposed to be strong, let him be strong or if they are in an impossible pozition, let them fail. If the MC is an idiot, replace them with some one who has a brain. Stop making the protagonist struggle against something that requires the authors hand (dues ex/plot devices) to save them, its no fun read when a rock could replace the protagonist and still end up at the same place.
The story was entertaining by yet just ok. Alas, for this story the protagonist and his group is made to struggle through impossible odds through the use of plot devices and stupidity pills. The MC continually make bad decisions because "the reward is worth the risk". This and his personality make it hard to like the MC. In the end, dues ex is needed to get them out of trouble or save the day. If the protagonist is supposed to be strong, let him be strong or if they are in an impossible pozition, let them fail. If the MC is an idiot, replace them with some one who has a brain. Stop making the protagonist struggle against something that requires the authors hand (dues ex/plot devices) to save them, its no fun read when a rock could replace the protagonist and still end up at the same place.
April 20, 2023
I like the story, but as with the first book, the MC is a liability. He's increasingly hard to like, and his irrational temper tantrums with people he knows are just doing what they have to doesn't jive with not killing a guy he a) never liked, b) is a functionary of the empire which conquered his country and left him crippled, and c) turned fully to the dark side.
Do I want to read book 3 of Calder turning into a murder hobo? Probably, but finishing it will depend on him developing some more redeeming characteristics fairly early on.
Do I want to read book 3 of Calder turning into a murder hobo? Probably, but finishing it will depend on him developing some more redeeming characteristics fairly early on.
February 28, 2023
Ruined by the main character.
When every choice is a reaction based on panic and fear, your main character just fails. This is meant to be bleak. But the situation and the choices push this into ludicrous territory. The title gives you certain expectations, the world state reinforces that. But the choices are ridiculous given the options, this lacks balance in the concept leading to massive rails guiding a story protected with plot armor.
When every choice is a reaction based on panic and fear, your main character just fails. This is meant to be bleak. But the situation and the choices push this into ludicrous territory. The title gives you certain expectations, the world state reinforces that. But the choices are ridiculous given the options, this lacks balance in the concept leading to massive rails guiding a story protected with plot armor.
March 1, 2023
The pressure increases!
First, an author who delivers EARLY? Do such creatures exist? What's next--Unicorns? The sequel is just as gripping as the first book and I devoured it in two days. I felt the weight of responsibility growing heavier and heavier as his support began decreasing. I wanted to scream from the battlement my rage at such betrayal. It's never easy. Portals are wonderful offensive weapons. Cannot wait to read book three.
First, an author who delivers EARLY? Do such creatures exist? What's next--Unicorns? The sequel is just as gripping as the first book and I devoured it in two days. I felt the weight of responsibility growing heavier and heavier as his support began decreasing. I wanted to scream from the battlement my rage at such betrayal. It's never easy. Portals are wonderful offensive weapons. Cannot wait to read book three.
May 16, 2023
It's good
The book is good overall, but the MC is pretty much an arrogant idiot. He repeatedly makes egregious errors of judgement that end up having terrible consequences, then continues to do the same thing because the risk means greater rewards.
The story is good, the side characters feel a bit flat, but the world building is excellent.
The book is good overall, but the MC is pretty much an arrogant idiot. He repeatedly makes egregious errors of judgement that end up having terrible consequences, then continues to do the same thing because the risk means greater rewards.
The story is good, the side characters feel a bit flat, but the world building is excellent.
June 13, 2023
This book is still solid, but perhaps not as good as the first one. For me, at least, things started to seem a bit formulaic and the MC started to become moderately less likeable and/or relatable.
Still a good series overall and I've already started the third and final book, but this one was a half-step down from the first one IMO.
Still a good series overall and I've already started the third and final book, but this one was a half-step down from the first one IMO.
February 27, 2023
Excellent sequel to an already great first book in the series. Almost non-stop action and levelling with a great main character and a few interesting supporting characters as well. Can't wait for book 3.
March 5, 2023
epic read
Second book is better than the first. Constant build up to an epic climax. Left wanting more. The sign of a great story and a great author. Definite must read series.
Second book is better than the first. Constant build up to an epic climax. Left wanting more. The sign of a great story and a great author. Definite must read series.
March 15, 2023
quickly becoming one of my favorite series!
The fast paced story, the interesting world, the action. All are top notch and keep you engaged the entire time. Highly recommend.
The fast paced story, the interesting world, the action. All are top notch and keep you engaged the entire time. Highly recommend.
March 21, 2023
What a ride! This story is such a page-turner. Can’t wait for the next!
April 26, 2023
Hack, Slash & Burn book 2
This was a great sequel to the first book. More action than possible. Characters that are fun to follow. The saga continues.
This was a great sequel to the first book. More action than possible. Characters that are fun to follow. The saga continues.
July 9, 2023
Awsomeeee
Good book, it was a rare read that was highly enjoyable. If you like LITRPG or RPG games you will love this series.
Good book, it was a rare read that was highly enjoyable. If you like LITRPG or RPG games you will love this series.
November 17, 2023
Great book
Stellar work once again from Todd Herzman! Lots of action and adventure, leveling and magic. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from Todd Herzman! Lots of action and adventure, leveling and magic. Looking forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews