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The Realm Between #2
The Realm Between: Two Brothers
Welcome to the second installment in The Realm Between series by Phoenix Grey.
Will Galvan is no longer a noob to The Realm. In fact, he’s no longer Will Galvan. Emerged as Azure and still undecided about his class, the new hero is ready to face the cause of the curse on Crescent Island head-on. Little does he know that in-game decisions may have real-world consequences, up to and including death.
But more importantly than all of that, the mystery of Uden is revealed. Is he a good guy? A bad guy? A good guy who just happens to also be an a-hole? Read on to find out!
Adventure awaits in this mix of dungeon crawler and slice-of-life LitRPG.
Will Galvan is no longer a noob to The Realm. In fact, he’s no longer Will Galvan. Emerged as Azure and still undecided about his class, the new hero is ready to face the cause of the curse on Crescent Island head-on. Little does he know that in-game decisions may have real-world consequences, up to and including death.
But more importantly than all of that, the mystery of Uden is revealed. Is he a good guy? A bad guy? A good guy who just happens to also be an a-hole? Read on to find out!
Adventure awaits in this mix of dungeon crawler and slice-of-life LitRPG.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 1, 2021
513 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Phoenix Grey
18 books103 followersPhoenix Grey is the super secret nerd pen name of a USA Today bestselling author. She currently lives in a secluded podunk town outside of San Antonio, Texas where she can hermit away while working on books and playing video games. When she's not busy plotting her world domination, she can be found hosting game nights at the local comic book store or checking out the latest recommended anime.
She loves hearing from and interacting with fans, so feel free to stalk her in the following ways:
1. Phoenix Grey's Mailing List: http://www.subscribepage.com/TheRealm...
Sign up to learn when the next installment of The Realm Between is coming out.
2. The Realm Between's Facebook page: fb.me/TheRealmBetweenLitRPG
3. Phoenix Grey's Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Phoen...
4. Phoenix Grey's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxd...
She loves hearing from and interacting with fans, so feel free to stalk her in the following ways:
1. Phoenix Grey's Mailing List: http://www.subscribepage.com/TheRealm...
Sign up to learn when the next installment of The Realm Between is coming out.
2. The Realm Between's Facebook page: fb.me/TheRealmBetweenLitRPG
3. Phoenix Grey's Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Phoen...
4. Phoenix Grey's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxd...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 10, 2021
Notes:
Not a fan of the episodic writing style for the series.
Upside: Yay for Libraries! It's easy listening while I do other things like stare at nature or figure out where I can climb while hiking. =P
Not a fan of the episodic writing style for the series.
Upside: Yay for Libraries! It's easy listening while I do other things like stare at nature or figure out where I can climb while hiking. =P
January 23, 2019
Book two
Mistakes: none found
Plot: I was so bored reading this book. The dungeon run was anticlimactic. There was a boring ship ride. I stopped at 70%
Characters: The most interesting companion was killed off. The other one was still chasing the girl that was the cause of the brothers death. The MC just HAD to see some sirens, even with everyone telling him it was deadly dangerous. In other words they are both morons.
4/10 due to lack of interest.
Mistakes: none found
Plot: I was so bored reading this book. The dungeon run was anticlimactic. There was a boring ship ride. I stopped at 70%
Characters: The most interesting companion was killed off. The other one was still chasing the girl that was the cause of the brothers death. The MC just HAD to see some sirens, even with everyone telling him it was deadly dangerous. In other words they are both morons.
4/10 due to lack of interest.
December 8, 2021
Adventuring in a new world while they try to save his life
A traumatic brain injury nearly killed out hero, Azure, in the real world and little did he know what his employer’s contracts entailed. His life is in their hands as a guinea pig I’m their medical trials that if successful will save many more lives than just his. If he doesn’t die in the game world as they try repairing the brain damage.
Azure, as William calls himself in The Realm, has been moving through quests and helping e brothers with their own challenges. Now they are heading on a new adventure short one compatriot on the mainland where life is much different and dangerous.
I am enjoying the pacing and story’s depth, characters, and background. Where will they go from here, will Azure find a way to learn magic? Will Lonnie save enough to rescue and marry his beau? Will Azure ever buy a bag of holding?
A traumatic brain injury nearly killed out hero, Azure, in the real world and little did he know what his employer’s contracts entailed. His life is in their hands as a guinea pig I’m their medical trials that if successful will save many more lives than just his. If he doesn’t die in the game world as they try repairing the brain damage.
Azure, as William calls himself in The Realm, has been moving through quests and helping e brothers with their own challenges. Now they are heading on a new adventure short one compatriot on the mainland where life is much different and dangerous.
I am enjoying the pacing and story’s depth, characters, and background. Where will they go from here, will Azure find a way to learn magic? Will Lonnie save enough to rescue and marry his beau? Will Azure ever buy a bag of holding?
September 30, 2019
Yes, this is what I'm talking about, right here.
This book does "Self-aware NPC" right.
The MC is out of his depth, but in a very human way. Most bad LitRPG make NPCs either revere or hate "Travellers". This book takes a totally different approach: our MC is not "special". He doesn't get awarded special attention or consideration by the NPCs. They only interact with him in natural response to his willingness to interact with them. They don't take his word for scripture. They take him to task when he goes sanctimonious.
In fact, it really looks like the people around him couldn't care less wether he lives or dies, until he actually befriends them. And THAT, is priceless because it makes this world really "More Than A Game".
THIS book does "Isekai" RIGHT!
This is WAY more believable as a "second life" world than anything I've read up to now. Why? Because it's sustainable. Most LitRPG make their MC OP within the first book, and then start struggling to find them challenges. Their MCs reach top tiers levels within the first few months of arrival. Which raises the question: what will they do with the rest of their lives? Especially when said lives are potentially never-ending?
We're in book 2 here, lots has already happened; both uplifting and heart-breaking, but the hero is still a nobody beginner! That MAKES SENSE! Whatever he makes of himself, he will have to earn, the hard way. And I really enjoy seing the MC coming to the realisation that he gets no silver spoon: he'll have to bloody BE extraordinary, to live an extraordinary life.
Another thing I really appreciated in this book is the absence of "class jargon". Classes are a bane of Isekai LitRPG and should just die. Even levels should die.. I hate being bogged down in class selection, party roles, and stupid point hoardings, and moronic "unique classes" plot vouchers.
This book, refreshingly, attempts to build a world where character sheets are part of everyday life. It reminds me of Stuff and Nonsense, which took the same path, and that I enjoyed a lot.
Yeah, This is part of my top 5 best LitRPG.
Solid 4/5 for the two books I've read so far. Now to find the next volumes.
This book does "Self-aware NPC" right.
The MC is out of his depth, but in a very human way. Most bad LitRPG make NPCs either revere or hate "Travellers". This book takes a totally different approach: our MC is not "special". He doesn't get awarded special attention or consideration by the NPCs. They only interact with him in natural response to his willingness to interact with them. They don't take his word for scripture. They take him to task when he goes sanctimonious.
In fact, it really looks like the people around him couldn't care less wether he lives or dies, until he actually befriends them. And THAT, is priceless because it makes this world really "More Than A Game".
THIS book does "Isekai" RIGHT!
This is WAY more believable as a "second life" world than anything I've read up to now. Why? Because it's sustainable. Most LitRPG make their MC OP within the first book, and then start struggling to find them challenges. Their MCs reach top tiers levels within the first few months of arrival. Which raises the question: what will they do with the rest of their lives? Especially when said lives are potentially never-ending?
We're in book 2 here, lots has already happened; both uplifting and heart-breaking, but the hero is still a nobody beginner! That MAKES SENSE! Whatever he makes of himself, he will have to earn, the hard way. And I really enjoy seing the MC coming to the realisation that he gets no silver spoon: he'll have to bloody BE extraordinary, to live an extraordinary life.
Another thing I really appreciated in this book is the absence of "class jargon". Classes are a bane of Isekai LitRPG and should just die. Even levels should die.. I hate being bogged down in class selection, party roles, and stupid point hoardings, and moronic "unique classes" plot vouchers.
This book, refreshingly, attempts to build a world where character sheets are part of everyday life. It reminds me of Stuff and Nonsense, which took the same path, and that I enjoyed a lot.
Yeah, This is part of my top 5 best LitRPG.
Solid 4/5 for the two books I've read so far. Now to find the next volumes.
September 30, 2019
Stopped about a third of the way in. The story just lacked meat and it wasn’t moving at a reasonable pace.
December 11, 2020
I had read book 1 of the Realm Between some time ago and loved it. When the opportunity came up for an ARC copy of books 1-3 I jumped at it. I didn't quite remember everything in book 1 so I reread and continued my adventure. This is a classic story of a hero stuck in a full emersion video game. A game so real, it cannot be distinguished from reality, well, except the monsters and stuff. Phoenix leaves tiny hints at real-life circumstances that are still titillating even after finishing the first 3 books. These "undisclosed" suspicions of possible evil doing, though very minor, do help the storyline somewhat. The characters feel real and the world is well constructed. Just like in a video game there are some parts of the story where the hero needs to "grind" and slows down the action but it is balanced. If you like LitRPG it's a must-read, and any fantasy reader will enjoy. This Saga could be considered for young adults also, but I'm an old guy and loved it so I need to find the next book to continue my entertainment.
February 24, 2019
Pleasant "day in the life" litRPG
I would almost describe this series as "cozy litRPG" as compared to others in the genre, it doesn't feel compelled to race from fight scene to epic battle but instead takes a more "realistic" pace. The main character is also interesting in that he is very very... Normal, as in he stumbles over the same small moral problems and feelings people in real life do. He is a little brave, a little cowardly, a little heroic, a little greedy, and sometimes knows the right thing to do, but has to face that he can't do it anyway. A true Everyman character...
I would almost describe this series as "cozy litRPG" as compared to others in the genre, it doesn't feel compelled to race from fight scene to epic battle but instead takes a more "realistic" pace. The main character is also interesting in that he is very very... Normal, as in he stumbles over the same small moral problems and feelings people in real life do. He is a little brave, a little cowardly, a little heroic, a little greedy, and sometimes knows the right thing to do, but has to face that he can't do it anyway. A true Everyman character...
November 24, 2020
All spoilers are from the first couple of chapters.
So tired of the idiocy rolling off the MC! Last book you learned that Uten (sorry if I spelled wrong, audiobook) is not to be trusted and probably meant for you to die. You know he has lied several times. Dont talk to anyone about that btw, why would you?? THEN you decide to follow Uten into almost certain death fighting a demon for a cause you dont care about. Dont ask if anyone wants to come from the village btw, that would be stupid!!? THEN you shoot away all your arrows on rabbits and squrrels on the way to the dungeon, thats no problem, its not as if bow is your main weapon, or is it??! They even had unlimited arrows on the farm and a bag of holding. THEN you almost died fighting three goblins (!!) outside the dungeon and you still decide to go on in?? Man, I thought the first book was stupid. I had to stop reading at this point.
The second star is because no harem, slightly decent progression and a bit exciting backstory of MC. I also liked that he sometimes fails, he us no god. Npcs are believable people, when they arent idiots.
So tired of the idiocy rolling off the MC! Last book you learned that Uten (sorry if I spelled wrong, audiobook) is not to be trusted and probably meant for you to die. You know he has lied several times. Dont talk to anyone about that btw, why would you?? THEN you decide to follow Uten into almost certain death fighting a demon for a cause you dont care about. Dont ask if anyone wants to come from the village btw, that would be stupid!!? THEN you shoot away all your arrows on rabbits and squrrels on the way to the dungeon, thats no problem, its not as if bow is your main weapon, or is it??! They even had unlimited arrows on the farm and a bag of holding. THEN you almost died fighting three goblins (!!) outside the dungeon and you still decide to go on in?? Man, I thought the first book was stupid. I had to stop reading at this point.
The second star is because no harem, slightly decent progression and a bit exciting backstory of MC. I also liked that he sometimes fails, he us no god. Npcs are believable people, when they arent idiots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
A very fun, easy read, and I will be moving on to book 3 next (as in, in about 15 mins).
I'm finding these quite difficult to put down.
As other reviews have noted, there wasn't a huge amount of plot / character advancement, and it fell like it was finishing book 1 and setting up book 3, however, as with book 1 it didn't do anything annoying like end on a cliffhanger.
There were more mistakes than book 1, but they were editing mistakes rather than bad grammar so weren't too jarring.
A good example was when his two-handed skill increased, he got a one-handed skill perk.
My favourite was: "Proportionately, the dawnflayer was about thirty percent head, forty percent wings, ten percent legs, and ten percent body."
I'm not too sure what the other 10% could have been!
I'm finding these quite difficult to put down.
As other reviews have noted, there wasn't a huge amount of plot / character advancement, and it fell like it was finishing book 1 and setting up book 3, however, as with book 1 it didn't do anything annoying like end on a cliffhanger.
There were more mistakes than book 1, but they were editing mistakes rather than bad grammar so weren't too jarring.
A good example was when his two-handed skill increased, he got a one-handed skill perk.
My favourite was: "Proportionately, the dawnflayer was about thirty percent head, forty percent wings, ten percent legs, and ten percent body."
I'm not too sure what the other 10% could have been!
July 31, 2021
Sound mixing and narration excellent.
Story still felt like it was split in two as the first half mostly had what the first books climax felt like it would have been.
Which made it feel a bit meandery for a while after.
There's a scene after a pivotal party change where Azure is laying back down in the barn fighting with plans that could have probably been a good ending point (I say this more as a useful critique however knowing there are several more books I assume the author has already grown past this.) Heck this book ended at a much better feeling like a solid resolution but with enough to be interested eventually in what comes next.
Good entry in LitRPG and tearing apart some of the oddities we assume in game worlds; especially how ecosystems can function
Story still felt like it was split in two as the first half mostly had what the first books climax felt like it would have been.
Which made it feel a bit meandery for a while after.
There's a scene after a pivotal party change where Azure is laying back down in the barn fighting with plans that could have probably been a good ending point (I say this more as a useful critique however knowing there are several more books I assume the author has already grown past this.) Heck this book ended at a much better feeling like a solid resolution but with enough to be interested eventually in what comes next.
Good entry in LitRPG and tearing apart some of the oddities we assume in game worlds; especially how ecosystems can function
January 16, 2019
While I found the end of this installment to be a more natural stopping point than the end of The Curse, I found that this book was very lackluster. The first half of the book should have been included in the prior book and was really heartbreaking. If it had continued at that level, I would have raved about this installment. Instead, after we finish up the events in Crescent Island, Azure travels to the mainland and we proceed to wander around a lot, and set things up for future books, but nothing happened, and we didn't end with a cliffhanger, so it just felt uninspiring in the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 23, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. I bought this as soon as I finished the first because I couldn't stand the cliffhanger the first ended on. This book got a bit depressing about halfway through. I feel like the rest of the book and the following books in the series would have been much more interesting if the battle in the dungeon had gone a different way. After that, the book was a bit of a grind to read till I finally got near the end. Not sure if I'll get the next book or not. I do still feel like the series has potential but I'm unsure if I want to chance the next book feeling like a grind to get through too. I do that enough in games.
July 11, 2020
Ok
So, we learned a teeny tiny bit more about the real world. Like infinitesimal. But better than nothing. This book is long though. Long and boring in places and also uber frustrating. If this game was released, I wouldn't play it tbh. I love RPG, but this long winded nonsense? Nope. I'm on the fence about the next one. I kinda wanna know what happens, but I also don't want to be bored out of my mind. Life is too short to read boring books. I think I'll probably start and see how we go, but if it's like this, I'm not sure I'll progress to the end. Shame though, brilliant premise.
So, we learned a teeny tiny bit more about the real world. Like infinitesimal. But better than nothing. This book is long though. Long and boring in places and also uber frustrating. If this game was released, I wouldn't play it tbh. I love RPG, but this long winded nonsense? Nope. I'm on the fence about the next one. I kinda wanna know what happens, but I also don't want to be bored out of my mind. Life is too short to read boring books. I think I'll probably start and see how we go, but if it's like this, I'm not sure I'll progress to the end. Shame though, brilliant premise.
October 10, 2020
Hard curve at the end
Book 2 in the series and im really enjoying it so far. Kinda crap that one of the most interesting characters was killed off, but it did make for an epic moment. Hopefully more colourful personalities will turn up soon.
Ferne is a MOOD! Loved her.
Having said that, I actually think the last section of this book with the grind/slog fest of joining the adventurer's guild could really have been summarised and still had the same effect. While leaving room to give us a proper cliff hanger. As it stands its a slow wind down into an abrupt cut off which just felt off compared to the rest of the book.
Looking forward to book 3
Book 2 in the series and im really enjoying it so far. Kinda crap that one of the most interesting characters was killed off, but it did make for an epic moment. Hopefully more colourful personalities will turn up soon.
Ferne is a MOOD! Loved her.
Having said that, I actually think the last section of this book with the grind/slog fest of joining the adventurer's guild could really have been summarised and still had the same effect. While leaving room to give us a proper cliff hanger. As it stands its a slow wind down into an abrupt cut off which just felt off compared to the rest of the book.
Looking forward to book 3
September 16, 2019
A tough journey
So far these books have been a tougher read than I had hoped or expected. The writing is not bad (this particular book did have several mistakes such as wrong words or weird characters used or misspellings) but the hero has such a hard time that I'm really not interested in what happens to him anymore. I wish him better luck along with his friends safety several this is where my journey ends in the realm. If you want a more realistic adventure where struggles are many, then give this a read.
So far these books have been a tougher read than I had hoped or expected. The writing is not bad (this particular book did have several mistakes such as wrong words or weird characters used or misspellings) but the hero has such a hard time that I'm really not interested in what happens to him anymore. I wish him better luck along with his friends safety several this is where my journey ends in the realm. If you want a more realistic adventure where struggles are many, then give this a read.
January 28, 2019
Lacks body
The book started well, but quickly became rather monotonous. The protagonist is somewhat intransigent in getting what he wants, even when told that it could be harmful to his health. The main portion of this book was descriptive. There was not a lot of action or anything of interest. The title is also somewhat of a misnomer. Will wait until the next book to determine whether or not to continue with this series...
The book started well, but quickly became rather monotonous. The protagonist is somewhat intransigent in getting what he wants, even when told that it could be harmful to his health. The main portion of this book was descriptive. There was not a lot of action or anything of interest. The title is also somewhat of a misnomer. Will wait until the next book to determine whether or not to continue with this series...
February 27, 2019
I really liked the concept but the pacing has the same issue as the last book. It felt like I was reading what should have been the ending of the first book about 1/3 of the way through this one. And then this one has this weird buildup event with no payoff in the middle, and ends with literally a fishing trip where he catches an anchovy sized fish and then is done.
Everything else was fun and enjoyable, just needs a better plot structure!
Everything else was fun and enjoyable, just needs a better plot structure!
July 15, 2019
Pretty Good So Far
Nice story progression. Made me laugh, get angry and get irrationally attached to fictional people. It’s ramping up a bit. Although some parts feel a little like they are taking there sweet time. Not as many rewards/bonuses for skill lvl ups as most others I’ve read in the Genre. All in all I enjoyed the book. Gearing up for the next. Always love binge reading a series. Woo hoo.
Nice story progression. Made me laugh, get angry and get irrationally attached to fictional people. It’s ramping up a bit. Although some parts feel a little like they are taking there sweet time. Not as many rewards/bonuses for skill lvl ups as most others I’ve read in the Genre. All in all I enjoyed the book. Gearing up for the next. Always love binge reading a series. Woo hoo.
May 29, 2024
Book 2 of The Realm Between. Again this continues to have an epic fantasy feel and so this book did not really have a Big Bad Guy to face unless it is that all too familiar BBG called life. That said, it is an enjoyable read and the action keeps you moving forward. Excited to see where the next one goes. Reminder: This series is geared to a mature audience primarily due to language.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
June 22, 2025
You have to think of this series as a long campaign, not a single quest. You’re taking someone new to the land who has to learn everything from the ground up. These are not gonna be fast paced thrillers, but they do well in explaining the minor nuances of starting at level one and working your way up. Each book is its own and explaining a fraction of the whole. Like any good game you have to build up your stats and levels till the story is ready to take off.
January 15, 2019
Well done
Although it took a bit to remember the characters from book one, book 2 flowed well. I'm used to many books rushing through the early parts of a character's adventure. Two brothers was a satisfying read.
Although it took a bit to remember the characters from book one, book 2 flowed well. I'm used to many books rushing through the early parts of a character's adventure. Two brothers was a satisfying read.
January 21, 2019
Two Brothers
I loved this book! It's a very good read if you're not but a great read if you are, or were ever a gamer. The concept is excellant, as are the characters. I'd recommend this highly!
I loved this book! It's a very good read if you're not but a great read if you are, or were ever a gamer. The concept is excellant, as are the characters. I'd recommend this highly!
January 23, 2019
Meh!
Unlike the first book, which was rather good, this one was a very tedious read. The last half of the book felt rather forced, and did nothing to move along the story. Hopefully, the third book will be better.
Unlike the first book, which was rather good, this one was a very tedious read. The last half of the book felt rather forced, and did nothing to move along the story. Hopefully, the third book will be better.
April 1, 2019
There is a curse and has changed and he needs.to decide. What he will.do? What he does not know is that in-game decisions will have an effect on the real world? How will it all go? If could.get interesting
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2019
New Adventure
This 2nd novel helped to push our adventurer onwards to the wider world. Didn’t like this as much as the 1st book but it’s still kept me entertained enough to get to book 3. Just hope the MC can develop more brains and stop making so many noob errors.
This 2nd novel helped to push our adventurer onwards to the wider world. Didn’t like this as much as the 1st book but it’s still kept me entertained enough to get to book 3. Just hope the MC can develop more brains and stop making so many noob errors.
August 21, 2019
Mediocre
The story is weak and where the books end is poorly chosen. After the first, I just was not sure what to expect. After two it is plain that the MC is selfish, shortsighted and just unlikable. Going to give the third one a try but just so I can give a proper review.
The story is weak and where the books end is poorly chosen. After the first, I just was not sure what to expect. After two it is plain that the MC is selfish, shortsighted and just unlikable. Going to give the third one a try but just so I can give a proper review.
January 8, 2020
Enjoyable second volume
I am enjoying this series, so far. Good pace, decent story line.
The starting and stopping points of these books do seem kind of odd. Not a big deal because I can just download the next book and keep cruising.
Fun book!
I am enjoying this series, so far. Good pace, decent story line.
The starting and stopping points of these books do seem kind of odd. Not a big deal because I can just download the next book and keep cruising.
Fun book!
February 2, 2020
3.5
I agree with the aggregate reviewers, I found this book to have picked up from the first and been just a little stronger overall. Fun to listen to on a drive or at work for some enjoyable background storytelling.
I agree with the aggregate reviewers, I found this book to have picked up from the first and been just a little stronger overall. Fun to listen to on a drive or at work for some enjoyable background storytelling.
May 15, 2020
The story is mostly nonexistent. The only reason I enjoyed this was because I have been a lifelong RPG player and the book reads like an actial game session. Good litRPG, but if you are not a gamer, you might want to avoid this.
September 27, 2020
This book picks up right where the first one ended and it soon goes into a dungeon crawl. I'm reminded of the D&D style video games I used to play years ago (accepting quests, levelling up, allocating points to intelligence, strength, agility etc).
Good times.
Good times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews