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Alpha #3
Alpha Transcendent
I had a plan. A good one that I thought through really well. But it
only took a single cunning dwarf accompanied by two goons to force me
into acting earlier than I’d planned to and before I could complete
all my preparations. So all my plans needed revision in face of a
bunch of unpleasant surprises.
Instead of using an army of silent helpers to eradicate the scourge,
I’d have to act on my own. The town that might conceal something I’d
been searching for so long turned out to be under siege.
Apart from that, I got mistaken for a spy and a bloodthirsty maniac
offered me a walk to a place most often mentioned to scare children.
The plan might have not been that great to begin with, after all…
only took a single cunning dwarf accompanied by two goons to force me
into acting earlier than I’d planned to and before I could complete
all my preparations. So all my plans needed revision in face of a
bunch of unpleasant surprises.
Instead of using an army of silent helpers to eradicate the scourge,
I’d have to act on my own. The town that might conceal something I’d
been searching for so long turned out to be under siege.
Apart from that, I got mistaken for a spy and a bloodthirsty maniac
offered me a walk to a place most often mentioned to scare children.
The plan might have not been that great to begin with, after all…
- GenresFantasy
369 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2021
184 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Stone
58 books263 followersArthur Stone is the pen name of one Arthur Smirnov, a prolific author in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.
Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.
Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 13, 2021
I didn't like this one as much as the others, likely because we didn't see much of the scheming that our favorite main character is famous for. The explorations were interesting, and the ending of the book promises more adventures in the future, but honestly, I miss the various methods the main character uses to get into and out of trouble in the previous books. There was a small amount of that here, but it hardly strained the mental faculties of the main character in this one, and I find that was half the fun of the stories.
In any case, it does advance the story some, and we do get to meet some new characters that will hopefully play a part in future books. In brief, mildly disappointing, but a decent story nonetheless.
In any case, it does advance the story some, and we do get to meet some new characters that will hopefully play a part in future books. In brief, mildly disappointing, but a decent story nonetheless.
August 17, 2021
A really good story.
I enjoyed this book a lot as the world building continues to be well done and very interesting. The story has kept me engaged with the characters and has me looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book a lot as the world building continues to be well done and very interesting. The story has kept me engaged with the characters and has me looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 10, 2021
Not as good as previous books. [Spoilers]
I find it funny that the main character [mc] continues to mock and ridicule others when they get wordy "in his past life" even though that is one of my main issues with this entry to the series. I find the mc to be engaging and intelligent but to be honest it gets irritating that a lot of the book is extrapolation and almost self flatulence talking about everything he knows. I feels at times the author is just trying for a higher word count.
The rest is a spoiler.
We have this major build up of the character finally getting to enlightenment 7 (something that was teased in book 1) so he can unlock this special thing, but it does not happen. Very frustrating ending to have read 500 pages and sure he advances to rank 7 but this special thing he gets right on the cusp of and it does not happen.
My advice to other readers is wait for book 4 to come out so you can see what happens without the wait.
I find it funny that the main character [mc] continues to mock and ridicule others when they get wordy "in his past life" even though that is one of my main issues with this entry to the series. I find the mc to be engaging and intelligent but to be honest it gets irritating that a lot of the book is extrapolation and almost self flatulence talking about everything he knows. I feels at times the author is just trying for a higher word count.
The rest is a spoiler.
We have this major build up of the character finally getting to enlightenment 7 (something that was teased in book 1) so he can unlock this special thing, but it does not happen. Very frustrating ending to have read 500 pages and sure he advances to rank 7 but this special thing he gets right on the cusp of and it does not happen.
My advice to other readers is wait for book 4 to come out so you can see what happens without the wait.
April 11, 2025
Good story. Bad pacing at times. Very over explained.
Third book of the series was very slow to get going. The imparting of the world's leveling Dynamics becomes overbearing at times and is a pace killer. Most of the things that are described really have no matter or bearing to the story. The main character is logical and fun, and you want to root for him. This book was more of a transitional book in the storyline so jumps in time and MacGuffin hunts filled about the whole book. It's not a bad story, it's very long winded at times, and very over explained to the point where it's Overkill. The main characters in our dialogue contemplations become tedious because he'll cover five things that could happen or he should do, and then make a decision that made all of that pondering irrelevant. If you're on the third book, then the story is what drives you, simply to see what happens next. But the tedious of the filler exposition is a challenge to want to continue.
Third book of the series was very slow to get going. The imparting of the world's leveling Dynamics becomes overbearing at times and is a pace killer. Most of the things that are described really have no matter or bearing to the story. The main character is logical and fun, and you want to root for him. This book was more of a transitional book in the storyline so jumps in time and MacGuffin hunts filled about the whole book. It's not a bad story, it's very long winded at times, and very over explained to the point where it's Overkill. The main characters in our dialogue contemplations become tedious because he'll cover five things that could happen or he should do, and then make a decision that made all of that pondering irrelevant. If you're on the third book, then the story is what drives you, simply to see what happens next. But the tedious of the filler exposition is a challenge to want to continue.
August 12, 2021
Excellent but didn’t quite stick the landing
Great story great progression but it’s just when you get to the end things wrapped up and it doesn’t quite stick the landing. I actually think I might’ve been in favor of removing some of the con tent from the second half of the story and instead giving us just a preview after the end of the story.
This is a case were seen the main character at least take the next step would have set the tone perfectly. We all know what’s coming next but this is a case where we should’ve been led into those actions. When a novel is going to continue on like this you have to be sure you ended at the perfect point this was like a 9.7 out of 10 deserves five stars most definitely but you needed one more chapter are we even argue just may be five or 10 more pages.
Great story great progression but it’s just when you get to the end things wrapped up and it doesn’t quite stick the landing. I actually think I might’ve been in favor of removing some of the con tent from the second half of the story and instead giving us just a preview after the end of the story.
This is a case were seen the main character at least take the next step would have set the tone perfectly. We all know what’s coming next but this is a case where we should’ve been led into those actions. When a novel is going to continue on like this you have to be sure you ended at the perfect point this was like a 9.7 out of 10 deserves five stars most definitely but you needed one more chapter are we even argue just may be five or 10 more pages.
August 17, 2021
Unfulfilling. This is a good book, but it doesn't offer what the two that came before it did: progression, discovery, ingenuity. One of the biggest events we were waiting for happens but we barely get anything out of it. Some interestingly named talents are learned but we get no information on them. Some other talents are learned that seem to go on a tangent and we don't learn why. And as unsatisfying as that is, it is a trove of information compared to the rest of the book. Worse of all, the protagonist takes a blunt force approach to his problems throughout most of the book. This is not what I wanted or expected from an Alpha LitRPG book. On the positive side, Arthur Stone knows how to write action, and action we get. We are also treated to some delicious subtle humor.
September 10, 2021
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
July 9, 2022
The weakest and most tiresome book so far.
About one year has past since the happenings of book 2. The MC is now super rich, super well informed, supposedly strong and has a cunning plan. A lot is happening in the book but the MC comes up repeatedly with reasons not to do something interesting. The author keeps alternating statements how strong/absolutely pathetic the MC is. The triumphs of the MC and the whole city plot felt forced.
I was sooooo happy that the MC finally got rid of his Gollum only for him find more brain dead persons... The repetitive, entirely pointless and annoying dialogues with these persons gave me quite a headache.
About one year has past since the happenings of book 2. The MC is now super rich, super well informed, supposedly strong and has a cunning plan. A lot is happening in the book but the MC comes up repeatedly with reasons not to do something interesting. The author keeps alternating statements how strong/absolutely pathetic the MC is. The triumphs of the MC and the whole city plot felt forced.
I was sooooo happy that the MC finally got rid of his Gollum only for him find more brain dead persons... The repetitive, entirely pointless and annoying dialogues with these persons gave me quite a headache.
August 13, 2021
Incomplete
Of course he didn’t really finish the end to any sort of satisfaction, fortunately Stone writes fast and maybe the next will be out sooner than later. Looking forward to it, it’s a phenomenal series!
Of course he didn’t really finish the end to any sort of satisfaction, fortunately Stone writes fast and maybe the next will be out sooner than later. Looking forward to it, it’s a phenomenal series!
August 13, 2021
Book three
Mistakes: I only found three in this book. Much better editing than in book two.
Plot: It's time to finally level up!
Characters: Ged is an interesting character and I look forward to book four.
8/10
Mistakes: I only found three in this book. Much better editing than in book two.
Plot: It's time to finally level up!
Characters: Ged is an interesting character and I look forward to book four.
8/10
August 14, 2021
Brutal cliffhanger ending
This third instalment was packed with the same character growth and plot but it ends on the nastiest cliffhanger possible. I recommend reading it when the next book is released.
This third instalment was packed with the same character growth and plot but it ends on the nastiest cliffhanger possible. I recommend reading it when the next book is released.
August 15, 2021
Brilliant !
Continuing from where it left off last book. We encounter different locales, strange monster & enemies,exciting fight sequences and much more. The ending was kind of cliffy. Can’t wait for the next book. More please.
Continuing from where it left off last book. We encounter different locales, strange monster & enemies,exciting fight sequences and much more. The ending was kind of cliffy. Can’t wait for the next book. More please.
Read
August 20, 2021Good read
I gave 5 stars because this story has so much potential. I like reading the level ups and skill changes the story progresses at a decent pace but sometimes the attributes and stats are hard to figure out.
I gave 5 stars because this story has so much potential. I like reading the level ups and skill changes the story progresses at a decent pace but sometimes the attributes and stats are hard to figure out.
August 21, 2021
Another good one
I really enjoy this esoteric series. It is not truly esoteric, but you do need to enjoy the unique system and world to really get into it!
Looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoy this esoteric series. It is not truly esoteric, but you do need to enjoy the unique system and world to really get into it!
Looking forward to the next book.
November 6, 2021
another solid one
Definitely my least favorite but it starts the first stage of his adventure in the world and has a much needed time skip. Clonassis is just meh. But im very excited for the next one!!!
Definitely my least favorite but it starts the first stage of his adventure in the world and has a much needed time skip. Clonassis is just meh. But im very excited for the next one!!!
December 13, 2021
Little different
This one has our hero in a different location ie by himself for long periods. There is also less of your typical litrpg advancement and more planning for a certain type of advancement that is t really explained in the book. Hoping we get more clarity next book
This one has our hero in a different location ie by himself for long periods. There is also less of your typical litrpg advancement and more planning for a certain type of advancement that is t really explained in the book. Hoping we get more clarity next book
August 14, 2021
Great book
Finally see a new city and world development. Love the new weapon and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.
Finally see a new city and world development. Love the new weapon and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.
August 16, 2021
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend it to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend it to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books.
August 17, 2021
The adventure proceeds apace.
Finally leaving the trading post area, we see more of the wider but still nasty world. As usual, hungry for the next one.
Finally leaving the trading post area, we see more of the wider but still nasty world. As usual, hungry for the next one.
September 23, 2021
Excellent
The story is well done and clearly aimed at the youth market yet still enjoyable for adults. I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow.
The story is well done and clearly aimed at the youth market yet still enjoyable for adults. I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow.
November 5, 2021
Ok book
Overall a good series had to skip a lot of pages way to many discussions on which way to advance
Overall a good series had to skip a lot of pages way to many discussions on which way to advance
November 16, 2021
Great Book 3
New direction for our hero with an amazing journey to a new setting, with lots of adventure along the way.
New direction for our hero with an amazing journey to a new setting, with lots of adventure along the way.
May 9, 2022
A great time
New locations, new characters, new monters, and a new adventure. It is a fun read all around. I definitely recommend giving it a read.
New locations, new characters, new monters, and a new adventure. It is a fun read all around. I definitely recommend giving it a read.
May 20, 2022
I think I'm acclimating to so much exposition. Still, I can't give a book more than three stars when I've skipped a quarter of it.
September 4, 2022
Time to skip a bunch of stats.
I will read the sequel (as I already have it), but the book is moving a bit slow for me.
We will see what the future holds.
3/5 Stars
I will read the sequel (as I already have it), but the book is moving a bit slow for me.
We will see what the future holds.
3/5 Stars
June 9, 2025
Now the real fun is beginning! Time to move away from the zero level. The book had a lot of action a quite a bit of logic for the reason of the levels.
August 15, 2021
Overall not very good
Dissatisfactory ending, leaving you hanging and clueless the storyline itself is still pretty good, but probably the middle 80% of the book could be cut out entirely and not only wouldn't you miss anything, the book itself would have been much better. A lot of rambling inner dialogue and monologue, very little character interaction, what there was was very good 4 star story 2 star pacing and execution.
Dissatisfactory ending, leaving you hanging and clueless the storyline itself is still pretty good, but probably the middle 80% of the book could be cut out entirely and not only wouldn't you miss anything, the book itself would have been much better. A lot of rambling inner dialogue and monologue, very little character interaction, what there was was very good 4 star story 2 star pacing and execution.
February 7, 2022
So, if you're reading this review, I'm going to assume that you have read the previous books in the series. If you haven't, you really need to do that first, so go grab book 1 and start there. If you like it, then you can come back to this one after reading book 2. For those of you who have read books 1 and 2, here we go...
This book is paced slightly differently than the previous books, in large part because Ged has discovered that he can't really hang out around "town" for too much longer. His enemies may be catching up with him, so he sets out to put his long-term plan into motion. As a result, a large portion of this book is about his traveling to his first destination, along with the leveling up he does to get there.
My biggest complaint about this book is that it ends 1 chapter too early for me. By that I mean that, while I knew there was going to be a cliffhanger at the end, I was not prepared for where the cliffhanger actually was. And now I have to wait for book 4. :-(. Despite that, the overall book was good, if slightly less descriptive of his cleverness in how he outsmarts opponents. It's still there, just not quite as much as books 1 and 2, in my opinion.
Finally, that epilogue with Ash.... that was good. It set just the right tone, I think, for establishing what is awaiting Ged, and just how dangerous his opponents are. With the way Ged's story ended here, and the epilogue of action and intrigue with Ash, I am definitely looking forward to book 4. Hopefully I don't have to wait too long.
This book is paced slightly differently than the previous books, in large part because Ged has discovered that he can't really hang out around "town" for too much longer. His enemies may be catching up with him, so he sets out to put his long-term plan into motion. As a result, a large portion of this book is about his traveling to his first destination, along with the leveling up he does to get there.
My biggest complaint about this book is that it ends 1 chapter too early for me. By that I mean that, while I knew there was going to be a cliffhanger at the end, I was not prepared for where the cliffhanger actually was. And now I have to wait for book 4. :-(. Despite that, the overall book was good, if slightly less descriptive of his cleverness in how he outsmarts opponents. It's still there, just not quite as much as books 1 and 2, in my opinion.
Finally, that epilogue with Ash.... that was good. It set just the right tone, I think, for establishing what is awaiting Ged, and just how dangerous his opponents are. With the way Ged's story ended here, and the epilogue of action and intrigue with Ash, I am definitely looking forward to book 4. Hopefully I don't have to wait too long.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews