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Non-Player Character
Not all fantasy worlds live only in our imaginations.
32-year old Tar feels like a Non-Player Character in their own life. They've been utterly sidelined by their anxiety and they spend all their spare time playing video games. Then they get invited to play Kin, a tabletop role-playing game their friend swears will change their life. And it does, but not in the way Tar expects. Friendship, it turns out, is even better than escapism.
But what none of them knew was that it would change their life a second time. Because the world of Kin is real. And the whole party soon discovers that changing your setting doesn't change you.
Non-Player Character is a cosy, queer portal fantasy for adults featuring a non-binary autistic protagonist and their found family of fantasy-loving nerds.
32-year old Tar feels like a Non-Player Character in their own life. They've been utterly sidelined by their anxiety and they spend all their spare time playing video games. Then they get invited to play Kin, a tabletop role-playing game their friend swears will change their life. And it does, but not in the way Tar expects. Friendship, it turns out, is even better than escapism.
But what none of them knew was that it would change their life a second time. Because the world of Kin is real. And the whole party soon discovers that changing your setting doesn't change you.
Non-Player Character is a cosy, queer portal fantasy for adults featuring a non-binary autistic protagonist and their found family of fantasy-loving nerds.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2021
3 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Veo Corva
9 books5 followersVeo Corva writes things and reads things and reads things out loud, and sometimes they get paid for that, which is nice because it means they can feed their cat.
They live in Wiltshire with their partner and their furry familiar and as many books as they could fit in their small flat.
They are anxious and autistic and doing just fine.
They live in Wiltshire with their partner and their furry familiar and as many books as they could fit in their small flat.
They are anxious and autistic and doing just fine.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 28, 2023
4,6/5
Loved that lovely book where a bunch of friends get transported to a fantasy land reflecting their tabletop game and each resembling their character !
It has queer representation, disabilities and mental health and was just so well done on the way real empathetic people would feel and react when thrown in a different world where they’re supposed to fight and actually don’t want to hurt anyone, just like in real life. The relationship between the characters was the real beauty of this even though I first wanted to read it because of the “portal fantasy with geeks” description, obviously
Loved that lovely book where a bunch of friends get transported to a fantasy land reflecting their tabletop game and each resembling their character !
It has queer representation, disabilities and mental health and was just so well done on the way real empathetic people would feel and react when thrown in a different world where they’re supposed to fight and actually don’t want to hurt anyone, just like in real life. The relationship between the characters was the real beauty of this even though I first wanted to read it because of the “portal fantasy with geeks” description, obviously
August 28, 2022
I have a weird relationship with reading, rooted in childhood emotional trauma (long story), so I missed out on being that nerdy kid with books as friends.
This book was a second chance for my wounded psyche to finally experience the soothing power of book-friendship. The entirety of this book felt like a big hug from someone who deeply understood me on a level most people don't. I felt seen, heard, understood, and cared for while traveling Vanthis with Tar and The Amethyst Hand.
There are so many things about this book that I lived, but I have to start with my only critique. The only real problem with this book is that it is incredibly niche. I would love to buy 100 copies of this book to hand out to everyone I know, because it's really that good, but unfortunately this book hinges greatly on the bet that readers will have more than a passing familiarity with TTRPGs and game mechanics.
I don't. I know about RPGs in a pop-culturey sense, but game mechanics are lost on me. That left me confused and in the dark through parts of the book. I wish there had been a newbie info dump or a glossary for people like me, but I assume that the author did not imagine a person who does not play RPGs to pick up a book titled Non Player Character.
I am still going to recommend this book to ad many people as possible, but I know many will not stick with it and that's a shame. For me, the character development, representation, and Tar's story was worth muddling through the things that weren't so clear, but I know that's not the case for everyone and that's a shame.
The representation is just that good.
So let's talk about that. Tar is a nonbinary, asexual, autistic, fat 32 year old. I told my sister about Tar and she said "I'm reading a book about a coyote shifter!". Booooring. Shifters are over represented, but how often do we see just one of Tar's identities depicted in a main character? It's hard enough to find books about people over 30!
I found this book by accident, when my enby friend recommended a book about gender failure. I tried looking for it through my Libby App, but came upon this gem instead. The description sold me!
I consider myself gender expansive, but what I appreciated about the representation of gender in this book was that it was subtle. Tar is nonbinary, but it's not a plot point. It's mentioned a few times, it definitely informs many of their choices, and being a nonbinary person is an important part to their character (in that Tar would be completely different if their gender was changed), but it's not a story about gender. It's just there. Like it's a valid part of the human experience. Because it is.
This theme continues. Characters and animals are often referred to with they/them pronouns until gender is confirmed, and sometimes it is never confirmed. It doesn't need to be. Often I feel NB rep follows a checklist by which the author takes great pains to describe a character that is gender-less, with a gender neutral name and a cool gender neutral hair style. I appreciated that the author did not spend too much time on descriptions of physical characteristics, but instead focused on the fantastical details and the over all vibe of the character, letting the reader fill in the rest and accept each character for who they are and what they bring to the story.
Then we have the ace representation. I am not ace, but I have ace people in my life and learning about the harm that books and other media has done by pushing ideas about romance and sex on them that do not match their live experienced has motivated me to seek out more asexual representation. I have found some great books with characters on the asexual spectrum (usually demisexual, because you know, romance novels), but this is probably my favorite so far.
I actually misinterpreted some things in the beginning and thought Tar was aro-ace. As they met the Kin group I had to constantly remind myself that Tar was not going to have a love interest and that I don't have to ship ALL the characters and that friendship is more than enough is a fantasy adventure.
So when it turned out Tar did have a love interest, I was just as surprised as Tar was. It made for a cute little heart swelling moment. I appreciated that I didn't need or expect romance in this book.
The romance itself is sweet and slow burn, but the slow burn is not frustrating. It feels natural, because how else would two autistic asexuals approach romance? It felt right for them.
Tar is also fat, and it's mentioned a few times in ways that are respectful and add dimension to Tar's character. I appreciated that Tar is fit enough to get down on the floor with no issues, but doesn't like to because of how it makes their body look and feel. Relatable. Often fat acceptance in books tries so hard to be accepting that it misses the point. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes and all bodies deserve respect. Tar is just Tar. Their body happens to be larger, but that doesn't mean anything other than what it is. Tar doesn't have to prove they are worthy or attractive or healthy. They can just live in their body whatever size it happens to be.
This is the type of fat representation I like. So often fat characters are consumed by being fat that it becomes a character trait. A lot of people have larger bodies, it's pretty normal, it doesn't have to be a plot point!
Quickly I'd also like to show some love to how this is an adult book written about adults for adults but it isn't violent or sexual. Tar is 32 and their friends are all 20's-30's. Sometimes as a late 30 something I feel like a creep reading books about young people, and yet YA is nice because the stakes are low and it's less anxiety inducing. There are adult themes, like how to make friends in your 30's and how to navigate a world that isn't built for you, but it isn't adult. It's nice.
The autism representation is my absolute favorite part and what makes me want to get this book into everybody's hands. I have read autistic writers and their autistic protagonists before, but often those characters feel like an NT character with added "quirks". Like, they take the idea of a non disabled person and just add a great memory, some social awkwardness, and a special interest and call it autism. It's that Sheldon Cooper kind of white guy autism stereotype that does nothing to represent what autism actually is or help the community.
Tar has a disability. They struggled to work a full time job, so they work part time in a job that does not require much out of them beyond reading a script. Even 20hrs a week is too much and they spend most of their off time recovering from the exertion of their job. They rent a room, not only because having part time work is not lucrative, but also because they likely struggle with household tasks and remembering to pay bills and keep up with repairs. This is not explicitly mentioned, but it doesn't need to be. They do not visit their mother often because driving is hard for them and the train is draining. Between masking at work and trying to survive every day, energy is a limited resource.
This is the reality for many autistics. Although many autistic people can hold down full time jobs and live on their own and even take care of family and pets and additional responsibilities, autism can affect someone's daily life beyond being socially awkward.
In fact Tar isn't even that socially awkward! They are a kind person who genuinely likes people and wants everyone to feel comfortable in their presence, but avoids social situations because it is hard and draining for them. Such wonderful and realistic representation of what many autistic people face. I appreciated that the author was not afraid to go there. I think ableism is still rooted in books, especially romances, and Corva goes ahead and portrays it the same way they portrayed gender and fatness. As a simple reality and a valid way to experience life with no judgement.
Sometimes with characters like Tar, authors lean a little into the trauma of it all. Corva does not do that, they don't need to. The reader knows that Tar experiences trauma just living in the body and living in the mind that they do, so instead Corva focuses on the joy and acceptance. Yes, Tar gets misgendered a little and feels some fat-phobia from friends. Yes, sometimes their autism isn't understood even by those that care about them. But love and friendship and acceptance is the driving force.
I especially loved the interactions between Tar and their mom. There didn't need to be a ton of trauma and drama there, so the author kept it loving and sweet. It feels realistic, Tar's mom isn't perfect, but Tar is supported.
And that's the thing. Tar is never fixed because they aren't broken. The development Tar has is through the support and acceptance they find. They still have melt downs at inopportune times, but having their needs met means they can be the hero of their own story.
I love this book so much. To Anybody who has read this review (all of it! It's a long review but I didn't want to miss anything!), I hope I've convinced you to read this book. Absolutely excellent and I hope to read more by this author. (I usually do not carebfor series, but I will pick up any book set in this world. I want every character to have a perspective book).
This book was a second chance for my wounded psyche to finally experience the soothing power of book-friendship. The entirety of this book felt like a big hug from someone who deeply understood me on a level most people don't. I felt seen, heard, understood, and cared for while traveling Vanthis with Tar and The Amethyst Hand.
There are so many things about this book that I lived, but I have to start with my only critique. The only real problem with this book is that it is incredibly niche. I would love to buy 100 copies of this book to hand out to everyone I know, because it's really that good, but unfortunately this book hinges greatly on the bet that readers will have more than a passing familiarity with TTRPGs and game mechanics.
I don't. I know about RPGs in a pop-culturey sense, but game mechanics are lost on me. That left me confused and in the dark through parts of the book. I wish there had been a newbie info dump or a glossary for people like me, but I assume that the author did not imagine a person who does not play RPGs to pick up a book titled Non Player Character.
I am still going to recommend this book to ad many people as possible, but I know many will not stick with it and that's a shame. For me, the character development, representation, and Tar's story was worth muddling through the things that weren't so clear, but I know that's not the case for everyone and that's a shame.
The representation is just that good.
So let's talk about that. Tar is a nonbinary, asexual, autistic, fat 32 year old. I told my sister about Tar and she said "I'm reading a book about a coyote shifter!". Booooring. Shifters are over represented, but how often do we see just one of Tar's identities depicted in a main character? It's hard enough to find books about people over 30!
I found this book by accident, when my enby friend recommended a book about gender failure. I tried looking for it through my Libby App, but came upon this gem instead. The description sold me!
I consider myself gender expansive, but what I appreciated about the representation of gender in this book was that it was subtle. Tar is nonbinary, but it's not a plot point. It's mentioned a few times, it definitely informs many of their choices, and being a nonbinary person is an important part to their character (in that Tar would be completely different if their gender was changed), but it's not a story about gender. It's just there. Like it's a valid part of the human experience. Because it is.
This theme continues. Characters and animals are often referred to with they/them pronouns until gender is confirmed, and sometimes it is never confirmed. It doesn't need to be. Often I feel NB rep follows a checklist by which the author takes great pains to describe a character that is gender-less, with a gender neutral name and a cool gender neutral hair style. I appreciated that the author did not spend too much time on descriptions of physical characteristics, but instead focused on the fantastical details and the over all vibe of the character, letting the reader fill in the rest and accept each character for who they are and what they bring to the story.
Then we have the ace representation. I am not ace, but I have ace people in my life and learning about the harm that books and other media has done by pushing ideas about romance and sex on them that do not match their live experienced has motivated me to seek out more asexual representation. I have found some great books with characters on the asexual spectrum (usually demisexual, because you know, romance novels), but this is probably my favorite so far.
I actually misinterpreted some things in the beginning and thought Tar was aro-ace. As they met the Kin group I had to constantly remind myself that Tar was not going to have a love interest and that I don't have to ship ALL the characters and that friendship is more than enough is a fantasy adventure.
So when it turned out Tar did have a love interest, I was just as surprised as Tar was. It made for a cute little heart swelling moment. I appreciated that I didn't need or expect romance in this book.
The romance itself is sweet and slow burn, but the slow burn is not frustrating. It feels natural, because how else would two autistic asexuals approach romance? It felt right for them.
Tar is also fat, and it's mentioned a few times in ways that are respectful and add dimension to Tar's character. I appreciated that Tar is fit enough to get down on the floor with no issues, but doesn't like to because of how it makes their body look and feel. Relatable. Often fat acceptance in books tries so hard to be accepting that it misses the point. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes and all bodies deserve respect. Tar is just Tar. Their body happens to be larger, but that doesn't mean anything other than what it is. Tar doesn't have to prove they are worthy or attractive or healthy. They can just live in their body whatever size it happens to be.
This is the type of fat representation I like. So often fat characters are consumed by being fat that it becomes a character trait. A lot of people have larger bodies, it's pretty normal, it doesn't have to be a plot point!
Quickly I'd also like to show some love to how this is an adult book written about adults for adults but it isn't violent or sexual. Tar is 32 and their friends are all 20's-30's. Sometimes as a late 30 something I feel like a creep reading books about young people, and yet YA is nice because the stakes are low and it's less anxiety inducing. There are adult themes, like how to make friends in your 30's and how to navigate a world that isn't built for you, but it isn't adult. It's nice.
The autism representation is my absolute favorite part and what makes me want to get this book into everybody's hands. I have read autistic writers and their autistic protagonists before, but often those characters feel like an NT character with added "quirks". Like, they take the idea of a non disabled person and just add a great memory, some social awkwardness, and a special interest and call it autism. It's that Sheldon Cooper kind of white guy autism stereotype that does nothing to represent what autism actually is or help the community.
Tar has a disability. They struggled to work a full time job, so they work part time in a job that does not require much out of them beyond reading a script. Even 20hrs a week is too much and they spend most of their off time recovering from the exertion of their job. They rent a room, not only because having part time work is not lucrative, but also because they likely struggle with household tasks and remembering to pay bills and keep up with repairs. This is not explicitly mentioned, but it doesn't need to be. They do not visit their mother often because driving is hard for them and the train is draining. Between masking at work and trying to survive every day, energy is a limited resource.
This is the reality for many autistics. Although many autistic people can hold down full time jobs and live on their own and even take care of family and pets and additional responsibilities, autism can affect someone's daily life beyond being socially awkward.
In fact Tar isn't even that socially awkward! They are a kind person who genuinely likes people and wants everyone to feel comfortable in their presence, but avoids social situations because it is hard and draining for them. Such wonderful and realistic representation of what many autistic people face. I appreciated that the author was not afraid to go there. I think ableism is still rooted in books, especially romances, and Corva goes ahead and portrays it the same way they portrayed gender and fatness. As a simple reality and a valid way to experience life with no judgement.
Sometimes with characters like Tar, authors lean a little into the trauma of it all. Corva does not do that, they don't need to. The reader knows that Tar experiences trauma just living in the body and living in the mind that they do, so instead Corva focuses on the joy and acceptance. Yes, Tar gets misgendered a little and feels some fat-phobia from friends. Yes, sometimes their autism isn't understood even by those that care about them. But love and friendship and acceptance is the driving force.
I especially loved the interactions between Tar and their mom. There didn't need to be a ton of trauma and drama there, so the author kept it loving and sweet. It feels realistic, Tar's mom isn't perfect, but Tar is supported.
And that's the thing. Tar is never fixed because they aren't broken. The development Tar has is through the support and acceptance they find. They still have melt downs at inopportune times, but having their needs met means they can be the hero of their own story.
I love this book so much. To Anybody who has read this review (all of it! It's a long review but I didn't want to miss anything!), I hope I've convinced you to read this book. Absolutely excellent and I hope to read more by this author. (I usually do not carebfor series, but I will pick up any book set in this world. I want every character to have a perspective book).
September 9, 2021
Where to begin with this book?! I first heard about the Kickstarter for it on Twitter and after reading what it’s about I knew I had to help make this book come to life. And it was SO worth it. This book was everything and definitely one of my Reading Highlights in 2021, I’ve only given 3 other books, that weren’t a reread, 5 stars this year so far.
The characters were all amazing, there is so much representation in this book and there really isn’t a character in this group of people I don’t love. Victoria Corva brought Tar and her friends to life and I soon felt like I was part of their crew. Seeing Tar growing and adapting to the new world, despite of their fear, made me so proud and happy.
The worldbuilding is amazing as well. I’m huge into RPGs and the book gave me the cozy feeling it promised, even with everything new and different. I don’t want to say to much, because reading this book was such a great experience that I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but from the front to the back, I was into it every second. It gave me all these emotions, happy and sometimes sad (yes, I cried…).
I can’t stress it enough how much I enjoyed this book and how I want EVERYONE to read it and fall in love with Tar, their friends and Victoria Corvas writing. It’s one of these books I want to have on my shelf so I’m already waiting for the paperback to come out.
The characters were all amazing, there is so much representation in this book and there really isn’t a character in this group of people I don’t love. Victoria Corva brought Tar and her friends to life and I soon felt like I was part of their crew. Seeing Tar growing and adapting to the new world, despite of their fear, made me so proud and happy.
The worldbuilding is amazing as well. I’m huge into RPGs and the book gave me the cozy feeling it promised, even with everything new and different. I don’t want to say to much, because reading this book was such a great experience that I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, but from the front to the back, I was into it every second. It gave me all these emotions, happy and sometimes sad (yes, I cried…).
I can’t stress it enough how much I enjoyed this book and how I want EVERYONE to read it and fall in love with Tar, their friends and Victoria Corvas writing. It’s one of these books I want to have on my shelf so I’m already waiting for the paperback to come out.
June 6, 2025
This beautiful found family book hit the cozy adventure spot for me. I loved the characters and how they navigated real world issues like chronic pain, not having access to nescessary medication, etc. in a gorgeous fantasy setting. A great loveable story for the dnd fanatic!
Read
September 8, 2021A fun and cozy read. The fantasy world is charming, and the relationships between characters are all very wholesome. It's also great to read about autistic protagonists by an autistic author. Hoping there will be a sequel to go deeper into the mysteries of the world!
September 8, 2021
I very much enjoyed this book, and will be looking out for other books by the same author.
December 18, 2023
Absolutely loved it. Even though it is a book about being stuck in a fantasy world, it has felt the most true to life book I have read in a long long time. The writing is great, easy to read, the characters feel entirely real, the tension is strong when it needs to be but doesn't outstay it welcome. I love the diversity in this book and how real issues like queer identity and racism are handles with a deft touch that acknowledges them without feeling the need to shoehorn it in where it isn't necessary. Honestly Corva handles delicate matters in a way that I love that I wouldn't have trusted other authors to touch with a ten foot pole. If you're in any way queer, neurodivergent, a nerd or just in the mood for something cosy, you don't wanna miss this one!
May 23, 2024
Between sensory processing concerns and social anxiety, Tar doesn't get out much, but when their friend Aries invites them to a tabletop RPG game, Tar ventures out and becomes friends with the somewhat neurodivergent, mostly queer group. Things take a turn for the weirder when the six of them wake up as their characters in a magical world and discover that they've managed to drag along Tar's housemate's seven-year-old daughter.
I have a lot to say about this book's quality, and while you'll note that I gave it four stars, that's because the things it does well, it does very well, not because I don't have a lot of problems with the book. Admittedly, most of the problems are technical: a quarter of this heckin book is exposition. This is a problem. The "seven year old" reads like a four year old. Problem. There are commas where they don't belong and not where they should be. Style guide disagreement or actual problem? I admit I'm still confused about how many trans characters there are. Is Pauline queer? The book has both episodic and long-arc elements to it, which normally is cool, but there are so many episodes, and too few of them are resolved in a meaningful way in until the end, if at all, making it feel like an actual DND campaign, not a thoughtfully plotted novel at times. The resolution goes on for absolutely forever, introducing new details instead of wrapping up what I actually want to know. And finally, this one isn't really a problem for me, but I have to mention that this book is really low-stakes. The trick to a good low-stakes book is to make the character arcs and scenarios really compelling, and while this book does a reasonably good job at this, many readers who prefer action and excitement are going to be bored when the biggest challenge is generally Tar having a panic attack.
But I have a lot of good things to say about this book too. The asexual rep feels natural, and while I'm pretty sure all these characters are queer, they also just feel like people, and the text doesn't go out of its way to prove anything about their queerness. The creativity and constant challenges are well-crafted, and even the NPCs are robust characters with interesting dialogue and character traits. There's a persistent sense of wonder and giddiness at the magical elements. This never gets old and is well-placed in a cozy fantasy. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and getting to peek at their banter. I also love the way everyone is supportive of each others' disabilities. There are several neurodivergent characters (autism is represented well) and a chronic pain condition that isn't described in detail but which nonetheless feels authentic. I appreciate that these disabilities become important considerations throughout the story and aren't just forgotten after being mentioned a few times. The premise, while not original, is intriguing and well-crafted, adding a cozy spin to a well-used trope. Speaking of tropes, I particularly love the way Tar solves the Only One Bed trope. Overall, a lot of strengths here.
I definitely pulled my hair out a few times reading this book (commas! Why is it always commas!), but I'd certainly read another book by this author if it were placed in front of me, and I'd go out of my way for an audiobook.
I have a lot to say about this book's quality, and while you'll note that I gave it four stars, that's because the things it does well, it does very well, not because I don't have a lot of problems with the book. Admittedly, most of the problems are technical: a quarter of this heckin book is exposition. This is a problem. The "seven year old" reads like a four year old. Problem. There are commas where they don't belong and not where they should be. Style guide disagreement or actual problem? I admit I'm still confused about how many trans characters there are. Is Pauline queer? The book has both episodic and long-arc elements to it, which normally is cool, but there are so many episodes, and too few of them are resolved in a meaningful way in until the end, if at all, making it feel like an actual DND campaign, not a thoughtfully plotted novel at times. The resolution goes on for absolutely forever, introducing new details instead of wrapping up what I actually want to know. And finally, this one isn't really a problem for me, but I have to mention that this book is really low-stakes. The trick to a good low-stakes book is to make the character arcs and scenarios really compelling, and while this book does a reasonably good job at this, many readers who prefer action and excitement are going to be bored when the biggest challenge is generally Tar having a panic attack.
But I have a lot of good things to say about this book too. The asexual rep feels natural, and while I'm pretty sure all these characters are queer, they also just feel like people, and the text doesn't go out of its way to prove anything about their queerness. The creativity and constant challenges are well-crafted, and even the NPCs are robust characters with interesting dialogue and character traits. There's a persistent sense of wonder and giddiness at the magical elements. This never gets old and is well-placed in a cozy fantasy. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and getting to peek at their banter. I also love the way everyone is supportive of each others' disabilities. There are several neurodivergent characters (autism is represented well) and a chronic pain condition that isn't described in detail but which nonetheless feels authentic. I appreciate that these disabilities become important considerations throughout the story and aren't just forgotten after being mentioned a few times. The premise, while not original, is intriguing and well-crafted, adding a cozy spin to a well-used trope. Speaking of tropes, I particularly love the way Tar solves the Only One Bed trope. Overall, a lot of strengths here.
I definitely pulled my hair out a few times reading this book (commas! Why is it always commas!), but I'd certainly read another book by this author if it were placed in front of me, and I'd go out of my way for an audiobook.
October 23, 2021
Non-Player Character is an absolutely lovely book about adults who get unexpectedly teleported to a different world, where they have magic and other special abilities. It is not only about their wonderful adventure in Vanthis, but it is also about how changing your setting doesn't change you.
It is about how everyone has their own difficulties and so much more.
It is just an incredibly well-written book and I truly recommend you to read it if you haven't already.
This might be one of the few books that I want to read a second or maybe even a third time. Maybe this has actually became one of my favourite books.
It is about how everyone has their own difficulties and so much more.
It is just an incredibly well-written book and I truly recommend you to read it if you haven't already.
This might be one of the few books that I want to read a second or maybe even a third time. Maybe this has actually became one of my favourite books.
Read
April 25, 2025A pleasant, low-stakes cosy adventure with found family learning how to get along with each other. The story’s told in first person, past tense by MC Tar. They are sympathetic and we get a full flavour of their challenges and difficulties without (imo) being bogged down in terms of story progress.
I am not, personally, a big fan of portal fantasy. I found this one fine as the focus was on the characters. Sure, the other-world elements were necessary, but the author integrated them nicely into the plot. The LitRPG elements are fairly understated (no pages and pages of stats) although I’m not sure how much the story would appeal to a reader with no RPG experience.
I am not, personally, a big fan of portal fantasy. I found this one fine as the focus was on the characters. Sure, the other-world elements were necessary, but the author integrated them nicely into the plot. The LitRPG elements are fairly understated (no pages and pages of stats) although I’m not sure how much the story would appeal to a reader with no RPG experience.
May 24, 2025
I initially found out about this book on the recommendations list for the "small publisher of self published" prompt of the r/fantasy bingo. A bit hesitant because my previous reads for this prompt hadn't really worked for me. But what a relief that this book was an absolute win.
Cozy, but still with a strong plot and clear goals. Diverse but not solely about the diversity. A warm comfortable read that I had no struggle reading despite my reading slump. Loved it!
Cozy, but still with a strong plot and clear goals. Diverse but not solely about the diversity. A warm comfortable read that I had no struggle reading despite my reading slump. Loved it!
November 8, 2021
I loved this book so much. It pulled at my heart strings, shattered my expectation when using tropes and was just delightful.
July 27, 2022
I don't know how to write positive reviews, but other people said enough. You must read Non-Player Character, it is so sweet and cool and just perfect!
Want to read
September 23, 2022"Non-Player Character is a cosy, queer portal fantasy-"WANT TO READ
May 10, 2024
One of my favourite book, with a queer and autistic lead character who feels so real. A cosy fiction book wrapped in fantasy wonders <3
January 20, 2023
Isekai for adult nerds. This is genre-smashing enough to never see in the bookshops. Read it.
July 21, 2024
What a great read - I picked this up mainly because of the D&D vibes and the diverse characters. And this one did not disappoint! In this book we follow along with Tar, who is non-binary and autistic, as they go on some fantastical adventures. So if anyone wants to read a book about a group of nerds waking up in the world of their dreams then this is a great book to pick up.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews