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Middang3ard #1
Never Split the Party Lib/E (Middang3ard Series Lib/E)
What if J.R.R. Tolkien's work wasn't fiction, but a primer to help humanity get accustomed to a harsh truth?
There are nine known realms, a world for each race, including dwarves, gnomes, and elves.
In the middle rests Middang3ard.
Each world knows the others. Each, except Earth.
Humans long ago turned their backs on magic, throwing their stock into science and technology, their governments shielding the people from the reality of what was going on elsewhere.
So be it. Humans were never very good at getting along with other races anyway.
Then the Dark One appeared, threatening to overrun the nine worlds, starting with Middang3ard and ending with the humans’ planet.
The second planet just went dark, Earth can't stay out of the fight, but can it do anything to save its own future?
Now, humans must send elite warriors to Middang3ard to fight, else humans will fight on the shores of their own lands when the Dark One invades Earth.
Too bad their elite starts and ends with Robert ‘Suzuki’ Fletcher and his team of Mundanes.
Audio CD
First published August 4, 2019
363 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Ramy Vance
110 books416 followersRamy is the creator of the GoneGod World - a universe dedicated to myth, magic, mischief and mayhem.
He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, demonic toddler, monstrous 8-year old and imaginary dog.
Terrified, he pretty much stays in his office and writes.
He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, demonic toddler, monstrous 8-year old and imaginary dog.
Terrified, he pretty much stays in his office and writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 12, 2020
Starts off as a fairly normal (dead horse trope) "The Last Starfighter" beginning. You have done so well at this video game that you have been chosen to save the world.
Guy who is suppose to be the big leader too awkward to talk to a girl. Which is it? Inconsistent. People who can motivate teams of people aren't normally cripplingly shy.
So anyway, you get a couple hundred people in to train. Hey - you're all here and surprise - it's real. We're going to train you to fight and maybe die in the defense of the planet.
Everyone seems cool with that.
Zero cowards, zero people who want to do anything but say "Sure - let's do that."
Lost interest after an hour and a half.
Didn't care about the characters, world, anything. Bland and unrealistic and deals with young people who have no clue and no plans.
Guy who is suppose to be the big leader too awkward to talk to a girl. Which is it? Inconsistent. People who can motivate teams of people aren't normally cripplingly shy.
So anyway, you get a couple hundred people in to train. Hey - you're all here and surprise - it's real. We're going to train you to fight and maybe die in the defense of the planet.
Everyone seems cool with that.
Zero cowards, zero people who want to do anything but say "Sure - let's do that."
Lost interest after an hour and a half.
Didn't care about the characters, world, anything. Bland and unrealistic and deals with young people who have no clue and no plans.
December 4, 2020
DNF.
Interesting premise, and I was looking forward to it. But the story is slow. It's not bad, but it's not that great either and I got tired of all the swearing and crude jokes. If you're fine with that kind of thing and are considering this story, then go for it. I don't think the story is great, but you might still enjoy it.
Interesting premise, and I was looking forward to it. But the story is slow. It's not bad, but it's not that great either and I got tired of all the swearing and crude jokes. If you're fine with that kind of thing and are considering this story, then go for it. I don't think the story is great, but you might still enjoy it.
March 8, 2022
Great plotline.
The players develop into characters you want to spend time with. Violence, snark and some juvenile humor. Small editing errors in the edition I read.
The players develop into characters you want to spend time with. Violence, snark and some juvenile humor. Small editing errors in the edition I read.
October 11, 2021
It's good. I enjoyed it a lot. My only complaint is the cliche of the MC being a huge fucking angsty coward when it comes to women. It's seriously fuckin irritating. Hoping he sacks up and does something about it or shuts the fuck up about it. I'm good either way...
Well, done now. Of course, the girl situation isn't entirely resolved, but we'll see how it goes. I'm definitely going to read the next book. Well, listen to the next audiobook. The cheesy tag lines and spell wordings hurt my brain, but at the same time they seem to lean into it enough to make it funny when pointing out the shit either makes no sense, or how bad it tends to be. If they keep that up it should be bearable for a little longer.
Well, done now. Of course, the girl situation isn't entirely resolved, but we'll see how it goes. I'm definitely going to read the next book. Well, listen to the next audiobook. The cheesy tag lines and spell wordings hurt my brain, but at the same time they seem to lean into it enough to make it funny when pointing out the shit either makes no sense, or how bad it tends to be. If they keep that up it should be bearable for a little longer.
July 7, 2020
The premise to the story is badly handled and very naively written. It's like the author couldn't give two cents about thinking up a believable background story to throw the characters into their new world.
The characters are flat and their interactions very robotic. They move according to the author's wishes (hahaha, don't all story characters to the author's wishes? - Yes, and no, you will realize what I mean once you start reading).
Generally, this book is a story draft that was written, and then the author didn't bother to flesh out the scenes and give them the necessary touch to make them believable.
The characters are flat and their interactions very robotic. They move according to the author's wishes (hahaha, don't all story characters to the author's wishes? - Yes, and no, you will realize what I mean once you start reading).
Generally, this book is a story draft that was written, and then the author didn't bother to flesh out the scenes and give them the necessary touch to make them believable.
March 2, 2022
This was a hell of a lot of fun to read
So I started with a complete different series in the same universe about a blind gal who becomes a dragon writer and liked it so much. I couldn't get enough of this. Universe was debating which set of books to start reading. I had two that showed up in my Amazon account as being tied this universe by the same authors and I picked this one and I'm so glad I did! Just got done and already purchased the next one in the series. Can't wait to pound through it if you like. RPG JRR Tolkien and just old fables tied into a fantasy sci-fi novel. This gets you there and then some. Just a lot of fun to read. Can't say that enough
So I started with a complete different series in the same universe about a blind gal who becomes a dragon writer and liked it so much. I couldn't get enough of this. Universe was debating which set of books to start reading. I had two that showed up in my Amazon account as being tied this universe by the same authors and I picked this one and I'm so glad I did! Just got done and already purchased the next one in the series. Can't wait to pound through it if you like. RPG JRR Tolkien and just old fables tied into a fantasy sci-fi novel. This gets you there and then some. Just a lot of fun to read. Can't say that enough
November 30, 2020
Wow! Just totally Wow! It it REAL!
Loving this! All those myths and legends, fantasy books, TTRPGs and Virtual RPGs are just the first training levels for the real war.
Do well and get recruited to actually fight goblins, orcs, giants and more! Never Split the Party! We are really not doing this for XP anymore! ☆☆☆☆☆☆!
Loving this! All those myths and legends, fantasy books, TTRPGs and Virtual RPGs are just the first training levels for the real war.
Do well and get recruited to actually fight goblins, orcs, giants and more! Never Split the Party! We are really not doing this for XP anymore! ☆☆☆☆☆☆!
March 24, 2020
Cakewalk
Is a actual thing. A game like musical chairs. You walk in a circle until the music stops and if you land on the winning square you get to choose a cake to take home. Grade school, moms who baked a bunch of cakes. I won one, it was assume, for a little kid, a whole cake!
Is a actual thing. A game like musical chairs. You walk in a circle until the music stops and if you land on the winning square you get to choose a cake to take home. Grade school, moms who baked a bunch of cakes. I won one, it was assume, for a little kid, a whole cake!
May 3, 2020
As someone who played D&D for over 30 years, (never got into video games) and been a reader of sci fi and fantasy since I was about 10(thank you ERB) this is the book I have been waiting for all my life. Read it. It's amazing
November 28, 2020
Another great book
You can't go wrong picking up a story written by Ranny Vance and Michael Anderle. Great characters, great setting, great storyline. Fast paced adventures from start to finish.
You can't go wrong picking up a story written by Ranny Vance and Michael Anderle. Great characters, great setting, great storyline. Fast paced adventures from start to finish.
January 4, 2021
The role playing of their favorite game was actually just advanced training for the 'real' war to come, and, of course, we all know what happened next...the party got split.
Not a bad escapist book as long as one doesn't expect anything deep.
Not a bad escapist book as long as one doesn't expect anything deep.
July 17, 2021
Who would have thought
What a fantastic concept by authors to write such a story that would guarantee a sequel will sell I can say that this is a book like that action, believable characters, and a great story I have already spent my funds for the next installment
What a fantastic concept by authors to write such a story that would guarantee a sequel will sell I can say that this is a book like that action, believable characters, and a great story I have already spent my funds for the next installment
August 20, 2022
This book is incredibly dorky, but absolutely on point for the silly/seriousness of a video game RPG turned into real life. Characters are relatable, with real concerns, but also things are over-the-top. I found myself curious to see where it would go by the end of the book.
Read
April 22, 2020Very interesting take on litrpg characters who are not suddenly superpowerful or lucky, also social misfits fighting against a powerful intelligent oppoent.
November 26, 2020
Totally Awesome!!
I took a chance on this book and I was not let down! The plot is quick and real, the characters feel real and they kick butt! Totally recommend this book!
I took a chance on this book and I was not let down! The plot is quick and real, the characters feel real and they kick butt! Totally recommend this book!
December 2, 2020
Highly Intriguing!!
I like this story it's highly exciting and interesting not quite 5 stars but really close, worthy of my time to read book 2???
I like this story it's highly exciting and interesting not quite 5 stars but really close, worthy of my time to read book 2???
December 12, 2021
Fun
I thought it was a fun book to read, very good characters and nicely done action. Plenty if suspension and intrigue
I thought it was a fun book to read, very good characters and nicely done action. Plenty if suspension and intrigue
December 2, 2019
There are different worlds. Most of the 9 worlds know about the others. The exception is Earth. A menace is threatening all of the worlds and the Earth needs to join the fight before it is too late. Wizards from another world have been guiding humans towards this reality for many years. they have been using fantasy books, movies, and games to help train humans.
I have read books where fantasy role players have been sucked into the game and have to fight to get back out. The difference here is that while the games (and other things) have helped train humans, they are not going into the game. There are no saving throws or save points. If someone gets hurt, they could die.
I thought this was an original take on this type of story. It is filled with plenty of humor (a lot of gamer type jokes), action, and some humor to keep the stories flowing smoothly and quickly.
I have read books where fantasy role players have been sucked into the game and have to fight to get back out. The difference here is that while the games (and other things) have helped train humans, they are not going into the game. There are no saving throws or save points. If someone gets hurt, they could die.
I thought this was an original take on this type of story. It is filled with plenty of humor (a lot of gamer type jokes), action, and some humor to keep the stories flowing smoothly and quickly.
August 21, 2019
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
September 3, 2019
Mind blowing
I wasn’t sure quite what to expect, and the craziness has me laughing and scrambling to keep up with the action. I like that the main characters have their imperfections, insecurities, and weaknesses just like we all do; however they jump right in and do the right thing anyway.
The humour is twisted and I’m not sure what that says about me as I’m laughing and even snorting as I read! There are serious moments as well, however, full of deep feeling and reflection upon what it means to be a soldier in a time of war.
Another new series I’ve been hooked into and am looking forward to seeing things unfold as the series continues.
I wasn’t sure quite what to expect, and the craziness has me laughing and scrambling to keep up with the action. I like that the main characters have their imperfections, insecurities, and weaknesses just like we all do; however they jump right in and do the right thing anyway.
The humour is twisted and I’m not sure what that says about me as I’m laughing and even snorting as I read! There are serious moments as well, however, full of deep feeling and reflection upon what it means to be a soldier in a time of war.
Another new series I’ve been hooked into and am looking forward to seeing things unfold as the series continues.
September 4, 2019
What if the VR game you're playing laughed you into a universe where the game was real?
That's the premise of this story and the upcoming stories. This book recounts how a team of players, the Mundanes, are recruited. Only one is accepted in the army, leaving the other three in a depressing lurch. Then they are recruited by the MERCS, and they begin questing and campaigning. But the party is split and you "never split the party!" The Dark One begins changing tactics, the Mundanes are sent a message from the army that Beth has died. So how will the party get back together? I guess that's covered in the next book!
That's the premise of this story and the upcoming stories. This book recounts how a team of players, the Mundanes, are recruited. Only one is accepted in the army, leaving the other three in a depressing lurch. Then they are recruited by the MERCS, and they begin questing and campaigning. But the party is split and you "never split the party!" The Dark One begins changing tactics, the Mundanes are sent a message from the army that Beth has died. So how will the party get back together? I guess that's covered in the next book!
October 19, 2019
This was an interesting idea, use the concept of Middle Earth (avoiding copyright) and suggest the stories were to prepare us for a coming battle and then take us to the battle and give the protagonists powers like Captain America + Magic and then make it about the quest team thus, "never split the party". Decent action, little or no sex (the way I like it), and just a tad too much angst but not enough for me to take a star away. I totally enjoyed this book and am now on the second. Fun read!
August 14, 2019
Gaming Book
So here I am again reading a book based on gaming and role playing. I have to say I think this is my new favorite genre. Thank you Michael for your imagination and dedication. By continuously bringing new and adventurous stores into my life.
Just FYI this is not a romance per say and a good imagination and D&D background can help make this a wonderful journey.
I look forward to more adventures in the future.
So here I am again reading a book based on gaming and role playing. I have to say I think this is my new favorite genre. Thank you Michael for your imagination and dedication. By continuously bringing new and adventurous stores into my life.
Just FYI this is not a romance per say and a good imagination and D&D background can help make this a wonderful journey.
I look forward to more adventures in the future.
September 3, 2019
I was looking for a LitRPG that would capture my mind like The Sleeping Dragon did many years ago. This book may be as good as other reviewers think - I just couldn't get excited about it. I think my problem is I want to PLAY, not read about it. DNF at 29%
October 4, 2019
Not bad but a bit all over the place in the first half
Not bad but a bit all over the place in the first half. The whole splitting the party up for whatever arbitrary reasons in the equivalent of a fitness test, especially as those reasons are so easily negated only after a short while makes no sense, and smell too much like laziness and BS. That being said, the story is pretty entertaining so all in all it's a pretty good book.
Not bad but a bit all over the place in the first half. The whole splitting the party up for whatever arbitrary reasons in the equivalent of a fitness test, especially as those reasons are so easily negated only after a short while makes no sense, and smell too much like laziness and BS. That being said, the story is pretty entertaining so all in all it's a pretty good book.
August 6, 2019
Never Split the Party
I’m laughing as I’m typing. I did not expect to REALLY LIKE this series. As it was written by Michael AND Remy, I took a chance. If the 2nd book was already out, I’d be reading. Great development of characters and the storyline is awesome. I can just picture Remy pitching the story to Michael bouncing in elevator. It has me laughing and is just a fun read.
I’m laughing as I’m typing. I did not expect to REALLY LIKE this series. As it was written by Michael AND Remy, I took a chance. If the 2nd book was already out, I’d be reading. Great development of characters and the storyline is awesome. I can just picture Remy pitching the story to Michael bouncing in elevator. It has me laughing and is just a fun read.
August 21, 2019
No, no, no. Don't split the party!
Well done tale of gaming as a training tool for preparing humans on Earth to battle the Dark One on a different planet in an alternate universe. I wasn't sure, but I gave it a try and was very pleasantly surprised by this great story. Well done, Remy Vance.
Well done tale of gaming as a training tool for preparing humans on Earth to battle the Dark One on a different planet in an alternate universe. I wasn't sure, but I gave it a try and was very pleasantly surprised by this great story. Well done, Remy Vance.
September 21, 2019
Book one
Mistakes: Only one I found is kind of situational. Every time that the Mc was nocked down he redrew his sword instead of having to find where he dropped it.
Plot: Going to another world to fight evil that they learned of from a game.
Characters: I like them, but found the shyness of the Mc to be over the top when it comes to Beth.
8/10
Mistakes: Only one I found is kind of situational. Every time that the Mc was nocked down he redrew his sword instead of having to find where he dropped it.
Plot: Going to another world to fight evil that they learned of from a game.
Characters: I like them, but found the shyness of the Mc to be over the top when it comes to Beth.
8/10
October 4, 2019
They were right
What if all myths, games and fantasy stories were all true and just guiding you to fight in a war in another world.... Gamer dreams made true. If you love games like DnD, Tolkien and the like you will love this book! Also read the Author's notes for a good laugh....
What if all myths, games and fantasy stories were all true and just guiding you to fight in a war in another world.... Gamer dreams made true. If you love games like DnD, Tolkien and the like you will love this book! Also read the Author's notes for a good laugh....
November 1, 2019
Ehhh.
Nothing special. The characters are not all that likable. The writing is confusing, the MC is suppose to be a master strategist who comes out on top regardless of the challenge then suddenly he overthinks everything and can not improvise. The whole book feels as if the tone is undecided and flips back and forth throughout.
Nothing special. The characters are not all that likable. The writing is confusing, the MC is suppose to be a master strategist who comes out on top regardless of the challenge then suddenly he overthinks everything and can not improvise. The whole book feels as if the tone is undecided and flips back and forth throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews