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Death: Genesis #2
Death: Genesis 2
Reborn into a world of magical skills and superhuman abilities, a young man battles the forces of darkness, in this action-packed, post-apocalyptic fantasy.
On Earth, Zeke Blackwood was a star athlete who devoted his every waking minute to baseball . . . before his tragic death and the devastation of the planet. Eons later, he was resurrected in a magical realm known as the Radiant Isles. There, Zeke survived two years of unrelenting combat through sheer grit and determination. Battling trolls in a labyrinth of caverns, he gained superhuman abilities with every victory, ultimately equipping him for a war between good and evil.
Now, along with his companions—a beautiful archer named Abby and Pudge, a dire bear cub who’s become soul-bonded to him—Zeke engages in quests to help the defenseless against the monstrous creatures and near-immortal beings who prey upon them. But his latest selfless act has brought him into conflict with the Crystal Spiders, an assassins’ guild that’s been kidnapping people for some unknown purpose.
Before Zeke can unravel that mystery, he’s summoned by Silas Martel—a monk of the mighty Temple of the Sun Goddess and spymaster for its head priestess and ruler of the Radiant Isles, demigod Lady Constance—for a dangerous mission. He must rescue Constance’s daughter from Abraham Micayne, Lord of the Dead. The treacherous task will take Zeke, Abby, and Pudge through zombie-infested lands, with the Crystal Spiders in hot pursuit. And even though every brush with death only makes Zeke more powerful, nothing can prepare him for the macabre horrors of Micayne’s dominion . . .
On Earth, Zeke Blackwood was a star athlete who devoted his every waking minute to baseball . . . before his tragic death and the devastation of the planet. Eons later, he was resurrected in a magical realm known as the Radiant Isles. There, Zeke survived two years of unrelenting combat through sheer grit and determination. Battling trolls in a labyrinth of caverns, he gained superhuman abilities with every victory, ultimately equipping him for a war between good and evil.
Now, along with his companions—a beautiful archer named Abby and Pudge, a dire bear cub who’s become soul-bonded to him—Zeke engages in quests to help the defenseless against the monstrous creatures and near-immortal beings who prey upon them. But his latest selfless act has brought him into conflict with the Crystal Spiders, an assassins’ guild that’s been kidnapping people for some unknown purpose.
Before Zeke can unravel that mystery, he’s summoned by Silas Martel—a monk of the mighty Temple of the Sun Goddess and spymaster for its head priestess and ruler of the Radiant Isles, demigod Lady Constance—for a dangerous mission. He must rescue Constance’s daughter from Abraham Micayne, Lord of the Dead. The treacherous task will take Zeke, Abby, and Pudge through zombie-infested lands, with the Crystal Spiders in hot pursuit. And even though every brush with death only makes Zeke more powerful, nothing can prepare him for the macabre horrors of Micayne’s dominion . . .
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
263 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 14, 2023
This one unfortunately felt very different from the first book. This one added a ton of romance, it’s not terrible but I personally find it boring. The two main characters also spend a ton of philosophizing about good/evil, right/wrong and a bunch of other things but it takes up a good chunk of the dialogue and most of it is hypocritical. On top of all that, the carnage and fighting I loved in the first book is a lot more sparse in this one. So to me it feels like the theme of the book flipped completely from what I liked about the first. I probably won’t read the third.
April 19, 2023
TL:DR - Good plot, Great narration. Fun, interesting, and dynamic characters. Major issue: Abby. Second major issue: Abby is a main character. I cannot recommend book 2. I will not be listening to book 3 unless the character Abby is revealed to have been an antagonist in disguise the whole time, or maybe dies heroically, so we can all move on without her.
Very Minor Spoilers Ahead
Death: Genesis 2 has a lot of potential, but it's ultimately held back by one major flaw: Abby. Abby, the archer and a prominent character in the story, actively hinders the main character's development and the overall narrative. She is a fun-suck. I'm not sure that's a real word, but I am sure that it applies here. She's a weak character overall, toxic and selfish, and feels like a dead weight.
To make matters worse, Abby is given a lot of focus in the story, often narrating her point of view. This only highlights her flaws and makes her presence all the more grating. Her constant belittling of Zeke, coupled with a hollow and manipulative romance between the two, creates a negative atmosphere that undermines the more positive aspects of the book. This is only highlighted by the two new characters introduced later in the story; they are far more interesting, engaging, and helpful than Abby has ever been, and they are only with the party for the latter half of the book.
I really want to highlight that last point about the new characters: Two brand new characters, fresh in this book, and only with us for maybe the last half or third of the book, are more interesting, engaging, and helpful than one of our main characters. Additionally, most all characters, with the notable exception of Abby, feel real, dynamic, and are interesting. This holds true for both antagonists and protagonists, and other side characters.
Death: Genesis 2 has a few of positives to balance out its one major flaw. The overarching plot is interesting and engaging, and the LitRPG system is well thought-out, and, as said before, the characters feel well written and are fun (minus Abby), The exceptional narration by Eric Michael Summerer also deserves a mention. His performance brings the story to life and is a true highlight of the audiobook.
Although, in regards to the system, I wish more choices were apparent, and I feel like the author is constantly trying to reign Zeke's power back in from what Zeke already demonstrated is possible. In the same vein, the skills offered to Zeke in the book, and the decisions he makes in regard to them are starting to make his character plateau. (This is mentioned in some other reviews as well) Unsurprisingly, some of these poor (in my opinion) decisions are driven by Abby's presence.
In conclusion, Death: Genesis 2 has a lot of potential and some great elements, but is ultimately held back by a weak and uninteresting character in Abby. If her character had been handled differently or dropped altogether, the book could have been much better. I don't know if the book is worth a listen or purchase at this point. I do know that I will not be picking up Death: Genesis 3 unless the reviews are spectacular.
PS. This is the most I vehemently I have felt about a poorly written character in a piece of media. Hats off to the Author for that. #abbysucks #ihopeabbyissecretlyvoldemort
Very Minor Spoilers Ahead
Death: Genesis 2 has a lot of potential, but it's ultimately held back by one major flaw: Abby. Abby, the archer and a prominent character in the story, actively hinders the main character's development and the overall narrative. She is a fun-suck. I'm not sure that's a real word, but I am sure that it applies here. She's a weak character overall, toxic and selfish, and feels like a dead weight.
To make matters worse, Abby is given a lot of focus in the story, often narrating her point of view. This only highlights her flaws and makes her presence all the more grating. Her constant belittling of Zeke, coupled with a hollow and manipulative romance between the two, creates a negative atmosphere that undermines the more positive aspects of the book. This is only highlighted by the two new characters introduced later in the story; they are far more interesting, engaging, and helpful than Abby has ever been, and they are only with the party for the latter half of the book.
I really want to highlight that last point about the new characters: Two brand new characters, fresh in this book, and only with us for maybe the last half or third of the book, are more interesting, engaging, and helpful than one of our main characters. Additionally, most all characters, with the notable exception of Abby, feel real, dynamic, and are interesting. This holds true for both antagonists and protagonists, and other side characters.
Death: Genesis 2 has a few of positives to balance out its one major flaw. The overarching plot is interesting and engaging, and the LitRPG system is well thought-out, and, as said before, the characters feel well written and are fun (minus Abby), The exceptional narration by Eric Michael Summerer also deserves a mention. His performance brings the story to life and is a true highlight of the audiobook.
Although, in regards to the system, I wish more choices were apparent, and I feel like the author is constantly trying to reign Zeke's power back in from what Zeke already demonstrated is possible. In the same vein, the skills offered to Zeke in the book, and the decisions he makes in regard to them are starting to make his character plateau. (This is mentioned in some other reviews as well) Unsurprisingly, some of these poor (in my opinion) decisions are driven by Abby's presence.
In conclusion, Death: Genesis 2 has a lot of potential and some great elements, but is ultimately held back by a weak and uninteresting character in Abby. If her character had been handled differently or dropped altogether, the book could have been much better. I don't know if the book is worth a listen or purchase at this point. I do know that I will not be picking up Death: Genesis 3 unless the reviews are spectacular.
PS. This is the most I vehemently I have felt about a poorly written character in a piece of media. Hats off to the Author for that. #abbysucks #ihopeabbyissecretlyvoldemort
April 4, 2023
The leveling system makes no sense!
I am very confused with how characters gain experience and level up in this novel series. It seems you can kill a high-level boss and multiple elites in still gain very little experience, and yet kill a bunch of small fries and gain a level. By the end of this book, the main character has killed many high-level creatures and boss monsters, and still only gains a couple levels. It’s just very confusing and frustrating. Mostly the main character grows by gaining additional titles. The whole system just really doesn’t make any sense and I think it’s just an author’s tool to limit the characters the away, he wanted. The other thing that frustrates me is that the author takes and uses many clichés in this novel to help build up the suspense. I can’t tell you how many times where the main character says “well I know I’m going to die now, because there’s no way I can survive this”, and then an “Act of the Author” something comes in to save him at the last moment.
I am very confused with how characters gain experience and level up in this novel series. It seems you can kill a high-level boss and multiple elites in still gain very little experience, and yet kill a bunch of small fries and gain a level. By the end of this book, the main character has killed many high-level creatures and boss monsters, and still only gains a couple levels. It’s just very confusing and frustrating. Mostly the main character grows by gaining additional titles. The whole system just really doesn’t make any sense and I think it’s just an author’s tool to limit the characters the away, he wanted. The other thing that frustrates me is that the author takes and uses many clichés in this novel to help build up the suspense. I can’t tell you how many times where the main character says “well I know I’m going to die now, because there’s no way I can survive this”, and then an “Act of the Author” something comes in to save him at the last moment.
March 31, 2023
Completely fell apart by the end.
This is meant to be a hero trying to make his way through a morally gray world state. It fails since the setting is horribly balanced. There is no gray, everyone is self serving and dark. The horrible balance means the hero does not come off as simple in a complex setting, but as boneheaded and stupid. The twists give this a pointless, meandering direction. This book completely missed the mark.
This is meant to be a hero trying to make his way through a morally gray world state. It fails since the setting is horribly balanced. There is no gray, everyone is self serving and dark. The horrible balance means the hero does not come off as simple in a complex setting, but as boneheaded and stupid. The twists give this a pointless, meandering direction. This book completely missed the mark.
July 12, 2024
Definite step backwards
Author spent time trying to make new characters be stronger which would have been fine if he didn't do it at the cost of making the new character look weaker. First book was good. This one was not that great. I'll try the next one, but it will be my last if like this one.
Author spent time trying to make new characters be stronger which would have been fine if he didn't do it at the cost of making the new character look weaker. First book was good. This one was not that great. I'll try the next one, but it will be my last if like this one.
September 11, 2023
Much worst than first book.
MC somehow gets weaker as he levels up.
Also so much self loathing and moral dilemmas repeated over and over and over.
Also so hypocritical
MC somehow gets weaker as he levels up.
Also so much self loathing and moral dilemmas repeated over and over and over.
Also so hypocritical
January 7, 2025
AN ENJOYABLE FOLLOW-UP TO A GRITTY, LITRPG TALE!
Death: Genesis 2 is a lot of fun in the same vein as its predecessor, with tons of dark undertones, bloody and brilliant action, and the enjoyable LitRPG, number-crunching goodness.
However, it suffers just a bit from a feeling of repetitiveness and slow growth. It feels like our protagonist just moves from one ‘few versus many’ bloodbath to another without much difference in the combat, while the level-ups, skill growth and stat increases are coming a bit slower than you would normally expect from a story like this.
Meanwhile, the story itself is about what you would expect from a dark LitRPG - predictable, but a blast nonetheless.
If you’re looking for a darker LitRPG with lots of action and the mysterious machinations of gods, this is the story for you. And despite what I mentioned above, this remains one of my favorite LitRPGs that I’ve read in a long while!
Death: Genesis 2 is a lot of fun in the same vein as its predecessor, with tons of dark undertones, bloody and brilliant action, and the enjoyable LitRPG, number-crunching goodness.
However, it suffers just a bit from a feeling of repetitiveness and slow growth. It feels like our protagonist just moves from one ‘few versus many’ bloodbath to another without much difference in the combat, while the level-ups, skill growth and stat increases are coming a bit slower than you would normally expect from a story like this.
Meanwhile, the story itself is about what you would expect from a dark LitRPG - predictable, but a blast nonetheless.
If you’re looking for a darker LitRPG with lots of action and the mysterious machinations of gods, this is the story for you. And despite what I mentioned above, this remains one of my favorite LitRPGs that I’ve read in a long while!
January 12, 2026
When the Gritty Grind Meets a Polarizing Romance [3/5 Stars]
So, you made it through the brutal, solo survivalist grind of Death: Genesis. Welcome to the wilderness of opinions surrounding Book 2, where the lone wolf gets a pack—and not everyone is happy about it. Death: Genesis 2 sees Zeke, Abby, and Pudge taking on quests that pit them against assassins' guilds and the undead legions of a death god. While it expands the world and continues the story, it's a divisive pivot that feels like a different beast from its predecessor. If you're here for more relentless, action-focused LitRPG, this sequel might test your patience. I'm landing on a 3 out of 5 stars.
Key Themes: Found Family, Morality, and Shifting Goals
The Solitary Grind vs. Found Family Dynamics: The book intentionally moves away from Zeke's isolated struggle. The theme explores the benefits and frustrations of building a team. While some readers embraced this growth, others felt it diluted the intense, survival-focused essence that made the first book compelling. The journey from solo bruiser to party leader is central but unevenly executed.
Moral Complexity in a Black-and-White World: Zeke is no longer just killing to survive; he's making choices about who to help and why. The narrative delves into philosophizing about good, evil, and the hypocrisies inherent in being a "hero" in a ruthless world. Some found this added depth, while many others felt these debates were repetitive, slowed the pace, and clashed with the established tone.
The Burden of Power and Purpose: Zeke is handed a clear, high-stakes mission: rescue a demigod's daughter from the Lord of the Dead. This shifts the plot from reactive survival to a proactive (if assigned) purpose, exploring the weight of being a tool for greater powers and the expectations that come with growing strength.
Character Analysis: Growth and Growing Pains
Zeke Blackwood: His development is contentious. Tasked with a deadly rescue mission, he's forced to think strategically beyond sheer force. However, a common critique is that his progression feels stifled; his skill choices seem to plateau him into a more defensive "support tank" role, which frustrated fans of his former berserker style. His power is also frequently reined in by plot convenience, which can feel frustrating.
Abby: Let's address the dire bear in the room. Abby is, without a doubt, this book's most polarizing element. For every reader who finds her a necessary grounding force, there are several who view her as "a weak character overall, toxic and selfish, and feels like a dead weight". Her increased point-of-view chapters and the forced-feeling romance with Zeke drew significant ire, with some feeling she actively hinders his development.
Pudge & New Companions: Pudge remains a beloved highlight, providing loyal, wordless support. Tellingly, some readers noted that new characters introduced later in the book were more instantly engaging and helpful than Abby, highlighting the core relationship's struggle to resonate.
Writing Style & Pacing: A Familiar but Flawed Tempo
Nicholas Searcy's prose remains straightforward and functional, well-suited to describing visceral combat and LitRPG mechanics. However, the pacing and plot structure face criticism. The cycle of combat can feel repetitive, and the progression system draws confusion for seeming inconsistent—Zeke can slay major bosses for minimal experience, making leveling feel arbitrary and plot-driven rather than earned.
The tone is darker and more morally murky than Book 1, but the shift into romantic subplots and ethical debates created a jarring experience for readers who signed up for non-stop action. Several reviews noted that the exciting, bloody action they loved became more sparse.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
World-Building Expansion: The mission into the zombie-infested lands of Abraham Micayne offers great, creepy locales and raises the cosmic stakes.
Pudge: He's still the best boy. The soul-bond remains a compelling, emotional anchor.
High-Concept Plot: The central rescue mission provides a clear narrative drive that was sometimes missing in the first book's pure survival focus.
Disliked:
The Abby Problem: The character's portrayal and her dynamic with Zeke were a major barrier to enjoyment for me, as for many other reviewers. The romance felt unearned and often grated.
Progression Stagnation: The sense that Zeke's build was being artificially held back and that level-ups were no longer satisfying or logical was a significant drawback.
Repetitive Philosophical Beats: The constant internal debates about morality began to feel like a broken record, slowing the momentum without adding proportional depth.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Death: Genesis 2 is a classic case of a sequel that changes the formula, for better or worse. It's a necessary bridge in the series but suffers from sophomore slump syndrome.
You might push through this book if: You are committed to the 11-book series and value overarching plot. If you don't mind a slower, more talky pace and want to see the world expand beyond the tunnels, there's enough here to continue.
Consider this a potential DNF point if: You loved Book 1 specifically for its lone-wolf, action-first, progression-heavy focus. If the mention of a "hollow and manipulative romance" or a protagonist who feels weaker as he levels up makes you sigh, this installment may frustrate you enough to quit.
It’s a flawed but not irredeemable follow-up. I'll cautiously try Book 3, hoping it learns from this entry's missteps and gets back to the brutal, compelling climb that started it all.
So, you made it through the brutal, solo survivalist grind of Death: Genesis. Welcome to the wilderness of opinions surrounding Book 2, where the lone wolf gets a pack—and not everyone is happy about it. Death: Genesis 2 sees Zeke, Abby, and Pudge taking on quests that pit them against assassins' guilds and the undead legions of a death god. While it expands the world and continues the story, it's a divisive pivot that feels like a different beast from its predecessor. If you're here for more relentless, action-focused LitRPG, this sequel might test your patience. I'm landing on a 3 out of 5 stars.
Key Themes: Found Family, Morality, and Shifting Goals
The Solitary Grind vs. Found Family Dynamics: The book intentionally moves away from Zeke's isolated struggle. The theme explores the benefits and frustrations of building a team. While some readers embraced this growth, others felt it diluted the intense, survival-focused essence that made the first book compelling. The journey from solo bruiser to party leader is central but unevenly executed.
Moral Complexity in a Black-and-White World: Zeke is no longer just killing to survive; he's making choices about who to help and why. The narrative delves into philosophizing about good, evil, and the hypocrisies inherent in being a "hero" in a ruthless world. Some found this added depth, while many others felt these debates were repetitive, slowed the pace, and clashed with the established tone.
The Burden of Power and Purpose: Zeke is handed a clear, high-stakes mission: rescue a demigod's daughter from the Lord of the Dead. This shifts the plot from reactive survival to a proactive (if assigned) purpose, exploring the weight of being a tool for greater powers and the expectations that come with growing strength.
Character Analysis: Growth and Growing Pains
Zeke Blackwood: His development is contentious. Tasked with a deadly rescue mission, he's forced to think strategically beyond sheer force. However, a common critique is that his progression feels stifled; his skill choices seem to plateau him into a more defensive "support tank" role, which frustrated fans of his former berserker style. His power is also frequently reined in by plot convenience, which can feel frustrating.
Abby: Let's address the dire bear in the room. Abby is, without a doubt, this book's most polarizing element. For every reader who finds her a necessary grounding force, there are several who view her as "a weak character overall, toxic and selfish, and feels like a dead weight". Her increased point-of-view chapters and the forced-feeling romance with Zeke drew significant ire, with some feeling she actively hinders his development.
Pudge & New Companions: Pudge remains a beloved highlight, providing loyal, wordless support. Tellingly, some readers noted that new characters introduced later in the book were more instantly engaging and helpful than Abby, highlighting the core relationship's struggle to resonate.
Writing Style & Pacing: A Familiar but Flawed Tempo
Nicholas Searcy's prose remains straightforward and functional, well-suited to describing visceral combat and LitRPG mechanics. However, the pacing and plot structure face criticism. The cycle of combat can feel repetitive, and the progression system draws confusion for seeming inconsistent—Zeke can slay major bosses for minimal experience, making leveling feel arbitrary and plot-driven rather than earned.
The tone is darker and more morally murky than Book 1, but the shift into romantic subplots and ethical debates created a jarring experience for readers who signed up for non-stop action. Several reviews noted that the exciting, bloody action they loved became more sparse.
What I Liked/Disliked
Liked:
World-Building Expansion: The mission into the zombie-infested lands of Abraham Micayne offers great, creepy locales and raises the cosmic stakes.
Pudge: He's still the best boy. The soul-bond remains a compelling, emotional anchor.
High-Concept Plot: The central rescue mission provides a clear narrative drive that was sometimes missing in the first book's pure survival focus.
Disliked:
The Abby Problem: The character's portrayal and her dynamic with Zeke were a major barrier to enjoyment for me, as for many other reviewers. The romance felt unearned and often grated.
Progression Stagnation: The sense that Zeke's build was being artificially held back and that level-ups were no longer satisfying or logical was a significant drawback.
Repetitive Philosophical Beats: The constant internal debates about morality began to feel like a broken record, slowing the momentum without adding proportional depth.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Death: Genesis 2 is a classic case of a sequel that changes the formula, for better or worse. It's a necessary bridge in the series but suffers from sophomore slump syndrome.
You might push through this book if: You are committed to the 11-book series and value overarching plot. If you don't mind a slower, more talky pace and want to see the world expand beyond the tunnels, there's enough here to continue.
Consider this a potential DNF point if: You loved Book 1 specifically for its lone-wolf, action-first, progression-heavy focus. If the mention of a "hollow and manipulative romance" or a protagonist who feels weaker as he levels up makes you sigh, this installment may frustrate you enough to quit.
It’s a flawed but not irredeemable follow-up. I'll cautiously try Book 3, hoping it learns from this entry's missteps and gets back to the brutal, compelling climb that started it all.
July 19, 2023
Inconsistent
I really wanted to get into this series, but I just can't muster the interest. The characters are kind of bland, the relationships seem forced, and the application of the leveling, skill used, and stats are inconsistent.
It feels like the author was trying to clone Zac Atwood (Zeke Blackwood) from Defiance of the Fall, but also give him a relationship arc like Mat & Liz from Path of Ascension, but he is failing to do both.
I really wanted to get into this series, but I just can't muster the interest. The characters are kind of bland, the relationships seem forced, and the application of the leveling, skill used, and stats are inconsistent.
It feels like the author was trying to clone Zac Atwood (Zeke Blackwood) from Defiance of the Fall, but also give him a relationship arc like Mat & Liz from Path of Ascension, but he is failing to do both.
March 22, 2025
Another novel where the numbers are meaningless the grid is trash
Let's go all the way back to the beginning of book one this is where the illogic starts this is an MC that has been eating the same food as the trolls have been for their entire lives these mushrooms the water and the fungus that have given these trolls a superhuman ability to regenerate almost instantly now we have the MC eating the same food that has kept the trolls alive for over 2 years which has given the trolls their ability to regenerate and yet the author although he has hinted at yet a couple of times that the MC is able to heal much faster the author restricted the MC from ever gaining that ability all because he needed to bring in an ability that has life steal the author wanted to restrict it only to that ability which would allow him to just barely survive so that human drama can remain a part of the story most authors can't see beyond that they need the MC to feel they need to have him hurt they need to have him torn apart and yet they constantly throw massive amounts of numbers that deal with vitality and Constitution going by just the numbers alone he doesn't need a health potion he should be mostly able to heal and regenerate if not as fast as the trolls at least within minutes he should be able to recover and he has been poisoned he has been hit by acidic creature so many times that he is pretty much immune you would think to any poison and anything of an acidic nature and yet at 10% into the into book two where he is in a fight against these Crystal assassins just a few arrows were able to almost put him down easily and therein is another problem look at his stats that deal with agility those numbers are so high that it has been proven to even by the author himself when he leaps which is his signature move especially against the spider Queen which shows his ability to leap was much higher than the spider Queen was tall and he did this without it showing any strain which indicates he would be able to keep this up all day this is his level of strength power agility because the numbers say so so why is it when he is traveling down the road his strides are not at least 10 ft even 15 ft long although Abby would not be able to keep up with it he can move that fast and yet he can barely know he could not move from side to side fast enough to avoid most of these arrows in fact all of them why is this because the numbers are that high it's ridiculous the poison from those arrows should at best maybe slowed him down just a touch and his regeneration alone which he should have because of two years of eating those mushrooms would be able to take care of the poison on its own let alone that skill of his it's freaking stupid the author wanted to make that skill the main saying that would string his health along to keep him human then don't write in this genre or write the story in such a way that the grid and the numbers are minor a very slow buildup never allowing him to get beyond the superhuman which is what the MC should be at this point it should be moving as I said strides of 10 or 15 ft no matter what direction he should be flipping in the air due to his high agility stat arrows at this point should barely be able to pierce the skin this is the stigmata of taking a human into the superhuman that is all I have to say about this story it's just f****** ridiculous
Let's go all the way back to the beginning of book one this is where the illogic starts this is an MC that has been eating the same food as the trolls have been for their entire lives these mushrooms the water and the fungus that have given these trolls a superhuman ability to regenerate almost instantly now we have the MC eating the same food that has kept the trolls alive for over 2 years which has given the trolls their ability to regenerate and yet the author although he has hinted at yet a couple of times that the MC is able to heal much faster the author restricted the MC from ever gaining that ability all because he needed to bring in an ability that has life steal the author wanted to restrict it only to that ability which would allow him to just barely survive so that human drama can remain a part of the story most authors can't see beyond that they need the MC to feel they need to have him hurt they need to have him torn apart and yet they constantly throw massive amounts of numbers that deal with vitality and Constitution going by just the numbers alone he doesn't need a health potion he should be mostly able to heal and regenerate if not as fast as the trolls at least within minutes he should be able to recover and he has been poisoned he has been hit by acidic creature so many times that he is pretty much immune you would think to any poison and anything of an acidic nature and yet at 10% into the into book two where he is in a fight against these Crystal assassins just a few arrows were able to almost put him down easily and therein is another problem look at his stats that deal with agility those numbers are so high that it has been proven to even by the author himself when he leaps which is his signature move especially against the spider Queen which shows his ability to leap was much higher than the spider Queen was tall and he did this without it showing any strain which indicates he would be able to keep this up all day this is his level of strength power agility because the numbers say so so why is it when he is traveling down the road his strides are not at least 10 ft even 15 ft long although Abby would not be able to keep up with it he can move that fast and yet he can barely know he could not move from side to side fast enough to avoid most of these arrows in fact all of them why is this because the numbers are that high it's ridiculous the poison from those arrows should at best maybe slowed him down just a touch and his regeneration alone which he should have because of two years of eating those mushrooms would be able to take care of the poison on its own let alone that skill of his it's freaking stupid the author wanted to make that skill the main saying that would string his health along to keep him human then don't write in this genre or write the story in such a way that the grid and the numbers are minor a very slow buildup never allowing him to get beyond the superhuman which is what the MC should be at this point it should be moving as I said strides of 10 or 15 ft no matter what direction he should be flipping in the air due to his high agility stat arrows at this point should barely be able to pierce the skin this is the stigmata of taking a human into the superhuman that is all I have to say about this story it's just f****** ridiculous
March 30, 2023
Now that we're on book two, a lot has changed. Zeke still has the same personality and constantly wants to fight and kill, but circumstances don't work out that way. Don't get me wrong, there is still some fighting and carnage, but it's a fraction of what we saw in book one.
Putting that aside, they finally get to the big city of Beacon. They meet people, fight a bit, and get a quest that they can't refuse. As important as it was for them to reach the city, I thought the story dragged during their stay.
Let's do a quick tally.
Carnage: way, way down
Philosophy: I haven't mentioned this yet, but there are a number of philosophical discussions on what makes humans human and so on. Maybe if the discussion only happened once, that would be fine, but it doesn't. So, the philosophy score goes way up which isn't a good thing if you were wondering.
Quests: Up. There are more quests in book two than book one, but I still maintain that nothing will compare to the troll caves. It's like that one movie that you loved and all the rest that followed after that never matched up to how good the first one was.
Romance: Yep, we have romance. I won't say how or when, but it's there.
Additional Characters: Yeah. One of the additional characters is fine and adds to the story, but the other one pulled the book down for me.
Leveling: there is much less leveling in book two. It makes a certain amount of sense because it gets harder to level the higher your level is, but there is still way less leveling in book two.
Politics: Way up.
I don't know. There are a bunch of good books out right now, but I chose to read this one based on how good book one was. Maybe it's impossible to catch lightning in a bottle again, but I felt book two meanders around until it finally lands on something that will keep the story going for X more books.
The editing is fine, and the stats are still there. All that is good. But I'm still going to give this 4/5*
Putting that aside, they finally get to the big city of Beacon. They meet people, fight a bit, and get a quest that they can't refuse. As important as it was for them to reach the city, I thought the story dragged during their stay.
Let's do a quick tally.
Carnage: way, way down
Philosophy: I haven't mentioned this yet, but there are a number of philosophical discussions on what makes humans human and so on. Maybe if the discussion only happened once, that would be fine, but it doesn't. So, the philosophy score goes way up which isn't a good thing if you were wondering.
Quests: Up. There are more quests in book two than book one, but I still maintain that nothing will compare to the troll caves. It's like that one movie that you loved and all the rest that followed after that never matched up to how good the first one was.
Romance: Yep, we have romance. I won't say how or when, but it's there.
Additional Characters: Yeah. One of the additional characters is fine and adds to the story, but the other one pulled the book down for me.
Leveling: there is much less leveling in book two. It makes a certain amount of sense because it gets harder to level the higher your level is, but there is still way less leveling in book two.
Politics: Way up.
I don't know. There are a bunch of good books out right now, but I chose to read this one based on how good book one was. Maybe it's impossible to catch lightning in a bottle again, but I felt book two meanders around until it finally lands on something that will keep the story going for X more books.
The editing is fine, and the stats are still there. All that is good. But I'm still going to give this 4/5*
August 2, 2024
I honestly can’t read any further. The main character is likable albeit a bit dopey for my preference. I went in hoping for Murderhobo and got the Bigfoot from Harry and the Henderson’s. But mostly the nonsense with Abby and the guild makes it pretty unreadable. She knows everyone and is well like yet the only way she can “get ahead” is to join a group with a murderous rapist because “she’s smarter than him”. (Book 1). If that isn’t a travesty on its own, now this exp/gold suck is trying to get the MC into her shitty guild. To be real, he was doing absolutely fine on his own so why would he join a guild where the leaders are clearly a bunch of douche bags? It just makes absolutely no sense. I putting this down at 22% because the author has decided he’s gonna take all the worst parts of book 1 and just go fill throttle on those.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2023
good story, good character development.
I enjoyed the storyline of this book. There is good character development and some great action. Sequences, The only issue I have with the book is that the MC seems like a brute. I know he has his sidekick Abby to do the thinking for him but that’s not what I would like to see From a main character of a story. I’m also not the type of reader who likes a one trick pony, meaning a character who only has one main attack. I also do not like a author, who uses a character as a meat shield., That is why I did not give this book a five star rating. Will go on and read the next book in the series., It is enjoyable.
I enjoyed the storyline of this book. There is good character development and some great action. Sequences, The only issue I have with the book is that the MC seems like a brute. I know he has his sidekick Abby to do the thinking for him but that’s not what I would like to see From a main character of a story. I’m also not the type of reader who likes a one trick pony, meaning a character who only has one main attack. I also do not like a author, who uses a character as a meat shield., That is why I did not give this book a five star rating. Will go on and read the next book in the series., It is enjoyable.
July 20, 2024
3.5 stars
Not as well focused as the first book. The author is trying to further at least three major plot lines in this book, and the result is a bit scattered.
There is some good character work between the protagonist and his companion. But Pudge, while onscreen for most of the book, doesn't evolve much (other than physically) and Talia is rather two dimensional.
There are hints at some depth to the world, but that's about all there is at this point.
Not bad, but not stellar either. I'll probably continue the series, but it won't be a really high priority.
Not as well focused as the first book. The author is trying to further at least three major plot lines in this book, and the result is a bit scattered.
There is some good character work between the protagonist and his companion. But Pudge, while onscreen for most of the book, doesn't evolve much (other than physically) and Talia is rather two dimensional.
There are hints at some depth to the world, but that's about all there is at this point.
Not bad, but not stellar either. I'll probably continue the series, but it won't be a really high priority.
April 10, 2023
the continuing adventures of The Most Interesting Man in the New World
Zeke continues his advance across the new world with Pudge and Abby by his side! More awesome adventures, more new abilities, and some companions with interesting new skill sets of their own. We also get an insight into why things are as they are in the new world, but that won’t let Zeke stop him from advancing.
Zeke continues his advance across the new world with Pudge and Abby by his side! More awesome adventures, more new abilities, and some companions with interesting new skill sets of their own. We also get an insight into why things are as they are in the new world, but that won’t let Zeke stop him from advancing.
April 15, 2023
KU Review
Definitely a change of pace from the first as more characters are introduced and relationships develop. MC is still highly influenced by his past and introduction to this new life and rightly so. This certainly colors his view of the world for good or ill.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Definitely a change of pace from the first as more characters are introduced and relationships develop. MC is still highly influenced by his past and introduction to this new life and rightly so. This certainly colors his view of the world for good or ill.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
August 1, 2023
not a good reason for extinction
I’m not really sure about how I feel about the extinction of the frost giants. I feel that, somewhat hypocritically, that the extinction of the trolls in the caves in the first book was justified. I do not think that, because the frost giants were a warlike race, that they deserved extinction, and the justification, for it was wrong, in my opinion. Especially since humans we’re doing the same thing.
I’m not really sure about how I feel about the extinction of the frost giants. I feel that, somewhat hypocritically, that the extinction of the trolls in the caves in the first book was justified. I do not think that, because the frost giants were a warlike race, that they deserved extinction, and the justification, for it was wrong, in my opinion. Especially since humans we’re doing the same thing.
November 28, 2023
First one was good. This one back tracks.
This book begins bringing the main character backwards, to the point where people with half his stats are better. Additionally, his personality has traded some with Abby, as he becomes soft hearted while she's ruthless. I think the author needs to figure out if he wants Zeke overpowered or not, because he was, and now he's falling behind.
This book begins bringing the main character backwards, to the point where people with half his stats are better. Additionally, his personality has traded some with Abby, as he becomes soft hearted while she's ruthless. I think the author needs to figure out if he wants Zeke overpowered or not, because he was, and now he's falling behind.
June 6, 2024
Didn't finish nor will I
I got close to 300 pages, but it's not worth continuing. I got the wrong impression of the series by the cover. I thought I was getting a bad ass main character. But this guy is too good for me. I wanted a killer which he is but he still too good. It's annoying. I dropped my last book because of the same issue. I'm simply over reading about heros. The story itself is good enough though.
I got close to 300 pages, but it's not worth continuing. I got the wrong impression of the series by the cover. I thought I was getting a bad ass main character. But this guy is too good for me. I wanted a killer which he is but he still too good. It's annoying. I dropped my last book because of the same issue. I'm simply over reading about heros. The story itself is good enough though.
March 29, 2023
quickly becoming one of my favorites
A simple story with depth. No over complications or plot armor. No insane additions to create a out of context overpower moment. A story that stays true to its roots and MC that demonstrates you don’t need to go off the rails to have a great story, a likeable MC, and a cohesive plot that is enjoyable and addicting.
A simple story with depth. No over complications or plot armor. No insane additions to create a out of context overpower moment. A story that stays true to its roots and MC that demonstrates you don’t need to go off the rails to have a great story, a likeable MC, and a cohesive plot that is enjoyable and addicting.
March 31, 2023
Good Follow up
I liked this sequel, and appreciate it for what it is. A progression isekai litrpg. I liked the action and the progress of the main party, but felt like the actions of the side characters can be hypocritical. Maybe that was intentional but it didn’t mesh well with the story to me. Regardless, I will read the next book since this issue was minor to me.
I liked this sequel, and appreciate it for what it is. A progression isekai litrpg. I liked the action and the progress of the main party, but felt like the actions of the side characters can be hypocritical. Maybe that was intentional but it didn’t mesh well with the story to me. Regardless, I will read the next book since this issue was minor to me.
April 3, 2023
Just simply an amazing second installation
I've enjoyed the journey with Zeke and pudge I hope to see what they do in the next installment. I always wonder when we die do we go to another place to get another chance. It also reminds me to reflect on this life and to not let circumstances dictate my feelings and choices.
I've enjoyed the journey with Zeke and pudge I hope to see what they do in the next installment. I always wonder when we die do we go to another place to get another chance. It also reminds me to reflect on this life and to not let circumstances dictate my feelings and choices.
October 12, 2023
Help me read more books
Pretty nice continuation of the story. We learn some things, get introduced to new troubles, and see a few interesting quests. It has more world building, and decent character development. I liked this one, and already started on the next one.
Pretty nice continuation of the story. We learn some things, get introduced to new troubles, and see a few interesting quests. It has more world building, and decent character development. I liked this one, and already started on the next one.
March 31, 2023
Book two
This is another story that I follow on Royalroad.
Again I'm just posting this to give the author some support since he is nice enough to post it for free and I can't afford any patron.
7/10
This is another story that I follow on Royalroad.
Again I'm just posting this to give the author some support since he is nice enough to post it for free and I can't afford any patron.
7/10
April 20, 2023
Good book two
Misfits, broken spirits, burgeoning love.. These are the corner stones of this page Turner.. Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
Misfits, broken spirits, burgeoning love.. These are the corner stones of this page Turner.. Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
October 18, 2023
Another great book in the series!
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The author has done a great job picking up from the first book and continuing the character development.
So far I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The author has done a great job picking up from the first book and continuing the character development.
December 13, 2023
Decent
Decent overall, from my previous review of last book over there the team is shaping up nicely, what bothers me most is the fetish to stroke ones hair in every chapter and the emotional repetitions of past events can be longwinded other than that the book is solid
Decent overall, from my previous review of last book over there the team is shaping up nicely, what bothers me most is the fetish to stroke ones hair in every chapter and the emotional repetitions of past events can be longwinded other than that the book is solid
February 7, 2025
Good Read!
Nice follow-up to the first book. MC has some impressive growth, and it will be interesting to see how the new additions affect the group. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Nice follow-up to the first book. MC has some impressive growth, and it will be interesting to see how the new additions affect the group. Looking forward to reading the next book.
May 18, 2025
More story in this book and quite a bit less whining about his past life. Not a fan of the white knighting, but its not too frequent to interfere with the progression. Pretty good action and progression of the story as they build out their team.
March 29, 2023
Good stuff
Action, adventure, levels, conspiracies, loveable pet, what more could you ask for?
Well written, improves from book 1, likeable characters.
Recommended
Action, adventure, levels, conspiracies, loveable pet, what more could you ask for?
Well written, improves from book 1, likeable characters.
Recommended
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