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Arachnomancer #.5
Bookworm to Badass
Sarah snuffed it, expired, breathed her last breath—also known as died, if you need it spelled out—in the most unlikely of places . . .
At the library.
But do not fret! This is perfectly normal.
What is not normal, however, is the persistence of one’s soul after shuffling off this mortal coil.
To break the Cycle is strange and wrong and perverse. It goes against the very nature of existence: that which lives must eventually be recycled (responsibly).
Lucky or unlucky, Sarah finds herself Cycle-broken and very much alive, depending on how strict you wish to be with that definition.
This is heaven! A wondrous, magical place full of the fantastical. But no amount of reading about adventurers in far-off lands could prepare her for . . . this.
Turns out, heaven has a return policy better than Costco. And souls are terribly expensive. If she doesn’t win the forthcoming contests, she is to be flushed back to the Primordial Sea of Souls, back to the Cycle to eventually be reincarnated as whatever the RNG gods have in store for her. A slug, most likely.
Bookworm to Badass is a LitRPG story with a female lead. There are game mechanics, original character classes, skills, and loot. Join Sarah on her crazy and hilarious adventure into a new fantasy world where she learns to swear, kill cute monsters, and fight for her survival.
At the library.
But do not fret! This is perfectly normal.
What is not normal, however, is the persistence of one’s soul after shuffling off this mortal coil.
To break the Cycle is strange and wrong and perverse. It goes against the very nature of existence: that which lives must eventually be recycled (responsibly).
Lucky or unlucky, Sarah finds herself Cycle-broken and very much alive, depending on how strict you wish to be with that definition.
This is heaven! A wondrous, magical place full of the fantastical. But no amount of reading about adventurers in far-off lands could prepare her for . . . this.
Turns out, heaven has a return policy better than Costco. And souls are terribly expensive. If she doesn’t win the forthcoming contests, she is to be flushed back to the Primordial Sea of Souls, back to the Cycle to eventually be reincarnated as whatever the RNG gods have in store for her. A slug, most likely.
Bookworm to Badass is a LitRPG story with a female lead. There are game mechanics, original character classes, skills, and loot. Join Sarah on her crazy and hilarious adventure into a new fantasy world where she learns to swear, kill cute monsters, and fight for her survival.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2022
188 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 30, 2025
I fricking loved this book! It's a standalone that has ties to the Arachnomancer series by the same author, so I'm absolutely going to check that out! I loved everything about this book including the narrator because I was swapping back and forth between ebook and audiobook because I just had to know what happened next! I really want to design a special edition for this one and make lots and lots of fanart. I don't know why no one else is talking about this one. I need more people to read it! So I have people to talk to about it :) It's so funny, and I think there are plenty of bookworms who will immediately relate. This male author did a great job with the female main character as well as the female side characters. I cried at least twice at the end, and I don't usually cry at books. But I just loved this one so, so much!
August 26, 2023
The first points this book gets is for its name. This name is awesome. I received this audiobook from Netgalley for a review. Big thank you to them and Dreamscape Audio for this edition.
This book with its flaws was still enjoyable. That is because it isn't supposed to be taken seriously, it's in the name that it's silly. I found this book to be very fun. Do I wish certain things to have been more sure but it doesn't detract from the listening experience. I will recommend it to anyone who wants just to have a fun book, especially as a palette cleanser.
As it is an audio book I want to say that I enjoyed the narrator, Reba Buhr, quite a bit. The voices of all the characters were unique. The way the fairies came across was very entertaining.
Our main character is Sarah. She is the bookworm that would rather spend hours alone in the library than have human contact. Sarah is very conflict-averse and has turned that into her job of managing people too. She will not even curse when getting frustrated. This does lead to her being walked on a lot. Several times in the story she is manipulated. The only time I feel she was truly unwise though was when she seemed shocked that there would be consequences to something she had done. I do get she thought that they would be out of that realm soon but still. She had no more need of money yet went and did something kind of against her character.
After a particularly bad day, Sarah has been in her favorite reading nook when a noise disturbs the peace. Sarah finds that her death in the library isn't the end of her story though. When she awakens next she is in a heaven, yes there are multiples here. However, the god in charge bought too many souls and now they must compete to be able to stay here instead of going back into the cycle of rebirth. Now Sarah is finding that this world is very similar to video games and she needs to level up fast.
The author lists this book as a standalone. This I do find odd considering how he made the epilogues. Is this maybe supposed to be a tie-in to his other series then? Because the way it was written is not a finale to a standalone novel. Otherwise, the actual end of the book was a good ending point to leave it at.
This book with its flaws was still enjoyable. That is because it isn't supposed to be taken seriously, it's in the name that it's silly. I found this book to be very fun. Do I wish certain things to have been more sure but it doesn't detract from the listening experience. I will recommend it to anyone who wants just to have a fun book, especially as a palette cleanser.
As it is an audio book I want to say that I enjoyed the narrator, Reba Buhr, quite a bit. The voices of all the characters were unique. The way the fairies came across was very entertaining.
Our main character is Sarah. She is the bookworm that would rather spend hours alone in the library than have human contact. Sarah is very conflict-averse and has turned that into her job of managing people too. She will not even curse when getting frustrated. This does lead to her being walked on a lot. Several times in the story she is manipulated. The only time I feel she was truly unwise though was when she seemed shocked that there would be consequences to something she had done. I do get she thought that they would be out of that realm soon but still. She had no more need of money yet went and did something kind of against her character.
After a particularly bad day, Sarah has been in her favorite reading nook when a noise disturbs the peace. Sarah finds that her death in the library isn't the end of her story though. When she awakens next she is in a heaven, yes there are multiples here. However, the god in charge bought too many souls and now they must compete to be able to stay here instead of going back into the cycle of rebirth. Now Sarah is finding that this world is very similar to video games and she needs to level up fast.
The author lists this book as a standalone. This I do find odd considering how he made the epilogues. Is this maybe supposed to be a tie-in to his other series then? Because the way it was written is not a finale to a standalone novel. Otherwise, the actual end of the book was a good ending point to leave it at.
December 31, 2022
The author claims the book is supposed to be funny.
I'm sorry to say that on that front, the story failed miserably.
On the other hand, it is actually a LitRPG tale, which several of the last few books I've read in the genre weren't, so there is that.
The story wasn't half bad, it just didn't appeal to me I really wasn't the least bit invested in any of the characters, and even the main character who was supposed to be a book worm did next to no reading during the entire story. (hate to break it to you, that's not a bookworm).
The author claims his initial release of the book flopped, but then goes on to say that after two days he unpublished the story and reworked it.
Seriously?
Two days?
Perhaps it may have flopped, but I don't care who's standards you use, two days isn't enough time to claim a book did anything, flopped or not.
No folks, I'll likely not be reading anything from this author in the future.
This one just didn't appeal, and with patients like this guy has, I don't think we can expect anything better in the future.
I'm sorry to say that on that front, the story failed miserably.
On the other hand, it is actually a LitRPG tale, which several of the last few books I've read in the genre weren't, so there is that.
The story wasn't half bad, it just didn't appeal to me I really wasn't the least bit invested in any of the characters, and even the main character who was supposed to be a book worm did next to no reading during the entire story. (hate to break it to you, that's not a bookworm).
The author claims his initial release of the book flopped, but then goes on to say that after two days he unpublished the story and reworked it.
Seriously?
Two days?
Perhaps it may have flopped, but I don't care who's standards you use, two days isn't enough time to claim a book did anything, flopped or not.
No folks, I'll likely not be reading anything from this author in the future.
This one just didn't appeal, and with patients like this guy has, I don't think we can expect anything better in the future.
January 20, 2023
Great standalone
Most GameLit stories are series, and while this is apparently about a character from another series... that's fine as the story stands proud on its own. I'll probably give the arachnomancer a read now, because while I have little interest in the MC there (I'm on a female lead binge recently, especially sapphic ones which this book doesn't technically do but has enough hints to tickle that for me as well) Sarah supposedly shows up there and I'm curious in how and when. :)
Truthfully though I would just absolutely love more books about Sarah's adventures and moral and social dillemas. She's an awesome character, well written in a fascinating world.
Here's hoping we get more, somehow, someday (soonn preferably).
Either way, if you like gamelit this is absolutely worth a read. If there comes an audibook version, which I hope, I'm definitely getting it, narrator depending obviously, as I dearly want it in my collection. :)
9/10 it was a great rush and worthy going asleep at 5.40am
Most GameLit stories are series, and while this is apparently about a character from another series... that's fine as the story stands proud on its own. I'll probably give the arachnomancer a read now, because while I have little interest in the MC there (I'm on a female lead binge recently, especially sapphic ones which this book doesn't technically do but has enough hints to tickle that for me as well) Sarah supposedly shows up there and I'm curious in how and when. :)
Truthfully though I would just absolutely love more books about Sarah's adventures and moral and social dillemas. She's an awesome character, well written in a fascinating world.
Here's hoping we get more, somehow, someday (soonn preferably).
Either way, if you like gamelit this is absolutely worth a read. If there comes an audibook version, which I hope, I'm definitely getting it, narrator depending obviously, as I dearly want it in my collection. :)
9/10 it was a great rush and worthy going asleep at 5.40am
August 9, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review the audiobook of Bookworm to Badass: A Silly & Serious LitRPG. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thought and opinions are my own.
Sarah, self-proclaimed bookworm has died in the most unlikely places, in a library. When she wakes up, she finds herself in heaven. However, heaven has a return policy and in order for Sarah not to end up back in Primordial Sea of Souls, Sarah must win the upcoming challenges that are considered the god's entertainment. Sarah must quickly go from Bookworm to Badass if she has any chance of winning. Will she have what it takes to survive?
Bookworm to Badass was a comedic LitRPG with fun characters and entertaining scenarios. I enjoyed Sarah as a vampire and a strong female lead. I found myself rooting for Sarah and her team throughout the contest and was happy on how her story ended. The narrator enhanced the story with the characters voices and would recommend people to listen to the audiobook.
Although the description and story made it seem like a standalone book, the ending left on a possible cliffhanger. It looks like Sarah's character may appear in some of the author's other books. I would be interested in reading more from this author and see how Sarah's adventure continues.
Sarah, self-proclaimed bookworm has died in the most unlikely places, in a library. When she wakes up, she finds herself in heaven. However, heaven has a return policy and in order for Sarah not to end up back in Primordial Sea of Souls, Sarah must win the upcoming challenges that are considered the god's entertainment. Sarah must quickly go from Bookworm to Badass if she has any chance of winning. Will she have what it takes to survive?
Bookworm to Badass was a comedic LitRPG with fun characters and entertaining scenarios. I enjoyed Sarah as a vampire and a strong female lead. I found myself rooting for Sarah and her team throughout the contest and was happy on how her story ended. The narrator enhanced the story with the characters voices and would recommend people to listen to the audiobook.
Although the description and story made it seem like a standalone book, the ending left on a possible cliffhanger. It looks like Sarah's character may appear in some of the author's other books. I would be interested in reading more from this author and see how Sarah's adventure continues.
August 8, 2023
I'm a big fan of litRPG and Gamelit, I've also recently read "Wrong Divinity" by this author and loved it so I was very excited about this one, especially with a female lead and Reba Buhr as the audio narrator. (She's fantastic by the way!)
Unfortunately, this one ended up being a DNF for me around 30% There was so much to love, but, I just couldn't get past the constant references to the MC's weight and previous diets and food obsessions. It was infuriating and vapid and just didn't add to the plot. I also found the fairies more annoying than amusing- but that could very possibly be personal preference.
I was really enjoying the world building, magic system and monsters. I also liked the idea that the characters were competing for a chance to stay in this world or be sent back for essential reincarnation. Though, I was having trouble connecting to the main character...There was a lot to like in this one, but the things that annoyed me, really annoyed me and I couldn't look past them.
While I had issues with this one, I think it's worth a try if you're into Gamelit and LitRPGs.
Unfortunately, this one ended up being a DNF for me around 30% There was so much to love, but, I just couldn't get past the constant references to the MC's weight and previous diets and food obsessions. It was infuriating and vapid and just didn't add to the plot. I also found the fairies more annoying than amusing- but that could very possibly be personal preference.
I was really enjoying the world building, magic system and monsters. I also liked the idea that the characters were competing for a chance to stay in this world or be sent back for essential reincarnation. Though, I was having trouble connecting to the main character...There was a lot to like in this one, but the things that annoyed me, really annoyed me and I couldn't look past them.
While I had issues with this one, I think it's worth a try if you're into Gamelit and LitRPGs.
April 18, 2024
I got 25 minutes into this book before I had to stop. I will never understand authors who harp on how pathetic their MC is. I suspect this is an effect of immaturity as the author has yet to realize how difficult life really is, so much so that perfectly competent people can and often are daunted by it. Such a realization makes, at least for me, MCs intentionally portrayed as pathetic intolerable.
The only ameliorating comment I can think to make is that I am not the target audience. This MC is a bookworm who, by the author's depiction, has trouble chewing gum and walking. I was one of the largest bookworms in my high school class but even so I played basketball and football. In truth I can't think of one real world parallel for this MC given how much the author proclaims the MC's physical ineptitude. The one guy in my high school class who was a bigger bookworm than me could beat me in basketball 7 times out of 10.
Bottom line: the author makes the MC too pathetic for the MC to survive in a harsh fantasy world.
The only ameliorating comment I can think to make is that I am not the target audience. This MC is a bookworm who, by the author's depiction, has trouble chewing gum and walking. I was one of the largest bookworms in my high school class but even so I played basketball and football. In truth I can't think of one real world parallel for this MC given how much the author proclaims the MC's physical ineptitude. The one guy in my high school class who was a bigger bookworm than me could beat me in basketball 7 times out of 10.
Bottom line: the author makes the MC too pathetic for the MC to survive in a harsh fantasy world.
August 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a copy of this ARC. All thoughts are my own. This review is for the audiobook version of the book, narrated by Reba Buhr.
Sarah, a recently deceased bookworm, finds herself reborn into heaven. Well a heaven at least. If she wants to stay there, she needs to compete in a series of challenges in this fantasy style world with levels and game style mechanics.
This is a fun litrpg story by Dustin Tiger. The characters were brought to life by Reba Buhr's narration. I would give works by either of them another go for sure.
There were some parts of the book that felt rushed. There were outcomes that did not feel earned - Deus ex machina style solutions. The end also seemed to tie into another narrative that might have been introduced in another story.
Overall, it was a litrpg that focused more on the fun than the serious and I enjoyed it. If you like the style of story, you should give it a read.
Sarah, a recently deceased bookworm, finds herself reborn into heaven. Well a heaven at least. If she wants to stay there, she needs to compete in a series of challenges in this fantasy style world with levels and game style mechanics.
This is a fun litrpg story by Dustin Tiger. The characters were brought to life by Reba Buhr's narration. I would give works by either of them another go for sure.
There were some parts of the book that felt rushed. There were outcomes that did not feel earned - Deus ex machina style solutions. The end also seemed to tie into another narrative that might have been introduced in another story.
Overall, it was a litrpg that focused more on the fun than the serious and I enjoyed it. If you like the style of story, you should give it a read.
August 5, 2023
I received this from NetGalley and Dreamscape in exchange for an honest review. First this is more of a 3.5 for me. The reason I decided to give it a bump up is because of expectations I had after Wrong Divinity book one. The LitRPG elements, world building and characters didn’t seem as well thought out in this. Also the humor didn’t resonate as well with me a fairy obsessed with panties not my cup of comedy tea. I just kept thinking to myself I wish it was more like Wrong Divinity. I enjoyed the vampire class and the MC was pretty good. I felt leaning more into her strengths opposed to the weakness from being a reader would have benefited the story. If you enjoy LitRPG it’s a fun little story but outside of the vampire class doesn’t really stand out in the genre.
August 17, 2023
This was my first litrpg book, though I've been wanting to read one for quite a while. What a great story to be my first! It was funny, had good pacing, and great world-building. The audiobook narrator was fantastic and kept me engaged. The ending left of a surprising cliffhanger that leaves the potential for another book, and if that's the case, I will pick it up for sure! I'd be interested to see Sarah's adventures continue. 3.5, but happily rounded to a 4 (so probably about a 3.8).
August 22, 2023
This was a super fun book! I love that she went from a bookworm afraid of everything to an ass-kicking badass but also kept her humanity and wondered if what she was doing was the right thing. This was a very interesting take on "heaven" and the after-life! I wonder if there is going to be another book after this one...I would totally be here for that! This was my 1st book by Dustin Tigner but is not going to be my last!
#BookwormtoBadass
#NetGalley
#BookwormtoBadass
#NetGalley
August 5, 2024
I have read a few of these type of books now. Imagine DND and a RPG videogame made a book where there are levels, mana amounts, hit points and quests. The actual story is OK, not too memorable. But i am reading this as a 36 male in 2024, even i was noticing how much the main character was naked for no real reason. This has the failure of a nerdy lady who likes books, turns into a deadly sexy vampire in this RPG afterlife.
January 5, 2023
KU Review
I read this book between arachnomancer 1 and 2 because the warning in the epilogue made me think I was going to miss something. Either way, this whole story world is fun of fun characters.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
I read this book between arachnomancer 1 and 2 because the warning in the epilogue made me think I was going to miss something. Either way, this whole story world is fun of fun characters.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
January 15, 2023
Couldn't get into the story, follow it well or enjoy it. I gave up after 25% of reading it. Some might find it interesting, but I was very annoyed by the helper character and their way of 'speaking'. MC might become a badass as the title says, but I can't keep my head in the book long enough to find out.
August 13, 2023
Oh my goodness, how cute! LitRPGs are fun as us, but add in sassy, panty stealing fairies and ya for a winner. Lol 😂
Parts did tend to drag a little at the beginning but it picked up .And even tho the story left it obviously built up for a sequel it wasn't a cliffhanger ending. Possibilities without the frustration!!!!
Parts did tend to drag a little at the beginning but it picked up .And even tho the story left it obviously built up for a sequel it wasn't a cliffhanger ending. Possibilities without the frustration!!!!
February 20, 2024
DNF.
I gave it about 30% to see if it would improve and catch my attention. It didn't. I just got more and more annoyed with the characters. Calling MC a bookworm is being very, very generous. Maybe MC behaves like one later on.
There is something in there, so it's not a 1 star, but it just isn't polished enough. IMO, need more editing and some rewrites.
I gave it about 30% to see if it would improve and catch my attention. It didn't. I just got more and more annoyed with the characters. Calling MC a bookworm is being very, very generous. Maybe MC behaves like one later on.
There is something in there, so it's not a 1 star, but it just isn't polished enough. IMO, need more editing and some rewrites.
June 14, 2024
This was a fun read and I enjoyed the MC for the most part. Could’ve been slightly less whiny and less impulsive at times but other than that very enjoyable! I thought the overall story was interesting and there was a decent amount of action but I personally would have enjoyed more building of the lore and myth of the world/s.
December 4, 2023
Sarah is a badass! She quickly learns what needs to be done and goes for it! Her education with books will really help her do well. The friends she makes are all so interesting nd are not flat characters at all.
April 27, 2024
This is not my first litrpg, but i wish it was! Phenomenal, I'm only giving 4 stars due to the author's obvious inserted fetishes I would have rather not have read those small parts... otherwise amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
Sarah is me or even my soul mate. I connected with her on a personal level which is wonderful. She's well-written and the snark between her and Apology 13 is great. Her growth is wonderful and an overall fun character.
January 4, 2023
Book one
I swear that I read this online somewhere. Can't remember where though. So if you know drop me a message so I can follow book two!
8/10
I swear that I read this online somewhere. Can't remember where though. So if you know drop me a message so I can follow book two!
8/10
January 6, 2023
8/10 i LOVE Sarah.
January 11, 2023
Okay story
I thought this would be a great book. Instead it was so-so. I don't think I will read it again nor any sequels. Read it if you're bored. Otherwise steer clear.
I thought this would be a great book. Instead it was so-so. I don't think I will read it again nor any sequels. Read it if you're bored. Otherwise steer clear.
January 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. It wasn't litrpg heavy but had enough stats to enjoy following Sarah's progress. I think this would be a perfect book for someone getting into the genre.
August 8, 2023
Bookworm to Badass was an enjoyable read filled with magic, gaming lore and fantasy. I didn’t really feel that it fit the LitRPG genre but it was still a really fun read.
October 26, 2023
3.5 stars
February 6, 2024
Not funny, not interesting, and puerile characters becoming increasingly annoying. DNF.
February 8, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable LitRPG with a strong, relatable female protagonist. A slow start, but overall a genuine treat. Hoping for a sequel.
September 4, 2024
This was a did not finish for me. I was so excited because it sounded really great but an hour and a half in and I’m not hooked. Little on the boring side too :/
January 11, 2025
Very good book. I hope I don't have to wait too long for a follow up to this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews