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Chrysalis #4
Between a Rock and a Carapace
It’s time to descend.
With Garralosh defeated and the Colony secured, Anthony has triumphed over the wave. What now for our antrepid adventurer? In the Dungeon, there’s only one place to down.
Join Anthony as he ventures into the second stratum, the Shadow Sea, and finds far more than he bargained for. Bizarre monsters abound, frightening poisons and civilisations that have fought and lived in the depths for thousands of years.
For the Colony!
Book 4 of the hit monster-evolution LitRPG series with nearly 30 Million views on Royal Road. Grab your copy today!
About this Jump into a rebirth story that mixes LitRPG and GameLit Elements with Monster evolution. Levels, Stats, Skills, Magic, Power Progresion, Kingdom Building, Party Building, Army Building, evolution, a monster MC, gigantic enemies (compared to Ant at least), and plenty of humor fitting such an ludicrous premise.
With Garralosh defeated and the Colony secured, Anthony has triumphed over the wave. What now for our antrepid adventurer? In the Dungeon, there’s only one place to down.
Join Anthony as he ventures into the second stratum, the Shadow Sea, and finds far more than he bargained for. Bizarre monsters abound, frightening poisons and civilisations that have fought and lived in the depths for thousands of years.
For the Colony!
Book 4 of the hit monster-evolution LitRPG series with nearly 30 Million views on Royal Road. Grab your copy today!
About this Jump into a rebirth story that mixes LitRPG and GameLit Elements with Monster evolution. Levels, Stats, Skills, Magic, Power Progresion, Kingdom Building, Party Building, Army Building, evolution, a monster MC, gigantic enemies (compared to Ant at least), and plenty of humor fitting such an ludicrous premise.
606 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 20, 2025
Between a Rock and a Carapace is likely the weakest book in the Chrysalis series so far; Books 5 and 6 are both marked improvements (or more like a return to form). Ultimately, it feels a bit like a filler arc - MC runs off to another part of the dungeon, learns about another culture, and spends most of his time trapped in... a tournament arc? I don't know how Chrysalis found time for a tournament arc into its narrative. I get that tournaments are staples of (or tropes in) Cultivation/ LitRPG, but this was probably not the right space for that kind of storytelling; it didn't work for me.
Beyond the feeling of this novel being mostly a sidequest, I think the main reason it didn't work for me is that the strength of the series (its humour, its characters, its narrative drive) increasingly comes from its large cast of characters. Without the colony, we're sort of just back inside Anthony's head most of the time (like Book 1), which, while fun, just isn't as good as everyone together.
Still I started the audiobooks with this novel, and Jeff Hays & Annie Ellicott absolutely ROCK. I'm sure they're great in all of the books in this series, and it definitely enhanced my enjoyment.
Beyond the feeling of this novel being mostly a sidequest, I think the main reason it didn't work for me is that the strength of the series (its humour, its characters, its narrative drive) increasingly comes from its large cast of characters. Without the colony, we're sort of just back inside Anthony's head most of the time (like Book 1), which, while fun, just isn't as good as everyone together.
Still I started the audiobooks with this novel, and Jeff Hays & Annie Ellicott absolutely ROCK. I'm sure they're great in all of the books in this series, and it definitely enhanced my enjoyment.
May 4, 2024
The protagonist is annoying and cannot be empathised with. The protagonist detracts from the story while the colony building adds to greatly to the plot. I wish the book focused more on the side characters like the main 20 Ants and how they grow the colony.
The only reason I keep reading the series is because of the colony building.
The only reason I keep reading the series is because of the colony building.
June 20, 2023
Great book. I loved the main character and the world building.
May 14, 2026
Entertaining popcorn read with some solid numbers, interesting characters for the most part and some solid action. I find the world building intriguing, in all honesty probably the biggest draw for me. As previous volumes Anthony's snark can get a bit grating, and the numbers and action tad too prevalent for my taste. I found the shadow hunting part in all honesty a tad boring, finding the actual arc of getting caught and dealing with the crazy cult a lot more interesting. A bit of a cliff hanger ending, neither the worse of such I have seen and not too bad either since volume 5 is available, but still not an overly big fan of these. All in all, fitted expectations and I will certainly be reading future volumes of the series.
January 4, 2026
I still enjoyed this as I have the other books, though I feel like this was just a filler book. I'm really easy to please and I enjoy a good tournament arc, but this was not the right way to do it. It felt rushed, and like it was just done for the convenience of getting the MC to learn more information to carry on the novel rather than for a deep storyline. Hopefully the new information is put to good use in the next book. ⭐⭐⭐
April 26, 2025
did I say how good the audiobook is cuz it's great
May 5, 2026
This book is a great light and fun read. I like that they keep a focus on the leveling and evolution stuff
June 4, 2026
4.5, I thought I would not care about this next arc. nah, this was just as fun. FOR THE COLONY
January 9, 2024
I am devouring this at light speed
February 21, 2026
kinda weaker than the previous ones
September 24, 2025
Still Amazing!
I’m tearing my way through these books and I have been absolutely impressed with every one. The relative prowess of monsters across a broad spectrum of abilities is getting a bit wobbly, which is a common and understandable problem and not catastrophic.
I’m tearing my way through these books and I have been absolutely impressed with every one. The relative prowess of monsters across a broad spectrum of abilities is getting a bit wobbly, which is a common and understandable problem and not catastrophic.
October 27, 2023
Chrysalis: 4
After the thrilling ending in the last book, this one is still packed with interesting world-building, fighting, and theory-crafting, but it doesn't match the intensity of the previous book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it . The author comes up with a slightly different direction, and Anthony finds himself a reluctant participant in a gladiator-style death match. It turns out to be a good opportunity for him to level up his skills and find out more of how this world works. He even gets to meet two other monsters like him, who found themselves reborn. [James aka Jimmy the giant earthworm, and Sarah the bear.] Like the previous books, there are chapters from various human POVs scattered about, which adds a bit of richness to the story. They are tantalizing glimpses of recurring characters who have their own concerns and struggles. Anthony is dead set on succeeding as an ant, however, and has no interest in getting too cozy with the humans, no matter how open minded they might be, as they've proven to be as selfish and treacherous as in his previous life. Am really enjoying this series. Hope the next book comes out soon.
After the thrilling ending in the last book, this one is still packed with interesting world-building, fighting, and theory-crafting, but it doesn't match the intensity of the previous book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it . The author comes up with a slightly different direction, and Anthony finds himself a reluctant participant in a gladiator-style death match. It turns out to be a good opportunity for him to level up his skills and find out more of how this world works. He even gets to meet two other monsters like him, who found themselves reborn. [James aka Jimmy the giant earthworm, and Sarah the bear.] Like the previous books, there are chapters from various human POVs scattered about, which adds a bit of richness to the story. They are tantalizing glimpses of recurring characters who have their own concerns and struggles. Anthony is dead set on succeeding as an ant, however, and has no interest in getting too cozy with the humans, no matter how open minded they might be, as they've proven to be as selfish and treacherous as in his previous life. Am really enjoying this series. Hope the next book comes out soon.
January 1, 2026
Four books in and I’d still happily die for a giant sarcastic ant. No hesitation.
Between a Rock and a Carapace by RinoZ keeps this series rolling. It’s the fourth book in the Chrysalis saga and came out in 2022. If you’ve made it this far, you already know what to expect. Monster evolution, stats, colony drama, and the occasional deeply philosophical thought from a creature with claws. Anthony, the human-turned-ant, continues leveling up while trying to keep his growing ant family alive and sort-of thriving inside a deadly dungeon that doesn’t care if he’s got good intentions.
This one flew by for me. The writing’s still sharp and funny. Anthony’s voice is familiar now, and somehow that makes the whole colony feel like home. The world keeps expanding in good ways, and even when not a lot happens, it still feels like something is moving forward. I didn’t want to stop reading. Maybe because there’s just something relaxing about this strange mix of stats and bugs and surprisingly tender moments. It’s not perfect but I didn’t care. I’m in. Strong 4/5.
Between a Rock and a Carapace by RinoZ keeps this series rolling. It’s the fourth book in the Chrysalis saga and came out in 2022. If you’ve made it this far, you already know what to expect. Monster evolution, stats, colony drama, and the occasional deeply philosophical thought from a creature with claws. Anthony, the human-turned-ant, continues leveling up while trying to keep his growing ant family alive and sort-of thriving inside a deadly dungeon that doesn’t care if he’s got good intentions.
This one flew by for me. The writing’s still sharp and funny. Anthony’s voice is familiar now, and somehow that makes the whole colony feel like home. The world keeps expanding in good ways, and even when not a lot happens, it still feels like something is moving forward. I didn’t want to stop reading. Maybe because there’s just something relaxing about this strange mix of stats and bugs and surprisingly tender moments. It’s not perfect but I didn’t care. I’m in. Strong 4/5.
September 25, 2024
Worst of the series so far with the MC plotline bringing the overall story low.
The MC seems to be standing still or even regressing mentally instead of progressing. With this being a progression type fantasy story this is a Bad Thing in my opinion.
The fact that it is obviously contrived plot progression by the author, wherein he has the main character either by activity or inactivity go about most things in a questionable to idiotic manner, just torpedoes what is supposed to be the main part of the story. Specifically in how unbelievable it comes across.
The MC seems to be standing still or even regressing mentally instead of progressing. With this being a progression type fantasy story this is a Bad Thing in my opinion.
The fact that it is obviously contrived plot progression by the author, wherein he has the main character either by activity or inactivity go about most things in a questionable to idiotic manner, just torpedoes what is supposed to be the main part of the story. Specifically in how unbelievable it comes across.
November 29, 2025
4.6⭐️
0🌶️
Read the ebook on Kindle Unlimited and listened to the audiobook Audible
I just love Jeff Hayes performances. This Litrpg book continues ANThony’s story. He is abducted by his cult and separated from one of his pets. He is not the one though. He meats other former humans and find out he is in a tournament to the death to be the next ancient. This terrible tournament did help with his growth in his skills and shows some of his shortcomings. Being separated from his colony and one of his pets is tough. I definitely had a few laughs in this book. Book 5 of 7 so far!
0🌶️
Read the ebook on Kindle Unlimited and listened to the audiobook Audible
I just love Jeff Hayes performances. This Litrpg book continues ANThony’s story. He is abducted by his cult and separated from one of his pets. He is not the one though. He meats other former humans and find out he is in a tournament to the death to be the next ancient. This terrible tournament did help with his growth in his skills and shows some of his shortcomings. Being separated from his colony and one of his pets is tough. I definitely had a few laughs in this book. Book 5 of 7 so far!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2026
4.75 stars. In the beginning it was a little of a slog. So many new creatures characters. Just felt like some of the chapters that were in strata 2 were unnecessary and not vital to any plots. Could have been condensed.
But as soon as the eldest Anthony got snatched things got really interesting and good. I like tournament arcs and we got one here. I liked meeting characters that you can tell will matter the other earth reincarnations the worm and bear. I liked the perspectives of the ants and humans! So much of this book was great and I loved the ending!
But as soon as the eldest Anthony got snatched things got really interesting and good. I like tournament arcs and we got one here. I liked meeting characters that you can tell will matter the other earth reincarnations the worm and bear. I liked the perspectives of the ants and humans! So much of this book was great and I loved the ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2026
I found my way coming back over to this series and the entry was mostly solid, it has a few problems starting up into the new arc, everything is getting more powerful and some of the core quirks of the characters get a bit lost in the shuffle.
We also get introduced to a brand new faction which is probably going to be a major factor in the series going forward.
Honestly? The books okay, its not particularly special in any aspect but it still does a good job and is right up my alley for genres so I still enjoyed it.
We also get introduced to a brand new faction which is probably going to be a major factor in the series going forward.
Honestly? The books okay, its not particularly special in any aspect but it still does a good job and is right up my alley for genres so I still enjoyed it.
July 17, 2024
I thought I was hitting fatigue with this series but I was wrong. RinoZ always finds ways of adding new wrinkles to each book. This one had Antony not only descending to a new stratum of the dungeon due to his growth needing denser mana, but had a tournament arc as he fought for his life. Allowed for more rapid skills development, and him adding another pet (a demon to add support to his party). Same humor and action as previous books.
January 13, 2025
4.3/5. A bit slow set up but got good mid way. Starting a very nice metaphor for how society could work in a better. Think about the group as well as self. Don't kill people. Don't escalate bad situations (be the adult). Work hard. Find your passion. Don't be race blind. Don't have slaves. Don't be greedy; trade for benefit, not greed. Think about others. Judge based on actions.
The characters are hella funny. I grin while listening on a walk.
The characters are hella funny. I grin while listening on a walk.
July 14, 2025
Maybe the best book in the series yet. RinoZ is improving in every way as the series goes on. Very hard to put this one down. Picked the next up immediately.
The world building continues on the 2nd stratum of the Dungeon.
The world building continues on the 2nd stratum of the Dungeon.
April 4, 2024
3rd pet time!
This was an interesting story line. Liked all the characters and the cult was intriguing. Loved how the colony came and supported each other and grew. I have a feeling what will happen next but we will see. Definitely been enjoying all these characters and pets. Action is good too!
This was an interesting story line. Liked all the characters and the cult was intriguing. Loved how the colony came and supported each other and grew. I have a feeling what will happen next but we will see. Definitely been enjoying all these characters and pets. Action is good too!
May 9, 2026
Exciting addition
I am enjoying the direction this series is taking, as well as the evolution of the species! I must admit, ants are not my favorite insects, however I find myself becoming emotionally invested in this colony. The little Easter eggs are thoroughly enjoyable, and Leroy has made me literally laugh out loud every time she busts into a scene!
I am enjoying the direction this series is taking, as well as the evolution of the species! I must admit, ants are not my favorite insects, however I find myself becoming emotionally invested in this colony. The little Easter eggs are thoroughly enjoyable, and Leroy has made me literally laugh out loud every time she busts into a scene!
June 18, 2026
Excellence again.
Once again another phenomenal entry in the series. Each book is unique in the nature of the story told, which is refreshing and avoids being formulaic.
New secrets of the mechanics of the world are revealed, new and interesting characters are met, and the plot continues forward.
Progress and challenges continue to feel meaningful for each character.
Once again another phenomenal entry in the series. Each book is unique in the nature of the story told, which is refreshing and avoids being formulaic.
New secrets of the mechanics of the world are revealed, new and interesting characters are met, and the plot continues forward.
Progress and challenges continue to feel meaningful for each character.
June 23, 2023
Griiiinding
So my issue with this is we had the big battle at the end of the last book and then.... It was straight back to grinding. It got better but it was a bit of a let down to start off.
So my issue with this is we had the big battle at the end of the last book and then.... It was straight back to grinding. It got better but it was a bit of a let down to start off.
June 24, 2023
Absolutely Fantastic
This story of a young man who has been reborn as a dungeon monster ant is awesome. He totally embraces the ant life and figures a way to make his colony sapient. The series should be renamed the Dungeon Ant so it’s easier to recommend on facebook.
This story of a young man who has been reborn as a dungeon monster ant is awesome. He totally embraces the ant life and figures a way to make his colony sapient. The series should be renamed the Dungeon Ant so it’s easier to recommend on facebook.
August 16, 2023
It just gets better.
The series is getting better, bigger, and more ants.
I love how everything is happening and how Anthony's adventures are going on.
Jim was a funny little dude and I liked how the Ant Colony is developing
The series is getting better, bigger, and more ants.
I love how everything is happening and how Anthony's adventures are going on.
Jim was a funny little dude and I liked how the Ant Colony is developing
May 30, 2024
Best one yet
I read this series when it was still on (I think it was Webnovel) I never finished it but now I’m here and boy I have to say those last chapters gave me chills. Not in a bad way but it was so interesting to see it from another pov for a little bit.
I read this series when it was still on (I think it was Webnovel) I never finished it but now I’m here and boy I have to say those last chapters gave me chills. Not in a bad way but it was so interesting to see it from another pov for a little bit.
July 14, 2024
Another good entry and it is nice to finally progress the world. The pacing of the series is starting to feel a bit slow as the main character’s leveling is starting to be constrained by setting, which could be frustrating. I do like the growing cast.
August 27, 2025
fun
Okay, I binge listened to books 2-5 so the edges blurred together for me. Anthony expanded his nest gained power, defeated bad guys, evolved, got kidnapped, grew some more and is generally a powerhouse.
Very funny and enjoyable. Great pace. Excellent narrator. Please enjoy
Okay, I binge listened to books 2-5 so the edges blurred together for me. Anthony expanded his nest gained power, defeated bad guys, evolved, got kidnapped, grew some more and is generally a powerhouse.
Very funny and enjoyable. Great pace. Excellent narrator. Please enjoy
October 29, 2025
Definitely the slower of the ant series but still enjoyable. More Anthony shenanigans, it's more focused on him this time. with lots of cute Ant colony action. It does feel like it was way longer than it it should be and overall feels like a filler book, but It was a fun read overall.
7/10
7/10
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews