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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
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An absolutely extraordinary book that absolutely shattered my expectations in every way.
I was recommended this book by a friend, and initially didn't think I was going to give this a try. But other books she recommended to me winded up fantastic, so I figured I would give it a try. I don't like books like these, and never have. Within the first few pages, it comes off as something that is written for a younger audience, with a plot that feels unimaginative, and a main character that seem borderline dumb.
But somehow, I couldn't put this book down and before I realized it I had read 200 pages in one day, and couldn't wait to continue reading. Every chapter had me hooked more than the previous one, the characters became fleshed out and wonderful to read about, the plot took twists and turns that were completely unexpected in a wonderful way, and the world became so developed that it will completely consume your mind.
This is a web serial turned into a book, but it doesn't really read that way. If I didn't already know this, I wouldn't have ever known it. The plot feels fully tied in, and doesn't feel disjointed in any way, shape, or form like other web serials I have read. But buyers beware, this series is over 9,000,000 words long, and growing by north of 40k a week - and to put that in context the entire Wheel of Time series is a little over 4,400,000 words long. This is a behemoth of a story that would take absolute immense dedication to catch up. But I'm fully along for the ride now.
Story: 5/5
Put simply, this story rocks. After the first 1/3 of the book, it felt like I was reading a story similar to Legends & Lattes in how low stakes it was - and mainly revolved around a woman opening up an Inn in a fantasy world. And I loved that book so it was warmly received by me.
But somewhere along the middle I realized that it was turning into a legitimately great epic fantasy book with multiple plotlines spanning large distances, multiple characters, and exciting intertwined stories.
And towards the end of the book it developed into a thriller of a story, that had me literally sweating with tension in a way that I have rarely done with a fantasy story. This blending of many different styles of fantasy was exciting and fresh.
World Building: 5/5
By the end of this book the world building had me absolutely enchanted. This world is huge, and this book is barely scratching the surface in terms of where this story will take you if the maps you can find online are anything to judge by.
The descriptions of the locations that the characters go to are so well described that you can't help by imagine yourself there with vivid detail, and the same can be said for the varying character races that exist in this world.
Fantasy Elements: 5/5
The main fantasy hook here is that a character from Earth has been transported to this fantasy world that is essentially Dungeons & Dragons. People in this world literally level up when they go to sleep after completing various tasks, and that comes with skills being assigned. This feels silly to start with, but it ends up being extremely fun, especially since the main characters are learning about this for the first time along with the reader.
The world is filled with different creatures that are both good and bad, and they are all interesting - some are a brand new take on fantasy, and some are traditional, but they are all written well.
Characters: 4/5
I would have given this a 5, as I absolutely love most of the characters in this story. But there is a character "Ryoka" that is featured in POVs for approximately 20% of this book that I just couldn't connect with and while the events of her chapters were interesting, I didn't care for her.
Writing Style: 5/5
This is probably a controversial take as I have seen many reviews of people absolutely trashing the writing style here, but I just can't agree. The writing is fun, witty, blends traditional fantasy with modern concepts, and left me with a consistent smile on my face. I can see that it's not the most beautiful prose in the world, but I don't care when the descriptions are so well done, the characters are so well written, and the world is built in such a fantastic way.
Enjoyment: 5/5
As if you couldn't tell by now, but I had an absolute blast reading this book. Is it one of the best book I've ever read? Absolutely not. But is it one of the most fun books I've ever read? Yup! And in the end, isn't that all that really matters?
An absolutely extraordinary book that absolutely shattered my expectations in every way.
I was recommended this book by a friend, and initially didn't think I was going to give this a try. But other books she recommended to me winded up fantastic, so I figured I would give it a try. I don't like books like these, and never have. Within the first few pages, it comes off as something that is written for a younger audience, with a plot that feels unimaginative, and a main character that seem borderline dumb.
But somehow, I couldn't put this book down and before I realized it I had read 200 pages in one day, and couldn't wait to continue reading. Every chapter had me hooked more than the previous one, the characters became fleshed out and wonderful to read about, the plot took twists and turns that were completely unexpected in a wonderful way, and the world became so developed that it will completely consume your mind.
This is a web serial turned into a book, but it doesn't really read that way. If I didn't already know this, I wouldn't have ever known it. The plot feels fully tied in, and doesn't feel disjointed in any way, shape, or form like other web serials I have read. But buyers beware, this series is over 9,000,000 words long, and growing by north of 40k a week - and to put that in context the entire Wheel of Time series is a little over 4,400,000 words long. This is a behemoth of a story that would take absolute immense dedication to catch up. But I'm fully along for the ride now.
Story: 5/5
Put simply, this story rocks. After the first 1/3 of the book, it felt like I was reading a story similar to Legends & Lattes in how low stakes it was - and mainly revolved around a woman opening up an Inn in a fantasy world. And I loved that book so it was warmly received by me.
But somewhere along the middle I realized that it was turning into a legitimately great epic fantasy book with multiple plotlines spanning large distances, multiple characters, and exciting intertwined stories.
And towards the end of the book it developed into a thriller of a story, that had me literally sweating with tension in a way that I have rarely done with a fantasy story. This blending of many different styles of fantasy was exciting and fresh.
World Building: 5/5
By the end of this book the world building had me absolutely enchanted. This world is huge, and this book is barely scratching the surface in terms of where this story will take you if the maps you can find online are anything to judge by.
The descriptions of the locations that the characters go to are so well described that you can't help by imagine yourself there with vivid detail, and the same can be said for the varying character races that exist in this world.
Fantasy Elements: 5/5
The main fantasy hook here is that a character from Earth has been transported to this fantasy world that is essentially Dungeons & Dragons. People in this world literally level up when they go to sleep after completing various tasks, and that comes with skills being assigned. This feels silly to start with, but it ends up being extremely fun, especially since the main characters are learning about this for the first time along with the reader.
The world is filled with different creatures that are both good and bad, and they are all interesting - some are a brand new take on fantasy, and some are traditional, but they are all written well.
Characters: 4/5
I would have given this a 5, as I absolutely love most of the characters in this story. But there is a character "Ryoka" that is featured in POVs for approximately 20% of this book that I just couldn't connect with and while the events of her chapters were interesting, I didn't care for her.
Writing Style: 5/5
This is probably a controversial take as I have seen many reviews of people absolutely trashing the writing style here, but I just can't agree. The writing is fun, witty, blends traditional fantasy with modern concepts, and left me with a consistent smile on my face. I can see that it's not the most beautiful prose in the world, but I don't care when the descriptions are so well done, the characters are so well written, and the world is built in such a fantastic way.
Enjoyment: 5/5
As if you couldn't tell by now, but I had an absolute blast reading this book. Is it one of the best book I've ever read? Absolutely not. But is it one of the most fun books I've ever read? Yup! And in the end, isn't that all that really matters?
This goes from "legends and lattes" to some of the most invested epic fantasy. It is also based on the standard format of dnd, pathfinder etc. What I quite like
OH WOW! Okay okay, this is hands down one of the most gripping books I've ever read.
About 5 hours before the end (audiobook), this story turns into one of the most terrifying horror stories ever. And that's after spending the entire book falling in love with all the misfit characters to clutching my blankie for comfort. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT IN THE SERIES!!!
About 5 hours before the end (audiobook), this story turns into one of the most terrifying horror stories ever. And that's after spending the entire book falling in love with all the misfit characters to clutching my blankie for comfort. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT IN THE SERIES!!!
2020 review:
Actually ended up really liking this, didn't enjoy all of the characters but Erin definitely grew on me as the story went on. 3 stars.
2022 re-read review:
Maybe I'm just in a different mood this time around but I had a lot of fun with this. The characters were frustrating at times but I really appreciated how real they felt. I also had way more sympathy for both Erin and Ryoka this time around. I definitely feel like this is closer to a 4 star read than a 3, so I'm upping my rating.
Volume 2 here I come!!
Actually ended up really liking this, didn't enjoy all of the characters but Erin definitely grew on me as the story went on. 3 stars.
2022 re-read review:
Maybe I'm just in a different mood this time around but I had a lot of fun with this. The characters were frustrating at times but I really appreciated how real they felt. I also had way more sympathy for both Erin and Ryoka this time around. I definitely feel like this is closer to a 4 star read than a 3, so I'm upping my rating.
Volume 2 here I come!!
Did I love the pacing of this book? No.
Did I love EVERYTHING else? Yes.
Is pacing enough to value a whole star? It does when its this long.
Did I love EVERYTHING else? Yes.
Is pacing enough to value a whole star? It does when its this long.
Wow. This one was an odd one for me. The tone seemed very patronising, much like a kids book, but the swearing and other more mature content would strongly suggest it isn't meant that way.
I listened to this as an audio, but would probably have enjoyed actually reading this more, as the narrator was not only *terrible* at accents (the British ones, anyhow), but did this really high-pitched voice for the MC that just bored right into my skull. Had to do this in short bursts so as to avoid a migraine!
But all that aside, it's a pretty amusing take on the "stuck in an RPG" theme. Not sure I'd want to read all SIX volumes, but good for an occasional read, I think.
I listened to this as an audio, but would probably have enjoyed actually reading this more, as the narrator was not only *terrible* at accents (the British ones, anyhow), but did this really high-pitched voice for the MC that just bored right into my skull. Had to do this in short bursts so as to avoid a migraine!
But all that aside, it's a pretty amusing take on the "stuck in an RPG" theme. Not sure I'd want to read all SIX volumes, but good for an occasional read, I think.
The first few chapters are a bit slow and its not helped by the opening main character's ridiculous decisions and whining. Aside from the occasional grammar snafu and wanting to smack the main character, the story was excellent! If you have ever played an RPG (especially an online RPG) , this book is for you! The characters and world building is engrossing! You will laugh, cry and be frustrated for them.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Are you f...king kidding me. ARE YOU SERIOUS? 7 hours and nothing happened. LIterally nothing happened. We barely know anything about the protagonist, the world and the freaking inn. 7 hours that somehow gave me:
* Protagonist arrive
*She gets nearly killed finding some fruit.
*Makes pasta
*Meets two guards. Are nice
*Meets an illusionist. Its an elitist jackass and criminal.
*Goes to twon, buy food and suffer discrimination (only describing a stall rip off)
*Cries because goblins (who wanted to eat her) are killed.
Thats it. This is the entire content of 7 hours. I have no idea of the life of the protagonist, of how the city works, levels are just starting to be explained. The only thing she did for the inn was pasta and fruit juice and cleaning dust.
How can a writer waste so much time? Everything I just say could have been done in 2 chapters, 15 pages top. It was sooo boring. If this is what she works with in the introduction, its not worth it. I don't care if its become Rythm of War at hour 30, its not worth it. I only got so far because after 3 hours I went to spoiler myself somewhat to see if its gets better. And I WAS LIED.
Seriously, its only gritty. Thats its only selling point. Its describe blood and gore somewhat and people die. It has nothing else worthwile as far as I can see, which I could describe more if it DIDN'T TAKE 7 HOURS TO JUST START EXPLAINING ONE OF THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF YOUR WORLD AND THE PROTAGONIST BARELY STARTING WORKING IN THE INN.
* Protagonist arrive
*She gets nearly killed finding some fruit.
*Makes pasta
*Meets two guards. Are nice
*Meets an illusionist. Its an elitist jackass and criminal.
*Goes to twon, buy food and suffer discrimination (only describing a stall rip off)
*Cries because goblins (who wanted to eat her) are killed.
Thats it. This is the entire content of 7 hours. I have no idea of the life of the protagonist, of how the city works, levels are just starting to be explained. The only thing she did for the inn was pasta and fruit juice and cleaning dust.
How can a writer waste so much time? Everything I just say could have been done in 2 chapters, 15 pages top. It was sooo boring. If this is what she works with in the introduction, its not worth it. I don't care if its become Rythm of War at hour 30, its not worth it. I only got so far because after 3 hours I went to spoiler myself somewhat to see if its gets better. And I WAS LIED.
Seriously, its only gritty. Thats its only selling point. Its describe blood and gore somewhat and people die. It has nothing else worthwile as far as I can see, which I could describe more if it DIDN'T TAKE 7 HOURS TO JUST START EXPLAINING ONE OF THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF YOUR WORLD AND THE PROTAGONIST BARELY STARTING WORKING IN THE INN.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Genocide, Gore, Blood, Vomit