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tckcallahan's review
5.0
fun times
A god trip down memory lane.. really enjoyed reading this- if you love dnd then definitely give this a read through!
A god trip down memory lane.. really enjoyed reading this- if you love dnd then definitely give this a read through!
nonesensed's review
4.5
An interesting look "behind the scenes" if you're a fan of the actual play series Critical Role. It's got lovely art, interesting interviews and insights into what's been going through the players' heads during campaign 1 and the first part of campaign 2. A few things were a bit of repetition from things I've already seen on-stream, but I can't really complain about that since talking about the show and its creators is the literal point of the book. All in all, an enjoyable read if you're a fan!
mikrichardson's review
5.0
For a book that should certainly function as a coffee table piece, Liz Marsham's The World of Critical Role has a lot of heart and insight into the magic that goes into every Thursday night. It's more than a game of fails and saves--even though those moments make the show memorable. Instead, Marsham spends just over 300 pages proving how the show's evolution into an independent company, a charitable foundation, and a publishing company is all just a love letter to the community. Love for the friendship. Love for the imagination. Love for the ability to leave reality behind for even just a minute--and maybe save the world while they're at it.
Ultimately, the book asks its readers the most important question of all: how do you want to do this?
Take a chance, roll the dice--because this life is all we have.
Ultimately, the book asks its readers the most important question of all: how do you want to do this?
Take a chance, roll the dice--because this life is all we have.
abookishpenguin's review against another edition
4.5
Dungeons and Dragons has long been a household name amongst role-playing games. Its popularity continues to grow. Explore the world of Critical Role, a group of actors and voice actors who play D&D to a huge audience online.
This was such a cool listen! I have only been playing D&D for about a year, but I've been so interested in it for so long. This book is a great introduction into how the game works, the mechanics, and how creative and exciting it can be.
I have never watched Critical Role, mainly because of the sheer amount of material there is to get through now, but it was great seeing how the show grew and hearing the impact it has had on people across the world.
This does contain spoilers, with some of the more exciting storylines and events throughout the campaigns described. Knowing I'm probably never going to get through what's out there, though, I really liked hearing this described. The cast members of Critical Role pop up at points in interviews with the author, so you get their take on their campaigns and the game in general.
What really stood out was how good friends they seem to be, and the sense of community that comes with playing this sort of game. That's something that really resonates with me, with the campaigns I'm in and friends I've met through the game.
My only complaint with this really is that I did the audiobook. That had it's perks - the narator was great, and imitated many of the character voices when recounting the encounters. But I think it was missing something. The physical book is full of pictures, which I think would add so much to the experience of reading this.
I definitely recommend the book to any budding TTRPG players and fans, and recommend the physical book over the audiobook.
This was such a cool listen! I have only been playing D&D for about a year, but I've been so interested in it for so long. This book is a great introduction into how the game works, the mechanics, and how creative and exciting it can be.
I have never watched Critical Role, mainly because of the sheer amount of material there is to get through now, but it was great seeing how the show grew and hearing the impact it has had on people across the world.
This does contain spoilers, with some of the more exciting storylines and events throughout the campaigns described. Knowing I'm probably never going to get through what's out there, though, I really liked hearing this described. The cast members of Critical Role pop up at points in interviews with the author, so you get their take on their campaigns and the game in general.
What really stood out was how good friends they seem to be, and the sense of community that comes with playing this sort of game. That's something that really resonates with me, with the campaigns I'm in and friends I've met through the game.
My only complaint with this really is that I did the audiobook. That had it's perks - the narator was great, and imitated many of the character voices when recounting the encounters. But I think it was missing something. The physical book is full of pictures, which I think would add so much to the experience of reading this.
I definitely recommend the book to any budding TTRPG players and fans, and recommend the physical book over the audiobook.
dani95's review
5.0
Such a good book for whoever loves CR and wants an insight into what goes on beyond the weekly stream
booklover160's review
4.0
I got into Critical Role this year and I'm nearly done with campaign 1. That said, this book is full of spoilers for the first two campaigns. I like spoilers so I didn't mind and as a still baby Critter, I haven't seen/watched Between the Sheets. I learned a bunch about the players and characters through this book! However, most of the info in here has been previously put out there from Between the Sheets and other interviews and the like. There doesn't seem to be much exclusive content in the book but it's a great compilation of facts and info on Critical Role for casual/still newer fans!
cindershelby's review
5.0
A fun and interesting read and a beautifully done book that any Critical Role fan would be proud to display on their coffee table. If you’re someone who’s devoured both campaigns for CR, there wasn’t a lot of new information. Be warned though, if you have not finished campaign one or two and have intention to do so, do not read this book. It goes into detail on some of the biggest moments of the campaigns and is very spoiler heavy. That being said, if you don’t mind the spoilers, I highly recommend if you know someone who is a fan and just want to know a little more info so when they inevitably start going on and on about the latest episode you’re not completely in the dark (apologies to the friends I have definitely done this to
bookbeard's review
5.0
The World of Critical Role is one of storytellers. From Matt's fictional world and the player characters within, to the lives of the cast and how they came together. And in telling their story, this book provides some wonderful insights into both worlds that make Critical Role.
This book walks a bit if a fine line, as the book has several distinct audiences. It's clearly for fans of the show first and foremost, as it goes into in depth discussions of character backstories and motivations. It covers items that have become important to the characters, and critical moments in their lives. In this, they do very well at giving insight that fans might not be aware of, like a look behind the curtain.
The next audience would be those interested in the business and community sides of the Critical Role production. In this way, I think it does well. The interviews with the cast members that make up the majority of the book's material are very well done. They give a picture of what it was like for the crew from it's inception, through the expansion into what it is today.
Lastly, and this is a bit different, they try and include enough information for someone who is interested in Critical Role, but unfamiliar with D&D or the show's structure. They start with a description of how D&D works, and at time will explain why rolls are important, and what impact they have on the game. In this I think they do well in boiling down a very daunting task. They focus on how this is a unique storytelling medium, and don't get bogged down in describing the intricate details or rules of the game.
For me reading this book, as a fan of the show, and interested in the characters and the people, this book was a delight to read. I learned things about the characters and players that helped me to understand them better, and feel closer to this hobby I love. It was comforting. And I cannot overstate how beautiful the artwork is. Stunning.
I would recommend this book for any fan of CR, and to those who are interested in it, and looking to understand why so many people love it.
If I had one note, it's that I wish it had a statement somewhere of at what point in Campaign 2 it covers. I am not caught up with the second campaign, and skipped a page or two that contained clear spoilers.
This book walks a bit if a fine line, as the book has several distinct audiences. It's clearly for fans of the show first and foremost, as it goes into in depth discussions of character backstories and motivations. It covers items that have become important to the characters, and critical moments in their lives. In this, they do very well at giving insight that fans might not be aware of, like a look behind the curtain.
The next audience would be those interested in the business and community sides of the Critical Role production. In this way, I think it does well. The interviews with the cast members that make up the majority of the book's material are very well done. They give a picture of what it was like for the crew from it's inception, through the expansion into what it is today.
Lastly, and this is a bit different, they try and include enough information for someone who is interested in Critical Role, but unfamiliar with D&D or the show's structure. They start with a description of how D&D works, and at time will explain why rolls are important, and what impact they have on the game. In this I think they do well in boiling down a very daunting task. They focus on how this is a unique storytelling medium, and don't get bogged down in describing the intricate details or rules of the game.
For me reading this book, as a fan of the show, and interested in the characters and the people, this book was a delight to read. I learned things about the characters and players that helped me to understand them better, and feel closer to this hobby I love. It was comforting. And I cannot overstate how beautiful the artwork is. Stunning.
I would recommend this book for any fan of CR, and to those who are interested in it, and looking to understand why so many people love it.
If I had one note, it's that I wish it had a statement somewhere of at what point in Campaign 2 it covers. I am not caught up with the second campaign, and skipped a page or two that contained clear spoilers.