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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I didn't want it to end! I loved the characters, i loved the humor and the style of writing. At first, I was nervous it was going to read like a DCC knockoff but I quickly got rid of that notion. I can't wait for the second book and for more adventures with Croc
I may come back to this book but I was just bored. I felt like there was little character development and I really dislike when a main character gets a crazy power or weapon right in the beginning and that carries them throughout the story.
I’ve never actually read a litRPG before. It’s a genre that has intrigued me, but I’ve never picked up a book in the genre until now and Discount Dan by James Hunter has proved to be an enjoyable introduction to the genre.
It is difficult to describe the literary genre that Discount Dan sits in. Set in a sprawling mall-like world called the Backrooms, it resembles somewhat of an eclectic mix between fantasy, horror and apocalyptic science fiction. This works well, because speculative fiction that blurs the lines between science, fantasy and horror is a particular interest of mine. This mix gives Discount Dan a unique setting that feels fresh and interesting with each discovery made in it.
The story follows the eponymous Dan as he attempts to set up a convenience store to help new Delvers traverse the Backrooms and make a bunch or money (or tokens) in return. It's a really interesting premise that is not often seen in fantasy. Dan is a charming character and provides enough humour to be entertaining, but Croc can be a little over the top sometimes.
The novel sometimes relies too heavily on memes and references to get a few cheap laughs and I found myself skipping over a lot of the ability and achievement descriptions. I know that they are probably a staple of the litRPG genre, but they started to get a little repetitive. I'm not entirely sure that litRPG is for me, but even so, I can tell a lot of love went into this novel.
Discount Dan is a novel with tons of heart and a great read for anyone looking for a eclectic mix of litRPG, humour, and horror.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Merged review:
I’ve never actually read a litRPG before. It’s a genre that has intrigued me, but I’ve never picked up a book in the genre until now and Discount Dan by James Hunter has proved to be an enjoyable introduction to the genre.
It is difficult to describe the literary genre that Discount Dan sits in. Set in a sprawling mall-like world called the Backrooms, it resembles somewhat of an eclectic mix between fantasy, horror and apocalyptic science fiction. This works well, because speculative fiction that blurs the lines between science, fantasy and horror is a particular interest of mine. This mix gives Discount Dan a unique setting that feels fresh and interesting with each discovery made in it.
The story follows the eponymous Dan as he attempts to set up a convenience store to help new Delvers traverse the Backrooms and make a bunch or money (or tokens) in return. It's a really interesting premise that is not often seen in fantasy. Dan is a charming character and provides enough humour to be entertaining, but Croc can be a little over the top sometimes.
The novel sometimes relies too heavily on memes and references to get a few cheap laughs and I found myself skipping over a lot of the ability and achievement descriptions. I know that they are probably a staple of the litRPG genre, but they started to get a little repetitive. I'm not entirely sure that litRPG is for me, but even so, I can tell a lot of love went into this novel.
Discount Dan is a novel with tons of heart and a great read for anyone looking for a eclectic mix of litRPG, humour, and horror.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is difficult to describe the literary genre that Discount Dan sits in. Set in a sprawling mall-like world called the Backrooms, it resembles somewhat of an eclectic mix between fantasy, horror and apocalyptic science fiction. This works well, because speculative fiction that blurs the lines between science, fantasy and horror is a particular interest of mine. This mix gives Discount Dan a unique setting that feels fresh and interesting with each discovery made in it.
The story follows the eponymous Dan as he attempts to set up a convenience store to help new Delvers traverse the Backrooms and make a bunch or money (or tokens) in return. It's a really interesting premise that is not often seen in fantasy. Dan is a charming character and provides enough humour to be entertaining, but Croc can be a little over the top sometimes.
The novel sometimes relies too heavily on memes and references to get a few cheap laughs and I found myself skipping over a lot of the ability and achievement descriptions. I know that they are probably a staple of the litRPG genre, but they started to get a little repetitive. I'm not entirely sure that litRPG is for me, but even so, I can tell a lot of love went into this novel.
Discount Dan is a novel with tons of heart and a great read for anyone looking for a eclectic mix of litRPG, humour, and horror.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Merged review:
I’ve never actually read a litRPG before. It’s a genre that has intrigued me, but I’ve never picked up a book in the genre until now and Discount Dan by James Hunter has proved to be an enjoyable introduction to the genre.
It is difficult to describe the literary genre that Discount Dan sits in. Set in a sprawling mall-like world called the Backrooms, it resembles somewhat of an eclectic mix between fantasy, horror and apocalyptic science fiction. This works well, because speculative fiction that blurs the lines between science, fantasy and horror is a particular interest of mine. This mix gives Discount Dan a unique setting that feels fresh and interesting with each discovery made in it.
The story follows the eponymous Dan as he attempts to set up a convenience store to help new Delvers traverse the Backrooms and make a bunch or money (or tokens) in return. It's a really interesting premise that is not often seen in fantasy. Dan is a charming character and provides enough humour to be entertaining, but Croc can be a little over the top sometimes.
The novel sometimes relies too heavily on memes and references to get a few cheap laughs and I found myself skipping over a lot of the ability and achievement descriptions. I know that they are probably a staple of the litRPG genre, but they started to get a little repetitive. I'm not entirely sure that litRPG is for me, but even so, I can tell a lot of love went into this novel.
Discount Dan is a novel with tons of heart and a great read for anyone looking for a eclectic mix of litRPG, humour, and horror.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A wonderful debut of Discount Dan's adventures. Classic dungeon-crawling-style LitRPG on the video-game-like side of the genre. It's in a similar vein as Dungeon Crawler Carl, with a lot of parallels, but those are mostly superficial.
Yeah, he's got a talking quasi-animal sidekick.
Yeah, he's trapped in a dungeon.
Yeah, he swears like a sailor.
But this is something else. Crazy characters, silly situations, nail-biting fights, and even some dread-inducing scenes that feel more akin to a horror/thriller. Some great characters and great moments.
The reason this was a 4 vs. a 5 is mostly just because for everything that shines in this book (Dan, Croc, pac man, goosey gander) there are things that feel blah (Most side characters, other bosses/subbosses).
If you're a fan of the LitRPG genre, this is definitely a book to check out though. And if you like audio books, Steve Campbell does a great job!
Yeah, he's got a talking quasi-animal sidekick.
Yeah, he's trapped in a dungeon.
Yeah, he swears like a sailor.
But this is something else. Crazy characters, silly situations, nail-biting fights, and even some dread-inducing scenes that feel more akin to a horror/thriller. Some great characters and great moments.
The reason this was a 4 vs. a 5 is mostly just because for everything that shines in this book (Dan, Croc, pac man, goosey gander) there are things that feel blah (Most side characters, other bosses/subbosses).
If you're a fan of the LitRPG genre, this is definitely a book to check out though. And if you like audio books, Steve Campbell does a great job!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
i met the author at comic con where we bonded over twilight! This was and is something that is so out of my normal reading scope but it sounded too good to pass up. just imagining the planning that went into this book is unimaginable and i cannot give it enough praise.
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thought this book was going to be a ripoff of Dungeon Crawler Carl but it was an amazing story in it's own right. I literally avoided my family for a week trying to finish this series. "Not tonight, honey. I've got a headache" (or in this case, a book to finish).
If you love baseboard base building, the backrooms, litRpg, or progression fiction, this is a great fit for you.
If you love baseboard base building, the backrooms, litRpg, or progression fiction, this is a great fit for you.
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This tome is the wild amalgamation of Dungeon Crawler Carl and Legends and Lattes. Which sounds insane, it is. In a good way. Are there horrifying toilet mimics? Yes. But also is Dan trying to build something for himself leaving his old life behind? Also yes. Dan has to face the weird reality that he has been transplanted into, in which the rules are rather simple: assume everyone and everything will kill you and no one truly knows anything about how this world works. Definitely not as cozy or relaxing experience, but it’s made easier with the friends we make along the way including the totally human dog, who I think would be my very best friend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a really fun book. It had me instantly reminiscing about the games I used to play back in the late 80's early 90's. It was comical and the characters really came to life.
This was a really fun book. It had me instantly reminiscing about the games I used to play back in the late 80's early 90's. It was comical and the characters really came to life.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC - this makes it into my top ten of 2024 for sure!
I love this kind of RPG world, gamelit story - the setting was fantastic. The achievements that Dan unlocked on his adventure were so fun, I was actually disappointed when he dismissed them without reading them. I think Croc might be my favourite fictional character of the entire year, and that comes from someone who does not like Crocs, dogs, or Twilight.
The writing throughout was hilarious, and I honestly don't think the author could have done anything better. Absolutely loved it.
I love this kind of RPG world, gamelit story - the setting was fantastic. The achievements that Dan unlocked on his adventure were so fun, I was actually disappointed when he dismissed them without reading them. I think Croc might be my favourite fictional character of the entire year, and that comes from someone who does not like Crocs, dogs, or Twilight.
The writing throughout was hilarious, and I honestly don't think the author could have done anything better. Absolutely loved it.