Distortion (Somnia Online Book 5)

Well, she's not dead. That's better than Murmur expected. But after Telvar cast her out of the game with all her strings attached, Murmur has more than in-game death to deal with. When some of the abilities of Somnia remain with her, Murmur must figure out where she ends and the game begins.

But even as she realizes the complicated nature of her connection to Somnia, more elements of the virtual reality begin to snag. The race for keys continues, and time is running out. Murmur begins to suspect Fable can’t manage the next tier of dungeons alone before the system's instabilities risk inescapable cascades.

While Fable struggles to keep their head start, game elements run off script and leave Laria and Shayla floundering for answers. For every problem they solve, two more appear in its place. If they’re not careful, the whole of Somnia will be corrupted.

Review written by Ian Mitchell

Distortion was very immersive for me. It flowed well and was really hard to put down (for little things like eating). The intensity and feeling of danger really comes out. If the guild didn't goof around it would be too grim. The various combats bring back memories of times spent in mmo dungeons. Great reading. You can do it Wren! Save the game! Save your friends. Save yourself. This is a great series. Don't miss it.


Score 8.3 of 10

Distortion (Somnia Online Book 5)

https://amzn.to/2ITTPdZ 

Guardian Craft: Iron Age Demons: Book Two

Can building a kingdom wash away the blood on one's hands?

Will Asher finds himself torn between building his kingdom and exploring the world of Jova. Demands at home push exploration to the background as he governs his tiny population of citizens while keeping the savage primeval world at bay.

But all is not as it seems.

Jealous gods, monsters and unwelcome guests set their sights on the fledgling kingdom, ready to tear it asunder before others flock to the player's banner. Will, his friends and new citizens must band together to fight the growing tide before it destroys everything they have worked for.

Can Will trust his own mind when gods attempt to manipulate him? Can the young man trust his friends when hidden agendas begin to appear? Will demons from his past haunt him in the new world, threatening to shatter his precious peace?

Warning- Guardian Craft: Primeval is an epic fantasy and science fiction story for mature adults, 18 and over.

My Opinion: 178 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited

Review written by Ian Mitchell

An excellent follow up for book 1. Some well described fights. We get to see a bit more of the world. A pretty rich one. Crafting tables and creepers, oh my!

Score: 8.4 out of 10

Guardian Craft: Iron Age Demons: Book Two

https://amzn.to/31lN8b5

God of Gnomes (God Core #1) - A Dungeon Core LitRPG

What kind of god would you be?

Deep beneath the earth, Corey finds himself reborn as a God Core - a sentient crystal with unusual powers. His new worshipers? A colony of incompetent gnomes, scratching out an existence in their underground grotto.

If that wasn't bad enough, Corey soon realizes that his gnome denizens are about to become extinct. They are threatened by groups of blundering adventurers, and abducted by raiding kobolds to be sacrificed to their own dark god: an ancient, mysterious foe who does not take kindly to Corey's arrival.

With the aid of his helper sprite and a menagerie of newly evolved creatures, Corey must protect and guide his gnomes until they can stand on their own two feet. But the kobold army is on the march, led by his new rival's powerful avatar.

It's a hard rock life, being a God Core.

Inspired by the god sims such as Black & White, dungeon managers like Dungeon Keeper and civ builders like Age of Empires, God of Gnomes is the first in a new generation of LitRPG and Dungeon Core stories -- God Core.

Evolve: The Scourge Wars Book 1

Jonathan Slate, former Marine infantry officer and the Governor of Texas, has just won his bid for the presidency. When an assassin's bullet takes his life during his victory speech, he is conscripted from the afterlife by the Lord of Light, Lucidus.

Slate is thrust into the game-like world of Somnium where he has been reincarnated into the body of a parasite and given one mission: evolve or die.

If he can channel the monster inside and utilize his military and political experience to establish Lucidus' personal army, the Scourge, he might have a chance to evolve before his many enemies find him and send him to a permanent death.

Dungeon Maker

Ace Cross is not your typical NEET, although he has all the making of one and is recluse, he is still a very outdoor type of person. One day he is killed (by a truck no less even after dodging off the road) his soul was going to white light in the sky (the sun) but before he could arrive a magical circle appears and he is pulled in and given a second chance at life in a magical world under the most cliche trope of anime, as a summoned hero.

He isn't 'the' hero though, he got the most uncommon hero class and something that has been extinct in all the nations blocking the advance of the demon lord. That is the Dungeon Maker. As a very unusual class that makes not only death traps but proper dungeons with ecosystems, this is the life of humanities first dungeon maker in 1,000 years since the demon lord war began. This is not just a story of battling the demon lord but also of how our heroes making a new life force themselves as all of them died in their original worlds.

,

Drafted: Proxy War: A Sci-Fi LitRPG Adventure

,

When Peter finds himself on a strange planet, drafted into a war by alien abductors, his only goal is to be one of the few to survive the war and return home to Earth.

Peter is one of thousands who get abducted every year, as payment to the aliens. The aliens have given humans portal travel, healing serums, and other advanced alien technology. The quality of life has improved, but everything has a price.

Along with a group of strangers Peter is trained for war by going up against literal monsters. The troll-like aliens won’t give them modern weapons. Humans have to battle monsters with swords and shields, and that is just to get out of boot camp.

His only chance to survive is to use the alien device he is given. The device can increase his strength and speed to superhuman levels. It can even grant him powers that seem like magic. Complicating things is that the device's interface is written in an ever-changing alien language. He will have to figure out its secrets if he wants to keep himself and his team alive.

A Science Fantasy novel with LitRPG elements.

Dark Wizard's Case

Alexander Dumsky, or Alex Doom, was a dark wizard. At the age of seventeen, he was convicted of a litany of crimes so long that even the seasoned investigators, judges, and prosecutors involved in the case could only shudder.

Not a single attorney could be found to defend him in court.

But four years later, Alex was released from prison to become the Professor of Dark Magic. They'd thrown him into the deepest hole they could find, one built for the sole purpose of holding wizards, and then they let him back out again...

Why him? Why then?

Oh, you're not surprised to hear talk of wizardry? Well, then you probably know that the Magic Lens, which was invented in 2032, let humans see and use magic again.

The Crafter's Defense: A Dungeon Core Novel (Dungeon Crafting Book 2)

Sandra managed to survive the first major incursion from the nearby Orcs, thanks in part to the help a certain Half-Orc/Half-Dwarf provided. However, Kelerim left her dungeon to seek out his father, leaving her all alone with just Winxa – her Dungeon Fairy – as company.

With the loss of her new friend comes some opportunities, at least; she now has the freedom to craft whatever she wants, and the threat of her Dungeon Core’s destruction from outside forces is practically absent. She even has the opportunity to upgrade her Core Size, unlocking additional constructs for use as Dungeon Monsters, as well as a new Core-specific Skill.

Unfortunately for Sandra, a particular action outside of the dungeon has unintentionally drawn attention to her activities, and there’s now a very serious threat to her survival. Racing against the clock, the crafting-based dungeon needs to find a way to prevent her destruction, all the while dealing with the problems her expanding Area of Influence has created.

Because it’s not only the nearby races that she has to deal with – but the nearby dungeons, as well.

This Dungeon Core story contains LitRPG/GameLit elements such as statistics and leveling and a heavy crafting emphasis. No profanity and no harems.

Ruins Of Majesta: Vol. 2.1 - Creatures and Cupcakes

Mayah, Grax, and Margaret, better known as The Royal Death Claws, have just entered the prize dungeon they won in the paladin’s tournament. Now they just have to survive in the bowels of a sprawling, massive underground world filled with dangers around every corner, and under every leaf. It’s a gamers paradise, but there’s one small problem.

Our tiny heroine, Pretty Princess Cuddle Fluff, is still stuck in the expansive VR game world of Majesta. It isn’t half bad until Grax and Margaret log out and she gets reminded that her life is on the line.

With her logout button inoperable and a malicious AI searching for her in-game, she’s struggling to get as strong as possible to survive the inevitable clash for her survival. Because in the dungeon her chances of dying have just risen significantly. 

This novel contains big hammers, cats, enchanting, snark, grenades, necromancy, leveling, fetch quests, beeps and boops, misunderstandings of the deadliest kind, olfactory and gustatory offenses, grandmothers, Evil sentient computer viruses, truces, crafting, duels, getting gear, friendship, Happiness and sweet, sweet XP.

Safe for the kids. Great for the adults.

Tales of Dungeons

This an anthology collection of Dungeon Core stories created by authors both new and old.

It is in the dungeons where adventures begin and end. Where brave adventurers, orphaned children with grudges, shady protagonists, and fools dive into seeking power, wealth, and sating their blood thirst. Dungeons come in many shapes and sizes, with each holding their own adventure within and stories of past glories. Here, some of the stories can be found, taken from the deep, dark depths of imagination and horror found within us all.

Welcome, to the dungeon. Good luck escaping.

,

Shadow Sun Rebellion (Shadow Sun series - Book 3)

,

The one year Stabilization period has ended, and the aliens are colonizing earth! Allistor and his people have prepared as well as possible, and now they'll find out if it was enough.

In this third book of the Shadow Sun series, Earth's survivors continue to fight for their lives, and to reclaim as much of the earth as they can for the human race. More than one alien faction threatens their existence, while others prove to be staunch allies. Allistor and company learn more about the system, its mechanics and politics, and take the first step in bringing the fight to their enemies off-world!

Death's Mantle

Lucian North is supposed to be dead.

Suffering from a rare heart condition that doctors say should have killed him over a year ago, Lucian is playing a video game when Death finally comes.

Rather than give in, Lucian pulls a gun on the Grim Reaper.

As the two stare each other down, terrible demons known as injuresouls swarm into the room in pursuit of Death.

Summoning courage he never knew he had, Lucian comes to Death's aid. And for his troubles, he is awarded Death's Mantle.

Transported to a spiritual world he could have never fathomed, Lucian finds that he is instantly powerful, able to conjure weapons from scratch and perform incredible feats. He introduces game mechanics to his new role, develops a carefully curated inventory list, and modifies a HUD system that allows him to better track his targets.

It isn’t easy being Death, and Lucian will need just about everything he can get as he faces off against fallen angels, appalling parasites, demon-born injuresouls, and savage Death Hunters.

Regardless of his sudden strength, his newfound enemies, and his gamer ingenuity, Lucian can't communicate with the living, which wouldn't be a problem if he hadn’t discovered something terrible about his family...

Lucian’s brother is scheduled to die, and only Lucian has the power to do anything about it.

Death’s Mantle is a dark fantasy GameLit novel that LitRPG, metaphysical fantasy, occult sci-fi, and thriller readers will love. Death’s Mantle is written by Harmon Cooper, bestselling GameLit author of Way of the Immortals, House of Dolls, Cherry Blossom Girls, The Feedback Loop and Monster Hunt NYC. It was inspired by the anime Parasyte, the comic book series Sandman and Spawn, the books On a Pale Horse and the Tibetan Book of the Dead.

Resurrection of Adventure (Book 1): Dirty Rotten Magic: The Return of the Master's Quests: Resurrection of the Masters a LitRPG Series

LitRPG Series

He was killed on earth in a deadly street fight. Just because he was trying to survive on the streets by running a con. Chrix finds himself in a world full of action and adventure. To his excitement, he finds that this world is full of magic and monsters. But he has to start out with no combat or magical skills. So this would be conman has to fake it too survives. This leads him into a dangerous situation that nobody would normal survive.

Towers of Heaven: A LitRPG Adventure (Book 2)

...Champion of Aros, God of Battle...

...Bearer of foreknowledge...

...A mythical third realm expert...

Jason had it all, and yet he still couldn't prevent his father's death. He didn't even have time to grieve as his mission took precedence over all else. Pressing onward was the only path. But did he possess enough strength to clear the tower, even with Roy and Olivia at his back?

The answer was obvious: only with humanity's best could he stand a fighting chance.

Yet as his actions influenced the world, the more things changed. Worse, his secret identity, Index, was in the spotlight for releasing knowledge that couldn't possibly be known. If the major powers of the world found him, they'd no doubt use torture to obtain his secrets.

A single mistake would cost everything.

He already got a second chance.

He won't get a third.

,

Abduction Chronicles GENESIS: Book 1

,

Col. Petros Arkansas (Ret.) is abducted from his comfortable home by aliens and his life changes forever.

The aliens begin experiments on him with tests in harsh computer generated environments and expect him to survive without modern equipment.

The Colonel teams up with a core group of Spec-Ops operatives to survive, but first he has to learn what his new situation is, what enhancements he has available in these game-like simulations and how to ramp them up.

He begins a wild adventure of self-discovery, self-enhancement, and in some rare instances self-awareness.

Will he survive the unfamiliar idea of grinding out levels for enhancement and who will come to his aid?

The path he chooses is often dark, filled with fantastical creatures and outlandish beings, and the steps he takes are wracked with pain and far less traveled. Along the way he discovers that humanity’s existence is on a knife’s edge and the road to salvation lies in his hands. Together with the team he has to face down some of the scariest horrors in existence.

Despite all these obstacles, Petros digs deep into that dogged Spec-Ops persona, and meets the road he treads with a hard, determined step and a willingness to run.

Will he run away or towards the challenges?

The subtle combination of Military Sci-fi, Fantasy, GameLit, and LitRPG ensures there is plenty of action and intrigue for followers of any of these genres.

Blasphemy Online Volume 1: Dragon Hack

Richard Royal has a hard life.

He lives in a corrupt, church-controlled dystopia, his family is soon broken, and the only joy to be had comes from the escapism of his full-immersion gaming.

Introduced to a new and very illegal game, he finds himself in the body of a dragon, on a quest to find a dark and evil power to serve. But the game is more than it seems, and the dragon is more than a beast. Soon Rich's life is far, far more complicated than he ever expected. And the threats against him grow, both in-game and in realspace.

There is no path that will not lead to blasphemy. And the dark secrets revealed will change two worlds, before all is done...

A new litrpg saga, set in Threadbare's world of Generica Online.

LOST in Space [A LitRPG Space Opera Adventure]

Viktor LOSt Maksimov is one of the top competitors in the popular computer game Star Sky. He, along with his team, is set to become one of the global champions. Just when fame and fortune appeared on the horizon, everything began to fall apart. The transfer of Nikita HiG Ostrovskiy to the team forces the management to let one of their players go. The “lucky one” happens to be Victor. He loses his game account and is banned from playing professionally. He looks to his girlfriend for support, only for her to leave him for another man. Viktor personal and professional lives have come to an end.

Meanwhile, an alien force threatens the human population. They have devised a plan to enslave humanity and indenture them to the service of mercenaries, used to scout the galaxy, pillaging and murdering on their way. All while under the guise of playing a computer game. Viktor resists, fighting on both fronts, as the enemy takes command of Earth’s Special Forces.

The deeper he plunges into this conspiracy plot, the more he realizes that cheating and treachery never cease.

Rise of the Necromancer: A LitRPG Series

Cast spells, have fun, bring the dead back to life. Being a necromancer has its perks.

Jakub Russo recently graduated from the Queen's Academy of Magic. He is a necromancer - a wizard who can bring the dead back to life - and he's still trying to prove himself.

Disaster strikes while he and his friends are traveling through a desert, and he wakes up alone in a land where danger lurks in every shadow. Using his necromancy magic and survival grit, he needs to save his friends and get to safety.

Can he pull off this impossible rescue when he finds himself up against a band of not-so-nice slavers, ridiculously giant insects, and an old warrior bear looking for revenge?

Well, if a necromancer can't cheat death then nobody can.

Dan the Warlord (A Gamelit Harem Fantasy Adventure): Gold Girls and Glory, Book 4

Dan the Warlord (A Gamelit Harem Fantasy Adventure)

Gold Girls and Glory, Book 4

By: Hondo Jinx

Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Oathbreaker: An Epic Fantasy LitRPG: Realm Online, Book 1

***Review Written by Ray Johnson for the audiobook version of this story***

Oathbreaker: An Epic Fantasy LitRPG

Realm Online, Book 1

By: Stuart Thaman

Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins


Pause

I’ve really thought about this one for a while, and debated back and forth on my thoughts with this book.  There were several things that I liked, some that I didn’t, and others that really didn’t thrill me one way or the other.

The first thing I’m getting out of the way is that in spite of what you see on the cover, this is not in any way a harem book.  I didn’t think that it was, but I know how people are, you see two women and your mind automatically goes into harem mode. This is not remotely the case, so if you were wondering, now you know.

Secondly, I like the whole sucked into the game via a summoning spell aspect.  That was fun, and happens right away so no spoilers, but it set me up for some expectations, and I found the book slowed down right after the big entrance.  I mean it slowed down a lot. I think a lot of it was the whole no class not lit stuff for a while, hell just leveling takes like 2/3rds of the book I think.  That said I think there are reasons that necessitate the lack of lit elements for awhile so it’s a tough call.

Thirdly, I do like how the MC, Steve, isn’t perfect morally or physically.  He’s not a gung ho hero nor is he built like Charles Atlas. He’s more like Charles Alas.  So, Steve is not readily likable, although I must say that my son found the cats funny. Of course, he’s just a few bad grades from identifying as a cat lady.

One thing I thought was funny was that even though it isn’t a harem Steve spoke incessantly about how sweetly hot and sassy his ladies were.  Still there was no action. I think the biggest issues were that there were times that Steve was a D-bag, and the lit elements didn’t pop up until too late in the story.

J. Scott Bennett narrates, and I have said for the longest time that I think he is one of the bestest narrators out there.  He is a fave of mine. He can have real fun with the right story. He does his utmost to keep this tale going but even he couldn’t get it to pick up the pace of the story.  He does individualize each character, but again, he can’t make you like a character if their actions put you off. Bennett does a great job and doesn’t let the story spiral like a lesser narrator could have.

Final Score? 7 stars, its pacing was too slow and it lacked some much needed litrpg aspects earlier in the story.  Still, there is world building that does go on and will probably make the next book run a little smoother.