LitRPG Podcast 229 -  Queen in the Mud, Ether Collapse 3, Nothing but bones, Giantlands

 

LitRPG Podcast 229 -  Queen in the Mud, Ether Collapse 3, Nothing but bones, Giantlands



June 5th, 2020

Hello everyone, welcome to episode 229 of the LitRPG podcast. I’m Ramon Mejia. This is week 10 of the quarantine mustache experiment.   

I’m here to bring you the latest LitRPG news, reviews, and author interviews.  We have 4 new reviews just for you.

For the full show notes visit us at: https://litrpgpodcast.com/litrpg-podcast-229

New Releases and Reviews:

Queen in the Mud

A very fun story

Score: 7.8 out of 10

https://amzn.to/2XO7fyS 

Earthdom: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse Book 3)

Continues the Post Apocalypse well

Score: 7.7 out of 10

https://amzn.to/2XZQ8dC 

Nothing but bones: The wasteland

Slow start, but good monster evolution

Score: 7.5 out of 10

https://amzn.to/3cvJ7qo 

Giantlands (Pal-Tee Planet Book 1)

Unique character race and world building

Score: 7.5 out of 10

https://amzn.to/3dBdDAf 


(Play Music 2)

LitRPG News

LitRPG Deal

Michael Chatfield is having a month long sale on a couple of book in his Emeralia series.  The Trapped Mind Project (book 1) (https://readerlinks.com/l/1259558 ) and The Stone Raiders' Return (book 6) (https://readerlinks.com/l/1259598 ) are both on sale for 99 cents. 


Out Now!


Path of Alchemy: BlackFlame Online Litrpg/Gamelit Universe (Glory of Formation Emperor Book 4) 

https://amzn.to/2Hm7Dgm 

OUTWORLD: Awakening (A LitRPG Story) 

https://amzn.to/2zG0W8E 

Fugitivity (The Fairy's Tale Book 2) 

https://amzn.to/2A39lTO 

Four Beheadings and a Funeral: A LitRPG/GameLit Adventure (The Good Guys Book 9)  

https://amzn.to/39D6Lj2 

Sorrows of Starlight: A LitRPG / Cultivation Novel (The Adept Archives Book 3)

https://amzn.to/2ACqJPl 

Indiscrete: A Fantasy LitRPG Redemption Saga (Banhammer Chronicles Prequels Book 1)

https://amzn.to/2A6Pwea 

Warlock: LitRPG and GameLit (Marionette of Chaos Magic Book 1) 

https://amzn.to/3dvGkP7 

New LitRPG Audiobooks

Planet Hero: Civilian

https://amzn.to/2XVyDuQ 

Card Mage: Academy Rebels

https://amzn.to/3gV1yIj 

Grim Beginnings - The Ashen Plane, Book 1

https://amzn.to/2Y0XayJ 

The Genesis Game: Volume I -World Apocalypse - Calamity Dungeon

https://amzn.to/2z4niAm 

Sentenced to Troll 3

https://amzn.to/2MvyWaD 

The Land: Monsters - A LitRPG Saga (Chaos Seeds, Book 8)

https://amzn.to/3ctGe9q 

Into the Darkness: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure

Axe Druid, Book 4

https://amzn.to/2XyjeSe 

Dragon Hack- Blasphemy Online, Book 1

https://amzn.to/2XB5jel 

The Great Raid - A LitRPG Adventure (Tower of Power Series, Book 4)

https://amzn.to/2UekdFd 


Upcoming LitRPG:


Aces High (Reality Benders Book #6): LitRPG Series (June 9th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3886nbx 

King's League: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (June 9th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/30bVNQy 

Frog of War (Anura Rising: Book Two): A Kingdom Building Fantasy Litrpg Series (June 10th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3d8Kqwp 

Silverspear (Rise to Omniscience Book 6) (June 12th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2yGhPiS 

The SyStem: Multiverse: Book 1 (June 13th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3cU0WA5  

Glitchworld (June 14th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3gcduFg 

Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Book #2): LitRPG Series (June 15th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2TuoTq5 

God Mode: a LitRPG Saga (Mythrune Online Book 1) (June 16th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3cbYJix 

Ethria 2: The Golem Maker: An Epic LitRPG Adventure (June 19th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3cxAueU 

Harbinger (Nova Online #3) - A LitRPG Series (June 23rd, 2020)

https://amzn.to/309mHbK 

Summer Friction: A LitRPG Sci-Fi Adventure (Space Seasons Book 3) (June 26th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3dI6q0W 

Greenfire: (Sky Realms Online Book 4): A LitRPG Series (June 30th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3c0nHS1 

A Cat and His Human (League of Losers Book #1): LitRPG Series  (June 30th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3fsaaW1 

Sovereign Rising (The Gods' Game, Volume III): A LitRPG novel (June 30th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2XdsnzA 

Stars Asunder: Book 9 in The System Apocalypse (July 1st, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2IM0mqI 

Reincarnation: (A Litrpg/Gamelit Novel) (Last Born of Ki'Darth Trilogy Book 1) (July 1st, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3070hbb 

The Enchanter (Project Stellar Book 2): LitRPG Series (July 8th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/33eqPXm 

Dragon Seekers: A LitRPG Journey (Legends Online Book 6) (July 9th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2LdYGHG 


Watcher's Question: A LitRPG Saga (Life in Exile Book 2) (July 14th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2xTTfe9 

The Ruined Temple: A LitRPG Adventure (Eternal Online Book 2) (July 28th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3bkGW8w 

Arrow of Justice - A LitRPG Novel: (Book 1 of the Vindication 2.0 LitRPG Universe) (July 31st, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2R8T0lP 

The Hidden Paladin (The World of the Undead Force Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series (Aug. 4th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/309xMcX 

War of the Posers (The Bad Guys Book 4) (Aug. 8th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2yIaGOL 


Intellectum [RealRPG series] Book 1 (Aug. 18th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3e9woeR 

Small Unit Tactics (Volume #1): LitRPG Series (Aug. 27th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2ypbusf 

Dungeon Worlds: A Reborn Online LitRPG Adventure (Sept. 9th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2MvkU8P 

City of Goblins (In the System Book #1): LitRPG Series (Oct. 7th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/2XyhiJs 

The Otherworld (Underdog Book #4): LitRPG Series (Oct. 26th, 2020)

https://amzn.to/3gU9d9R 

Onto New Releases and Reviews

(Play Music 3)

New Releases and Reviews

(Picture 1)

Queen in the Mud

A girl suddenly vanishes from her world and finds herself drifting in and out of consciousness in a world of pure darkness. The only insight into her precarious situation is a prompt opening before her eyes indicating that the system failed to delete her.

The doggedly optimistic and naive teenager, Naomi, is reborn as a monster into a fantastical world governed by the rigid rules of a suspiciously game-like system; a world full of magic and danger where the familiar mingles with the inexplicable. She finds herself deep in the bizzarre, savage forests of the unclaimed lands where deadly monsters prowl in the shadows just out of sight.

After a close brush with death, any hope that this could be a lighthearted adventure evaporates as she feels real pain for the first time. The realization sinks in as Naomi comes to terms with this not being just a game; it’s her reality now.

As if coming to grips with the life or death survival situation she finds herself in isn’t enough, the description of one of her skills seems to be speaking to her...

My Opinion: 366 pages, $2.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited

This story shifts around a bit and feels like an online serial story that was collected, edited, and published. Like many serial stories, there’s not necessarily an evident plot from the get go, and the story may shift focus as it goes on, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t good story telling. 

This starts as a Re: Monster story with the main character (MC) reincarnated as a salamander and her exploring her little slice of a magical RPG fantasy world, eating, trying not to get eaten, gaining XP to level. Then after some evolutions, it shifts as the MC once again becomes humanoid and it explodes into this much larger story with action, magical training, community and light town building, time travel, and small adventures. It was genuinely fun to read it all and see where each chapter led. 

Game mechanics - This is totally LitRPG from the start. Lots of stats, character sheets, abilities and skills that grow with use or applied skill points. There’s also good magical training and minor town building elements. Fun stuff with lots of shown numbers. 

Overall, this was just a fun story. A bit slice of life with the serial format and there are several plotlines that pop up and get resolved as you follow the story, but it's a fun read the whole time and I finished it all in just about a single sitting. 

Score: 7.8 out of 10

Queen in the Mud

https://amzn.to/2XO7fyS 


Earthdom: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse Book 3)

Territorial growth. Ancient conspiracies. The apocalypse is getting worse.

Rockland Barkclay was saved and pulled into an alternate realm moments before his death. He thought that sacrificing himself would save the Grotto and give them a chance to prosper. He wasn’t expecting to open his eyes, reborn on the altar.

Gaia has ordered the Golems to protect humanity, but their ‘protection’ against the environment is sending humanity to the brink of starvation. Rocky needs to find his family, and his only option is to search through survivors one-by-one. Every person saved increases the population of the Grotto, but is also another mouth to feed.

After saving thousands and not finding a single familiar face, new intelligence reaches the Grotto: sending Rocky against a challenge that even the King of Apes couldn’t overcome.

My Opinion: 383 pages, $5.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited

The scope of the story expands as the MC and his territory get access to the galactic equivalent of the internet and they learn just how humanity is faring. After dealing with a few internal developments the group works to help survivors and along the way finds new enemies. There's a good deal of action and a bit of kingdom building in the story this time and there's a bit of crafting and personal development for the MC.

Overall, a good read that fans of the series have devoured.

Score: 7.7 out of 10

Earthdom: A Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG (Ether Collapse Book 3)

https://amzn.to/2XZQ8dC 


Nothing but bones: The wasteland

After the exodus of all life, our galaxy is left empty and desolate.

But in the absence of life, undead energy surges.

Millennia after the last humans fled the galaxy only the dead are left to roam the earth.

On this barren wasteland, Solus awakens.

With no memories or even a personality, he is cast into a dangerous world.

He will need to learn fast if he is to keep his new existence,

for he is not alone.

My Opinion: 405 pages, $3.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited

The novel description doesn’t do much to describe what the story is about. This is a LitRPG Monster Evolution story where the main character (MC) is a skeleton minion on a post apocalyptic earth. He becomes awakened, or gains sentience, and is given an RPG Interface in which he sees his character sheet, stats, and gets information about how to evolve. The first 10% is a little slow as the MC tries to figure out how to gain just the smallest amount of power all by himself. The pacing picks up once he gets his first evolution and comes into contact with other undead and learns he’s not the lone sentient skeleton. As the story progresses there’s more world building and the story gets bigger with different undead factions vying for power and control of their brethren. Yet, the big draw remains reading about the fights and the possible evolutions that the MC can attain as he grows in power and gains resources. 

On the game mechanic side of things, the story is definitely LitRPG. The reader regularly sees progression of stats and skills and it was neat to read the gamer-like mentality of the MC in deciding just how he was going to grind out the requirements for his next evolution and weigh the pros and cons of each possible one. I’ll note that after a certain late point in the story the character sheet kinda disappears for story reasons, though I hope it comes back in future books.

Overall, this is a good story once you get past the 10% mark, if you don’t mind the slice of life storytelling. 

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Nothing but bones: The wasteland

https://amzn.to/3cvJ7qo 


Giantlands (Pal-Tee Planet Book 1)

Zundy has always been different. As a pal-tee, a distant cousin to the dwarves, he, and all others of his race, absorb traits from the very first item they touch upon birth. Instead of absorbing the essence of stone, or steel, like most others in his town, Zundy accidentally absorbed those of a beetle. Those who are different, are often treated poorly, and for Zundy, this was no exception.

His time in the small town is coming to an end though. The Great Journey, the time when all pal-tee youths of age set out in search of their race's most valued treasure, is upon them. Beyond his small town, Zundy will discover a world far grander and fantastic than he ever could have imagined.

Travel to the Green Sea, the last know sighting of the Viridian Core will be far from easy. Before he can even lay eyes on the sprawling ocean, Zundy will first need to pass through the Giantlands, and with powerful Guardians blocking his path, the task seems impossible. Zundy was never one to give up and quit though, and to him, there is no greater thrill than facing a challenge and coming out the victor.

Warning: This book contains GameLit elements, such as stats sheets, a form of leveling and experience gain.

My Opinion: 330 pages, $4.99, Available On Kindle Unlimited

Unique character race and world building

I really enjoyed the first 20% of the story with all the deep world building and character development. It was a good description of RPG mechanics becoming part of the culture and history of the fantasy world. There’s also good character development and a coming of age aspect that was really satisfying. 

One of the few things that took a little away from the story for me was the odd plot turn the novel takes at about the 38% mark. It's a departure from all the stated goals that had come before it about getting through the gates of the Giantland, getting to the Green Sea, and searching for Viridian Core. It's a good story arc, it just felt out of place. Though I did like the dungeon dive that happened.

Game mechanic wise, things are solid. With the RPG mechanics being part of the world setting and cultures of the various races. For example, as infants, the MCs race gets a special attribute based on the first thing they touch besides their mother. So, a baby touching stone gets Stoneskin, one touching fire might get fire powers, etc. It's a risk reward decision with more dangerous items potentially giving more powerful abilities but also risking the babies life. There are also character sheets, stats, skills, special abilities, and a number of items that give temporary or permanent boosts. It's all woven very well into the world building of the story. 

Overall, this is another good story from the author. 

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Giantlands (Pal-Tee Planet Book 1)

https://amzn.to/3dBdDAf 


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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Until we can hangout again, remember to go read some LitRPG!  

(Music 4)

Music Credits

"Blip Stream" "Mighty Like Us" "Big Shift" "Vivacity"

Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/