Who knew that managing a fantasy civilisation could feel so much like climbing the corporate ladder? In book 8 – and the last book of the series - we finally see Charles' vision come to fruition, but not without the usual hiccups and unexpected twists. Just like in Age of Mythology, where you're always waiting for the next mythological creature to throw a wrench in your plans, here we have the Northern Collective and the impending apocalypse keeping Charles on his toes.
Karevik wraps up the series with a blend of high stakes, humour, and a touch of the fantastical that makes this series so addictive. And for a (never mind my age again) fan of old-school strategy games, it’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and new adventures. The combination of political intrigue, economic strategy, and the occasional supernatural element kept me hooked right to the very end.
Also I don’t want to give away any spoilers here, but there’s a lovely twist and everything gets explained – and a real ending! So you get to feel that sense of completion without cliffhangers and finally understanding everything you wanted or needed to know from the beginning.
Overall, if you're a fan of strategy games and a good underdog story, this series is a must-read.
Seriously, as a fan of Dungeon Crawler Carl, Primal Hunter, Defiance of the Fall Iron Prince and so many other S-Tier LitRPG books, I wish I hadn’t put this series off for as long as I have. Honestly, it’s got everything you’d want from watching your friend try to complete theme hospital in one go, sharing the mouse and occasionally getting one of those CRT headaches.
Hats off to Mr Karevik. Seriously.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to build a city in Anno 1800 without going bankrupt. Wish me luck!

Well, here we are, nearing the end of the CivCEO saga, and what a journey it’s been. For those of us who grew up on classics like Age of Empires and Rome: Total War, diving into this series has been a nostalgic return to managing economies, strategising for war, and occasionally pretending we're still in our teens, pulling all-nighters to finish just one more campaign. Andrew Karevik delivers a satisfying conclusion over these last two books that hits all the right notes for a 30-something like me, trying to relive the glory days without the sleep deprivation!
In Book 7 Charles faces perhaps his most challenging scenario yet, dealing with the looming threat of the Northern Collective and a potential apocalypse. Not your typical day in the life of a CEO, right? Using his trademark financial acumen, he deftly avoids a costly war, proving that sometimes the pen really is mightier than the sword. And let's not forget the magical goats (love this, kind of reminds me of the Plenty from DCC) and the mysterious Necropolis — Karevik really pulled out all the stops to keep things interesting.
It's been a wild ride watching Charles turn from a mere village manager into a full-fledged world leader. And as someone who enjoys a good mix of strategy and fantasy, I couldn't have asked for a better ending. The only downside? There are no more books to binge once the next one is over. Guess I'll have to dust off my old copy of Pharaoh and relive some more childhood memories while waiting for Karevik's next venture.
Side note, have you read anything by Angel Ramon? His books might be right up your alley…

Just when you think things can’t get more intense, CivCEO Book 6 pushes you right back into the air fryer. Charles, our ever-resourceful MC, is now juggling the complexities of international politics and alliances as well as war and dragons. This book really does have a lot of things happening (as it should at this point in a series), with Charles trying to solidify his coalition amidst growing tensions and new enemies lurking in the shadows. (How does this keep on happening?)
What struck me most in this instalment was the introduction of the League of City-States. It felt like a fantasy twist on the United Nations or maybe even the… League of Nations… complete with political manoeuvring and backdoor deals. Trust no one, keep your cards close to your chest etc etc.
Watching Charles navigate these treacherous waters while trying to keep Tyne’s economy afloat was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. It reminded me of the delicate balance in Game of Thrones, where one wrong move could mean the end of everything. Without the issues coming in last season though. No comment.
The story’s pace doesn’t let up, and there’s a palpable sense of urgency as Charles and his allies face threats from both within and outside their borders. The stakes have never been higher, and the series does a great job of building tension while also exploring the nuances of leadership and governance. It’s amazing that action and conflict have such a back seat role too, because it seems like we’re almost always on the cusp of something…
Karevik’s storytelling continues to shine, with a narrative that’s both intricate and engaging. I would say this is a must read, but at this point what are you going to do? Skip book 6 and go right into 7? You aren’t fooling anyone. It’s like a roller coaster of political drama, economic strategy, and a dash of magic.
Spoiler alert: as I write this review I’ve already finished the series. Can’t waste good series time on writing these things you know!

So here we are, knee deep into the CivCEO series, and Book 5 has definitely opened up a whole new case of cans of worms, including the epic takedown of the Tradesmen (spoiler alert), and Charles and his allies find themselves in a land rush, scrambling to claim territories left in the power vacuum. It’s like watching a chess game unfold, but with dragons and magic thrown in for good measure. Hooked yet? (Yes).
In this instalment, Charles’s big brain goes into overdrive as he tries to form a coalition reminiscent of NATO from our world (no mentioning current world politics cough cough). The stakes are high, especially with a (spoiler alert) assassin taking out a Champion right in front of Charles and making it clear he’s next. This twist had me on the edge of my seat, more so because Karevik’s knack for tension makes you wonder if this might really be the end for Charles and Tyne. It isn’t, because there are more books, I checked. But still it shows that they can get to him, and that’s a big worry.
But what really got me in this one was the unexpected shift towards military development. Yes I know that once the economics are sorted, the red flashing “you are under attack” warning starts off, but I just didn’t think Charles would be up for that. Charles, who’s always been about strategy and economic prowess, is now diving into building an army. It feels like watching a pacifist gamer suddenly switch to a war strategy, and to be fair, it’s fascinating. Also, the return to the Scale Market for dragon trading added that familiar yet fresh element that keeps the series grounded in its unique blend of economics and fantasy. And I have to say, what a great side-story the dragons are. The name thing and the scale market? Brilliant.
All in all, CivCEO book 5 – like the rest of them, is a wild ride (have I said that before?). It’s the kind of book that makes you appreciate that running a civilisation isn’t all taxes and technology trees. If you’re not caught up, now’s the time - things are heating up faster than you can say dragon eggs.

Alright, so it looks like I’m way too deep into the CivCEO rabbit hole to quit, with no signs of resurfacing anytime soon. With Book 4, the stakes are cranked up a notch again (how many notches are there), and Charles finds himself tangled in a mess of pirates (yay!), guild politics, and shady city management. It’s like taking the satisfaction of a 4X strategy game and blending it with the intrigue of a fantasy world — who knew city management could be this riveting? Plus pirates. Everyone loves pirates.
Thankfully (for plot armour), Charles is no stranger to tackling tough scenarios, but having his plans disrupted by a pirate ship sinking one of his trade vessels was a real twist. Just when you think you’ve got the economy under control, Karevik throws in a curveball. And speaking of curveballs, the introduction of a Spymaster is a game-changer. It’s like that moment in a game where you unlock a new ability that suddenly opens up all these new strategies. Personally, in Rome Total War this was one of my favourite strategies: send the spies in to open the gates or to assassinate the stronger leaders or generals, so it was really nice to see the mechanic in play here.
Again, what really hits me with this series was the nostalgia for those days spent micromanaging virtual empires. It’s like the book rekindles that old gamer spirit (and at 30-something years old I’m sure you know what I’m talking about). Kind of a reminder of why we loved these complex, world-building games in the first place.
The addition of new factions and the internal politics of the guilds keeps things fresh and adds layers to the story. It’s more than just building a city; it’s about navigating the delicate balance of power and making strategic alliances – even if they can be… tenuous.
This is another deep dive into strategy and diplomacy, with a fantasy twist. As always, Karevik’s storytelling keeps you hooked, and I’m already itching to see what the next book brings. If you’re a fan of the series then most likely, like me, you find yourself reliving the glory days of strategy games while diving into this narrative. Should I go buy Civ5? I’m just about hanging on at this point.

Alright, here we go with CivCEO Book 3, and wow, what a ride! After a wild wager and some near-death experiences, Charles secures new land near the coast, setting the stage for more city-building adventures. The challenge? The new territory doesn’t quite hit the waterline, meaning no Seaport and a whole lot of dependence on Tine for basic resources (can you tell I’m fully invested?). But this is Charles we’re talking about isn’t it? So he’s not letting a little thing like a lack of fish stop him from turning this new village into a thriving hub.
The game (book) really amps up with the introduction of new factions and political plays. Henderson Aimes and the Silver Fools have ousted Tanders from Igithor, and now Charles needs to think strategically to bring him back. The Hall of Heroes becomes a crucial objective, requiring rare artefacts to unlock those game-changing special units (like the sports car in age of empires 3). This book keeps you on your toes, balancing between expansion and the looming threats of enemies who don’t quite understand the concept of peaceful coexistence. I’m definitely fully invested and everyone else should be too.
On a more personal note, I’ve got to say, Karevik’s ability to blend economic strategy with fantasy elements keeps me hooked. It’s like reliving those hours spent playing strategy games but with the added bonus of a compelling narrative. And let’s not forget Neil Hellegers’ narration - he brings such life to the characters that it’s hard to hit pause, as he pretty much does with everything he narrates.
Overall, CivCEO 3 ramps up the stakes and complexity, making it an unmissable instalment for fans of the series. Whether you’re into city-building games or just love a good story with a smart, calculating protagonist, this one’s got something for you. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be eagerly waiting to see how Charles navigates the ever-complicating landscape of this fantasy world.

After devouring CivCEO book 1, I jumped straight into CivCEO 2 by Andrew Karevik, and it did not disappoint. This sequel picks up with Charles Morris, our MC, now managing a Level 3 village (amazing). The narrative maintains the 4X game vibe, focusing on economic strategies and village management, but also adds new layers with political challenges and cultural developments, something I knew would help flesh out the story and keep it interesting – (which it does).
The plot thickens as Charles faces the complexities of governance and the need to juggle multiple advisor slots, all while dealing with external threats like a warmonger and a mysterious group of thieves. The author once again does an excellent job of blending these elements with the (almost) LitRPG genre, making it feel like you’re playing a game but without the need for a controller, as any Gamelit should in my opinion. Also I loved these kind of games back in my day, so this series really takes me right back!
What stands out in this instalment, and the series in general, is the balance of story-driven content and game-like mechanics. There’s less emphasis on action (almost none in fact) and more on strategic thinking, which kept me hooked, even if I’d have denied this being a thing before starting on this CEO journey. The village of Tine continues to grow, but as it does, the problems also scale, making it a fascinating journey of growth and management.
If you’re into LitRPG and enjoy the 4X genre, this series is a must-read. It’s a binge-worthy continuation that left me eagerly awaiting more from Karevik. Whether you’re new to the series or following along, CivCEO Book 2 is a solid entry that builds well on the first book. Highly recommend!

Ok so I went on a bit of a 4x binge and after getting through the entirety of CivCEO in less time than I probably should have, what’s more apt than heading down another Andrew Karevik rabbit hole? Seriously for those of you who enjoy large-scale economic and political growth - he’s your guy.
I’d actually avoided these civilisation-style books for a while because I didn’t think that planning economies and politics would be anything that I would enjoy. But now that I’m on the other side, I can see what all the fuss is about, and what I’ve been missing. (And maybe what I want more of).
Andrew Karevik has a storytelling voice that’s kept me hooked for way too long, and that’s not something I can say about all writers! Now pair this with an interesting storyline, fantasy and LitRPG elements and you have the recipe for a top ten series in my books.
I know it isn’t strictly LitRPG, but it’s adjacent and that’s good enough for me.
Thrown into a world where the MC has to rely on his economic smarts and business acumen to survive, we quickly learn everything we need to know about village management, and scratching the right backs to get through in life.
A short, sharp drop into the meat of the book, a failing village, desolation and poverty, witches and goblins, what more could any avid fantasy reader ask for?
And maybe a chicken or two?
The only downside is that there isn’t a sequel to this, because I would definitely binge through this one before you could upgrade your town hall to level two. Or find a rooster to start your own chicken and egg empire to compete with the king.

Another instalment of Defiance of the Fall? Yes please. When you combine the length of these books with the two facts that they are an absolutely amazing read, plus there are thirteen of them? What more could your normal everyday LitRPG fan want?
So book three in the defiance of the full series centres mainly around the hunt that we've all been waiting for I know it's big trope in LitRPG books, but that never really stops us wanting to read them after all tropes are tropes for a reason and everyone loves them, right?
Let's be honest though if you've already reached this partner series you're probably going to know what's going on and you will know already if you want to carry on reading or not, given the sheer amount of content that you're receiving in each book.
Zach continues to grow in strength and wisdom becoming the powerhouse of the world that we all know he should be given the direction of the series but we also have a rich tapestry of secondary and supporting characters that grow with each passing chapter. A particular favourite of mine is Billy, who utters the immortal phrase: “Billy is not stuck with you you're stuck inside Billy!” Honestly there are some segments of laugh out loud comedy in the series though it's not particularly geared towards the comical.
The new world government is evolving into much of a protagonist which was kind of expected as nothing would ever be easy as the world government returns and everything's going to be fine. Instead they see Zach as a threat and although we kind of know that they've got some serious ulterior motives going on they've not done anything particularly harmful towards Zach.
This one is a serious page turner though because there are so many high stakes fights meditation self-improvement exciting interactions with not just Zach's friends, but also a number of creatures that he encounters along the way.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the protagonist grows and how the author holds him back from becoming too powerful that no one can stop him before he becomes the all powerful ruler of the universe.

The All the Skills series by Honor Rae is truly something special. After thoroughly enjoying the first two books in this card-magic saga, I was eager to dive into Book 3. Before discovering this series, I didn't realise that a card-based fantasy novel could be so captivating, but I've been proven wrong.
The series' premise revolves around a unique card-based system where cards come in various rarity levels, granting different powers to their users. Our main character, Arthur, is fortunate enough to possess two legendary cards. Dragons are a big thing in this world, with each one linked to a specific card at birth. This connection allows dragons and their riders to bond, becoming inseparable companions and if that isn’t enough to get you hooked then I don’t know what is.
At the start of Book 3, we find Arthur and his dragon, Brixaby, leading a group of dragons and their riders, preparing to defend against scourge attacks. However, there's a catch — Arthur isn't skilled in combat, and his dragon is still too small to ride. This sets the stage for an interesting journey where we see Arthur as a leader, but having to learn pretty much everything as he goes along.
Here's a spoiler alert so heads up: Arthur and Brixaby are captured by a Free Hive, a group of dragons and riders who operate outside the kingdom's laws. This shifts the focus of the story to their time within the Free Hive, limiting the development of the external plot. However, this smaller setting allows for in-depth character development and introduces new cards to their growing collection. By the end of the book, Brixaby has grown large enough to ride, hinting at exciting developments in future books.
Arthur and Brixaby's relationship evolves, becoming a very interesting dynamic that perhaps should be so. Brixaby is all-powerful as a legendary dragon and Arthus is… Arthur. It's clear that the dragon cares for Arthur more deeply than we initially realised though and this emotional connection between them adds depth to the story and keeps us all engaged.
As with the previous books, the characters are well-developed and likeable, the card-magic system is unique and fascinating, and the plot keeps the story momving along at a nice pace. The only drawback is that the narrative focus within the Free Hive limits the broader story's progress, but this is balanced by the character growth and intriguing card reveals. There certainly isn’t much you can switch off at in this one, because you’ll quickly find yourself going back to figure out what on Earth just happened.
If you've already read the first two books, you won't want to miss this one. We need to know if Arthur gets that third legendary card for his set and I'm eagerly awaiting Book 4 to see how the story unfolds.

And here we have the second instalment in the Amber series where we return to Corwin after he’s managed to (spoiler alert) regrow his eyes after his brother annoyingly stabbed them out, and after Corwin tore a whole in the fabric of the very universe, allowing ‘something’ bad to happen that threatens everything we know. Cliffhanger!
As we already know, you can’t use guns in Amber, though as the title of this one would suggest, Corwin knows of a kind of loophole to this whereby a certain jeweller’s rouge can be used in its stead – thus giving him the advantage he always needed to go up against his brother (Didn’t he learn his lesson the first time?). The plan is, as always, gain an army (from shadow earth), give them rifles that can be used when storming Amber, and take the throne by force.
And then enter Dara. This was a dynamic I really didn’t see coming, but Corwin’s great grand-niece shows up to join in the fight.
Corwin gets his army, surges forth into Amber and… finds that it’s already under attack! Eric finally steps down after being gravely wounded and passes the crown to Corwin, who of course becomes Regent.
Finally, an ending where everyone’s happy! Corwin back on the throne, Eric gets his comeuppance and everything is back the way it should be.
But of course that could never happen, could it?
Dara walks the pattern and reveals herself to be a creature of the Court of Shadows – and she wants to destroy both Amber and the shadows…
What I still love about the Amber series is the blending fantasy with what I consider to be science fiction. It’s not just sword and sorcery here, it’s multiple dimensions, (now) guns mixed in with what we normally expect to read in fantasy novels. And Zelazny has such a way to tie it all together.
And does he like ending on cliffhangers? Well who can blame him?
The character development is really impressive too. Considering that we are looking at a world with infinite ‘shadows’ and a vast host of characters it would be easy to forget about those less important to the story. But the thing is in Amber, they’re all important, and that’s a big factor in the desire to continue (and finish) a series.
Zelazny doesn’t hand-hold, and it’s this challenging yet rewarding nature of his storytelling that will have you reading back a few pages wondering if you missed something.
Overall, The Guns of Avalon is a brilliant continuation of the Amber saga, offering an amazing blend of fantasy, drama, and action. It’s a book that doesn’t just take you on a journey through its pages but leaves you contemplating the very nature of reality and fantasy. A must-read for fans of the genre, and a worthy challenge for newcomers!

So I’d heard of this series before but must admit that I thought of it as a bit of a filler. It’s seven hours long on audio and the premise isn’t action-oriented at all. But it was perfect for filling out a bit of spare time I had in between writing, editing and reading all the things on my TBR list.
My problem was, that this book managed to turn itself from what was supposed to be a filler, to much more of a priority. Little did I know that this book was one of many in the series, a series which, as I write this review I have reached book three in, in less than a week.
SO we start off with the MC being shown to us as a powerful CEO, business type guy. He’s whisked away to a fantasy world by a god and given the powers of a champion – one who can control his village from above. There’s more detail to this and I paraphrase because it gets us to the good part – this book is essentially a story-driven run through of a 4X game. And who didn’t used to love them when they were huge? I mean they’re probably still huge but as we get older we tend to play fewer games, until eventually you put down your controller for one last time and never pick it up again. But where were we? Oh yes.
The story is about Charles doing his best to get his town: Tyne, to grow and flourish. It’s essentially all about managing finances, build queues, population growth, morale and happiness, administration styles – all that good stuff you play those games for.
Fighting and wars, so far, this is not what this is about. There isn’t really action to be spoken of, nor are there any real threats as of yet, but we can see that they will come, as they always do in these kinds of games, uh, books.
The seven hours flew past in this one, and I found myself quickly at the end of book two shortly after. I’m just so glad there’s a lot more to look forward to!

"The Clockmaker's Daughter" by Kate Morton is the first book by this author that I've read—or more accurately, listened to. It deviates from my usual genres of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and LitRPG. Additionally, it's narrated by a woman, which isn't typical for the genres I frequent. The recommendation came from my girlfriend, who suggested I might enjoy the way Morton shifts between the past and present in her stories. Given my interest in historical fiction, I thought it was worth a try.

The book begins with Elodie, an archivist living in London. She discovers a leather satchel containing a photograph and a sketchbook. Through her investigations, she learns that the sketchbook belonged to the famous artist Edward Radcliffe. What stands out is a drawing in the sketchbook of a twin-gabled house by a river, which Elodie recognizes from her childhood stories.

Elodie’s journey to uncover the history of this house and the identity of the woman in the photograph leads her into a deep dive into the past, back to the 1860s. During this era, a group of artists known as the Magenta Brotherhood, including Edward Radcliffe, gathered at Birchwood Manor, which is the same house depicted in the sketch.

Without giving away too much, I can say that the story involves Edward Radcliffe, who was engaged to a woman named Fanny but had an affair with his model, Lily Millington. On one fateful day in the 1800s, Fanny was shot dead, Lily disappeared along with a priceless family heirloom, and Edward's life changed forever.

One of the unique aspects of this book is the shifting perspectives and timeline. The transitions can be complex and occasionally disorienting, but each chapter starts with a time reference, which helps. However, there were moments when I found myself questioning what was happening, as there were many characters with their own backstories and motives.

Kate Morton's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, though the number of characters can be overwhelming at times. The pace of the story is generally well-balanced, but some parts, especially in the middle, seemed to drag.

A surprising element is the presence of a ghost as one of the narrators. I wasn't expecting anything supernatural, but I quickly caught on. Given my preference for fantasy and sci-fi, this twist didn't bother me; in fact, it added an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Despite its length, I enjoyed the audiobook version of The Clockmaker's Daughter. Although some sections felt unnecessary, I generally prefer longer books because they offer more content for the same price. After finishing the book, I read some reviews that highlighted similar issues, suggesting I'm not alone in my critique.

Overall, I would read another Kate Morton book, but I might check the blurbs first to ensure the plot aligns with my interests. Being from England, I appreciated the detailed descriptions of London and the surrounding areas, as well as the historical context. Morton's research into historical London is evident, and I look forward to exploring more of her mysteries in the future.

Ok I am fully invested. I can’t believe I waited so long to start this series but what’s done is done and we’re all a little embarrassed about it.

Continuing on from the first book, as many sequels tend to do so. DotF follows Zac on his path to become supreme Hatchetman and protector of the people of earth, after the ‘fall’ of the system.

Growing stronger by the chapter with new skills, abilities and titles this book (and series so far) fits into the genre as perfectly as anyone could possibly expect.

But then I have to say, we have been seeing a lot of tropes appearing, along with a lot of familiarities – which in my mind is a good thing; tropes are tropes for a reason, and that reason is because we love them. Similarities that come to mind are the treasure hunt from Primal Hunter (love it too), the zombie apocalypse, and the split core like in Cradle (wait I need to write that one up too, don’t I?). Again I must reiterate: we like tropes! Give me what I expect from the genre and I’ll give you my time!

Moving back to the story, we get plenty of developments in the story and characters, with interaction with the wider world, the central government, Zack’s sister (spoiler alert) and the introduction of the shapeshifting assassins – something that needs a little more planning than brute force and ignorance to kill.

Alliances with alien races is the soup of the day for this book, which is a nice way to turn given that most humans we encounter with a bit of power have a tendency to become the worst of the worst. I would have liked a little more on the kingdom building front though, but I guess we’ll have to wait until after the treasure hunt finishes – which is where the book ended.

I’m really looking forward to where this series goes and I know if I opened my eyes I’d see the spoilers everywhere. But this series is too good for that, I’m just sitting back and enjoying the ride.

See you after the treasure hunt, back in Port Atwood where I’m hoping to see some amazing developments!

I know this book is a little older than what I’m used to (from the 70’s!) but nevertheless, my uncle recommended it to me, so how could I refuse? Besides, it doesn’t read like it was released before I was born – except of course when every now and then the narrator would say: ‘said she’ instead of ‘she said’. Though I suppose it could be argued that this is more of a preference by Zelazny rather than an indicator of the date.
I have to start off by saying that Zelazny really has crafted something special and I can see why he’s got such a good reputation. Nine Princes in Amber is the first in the Chronicles of Amber series, and honestly I’m glad that there’s more to read. Not least of course because of how the first book ended (no spoilers)!
Our MC, Corwin, awakens with no memory of his identity, which perfectly sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery where we learn about Corwin, his past and his family as he tries to bluff his way through the conversations with the people who know him. Gravely injured from the beginning, we find out that Corwin has some more than human abilities to heal himself.
But in this story, Corwin’s not just recovering his memory; he's rediscovering his place in the cosmic hierarchy of Amber and its shadow worlds. Because that’s what this book is – a fantasy through and through.
Blending a first-person perspective with a rich, descriptive style that immersed me for one in Corwin's world. The pacing is perfect, maintaining a balance between action-packed scenes and thoughtful introspection (and nail-biting scenes where we hope beyond hope Corwin manages to keep his inner monologue to himself). I was hooked from start to finish, and found that because the book in its entirety was relatively short, I was left wanting more.
And then there’s the world-building. Amber, as the only true world, casts infinite reflections known as Shadows, a concept that's well written and described. Zelazny doesn't just create a setting; he crafts a multiverse, filled with so many characters that interweave through what I’m calling the multiverse here.
Finally, there’s a great battle. What fantasy book would be complete without a huge war for the throne of the (insert appropriate noun here: City, World, Universe…) and this one does it so well. Gathering an army at his back, Corwin storms the throne of Amber, where his brother resides as the singular ruler.
This one really set a high bar for the rest of the series, and I for one, can’t wait to continue.

Another book review and another Primal Hunter book. Honestly I can’t get enough of this series and if you’ve made it this far then I’m betting you cant either.
This instalment features a battle for earth, some time in the Order of the Malefic Viper, and some hilarious encounters with some strong (and I feel sarcastic) creatures. Also if you think Jake has learnt how to name things since Hawky and Sylfie, then prepare to meet Sandy…
One of the focal points in this story is the fact that Jake isn’t the most powerful (overpowered) being in existence. Yes I know he’s only D grade and there are Gods etc etc. But to me he’s always been framed as having no equal. This book changes that. Without giving too much away, the old man grows as a character, and his rival Chosen shows he’s a force to be reckoned with.
But there’s so much going on, and that’s to be expected this far into a series isn’t it? The Order, Earth, the Risen, the United Cities, the battle against a faraway enemy, the voting for ruler of the planet… honestly it’s so well rounded that every chapter just brings you right back into another issue, and that keeps it both fresh and interesting.
All in all, another solid instalment to the Primal Hunter series, and one that ends (again) with me wanting more.
Maybe next book he’ll find a boat and name it Boaty. Who knows?

I recently dove into "Defiance of the Fall" by J.F. Brink, and honestly, it was a thrilling ride. This first book in the series completely captivated me with its unique blend of fantasy and science fiction. Imagine waking up one day to find Earth fused with a game-like universe - that's exactly what happens to Zac, the protagonist, and I couldn't help but be pulled into his journey.

The funny thing was, after about two hours I realised that I’d started the book before, but had left it – probably with the release of the next part of a different series.

And this is what LitRPG is all about: Zac's transformation throughout the book was nothing short of remarkable. He starts off as just an average guy on a camping trip with his friends, but as the world around him suddenly changes, so does he.
It's not just about him getting stronger or gaining new skills; it's about how he adapts, both mentally and emotionally, to a world that's constantly throwing curveballs at him.
For a good long section of the book, Zac is alone and fighting for his life against strange creatures, twisted by the unknown.

The induction to the system is quite quick, with Zac winning an incomprehensibly weighted roll of a dice against an invading being (one of them has to die), and that’s how he firstly survives, but also gets some titles – essentially he’s the luckiest guy ever, but I’m OK with that.

The way the game elements are written into the story is brilliant. The action scenes were also vivid and intense, I found myself on the edge of my seat needing to know what happened next on more than one occasion.

I liked the secondary characters, with unexpected allies being there to explain things we wouldn’t otherwise have known (always good).

Sometimes, the plot did seem to follow a predictable path, typical of the genre – but that’s a part of why we all like it so much – we know the end goal but it’s about the journey isn’t it?

And then there’s my favourite: the city building. I had no idea it was going to be a thing, but ever since Life Reset I’ve wanted a good settlement builder. In this, we see Zac converting his previous campsite into a system-sanction settlement with a shipyard, then a teleporter, and then people! It’s only book one though, so not huge amounts happen with settlement building, but it’s there, and I suspect it’s going to be big. (I can’t wait).

Defiance of the Fall was an incredible read and certainly top tier LitRPG. It's a story of survival, transformation, and the sheer will to adapt in a world that's forever changed. It's perfect for LitRPG enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good tale of adventure and resilience. I can't wait to see where Zac's journey takes him next.

This series has quickly become one of my favourites, and to be honest, I didn’t know this one was on its way out. Sure you can go and ready what’s out already, but what’s the Primal Hunter without the voice of the malefic viper?

I was really hoping that in this book, Jake was going to head back to the insect nest to take down his first C grade, but where this doesn’t actually happen – he does make his first C kill. And it’s a good one. I was waiting for someone to shout ‘Puma Check!’ but unfortunately it never happened.

We had some great advancements in his, um, personal life – and that of Carmen. The scene where she finally managed to catch up to her old family is nothing short of fantastic. Revenge is always good.

I’d have liked to have seen more of Sylfie in this book, but there was a lot going on, and she’s a busy bird.

The series for me has kind of morphed into a power grab like it was at the start – struggles and hoping for the MC to level quickly, get new abilities and such so that he could keep fighting stronger and stronger creatures. But now, it’s a bit more like a cosy slice of life thing. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think it is that, or even supposed to be, but the way we know that Jake is going to be the No1 everything, he has no real threats, can pretty much do whatever he likes – yeah it’s just kind of ‘nice’.

This book mainly focusses on Jake and Carmen, but also has a fair amount of Academy stuff going on, which is a particular favourite of mine.

In any case, the series goes on, from strength to strength and here I am waiting for book 8.

This book has been ready to take its place on my review pile for so long, ever since I read Iron Prince and recognised it as one of my favourite books of all. Seriously the wait from a 10/10 book to get the second was like torture, but here we are, and it’s been read!

After the events of Iron Prince (Spoilers) we are left wanting to know more. How Rei was going to grow, if he would ever reach Godhood, if he would finally confess his love for Aria, how his CAD would grow and evolve and so much more. And what about his real family? They were there somewhere right? Honestly there’s so much going on that you can see how the book’s such a monster.

Well there are answers. And they are Lots, yes, yes, quickly and kind of.

To scratch that progression itch, Rei and Shido both grow as a character and a CAD. Rei develops more in the way of perception and intuition and Shido evolves, gains abilities and becomes exactly what you want it to – legendary. This interspliced with future segments looking back on the rise of Rei and Fire Song was particularly well done in my opinion, because we both knew that they were all going to have a meteoric rise, but also got to sit along for the ride.

The book mainly focusses (in my opinion) around the first tournament that Rei and his squad are participating in and as always the fight scenes, the training and the intricate details of CAD fighting are really well done. All of the characters go through a ton of growth too, which was really nice to see, especially Logan.

Rei’s secrets come out, but Grant pulls off a fantastic heel turn to become one of the good guys and we learn a lot more about his past and upbringing – which in itself was well written and thought out.

The only downside to the book – and I can only assume that we will find out in book 3 – is that the arc of Rei’s family seemed to be half-baked. It was the only think that let it down for me. There were scenes of intrigue like Rei getting offered wealth and riches by (unbeknownst to him) his real family – but then he figures it out – as does everyone else – and nothing ever really comes of it. There are a few shady-dealings scenes with them, but other than that, its kind of alluded to and then forgotten. For me, this should be addressed in book 3 and it’ll round off the story nicely.

All in all, This was pretty much everything I wanted from book 2 in this fantastic series, and I will no doubt be back for a second read before long – with these two books, there’s always something to pick up on the second time around.

Wow I hadn’t been expecting to miss the characters as much as I did since the first book. I WAS surprised that Darius hadn’t hand waved himself back to life from the beginning - but I guess that was just wishful thinking, right?

Another book with my favourite trope - the academy. But this has something different. Again, not just sword and sorcery, but a trickle of weapons from the future (or cyclical past - whatever you get the point). And they aren’t just a total whitewash of OP-ness, but few and far between, used to fight an enemy with power that can’t be rivalled.

Belladonna is the BBEG and she fits the role perfectly. A great mix of sinister, mystery, power and outright blood-thirst. What more could you want?

And then there’s the depth to the characters. Dean Anders’ voice (narrated amazingly by Jamie Treselyan by the way) was something I didn’t know I’d missed since the last book, but as soon as he spoke it was like everything came rushing back to me.

Millicent, Adelaide and Oakes are the meat of this story, with the main drive being a split between preparing for a war that students perhaps shouldn’t be involved in, and trying to find a way to bring Darius back.

Oh and did I forget to mention that the ever tantalising threat of Darius’ father is still up there?

Honestly there’s a lot going on in this instalment of the training grounds, but it is well written and well narrated. Certainly a series that I’ll be continuing, and I hope that many others do too.

Because otherwise we’ll never know if the green rot gets its cure.

This is a great listen - very military oriented… I should not be surprised of the quality that Podium produce!

Space, time distortion, aliens, guns and an android, this really scratches an itch that you know you have!

The story can be a little slow at times, though it's still enjoyable. I liked the way that the author has taken old and used standards in faraway colonist stories and struggles, and told them in a new and interesting way - it could have been the opposite for sure!

The AI personalities are fun too. I wonder if as AI evolves over the next few years, it's something we're destined to see in real life?

It’s clear to me that Mr. Brooks writes in a way (and a genre) that I enjoy. It’s also clear that Miles Meili is a narrator that I can listen to over and over.

But this book offered something different from the usual dungeon core fun that the author is well known for, and very talented at.
This is a LitRPG… with stats!

Larek is a big lumberjack, though finds himself on the end of some rotten luck and is whisked away to a magical academy (best trope ever). While there he discovers that he has the ability to create fusions (essentially enchantments).
Enchantments are the name of the game for this book and are detailed exactly how you would want them to be - in depth.

The enchanting system is a multipart process depending on multiple skills and stats, and it’s very nice to see that it isn’t just a ‘you get the skill and you can do it’ kind of thing. It’s very clear that the author’s previous genre focus has lent itself very well to this kind of system, because it is detailed, in depth and makes a lot of sense.

Larek is very OP, though it’s balanced by the fact that he’s OP at making fusions, but not much else. He’s big and strong, but generally the enemies we see are better fought with magic and by spellcasters - which he isn’t (this isn’t always the case).

I found myself wanting more and more as the book went on and there was less and less to come - which is exactly how it should be!

I’m really looking forward to book 2 in this series, a great transition from Dungeon Core to LitRPG from Jonathan Brooks!

There aren’t many 10/10 books on this list, but credit where credit is due. You know those books that you just seem to fly through and all of a sudden it’s over? That’s this book. And well the series as a whole.
We all know what DCC is about in general, so some specifics. Book 6 is centred around a floor that focuses on card battles. Donut gets a deck and starts battling first NPCs, then other crawlers. And there’s a whole thing with Carl’s dad and his past… and there’s an uzi Jesus card!
Honestly it’s so insane that at some points you’re left thinking ‘what the hell just happened’, and then Donut or Samantha pipe up with their usual hilarious responses and you’re right back where you need to be.
Well thought out mechanics, a juicy storyline, an amazing dungeon floor full of twists, turns, curses, illnesses, killings and card battles. I’m annoyed that I have to wait again for book 7.
Oh and if you were wondering about Jeff Hayes’s narration, you don’t have to. It’s perfect as always.

Ok so there’s a lot to cover in this book, and it takes a wild trope swing that I hadn’t been expecting. But first, Jake.
Jake decides to take more crazy risks and they continue to pay off through sheer determination. I don’t want to say too much because spoilers, but more than a few things happen simply because system f***ery – which I’m totally fine with.

It’s well documented that this series is top tier and narrated amazingly by Mr Baldree (is there anything he can’t do?), so of you’ve already made it this far, I don’t really know what I can say to convince you either way.

I loved the fight with the queen and then king (you know what I’m talking about), because it really put into perspective how although Jake is some OP maniac, that he’s still a nothing compared to a C grade.

Then the trope twist – academy life! One of my favourites, Jake goes to a special levelling up school owned by Villy, and general school-life ensues.

All in all, book six in the series was a winner… now onto Dungeon Crawler Carl 6!

Ok so who wouldn’t like the concept? Civilisation is divided by the colour of one’s skin. The reds are expected to work and work and work to terraform mars, while the golds sit in their ivory towers. The MC’s wife is brutally taken from him and this one’s all about revenge.

A quick face-off style revamp, and Darrow is now a gold. Off to a training institute, he has to not only fit in with the rest, but also become something better than any of them.
Becoming a brutal (pretty much monster), he gives them what for, and discovers along the way that he might not be the only one with this idea.
I really enjoyed the book, though at times I felt like it dragged a little but honestly, it took nothing away from the enjoyment of the story, the world and the characters. A friend sent this as a recommendation and I have to say, more please!

Ok I’ll admit it, I didn’t realise that this was written by the author of War Core until after finishing the thing. Why am I not surprised? The premise is really innovative and engaging and again I’ve found a sci-fi gamelit that I really enjoyed.
The military component is very well researched and thought out and I loved the use of fantasy creatures in a futuristic setting. Especially the gnomes. Gnomes suck. The third book, Sarton station was my favourite, so you can be assured the series gets even better as it goes on.
If you’re looking for a futuristic, sci-fi dungeon core that makes you root for the core, even though it isn’t really a person (but kind of is), then this is absolutely the book for you.

Jack Voraces also does a great job with the narration.

Ok well I have to start with saying I’m annoyed. Annoyed because now I’m going to have to read the Flesh Golem’s Tale of Resurgence… because I just can’t leave Varney out there all alone!

The story, characters and creatures are so unique, and I hadn’t been expecting to be surprised in a genre that I’ve been immersed in for a very long time.

Yes there are a few gruesome parts and yes there are one or two narrator pronunciation errors, but for me it does nothing to take away from the story. I’ll be reading more from Mr. Wilkinson for sure.

Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 8/10
Narration: 7/10

I was really looking forward to this book after finishing the first, and I have to say that it didn’t disappoint in the slightest. A lot of time has passed, which allowed Arthur to learn more about his cards, how they work and life in general away from his border town. I’m also a sucker for the ‘tournament’ trope, so that was a good addition for me.

Competing against his friends and enemies, Arthur must try to gain the favour of a new legendary dragon so that he can cement himself as a dragon rider of note.
I really enjoyed how the types of dragons have different personalities that match their colours, and without giving away any spoilers, the last two hours of the book really had me wondering how Arthur was going to get out of his ‘sticky situation’ alive.

All in all, a great second book that has made me wish book 3 was out sooner. Plus, as usual it goes without saying that Luke Daniels gave the book life with his brilliant performance.

Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 9/10
Narration: 9/10

#books #bookreview #litrpg #gamelit #reading #kingdombuilding #sliceoflife #litrpgbooks #fantasy #audiobook #bookstagram #booklover #reading #bookworm #bookish #booklover #author #sci-fi #litrpg #alltheskills #honorrae #dragons #deckbuilding #cardmagic

You know how you love a specific sub-genre and have no idea how to find great books in it? This was one of the times for me where the narrator reached out and told me to listen to this book, and I’ve never been so accurately assumed.

The story is of a man named Darius, a simple small-town farm hand who receives an invitation to attend The Training Grounds – the most prestigious academy in all of the Merchant Valley. A group of friends quickly form with their own interesting back stories, skill sets and most importantly, wonderfully portrayed voices by a very talented narrator.
Secret plots, ominous visions and a plethora of interesting characters with unknown intent kept me listening, and listening, and listening… and then it was over. But at 19 hours for a single credit too? It’s basically robbery, right?

But then… it turned into something different. It had to, right? Because that’s what always keeps us guessing with the books we love. Suddenly my second favourite genre began to creep in: time travel. No I wont spoil it, and no I wont go into too much detail, but this book really did have everything I wanted but had somehow forgotten along the way.
So many decisions to make of who to trust, who to like and who to just outright hate. I loved this book, and I hope you will too.

Special praise for the narrator too. He goes out of his way to bring the characters to life with voices, actions and everything else you’d want from a book of many characters!

Firstly, you get A lot of bang for your credit with this one. At 25 hours long, if you really want to get your teeth into something with a lot of meat, then this is the book for you. A LitRPG with a female MC, narrated by Andrea Parsneau this really is tier 1 gamelit.

The story follows the life of Ilea, a young woman with a troubled past who suddenly finds herself in a magical world brimming with danger. After awakening a unique healing ability (always good), Ilea embarks on a quest to explore her newfound powers and navigate the treacherous landscapes of this new world. There are plenty of people, both good and bad and a handful of separate story arcs – which for me is where it loses some marks.
I know that a lot of people want multiple stories that intertwine in new and complex ways, but to me this meant that as my attention wandered, I was quickly lost in the story and had no idea what was happening or where we were. (It’s not such a bad thing to have a gripe with though, is it?).

The world is rich and diverse, infused with intricate details, unique magic systems, and fascinating lore. From vast and perilous dungeons to lush forests teeming with mythical creatures, each setting really does feel alive and vibrant. The author's attention to detail creates a vivid and tangible backdrop for the story, enhancing the overall reading experience.

The action sequences in Azarinth Healer are intense, fast-paced, and expertly choreographed. Whether it's battling fearsome monsters or engaging with deadly elves, Rhaegar's vivid descriptions and precise writing style make the action scenes come alive, keeping me on the edge of my seat, and having said that I quickly became lost, when a battle scene arrived I knew exactly who I was rooting for. The strategic nature of the LitRPG elements adds an additional layer of excitement, as Ilea gains experience, levels up, and learns new skills to enhance her healing abilities.

I quite liked that the MC was portrayed as an unfeeling monster, cocky almost. It would be exactly how someone would act if they felt no pain, but also managed to best their opponents even when they’re much higher levels.

The character development in Azarinth Healer though is a definite highlight. Ilea faces numerous challenges, both physical and emotional, and her growth as a character is palpable, and I did find myself rooting for her every step of the way. The supporting cast is also well-developed, with each character bringing their unique personality and motivations to the story.

Without a doubt the strengths of Azarinth Healer make it a worthwhile addition to any fantasy enthusiast's bookshelf.

Storyline: 7/10
Character Depth: 8/10
Narration: 9/10

I was a little put off with this one because it’s written in the present tense - but you do king of get used to it after a while.
Entry into the game seems quite standard and whilst I’m not generally into the harem thing, but it’s not really that evident in the story.
It’s an easy listen and short gap filler, with a tantalising twist at the end.
#books #bookreview #reading #sliceoflife #fantasy #bookrelease #newbook #litrpg #gamelit #audiobook #bookreview #booktok

Ok so I saw this series recommended so, so often that I couldn’t just ignore it. The first thing to note is that it’s narrated with an Australian accent - because it’s supposed to be - it was just a little bit of a shock being used to the normal American tone. Not that it was bad though, I actually quite enjoyed it! The system seemed interesting and engaging and I found myself wanting to listen more and more, until suddenly I was lost. I’m not sure exactly what happened, but there’s just so much going on that once I’d let my attention wander for a moment, I had no idea what was happening. I know the answer is to concentrate more, but this doesn’t happen with other books I read, so I honestly don’t know what the issue was. At the end, I was rooting for the good guys though as I caught up with the world… the only thing was, was that I didn’t feel overly compelled to read the next right away.

Ok I’ll admit it… don’t kill me! I may have judged a book by it’s cover a little bit with this series - and yes, I listened to the whole series in one go.

It’s a really really innovative story’s and system and I can’t believe I didn’t listen sooner. Nick Podehl (and later Eric Michael Summerer) once again does the perfect narration job and I can’t wait for more to come! The MC is powerful, cocky and untouchable - everything you’d want from a man who’d named himself “Jack Alltrades” and started the company ‘Alltrades Inc.’

Storyline: 8/10
Character Depth: 8/10
Narration: 10/10

Jonathan Brooks I feel like I’ve committed a crime!

You sent me an audible code for Bio Dungeon: Omnibus and I was happy before, not knowing what I was missing from this godforsaken listen…
I was shocked when I saw that it was 45hrs long, shocked when I saw that it was actually three books in one, and shocked at how much I want to listen to more dungeon core books!
I’ve listened to a few, though this one just has everything I wanted, plus, what is basically two independent stories rolled into one… so is this like 6 books worth??
If anyone here likes both dungeon core books AND getting an absolute bargain, go get this one!

Storyline: 8/10
Character Depth: 8/10
Narration: 8/10

I’d say Ready Player One meets Halo is a good description. I liked the uniqueness of this in the way that the MC is tasked with keeping the peace and looking after the new players. A good amount of unique skills, but maybe the story could be a little predictable. Either way, I’d read more books by Mr Knight.

Sci-Fi LitRPG needs more books like this, and slowly the genre is seeing more and more, but it’s still outweighed by the fantasy/Isekai/apocalypse books. Don’t get me wrong, I really don’t have a preference, but when I see a Sci-Fi LitRPG pop up in my to read list, I can’t help but look forward to it.
Game mechanics were easy to follow and the pacing was well matched to the suspense of the overarching plot and theme of the book.

Storyline: 7/10
Character depth: 8/10
Narration: 8/10

What could anyone possibly want more from a deck building LitRPG, that what is given in All the Skills? A unique magic and progression system, a big bad evil guy for the main character to fight back against, dragons who can talk… I can’t believe I waited so long to read this, but I find myself looking forward to book two already. This one is top-tier gamelit for me, and if you’re into deck building or a system of magic based around cards (and a deck thereof), this one’s for you. Plus, you know, dragons.

Storyline: 9/10
Character depth: 9/10
Narration: 10/10

This was the first LitFPS book I’ve read, and I was pleasantly surprised. Not just because of the fact that you get a mammoth amount of audiobook for just one credit, but the voice acting was great, the story engaging and the battles detailed and thrilling.

It really did remind me of Doom.

Storyline: 8/10
Character depth: 8/10
Narration: 9/10

So this is the second Warhammer 40k book I’ve listened to, mainly because the Astra Militarum book was so good. But this is different. The first book in a long series called the Horus Heresy, I’d heard a bit about it before but no details really. I was upset that the narrator wasn’t the same as the last time (or even the author), but that was just wishful thinking.
The story focusses on an unrivalled army who have had their fear bred out of them – it makes them emotionless and perfect soldiers. Unfortunately it also meant that they were quite unrelatable as characters and although I did enjoy the book and it was narrated well, I found that it didn’t hold my attention for more than fifteen minutes of so at a time.
I probably will listen to more in the series, because the story was good, but hope the characters develop.

Storyline: 7/10
Character depth: 6/10
Narration: 8/10

I absolutely loved War Core (do I say that too much?). A guy is taken away and turned into the invisible man controlling an RTS game. But the soldiers are real, the enemies are aliens and when people die, they die. The universe is at stake here.
I loved how the MC could speak to his soldiers, but they were censored if they said anything that could help.
Perks, intervals between battles and dinosaurs with guns… love it, love it all.

In the beginning, I found it strange that we were talking about other litrpg books so often, and for apparently no reason the number one fan of the genre was suddenly dropped into one. But then I got used to it and actually, it read quite well. I enjoyed the story and the world/characters, but there were a few editing choices that I wouldn’t have made. Not any real issues, but things I found noticeable.
By the end of the book, I wanted more – which is a good thing if you ask me, especially when you take into account the fact that book two is already out.

I have to say it, if you haven’t read Dungeon Crawler Carl, I don’t know how you’ve made it this far in the LitRPG space. The perfect mix of dungeon crawling, a sarcastic talking cat, a post apocalyptic world and a tv show broadcast to the whole universe. It’s original, innovative and ridiculously funny.
The world has been disintegrated and turned into a multi level dungeon with stats, loot boxes and a particularly creepy system AI… and the whole time, the infighting is being broadcast to aliens across the universe.
Without going too overboard, this is the number one book you have to read, and I mean right now.

This is probably the best book I’ve read for a long time, and trust me I don’t say this lightly. It’s a progression fantasy from weakness to ultimate power and the fact that there’s only one book out right now pains me. Though as I write this review I know that you can keep up to date on the author’s Patreon.
Reidon starts of weak, broken and works tirelessly with the help of his special CAD to begin to challenge his peers in the academy where once he stood no chance.
Honestly, I can’t recommend this book enough. It had beautiful combat scenes, a real sense of rooting for the underdog, tangible advancement and the looming fear of danger.

Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 10/10
Narration: 10/10

For me this is top-tier LitRPG. Seriously it’s up there with Dungeon Crawler Carl…
It has a fairly standard introduction to the system, i.e. the MC is suddenly thrown into a system world after some threshold had been reached. This means that everyone is dropped into a kind of ‘tutorial’ where they must fight to survive. The magic/progression system is unique and interesting.
The audio version of this is top notch too, narrated by the ever-magnificent Travis Baldree. I couldn’t stop with this series and ran out of books pretty quickly. It has everything, animal companion, world-building, settlement-building, deep motives and interactions, action… honestly, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 10/10
Narration: 10/10

Fifteen Hours really did have everything I wanted from a book based around military, war, fighting and killing. Set in the grim darkness of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, the book offers a raw and intense portrayal of the horrors and sacrifices of battle.
The story follows the journey of a young Imperial Guardsman named New Fish by the rest of the soldiers, who is thrust into the brutal war against the Orks. As the title suggests, the narrative unfolds over a span of fifteen hours, during which New Fish faces unimaginable challenges and struggles to survive.
New Fish is dropped into the wrong warzone: a place that has seen years of terrible battles and a defending force that is almost all out of numbers, and options.
While "Fifteen Hours" provides an engaging and action-packed reading experience, it should be noted that prior familiarity with the Warhammer 40,000 universe is beneficial. The novel assumes a certain level of knowledge about the setting, its factions, and the overarching conflict. However, even for readers new to the Warhammer universe, the book offers a thrilling and immersive introduction to its grim and violent world.
I loved it, it made me want to get more, though sadly, I haven’t seen a sequel available.

Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 9/10
Narration: 9/10

As I write this review, Nautical Noobs is waiting for me in my to listen line, and I’m so excited about it. The MC is called Jim, which is the source of a lot of laughs from the other characters in the book because it’s not a real name – like calling someone Rover. Also there’s this thing called Shart and a talking badger called Badgelor. It’s wild, honestly and I couldn’t stop laughing whilst listening to it. If I’m honest it took me a while to get to simply because of the title, but what a mistake I made.

​Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 9/10
Narration: 10/10

The Gam3 for me happened early on in my LitRPG search for more and more books to devour and it was one that stood out for me as a cornerstone of the genre. There are now three books in the series so if you’re after substance then this is good for you. I loved the sci-fi AI alien feel of the story and it always left me wondering what was waiting for me around the next corner.

​Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 8/10
Narration: 9/10

I know I know this author’s name is a bit taboo because of some of the strange things he’s tried to do with trademarks (don’t take my word for it, Google it), but write books – and long ones – he can do. To be fair to the series, the first few books are actually pretty amazing. I felt myself rooting for the Mist Village throughout them, but then… the books got so so long that I just couldn’t take the time to face them – I think the last one was something like 40 hours plus and that’s the only reason this series drops a star for me. Just split them into more books! Two books at twenty hours good, one book at forty hours bad. I don’t know why it works like this for me but it does.

​Storyline: 8/10
Character Depth: 8/10
Narration: 10/10

I remember the moment I started listening to this book - that’s just how good it is. It was at Dublin airport, flight delayed and I was in a terminal on my own. The crafting was so mouthwatering that all I remember thinking is that I wished my flight was delayed twelve hours so I’d have the chance to listen to every word this author wrote. I mean the carding is so good in this series, if that’s what you’re after you won’t be able to put this down.

​Storyline: 10/10
Character Depth: 10/10
Narration: 10/10

Ok I admit it, this author was the first time I’ve ever signed up to a newsletter because I just needed to know when the next book was coming out. The perfect book for someone wanting to dip their toe into the world of LitRPG books, this one has levelling, crafting, special powers, bad guys to hate and a foreboding worry that the MC’s world is going to crash down around them at any point. I listened to the first book in the series while in the car going to a meeting and it ruined my day that I had to leave it behind to deal with boring work.

This year I finished the series with the last book and it was wrapped up rather well though it was a bit of a bitter pill for me to swallow. I didn’t want it to end.

​Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 10/10
Narration: 10/10

Yes I know it’s a TV show – and it was bloody brilliant by the way. I also got the audiobook AND hardback because it was that good. I listened to it twice and even after the second time through I didn’t want it to end. Actually thinking about it as I write this, it’s kind of like the perfect run (above). Guy finds a time portal to the past (1963, shocker), can stay there as long as he wants and when he returns to the future anything he changed stands. If he goes back again though it is to the start of the time again and all his changes get wiped. Action, adventure, romance and time travelling this one hit the nail on the head for me. Oh and there’s something about JFK too. Whatever, it’s great, read it.

​Storyline: 10/10
Character Depth: 10/10
Narration: 10/10

​OK I admit it, I listened to the three audiobooks back to back and I just couldn’t put them down. Decent length audiobooks too so don’t think I didn’t put the effort into it. I read some other reviews about the series before I started and they were pretty mixed, though the ones that didn’t like it were because of reasons I did. They said that they didn’t like the MC just restarting from a save point over and over was no good – but who doesn’t want that? I loved the MC’s attitude and cockiness that worked perfectly in tune with his backstory; that he was a bit twisted because he had done everything over and over so many times. A bit of Groundhog Day in this one mixed with Greek gods and good old fashioned sarcastic fighting. I loved it start to finish.

​Storyline: 9/10
Character Depth: 10/10
Narration: 10/10

I really enjoyed listening to this book, the narrator was well matched to the tone of the characters and the writing style. To be honest, I've been on a bit of a search for a sci-fi book that I liked after reading the REV Warriors series and this certainly scratched that itch. It took me about two days so not a particularly long one and by the end, I must admit I did feel as though the time was right for it to be over. It's not five stars from me but definitely a solid read. In some places, the story was a little predictable, but hey - if it makes me feel smart that I figured it out then that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Storyline: 8/10
Character Depth: 9/10
Narration: 9/10

This LitRPG/GameLit audiobook was included in my Audible membership for FREE! so what more could I really ask for? The MC was transported to another world where some demonic presence rolled the dice to see what kind of character he was going to be. Sure the premise sounded familiar, though in this one, the MC starts off at level 19, then every time he goes to sleep he wakes up as a new and interesting class. There's no time to get comfortable or bored in this book, well worth a read and I am definitely looking forward to the next one!

​Storyline: 8/10
Character Depth: 8/10
Narration: 9/10