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!