Author of LitRPG, Gamelit, Sci-Fi, Progression Fantasy & Historical Fiction Books.
Author of LitRPG, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Sci-Fi, Murder Mystery & Historical Fiction Books.
Forest of Desire (The Alchemist Series, Book 2)
8/10
Vasily Mahanenko
LitRPG, Progression, Fantasy, Gamelit
The Story
Is there anything better than a quiet life? Well, there's a quiet life surrounded by people you care about, people who love you in return, of course. But Tailyn Vlashich knew nothing of the kind. His parents had died years before, the townspeople stayed well away from the god's favorite, and his guardian just wanted to be rid of him.
That was the setting when Tailyn was again placed on the road to uncertainty, beset by terrifying lixes, and hounded by a harsh trainer it was impossible to please. All he can do is bear up and keep pushing forward in the hopes that his wishes will be granted.
As legend has it, somewhere ahead lies the Forest of Desire, a place capable of bringing to life one's every wish. For example, returning Valia Levor, Tailyn's betrothed, who was kidnapped. Oh, and does anyone know why Forian Tarn still isn't back from his trip?
My Review
Book 2? Still loving it.
The stakes are getting higher, the powers are getting stronger, and Tailyn is clearly being set up to become something truly next level — which, frankly, I am here for. We’re now getting into the deeper threads of the world’s structure: how the divine hierarchy operates, what role Tailyn is meant to play in the grand scheme of things, and why he’s not just another player in the sandbox — he is the sandbox.
The herbalist character introduced in this one is… well, divisive. I get why some readers might bounce off her, but I actually appreciated the way she disrupted the party dynamic. Sometimes you need those characters who rub you the wrong way to remind you what (and who) you’re rooting for. She brings tension. And tension, when done right, keeps things interesting.
Tailyn continues to grow rapidly, both in terms of stats and strategy. The hacks, the loopholes, the clever use of skills — all of it just scratches that LitRPG itch perfectly. If you enjoy watching a character piece together power-ups like a mad scientist, you’ll feel right at home here.
Bring on book 3; I’m locked in.