Training focused LitRPG.

World: The book is primarily set 100 years after an event called The Rise. An event in which 7 pillars rose from the Earth and led to the ultimate fall of civilisation as we know it. Each person alive discovered they now contained a new organ, the God Organ, an organ which provided humanity with new powers to face the new threat...only there was no instruction manual. Tone: In terms of litRPGs despite being a post-apocalyptic world with many houses reclaimed by nature. The general tone relatively light with a sense of adventure about the new world. This send there are darker themes that do crop up, which in my opinion are handled well and with the correct tone. Plot: The book centres around Jeff Smith (a name which I suspect was chosen by the author intentionally because it is so regular), who travels around with a band of mercenaries and his overbearing mother. A mother who's past trauma haunts her and who is intent that he should learn as little as possible about cultivating and making his God Organ stronger. One who Jeff plans to escape from. This is his life until he is one day separated from his mother and finds himself in a unique dungeon portal. One that has not seen use in nearly a hundred years. Now free of her tyrannical rule Jeff finds himself trying to make his way in a world he is not entirely unfamiliar with but has been sheltered from. Why I love this book: The first thing to note is that in LitRPGs there are a number of different standard trope and this book pulls on some providing its own unique flavour and does so well. The main character feels rather real, making wise decisions as well as understandably naive or occasionally irrational ones. Resulting in a well rounded feeling. He is a product of his upbringing and acts accordingly. The world is wonderful with the foundation of it set, the author drops hints and notes about other events have and will occur in the future. Some to help round out the world and some as portent for a later narrative. The LitRPG system is based on this mysterious organ and what they refer to as "liquid" (effectively Chi) with humanities understanding or lack there of driving it to become more powerful. What this results in is a system in that increasing in strength is not a matter of slaying enemies but rather by improving and cultivating oneself and one's understanding of the God Organ and internal path ways. There a quick routes to power, but the quickest routes may not always be best. An additional aspect I love about this system is the foundation of exercise and study in making oneself stronger, in addition to the regular acclimation of stat points. The author's background as an ex-professional athelete, makes an appearance here as full exercise routines are dotted throughout the book. (Yes before you ask I do intend to give them a go 😊). The main story arc is set such that it is completed within this narrative but as the story progresses enough points are hinted as to where the narrative may follow and the adventures that are yet to come. This left me finishing the book with a good feeling of completion but with excitement for the next in the series. Narration: This is the first time I've listened to Andrea and I am confident to say that it will not be the last as I'll have to look for more of her work. I have listened to Steve before and continue to enjoy his narrations. His pacing and inflection is excellent, his range of character voices enables you to easily identify who is speaking, I'm always happy to listen to his books. Overall: Loved it and I hope others give it a try.

3 people found this helpful

Not bad but very slow progression litrpg

This is not a bad listen. The story is let down by a few problems. 1) the MC is incredibly stupid. He lies to and refuses help from all the good people who want to help him and tells the truth and asks for help from all the evil people who want to kill him. As the MC this level of stupidity gates. 2) the story has a lot of plot holes where the MC is concerned. Like he is the only half human who can speak to monsters etc the story suffer from many illogical, deus ex machina plot holes. 3) the MC hardly even progress a single level by the end of the book. 4) without the deus ex machina plot holes the MC would have died 100 times because of his stupid decisions.

On the positive side, the dialogue between crash the AI, and the goblin side kick is fun. The story dose have some fun action.

great book!!

I loved this book but I think that it's a to fasted passed at some bits and it also took me awhile to get actually like this book but in the end it's a good book :D

Amazing listen

I listen to a lot of audiobooks when driving at work and I’ve got to say that I’ve enjoyed this more than most. The narration and story kept me interested and listening even when not out driving which isn’t usual for me. If it were a book it would definitely have been one I wouldn’t put down. Now going to buy the book 2 so I can keep reading it.

Amazing

Great story, interesting characters lots of world building, cultivation, lots of funny moments and one liners a must read if you like apocalyptic litrpg books

Good story, terrible protagonist

This is probably one of the most stressful books I've listened to.
the protagonist is entitled, a pathological liar and every possible bad choice that can be made he will.

on the other hand, the story is good, I ended up listening to the end wanting to know what happens next. despite constantly screaming at Jeff while driving. I mean constant frustrated screaming.

But other than that... worth a listen, the author writes well and the main performer is very good and of course Andrea P is always amazing.

Original and good.

Deserves five stars. Starts a little weird but all soon makes sense. Definitely buy if you enjoy lit rpg.

10/10 Defo Ryans best work! I loved the story but.

The MC comes across as a baby! He's 21 but carries on like a child. Fortunately he does appear to mature towards the end. (That was my only negative)

On a more positive note this book shows great character progression through training and cultivation. The MC's companions show great promise and adds comedic elements to the story. I'm fully invested. I can't wait for book 2.

Can't wait for book 2.

Literally read this in 1 day. Man what an amazing ride this was. Probably 1 of my favorite cultivation litrpg stories.

great new series!

I'm a fan of the author's other work and was not disappointed by this, I highly recommend it.