Audible Book Review: Eden's Gate: The Reborn A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1 by Edward Brody

I picked this for the LitRPG factor. It was engaging distraction while I was dozing on and off.
Eden's Gate: The Reborn
A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1
By: Edward Brody
Narrated by: Pavi Proczko

Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
Release date: 03-30-17
Publisher: Edward Brody
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, LitRPG
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's summary
When Gunnar Long is transported into the first fully-immersive virtual MMORPG, he finds himself in a new world filled with magic, mystery, and adventure.
No more 9-to-5 job. No more studio apartment. No more reality TV.
Finally, he's in a place where he can call home, a place with people he can call friends.
But as more people want to trade their real world lives to get inside Eden's Gate, the government of the outside world wants the "game" shut down at all costs.
Gunnar must learn to survive, grow in power, and find a way to send a message back to his old home.
"We're fine. We're alive. Eden's Gate is real."
Eden's Gate is a LitRPG adventure.
©2017 Edward Brody (P)2017 Edward Brody

Review:
Gunnar is pretty much a loner except for his girlfriend. He enjoys role playing games (RPGs) and is excited when the latest fully immersive virtual game and headset tech are released. He and his girlfriend are quick to put the headsets on agreeing to compare notes in 30 minutes. Gunnar arrives in a cave and has to start fighting his way out. It doesn't take long before Gunnar discovers he can’t exit the game. He is frustrated by what he thinks is a glitch and contemplates how he can find his girlfriend.

Fortunately, a battered Gunnar stumbles into an NPC (non-playing character) who helps him recover and begins to explain the world he finds himself in. As time and challenges go by, it becomes more and more clear that Gunnar can die and be reborn at his last base spot but he can’t find a way to exit the game.

Interspersed with the adventures are ‘real life’ efforts to shut down the game before more people commit life suicide in exchange for a game life. Can the living authorities be convinced that the players are basically “alive” within the game before the plug is pulled?

I enjoyed the leveling up process even though there is a little too much repetition of stats for the RPG. I liked how Gunnar learns how to accept help, honor friendship, and work with others for successes. There are interesting monsters and allies as the adventure moves forward and there is an intense race to save the game from being shut off.

There is some foul language but not excessive. The world, characters, and battles are entertaining and I recommend this to fans of the LitRPG genre.

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the narration by Pavi Proczko. His voice fits the primary character and he provided distinct accents for the other characters as well. The delivery is steady and the audio enhanced my enjoyment of the work.

Source: 3/31/19 High Five Audible Sale title - $5.00. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goal.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review For the Loot, Goblin Mode, Book 1 by Han Yang and Pearce Adams

This is a fun story but I didn't like the foul language.
For the Loot
Goblin Mode, Book 1
By: Han Yang, Pearce Adams
Narrated by: Evan Sibley

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 07-25-23
Publisher: Dreamscape Lore
Genre: Fantasy, GameLit, LitRPG
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75 (due to language); Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Bogart casts aside his humble origins, becoming an adventurer. He must gain levels in the guild and fight alongside his allies, both within and outside the law. For fame and fortune! Maybe even to save the world. But mostly for fame and fortune!
You only get one chance at the big leagues, and nobody knows it better than Bogart. He's going straight from the badlands to the top of the world, or he'll gladly die trying. If only he knew the truth about the life he's chosen. There are wars, dark gods, and eldritch horrors on the horizon. And nothing is as it seems. Join Bogart as he quests for riches!
©2023 Royal Guard Publishing LLC (P)2023 Dreamscape Lore

Review:
Bogart’s clan of Goblins is attacked by a small group of adventurers, and he is one of the few survivors. He plans to follow them to steal their loot. Instead, he ends up joining the adventurers to pursue further loot.

They run into struggles along the way and have to find and rely on the skills for each. Bogart adds his stealth and thieving skills to the existing group. Freya is a paladin with healing powers and the ability to fight with special weapons. The others are a half-orc barbarian and a human spellsword, all led by the spellcasting gnome, Lang.

There are plenty of battles with creepy and unique villains. This isn’t strictly LitRPG but there are opportunities to increase powers and upgrade weapons. I enjoyed the success of the little goblin, especially since goblins are considered on the level of rats. The adventures were fun but the ugly, foul language turned me off. This might have been cute for middle graders but not with that language. Because of the language, I will probably not continue with the series. I recommend the fun adventure to GameLit fans who do not mind the bad language.

Audio Notes: Evan Sibley does a great job with the narration. I enjoined the energy and voices given to each character. I appreciated the opportunity to listen to this through NetGalley.

Source: July 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley and 2023Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Space Knight by Michael-Scott Earle

This Space Opera with LitRpg elements was entertaining enough.

Space Knight
By: Michael-Scott Earle
Narrated by Nick Podehl

 

Series: Space Knight, Book 1
Length 13h 11m
Published April 24, 2018
Publisher: Audible Audio
Genre: Fantasy, LitRpg, Magic, Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

In a universe where technology and magic co-exist, Nicholas Lyons desires one thing: to serve his queen as a Space Knight in the Royal Trident Forces. But when his final mission as an Academy cadet goes horribly wrong, Nicholas discovers he possesses illegal magical abilities that grant him power far beyond that of a normal man, knight, or mage.
When a clandestine assignment lands Nicholas on the worst starship in the kingdom's fleet, he finds a motley crew of warriors hiding their own terrible secret. Death and betrayal lurk around every corner, and Nicholas finds himself torn between his loyalties to his new crew, or the oath he swore to his queen.
And death no matter which choice he makes.

Review:
Nicholas does not come from a rich or noble family, but he worked hard at academy in order to have a chance to serve his queen someday as a Space Knight. On the final class mission, the cadets are planet side and supposed to have a light encounter with aliens. Instead, they find themselves under attack by elite warrior aliens. No one knows what went wrong but when the mist settles, Nicholas has saved a rich nobleman’s son, and learned that he has an illegal magical ability.

Nicholas has the chance to pick an assignment on the best ship in the fleet. Then he opens a message from his deceased father, an unrecognized Space Knight, and has to change to what is scoffed as the worst starship, the Stalwart. Before he is reassigned, the nobleman directs Nicholas, in ‘the name of the queen’, to secretly spy on the motley crew.

As soon as he gets on the ship, he can tell there are secrets among the crew. And they are so much more than the rumors imply. He begins to make friends and appreciate the “motley” crew so his loyalties are being confused. What is really going on with the Stalwart? What will happen when the motley crew learn that Nick has been spying on them?

I found this entertaining even as it has flaws. It has coming of age, LitRpg, and superhero elements. The LitRpg is focused on all of the levels of tech, allocated to squire or space knights, and with different levels of boost and skill. I like the inclusion. The crew characters have some strange and unique skills from berserker to empowering music. There is awkward interaction with this protagonist and the several beautiful women on the crew. I like the magic but that too is odd since it is illegal but mostly no one seems to care. Instead, everyone wants to use the skill.

All in all, I enjoyed the entertainment aspect of the story. I would try the next in series, but they are not available. I recommend this to fans of space, fantasy, and action... if it becomes available.

Audio Notes: I like Nick Podehl as a narrator. He provides distinct voices for the characters and energy that fits the action. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 10-13-18 Daily Deal $4.95 with $5.00 credit) $0.00. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Dungeon Born by Dakota Krout

This is an interesting view of LitRPG as it is from the view of the dungeon!

Dungeon Born
By: Dakota Krout
Narrator: Vikas Adam

Series: Divine Dungeon Series, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 03-28-17
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Fantasy, LitRPG, Teen & YA, Sci Fi 

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
A powerful dungeon. A sheep-herder turned Noble. Their path to ascendance through cultivation.
Conquering dungeons and using them to grow has long been the most efficient way to become a powerful adventurer. The only thing keeping the process from being easy is the Beasts that inhabit these places. Questions plague those entering this particular place of power: Where do the "rewards" of weapons, armor, and heavy gold coins come from? Why is a fluffy bunny charging at me? For abyss-sake, why are there so many monsters?
Cal has all of the answers to these age-old questions for a very simple reason. He is a Dungeon Core, a soul forced against his will into a magical stone. With the help of an energetic friend, Cal grows a dungeon around himself to bring in new sources of power.
When a threat he doesn't fully comprehend bares its many teeth, Cal is determined to survive the attempt on his life. Unfortunately for adventurers, the only way for him to achieve his goal is to eat anyone that enters his depths. ©2016 Dakota Krout (P)2017 Tantor

Review:
“Cal” was human before his soul was forced into a magical stone by a necromancer. When Cal wakes up, he doesn’t remember his former life except to know that he hates necromancers. Cal begins to stretch with his magic when he is able to ‘eat’ surrounding stones and moss, but he has no idea of the extent of his abilities. A senior magical source assigns a Wisp to help the young dungeon grow and level up. Wisp Dani names Cal for the calcium that surrounds his pretty gem.

Dani then begins to instruct Cal on how to eat and share the essence of his surroundings and how to build and expand the dungeon. Dani also helps Cal develop monsters, even if the first set are created from fluffy bunnies. The dungeon monsters are modified to have skills and even poisons to fight intruders. Cal learns how to pattern items of the intruders to create ‘loot’ of trinkets, coins or weapons to reward those who survive their visit in the dungeon. Occasionally Cal makes mistakes threatening his own existence, including earthquakes and uncontrolled monsters.

Dale is the sole survivor of the first treasure hunters to investigate the dungeon. Realizing the importance of this find, Dale manages to purchase the surrounding lands. Thus, begins Dale’s journey of growth towards a dungeon warrior and mage who will face Cal several times.

In LitRPGs you usually become, or follow, a hunter into the dungeon to face monsters, seek rewards and progress in levels. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that this was a story describing how the dungeon was developed. Cal grows in ability and in strategic planning to entice hunters with enough adventure and loot to keep them coming back. I found this clever and fun. Most of the story is told of Cal and his sidekick, Dani, but bits also follow Dale and his growth. I appreciated that the battles are active but not overly graphic. The tone is light and contributes to making this entertaining. I may not rush to get the next book right now, but I have it saved to my wish list as a future choice. I do recommend this to fans of LitRPGs and Dungeon fantasy.

Audio Notes: Vikas Adam does a fine job with the narration. He is able to express the naïve wonder and eagerness of Cal and the playfulness of Dani. Adam also captures the various human characters. I enjoyed the audio and will look forward to listening to more in the series.

Source: 1/27/18 Sale for 2017 Audible Daily Deals $3.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: The Land: Founding: A LitRPG Saga by Aleron Kong

This was fun listening.
The Land: Founding: A LitRPG Saga
By: Aleron Kong
Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Series: Chaos Seeds, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-21-17
Language: English
Publisher: Tamori Publications LLC
Genre: Humorous, LitRPG, Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 Overall; 4.5 Story; 5.0 Narration.

Publisher's Summary
Welcome to The Land, Audible's 2018 Customer Favorite!
Book 1 of a 7-Book international best-selling series that will amaze and delight you for weeks!
Enter a mesmerizing tale reminiscent of the wonder of Ready Player One and the adventure of Game of Thrones.
Number One Audiobook 2017
75 Thousand Five Star Reviews
Welcome my friends! Welcome... to "The Land!"
Tricked into a world of banished gods, demons, goblins, sprites and magic, Richter must learn to meet the perils of The Land and begin to forge his own kingdom. Actions have consequences across The Land, with powerful creatures and factions now hell-bent on Richter's destruction.
Can Richter forge allegiances to survive this harsh and unforgiving world or will he fall to the dark denizens of this ancient and unforgiving realm?
A tale to shake "The Land" itself, measuring 10/10 on the Richter scale, how will Richter's choices shape the future of The Land and all who reside in it? Can he grow his power to meet the deadliest of beings of the land? When choices are often a shade of grey, how will Richter ensure he does not become what he seeks to destroy?
PS - Gnomes Rule
Please LIKE Aleron Kong on Facebook. He also does almost weekly giveaways of shirts, signed books, and other loot! facebook.com/LitRPGbooks
FB The Land Forum: facebook.com/groups/AleronKong. If you want to discuss The Land with other members of the Mist Village Mafia, join us!
Website: LitRPG.com. Come check out custom artwork from The Land, find awesome loot and find more LitRPG. Includes a link to the author's Patreon page: "I am an indie author, meaning no publisher. If you would like access to early chapters of unreleased books or even to have yourself written into the books, check out my Patreon. Help me make more books!"
Instagram: @LitRPGBooks
Twitter: @LitRPGBooks
©2016 Tamori Publications (P)2017 Tamori Publications

Review:
A role-playing game (RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. They build on character traits, knowledge and physical skills; they gather supplies (inventory), gain experience points and increase learning in many areas, including magic. James was a RPG (role-player game) player with his friends but suddenly he finds himself no longer in his world but within The Land where his RPG comes with real life (sort of) consequences.

Richter (formerly known as James) meets an imp who tries to bring him up to speed on his new world. As he sets out to explore this new world, he meets a forest tribe of wood sprites and agrees to his first quest. Although his first escort, Sion, goes along with reluctance, the sprite soon becomes a companion and more. The story follows Richter and Sion as they proceed from one quest to another. Along the way Richter acquires his own village to protect, build and populate.

There is action, danger, puzzles to unravel and monsters to kill. There are friends made to help in the quests forward and enemies made to avoid or battle. As this story proceeds, Richter is able to check his stats (statistics) to see his health, strengths, abilities, skills, inventory, characters, and reputation. It has been a long time since I have had the time to play an RPG. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the bells and whistles that signaled new skills and leveling up. I liked the adventure and will continue the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy LitRPG (Literary RPG) or those who like adventure and are willing to give this genre a try.

Audio Notes: Nick Podehl does an excellent job portraying the various characters. He imbues them with appropriate voice and personality. This is the second book I have listened to recently narrated by Nick Podehl and I am impressed by the strength of his presentation. There was also the addition of bells and whistles and sounds to this production. The narration and audio added to my enjoyment of the work.

Source: November 2017 Audible Daily Deal Purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR, 2019Audiobook and 2019Alphabet goals.