Allistor, now both a Planetary Prince of Earth, and Emperor of Orion, and faces a new set of challenges. Thrust completely unprepared into the realm of interplanetary politics, he must navigate the pitfalls of dealing with more powerful races and factions.
At the same time, he strives to continue his mission to strengthen the human race. To bring other survivors into the fold, and claim as much of the earth as possible for humans. Class trainers must be found if his people are to have a proper chance to grow and thrive.
Hard choices have to be made. New and deadly enemies surface, and friends are lost. Allistor's acquisition of a particular artifact places a target squarely on his back. And behind it all, the Ancient Ones continue to meddle in Earth's affairs.
Dave is a part-time author who would love to live full time in the game worlds he creates.
A gamer since the 70's, he loves the idea of being able to mix the science of virtual reality with the fantasy worlds inspired by great writers such as JRR Tokien and CS Lewis.
Dave has always wanted to be a writer. Over the past three decades he started and put away a dozen novels, distracted by work or life.
The dream of being an author seemed distant.
That is until recently, when he discovered the LitRPG/GameLit genre full of books that combined his love for video games and epic fantasy adventures. He was inspired by the books he read, and the authors who wrote them. So much so that he sat down and wrote the first two books of The Greystone Chronicles in just over a month. He published the first as an experiment, and was shocked at the response. These days he sits in his man cave late at night and writes the stories of characters he'd like to be, in worlds virtually without limits.
What is there to be said about this series that hasn't already been said?
It's great. This particular book feels like a bit of a breather before the true start of the next story arc, now that Allison has established himself as a Prince of Earth.
Looking forward to this and all the other releases from Dave Willmarth.
Once again, a fast paced story, and a lot of things are thrown into this. I think that previously, as a reader, that was a bit off putting, but as I have gotten into the flow of reading (and recognize the breakneck pace of the author in pushing these stories out) it has left me interested in seeing where the story goes. This style is NOT for everyone, but I think it is filling a literary void that plenty of people can enjoy.
One of the best series in the genre that I binge read all 5 books within a week. Set in Earth in a post apocalyptic setting where the planet has been assimilated into "universal collective" and more than 90% of population has been wiped out. New and mutated monster's roam the planet, a new system of stats and skills are made available to survivors. It's chaos everywhere. We follow the MC, Allistor who uses his experience as gamer to survive and help others survive and eventually rise to position of strength.
The world building is excellent. We have the right amount of information to feel like we are part of the new monstrous world. The prose is subtle enough that we feel the flight of the survivors and get the adrenalin rush as they go about their survival. Right blend of action, adventure and emotive content to make it all come together realistically. The magic system is unique and refreshing and use of vortex was innovative and gripping. The plot then escalates to intergalactic proportions as events on Earth have a ripple effect through the galaxy and the events there have a immediate impact on Earth.
I was not a fan of use of Norse mythology in here. Maybe I because a bit jaded because of Marvel, but felt a purer fantasy setting would have been better. The character development also left a bit to be desired. Though the progression of the MC was captivating none of the other characters were developed sufficiently to add color to the background.
Those niggles aside, this is a brilliant read, that I'd happily recommend to fans of this genre!
This book almost felt like a filler book. In each book up to this point there was a significant change in the story. The first book was all about survival, the second book focused more on expanding territory and the third book focused more on the new alien races come to earth. This book was a combination of the the first 3. Class trainers are brought to the earth to help people gain skills and not just levels. This is kind of like what happened in the first book. Sort of a return the basics. Alistor also expands his territory again in this book much like in the second book. And he comes into contact with another alien race and actually goes to another planet to meet the queen. There was no ground breaking new development or anything that really pushed the story forward. It was still good and I actually felt the loss of some of the characters when they died, which I didn't really in the first 3 books. Overall a good series and I will be continuing once the next one comes out.
It’s good to be back with Allistor and friends. Finally seem to be fixing some of my misgivings, like the classes and how useless they were before. Don’t feel like much time passed in this book, a week or two, and definitely want to see some more in future books as a lot needs to happen still. Dialogue among the people remains a favorite constant in the books, excluding how everyone reacts the same when they first meet Allistor (new strongholds and the like).
Needless to say this book was great like the other books in the series. Not many raids though. And I missed Helen, Fuzzy and Allistor going on adventures, just the three of them. Sadly Helen is not often mentioned. But all in all a good story and I'm looking forward to the next part of the series.
A good addition to the series, on a more strategic level based on where the story has led us to so far. Sets up a few plot lines for the future and expands into the lore/world building of the new Earth. Could’ve been longer, but hey, we can say that of all stories we like.
This series has definitely found its rhythm, and while this book didn't do anything to really wow me, it was another welcome addition to this series which I have loved reading.
That being said, I am starting to get a little bored of the 'dungeon' clearing so that people can level up. It worked well in the first two books, but now it's getting really samey. Good action in storytelling should be a tool to serve the story, not to fill the gaps because there hasn't been an action scene recently. By far the more interesting parts of this series have been the world-building elements as Allistor continues to grow Invictus.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and all I can say to finish this short review is long live Invictus because I want to keep reading these books for years to come.
I've enjoyed the series to date and this book doesn't disappoint. The MC is over his head and getting deeper all the time, but I can identify with him doing his best. This is something that is more and more important to me in books, caring about the characters.
Allistor has to get over feeling bad about everyone he can't save, but he's got sensible advisors who are helping him realize that he's a big cheese now, and the only way to survive is to get bigger (Emperor of Earth and Orion sounds good) and stronger.
That brings me to the one major character who doesn't (in my mind) fit quite right, and that's his girlfriend Amanda. I can't put my finger on it, but she doesn't seem like a good match for him despite outward appearances to the contrary. Now that the realities of his noble position will require him to have multiple wives is where I see the real cracks begin to form.
Anyway, my relationship radar aside, if you've liked the series so far you'll most likely enjoy this one also.
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Spoilers a Head. . . . . . . . . To me this book felt unfinished and not much progress has been seen......much the same has happened, like clear the dungeons, go meet the trespassers, how humans are the most precious resources, same arguement when meeting new people and same explanation from Allistor, He has recently acquired new planet and he didn't go to check on the beastkin who are leaving there and check resources of the new planet, and when allistor says that he want to adopt the kids I am like what the fuck is wrong with him he is barely 20ish..... But seriously Dave stop pushing things forcefuly.... I already can't handle the fact that his GF is Amanda.....and seriously I have some doubts about meg and sam who used to run some small dinner before apocalypse before and after apocalypse they are Master chefs.... Is there no one alive like Gordon Ramsay who are professional chefs.....and what happened to the one who killed george by misfire did I miss that or there was no mention of it afterwards...... I am really rooting for the Matriach to come and KIll amanda when looking for Orb..... And Dave I really hope that from next book onwards, I don't wanna see people talking to Allistor about joining and threating the procedure should already have been left for Diplomats...... I just want a Harem or elven Bride for Allistor or atleast Helena....... The only thing which went good for this story is Daves writing style or it would have been the same as BOOK 8 of some series which I read this year (horrible)
First off I enjoyed this book, I finished it in one sitting and it's a little shorter than previous novels in this series. That statement out of the way I had to reflect on the book for a few days before writing my review. I love this series especially the first book that made me wish my father were alive to share it with but that said I'm not sure what he would think now that were past basic survival and into colony building and inter galactic politics, I know he enjoyed books like Heinlein's classic The Moon is A Harsh Mistress that played on inter planetary politics and other works of his which dealt with both survival and Politics like Tunnel in The Sky, and Farnham's Freehold but even though I enjoyed those as well I never sat down and talked with him about those aspects and he never showed an interest in those types of games when I played them so I have no reference point. The story advances nicely in the same direction the last two have gone though not as quickly. We get some back story into the system which is nice but also worries me as I can see the groundwork being laid already to work on wrapping this series up which is sad, The ground work may not be jumped on any time soon but it's being laid now, I however hope this series goes on for at least a few more books. Enough rambling, the book is great and I highly recommend it. If that isn't enough of a recommendation for you and you haven't picked up this series consider this; In this review I compared this series to works by Robert Heinlein one of the big three, the masters of science fiction and still gave it 5 stars. That's where the author stands in this genre. Read it.
The author subtly changing the series premise. From a post-apocalypse alien invasion to alternate fantasy world where there are goblins, orcs and elves. That not necessary bad, but it's executed poorly in this book.
The series also need a real antagonist character who should have battles with Allistor and his people. If the author keep sending non-character mobs, I already know the battles outcome; win every time with minor loses.
If not alien antagonist, make a real strong human group. And please not make them unnecessarily evil and greedy. Just make a group that not malevolent to their own people but oppose to Allistor growing power and unable to come to more peaceful resolution.
Try looking it from the outside, suddenly an unknown kid with no knowledge how to govern become basically a warlord. Name it how fancy it is you want but he keep grabbing lands and if people oppose to it they either have to join him or died. The alternative becoming allies but Allistor have all other land surrounding their stronghold consider a hostile move. Another option of moving the stronghold is a compromised, but how do you like if somebody ask you to move house suddenly.
Dropped the book ~1/5 of the way through. ---Minor, not significant spoilers ---
The only thing that happened so far was MC pandering to the people in the area of land he claimed in New York City. Why is someone who owns a planet and is a Prince of Earth still pandering to random strongholds? I think there were three different groups that the MC took time to personally convince to be friends with him so far, each encounter taking a chunk of time, since of course these groups were hostile and unfriendly, with the MC having to explain that he is trying to save everyone and be a good person. Seriously, get an ambassador and record a message, why is he still personally recruiting small groups of people when he has to deal with inter-galactic politics and managing his land/government. Feels like a lot of filler and not very well thought out actions/time management from MC. Disappointing after how much I have enjoyed all of Dave Willmarth's other books.
There are many things I enjoy about this series. The world building is great, the characters are interesting and the author keeps a good pace throughout the book. But this series so very desperately needs a good copy editor.
The author has *so* many sub-plots going and he does a poor job of keeping track of all of them, let alone stitching them together. In the previous book, there was an entire section on coconuts that never went anywhere. In this book, the focus is splintered across I don't know how many different threads.
After four books, it's started to wear on me - I still enjoy the overall story arc, but each book has become less enjoyable than the prior installment.
Additionally, each book has decreased in LitRPG 'crunchiness' which is unfortunate, albeit from a personal preference standpoint.
Consolidating, protecting and growing, Allistor has so much to learn
Another great arc in Allistor story, but so much more background, and spiders, big intelligent spiders, and sadly more losses. Much more of the galaxies politics are explained here as well as an awesome reveal of a central figure’s titles. The scheming of the ancients and others of great power caused Allistor to think further on the alien races, as he has swiftly grown in knowledge, power, and zeal. His quest for class training for himself and all humans is about to begin.
I am so ready for the next installment and looking forward to learning more of the beastfolk races.
I love this storyline i have been loving litrpg and quite frankly this storyline is just my favorite. I often find myself irritated at authors for writing from another characters points of view, but this book keeps the main focus on the protagonist and only occasionally deviates and when it does it is done to further the plot and I don't find myself disliking it. I only have one problem with these books and the author... HE CANT WRITE THEM FAST ENOUGH, I joke. I am recommending to everyone of my friends who read and those that can't, I recommend they listen via audible 😁 LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT
I love that we learn more about the characters that Alistor and his people have been dealing with since the System was introduced. I also like that Alistor is learning that not everything non-human is bad for Earth, and Orion.
I do wish that, with their spaceship, or knowledge from one of the non-humans they interact with, they could figure out the makeup of their new solar system. We now have at least three habitable worlds in the system, but are there more? Why aren’t any of the humans curious to explore, now that they have the capability to do so?
Long running litrpg often runs into the problem of OP characters who've done and learned pretty much everything.
By opening the series to inter-planetary interactions, the author keeps it fun and interesting -- enough to keep me up too late reading. :)
Plus, he adds a class training aspect that the humans have missed, which brings back the fun of starting a brand new leveling system again in book 4. Love it!
Have really enjoyed this book, curiously familiar following established RPG Rules, with added pleasure of watching character growth along with great pace and writing. Watching for the next book
Have really enjoyed this book, curiously familiar with following established RPG Rules, with the added pleasure of watching multiple character growth, great pace and writing. Watching for the next book.
Just starting the 4th book. I checked FB and didn’t see a fifth but a note said..., well, read it yourself. I'm losing sleep reading these around the clock; yes, they are quite good! I'd pay for the hardbacks but I love Kindle, reading hundreds of books a year - I'm retired - and I still have a mortgage. Even worse, these are keeping me from writing my own and Dave has more to read! Lovin this dilemma! Thanks Dave!!
Reading some of the reviews for this book and the previous one made me hesitate to read this for a long time, even though I had consumed the first two books in the series very quickly. I wish I had not believed those reviews and read this sooner. The last 2 books in this series that I have read have been fantastic and many of the issues that the reviewers highlighted were minimal or nonexistent. Overall, I highly recommend this series.
So I still hate Allistor. He just gets under my skin. What a wonderful reaction to have. It speaks well of the author to entice such reactions from their readers. In all I find the story well told and entertaining.
Allistor and crew are still growing and coming to terms with anti-alien sentiment and the joys of owning worlds. They finally get clues as to why Earth was taken and who did it.
Wilmarth brings another book of his great series out , as more and more notice is taken of events then Battelmage skills become even more needed and politics a life or death situation. I always particularly enjoy how the story is always well structured and brings to life the intricate working of the system. A wonderful read and worthy of this excellent series.
Somehow he keeps churning out amazingly quality books. Allistor isn't just some OP main character that nobody can really relate to. You see his struggles and how the women in his life try to keep him flying straight. Can't wait for book 5. Write Faster Dave!
No let down from my perspective. This is one of my favorites in the category as I rank him and Tao as my 1a and A1. This one kept the story moving perfectly and never was a dull moment to read. So many possibilities he's opened up and I can't wait to see where the enchantments will lead. Always happy when I'm reading one by Dave
Truly enjoyed the series. The progression through the series was well thought out. The only complaint I have is that it seem the series ended way to soon .seemed like there was a lot of meat left on the bone to be written about. Would enjoy reading more books in this serie
The series has been okay so far, but it is slowly stretching thin, because the main character has achieved so much that all the struggles that pretty much make the genre tick are becoming hard to insert.
It remains solid, well-written, but it doesn't have the little plus to make it a truly great series.