This RPG is LIT!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Land: Forging to be better than the print version?

This book was AMAZING. It blended so seemlessly with the first book that I didn't really feel like it was a sequal, but a new episode in a miniseries with the same overarching story. So engrossed in the story, and so completely enamored with it, I honestly couldn't tell you know where the end of the first book left off and this one began. And yet, the first book ended in a way that I remember being satisfied and that the book was over. I don't know exactly how the author managed to create an ending that felt like an ending at the time, but also now barely feels like a brief pause in such an engrossing story.

What did you like best about this story?

Absolutely. This book made me fall in love with the LitRPG genre all over again. In preperation, I've already set aside enough credits at Audible to purchase all the books in the series once they are released. I'll be listening to each and every one the same day they are released. I haven't been so excited for a series since The Wheel of Time was still being written. Move over, Song of Ice and Fire. You've been replaced in my audiobook library as most anticipated!

Which scene was your favorite?

The author managed to either anticipate questions the reader will have, or writes so well, he leads you to ask the questions he wants in the first place. And then, he answers them! He doesn't keep us starved for more, he is generous and mindful enough to give the reader exactly what they want and in a timely manner.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely! Sadly, I had to sleep in the middle, but the book had engrossed me so completely, I actually DREAMED of the characters.

Any additional comments?

Nick Podehl was an AMAZING choice as narrator. As one of the best male narrators in the game, I honestly couldn't have been happier with anyone else's performance. He is truly a master of his craft.

31 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Almost as good as book one

The problem with expanding a storyline is that you end up with the odd muddy middle now and then. This is still very enjoyable and worth the listen (a couple of times).

The narrator is great.

Sometimes the alerts from the game are annoying, but when I played online RPG's a few years back it is also something that you have to deal with all the time, so it's real. Without the alerts, you'd be missing important information. So... it's okay.

Obviously, I'm committed now. ;-) On to the next book.

13 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

good book leaves you wanting more

very relatable I love all the pop culture references from my day I can really connect with the characters can't wait to start the next book

11 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Phenomenal Series!!!

I love the series, and in this book I love the development of Yoshi and Richter's bond. The series is full of action, adventure, and emotion.

10 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Best series I've read all year!

My son introduced me to this book and I picked up the audiobook for a long work commute. The narrator is probably the best I've ever heard. The book itself is a combination of Piers anthony punny humor, world building, and a dude encountering a plethora of "oh crap" situations. I've read the series twice and don't plan on stopping. Well worth the time/cost.

6 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Still loving it

Really enjoy this series. Read the books first as e-books and now I'm going back and listening to them as audio. Very much looking forward to the rest of the series coming to audible and the 7th book, which is coming out soon. Crossing my fingers that by the 8th book, ebook and audible version will release simultaneously. Also, the author Aleron Kong, really churns out the novels, so as a reader, you have confidence it won't be years in between releases. It's more like months. The main character is evolving nicely, but I'd love to see some more deeper relationships evolve for him. His relationship with Sion is great and you really feel that sense of camaraderie. Eventually you get the same with Terrod and Krom but I feel like the relationships with the females are a bit more superficial and not well fleshed out (mostly simple flirtation and so on). But the series appears to be setting up for a lengthy run of novels, so here's to hoping those will come. Here's hoping for some strong and prominent female characters.

Nick Podehl continues to be an outstanding narrator with a great range of voices that he lends to the characters. He also just has an excellent feel for pacing as he reads the book. Can't recommend him as a narrator enough.

I personally feel the series rewards my continued investment as a reader and honestly, that's what I'm looking for anytime I start a book.

18 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

These Books Are Not Good

These books are bad and the writing is no where near as competent as Game of Thrones. This series is more Twilight than A Song of Ice and Fire. If Mr Kong is the “Farther of American LitRPG” I’d fear for the genre’s genetic health. Do yourself a favor and skip this series unless you just want paper thin characters and a pointless plot. Nick Podehl does a great job but I’d recommend finding something that has better source material if you want to actually hear what he is capable of as a narrator.

5 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Trash absolute and utter trash.

See review of book one, don't make the mistake, like me, thinking the first was a fluke and maybe the series develops, "it has so many good reviews, it must be good" ..... you will never get these 11 hours back.

5 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Decent book... just... Too much idiocy.

Though the story is still intriguing, and all of the references still a humorous sojourn into the cheesy lands of nostalgia, the MC made FAR too many obviously stupid decisions. Then he would say or think something along the lines of, "Well, I won't ever do THAT again," only to do much the same thing, either a few chapters, or even a few measly paragraphs later. It drove me nuts; especially considering the cost (or the potential cost) of his flippant behavior. For continuity's sake, Richter was originally portrayed as being silly, and SOMETIMES oblivious... not moronic.
Anyway, let's hope the next book isn't as infuriating, because, despite my grievances, the story still managed to suck me in, and now I simply NEED to find out what happens next.

5 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

Story is lacking. Game mechanics are the story.

This is the second book in the series, and if you liked the first, you'll like this one too. The biggest difference is the inclusion of puzzles in the dungeon. They replace some combat or character interaction you'd have in the first book. They feel extremely arbitrary and reminded me of the Chompers "It makes no logical sense. Why is this here?" scene in Galaxy Quest. I think there were just too many of them which had me wishing for more good old fashioned fighting. However this is my own personal taste. Others might enjoy the puzzles.

The frustrating thing about this book is that there appears to be a larger thread that ties everything together, but it is doled out so sparsely that it might as well not exist. Instead we get a series of self contained challenges the main protagonist Richter must overcome. For the most part you could switch them up, or omit any one entirely, and not change the story.

The only constant is Richter's ever growing list of spells he can cast and loot he carries. It's a Skinner Box any RPG would be proud of. This is clearly where the author spent most of his efforts and it shows. The mechanics of the world is the best character in the book.

As for the story, it is split between leveling up the main village and a puzzle themed dungeon crawl. Believability is the Achilles heel here. Richter continues to be an incredibly blessed character. He gets what he needs to complete his next challenge right before needing it. This all follows the traditions of video games, but video games have a poor reputation when it comes to story for a reason. A poor story for a game is acceptable, for a book...not so much.

I've done a lot of griping because that's what sticks out in my mind. Ultimately, this is a fun but average book that you'll enjoy if you don't think too much about it.

5 les gens ont trouvé cela utile