The Land: Founding: A LitRPG Saga

Gold Standard of LITRPG

I've now listened to a number of LITRPG series that I truly like and have given 5 stars across the board to - The System Apocolypse by Tao Wong, Alpha World by Daniel Schinhofen, Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko, and The Gam3 by Cosimo Yap - but, to me so far, gold standard is The Land. The completeness of integrating an RPG game with "real life" has been readily managed by the author, Aleron Kong.

Now, combine that with the talents of Nick Podehl, and you truly have an epic on your hands. He brings to life all of the characters in such a clever manner that I find it hard NOT to laugh at times, thanks to his way of expressing what is actually happening. Congrats to Aleron for injecting common day events and sayings into the script, so that Nick can expertly interpret them in voice.

As a gamer, and a listener of these books, there were many times I'd think, "This is what he's got to do now!" as we've found ourselves gaming with these events happening to our avatars. Usually, these are basic moves ... or, what we consider to be the most "logical" moves, as we've probably repeated them over and over and over ... again. Aleron Kong goes beyond the rote "next move" and weaves an intricate, yet refreshingly correct, path for our hero. One that I've consistently found interesting. The moves are correct, because our "hero" is flawed and doesn't always "go with the flow".

It's unique. It's gripping. And, it's just thoroughly enjoyable.

41 of 44 people found this review helpful

The BEST Audible Series Available!

You can stop reading reviews! Go listen to "The Land" now! I've listened to all 7 of the books "The Land" series has to offer at the time this review was written. That's 120 hours and 25 minutes of Nick Podehl narrating the words of Aleron Kong! Over 5 days straight of listening time and I want more! I never want it to end!

I am not an RPG guy. I've never before played an RPG board game. Don't let the RPG title deter you. Anyone will love this book because of the rich story telling, incredible characters, the world that Aleron Kong creates, and the masterful story telling! The incredible thing about these books is you start at square one with the main character, our hero Richter, and go on this grand adventure with him; growing and learning with him. Throughout the progression of these books it's impossible not to fall in love with the characters as you watch the world unfold around you. Aleron Kong's writing is relatable, funny, and emotional while being so descriptive that you will watch the world be painted before you. I'm always surprised by his hilarious use of crass and current humor intertwined with such a high level of writing.

The only thing better than Kong's story is Podehl's narration. I'm a television producer with a degree in theater, film, and television and I can honestly say Nick Podehl is a master storyteller. He should win all the awards! His narration is enthralling from start to finish. His characters are out of this world amazing! It never seems like someone doing voices, it just sounds like I'm listening to a myriad of different characters - like watching an animated series. Every character's voice is not only unique and perfectly suited for them, but even his speech patterns and intonations differ from character to character. Jim Henson himself would be impressed. And this is the very first audible book I've heard narrated by a male that can successfully do female characters just as well. I can listen for hours and continue being impressed every minute.

My one issue with the audible version of this book is that certain charts and figures can be daunting when listened to aloud, but sometimes you just have to let it wash past you as it's not imperative to the story. I would recommend this book 1 million percent. It is so worth listening to the audible version for Podehl's narration. Just be warned! Once you start you won't be able to stop.

59 of 64 people found this review helpful

This entire series is an absolute MUST read!!

The Land series is hand's down one of the best, most entertaining series I have ever read (or listened to) in my almost 40 years of reading for pleasure. I have read countless series over the years and have many that make my short-list of favorites. The Land is one of the most brilliantly written, entertaining, enjoyable series I have ever had the pleasure to read. Along with serious and suspenseful moments where you just know your favorite character has no chance to make it out of the mess he's in, there are countless laugh out loud moments. And for those listening on Audible, Nick Podehl brings Aleron's characters to life in a way you will never appreciate until you listen. Before The Land, there were only 2 series that I enjoyed reading a second time. The Land brings that total to 3!

This is anything BUT "just another" LitRPG series. Whether you are a fan of epic fantasy, D&D, LItRPG, suspense, etc., or just a fan of pure entertainment, you have got to give this series a try. The first book starts off fast and furious, and Aleron has maintained that pace through the entire series. Read this series and you will find out why Aleron earned the title of Father of American LitRPG!

If you have tried other LitRPG series and found them lacking, try this one to see how it is really supposed to be done.

45 of 49 people found this review helpful

The book I've always wanted to read

This is the book I've dreamed of reading since I first played D&D as a kid in the 80s I listened to the audiobook, and the performance was brilliant. It really enhanced the experience, though I'm tempted to get the kindle version now so I can go over the stats in more detail. I've read fantasy for years but this was my first litRPG. I've been reluctant to try them, but now I'm really glad I did. Just a really fun read. Got to go now and download the next book.

25 of 27 people found this review helpful

This RPG is LIT!

Would you listen to The Land: Founding: A LitRPG Saga again? Why?

Recently, I've been buying up pretty much every LitRPG I could get my grubby hands on. Sad to say, not every narrator is up to the task (I'm assuming struggling independant authors got a good deal in order to just get their work out there). This book, however? Not even in the same league! Nick Podehl is by far one of the greatest male narrators in the game right now, and securing him for this series only makes a great thing AMAZING.

The story starts simply, but gets deeper with every chapter, drawing you deeper into the world. Characters develop before your eyes, and plots unfold to lay bare even more complex mechinations. The main character is certainly on his way to becoming a bad-ass, but doesn't start out in god-mode, and he doesn't always make the right decision, but he LEARNS from his mistakes, and his attitude and decisions grow and reflect those experiences.

I'll be honest, I shamelessly listened to this book straight through in a single day. I bought the next book before I was even halfway through the first and had it downlowded and qued up so I could keep going even after this book was finished. I've read and listened to all the major LitRPG series out at the time I write this, and I can tell you with absolute surity that THIS series is already by far my favorite. This is the kind of series that others will hold up as the standard for the genre, and seek to emulate. I look forward to the rest of the series with true and unadulterated escitement! (^_^)

What other book might you compare The Land: Founding: A LitRPG Saga to and why?

None. THIS is the book other works should be comparing themselves against.

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, he does an amazing job in this book!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, absolutely. My chest swelled with the emotions of the main character at several points, when the character himself was overwhelmed with emotion.

15 of 18 people found this review helpful

I’m HOOKED!

I listened to all seven books in The Land series in about 2-3 months via Kindle. That’s how much I loved the series! I haven’t been this invested in a book series since Harry Potter! As a Tabletop gamer, reading the series was such amazing self care for me! And have such a diverse and unique expanse of characters has me HOOKED! I’m sooo excited for the next book in the series!

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Lot's of fun for any rpg fan.

loved the sound effects that came with leveling up or acquiring items. The author does a good job of making choices that a real person would make while playing a game making it more believable as well.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Lots of potential if it doesn't grate your nerves.

You know that friend in your gaming group that makes constant cultural references? The one who says memes in person? The one who shows you "hilarious" YouTube videos back to back even though you're not giving them any reaction? That's this book. It's an interesting concept that I could see myself enjoying, but the writer insists on making "gamer culture" references every paragraph. The book takes place 30 years in the future, no one is going to be making "what does the fox say" jokes, they aren't funny now, they won't be funny then. Voice actor performance is 10/10, he is great. I'm sure there are lots of people that will enjoy this, but I just can't handle the lame gamer references.

16 of 20 people found this review helpful

#1 Book of all time

This book was fantastic in so many ways. I have read books for a long time now and I can safely say that this is the best book I have ever had the pleasure of reading. If you have ever dreamed of building up something great when starting with little to nothing, you will love this book.

16 of 20 people found this review helpful

Life Changing Experience

In all my life I have had problems reading and/or listening to books. Either they go too fast or are too confusing. It got to the point where I would not read just because I knew that I wasn't going to like it. Eventually, my friend came along and let me borrow his audible. I listened to about ten minutes of this before buying a subscription outright and then ordering the whole series. This has opened my eyes to a new genre of books and how good stories on audible are read. I especially appreciate the accents and the smoothness of Nick Podehl when he reads. It made this story even better.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful