Life Reset: A LitRPG Novel (New Era Online)
I am NOT well-versed in LitRPG. In fact, another author mentioned the genre about six-eight months ago and I thought he was making it up. Since then, I have read some of this genre and it is growing on me. Kuznits' Life Reset (New Era Online Book 1) takes the immersion to new places. It is a long read, but it flows pretty quick. You ever have dreams where you have to do a simple task, but you always have interruptions? And you get pissed? This book gave me a series of those dreams. Aside from THAT frustration, I think it speaks volumes about how engrossed a reader can get with the story. The gaming aspect - wanting to do a task, but need to do step 1, 2, and before 3, a side of step a and b. So, that is what caused my annoying dreams. I laugh now. Now. Okay, Oren is a high level player in New Era Online (NEO). His success in-game provides funding in RL. He leads a powerful guild and gets rammed, without a smile, by his own peeps. Not only that, but a rare spell causes him to respawn into Monster Class. That isn't supposed to happen. Now, as a newbie Goblin (the weak of the weak), he needs to get sorted, get powerful, and take revenge. With his funds cut off, he needs to do this quick. Okay, so that is a glimpse beyond what the blurb provides. I won't summarize more specifics, but the following bits are somewhere in this tale. The option is yours. Stop reading and buy, or move on, or well - continue reading I guess. This is character driven for sure. When you are on top, the fall is far. Humbling. Compassion. Introspection. Change. Oren - as Goblin, must learn how to play a Monster Class, and build a clan and settlement from scratch. If he doesn't, revenge against his former guild will not come to fruition, his rent/food etc., are on the line, and well - okay, ONE spoiler - so is his life! No more info on that for you! Vic is the comic relief. I enjoyed his role. In all - fun read. Plenty of action to keep things grooving. Even though the cover looks way more (too much) High Fantasy for my liking, this ended up being a rather enjoyable book. I wouldn't hesitate to read more NEO installments. 5 of 5 Stars. Author provided ARC. From the Publisher: After being betrayed and cursed by an extremely rare spell, Oren, a powerful and influential player, finds himself as a 1st level Goblin! Without even a fraction of his previous power, he vows to pull through and have revenge on those who betrayed him. His thorough knowledge of the game's world and his unique ability to immerse himself entirely are his only advantages. But first, he must figure out how to survive long enough playing what is basically a low-level fodder monster!