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First Line of Defence #2
First Line of Defense: Book 2
Morgan Mars is doing everything he can to protect humanity from alien invasion, but even his new organisation, The First Line of Defence, isn’t enough to save what’s already lost. Sectors are collapsing like dominoes as the aftermath of the 20th Cycle invasion leaves everyone trapped in the falling Sectors. No one knows what to do. No one, that is, except Nicholas Thistlebush.
He has a plan to save Sector 6.The only question is, what will it cost him?
He has a plan to save Sector 6.The only question is, what will it cost him?
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
83 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 6, 2024
This is second in a system non-pocalypse that picks up right where the first left off. Read in order.
I was initially confused because we start with a completely new character on a heist. And then things get really confused until we catch back up to the rest of the story and Morgan. Where we get a plot-twist that carries through the rest of the story starting with him getting married. Yeah, he didn't even have a girlfriend in the first book and he gets married to start this one. It makes storybook sense and I almost like his wife more than him, so good times.
If I were to tell you that you know what you're getting because you read the first book you can feel free to laugh at me. Because that is a lie. It's still a great story. And I still liked it for many of the same reasons. Just from different angles.
And I'm totally straining to not spoiler things. Let's get to me giving it four stars because pirates just aren't my thing (and not least because Kerei doesn't sugar coat the smarmy buccaneers even a little) and I didn't care enough about Nicholas to care about his cathartic journey as the god of pirates.
A note about Chaste: There is no steam, even with Morgan getting married. It's a marriage of convenience and Morgan isn't the kind of guy to take advantage of someone just because she's into him. So it's very chaste.
I was initially confused because we start with a completely new character on a heist. And then things get really confused until we catch back up to the rest of the story and Morgan. Where we get a plot-twist that carries through the rest of the story starting with him getting married. Yeah, he didn't even have a girlfriend in the first book and he gets married to start this one. It makes storybook sense and I almost like his wife more than him, so good times.
If I were to tell you that you know what you're getting because you read the first book you can feel free to laugh at me. Because that is a lie. It's still a great story. And I still liked it for many of the same reasons. Just from different angles.
And I'm totally straining to not spoiler things. Let's get to me giving it four stars because pirates just aren't my thing (and not least because Kerei doesn't sugar coat the smarmy buccaneers even a little) and I didn't care enough about Nicholas to care about his cathartic journey as the god of pirates.
A note about Chaste: There is no steam, even with Morgan getting married. It's a marriage of convenience and Morgan isn't the kind of guy to take advantage of someone just because she's into him. So it's very chaste.
May 14, 2025
This is a mixed Review. for both the Text & Audio
Each word is the same but the written & the audio hit me very differently. The written felt much darker and was a 3 star book at best. The Audiobook, with it's narration split between Travis Baldree and Gary Furlong is a lighter experience ( ...or so it seemed to me) but still not the same joy to read that book one is. This sequel really departs from book one and goes to a strange and dark place. Darker than FARMER 2 if that's any basis of comparison.
Still I've got a strong suspicion where book three is going and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
-Update: 3rd reading, about a year later-
I very nearly hated this book a year ago. Well, that's not fair. I felt suckerpunched by this book a year ago. Book one is such a joyride of winning and feeling like a badass.
...So for book two to deal instead with an 80 year old man going through the agony of a mother with Alzheimer's, the unresolved grief of his wife's death years ago, and then the trauma of gaining godlike perception in a warzone, -it's a case of whiplash that I didn't particularly want in my life at that time. I came to this book expecting more of Morgan and T yucking it up while they pull off some spectacular last minute saves. Watching a good man have a nervous breakdown from experiencing ALL the horrors of war and barbarism personally. Yeah, I already said whiplash but that's almost too understated. I try to avoid books that dwell on these topics and to have them leap out at me where I'd least expected them was an additional betrayal all in itself.
Anyway, I've reread these two books back to back (again) and now that book two doesn't come as an unexpected shock, I like it a lot better. I can almost see this book as a passive form of therapy in itself.
-It seems like a theme, that all of Benjamin Kerei's second books deal with grief.
Unorthodox Farming 2
The Vampire Vincent 2
...and this one as well.
Benjamin Kerei also writes like a man who might know a thing or two about grief himself and his familiarity with counseling seems thorough enough that he himself might just be a therapist. I'm honestly afraid to ask.
I'm not suddenly a fan of doom & gloom, but they are handled well, and insightfuly here.
I do hope that if he should ever write a 3rd book one day, it could be about how to move back to the fun after you pick yourself back up.
Each word is the same but the written & the audio hit me very differently. The written felt much darker and was a 3 star book at best. The Audiobook, with it's narration split between Travis Baldree and Gary Furlong is a lighter experience ( ...or so it seemed to me) but still not the same joy to read that book one is. This sequel really departs from book one and goes to a strange and dark place. Darker than FARMER 2 if that's any basis of comparison.
Still I've got a strong suspicion where book three is going and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
-Update: 3rd reading, about a year later-
I very nearly hated this book a year ago. Well, that's not fair. I felt suckerpunched by this book a year ago. Book one is such a joyride of winning and feeling like a badass.
...So for book two to deal instead with an 80 year old man going through the agony of a mother with Alzheimer's, the unresolved grief of his wife's death years ago, and then the trauma of gaining godlike perception in a warzone, -it's a case of whiplash that I didn't particularly want in my life at that time. I came to this book expecting more of Morgan and T yucking it up while they pull off some spectacular last minute saves. Watching a good man have a nervous breakdown from experiencing ALL the horrors of war and barbarism personally. Yeah, I already said whiplash but that's almost too understated. I try to avoid books that dwell on these topics and to have them leap out at me where I'd least expected them was an additional betrayal all in itself.
Anyway, I've reread these two books back to back (again) and now that book two doesn't come as an unexpected shock, I like it a lot better. I can almost see this book as a passive form of therapy in itself.
-It seems like a theme, that all of Benjamin Kerei's second books deal with grief.
Unorthodox Farming 2
The Vampire Vincent 2
...and this one as well.
Benjamin Kerei also writes like a man who might know a thing or two about grief himself and his familiarity with counseling seems thorough enough that he himself might just be a therapist. I'm honestly afraid to ask.
I'm not suddenly a fan of doom & gloom, but they are handled well, and insightfuly here.
I do hope that if he should ever write a 3rd book one day, it could be about how to move back to the fun after you pick yourself back up.
April 22, 2024
For at least the first 50% this story was not grounded. Things happened at a ridiculous pace. The scale was over-sized, to the point where even the protagonist lost his anchor point. In short, it was messy and lacking an emotional heart.
March 30, 2024
So Aggregating
Went through the whole 1st book and it was great. Then started the second book and suddenly there is 2nd point of view from someone who was not in the 1st book and there's more chapters from that person's point of view than the main character. Really took away from immersion in the book in my opinion.
Went through the whole 1st book and it was great. Then started the second book and suddenly there is 2nd point of view from someone who was not in the 1st book and there's more chapters from that person's point of view than the main character. Really took away from immersion in the book in my opinion.
March 27, 2024
amazing
The MC from book 1 has a minor role in this book. And that’s a good thing. He was too powerful to be interesting.
Which is an odd thing to say, since the MC here is…quite powerful. It’s quite interesting to see a different part of the ‘Game’, even briefly.
I have no idea what he could possibly put in a third book, but I am very interested in finding out.
The MC from book 1 has a minor role in this book. And that’s a good thing. He was too powerful to be interesting.
Which is an odd thing to say, since the MC here is…quite powerful. It’s quite interesting to see a different part of the ‘Game’, even briefly.
I have no idea what he could possibly put in a third book, but I am very interested in finding out.
March 28, 2024
Honestly, this was not what I expected. I figured I’d be in for more of the same, but actually Morgan had a really small role, and most of the story was about a new character.
Much like the first volume, there were some delightfully amusing over-powered moments, especially nearer the beginning of the book. But after a while, it settled down and became much more thoughtful and introspective. That’s one of the aspects of Unorthodox Farming that really made me love the series, and so I appreciated it here.
I think I would have liked to see tuxedo-wearing Nicholas spend a little more time James Bonding his way to power, rather than have him achieve so much power quite so quickly. Much of what made the first book fun was seeing Morgan do some risky and ridiculous things, and we mostly don’t get that kind of action in this book. But that’s just a nit-pick.
I definitely really enjoyed this book. I devoured it in like two days, and I will snap up the third book as soon as it materializes.
Much like the first volume, there were some delightfully amusing over-powered moments, especially nearer the beginning of the book. But after a while, it settled down and became much more thoughtful and introspective. That’s one of the aspects of Unorthodox Farming that really made me love the series, and so I appreciated it here.
I think I would have liked to see tuxedo-wearing Nicholas spend a little more time James Bonding his way to power, rather than have him achieve so much power quite so quickly. Much of what made the first book fun was seeing Morgan do some risky and ridiculous things, and we mostly don’t get that kind of action in this book. But that’s just a nit-pick.
I definitely really enjoyed this book. I devoured it in like two days, and I will snap up the third book as soon as it materializes.
March 30, 2024
Great ride
Another excellent adventure from Benjamin Kerei. The author has several series and I've enjoyed all of them, though this is my favorite.
The book takes place over several cycles, but they have a lot going on. The author does a great job introducing us to new characters and making them feel important.
I'm curious if we'll see the same narrative structure in the next volume.
Either way, I'm looking forward to whatever the author puts out next.
Another excellent adventure from Benjamin Kerei. The author has several series and I've enjoyed all of them, though this is my favorite.
The book takes place over several cycles, but they have a lot going on. The author does a great job introducing us to new characters and making them feel important.
I'm curious if we'll see the same narrative structure in the next volume.
Either way, I'm looking forward to whatever the author puts out next.
March 29, 2024
I BLOODY LOVED IT.
BEN, thanks for putting in the graveyard conversation. It meant a lot to me.
Can't wait for book 3
BEN, thanks for putting in the graveyard conversation. It meant a lot to me.
Can't wait for book 3
January 15, 2025
Imagine if a friend told you about a place that made the world's best chocolate cake. They do such a good job describing it that you decide to try this chocolate cake with your friend talking it up throughout the entire journey. Then, when you are in the restaurant, you see pictures on the wall showing chocolate cake, and everyone sitting around you is eating this amazing chocolate cake and groaning in pleasure. The waitress comes to take your order, you order the chocolate cake and she compliments you on your choice because the chocolate cake is so great. You are now super invested in getting chocolate cake, you're salivating for chocolate cake, and when you see the waitress come out, you're super excited about the chocolate cake...
But when the plate hits the table, there isn't chocolate cake.
There's a slice of apple pie. There's nothing special about it. In fact, this pie is undercooked, the apples are a bit sour, and it's pretty forgettable. This pie is edible, but honestly, it would have been a bit underwhelming at the best of times. After the cake build up, though, you're left with only one thought.
"Where the hell is my cake!"
That's this book.
If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be jarring. If I had to use two, it would be relentlessly jarring.
I jumped into this book straight after reading the first book in this series and was instantly confused. The first book put in an a lot of effort to sell us on a story that had no business being as good as it was. It took a lot of elements that I would not personally have chosen as the kind of story that I would be interested in, but amazingly made it work regardless. Then in this book it takes that work and throws it all away.
It opens with a third-person POV prologue that tells the story of an old man and his even older mother. The game's arrival has been a gift for them because, when playing the game, his mother's Alzheimers goes away. However, when Morgan makes his deal to rejuvenate everyone on earth to their peak health, the Alzheimers is cured, and this elderly man and his mother get a second chance at life. Weirdly, despite the man being the POV of this flashback, it's his mother who wants to take advantage of this new lease of life and get out and do something with the gift she has been given, not him, which is a little jarring.
However, it was a nice little story showing the impact of Morgan's actions in the first book. Great, let's get back to the meat of the story then. Chapter One... Introducing a new First Person protagonist, Nicholas the old man from the prologue... Oh... That's not what I expected.
I am rarely ever a fan of switching up protagonists partway through a series. With extremely rare exceptions, it is just something that never makes sense because an author has invested a serious amount of time and effort in getting his readers invested in someone else's story only to throw all that then away to do all that set-up work all over again. This alone is a jarring experience, but for it to happen in a story with a first-person protagonist, then it's even weirder.
This whole section was really jarring because it set up a whole new kind of story that was completely unrelated to the first book and the prologue. Then, just when this new type of story is settling in again into this story gets put on immediate hold, and everything is changed again.
But the jarring experiences don't stop there.
What even is this book?
The series is called First Line of Defense, which made sense with how the first book was set up. In this book, though, it's barely even remotely relevant. There are some Morgan POV chapters, but they are throw-away chapters to remind you that he's even in this story. The crazy thing is, my investment in Morgan's advancement was the sole driving force of the first book, and because of how this book played out, I couldn't care less about his story every time we came back to him.
I was toying with giving this book 2 stars to account for my personal tastes not being interested in the storyline, but I can't give this one the benefit of the doubt. It read a whole book that promised me incredible chocolate cake, but what it delivered was an apple pie so sub-standard it's not even in the same ballpark.
I can't give that experience anything but 1 disappointing star.
But when the plate hits the table, there isn't chocolate cake.
There's a slice of apple pie. There's nothing special about it. In fact, this pie is undercooked, the apples are a bit sour, and it's pretty forgettable. This pie is edible, but honestly, it would have been a bit underwhelming at the best of times. After the cake build up, though, you're left with only one thought.
"Where the hell is my cake!"
That's this book.
If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be jarring. If I had to use two, it would be relentlessly jarring.
I jumped into this book straight after reading the first book in this series and was instantly confused. The first book put in an a lot of effort to sell us on a story that had no business being as good as it was. It took a lot of elements that I would not personally have chosen as the kind of story that I would be interested in, but amazingly made it work regardless. Then in this book it takes that work and throws it all away.
It opens with a third-person POV prologue that tells the story of an old man and his even older mother. The game's arrival has been a gift for them because, when playing the game, his mother's Alzheimers goes away. However, when Morgan makes his deal to rejuvenate everyone on earth to their peak health, the Alzheimers is cured, and this elderly man and his mother get a second chance at life. Weirdly, despite the man being the POV of this flashback, it's his mother who wants to take advantage of this new lease of life and get out and do something with the gift she has been given, not him, which is a little jarring.
However, it was a nice little story showing the impact of Morgan's actions in the first book. Great, let's get back to the meat of the story then. Chapter One... Introducing a new First Person protagonist, Nicholas the old man from the prologue... Oh... That's not what I expected.
I am rarely ever a fan of switching up protagonists partway through a series. With extremely rare exceptions, it is just something that never makes sense because an author has invested a serious amount of time and effort in getting his readers invested in someone else's story only to throw all that then away to do all that set-up work all over again. This alone is a jarring experience, but for it to happen in a story with a first-person protagonist, then it's even weirder.
This whole section was really jarring because it set up a whole new kind of story that was completely unrelated to the first book and the prologue. Then, just when this new type of story is settling in again into this story gets put on immediate hold, and everything is changed again.
But the jarring experiences don't stop there.
What even is this book?
The series is called First Line of Defense, which made sense with how the first book was set up. In this book, though, it's barely even remotely relevant. There are some Morgan POV chapters, but they are throw-away chapters to remind you that he's even in this story. The crazy thing is, my investment in Morgan's advancement was the sole driving force of the first book, and because of how this book played out, I couldn't care less about his story every time we came back to him.
I was toying with giving this book 2 stars to account for my personal tastes not being interested in the storyline, but I can't give this one the benefit of the doubt. It read a whole book that promised me incredible chocolate cake, but what it delivered was an apple pie so sub-standard it's not even in the same ballpark.
I can't give that experience anything but 1 disappointing star.
May 8, 2024
Rating 3.0 stars
I really liked the first book, this one not so much. In the first book we learn about Morgan and everything he has to go through with the game and how it affects the world. Morgan is still in this one but he shares his POV with someone else. Someone that is new to the series. Instead of a 50-50 split it was actually more of an 80/20 split with Morgan getting the 20%. It also seemed like the good majority of his scenes were as a support character to the Nickalous POV. This is just such a weird choice. The things that happened, while interesting, weren't that helpful in the big picture of the world.
I really liked the first book, this one not so much. In the first book we learn about Morgan and everything he has to go through with the game and how it affects the world. Morgan is still in this one but he shares his POV with someone else. Someone that is new to the series. Instead of a 50-50 split it was actually more of an 80/20 split with Morgan getting the 20%. It also seemed like the good majority of his scenes were as a support character to the Nickalous POV. This is just such a weird choice. The things that happened, while interesting, weren't that helpful in the big picture of the world.
May 3, 2024
*Audio book review*
Book one, was amazing. I loved the characters, settings, world and even the system. Book two...what a left turn to shit hole city. The main character is different; using a class that he doesn't like and not really get into and truthfully, I was super confused by the story. I cared so little about what was going on and only perked up when the MC from book 1 made an surprised guest appearance. I think, the author was trying something different...however, it did not work out. It became a mess that left the audience confused by the end of the book. The series had so much potential as well. Seriously, why give the MC a chaotic evil class to work with, when he is boy's scout. The whole time, the MC hated every moment of it...and that hate got passed on to audience. This is the last time I do a blind jump to book two to a series.
Book one, was amazing. I loved the characters, settings, world and even the system. Book two...what a left turn to shit hole city. The main character is different; using a class that he doesn't like and not really get into and truthfully, I was super confused by the story. I cared so little about what was going on and only perked up when the MC from book 1 made an surprised guest appearance. I think, the author was trying something different...however, it did not work out. It became a mess that left the audience confused by the end of the book. The series had so much potential as well. Seriously, why give the MC a chaotic evil class to work with, when he is boy's scout. The whole time, the MC hated every moment of it...and that hate got passed on to audience. This is the last time I do a blind jump to book two to a series.
April 2, 2024
I did enjoy it, but I also feel weird about it.
Some of my thoughts:
-MC: I liked Morgan more than Nicholas, but he was also an ok MC, if you disregard all the insanity.
-Minions: Wasn't a fan of all the pirate crew + racist alien cast system bits. I could have done with some more smiting, and then recrouting actually likable people, but that just might be my Last Horizon withdrawal talking.
-Crew: The quartermaster was nice, with all his helpful shadiness. The bull guy was nice in concept, but tiresome to listen to. The bird kind of came out of nowhere, then solved everything in 10 mins
-The bit where the aliens randomly created an obsessive wife for Morgan was excessively weird.
I will probably listen to the next one as well, but with a little bit less enthusiasm
Some of my thoughts:
-MC: I liked Morgan more than Nicholas, but he was also an ok MC, if you disregard all the insanity.
-Minions: Wasn't a fan of all the pirate crew + racist alien cast system bits. I could have done with some more smiting, and then recrouting actually likable people, but that just might be my Last Horizon withdrawal talking.
-Crew: The quartermaster was nice, with all his helpful shadiness. The bull guy was nice in concept, but tiresome to listen to. The bird kind of came out of nowhere, then solved everything in 10 mins
-The bit where the aliens randomly created an obsessive wife for Morgan was excessively weird.
I will probably listen to the next one as well, but with a little bit less enthusiasm
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2024
Had me weeping towards the second half
Some really heavy philosophical questions being dealt with in this one. However, it was never dull or unfathomably complex. It's all presented in an easily digestible manner. The authors personal loss and his thoughts and feelings have come to life in this book in a manner that is relatable and on a scale that is far beyond anything anyone has ever seen.
The depth of these characters make them spring to life and bounce right off the pages. What they feel, you feel. What they experience, you experience. I was weeping throughout several parts of the second half. This is how real these characters really are.
Definitely an epic in the making and I just cannot wait for the next book.
Some really heavy philosophical questions being dealt with in this one. However, it was never dull or unfathomably complex. It's all presented in an easily digestible manner. The authors personal loss and his thoughts and feelings have come to life in this book in a manner that is relatable and on a scale that is far beyond anything anyone has ever seen.
The depth of these characters make them spring to life and bounce right off the pages. What they feel, you feel. What they experience, you experience. I was weeping throughout several parts of the second half. This is how real these characters really are.
Definitely an epic in the making and I just cannot wait for the next book.
May 12, 2024
This was a fun novel, and no I didn't love it as much as book one, but it wasn't a bridge either. This book had a whole new set of characters dealing with the same kinds of issues and talking care of the problems in their own special way while getting stronger. Find out how Morgan Mars and Nicholas Thistlebush deal with the new regime. It makes me want to know what Benjamin Kerei has in-store for us... in the next book in the series will he combine the characters so they can fight together, or what??? So go grab the audiobook to find out how everything plays out.
Gary Furlong's always a fantastic narrator, and fun to listen to, but that's not all, and with the addition of Travis Baldree into this, it's like the icing on the narrator jackpot!
Gary Furlong's always a fantastic narrator, and fun to listen to, but that's not all, and with the addition of Travis Baldree into this, it's like the icing on the narrator jackpot!
July 22, 2025
Ok so starting out was a little rough. We do not start with Morgan and Tee, we start in England and with a brand new character. I will admit it took a little while to get into the new book with Nicholas and the morality/deep insight into the human condition. However seeing how it was interacting with the rest of the universe and how Morgan is trying to build the world it was interesting as well as setting the series up for some interesting gains in the next set of cycles.
So much is in the process of changing, quickly, and Mars is starting to set the groundwork to become a very interesting faction. I kinda wanted to know how Tee keeps ending up being moderated and what he is doing to break the system so often!
So much is in the process of changing, quickly, and Mars is starting to set the groundwork to become a very interesting faction. I kinda wanted to know how Tee keeps ending up being moderated and what he is doing to break the system so often!
April 2, 2024
Not a good as the first.
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't as good as the first. It seemed too long-winded. There was a lot of explaining things. Too many gods running around doing whatever. Even the players in the Game seem over-powered, while the writer protests that the Human Faction is underpowered. Meanwhile, if they need to create a thousand cannons to win a conflict, they have the power to do it in the blink of an eye. It doesn't seem realistic, and while the stakes are high, there doesn't seem to be any real threat of loss.
I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't as good as the first. It seemed too long-winded. There was a lot of explaining things. Too many gods running around doing whatever. Even the players in the Game seem over-powered, while the writer protests that the Human Faction is underpowered. Meanwhile, if they need to create a thousand cannons to win a conflict, they have the power to do it in the blink of an eye. It doesn't seem realistic, and while the stakes are high, there doesn't seem to be any real threat of loss.
April 5, 2024
So far, this is a 2.5 star series for me. It's good enough to keep reading, but barely.
It's kind of all over the place and feels very unbalanced. There's a lot of navel-gazing where the characters go through emotional stress that gets old and doesn't make the characters feel more realistic, but less. You go from way OP MC to facing impossible situations to solving them with plot armor in the blink of an eye. There are no characters that I liked very much, they all seem dumb. There are clever bits throughout, and the world building can become interesting, which saves the book.
It's kind of all over the place and feels very unbalanced. There's a lot of navel-gazing where the characters go through emotional stress that gets old and doesn't make the characters feel more realistic, but less. You go from way OP MC to facing impossible situations to solving them with plot armor in the blink of an eye. There are no characters that I liked very much, they all seem dumb. There are clever bits throughout, and the world building can become interesting, which saves the book.
June 3, 2024
Bizarre
The story reads often as if it was written by someone on a drug trip while watching Power Rangers and the ancient manga series Captain Harlock simultanously. A wooden 17 century like pirate ship flying through space. Gigantic pirates attacking space ships with cutlasses and flintlock pistols from afar - in space... Organic pirates evolving by creating symbioses with special ships.. Rather demented avatar battles..Two protagonists written from first person´s perspective...
This book is quite a mess..
The story reads often as if it was written by someone on a drug trip while watching Power Rangers and the ancient manga series Captain Harlock simultanously. A wooden 17 century like pirate ship flying through space. Gigantic pirates attacking space ships with cutlasses and flintlock pistols from afar - in space... Organic pirates evolving by creating symbioses with special ships.. Rather demented avatar battles..Two protagonists written from first person´s perspective...
This book is quite a mess..
May 11, 2024
A new perspective
I have mixed feelings about this book for having a new focus character, Nicholas and his story is quite interesting, and I had a lovely time with it. But Morgan is still very much my favourite and I feel a little cheated for not seeing more of him this time. I'm glad he still had a notable presence and his own focus chapters, but I hope he takes back up the position of lead character again sometime.
I have mixed feelings about this book for having a new focus character, Nicholas and his story is quite interesting, and I had a lovely time with it. But Morgan is still very much my favourite and I feel a little cheated for not seeing more of him this time. I'm glad he still had a notable presence and his own focus chapters, but I hope he takes back up the position of lead character again sometime.
April 29, 2024
Stopped reading 1/3 into the book. The book has progressed into more characters, new scenarios and after introducing those I just gave up. What I liked about book 1 was removed or reduced to a minimum. I missed the thoughts about building, upgrades, progression and battle tactics… Missed more Morgan and T.
October 31, 2024
New Main Character? Why?
This book gives us a new main character who wasn’t even in the first book. He gets ridiculous powers right away and then spends a ton of time being morally conflicted over everything. Morgan is in the book but only barely up to the point where I finally had to give up reading. The first book was amazing, why not just stick to that?
This book gives us a new main character who wasn’t even in the first book. He gets ridiculous powers right away and then spends a ton of time being morally conflicted over everything. Morgan is in the book but only barely up to the point where I finally had to give up reading. The first book was amazing, why not just stick to that?
May 6, 2025
Not really a sequel, more like the two books just share the same setting
Aside from the genres of Litrpg and Empire building and the setting, the sequel has almost nothing in common except for short scenes with cameos of first book characters.
A good read, but if you are looking for a station-focused novel, look elsewhere.
Aside from the genres of Litrpg and Empire building and the setting, the sequel has almost nothing in common except for short scenes with cameos of first book characters.
A good read, but if you are looking for a station-focused novel, look elsewhere.
April 7, 2024
Great book
Another stellar entry from Benjamin Kerei. A second POV is introduced and the book spends quite a bit of time on that character. Hopefully the next on spends more on Morgan.
Another stellar entry from Benjamin Kerei. A second POV is introduced and the book spends quite a bit of time on that character. Hopefully the next on spends more on Morgan.
May 23, 2024
Not sure how I feel about the two POV split in this book, and the story focusing more on the new guy, than on the one from book one.
There was no outside the box thinking that I've come to enjoy from the author.
I will read the sequel, but this was "meh".
3/5 Stars
There was no outside the box thinking that I've come to enjoy from the author.
I will read the sequel, but this was "meh".
3/5 Stars
June 12, 2024
Another banger
I loved the first book and this one was no different. Hooked me from the start, even with the new POV, and I read it all in a few days. I hope the series keeps going because I feel like this is one I'll keep buying forever.
I loved the first book and this one was no different. Hooked me from the start, even with the new POV, and I read it all in a few days. I hope the series keeps going because I feel like this is one I'll keep buying forever.
February 17, 2025
Better than expected
I laughed, I nearly cried, I laughed some more. Much more introspection than the first novel but equally entertaining. I look forward to seeing where this series will head to next.
I laughed, I nearly cried, I laughed some more. Much more introspection than the first novel but equally entertaining. I look forward to seeing where this series will head to next.
March 9, 2025
It is very enjoyable when my favorite authors take risks. Does it work all the time? No. Is it as lighthearted as his other works? No. Does it make complete sense? No. Is the ending perfect? No. But it was an enjoyable ride and I support the change.
April 1, 2024
Quite the follow-up
April 15, 2024
This should been another book in the universe. Nice idea but i feel robbed of my experience from book 1.
April 28, 2024
Very different from the first book. Still fun, but different.
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