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The Completionist Chronicles #12
Untapped
He came back for some easy wins. Midgard came back with a sucker punch.
Joe the Ritualist has finally found a true community in Vanaheim at the Tower of Ritualists. To his delight, he’s greeted by Masters of his craft, a Grandmaster on the brink of ascension, and a method to fix his most glaring flaws.
Barely entering the tower before being sent away once more, Joe is given a quest by the soon-to-be leave Vanaheim for another world, learn to fight as a combat ritualist, improve his foundational skills, and return with a Mythic core no matter how long it takes.
There's plenty for him to accomplish on Midgard. His guild, town, and Pathfinders Hall need an upgrade. Not to mention, there aren’t many places in Eternium he can go to win a fight using only Novice rituals. Too bad for him, Joe's enemies haven't been idle in his absence. They’ve just been biding their time. The Ritualist’s return triggers a retaliation years in the making, but they’ve made one major mistake…
He's already RSVPed, and Joe's not going to miss his mom’s big day—even if he needs to tap out and let the world burn.
Joe the Ritualist has finally found a true community in Vanaheim at the Tower of Ritualists. To his delight, he’s greeted by Masters of his craft, a Grandmaster on the brink of ascension, and a method to fix his most glaring flaws.
Barely entering the tower before being sent away once more, Joe is given a quest by the soon-to-be leave Vanaheim for another world, learn to fight as a combat ritualist, improve his foundational skills, and return with a Mythic core no matter how long it takes.
There's plenty for him to accomplish on Midgard. His guild, town, and Pathfinders Hall need an upgrade. Not to mention, there aren’t many places in Eternium he can go to win a fight using only Novice rituals. Too bad for him, Joe's enemies haven't been idle in his absence. They’ve just been biding their time. The Ritualist’s return triggers a retaliation years in the making, but they’ve made one major mistake…
He's already RSVPed, and Joe's not going to miss his mom’s big day—even if he needs to tap out and let the world burn.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2025
673 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Krout
79 books2,893 followersAuthor of the best-selling Divine Dungeon, Completionist Chronicles, and Full Murderhobo series, Dakota Krout was chosen as Audible's top 5 fantasy pick of 2017, has been a top 5 bestseller on Amazon, and a top 6 bestseller on Audible.
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
He draws on his experience in the military to create vast terrains and intricate systems, and his history in programming and information technology helps him bring a logical aspect to both his writing and his company while giving him a unique perspective for future challenges.
Publishing my stories has been an incredible blessing thus far, and I hope to keep you entertained for years to come! -Dakota Krout
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 14, 2025
Review: The previous novel in this series was a total yawner. Now we are back in Midguard for this installament, and what a relief. Old pals, interesting places while building a solid magical foundation. This was a fun ride with many quests and interesting exchanges.
There is the deep dives into characteristics etc. but it grows on you. Good to be free of that fairy tale garbouge (Damsels of Distress). Since his novels are never on an ARC platform, it is a little risky buying into a series when of a sudden, the sucketh one shows up. I took a chance on Completionist and am happy I did.
4.6/5
There is the deep dives into characteristics etc. but it grows on you. Good to be free of that fairy tale garbouge (Damsels of Distress). Since his novels are never on an ARC platform, it is a little risky buying into a series when of a sudden, the sucketh one shows up. I took a chance on Completionist and am happy I did.
4.6/5
August 13, 2025
Way better than Thunderplump
I enjoy this series for the most part. Some less than others. Thankfully this book Untapped, got back to its roots and was a great read. Highly recommended.
I enjoy this series for the most part. Some less than others. Thankfully this book Untapped, got back to its roots and was a great read. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2025
I’m so happy every time I get an email from Dakota’s Patreon that a new book in this series is out 🥰 I just adore these books and Joe’s adventures
February 22, 2026
Don't read this.
The author treats the readers like we are incompetent and dumb. Apologies in advance for any and all sarcastic and sassy remarks.
The book starts off with the three main characters on Vanaheim? (I honestly forgot the name of the realm as they are on it for less than 5% of the book). Joe discovers an entire Tower of people with his class. He learns that he has the worst class foundation they have ever seen. They send him back to Midgard to train. Fine, sounds good. OH WAIT!!! No Recap from the time we were last on Midgard. So dig into the recesses of your memory back 11 books to try and remember ANY details of Joe's first adventures and the characters he knew from then (Eye Roll).
Enter Midgard. Joe goes to the Library in the capital to see his Scholar buddy that he accidentally screwed over. He gets to the Library and is suddenly attacked by what I can only imagine is a warrior monk? Turns out he is a scholar. Let me repeat that ... a SCHOLAR. I was under the impression that Scholar was a class, not a "j0b". The Scholars fight? I don't remember that in the first couple of books when this series started. Joe takes to the street being followed by this mad monk (PS... never told in the moment WHY this is happening). Joe finds some city guards, tells them what happened. So it started off in the Library? Oh, bummer, we can't do anything, that is his territory. Let us not forget the fighting taking place in the streets with a bunch of witnesses; nope, that is fine, because the fight started in the Library, which is in the capital, which is in the kingdom, which belongs to the monarchs. But the guards can't touch him. As a reader; I demand an explanation.
Joe finds his buddy who used to be the Librarian (now a hobo) since he was kicked out of the scholars (does he no longer have a class? was it a job? not explained) and Joe takes him to the guild town. Oh PS... because somehow Joe doesn't ever do an escort quest the entire book series, he is stuck doing one on "HELL MODE" apparently. But that is okay, because he is the strongest person on the planet basically.
The next 70% of the book is Joe being with his coven and him working on his FUNDAMENTALS; oh and teaching his coven. Because you know, he is obviously qualified to be teaching his coven the fundamentals because he is obviously well versed in them. Makes total sense (double thumbs up).
This part of the book isn't boring per se, but it is highly focused on the crafting side and math. So if you are not into that, then this book is going to be VERY boring for you.
At roughly 70-75 percent of the book, during training, Joe is given a quest by the wolf people to stop an idiot guild from unleashing a catastrophe upon Midgard. While the big monster is unleashed, we get reintroduced to a character/group that hasn't really been spoken of since Book Three (?); The Zoo/The Jesters. One of the Jesters shows up, causes problems, and then dissapears. For the rest of the battle Joe and his crew save the guild's collective butts. They also get treated as intruders and trespassers because the guild doesn't want to share the spoils even though they NEVER would have killed the creature without Joe and his crew.
By the way, the author was very sloppy about why the guild was there. The guild mentions everything was done/planned in secret, but no one really knows how they learned of this place. So why are they here? Are we ever going to learn why? Was it the Zoo? Did they lead the guild there? We don't know? The author gives us nothing but this battle. I am guessing the author was bored and needed to throw in a battle but didn't want to take the time to actually explain.
Shortly after, at 81% of the book we get the big finale battle. But just before that, I think the author was either told by his editor or one of his friends, "Hey, why is this battle happening? It doesn't make sense?" So the author has Joe randomly meet up with one of his old time friends BARD. He then explains the random rumors that he has been hearing in the past couple of months. How the Scholars have it out for him, the Zoo was actively looking for Beast Tamers, and there is unrest in the Fallen Nobles.
Thank you author for throwing that random bit of information into the story.
During the period when Joe is supposed to be upgrading the town into a city, the bad guys strike. And as the Legendary Monster "__ __" makes an entrance, it is followed by (Ready?) The Scholars all dressed as PALADINS!!! HOW!!?!?! How are scholars Paladins? Being led by the Battle Monk from the Library (because of course they are). Also, the Jesters from the Zoo show up. And then an army of Fallen Nobles show up. Because of course the main battle of the book is showcasing characters that we didn't bother focusing on for basically the entire book. Why Not?! Oh but it gets better. Apparently they are able to control the Legendary Monster with a Beast Master who somehow has the unspoken/unwritten ability at Master or Greater; even though you are not allowed to use your Master or Greater abilities on Midgard (which was firmly established when Joe showed at the beginning of the book, or there would be massive consequences).
So far, as the reader, I am extremely confused that Scholar is a fighting class, the Fallen Nobles have an army without the King and Queen being aware of this, and the Jester's have the ability to control a Legendary Monster.
When the fighting actually happens and Joe unleashes a giant Ritual, somehow the three separate groups all come together to form a ritual of their own that can completely negate his ritual. Really? So these guys all have the mana necessary to enact a ritual that can cancel a MASTER level ritual and none of them pass out? Even though as we have seen throughout the entire series almost everyone passes out who helps Joe with his big rituals? But all of these bad guys were capable enough and had large enough mana pools to stop a MASTER level ritual and stay conscious and keep fighting? SURE! Let's go with that. Nothing wrong with this scenario at all based on book precedent.
Since there is a 13th book, You can guess what happens. I won't spoil everything.
Oh wait... Yes I can. So somewhere along the way an evil cauldron makes an appearance. Still not sure at what point in the book it shows up. I just remember Joe grabbed it. He then gets an urgent request from Tatum to bring the cauldron to his temple ASAP in order to try to save everyone who was deleted. Since our Hero is a ... Hero, of course he is going to try.
Sooo... Tatum has Joe cast the Rebirth spell (or whatever it is called) and Tatum takes control and starts flooding his body with Divine Mana. And if Joe tries at all to take control of the spell, he knows he will die. So here is what it looks like:
Joe's Mana Control at this point is some level of Journeyman and Tatum pushes his Mana channels all the way into Divine.
Journeyman -> Expert -> Master -> Grandmaster -> Sage
He basically has an insane amount of mana channeling through his body... how to explain? I imagine the volume of the Nile River flowing through channels the size of a garden hose? That seems right. He is basically burning from the inside and the author has already mentioned how much it hurt; but he is enduring. Until... his collarbone snaps. Really? THAT is what takes him out? Did he even feel that tiny amount of pain compared to the constant pain flooding the inside of his body? But sure okay, let's go with it. His collarbone snapped and took him out (I understand in real life that the collarbone breaking seriously hurts and sucks), which caused the complete annihilation of his Mana channels. And Tatum was able to save ONE guy. All that author for ONE guy. Named Ed. Good name.
And now we end the book with Joe unable to perform any type of magic or rituals until he is healed.
The author wrote this book with so many plot holes that the book is ridiculous and doesn't make any kind of sense. I genuinely feel betrayed by the author for treating his readers as being so incredibly stupid that we wouldn't catch onto the laziness of his writing in this book.
Just don't read it.
If you did and you like it? Good for you. I am genuinely happy for you that you liked it.
The author treats the readers like we are incompetent and dumb. Apologies in advance for any and all sarcastic and sassy remarks.
The book starts off with the three main characters on Vanaheim? (I honestly forgot the name of the realm as they are on it for less than 5% of the book). Joe discovers an entire Tower of people with his class. He learns that he has the worst class foundation they have ever seen. They send him back to Midgard to train. Fine, sounds good. OH WAIT!!! No Recap from the time we were last on Midgard. So dig into the recesses of your memory back 11 books to try and remember ANY details of Joe's first adventures and the characters he knew from then (Eye Roll).
Enter Midgard. Joe goes to the Library in the capital to see his Scholar buddy that he accidentally screwed over. He gets to the Library and is suddenly attacked by what I can only imagine is a warrior monk? Turns out he is a scholar. Let me repeat that ... a SCHOLAR. I was under the impression that Scholar was a class, not a "j0b". The Scholars fight? I don't remember that in the first couple of books when this series started. Joe takes to the street being followed by this mad monk (PS... never told in the moment WHY this is happening). Joe finds some city guards, tells them what happened. So it started off in the Library? Oh, bummer, we can't do anything, that is his territory. Let us not forget the fighting taking place in the streets with a bunch of witnesses; nope, that is fine, because the fight started in the Library, which is in the capital, which is in the kingdom, which belongs to the monarchs. But the guards can't touch him. As a reader; I demand an explanation.
Joe finds his buddy who used to be the Librarian (now a hobo) since he was kicked out of the scholars (does he no longer have a class? was it a job? not explained) and Joe takes him to the guild town. Oh PS... because somehow Joe doesn't ever do an escort quest the entire book series, he is stuck doing one on "HELL MODE" apparently. But that is okay, because he is the strongest person on the planet basically.
The next 70% of the book is Joe being with his coven and him working on his FUNDAMENTALS; oh and teaching his coven. Because you know, he is obviously qualified to be teaching his coven the fundamentals because he is obviously well versed in them. Makes total sense (double thumbs up).
This part of the book isn't boring per se, but it is highly focused on the crafting side and math. So if you are not into that, then this book is going to be VERY boring for you.
At roughly 70-75 percent of the book, during training, Joe is given a quest by the wolf people to stop an idiot guild from unleashing a catastrophe upon Midgard. While the big monster is unleashed, we get reintroduced to a character/group that hasn't really been spoken of since Book Three (?); The Zoo/The Jesters. One of the Jesters shows up, causes problems, and then dissapears. For the rest of the battle Joe and his crew save the guild's collective butts. They also get treated as intruders and trespassers because the guild doesn't want to share the spoils even though they NEVER would have killed the creature without Joe and his crew.
By the way, the author was very sloppy about why the guild was there. The guild mentions everything was done/planned in secret, but no one really knows how they learned of this place. So why are they here? Are we ever going to learn why? Was it the Zoo? Did they lead the guild there? We don't know? The author gives us nothing but this battle. I am guessing the author was bored and needed to throw in a battle but didn't want to take the time to actually explain.
Shortly after, at 81% of the book we get the big finale battle. But just before that, I think the author was either told by his editor or one of his friends, "Hey, why is this battle happening? It doesn't make sense?" So the author has Joe randomly meet up with one of his old time friends BARD. He then explains the random rumors that he has been hearing in the past couple of months. How the Scholars have it out for him, the Zoo was actively looking for Beast Tamers, and there is unrest in the Fallen Nobles.
Thank you author for throwing that random bit of information into the story.
During the period when Joe is supposed to be upgrading the town into a city, the bad guys strike. And as the Legendary Monster "__ __" makes an entrance, it is followed by (Ready?) The Scholars all dressed as PALADINS!!! HOW!!?!?! How are scholars Paladins? Being led by the Battle Monk from the Library (because of course they are). Also, the Jesters from the Zoo show up. And then an army of Fallen Nobles show up. Because of course the main battle of the book is showcasing characters that we didn't bother focusing on for basically the entire book. Why Not?! Oh but it gets better. Apparently they are able to control the Legendary Monster with a Beast Master who somehow has the unspoken/unwritten ability at Master or Greater; even though you are not allowed to use your Master or Greater abilities on Midgard (which was firmly established when Joe showed at the beginning of the book, or there would be massive consequences).
So far, as the reader, I am extremely confused that Scholar is a fighting class, the Fallen Nobles have an army without the King and Queen being aware of this, and the Jester's have the ability to control a Legendary Monster.
When the fighting actually happens and Joe unleashes a giant Ritual, somehow the three separate groups all come together to form a ritual of their own that can completely negate his ritual. Really? So these guys all have the mana necessary to enact a ritual that can cancel a MASTER level ritual and none of them pass out? Even though as we have seen throughout the entire series almost everyone passes out who helps Joe with his big rituals? But all of these bad guys were capable enough and had large enough mana pools to stop a MASTER level ritual and stay conscious and keep fighting? SURE! Let's go with that. Nothing wrong with this scenario at all based on book precedent.
Since there is a 13th book, You can guess what happens. I won't spoil everything.
Oh wait... Yes I can. So somewhere along the way an evil cauldron makes an appearance. Still not sure at what point in the book it shows up. I just remember Joe grabbed it. He then gets an urgent request from Tatum to bring the cauldron to his temple ASAP in order to try to save everyone who was deleted. Since our Hero is a ... Hero, of course he is going to try.
Sooo... Tatum has Joe cast the Rebirth spell (or whatever it is called) and Tatum takes control and starts flooding his body with Divine Mana. And if Joe tries at all to take control of the spell, he knows he will die. So here is what it looks like:
Joe's Mana Control at this point is some level of Journeyman and Tatum pushes his Mana channels all the way into Divine.
Journeyman -> Expert -> Master -> Grandmaster -> Sage
He basically has an insane amount of mana channeling through his body... how to explain? I imagine the volume of the Nile River flowing through channels the size of a garden hose? That seems right. He is basically burning from the inside and the author has already mentioned how much it hurt; but he is enduring. Until... his collarbone snaps. Really? THAT is what takes him out? Did he even feel that tiny amount of pain compared to the constant pain flooding the inside of his body? But sure okay, let's go with it. His collarbone snapped and took him out (I understand in real life that the collarbone breaking seriously hurts and sucks), which caused the complete annihilation of his Mana channels. And Tatum was able to save ONE guy. All that author for ONE guy. Named Ed. Good name.
And now we end the book with Joe unable to perform any type of magic or rituals until he is healed.
The author wrote this book with so many plot holes that the book is ridiculous and doesn't make any kind of sense. I genuinely feel betrayed by the author for treating his readers as being so incredibly stupid that we wouldn't catch onto the laziness of his writing in this book.
Just don't read it.
If you did and you like it? Good for you. I am genuinely happy for you that you liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
Too much theory, we are not going to become a ritualist in real life. This book really would've been much better and faster if theory and teaching parts were edited out.
But still a good book and I am waiting eagerly for the next.
But still a good book and I am waiting eagerly for the next.
June 30, 2025
This was a great return to basics of what got me into this series. More progress while also getting back to the cool basics of the ritualist class
September 3, 2025
As always it would be nice to have a recap at the beginning, especially if we're going to reference things that happen 10+ books ago...
Otherwise this was a fun little read, excited for the next book but I know I'm just continuing because I've made it this far. Honestly, the first half was an exhilarating ride but the second was just meh, hard to have fun when the character is back at his old stomping grounds and overpowered despite not being overpowered? Maybe it would have been better if I actually knew who anyone was haha.
Also looks like this series is going to be super long if the titles spell out RITUALIST and we're only on U in 10+ books. Hope the ride is a fun one and doesn't feel like I have serious dementia every time I come back to this series.
Otherwise this was a fun little read, excited for the next book but I know I'm just continuing because I've made it this far. Honestly, the first half was an exhilarating ride but the second was just meh, hard to have fun when the character is back at his old stomping grounds and overpowered despite not being overpowered? Maybe it would have been better if I actually knew who anyone was haha.
Also looks like this series is going to be super long if the titles spell out RITUALIST and we're only on U in 10+ books. Hope the ride is a fun one and doesn't feel like I have serious dementia every time I come back to this series.
September 28, 2025
It seems like the rate of completionist chronicles releases has greatly reduced, which makes books like this where it seems like MC growth has almost stopped/regressed especially painful. The first half of the book was great, but the continuous setbacks piled on towards the end made me roll my eyes and skip entire chapters. I miss the 2023 release schedule where we had something new every 2-3 months!
August 12, 2025
A welcome return to Midgard and series form after the Jotunheim detour
After the disappointing Books 10-11 (Jotunheim trilogy), Untapped feels like a triumphant homecoming to what made the Completionist Chronicles special. As a longtime series fan, this book restored my faith in Dakota Krout's flagship series.
The Return to Midgard: What a relief to be back in familiar territory! The world-building that hooked me in Book 1 feels fresh yet comfortingly familiar—like revisiting a favorite hometown after a long, frustrating journey. Krout clearly knows this setting inside and out, and it shows in every page.
Character Development: Joe feels authentically evolved while remaining the character we fell in love with. He's grown through his experiences without losing his core identity—exactly what long-term character development should feel like. You can see the journey he's been on while still recognizing the ritualist from earlier books.
Combat System Evolution: The combat ritualist focus works well enough, though it felt slightly awkward compared to the elegant traditional magic systems from earlier entries. It's functional rather than inspired—not bad, just different from what made the magical elements so compelling before.
Community & Relationships: While I missed seeing more of Joe's earlier guild members, the development with Boris was genuinely engaging and took the story in an interesting direction. The Pathfinders Hall elements and guild dynamics felt meaningful rather than just background noise.
Pacing & Value: At 550 pages, every page felt earned—a huge relief after some bloated middle entries in other series. Krout keeps the momentum going without unnecessary padding, making this a genuinely satisfying read rather than a slog.
Series Context: After the misstep of Books 10-11, Untapped justifies its existence completely. This feels like a return to the Ritualist/Regicide quality level that made me a series devotee. It's proof that Krout hasn't lost his touch with this world and these characters.
Bottom Line: Untapped is exactly what the Completionist Chronicles needed—a return to form that reminds us why we fell in love with Joe and Midgard in the first place. Long-time fans who were frustrated with recent entries should definitely give this one a chance.
I am not an author; I don't know what it takes to write a book. As such, I'm just a random guy on the Internet—these are my opinions and mostly for my own record.
Recommended for: Series fans disappointed with recent books, readers who loved the early Completionist Chronicles entries
Approach with caution if: You're brand new to the series (start with Book 1) or preferred the recent Jotunheim setting
After the disappointing Books 10-11 (Jotunheim trilogy), Untapped feels like a triumphant homecoming to what made the Completionist Chronicles special. As a longtime series fan, this book restored my faith in Dakota Krout's flagship series.
The Return to Midgard: What a relief to be back in familiar territory! The world-building that hooked me in Book 1 feels fresh yet comfortingly familiar—like revisiting a favorite hometown after a long, frustrating journey. Krout clearly knows this setting inside and out, and it shows in every page.
Character Development: Joe feels authentically evolved while remaining the character we fell in love with. He's grown through his experiences without losing his core identity—exactly what long-term character development should feel like. You can see the journey he's been on while still recognizing the ritualist from earlier books.
Combat System Evolution: The combat ritualist focus works well enough, though it felt slightly awkward compared to the elegant traditional magic systems from earlier entries. It's functional rather than inspired—not bad, just different from what made the magical elements so compelling before.
Community & Relationships: While I missed seeing more of Joe's earlier guild members, the development with Boris was genuinely engaging and took the story in an interesting direction. The Pathfinders Hall elements and guild dynamics felt meaningful rather than just background noise.
Pacing & Value: At 550 pages, every page felt earned—a huge relief after some bloated middle entries in other series. Krout keeps the momentum going without unnecessary padding, making this a genuinely satisfying read rather than a slog.
Series Context: After the misstep of Books 10-11, Untapped justifies its existence completely. This feels like a return to the Ritualist/Regicide quality level that made me a series devotee. It's proof that Krout hasn't lost his touch with this world and these characters.
Bottom Line: Untapped is exactly what the Completionist Chronicles needed—a return to form that reminds us why we fell in love with Joe and Midgard in the first place. Long-time fans who were frustrated with recent entries should definitely give this one a chance.
I am not an author; I don't know what it takes to write a book. As such, I'm just a random guy on the Internet—these are my opinions and mostly for my own record.
Recommended for: Series fans disappointed with recent books, readers who loved the early Completionist Chronicles entries
Approach with caution if: You're brand new to the series (start with Book 1) or preferred the recent Jotunheim setting
August 21, 2025
With a title proclaiming The Completionist Chronicles we should be expecting a good long read. I have enjoyed this series, waiting 20 months between book 11 and 12; Glad to continue Joe's adventure. If you are reading this on Kindle the story ends at 95%, the other 5% is the author promoting some other story. Petty aside. Potential Spoilers. I felt less enthused with this latest re-connection to a great protagonist. So many other reviews congratulate on a return to Midgard and the story's "roots", but my read saw this in a different way. What happened with the last 11 books and all the growth and character development that Joe worked so diligently for? Why are we forced to deal with a reversion of the absent-minded professor, who in book 12, seems to revert to the arrogant and stubborn fool from the start of this series? The hard earned life lessons should not have been forgotten just because his stats were capped. There are just too many situations that occur only because Joe makes a "mistake" or seems overwhelmed by situations he has overcome in the past. As a Ritualist he can see the inner workings of rituals, read the syntax, hear the whispers and trace the matrices of magic, but he is uncertain with or surprised by the outcome of those rituals? He constantly forgets about assets and assistance available. There are several parts of the story I have strong feelings about, but they are less important than how Joe seems so much less then he was before. Regarding the puns, if you read this series, you get what you deserve. I think it is a bit cheesy to have the last word/title shtick twice, my honest opinion. For the convoluted plot hook at the end of the book; Krout gets -25 Karmic Luck.
August 18, 2025
An imperfect return to form
I’ve been a big fan of this series for years. It is the one that pulled me into LitRPG in the first place. The last two entries dipped, so I came in wary. This one feels like a course correction. It leans back into what made the early books work: Joe as a hyper focused completionist, grinding systems, fixing flaws, and enjoying the work itself. That return to roots lands.
The final third didn’t hit as well. It stacks climax on climax until the fights blur together. The series shines when it centers on Joe’s growth and the wider worldbuilding. Big battles are fine, but too many in a row dull the edge.
Still, I had a good time. 4/5, recommended, and it has me considering a full series reread. One note on the author’s other series in the same universe. I tried most of them and bounced off. The dry, satirical humor that feels natural here comes across forced elsewhere. This series remains the standout.
I’ve been a big fan of this series for years. It is the one that pulled me into LitRPG in the first place. The last two entries dipped, so I came in wary. This one feels like a course correction. It leans back into what made the early books work: Joe as a hyper focused completionist, grinding systems, fixing flaws, and enjoying the work itself. That return to roots lands.
The final third didn’t hit as well. It stacks climax on climax until the fights blur together. The series shines when it centers on Joe’s growth and the wider worldbuilding. Big battles are fine, but too many in a row dull the edge.
Still, I had a good time. 4/5, recommended, and it has me considering a full series reread. One note on the author’s other series in the same universe. I tried most of them and bounced off. The dry, satirical humor that feels natural here comes across forced elsewhere. This series remains the standout.
September 2, 2025
It felt better, enough so I'll pick the series back up from now on.
It was quite railroady, a lot of stuff happening and the MC being moved by the story rather than moving it. But, it was a fun ride all things considered.
The ending left me a bit... meh. It felt forced, and like nothing more than a setup for the next book. But, that might be just me.
One thing I'm glad for is the reduction in absurdity. It was getting to the point of making it hard to read, and was one of the main reasons I dropped the series a few books ago. The humor always felt like the author was one-upping himself with each book, and by book 9-ish it was out of control.
The narrator was great, as always. Luke Daniels rules.
It was quite railroady, a lot of stuff happening and the MC being moved by the story rather than moving it. But, it was a fun ride all things considered.
The ending left me a bit... meh. It felt forced, and like nothing more than a setup for the next book. But, that might be just me.
One thing I'm glad for is the reduction in absurdity. It was getting to the point of making it hard to read, and was one of the main reasons I dropped the series a few books ago. The humor always felt like the author was one-upping himself with each book, and by book 9-ish it was out of control.
The narrator was great, as always. Luke Daniels rules.
October 7, 2025
fun
Joe finds and joins a guild of ritualists in the next world. He makes a new vampire enemy. And then gets shipped back to Midgard to practice his fundamentals. There his enemies he had all but forgotten about show they remembered him and join together to destroy his guild and him right at their most vulnerable. He overcomes but with grave and permanent losses. He also gets hurt requiring him to go seek treatment on Juotenheim. Book ends.
It’s an installment that seeks to tie up old loose ends. Not a standalone. Not clear on character growth as everyone seems hyper enthusiastic and focused. World building tangentially occurs. Pace is steady, about on par with previous installments.
Enjoy
Joe finds and joins a guild of ritualists in the next world. He makes a new vampire enemy. And then gets shipped back to Midgard to practice his fundamentals. There his enemies he had all but forgotten about show they remembered him and join together to destroy his guild and him right at their most vulnerable. He overcomes but with grave and permanent losses. He also gets hurt requiring him to go seek treatment on Juotenheim. Book ends.
It’s an installment that seeks to tie up old loose ends. Not a standalone. Not clear on character growth as everyone seems hyper enthusiastic and focused. World building tangentially occurs. Pace is steady, about on par with previous installments.
Enjoy
October 23, 2025
Book 12 of The Completionist Chronicles. Our favorite Ritualist Joe is headed back to Midgard, with some restrictions in place. But not to worry old friends and old enemies await his return as does Towny McTownface. Everything is not as he left it and can he get to the next level? This one slots in great to the series and of course there was a great boss fight. This book sets up for an interesting scenario for the next book. The only thing that was disappointing is that we were promised new titles but that part I’m guessing is going to be in the next book which promises either to be an epic builder or the conclusion to this arc. Excited for it when it is released.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
February 27, 2026
Muahahahahahaha this is great. It TOTALLY makes up for the last two novels in quality. That's not to say the last one wasn't bad, especially with the full-out world battle, but this one dove right back into what I most loved about the series from the start: ritual magic, hidden tweaks, learning, complexity, ahem-rule-breaking, and core mc-funny wordplay that really puts the cheese in cheesy.
I really loved forcing Joe to build up his foundations of magic since he's been a horribly lop-sided mess. The fact that he's doing it WHILE training a bunch of old friends and annoying them with songs is a great side-benefit.
All in all, I can't even BEGIN to tell you how much I love not having to deal with the dwarves anymore.
Ahem.
I really loved forcing Joe to build up his foundations of magic since he's been a horribly lop-sided mess. The fact that he's doing it WHILE training a bunch of old friends and annoying them with songs is a great side-benefit.
All in all, I can't even BEGIN to tell you how much I love not having to deal with the dwarves anymore.
Ahem.
August 21, 2025
A great expansion
This book cleverly expands both forward and back. After many books of forward motion into harder and more powerful worlds, this book takes us back to earlier worlds. We get insight into the function of higher powered entities in low powered worlds. We also get to catch up with old characters who were instrumental in the beginning of the series.
It's great. If you've been following this series, get to it. If not, it's definitely worthwhile.
This book cleverly expands both forward and back. After many books of forward motion into harder and more powerful worlds, this book takes us back to earlier worlds. We get insight into the function of higher powered entities in low powered worlds. We also get to catch up with old characters who were instrumental in the beginning of the series.
It's great. If you've been following this series, get to it. If not, it's definitely worthwhile.
August 22, 2025
Joe returns home.
I really like the world that Dakota Krout has created - and the way he writes with humor that plays with the story. In this installment, the main character returns to his origins to learn new things. Of course, it doesn’t go as well as expected and there is a big confrontation. Will he survive the fallout? That’s for the next book(s) in the series. (Hopefully not too far in the future.)
I really like the world that Dakota Krout has created - and the way he writes with humor that plays with the story. In this installment, the main character returns to his origins to learn new things. Of course, it doesn’t go as well as expected and there is a big confrontation. Will he survive the fallout? That’s for the next book(s) in the series. (Hopefully not too far in the future.)
March 17, 2026
Joe Joe Joe
This was a bit of mini adventure for our ritualistic. An informative but not overly done little filler adventure. It tied up some loose ends from early early storylines. As usual, set the ground work for some epic adventures to come.
It was a good read and breezed through it pretty quickly. Glad I waited to read this for the next book to be out.
Enjoy
Peace ✌🏾 and Love ❤️
This was a bit of mini adventure for our ritualistic. An informative but not overly done little filler adventure. It tied up some loose ends from early early storylines. As usual, set the ground work for some epic adventures to come.
It was a good read and breezed through it pretty quickly. Glad I waited to read this for the next book to be out.
Enjoy
Peace ✌🏾 and Love ❤️
August 19, 2025
Joe’s completing non-main story quests again!
I feel that Joe is finally getting back to his completionist desires. He’s spent so long jumping from one world to another that he hasn’t even looked at any side quests for ages. I’m curious to see how his goal to become Class Sage will impact his rate of growth. And how that goal will change the institutions of power on Vanaheim.
I feel that Joe is finally getting back to his completionist desires. He’s spent so long jumping from one world to another that he hasn’t even looked at any side quests for ages. I’m curious to see how his goal to become Class Sage will impact his rate of growth. And how that goal will change the institutions of power on Vanaheim.
August 23, 2025
Oh damn!
I've waited for this book for a while now and I'm so happy to see it out and the others soonish. I was pretty pumped to have Joe back on Midgard, and was thoroughly surprised by much of what happened. The ending was pretty shocking, and that stupid book name pun Dakota does just made me groan, lol. But I'm excited to see what happens next.
I've waited for this book for a while now and I'm so happy to see it out and the others soonish. I was pretty pumped to have Joe back on Midgard, and was thoroughly surprised by much of what happened. The ending was pretty shocking, and that stupid book name pun Dakota does just made me groan, lol. But I'm excited to see what happens next.
August 24, 2025
This book was such a long time coming and Dakota did a great job reintegrating us as readers back into the world. The last books had lost some of the spark of the series, not totally unexpected ya know, 11 books in but this one got the series back on track imo. It was super exciting and I can't wait to see where the story goes
September 29, 2025
More fun with our balls ritualist
Yep, Joe is up to more shenanigans and getting into even more trouble. This time he heads back to Mudgard and things end up being a bit more desperate than everyone expects them to be. But, a fun story, nonetheless. Looking forward to the next one!
Yep, Joe is up to more shenanigans and getting into even more trouble. This time he heads back to Mudgard and things end up being a bit more desperate than everyone expects them to be. But, a fun story, nonetheless. Looking forward to the next one!
August 17, 2025
ahhh
That’s the…(good?)…stuff. A bit ridiculous, but also fun.
Back to basics in some areas. Upgrading old buildings, fighting impossible odds, taking down entrenched factions.
On to 13!
That’s the…(good?)…stuff. A bit ridiculous, but also fun.
Back to basics in some areas. Upgrading old buildings, fighting impossible odds, taking down entrenched factions.
On to 13!
August 24, 2025
feels like I’ve been waiting a decade for this book
Another great addition. I’m still interested in seeing how this ends and where Joel ends up. Great series’s I’ll definitely get the next one
Another great addition. I’m still interested in seeing how this ends and where Joel ends up. Great series’s I’ll definitely get the next one
October 25, 2025
Another great book about Joe's Adventures! Mischief, mayhem and some serious upgrades!
Best Quote was at the end of the book, "Remember, Wanders... not all who wander are lost-" "-some of us are out there committing war crimes!"
Best Quote was at the end of the book, "Remember, Wanders... not all who wander are lost-" "-some of us are out there committing war crimes!"
August 8, 2025
This is still a very fun and enjoyable series. 👍🏽👍🏽
August 14, 2025
A return to the roots of the series. A generally lighter tone than the doom of the more recent story arcs.
August 16, 2025
Our friend Joe
Looking forward to his next escapades and adventure. Never gets boring...no matter how much trouble he gets into. So much fun!
Looking forward to his next escapades and adventure. Never gets boring...no matter how much trouble he gets into. So much fun!
August 18, 2025
inertia reading is strong with this book series
August 24, 2025
Excellent. This trilogy seems like it brings the series back from the over the top setup in the last trilogy. Back to growth. Back to completionist.
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