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The Stork Tower #3
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Atherleah grew up in the gang-controlled suburbs of Brisbane at the end of the twenty-first century. From the age of six, she decided that she wanted more, and with the help of her local gang-leader, Leah learned the skills to escape a life of mediocrity. On her sixteenth birthday, she was inadvertently implanted with a Neural Enhancement Chip instead of the free Government provided basic level chip. This mistake removed the limits placed on the AI that was uploaded, broke some of the Government controls and began making changes to Leah's body. Leah’s life rapidly becomes a battle, both in the virtual-multiverse and in real life.
On the advice of the local ‘boss’, Leah began playing the virtual fantasy game Dunyanin to earn the money she needed to live and to help with her education. In 'Nascent' Leah, with the help of her rapidly evolving AI, thwarted attempts by the government to limit her and she evaded kidnapping by virtual slavers. Co-opted by several Virtual Security AI, Leah helped shut down a virtual sweat-shop which used mind-controlled players to farm for resources.
In 'Odyssey' Leah was coerced to meet the Matriarch of the crime family. Leah steals a spaceship which holds secrets the Matriarch desperately wants returned. While Leah evades her pursuers she finds the time to start a business, apply to college, earn a title in the Elven kingdom, become a landholder, visit both heaven and hell, and fall in love.
'Change' starts with Leah in her manor house which just happens to be the home of a clan of vampires she's befriended. She needs to continue her journey for she has quests to complete.
On the advice of the local ‘boss’, Leah began playing the virtual fantasy game Dunyanin to earn the money she needed to live and to help with her education. In 'Nascent' Leah, with the help of her rapidly evolving AI, thwarted attempts by the government to limit her and she evaded kidnapping by virtual slavers. Co-opted by several Virtual Security AI, Leah helped shut down a virtual sweat-shop which used mind-controlled players to farm for resources.
In 'Odyssey' Leah was coerced to meet the Matriarch of the crime family. Leah steals a spaceship which holds secrets the Matriarch desperately wants returned. While Leah evades her pursuers she finds the time to start a business, apply to college, earn a title in the Elven kingdom, become a landholder, visit both heaven and hell, and fall in love.
'Change' starts with Leah in her manor house which just happens to be the home of a clan of vampires she's befriended. She needs to continue her journey for she has quests to complete.
519 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2017
215 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 28, 2022
[2022]:- I said what I said! Adding an extra star to make it five.
[2019]:- OMG! This just keeps getting better and better!!!!!!!! EXCLAMATION MARK!!!!
No matter how hard you try to be the person you want to be, there are always arseholes out there who will tear you down over power, money and whatever other nonsense reason they have. This is so bloody good!
[2019]:- OMG! This just keeps getting better and better!!!!!!!! EXCLAMATION MARK!!!!
No matter how hard you try to be the person you want to be, there are always arseholes out there who will tear you down over power, money and whatever other nonsense reason they have. This is so bloody good!
September 16, 2019
This review* will be commenting on the first three books in the series so far.
2.5 ★s our of 5.
*Note: this ‘review’ may or may not slowly derail into an emotionally charged rant, which is probably too long for its own good. Proceed at your own risk.
****
Although I never planned to write a review on Goodreads (partly because I felt like many of my views have already been expressed by the community),this time, however, my frustration simply forced me to do so.
I would like to begin by saying that I enjoy LitRPG and believe that it is almost in its genre to be full of hyperboles, extremes and impossibilities. It is “light” literature, not meant to be taken seriously; by all means, LitRPG is, in most cases, guilty pleasure.
It pains me to say that while these books were “guilty pleasure” at first, they slowly but surely became anything but pleasurable to read, which is why I doubt I will continue with this series.
****
*Minor spoilers for the first two books of the series*
Now, here are the things I LIKED about these books:
- Female protagonist.
This is so rare in LitRPG, so I was definitely excited. Not only this, but she has a pretty fascinating and unique backstory.
- The Dialogue/writing style/ vocabulary.
Extra Half star (brings me to 2.5) for a surprisingly good quality of vocabulary and writing ‘skills’ for this genre. The author actually uses adjectives, complex nouns, and his sentences aren’t choppy, but fluid. What a find!
- The AI & “Real life” sections of the book.
Simply very well handled. It’s creative and gives a sense of sci-fi to the mix, which is a plus. It actually feels like Leah has a life, and her excuses to play as long as she does are all justified.
- Multiple VR worlds and games.
I like that this world had multiple VR games that are hugely popular. This makes a lot of sense and is quite realistic but while this is a great concept, in my opinion, it was poorly executed, which brings me to...
****
THE THINGS I DISLIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
(And there are many):
- Multiple VR worlds and games.
Again, this is great in theory but the author ends up creating a very hard to follow storyline with many plot points and quests in different games that ultimately do not serve much purpose. As a result we get too many one-sided characters (in fact, I’d argue most lack personality at all), too many spell/ statistics and achievements that, once again, are ‘useless’ because only a tiny portion of them are actually used or even mentioned again.
- Grammatical errors and typos.
These don’t bother me too much (all of us are guilty of this, and this is common to see in this genre), however, as another review mentioned, even one re-read would’ve been enough to rectify most of these.
- Lack of characterization.
There are way too many characters who we are supposed to care for but we don’t know much about them, other than one line of description for their appearance and real life ‘job’ or ‘relation’ to someone previously introduced. It makes the level of trust that is developed between the main group seem abnormal. Also, it’s quite strange that massive age differences between the characters are simply glossed over (because one would think that someone who’s married and in their 30s would definitely have a different mindset than a ‘just turned 16’ year-old, but hey, what do I know).
- Repetitions
“Leah got out of the pod had a quick breakfast/lunch/dinner, did some classes, trained, had a quick shower, went back into the pod, and logged back in”. Ugh. WE GET IT ALREADY. This should have either been skipped or diversified somehow.
- Incompetent/ irrational government:
So you want me to believe that
1) you’re legally an adult at 16. What? Why would that happen? There are no explanations for many common and irrational law changes in the book. One would think that with VR technologies (where more obscene things could actually be done with limited punishment and life would be prolonged) this age would increase rather than decrease
2) the advanced implant Leah received would not be forcefully extracted/noticed by the government after her basically sharing this ‘secret’ with like 10+ people and her being under watch by 10 more
3) the government would pay for the pods for the poor but not for the AIs, even though they’re much cheeper (even the advanced versions)
4) a huge international case regarding VR slavery (involving MILLIONS of people) would just successfully be suppressed and key players like Leah would just be allowed to play her game like nothing is happening. It makes no sense that Leah can turn to the government AIs for help and be tasked with an enormous responsibility but then receive no political asylum or be protected
5) that game developers are this incompetent and can not force log out the ‘slaves’ or organize a company wide sweep to figure out who’s responsible in aiding this crime scheme
6) that every player and game developer is an idiot. I mean, how is Leah and her team constantly obtaining the “first to” awards? Do you mean to tell me that out of hundreds of millions of players (if not billions) over the years NO ONE tried to TALK to the villain or sneak to a certain side, or even look around them (The very first quest, looking at you)? How can you want us, the readers, to believe that Leah and her team aren’t doing anything massively impressive in the game in on itself but everyone is constantly baffled?
7) that one can get so much money out of a game. It is ridiculous to think that Leah’s main source of income isn’t even the biggest VR game on the planet. She extracts tens of millions of dollars from it & no one bats an eye because she’s not even a RANKED PLAYER. Are you telling me those people are billionaires then? From a game? Are developers trillionaires? What kind of economy is this (We get no explanation, so this is hard to rationalize)?
FINALLY, BUT MOST DEBILITATING OF ALL:
- Leah. Our dear protagonist Leah.
By all means, this girl isn’t named Leah, but rather Mary Sue. She is perfection in a human shell. She is too good to be true to the point where she first becomes hard to relate to, and then transforms into something laughably ridiculous.
Is she physically gorgeous?✅
Is she extraordinarily physically skilled?✅
Is she a genius? ✅
Morals better than Jesus? ✅
What makes this so hard to believe isn’t her being these things but because she actually doesn’t demonstrate that she is these things.
CASE IN POINT 1: PHYSICAL PROWESS.
Leah: “I’m super tough, I grew up on the streets and I carry knives and sticks everywhere with me because I’m a fighter”.
Everyone: “You’re right Leah, you ARE a fighter. But not just like any fighter who grew up in your same conditions, somehow you’re BETTER than Olympic athletes and people who by all means should me leagues better than you, never mind your IA development in Book 3”.
CASE IN POINT 2: INTELLIGENCE.
Leah: “Ok so I studied really hard in school and got straight As but that’s it. I haven’t really shown anyone on the Education board that I had other talents, nor have I ever done some extraordinary extracurriculars and don’t really have much going for me, except the grades which, considering the population and the spread of VR technology would place me somewhere in the top 5% of students aka A MILLION (very roughly) other people would be equal to or better than me from the statistics that you, the universities can see”.
All top universities: “OMG girl we don’t care that you seem very mediocre compared to all our other applicants. We don’t even care that you haven’t submitted the right forms since you didn’t know you’ve ‘applied’ and haven’t written any application essays or any interviews or done any additional tests. We don’t care! Please just pick us!”
Leah: “Yay Great, you were right to allow me to enroll, MIT, because somehow, despite being poor my whole life and having limited resources to everything and probably having no time at all (especially considering my chores and gang-related duties) I had enough talent and drive to study into physics and mathematics deeply enough to be on par with your juniors and seniors! Actually I want to pursue my interests in ‘applications of braided string theory and quantum packaging’ because I’m actually interested in this out of nowhere, not just because it sounds smart! Oh and I know all of this through self-study and obviously have no gaps in my knowledge at all! I’m basically as smart as a PHD candidate somehow!”
MIT: “You’re right, Leah, you’re the smartest most talented most amazing student ever! Go the fast track with honors and get a PHD before you’re 20! despite what you said not being ‘very specific’ at all! You’re the next Einstein!”.
CASE IN POINT 3: MORALITY
“I’ll go to war over a peasant and (ironically) sacrifice thousands of extra lives because murder is wrong (haha)” says Leah.
“OMG Leah you’re so brave, smart and morally correct, you’d be a great ruler and totally not cause any unnecessary conflict with your black and white mentality and ‘My opinion is always right, I won’t listen to you’ tantrums” says every other character of importance, especially the High Elves.
****
Done. I’m done with this review (finally!) and this series. If you’re still here - bless you and your patience. If you continue on with these books - your ability to suspend disbelief is possibly the 9th wonder of the world, after Leah of course, who is the 8th (or maybe it would be more appropriate to name her “The First?”).
2.5 ★s our of 5.
*Note: this ‘review’ may or may not slowly derail into an emotionally charged rant, which is probably too long for its own good. Proceed at your own risk.
****
Although I never planned to write a review on Goodreads (partly because I felt like many of my views have already been expressed by the community),this time, however, my frustration simply forced me to do so.
I would like to begin by saying that I enjoy LitRPG and believe that it is almost in its genre to be full of hyperboles, extremes and impossibilities. It is “light” literature, not meant to be taken seriously; by all means, LitRPG is, in most cases, guilty pleasure.
It pains me to say that while these books were “guilty pleasure” at first, they slowly but surely became anything but pleasurable to read, which is why I doubt I will continue with this series.
****
*Minor spoilers for the first two books of the series*
Now, here are the things I LIKED about these books:
- Female protagonist.
This is so rare in LitRPG, so I was definitely excited. Not only this, but she has a pretty fascinating and unique backstory.
- The Dialogue/writing style/ vocabulary.
Extra Half star (brings me to 2.5) for a surprisingly good quality of vocabulary and writing ‘skills’ for this genre. The author actually uses adjectives, complex nouns, and his sentences aren’t choppy, but fluid. What a find!
- The AI & “Real life” sections of the book.
Simply very well handled. It’s creative and gives a sense of sci-fi to the mix, which is a plus. It actually feels like Leah has a life, and her excuses to play as long as she does are all justified.
- Multiple VR worlds and games.
I like that this world had multiple VR games that are hugely popular. This makes a lot of sense and is quite realistic but while this is a great concept, in my opinion, it was poorly executed, which brings me to...
****
THE THINGS I DISLIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
(And there are many):
- Multiple VR worlds and games.
Again, this is great in theory but the author ends up creating a very hard to follow storyline with many plot points and quests in different games that ultimately do not serve much purpose. As a result we get too many one-sided characters (in fact, I’d argue most lack personality at all), too many spell/ statistics and achievements that, once again, are ‘useless’ because only a tiny portion of them are actually used or even mentioned again.
- Grammatical errors and typos.
These don’t bother me too much (all of us are guilty of this, and this is common to see in this genre), however, as another review mentioned, even one re-read would’ve been enough to rectify most of these.
- Lack of characterization.
There are way too many characters who we are supposed to care for but we don’t know much about them, other than one line of description for their appearance and real life ‘job’ or ‘relation’ to someone previously introduced. It makes the level of trust that is developed between the main group seem abnormal. Also, it’s quite strange that massive age differences between the characters are simply glossed over (because one would think that someone who’s married and in their 30s would definitely have a different mindset than a ‘just turned 16’ year-old, but hey, what do I know).
- Repetitions
“Leah got out of the pod had a quick breakfast/lunch/dinner, did some classes, trained, had a quick shower, went back into the pod, and logged back in”. Ugh. WE GET IT ALREADY. This should have either been skipped or diversified somehow.
- Incompetent/ irrational government:
So you want me to believe that
1) you’re legally an adult at 16. What? Why would that happen? There are no explanations for many common and irrational law changes in the book. One would think that with VR technologies (where more obscene things could actually be done with limited punishment and life would be prolonged) this age would increase rather than decrease
2) the advanced implant Leah received would not be forcefully extracted/noticed by the government after her basically sharing this ‘secret’ with like 10+ people and her being under watch by 10 more
3) the government would pay for the pods for the poor but not for the AIs, even though they’re much cheeper (even the advanced versions)
4) a huge international case regarding VR slavery (involving MILLIONS of people) would just successfully be suppressed and key players like Leah would just be allowed to play her game like nothing is happening. It makes no sense that Leah can turn to the government AIs for help and be tasked with an enormous responsibility but then receive no political asylum or be protected
5) that game developers are this incompetent and can not force log out the ‘slaves’ or organize a company wide sweep to figure out who’s responsible in aiding this crime scheme
6) that every player and game developer is an idiot. I mean, how is Leah and her team constantly obtaining the “first to” awards? Do you mean to tell me that out of hundreds of millions of players (if not billions) over the years NO ONE tried to TALK to the villain or sneak to a certain side, or even look around them (The very first quest, looking at you)? How can you want us, the readers, to believe that Leah and her team aren’t doing anything massively impressive in the game in on itself but everyone is constantly baffled?
7) that one can get so much money out of a game. It is ridiculous to think that Leah’s main source of income isn’t even the biggest VR game on the planet. She extracts tens of millions of dollars from it & no one bats an eye because she’s not even a RANKED PLAYER. Are you telling me those people are billionaires then? From a game? Are developers trillionaires? What kind of economy is this (We get no explanation, so this is hard to rationalize)?
FINALLY, BUT MOST DEBILITATING OF ALL:
- Leah. Our dear protagonist Leah.
By all means, this girl isn’t named Leah, but rather Mary Sue. She is perfection in a human shell. She is too good to be true to the point where she first becomes hard to relate to, and then transforms into something laughably ridiculous.
Is she physically gorgeous?✅
Is she extraordinarily physically skilled?✅
Is she a genius? ✅
Morals better than Jesus? ✅
What makes this so hard to believe isn’t her being these things but because she actually doesn’t demonstrate that she is these things.
CASE IN POINT 1: PHYSICAL PROWESS.
Leah: “I’m super tough, I grew up on the streets and I carry knives and sticks everywhere with me because I’m a fighter”.
Everyone: “You’re right Leah, you ARE a fighter. But not just like any fighter who grew up in your same conditions, somehow you’re BETTER than Olympic athletes and people who by all means should me leagues better than you, never mind your IA development in Book 3”.
CASE IN POINT 2: INTELLIGENCE.
Leah: “Ok so I studied really hard in school and got straight As but that’s it. I haven’t really shown anyone on the Education board that I had other talents, nor have I ever done some extraordinary extracurriculars and don’t really have much going for me, except the grades which, considering the population and the spread of VR technology would place me somewhere in the top 5% of students aka A MILLION (very roughly) other people would be equal to or better than me from the statistics that you, the universities can see”.
All top universities: “OMG girl we don’t care that you seem very mediocre compared to all our other applicants. We don’t even care that you haven’t submitted the right forms since you didn’t know you’ve ‘applied’ and haven’t written any application essays or any interviews or done any additional tests. We don’t care! Please just pick us!”
Leah: “Yay Great, you were right to allow me to enroll, MIT, because somehow, despite being poor my whole life and having limited resources to everything and probably having no time at all (especially considering my chores and gang-related duties) I had enough talent and drive to study into physics and mathematics deeply enough to be on par with your juniors and seniors! Actually I want to pursue my interests in ‘applications of braided string theory and quantum packaging’ because I’m actually interested in this out of nowhere, not just because it sounds smart! Oh and I know all of this through self-study and obviously have no gaps in my knowledge at all! I’m basically as smart as a PHD candidate somehow!”
MIT: “You’re right, Leah, you’re the smartest most talented most amazing student ever! Go the fast track with honors and get a PHD before you’re 20! despite what you said not being ‘very specific’ at all! You’re the next Einstein!”.
CASE IN POINT 3: MORALITY
“I’ll go to war over a peasant and (ironically) sacrifice thousands of extra lives because murder is wrong (haha)” says Leah.
“OMG Leah you’re so brave, smart and morally correct, you’d be a great ruler and totally not cause any unnecessary conflict with your black and white mentality and ‘My opinion is always right, I won’t listen to you’ tantrums” says every other character of importance, especially the High Elves.
****
Done. I’m done with this review (finally!) and this series. If you’re still here - bless you and your patience. If you continue on with these books - your ability to suspend disbelief is possibly the 9th wonder of the world, after Leah of course, who is the 8th (or maybe it would be more appropriate to name her “The First?”).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2017
2 stars
Stork Tower is a fun story. That being said, Atherleah is the Mary Sue that will end Mary Sues. She's a poor unfortunate welfare case who rises up playing video games. She's a genius and was accepted to any and all top rated universities. She is an expert fighter and because of a lazy group of medical techs she has a chip in her brain that is using nanites to build her a stronger carbon fiber skeleton as well as new neural paths and muscle tissue. She doesn't have vices, is morally uncorrputable (heaven forbid she ever hates someone; even a real life slaver), and she doesn't even eat unhealthy snacks!
Tony Corden does a great job buiding a world but needs to practice developing his characters more. Make them more reliable and less cookie cutter perfection.
Stork Tower is a fun story. That being said, Atherleah is the Mary Sue that will end Mary Sues. She's a poor unfortunate welfare case who rises up playing video games. She's a genius and was accepted to any and all top rated universities. She is an expert fighter and because of a lazy group of medical techs she has a chip in her brain that is using nanites to build her a stronger carbon fiber skeleton as well as new neural paths and muscle tissue. She doesn't have vices, is morally uncorrputable (heaven forbid she ever hates someone; even a real life slaver), and she doesn't even eat unhealthy snacks!
Tony Corden does a great job buiding a world but needs to practice developing his characters more. Make them more reliable and less cookie cutter perfection.
Read
March 31, 2018I have many many many many issues with this book.
Now, ignoring all but one:
The first three books have covered just over 2 months of game time. At the end of the second month, she began a quest that will last 1 year in game time....
I’m not even in the mood to read book 4 even though it’s KU.
It would have been different if I’d known from the beginning that there would be no resolution. Not even a tidy little stopping point. But now it’s too late and I’m not happy.
Now, ignoring all but one:
The first three books have covered just over 2 months of game time. At the end of the second month, she began a quest that will last 1 year in game time....
I’m not even in the mood to read book 4 even though it’s KU.
It would have been different if I’d known from the beginning that there would be no resolution. Not even a tidy little stopping point. But now it’s too late and I’m not happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2017
Another good 1
Waited 4 this 1 2 come out and was not disappointed
Love how she is forced out in to the public eye a bit
Found few errors in the spell noting that will distract from the story much
Waited 4 this 1 2 come out and was not disappointed
Love how she is forced out in to the public eye a bit
Found few errors in the spell noting that will distract from the story much
February 16, 2020
Most of the philosophical stuff remains the same as my review for the last book but it’s also becoming a tad annoying how powerless she seems to be in the face of Merideth and those like her. But I guess that’s the point isn’t it?
I’m a bit worried about the pacing, she started an Odyssey that will take 1 year to complete but the first three books only went over maybe a month. I’m about to start the next book and it only covers 4 days so I have no idea where it’s going. It feels like nothing is happening in the overall scheme of things yet many small things are happening as well.
The jumping between the game system was interesting but in this one whenever she went into Cosmos Online I found myself reading faster/skimming to get to where she was back in the main game. Too much going on at once.
7/10
I’m a bit worried about the pacing, she started an Odyssey that will take 1 year to complete but the first three books only went over maybe a month. I’m about to start the next book and it only covers 4 days so I have no idea where it’s going. It feels like nothing is happening in the overall scheme of things yet many small things are happening as well.
The jumping between the game system was interesting but in this one whenever she went into Cosmos Online I found myself reading faster/skimming to get to where she was back in the main game. Too much going on at once.
7/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this book, the balance between killing things and the more interesting parts of the story was much better than the previous books. However the end of the book left me very confused, some of the things that happened imply that the Kodoman’s have far more control over the virtual worlds than has been seen so far.
Also I really get annoyed with authors that keep using cliff-hanger endings to try to get people to read the next book.
Without the end I would have happily given at least four stars.
Also I really get annoyed with authors that keep using cliff-hanger endings to try to get people to read the next book.
Without the end I would have happily given at least four stars.
July 18, 2024
There are fewer pointless dungeon challenges in this one but the book ends on an unexpectedly dark note.
December 23, 2017
Really enjoying this Series.
I'm really enjoying this Series. It continuously finds new ways to keep me excited with new skills, abilities, enemies, and for future rewards and clashes. Intelligently written, IMO, and am seriously looking forward to reading more of them.
I'm really enjoying this Series. It continuously finds new ways to keep me excited with new skills, abilities, enemies, and for future rewards and clashes. Intelligently written, IMO, and am seriously looking forward to reading more of them.
December 24, 2017
Christmas came early.
Dude, Sir, Master Storyteller, browsing through Amazon's Kindle books I came across this your third book in the Stork Tower series and I squealed like a little kid on Christmas morning. I love this series, I love all the characters, I love the idea of a personal AI, I just love your books.
I am a senior citizen in bad health and one of my biggest worries is that my time will end before I see this story arc come to a satisfying end. I have become a fan of the LitRPG genre and I am reading several series and following several authors and you are at the top of the list.
Keep writing well, keep your imaginations fresh if possible, and Thank You.
Dude, Sir, Master Storyteller, browsing through Amazon's Kindle books I came across this your third book in the Stork Tower series and I squealed like a little kid on Christmas morning. I love this series, I love all the characters, I love the idea of a personal AI, I just love your books.
I am a senior citizen in bad health and one of my biggest worries is that my time will end before I see this story arc come to a satisfying end. I have become a fan of the LitRPG genre and I am reading several series and following several authors and you are at the top of the list.
Keep writing well, keep your imaginations fresh if possible, and Thank You.
September 20, 2022
Underage minors are supposed to be fostered not exploited and yet, this author believes that minors are required to be taxed on their virtual income. The thing about virtual income is that the servers and the actual gaining/working is done outside of territorial boundaries of Australia (in this particular case). Taxing for incomes not perceived within borders is not moral or legal. Taxation without representation, taxation without recompense to the minors is absurd. This is exploitation and expropriation in one of the worst possible ways. A minor cannot vote, a minor cannot enlist in the armed forces, a minor cannot be prosecuted for the majority of “adult crimes” and the logic is “Death and taxes”. It would be okay if the parents of the minor were the ones to get taxed (because they have the legal custody and representation of their children until they become adults). The vision of totalitarian governments where the citizens no longer have rights (liberty, property, etc.) but only obligations is the same as being enslaved. With no right to privacy, with no rights to property, freedom to act, freedom of speech or freedom to migrate to “free-rer and greener places/pastures”.
It is incredibly ironic that the government forces everyone to pay taxes and yet does not protect anyone from the government’s invasion of privacy, corruption and enslavement. So why would a story this screwed up be interesting to read? How is it any different that what we currently see in Communist China, in Russia or the populist/corrupt governments in the U.S. or rest of the world?
The main plot arc in this Third Book is no longer clear. Meridith Kodoman’s (Meri-death) organized crime group, with the collusion of governmental agencies, foreign universities, the online games, and foreign groups, is such a hell-like place on Earth and such a horrible vision of the future, that it kills all hope. So playing in two more VRMMORPG’s (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) whether they be adventure, sci-fi space or sword-play, really no longer makes any difference. It is like David and Goliath, if Goliath had one of the biggest corrupt and depraved monopolies behind him. Now the antagonists are killing honest government officials that are there to protect the victims and seek justice. Sounds too much like today's world to be original or interesting to read.
So for me, this third book has flat-lined: D.O.A. (Dead On Arrival). Leah’s relationship, her physical and mental improvements, her incredible feats no longer matter to me. She is extremely over-powered (OP) but is only one against thousands of corrupt and depraved organized crime/mafia militants.
It is incredibly ironic that the government forces everyone to pay taxes and yet does not protect anyone from the government’s invasion of privacy, corruption and enslavement. So why would a story this screwed up be interesting to read? How is it any different that what we currently see in Communist China, in Russia or the populist/corrupt governments in the U.S. or rest of the world?
The main plot arc in this Third Book is no longer clear. Meridith Kodoman’s (Meri-death) organized crime group, with the collusion of governmental agencies, foreign universities, the online games, and foreign groups, is such a hell-like place on Earth and such a horrible vision of the future, that it kills all hope. So playing in two more VRMMORPG’s (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) whether they be adventure, sci-fi space or sword-play, really no longer makes any difference. It is like David and Goliath, if Goliath had one of the biggest corrupt and depraved monopolies behind him. Now the antagonists are killing honest government officials that are there to protect the victims and seek justice. Sounds too much like today's world to be original or interesting to read.
So for me, this third book has flat-lined: D.O.A. (Dead On Arrival). Leah’s relationship, her physical and mental improvements, her incredible feats no longer matter to me. She is extremely over-powered (OP) but is only one against thousands of corrupt and depraved organized crime/mafia militants.
January 2, 2022
I am writing this message to announce my break-up in a toxic relationship. After investing time, money, and thought, all of which I have very little of, into this, I have decided to drop the Stork Tower series. From it's libertarian leanings and bootstrap's philosophy, to it's insane economics and blind luck masquerading as ability, to it's laughably poor dialogue, it is by all accounts a poor book. This was made plain from the beginning, but I committed the cardinal sin of any relationship. I liked them for what I wanted to see in them, what I wanted them to be, and failed to see them as they were.
I'll admit, I fell for the promise of a story featuring an AI growing in someone's brain, one who, through a happenstance of fate, was able to modify the very being of their host, from the muscles and bones, to the web of neuron's that define a person. I shrugged my shoulders when I saw that they lacked the gift of gab. Laughed it off when they proved no head for finances. They said they respect all sapients, but certain groups had a telling absence. Every once in a while a glimmer of the story I wanted, a story I could love with my whole heart, would show through. But then as I held it close thinking maybe they've finally changed, They'd smile... and I'd smell the alcohol on their breath.
I admit, this won't be our first time separated. I've taken breaks, read a few other stories. Most better and those that weren't didn't last as long. I still came back though. But this time, as I was reading it at 3 am in bed with them, I realized something. I got nothing positive out of this relationship. I wasn't happy. I never laughed with them. All I got was a growing pit of disappointment with them and myself. A sense that I wasted my time on story that took what I had to offer, and then took more. I'm done. I'm sorry that they weren't done with their meandering telling of being a virtual vampire, I don't need them to finish to know what being around something that sucks is like. I'll find a story that understands what I need. That I won't have to lie to my friends and family about if they ask about what I'm reading. And if I can't? I'll be better off alone than with them.
2/5 stars. Not good, but it's not the worst I've read.
I'll admit, I fell for the promise of a story featuring an AI growing in someone's brain, one who, through a happenstance of fate, was able to modify the very being of their host, from the muscles and bones, to the web of neuron's that define a person. I shrugged my shoulders when I saw that they lacked the gift of gab. Laughed it off when they proved no head for finances. They said they respect all sapients, but certain groups had a telling absence. Every once in a while a glimmer of the story I wanted, a story I could love with my whole heart, would show through. But then as I held it close thinking maybe they've finally changed, They'd smile... and I'd smell the alcohol on their breath.
I admit, this won't be our first time separated. I've taken breaks, read a few other stories. Most better and those that weren't didn't last as long. I still came back though. But this time, as I was reading it at 3 am in bed with them, I realized something. I got nothing positive out of this relationship. I wasn't happy. I never laughed with them. All I got was a growing pit of disappointment with them and myself. A sense that I wasted my time on story that took what I had to offer, and then took more. I'm done. I'm sorry that they weren't done with their meandering telling of being a virtual vampire, I don't need them to finish to know what being around something that sucks is like. I'll find a story that understands what I need. That I won't have to lie to my friends and family about if they ask about what I'm reading. And if I can't? I'll be better off alone than with them.
2/5 stars. Not good, but it's not the worst I've read.
February 21, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
June 12, 2024
Sigh as w most litrpg’s they tend to deviate so far from what made them so enjoyable to me. That’s not to say it’s bad I guess it’s just made me see the disparity on what I can say I believe
There’s a specific term for it but I can’t recall it rn
I could have done without the other mini subplots and been happy to see Leah grow in her business, continue her education and crush games. All other side stuff about kidnapping and espionage gets a little tedious after a while also, sis is 16. Granted a genius 16 but still, some of the stuff is a little disbelieving
There’s a specific term for it but I can’t recall it rn
I could have done without the other mini subplots and been happy to see Leah grow in her business, continue her education and crush games. All other side stuff about kidnapping and espionage gets a little tedious after a while also, sis is 16. Granted a genius 16 but still, some of the stuff is a little disbelieving
February 12, 2018
not enough review
all bocks had some nasty phrasing errors, but ok usually those are not too important. However, this book has a real contents flaw. Suddenly out of the blue she comes up with the code '42316 VIKAS' and spends several pages trying to find corresponding star systems/ bases.
Also the structuring of the book is bad, as for example it ends in the middle of a quest, where it could have ended a few pages earlier. Sorry but only one star.
all bocks had some nasty phrasing errors, but ok usually those are not too important. However, this book has a real contents flaw. Suddenly out of the blue she comes up with the code '42316 VIKAS' and spends several pages trying to find corresponding star systems/ bases.
Also the structuring of the book is bad, as for example it ends in the middle of a quest, where it could have ended a few pages earlier. Sorry but only one star.
January 26, 2019
Another great episode
For some reason I really enjoy this series and this episode was no different. The MC keeps doing what she feels is right and usually triumphs over the ensuing turmoil. Now our heroine has made many friends and seemingly more enemies and she is to become much more public. Her new found fame brings many new complications but regardless her enemies are moving for her as she can't hide in the line light. Next book.... Here we come.
For some reason I really enjoy this series and this episode was no different. The MC keeps doing what she feels is right and usually triumphs over the ensuing turmoil. Now our heroine has made many friends and seemingly more enemies and she is to become much more public. Her new found fame brings many new complications but regardless her enemies are moving for her as she can't hide in the line light. Next book.... Here we come.
October 21, 2021
Getting better
My problem with book 1 in the series was it was just too much virtual world and not enough real world. Thankfully book 2 started to right the balance and book 3 has it about right
Things are still going well for Leah and she. Now has 2 v-worlds to run amok in. The real world issues are starting to become more relevant and I am guessing book 4 will bring a lot more danger to her friends
My problem with book 1 in the series was it was just too much virtual world and not enough real world. Thankfully book 2 started to right the balance and book 3 has it about right
Things are still going well for Leah and she. Now has 2 v-worlds to run amok in. The real world issues are starting to become more relevant and I am guessing book 4 will bring a lot more danger to her friends
January 6, 2018
Seriously awesome series!
I managed to read all three books in three days and I have to say that I am really impressed by the quality of the concepts and execution of the storyline. Of course now I am extremely sad that there are no more books to read but I'm hoping that will change very soon! The author is now one of my top 5 for this genre and top 10 all time.
I managed to read all three books in three days and I have to say that I am really impressed by the quality of the concepts and execution of the storyline. Of course now I am extremely sad that there are no more books to read but I'm hoping that will change very soon! The author is now one of my top 5 for this genre and top 10 all time.
July 17, 2018
Fun Story, But “Four Book Series is at Least Five”
The Author has learned the nasty technique of leaving a book on a cliffhanger. That that might be acceptable, if the series actually ended in four books. Or at least, if it left you in a reasonable state. Ending a *4* book series, with the hero’s mother suffering from amnesia is not an acceptable way to end a Series!
The Author has learned the nasty technique of leaving a book on a cliffhanger. That that might be acceptable, if the series actually ended in four books. Or at least, if it left you in a reasonable state. Ending a *4* book series, with the hero’s mother suffering from amnesia is not an acceptable way to end a Series!
April 27, 2020
Amazing addition to the story
I'm only reviewing book three and I'm finding it amazing just how well thought out, full of magic and scifi, truly fleshed out characters and interactions, and how seamless everything fits... this is a series all should read and where a bar has been set for others to try and hit.
I'm only reviewing book three and I'm finding it amazing just how well thought out, full of magic and scifi, truly fleshed out characters and interactions, and how seamless everything fits... this is a series all should read and where a bar has been set for others to try and hit.
November 19, 2022
While the story is getting different, it is just as contrived as before.
The sudden divergence into new quest lines feels like a patch to supplement the lack of driven content. The shift in power from the developers is a long time coming, that was an obvious choice to make given the use of cliche villains.
The sudden divergence into new quest lines feels like a patch to supplement the lack of driven content. The shift in power from the developers is a long time coming, that was an obvious choice to make given the use of cliche villains.
January 3, 2018
What a great story and series. One of the best I’ve ever read. Only downside is book 4 is not out yet. I’ve focused mostly on the story but the journal maintained as an adjunct to the story intrigues me for its depth of perception in terms of our own society.
January 13, 2018
Wonderful example of LitRPG
Fascinating series, I'm hooked. The only reason I didn't give five stars were the spelling errors. Spell check doesn't catch errors in usage (context.) (Their, they're, and there all sound the same, but they aren't interchangeable.)
Fascinating series, I'm hooked. The only reason I didn't give five stars were the spelling errors. Spell check doesn't catch errors in usage (context.) (Their, they're, and there all sound the same, but they aren't interchangeable.)
January 14, 2018
This book did a good job of moving away from the constant dungeon to dungeon grind towards the end. I feel like the plot is starting to spread itself too thing. There are so many threads coming in to play that it is becoming almost too hectic.
February 4, 2018
Engaging series with an interesting balance between worlds
Certainly enjoying this series and look forward to book four. Anyone who has played a massive multiplayer online game will appreciate the connections and aspects of this world building.
Certainly enjoying this series and look forward to book four. Anyone who has played a massive multiplayer online game will appreciate the connections and aspects of this world building.
February 17, 2020
So very very good!
These books just keep getting better as the series goes on. The depth and layers behind the plot are so deep as to be a black hole, and I just want to keep diving headfirst!
These books just keep getting better as the series goes on. The depth and layers behind the plot are so deep as to be a black hole, and I just want to keep diving headfirst!
August 30, 2021
Man this was great. And then it imploded.
I was so impressed. The improvement through to book 3 was great. Good story, needed a good editor…
But then … if it had been a car it would have boon zooming down the interstate, suddenly spun around twice and flipped on irpts roof.
I was so impressed. The improvement through to book 3 was great. Good story, needed a good editor…
But then … if it had been a car it would have boon zooming down the interstate, suddenly spun around twice and flipped on irpts roof.
December 30, 2017
Riveting
I am not really into RPG, but this litRPG I could not put it down just like the first two. Am on tenderhooks waiting for the next installment.
I am not really into RPG, but this litRPG I could not put it down just like the first two. Am on tenderhooks waiting for the next installment.
January 4, 2018
Good series
Recommended for litrpg fans. Very creative and a fun read. I am looking forward to book 4. Extremely fast paced yet well thought out.
Recommended for litrpg fans. Very creative and a fun read. I am looking forward to book 4. Extremely fast paced yet well thought out.
February 3, 2018
I wish it hadn't ended in such a cliffhanger. That was quite frustrating! Good read though and nice to see so many twists :)
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