What do you think?
Rate this book
The War God Saga #2
War God's Mantle: Descent
A Marine turned Greek God. An army of beautiful Amazons. An infernal enemy out to burn the world down.
It’s been three weeks since Jacob Merely crash-landed on the mythical island of Lycastia, and the newly minted War God finally has things under control. He’s grown into his power, built his city, and earned the respect of his gorgeous, hard-charging Amazons.
He’s not in the clear yet, though. Hades still lives, and the mystical sigil holding him at bay is rapidly failing. Worse, a horde of new enemies is battering Lycastia’s gates daily, slowly grinding down Jacob’s forces. But Jacob has a plan to get the upper hand. He’s learned about a legendary weapon buried in a prehistoric world deep in the bowels of the island. A weapon with the power to kill even gods. If he can defeat the weapon’s primordial guardians and subdue an exiled Titan, he might just be able to save the world.
But that’s an awfully big if …
It’s been three weeks since Jacob Merely crash-landed on the mythical island of Lycastia, and the newly minted War God finally has things under control. He’s grown into his power, built his city, and earned the respect of his gorgeous, hard-charging Amazons.
He’s not in the clear yet, though. Hades still lives, and the mystical sigil holding him at bay is rapidly failing. Worse, a horde of new enemies is battering Lycastia’s gates daily, slowly grinding down Jacob’s forces. But Jacob has a plan to get the upper hand. He’s learned about a legendary weapon buried in a prehistoric world deep in the bowels of the island. A weapon with the power to kill even gods. If he can defeat the weapon’s primordial guardians and subdue an exiled Titan, he might just be able to save the world.
But that’s an awfully big if …
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2018
363 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
James A. Hunter
97 books1,144 followersJames Hunter is a full-time ink slinger, a member of SFWA, and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Bibliomancer (The Completionist Chronicles Expanded Universe), and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, an industry leader that specializes in publishing LitRPG, Fantasy, and selection Science Fiction.
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
James is a former Marine Corps Sergeant, combat veteran, and pirate hunter (seriously). He’s also a member of The Royal Order of the Shellback—’cause that’s totally a real thing. And a spaceship captain, can’t forget that. Okay … the last one probably isn’t true. When not writing or spending time with family, James occasionally finds time to eat and sleep.
Find out more about James Hunter at www.ShadowAlleyPress.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 12, 2018
Rage inducing antagonists.
I hate books where an extremely douchey bad guy escapes certain death because the hero takes too damn long to make the killing blow. It actually happens frequently enough for me to rate any book I read penalty points for this trope. I don't want to finish a book feeling angry and frustrated and this book lets both the main jerkass villain AND the traitor escape when they were dead to rights. I get that there is a third act but surely Hades is the endgame villain? Now I have a bitter taste in my mouth and must play the waiting game just to see (hopefully) vengeance metted.
I hate books where an extremely douchey bad guy escapes certain death because the hero takes too damn long to make the killing blow. It actually happens frequently enough for me to rate any book I read penalty points for this trope. I don't want to finish a book feeling angry and frustrated and this book lets both the main jerkass villain AND the traitor escape when they were dead to rights. I get that there is a third act but surely Hades is the endgame villain? Now I have a bitter taste in my mouth and must play the waiting game just to see (hopefully) vengeance metted.
June 22, 2018
Great follow up
Non-stop action, book2 had plenty of action and kept the story running along, a few more scenes with him being more a bad ass War God.
Non-stop action, book2 had plenty of action and kept the story running along, a few more scenes with him being more a bad ass War God.
June 22, 2018
Book two
This stopped being litrpg in my opinion. Just because you throw up some stat tables doesn't make it litrpg.
Very little loot, a single dungeon dive, sure lots of bodies hit the dirt, but it was done in a way as to show off how awesome the MC was. Most of the battles added nothing to the story since there were only a couple of times that the enemy was looted.
The sex also added nothing to the story and came across as teen wish fulfilment.
A bad ripoff of the game god of war.
I didn't enjoy this book like I did the first and don't recommend it.
This stopped being litrpg in my opinion. Just because you throw up some stat tables doesn't make it litrpg.
Very little loot, a single dungeon dive, sure lots of bodies hit the dirt, but it was done in a way as to show off how awesome the MC was. Most of the battles added nothing to the story since there were only a couple of times that the enemy was looted.
The sex also added nothing to the story and came across as teen wish fulfilment.
A bad ripoff of the game god of war.
I didn't enjoy this book like I did the first and don't recommend it.
June 23, 2018
I am only a recent denizen if the LITRPG world, but I am an Uber Nerd from way back. I wasn’t sure how much I would care for stories about Video Games told from the view point of an irreversibly immersed gamer. Then I thought about all those times I had dreamt that I was my one of my D&D characters and at that point I was hooked.
The War God series brought back memories from my youth of staying up all night playing D&D and seeing Conan the Barbarian when it was first released. Everyone loves a good dungeon crawl and there’s couple of great ones in Descent along with some epic boss fights.
For me, Jacob the “War God” is relatable and for the most part likable. I am hopeful that he will remain self aware and able to resist the Godstone’s seeming intent to imprint Ares’ personality on him. It is his nerdy humanity that makes him endearing.
From the standpoint of being an “average” player, it feels like the PCs level too easily. But, this perception may be more related to me sucking at gaming than an actual plot flaw. Just sayin’
The main antagonist is really easy to hate and I found myself extremely eager to witness his demise, unfortunately the author does not share my zeal.
In summary I really enjoyed the book a lot and I am now kind of in that emotional void where you know there’s gonna be a sequel, but what the hell do you do until then?
The War God series brought back memories from my youth of staying up all night playing D&D and seeing Conan the Barbarian when it was first released. Everyone loves a good dungeon crawl and there’s couple of great ones in Descent along with some epic boss fights.
For me, Jacob the “War God” is relatable and for the most part likable. I am hopeful that he will remain self aware and able to resist the Godstone’s seeming intent to imprint Ares’ personality on him. It is his nerdy humanity that makes him endearing.
From the standpoint of being an “average” player, it feels like the PCs level too easily. But, this perception may be more related to me sucking at gaming than an actual plot flaw. Just sayin’
The main antagonist is really easy to hate and I found myself extremely eager to witness his demise, unfortunately the author does not share my zeal.
In summary I really enjoyed the book a lot and I am now kind of in that emotional void where you know there’s gonna be a sequel, but what the hell do you do until then?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2018
A great continuation in a awesome story
Wow. I bought this book and couldnt believe how much more action and adventure was included in this story.
In this one Jacob Meerly defiently comes into his own as the War God. Not only is the action and fights better but he truly embraces his powers in this book.
The Amazons are more attractive and definitely more badass in this one. The twists with them had me shaking my head because I couldnt believe how it could happen.
The fight between Echo Earle and Jacob escalates to a whole new level in this book and the fight scenes are amazing. I couldnt put the book down once I bought it and had to read it all the way through.
If you are looking for a fun adventure with crazy twists and turns then read this series. The Greek mythology is amazing and spot on and truly adds a fun element to the gamelit experience.
It's not a super crunchy series statwise but they are in there and play a major role in the book. I gladly will recommend this book to anyone that wants a fun, engaging adventure.
Wow. I bought this book and couldnt believe how much more action and adventure was included in this story.
In this one Jacob Meerly defiently comes into his own as the War God. Not only is the action and fights better but he truly embraces his powers in this book.
The Amazons are more attractive and definitely more badass in this one. The twists with them had me shaking my head because I couldnt believe how it could happen.
The fight between Echo Earle and Jacob escalates to a whole new level in this book and the fight scenes are amazing. I couldnt put the book down once I bought it and had to read it all the way through.
If you are looking for a fun adventure with crazy twists and turns then read this series. The Greek mythology is amazing and spot on and truly adds a fun element to the gamelit experience.
It's not a super crunchy series statwise but they are in there and play a major role in the book. I gladly will recommend this book to anyone that wants a fun, engaging adventure.
September 8, 2018
Very Satisfying Sequel
This book delivers more of what made the first book great. An interesting combination of game mechanic (relatively light), and Greek Mythology (with a free hand).
Jacob Merely continues to grow into his own as the war god. I have enjoyed this being a slow process, a lot of books in this genre advance the MC very quickly.
The cast of Amazons are fun and interesting. The re-forging of those that die, who come back with only a shadow of their previous memories and loss of all experience, is a good compromise between realistic deaths happen, and not having to constantly introduce a cast of new characters.
The quest for the scythe allowed the introduction of some new characters and varieties of dynomythic monsters, and new settings. Chronos's temple, and the whole under-volcano swamp and jungle are cool.
And finally Earl Necro Earl gets a beat-down.
This book delivers more of what made the first book great. An interesting combination of game mechanic (relatively light), and Greek Mythology (with a free hand).
Jacob Merely continues to grow into his own as the war god. I have enjoyed this being a slow process, a lot of books in this genre advance the MC very quickly.
The cast of Amazons are fun and interesting. The re-forging of those that die, who come back with only a shadow of their previous memories and loss of all experience, is a good compromise between realistic deaths happen, and not having to constantly introduce a cast of new characters.
The quest for the scythe allowed the introduction of some new characters and varieties of dynomythic monsters, and new settings. Chronos's temple, and the whole under-volcano swamp and jungle are cool.
And finally Earl Necro Earl gets a beat-down.
November 18, 2019
This book is amazing plenty of action character progression and growth without any of dragged out long stats it's just pure action and pure awesomeness. if you like Greek mythology you will love this book for those that don't like the Harem side of things it does have that in there but it's very shadowed in the details and depicting of those points and they also don't drag on for more than a paragraph generally speaking all-around amazing book Aaron crash and James Hunter are definitely some of the best authors out there.
July 16, 2018
Decent
Loved the second instalment as much as the first. Entertainment on a grand scale, as Jacob grows in power he must also rein in Aries lusts which is becoming harder as he levels up. The Amazons are brave loyal and wonderful mixture of beauty and the beast, still trying to come to terms with freedom Jacob has given them. The storyline is great throughout mixing fantasy and real world time and again, I could not put it down. Fab
Loved the second instalment as much as the first. Entertainment on a grand scale, as Jacob grows in power he must also rein in Aries lusts which is becoming harder as he levels up. The Amazons are brave loyal and wonderful mixture of beauty and the beast, still trying to come to terms with freedom Jacob has given them. The storyline is great throughout mixing fantasy and real world time and again, I could not put it down. Fab
May 2, 2019
Level Up
Jacob has taken on the mantle of the dying War God, Ares. His mission is to stop the God Hades from killing all humans on Earth. It's a long slog from battle to battle defending the city and seeking weapons to defeat the hordes of Hades. I like the action, humor, and romance. Will one of his own betray him? I look forward to the next book.
Jacob has taken on the mantle of the dying War God, Ares. His mission is to stop the God Hades from killing all humans on Earth. It's a long slog from battle to battle defending the city and seeking weapons to defeat the hordes of Hades. I like the action, humor, and romance. Will one of his own betray him? I look forward to the next book.
June 13, 2018
Lit-mythology with a twist
I preferred the first book, to be honest, but this was still fun. It’s hard to judge a middle book, because I don’t know where the series is going. I’ll keep reading to find out.
I preferred the first book, to be honest, but this was still fun. It’s hard to judge a middle book, because I don’t know where the series is going. I’ll keep reading to find out.
June 14, 2018
Nicely Done
This is an interesting series. I love the slow burn harem aspect, and really enjoy all the action. Also love that the ND is dealing with all these drastic changes in a real and relatable way.
This is an interesting series. I love the slow burn harem aspect, and really enjoy all the action. Also love that the ND is dealing with all these drastic changes in a real and relatable way.
August 20, 2018
And you thought it couldn't get better
This is a manic romp through the Odyssey, illiad and an a to z of miscellaneous Greek monsters and myths.
Total immersion fantasy warfare. Told by mastercraftsmen.
Ding ding round 3.
This is a manic romp through the Odyssey, illiad and an a to z of miscellaneous Greek monsters and myths.
Total immersion fantasy warfare. Told by mastercraftsmen.
Ding ding round 3.
September 20, 2018
Amazing War Segments.
While this book has some amazing war segments, as the title had "Harem Adventure" in it, I was expecting a little more sexual segments also. If I had known it was only war, I would never had started reading it.
While this book has some amazing war segments, as the title had "Harem Adventure" in it, I was expecting a little more sexual segments also. If I had known it was only war, I would never had started reading it.
October 26, 2018
the adversities keep getting really out of hand, every time our MC have an edge the enemy gets a better one' it should have stayed contained into a small number with modern weapons vs a gigantic number of enemies with medieval weaponry, now everyone got machine guns...
October 11, 2019
A+ in Badassery!
I am so loving these books. It feels like I am in an adventure from some EnD campaign. I love the system as he gains levels, and puts points into his build. Fun stuff, if you are a gamer, these books are for you for sure.
I am so loving these books. It feels like I am in an adventure from some EnD campaign. I love the system as he gains levels, and puts points into his build. Fun stuff, if you are a gamer, these books are for you for sure.
December 10, 2020
Continues the story from where book one left off. The writing is also of a consistent quality and is well paced. I personally enjoyed this more than book one. As the MC grew and developed both in terms of power and also in knowledge.
June 26, 2018
Great story
Everyone should try this, litrpg is new to me, but it is fascinating to see what gamers see in their heads when they play
Everyone should try this, litrpg is new to me, but it is fascinating to see what gamers see in their heads when they play
July 23, 2018
Excellent
A fun, fast read with loads of action. I enjoyed it immensely. I'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy, gamelit, litRPG, or just wants to read a great book.
A fun, fast read with loads of action. I enjoyed it immensely. I'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy, gamelit, litRPG, or just wants to read a great book.
October 28, 2018
Would have given 5 stars, if the MC killed the douche bag Earle!
March 22, 2019
Good book
Its a great book what more can i say? I want more for this series.If u read the summary and u think it sounds ok get it.You will prolly enjoy it
Its a great book what more can i say? I want more for this series.If u read the summary and u think it sounds ok get it.You will prolly enjoy it
December 7, 2020
The ride continues
The adrenaline fueled ride continues in this sequel, amping up the action and the story as well. Glad the next one is already written!
The adrenaline fueled ride continues in this sequel, amping up the action and the story as well. Glad the next one is already written!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews