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Couch Potato Chronicles #1
Couch Potato Chaos
You know those times when you’re surrounded by a squadron of blood-thirsty ninjas, your back is to the wall, you’re down to your last heart container, and all hope seems lost? In situations like that, it’s important not to panic, to take a deep breath, and to remember that even if you do shuffle off this mortal coil, by the laws of Etheria you’ll shuffle right back on it again. Meet Tasha, a couch potato with no accomplishments to her name. That all changes one fateful day when she gets sucked into the world of Etheria. Here, in this world of adventure, she can become the strong person she’s always wanted to be. After rescuing a princess from ninjas, one thing leads to another, and before she knows it, she’s drawn into a massive quest to save Etheria. With friends by her side, Tasha must figure out who she really is. --- This is a LitRPG/RPG Gamelit novel with stat progression, video game mechanics, and narrative spreadsheets. It features heavy satire and the kind of silly over-the-top situations you might expect in a 16-bit video game. No velociraptors have been harmed in the production of this novel.
517 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2018
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85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 29, 2018
What!!
Now I'm over here waiting for the next book. There are very few litRPG's that I like thE do the DR world and the real world both well. This has got me hooked. I need to find out whats going on in the real world and what's gonna happen now in the DR world. Talk about a cliffhanger.
Now I'm over here waiting for the next book. There are very few litRPG's that I like thE do the DR world and the real world both well. This has got me hooked. I need to find out whats going on in the real world and what's gonna happen now in the DR world. Talk about a cliffhanger.
October 10, 2019
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook at no-cost from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
So I really enjoyed this book. The MC was relatable and enjoyable to follow. The humor in this book led towards absurdism and references to other movies and games, though I never felt like I wasn't getting the joke if I didn't know the reference and the references didn't feel dated, though some may be more sensitive to that than others. Most of all, the book was unafraid to poke fun at itself.
The author built a video game world where the video game mechanics are explained and treated as we would the laws of the universe. in addition, the main character's class is a unique take on a cliche idea that takes something overpowered and makes it comparatively underpowered, but still useful.
One thing I feel I absolutely need to point out us even though it's a hard LitRPG with statistics and experience and leveling, there are minimal stat listings. Usually it's only the relevant stats at that moment and the only outright listed stat block is at the very end of the book in the character listing.
The narration was easy to follow, and the book's writing translated well to being read aloud. If I had to point out one thing that I didn't particularly care for about the book it would be that there is minimal actual challenge and repercussions that the main character faces, the stakes feel low. This is partly due to the nature of the book, but at the same time, it is something I feel could use improvement.
So I really enjoyed this book. The MC was relatable and enjoyable to follow. The humor in this book led towards absurdism and references to other movies and games, though I never felt like I wasn't getting the joke if I didn't know the reference and the references didn't feel dated, though some may be more sensitive to that than others. Most of all, the book was unafraid to poke fun at itself.
The author built a video game world where the video game mechanics are explained and treated as we would the laws of the universe. in addition, the main character's class is a unique take on a cliche idea that takes something overpowered and makes it comparatively underpowered, but still useful.
One thing I feel I absolutely need to point out us even though it's a hard LitRPG with statistics and experience and leveling, there are minimal stat listings. Usually it's only the relevant stats at that moment and the only outright listed stat block is at the very end of the book in the character listing.
The narration was easy to follow, and the book's writing translated well to being read aloud. If I had to point out one thing that I didn't particularly care for about the book it would be that there is minimal actual challenge and repercussions that the main character faces, the stakes feel low. This is partly due to the nature of the book, but at the same time, it is something I feel could use improvement.
September 29, 2018
Interesting
A very interesting read. Unique game system, and really interesting concept. It made think of Link as a girl. Some very overpowered moments but still an enjoyable read. Not sure we're the story will go from here but I'm looking forward to reading it.
A very interesting read. Unique game system, and really interesting concept. It made think of Link as a girl. Some very overpowered moments but still an enjoyable read. Not sure we're the story will go from here but I'm looking forward to reading it.
February 1, 2019
Note, I got the audio book, so this is a review of the story and the audio book...
Okay I'll start with the negative first and rip that bandaid off, as for performance I think the narrator did a great job on most aspects but I kind of wish there was a male voice for the guys, she seemed to just add an English accent when it was a male and would have rather had a males voice like in some of the other audio books I've heard. The second and last negative point is on the author, this may have been on purpose but I have no clue what any character looks like other than that one character has unnaturally spiky hair.
Okay now for the good, or should I say great, the story had good flow, and I loved that the character used her knowledge of video games top her advantage and her knowledge of programming and feel culture forged her path in the book, too many books in this genre I've read have had the statement that the character is a geek but then ends up in these worlds and acts clueless and acts like they know nothing of monster hunting and basic video game tropes which is where this one grabs on and rides them like a glorious raptor into battle.
Okay I'll start with the negative first and rip that bandaid off, as for performance I think the narrator did a great job on most aspects but I kind of wish there was a male voice for the guys, she seemed to just add an English accent when it was a male and would have rather had a males voice like in some of the other audio books I've heard. The second and last negative point is on the author, this may have been on purpose but I have no clue what any character looks like other than that one character has unnaturally spiky hair.
Okay now for the good, or should I say great, the story had good flow, and I loved that the character used her knowledge of video games top her advantage and her knowledge of programming and feel culture forged her path in the book, too many books in this genre I've read have had the statement that the character is a geek but then ends up in these worlds and acts clueless and acts like they know nothing of monster hunting and basic video game tropes which is where this one grabs on and rides them like a glorious raptor into battle.
June 18, 2022
Subjective comments: I found the MC uninteresting and story is nothing special. I was a little interested in the side character who is "on the spectrum" in a fantasy world but in the portion of the book I read the author failed to do anything interesting with that. The MC's unique power seemed ridiculous to me and not so special as to allow her to accomplish anything.
Objective comments (or so I am asserting): The story (transported to another world) and story telling were uninspired. The books opening in "the real world" (prior to tranportation) was not only uninspired but pointless. It does set up the "father disappeared into the same fantasy world earlier" storyline but not very well. The one scene with the father and the elves (plus subsequent explanation of how the elves made a deal to save themselves at the cost of a planet full of other beings) pretty much made me hate both father and elves.
Bottom line: Bless you if you can enjoy this book as I couldn't.
Objective comments (or so I am asserting): The story (transported to another world) and story telling were uninspired. The books opening in "the real world" (prior to tranportation) was not only uninspired but pointless. It does set up the "father disappeared into the same fantasy world earlier" storyline but not very well. The one scene with the father and the elves (plus subsequent explanation of how the elves made a deal to save themselves at the cost of a planet full of other beings) pretty much made me hate both father and elves.
Bottom line: Bless you if you can enjoy this book as I couldn't.
January 1, 2021
(review for the audible version)
I don't usually write long reviews but has this is a relative new book I am feeling it is not getting enough love. Incredible new world, innovative approuch to aspects of the isekai genre that normally are ignored like the game world self vs real world self aspect.
The couchpotato class was really fun and the mechanics interesting, however I felt that by the end the specific class mechanics could be better used to bring some more "spunk" to the last quarter of the book.
With such an ending really hope the 2nd installment comes as soon as possible!
Never forgetting to mention a stellar narration by Sarah Sampino, hope to be hearing her narration in more books of the genre (LitRPG, Fantasy, Sci-fi) and of course in the sequel.
I don't usually write long reviews but has this is a relative new book I am feeling it is not getting enough love. Incredible new world, innovative approuch to aspects of the isekai genre that normally are ignored like the game world self vs real world self aspect.
The couchpotato class was really fun and the mechanics interesting, however I felt that by the end the specific class mechanics could be better used to bring some more "spunk" to the last quarter of the book.
With such an ending really hope the 2nd installment comes as soon as possible!
Never forgetting to mention a stellar narration by Sarah Sampino, hope to be hearing her narration in more books of the genre (LitRPG, Fantasy, Sci-fi) and of course in the sequel.
February 8, 2019
This is a review of the Audible edition.
The story and skill system of the book are well thought out and enjoyable. The skill system and unique class Couch Potato are entertaining to think about and potentially very powerful but I feel like their use in the book was limited and didn't make sense other than acquiring a skill for a plot point a prime example being double jump she needs it for a plot point and after that its rarely ever mentioned other than for other plot points. The main character is very relatable as a gamer and the story will have you nostalgic for video games you've already played especially classic rpgs. The timing in the book doesn't make much sense due to the fact that the story takes place over about a half a year period and while the journey is progressing the characters level doesn't seem to unless the story is focusing on it the party would be battling monsters every day during the journey but suddenly get 2 or even 3 levels during a battle the writer decides to focus on showing how easy it is to level which makes you question why the characters aren't much higher level by the end of the book. Skill development is about the same The main character finds a skill they have an interest in (usually for a later plot point) then spends the necessary time (usually less than a day) leveling it to 1 too be able to keep it but over a half of year period the main character should have either a lot more skills or much higher level skills and leaves them feeling like they didn't get enough attention.
The main character is easy to relate to and her background while not fully fleshed out is done so enough that most readers in the target audience will have enough in common with her to enjoy her adventure but where the story really shines in my opinion is the potential for world building some of which is done in the book and in the supporting cast. Ari and Pan's sub-story quickly became my favorite part of this book and they may very well be my favorite LitRPG supporting characters to date, most of the other supporting characters are defined almost as well as those two making for an enjoyable encounter.
In the end despite how I started off this review I really enjoyed this book, the author does a fantastic job of drawing you into the world he created and I only pointed out those issues with the hopes of helping they probably wont take much away from the average reader. Additionally the narrator Sarah Sampino did a fantastic job especially with the characters facing unique speech problems and challenges. I look forward to both the author and narrators future works.
The story and skill system of the book are well thought out and enjoyable. The skill system and unique class Couch Potato are entertaining to think about and potentially very powerful but I feel like their use in the book was limited and didn't make sense other than acquiring a skill for a plot point a prime example being double jump she needs it for a plot point and after that its rarely ever mentioned other than for other plot points. The main character is very relatable as a gamer and the story will have you nostalgic for video games you've already played especially classic rpgs. The timing in the book doesn't make much sense due to the fact that the story takes place over about a half a year period and while the journey is progressing the characters level doesn't seem to unless the story is focusing on it the party would be battling monsters every day during the journey but suddenly get 2 or even 3 levels during a battle the writer decides to focus on showing how easy it is to level which makes you question why the characters aren't much higher level by the end of the book. Skill development is about the same The main character finds a skill they have an interest in (usually for a later plot point) then spends the necessary time (usually less than a day) leveling it to 1 too be able to keep it but over a half of year period the main character should have either a lot more skills or much higher level skills and leaves them feeling like they didn't get enough attention.
The main character is easy to relate to and her background while not fully fleshed out is done so enough that most readers in the target audience will have enough in common with her to enjoy her adventure but where the story really shines in my opinion is the potential for world building some of which is done in the book and in the supporting cast. Ari and Pan's sub-story quickly became my favorite part of this book and they may very well be my favorite LitRPG supporting characters to date, most of the other supporting characters are defined almost as well as those two making for an enjoyable encounter.
In the end despite how I started off this review I really enjoyed this book, the author does a fantastic job of drawing you into the world he created and I only pointed out those issues with the hopes of helping they probably wont take much away from the average reader. Additionally the narrator Sarah Sampino did a fantastic job especially with the characters facing unique speech problems and challenges. I look forward to both the author and narrators future works.
February 21, 2020
Compared to some LitRPG titles this one is fairly tame. It tugs at my mind as a sort of YA LitRPG, if there is such a thing. There is a decent story contained within and it’s a humorous ride for the most part. The game mechanics are there, along with the character stats including some unique classes and skills reserved for this story alone. Leveling, grinding, saving the Princess, and other quests are the meat and potatoes of this first volume. Other sub-plots are discussed or hinted at; such as the mission Ari and Pan are involved in, or the elemental orbs which must be collected to satisfy a world-event quest. Each of those may be an additional volume in their own right. The MC Tasha is genuine, sincere, and fun to follow. The narrator, Sarah Sampino is quite good and supplied an excellent performance. I enjoyed this tale and look forward to more of the series. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 26, 2022
This is my first LitRPG genre novel, and I have a lot to say about it. Most of it I will not say here though.
My greatest complaint in this book is I feel it is obvious the majority of the time, the author really had no plan with where they were taking things. It is often just a string of events being thrown together, loosely inspired by The Lord Of The Rings. If you can not see it, more power to you.
Now I am not saying the book is not worth reading. In fact, I am holding back my opinions as I really am anticipating reading the second book in the series. I just feel, you should be warned, it is highly derivative and full of pointless popular geek culture references that usually fall flat.
My greatest complaint in this book is I feel it is obvious the majority of the time, the author really had no plan with where they were taking things. It is often just a string of events being thrown together, loosely inspired by The Lord Of The Rings. If you can not see it, more power to you.
Now I am not saying the book is not worth reading. In fact, I am holding back my opinions as I really am anticipating reading the second book in the series. I just feel, you should be warned, it is highly derivative and full of pointless popular geek culture references that usually fall flat.
February 22, 2019
Too campy and scattered
The book doesn't know if it takes itself seriously or not.
I would say the first 20% of the book was excellent but from there on there was very little consistency. The author also needs to get a decent editor as there are whole sections in the story that are repeated multiple times for exposition's sake.
Secondly, this feels more like the first Jumanji vs. the second, in that the stats/skills/etc are even mentioned when relevant or when it feels like they haven't been mentioned in a long enough time.
Cool cover though.
I do not know if I will be getting the next one. 2.5 stars rounded up due to novel concepts and interesting support cast.
The book doesn't know if it takes itself seriously or not.
I would say the first 20% of the book was excellent but from there on there was very little consistency. The author also needs to get a decent editor as there are whole sections in the story that are repeated multiple times for exposition's sake.
Secondly, this feels more like the first Jumanji vs. the second, in that the stats/skills/etc are even mentioned when relevant or when it feels like they haven't been mentioned in a long enough time.
Cool cover though.
I do not know if I will be getting the next one. 2.5 stars rounded up due to novel concepts and interesting support cast.
April 7, 2021
Clever idea for an Adventure
Basically, it seems to have been written for those gamers who wish they could live inside of a fantasy video game. Tasha, the couch potato, finds this happening to her, thanks to a package delivered late from her long-dead father. Then, of course, she finds (eventually) that it's up to her to save the world she's incarnated into. I have to admit that even as a non-gamer I was entertained by the pickles she gets into, but a bad anti-Christian joke and some accidental murders kind of soured me on the plot. Plus it seemed to go on forever, though there were many surprises. I think a lot of readers would enjoy the book.
Basically, it seems to have been written for those gamers who wish they could live inside of a fantasy video game. Tasha, the couch potato, finds this happening to her, thanks to a package delivered late from her long-dead father. Then, of course, she finds (eventually) that it's up to her to save the world she's incarnated into. I have to admit that even as a non-gamer I was entertained by the pickles she gets into, but a bad anti-Christian joke and some accidental murders kind of soured me on the plot. Plus it seemed to go on forever, though there were many surprises. I think a lot of readers would enjoy the book.
February 6, 2022
Not a fan of the characters, and I'm not sure the author knows what to do with them.
The book was a bit all over the place.
Several gimmicks or potential plot hooks are thrown in and then ignored for long times or forgotten about entirely. For litrpg, it also seemed like levels and skilled were included to interest gamers, but didn't really seem like they mattered.
Also, the author includes things like changing personalities and causal murder and slavery - in a book that seems to try to be lighthearted/funny, it does a very poor job of handling those issues.
The book was a bit all over the place.
Several gimmicks or potential plot hooks are thrown in and then ignored for long times or forgotten about entirely. For litrpg, it also seemed like levels and skilled were included to interest gamers, but didn't really seem like they mattered.
Also, the author includes things like changing personalities and causal murder and slavery - in a book that seems to try to be lighthearted/funny, it does a very poor job of handling those issues.
October 9, 2018
Where has this amazing story been my whole life
Just the right amount of pop culture references and call outs to the works of other amazing authors. One of the most immersive and enthralling bits of prose I have had the pleasure of reading in a good while, and I read a bit over a hundred novels a year.
Just the right amount of pop culture references and call outs to the works of other amazing authors. One of the most immersive and enthralling bits of prose I have had the pleasure of reading in a good while, and I read a bit over a hundred novels a year.
October 16, 2018
Why?
I enjoyed the book a lot I couldn't put it down but then I read the very end of the book and the ending ruined the entire book you do not do that having the queen take the princess at the end that just ruins it everything else was good and I'm not even sure if I'm going to read the second book or not
I enjoyed the book a lot I couldn't put it down but then I read the very end of the book and the ending ruined the entire book you do not do that having the queen take the princess at the end that just ruins it everything else was good and I'm not even sure if I'm going to read the second book or not
October 25, 2018
Fantastic!
There are certain books out there that just hit your heartstrings and get you emotionally connected to the world and characters the author portrays before us. This is surely one of those for me. There are a couple series I twinge in anticipation for and now this is added to the list. Thank you for your writing!!! 5 stars!!!!
There are certain books out there that just hit your heartstrings and get you emotionally connected to the world and characters the author portrays before us. This is surely one of those for me. There are a couple series I twinge in anticipation for and now this is added to the list. Thank you for your writing!!! 5 stars!!!!
November 2, 2018
Reminds me of a young Terry Pratchett.
A good an unique take on death of a character. Instead of a normal person's death the death here makes you inhabit a new body. With different neurological responses. So a scared of heights person might become an avid sky jumper. The author makes it an entertaining read. Looking forward to the next book.
A good an unique take on death of a character. Instead of a normal person's death the death here makes you inhabit a new body. With different neurological responses. So a scared of heights person might become an avid sky jumper. The author makes it an entertaining read. Looking forward to the next book.
January 8, 2019
Disappointed
I enjoyed reading the book, until the epilogue. The main part of the book was fun to read. The main character never used her knowledge she had from prior to arrival in the new world. As a programmer, she had the real world abilities to modify and improve all spells (as per her first spell). The epilogue ruined the book. I will not be reading any future books..
I enjoyed reading the book, until the epilogue. The main part of the book was fun to read. The main character never used her knowledge she had from prior to arrival in the new world. As a programmer, she had the real world abilities to modify and improve all spells (as per her first spell). The epilogue ruined the book. I will not be reading any future books..
October 8, 2018
First 90% was really good, then it went downhill fast
The ending parts just ruined this good book. I think the author was trying to end on a cliff hanger which it did, but it was a painful experience getting there.
The ending parts just ruined this good book. I think the author was trying to end on a cliff hanger which it did, but it was a painful experience getting there.
January 3, 2021
Would Have Been Four Stars, But...
You guessed it, midscene cliffhanger.
Tried a little hard with some of the puns, but fun mechanics, good characters, things were going well, and then boom. Screw you, reader, no closure for you, buy the next book. No, thank you.
You guessed it, midscene cliffhanger.
Tried a little hard with some of the puns, but fun mechanics, good characters, things were going well, and then boom. Screw you, reader, no closure for you, buy the next book. No, thank you.
May 19, 2022
This was a very fun read (listen)! They handled certain topics like disabilities and racism with deftness and some nuance. I'm not quite clear on the MC's need to leave the game and how her time spent in game transfers to real life linear time. Good stuff, looking forward to book 2. 👍🏾👍🏾
February 13, 2019
Good story. Good audiobook performer.
Lousy “ending;” basically a cliffhanger.
Lousy “ending;” basically a cliffhanger.
March 13, 2019
This was a great read! Really imaginative and fun. Can't wait for book 2!
August 26, 2020
Great story and a lot of fun. It was nice to see a girl playing video games for a change. Hope there is a book 2 coming soon.
March 18, 2021
Meh
Simple, lots of references, but doesn’t have anything to it in of itself. If food, it would be a bad gas station snack.
Simple, lots of references, but doesn’t have anything to it in of itself. If food, it would be a bad gas station snack.
November 13, 2021
Unique writing
Amazing how Tasha life transform after resurrection, she is changed she stronger more times than before. This RPG season 1 is unique.
Amazing how Tasha life transform after resurrection, she is changed she stronger more times than before. This RPG season 1 is unique.
December 17, 2022
I had no idea what to expect from this book, after all the title suggests a comedy story or parody and so I'll start by saying I was very pleasantly surprised.
The story follows Tasha, a down-on-her luck young woman working for an awful game development company and feeling stuck in a rut but, with the arrival of a game cartridge from her late father she finds herself dragged into the game in a wonderfully considered Jumanji/Tron style.
What I really liked with this book was the system was a brilliant mashup between Zelda and more advanced, later games which introduced skills and abilities. This led initially to simple slash combat but then added abilities and skills to expand on the combat but retained lots of recognisable items and abilities. Additionally, the fact she retains her phone adds a fun element to her couch-potato class and I found the NPCs' reactions to this very amusing and it really helped to flesh out the characters. And speaking of the characters, the story includes one big twisty-surprise midway which I did not see coming and really impressed me considering the impact it had on the 'party' dynamic.
Special kudos have to be paid to Sarah Sampino who, not only voices every single character in the book, does the #1 acting job for Slimon the Paladin who's 'raspberry' language was an absolute joy to behold. Aside from Slimon she did a wonderful job of making every character seem an individual and the accents she chose for them all suited their personalities absolutely perfectly (I absolutely adored Trista the fairy and really hope she returns in later books in the series).
So if you want a book full of excitement, comedy, memorable characters and some of the best voice acting ever heard this is the book for you. Thoroughly excited for book 2 :)
The story follows Tasha, a down-on-her luck young woman working for an awful game development company and feeling stuck in a rut but, with the arrival of a game cartridge from her late father she finds herself dragged into the game in a wonderfully considered Jumanji/Tron style.
What I really liked with this book was the system was a brilliant mashup between Zelda and more advanced, later games which introduced skills and abilities. This led initially to simple slash combat but then added abilities and skills to expand on the combat but retained lots of recognisable items and abilities. Additionally, the fact she retains her phone adds a fun element to her couch-potato class and I found the NPCs' reactions to this very amusing and it really helped to flesh out the characters. And speaking of the characters, the story includes one big twisty-surprise midway which I did not see coming and really impressed me considering the impact it had on the 'party' dynamic.
Special kudos have to be paid to Sarah Sampino who, not only voices every single character in the book, does the #1 acting job for Slimon the Paladin who's 'raspberry' language was an absolute joy to behold. Aside from Slimon she did a wonderful job of making every character seem an individual and the accents she chose for them all suited their personalities absolutely perfectly (I absolutely adored Trista the fairy and really hope she returns in later books in the series).
So if you want a book full of excitement, comedy, memorable characters and some of the best voice acting ever heard this is the book for you. Thoroughly excited for book 2 :)
January 16, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. I like the sucked into a video game idea and I love that here, Tasha isn’t all about getting out of the game. It’s not about escaping a video game but just helping the world she is now in and finding herself. She meets some great characters and gets to set out on an epic adventure. She isn’t really the leader of the group, but she is the one that comes up with the craziest ideas when they get stuck. She knows all about video games and is quick to pick up the new game. It has humor and a fun plot. I would to totally recommend this book :)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews