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Crystal Shards Online #4
Gun Blade
In the future…only the strong survive…
New London—a city of wondrous technology, where cyborgs and androids reign, and the fate of many is decided by bloody PvP. But this violent metropolis may also hold the secret to the true location of Citadel and Reece and his friends are running out of time to save their home.
With Gilly and Becky now saved from the Labyrinth, Reece turns his attention to the original mission of saving Citadel. But in order to discover it, they’ll need to leave the fantasy realm of Nasgar and cross the wild to explore a harsh and futuristic dystopia in hopes of accessing the archives that may lead them to their home. But as they face powerful enemies, a blood-thirsty AI and challenges like never before, a dark secret from Rembrandt’s past threatens to bring it all undone.
But before even that, Reece will need to face his own demons from the past, and an arch nemesis who still stands in his way…
Join Reece as he uncovers more mysteries within the Crystal Shards and confronts the strange new enemy that threatens both it and his home. In order to defeat them, he’ll need to unlock even more powers within the gameworld and grow into the man and leader that his team needs him to become.
WARNING: Contains RPG mechanics, detailed party combat and giant boss fights. If these things do not interest you, then this is not the book for you!
New London—a city of wondrous technology, where cyborgs and androids reign, and the fate of many is decided by bloody PvP. But this violent metropolis may also hold the secret to the true location of Citadel and Reece and his friends are running out of time to save their home.
With Gilly and Becky now saved from the Labyrinth, Reece turns his attention to the original mission of saving Citadel. But in order to discover it, they’ll need to leave the fantasy realm of Nasgar and cross the wild to explore a harsh and futuristic dystopia in hopes of accessing the archives that may lead them to their home. But as they face powerful enemies, a blood-thirsty AI and challenges like never before, a dark secret from Rembrandt’s past threatens to bring it all undone.
But before even that, Reece will need to face his own demons from the past, and an arch nemesis who still stands in his way…
Join Reece as he uncovers more mysteries within the Crystal Shards and confronts the strange new enemy that threatens both it and his home. In order to defeat them, he’ll need to unlock even more powers within the gameworld and grow into the man and leader that his team needs him to become.
WARNING: Contains RPG mechanics, detailed party combat and giant boss fights. If these things do not interest you, then this is not the book for you!
597 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2019
237 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 14, 2019
I missed this review from back when I first read it.
The series continues to get better and better. The real world and game mechanics are intertwining more and more and we continue to receive droplets of the overall struggle.
The move away from the fantasy "realms" to the "cyberpunk" style also is a really cool way of refreshing the series whilst still moving the main story forward.
Great series, great book.
The series continues to get better and better. The real world and game mechanics are intertwining more and more and we continue to receive droplets of the overall struggle.
The move away from the fantasy "realms" to the "cyberpunk" style also is a really cool way of refreshing the series whilst still moving the main story forward.
Great series, great book.
March 27, 2019
Absaloutly amazing book
They just keep getting better and better.
Couldn't stop reading and gresty enjoyed the amazing epic journey. 😎 👍 😎
They just keep getting better and better.
Couldn't stop reading and gresty enjoyed the amazing epic journey. 😎 👍 😎
December 7, 2019
Honestly, I would of given this book a one star rating. Reason being it took four books to get to a point where I'm actually liking the power creep for Reece, however it still took FOUR books! I still don't get why the author feels the need to constantly make Reece forget very sound and powerful tactics and make him turn into a sniffing worm that is apparently the leader in a group of people that are twice or three times his age. Don't even get me started on Aiko acting like a cougar.
Who the heck sits on Veteran Points when are max level for so long they forget to use them. Very silly if you ask me. Yes I know, Reece isn't a gamer, but if you're alive in a world where you need to survive. All I'm saying is you wouldn't forget to maximize yourself; life and death. I think the author was just unable to come up with what to do with them until later.
I wish the books were about Lord Krugen as he sounds like a much more interesting character that died way to young. :(
Gilly is still just as annoying as always.
Lord Rembrandt is story line was very well done and fascinating to follow. Queen Angela was a welcome addition to the story and how she controlled the narrative was well crafted.
Great world, idiotic characters most of the time.
Who the heck sits on Veteran Points when are max level for so long they forget to use them. Very silly if you ask me. Yes I know, Reece isn't a gamer, but if you're alive in a world where you need to survive. All I'm saying is you wouldn't forget to maximize yourself; life and death. I think the author was just unable to come up with what to do with them until later.
I wish the books were about Lord Krugen as he sounds like a much more interesting character that died way to young. :(
Gilly is still just as annoying as always.
Lord Rembrandt is story line was very well done and fascinating to follow. Queen Angela was a welcome addition to the story and how she controlled the narrative was well crafted.
Great world, idiotic characters most of the time.
July 21, 2019
Series keeps getting better
I bought this book as soon as I saw it but could never get I to the mood the read it with all the other books I have in my growing list of books to read. That all changed once I got through the first couple of pages, and as the book went on I enjoyed it more and more. Look forward to the next book.
I bought this book as soon as I saw it but could never get I to the mood the read it with all the other books I have in my growing list of books to read. That all changed once I got through the first couple of pages, and as the book went on I enjoyed it more and more. Look forward to the next book.
August 12, 2019
Two Books Worth of Action, Many New Classes, New Region, Tech, Vehicles, Guns
So easy to return to this world and group of characters. Rembrandt with his aloof wisdom, Gilly with her adorableness, Aiko with her smoldering flirtation, Becky, and Val.
The book starts in the middle of the action, on the run from an army, and with a chance to get Braxus.
I don’t enjoy the sections of the book that return to the political intrigue and big-brother government in the citadel.
After some near-things, the party makes it to the boundary of the wild, but Diana, recently rescued, can’t make it through. So Reece activates the special favor from Karliss, one of the AI over-minds he earned in the last book, and ends up being able to cash it in for a free ticket for Diana to a safe area. Karlis appears as a 30’ tall woman with a snakes body.
The others, the real enemy, make another appearance as the party finds a relic from a long ago era, and then almost get sucked down below the planets crust. Reece and Gilly end up in an underground ruined city, before the others come to hunt them. Through clever use of Reece’s skills and powers, the barely manage to escape.
They get rescued by a Runner from New London, who gets them into town, and they start ot discover the very different rules of the city, which is painted as a post-apocalyptic ruin where every clan leader is a king or queen, and might makes right. Clean kills can be rectified easily, but its also possible to be perma-killed.
Rembrandt turns out to be Lord Rembrandt in New London, because he accomplished 20 perma-kills, so is afforded special respect.
The runner Lexi, coupled with Rembrandt’s reputation, gets the party an audience and some tenuous short term protection from Queen Angela.
The local AI over-mind, Lennox, is much more actively/openly involved in his area then Karliss was in hers.
The New London zone gives a real dystopian future vibe, with a cool combination of super-modern clothes, enormous arcades going 24 hours, a city that never sleeps.
As things develop, the team is tasked with defeating a big boss creature, the Gun Queen, with huge machine gun attacks and a ridiculous AOE attack that can easily wipe parties. So of course the group decides numerous members need serious training and in some classes new paths. Amongst them, Reece has to get a new Gun Blade class, and level it up at least to level 37 just to unlock a special ability to dodge bullets.
Meanwhile, Rembrandt is forced to accept “paying for his past crimes” by facing all of his former enemies, at once, in an arena style duel. Luckily, the duel is scheduled for a few weeks out giving time for the rushed development and training and facing the boss.
The story back at the Citadel continues, with a power play between local gang members, the politicos, and suspected agents for the Others. Max & Reece’s mother gets sucked in as they try to resolve a mystery where guns, supposedly impossible to create with the Citadel’s tech, suddenly appear. Still not interested in this story.
So after levelling up Gun Blade to solve one problem, and meeting the Lennox and discovering he’s totally lost his memories, the group thinks they need to get through a race based challenge in order to get into a maze where they can work to restore his memories, so that hopefully he’ll be able to tell them where the citadel is.
So another round of quests and grinding starts to level up the Runner classes for most of the party. Only two can enter, so they strategize around groups of two on different vehicles playing different roles. This is straying really far from what initially made the series inviting.
Lexi gets true deathed by Axel, one of the kings, jumping in front of a bullet meant for Gilly.
The big race and fight happen. Of course Reece and Rembrandt manage to win. Once they enter the labrynth things are similar but not the same. Reece learns more about himself and the labrynth and indeed, the state of the world. His plan for making a memory backup to work around his forgetting everything after they leave works.
He and Rembrandt get back just in time for the big arena duel. As kind of foreshadowed very subtly, Angela does make a move using the new weapon she got by having Reece and party complete an earlier quest with her against the Gun Queen. Lots of violence and true deaths in faction leaders fighting in the arena, eventually Reece ends up as High King. He makes a few proclamations then abdicates to Angela, as he and group now have the information from the library needed to find their way home.
The party sets out on the way home.
So easy to return to this world and group of characters. Rembrandt with his aloof wisdom, Gilly with her adorableness, Aiko with her smoldering flirtation, Becky, and Val.
The book starts in the middle of the action, on the run from an army, and with a chance to get Braxus.
I don’t enjoy the sections of the book that return to the political intrigue and big-brother government in the citadel.
After some near-things, the party makes it to the boundary of the wild, but Diana, recently rescued, can’t make it through. So Reece activates the special favor from Karliss, one of the AI over-minds he earned in the last book, and ends up being able to cash it in for a free ticket for Diana to a safe area. Karlis appears as a 30’ tall woman with a snakes body.
The others, the real enemy, make another appearance as the party finds a relic from a long ago era, and then almost get sucked down below the planets crust. Reece and Gilly end up in an underground ruined city, before the others come to hunt them. Through clever use of Reece’s skills and powers, the barely manage to escape.
They get rescued by a Runner from New London, who gets them into town, and they start ot discover the very different rules of the city, which is painted as a post-apocalyptic ruin where every clan leader is a king or queen, and might makes right. Clean kills can be rectified easily, but its also possible to be perma-killed.
Rembrandt turns out to be Lord Rembrandt in New London, because he accomplished 20 perma-kills, so is afforded special respect.
The runner Lexi, coupled with Rembrandt’s reputation, gets the party an audience and some tenuous short term protection from Queen Angela.
The local AI over-mind, Lennox, is much more actively/openly involved in his area then Karliss was in hers.
The New London zone gives a real dystopian future vibe, with a cool combination of super-modern clothes, enormous arcades going 24 hours, a city that never sleeps.
As things develop, the team is tasked with defeating a big boss creature, the Gun Queen, with huge machine gun attacks and a ridiculous AOE attack that can easily wipe parties. So of course the group decides numerous members need serious training and in some classes new paths. Amongst them, Reece has to get a new Gun Blade class, and level it up at least to level 37 just to unlock a special ability to dodge bullets.
Meanwhile, Rembrandt is forced to accept “paying for his past crimes” by facing all of his former enemies, at once, in an arena style duel. Luckily, the duel is scheduled for a few weeks out giving time for the rushed development and training and facing the boss.
The story back at the Citadel continues, with a power play between local gang members, the politicos, and suspected agents for the Others. Max & Reece’s mother gets sucked in as they try to resolve a mystery where guns, supposedly impossible to create with the Citadel’s tech, suddenly appear. Still not interested in this story.
So after levelling up Gun Blade to solve one problem, and meeting the Lennox and discovering he’s totally lost his memories, the group thinks they need to get through a race based challenge in order to get into a maze where they can work to restore his memories, so that hopefully he’ll be able to tell them where the citadel is.
So another round of quests and grinding starts to level up the Runner classes for most of the party. Only two can enter, so they strategize around groups of two on different vehicles playing different roles. This is straying really far from what initially made the series inviting.
Lexi gets true deathed by Axel, one of the kings, jumping in front of a bullet meant for Gilly.
The big race and fight happen. Of course Reece and Rembrandt manage to win. Once they enter the labrynth things are similar but not the same. Reece learns more about himself and the labrynth and indeed, the state of the world. His plan for making a memory backup to work around his forgetting everything after they leave works.
He and Rembrandt get back just in time for the big arena duel. As kind of foreshadowed very subtly, Angela does make a move using the new weapon she got by having Reece and party complete an earlier quest with her against the Gun Queen. Lots of violence and true deaths in faction leaders fighting in the arena, eventually Reece ends up as High King. He makes a few proclamations then abdicates to Angela, as he and group now have the information from the library needed to find their way home.
The party sets out on the way home.
June 25, 2022
Who takes knives to a gun fight? It seems that this author specializes in it... Author sub-equips, under-trains main characters and over powers their adversaries. To what extent? What is the purpose of Volume 4 of this fantasy novel series? Rembrandt was supposed to be the King of New London, with a lot of enemies. The author fills this volume with Pyrrhic quests and adventures by the main characters in the retinue. Who goes into a life and death motorcycle race? It seems the main characters do... what is the point of going into a death race with allies?? Is it to kill each other ?? To have your allies killed off by your adversaries?? What is the point to the shadow clone skill, if main character, Reece is getting shot all of the time?
Reece's (Ryan's), main character, reason to get into the game, was to acquire enough money to pay for the operation to save his mom. He first saved himself, plays around like if he had all the time of the world, when one knows that Cancer is a degenerative disease, and that the "six months" is an approximation by the doctors and not necessarily the amount of time left. The author explains that everybody at the Citadel, had about 3-4 months left of crystal shards, then everybody would die.
To quote the author: "“Yeah...I don’t think I’ve even thought about my mom once this week.” My own words sober me some. Maybe I’ve been purposefully ignoring the greater problems back home: the nano crisis, my mother’s illness. We’re still on a quest to solve both of course, but are we having a bit too much fun in the process?" This happens months into the beginning of the "real world quest". So what is the point of indirectly killing off the mom and the rest of the million that live in the Citadel? Every day, Reece's mom gets worse, and Reece, does absolutely nothing to save his mom, save the million people at the Citadel. The moment Reece's mom dies from a heart attack or a blood clot, complications that are common with cancer, then the main characters will not be able to do anything anymore.
Reece and his retinue travel around, now to New London, they join guilds/faction (New Lords) and they fight a lot of irrelevant adversaries. The author writes that Reece and his retinue are looking for the real location of the Citadel in New London (to be able to return), but they can return when the Citadel opens up one last time...like all of the champions before them have returned home.
The author has little or no ethical values. Uses his fictional characters as totems, like Reece's mom, but treats them like excuses without any value. Reece and his retinue do a lot of useless and meaningless quests for irrelevant people. I do not think the author has thought out the quests, adventures and rest of the novel series secondary plot arcs.
With all of the "gun play" and cover illustration, Gun Blade, Volume 4 is the most similar to the Matrix series than any of the other volumes from this fantasy novel series. It's as if illustrator portrayed Morpheus on the cover. Wasn't Trinity on the cool Ducati motorcycle?? Reece is a subpar ninja, uses subpar weapons and abilities, and is probably the dumbest player of his retinue. So why is Reece on the modern motorcycle? Reece gets dumb and dumber as each chapter progresses. Is there really a "worthy" or "noble" quest or adventure in this fourth volume? Main characters are running around like chickens without their heads...Is it fun to read? Is it interesting? No.
This fourth volume is 400+ pages with 56 chapters (each chapter has less than 10 pages on average) Epilogue is an epilogue and is never considered a chapter, but the author does whatever the heck he wants no? This fourth volume was published on March 2019, three years ago. So most probably this fantasy novel series is abandoned as is...
Reece's (Ryan's), main character, reason to get into the game, was to acquire enough money to pay for the operation to save his mom. He first saved himself, plays around like if he had all the time of the world, when one knows that Cancer is a degenerative disease, and that the "six months" is an approximation by the doctors and not necessarily the amount of time left. The author explains that everybody at the Citadel, had about 3-4 months left of crystal shards, then everybody would die.
To quote the author: "“Yeah...I don’t think I’ve even thought about my mom once this week.” My own words sober me some. Maybe I’ve been purposefully ignoring the greater problems back home: the nano crisis, my mother’s illness. We’re still on a quest to solve both of course, but are we having a bit too much fun in the process?" This happens months into the beginning of the "real world quest". So what is the point of indirectly killing off the mom and the rest of the million that live in the Citadel? Every day, Reece's mom gets worse, and Reece, does absolutely nothing to save his mom, save the million people at the Citadel. The moment Reece's mom dies from a heart attack or a blood clot, complications that are common with cancer, then the main characters will not be able to do anything anymore.
Reece and his retinue travel around, now to New London, they join guilds/faction (New Lords) and they fight a lot of irrelevant adversaries. The author writes that Reece and his retinue are looking for the real location of the Citadel in New London (to be able to return), but they can return when the Citadel opens up one last time...like all of the champions before them have returned home.
The author has little or no ethical values. Uses his fictional characters as totems, like Reece's mom, but treats them like excuses without any value. Reece and his retinue do a lot of useless and meaningless quests for irrelevant people. I do not think the author has thought out the quests, adventures and rest of the novel series secondary plot arcs.
With all of the "gun play" and cover illustration, Gun Blade, Volume 4 is the most similar to the Matrix series than any of the other volumes from this fantasy novel series. It's as if illustrator portrayed Morpheus on the cover. Wasn't Trinity on the cool Ducati motorcycle?? Reece is a subpar ninja, uses subpar weapons and abilities, and is probably the dumbest player of his retinue. So why is Reece on the modern motorcycle? Reece gets dumb and dumber as each chapter progresses. Is there really a "worthy" or "noble" quest or adventure in this fourth volume? Main characters are running around like chickens without their heads...Is it fun to read? Is it interesting? No.
This fourth volume is 400+ pages with 56 chapters (each chapter has less than 10 pages on average) Epilogue is an epilogue and is never considered a chapter, but the author does whatever the heck he wants no? This fourth volume was published on March 2019, three years ago. So most probably this fantasy novel series is abandoned as is...
September 26, 2020
Having read everything now all I can say is... Keep developing your characters!
I essentially know their back stories and that is pretty much it. Reece keeps getting noticeably stronger but no one is keeping up and that's becoming a major problem.
Like I'm not trying to sh** on the series, cause I GENUINELY like it as a whole, but this has been a sticking point throughout the entire series and as a guy who got his mmo cherry popped on ff xi, I really want to see this series become legendary. So everything from this point on are just the things i want to see done better. I repeat. I really like this series, but these things, specifically with the cast, is what is pulling the series down, imo.
Each character as they exist now couldn't be flatter, imo. Maxis is supposed to be the PvP king and aside from mere flashes of his abilities, he's just the punch guy. He made up with his brother and immediately took a back seat to him... As the guy who supposedly has the most real experience on the surface, in the wild, no less, he should have critical input and pretty much everything.
Val Helena is supposed to be the strategist... Yet you never get to see her directing the battle, because Reece just ends up face tanking it cause the strategy seems to be, everyone dies, leave him alone.
Aiko has been in limbo from the jump. I could literally erase her character, have anyone else teach him the hide and seek trick at the beginning and nothing would change besides getting rid of that unnecessary love triangle.
Becky was the whole reason Val Helena got Reece to go for tank in the first place, aaaand... She's done. She's a redundant healer now. There's zero interaction between herself and Reece and seeing as everything is written from his perspective, she's no better off than Aiko. Replace her with a stick and nothing changes.
Rem, has been the most active member of the group. His role as scout keeps him in constant communication with Reece and therefore we get to know him as a person outside of he shoots things.
This level of interaction is what's desperately needed for the other characters.
And finally... Gilly. Their relationship feels more like watching preteens instead of young adults. Her billing as the brains of the group is rarely actually put to use and I can never tell if her over exuberance is genuine or a coping mechanism which is about as deep as she gets.
Reece himself actually had some positive growth in this book, but he's still making the kind of mistakes that would kill people every time he stops in his tracks and watches like an idiot every time one of the Osoku show up or a new monster he hasn't seen before. It's been shown repeatedly that his reaction time is way above average, and it baffles me that he hasn't yet figured out that as a dodge tank, taking that initial blow whether intentionally or by accident is his bread and butter. Shadow copy should ALWAYS be on and gawking at everything is his fatal flaw.
Also loot/progression... Gemini Christmas can we get some!? I know they unlocked the level cap so hopefully that's exactly what happens but my God, I'm tired of everyone being so woefully behind
Now again, it sounds like I'm shitting on the series but I'm not. My issue is really centered on the characters and their growth as people. I otherwise LOVE the world, love the direction of the story, love the few moments of endearment that Reece does when interacting with his little harem (that's a problem too) but being a first person novel, he needs to be shown actually talking to his group and not glossing over those conversations and stop wiping the party and forcing him to solo everything.
As a LitRPG, having practically zero progression is practically a sin. His character sheet has hardly changed at all until this entry making his character maintenance a grid reminder that nothing's changed.
Bruce and Gina have had more growth this book than the main cast combined, imo. I'm hoping the next book addresses that. Make the group important and not just tag alongs in Reece's shadow. I want to rate this at a 4 or higher and see this series go from good to a must read
I essentially know their back stories and that is pretty much it. Reece keeps getting noticeably stronger but no one is keeping up and that's becoming a major problem.
Like I'm not trying to sh** on the series, cause I GENUINELY like it as a whole, but this has been a sticking point throughout the entire series and as a guy who got his mmo cherry popped on ff xi, I really want to see this series become legendary. So everything from this point on are just the things i want to see done better. I repeat. I really like this series, but these things, specifically with the cast, is what is pulling the series down, imo.
Each character as they exist now couldn't be flatter, imo. Maxis is supposed to be the PvP king and aside from mere flashes of his abilities, he's just the punch guy. He made up with his brother and immediately took a back seat to him... As the guy who supposedly has the most real experience on the surface, in the wild, no less, he should have critical input and pretty much everything.
Val Helena is supposed to be the strategist... Yet you never get to see her directing the battle, because Reece just ends up face tanking it cause the strategy seems to be, everyone dies, leave him alone.
Aiko has been in limbo from the jump. I could literally erase her character, have anyone else teach him the hide and seek trick at the beginning and nothing would change besides getting rid of that unnecessary love triangle.
Becky was the whole reason Val Helena got Reece to go for tank in the first place, aaaand... She's done. She's a redundant healer now. There's zero interaction between herself and Reece and seeing as everything is written from his perspective, she's no better off than Aiko. Replace her with a stick and nothing changes.
Rem, has been the most active member of the group. His role as scout keeps him in constant communication with Reece and therefore we get to know him as a person outside of he shoots things.
This level of interaction is what's desperately needed for the other characters.
And finally... Gilly. Their relationship feels more like watching preteens instead of young adults. Her billing as the brains of the group is rarely actually put to use and I can never tell if her over exuberance is genuine or a coping mechanism which is about as deep as she gets.
Reece himself actually had some positive growth in this book, but he's still making the kind of mistakes that would kill people every time he stops in his tracks and watches like an idiot every time one of the Osoku show up or a new monster he hasn't seen before. It's been shown repeatedly that his reaction time is way above average, and it baffles me that he hasn't yet figured out that as a dodge tank, taking that initial blow whether intentionally or by accident is his bread and butter. Shadow copy should ALWAYS be on and gawking at everything is his fatal flaw.
Also loot/progression... Gemini Christmas can we get some!? I know they unlocked the level cap so hopefully that's exactly what happens but my God, I'm tired of everyone being so woefully behind
Now again, it sounds like I'm shitting on the series but I'm not. My issue is really centered on the characters and their growth as people. I otherwise LOVE the world, love the direction of the story, love the few moments of endearment that Reece does when interacting with his little harem (that's a problem too) but being a first person novel, he needs to be shown actually talking to his group and not glossing over those conversations and stop wiping the party and forcing him to solo everything.
As a LitRPG, having practically zero progression is practically a sin. His character sheet has hardly changed at all until this entry making his character maintenance a grid reminder that nothing's changed.
Bruce and Gina have had more growth this book than the main cast combined, imo. I'm hoping the next book addresses that. Make the group important and not just tag alongs in Reece's shadow. I want to rate this at a 4 or higher and see this series go from good to a must read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2022
Look, this is just the worst LitRPG. The absolute nadir of the genre. The MC is everything wrong with MC's in LitRPG, shortsighted, dim, makes decisions through a haze of what I can only describe as "generic variety boyish ignorant bravado" that you may recognize from any deep discount JRPG.
Villains are made to be as repulsive as possible. Normally that's fine, but if you don't resolve those sorts of characters to the reader's satisfaction it's just buildup with no climax. I know it takes a lot of effort to think up an antagonist and this author seems like he's on his last braincell, but that doesn't mean you get to stretch the same couple antagonists over 3 books like turning a pair of boxers inside out.
The author has confused character development and navel gazing. Having your MC's stand around talking about "True Strength" and "I didn't have the strength to do what needed to be done" while reacting to every bad development with "No!" and "This can't happen!" is grating. I'm not learning anything about the characters I didn't know before. They're not changing in some appreciable fashion. My time is being wasted.
There's a character who has a sniper rifle. This is forgotten. You can conclude for yourself the size and nature of plot hole that creates.
The only good thing about this book is that among the genre there truly is no worse. At least we have that comfort.
Villains are made to be as repulsive as possible. Normally that's fine, but if you don't resolve those sorts of characters to the reader's satisfaction it's just buildup with no climax. I know it takes a lot of effort to think up an antagonist and this author seems like he's on his last braincell, but that doesn't mean you get to stretch the same couple antagonists over 3 books like turning a pair of boxers inside out.
The author has confused character development and navel gazing. Having your MC's stand around talking about "True Strength" and "I didn't have the strength to do what needed to be done" while reacting to every bad development with "No!" and "This can't happen!" is grating. I'm not learning anything about the characters I didn't know before. They're not changing in some appreciable fashion. My time is being wasted.
There's a character who has a sniper rifle. This is forgotten. You can conclude for yourself the size and nature of plot hole that creates.
The only good thing about this book is that among the genre there truly is no worse. At least we have that comfort.
February 17, 2020
Great book!! As far as criticisms, well, I will say that Gilly is an annoying little twat punter. Someone should cut her tongue out. And Reece is getting a bit big for his britches too easily. He really NEEDS to be more than the 18 (??) year old biotch that he truly is before he should be able to attain what he has. This sort of thing makes this more of a YA inspirational nonsense story. Seriously, he needs be at least in his low 20's for this acclaim!! More like his brother perhaps in age.
Regardless, except for wanting to gag Gilly (and gagging on her "attitude" consistently) I really did thoroughly enjoy this book. And I look forward to at least another two installments in this series. Perhaps Rick could somehow allow Reece to grow up some. And perhaps too date someone who doesn't so hardcore make me feel him as a little twat punter too. He may be getting the accolades of a grown-up. Having his coming-of-age accomplishments. BUT he is still a punk ass kid and that can only go so far with this storyline. Somehow he needs to become something more resembling a man (albeit a very young man). And that in character.... not accolades. Ditch Gilly!!
Regardless, except for wanting to gag Gilly (and gagging on her "attitude" consistently) I really did thoroughly enjoy this book. And I look forward to at least another two installments in this series. Perhaps Rick could somehow allow Reece to grow up some. And perhaps too date someone who doesn't so hardcore make me feel him as a little twat punter too. He may be getting the accolades of a grown-up. Having his coming-of-age accomplishments. BUT he is still a punk ass kid and that can only go so far with this storyline. Somehow he needs to become something more resembling a man (albeit a very young man). And that in character.... not accolades. Ditch Gilly!!
May 3, 2019
An excellent change of pace from the previous books. The change in scenery is very welcome and seems to fit well with the world created.
Finally the game system feels like an actual part of the story. However I am still disappointed that most of the growth is mainly focused on Reece. Most of the other characters are still static in how strong they are aside from Rembrandt and that is only because he apparently gets access to most of his abilities while in the shard that they end up in. Another somewhat disappointing part of things is that Reece ends up essentially level capped again in the span of a few chapters.
The plot is progressing nicely with clear intermediate goals while still keeping the bigger picture in mind. I had feared that this series would ramble on, but that does not seem to be the case so far. I am a little surprised that this is turning out to be some sort of chosen one scenario given how this series started, but this is not that big an issue.
Overall, I still get annoyed at the main character due to how he acts, but the story itself has been quite fun.
Finally the game system feels like an actual part of the story. However I am still disappointed that most of the growth is mainly focused on Reece. Most of the other characters are still static in how strong they are aside from Rembrandt and that is only because he apparently gets access to most of his abilities while in the shard that they end up in. Another somewhat disappointing part of things is that Reece ends up essentially level capped again in the span of a few chapters.
The plot is progressing nicely with clear intermediate goals while still keeping the bigger picture in mind. I had feared that this series would ramble on, but that does not seem to be the case so far. I am a little surprised that this is turning out to be some sort of chosen one scenario given how this series started, but this is not that big an issue.
Overall, I still get annoyed at the main character due to how he acts, but the story itself has been quite fun.
July 21, 2019
Fun romp
This the fourth book in the series starts with little exposition. You will be very lost if you don't have the previous books
Reece in this one has many quests he must fulfil from the previous books. We get a little more understanding of the builders and others.
A lot goes on here as the party heads to New London. The wilds are explained a little more.
There is still a disconnect between the time the group of shard warriors think they have and how little they may have. This is no surprise if you've read the previous ones.
Heck, the book even gets to go anti-gun at home. Really stupidly so too. By the retarded moral of the Citidel their society and it's doom are easy to read. Or should be. A decadent society of hypocrisy should have fallen some time ago. Somehow the heroes, even coming from this stupidity, aren't crippled from it.
Even with that what is really going on is darker than we imagined. Truly messed up stuff there.
This the fourth book in the series starts with little exposition. You will be very lost if you don't have the previous books
Reece in this one has many quests he must fulfil from the previous books. We get a little more understanding of the builders and others.
A lot goes on here as the party heads to New London. The wilds are explained a little more.
There is still a disconnect between the time the group of shard warriors think they have and how little they may have. This is no surprise if you've read the previous ones.
Heck, the book even gets to go anti-gun at home. Really stupidly so too. By the retarded moral of the Citidel their society and it's doom are easy to read. Or should be. A decadent society of hypocrisy should have fallen some time ago. Somehow the heroes, even coming from this stupidity, aren't crippled from it.
Even with that what is really going on is darker than we imagined. Truly messed up stuff there.
January 26, 2024
Min kritik från föregående i serien fortfarande står samt en del av dialogen känns som en konversation du hittar på i duschen.
Serien defenitivt har sina nackdelar, den är lite svullen med onödiga konversationer, inre monologer, beskrivningar samt händelser. Jag personligen finner mycket av det som sker och karaktärerna är som tonåringar som låstas vara vuxen, väldigt pinsam. Rick scott verkligen lutar in på det. Med skeenden där karaktärer gör någonting för första gången med publik och misslyckas, sedan kliver upp och gör någonting fantastiskt och alla klappar.
Jag har mina farhågor för framtida böcker men just nu är alla karaktärer distinkt sig själva och jag finner dem intressanta samt världen och handlingen är greppande.
Serien defenitivt har sina nackdelar, den är lite svullen med onödiga konversationer, inre monologer, beskrivningar samt händelser. Jag personligen finner mycket av det som sker och karaktärerna är som tonåringar som låstas vara vuxen, väldigt pinsam. Rick scott verkligen lutar in på det. Med skeenden där karaktärer gör någonting för första gången med publik och misslyckas, sedan kliver upp och gör någonting fantastiskt och alla klappar.
Jag har mina farhågor för framtida böcker men just nu är alla karaktärer distinkt sig själva och jag finner dem intressanta samt världen och handlingen är greppande.
April 13, 2023
New London is a nice addition to the universe. The new shards adds another flavor and therefore keeps the story interesting and changing. I liked the story around the MC a lot and the new characters they meet are fun.
On the down side, the second story arc that doesn't follow the MC and his friends is just not my thing. It feels very artificial and is much slower than the other more action oriented and fast paced main story line. Fortunately they don't have so much room and in the end i fast forwarded over them and that didn't diminished my fun with the other stuff.
Overall I hope the story moves forward and the story arcs come together.
On the down side, the second story arc that doesn't follow the MC and his friends is just not my thing. It feels very artificial and is much slower than the other more action oriented and fast paced main story line. Fortunately they don't have so much room and in the end i fast forwarded over them and that didn't diminished my fun with the other stuff.
Overall I hope the story moves forward and the story arcs come together.
March 19, 2019
A good addition to the series.
The author finally starts to explain more about the world and is working on fleshing out the backstory of the important secondary characters. The jump from one shard to another is very interesting and enjoyable. The pacing was good and the fight scenes are well written and have the feeling of being written by a gamer. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot and recommend it to anyone that enjoyed playing RPG games and always tried to min max the characters that they played.
The author finally starts to explain more about the world and is working on fleshing out the backstory of the important secondary characters. The jump from one shard to another is very interesting and enjoyable. The pacing was good and the fight scenes are well written and have the feeling of being written by a gamer. Overall I enjoyed this book a lot and recommend it to anyone that enjoyed playing RPG games and always tried to min max the characters that they played.
March 22, 2019
Amazing fourth book!
I’ve read A LOT of litrpg and one thing that happens is they all seem to lose their luster around book 3-4, or the plot just starts to morph into something so out of this world you can’t see how book one ever meant to get there...
NOT CRYSTAL SHARDS! this fourth book keeps building in amazing ways on what was set up in book one. We finally get some resolutions of some big secrets in this world and they DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
Reece has come a long, long way and I can’t wait to see how the ending unfolds.
I’ve read A LOT of litrpg and one thing that happens is they all seem to lose their luster around book 3-4, or the plot just starts to morph into something so out of this world you can’t see how book one ever meant to get there...
NOT CRYSTAL SHARDS! this fourth book keeps building in amazing ways on what was set up in book one. We finally get some resolutions of some big secrets in this world and they DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
Reece has come a long, long way and I can’t wait to see how the ending unfolds.
August 7, 2019
The world created by Mr. Scott continues to grow and flesh out. The plot is broadened in scope and progress is made. The progress of the story continues at a good pace that keeps the reader interested and engaged. There are still some issues with time perception as characters will have a minute until something happens, yet they conduct conversations and actions that would most likely take longer. I look forward to reading further books in the series and have hopes that Mr. Scott continues to grow as a writer.
Very Respectfully,
Shea
Very Respectfully,
Shea
February 2, 2020
Continued fun read with Protagonist growing more as a character
If you enjoy the previous dodge take books, I believe you’ll enjoy this one. There is less emphasis on the leveling and different strategies the characters take to defeat tough enemies. The flipside is that the book does spend more time developing the character emotionally and thematically and fleshing out the world building while answering several questions. I rate the book as PG-13 due to violence and some cursewords.
If you enjoy the previous dodge take books, I believe you’ll enjoy this one. There is less emphasis on the leveling and different strategies the characters take to defeat tough enemies. The flipside is that the book does spend more time developing the character emotionally and thematically and fleshing out the world building while answering several questions. I rate the book as PG-13 due to violence and some cursewords.
September 22, 2020
This series is incredible! I've read quite a few rpg books in the past few weeks, but this series blew me away! I picked up Dodge Tank, and was done with book 4 by the next evening. This is a must read.
My one problem with this book was the fact that many of the characters in the group kinda got left out. Maxis, Aiko, and Val Halena were sort of kicked to the sideline, well Gilly and Reece took over. On that note, I find Gilly extremely annoying, like a grumpy first grader, and as much as I love the books, I really feel that Gilly needs to be toned down.
My one problem with this book was the fact that many of the characters in the group kinda got left out. Maxis, Aiko, and Val Halena were sort of kicked to the sideline, well Gilly and Reece took over. On that note, I find Gilly extremely annoying, like a grumpy first grader, and as much as I love the books, I really feel that Gilly needs to be toned down.
June 28, 2024
Oooooooohhhhh I think I love this one. At least to me, I dove head-first into this one, screaming, "Cyberpunk!!!!!" And yes, exactly that game, with a lot of the great, flashy feel and a great deal of Atom Smasher to boot. :)
I went from "This is okay" to "Oh, I'm DOWN" real quick. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I loved the new class changes and combos and raid rotations as much as the overall developments of the story. But really? It was all the aesthetic. I even stayed up late to read.
At least to me, this LitRPG is finally coming into its own.
I went from "This is okay" to "Oh, I'm DOWN" real quick. Maybe it's not for everyone, but I loved the new class changes and combos and raid rotations as much as the overall developments of the story. But really? It was all the aesthetic. I even stayed up late to read.
At least to me, this LitRPG is finally coming into its own.
March 21, 2019
Love this series
Every book takes a new turn and brings fresh new material to enjoy. Much better than most LITRPG I've read so far, and a lot less garbage. By that I mean no harems, locker room humor, excessive profanity, or evil main characters that you really are just appalled by. I wasnt sure where he was going to go with the series after the first book, but so far it's been a really enjoyable series!
Every book takes a new turn and brings fresh new material to enjoy. Much better than most LITRPG I've read so far, and a lot less garbage. By that I mean no harems, locker room humor, excessive profanity, or evil main characters that you really are just appalled by. I wasnt sure where he was going to go with the series after the first book, but so far it's been a really enjoyable series!
March 21, 2019
Dodge Tank's spiffy new bike
Good reading. After the awesome first 3 books, I didn't feel the wow quite as much in Gun Blade. Still, I thought it was a good addition to the series. I did enjoy the New London setting and very much appreciated the group initial quest upon arriving. On the plus side, there were quite a few explosions. I love explosions. Hopefully as the power curve rises, Reece will get some new challenges that push him to the edge next time.
Good reading. After the awesome first 3 books, I didn't feel the wow quite as much in Gun Blade. Still, I thought it was a good addition to the series. I did enjoy the New London setting and very much appreciated the group initial quest upon arriving. On the plus side, there were quite a few explosions. I love explosions. Hopefully as the power curve rises, Reece will get some new challenges that push him to the edge next time.
April 8, 2019
REECE RULES
What an absolutely amazing adventure!
The characters have been honed into brilliant diamonds that sparkle and shine. The gaming interactions are sublime. The subtle, overbearing and incredulous impact of the Others is stunning to ponder. Yes we have OP Gamers, but that is what legends are made of and ballads are based on!
I am anxiously awaiting the next in this page-turning series!
What an absolutely amazing adventure!
The characters have been honed into brilliant diamonds that sparkle and shine. The gaming interactions are sublime. The subtle, overbearing and incredulous impact of the Others is stunning to ponder. Yes we have OP Gamers, but that is what legends are made of and ballads are based on!
I am anxiously awaiting the next in this page-turning series!
April 14, 2019
MORE, PLEASE!
Ending this book with the statement:
“As One King To Another” gives hope that:
1) Reece’s mom gets the cure once the kids come home.
2) Battle Royale to end all Battle Royale will happen between the ‘bros’ and ‘Dennis’.
3) What is ‘Citadel’ anyhow?
4) Are all these characters really flesh-and-blood, or are they just 3-D printed?
Anyhow-please hurry up with the next installment!
Ending this book with the statement:
“As One King To Another” gives hope that:
1) Reece’s mom gets the cure once the kids come home.
2) Battle Royale to end all Battle Royale will happen between the ‘bros’ and ‘Dennis’.
3) What is ‘Citadel’ anyhow?
4) Are all these characters really flesh-and-blood, or are they just 3-D printed?
Anyhow-please hurry up with the next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2019
Exceptional In Every Way
I can’t recall the last time I read a book this fantastic. It is truly amazing. The characters all feel real and multidimensional, the world continues to develop naturally in unexpected ways, and the plot ticks along at a fast pace.
This series is a wonder. It will be painful to wait for the next book.
I can’t recall the last time I read a book this fantastic. It is truly amazing. The characters all feel real and multidimensional, the world continues to develop naturally in unexpected ways, and the plot ticks along at a fast pace.
This series is a wonder. It will be painful to wait for the next book.
April 21, 2019
Big story
So more of the problems become clear in this book. Our MC and party grow and grind to survive. They have a couple of epic challenges but the rewards are worth it. Knowledge. Memories. Stength. More of what we love. This book is bigger than the others it seems but I love it. Can't wait for more.
So more of the problems become clear in this book. Our MC and party grow and grind to survive. They have a couple of epic challenges but the rewards are worth it. Knowledge. Memories. Stength. More of what we love. This book is bigger than the others it seems but I love it. Can't wait for more.
May 2, 2019
Give me the next book now.
I just fricking loved it. Damn this book pulled out all the stops. Racing, gun battles and a freaking battle royal. Holy shit this book had me on my seat.
Reece has gotten so much development in this book it just felt amazing to read and Rem has been a delight to read about.
I want the next book.
ZENKAI
I just fricking loved it. Damn this book pulled out all the stops. Racing, gun battles and a freaking battle royal. Holy shit this book had me on my seat.
Reece has gotten so much development in this book it just felt amazing to read and Rem has been a delight to read about.
I want the next book.
ZENKAI
October 31, 2019
Book 4 is a much better read
The Author has really taken the story to new heights. The fights were quicker and the storyline benefitted from it. Honestly I thought this was the last book but I am happy it is continuing. Many of the characters have grown in the book and the relationships have come a long way. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
The Author has really taken the story to new heights. The fights were quicker and the storyline benefitted from it. Honestly I thought this was the last book but I am happy it is continuing. Many of the characters have grown in the book and the relationships have come a long way. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
February 23, 2020
I am so angry that I was not told this wasn't a completed series. I only started this because I thought this was finished. But while I was reading this book, I kept thinking, they are not going to be able to wrap everything up with this many pages left. AND I WAS RIGHT!! Well now I'm stuck. I need the next book!
May 1, 2020
One of the best of the series so far
This book was fast better than I expected, and the author did a great job with the cyberpunk setting, and I found myself almost liking it better than the fantasy running throughout the series. I felt book 3 was a bit slower, and was very pleased with the action-packed read of this book.
I'm eagerly awaiting the conclusion. 😁
This book was fast better than I expected, and the author did a great job with the cyberpunk setting, and I found myself almost liking it better than the fantasy running throughout the series. I felt book 3 was a bit slower, and was very pleased with the action-packed read of this book.
I'm eagerly awaiting the conclusion. 😁
September 8, 2020
Overall: 8/10
A brand new setting set in high speed bike races, swashbuckling gun fights making this a mandatory page turning bing read. The story arc is brought to a logical conclusion and we move back to plot in book 1 and to bigger and badder things going by indiciations.
Looking forward to reading further books.
A brand new setting set in high speed bike races, swashbuckling gun fights making this a mandatory page turning bing read. The story arc is brought to a logical conclusion and we move back to plot in book 1 and to bigger and badder things going by indiciations.
Looking forward to reading further books.
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