What do you think?
Rate this book
The Alchemic Weaponeer #2
Absolution
A Russian weapon engineer's work is never done. Not while the Imperial Legion marches.
After dying, losing his soulmate twice, building elemental cannons, and knocking down more than metaphorical walls for the Crimson Alliance, Vlad is looking for a place to call his own: a crafting guild that will be able to produce the most overpowered loot the world of V.G.O. has ever seen.
Gathering his personal guard, Vlad sets off across the monster-infested Storme Marshes to find the perfect power source, hidden away in the guts of a mysterious sunken ruin. Unfortunately, the mob from old Earth hasn't forgotten him, and Vlad isn't the only one with a thirst for forbidden inventions. He has less than a week to overcome enemies new and old, or his dream of a guild hall for all crafters will be lost forever.
From James A. Hunter—author of Viridian Gate Online, Rogue Dungeon, War God's Mantle, and the Yancy Lazarus Series—and author N.H. Paxton, comes an epic new entry into the Expanded Universe of Viridian Gate Online that you won't want to put down!
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2019
140 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 7, 2019
Wonderful continuation of the Vlad series
This is the second installment in the Vlad series set in the VGO Universe.
If your looking for crafting, building and a whole lot of sweet adventuring and dungeon diving then this is the book for you.
The character development in this story is taken to another level by Mr. Paxton. He does a wonderful job bringing everyone to life, making you fall in love with every character and wanting more.
The world building is spectacular also and you get to see sides of VGO that aren't in the other stories so it is a very crazy and amazing read.
Vlad in this story is set on getting his hand on some ingredients in this story that will help him on his super important quest. That will impact how everyone is able to work in the Crimson Alliance. We get to see many of Vlad's auxiliary members come to help him out and it is crazy how many things came along that I sisnt see happening.
I wasnt able to put this book down either until I had finished it just like the first installment of the series, which if you haven't read I cannot recommend getting it enough. I absolutely loved this story and am eagerly awaiting the third installment in the Vlad series. Because without a doubt Vlad is a badass. So buy the book and enjoy the crazy, thrilling ride that ensues as you read it.
This is the second installment in the Vlad series set in the VGO Universe.
If your looking for crafting, building and a whole lot of sweet adventuring and dungeon diving then this is the book for you.
The character development in this story is taken to another level by Mr. Paxton. He does a wonderful job bringing everyone to life, making you fall in love with every character and wanting more.
The world building is spectacular also and you get to see sides of VGO that aren't in the other stories so it is a very crazy and amazing read.
Vlad in this story is set on getting his hand on some ingredients in this story that will help him on his super important quest. That will impact how everyone is able to work in the Crimson Alliance. We get to see many of Vlad's auxiliary members come to help him out and it is crazy how many things came along that I sisnt see happening.
I wasnt able to put this book down either until I had finished it just like the first installment of the series, which if you haven't read I cannot recommend getting it enough. I absolutely loved this story and am eagerly awaiting the third installment in the Vlad series. Because without a doubt Vlad is a badass. So buy the book and enjoy the crazy, thrilling ride that ensues as you read it.
November 28, 2019
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
September 22, 2019
Enthralling and so cool!!
I am loving character Vlad! I am thinking Vlad may be my favorite character with all the fun and interesting things he can do. I enjoyed the tie in with the other characters happenings in the New World of Viridia.
I love the items creationed and the way he could enhance equipment! Being able to do that kind of thing in a game would be amazing! The whole idea of smoking herbs to gain a buff is great and I’d love to be able to be that ingenious myself.
Definitely looking forward to Vlad’s journey down the overminds road!
I am loving character Vlad! I am thinking Vlad may be my favorite character with all the fun and interesting things he can do. I enjoyed the tie in with the other characters happenings in the New World of Viridia.
I love the items creationed and the way he could enhance equipment! Being able to do that kind of thing in a game would be amazing! The whole idea of smoking herbs to gain a buff is great and I’d love to be able to be that ingenious myself.
Definitely looking forward to Vlad’s journey down the overminds road!
July 20, 2019
A real joy to read!
Vlad is the underdog that we all think we are. He is confident but not arrogant. Usually, thinking of his friends first. Vlad is that inspirational type of genius; you know, the kind that is trying something and then goes, "Wait a minute, that is why it didn't work." Then comes up with the winning solution, after he about gets killed, for not paying attention.
Vlad is the underdog that we all think we are. He is confident but not arrogant. Usually, thinking of his friends first. Vlad is that inspirational type of genius; you know, the kind that is trying something and then goes, "Wait a minute, that is why it didn't work." Then comes up with the winning solution, after he about gets killed, for not paying attention.
July 16, 2019
Far from the usual storytelling of VGO
I have read all of the VGO books and I like them all but this one honestly feels rushed, scattered and lacking depth. It is as if the story is just a detailed log of all the fights and loot in a dungeon dive without much character building or storytelling. Vlad’s story deserves way more than this.
I have read all of the VGO books and I like them all but this one honestly feels rushed, scattered and lacking depth. It is as if the story is just a detailed log of all the fights and loot in a dungeon dive without much character building or storytelling. Vlad’s story deserves way more than this.
November 2, 2019
Is wanting more, yes
More Vlad, please. Yes, even with the awkward pseudo-Russian accent (which I can totally hear in my head), I want more. Clearly the next quest is already teed up, and there are these strange enemies from “home” that might turn up.
There maybe a little too much god-in-the-machine happening in this story, but it didn’t distract too much.
More Vlad, please. Yes, even with the awkward pseudo-Russian accent (which I can totally hear in my head), I want more. Clearly the next quest is already teed up, and there are these strange enemies from “home” that might turn up.
There maybe a little too much god-in-the-machine happening in this story, but it didn’t distract too much.
May 1, 2020
I don't want to go into a lot of spoilers I will leave at this it's a phenomenal book Vlad character development is amazing he's always been one of my favorite characters in the main series and most intriguing at least for me. As always Vikas Adams does an absolutely fantastic job as with the rest of his work this one was no surprise.
September 25, 2019
Nostrovia
Vlad is bavk. Watch out world. Shenanigans are afoot.
Vlad is bavk. Watch out world. Shenanigans are afoot.
March 29, 2020
Vlad is awesome!
Honestly I just love this series so much. I love the class and the characters personality. No nonsense and get sh*t done!
Honestly I just love this series so much. I love the class and the characters personality. No nonsense and get sh*t done!
August 11, 2019
Continues the Development of Vlad, the Russian in Grim Jack's Circle
This story directly continues the development of Vlad. Now that he is established in the alliance, he decides he wants to found a crafters guild. Through some experimentation and the mysterious guidance of a spirit / angle / ghost / godling aka the first Alchemic Engineer, Vlad determines that he needs to go on a quest to find a rare strong magic bauble, or "Heart of Darkness".
Vald's work trying to create new magic items is interesting and provides some cool ideas for how a artisan might go about this process. The combination of alchemy, spell casting, and crafting is well-described. Rockets, bombs, hidden fold-out hand crossbows, enchanted robes, nothing is off limits.
The book as a whole reads like a movie with cut scenes outlining preparations for each adventure, where he is working in the lab building things specifically for the next adventure. However, most of the words/time are dedicated to the construction not the adventuring, which is fine given that Vlad is a crafter. Along the way Vlad creates Gamma, and living weapon in the form of a evolving crossbow / magical ranged weapon.
Eberand, Ken the Rogue and Garrett accompany Vlad on his primary quest. Its unclear why he couldn't form a complete party given his status in the
Along the way Vlad accumulates a few magic items in a set for "Keeper's". Eventually he unlocks this hidden class and takes it up. He also uses alchemical grenades a lot, often hurting himself and the Ebenguard in addition to the enemy.
A few encounters with Ezral, the leader of the Russian mob Vlad was indebted to in his previous life.
This story directly continues the development of Vlad. Now that he is established in the alliance, he decides he wants to found a crafters guild. Through some experimentation and the mysterious guidance of a spirit / angle / ghost / godling aka the first Alchemic Engineer, Vlad determines that he needs to go on a quest to find a rare strong magic bauble, or "Heart of Darkness".
Vald's work trying to create new magic items is interesting and provides some cool ideas for how a artisan might go about this process. The combination of alchemy, spell casting, and crafting is well-described. Rockets, bombs, hidden fold-out hand crossbows, enchanted robes, nothing is off limits.
The book as a whole reads like a movie with cut scenes outlining preparations for each adventure, where he is working in the lab building things specifically for the next adventure. However, most of the words/time are dedicated to the construction not the adventuring, which is fine given that Vlad is a crafter. Along the way Vlad creates Gamma, and living weapon in the form of a evolving crossbow / magical ranged weapon.
Eberand, Ken the Rogue and Garrett accompany Vlad on his primary quest. Its unclear why he couldn't form a complete party given his status in the
Along the way Vlad accumulates a few magic items in a set for "Keeper's". Eventually he unlocks this hidden class and takes it up. He also uses alchemical grenades a lot, often hurting himself and the Ebenguard in addition to the enemy.
A few encounters with Ezral, the leader of the Russian mob Vlad was indebted to in his previous life.
June 7, 2019
Vlad never imagined how much his life would change when he set foot into the world of VGO. To his dismay, several Russian ties have followed him into the game. Determined to make the most of his new life, he's thrown himself head-first into the goals he's set for himself. Learning every aspect of his class is a must, something he's vowed to do at every turn. No matter the cost, he'll succeed at his every goal, or die trying in the process.
An awesome addition to the Alchemic Weaponeer series, Absolution doesn't disappoint. Expanding upon the world of VGO created by James A Hunter, it gives us more insight on the world itself, as well as more of Vlad's backstory. These complex characters are determined in surviving no matter the cost. The circumstances they find themselves may be difficult, but they don't let the chaos and adversities coming their way deter them from the goals they've set for themselves.
From the moment I first read VGO: Cataclysm, I was hooked onto this beautiful game world. All the authors have taken James' vision and expanded upon it. They've created so many unique threads that mesh in more ways than one. Threads that continue throughout every book written. This is what makes this world so, so good.
I'm honestly looking forward to what N. H. and James have to bring for the rest of Vlad's story and the world of VGO. There's so much to do within the world itself that these stories never end. Keep it coming!
An awesome addition to the Alchemic Weaponeer series, Absolution doesn't disappoint. Expanding upon the world of VGO created by James A Hunter, it gives us more insight on the world itself, as well as more of Vlad's backstory. These complex characters are determined in surviving no matter the cost. The circumstances they find themselves may be difficult, but they don't let the chaos and adversities coming their way deter them from the goals they've set for themselves.
From the moment I first read VGO: Cataclysm, I was hooked onto this beautiful game world. All the authors have taken James' vision and expanded upon it. They've created so many unique threads that mesh in more ways than one. Threads that continue throughout every book written. This is what makes this world so, so good.
I'm honestly looking forward to what N. H. and James have to bring for the rest of Vlad's story and the world of VGO. There's so much to do within the world itself that these stories never end. Keep it coming!
June 4, 2019
First off I must say that Vlad the Russian weapons engineer is one of my very favourite characters in the VGO universe so these novels where he is the main star are going down a treat. His inventions have saved many lives for the Crimson Alliance and gained them advantages against their enemies however Vlad now needs to find his own place, to work and create in peace using his alchemic powers for his fantastical creations. His dream is to create a crafters guild and in order to be able to do this he has to accept a timed quest which was going to test him and his Ebenguard team to their limits. They have to go on a dungeon delve to the vault of souls to collect the heart of darkness which basically was the heart of the dungeon itself and belonged to the Dark Collector and was a great power source. Vlad needed this to make the craft banner,so off they all went to the Barren Marshes and their the fun begins. I love that Gamma is becoming so much more, and the surprise in store for Vlad is very well deserved! The wonderful ending to this book gives scope to many more books about this amazing character, books which I am so looking forward to reading. Those enjoying this awesome VGO multiverse are going to love this book.
December 11, 2020
A Thrilling VGO Adventure
How can we not love our stoic adventurer so it's good news to see an entire series about Vlad.
But how can we have Vlad match the adventure of Jack , well it seems quite easily as an intricate mastery of alchemy, enchanting, magic and engineering might make this my favourite secondary character in the entire VGO universe.
No spoilers but this book will keep you on the edge as Vlad attempts to create a masterful new Guild and investigate more of the past mysteries that has been hinted at.
I just cant get enough of Hunter and he can write no wrong (haha) and Paxton seems to me a great match to where I'm confident in saying I would read Paxtons solo books. 6 stars out of 5 if i could.
How can we not love our stoic adventurer so it's good news to see an entire series about Vlad.
But how can we have Vlad match the adventure of Jack , well it seems quite easily as an intricate mastery of alchemy, enchanting, magic and engineering might make this my favourite secondary character in the entire VGO universe.
No spoilers but this book will keep you on the edge as Vlad attempts to create a masterful new Guild and investigate more of the past mysteries that has been hinted at.
I just cant get enough of Hunter and he can write no wrong (haha) and Paxton seems to me a great match to where I'm confident in saying I would read Paxtons solo books. 6 stars out of 5 if i could.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews