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Monster's Mercy #1
Monster's Mercy
An existence spent being forced to kill others to satiate a Monster. Where the only thing to look forward to was the blessed, if brief, period of time between paying that bribe. Except that very same Monster is and isn’t Rene. It just happened to live inside his own mind and force him to do what it wanted. Rather than being an actual Monster. That was Rene’s entire life until a fateful day changed that. A day that the career as a hitman for hire built on the Monster’s needs will end. Where Rene will be forced to atone for his actions. To be held accountable and judged. Except the verdict is already long since passed and needs no deliberation. His sentence was being sent hundreds of years into the past, into a different world even, where he must live a life for the betterment of others. Every action judged as it happens and weighed out against him.
But even this new idyllic life he’s been living in for eighteen years is about to go off the rails and Rene will be forced back into a life lived in the underworld. Armed with a few gifts granted to him by the one who judged him, gifts better suited to a fantasy about living in a video game, Rene has to maneuver his way back to his new life while using all the things he’d learned in his old one. Except using those skills is a double-edged sword. If he’s not careful, he’ll end up right back where he started. Dead and on his way to hell.
Warning and minor: This novel contains graphic violence, undefined relationships/harem, unconventional opinions/beliefs, forced political marriage (and consummation), and a hero who is as tactful as a dog at a cat show. Read at your own risk.
But even this new idyllic life he’s been living in for eighteen years is about to go off the rails and Rene will be forced back into a life lived in the underworld. Armed with a few gifts granted to him by the one who judged him, gifts better suited to a fantasy about living in a video game, Rene has to maneuver his way back to his new life while using all the things he’d learned in his old one. Except using those skills is a double-edged sword. If he’s not careful, he’ll end up right back where he started. Dead and on his way to hell.
Warning and minor: This novel contains graphic violence, undefined relationships/harem, unconventional opinions/beliefs, forced political marriage (and consummation), and a hero who is as tactful as a dog at a cat show. Read at your own risk.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
December 7, 2019
God damn loved it
First of all if you are wondering what this book is about (the description ain’t the best) then I’m going to summarise it for you. An assassin with split personality dies and a “GOD”(that’s Runner for all of you that know him, sitting with Nibbles on his lap) gives him chance to be reborn in a different world with a rather typical medieval/magic setting. The one condition is that the MC (Rene) has to be good. He has an alignment bar and if it turns red he dies. The GOD also suppressed MC’s abilities from his previous life as well as his “second personality” and it will only re emerge when he happens to be in a life threatening situation. And as you may imagine something happens and the story starts to roll.
Now for the review:
To be honest out of all Arand/Darren books, this one takes a spot in my top 3. It has all those similarities to his other books that I like but it’s also different. I especially enjoyed the little rhymes made by the monster and I found it endearing how Rene cared so much about children despite being a stone cold assassin. Now I gotta wait the full rotation for the next book but I’m damn sure it’s going to be worth it. And of course I like the fact that Runner’s present. He is my favourite character from this whole universe so more Runner = Better book for me.
First of all if you are wondering what this book is about (the description ain’t the best) then I’m going to summarise it for you. An assassin with split personality dies and a “GOD”(that’s Runner for all of you that know him, sitting with Nibbles on his lap) gives him chance to be reborn in a different world with a rather typical medieval/magic setting. The one condition is that the MC (Rene) has to be good. He has an alignment bar and if it turns red he dies. The GOD also suppressed MC’s abilities from his previous life as well as his “second personality” and it will only re emerge when he happens to be in a life threatening situation. And as you may imagine something happens and the story starts to roll.
Now for the review:
To be honest out of all Arand/Darren books, this one takes a spot in my top 3. It has all those similarities to his other books that I like but it’s also different. I especially enjoyed the little rhymes made by the monster and I found it endearing how Rene cared so much about children despite being a stone cold assassin. Now I gotta wait the full rotation for the next book but I’m damn sure it’s going to be worth it. And of course I like the fact that Runner’s present. He is my favourite character from this whole universe so more Runner = Better book for me.
January 27, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
Like all William D. Arand stories, this one is very hard to describe. Rene is an assassin that kills people for money... mostly. The real reason he kills people is because he has a voice in his head that is blood thirsty and won't let him rest if it doesn't get blood every now and then. This is somewhat of a multiple personality disorder type of thing. It happened due to trauma earlier in Rene's life. While the voice called Monster talks in Rene's head like a separate person, the Monster is actually Rene. something happens and he dies. He goes before a powerful god/being and is offered a chance to go to another world. He will be born there with all the memories from his previous life from birth. He is told that his whole purpose is to do good things. He is given a video game like display in his head that lets him know his overall status (blue for good, red for bad). If he ends up to far in the red, this god/being will take nasty revenge on him.
The next thing we know, Rene is 18 years old and trying to get into University. He is kidnapped which awakens some hidden talents given to him by this god/being. The voice in his head comes back but it isn't as blood thirsty as it used to be.
As far as the rest of the story goes, there is really too much going on and to complicated for me to make any sense out of it in this review. Suffice to say, it is pretty much like an typical William D. Arand story. The MC has a great amount of power. He overall is a very good person but does a lot of bad things and he surrounds himself with beautiful women but never seems to know what is going on with them. Not my favorite of his books but it is still good. My favorite part is when Rene has conversations with the Monster in his head. He rhymes a lot and has a good sense of humor.
Like all William D. Arand stories, this one is very hard to describe. Rene is an assassin that kills people for money... mostly. The real reason he kills people is because he has a voice in his head that is blood thirsty and won't let him rest if it doesn't get blood every now and then. This is somewhat of a multiple personality disorder type of thing. It happened due to trauma earlier in Rene's life. While the voice called Monster talks in Rene's head like a separate person, the Monster is actually Rene. something happens and he dies. He goes before a powerful god/being and is offered a chance to go to another world. He will be born there with all the memories from his previous life from birth. He is told that his whole purpose is to do good things. He is given a video game like display in his head that lets him know his overall status (blue for good, red for bad). If he ends up to far in the red, this god/being will take nasty revenge on him.
The next thing we know, Rene is 18 years old and trying to get into University. He is kidnapped which awakens some hidden talents given to him by this god/being. The voice in his head comes back but it isn't as blood thirsty as it used to be.
As far as the rest of the story goes, there is really too much going on and to complicated for me to make any sense out of it in this review. Suffice to say, it is pretty much like an typical William D. Arand story. The MC has a great amount of power. He overall is a very good person but does a lot of bad things and he surrounds himself with beautiful women but never seems to know what is going on with them. Not my favorite of his books but it is still good. My favorite part is when Rene has conversations with the Monster in his head. He rhymes a lot and has a good sense of humor.
September 20, 2020
Hmm.
I wonder how he would make this work.
A litrpg Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde set in Victorian Era England... Not working out so far.
I don't think the author proof read this book, or had it checked for plotholes.
He had the ability to see people's names earlier in the book, he even shocked them with knowing it, now all of a sudden he doesn't know anybody's name, and has to go by "description".
That doesn't even account for how he had a crew just fall into his lap, and he trusted them. Is the author even trying?
Is it the lack of smut (50% through the book and no smut so far) that is making him write this badly?
I think this was the worst Arand book I read so far. How the things he set out at the beginning didn't hold true throughout the novel makes me believe he didn't do continuity checks, or didn't have his beta readers do it. This book was all over the place and wasn't much entertainment.
It seems the author can only write interesting stories when he is using it as a vehicle to carry his smut. Seeing as this book had zero smut whatsoever, he didn't put his heart into making a story to hide said non existing smut.
I will read the sequel only because I want to see how the author will tie all these books toegther.
2/5 Stars
I wonder how he would make this work.
A litrpg Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde set in Victorian Era England... Not working out so far.
I don't think the author proof read this book, or had it checked for plotholes.
He had the ability to see people's names earlier in the book, he even shocked them with knowing it, now all of a sudden he doesn't know anybody's name, and has to go by "description".
That doesn't even account for how he had a crew just fall into his lap, and he trusted them. Is the author even trying?
Is it the lack of smut (50% through the book and no smut so far) that is making him write this badly?
I think this was the worst Arand book I read so far. How the things he set out at the beginning didn't hold true throughout the novel makes me believe he didn't do continuity checks, or didn't have his beta readers do it. This book was all over the place and wasn't much entertainment.
It seems the author can only write interesting stories when he is using it as a vehicle to carry his smut. Seeing as this book had zero smut whatsoever, he didn't put his heart into making a story to hide said non existing smut.
I will read the sequel only because I want to see how the author will tie all these books toegther.
2/5 Stars
December 8, 2019
I loved this book. It was quite a bit of a change from some of the other William Arand books. The harem aspect wasn't as blatant where the MC was instantly throwing themselves into it. In this book the MC actually seemed to be developing relationships with the three love interests. I loved that ending that was hilarious! First its his family showing up and then comes his cat-girl love interest with her disturbing description of his courting her, then its his elfish housewife and her awkward description and then finally the prim and proper fiance. Then them meeting each other and the MC asking for Runner to kill him. That was hilarious! Also why was the first thing he though to say "Hello, there" for a supposed smart guy he was kinda dumb there XD. Loved how him and the Monster were both agreeing to ask for death.
October 31, 2020
This was a pretty unique book.
A sociopathic hit an with a split personality dies and is sent to another world with the “bad” part of his personality removed and his abilities repressed. Eventually, of course, it all comes back and he begins a new life of murder, heroism, love, despair, and everything else in between.
His other self has some of the best and cringiest moments of the book Mc I went from loving to hating him every other chapter. The same is true of Rene, his mood, actions, and thoughts seem to change moment to moment.
Somehow he ends up with a harem and for the most part the women have personality and character and urges unlike most other harems I’ve accidentally read.
There’s a lot going on in this book and for the most part it’s handled quite well. When I picked this up I thought a second book was out, but there isn’t, and I’m quite bummed. Hopefully I get to see it soon.
A sociopathic hit an with a split personality dies and is sent to another world with the “bad” part of his personality removed and his abilities repressed. Eventually, of course, it all comes back and he begins a new life of murder, heroism, love, despair, and everything else in between.
His other self has some of the best and cringiest moments of the book Mc I went from loving to hating him every other chapter. The same is true of Rene, his mood, actions, and thoughts seem to change moment to moment.
Somehow he ends up with a harem and for the most part the women have personality and character and urges unlike most other harems I’ve accidentally read.
There’s a lot going on in this book and for the most part it’s handled quite well. When I picked this up I thought a second book was out, but there isn’t, and I’m quite bummed. Hopefully I get to see it soon.
December 12, 2019
Oddly satisfying but gory tale
This is such a strange tale with a ton of humour and a bit of heart thrown in. The flawed MC with a split personality seemingly from childhood abuse is an Assassin who gets reborn into a new more medieval world to a rich family. The god tells him to be good and do good or he will die when his good/evil status bar runs out. He ends up with a game style overlay after conditions are met and starts leveling up and remembering the skills of his old life. Can he stay good while defeating his enemies and protecting his loved ones? Can he avoid the harem trope..... This falls within the isekai category of reincarnation in a new world, with a ton of death, blood, orphans and dark humour. Maybe a little rom-com too? Whatever... it was such a fun read I don’t care.
This is such a strange tale with a ton of humour and a bit of heart thrown in. The flawed MC with a split personality seemingly from childhood abuse is an Assassin who gets reborn into a new more medieval world to a rich family. The god tells him to be good and do good or he will die when his good/evil status bar runs out. He ends up with a game style overlay after conditions are met and starts leveling up and remembering the skills of his old life. Can he stay good while defeating his enemies and protecting his loved ones? Can he avoid the harem trope..... This falls within the isekai category of reincarnation in a new world, with a ton of death, blood, orphans and dark humour. Maybe a little rom-com too? Whatever... it was such a fun read I don’t care.
May 24, 2022
Author creates a contradiction from the start. Main character Rene Anatolis, is a reicarnated assassin that was given a "second chance" by a blood/gore/violence/death-hungry God that the author calls "Watcher". It is a contradiction, because it is clear from the start that the "Watcher" and Rene are total psychopaths that at every turn, see injustice, see vulnerability and what they do is saved damsels in distress (that later turn into part of Rene's retinue and harem), small kids being enslaved and abused, so he creates an orphanage, university-type academy for these vulnerable kids. While the "Monster God - Watcher" feeds on the death, torture, gore of killing off the victims, at the same time they try to save the "victims". It is contradictory, because if they would let the victims be, then there would be more mayhem, more violence, more death, the thing is the author, differentiates the evil corrupted and depraved from the pure and vulnerable people. Rene robs, loots and completely destroys the people in his way. The story in his new life, starts, with Rene being kidnapped by unknown forces.
This is a fantasy novel series in three volumes. The first volume is rather short with 300+ pages. Basically it is the start of the harem-gore filled violence for everybody that is not vulnerable, a beautiful woman, etc. It is the beginning of the huge Rene harem. With elves, cat-like girls, human noble girls, and even virgin prostitutes (which is like an oxymoron/contradiction, because if they are considered already sex workers, well, the first thing that goes, is their virginity.
Weird fantasy novel series. It is all over the place. Rene has over-powered abilities that make it super easy to learn anything (guitar, lock picking, analyzing, etc.) It gets uncomfortably weird because "Watcher-Death-and-Gore-God" in Rene's mind, starts out rhyming all of the time everything that he "thought into Rene's head". Rhymes were rough, not thought out, and totally unnecessary. It just made it creepy and more weird.
The most positive thing from this novel series, are the illustrations. If I could have given them 10 stars, while giving the story about 2 stars, I would have. But Goodreads rating system is not very efficient or practical.
This is a fantasy novel series in three volumes. The first volume is rather short with 300+ pages. Basically it is the start of the harem-gore filled violence for everybody that is not vulnerable, a beautiful woman, etc. It is the beginning of the huge Rene harem. With elves, cat-like girls, human noble girls, and even virgin prostitutes (which is like an oxymoron/contradiction, because if they are considered already sex workers, well, the first thing that goes, is their virginity.
Weird fantasy novel series. It is all over the place. Rene has over-powered abilities that make it super easy to learn anything (guitar, lock picking, analyzing, etc.) It gets uncomfortably weird because "Watcher-Death-and-Gore-God" in Rene's mind, starts out rhyming all of the time everything that he "thought into Rene's head". Rhymes were rough, not thought out, and totally unnecessary. It just made it creepy and more weird.
The most positive thing from this novel series, are the illustrations. If I could have given them 10 stars, while giving the story about 2 stars, I would have. But Goodreads rating system is not very efficient or practical.
December 10, 2019
One line no-spoiler synopsis: Dexter meets Runner.
Another strong book in the Runnerverse. There are many common themes with the author's other works, but handled with enough distinction to keep it fresh. If you like the author's back catalogue you'll probably agree that he seems to be getting better.
I find myself looking forward to the Arand/Darren books on a short list of a few other authors like Cebelius and Eric Ugland, so I'm grateful for A/D's regular output. These guys (and some others) to me represent the upper echelon of the gamelit etc. genre, but of course YMMV. Keep 'em coming.
Another strong book in the Runnerverse. There are many common themes with the author's other works, but handled with enough distinction to keep it fresh. If you like the author's back catalogue you'll probably agree that he seems to be getting better.
I find myself looking forward to the Arand/Darren books on a short list of a few other authors like Cebelius and Eric Ugland, so I'm grateful for A/D's regular output. These guys (and some others) to me represent the upper echelon of the gamelit etc. genre, but of course YMMV. Keep 'em coming.
December 11, 2019
Great adventure, drama, and humor. Wowser!!
Really enjoyed this story of redemption (sort of..). This is the first reincarnation I've seen that retained previous memories and skills and it took warring with your inner demon to new, very entertaining levels. The harem aspect is very slow burn, suspenseful, and leads to some real LOL moments (the "I got nothing"-moment brought me to tears.) I'm very much looking forward to where this story goes. Can't wait!!!
Really enjoyed this story of redemption (sort of..). This is the first reincarnation I've seen that retained previous memories and skills and it took warring with your inner demon to new, very entertaining levels. The harem aspect is very slow burn, suspenseful, and leads to some real LOL moments (the "I got nothing"-moment brought me to tears.) I'm very much looking forward to where this story goes. Can't wait!!!
February 9, 2022
Fantastic and fun read, about an assassin.... whod have thunk it?
The MC is a sociopathic assassin whose subconscious is a bloodthirsty monster. He gets an opportunity to redo life in another reality, with his subconscious still present but no longer quite the monster. To atone for his wickedness he must now do good works or suffer greater consequences. It started off a bit macabe, but soon became a black comedy/RPG.
When he is kidnapped, his assassin skills are reawakened along with additional RPG powers. Now it gets interesting as he kills his captors, and releases a (beautiful female) captive during his escape. He's just getting started as he cuts a swath through the city's underworld, amassing wealth and putting together a crew. Of course he develops powerful enemies as well as influential friends, while creating a financial empire, a criminal guild, dealing with corrupt officials and sleezy crime bosses..... all while rescuing orphans and attending college. He also aquires 4 beautiful females that desire him, but he's so messed up in the head as well as putting out fires that he cant figure out what to do with any of them. Delicious!
This was a really fun read of a black comedy in the LitRPG genre. I highly recommend it an am looking forward to the other 2 books in the series as well as other works by the author.
The MC is a sociopathic assassin whose subconscious is a bloodthirsty monster. He gets an opportunity to redo life in another reality, with his subconscious still present but no longer quite the monster. To atone for his wickedness he must now do good works or suffer greater consequences. It started off a bit macabe, but soon became a black comedy/RPG.
When he is kidnapped, his assassin skills are reawakened along with additional RPG powers. Now it gets interesting as he kills his captors, and releases a (beautiful female) captive during his escape. He's just getting started as he cuts a swath through the city's underworld, amassing wealth and putting together a crew. Of course he develops powerful enemies as well as influential friends, while creating a financial empire, a criminal guild, dealing with corrupt officials and sleezy crime bosses..... all while rescuing orphans and attending college. He also aquires 4 beautiful females that desire him, but he's so messed up in the head as well as putting out fires that he cant figure out what to do with any of them. Delicious!
This was a really fun read of a black comedy in the LitRPG genre. I highly recommend it an am looking forward to the other 2 books in the series as well as other works by the author.
May 26, 2020
Good, Needs Editing
The book was enjoyable, and the main character having a split personality was interesting to read. It did feel like it got caught in the weeds a bit here or there, but overall not an issue.
It's good to see the trend of mysterious impending doom by foes (in the books the author writes) 3 steps ahead of the MC was broken. I do enjoy competent villains, but it's hard to appreciate a hero pinballing from one crisis to another, all the time. So I appreciate the direction of this and some of the authors recent works more than some others.
My main complaint would be the editing. I don't have to have everything absolutely perfect, but there were many occasions in this book with strange/missing punctuation that detracted from the read; and one weird bit where the MC transitioned scenes in the same paragraph from talking to a friend to listening in on enemies without any kind of warning, lead-in, or transition in page setup. I had to flip back and forth a few times in confusion and could only conclude it was a scene change missed in edit.
Overall, I quite like the authors works and would recommend them to anyone who is interested in fantasy with a harem focus.
The book was enjoyable, and the main character having a split personality was interesting to read. It did feel like it got caught in the weeds a bit here or there, but overall not an issue.
It's good to see the trend of mysterious impending doom by foes (in the books the author writes) 3 steps ahead of the MC was broken. I do enjoy competent villains, but it's hard to appreciate a hero pinballing from one crisis to another, all the time. So I appreciate the direction of this and some of the authors recent works more than some others.
My main complaint would be the editing. I don't have to have everything absolutely perfect, but there were many occasions in this book with strange/missing punctuation that detracted from the read; and one weird bit where the MC transitioned scenes in the same paragraph from talking to a friend to listening in on enemies without any kind of warning, lead-in, or transition in page setup. I had to flip back and forth a few times in confusion and could only conclude it was a scene change missed in edit.
Overall, I quite like the authors works and would recommend them to anyone who is interested in fantasy with a harem focus.
February 26, 2023
Such Fun!!!
I admit that I have never read (listened to) anything by this author in the past and simply got it as a lark. (I admit I liked the cover. Shoot me). But was happily surprised at what I had found. It smacks you in the face with some “Ultra violence” (A Clockwork Orange reference. And a fitting one, actually) right out of the gate with the internal conversation being rather, uh, off putting. It settles down into a sometimes dark, sometimes hilarious tale of redemption. I loved it. I rarely write reviews of any kind (I have over 1200 books in my library and have written maybe 2-3 reviews in total, although there are many books that deserved to be reviewed and weren’t). This book was such fun. It had me cringing at the bloody violence at times then spitting up my coffee in laughter at others. This book isn’t for everyone. But I found it’s black humor to be startlingly gory at once and lightheartedly uplifting (contradictory, no?) at others. But the story sped along and left me laughing out loud on the final page. It’s well written (not nearly as wordy or convoluted as this review), thought provoking and well worth the credit.
I admit that I have never read (listened to) anything by this author in the past and simply got it as a lark. (I admit I liked the cover. Shoot me). But was happily surprised at what I had found. It smacks you in the face with some “Ultra violence” (A Clockwork Orange reference. And a fitting one, actually) right out of the gate with the internal conversation being rather, uh, off putting. It settles down into a sometimes dark, sometimes hilarious tale of redemption. I loved it. I rarely write reviews of any kind (I have over 1200 books in my library and have written maybe 2-3 reviews in total, although there are many books that deserved to be reviewed and weren’t). This book was such fun. It had me cringing at the bloody violence at times then spitting up my coffee in laughter at others. This book isn’t for everyone. But I found it’s black humor to be startlingly gory at once and lightheartedly uplifting (contradictory, no?) at others. But the story sped along and left me laughing out loud on the final page. It’s well written (not nearly as wordy or convoluted as this review), thought provoking and well worth the credit.
April 21, 2021
A bloody good time story
This story is very dark very pretty but it does have some good humor as well as some good world building and a little bit of RPG mechanics. The main character is a major assassin and he dies and is given a second chance in a magical world. No matter what he tries to do he always finds himself straying back into his old ways but to help others not just to be a murderer. There's a lot of political intrigue as well as graft and governmental people doing despicable things as well as a lot of good people doing good things as well. Some of the situations are main character gets into are very humorous as he sometimes led around by the nose by the girls in his life he is not very social but he's learning along the way and that makes it funny. I am very happy that there is a second book cuz I like to see what kind of shenanigans he gets into and how he gets himself out and how will he deal with the girls that want him and are in his life. I foresee Good times ahead are fun times ahead.
This story is very dark very pretty but it does have some good humor as well as some good world building and a little bit of RPG mechanics. The main character is a major assassin and he dies and is given a second chance in a magical world. No matter what he tries to do he always finds himself straying back into his old ways but to help others not just to be a murderer. There's a lot of political intrigue as well as graft and governmental people doing despicable things as well as a lot of good people doing good things as well. Some of the situations are main character gets into are very humorous as he sometimes led around by the nose by the girls in his life he is not very social but he's learning along the way and that makes it funny. I am very happy that there is a second book cuz I like to see what kind of shenanigans he gets into and how he gets himself out and how will he deal with the girls that want him and are in his life. I foresee Good times ahead are fun times ahead.
January 19, 2020
Spoiler alert!
This may be his best one yet. I flew through this one in like 2 days. I really love how his books are tied together. I had a feeling that the god at the beginning was Runner. And, when Amelia introduced herself, I one a for a fact. (In my mind anyway.) That it was. I just wish that he explain "The Shattering" as it's called in the Dungeon Deposed series, in more detail. The "Otherlife" series tells how he came to power, and gives enough info that you can guess how it happens. But, nothing that I've found anyway, that goes into detail about it. Hell, Runner even shows up in "Super sales on Super Heroes". And as always I highly recommended anything by William D. Arand, whom I also believe to be Randy Darren. Which I also recommended, just not as emphatically.
This may be his best one yet. I flew through this one in like 2 days. I really love how his books are tied together. I had a feeling that the god at the beginning was Runner. And, when Amelia introduced herself, I one a for a fact. (In my mind anyway.) That it was. I just wish that he explain "The Shattering" as it's called in the Dungeon Deposed series, in more detail. The "Otherlife" series tells how he came to power, and gives enough info that you can guess how it happens. But, nothing that I've found anyway, that goes into detail about it. Hell, Runner even shows up in "Super sales on Super Heroes". And as always I highly recommended anything by William D. Arand, whom I also believe to be Randy Darren. Which I also recommended, just not as emphatically.
July 28, 2020
So d$&@ awesome!
There are books that are great to read and then there are books that you just have to listen to as an audiobook. This is one of those. Andrea Parseneau is solidified as one of the best narrators I have heard by far. She does such a good job at all voice types (male, female, young, old, accents, etc). She makes it feel like a movie, not a script she is reading.
The best part of the book for me was the dialogue between the MC and his inner demon. So interesting and hilarious. Andrea absolutely nailed it.
I loved the end of the epilogue where it automatically starts playing all the bloopers! I was so confused for a moment and then laughed so hard I started crying.
If I was reading this book I would probably give it 4 or 4 & 1/2 stars, but as an audiobook definitely 5 stars for me.
There are books that are great to read and then there are books that you just have to listen to as an audiobook. This is one of those. Andrea Parseneau is solidified as one of the best narrators I have heard by far. She does such a good job at all voice types (male, female, young, old, accents, etc). She makes it feel like a movie, not a script she is reading.
The best part of the book for me was the dialogue between the MC and his inner demon. So interesting and hilarious. Andrea absolutely nailed it.
I loved the end of the epilogue where it automatically starts playing all the bloopers! I was so confused for a moment and then laughed so hard I started crying.
If I was reading this book I would probably give it 4 or 4 & 1/2 stars, but as an audiobook definitely 5 stars for me.
January 10, 2020
Great story easily one of his best to date
I've read all the books in his serieses and this is one of the best ones if not the best one. Great Character interesting premise in a man and his "monster". As with most of his books I can take or leave the Harem building. He's the master of building worlds, taking a interesting but usually flawed character giving them creative abilities gifts and/or Powers and molding a great story around them. This book has earned five stars and then some. If you're new to reading books by William D. Arand go ahead and read this one it won't ruin too much but after go back and read his other series because he likes to tie them into each other creating a massive on-going/side by side story
I've read all the books in his serieses and this is one of the best ones if not the best one. Great Character interesting premise in a man and his "monster". As with most of his books I can take or leave the Harem building. He's the master of building worlds, taking a interesting but usually flawed character giving them creative abilities gifts and/or Powers and molding a great story around them. This book has earned five stars and then some. If you're new to reading books by William D. Arand go ahead and read this one it won't ruin too much but after go back and read his other series because he likes to tie them into each other creating a massive on-going/side by side story
March 17, 2020
I laughed through almost all of this book, particularly once the Monster's personality becomes more expressive. This is another title in the William D. Arand/Randi Darren universe but unlike his other works this one is a self-contained story (presumably set after the events of Dungeon Deposed #3) .
This is probably one of the author's best works and can be enjoyed as both a reader who is familiar with the shared universe or is a complete first-timer it. I'm very curious to see where Rene appears in the universe next and if Monster's Mercy will expand into it's own trilogy or remain as a very good stand-alone that will function as a backstory piece for Rene's character in other books.
A solid four star rating in my eyes!
This is probably one of the author's best works and can be enjoyed as both a reader who is familiar with the shared universe or is a complete first-timer it. I'm very curious to see where Rene appears in the universe next and if Monster's Mercy will expand into it's own trilogy or remain as a very good stand-alone that will function as a backstory piece for Rene's character in other books.
A solid four star rating in my eyes!
June 3, 2021
A really good fantasy-harem-isekai series. The MC is basically Batman/Bruce Wayne but with the personalities of Two Face, which makes him fairly unique among most harem protagonists I've come across. The ladies are interesting, and the relationships develop organically. The story is fairly interesting for the most part, though it does stall a bit at certain points.
My only complaint is the time-skip from after the MC is reborn to when he turns 18 and the story starts.
I'd highly recommend reading the Fostering Faust series before this, as this series takes place in the same world (about 2 decades later) and as such there are a lot of references to those stories that would go over your head otherwise. There are also plenty of minor references to the other books in the same shared universe
My only complaint is the time-skip from after the MC is reborn to when he turns 18 and the story starts.
I'd highly recommend reading the Fostering Faust series before this, as this series takes place in the same world (about 2 decades later) and as such there are a lot of references to those stories that would go over your head otherwise. There are also plenty of minor references to the other books in the same shared universe
June 17, 2021
What Happens When A God With Perverse Sense Of Humor Meets An Assassin With A Split Personality?
The short answer to the question is "mayhem and hilarity."
Rene has a "Monster." It lives inside his mind and makes him kill people. It's one of the reasons he became such a proficient assassin -- with gun, blade, or bare hands there was no target he failed to kill. Then Rene died whilst being summoned to another world. Normally that would be the end of the story, but Rene and his Monster appear before a God who was amused by the manner of his death. This God, whom Rene eventually comes to call "Watcher," gives Rene another chance at life in the magical world to which he has been summoned; and that's when Rene's life really becomes complicated.
The short answer to the question is "mayhem and hilarity."
Rene has a "Monster." It lives inside his mind and makes him kill people. It's one of the reasons he became such a proficient assassin -- with gun, blade, or bare hands there was no target he failed to kill. Then Rene died whilst being summoned to another world. Normally that would be the end of the story, but Rene and his Monster appear before a God who was amused by the manner of his death. This God, whom Rene eventually comes to call "Watcher," gives Rene another chance at life in the magical world to which he has been summoned; and that's when Rene's life really becomes complicated.
December 9, 2019
Dark Tidings Meets William D. Aarand
Alright i wanna start by saying if you read Monsters Mercy and haven't read Dark Tidings(1-4) go read that while you wait for more from William. Now hes done it again a great book no nonsense OP hero with lady (troubles?) options then he knows what to do with. More world building for the coming War of Pocket Realties. Last but not least more writing growth being shown in this MC with his persona, the tragedies, and with the core motivation/deal of the story goes unexpectedly. And oh yeah Mr Arand really the true isekai beginning next you'll be using truck-kun😏
Alright i wanna start by saying if you read Monsters Mercy and haven't read Dark Tidings(1-4) go read that while you wait for more from William. Now hes done it again a great book no nonsense OP hero with lady (troubles?) options then he knows what to do with. More world building for the coming War of Pocket Realties. Last but not least more writing growth being shown in this MC with his persona, the tragedies, and with the core motivation/deal of the story goes unexpectedly. And oh yeah Mr Arand really the true isekai beginning next you'll be using truck-kun😏
December 12, 2019
This is my favorite book of his yet hands down
Big fan of this author already so it was easy to decide on getting his new book. It I have to say that this new one is literally my favorite. I had to stop my self from laughing out loud at so many points that I can’t count them all. His sub conscience which is pretty much a separate character is utterly hysterical. It is on of my all time favorite characters in this or any book. His singing in the MCs head had me crying at times. This is a very well written book and while the MC might not start as a good guy he definitely starts to end towards one. Really can’t wait for book 2 in this series.
Big fan of this author already so it was easy to decide on getting his new book. It I have to say that this new one is literally my favorite. I had to stop my self from laughing out loud at so many points that I can’t count them all. His sub conscience which is pretty much a separate character is utterly hysterical. It is on of my all time favorite characters in this or any book. His singing in the MCs head had me crying at times. This is a very well written book and while the MC might not start as a good guy he definitely starts to end towards one. Really can’t wait for book 2 in this series.
January 7, 2020
Genuinely my favourite yet!
Over the past year I've found myself eagerly consuming the books in this authors shared universe and loving every one of them. This book is no exception, in fact it may be the one with my favourite protagonist yet.
I actually feel sort of bad using my kindle unlimited to read it rather than buying it outright because I feel like the authors ability to write has grown so much with each book that he more than deserves my money directly.
The end of this book had me in actual stitches and prompted me to write this very unhelpful review in order to give something back, haha.
Over the past year I've found myself eagerly consuming the books in this authors shared universe and loving every one of them. This book is no exception, in fact it may be the one with my favourite protagonist yet.
I actually feel sort of bad using my kindle unlimited to read it rather than buying it outright because I feel like the authors ability to write has grown so much with each book that he more than deserves my money directly.
The end of this book had me in actual stitches and prompted me to write this very unhelpful review in order to give something back, haha.
December 11, 2019
Really interesting
This book is interesting, the mc is really unique and makes this book exceptional. The best thing about this book is that unlike others that this author has written it really feels like a complete novel with no need for a sequel, saying that I wouldn't mind if the author continues with his usually pattern of releasing a trilogy based on these characters. The only thing I didn't like was the blurb written for this book, I don't thing it does the book justice and would recommend reading the first chapter to get a better idea about what to expect.
This book is interesting, the mc is really unique and makes this book exceptional. The best thing about this book is that unlike others that this author has written it really feels like a complete novel with no need for a sequel, saying that I wouldn't mind if the author continues with his usually pattern of releasing a trilogy based on these characters. The only thing I didn't like was the blurb written for this book, I don't thing it does the book justice and would recommend reading the first chapter to get a better idea about what to expect.
December 15, 2019
Great series!
I liked the mc. He’s smart but also human and down to earth. Likeable unlike other MCs that are either are too weak or too strong or prideful
His schemes and vision is great and different than the typical build an army and making special equipment type of story. It’s more in the shadows with the MC using politics. I wish there was more of this like in House of Cards
The females are great and have their appeal. Not enough time with them though but I was satisfied.
I liked the mc. He’s smart but also human and down to earth. Likeable unlike other MCs that are either are too weak or too strong or prideful
His schemes and vision is great and different than the typical build an army and making special equipment type of story. It’s more in the shadows with the MC using politics. I wish there was more of this like in House of Cards
The females are great and have their appeal. Not enough time with them though but I was satisfied.
June 14, 2020
EPIC!
Omg when I tell you this book was everything I mean it!! Grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never let it go! Rene is a psychopath and a contract killer whose losing his grip on his sanity whose killed when summoned to another world. He has a chance to start over and live a good life as long as he does good deeds. And for 18 years he manages to do that easily. Until he’s kidnapped. Now he’s going after his captors and leaving bodies in his wake. Will he find out who kidnapped before his bad deeds outweigh his good and he ends up killed?
Omg when I tell you this book was everything I mean it!! Grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never let it go! Rene is a psychopath and a contract killer whose losing his grip on his sanity whose killed when summoned to another world. He has a chance to start over and live a good life as long as he does good deeds. And for 18 years he manages to do that easily. Until he’s kidnapped. Now he’s going after his captors and leaving bodies in his wake. Will he find out who kidnapped before his bad deeds outweigh his good and he ends up killed?
November 16, 2020
I have reinforced my dislike of the Lit RPG genre of books. Personal taste and I didn’t know that this book was one before I bought it. Now in fairness, it was well done but did the level upping add anything of worth to the story? Not in my opinion but each to their own.
Everything went a little too smoothly for our hero Rene so came across as very teen orientated.
The narration of the book was fabulous. Andrea Parsneau has a wide range and it was easy to distinguish between the characters.
The outtakes at the end were very funny.
Everything went a little too smoothly for our hero Rene so came across as very teen orientated.
The narration of the book was fabulous. Andrea Parsneau has a wide range and it was easy to distinguish between the characters.
The outtakes at the end were very funny.
December 15, 2019
Very good. Very different.
I don't always like what this author writes but it is all quality writing. As is this book. It is a very interesting tale of a psychotic assassin who, in a roundabout way, gets grabbed up by a god and sentenced to good works. With a caveat that if the feces impacts the rotary impeller he may get some of his former abilities back.
Very good flow with no editing or grammar problems.
Highly enjoyable!
I don't always like what this author writes but it is all quality writing. As is this book. It is a very interesting tale of a psychotic assassin who, in a roundabout way, gets grabbed up by a god and sentenced to good works. With a caveat that if the feces impacts the rotary impeller he may get some of his former abilities back.
Very good flow with no editing or grammar problems.
Highly enjoyable!
December 16, 2019
Fascinating
Once again Arand gives us a new world, filled with multi-faceted characters and plot. He also gives us action from the first word to the last, and an MC whose flaws only make him more interesting. There’s also the trademark harem of very strong female characters who keep the MC on his toes. This one is also an odd combination of strong violence with practically no sex, while romance and seduction abound. It works. Definitely recommended (15+)
Once again Arand gives us a new world, filled with multi-faceted characters and plot. He also gives us action from the first word to the last, and an MC whose flaws only make him more interesting. There’s also the trademark harem of very strong female characters who keep the MC on his toes. This one is also an odd combination of strong violence with practically no sex, while romance and seduction abound. It works. Definitely recommended (15+)
December 20, 2019
Honestly amazing!
I have read all of his books in the sovereign series, and this has got to be one of my new favorites! Monster best character! This book makes a lot more sense if you read the other series' books first. I am you to be looking forward to book 2 really bad, I feel addicted. Please read this book it's worth it. The characters are built great, and some of the lines actually made me laugh.
I have read all of his books in the sovereign series, and this has got to be one of my new favorites! Monster best character! This book makes a lot more sense if you read the other series' books first. I am you to be looking forward to book 2 really bad, I feel addicted. Please read this book it's worth it. The characters are built great, and some of the lines actually made me laugh.
December 25, 2019
Can't wait for book two this one grab me like super heroes
The beginning was slow and his interactions with the children is ok but his persona and interactions with his harem are fun. The story of his rise in power was great but I felt his "power-ups" came to quickly but even if triple the time it took I still believe he would have been victorious. Also enjoy how now the author protagonist is fighting against the harem. Another great book
The beginning was slow and his interactions with the children is ok but his persona and interactions with his harem are fun. The story of his rise in power was great but I felt his "power-ups" came to quickly but even if triple the time it took I still believe he would have been victorious. Also enjoy how now the author protagonist is fighting against the harem. Another great book
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