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Underdog #4
The Otherworld
After battling the hyenas, Eric gets a notification that something called a Place of Power has been found. That is the only clue that might help him get back to his native world.
But there's a problem. The system needs mana to calculate a route. Eric simply doesn't have any and he doesn't know when he will. That is because, due to the strange laws this world lives by, Eric's mana supply isn't filling up. But the Great System also exists here, though its laws are only partially functioning.
Having found himself in this alien and dangerous world without magic or the support of his loyal Gorgie, Eric understands that the kid who saved him, Badger, is currently his only source of useful information. That is a chance to understand and gain knowledge about this world and, in all likelihood, find a way to rustle up some mana.
But there's a problem. The system needs mana to calculate a route. Eric simply doesn't have any and he doesn't know when he will. That is because, due to the strange laws this world lives by, Eric's mana supply isn't filling up. But the Great System also exists here, though its laws are only partially functioning.
Having found himself in this alien and dangerous world without magic or the support of his loyal Gorgie, Eric understands that the kid who saved him, Badger, is currently his only source of useful information. That is a chance to understand and gain knowledge about this world and, in all likelihood, find a way to rustle up some mana.
543 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2020
229 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Alexey Osadchuk
34 books528 followersAlexey Osadchuk was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. In the late 1990s his family moved to the south of Spain where they still live today.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 20, 2021
1.5 I really liked the first 3 books but all the characteristics that made this series interesting is completely discarded in this book.
Also I hated the love story that was introduced in this book. From the moment the MC sees her he struggles to speak and even breath. Her main characteristics is that she is good at housekeeping and is really beautiful. She is saved from sexual assault 3 times. The author portrays other men as only wanting her for her body but fails to realize the MC is just the same.
The MC is obsessed with her. He compares her to his last crush who was mean to him stating that she is much better without the introspection that he fell in 'love' with her just based on her looks and the difference is he is no longer weak boy who mother cried when she looked at his body to a strong OP character that saved her brother from hyenas all by himself. She is less of a person and more of a prize to show that the MC is strong.
I am not sure I will continue with this series. It once once a story of a weak boy who used his mind and a glitch in the system to succeed but now the MC is so overpowered he causes people to pee in their pants in fear. Not a fan. Also I can't respect any writer who puts a female character in the position to be sexually assaulted 3 times just so the MC can be the Knight in Shining Armor and save her.
Also I hated the love story that was introduced in this book. From the moment the MC sees her he struggles to speak and even breath. Her main characteristics is that she is good at housekeeping and is really beautiful. She is saved from sexual assault 3 times. The author portrays other men as only wanting her for her body but fails to realize the MC is just the same.
The MC is obsessed with her. He compares her to his last crush who was mean to him stating that she is much better without the introspection that he fell in 'love' with her just based on her looks and the difference is he is no longer weak boy who mother cried when she looked at his body to a strong OP character that saved her brother from hyenas all by himself. She is less of a person and more of a prize to show that the MC is strong.
I am not sure I will continue with this series. It once once a story of a weak boy who used his mind and a glitch in the system to succeed but now the MC is so overpowered he causes people to pee in their pants in fear. Not a fan. Also I can't respect any writer who puts a female character in the position to be sexually assaulted 3 times just so the MC can be the Knight in Shining Armor and save her.
November 13, 2025
The story takes a rather surprising turn in this third installment, adding another dimension to a universe that was already quite vague.
The narrative is occasionally interesting, but this fourth volume suffers from unusually long stretches, especially in the final chapters, which are rather tedious to read and feel somewhat rushed.
The narrative is occasionally interesting, but this fourth volume suffers from unusually long stretches, especially in the final chapters, which are rather tedious to read and feel somewhat rushed.
April 22, 2022
5 I Could Also Heal Stars
The Otherworld is the fourth book in the Underdog series by Alexey Osadchuk.
This was my absolute favorite book in the series. Everything that transpires in these pages culminates into such a tremendous turning point for our Mc. Honestly, I had been getting a little disappointed with the continuation of his mistreatment across all sequels. Then comes along a book that manifests with him at the helm of such great power. To walk empowered above a world completely lacking a system, and yet he did not maliciously transform into some harbinger of evil like his world seems to possess in great quantities.
There is great mystery in his heritage. Having finally found some semblance of an answer towards his brothers abandonment. Yet, there is still a magnitude more we have left to learn of his origin. Ancients? In what way do the Ancients connect to this one boy? To such a degree that the System itself shows such favoritism? Sure one could simply point to all that he has faced to deny that claim, but has he not always come out stronger for it? More proof in this most recent experience, with all of the magnificent rewards he received. I'm beginning to officially wonder whether it will even matter for him if he levels? Will that just compound his growing power?
I hope he goes back the systemless world to see if Hedgehog accomplished his dream, a kingdom in Pinevale. What became of his friends? Hopefully there will be answers to these questions in upcoming books....
Finally, I find myself wondering about a few things. How Mee and Maya are fairing? How our protag will find the Forge he needs to hatch his two potential 'helpers'? Where new Hearts of the Forest may find their home, and which Guardian's will heed his call? What this Unity of Chaos trial means for his future? Just how many other worlds are there?
The Otherworld is the fourth book in the Underdog series by Alexey Osadchuk.
This was my absolute favorite book in the series. Everything that transpires in these pages culminates into such a tremendous turning point for our Mc. Honestly, I had been getting a little disappointed with the continuation of his mistreatment across all sequels. Then comes along a book that manifests with him at the helm of such great power. To walk empowered above a world completely lacking a system, and yet he did not maliciously transform into some harbinger of evil like his world seems to possess in great quantities.
There is great mystery in his heritage. Having finally found some semblance of an answer towards his brothers abandonment. Yet, there is still a magnitude more we have left to learn of his origin. Ancients? In what way do the Ancients connect to this one boy? To such a degree that the System itself shows such favoritism? Sure one could simply point to all that he has faced to deny that claim, but has he not always come out stronger for it? More proof in this most recent experience, with all of the magnificent rewards he received. I'm beginning to officially wonder whether it will even matter for him if he levels? Will that just compound his growing power?
I hope he goes back the systemless world to see if Hedgehog accomplished his dream, a kingdom in Pinevale. What became of his friends? Hopefully there will be answers to these questions in upcoming books....
Finally, I find myself wondering about a few things. How Mee and Maya are fairing? How our protag will find the Forge he needs to hatch his two potential 'helpers'? Where new Hearts of the Forest may find their home, and which Guardian's will heed his call? What this Unity of Chaos trial means for his future? Just how many other worlds are there?
October 17, 2020
I received a review copy of this book.
I liked this one, it was a very nice story extension, and while it took place entirely out of the main character's main world, it still managed to add nicely to the overall story arc. We see at the end that things will probably go back to what passes for normal in the next book, but I rather liked this side story, and although I don't think we can call the main character an underdog anymore, the story still carries you along, and of course, leaves you wanting more when it's complete. If you haven't read any of the books in this series yet, and you are an LitRPG fan, then you need to go grab the first one, and get to reading, it's a somewhat unique approach to LitRPG, and I rather like the approach myself.
I liked this one, it was a very nice story extension, and while it took place entirely out of the main character's main world, it still managed to add nicely to the overall story arc. We see at the end that things will probably go back to what passes for normal in the next book, but I rather liked this side story, and although I don't think we can call the main character an underdog anymore, the story still carries you along, and of course, leaves you wanting more when it's complete. If you haven't read any of the books in this series yet, and you are an LitRPG fan, then you need to go grab the first one, and get to reading, it's a somewhat unique approach to LitRPG, and I rather like the approach myself.
February 16, 2025
Title: The Otherworld (Underdog, #4)
Author: Alexey Osadchuk
Genre: LitRPG, Fantasy, Adventure
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Overview:
The Otherworld (Underdog, #4) continues the epic journey of Eric, an underdog turned adventurer, as he delves deeper into the virtual game world. In this book, the stakes are higher, the challenges tougher, and the mysteries more intriguing. Fans of the LitRPG genre will appreciate the combination of game mechanics, character leveling, and immersive fantasy that Osadchuk delivers.
Storyline & Pacing:
The novel kicks off right where the previous book left off, thrusting the reader straight into action.
Osadchuk's pacing is a mix of quick battle sequences and more measured moments of reflection
and strategy, giving the reader enough time to digest Eric's growth as a character and his
increasing complexity.
Eric's journey through the Otherworld is both physical and personal, as he faces increasingly difficult challenges. The quest dynamics and leveling up aspects of the book are tightly woven into the plot, making the RPG mechanics integral to the story rather than mere set dressing.
Character Development:
Eric: Our protagonist shows considerable growth in this installment. From an underestimated novice to a powerful force, Eric's evolution is well-paced and convincing. His decisions become more strategic, showing both wisdom and adaptability as the story progresses.
Supporting Characters: The supporting cast, including Eric’s allies and adversaries, also see further development. Relationships are tested, alliances shift, and new characters bring fresh dynamics to the narrative. Some allies reveal unexpected layers, while new enemies keep Eric on his toes.
World-Building:
The world-building in The Otherworld is immersive and detailed, a perfect fit for fans of the
LitRPG genre. Osadchuk does a fantastic job of balancing descriptions with action, allowing
readers to visualize the environment while keeping the pace engaging.
The mechanics of the game world are further explored, introducing new realms, creatures, and challenges. The complexity of the Otherworld’s structure is deepened, leaving readers curious about its broader implications.
Strengths:
Well-developed game mechanics that make the RPG experience feel authentic.
Exciting battle sequences with high stakes.
Eric’s character arc is compelling, making readers root for him even more.
Impressive world-building that expands on earlier books while keeping things fresh.
Weaknesses:
Some plot points feel predictable, especially for seasoned readers of the genre.
A few secondary characters remain underdeveloped, leaving certain interactions feeling flat.
Final Thoughts:
The Otherworld is an engaging read for LitRPG fans. The progression of both Eric and the game world
keeps the series fresh, while maintaining the formula that made the first books so successful.
While there are some minor flaws in pacing and character development, it remains an exciting
installment that will leave fans eager for more.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
January 20, 2023
I loved everything about this book except for one glaring thing, the same thing that some other reviews have talked about and that is the introduction and impact of Mink on the main character and how badly she was protrayed and treated as a plot device in this book. The whole "relationship" was done terribly in my opinion and it felt like they went from literally less then nothing to "My BeLoVeD" in a heartbeat and it was just awful. This isn't helped by the fact that the way Eric thouht about her and their interactions were just INCREDIBLY cringy and just straight up made me uncomfortable and roll my eyes every time it happened which was SO FUCKING OFTEN.
i can't understate how much this effected the book for me. Without this 1 major flaw this would have been an almost perfect book for me as everything else was fast paced and thrilling while also being a new environment and experience for Eric and the story as a whole. so overall i give this a 6/10 and i will be continuing on with the series, i jsut hope that this isn't brought up for the rest of the series like i expect it to be.
i can't understate how much this effected the book for me. Without this 1 major flaw this would have been an almost perfect book for me as everything else was fast paced and thrilling while also being a new environment and experience for Eric and the story as a whole. so overall i give this a 6/10 and i will be continuing on with the series, i jsut hope that this isn't brought up for the rest of the series like i expect it to be.
October 26, 2020
Spectacular
Well written, though severely lacking when compared to the remainder of the series. While entertaining, the book left me wanting, seeing possibilities that were simply overlooked as though the author were on a very tight deadline; consequently, it reminded me more of my college- day essays that would be thrown together on a weekend after being forgotten about for a fortnight. However, the next in series is fervently awaited, and I applaud Mr. Alexy in his captivating writings. I can only hope that these novels continue to live up to the reputation and standard he exhibits. Cheers.
Well written, though severely lacking when compared to the remainder of the series. While entertaining, the book left me wanting, seeing possibilities that were simply overlooked as though the author were on a very tight deadline; consequently, it reminded me more of my college- day essays that would be thrown together on a weekend after being forgotten about for a fortnight. However, the next in series is fervently awaited, and I applaud Mr. Alexy in his captivating writings. I can only hope that these novels continue to live up to the reputation and standard he exhibits. Cheers.
June 2, 2022
This series is truly a mixed bag.
On the one hand i loved the story how the weakest of the weak struggles against impossible seeming odds, some twists and would give the series 4,5 stars. On the other a truly horrible translator with only rudimentary knowledge of English (permanently mixed times, half sentences, made up phrases that ruined my reading experience throughout the ENTIRE series) and a too trusting and often stupidly generous MC. Given the shortness of the books the price of the single books is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!!
Therefore only 2 stars.
On the one hand i loved the story how the weakest of the weak struggles against impossible seeming odds, some twists and would give the series 4,5 stars. On the other a truly horrible translator with only rudimentary knowledge of English (permanently mixed times, half sentences, made up phrases that ruined my reading experience throughout the ENTIRE series) and a too trusting and often stupidly generous MC. Given the shortness of the books the price of the single books is WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!!
Therefore only 2 stars.
November 8, 2023
Good story, poor writing and editing
The overarching story is fun and enjoyable in this genre. There are some small pitfalls in the story which are easily overlooked, making the reading captivating enough. The main issue that I have with these books so far is the poor writing and editing. As I understand it, these are translated, so I am taking that into account, but there are just too many simple mistakes in grammar, syntax, phrasing, and overall editing - not to mention the occasional plot errors - that are just too distracting for me to be able to rate this higher.
The overarching story is fun and enjoyable in this genre. There are some small pitfalls in the story which are easily overlooked, making the reading captivating enough. The main issue that I have with these books so far is the poor writing and editing. As I understand it, these are translated, so I am taking that into account, but there are just too many simple mistakes in grammar, syntax, phrasing, and overall editing - not to mention the occasional plot errors - that are just too distracting for me to be able to rate this higher.
May 27, 2024
Wtf was that end? After everything the protagonist went through couldn't the author give him a break. That was brutal. Also it would be nice if he would finish story-arcs instead of just forgetting they existed? What happened to Jay from the first and 2nd book? What about the forge? etc.
Its really well written. Very engaging and doesn't have many of the annoying things other litrpgs got, but it feels so disorganized and chaotic as if the author has no idea himself where the story is going and changes his mind every few minutes. Clearly setting up things just to ignore them again.
Its really well written. Very engaging and doesn't have many of the annoying things other litrpgs got, but it feels so disorganized and chaotic as if the author has no idea himself where the story is going and changes his mind every few minutes. Clearly setting up things just to ignore them again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2020
Still fun series
This series continues it's goodness.The MC continues to slightly abuse his anomaly for his benefit. This time though he's on a world with little to no magic.Though he does find new ways to grow.The only oddity is the romance in this book seems a little Flat. Not that I'm against the MC having a significant other of some sort. Seems to have earned it. No end inside for the series which is good since it's enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book.
This series continues it's goodness.The MC continues to slightly abuse his anomaly for his benefit. This time though he's on a world with little to no magic.Though he does find new ways to grow.The only oddity is the romance in this book seems a little Flat. Not that I'm against the MC having a significant other of some sort. Seems to have earned it. No end inside for the series which is good since it's enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book.
June 28, 2022
I've just finished book 8 in the Underdog series, which means I've read the entire series now and I absolutely loved it. Some nights I could barely put the book down to go to sleep for work in the morning. I'd always say to myself just one more chapter. I enjoyed seeing our main man Eric go from a literal zero to something amazing and very interesting in constantly unexpected ways. Thank you Alexey Osadchuk! Thank you.
January 9, 2024
I like most of the book except that the MC is head over heels for this girl Mink. At the end of the last book, he said no more relying on others and only relying on himself. To be the strongest he can be.. but what happened? After he goes to a new world he becomes too attached to the girl Mink. He is even trying to save their world.
Every time he sees this Mink girl he forgets everything and becomes a love-sick puppy... We in fairness the boy has yet to have a girlfriend.
Every time he sees this Mink girl he forgets everything and becomes a love-sick puppy... We in fairness the boy has yet to have a girlfriend.
September 3, 2021
A nice little romp.
I want to see how time in "the otherworld" will affect him on his home plain.
I like the confidence the protagonist has grown. Hope his exploits are as fun in the next book as this.
3/5 Stars
I want to see how time in "the otherworld" will affect him on his home plain.
I like the confidence the protagonist has grown. Hope his exploits are as fun in the next book as this.
3/5 Stars
October 24, 2021
This book is not as good as the first 3 books. But enjoyable nonetheless. One thing is that author doesn't give the MC any breaks. It is one fight to another. And by the ending of this book the next one is the same. I hope it is good. Onto the next book I go.
December 21, 2022
good read
Another good book. The series is plagued with editing issues. I can never quite tell if it’s some weird translation issue or not. The story is well done and compelling and even when the bad things just keep happening to our MC he only gets stronger.
Another good book. The series is plagued with editing issues. I can never quite tell if it’s some weird translation issue or not. The story is well done and compelling and even when the bad things just keep happening to our MC he only gets stronger.
October 29, 2020
Good
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good entry into the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
December 4, 2020
One again we are getting a marvelous story plot with great and also pulling ending. I love that series.
February 15, 2021
Good. However, romance is very forced and cringy.
February 21, 2021
Great,well done
February 23, 2021
Amazing good tale
Another sleepless night having to finish this book. Well done sir what a great read. Our Little hero is coming into his own and I am here for it.
Another sleepless night having to finish this book. Well done sir what a great read. Our Little hero is coming into his own and I am here for it.
March 26, 2021
Realistic
Disclaimer- I hate the covers. They do nothing for me, and give me a negative vibe.
The story inside is diamond.
Disclaimer- I hate the covers. They do nothing for me, and give me a negative vibe.
The story inside is diamond.
May 22, 2021
Wow Eric's path is really hard. The plot in this book was pulling and intereting. I enjoyed it very much. Of course in an audioble edition.
July 17, 2021
Good and intriguing. This has definitely taken the series in an interesting direction.
January 8, 2022
Fun series
This is a good series obviously a translation as there are a lot of errors both grammar and syntaxes, but still a good story. I look forward to the next one.
This is a good series obviously a translation as there are a lot of errors both grammar and syntaxes, but still a good story. I look forward to the next one.
April 17, 2023
Richtig gut die ganze reihe
April 17, 2023
Richtig gut die ganze reihe
February 23, 2024
It was good.
July 19, 2024
Didn't love it
Interesting twist for sure but didn't love it. It was a pretty huge deviation from the first three stories and it wasn't a big fan of the ending at all.
Interesting twist for sure but didn't love it. It was a pretty huge deviation from the first three stories and it wasn't a big fan of the ending at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews