What do you think?
Rate this book
Eternal Online #2
The Ruined Temple
A tide of war. A tyrant king. Will Dahlia and her allies be strong enough to withstand the storm of foes?
Given a short reprieve from debt collectors, Dahlia must focus on finding the source of a world boss’s power. She’ll have to rely on Madi and Alysand to help her endure a wave of enemies from every direction. And level up fast enough to survive.
Slay a God-Tier boss? Done.
Convince allies to join the cause? Working on it.
But when Dahlia discovers that an army is marching on the quaint town of Taelman’s Pond, she’ll need her wits and will to fortify its defenses and fight. It isn’t a question of bravery, but rather one of numbers: How can few stand against many?
Continue this Epic LitRPG adventure, perfect for readers of Luke Chmilenko, Carrie Summers, and Tao Wong.
Given a short reprieve from debt collectors, Dahlia must focus on finding the source of a world boss’s power. She’ll have to rely on Madi and Alysand to help her endure a wave of enemies from every direction. And level up fast enough to survive.
Slay a God-Tier boss? Done.
Convince allies to join the cause? Working on it.
But when Dahlia discovers that an army is marching on the quaint town of Taelman’s Pond, she’ll need her wits and will to fortify its defenses and fight. It isn’t a question of bravery, but rather one of numbers: How can few stand against many?
Continue this Epic LitRPG adventure, perfect for readers of Luke Chmilenko, Carrie Summers, and Tao Wong.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2020
195 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Reynolds
17 books83 followersI'm a lover of fantasy, gaming, film, and most other forms of miraculous escapism.
I have kids, and a flock of baby dragons we are trying to raise to be house trained.
I write LitRPG/Gamelit books... Feel free to message me or reach out at any time!!!
I have kids, and a flock of baby dragons we are trying to raise to be house trained.
I write LitRPG/Gamelit books... Feel free to message me or reach out at any time!!!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 10, 2021
Freaking awesome!
It's even better than the first book.
It's even better than the first book.
August 22, 2020
Decent book 1, blah book 2.
I actually slightly enjoyed book 1 despite it being in first person and featuring one of my biggest pet peaves. This book was by no means breaking new ground nor improving upon commonly used tropes, but it was still entertaining, despite a scenario that could not possibly take place and pissed me off.
100 years in the future, the Main Character's father dies during indentured servitude because of a massive debt. Despite not being a co-signer of a loan in conjunction with still being a minor at only 16 years old, the MC is now responsible for all debt. In order to stay out of debt, she decides to play a video game and sell her loot. This is somehow more profitable at level 10 after less than a week of playing than just getting a job.
The stupidity of this scenario took me a LONG time to get over. Ok, indentured servitude makes a comeback in the future... I'll bite. She inherits debt from her parents... This has never happened in America, but maybe this is the dystopian future version where evil corporations are in charge. It pissed me off, but I could kind of excuse it, I mean Street Cultivation is a great book and it had a similar plot device. The 16 year old minor, who can't be harmed by other players, see nudity, and many other protections still somehow inherits the debt of her father. This is just idiotic and inconsistent within its own universe.
The real sticking point however is the fact that the MC is somehow able to make enough money to pay for over a month rent in a high end living space with matrix style VR pod, as well as pay off the first month payment of her father's massive debt, yet she is very low level and has only played for a week or so. I mean, her father had to enter indentured servitude because he couldn't find a job that was high enough paying to pay off the debt. He even played the exact same game as his daughter is for over a year and never made enough money to pay off the debt, yet she is able to make it in a week at low level?
Anyways, I made it through book 1 and I thought it was ok. I saw book 2 was already out and after hedging on whether to give it a chance or not, I figured sure, why not.
Book 2 is even less interesting than book 1. The MC no longer has any money issues, she is over her fear, and is never in any danger of every being hurt, broke, or anything else. It is litterally just a book about her and her new friends questing. It also switches PoV to her friends and even an NPC, who somehow has complex thoughts just as a real human. I made it halfway through book 2 before giving up in boredom.
If I want to experience questing and leveling with no danger, I'll just do it myself in World of Warcraft. I kept waiting for the author to introduce some new plot device to create tension for the reader, but he never did. He never introduced any deadlines, complications with debt, someone's real life in danger, or anything. This is just a book about a girl playing a video game for fun.
I have read over 400 LITRPGs. It is my favorite genre, yet these two books rate in the bottom 10%. Sorry T.J. Reynolds, I know how hard it is to write a book, and how much effort it takes. I wish you would have truly thought about the world and plot you are creating before self-publishing.
I actually slightly enjoyed book 1 despite it being in first person and featuring one of my biggest pet peaves. This book was by no means breaking new ground nor improving upon commonly used tropes, but it was still entertaining, despite a scenario that could not possibly take place and pissed me off.
100 years in the future, the Main Character's father dies during indentured servitude because of a massive debt. Despite not being a co-signer of a loan in conjunction with still being a minor at only 16 years old, the MC is now responsible for all debt. In order to stay out of debt, she decides to play a video game and sell her loot. This is somehow more profitable at level 10 after less than a week of playing than just getting a job.
The stupidity of this scenario took me a LONG time to get over. Ok, indentured servitude makes a comeback in the future... I'll bite. She inherits debt from her parents... This has never happened in America, but maybe this is the dystopian future version where evil corporations are in charge. It pissed me off, but I could kind of excuse it, I mean Street Cultivation is a great book and it had a similar plot device. The 16 year old minor, who can't be harmed by other players, see nudity, and many other protections still somehow inherits the debt of her father. This is just idiotic and inconsistent within its own universe.
The real sticking point however is the fact that the MC is somehow able to make enough money to pay for over a month rent in a high end living space with matrix style VR pod, as well as pay off the first month payment of her father's massive debt, yet she is very low level and has only played for a week or so. I mean, her father had to enter indentured servitude because he couldn't find a job that was high enough paying to pay off the debt. He even played the exact same game as his daughter is for over a year and never made enough money to pay off the debt, yet she is able to make it in a week at low level?
Anyways, I made it through book 1 and I thought it was ok. I saw book 2 was already out and after hedging on whether to give it a chance or not, I figured sure, why not.
Book 2 is even less interesting than book 1. The MC no longer has any money issues, she is over her fear, and is never in any danger of every being hurt, broke, or anything else. It is litterally just a book about her and her new friends questing. It also switches PoV to her friends and even an NPC, who somehow has complex thoughts just as a real human. I made it halfway through book 2 before giving up in boredom.
If I want to experience questing and leveling with no danger, I'll just do it myself in World of Warcraft. I kept waiting for the author to introduce some new plot device to create tension for the reader, but he never did. He never introduced any deadlines, complications with debt, someone's real life in danger, or anything. This is just a book about a girl playing a video game for fun.
I have read over 400 LITRPGs. It is my favorite genre, yet these two books rate in the bottom 10%. Sorry T.J. Reynolds, I know how hard it is to write a book, and how much effort it takes. I wish you would have truly thought about the world and plot you are creating before self-publishing.
October 14, 2021
This story was one of the best ones I have listened to. TJ Reynolds is a fantastic writer, creating relatable and meaningful characters. The action and humor and sentimental moments that you need in an epic story are perfect. Andrea Parsneau is perfection in the narration. I am so sad that this journey is over, but can't wait to read/listen to more of TJ's stories.
May 14, 2022
DNF!!!
Oh I tried but I just couldn't finish it.
First person narration works when it's only ONE 1⃣ MC. It gets fucking confusing and God damn annoying if there are more than one; especially for audiobook formats. I don't think I will ever bother with this author ever again.
Oh I tried but I just couldn't finish it.
First person narration works when it's only ONE 1⃣ MC. It gets fucking confusing and God damn annoying if there are more than one; especially for audiobook formats. I don't think I will ever bother with this author ever again.
October 5, 2022
Before my review, I need to place a disclaimer: This book has LGBTG+ characters and was recommended to me by Goodreads (an Amazon company since 2013, almost all of Goodreads recommendations make Amazon money - because Amazon turns out to be the publisher distributor of these books.) No where on the summary or in the book descriptions did the author or Goodreads mention homosexual/lesbian characters in this book series. I feel that the author is "forcing" gay characters towards minors and underage readers and Young Adults without their knowledge and consent (consent of their adult guardians).
The sadistic tendency of the author, does not stop in Book 2. It is still a dystopian version of future Earth.
The author writes “Spanish” words to give “spice and flavor” to her Madi character. The problem is that at least several are misspelled: burracho (is drunkard and spelled borracho), etc. Basic spell check could have fixed these misspellings.
The author changes the point of view (POV) of the story so much, so that at times the author confuses Madi (living in New York) with having a bad experience in Los Angeles (L.A.). While main character lives in Los Angeles. Then confuses Pachi (main character’s pet) being with Madi (who has the Big Stone Bear Tejón).
Other mistakes are when Hana is “dying” from the Carrion that was attacking Quinn, Hana did not have to be logged out for dying and at that moment “respawned” (came back to life). At the beginning, dying meant that the player had to be several hours logged out of the game. While dying from the Carrion, Hana did not wait, nor log out.
The main plot theme of this story used to be, that the main character inherited a debt from her passing father (something that today is illegal in most of the world and is contrary to basic universal human rights). The payments for her debt seem to be missing and are really not a priority in the writing, so what changed in the mind of the author?
This second book is as if Madi has stolen the main character role. So, I do not get why Hana/Dahlia was the main character to begin with.
The sadistic tendency of the author, does not stop in Book 2. It is still a dystopian version of future Earth.
The author writes “Spanish” words to give “spice and flavor” to her Madi character. The problem is that at least several are misspelled: burracho (is drunkard and spelled borracho), etc. Basic spell check could have fixed these misspellings.
The author changes the point of view (POV) of the story so much, so that at times the author confuses Madi (living in New York) with having a bad experience in Los Angeles (L.A.). While main character lives in Los Angeles. Then confuses Pachi (main character’s pet) being with Madi (who has the Big Stone Bear Tejón).
Other mistakes are when Hana is “dying” from the Carrion that was attacking Quinn, Hana did not have to be logged out for dying and at that moment “respawned” (came back to life). At the beginning, dying meant that the player had to be several hours logged out of the game. While dying from the Carrion, Hana did not wait, nor log out.
The main plot theme of this story used to be, that the main character inherited a debt from her passing father (something that today is illegal in most of the world and is contrary to basic universal human rights). The payments for her debt seem to be missing and are really not a priority in the writing, so what changed in the mind of the author?
This second book is as if Madi has stolen the main character role. So, I do not get why Hana/Dahlia was the main character to begin with.
August 26, 2020
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
December 11, 2020
I was excited to start the second book in this Eternal Online series... but to my dismay I found, a story that just didn't quite live up to the standards set by Shattered Sword (book 1 in the series)! What I particularly enjoyed about the first book was the story threads that co-mingled Dalila's real life dilemma, with the in-game story of Hana (her game character's name). These two storylines gave her a purpose and balance in an atypical kinda way, and in my opinion, really made the book! This book didn't spend much time IRL, though... and so it almost feels like it's not in the same story arc as book 1.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy all of the action and fight scenes that Eternal provided! I also loved all the story threads, and the set-up as the Ruined Temple came to a close, but it made me think that book 2 was just an odd bridge to get us from the end of Shattered Sword, to the beginning of the final book, Fallen God!
This is a story told from many different view-points, and Andrea Parsneau's narration performance was spot on! 😊👍
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy all of the action and fight scenes that Eternal provided! I also loved all the story threads, and the set-up as the Ruined Temple came to a close, but it made me think that book 2 was just an odd bridge to get us from the end of Shattered Sword, to the beginning of the final book, Fallen God!
This is a story told from many different view-points, and Andrea Parsneau's narration performance was spot on! 😊👍
November 11, 2020
It was pretty good until the last 30 or so minutes which was pure torture. I liked how the companions where involved and had their own personality more so Mahon than Pachi which is a terrible name imho (Pachi) that is. I just didn't feel all that it did anything all that great tbh. I was waiting for it to get better but it didn't do as well as book 1. The saving grace was Mahon which is my new favorite. Also think the relationship between Hanna and Shin is a bit too fast like seriously best friends and they met a few weeks ago. Make Hanna less depressed and whiny, getting a bit tired of the I have no money so no one is allowed to help me, poor me vibe she has going. This whole loan thing seems way to shady as well, almost like going back in time before proper laws existed about this kind of stuff sketchy. So many plot holes a truck can be driven through them.
November 7, 2022
This second installment of the Eternal Online series was an excellent follow-up to the first and I thought it was an even more developed and engaging read. The author expands the Eternal Online world for us and also broadens our character awareness by allowing us to enjoy the points of view of several of the protagonist's connections. This series has something for everyone, from complicated emotional motivations intermingled with epic battle scenes. The ending is a major cliffhanger both in the protagonist's personal and gaming life, and I am ready to dive into the final installment right away!
April 13, 2023
3.5/5 not as good as the first but an exciting and distinct story.
Was hard to get back into the story as not much words are used to help a reader back into the storyline if he hadn't read the first book immediatly before.
This time we spend more time with different POV (a feature i am not really a fan of). At least Madi is interesting to follow. I still cannot make my inner peace with a gunslinger in a fantasy setting - so "alice" wont get on my high like list.
The ratkin story keeps intersting and a worthy epic quest.
Was hard to get back into the story as not much words are used to help a reader back into the storyline if he hadn't read the first book immediatly before.
This time we spend more time with different POV (a feature i am not really a fan of). At least Madi is interesting to follow. I still cannot make my inner peace with a gunslinger in a fantasy setting - so "alice" wont get on my high like list.
The ratkin story keeps intersting and a worthy epic quest.
August 1, 2020
Fabulous
This book was a fantastic continuation on the first. I was not able to leave a review on the first, however I highly recommend starting there and then reading this one. Its one of those books you cannot put down so be prepared! One of the only books I have read where the author did some different perspectives each chapter but was still easily able to follow and made perfect sense which is hard to do!!!! Thanks TJ!
This book was a fantastic continuation on the first. I was not able to leave a review on the first, however I highly recommend starting there and then reading this one. Its one of those books you cannot put down so be prepared! One of the only books I have read where the author did some different perspectives each chapter but was still easily able to follow and made perfect sense which is hard to do!!!! Thanks TJ!
May 9, 2022
...and the series so quickly jumps the shark. Of course constantly raining down legendary powers and magic items onto the "novice" hero is almost guaranteed to make it boring to me. Also newbie enters that old arena combat trope and easily wins every contest. Also newbie encounters ancient powerful civilization and somehow is the only person who can defeat its greatest enemy, and not even needing all that many pages to do it in. Big letdown after the first book.
August 3, 2020
Epic Story
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far, the writing is incredible, the story is so easy to fall into and lose yourself, to be able to immerse yourself into the story and actually feel the emotions, the epic adventure, you cannot go wrong with reading a book from TJ Reynolds.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so far, the writing is incredible, the story is so easy to fall into and lose yourself, to be able to immerse yourself into the story and actually feel the emotions, the epic adventure, you cannot go wrong with reading a book from TJ Reynolds.
July 21, 2023
Excellent story. It was fast-paced and engaging. I love the new armor and the battle with the Rat King. What I want to know is what is going to happen to Hanna. Will she move in with her best friend and sister, go on a date Madi, get her mother's ring back, or all the above. I will have to keep reading to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
The second great book
Loved the first, loved the second, looking forward to the 3rd. Solid fantasy, well crafted good length. I thought it was written by a woman( not that it matters) nice female characters.
Loved the first, loved the second, looking forward to the 3rd. Solid fantasy, well crafted good length. I thought it was written by a woman( not that it matters) nice female characters.
August 1, 2020
Second book is awesome
This second book was really fun, and the action and un verse expansion made it a very addictive read. I definitely recommend this series and hope the next book comes sooner vs later.
This second book was really fun, and the action and un verse expansion made it a very addictive read. I definitely recommend this series and hope the next book comes sooner vs later.
August 30, 2020
Great Story
This story of a girl going into a game to raise money to pay off her deceased father’s debt was a very entertaining fast paced action read. I was a little miffed that the final battle of this book was not revealed, I can’t wait for the next book.
This story of a girl going into a game to raise money to pay off her deceased father’s debt was a very entertaining fast paced action read. I was a little miffed that the final battle of this book was not revealed, I can’t wait for the next book.
Read
September 18, 2020This book is blah
Between the SJW themes and the total lack of interesting conflict this book is the LitRPG version of Candyland—it would probably entertain a 10 year old but that's about it.
Between the SJW themes and the total lack of interesting conflict this book is the LitRPG version of Candyland—it would probably entertain a 10 year old but that's about it.
September 29, 2020
Great second book
Really liking this series and looking forward to more. What is going to happen to Hana and her debt will Allhands? Will they be able to be the Rat King? Guess I will have to keep reading to find out
Really liking this series and looking forward to more. What is going to happen to Hana and her debt will Allhands? Will they be able to be the Rat King? Guess I will have to keep reading to find out
February 23, 2024
I tried to finish it. I really did but I had to drop it. It just got bad. With the jump to diffrent chars. Not knowing what's going on and when you realize it its just oh why did I not know it jumped.
This is the first book in 2 years I didn't finish. That's at about 100 books a year
This is the first book in 2 years I didn't finish. That's at about 100 books a year
August 2, 2020
Do not pass on it
Very well written book, is like an epic fantasy Litrpg with detailed characters and amazing creatures. I really like the mix of fantasy, swords and gun powder.
Very well written book, is like an epic fantasy Litrpg with detailed characters and amazing creatures. I really like the mix of fantasy, swords and gun powder.
August 4, 2020
Fun and gritty.
August 7, 2020
An excellent follow-up to the first book in the series. Hana, and now Madi and Alysand, are excellent storytellers. TJ has a way with words.
August 11, 2020
Exciting and exhilarating!!
I love TJ Reynolds writing style. Very in depth and a knowledgeable. The book is #2 in the series and is captivating.. keep up the good work.. Tim V
I love TJ Reynolds writing style. Very in depth and a knowledgeable. The book is #2 in the series and is captivating.. keep up the good work.. Tim V
October 6, 2020
Even better than the first
I thought the first book was one of the best that I've read this year. Well, this is better. Give it a shot.
I thought the first book was one of the best that I've read this year. Well, this is better. Give it a shot.
November 12, 2020
Great book
Stellar work once again from TJ Reynolds! Lots of action and adventure, monsters and loot, levels and magic. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from TJ Reynolds! Lots of action and adventure, monsters and loot, levels and magic. Looking forward to the next one!
November 25, 2020
Enjoyable continuation to the series. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.
December 17, 2020
Incredible second chapter to this lovely queer romance in a well fleshed out litRPG world.
December 18, 2021
Not bad
April 6, 2022
DNF. Got bored and couldn’t focus on it anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews