What do you think?
Rate this book
Factory of the Gods #1
The Wastes of Keldora
After one too many failed inventions, Julian has hit rock bottom.
Summoned to another world where gods and monsters roam, Julian continues his streak of bad luck. Rather than touching the Godcore directly, he let his smartphone absorb it. Now, he's got to figure out how to make the Godcore and his phone work together to help the people who summoned him survive their upcoming annihilation by the mad God of Chains.
He's going to have to innovate his way out of his bad luck. Good thing Julian has a plan - he's going to build a factory in a medieval world.
Summoned to another world where gods and monsters roam, Julian continues his streak of bad luck. Rather than touching the Godcore directly, he let his smartphone absorb it. Now, he's got to figure out how to make the Godcore and his phone work together to help the people who summoned him survive their upcoming annihilation by the mad God of Chains.
He's going to have to innovate his way out of his bad luck. Good thing Julian has a plan - he's going to build a factory in a medieval world.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2020
313 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 15, 2021
*Audio book review*
I remembered last year, when the author announced his book on Reddit. "adventure, fantasy and Automation" he said and I was super excited on the plot. I even promised him that once the audio book comes out, I am going to give it a excited listen. Well, it came out today and it was 10 bucks and really that should have been my first red flag. So long story short; was a huge let down. The MC is basic bitch that whines and apologizes for everything. I mean from the first chapter, they talked about how much of a loser he is and that should have been a hint on what to expect. Worse part, he stay a whiny basic bitch the very end of the book. Seriously, if there was an apocalypse and this guy was on my my sight, I would take the time for killing him. Example: creates auto turret, does not test them, the auto turrets almost kills friend force. Says sorry. THE NEXT DAY: almost exposes a teenager to deadly gas...says sorry. The guy does not learn jack and the worse of all, doesn't know what he is doing and never really improves. Never grows a spine and spends most of the book whining and apologizing. He causes people danger then the enemy. He takes advice from a teenager who is apparently smarter than him. Heck, everyone else in a medieval world seem to be smarter than him. Trust me the MC is not even a beta...more like a zeta. Tells everyone that he is stupid, that he is in a way a coward, a waste of space etc etc.
Here is what I was expecting the story to be: The MC, down with luck gets a second chance in a new world. Uses his automation power to creates his super fortress filled with bots and auto canons and creates an amazing bastion for himself. Find people and the person that summoned him, and helps them. Gives them a fighting chance to be more and learn from his mistakes and become the MAC daddy of the waste. Change a few people's mind, fight for injustice and maybe come across some mysteries. Instead, we get this hot garbage that does a poor job in explaining (plot, world, character, magic system etc etc). Never trust a book by it's cover. The weird part, the last bit with the antagonist was the the funniest part. and you only see him in the very end. HARD PASS.
Also for the audio book, the voice actor is by far does an excellent job in creating the must punchable character in the world. He most hate his job and hates the fact that he is a voice actor and wishes to pass the pain to listeners everywhere.
I remembered last year, when the author announced his book on Reddit. "adventure, fantasy and Automation" he said and I was super excited on the plot. I even promised him that once the audio book comes out, I am going to give it a excited listen. Well, it came out today and it was 10 bucks and really that should have been my first red flag. So long story short; was a huge let down. The MC is basic bitch that whines and apologizes for everything. I mean from the first chapter, they talked about how much of a loser he is and that should have been a hint on what to expect. Worse part, he stay a whiny basic bitch the very end of the book. Seriously, if there was an apocalypse and this guy was on my my sight, I would take the time for killing him. Example: creates auto turret, does not test them, the auto turrets almost kills friend force. Says sorry. THE NEXT DAY: almost exposes a teenager to deadly gas...says sorry. The guy does not learn jack and the worse of all, doesn't know what he is doing and never really improves. Never grows a spine and spends most of the book whining and apologizing. He causes people danger then the enemy. He takes advice from a teenager who is apparently smarter than him. Heck, everyone else in a medieval world seem to be smarter than him. Trust me the MC is not even a beta...more like a zeta. Tells everyone that he is stupid, that he is in a way a coward, a waste of space etc etc.
Here is what I was expecting the story to be: The MC, down with luck gets a second chance in a new world. Uses his automation power to creates his super fortress filled with bots and auto canons and creates an amazing bastion for himself. Find people and the person that summoned him, and helps them. Gives them a fighting chance to be more and learn from his mistakes and become the MAC daddy of the waste. Change a few people's mind, fight for injustice and maybe come across some mysteries. Instead, we get this hot garbage that does a poor job in explaining (plot, world, character, magic system etc etc). Never trust a book by it's cover. The weird part, the last bit with the antagonist was the the funniest part. and you only see him in the very end. HARD PASS.
Also for the audio book, the voice actor is by far does an excellent job in creating the must punchable character in the world. He most hate his job and hates the fact that he is a voice actor and wishes to pass the pain to listeners everywhere.
November 12, 2020
The story is about a man that is smart, can't get his life right, and end up being summoned/teleported to a game-like world by a desperate wasteland survivor. In this world power is granted through Godcores -- essentially crystals with divine essence, and the protagonist accidentally merges it to his phone instead of to himself. The story doesn't really explain what would be different, as Julian, the MC, uses the power indiscriminately.
The book could use an editor. There were a few typos and inconsistencies: Godcore/Godscore, their/there, calvary/cavalry, even Rob Liefeld got spelled wrong.
For the story itself, it was enjoyable but I couldn't really care about the MC or the other characters. The MC decides, for some reason, that his highest priority is to setup an automated mining operation, complete with conveyor belt and output/input pipeline, instead of, say, focusing on defenses and survival, which would be ok given he is an engineer, but then everybody in the town also thinks this is a very reasonable idea and tag along.
The relationship between characters could use some work; tension is generally built by overreacting to stuff instead of growing alongside the story. There's quite a bunch of mansplaining, and everybody seems to not only understand all the alien concepts, but even think ahead.
Overall it was a good starter read and am looking forward to what comes next. I'm particularly interested in how the author will balance the MC's powers with the rest of the world while keeping it interesting.
The book could use an editor. There were a few typos and inconsistencies: Godcore/Godscore, their/there, calvary/cavalry, even Rob Liefeld got spelled wrong.
For the story itself, it was enjoyable but I couldn't really care about the MC or the other characters. The MC decides, for some reason, that his highest priority is to setup an automated mining operation, complete with conveyor belt and output/input pipeline, instead of, say, focusing on defenses and survival, which would be ok given he is an engineer, but then everybody in the town also thinks this is a very reasonable idea and tag along.
The relationship between characters could use some work; tension is generally built by overreacting to stuff instead of growing alongside the story. There's quite a bunch of mansplaining, and everybody seems to not only understand all the alien concepts, but even think ahead.
Overall it was a good starter read and am looking forward to what comes next. I'm particularly interested in how the author will balance the MC's powers with the rest of the world while keeping it interesting.
August 23, 2020
Not good!!
The writer made this book into I'm sorry book that's about it ..never actually makes anything but apology after apology even the other character does it!! I don't know if the writer has actually read a book or is this how the new generation thinks? Either way this book is a whiny book I do not recommend it!!
The writer made this book into I'm sorry book that's about it ..never actually makes anything but apology after apology even the other character does it!! I don't know if the writer has actually read a book or is this how the new generation thinks? Either way this book is a whiny book I do not recommend it!!
April 26, 2021
Rating: C+
A LitRPG inspired by a building game called Factoria. The Wastes of Keldora follows dropkick nerd Julian as he is isekai'd into a wasteland world one day after an alien named Kurli wishes for someone to save them from unavoidable death. Julian is an ex-engineering student who helps the people of the wastes develop modern tools and technology to make life easier and make efficient their resource gathering.
If I'm being honest I found the book fun and enjoyable for the first 20%, but my enjoyment gradually decreased because of the constant typos and errors in the book and Julian's constant self-deprecation. He seriously is a loser but he just exudes loser energy and the way he does it is like he is begging for the people around him to prop him up. I did like the stumbling and learning, and I liked Kurli and Ryne as well as the strange alien races in the world. I found it interesting that he was not isekai'd into a video game or anything but a completely new world - one with mystery and power and a strange divide.
I did want there to be more heavy inspiration from LitRPGs - really it was only the inventory management that was reflected in the book - like Minecraft but no health, mana, etc. Items didn't even have durability.
I found this book passable, but will not continue with the series.
A LitRPG inspired by a building game called Factoria. The Wastes of Keldora follows dropkick nerd Julian as he is isekai'd into a wasteland world one day after an alien named Kurli wishes for someone to save them from unavoidable death. Julian is an ex-engineering student who helps the people of the wastes develop modern tools and technology to make life easier and make efficient their resource gathering.
If I'm being honest I found the book fun and enjoyable for the first 20%, but my enjoyment gradually decreased because of the constant typos and errors in the book and Julian's constant self-deprecation. He seriously is a loser but he just exudes loser energy and the way he does it is like he is begging for the people around him to prop him up. I did like the stumbling and learning, and I liked Kurli and Ryne as well as the strange alien races in the world. I found it interesting that he was not isekai'd into a video game or anything but a completely new world - one with mystery and power and a strange divide.
I did want there to be more heavy inspiration from LitRPGs - really it was only the inventory management that was reflected in the book - like Minecraft but no health, mana, etc. Items didn't even have durability.
I found this book passable, but will not continue with the series.
July 28, 2021
Introduction
The Factory of the Gods is an inventive and engrossing LitRPG series from Alex Raizman. This series consists of four books (so far) - they are 'The Wastes of Keldora', 'The Trains of Keldora', 'The Motors of Keldora', and 'The Guns of Keldora'. It is set in the same universe as Dinosaur Dungeon.
Context
The story starts with Kurli, an Aelif, who casts a spell to find someone or something that can have a possibility of saving her village. This spell ends up transporting Julian, a slightly autistic nerd and failed entrepreneur, from Earth to Keldora, where Kurli is. Julian discovers that magic exists on Keldora as his phone bonds to a Godcore and gives Julian the ability to create items. The rest of the story is about Julian overcomes his failings and uses his intelligence and knowledge to try and bring some semblance of peace and prosperity to the Wastes (where Kurli lives). He has to try and survive other Gods and Heroes who oppose any kind of development in the Wastes. Each book in the series has Julian overcoming more and more difficult challenges by inventing something new and changing the lives of the people for the better (hopefully).
LitRPG
The LitRPG elements are good and quite different from what I am used to seeing with other authors. There are the standard templates like tanks, bruisers, clerics, druids, wizards etc. But there are also a lot of new classes like 'Creators', 'Enthrallers', etc along with variations on existing classes that are new to me.
Julian is a creator i.e. his class allows him to create 'stuff' based on blueprints that he comes up and the availability of appropriate materials. In addition to the base class, there are specialisations that come up as a Hero, God or Dungeon levels up. The way they level up is also a bit unique since different classes need different 'investitures' to gain experience. For example - some of them level up by getting access to lightning (i.e. electricity), or fire or physical force. The concept of 'cores' i.e. Hero Cores, God Cores, Mana Cores and Dungeon Cores also make this LitRPG stand-out by establishing different types of entities as well as giving them competing and vastly differing abilities.
As the story unfolds, we find out that each world has its own set of rules too, mimicking some of the popular RPGs out there. This adds an additional level of complexity.
Plot, Pacing & Writing
The plot is good by LitRPG standards. Julian is not driven by aggrandisement but rather from a
altruistic perspective. While his initial focus is his survival, and then, his adopted 'village'. Eventually, he reaches a stage where he is trying to bring peace and prosperity to the region. I like this approach since it is a bit more open-ended than plots that focus on vengeance or FedEx quests. In fact, I was quite reminded of Terry Pratchett's later books like Making Money, when I read the first couple of books. While not quite as humorous or filled with dry wit, the core idea of introducing modern concepts into a low technology world and seeing what happens, is the same.
The pacing is definitely above average, with very little portions that drag. The writing is quite good too.
Conclusion
The 'Factory of the Gods' is an inventive LitRPG series. I like the Universe that this series lives in, I like the character classes, and the story so far. The fourth book ends at a tantalising point and I would love to read the next instalments.
The Factory of the Gods is an inventive and engrossing LitRPG series from Alex Raizman. This series consists of four books (so far) - they are 'The Wastes of Keldora', 'The Trains of Keldora', 'The Motors of Keldora', and 'The Guns of Keldora'. It is set in the same universe as Dinosaur Dungeon.
Context
The story starts with Kurli, an Aelif, who casts a spell to find someone or something that can have a possibility of saving her village. This spell ends up transporting Julian, a slightly autistic nerd and failed entrepreneur, from Earth to Keldora, where Kurli is. Julian discovers that magic exists on Keldora as his phone bonds to a Godcore and gives Julian the ability to create items. The rest of the story is about Julian overcomes his failings and uses his intelligence and knowledge to try and bring some semblance of peace and prosperity to the Wastes (where Kurli lives). He has to try and survive other Gods and Heroes who oppose any kind of development in the Wastes. Each book in the series has Julian overcoming more and more difficult challenges by inventing something new and changing the lives of the people for the better (hopefully).
LitRPG
The LitRPG elements are good and quite different from what I am used to seeing with other authors. There are the standard templates like tanks, bruisers, clerics, druids, wizards etc. But there are also a lot of new classes like 'Creators', 'Enthrallers', etc along with variations on existing classes that are new to me.
Julian is a creator i.e. his class allows him to create 'stuff' based on blueprints that he comes up and the availability of appropriate materials. In addition to the base class, there are specialisations that come up as a Hero, God or Dungeon levels up. The way they level up is also a bit unique since different classes need different 'investitures' to gain experience. For example - some of them level up by getting access to lightning (i.e. electricity), or fire or physical force. The concept of 'cores' i.e. Hero Cores, God Cores, Mana Cores and Dungeon Cores also make this LitRPG stand-out by establishing different types of entities as well as giving them competing and vastly differing abilities.
As the story unfolds, we find out that each world has its own set of rules too, mimicking some of the popular RPGs out there. This adds an additional level of complexity.
Plot, Pacing & Writing
The plot is good by LitRPG standards. Julian is not driven by aggrandisement but rather from a
altruistic perspective. While his initial focus is his survival, and then, his adopted 'village'. Eventually, he reaches a stage where he is trying to bring peace and prosperity to the region. I like this approach since it is a bit more open-ended than plots that focus on vengeance or FedEx quests. In fact, I was quite reminded of Terry Pratchett's later books like Making Money, when I read the first couple of books. While not quite as humorous or filled with dry wit, the core idea of introducing modern concepts into a low technology world and seeing what happens, is the same.
The pacing is definitely above average, with very little portions that drag. The writing is quite good too.
Conclusion
The 'Factory of the Gods' is an inventive LitRPG series. I like the Universe that this series lives in, I like the character classes, and the story so far. The fourth book ends at a tantalising point and I would love to read the next instalments.
November 18, 2020
In a fantasy world with my smartphone ?!
Interesting magic system. It gave off some Dr Stone vibes mixed with a touch of mainstream isekai fantasy. The MC was very intelligent but lacked self-confidence (which was a turnoff for me). I liked the general concept and will give the second book a try.
Interesting magic system. It gave off some Dr Stone vibes mixed with a touch of mainstream isekai fantasy. The MC was very intelligent but lacked self-confidence (which was a turnoff for me). I liked the general concept and will give the second book a try.
February 22, 2021
Nope, got past the halfway point and was done.
The main character is spineless and has latched on to a side character for fear life. The side character is horrible in her shortsighted selfishness. Neither is anyone I want to read about and turns this book into a waste of time.
The main character is spineless and has latched on to a side character for fear life. The side character is horrible in her shortsighted selfishness. Neither is anyone I want to read about and turns this book into a waste of time.
January 10, 2022
Great start
This is not a number-heavy LitRPG which would be a pity (because I really like numbers) but the crafting makes up for it. The characters are good and enjoyable, somewhat stereo-typed but with nice twists to their motivations. There is a lot of action and the plot moves well without being predictable. The main character is, as expected, a bit of a loser and doesn’t immediately become over-powered, which is good. In these kinds of books I enjoy the journey of how they get to be powerful almost more than the super-cool abilities they gain at the end.
The hyper-paranoid beholder was a nice touch. The ADHD teenager not so much but also not enough to put me off the book.
The only real negative was the sloppy editing. There were enough wrong words in the text that made me have to stop and try to work out what the author was trying to say. This broke my immersion in the book and, if not for that, I would’ve given this 5 book stars.
I’m definitely going to be reading the next book in this series.
This is not a number-heavy LitRPG which would be a pity (because I really like numbers) but the crafting makes up for it. The characters are good and enjoyable, somewhat stereo-typed but with nice twists to their motivations. There is a lot of action and the plot moves well without being predictable. The main character is, as expected, a bit of a loser and doesn’t immediately become over-powered, which is good. In these kinds of books I enjoy the journey of how they get to be powerful almost more than the super-cool abilities they gain at the end.
The hyper-paranoid beholder was a nice touch. The ADHD teenager not so much but also not enough to put me off the book.
The only real negative was the sloppy editing. There were enough wrong words in the text that made me have to stop and try to work out what the author was trying to say. This broke my immersion in the book and, if not for that, I would’ve given this 5 book stars.
I’m definitely going to be reading the next book in this series.
August 23, 2020
Already eagerly waiting for more.
The Wastes of Keldora has absolutely enraptured me with it's unique world, likeable characters, and huge potential for the future books.
I never knew I wanted a Factorio inspired fantasy book, but do I ever love it. Love the magic system, love the world, love the MC, love the banter! Became genuinely upset by some of the things the side characters do or say, but it always felt like they fit with the character. Rather than frustration birthed by dissonance between what they are and how they act.
There is major culture shock, with the dimensionally displaced MC and the pessimistic and nigh hopeless people he meets. He has just been given his second chance, and they dare not hope he might be theirs.
I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series, and highly reccomend the book for anyone wondering if it it worth their time.
The Wastes of Keldora has absolutely enraptured me with it's unique world, likeable characters, and huge potential for the future books.
I never knew I wanted a Factorio inspired fantasy book, but do I ever love it. Love the magic system, love the world, love the MC, love the banter! Became genuinely upset by some of the things the side characters do or say, but it always felt like they fit with the character. Rather than frustration birthed by dissonance between what they are and how they act.
There is major culture shock, with the dimensionally displaced MC and the pessimistic and nigh hopeless people he meets. He has just been given his second chance, and they dare not hope he might be theirs.
I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series, and highly reccomend the book for anyone wondering if it it worth their time.
November 26, 2020
Isekai/LitRPG/Fantasy meets Factorio
So far, this has been a fun and interesting read. It has a heavy focus on crafting, with a VERY Factorio style to it, and since I am a fan of that style and that game, it’s a good combo to me.
I would say it’s a light-LitRPG as it doesn’t have very much in the way of stats and leveling this far (with only slightly more in the sequel), but it still has the progression elements there. The way the crafting is also gives Dungeon Core vibes to me, though with significantly slower progression.
The only gripe I really have is the lack of proofreading on it, as there are a lot of little errors that get under my skin (things like using “steak” instead of “stake” multiple times when talking about tent stakes). I’m not knocking off a star for it though because it’s interesting and different enough that I want to see the ratings up/staying up so more people get to see it.
So far, this has been a fun and interesting read. It has a heavy focus on crafting, with a VERY Factorio style to it, and since I am a fan of that style and that game, it’s a good combo to me.
I would say it’s a light-LitRPG as it doesn’t have very much in the way of stats and leveling this far (with only slightly more in the sequel), but it still has the progression elements there. The way the crafting is also gives Dungeon Core vibes to me, though with significantly slower progression.
The only gripe I really have is the lack of proofreading on it, as there are a lot of little errors that get under my skin (things like using “steak” instead of “stake” multiple times when talking about tent stakes). I’m not knocking off a star for it though because it’s interesting and different enough that I want to see the ratings up/staying up so more people get to see it.
August 26, 2020
It was pretty jarring to see aelives (author version of alien elves) living in a desolate wasteland in a time similar to middle ages bantering with the mc like a 21st century gal.
Also, the the writing feels like the reader should intentionally ignore some things within the dialogue.
Or that was the feeling i got, i might be wrong.
Like for example, the characters talking about how the mc got there.
The one who summoned the mc ignores the question.
Mc goes like "B-But-"
Summoner, : "No!"
MC : " I guess we should not talk about that"
even though it is fking important. Well, other than how artificial the interactions seemed, the worldbuilding, towncrafting, and powersystems looked neat. Will probably get next book just for that.
Also, the the writing feels like the reader should intentionally ignore some things within the dialogue.
Or that was the feeling i got, i might be wrong.
Like for example, the characters talking about how the mc got there.
The one who summoned the mc ignores the question.
Mc goes like "B-But-"
Summoner, : "No!"
MC : " I guess we should not talk about that"
even though it is fking important. Well, other than how artificial the interactions seemed, the worldbuilding, towncrafting, and powersystems looked neat. Will probably get next book just for that.
August 14, 2020
The Factory Must Grow
The author says that they were inspired by the game Factorio, a game I like a lot. I was happy to see what the author did with it.
Excellent world building, with new-to-me aliens and magics. A great adaptation of the game mechanics into story, with the author's own additions.
Reasonable plot, Earth loser given magic savior powers on other world. He must defeat the evil overlord.
MC was kind of whiny, but this feels like a opportunity for character growth and didn't detract from the story too much.
I would recommend that you read this, particularly if you are Factorio fan or a fan of LitRPG in general.
The author says that they were inspired by the game Factorio, a game I like a lot. I was happy to see what the author did with it.
Excellent world building, with new-to-me aliens and magics. A great adaptation of the game mechanics into story, with the author's own additions.
Reasonable plot, Earth loser given magic savior powers on other world. He must defeat the evil overlord.
MC was kind of whiny, but this feels like a opportunity for character growth and didn't detract from the story too much.
I would recommend that you read this, particularly if you are Factorio fan or a fan of LitRPG in general.
November 23, 2020
Great introduction.
This story is very obviously based on the game “Factorio” and I loved just about everything about it. There were changes that needed to happen to make work in an actually world and those were done very well. Made me want to play the game with every passing chapter.
The MC was one of the problems I had with the book, his lack of confidence and constant self undermining got old quite very fast and just seemed to be whining over nothing eventually.
I like the other characters a lot and they prop up most of the interactions. With such a wonderful cast I have great expectations for the next book.
This story is very obviously based on the game “Factorio” and I loved just about everything about it. There were changes that needed to happen to make work in an actually world and those were done very well. Made me want to play the game with every passing chapter.
The MC was one of the problems I had with the book, his lack of confidence and constant self undermining got old quite very fast and just seemed to be whining over nothing eventually.
I like the other characters a lot and they prop up most of the interactions. With such a wonderful cast I have great expectations for the next book.
September 4, 2021
How not to be a God
Africa's life on Earth had hit rock bottom. His new life on Keldora isn't starting out well either. The biggest problem with that is that there is now an entire village of people depending on him to be their new God and he failed to bond with the Godcore within minutes of arriving on the moon of Keldora. At least his life won't be boring -- though it may be short.
This is an Isekai Novel with strong elements of LitRPG woven into its plot and will likely appeal to readers who enjoy either of those genres and may appeal to those who enjoy playing RPGs as well.
Africa's life on Earth had hit rock bottom. His new life on Keldora isn't starting out well either. The biggest problem with that is that there is now an entire village of people depending on him to be their new God and he failed to bond with the Godcore within minutes of arriving on the moon of Keldora. At least his life won't be boring -- though it may be short.
This is an Isekai Novel with strong elements of LitRPG woven into its plot and will likely appeal to readers who enjoy either of those genres and may appeal to those who enjoy playing RPGs as well.
December 3, 2022
This is a litRPG book and is my first exposure to LitRPGs. The stats elements were somewhat used as plot points but overall felt lacking in meaning.
The editing needs work. It's rather clear that the editing consisted of "spell check and done". At one point they were discussing the details of how a mechanism worked and used "horizontal" instead of "vertical".
The story itself was ok. Felt a bit like reading a tower defense game but there's potential now that some of the base mechanics and background setting have been established.
It feels like the target audience changed a few times between middle schoolers and college age students.
The editing needs work. It's rather clear that the editing consisted of "spell check and done". At one point they were discussing the details of how a mechanism worked and used "horizontal" instead of "vertical".
The story itself was ok. Felt a bit like reading a tower defense game but there's potential now that some of the base mechanics and background setting have been established.
It feels like the target audience changed a few times between middle schoolers and college age students.
August 14, 2020
A really unique story that stays true to it's automation roots.
I've read quite a few stories similar to this, all of them talking about their automation, robotics and crafting, but all of them have been far too magic handwavey.
This, right from the start showed it's factorio roots, and stuck to them, creating a realistic crafting story, with issues that every automator has run into, and the thoughts that go through our minds.
If you like games like factorio, satisfactory, etc, and enjoy sci-fi, you'll love this.
I've read quite a few stories similar to this, all of them talking about their automation, robotics and crafting, but all of them have been far too magic handwavey.
This, right from the start showed it's factorio roots, and stuck to them, creating a realistic crafting story, with issues that every automator has run into, and the thoughts that go through our minds.
If you like games like factorio, satisfactory, etc, and enjoy sci-fi, you'll love this.
October 19, 2020
Didn't know what I was in for
I picked up this book mostly because of how much I enjoyed small worlds, but had no idea what it was about.
I did not know I wanted a novel with this inspiration, but I'm very glad that I got it! (if you haven't read it yet, get the book and try not to spoil what was for me a good twist)
This story works well standalone, but I hope that there will be a series
I picked up this book mostly because of how much I enjoyed small worlds, but had no idea what it was about.
I did not know I wanted a novel with this inspiration, but I'm very glad that I got it! (if you haven't read it yet, get the book and try not to spoil what was for me a good twist)
This story works well standalone, but I hope that there will be a series
December 7, 2020
Fairly entertaining if a bit broken.
I found this book to be fairly entertaining. The protagonist's interaction with other characters is a bit wobbly at times. Also the protagonist is portayed as an idiot but then spouts information and puts it to use as if a genius. One of those characters that everyone else in the story gives far more hate than logically makes sense. I think the author needs to work on thier characters, specifically realistic interactions.
I found this book to be fairly entertaining. The protagonist's interaction with other characters is a bit wobbly at times. Also the protagonist is portayed as an idiot but then spouts information and puts it to use as if a genius. One of those characters that everyone else in the story gives far more hate than logically makes sense. I think the author needs to work on thier characters, specifically realistic interactions.
January 2, 2022
This wasn't too bad. There were some annoying parts, and some parts where blame was applied, and we only find out the blame was justified after the fact, before it looked like our protagonist was lead astray by another.
I'm not thrilled that the protagonist is flighty brained, and that all someone has to do to disarm him is take away his phone and put him in time out... But I'm willing to see how the story will progress.
I will pick up the sequel later.
3/5 Stars
I'm not thrilled that the protagonist is flighty brained, and that all someone has to do to disarm him is take away his phone and put him in time out... But I'm willing to see how the story will progress.
I will pick up the sequel later.
3/5 Stars
May 23, 2023
Got the omnibus of this series, read book one and the first 10 chapters of book 2.
On the plus, it reminded me a bit of satisfactory, a game I had been playing at the time.
On the minus, I just found the main character unlikeable. Same with a lot of the side characters. By the time I hit the start of chapter 11 of book 2, I was hoping the apparent big bad of that book would just hurry up and wipe everyone out. That seemed like a good sign to stop and move on.
On the plus, it reminded me a bit of satisfactory, a game I had been playing at the time.
On the minus, I just found the main character unlikeable. Same with a lot of the side characters. By the time I hit the start of chapter 11 of book 2, I was hoping the apparent big bad of that book would just hurry up and wipe everyone out. That seemed like a good sign to stop and move on.
November 17, 2024
Great first book of a series
Despite some minor text errors with homonyms (hammering in tent 'steaks', lol), a very enjoyable start to the series and I'm excited to see where it goes from here. The pace does seem a bit fast, we go from making spears to a rudimentary Iron Man suit in the space of a week, but the book is well written enough that I don't mind too much. On to the next one!
Despite some minor text errors with homonyms (hammering in tent 'steaks', lol), a very enjoyable start to the series and I'm excited to see where it goes from here. The pace does seem a bit fast, we go from making spears to a rudimentary Iron Man suit in the space of a week, but the book is well written enough that I don't mind too much. On to the next one!
July 21, 2025
I had a great time with this. I’m not sure why other reviewers say the MC is a crybaby. He is not; he feels guilty. Anyone would in those circumstances. He has plenty of agency, and I like how indebted he feels to everyone. I'm excited to see where this series goes, and pleasantly surprised that there are more books. Listening to this while playing Factorio felt close to home. It's clear where the inspiration comes from, and it's great.
Hoping for a megabase!
Hoping for a megabase!
August 17, 2020
Light litRPG
Most litRPG’s have a bad habit of being derail overloaded, to the point where you might just skip past the three pages of status updates.
This is a nice balance.
My only complaint is that it was over too quickly- this took maybe two hours to read, and leaves me hopeful for more.
Most litRPG’s have a bad habit of being derail overloaded, to the point where you might just skip past the three pages of status updates.
This is a nice balance.
My only complaint is that it was over too quickly- this took maybe two hours to read, and leaves me hopeful for more.
August 25, 2020
An odd direction
Not what I expected. Quite enjoyable.
Interesting world, well designed characters, development...this is a solid novel. An odd mashup of fantasy and SF, using industrialization and engineering.
The prose was clean.
I will buy this novel (read it on KU) and any sequel. Highest recommendation I can give, spending money.
Not what I expected. Quite enjoyable.
Interesting world, well designed characters, development...this is a solid novel. An odd mashup of fantasy and SF, using industrialization and engineering.
The prose was clean.
I will buy this novel (read it on KU) and any sequel. Highest recommendation I can give, spending money.
September 15, 2020
Fun Read
Nice start to a cool crafting universe by Alex Raizman, The Wastes of Keldora: An Automation Crafting LitRPG Adventure, Book 1 of Factory of the Gods series. Nice story with a great twist to crafting that I haven't seen before. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Nice start to a cool crafting universe by Alex Raizman, The Wastes of Keldora: An Automation Crafting LitRPG Adventure, Book 1 of Factory of the Gods series. Nice story with a great twist to crafting that I haven't seen before. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 16, 2020
This is a book about Factorio.
Yes, the game. With decent characters and a suitable plot line, I had to put the book down for a second the first time a conveyor belt was mentioned. It was then that I knew exactly what was coming. And what was it that was coming, you ask? It was a book, rather unique, but a good book all the same.
Yes, the game. With decent characters and a suitable plot line, I had to put the book down for a second the first time a conveyor belt was mentioned. It was then that I knew exactly what was coming. And what was it that was coming, you ask? It was a book, rather unique, but a good book all the same.
February 14, 2021
Solid Fantasy Base with Wee Bit Much Satisfactory
Good ideas on a fantasy world basis, but the prose was a little long on the factory part of things. Nothing unbearable, just slightly tedious in parts. Exploration and world building was good/great in parts, and the characters were fun. Some I wish had lasted longer.
Good ideas on a fantasy world basis, but the prose was a little long on the factory part of things. Nothing unbearable, just slightly tedious in parts. Exploration and world building was good/great in parts, and the characters were fun. Some I wish had lasted longer.
October 18, 2021
Great book
I really loved this book!! The main character is relatable and a little scatterbrained but fun to read. Plenty of action and not a lot of stats. I can’t wait to read the next book! I found out this series and two other will eventually cross over to each other and I can’t wait for that!!
I really loved this book!! The main character is relatable and a little scatterbrained but fun to read. Plenty of action and not a lot of stats. I can’t wait to read the next book! I found out this series and two other will eventually cross over to each other and I can’t wait for that!!
November 13, 2021
Not sure what to think of this. Its enjoyable but every character was dropped on the head as a child. Not a fan of when a story relies on character stupidity to progress the story, there are better less lazy ways to do things. Also they talk about being stupid too much, like the author pointing out some of the stupidity makes it ok; no sorry it doesn't work like that.
March 27, 2024
very good
Have you played Factorio? If yes then you’ll probably be right at home , though there have been some changes to the names of items and how progression works and some other stuff works , but it’s easy to fallow, good drama, the suspense is good , no plot holes I’ve found, no grammar mistakes or misspellings found
5/5 would read
Have you played Factorio? If yes then you’ll probably be right at home , though there have been some changes to the names of items and how progression works and some other stuff works , but it’s easy to fallow, good drama, the suspense is good , no plot holes I’ve found, no grammar mistakes or misspellings found
5/5 would read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews