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The Abduction Cycles #1
Village of Hawkshead
Imagine waking up in a world where magic is real!
One minute Ethan Gower was an average computer technician, playing online games with his friends. Now he’s been abducted and dropped into a strange world with others who have been taken from their homes. And magic and monsters are real.
Now, Ethan is a wizard and must convince his new companions to band together in order to survive in this strange new world as they level up, gain abilities and try to unravel the mystery of why they were abducted and how to find a way home.
But things are never easy and soon he and his friends find themselves in the middle of a conflict that could spell disaster to their new home.
Oh, and there might be something murdering wizards and sucking out their brains.
Could things get any worse?
One minute Ethan Gower was an average computer technician, playing online games with his friends. Now he’s been abducted and dropped into a strange world with others who have been taken from their homes. And magic and monsters are real.
Now, Ethan is a wizard and must convince his new companions to band together in order to survive in this strange new world as they level up, gain abilities and try to unravel the mystery of why they were abducted and how to find a way home.
But things are never easy and soon he and his friends find themselves in the middle of a conflict that could spell disaster to their new home.
Oh, and there might be something murdering wizards and sucking out their brains.
Could things get any worse?
- GenresFantasy
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2021
546 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 10, 2021
Not awful, but not good either
This one was just sort of ‘meh’ for me. I usually love LitRPG stuff, but this one kinda fell flat. The MC is in denial for practically the whole book, and the only thing you really learn about the supporting characters is how big their boobs are (hint: their characters are flatter than their chests). The draw of the beginning of a book and learning about the world and such was practically the only interesting part for me.
MILD SPOILERS...
Unfortunately, I got to about the 85% mark before a big battle where some or all the characters could die, when I should have been chomping at the bit to read more, to see what happened, and just realized that I didn’t care. I didn’t care if all of the characters died in that battle, and I might have sort of wanted them to die. Anyway, I hate posting negative reviews, buuuuut I gotta be honest in this case. Sorry.
This one was just sort of ‘meh’ for me. I usually love LitRPG stuff, but this one kinda fell flat. The MC is in denial for practically the whole book, and the only thing you really learn about the supporting characters is how big their boobs are (hint: their characters are flatter than their chests). The draw of the beginning of a book and learning about the world and such was practically the only interesting part for me.
MILD SPOILERS...
Unfortunately, I got to about the 85% mark before a big battle where some or all the characters could die, when I should have been chomping at the bit to read more, to see what happened, and just realized that I didn’t care. I didn’t care if all of the characters died in that battle, and I might have sort of wanted them to die. Anyway, I hate posting negative reviews, buuuuut I gotta be honest in this case. Sorry.
February 14, 2021
Rating 3.0 stars
This was okay. Typical litrpg book where guy is taken to another world which has game mechanics. The MC isn't the only one taken. The difference with this one and other stories is that the MC was the only one taken from earth. He groups up with a dwarf, elf, and beastkin. All taken from other worlds. The MC is kind of put in charge because he is familiar with the game like mechanics from his gaming history, even though he doesn't know much of this world. The MC is grouped with 3 women and they search for what brought them here. Along the way the fight against a bunch of kobolds. Find a town and protect it, then the MC becomes mayor. This wasn't a harem book but it could have been and still might become one in the future. Then magic system was interesting but could have been developed more. The leveling was okay, nothing special. Overall, it was okay.
This was okay. Typical litrpg book where guy is taken to another world which has game mechanics. The MC isn't the only one taken. The difference with this one and other stories is that the MC was the only one taken from earth. He groups up with a dwarf, elf, and beastkin. All taken from other worlds. The MC is kind of put in charge because he is familiar with the game like mechanics from his gaming history, even though he doesn't know much of this world. The MC is grouped with 3 women and they search for what brought them here. Along the way the fight against a bunch of kobolds. Find a town and protect it, then the MC becomes mayor. This wasn't a harem book but it could have been and still might become one in the future. Then magic system was interesting but could have been developed more. The leveling was okay, nothing special. Overall, it was okay.
January 21, 2021
Book one
Mistakes: I found one missing word. Also the blurb doesn't match the story. At no point after getting control of the village does the MC say or think of making it a safe place for other travelers.
Plot: A good first book with plenty of battles and decent world building. Explained mostly through the MC thinking and explaining things to his companions.
Characters: Kind of shallow and seemingly to dependent upon the MC. I'm worried that the series will turn harem since the MC had three female companions.
7/10
Mistakes: I found one missing word. Also the blurb doesn't match the story. At no point after getting control of the village does the MC say or think of making it a safe place for other travelers.
Plot: A good first book with plenty of battles and decent world building. Explained mostly through the MC thinking and explaining things to his companions.
Characters: Kind of shallow and seemingly to dependent upon the MC. I'm worried that the series will turn harem since the MC had three female companions.
7/10
February 25, 2021
Will echo other reviewers and say this story was just meh. First thing is that the actual village of hawkshead doesn't even come up until like 65% of the way through, so you don't really GAF about the village and the villagers. The stat increases/abilities gained don't really come into play so you're like why am I seeing Air magic levelled up +1% 50 times if it never does anything. He keeps repeating other stuff too like how the one druid "she's only tended a grove, she doesn't know," okay keep justifying why she's the innocent naive pacifist, we know already, you don't need to keep harping on it or you could at least say it in a different way that adds something. The whole book the main character is also wondering why he's come to this land & assumes he was abducted by aliens into a game simulation- but we never do find out so a lot of time seems just wasted on him gradually sort of not really but he's heading that way concluding that he's not in a simulation and it's real life but it was aliens that got him here right? Again, we don't know, so it's like why did I read all that endless introspection.
At first the pop culture references weren't bad and some were actually funny but they got really cringy later on with him literally yelling action and sci fi phrases while in a fight for his life- more than once. Author is obviously trying to set up sexual tension with at least two characters, really awkwardly, and most of the non pop culture humour seems to be "dwarf loudmouth and likes beer!!!" I did like this book and the plot enough to finish it, and will probably read the next one to see where he goes with the whole wizards-being-hunted-for-their-brains, but nothing really stood out in this book. At least it's not a harem.... yet?
At first the pop culture references weren't bad and some were actually funny but they got really cringy later on with him literally yelling action and sci fi phrases while in a fight for his life- more than once. Author is obviously trying to set up sexual tension with at least two characters, really awkwardly, and most of the non pop culture humour seems to be "dwarf loudmouth and likes beer!!!" I did like this book and the plot enough to finish it, and will probably read the next one to see where he goes with the whole wizards-being-hunted-for-their-brains, but nothing really stood out in this book. At least it's not a harem.... yet?
January 25, 2021
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that 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. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that 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. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
January 13, 2023
Ethan, main character, gets isekai-ed (transported to another world), that has game-like characteristics and magic. Ethan is a tech-support specialist "in-real-life" and a gamer in his free-time and yet, has no idea of what to do in this game-like fantasy world. The author should be impartial (not in favor, not against) towards his main characters and yet, this author uses the main characters, time and time again, as meat-shields, torture victims, cannon-fodder, without rhyme or reason.
The story is just okay, it could have been better, the main theme and main plot arcs could have been explained better. There are no maps inside, no character summaries about their abilities and skills, and the character development is little to none. World development description is close to zero. We reach the end of Book 1 and yet, we still do not know most things...I won't list them so as not to have all the spoilers out and about...
Book 1 is short with 300+ pages, and 43 chapters. The chapters average less than 10 pages per chapter which usually means that it has an average description, depth in respects to character descriptions, world descriptions and story development...
It could have been better...the author info-dumps the HUD (heads-up-display-game-console) even though they (main characters are not in a "game", they are in another world, that has a game-like system, so why all the spam and spam and spam, I'm sick and tired of the Kobold damage for (x5+) for each of the Kobolds (and there were a lot of Kobolds) fought and defeated...
The story is just okay, it could have been better, the main theme and main plot arcs could have been explained better. There are no maps inside, no character summaries about their abilities and skills, and the character development is little to none. World development description is close to zero. We reach the end of Book 1 and yet, we still do not know most things...I won't list them so as not to have all the spoilers out and about...
Book 1 is short with 300+ pages, and 43 chapters. The chapters average less than 10 pages per chapter which usually means that it has an average description, depth in respects to character descriptions, world descriptions and story development...
It could have been better...the author info-dumps the HUD (heads-up-display-game-console) even though they (main characters are not in a "game", they are in another world, that has a game-like system, so why all the spam and spam and spam, I'm sick and tired of the Kobold damage for (x5+) for each of the Kobolds (and there were a lot of Kobolds) fought and defeated...
May 22, 2021
This is a book genre I normally won’t read due to having the game hud. That being said I was pleasantly surprised that the gamer hud was there periodically and not over powering.
When you first enter this book you are on earth in Ethan’s room while he is playing a MMORPG with his friends. Very quickly you are taken and placed on another planet. The world Ethan finds himself is slow in world building, it runs like all MMORPG’s, in which you don’t get a full map or description until the main character see it for himself. I found that really cool. As Ethan discovers the world around him you finally start to get an idea of the complexities of the new place he finds himself. And it’s beautiful.
Ethan is a believable character that the geeks inside all of us can relate to. He is thrown onto this new world and manages to group up with three others who have been taken from their own planets. His three new companions are a dwarf, an elf, and a fox girl. They ultimately come to rely on Ethan and his judgement.
This is a fast paced book that launches you into a world with colorful animals, a vastly diverse landscape, and characters you can believe in. John has written a ride you don’t want to miss.
When you first enter this book you are on earth in Ethan’s room while he is playing a MMORPG with his friends. Very quickly you are taken and placed on another planet. The world Ethan finds himself is slow in world building, it runs like all MMORPG’s, in which you don’t get a full map or description until the main character see it for himself. I found that really cool. As Ethan discovers the world around him you finally start to get an idea of the complexities of the new place he finds himself. And it’s beautiful.
Ethan is a believable character that the geeks inside all of us can relate to. He is thrown onto this new world and manages to group up with three others who have been taken from their own planets. His three new companions are a dwarf, an elf, and a fox girl. They ultimately come to rely on Ethan and his judgement.
This is a fast paced book that launches you into a world with colorful animals, a vastly diverse landscape, and characters you can believe in. John has written a ride you don’t want to miss.
February 5, 2021
Not bad...
The story wasn't bad but I could be better. That being said it's better than most of the litrpg trash many authors are releasing...this has potential but needs a bit of meat on the bones of the novel...almost no questions were answered and character dev was almost nil..The MC is kinda letting things that don't make sense happen like accepting to be the mayor but the people are not particularly welcoming because of his potential demise but have no issues with him taking responsibility for their town...its just hmm..he owes them nothing...
The story wasn't bad but I could be better. That being said it's better than most of the litrpg trash many authors are releasing...this has potential but needs a bit of meat on the bones of the novel...almost no questions were answered and character dev was almost nil..The MC is kinda letting things that don't make sense happen like accepting to be the mayor but the people are not particularly welcoming because of his potential demise but have no issues with him taking responsibility for their town...its just hmm..he owes them nothing...
March 28, 2021
Pretty formulaic isekai story. Writing was adequate, story was mediocre hence the 3 rating. MC is pretty dense as far as I'm concerned, clinging as he does to the idea that this is a "simulation" when most evidence points to an AR rather than VR environment. Obviously he never read his classics, as "any sufficiently advanced technology will be indistinguishable from magic" fits perfectly here.
There is some potential so I'd consider reading a continuation, and in that perhaps the relationships with the females in his group will make some sense and be a bit more 3-dimensional.
There is some potential so I'd consider reading a continuation, and in that perhaps the relationships with the females in his group will make some sense and be a bit more 3-dimensional.
August 7, 2022
Ethan a gamer gets abducted from his home during a black out an teleported to a new world .
Ethan being teleported to a new world instantly with out dying waking up in a meadow hurting all over even his brain hurt . Forced to come to his senses before he was attacked or killed .Smelling water near by helped clear his brain fog an opened his eyes to his surroundings trying to register his aware abouts try to piece together what happened to him .recommend reading excellent book
Ethan being teleported to a new world instantly with out dying waking up in a meadow hurting all over even his brain hurt . Forced to come to his senses before he was attacked or killed .Smelling water near by helped clear his brain fog an opened his eyes to his surroundings trying to register his aware abouts try to piece together what happened to him .recommend reading excellent book
June 21, 2023
Other than being a little slow to get going this exceeded my expectations and the reviews I have seen. Nothing super spectacular here. I give it 4 stars because it was solid and overall well done and compelling enough to keep me interested. It is just a nudge under 5 stars. Good pacing, characters, and an interesting overall story. Some folks did mention that it might go harem but I really did not catch that or anything like that in this boos. I am glad I picked this up and will read the next one.
April 30, 2021
Decent idea poorly executed.
An overly complex world state with no attempt at an explanation leaves all the battle and stats feeling useless and inconsequential. Add in a spineless main character, a selfish greedy dwarf and an extended useless cast and you have a situation that is irritating and unbelievable. I do not like the characters, I do not care about the world and I do not understand the world state. Nothing here to interest me in continuing with this series.
An overly complex world state with no attempt at an explanation leaves all the battle and stats feeling useless and inconsequential. Add in a spineless main character, a selfish greedy dwarf and an extended useless cast and you have a situation that is irritating and unbelievable. I do not like the characters, I do not care about the world and I do not understand the world state. Nothing here to interest me in continuing with this series.
January 11, 2021
Good Read
This is a Litrpg story where the main character gets transported to another world. Where it differs from others I have read is the likability of the main character and his comrades, who quickly grow on you. I would recommend this book as a fun read for those who want a low angst experience.
This is a Litrpg story where the main character gets transported to another world. Where it differs from others I have read is the likability of the main character and his comrades, who quickly grow on you. I would recommend this book as a fun read for those who want a low angst experience.
January 16, 2021
Wonderful!
This book is a gem! From the beginning to the end, this author evidences a clear story line, character development, created anticipation for the reader, and ended the book well with the reader wanting more.
One will read this and desire the next in the series.
Enjoy the ride and don’t become a wizard!
This book is a gem! From the beginning to the end, this author evidences a clear story line, character development, created anticipation for the reader, and ended the book well with the reader wanting more.
One will read this and desire the next in the series.
Enjoy the ride and don’t become a wizard!
April 16, 2021
So so
School,kid taken to another world. Nothing remarkable about the MC. I neither like nor dislike him. All other characters are more than one sided or shallow. I can't kill. I want mead. I talk to plants and thats all I know even though I'm 350 years old. Also, unrealistically, he is made mayor of a town after being there a day.
School,kid taken to another world. Nothing remarkable about the MC. I neither like nor dislike him. All other characters are more than one sided or shallow. I can't kill. I want mead. I talk to plants and thats all I know even though I'm 350 years old. Also, unrealistically, he is made mayor of a town after being there a day.
September 20, 2021
Gamer incel writes a book
This reads as if an incel gamer tried writing down a litrpg only for him to realize he's not creative or entertaining in the slightest. The author obviously doesn't have a strong understanding of how people socialize or interact with each othed, especially with his depictions of how women act. It's pathetic and sad.
This reads as if an incel gamer tried writing down a litrpg only for him to realize he's not creative or entertaining in the slightest. The author obviously doesn't have a strong understanding of how people socialize or interact with each othed, especially with his depictions of how women act. It's pathetic and sad.
February 8, 2021
It was ok. Seemed to drag a little at first.
** Spoiler
MC seemed a little too easily pushed around? Had difficulty liking supporting characters. Magic system seemed interesting but they never explained how stamina worked?
** Spoiler
MC seemed a little too easily pushed around? Had difficulty liking supporting characters. Magic system seemed interesting but they never explained how stamina worked?
March 5, 2021
Good
Outside of the editing issues that plague so many of these indy authors this was a decent read. Certainly will read the next in this series to see how our new hero and his different magic is able to combat the unstoppable foe.
Outside of the editing issues that plague so many of these indy authors this was a decent read. Certainly will read the next in this series to see how our new hero and his different magic is able to combat the unstoppable foe.
March 7, 2021
enjoyable LitRPG read
Great read and start to a new series. I like the way the author brings the different ‘players’ together and the tension created from different POVs.
The magic system is interesting (stamina vs. mana) and I look forward to reading how this continues!
Great read and start to a new series. I like the way the author brings the different ‘players’ together and the tension created from different POVs.
The magic system is interesting (stamina vs. mana) and I look forward to reading how this continues!
March 17, 2021
Carfull what you wish for
Our unlikely hero is so busy surviving ... he forgot that he wished he could LIVE in an adventurous video game.
Good character builds. Interesting plotline. needs better proofing.
Our unlikely hero is so busy surviving ... he forgot that he wished he could LIVE in an adventurous video game.
Good character builds. Interesting plotline. needs better proofing.
April 26, 2021
Fun and different gamelit book
It's an entertaining read. The world is interesting to uncover and the LitRPG elements are not overwhelming and all consuming. The only slight drawback was the author's to repeat the MC's observations over and over and over.
It's an entertaining read. The world is interesting to uncover and the LitRPG elements are not overwhelming and all consuming. The only slight drawback was the author's to repeat the MC's observations over and over and over.
May 1, 2022
Excellent book. Really enjoyed this book.
The author has a different take on portal fantasy an approached it from an alien abduction which I thought was interesting. Unique races, cultures and monsters.
The author has a different take on portal fantasy an approached it from an alien abduction which I thought was interesting. Unique races, cultures and monsters.
October 29, 2022
DNF
The premise of this book was intriguing, but I honestly couldn't get very far in too much uninspiring writing and characters that are mediocre at best and the stakes feel non-existent because it's all exposition
The premise of this book was intriguing, but I honestly couldn't get very far in too much uninspiring writing and characters that are mediocre at best and the stakes feel non-existent because it's all exposition
January 11, 2021
Good read
Overall it was a good story. Could use a bit more character development but the overall world building was a good start. Look forward to reading the next book.
Overall it was a good story. Could use a bit more character development but the overall world building was a good start. Look forward to reading the next book.
Read
January 22, 2021Good series start
Good start to a new series. Th characters are interesting, and the setup a bit different than normal. Overall excellent read.
Good start to a new series. Th characters are interesting, and the setup a bit different than normal. Overall excellent read.
January 22, 2021
Good story
Doesn’t try to finding dump on you, rather you find out as the story unfolds. Looking forward to future books.
Doesn’t try to finding dump on you, rather you find out as the story unfolds. Looking forward to future books.
January 25, 2021
Fun
A fun read I spent the whole day reading this book as it was just so entertaining highly recommend this book
A fun read I spent the whole day reading this book as it was just so entertaining highly recommend this book
February 3, 2021
I liked this one. There were some interesting aspects of the stats system, and the story was fairly good. I'm looking forward to the next one.
February 7, 2021
Entertaining and Exciting!!
It's a good story that flows from a game to kidnapping to all real thing i think? When part 2 will come out who knows the only bad thing with series
It's a good story that flows from a game to kidnapping to all real thing i think? When part 2 will come out who knows the only bad thing with series
February 21, 2021
Good story
I read quit regularly, I like action and fantasy with a touch of the modern world. The story has it I would recommend the book to those who like that.
I read quit regularly, I like action and fantasy with a touch of the modern world. The story has it I would recommend the book to those who like that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews