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Phase Shift #2

Power Flux

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Troias and Annalise survived the Shift, defeated the wendigo, and began the process of gathering followers together in safety. Now, they must learn how to manage their burgeoning empire, call even more followers under their banner, and the differences between leading and ruling. Troias must battle vortices of energy that affect his mind, deadly new creatures never seen on this world, and face a monster that is beyond even his ability to defeat.
In the Shift, life and death are in constant flux, and Troias must learn how to command and control his powers in a way that none have ever done before if he'll have any chance to succeed...and failure will result in the death of everyone he cares about.

623 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2021

283 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Kyle Johnson

30 books53 followers
Kyle Johnson is a kids gymnastics and martial arts instructor who teaches outside of Chicago. He's worked on cruise ships, traveled the world, climbed glaciers, ziplined between mountains, and even danced in the end of a rainbow.

Currently, his main hobbies include helping his wife raise their two kids, because after that, who's got time for hobbies?

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5 stars
511 (65%)
4 stars
200 (25%)
3 stars
52 (6%)
2 stars
16 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,324 reviews2,181 followers
March 14, 2023
This is second in a system apocalypse LitRPG. Read them in order.

You know what you're getting. Troias and Annalise continue dealing with the Shift. Now with bigger opponents; human as well as monster. And I liked all of it. It helps that Troias' sense of justice and mercy mirrors my own so he doesn't hesitate to put down the obviously evil. And he hesitates the right amount for those where their character is as yet unclear. I like this nearly as much as I like that Annalise is darker and more willing to pull the trigger (literal and figurative) than he is.

Plus, I like all the human interactions, both with side characters and with the two as a team. And I'm gratified to say that Johnson does the romance with a deft-enough touch that I'm all in. Okay, there's on exception. There's a Major, um, Bassar(?) who has been oppressing an entire town, treating the inhabitants as enemy territory. Not in a violent way, but in constraining communications and implementing martial law that includes disarming everyone and rationing key resources. I think the resolution with this episode .

And I hated the ending just a little bit. Or, at least, the one aspect where .

It was headed for enough to round up for five stars, but that ending drops it to a round-down. That said, I'll probably read the short work labeled 2.5 and I very rarely do that in a series.

A note about Steamy: Troias and Annalise are definitely together in this story. Sexually. And there's a bit of tease and bother that gets into steamy territory. But Johnson pulls curtain on most details so it's the smallest possible steam. I'm torn on this because it'd be an interesting aspect of their relationship to have a window on. On the other hand, it works well-enough and wouldn't be anything vital to plot or character advancement. So it's probably the right call to make.
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,196 reviews86 followers
March 3, 2021
Book two

Mistakes: I found three mistakes in this book.

Plot: I found the parts where he talks about the MC's powers long, drawn out, and boring. Some of the interactions with other characters was cheesy. Mostly the story consist of claiming territory at a ridiculous rate and slaughtering monsters. Lots of bodies left where they fell instead of being harvested.

Characters: Stupidly OP MC can kill anything he comes across with no effort. I find that boring.

5/10
Profile Image for Steve.
1,643 reviews63 followers
April 22, 2021
Another excellent book which balances elements of gamelit and cultivation without getting bogged in the mechanics of either.

Writing is solid, pacing was good and the balance of action with the other story elements worked well. There's definitely more story here, so I'm watching for the next one.
38 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2021
No, just no

The main character annoying, Self righteous, Control freak, Who reviles at having power over his life, takes offense at other power-hungry Control freaks - while Ruthlessly hanging anyone who wants independence out to dry (“it’s for The greater good”) Ugg
Profile Image for Clint Young.
849 reviews
March 4, 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
Profile Image for William Howe.
1,831 reviews88 followers
February 28, 2021
Guns and glaives

Mixing cultivation with firepower makes this quite unique.

A lot of tough philosophical moments, dealing with the real monsters. Very well written.

I especially enjoyed when he said, ‘philosophy has to take a back seat to survival.’ Makes for a nice juxtaposition.

Can’t wait for the next.
2,601 reviews71 followers
December 22, 2021
While still good, this whole book comes off as a set up for the next.

While not necessarily a bad thing, all the events have a "rinse, wash and repeat" vibe. The addition of all new groups regardless of any of their actions is unrealistic. The entire book feels like an idolized concept, not a actual narrative.
Profile Image for Ozsaur.
1,038 reviews
April 1, 2023
This book was a long downhill slide. It had the same issues as the first book: no well defined secondary characters, not as much community building as I wanted, and a know-it-all MC.

Troias became more and more insufferable as the book went on. Again and again he spouted his philosophy. Again and again everyone agreed with him. Everyone who didn't ended up dead, one way or another.

The final straw for me was the use of torture. It happened the first time at the 75% point, then a second soon after. For me, the use of torture makes you the bad guy. That Troias used it without a second thought, no soul-searching, no moral dilemma, no remorse, was disturbing. Like it was nothing. And of course the people he tortured were bad guys, so that made it okay. If he had ever been drawn as a morally gray character, I could have rolled with it, but he is straight up the hero.

Oh, and then he used his dog as a threat of torture. Gross!

I skimmed through the rest of the book, and couldn't even get interested in the big showdown at the end. I just wanted it to be over. I won't be continuing with the series.
Profile Image for Jim.
388 reviews9 followers
April 29, 2021
A crazy trip through the apocalypse that is now earth, oh and a dracosaur!

What an emotional ride this book was and that ending...
It seems that Troias uniqueness is becoming apparent as his acts grow to mythic proportions he is rising the line of good, fair and ruthless. His mission is to save what’s left of humanity from the Shift and his oaths based on Asimov’s are working quite well for those who give them. The vassal idea has advantages and disadvantages that he will have to deal with as his empire grows.
I’m enjoying the facets idea as well as how the humans can build themselves up magically speaking as well as physically. Using their ingenuity to rebuild and create Shift compatible items, from weapons and armor to vehicles and maybe even buildings one day soon.
Power calls to power, so all they have to do is survive and defeat a giant dragon looking beast that flies, breathes fire, and heals quickly when it comes to attack their city.
298 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2022
Great book. Dislike one part

Spoiler below.
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Wtf. Annalise really triggered me. T is a great guy, honest loyal and loving. A was a broken women who let men treat her like garbage. T took the effort to support her, to bring her up and love her.

So of course she takes advantage of him, uses his good will, tricks him into loving her then decides to do whats best for her and leaves him .. will she be back he asks.. I don't know she says.

Of course she is willing to let him pine away for her. Oh.. and she takes his dog. All that's missing is marriage and him paying for her and her new boy toy to live in his house.

Hate this so much. 100% wish she had died in that explosion.

This is too close to real life for me. Broken women using men and then leaving to find themselves.

I hope he moves on,.but 100% she will come back after he starts healing to ruin his life more..
1,008 reviews14 followers
March 5, 2021
Fun and exciting

Very enjoyable. One of those books thet gets better the more you read.The series is enjoyable and we are still learning more and more about the phase shift.The main character is extremely Focused And has no qualms about doing what it's necessary to save and help his people. If I were to have any complaint it would be that the System Is still a bit nebulous. The genre litRPG Is wide and varied this book would fall under the barely category as it is not very numbers crunchy and most of the powers are barely described and nebulous. In contrast to though the world building in interpersonal relationships throughout this book are stupendous. It is truly joyful to read the interactions. I look forward to the next book hopefully I don't have to wait long.
270 reviews
August 29, 2022
With two book read and a lot more understanding of the world, I think I am done with this series. First, there is no way that most of the 2.3% people who survived the "shift" would still be alive based on the power levels of the animals encountered to date. The only reason the MCs group is alive is because he has "special" powers. I base this on the fact that everyone the MC encounters through the first two books is barley staying alive.

Second, I am at the point where I no longer respect the MC. His offering of.. die, die or vow your life to me because I can kill you makes him much more antagonist tyrant than a protagonist. The MC is now so OP and that no one in the world is his match and he is on his way to being the amiable despot king.
Profile Image for Adedayo.
47 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2021
Good Follow up

I enjoy this series very much and the old spirit teacher trope is well used here. Though I wish he would stop the old, creepy, manipulator routine and just tell him the truth already. I do hate the fact about the event that happened with Analise at the end. I don't like it at all and I hope that while Drakos might be patient he needs to live for him as well and if she can't deal with whatever happens while she's doing what shes doing then too bad for her. She should have included him afterall the loss wasnt just hers, any how she's now on my dislike list of characters.
14 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2023
very good

Good writing, grammar, structure, vocabulary, overall good pacing. The one time skip was a little annoying, but I understand that months of training montage wouldn’t be exciting reading either. One point on magical realism, fire facet is supposed to be related to pain tolerance, doesn’t make sense for fire facet creatures to scream in pain so much, was mentioned that fire facet creatures would ignore wounds in the discussion about “what if zombies…” Yes the scene was exciting and well written but it was also inconsistent with in universe laws which sapped some of the enjoyment for me.
48 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2023
A huge step down from the first book

The whole territory expanding thing got old really quickly. Also, the other groups they do encounter are just... not interesting. The whole thing with his girlfriend is so childish and feels really forced. He keeps only winning fights because he just randomly gets super powers and can't remember how. Finally, his obliviousness to the whole thing with Ren is just ridiculous at this point. "That shouldn't be possible!".... really dude? You're not asking questions yet? Worse, he's not even thinking them.

I'll try another book in the series, but I'm sure as shit not wasting my time reading some side story about the whiney girlfriend.
333 reviews
February 25, 2021
Good book

I enjoyed the book but it has a few things I didn't like.

Number one the author was starting to push the boundary of sex and nudity. What was there is okay I guess but starting to push the boundary of being clean.

Had some profanity in the book. For that it lost one star.

Lastly I didn't like the note the book ended Troias and Annalise's relationship on I hope that gets fixed quick in the next book.

Overall I enjoyed the book and I'm looking forward to the next. Oh the part about glarts and how your son helped make them was fun.
432 reviews10 followers
May 12, 2022
Excellent

Troias and Annalise are great MC's , they are tough,deadly and can be ruthless when required but they are both basically decent human beings trying to survive and help others survive the Shift ,the new world is a hard brutal place where cooperation and hard work equal survival , I must admit that Facets (skills) and the magic are different and I barely understand their effects so I pretty much ignore them ,I've read books 1&2 and the two novellas and they are all thoroughly enjoyable.
157 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2021
Great sequel

I enjoy that it is not all powerful but there are hints of it and it comes with a cost. The MC is able to grow and push and still hold to that character core without going beyond it. He definitely has character progression moments and I like the leveling system though it is a bit mysterious. The power for growth and slow growth focusing on the system the shift abilities will a cool. The rest etc build earned and garner is all well payed out.
Profile Image for Bender.
456 reviews47 followers
September 16, 2021
Books 1-3:

Brilliant LitRPG for fans of System Apocalypse type books.

Great prose, characters I could like and relate too, doesn't fail any common sense checks, fun roller coaster action ride + a new and Novel magic system.

Good progression both in geography and in plot with no repetitive stats and power uses. Kept me hooked all through.

Loved it and finished all 4 books in a binge read week. Can't wait for book 5.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,622 reviews12 followers
March 4, 2021
Awesome Story

This story of a MMA fighter, his girlfriend and her dog taming their new world after the Earth is shifted into a game like world was absolutely fantastic.

I do hate when Authors destroy my home world and wished they did the old ancient alien humans picking up some folks to seed and tame a new world
225 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2021
First installment was a generally fun journey of post-apocalyptic discovery. This one was more of a long slog of mostly meaningless battle, a "flexible" game system, and a throw-away supporting cast. It ends on a low note, which doesn't really help it out. Looking forward to the next one to see if it can reclaim some of the spark of the original.
Profile Image for Rickie Brown.
53 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2021
Speechless.

Well, not quite, I suppose. Words fail, however, and all I can say is that any one who is a fan of reading any sort of fantasy should read this book. It’s as close to 4am that it doesn’t matter, and I’ve gotta be up soon, but I couldn’t put the story down.

Seriously. Amazing book.
Profile Image for Kevin.
1,765 reviews32 followers
September 4, 2022
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first one. This was like a "capture their bases" type novel. The things that made me like book one were either absent, or relegated to merely a passing mention here and there.

I don't think I will continue the series. If things were different I could have enjoyed this.

2.5/5 Stars
Profile Image for Nikhil Narayanan.
218 reviews16 followers
October 2, 2022
Good book 2

Not the most original of books and lots of filler chapters without character progression, world building or action etc. Still overall a good vanilla litrpg progression fantasy series. Story has good potential for being more and hope upcoming books bring out it more effectively.
36 reviews7 followers
February 1, 2023
Not your average love story.

This is a world where what it means to be human has been fundamentally changed. Dispassionate observation and practice has taken the place of figuring things out but even here love is important and a prime motivator, although that expression of Love might be a little different than it is our day and age.
188 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
The book was...

The book was very well done. I have greatly enjoyed the first and second books of this series.

I love the characters, their interaction and the setting.

I had a blast reading this book. I am looking forward to the next!
30 reviews
March 8, 2021
Great Series!

Love the series and cannot wait for more. I am glad there were two books when I started reading so I had a couple days of enjoyment. I am thankful the book was a decent length so I didn’t finish it in a day and look forward to all the books to follow.
86 reviews
March 9, 2021
Excellent book

Excellent example of world building in a LitRPG book. This book has been unexpectedly good -- it has really exceeded expectations. Great humor, good editing--really I'm very impressed with this. I look forward another installment.
Profile Image for William.
450 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2021
Decent

Great fight scenes and mechanics, okay characters and depth thereof, okay story, poor flow and character interaction, poor genre specific characteristics. If food, it’d be fast food.
251 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2021
Monotonous

I don’t understand why a population of 2% needs to go around claiming and fixing whole cities. For me the logic is broken. I stopped reading after 60% when the ongoing clear and claim territory just bored me. I love apocalypse LITRPG but this one I will ignore now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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