Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Towers & Rifts #1

Beginner Quest

Rate this book
Given a second chance at life, now he must play for his life.

Betrayed by those closest to him, Viktor’s soul couldn’t move on for decades. Pitied by one of the Gods, he was given the chance to participate in the next round of bets between the gods. It was an eternally violent game known as Towers and Rifts.

The world he found himself in was nothing like the one he’d spent centuries cultivating and becoming stronger. He was right back at the bottom along with everyone else but for the knowledge he retained.

The day the tower spawned, everyone was given access to a strange and game-like system he only knew about from memories of the body he inherited. The first order of the day: to heal from the horrible wounds that came along with the new body and to tackle the ‘Beginner’s Quest’ everyone was given.

Viktor was at the top before he died the first time so he knew what it was like to be powerful, in control, and a warrior without an equal. Nothing would stop him from getting to the top using this second chance he'd been given.

Experience the start of an epic LitRPG Cultivation Fantasy Series perfect for fans of authors like Tao Wong, C.M. Carney, and M.H. Johnson. Towers & Rifts is filled with cultivation, measurable power progression, crunchy stats, loot, immortal gods, intriguing characters, and everything lovers of all progression fantasy, GameLit/LitRPG, xianxia, and xuanhuan expect.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2021

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Nephilim Night

4 books5 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
87 (24%)
4 stars
95 (27%)
3 stars
78 (22%)
2 stars
50 (14%)
1 star
39 (11%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
36 reviews
March 7, 2021
A mess

I got about 20% in before writing this but the writing and story were not good. Example "We just met, but im gonna try to seduce you, but im not that type of girl" or "The love of my life died" "mine too" "im actually in a similar situation". There are also missing paragraphs where we go from "he attacks me with his sword" to "and thats how i beat him" just
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,239 reviews86 followers
March 11, 2021
Book one

This was either a bad translation or just badly written. Reads almost like a twelve year old with little skill wrote this. It hurt to struggle through this mess.
Great cover though. I don't recommend this book.

3/10
209 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2021
More of a soap opera with a little litrpg

The book has more drama and relationship angst than a day time soap opera. They kill maybe 20 monsters in the whole book. There is 1 small rift and no tower yet. The whole 400 page book revolves around a 4 part beginning quest. That is it. It is sooooooo slow. The book is more about relationship drama than action or litrpg. Go watch a real soap opera if that is your thing.
Profile Image for William Sullivan.
94 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2021
Wanted to like it

I enjoy the whole premise. Reborn In a new world, pissed off and looking for revenge. Has cultivation and tower climbing. But, the story just didn't work for me. Mc spends more time on romance than fighting, 100s of years old and a god lvl power in his prior life but can't seem to fight anything without taking lots of lumps. Story just seemed all over the place.
133 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2024
Very interesting start to a Lit RPG. The game is created by the gods and based in a modern world added to the fun and perspective.
Profile Image for Allan Miller.
17 reviews
March 22, 2021
This book was awful, do not read, needs a professional editor

This book reads like a bad Russian litrpg translation. None of the components are ever explained and the characters fall flat.
Profile Image for Akshay.
983 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2023
"Beginner Quest (Towers & Rifts, #1)" by Nephilim Night is a book that attempts to venture into the world of fantasy and adventure, but it does so with a sense of cynicism that may leave readers questioning the author's intent.

The story introduces us to a protagonist embarking on a fantasy quest in a world filled with magical towers and rifts. However, the book appears to adopt a cynical approach to the tropes and conventions of the fantasy genre. While a degree of genre deconstruction can be refreshing, "Beginner Quest" takes a more dismissive stance, bordering on satire. This approach may alienate readers who are seeking a genuine and immersive fantasy experience.

The characters in the story lack depth and dimension. The protagonist and supporting characters often feel like caricatures rather than fully developed individuals. This lack of character development leaves the reader with little emotional investment in the fates of the characters.

The narrative is plagued by pacing issues, as it frequently alternates between moments of action and long-winded digressions. While humor can be a valuable tool in storytelling, the cynical and derisive tone in this book often disrupts the flow of the narrative and detracts from the sense of adventure.

The writing style, while functional, fails to capture the sense of wonder and enchantment that is a hallmark of the fantasy genre. Descriptions are often minimal, and the world-building is underdeveloped, making it difficult for readers to fully engage with the fantastical setting.

In conclusion, "Beginner Quest (Towers & Rifts, #1)" is a fantasy novel that adopts a cynical approach to the genre, which may not be well-received by readers seeking a more sincere and immersive experience. While genre deconstruction and satire have their place, this book's execution may leave many readers feeling disconnected from the story and its characters. Those looking for a more genuine and captivating fantasy adventure may find this book lacking in the qualities that typically draw readers to the genre.
Profile Image for Clint Young.
849 reviews
May 16, 2021
Alert

“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”

By all accounts, this is a perfectly worded review. Unfortunately, some of our fellow readers are offended that I am not pouring my heart out and offering a detailed and intimate breakdown of my thoughts on the books. As such they have reported me to the authorities and I have been warned against continuing my bad behavior. I will not. So I may be banned. If so, it was a fun journey with you.

If I enjoy a book, my goal is to promote it and help the author by encouraging others to read it. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.

As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.

Cheers
10 reviews
March 9, 2021
Great start to new series

This story is a slow burn.... I don’t want to give away any spoilers. The author takes the time to build up the world the MC finds him self in. The author also builds on the character. The MC as well as the supporting cast is well developed.
This first book has some action but mainly focuses on the relationships revolving around the MC. If you want a straight up action packed read this is not the novel for you. It dose have a few fights, stat increasing and gamer stuff etc.... but that is not the main focus of this first book. This is just an entry into a new world along with the build of characters. I am sure future books will have more action now that the world and characters are well developed. Please don’t judge the book because is was not what you were expecting when you started to read it, judge this on how the author brings you into this interesting world and takes the time to really build on the characters.
Justin Davis
Houston, Texas
75 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2023
Mc is from a world of power rules, where murder and rape are open activities, and he gets flustered at watching girls wearing miniskirts, lol.
But that little amusing tidbit of mine, i can confidently say, the book is bad, it's not the "watching stuff burn , but can't stop watching", but more like "why is it so slow?, why are we wasting so much time on stupid forced love plot?, Why is nothing worth note happening?", But most importantly, there is no atmosphere, there is no urgency, there is no dread, no power fantasy, it's like a dairy entry of people surving with a slice of life mixed in it or some shit, and the whole tower part is just off, it's wierdly bland and sort of down to earth.
Profile Image for Joseph D..
Author 5 books3 followers
May 27, 2024
Book 1 of Towers and Rifts. This book was not as one would expect. This book has a very Asian feel to it and is one I will have to decide if I will continue. Language and adult situations would make this book inappropriate for young or sensitive readers. The killing is not kept to monsters alone and I do have to say I thought about stopping several times throughout the book. That said I would expect the author to get better in the series and so it will remain on my list of possibilities in the future. Unfortunately I cannot give this one a strong recommend, albeit the premise is good. ​

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Profile Image for Kelley.
710 reviews21 followers
April 17, 2021
It either needs a better translator or editing. (It feels like a bad translation) I actually enjoyed the story but I really had to dig for it. My husband was reading over my shoulder and stopped and asked me, “ Are you reading from the slush pile? Did someone actually hit the button for publish on it accidentally?” Yes, it is that poorly written. I really wanted to see how it ended and I probably will abuse my brain and read the next one.
Profile Image for John.
190 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2025
I listened to this for free on Audible, and I still feel like I overpaid.

MC is awoken in the spirit realm after 100 years and a day after his death. He goes into a dying man's body, saves himself, meets a girl, falls in love, system arrives, and he recruits some gangsters to his new sect.

Just about everyone dies in the final boss battle, either from the boss or the Green Dragon Club (who Sandro hires to kill everyone).

Then the gods bring them all back, but most of them leave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
319 reviews
September 6, 2025
NO SPOILERS

Beginner Quest by Nephilim Night was an interesting story with intriguing characters and concept. But my "complaint" is, the story moves too fast. Example: MC sees a lady for the first time and falls deeply in love with her right away. Actual love. Tells all others he will beat all of them if they mess with her - just after seeing her. That didn't work with me. Didn't feel earned. The rest of the story was compelling enough to finish the book.
164 reviews4 followers
March 7, 2021
A cool twist on the genre

So this is a slow Start but stick with it it gets amazing. There's a few in picture drawings like anime in the book which are super cool.The story is like a gang land mobster genre mixed with litprg. It is also set in a world like us. Makes it easier to connect to the story.
12 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2021
Cultivation RPG

A nice cultivation / rpg mix. Gaining levels and skills, cultivation to increase power. Starts a little slow, but picks up pace, and has some great combat scenes.
Throw in a dash of betrayal, and some romantic tensions, all combined for a solid read
Profile Image for George Hamel.
38 reviews
March 6, 2021
Nice and CRUNCHY!

A very nice addition to the LIT genre! An new body old soul! Let the conquest begin! Very appreciative of the crunch and explanations to the system as a first book.. time will tell what holds the future! Cannot waot for the second in the series!
Profile Image for michael hooper.
672 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2021
It's okay

The book held my interest but I am not sure that I will continue with the series. I have so many other books to read first. I might check back later. My advice is to check out the synopsis and make up your own mind.
4 reviews
March 22, 2021
A good start

A good start in setting up the world. Still a large amount of depth to be explored in the world, though the cultivation aspect of this book seemed a bit weak. Almost as if it was just thrown on top of another story and doesn’t have any true impact.
2 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2021
Very repetitive

The story basically followed the following formula: fight, use powers, almost die, whiny side characters, flip flopping lead femme interest character, eat food, bath time, smut scene. This repeated about 7 times. And that was the book.
9 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2021
A decent book with a promising premise

Very strong start, however, around the three quarters mark it became a little rushed and characters felt slightly inconsistent which became more significant as the book went on. On the whole though, it was still an enjoyable read
166 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2021
Good start

Enjoyed the concept with cultivation and gamelit. Good start and interested in more. Only thing I would say though is working on the dialogue between characters it just seems off and fake in a way
1 review
July 19, 2024
"Beginner Quest" is a failed attempt at LitRPG. Nephilim Night's debut falls short in nearly every aspect, leaving readers with a bland and forgettable experience. Save your XP and look for a different quest—this one isn't worth the grind.
670 reviews15 followers
March 2, 2021
Not very good

Started ok but went bad after a few chapters.The writer had a good idea at first but lost the thread of the story
2,429 reviews8 followers
March 15, 2021
Very good read

I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that likes litRPG and cultivation type of books.
Profile Image for Law Miller.
42 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2021
Good mix.

It is a mixture of cultivation and leveling so far neither overpowered the other. A balanced blend of powers make this an unusual book
376 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2021
Nicely done

Neat spin on the cultivation litrpg genre. I enjoyed the characters and the MC. No over the top op play and good development of the characters.
Profile Image for Grant Merrifield.
730 reviews16 followers
April 8, 2021
Good book

Good book ,good story.
Mad people are not loyal.
Love wolves.
Need a good axe.
Thank you night for letting me vist your world.
157 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2021
Good read

It gets convoluted and confusing at times and there are parts that don’t seem to make sense but all in all it’s a good read.
2,676 reviews70 followers
June 7, 2021
This is just boring.

The mechanics are dull, the characters are bland, the overall writing drags on and on. This was a chore to read and at no point was I engaged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews