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The Whispering Crystals #2
Unusual Enemies
Teamwork ain’t easy. Especially with your life on the line.
Emma made it out of Hub Two, but now she’s faced with the next set of Trials. And this time, they will ‘involve’ combat.
Whatever that’s supposed to mean.
Thankfully, she’s not going in alone. Instead, she’ll be facing the Trials together with her little gang of misfits, relying on them to pull their weight in life-or-death situations...
At least maybe they’ll keep her from taking any more stupid risks, right?
Not like they’re lacking in trouble as it is. After all, there are still many unanswered questions about the Realm of Crystals. All they have to go by is sparse information provided by the mysterious Artificial Intelligences linked to their eye-crystals.
But can those really be trusted to tell the truth?
Emma made it out of Hub Two, but now she’s faced with the next set of Trials. And this time, they will ‘involve’ combat.
Whatever that’s supposed to mean.
Thankfully, she’s not going in alone. Instead, she’ll be facing the Trials together with her little gang of misfits, relying on them to pull their weight in life-or-death situations...
At least maybe they’ll keep her from taking any more stupid risks, right?
Not like they’re lacking in trouble as it is. After all, there are still many unanswered questions about the Realm of Crystals. All they have to go by is sparse information provided by the mysterious Artificial Intelligences linked to their eye-crystals.
But can those really be trusted to tell the truth?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2021
257 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
H.C. Mills
16 books36 followersH.C. Mills is a Dutch author, who dabbles in acting and singing in musicals, and even (play)writing them. He used to teach physics and chemistry, and once represented his country in the 2008 International Biology Olympiad, but please don't hold that against him.
As a physics-nerd, H.C. Mills naturally gravitates to hard magic systems, but he also enjoys writing comedy and romance.
Like most authors worth their salt, he is a true sadist who takes pleasure in the mental anguish of his imaginary friends/brainchildren--or better yet, in making them cause their own suffering. He refuses to give them anything for free, but will usually leave a window cracked open for them somewhere, to escape whatever peril he plunges them in.
He's also a big fan of Tabletop RPG's, and can even be watched every Sunday, playing on the Pathfinder Livestream 'Rules as Fun' here: twitch.tv/rulesasfun
(Pathfinder is like D&D but with more choices and flavour)
Check out the first episode of the campaign here: youtu.be/watch?v=a5Vo5AVA4IA
Or sign up for his mailing list on his website: hcmillsofficial.com
As a physics-nerd, H.C. Mills naturally gravitates to hard magic systems, but he also enjoys writing comedy and romance.
Like most authors worth their salt, he is a true sadist who takes pleasure in the mental anguish of his imaginary friends/brainchildren--or better yet, in making them cause their own suffering. He refuses to give them anything for free, but will usually leave a window cracked open for them somewhere, to escape whatever peril he plunges them in.
He's also a big fan of Tabletop RPG's, and can even be watched every Sunday, playing on the Pathfinder Livestream 'Rules as Fun' here: twitch.tv/rulesasfun
(Pathfinder is like D&D but with more choices and flavour)
Check out the first episode of the campaign here: youtu.be/watch?v=a5Vo5AVA4IA
Or sign up for his mailing list on his website: hcmillsofficial.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 15, 2022
Team work makes the dream work!
Emma and Kaitlynn are so bloody cute. The Blue Dragons are such a great group and as complicated as all their levelling is, I love seeing them all getting stronger together. Plus, Emma and Kait! I dig'em.
Emma and Kaitlynn are so bloody cute. The Blue Dragons are such a great group and as complicated as all their levelling is, I love seeing them all getting stronger together. Plus, Emma and Kait! I dig'em.
March 21, 2023
This is second in an isekai LitRPG series that picks up right where the first left off. Read in order
So you know what you're getting from the first. Emma continues to be a powerhouse and the cornerstone of her team's combat successes. Because she's a little bit nuts, but also smart and tenacious. I continue to like the team, particularly Dave, the quiet and thoughtful healer.
I was proven right about the slow-burn romance and why it blindsides Emma. She's adamant about not being a lesbian for reasons she doesn't articulate but should have. However,
This one has a questionable development that bothered me more than a little because I've liked At any rate, this is a disappointment in a character I had, until then, come to like.
I'm going to go with four stars, though I nearly dropped it another for the cheese-ball ending. But I save that kind of thing for cliffhangers and other abominations, not simple pique.
A note about Chaste: Yeah, there's some making out but it doesn't go any farther. I really hope Mills isn't going to pull some stupid angst about "I'm not gay" in the next book. Being insistent about your sexuality when you aren't even breathing air any more seems more than a bit stupid and that goes double for a group that's supposedly made up of millennials.
So you know what you're getting from the first. Emma continues to be a powerhouse and the cornerstone of her team's combat successes. Because she's a little bit nuts, but also smart and tenacious. I continue to like the team, particularly Dave, the quiet and thoughtful healer.
I was proven right about the slow-burn romance and why it blindsides Emma. She's adamant about not being a lesbian for reasons she doesn't articulate but should have. However,
This one has a questionable development that bothered me more than a little because I've liked At any rate, this is a disappointment in a character I had, until then, come to like.
I'm going to go with four stars, though I nearly dropped it another for the cheese-ball ending. But I save that kind of thing for cliffhangers and other abominations, not simple pique.
A note about Chaste: Yeah, there's some making out but it doesn't go any farther. I really hope Mills isn't going to pull some stupid angst about "I'm not gay" in the next book. Being insistent about your sexuality when you aren't even breathing air any more seems more than a bit stupid and that goes double for a group that's supposedly made up of millennials.
May 14, 2025
I've never played Another Crabs Treasure, but I think this book gives a good indication of what it would be like.
July 11, 2024
I did enjoy this book. It continued the LitRPG progression fantasy combo. It is the kind of book though that drove me away from the genre in the first place. Not sure if it is more prevalent than the previous book or just reading the two back to back, but the grinding for stats thing is obnoxious. I think we spent more time in the book grinding stats than we did in any of the trials.
We spent more time with the group than before, so we got to know them all a little better. I'm still not sure why Emma finds Alec so antagonising, though it happened less this book. There's actually a lot more sympathy for the character after what happens in the first trial, though he kind of brings it on himself by being more concerned with the aesthetic of his powers and weapons than effectiveness. Dave continues to be a good leader, guiding everyone with gentle nudges. We definitely learn more about Jacob and he comes more fully into his own this book.
The romance between Emma and Kaitlynn continued to boil away under the plot going on. All the little winks and flirting, the coy glances and subtle touches. Everything comes to a head at the very end of the book, and is promptly swept under the rug as a yin yang attraction thing more than anything else. Though there are two other yangs in the group that are male and Emma isn't the least bit attracted to them, so it feels like a cop out and excuse to push off the homophobes for another book.
We spent more time with the group than before, so we got to know them all a little better. I'm still not sure why Emma finds Alec so antagonising, though it happened less this book. There's actually a lot more sympathy for the character after what happens in the first trial, though he kind of brings it on himself by being more concerned with the aesthetic of his powers and weapons than effectiveness. Dave continues to be a good leader, guiding everyone with gentle nudges. We definitely learn more about Jacob and he comes more fully into his own this book.
The romance between Emma and Kaitlynn continued to boil away under the plot going on. All the little winks and flirting, the coy glances and subtle touches. Everything comes to a head at the very end of the book, and is promptly swept under the rug as a yin yang attraction thing more than anything else. Though there are two other yangs in the group that are male and Emma isn't the least bit attracted to them, so it feels like a cop out and excuse to push off the homophobes for another book.
February 8, 2023
From reviews, I know that the romance starts picking up, but (as noted in my first review), I’m not a fan of the pairing. I do like the cast overall, just not what romance brings to the table since it’s incredibly distracting from the what I perceive as the real meat of the story, which is the world building, skill building, power ups. When you’re so intrigued by the magic, seeing your protagonist get lost in staring at her love interest and constantly getting distracted by how cute as a button she is, is incredibly jarring. Perhaps I’m just not in the age-group of getting interested in the teenaged/young adult drama style romance. Plus I don’t like the obvious attraction and the “but I’m straight” internal struggle - personal preference, but I'm reading the litrpg genre, not the romance/drama genre.
That’s not why I dropped the book, though. After the 4th Trial with the froggos, Emma’s AI does something that vaguely squicks me out (think what an AI inserted into your head, capable of messing around with you can do). It was quite jarring, since I was incredibly fond of Suri in the first place. I’m not sure whether I should continue, but given that I’m not invested in the main ship, my one of my favorite character is probably evil or has her own dubious motives, I probably won’t move forward with the books.
That’s not why I dropped the book, though. After the 4th Trial with the froggos, Emma’s AI does something that vaguely squicks me out (think what an AI inserted into your head, capable of messing around with you can do). It was quite jarring, since I was incredibly fond of Suri in the first place. I’m not sure whether I should continue, but given that I’m not invested in the main ship, my one of my favorite character is probably evil or has her own dubious motives, I probably won’t move forward with the books.
September 8, 2021
3 stars.
This second installment isn't nearly as engaging as the first. It feels like there are some sophomore slump issues, where the author had to press a bit and come up with some plot lines that will allow the story to be extended across many "seasons."
FI was particularly disappointed that combat becomes such a central part of this plot, as it takes a lot of time away from the character development that I enjoyed so much in the first place. I also found the LGBT themes a little bit distracting, as they don't really add that much interest at this point. Interesting skill development stagnates, and I'm not really sure that I understand the "system" that it's all working within.
Overall this is definitely recommended if you liked the first one, but we'll have to see how book 3 is.
This second installment isn't nearly as engaging as the first. It feels like there are some sophomore slump issues, where the author had to press a bit and come up with some plot lines that will allow the story to be extended across many "seasons."
FI was particularly disappointed that combat becomes such a central part of this plot, as it takes a lot of time away from the character development that I enjoyed so much in the first place. I also found the LGBT themes a little bit distracting, as they don't really add that much interest at this point. Interesting skill development stagnates, and I'm not really sure that I understand the "system" that it's all working within.
Overall this is definitely recommended if you liked the first one, but we'll have to see how book 3 is.
December 26, 2021
Another great book!
I still enjoy the characters and the storyline. I also love that we got a timeline for how long the trails will last. I can't wait to see the mystery of what this world looks like outside the framework of the trails. I also can't wait to see how the other people in this world change mentally to deal with the stress of this trails. I feel like a lot of them that survived will be cold blooded.
I still enjoy the characters and the storyline. I also love that we got a timeline for how long the trails will last. I can't wait to see the mystery of what this world looks like outside the framework of the trails. I also can't wait to see how the other people in this world change mentally to deal with the stress of this trails. I feel like a lot of them that survived will be cold blooded.
April 10, 2022
I really enjoyed the 2nd book in this series. We continue to follow Emma and the gang as they make their way through the next section of this world. Some things have gotten easier for them and other things more difficult. Lots of trials both as a team and individuals. As Emma continues to learn more about this strange world, she has to work to get herself and hopefully the others closer to home.
August 13, 2021
Another slam dunk!
I love the pace of these books. There is just the right amount of action while also appreciating the lulls in between where we learn new skillsand what the characters can do with them. This book definitely makes me wish I could play this world in a virtual video game!
I love the pace of these books. There is just the right amount of action while also appreciating the lulls in between where we learn new skillsand what the characters can do with them. This book definitely makes me wish I could play this world in a virtual video game!
January 18, 2023
Exciting read but...
Some stuff in this regarding Suri is mildly terrifying. The blooming attraction between Emma and Kat is funny and kinda concerning given the last revelation. The whole charm hiccup was hard to read, but I'm blaming Suri. I'm starting to come up with wild theories regarding the AIs.
Some stuff in this regarding Suri is mildly terrifying. The blooming attraction between Emma and Kat is funny and kinda concerning given the last revelation. The whole charm hiccup was hard to read, but I'm blaming Suri. I'm starting to come up with wild theories regarding the AIs.
June 2, 2021
Fun
A fun read with more world building and a deepening of the mystery of the new realm. Emma and friends overcome the new challenges and grow in power. I enjoyed it and hope you will too
A fun read with more world building and a deepening of the mystery of the new realm. Emma and friends overcome the new challenges and grow in power. I enjoyed it and hope you will too
February 18, 2022
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action. I read this book in one sitting.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action. I read this book in one sitting.
March 19, 2022
The addition of the team has highlighted the MC's worst characteristics.
The poor choices and lack of focus just turn this into a boring trip. The lack of severe consequences put the team into a suit of plot armour that takes away a good chunk of enjoyment.
The poor choices and lack of focus just turn this into a boring trip. The lack of severe consequences put the team into a suit of plot armour that takes away a good chunk of enjoyment.
April 16, 2023
Bit long
This one felt a bit drawn out in places and oddly lacking in others. It didn't flow as well as the 1st one for me. I still liked it, it just felt like a bit of a chore getting to the end.
This one felt a bit drawn out in places and oddly lacking in others. It didn't flow as well as the 1st one for me. I still liked it, it just felt like a bit of a chore getting to the end.
January 23, 2024
classic example of a decent plot spoiled by a horrible gay/feminist agenda. Nobody wants to read your coming out of a closet struggles wrapped up in a litrpg fantasy. if you wonder if the author ever rights the ship - she doesnt. The series is trash.
May 19, 2021
Just as fun as the first with more info and intrigue included. I’m sure I’m not the only one that was very happy with how this one ended and I eagerly await the next installment.
October 23, 2022
Magic system started to get confusing and characters started to get weird and annoying
December 25, 2022
I liked this one well enough. Nothing spectacular stood out in the book, but it was a good story, and I do plan to read the next one.
April 19, 2023
Again, a fun read! I still love Suri. The world-building is amazing. Feels like I'm watching it on the screen instead of reading it.
October 11, 2023
I loved this novel
Loved it
So Good
Loved it
So Good
October 5, 2024
Keep reading
Yep, I’m just gonna keep right on reading these books. Invested in the storyline and things just keep getting more interesting as they go on.
Yep, I’m just gonna keep right on reading these books. Invested in the storyline and things just keep getting more interesting as they go on.
September 21, 2025
Similar to first one, there was some funny bits, some odd info-dump type sections, and overall it was pretty decent.
November 10, 2025
Like it
this is the book 2 in a series of 6 I think. If you'll intersted in reading this series it's getting intersting so far.
this is the book 2 in a series of 6 I think. If you'll intersted in reading this series it's getting intersting so far.
December 26, 2024
-great book definitely amping up the momentum
-Writing is getting slightly better and I like the witty chapter titles
-The audiobook narrator is great and I’m flying through these books
-The voice she chose for the frog people was honestly so great & entertaining I loved it
-All the characters work so well together as a team - seems like these books are going to be a pattern of a hub + trials
-I fs thought Alec was going to die after losing his eye crystal but apparently u can just pop that shit right in basically
-I have a better understanding of the whole onkh and lavi thing now I think
-The way they have to build up their toughness to be able to sleep comfortably is lame tho I would’ve kms if I had to sleep on concrete every night
-Jacob is a real dick for almost abandoning them don’t really trust him that much anymore
-Suri’s sus now definitely not trusting her for the rest of this series
-Honestly I’m also going to just pretend like nothing physically changed about them bc I’m not imagining them w/ weird colored skin and horns and shit
-EMMA AND KAIT KISSED!! but it hasn’t gone anywhere yet
-Writing is getting slightly better and I like the witty chapter titles
-The audiobook narrator is great and I’m flying through these books
-The voice she chose for the frog people was honestly so great & entertaining I loved it
-All the characters work so well together as a team - seems like these books are going to be a pattern of a hub + trials
-I fs thought Alec was going to die after losing his eye crystal but apparently u can just pop that shit right in basically
-I have a better understanding of the whole onkh and lavi thing now I think
-The way they have to build up their toughness to be able to sleep comfortably is lame tho I would’ve kms if I had to sleep on concrete every night
-Jacob is a real dick for almost abandoning them don’t really trust him that much anymore
-Suri’s sus now definitely not trusting her for the rest of this series
-Honestly I’m also going to just pretend like nothing physically changed about them bc I’m not imagining them w/ weird colored skin and horns and shit
-EMMA AND KAIT KISSED!! but it hasn’t gone anywhere yet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews