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Engineering Ludus #1
Engineering Ludus
The battle between the forces of Order and the demons of the Infernal Realm has reached a critical point, and it seems like the good guys are on the verge of losing. Assisted by his fellow heroes, Kaelin Vildaste—Paladin to Vidris—is ready to risk it all for one last chance to save his world.
The first step is completed when he successfully infiltrates the camp of his mortal enemy, the Demon Lord Xazzon who commands the legions of fiends that have invaded their realm.
The second step is simple enough: slay the leader; send the monsters back to their world; save the day.
However, when the Demon Lord hears of the heroes’ arrival, he doesn’t hesitate and starts casting the teleportation spell that will get him out of there and to safety. Kaelin quickly realizes what’s going on and throws caution to the wind. He rushes towards the commander to put him down and bring an end to this war.
But when his blade plunges into the demon’s chest, killing him, the teleportation spell activates and Kaelin disappears in a flash of light. When he comes to, it is to find that he’s no longer in his world. As he’ll realize soon enough, on this strange planet, there are people with superpowers, not unlike the skills of the heroes of his world, but without the leveling up and the Soul Window to access and choose which power to upgrade.
If being sent to this odd and foreign world wasn’t already bad enough, as it turns out, the mortal enemy he thought he had killed, Xazzon, has also been transported to this world… Inside his own head!
The two adversaries will now have to share the same body and mental space, and fight for dominance. Each with their own goals and agenda; each with their own team and particular skill trees.
One for good, the other for evil. Each one of them a part of the Hero/Villain!
The first step is completed when he successfully infiltrates the camp of his mortal enemy, the Demon Lord Xazzon who commands the legions of fiends that have invaded their realm.
The second step is simple enough: slay the leader; send the monsters back to their world; save the day.
However, when the Demon Lord hears of the heroes’ arrival, he doesn’t hesitate and starts casting the teleportation spell that will get him out of there and to safety. Kaelin quickly realizes what’s going on and throws caution to the wind. He rushes towards the commander to put him down and bring an end to this war.
But when his blade plunges into the demon’s chest, killing him, the teleportation spell activates and Kaelin disappears in a flash of light. When he comes to, it is to find that he’s no longer in his world. As he’ll realize soon enough, on this strange planet, there are people with superpowers, not unlike the skills of the heroes of his world, but without the leveling up and the Soul Window to access and choose which power to upgrade.
If being sent to this odd and foreign world wasn’t already bad enough, as it turns out, the mortal enemy he thought he had killed, Xazzon, has also been transported to this world… Inside his own head!
The two adversaries will now have to share the same body and mental space, and fight for dominance. Each with their own goals and agenda; each with their own team and particular skill trees.
One for good, the other for evil. Each one of them a part of the Hero/Villain!
- GenresFantasy
673 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2021
103 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 2, 2021
Okay, here is the problem. . .
The writing is fine, the world is okay. The characters are boring and have no draw. Nothing here keeps me wanting to read more. They are not impressive, they are not interesting, they are not quirky. They are bland. It kills the book. This thing reads like a four star with one star characters. I was generous and rounded up.
The writing is fine, the world is okay. The characters are boring and have no draw. Nothing here keeps me wanting to read more. They are not impressive, they are not interesting, they are not quirky. They are bland. It kills the book. This thing reads like a four star with one star characters. I was generous and rounded up.
June 16, 2021
Treasure in the Delvers Universe
I picked up this gem of a book because I had read the anthology book and Riggs’ story was probably my favorite in the anthology (Sorry Blaise). There was a quaint but powerful energy to an engineer in a new environment trying to figure out how to survive - especially when he wasn’t lucky to be graced with the level of magic you can sometimes see in the Delvers world.
However, that isn’t to say he isn’t powerful. While not
Flashy, he quickly finds a use for a combination of
magical items, traps, and just maybe an orb of his own (you’ll have to read to find out!).
This culminates into this story which continues with our lead discovering life beyond survival, and discovering meaning. There’s a lot of world building in the environs this story is set, and a ton of characters introduced which change how you might think of some of the Magic’s in the Delvers universe.
There’s also an alchemist. A concept not fully explored before which sees some great action throughout the story.
And boy is there action. It feels like the natural extension of the Delvers universe even though it wasn’t written by Blaise, and delivers the kind of climatic battle you would expect from a seasoned author.
Loved it. Look forward to more.
I picked up this gem of a book because I had read the anthology book and Riggs’ story was probably my favorite in the anthology (Sorry Blaise). There was a quaint but powerful energy to an engineer in a new environment trying to figure out how to survive - especially when he wasn’t lucky to be graced with the level of magic you can sometimes see in the Delvers world.
However, that isn’t to say he isn’t powerful. While not
Flashy, he quickly finds a use for a combination of
magical items, traps, and just maybe an orb of his own (you’ll have to read to find out!).
This culminates into this story which continues with our lead discovering life beyond survival, and discovering meaning. There’s a lot of world building in the environs this story is set, and a ton of characters introduced which change how you might think of some of the Magic’s in the Delvers universe.
There’s also an alchemist. A concept not fully explored before which sees some great action throughout the story.
And boy is there action. It feels like the natural extension of the Delvers universe even though it wasn’t written by Blaise, and delivers the kind of climatic battle you would expect from a seasoned author.
Loved it. Look forward to more.
July 4, 2021
Nope
Sorry but even with the intro that was given could nwilot like the way this was written,something was off about the story could not like the main character at all!! Maybe because he was so unbelievably boring and not reall!! Could not relate to someone like him!
Sorry but even with the intro that was given could nwilot like the way this was written,something was off about the story could not like the main character at all!! Maybe because he was so unbelievably boring and not reall!! Could not relate to someone like him!
January 2, 2022
No matter what, at the end of the book I'm not continuing the series.
You would think with the author being self published, he would stay away from all the bad tropes and stupid cliches.
People approach him (the protagonist) from no where and try to kill him, he fights with all his will to survive, when he gets an advantage (i.e. they don't have their weapons anymore), he wants to let them go and thinks they won't come back for revenge. I hate reading this shit.
I don't know if it's the author's clumsy attempt of trying to make his protagonist appear human, by struggling with morality, but it's stupid.
He already did what he had to do at the start of the book, now (don't care if I spoiler) that woman he shot and made his sister hesitate from finishing off will come back to haunt him.
I'm fifty percent through the book. I thought it was named "Engineering Ludus"? Not "Socializing Ludus". The little bit of "engineering" so far isn't enough to make up for all the shit I read so far.
There is a reason I stopped reading books like these. I've read literal hundreds of similar books where the protagonist struggles through everything to show what it means to "be human". I can't stomach these tripe any longer.
I was right. It came back to haunt him, and for a book that has "engineering" in the title, that is hundreds of pages long, the amount of engineering done could fit on less than thirty pages.
I'm done with this series.
2.5/5 Stars
You would think with the author being self published, he would stay away from all the bad tropes and stupid cliches.
People approach him (the protagonist) from no where and try to kill him, he fights with all his will to survive, when he gets an advantage (i.e. they don't have their weapons anymore), he wants to let them go and thinks they won't come back for revenge. I hate reading this shit.
I don't know if it's the author's clumsy attempt of trying to make his protagonist appear human, by struggling with morality, but it's stupid.
He already did what he had to do at the start of the book, now (don't care if I spoiler) that woman he shot and made his sister hesitate from finishing off will come back to haunt him.
I'm fifty percent through the book. I thought it was named "Engineering Ludus"? Not "Socializing Ludus". The little bit of "engineering" so far isn't enough to make up for all the shit I read so far.
There is a reason I stopped reading books like these. I've read literal hundreds of similar books where the protagonist struggles through everything to show what it means to "be human". I can't stomach these tripe any longer.
I was right. It came back to haunt him, and for a book that has "engineering" in the title, that is hundreds of pages long, the amount of engineering done could fit on less than thirty pages.
I'm done with this series.
2.5/5 Stars
November 17, 2021
I forced myself to keep reading until I was 52% of the way through. The MC is ridiculously incompetent. Can’t be bothered to learn about the world he is in and so his one attempt at “engineering” is laughable (literally). Given the title, I was surprised at complete lack of meaningful engineering in the first half of the book. The MC does manage to make some effective traps early on but then it is like the author is embarrassed that his MC showed that much competency and goes out of his way to make certain the MC is a walking embarrassment whose only accomplishment thereafter is to find a job. The MC has an “orb” which gives him magical telekinesis but the MC doesn’t work to improve his magic, even after an earlier fight indicates improvement is possible. When a bounty on orb users is announced the MC has to be saved by others repeatedly, which would be fine if the MC had made any kind of attempt at self-improvement in the meantime, but, as the MC didn’t, all this story line does is point out how stupid and pathetic the MC is.
Bottom line: At 52% of the way through the story would have been more interesting if the MC died which pretty much means this is not a good book.
Bottom line: At 52% of the way through the story would have been more interesting if the MC died which pretty much means this is not a good book.
July 13, 2021
I love this book. It's a foundation book for a new series set in Blaise Corvin's Delvers universe but written by Steven Keiler. The setup is that Dolos, a fickle god, plucks individuals from a variety of other worlds and combines them on Ludus and watches what results. This novel revolves around Zac Riggs, a college engineering student, and the adventures and misadventures he has along with his Mo'hali clan-sister Gazra as they try to reestablish her clan that had been decimated by bandits. I love Keiler's voice and the way he has his characters interact. There were a few scenes where I was thinking that there was no way that the characters would survive. A world in which you can't even trust squirrels is a scary place indeed. But survive they did and along with a few friends picked up along the way, and a little semi-divine intervention, they create an excellent base for a hopefully long series of sequels.
October 11, 2021
A fun and fast read. I had not read other books set in this world and couldn't positively say I have read any other LitRPG books though I am now sad I have been missing out on both counts. I enjoyed learning about the characters and watching them grow as they explored Ludus. I especially valued the author's engineering view of Ludus as a central theme of the main character's development. The LitRPG aspect of the book took a little bit getting used to come directly over from traditional high fantasy and sci fi but I have to admit there were many aspects of this I really liked. One of those was that the main characters can make major mistakes and pay the price for those mistakes in ways you rarely see in high fantasy. I thought Steven did a good job crafting the story and was satisfied with the way he closed it out. I look forward to seeing more writing from this author after this excellent first novel.
August 15, 2022
This is an incredibly well-written, highly entertaining story. It is quite rare to find an indie author with such strong storytelling skills. The odd, meandering, disjointed writing that most indie authors produce is not present here at all. I wouldn't be surprised to see Steven Keiler become a famous, top rated sci-fi and fantasy author. I listened to the audiobook version and, the narration by Jeff Hays was outstanding. This is also the only book I've ever read that had the equivalent of a Marvel "post credits" scene. It's a riot.
October 31, 2021
Interesting
This is my first time reading a book that another author has written taking place in another authors world. And I have to say I’m impressed. This was definitely a ludus book. While I liked how the MC had to think to make his power set useful I felt like it was underused. His power works from his thoughts and he did a lot of thinking during fights that didn’t have him thinking about his power first. Overall a great book.
This is my first time reading a book that another author has written taking place in another authors world. And I have to say I’m impressed. This was definitely a ludus book. While I liked how the MC had to think to make his power set useful I felt like it was underused. His power works from his thoughts and he did a lot of thinking during fights that didn’t have him thinking about his power first. Overall a great book.
July 11, 2021
Surprisingly good 1st effort. I would have preferred a protagonist who considering his engineering background should have been a bit better at planning ahead, and more practical about accepting the necessity's of his new reality. But he did show a capacity to accept and adapt so I'm eagerly waiting for more.
Read
July 13, 2021Good!
Pretty good book! Good addition to the Ludus/Delvers LLC universe. Underpowered MC that uses his powers in a smart way to defeat his opponents. One vague mention of the Delvers and thats all so dont hope for a connection with the original books characters in this first book, maybe in the future?
Good amount of action, twists, and emotional scenes.
Pretty good book! Good addition to the Ludus/Delvers LLC universe. Underpowered MC that uses his powers in a smart way to defeat his opponents. One vague mention of the Delvers and thats all so dont hope for a connection with the original books characters in this first book, maybe in the future?
Good amount of action, twists, and emotional scenes.
May 22, 2022
A Good book
A am a big fan of Blaise's writing and Ludus. However when an author starts letting others write in his universe, it is usually time to find a new series.
That's not the case here, Steven does a great job developing his characters and story. I really enjoy ed this and look forward to reading his next book.
A am a big fan of Blaise's writing and Ludus. However when an author starts letting others write in his universe, it is usually time to find a new series.
That's not the case here, Steven does a great job developing his characters and story. I really enjoy ed this and look forward to reading his next book.
June 18, 2021
Great add on to Delvers LLC
Great story set in the Artifice Universe by Blaise Corvin. Steve does an amazing job writing for the world of Ludus. He has really captured the feel of the Delvers series. I can't wait for more of this story.
Great story set in the Artifice Universe by Blaise Corvin. Steve does an amazing job writing for the world of Ludus. He has really captured the feel of the Delvers series. I can't wait for more of this story.
June 19, 2021
Loved it
As a bibliophile kindle unlimited is my friend however despite reading 15 plus books a week , I don’t do a lot of reviews 2 or 3 year. I took the time to do this for this book, it’s not the finished article but shows a lot of potential, please follow through
As a bibliophile kindle unlimited is my friend however despite reading 15 plus books a week , I don’t do a lot of reviews 2 or 3 year. I took the time to do this for this book, it’s not the finished article but shows a lot of potential, please follow through
June 25, 2021
Entertaining Story
This story of a young man who was transported to Ludus and thinks he will make a fortune reinventing things finding out most of the other races are far ahead of humans was a interesting read. It’s just missing stats levels that Blaise used.
This story of a young man who was transported to Ludus and thinks he will make a fortune reinventing things finding out most of the other races are far ahead of humans was a interesting read. It’s just missing stats levels that Blaise used.
August 2, 2021
I’d love to read more
This was my introduction in Ludus universe. It intrigued me so much that I think I’m going to check out some of the other books in that universe to see what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
This was my introduction in Ludus universe. It intrigued me so much that I think I’m going to check out some of the other books in that universe to see what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 10, 2021
Interesting addition to the Ludus books
Excellent standalone book in the Dolos universe. I loved how it starts off lost and confused, then he stays that way throughout. I hope to read more of the Wayfarer Clan in the future.
Excellent standalone book in the Dolos universe. I loved how it starts off lost and confused, then he stays that way throughout. I hope to read more of the Wayfarer Clan in the future.
August 22, 2021
Clever play on deus machina
The book is well written and the characters are very enjoyable. The author is probably one of the best at both making fun of deus machina and using it in a satisfying fashion for reader. Definitely recommend
The book is well written and the characters are very enjoyable. The author is probably one of the best at both making fun of deus machina and using it in a satisfying fashion for reader. Definitely recommend
November 5, 2021
If I didn't know better, I'd have thought this was written by Corvin. It was nice to revisit Ludus and to expand the world, if only slightly. Honestly, I'll take what I can get, but this was better than expected.
January 31, 2022
Ludus
Steven Keller continues his short story Engineering Ludus with his novel Engineering Ludus set in Blaise Corvin's Ludus universe. Great story stayed very true to the universe great addition to the saga.
Steven Keller continues his short story Engineering Ludus with his novel Engineering Ludus set in Blaise Corvin's Ludus universe. Great story stayed very true to the universe great addition to the saga.
March 31, 2022
It's really refreshing to have a book where the main character isn't romantically involved with other protagonists especially the first one he meets. This book was a fun ride and I'd like to read a sequel but could also see how it could be a stand alone book.
June 18, 2021
Very good read in the Delivers LLC universe.
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who likes action and odd twists with magic and strange engineering.
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who likes action and odd twists with magic and strange engineering.
June 26, 2021
Well worth a read
I am glad to have picked this one up. It's nice to see another take on life on Ludus and it's people. Also glad to find another writer to follow.
I am glad to have picked this one up. It's nice to see another take on life on Ludus and it's people. Also glad to find another writer to follow.
June 27, 2021
Great addition to ludus
I really enjoyed this addition to Blaise Corvin's artifice universe. The mix of magic and engineering in addition to action and characters was perfect
I really enjoyed this addition to Blaise Corvin's artifice universe. The mix of magic and engineering in addition to action and characters was perfect
June 27, 2021
Great characters and action
No need to follow the previous stories. No harem. Great character relationships and surprisingly sweet. Well worth your time. Excelsior.
No need to follow the previous stories. No harem. Great character relationships and surprisingly sweet. Well worth your time. Excelsior.
June 27, 2021
Excellent job!
Love it! You have captured the essence of Ludus. The characters are looking great and the plotline is very interesting. I will gladly read more of your work.
Love it! You have captured the essence of Ludus. The characters are looking great and the plotline is very interesting. I will gladly read more of your work.
July 6, 2021
Excellent reading
A great story much more a fantasy one than a game litpg but was a nice change for me even if I am into game systems
A great story much more a fantasy one than a game litpg but was a nice change for me even if I am into game systems
August 5, 2021
I'm excited to see where this goes
I'm leaving a review because I want book 2, so if you're the author reading this, get to work my guy.
I'm leaving a review because I want book 2, so if you're the author reading this, get to work my guy.
August 28, 2021
Just great!
I have to say i love Ludas as a world so having a fresh exciting new adventure from a new perspective was awesome. Enjoy!
I have to say i love Ludas as a world so having a fresh exciting new adventure from a new perspective was awesome. Enjoy!
November 6, 2021
A worth addition to the main story.
This book was just the thing to tide me over while waiting for volume 5 of Delvers LLC. I look forward to a sequel.
This book was just the thing to tide me over while waiting for volume 5 of Delvers LLC. I look forward to a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews