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Shaman's Call #1
Frostburn
Frank never planned for the afterlife. Heck he didn't even believe in that, certainly not one controlled by an AI.
After failing to read the small print in his contract, Frank finds himself stuck in a new world as an ogre shaman. The only thing worse than trying to talk an ogre is their food, and Frank is desperate to leave.
The AI’s system commands this new world, and Frank is at its mercy. Taken from his life to fulfill a role he doesn't understand, Frank soon suspects he’s not in a game at all, but something for more dangerous.
If Frank’s suspicions are true, it means this world needs saving, but he never signed up to be anyone's hero. The ogres think Frank is some kind of messiah while the humans think he is XP walking. All Frank wants is to explore and make the best of his new reality; maybe even find someone who can string together more than three words to hang out with.
Instead he finds himself stuck between powers beyond him in a struggle for the fate of not just one world.
This story features a unique monster MC. There is fantasy violence, character sheets, levels, and XP. It is single PoV and has no harem elements.
After failing to read the small print in his contract, Frank finds himself stuck in a new world as an ogre shaman. The only thing worse than trying to talk an ogre is their food, and Frank is desperate to leave.
The AI’s system commands this new world, and Frank is at its mercy. Taken from his life to fulfill a role he doesn't understand, Frank soon suspects he’s not in a game at all, but something for more dangerous.
If Frank’s suspicions are true, it means this world needs saving, but he never signed up to be anyone's hero. The ogres think Frank is some kind of messiah while the humans think he is XP walking. All Frank wants is to explore and make the best of his new reality; maybe even find someone who can string together more than three words to hang out with.
Instead he finds himself stuck between powers beyond him in a struggle for the fate of not just one world.
This story features a unique monster MC. There is fantasy violence, character sheets, levels, and XP. It is single PoV and has no harem elements.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 2, 2021
What's gooder than a 2-worlds GameLit? A 3-worlds!
So this starts as a common dead & uploaded litrpg story. Boy gets VR gear, boy joins beta for evil corp., boy is killed and digitized to become "hybrid AI" driving NPC monsters in-game.
The monsters are ogres and our boy is the chosen one, an Oni who can cast fire spells. (Ogres can't do fire, whatever.)
There's some time pressure, since his "integration" with the system is climbing, and when it gets high enough, he beds.es part of the AI, presumably dissolving his personality.
But wait! There's an intrusion from another world! This is actually a 2-worlds story, with the evil intruders offering our boy a way out, if he undertakes to destroy the existing system.
Much tension! So drama!
Turns out it takes about half a novel for our boy to become the strongest ogre. Odd, since ogres are all about strength.
But wait! Because the evil bad guy that cleaned up our dead hero's apartment is now banging his sister! And she is converting him from evil wallet-stealing stooge to wholesome sister-banging brother-in-law. Mushy mushy! Such romance!
But evil Mr. Smiths from the intruder dimension are here, too! The 2-worlds story is now a 3-worlds story! Much mystery! Such drama!
I now have much lower expectations for this series. The whole player-as-NPC line turns out to be a lie. That story arc simply becomes a reputation disad - he's an ogre, nobody likes him, -3000 rep, move along. We're left with the story devolving into some kind of cross-worlds spy thriller, with fantasy combat elements.
I liked the story well enough as a stand-alone book to give it 4 stars. But the blurb is a lie, and the story I wanted to read was glossed over in one night of exp grinding, and I'm left with the curse of the genre: given a VR fantasy world where anything is possible, authors immediately give up and write 2-worlds trash where the solo player is crushed under the evil corp. (Which I see on the news every day, so I don't need to read about it, thanks!)
Technically, this book is decent. There are a few typographic errors, and some homophone errors (they're/their/there), but not too many, and you can pick up the intent. There are also some missing word errors. I think a freely available spelling/grammar checker should get most of these, so shame on whoever for not hitting F7!
Overall, I advise caution on this book. If you're a fan of the Russian school of 2-worlds stories, you might enjoy the series that must surely be coming. If you're not (as I am not), then give this a miss.
So this starts as a common dead & uploaded litrpg story. Boy gets VR gear, boy joins beta for evil corp., boy is killed and digitized to become "hybrid AI" driving NPC monsters in-game.
The monsters are ogres and our boy is the chosen one, an Oni who can cast fire spells. (Ogres can't do fire, whatever.)
There's some time pressure, since his "integration" with the system is climbing, and when it gets high enough, he beds.es part of the AI, presumably dissolving his personality.
But wait! There's an intrusion from another world! This is actually a 2-worlds story, with the evil intruders offering our boy a way out, if he undertakes to destroy the existing system.
Much tension! So drama!
Turns out it takes about half a novel for our boy to become the strongest ogre. Odd, since ogres are all about strength.
But wait! Because the evil bad guy that cleaned up our dead hero's apartment is now banging his sister! And she is converting him from evil wallet-stealing stooge to wholesome sister-banging brother-in-law. Mushy mushy! Such romance!
But evil Mr. Smiths from the intruder dimension are here, too! The 2-worlds story is now a 3-worlds story! Much mystery! Such drama!
I now have much lower expectations for this series. The whole player-as-NPC line turns out to be a lie. That story arc simply becomes a reputation disad - he's an ogre, nobody likes him, -3000 rep, move along. We're left with the story devolving into some kind of cross-worlds spy thriller, with fantasy combat elements.
I liked the story well enough as a stand-alone book to give it 4 stars. But the blurb is a lie, and the story I wanted to read was glossed over in one night of exp grinding, and I'm left with the curse of the genre: given a VR fantasy world where anything is possible, authors immediately give up and write 2-worlds trash where the solo player is crushed under the evil corp. (Which I see on the news every day, so I don't need to read about it, thanks!)
Technically, this book is decent. There are a few typographic errors, and some homophone errors (they're/their/there), but not too many, and you can pick up the intent. There are also some missing word errors. I think a freely available spelling/grammar checker should get most of these, so shame on whoever for not hitting F7!
Overall, I advise caution on this book. If you're a fan of the Russian school of 2-worlds stories, you might enjoy the series that must surely be coming. If you're not (as I am not), then give this a miss.
November 26, 2021
This is one ogre who's swamp you will definitely want to stay in!
As with a lot of the genre, this hop starts with our MC exiting his mortal coil and uploading into what is, on the surface, a VR game. Major plot point 1 is that, he has seemingly been murdered by the company he was testing the game for. We never learn exactly why this is, but Frank has a lot of other worries on his mind. Can he resist being taken over by the AI? Can he stop scratching his butt? Because ogres are programmed to do it incessantly. And can he manage to group up and make friends with human players as an ogre NPC? Only time will tell. And then things start to take a really interesting turn. Frank and the game are more than they seem, and there are things going on out of sight that are going to have a definite impact on Frank and his new world. One of the better VR based gamelit books I've read lately. I can absolutely recommend. 10/10 for some ogre loving fun! And no. Not like that! ;)
As with a lot of the genre, this hop starts with our MC exiting his mortal coil and uploading into what is, on the surface, a VR game. Major plot point 1 is that, he has seemingly been murdered by the company he was testing the game for. We never learn exactly why this is, but Frank has a lot of other worries on his mind. Can he resist being taken over by the AI? Can he stop scratching his butt? Because ogres are programmed to do it incessantly. And can he manage to group up and make friends with human players as an ogre NPC? Only time will tell. And then things start to take a really interesting turn. Frank and the game are more than they seem, and there are things going on out of sight that are going to have a definite impact on Frank and his new world. One of the better VR based gamelit books I've read lately. I can absolutely recommend. 10/10 for some ogre loving fun! And no. Not like that! ;)
March 27, 2023
This is the first LPGLit I've really gotten into.
Of the half-dozen I've tried, Sean's Shaman series really captured my attention. Story progression feels natural and gaming stats are integrated at just the right level for me. I tend to get turned off when big chunks of writing is dedicated to testing out new skills or playing around with the system interface.
This series presents more of a hybrid approach (almost like a Hybrid Integration :-) where we learn about skills, abilities, spells, etc in a balanced way through the system stats and actual combat/quests. Nicely done. I'll be reading the rest of the series.
Of the half-dozen I've tried, Sean's Shaman series really captured my attention. Story progression feels natural and gaming stats are integrated at just the right level for me. I tend to get turned off when big chunks of writing is dedicated to testing out new skills or playing around with the system interface.
This series presents more of a hybrid approach (almost like a Hybrid Integration :-) where we learn about skills, abilities, spells, etc in a balanced way through the system stats and actual combat/quests. Nicely done. I'll be reading the rest of the series.
April 9, 2022
a unique new adventure for the genre
So I loved this book. I love litrpg as one of my favourite genres but I love books with a new take on the genre more as it keeps things fresh to me and means books are surprising and don't get repetitive no matter whose writing it.
Sean does this with this book and the watchers series.
A human who is made a part ai hybrid that can't let on he's human in game is a different take on things.
I also like connections with the real world I hope you will try it out
So I loved this book. I love litrpg as one of my favourite genres but I love books with a new take on the genre more as it keeps things fresh to me and means books are surprising and don't get repetitive no matter whose writing it.
Sean does this with this book and the watchers series.
A human who is made a part ai hybrid that can't let on he's human in game is a different take on things.
I also like connections with the real world I hope you will try it out
September 29, 2021
Terrific new monster-centric series from a great author
A departure from the creator of the watcher series, which is an excellent family portal series. In this book a player find himself taking up the mantle of an NPC ogre, and using that status to transform his tribe. All of this takes place against an increasingly mysterious backdrop that hints much more is going on behind the Scenes.
A departure from the creator of the watcher series, which is an excellent family portal series. In this book a player find himself taking up the mantle of an NPC ogre, and using that status to transform his tribe. All of this takes place against an increasingly mysterious backdrop that hints much more is going on behind the Scenes.
February 21, 2022
KU Review
Start to finish, I didn’t put it down. Going to start book two as soon as I’m done with this review. That’s my idea of a good story.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Start to finish, I didn’t put it down. Going to start book two as soon as I’m done with this review. That’s my idea of a good story.
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
September 30, 2021
Caught me off guard
I wasn't expecting what I got. This is now a series I have to read to the end. I am hooked. I did not expect the story I found when I decided to read this book.Such an amazing read.
I wasn't expecting what I got. This is now a series I have to read to the end. I am hooked. I did not expect the story I found when I decided to read this book.Such an amazing read.
October 1, 2021
Good story start
Well written, complex system, and great characters. Add in the sweet twists throughout the story and an overall thread that will tie different books together with just tantalizing morsels of hints, I can say I’m really looking forward to the next few books.
Well written, complex system, and great characters. Add in the sweet twists throughout the story and an overall thread that will tie different books together with just tantalizing morsels of hints, I can say I’m really looking forward to the next few books.
October 1, 2021
Surprising Intriguing
This was a great take on the trapped inside a game trope. The underlying hints of something even greater going on is quite intriguing. There's a few small spelling and grammar issues but honestly the book was enjoyable enough to just ignore them.
This was a great take on the trapped inside a game trope. The underlying hints of something even greater going on is quite intriguing. There's a few small spelling and grammar issues but honestly the book was enjoyable enough to just ignore them.
October 9, 2021
Awesome beginning
Love the ogre shenanegans and the new approach to the stuck in the game dynamic. The layers of mystery also ad a nice touch and keep you windering what's actually going on behind the digital curtain.
Love the ogre shenanegans and the new approach to the stuck in the game dynamic. The layers of mystery also ad a nice touch and keep you windering what's actually going on behind the digital curtain.
October 13, 2021
Great start
Got this book as I was really impressed by Sean's other litrpg series. Great start to this one , can't wait for the next part of this series to come out. Highly recommend
Got this book as I was really impressed by Sean's other litrpg series. Great start to this one , can't wait for the next part of this series to come out. Highly recommend
October 31, 2021
A great read!
The world building, characters, and monters were intriguing and kept me coming back for more. If you looking for an enjoyable read with unexpected plot twists then look no further.
The world building, characters, and monters were intriguing and kept me coming back for more. If you looking for an enjoyable read with unexpected plot twists then look no further.
June 13, 2022
Interesting but
I was enjoying the story, but not the hidden mystery.. it felt unnecessary for the story line. I only read to the 93% mark i had been struggling to care since the darkness took... then I stopped caring what happened next.
I was enjoying the story, but not the hidden mystery.. it felt unnecessary for the story line. I only read to the 93% mark i had been struggling to care since the darkness took... then I stopped caring what happened next.
January 4, 2024
Interesting take
Great POV change for MC and unique twist on level progression and skill development. Good character development and a very interesting set up for next book in series.
Great POV change for MC and unique twist on level progression and skill development. Good character development and a very interesting set up for next book in series.
October 3, 2021
Has potential
I just once wanna see a gamer mentality in mean the impulsive, selfish, dam conscious ..etc still looking
This book is entertaining 👍
I just once wanna see a gamer mentality in mean the impulsive, selfish, dam conscious ..etc still looking
This book is entertaining 👍
October 11, 2021
Awesome story
I’m not going into any details just go read this book it’s awesome
And will keep you entertained every minute seriously go read this book!
I’m not going into any details just go read this book it’s awesome
And will keep you entertained every minute seriously go read this book!
October 11, 2021
Human turns Ogre
Great story. I haven't read one like this. Only disappointment, the sequel is not done yet.
I can't wait. Try it, not the same old upgrade story.
Great story. I haven't read one like this. Only disappointment, the sequel is not done yet.
I can't wait. Try it, not the same old upgrade story.
October 13, 2021
Much better than I expected
Great start to a new concept\series MC is a bit OP but not to the point that's it's too much. I am excited to see where the story goes from here.
Great start to a new concept\series MC is a bit OP but not to the point that's it's too much. I am excited to see where the story goes from here.
October 15, 2021
Good book
I enjoyed the book there is some good underlining mystery. It is also clean and doesn't have any profanity that I can remember.
I enjoyed the book there is some good underlining mystery. It is also clean and doesn't have any profanity that I can remember.
October 20, 2021
Engaging work
A story that kept getting better. A decent stopping point at the end (not a cliffhanger) — but it definitely left me excited for the second book.
A story that kept getting better. A decent stopping point at the end (not a cliffhanger) — but it definitely left me excited for the second book.
October 21, 2021
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG type of books with lots of action.
October 27, 2021
A surprising twist to LITRPG
A nice different story for those who love this genre. I liked the many different aspects of the characters and the story.
A nice different story for those who love this genre. I liked the many different aspects of the characters and the story.
January 1, 2022
Good book
I really like this book. Very interesting word and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I really like this book. Very interesting word and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
January 10, 2022
Mediocre
While this story seemed to have potential, ultimately it was wasted trying to be to many things. The hodgepodge of directions the story goes leaves it in a mediocre state.
While this story seemed to have potential, ultimately it was wasted trying to be to many things. The hodgepodge of directions the story goes leaves it in a mediocre state.
October 30, 2022
Enjoyable read,
May 30, 2025
I didn't think this would be as interesting as it was.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews