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Godguild #1
The Crypt Lord's Call
If Hell is full, where do the sinners go?
Theodore Goss is minding his own damn business when humanity's time runs out. Everyone is shunted off to Godguild, a new universe filled with magic, monsters, and stats, where the afterlife is determined by progression. It's not about being good anymore, or even being strong. All that matters is being at the top
Hard though it is, Theo plays along as an Afterlifer, determined to make it to paradise eventually. But when a vicious guild drags him into a skeletal dungeon run, Theo realizes the monsters have it much worse than him.
Theo helps the surviving skeletons build a new home. To ensure their continued survival, however, Theo needs to navigate the minefield of unfriendly mobs, monsters of every shape and eldritch size, and of course, Hell itself peeking in at the edges, all while plumbing the secrets Godguild is hiding
It's going to take more than levelling up to make it in this cruel world, and Theo is just the guy to go above and beyond.
Godguild is a LitRPG series where the protagonist brings intelligent mobs to his side by hook or by crook, all to take the fight to the system. With a healthy helping of crafting, base-building, and survival elements, it's perfect for readers of Epic Fantasy and Gamelit, and for fans of Dragon Age, Guild Wars, and Dungeons and Dragons.
Survival? Maybe for now. But Theo is coming for Godguild itself.
Theodore Goss is minding his own damn business when humanity's time runs out. Everyone is shunted off to Godguild, a new universe filled with magic, monsters, and stats, where the afterlife is determined by progression. It's not about being good anymore, or even being strong. All that matters is being at the top
Hard though it is, Theo plays along as an Afterlifer, determined to make it to paradise eventually. But when a vicious guild drags him into a skeletal dungeon run, Theo realizes the monsters have it much worse than him.
Theo helps the surviving skeletons build a new home. To ensure their continued survival, however, Theo needs to navigate the minefield of unfriendly mobs, monsters of every shape and eldritch size, and of course, Hell itself peeking in at the edges, all while plumbing the secrets Godguild is hiding
It's going to take more than levelling up to make it in this cruel world, and Theo is just the guy to go above and beyond.
Godguild is a LitRPG series where the protagonist brings intelligent mobs to his side by hook or by crook, all to take the fight to the system. With a healthy helping of crafting, base-building, and survival elements, it's perfect for readers of Epic Fantasy and Gamelit, and for fans of Dragon Age, Guild Wars, and Dungeons and Dragons.
Survival? Maybe for now. But Theo is coming for Godguild itself.
- GenresFantasy
779 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2021
93 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 13, 2022
Read the full review at my substack
I read this book as part of SPFBO 8, but this review is my individual opinion, and not the opinion of the panel I am part of.
The Crypt Lord’s Call has an interesting take on the LitRPG genre, but It doesn’t go far enough. What if, instead of clearing dungeons, you feel sorry for the mobs and feel that the game/system/life is unfair to them.
I liked the setting as well as the side characters. Many of these supporting characters are interesting, with decent character development throughout. The main character feels generic - think Roddy Piper from They Live, the template for almost all action heroes in video games and urban fantasy ever since.
Read the full review at my substack
I read this book as part of SPFBO 8, but this review is my individual opinion, and not the opinion of the panel I am part of.
The Crypt Lord’s Call has an interesting take on the LitRPG genre, but It doesn’t go far enough. What if, instead of clearing dungeons, you feel sorry for the mobs and feel that the game/system/life is unfair to them.
I liked the setting as well as the side characters. Many of these supporting characters are interesting, with decent character development throughout. The main character feels generic - think Roddy Piper from They Live, the template for almost all action heroes in video games and urban fantasy ever since.
Read the full review at my substack
May 10, 2022
No.
I can't.
Everything that annoys me about LitRPG is in full force here.
No time for that.
I can't.
Everything that annoys me about LitRPG is in full force here.
No time for that.
January 4, 2022
See full review on my blog
The Crypt Lord's Call was my introduction to the LitRPG genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Theo (also known as: Teddy, Not Teddy, Theodore, Crypt Lord) wakes up after seeing some mysterious letters in the sky and finds himself in the Afterlife, forced to participate in an RPG-like System. Step 1: Get some food and clothing. Step 2: Join a guild's welcoming party. Step 3: Be invited to the guild. Step 4: Reject the guild's invitation, instead allying himself with local mobs because the System seems damn unfair. Wait, that doesn't sound right, does it? And things only get crazier from there.
As you may expect from its premise, The Crypt Lord's Call doesn't take itself seriously at all. Expect constant puns in ability names like [Rad the Impaler] and mobs like [Orcerer], along with pop culture references to everything from internet memes to *Lord of the Rings*. The System, responsible for the game-interface elements of the story, is given a snarky, sarcastic attitude that usually insults the user:
Theo (also known as: Teddy, Not Teddy, Theodore, Crypt Lord) is our protagonist and narrator, and his first-person voice is often similarly snarky, but his tone and dialogue sometimes go over the top and head into the realm of dislikeability; he continually refers to other characters as "stupid" or "lazy" for seemingly no reason or phrases questions like "the hell is that?" despite his being described early on as a supposedly good character.
It's unclear whether this characterization is a deliberate choice to cast Theo as dislikeable; an unintentional consequence of the book's overall tone; or a specific plot point because Theo's sector feeds on the energy of Hell. If it's the last one, that's awesome! I can't wait to find out more in a future book! However, because there's no indication of anything like that so far, I'm suspecting one of the first two reasons, which brought down my rating of the book a bit.
One other thing to note about this novel is that there is a LOT of fighting described in specific detail. As this is my first LitRPG novel, I'm not sure how it compares to others in the genre. If you're here for that, you'll have a great time! I'm personally not so into protracted battle scenes, but a side effect of the LitRPG framing device is that every extended battle scene conveniently ends in a visual Mob Defeated indicator, so if you start to skim the battle scenes a bit (which I did less than I might have otherwise because I had agreed to proofread), you will in no way miss out on the plot, which is what I was primarily interested in.
Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable debut novel. I'm definitely going to read the sequel (and not only because it counts for Hard Mode Bingo!). It's also sold me on LitRPG as a genre; I have many things on my TBR list, but I'm for sure going to seek out more LitRPG in the future. The video-game-esque progression is actually quite enjoyable in literary form, and - especially if you enjoy watching video game or esports streams - if you've never read anything in this genre I highly encourage you to do so!
Note: While reading this book, I noticed a number of typos and grammar mistakes. Because it was a self-published ebook, I figured I'd reach out to the author to see if he wanted me to send him a full list of errors I found, which he did, so I sent him that list. I don't hold typos and grammar errors against a self-published book, especially a debut novel, and this review isn't influenced by the fact that I corresponded with the author. And every mistake I found should now be corrected (at least in the ebook version), so you shouldn't hold this against the book either!
See full review on my blog
The Crypt Lord's Call was my introduction to the LitRPG genre, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Theo (also known as: Teddy, Not Teddy, Theodore, Crypt Lord) wakes up after seeing some mysterious letters in the sky and finds himself in the Afterlife, forced to participate in an RPG-like System. Step 1: Get some food and clothing. Step 2: Join a guild's welcoming party. Step 3: Be invited to the guild. Step 4: Reject the guild's invitation, instead allying himself with local mobs because the System seems damn unfair. Wait, that doesn't sound right, does it? And things only get crazier from there.
As you may expect from its premise, The Crypt Lord's Call doesn't take itself seriously at all. Expect constant puns in ability names like [Rad the Impaler] and mobs like [Orcerer], along with pop culture references to everything from internet memes to *Lord of the Rings*. The System, responsible for the game-interface elements of the story, is given a snarky, sarcastic attitude that usually insults the user:
You’ve encountered a [Goblin: Chieftain]. To become a Chieftain of the Goblins takes years of dedication and hard work. Or one night’s worth of savage massacre and bloodshed that makes veteran Berserkers throw up yesterday’s breakfast. You’re screwed.
Theo (also known as: Teddy, Not Teddy, Theodore, Crypt Lord) is our protagonist and narrator, and his first-person voice is often similarly snarky, but his tone and dialogue sometimes go over the top and head into the realm of dislikeability; he continually refers to other characters as "stupid" or "lazy" for seemingly no reason or phrases questions like "the hell is that?" despite his being described early on as a supposedly good character.
It's unclear whether this characterization is a deliberate choice to cast Theo as dislikeable; an unintentional consequence of the book's overall tone; or a specific plot point because Theo's sector feeds on the energy of Hell. If it's the last one, that's awesome! I can't wait to find out more in a future book! However, because there's no indication of anything like that so far, I'm suspecting one of the first two reasons, which brought down my rating of the book a bit.
One other thing to note about this novel is that there is a LOT of fighting described in specific detail. As this is my first LitRPG novel, I'm not sure how it compares to others in the genre. If you're here for that, you'll have a great time! I'm personally not so into protracted battle scenes, but a side effect of the LitRPG framing device is that every extended battle scene conveniently ends in a visual Mob Defeated indicator, so if you start to skim the battle scenes a bit (which I did less than I might have otherwise because I had agreed to proofread), you will in no way miss out on the plot, which is what I was primarily interested in.
Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable debut novel. I'm definitely going to read the sequel (and not only because it counts for Hard Mode Bingo!). It's also sold me on LitRPG as a genre; I have many things on my TBR list, but I'm for sure going to seek out more LitRPG in the future. The video-game-esque progression is actually quite enjoyable in literary form, and - especially if you enjoy watching video game or esports streams - if you've never read anything in this genre I highly encourage you to do so!
Note: While reading this book, I noticed a number of typos and grammar mistakes. Because it was a self-published ebook, I figured I'd reach out to the author to see if he wanted me to send him a full list of errors I found, which he did, so I sent him that list. I don't hold typos and grammar errors against a self-published book, especially a debut novel, and this review isn't influenced by the fact that I corresponded with the author. And every mistake I found should now be corrected (at least in the ebook version), so you shouldn't hold this against the book either!
See full review on my blog
January 15, 2022
I Tried
I just couldn't care less for the MC or any of the supporting characters. The MC goes from fighting a pig, prevailing narrowly, to killing 4 moments later, I just don't understand how his combat skills are so exceptional. He doesn't train, he kills enemies with their own weapons numerous times. I just dont understand, plenty of time for unnecessary cursing but not a whole lot of character development.
I just couldn't care less for the MC or any of the supporting characters. The MC goes from fighting a pig, prevailing narrowly, to killing 4 moments later, I just don't understand how his combat skills are so exceptional. He doesn't train, he kills enemies with their own weapons numerous times. I just dont understand, plenty of time for unnecessary cursing but not a whole lot of character development.
April 10, 2023
Okay here's the thing with this book it had the potential to be very good the concept was interesting and at first I was very intrigued with how it was going to play out, unfortunately, it got lost very quickly. The overly repetitive and redundant phrasing is clearly just word count fluffing and man was it annoying. For instance, when the main character picks up anything at all the author wrote In the system asking if he wanted to put it in inventory come on it's an implied yes every time there's no reason to repeat it in a book a million times like what's the main character going to do carry around everything in his hands NO he's going to put it in his inventory it's that simple. In the long run, the book seems to focus on stats and what was in the character's inventory and the story was just kind of on the sidelines instead of the other way around.
May 21, 2025
This is the fastest open and shut in all my life. Judge by yourself:
" MORTALS. Your time in this plane of exis-
tence has ended. You have been found GUILTY.
You cheat, lie, steal, murder, on and on in an
endless cycle. You are all WORTHLESS.
Your civilization has been judged unworthy of this life.
Heaven lies barren, and Hell is full near to
bursting. Therefore, you will all now be
REMOVED. A new system will be set in place,
one that will force you onwards to greatness. A system called Godguild. No longer will you be judged by morals or the righteousness of your actions. In the new world, the Afterlife will open its doors to only those who succeed. Who persevere. Who chase victory and prominence above all else. In this new world, only the powerful will find life after death.
Your time ends, and begins
Now. "
" MORTALS. Your time in this plane of exis-
tence has ended. You have been found GUILTY.
You cheat, lie, steal, murder, on and on in an
endless cycle. You are all WORTHLESS.
Your civilization has been judged unworthy of this life.
Heaven lies barren, and Hell is full near to
bursting. Therefore, you will all now be
REMOVED. A new system will be set in place,
one that will force you onwards to greatness. A system called Godguild. No longer will you be judged by morals or the righteousness of your actions. In the new world, the Afterlife will open its doors to only those who succeed. Who persevere. Who chase victory and prominence above all else. In this new world, only the powerful will find life after death.
Your time ends, and begins
Now. "
February 24, 2022
loved it for the most part (small spoiler)
Love the mc - side characters neat world, fun system awesome world!
My one and only complaint would be the lancer class… a lance is not a weapon used bye foot soldiers or frontline fighters it is exclusively a mounted cavalry weapon… (at least as fare as I’m aware) besides that bothering my ocd the book was fantastic and I will be reading book 2
Love the mc - side characters neat world, fun system awesome world!
My one and only complaint would be the lancer class… a lance is not a weapon used bye foot soldiers or frontline fighters it is exclusively a mounted cavalry weapon… (at least as fare as I’m aware) besides that bothering my ocd the book was fantastic and I will be reading book 2
May 20, 2022
OP Isekai
The Isekai theme at the start seemed to me as if the author wanted to get it done and over without your usual character building. MC and most of the supporting cast don't have too much of character depth but like most of newer litrpg it compensates with jam packed action. Looking forward to seeing how the series progress since story line if expanded upon well.has good potential.
The Isekai theme at the start seemed to me as if the author wanted to get it done and over without your usual character building. MC and most of the supporting cast don't have too much of character depth but like most of newer litrpg it compensates with jam packed action. Looking forward to seeing how the series progress since story line if expanded upon well.has good potential.
August 29, 2022
I tried to like this book, but it was just awful. Excessive fight-scenes written by someone who doesn't know how to use or write fight-scenes. A 'plot' with depth of a puddle. Characters who are written to be 'cool' if a loser who spends too much time on the internet gets to define 'cool'.
This author is going to need a lot more practice before they are a good writer.
This author is going to need a lot more practice before they are a good writer.
October 20, 2021
Really fun and interesting
Had a great time with this book, really looking forward to a sequel
Main character does a great job rolling with the punches and tries to out think his problems more than just bash through them.
Had a great time with this book, really looking forward to a sequel
Main character does a great job rolling with the punches and tries to out think his problems more than just bash through them.
December 13, 2022
I was a bit trepidatious going into the book as I hadn't heard much about it before hand but it is a thoroughly enjoyable story with great worldbuilding, dialog, and character. Certainly one of the better LitRPGs I've listened to.
September 25, 2021
Same old story
Nothing new just the same as all the other books from Kindle, the main character is not likable enough to keep reading.
Nothing new just the same as all the other books from Kindle, the main character is not likable enough to keep reading.
October 24, 2021
Loved it
Great book. Cannot wait for the sequel. Read it in one sitting. Will definitely buy the next one. Just hope we do not have to wait too long
Great book. Cannot wait for the sequel. Read it in one sitting. Will definitely buy the next one. Just hope we do not have to wait too long
November 13, 2021
Not bad
For the most part, I really liked this book. There were parts that were hard to get through. It's a solid read, give it a shot.
For the most part, I really liked this book. There were parts that were hard to get through. It's a solid read, give it a shot.
February 28, 2022
Author attempts to combine Christian mythology with game rules. DNF.
March 31, 2025
This isn't a bad start to a LitRPG series. The backstory as introduced seems a little irrelevant and I wouldn't mind either hearing nothing more of it or a lot more of it. Some of the writing, especially in combat scenes, really could hold my attention better. I noticed it less outside of combat scenes by the end of the book but the phraisng used in conversation definitely bugged me. Some of the info in the infodumps seemed less relevant or could have been done more as a snippet.
That said, I enjoyed the core narrative, the key characters and the overall world and it definitely has scope for more books - I will probably read the other 2.
That said, I enjoyed the core narrative, the key characters and the overall world and it definitely has scope for more books - I will probably read the other 2.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews