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Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone #1
Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone
My days used to be filled with working my minimum wage job at a local shipping store, but one night, I was in the wrong place at the right time and came into possession of a weird metal bracelet.
The good news: Now I suddenly have a superpower.
The bad news: A vicious family of mobsters, clandestine government agencies, and uber wealthy treasure hunters all want to tear the bracelet from my dead arm.
The worse news: I have no idea how to handle my new power, and I’m going to have to defeat the bad guys without hurting anyone who doesn’t deserve it.
Disclaimer: This is a slow-burn harem series.
The good news: Now I suddenly have a superpower.
The bad news: A vicious family of mobsters, clandestine government agencies, and uber wealthy treasure hunters all want to tear the bracelet from my dead arm.
The worse news: I have no idea how to handle my new power, and I’m going to have to defeat the bad guys without hurting anyone who doesn’t deserve it.
Disclaimer: This is a slow-burn harem series.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
238 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Eric Vall
357 books698 followersThanks for reading!
Buy my audiobooks directly from me at:
www.ericvall.com
Read and listen to early chapters, see NSFW covers, and subscribe to my discounted audiobook bundle at:
www.patreon.com/ericvall
https://www.facebook.com/authorericvall
Buy my audiobooks directly from me at:
www.ericvall.com
Read and listen to early chapters, see NSFW covers, and subscribe to my discounted audiobook bundle at:
www.patreon.com/ericvall
https://www.facebook.com/authorericvall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 10, 2021
Excellent Story
This effort represents what I feel is new direction from accomplished author Eric Vall. It bridges between the modern, mundane world and ancient civilizations and the mysterious, powerful artifacts they left behind.
One man - Jonah Patterson - becomes the unwitting (and unwilling) beneficiary of the powers one of these ancient items, forever changing the arc of Jonah’s life. As he struggles to come to grips with his newfound abilities and new friends and associates, he comes to realize that though he now has a higher purpose in life, and chooses to devote it to making the world a better, safer place, it won’t be easy to discern between the good guys and bad guys, even when they wear a badge.
I believe this story would benefit from a better title, but that aside, it’s good. REALLY good, and one I feel has the potential to become one of his best works to date.
Highly recommended
This effort represents what I feel is new direction from accomplished author Eric Vall. It bridges between the modern, mundane world and ancient civilizations and the mysterious, powerful artifacts they left behind.
One man - Jonah Patterson - becomes the unwitting (and unwilling) beneficiary of the powers one of these ancient items, forever changing the arc of Jonah’s life. As he struggles to come to grips with his newfound abilities and new friends and associates, he comes to realize that though he now has a higher purpose in life, and chooses to devote it to making the world a better, safer place, it won’t be easy to discern between the good guys and bad guys, even when they wear a badge.
I believe this story would benefit from a better title, but that aside, it’s good. REALLY good, and one I feel has the potential to become one of his best works to date.
Highly recommended
August 20, 2023
Good story, interesting in a decent main character. Unfortunately it went from interesting to bad!
Wasn't sure what to expect with this story but it started off with an interesting character with a decent pace of storytelling where you weren't quite sure how the main character was going adjust to his supernatural events. It continue to be okay when you really didn't know what was going on and where the plot line would end up eventually... However, 3/4 of the way through the book The story really only had one way to go and it turned into the same old trope where guy falling over girl, girl super boss always supportive, logic started to break down and what seemed like an incredibly event turned into normal everyday let's go kill people out of whim and no big deal. The book ended with the main character getting involved with a massive overreach of a plot that unfortunately this author won't have the skill to actually write about it convincingly as these books which I do enjoy sometimes are just simple pulp.
Overall good, simple story that you don't have to ever think about!
I wish these authors who start these books the first few chapters with a pretty decent insight and interesting build would not turn to constantly cliche clicks and tropes and start over explaining every situation to put words on the page to fill out their novel for Amazon word count.
It always separates Great authors to people who just sell on unlimited.
( Nothing wrong with unlimited authors, I just wish some of these authors with decent ideas, could actually create a good story start to finish instead of falling into lazy writing!)
Wasn't sure what to expect with this story but it started off with an interesting character with a decent pace of storytelling where you weren't quite sure how the main character was going adjust to his supernatural events. It continue to be okay when you really didn't know what was going on and where the plot line would end up eventually... However, 3/4 of the way through the book The story really only had one way to go and it turned into the same old trope where guy falling over girl, girl super boss always supportive, logic started to break down and what seemed like an incredibly event turned into normal everyday let's go kill people out of whim and no big deal. The book ended with the main character getting involved with a massive overreach of a plot that unfortunately this author won't have the skill to actually write about it convincingly as these books which I do enjoy sometimes are just simple pulp.
Overall good, simple story that you don't have to ever think about!
I wish these authors who start these books the first few chapters with a pretty decent insight and interesting build would not turn to constantly cliche clicks and tropes and start over explaining every situation to put words on the page to fill out their novel for Amazon word count.
It always separates Great authors to people who just sell on unlimited.
( Nothing wrong with unlimited authors, I just wish some of these authors with decent ideas, could actually create a good story start to finish instead of falling into lazy writing!)
March 2, 2022
Warehouse 13 meets NCIS, starts off slow but picks up
As my review title suggests this book gave me the vibe of these TV shows. The MC gives me an impression of a young and less confident version of Tony DiNozzo, while his female companion had a very Ziva David vibe as an Israeli with a tendency to get common English idioms wrong and good with a gun and martial arts. I did find the first part of the book really slow going as the story took its time to gain enough momentum to make me start enjoying the book, which was a bit unlike most of Eric’s other book which normally grabs you from the start. This is why I deducted a star, as I nearly stopped reading the book before it got going properly.
As my review title suggests this book gave me the vibe of these TV shows. The MC gives me an impression of a young and less confident version of Tony DiNozzo, while his female companion had a very Ziva David vibe as an Israeli with a tendency to get common English idioms wrong and good with a gun and martial arts. I did find the first part of the book really slow going as the story took its time to gain enough momentum to make me start enjoying the book, which was a bit unlike most of Eric’s other book which normally grabs you from the start. This is why I deducted a star, as I nearly stopped reading the book before it got going properly.
October 5, 2021
A great start to an impressive new series!
A new release by Eric Vall is always a highlight to my week, but a new series is always going to be an interesting read.
And interesting is putting it mostly when looking at Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone!
Ancient artifacts with mysterious powers, lost civilizations, black market antiquities and the Mafia? One hell of a read!
With brilliant and awesome characters (as usual) and a tense build up, I didn't want to put this book down, and when the answers started coming, I just had to keep reading!
Looking forward to this series and what happens next!
A new release by Eric Vall is always a highlight to my week, but a new series is always going to be an interesting read.
And interesting is putting it mostly when looking at Okay, But Try Not to Murder Anyone!
Ancient artifacts with mysterious powers, lost civilizations, black market antiquities and the Mafia? One hell of a read!
With brilliant and awesome characters (as usual) and a tense build up, I didn't want to put this book down, and when the answers started coming, I just had to keep reading!
Looking forward to this series and what happens next!
July 25, 2023
Good premise, story not too bad, but an editor is definitely needed. Instead of the effective, tried and true method of assigning actions to a person (e.g., ‘Lauren said’ or ‘she opened the door’) the author chooses to use a descriptor for the person almost every single time. By the end of the book if I read ‘the Israeli woman said’ or ‘my girlfriend said’ or ‘the raven haired woman said’ (mind you all describing the same person) one more freaking time I would’ve dropped this book. Using descriptors like that is great to introduce a character before their name is given, but it’s just annoying to be constantly reading that.
February 28, 2022
This was a fun read. The world building (well, the main premise - the world is basically the same as our modern day) was well thought out. I like the tie ins with ancient civilizations. They make it... well, not realistic, but at least plausible. The development of the powers and learning how to use them was fun. The sex scenes were _okay_. Not amazing, but not horribly written, either.
There's a little bit of tension in this book, but not a lot. Like many of this genre, it feels like a good 80's action movie where you know the hero is going to win, but it's still really fun to see them do so. I'm excited to continue the series.
There's a little bit of tension in this book, but not a lot. Like many of this genre, it feels like a good 80's action movie where you know the hero is going to win, but it's still really fun to see them do so. I'm excited to continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2022
Relics of Alien's Past
While working at a run down packing & shipping store, Jonah is given a unlabeled box and told to not look in it, but to hold it. Well, he looks in it and an alien antique cuff attaches itself to him. He now must learn to use some crazy magical power to get away from mobsters looking for this package. In getting away, he kills some, then some more, and some more still.
I felt it took a really long time for the story to build itself till it became enjoyable. Then it ended. I couldn't pick it up and want to read it.
Read in 7 days
While working at a run down packing & shipping store, Jonah is given a unlabeled box and told to not look in it, but to hold it. Well, he looks in it and an alien antique cuff attaches itself to him. He now must learn to use some crazy magical power to get away from mobsters looking for this package. In getting away, he kills some, then some more, and some more still.
I felt it took a really long time for the story to build itself till it became enjoyable. Then it ended. I couldn't pick it up and want to read it.
Read in 7 days
March 5, 2022
Interesting concept
I enjoyed this first story, some good action but not too much. A lot of these litrpg\litharem authors have begun to use a action scattershot style where there is a fight or destruction every other page and it was getting kinda annoying. Too much action takes the umph out of the scenes, they need some more build-up and Mr. Vall has found a perfect ratio of action to build-up in his writing, this book shows that off well.
I enjoyed this first story, some good action but not too much. A lot of these litrpg\litharem authors have begun to use a action scattershot style where there is a fight or destruction every other page and it was getting kinda annoying. Too much action takes the umph out of the scenes, they need some more build-up and Mr. Vall has found a perfect ratio of action to build-up in his writing, this book shows that off well.
October 15, 2021
Light and fluffy
This is an easy read without a lot of substance. There are also some plot holes. One example is that the protagonist is considered special because he is able to use an ancient weapon and only a couple of other people have been able to do so. However, at the end of the book, a smuggler grabs a similar weapon and is suddenly able to use it as well.
This is an easy read without a lot of substance. There are also some plot holes. One example is that the protagonist is considered special because he is able to use an ancient weapon and only a couple of other people have been able to do so. However, at the end of the book, a smuggler grabs a similar weapon and is suddenly able to use it as well.
December 4, 2021
When you read a book involving adult content and varied action shenanigans. . .
You generally have lower expectation regarding overall story and quality. You still want a good book, but you are not looking for an epic storyline. This one feels like the author isn't even trying. It is a ridiculous start with the timing of character actions bordering on sociopathic.
You generally have lower expectation regarding overall story and quality. You still want a good book, but you are not looking for an epic storyline. This one feels like the author isn't even trying. It is a ridiculous start with the timing of character actions bordering on sociopathic.
December 31, 2021
Bit of a struggle
Let's not start a trend of advertising patreons at the beginning of chapters, incredibly obnoxious. I mostly read small indie authors and enjoy supporting them but come on dude. Besides that the story is okay, people's actions dont really make a lot of sense and the antagonists are very dumb. Not a bad book but didn't really pull me in either.
Let's not start a trend of advertising patreons at the beginning of chapters, incredibly obnoxious. I mostly read small indie authors and enjoy supporting them but come on dude. Besides that the story is okay, people's actions dont really make a lot of sense and the antagonists are very dumb. Not a bad book but didn't really pull me in either.
February 12, 2022
Great story, shaky grammar
I loved the story line, the plot, the characters. If only the author —or an editor— had remembered middle school English. “She led me and my friend down the hall” is correct. “She led my friend and I down the hall” is not, for the same reason that “She led I down the hall” is incorrect.
I loved the story line, the plot, the characters. If only the author —or an editor— had remembered middle school English. “She led me and my friend down the hall” is correct. “She led my friend and I down the hall” is not, for the same reason that “She led I down the hall” is incorrect.
October 2, 2021
LOVE the title and enjoyed the story
Something a bit different for Mr. Vall. Still a bit of the supernatural but more "normal." I really liked the MC and his girlfriend. Goodnatartbto a new series.
Something a bit different for Mr. Vall. Still a bit of the supernatural but more "normal." I really liked the MC and his girlfriend. Goodnatartbto a new series.
October 3, 2021
Save the world
This is a incredible incredible new series from the very get go you will love the characters and the dark underbelly of society they fall into! Just a fascinating story and I eagerly await the next one!
This is a incredible incredible new series from the very get go you will love the characters and the dark underbelly of society they fall into! Just a fascinating story and I eagerly await the next one!
October 5, 2021
A fun and engaging story, but has some inconsistencies at the end.
How did the bad guy just slip on the bracelet?
Why did the murderer kill someone else after leaving a note of she's next?
Regardless I'm interested in reading more.
How did the bad guy just slip on the bracelet?
Why did the murderer kill someone else after leaving a note of she's next?
Regardless I'm interested in reading more.
October 7, 2021
Ancient artifacts equal superpowers..
So directionally challenged mafia courier turns mild mannered postal clerk into superhero. Jonah finds the world turned on its head and has a Israeli military veteran as a new girlfriend. Invulnerable and hot chicks life is good for Jonah.
So directionally challenged mafia courier turns mild mannered postal clerk into superhero. Jonah finds the world turned on its head and has a Israeli military veteran as a new girlfriend. Invulnerable and hot chicks life is good for Jonah.
October 7, 2021
Good start
Another series. A strong first story. I liked the character progression and the way it unfolded. I hope book 2 doesn't get pushed back while all the other stories are completed.
Another series. A strong first story. I liked the character progression and the way it unfolded. I hope book 2 doesn't get pushed back while all the other stories are completed.
October 9, 2021
Great New Series
Really loved this new series from Eric Vall. World building for this series was fantastic. All the characters were developed very well. Jonah is going to be awesome going forward. Can’t wait for book 2!
Really loved this new series from Eric Vall. World building for this series was fantastic. All the characters were developed very well. Jonah is going to be awesome going forward. Can’t wait for book 2!
October 15, 2021
very interesting
I like this start. Interesting powers and some sweet lore. Plenty of writing ideas to go with. Book 2 will be fun. I just hope that not everyone and their brother suddenly has a artifact. I mean these are supposed to be rare.
I like this start. Interesting powers and some sweet lore. Plenty of writing ideas to go with. Book 2 will be fun. I just hope that not everyone and their brother suddenly has a artifact. I mean these are supposed to be rare.
October 25, 2021
Step 1. Survive. Step 2. Learn. Step 3. Grow.
Survival requires adaption. Adaption requires growth. Growth can come in many ways but trust in yourself, your friends and loved ones will anchor you to achieve your goals.
Survival requires adaption. Adaption requires growth. Growth can come in many ways but trust in yourself, your friends and loved ones will anchor you to achieve your goals.
December 2, 2021
Interesting if a little strange in the execution. A lot of running around, encounters of dubious interest to the plot, apparently unneeded characters... Interesting character dynamics for a Vall novel, I will certainly take a gander at the next volume and see where it goes.
October 2, 2021
Excellent
Fantastic read! I absolutely loved it! I can not wait for the next one to be release! Such great characters in this book!
Fantastic read! I absolutely loved it! I can not wait for the next one to be release! Such great characters in this book!
October 2, 2021
A fresh concept
It’s a pretty good start to a new series, and something completely fresh and unique I look forward to where the story goes from here
It’s a pretty good start to a new series, and something completely fresh and unique I look forward to where the story goes from here
October 3, 2021
Good start
This is an good start to an interesting premise. I’m looking forward to what comes next for Jonah. And I’m interested in seeing Valls version of a slow burn harem story.
This is an good start to an interesting premise. I’m looking forward to what comes next for Jonah. And I’m interested in seeing Valls version of a slow burn harem story.
October 4, 2021
Great story
Was really excited for this one. Was really looking forward to a more urban harem story and it did not disappoint
Was really excited for this one. Was really looking forward to a more urban harem story and it did not disappoint
October 19, 2021
Great Read
I liked it anyway, I hope you do as well. Always a good read when it is from Eric Vall.
I liked it anyway, I hope you do as well. Always a good read when it is from Eric Vall.
October 19, 2021
Intriguing
This is an interesting approach to tie science and magic. Almost like Spider-man as a milk toast suddenly given powers.
This is an interesting approach to tie science and magic. Almost like Spider-man as a milk toast suddenly given powers.
October 27, 2021
Good start
Eric Vall is one of my favorite writers and I will give anything he writes a chance. This was great and I am looking forward to the next one.
Eric Vall is one of my favorite writers and I will give anything he writes a chance. This was great and I am looking forward to the next one.
October 31, 2021
Great read did not put down until finished
Recommend this to all who like action .
Waiting now for book 2 with high hopes it will be as entertaining as this one.
Recommend this to all who like action .
Waiting now for book 2 with high hopes it will be as entertaining as this one.
November 11, 2021
Slow start, but let's see
So an every day nerd morphs into hero then superhero. Somehow his girls are gutsier than he was. Let's see what he becomes!
So an every day nerd morphs into hero then superhero. Somehow his girls are gutsier than he was. Let's see what he becomes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews