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The Firebrand #2
Viridian Gate Online
A single spark begets an inferno.
The theft of the drug lord Carrera's Faction Seal has set Osmark's empire-to-be ablaze with the hunt for Abby and Otto's heads, but her quest to discover the truth about the ultra-rare item won't wait. There are only days left until Earth's destruction, and the Faction Seal plays some role in Osmark's plan to rule over Viridian Gate Online, the immersive VRMMO game turned humanity's lifeboat.
With nowhere left to turn in Harrowick, Abby and Otto have no choice but to flee to the rebel undergrounds of Alaunhylles-a fading light that was once a beacon of hope in the Imperial aligned city. They come seeking answers in the Grand Archives, but the rebels have their own problems, and their own priorities... Priorities that might just get Abby and Otto killed before they can find the answers they need.
The enterprising rebel Firebrand will have to dig deep to complete her quest or see all her hopes go up in flames in this next installment of the Firebrand Embers of Rebellion.
From James A. Hunter- author of Viridian Gate Online, Rogue Dungeon, War God's Mantle, and the Yancy Lazarus Series -and author J.D. Astra, comes an epic new entry into the Expanded Universe of Viridian Gate Online that you won't want to put down!
The theft of the drug lord Carrera's Faction Seal has set Osmark's empire-to-be ablaze with the hunt for Abby and Otto's heads, but her quest to discover the truth about the ultra-rare item won't wait. There are only days left until Earth's destruction, and the Faction Seal plays some role in Osmark's plan to rule over Viridian Gate Online, the immersive VRMMO game turned humanity's lifeboat.
With nowhere left to turn in Harrowick, Abby and Otto have no choice but to flee to the rebel undergrounds of Alaunhylles-a fading light that was once a beacon of hope in the Imperial aligned city. They come seeking answers in the Grand Archives, but the rebels have their own problems, and their own priorities... Priorities that might just get Abby and Otto killed before they can find the answers they need.
The enterprising rebel Firebrand will have to dig deep to complete her quest or see all her hopes go up in flames in this next installment of the Firebrand Embers of Rebellion.
From James A. Hunter- author of Viridian Gate Online, Rogue Dungeon, War God's Mantle, and the Yancy Lazarus Series -and author J.D. Astra, comes an epic new entry into the Expanded Universe of Viridian Gate Online that you won't want to put down!
428 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2022
162 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 20, 2019
I think this marks the end of this series for me. Just not enough game element for me.
April 10, 2019
The authors of this book, the 2nd in the Firebrand series, have really outdone themselves as it is one of the most exhilarating reads in the VGO series, I love the fact that this was about Abby and that she and Otto are given the quests to show what real heroes they are, and what a great team they are together, as I feel that usually in the main VGO series Abby is always out done by Grim Jack. He is the main star in that series and he is such a great character and hero that he takes centre stage, but in this series, our own firebrand shows her capabilities to the full, and she is growing from strength to strength. Abby and Otto travel to find information about the faction seal she had stolen but end up in Otto's old rebel quarters, and end up solving other quests rather than the one they set out to do. The story is very fast paced, the world building of the rebels underground quarters is amazing and it is always great to catch up on some of the info about the past of both Otto and Abby as this tells us more of who they really are, and where they are coming from! Sandra is such an evil bitch, she really needs to be taken out of the picture for good and it is surprising the strength she possesses, but Abby is as canny as Osmark's bitch is and more!! Roll on book 3, as I cannot have enough of this thrilling series.
April 11, 2019
From the moment she and her friends filched a faction seal, Abby Hollander knew her life would never be the same. On the run because of what she's done, she has no other option but to find a safe place to hide. Determined to fix what's been broken, she and her friends seek sanctuary amidst the rebel faction within Alaunhylles. When things take an unexpected turn, remaining in the shadows is no longer an option. If she's to succeed in completing the task at hand, she'll need to do what she's never done before, including stooping lower than those she's come across.
Embers of Rebellion picks up where the first book left off. Abby's plight has taken an unexpected turn and it's not for the better. On the bright side, she has the trusty Otto by her side. Granted, he's nothing more than code. Code that's quite sentient, a fact she's come to realize the more time they spend together. Despite the continuous adversities coming their way, Abby refuses to give up. Time is of the essence. She'll do everything possible to fix what's wrong while facing the consequences of her actions no matter how difficult they may be.
J. D. has done an awesome job in expanding Abby's story. She's taken James A. Hunter's initial world and added her own personal flair to it. I love the fact that she's molded Abby in such a way that you can truly relate to the character itself. Everything the character encounters is a testament to her resilience and her desire to do what's necessary to survive.
Abby is the type of character the reader finds him/herself endearing to. She seems so real. So relatable. Despite the fact that she's now nothing more than a character in a game, she hasn't lost her humanity. It's a certainty that shows with every turn of the page. J. D. has injected such values into Abby that she's no longer afraid to take chances. Granted, everything she does is a risk. Sometimes, lives must be forfeited in order to succeed, something Abby shows us with every choice she makes.
VGO is a vast world. While The Firebrand series is just a piece of it, it's full of endless possibilities. Abby and her friends want nothing more than to make their new world a better place for those who are now making Elgard their permanent home. I'm so looking forward to what J. D. has in store next for Abby and the others. I honestly can't recommend this series and the entire VGO universe enough. This is a vast world with so many different branches merging into one. A world anyone will enjoy immersing themselves in whenever possible.
Embers of Rebellion picks up where the first book left off. Abby's plight has taken an unexpected turn and it's not for the better. On the bright side, she has the trusty Otto by her side. Granted, he's nothing more than code. Code that's quite sentient, a fact she's come to realize the more time they spend together. Despite the continuous adversities coming their way, Abby refuses to give up. Time is of the essence. She'll do everything possible to fix what's wrong while facing the consequences of her actions no matter how difficult they may be.
J. D. has done an awesome job in expanding Abby's story. She's taken James A. Hunter's initial world and added her own personal flair to it. I love the fact that she's molded Abby in such a way that you can truly relate to the character itself. Everything the character encounters is a testament to her resilience and her desire to do what's necessary to survive.
Abby is the type of character the reader finds him/herself endearing to. She seems so real. So relatable. Despite the fact that she's now nothing more than a character in a game, she hasn't lost her humanity. It's a certainty that shows with every turn of the page. J. D. has injected such values into Abby that she's no longer afraid to take chances. Granted, everything she does is a risk. Sometimes, lives must be forfeited in order to succeed, something Abby shows us with every choice she makes.
VGO is a vast world. While The Firebrand series is just a piece of it, it's full of endless possibilities. Abby and her friends want nothing more than to make their new world a better place for those who are now making Elgard their permanent home. I'm so looking forward to what J. D. has in store next for Abby and the others. I honestly can't recommend this series and the entire VGO universe enough. This is a vast world with so many different branches merging into one. A world anyone will enjoy immersing themselves in whenever possible.
November 12, 2021
Welcome to Viridian Gate Online, humanity's only "lifeline" as a Gargantuan meteor hurtles towards earth, where it will cause a world-ending Cataclysmic event!
Log into this VRMMORPG and "live" forever, well at least digitally... and only if you are one of the lucky ones, since only 5 out of 6 people are able to transition from their IRL death, to a completely digital existence! An existence dependent on the game's servers that are protected deep, deep underground. It's a challenge worth any risk, and Abby is ready for it! In-game, she's as strong as she can be, having spent her first 3 days in one giant power-up, hitting the 72hr deadline and her final transition to Viridian Gate... Hard!!! And Holy gods, she wakes up! There's no time to celebrate though, as Robert Osmark (the game's creator, and an evil A$$#ole) knows what she's done, and he's gunning for her! With a bounty on her head and warrants posted everywhere, she and her NPC partner Otto, are running out of places to hide, and options to explore! You simply do NOT want to miss the action, as Abby and Otto fan the embers of a dying rebellion!
Just go grab the series, because there's a whole lotta' stuff happening that you need/want to know about! And it all happens before Abby and Otto can actually rejoin with Grimjack and his crew... when they finally get to turn the game on it's ear!
Just so you know, Emily Woo Zeller did a Bang-Up job narrating this tale for us!
Log into this VRMMORPG and "live" forever, well at least digitally... and only if you are one of the lucky ones, since only 5 out of 6 people are able to transition from their IRL death, to a completely digital existence! An existence dependent on the game's servers that are protected deep, deep underground. It's a challenge worth any risk, and Abby is ready for it! In-game, she's as strong as she can be, having spent her first 3 days in one giant power-up, hitting the 72hr deadline and her final transition to Viridian Gate... Hard!!! And Holy gods, she wakes up! There's no time to celebrate though, as Robert Osmark (the game's creator, and an evil A$$#ole) knows what she's done, and he's gunning for her! With a bounty on her head and warrants posted everywhere, she and her NPC partner Otto, are running out of places to hide, and options to explore! You simply do NOT want to miss the action, as Abby and Otto fan the embers of a dying rebellion!
Just go grab the series, because there's a whole lotta' stuff happening that you need/want to know about! And it all happens before Abby and Otto can actually rejoin with Grimjack and his crew... when they finally get to turn the game on it's ear!
Just so you know, Emily Woo Zeller did a Bang-Up job narrating this tale for us!
November 9, 2019
This is a strong follow-up to the first book in this series with the author dramatically ramping things up for the heroes in an interesting and enjoyable manner that will definitely keep you listening if you enjoyed the first one and will also leave you eager for the next book too whenever that is due.
The author does a good job of increasing the size of the cast with some new additions that are both interesting in their own right, but at the same time add to the depth and backstories of the returning cast from the first book.
The narrator's performance is again a strong one that really helps the listener to enjoy the book even more.
Overall, a strong sequel with the main downside being that there's no book three yet.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
The author does a good job of increasing the size of the cast with some new additions that are both interesting in their own right, but at the same time add to the depth and backstories of the returning cast from the first book.
The narrator's performance is again a strong one that really helps the listener to enjoy the book even more.
Overall, a strong sequel with the main downside being that there's no book three yet.
[Note - I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.]
April 13, 2019
Even better than book 1
This was a great follow up to the 1st book and Abbys passion for the rebellion cause come to the forefront. A surprising amount of action and background become known with the quests Abby undertakes as she expands her skills and attempts to escape from Sandra. Some great battles with Sandra and a bit more if why their so much hatred between the two are shown.
Cant wait for book 3
This was a great follow up to the 1st book and Abbys passion for the rebellion cause come to the forefront. A surprising amount of action and background become known with the quests Abby undertakes as she expands her skills and attempts to escape from Sandra. Some great battles with Sandra and a bit more if why their so much hatred between the two are shown.
Cant wait for book 3
January 2, 2020
Abbie is on Fire
Sorry i couldn't resist the headline but Abbie being such a great character ,and as her and Otto try to escape Imperials whilst making new friends on their route to investigate the mysterious faction seal.
Enjoying the books and after the first audio this was a lot easier to get into as Zeller narrates this very well if different to how she is done in the main VGO series.
Either way im a fan of the books and the audios so this is an easy 5 stars
Sorry i couldn't resist the headline but Abbie being such a great character ,and as her and Otto try to escape Imperials whilst making new friends on their route to investigate the mysterious faction seal.
Enjoying the books and after the first audio this was a lot easier to get into as Zeller narrates this very well if different to how she is done in the main VGO series.
Either way im a fan of the books and the audios so this is an easy 5 stars
April 14, 2019
Love it!
Usually I'm not a fan of spin off books, but this one was great. I loved her perspective and I can't wait to read more!
Usually I'm not a fan of spin off books, but this one was great. I loved her perspective and I can't wait to read more!
May 7, 2019
One of my favorites
Really enjoyed it! Astra does a great job of making Abby's character come to life. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Really enjoyed it! Astra does a great job of making Abby's character come to life. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
September 25, 2019
The second albums always the hardest. And here J.D. does not disappoint. From that first guitar riff of chapter to the final clashing of drums this is EPIC.
More please.
More please.
September 25, 2019
Excellent
Enjoyed getting to hear of how things progressed from Abby's point of view. Can't wait for the next book in the series
Enjoyed getting to hear of how things progressed from Abby's point of view. Can't wait for the next book in the series
March 3, 2020
I found this story dragged on a bit in little uninteresting ways. but I enjoyed the story as a whole.
September 16, 2020
Another great entry in JD's Viridian Gate series!
May 26, 2021
Overall the book was pretty good. A bit slow at times and I am not interested in continuing the series. I have mixed feelings about the premise of the book, being held within a game.
January 6, 2022
Still a good read. Highly recommended if you want a good LitRPG. What I like about it is that she isn't a Mary Sue type. She does have flaws and is not expected to do things aloe.
March 14, 2022
This back story is good to read, but this Abby is not as exciting as Jack.
September 18, 2022
A reasonable instalment. Lots of action, but the main character is pretty self absorbed and it wears thin after a while.
September 20, 2023
Better than the first, with good character development.
October 9, 2023
Great series
I have enjoyed every book in this series. The characters depth grows with each branch of this amazing ride. I get such great visuals and feel like I am in the VR
I have enjoyed every book in this series. The characters depth grows with each branch of this amazing ride. I get such great visuals and feel like I am in the VR
May 6, 2020
I really like seeing Abby’s side of the story. There are so many great characters in this book and all of these spin off books help with the character development.
July 18, 2023
A very good spin off to the series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews