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Respawn #5
Respawn: Blade of the Ancients
A wilderness so bare, the sight of a cactus is cause for rejoicing. A place where each step is a challenge to stay alive, a growing summons to howl in pain or perish from thirst.On his shoulders, he carries a heavy rifle that digs into his burned flesh.Worse still is his load of loot. In mass, it amounts to dozens of pounds. But in worth, it is weightier than a palace. Only the luckiest of geniuses could manage to escape a dangerous wilderness, where he is hunted with every step, with such riches on his back.Luck, of course, is something Cheater has plenty of. Genius, though, is less clear. He watches his haul grow with each new place he visits, adding to the physical and emotional strain of his pilgrimage. He begins believing his fate is ruled by a devil who pours wealth upon him that he cannot hope to keep, aiming that Cheater’s greed should weigh him down to death, and to the loss of all.Of course, in a land this hellish, it is best not to speak of the devil…
- GenresFantasy
304 pages, Hardcover
Published July 24, 2022
101 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Stone
57 books263 followersArthur Stone is the pen name of one Arthur Smirnov, a prolific author in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.
Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com
Born in 1973 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Arthur worked as a geologist, and also in the environmental sector and industrial archeology all over the world. He lives and works in Ukraine.
Arthur began writing fiction in 2005 on a bet, and thus his addiction was born. His first book was published in 2006, and by mid - 2025 he had published a total of 84 books in Russian, English and German-speaking markets.
Arthur Stone - email arthurstone2017@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 9, 2020
Book five
Mistakes: I found twelve mistakes in this book. Missing words, extra letters in words, and one just wrong word in a sentence.
Plot: Picks up where book four left off. Lots of loot gathering and wandering around. Culminating in a one man assault on a fortress. Unfortunately we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Characters: Growth has been very nice with this character.
5/10 just needs more editing.
Mistakes: I found twelve mistakes in this book. Missing words, extra letters in words, and one just wrong word in a sentence.
Plot: Picks up where book four left off. Lots of loot gathering and wandering around. Culminating in a one man assault on a fortress. Unfortunately we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Characters: Growth has been very nice with this character.
5/10 just needs more editing.
August 17, 2020
An Excellent Story
I've read the whole series over the last few weeks and have really enjoyed it. If you like LitRPG and want something a little different this is a great set of books, I'm really looking forward to book six.
I've read the whole series over the last few weeks and have really enjoyed it. If you like LitRPG and want something a little different this is a great set of books, I'm really looking forward to book six.
July 20, 2020
This series has gotten progressively better with each new book, and this one was my favorite installment yet. Interesting, unique world that eschews many traditional LitRPG norms. This series is probably in my top 3-4 favorites right now.
Definitely worth a read.
Definitely worth a read.
February 12, 2024
Blade of the Ancients (Respawn, #5) by Arthur Stone:
Blade of the Ancients, the fifth installment in the Respawn series by Arthur Stone, continues the epic saga of reincarnation and second chances introduced in the earlier books. While the premise holds promise, the execution in this particular installment fails to live up to expectations, resulting in a narrative that feels rushed and lacking in depth.
Stone's writing style remains consistent, with clear prose and descriptive language that immerses readers in the world of Blade of the Ancients.
In this book, readers follow the protagonist as they embark on yet another reincarnation, this time in a world threatened by ancient evils and dark forces. While the concept is intriguing, the plot feels formulaic and predictable, with little in the way of surprises or unexpected twists.
The world-building in this installment is minimal, with little expansion on the rules and mechanics of reincarnation or the larger setting in which the story takes place.
Moreover, the character development in Blade of the Ancients feels lacking, with the protagonist failing to undergo significant growth or evolution throughout the narrative. The relationships between characters also feel underdeveloped, robbing the story of emotional depth and resonance.
Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5)
Blade of the Ancients (Respawn, #5) may appeal to die-hard fans of the series looking for closure, but ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling and cohesive narrative. While it may provide some entertainment for casual readers, it lacks the depth and originality to stand out in a crowded genre.
May 16, 2022
I've just finished the entire Respawn series, books 1-6 and I really enjoyed them. I listened to the audiobook while I was at work and found the entire idea of a character having multiple lives VERY interesting! Every time our character Rock/Rocky/Cheater died he would learn from his mistakes and always make his death come at a cost to his enemies. I really wish the book had continued into a 7th book, there are so many places this story could go however I understand why it didn't because this isn't the sort of story that could really end anywhere. Thanks very much Arthur Stone for writing something so interesting!(I'll copy and paste this review on all 6 books.)
October 8, 2020
Another setup, another set of enemies.
After the apocalyptic climax of the previous volume, we're returning to a more normal pace. At least for the setting, that is. A handful of familiar figures are used as anchors, Cheater gets yet another impossible quest to achieve, there are many achievements to be achieved, and powers to be gained.
And that's pretty much it. The "real" main storyline does not advance much, although there's an interesting "little" encounter. But you should probably assume the speed there is what you'll get of the series.
After the apocalyptic climax of the previous volume, we're returning to a more normal pace. At least for the setting, that is. A handful of familiar figures are used as anchors, Cheater gets yet another impossible quest to achieve, there are many achievements to be achieved, and powers to be gained.
And that's pretty much it. The "real" main storyline does not advance much, although there's an interesting "little" encounter. But you should probably assume the speed there is what you'll get of the series.
July 5, 2020
Cheater
While Cheaters high Luck Stat is the base of his power I think it is evident that it is his ability to use foresight to stack the odds in his favor to ensure he comes out on top. Usually I would fuss about an OP character. But a lot of Players could have his abilities but I don’t think many would be in a position that he’s put himself in through smarts and force of will.
Cover: 4/5
Narration: N/A
Favorite Line: N/A
While Cheaters high Luck Stat is the base of his power I think it is evident that it is his ability to use foresight to stack the odds in his favor to ensure he comes out on top. Usually I would fuss about an OP character. But a lot of Players could have his abilities but I don’t think many would be in a position that he’s put himself in through smarts and force of will.
Cover: 4/5
Narration: N/A
Favorite Line: N/A
July 1, 2020
Another great story
While I didn't like the cliffhanger ending and I do feel there are many questions yet to be answered I must say I loved this book. From start to finish it was great. Hope the next book sheds more insight on some of the more vague unexplained things tho. Overall a great continuation. This is slowly becoming one of my favorite series.
While I didn't like the cliffhanger ending and I do feel there are many questions yet to be answered I must say I loved this book. From start to finish it was great. Hope the next book sheds more insight on some of the more vague unexplained things tho. Overall a great continuation. This is slowly becoming one of my favorite series.
June 30, 2020
Great continuation of our favorite cheater
I love all of Arthur stones works I have read and this is no different. Yes our favorite Cheater is OP, but I have to say I love it, and the world it takes place in.
I love all of Arthur stones works I have read and this is no different. Yes our favorite Cheater is OP, but I have to say I love it, and the world it takes place in.
July 2, 2020
Very good book
It was well worth the wait,the author just gets better with each damn book . It was so hard to put down,I just had to know what happened on the next page .it was the best one yet of the series.
It was well worth the wait,the author just gets better with each damn book . It was so hard to put down,I just had to know what happened on the next page .it was the best one yet of the series.
July 6, 2020
This was extremely dull. Mostly the guy listing off his loot and going on about his stats, sat around by himself. No tension or plot development, no relationships. It gets a bit better towards the end, but not much.
July 22, 2020
Devoured this series so far
Very Post Apocalyptic. Unique system and amazing MC. Love the character, how he is growing and well everything. Side characters are great. Pacing is fantastic. Story is engaging. Must read.
Very Post Apocalyptic. Unique system and amazing MC. Love the character, how he is growing and well everything. Side characters are great. Pacing is fantastic. Story is engaging. Must read.
August 24, 2020
Sadness
I do hope you have planned to write another.
I like how you brought so many elements together to finish up this book. I'm glad you have us an update on what the heroin was up to, but I feel you could flesh out that character a lot more. I feel that she has a story to tell.
I do hope you have planned to write another.
I like how you brought so many elements together to finish up this book. I'm glad you have us an update on what the heroin was up to, but I feel you could flesh out that character a lot more. I feel that she has a story to tell.
September 8, 2020
Is it a game or the end of the world?
Just found this series and read all 5 in two weeks! Really unique main character with excellent development. Can’t wait to see where this series goes
Just found this series and read all 5 in two weeks! Really unique main character with excellent development. Can’t wait to see where this series goes
December 5, 2021
The world building has plateaued. If cheater doesn’t resolve the main plat thread in book 6 i will move on from this series. Its like a movie or game thats hyped for years… rarely lives up the the hype.
June 30, 2020
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books.I was not able to put it down. Very entertaining!
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like litRPG type of books.I was not able to put it down. Very entertaining!
July 1, 2020
Great!
Another amazing addition to a wonderful series, you will love it! Nine more words required, five more words required, Win!
Another amazing addition to a wonderful series, you will love it! Nine more words required, five more words required, Win!
July 8, 2020
Hell yeah!
I love these books. I do wonder why certain aspects of the hive are different than in the S.T.Y.X. series, not overly so but definitely there is a difference.
I love these books. I do wonder why certain aspects of the hive are different than in the S.T.Y.X. series, not overly so but definitely there is a difference.
July 11, 2020
So well written
Fast paced, full of action, and unable to be put down. Great story. Cheater is one of my favorite characters ever. I love reading his story!
Fast paced, full of action, and unable to be put down. Great story. Cheater is one of my favorite characters ever. I love reading his story!
July 19, 2020
Okay......
This book 5 was the best one out of the series. I'm so looking forward to book 6. Take my money!!!!!
This book 5 was the best one out of the series. I'm so looking forward to book 6. Take my money!!!!!
July 20, 2020
Awww I want more!
Beautiful job! You have created a masterpiece! The storyline is great and the characters are fantastic. Please don't stop writing this series!
Beautiful job! You have created a masterpiece! The storyline is great and the characters are fantastic. Please don't stop writing this series!
November 25, 2020
Jesus H. Christ, how did this get this good, made the other books worthit just for the ending on this one, read this one if not any of the other ones, sad to see theres no 6th yet
April 21, 2021
Love, love, love Cheater
Honestly the stats continue to flabbergast me at times but I love the premiss, love the characters, and absolutely love the MC.
Honestly the stats continue to flabbergast me at times but I love the premiss, love the characters, and absolutely love the MC.
June 1, 2022
So gooooood! He’s finally OP and his luck, loot, and skills are synergizing sooo well
October 28, 2022
Wow ending!
Amazing, just amazing.
I thought book 4’s ending could not be topped, I was wrong. What an amazing ending!
Poor Romeo!
Amazing, just amazing.
I thought book 4’s ending could not be topped, I was wrong. What an amazing ending!
Poor Romeo!
March 2, 2024
A Cheater and a clown walk into a bar…
OH, What a journey! Stone did a great job with this book it is one of my favorites! The ending was phenomenal! Onward to the next adventure!
OH, What a journey! Stone did a great job with this book it is one of my favorites! The ending was phenomenal! Onward to the next adventure!
August 2, 2020
I can’t wait for the next book!
I have “Kindle Unlimited “ but enjoyed these books so much I purchased all of them. Fast paced, logical,if any game is logical, and fun. Not the usual misogynistic prattle but still homophobic, our hero is a genuinely nice guy surmounting impossible odds in an effort to get to a woman he only hopes is his “soulmate”.
Seriously, a great store told very well.
I have “Kindle Unlimited “ but enjoyed these books so much I purchased all of them. Fast paced, logical,if any game is logical, and fun. Not the usual misogynistic prattle but still homophobic, our hero is a genuinely nice guy surmounting impossible odds in an effort to get to a woman he only hopes is his “soulmate”.
Seriously, a great store told very well.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews