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Dawn of the Void #2
Dawn of the Void Book Two
The countdown to Nemesis 3 has begun, pushing humanity closer to the brink of extinction. James and his team are now Earth's last line of defense amidst the chaos of New York City.
But with each Nemesis wave they defeat and each power James unveils, a grim truth unfolds: they're being manipulated. The enemy not only predicts their actions, it feeds on them. Their struggle may be nothing more than a sinister game or a prelude to annihilation.
To stand a chance, they must rewrite the rules. In the dwindling light of hope, James embraces his role as a leader. Tough decisions, impossible sacrifices, and the weight of the world on his shoulders — he'll face it all. But how much of himself will he lose himself in the process?
The audiobook narrated by Tom Taylorson will be available on 8/23/23.
But with each Nemesis wave they defeat and each power James unveils, a grim truth unfolds: they're being manipulated. The enemy not only predicts their actions, it feeds on them. Their struggle may be nothing more than a sinister game or a prelude to annihilation.
To stand a chance, they must rewrite the rules. In the dwindling light of hope, James embraces his role as a leader. Tough decisions, impossible sacrifices, and the weight of the world on his shoulders — he'll face it all. But how much of himself will he lose himself in the process?
The audiobook narrated by Tom Taylorson will be available on 8/23/23.
551 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2023
548 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Phil Tucker
47 books1,245 followersThanks for visiting my page! I'm Phil Tucker, a Brazilian/Brit who currently resides in Asheville, NC, where I resist the siren call of the forests and mountains to sit inside and hammer away on my laptop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 12, 2023
Great, fast-paced read.
I hardly write reviews, but this series deserves one. I read hundreds of books every year, thanks to Amazon Prime, and have recently become to LitRPG. Being an old gamer chick, it was a no-brainer genre. I've been reading this genre for over a year, now, and this is probably one of 3 series (the other 2 written by Luke what'shisname 😜) that I will stay up all night to read.
If you like that Luke guy, you'll enjoy Mr. Tucker.
His characters are likeable, funny, and yet the trauma of the setting of the story is very well written. I can easily suspend belief and just enjoy the tale.
I'm very grateful Mr. Tucker wrote books 2 and 3 at the same time. I hate waiting for the next book!
I hardly write reviews, but this series deserves one. I read hundreds of books every year, thanks to Amazon Prime, and have recently become to LitRPG. Being an old gamer chick, it was a no-brainer genre. I've been reading this genre for over a year, now, and this is probably one of 3 series (the other 2 written by Luke what'shisname 😜) that I will stay up all night to read.
If you like that Luke guy, you'll enjoy Mr. Tucker.
His characters are likeable, funny, and yet the trauma of the setting of the story is very well written. I can easily suspend belief and just enjoy the tale.
I'm very grateful Mr. Tucker wrote books 2 and 3 at the same time. I hate waiting for the next book!
June 3, 2023
before the Dawn
Dark. Glimmers of light, of hope, then smashed and crushed. Millions dead, people acting like fools…oh, humanity.
Some really awesome moments, too. War Hound for the win! So cool.
The end was…it gave hope.
Yeah, I’m getting the next book.
Dark. Glimmers of light, of hope, then smashed and crushed. Millions dead, people acting like fools…oh, humanity.
Some really awesome moments, too. War Hound for the win! So cool.
The end was…it gave hope.
Yeah, I’m getting the next book.
June 4, 2023
Mediocre.
The first book showed you the game was rigged. This one was meant to balance it out a bit. All it did was set up the next book. This comes across as mostly fluff and filler with no real story.
The first book showed you the game was rigged. This one was meant to balance it out a bit. All it did was set up the next book. This comes across as mostly fluff and filler with no real story.
May 1, 2024
Good sequel. It was well balanced between plot development, game mechanics and action. The ending of the book was epic and got me stoked for the next book.
September 25, 2023
Amazing follow up to the first book. Probably my favorite 2023 post-apocalypse series.
January 22, 2025
DNF ~30% in
The series has a cool take on the system apocalypse genre. Book 1 was worth reading just for that, but the plot left much to be desired. I'm a huge fan of Phil's Bastion series so I powered through book 1 hoping it would get better, but book 2 fell flat for me.
To put it succinctly and spoiler-free, I disagreed with too many decisions the characters made to continue.
Much of the story felt like, "what should we do now?", discussing it, deciding on a plan, watching plan play out, repeat. That's okay, it actually works and makes sense for the way this apocalypse plays out. However, over time, too many decisions and the justifications given for them didn't add up (in my opinion).
Now, with SPOILER WARNING:
Poorly justified decisions:
Progression-fantasy related:
Comparison with Bastion:
The series has a cool take on the system apocalypse genre. Book 1 was worth reading just for that, but the plot left much to be desired. I'm a huge fan of Phil's Bastion series so I powered through book 1 hoping it would get better, but book 2 fell flat for me.
To put it succinctly and spoiler-free, I disagreed with too many decisions the characters made to continue.
Much of the story felt like, "what should we do now?", discussing it, deciding on a plan, watching plan play out, repeat. That's okay, it actually works and makes sense for the way this apocalypse plays out. However, over time, too many decisions and the justifications given for them didn't add up (in my opinion).
Now, with SPOILER WARNING:
Poorly justified decisions:
Progression-fantasy related:
Comparison with Bastion:
August 14, 2023
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-dawn-o...
A raw, dark and haunting portrayal set during a apocalyptic event that is gripping from start to end.
Most LitRPGs I’ve read are usually post-apocalyptic in nature with the theme of MC picking up the pieces after the event. Phil goes a different way and set this book during the event as the MC and the rest of humanity try to cope with seeing their species being destroyed and unable to do anything about that.
The setting is dark and the tone sticks to the theme. We follow the MC who’s trying super hard to barely survive far less help others. It’s like trying to scoop out the ocean with a teaspoon, coming to grips with the fact that they can only save thousands while unable to stop billions from dying. The good stuff that happens is just a silver lining while the dark black cloud still rules the sky. I would stop short of calling this a Grimdark, but is certainly one of the darker LitRPG’s I’ve read till now.
The character work is exceptional. Our MC James is a tragic “lost cause” of a human even before the apocalyptic event. A tragedy takes away his will to live and he just ekes out a survival as a depressed homeless man in NYC, floundering in the dark. His supporting cast is as f*cked up as him. From fellow vagrants, to those seeking to profit from the misery, it certainly is a bunch of mixed cast that you love and hate at same time. Beggars cannot be choosers and that’s the themes that manifests itself in various ways.
The world building is realistically done. The political leadership foundering like headless chickens unable to cope, the bureaucracy and self delusional superiority of the US Military leadership who cannot come to terms with the fact they aren’t the big dog anymore it is a unhealthy mix of chaos of streets coupled with lack of leadership or direction. Even those who adapt and are poised to cope are held back by the machinations of an inept leadership, which frankly is how I’d think we’d fare in real life when facing a apocalyptic event.
There’s a lot of OP scenes we we see short term success but they are done well paling into comparison with the wider global conflict. The progression of MC is done well. At some point you realize he’s getting OP powers, way ahead…but again there’s a reality check forthcoming that reminding me that those OP powers are cool, but still not enough.
The closest I can think of something similar is the sci-fi TV show, Falling Skies (one of my favorites), so if you have seen that you’ll like this. If you like this, but haven’t seen the show…give it a go. The plot as a slight hint of Deus Ex Machina in the way it ends, but then it’s a minor gripe to a series that has a whole load of positives.
A raw, dark and haunting portrayal set during a apocalyptic event that is gripping from start to end.
Most LitRPGs I’ve read are usually post-apocalyptic in nature with the theme of MC picking up the pieces after the event. Phil goes a different way and set this book during the event as the MC and the rest of humanity try to cope with seeing their species being destroyed and unable to do anything about that.
The setting is dark and the tone sticks to the theme. We follow the MC who’s trying super hard to barely survive far less help others. It’s like trying to scoop out the ocean with a teaspoon, coming to grips with the fact that they can only save thousands while unable to stop billions from dying. The good stuff that happens is just a silver lining while the dark black cloud still rules the sky. I would stop short of calling this a Grimdark, but is certainly one of the darker LitRPG’s I’ve read till now.
The character work is exceptional. Our MC James is a tragic “lost cause” of a human even before the apocalyptic event. A tragedy takes away his will to live and he just ekes out a survival as a depressed homeless man in NYC, floundering in the dark. His supporting cast is as f*cked up as him. From fellow vagrants, to those seeking to profit from the misery, it certainly is a bunch of mixed cast that you love and hate at same time. Beggars cannot be choosers and that’s the themes that manifests itself in various ways.
The world building is realistically done. The political leadership foundering like headless chickens unable to cope, the bureaucracy and self delusional superiority of the US Military leadership who cannot come to terms with the fact they aren’t the big dog anymore it is a unhealthy mix of chaos of streets coupled with lack of leadership or direction. Even those who adapt and are poised to cope are held back by the machinations of an inept leadership, which frankly is how I’d think we’d fare in real life when facing a apocalyptic event.
There’s a lot of OP scenes we we see short term success but they are done well paling into comparison with the wider global conflict. The progression of MC is done well. At some point you realize he’s getting OP powers, way ahead…but again there’s a reality check forthcoming that reminding me that those OP powers are cool, but still not enough.
The closest I can think of something similar is the sci-fi TV show, Falling Skies (one of my favorites), so if you have seen that you’ll like this. If you like this, but haven’t seen the show…give it a go. The plot as a slight hint of Deus Ex Machina in the way it ends, but then it’s a minor gripe to a series that has a whole load of positives.
November 29, 2023
Rating 4.0 stars
This is a good "end of the world" series. Most of the stories where a system comes to the world and everyone needs to fight for survival are about the same. There are a lot of people that die while others become powerful and are able to fight back. In those books, while it isn't really fair, the system does seem to want the people to get stronger and weed out the weak. I feel that isn't the case in this book. It almost seems like the system in this series is more sinister. Like it is dangling power to the people that survive, but only as a false hope. What else are the people supposed to do then fight though. If the rapture really came, would you just sit back and say "Oh well, I guess I'm f**ked", or would you fight? There is an interesting flavor or religion in this one without actually being religious, it is an entertaining balancing act. The characters are much more complex than in other similar stories, especially so early in the series. The first half of the book is a little slow. It was also a little formulaic. The next wave of monsters are coming and James and his group need to fight to save people and kill monsters. Then things become interesting.
This is a good "end of the world" series. Most of the stories where a system comes to the world and everyone needs to fight for survival are about the same. There are a lot of people that die while others become powerful and are able to fight back. In those books, while it isn't really fair, the system does seem to want the people to get stronger and weed out the weak. I feel that isn't the case in this book. It almost seems like the system in this series is more sinister. Like it is dangling power to the people that survive, but only as a false hope. What else are the people supposed to do then fight though. If the rapture really came, would you just sit back and say "Oh well, I guess I'm f**ked", or would you fight? There is an interesting flavor or religion in this one without actually being religious, it is an entertaining balancing act. The characters are much more complex than in other similar stories, especially so early in the series. The first half of the book is a little slow. It was also a little formulaic. The next wave of monsters are coming and James and his group need to fight to save people and kill monsters. Then things become interesting.
June 5, 2023
The second book does not disappoint.
The second book in the Dawn of the Void series took away a lot of the complaints that I had in the first novel without removing what made the first one good. The improvement to the pacing shown through in this book. The first book suffered when it came to the pacing in some areas because there was too much that had to be built up in a short amount of time; the second book did not disappoint and there was much more conflict and action. The realism remains the main attraction and while the politics did take a backseat, the dark and hopeless nature of the apocalypse is still at the forefront.
James Kelly as a main character has been developing into a good direction, though there was one particular moment in the book where I was quite shocked. In that same vein, the author has proven that he can turn the entire story on its head within a moment's notice. Some of the characters in this novel are given less time, but there are also some, like our favorite Star Boy who is given his own solo chapter as well. Jelly was also a welcomed addition to the cast.
The one criticism that I have for the novel is that the ending is extremely rushed. It was almost as if the author misjudged the timeline of the series and chopped at least half of the content out in order to reach the finality of the series much faster. The light eternal tool did not have much purpose other than to act as a convenient tool to rush the plot forward as well. I am a little hard-pressed to believe in the logic surrounding the light eternal too.
In my opinion, what Phil Tucker was able to create with this world was interesting and had a nice change of pace from others in the same genre. I could see how the author might be inclined to rush the ending of this book as the series as whole did not feel as if it had enough content to support a few more books without it becoming repetitive. I wish it was done in a more believable manner though. I rate the novel to be between 3.9 and 4.1.
The second book in the Dawn of the Void series took away a lot of the complaints that I had in the first novel without removing what made the first one good. The improvement to the pacing shown through in this book. The first book suffered when it came to the pacing in some areas because there was too much that had to be built up in a short amount of time; the second book did not disappoint and there was much more conflict and action. The realism remains the main attraction and while the politics did take a backseat, the dark and hopeless nature of the apocalypse is still at the forefront.
James Kelly as a main character has been developing into a good direction, though there was one particular moment in the book where I was quite shocked. In that same vein, the author has proven that he can turn the entire story on its head within a moment's notice. Some of the characters in this novel are given less time, but there are also some, like our favorite Star Boy who is given his own solo chapter as well. Jelly was also a welcomed addition to the cast.
The one criticism that I have for the novel is that the ending is extremely rushed. It was almost as if the author misjudged the timeline of the series and chopped at least half of the content out in order to reach the finality of the series much faster. The light eternal tool did not have much purpose other than to act as a convenient tool to rush the plot forward as well. I am a little hard-pressed to believe in the logic surrounding the light eternal too.
In my opinion, what Phil Tucker was able to create with this world was interesting and had a nice change of pace from others in the same genre. I could see how the author might be inclined to rush the ending of this book as the series as whole did not feel as if it had enough content to support a few more books without it becoming repetitive. I wish it was done in a more believable manner though. I rate the novel to be between 3.9 and 4.1.
June 6, 2023
Wow! The ending of this book was amazing!
Ok first I have a couple negatives:
I have to admit the beginning started off kind of rough for me. There was a lot of info dumps about the abilities that started to make my eyes gloss over. Even though I think every ability is fun and unique.
And for a lot of it I thought the book was becoming too formulaic. The demon waves started feeling like more of the same and the action wasn’t gripping me at after awhile
But the positives more then make up for those complaints!
It all started when James decided to go see Patrick. It was just the change of pace I needed. The fight against Jane was epic and awesome and even the conversations with the monitor was enticing. I finally got a sense of scale and world building for this conflict.
James deciding not to being back his family was a big moment for me. I liked that he was human enough to be tempted by it but strong enough to overcome that for the good of the planet.
When James absorbed that Reservoir Cube. I almost shit myself with how excited I got. Soooo cool. The titles that flashed by, all the benefits and cool abilities he have now, the miracles and all those gawd damn unspent point was soooo awesome!! And to top it off everyone of his group is getting one too! I’m betting Jessica and Star boy gets one too. I am so freaking excited to read the next book. I can’t wait to see what happens!!
Phil Tucker still constantly amazes me with how creative he is and how good he is at driving narrative and engaging me as a reader. At this point I’ll read anything he puts out. It was so freaking good!
Ok first I have a couple negatives:
I have to admit the beginning started off kind of rough for me. There was a lot of info dumps about the abilities that started to make my eyes gloss over. Even though I think every ability is fun and unique.
And for a lot of it I thought the book was becoming too formulaic. The demon waves started feeling like more of the same and the action wasn’t gripping me at after awhile
But the positives more then make up for those complaints!
It all started when James decided to go see Patrick. It was just the change of pace I needed. The fight against Jane was epic and awesome and even the conversations with the monitor was enticing. I finally got a sense of scale and world building for this conflict.
James deciding not to being back his family was a big moment for me. I liked that he was human enough to be tempted by it but strong enough to overcome that for the good of the planet.
When James absorbed that Reservoir Cube. I almost shit myself with how excited I got. Soooo cool. The titles that flashed by, all the benefits and cool abilities he have now, the miracles and all those gawd damn unspent point was soooo awesome!! And to top it off everyone of his group is getting one too! I’m betting Jessica and Star boy gets one too. I am so freaking excited to read the next book. I can’t wait to see what happens!!
Phil Tucker still constantly amazes me with how creative he is and how good he is at driving narrative and engaging me as a reader. At this point I’ll read anything he puts out. It was so freaking good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2023
Sequels usually suffer in my experience, they dont have the impact of the first and for obvious reasons dont have the conclusion of a final book in a series. That being said book 2 is a strong entry in the series with a slightly different flavour to the first book.
The Nems are getting more dangerous, the pre-event world is falling further behind and it all really gives a sense of progression. Bjorn's direction in this one I though was paticularly well done and was descsive rather than being slept on. Whilst not the conclusion to the series, the ending of book 2 has me very curious and hungry for more, which I would argue is the strongest thing a sequel can bring to the table.
I will say though that even though the system promotes teamwork, our MC has way too much a habit of trying to go it alone many times, which can get a bit over the top. He's our MC so I get it, but it can be frustratingly hypocritical at times. There was also an even in Philly, that I wouldnt say came out of nowhere, but I felt lacked impact when it probably should have been an important moment.
Overall if you liked the first book, you should be good to go with this one.
The Nems are getting more dangerous, the pre-event world is falling further behind and it all really gives a sense of progression. Bjorn's direction in this one I though was paticularly well done and was descsive rather than being slept on. Whilst not the conclusion to the series, the ending of book 2 has me very curious and hungry for more, which I would argue is the strongest thing a sequel can bring to the table.
I will say though that even though the system promotes teamwork, our MC has way too much a habit of trying to go it alone many times, which can get a bit over the top. He's our MC so I get it, but it can be frustratingly hypocritical at times. There was also an even in Philly, that I wouldnt say came out of nowhere, but I felt lacked impact when it probably should have been an important moment.
Overall if you liked the first book, you should be good to go with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
Perfectly escalating
Oh man, satisfying read.
Let's start with the negatives - it's a bit heavy on American military experience and pseudo-politics.
I guess that's the authors background and part of the basis of the story, but it gets a bit unnecessary. At times it feels like there's more exposition into American military ethos than there is into the litrpg system.
Most of the characters other than James are a bit two dimensional. They literally all have two sides to their personalities and that's it. James isn't exactly a people person though, so it fits his worldview.
Now the positive.
The lit system is fleshed out really well, original and creative without requiring lengthy explanation.
The whole thing has a semi Christian soulslike vibe to it, you discover it as you go, along with the main characters.
The overarching plot twists and narrative flow aren't huge but they are nice and unexpected, avoiding a lot of typical tropes.
This series developed much more in the vein of the original than Phil's Bastion series, looking forward to the third book!
Oh man, satisfying read.
Let's start with the negatives - it's a bit heavy on American military experience and pseudo-politics.
I guess that's the authors background and part of the basis of the story, but it gets a bit unnecessary. At times it feels like there's more exposition into American military ethos than there is into the litrpg system.
Most of the characters other than James are a bit two dimensional. They literally all have two sides to their personalities and that's it. James isn't exactly a people person though, so it fits his worldview.
Now the positive.
The lit system is fleshed out really well, original and creative without requiring lengthy explanation.
The whole thing has a semi Christian soulslike vibe to it, you discover it as you go, along with the main characters.
The overarching plot twists and narrative flow aren't huge but they are nice and unexpected, avoiding a lot of typical tropes.
This series developed much more in the vein of the original than Phil's Bastion series, looking forward to the third book!
August 21, 2024
Once again, a really well written book. I wondered through book 1 and 95% of book 2 how the story could be wrapped and resolved in only 3 books, because he definitely set it up with a plot and pace that he could milk for 10+ books like so many other LitRPG authors. But then, James fucking Kelly flipped the goddamn chessboard. I'm really excited to see how Mr. Phil Tucker lands this plane, but I have enough faith and trust in him after these first two books (and I've read his bastion book as well, I should catch up on that series 🤔), that I think the sunnabitch just might pull it off!
Also, I liked the magic system a lot, it's unique enough and just fits well. However, it'd be way too limited to use across a multiverse or a series longer than a few books. Thankfully, it only took until the end of book 2 for Phil fucking Tucker to flip the magic system like a goddamn chessboard haha. From a straw to a firehose. Love it and can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Also, I liked the magic system a lot, it's unique enough and just fits well. However, it'd be way too limited to use across a multiverse or a series longer than a few books. Thankfully, it only took until the end of book 2 for Phil fucking Tucker to flip the magic system like a goddamn chessboard haha. From a straw to a firehose. Love it and can't wait to see where it goes from here.
July 5, 2023
What an amazing Book 2! My brain is spinning at the intricacies of the story, the twists and turns it has taken, and all the loose ends that I'll have to wait for the final installment to see resolved.
It makes me miss D&D while being oh so thankful that our world is not thrust in quite such chaos - though that makes me wonder what this whole narrative might say or inspire related to climate change... but I am digressing.
My point is that James Kelly and his crew, and everyone else in this story are wonderful characters to see evolve and change. I love the sense of humor embedded throughout, too.
Bottom line: Phenomenal read, highly recommend.
It makes me miss D&D while being oh so thankful that our world is not thrust in quite such chaos - though that makes me wonder what this whole narrative might say or inspire related to climate change... but I am digressing.
My point is that James Kelly and his crew, and everyone else in this story are wonderful characters to see evolve and change. I love the sense of humor embedded throughout, too.
Bottom line: Phenomenal read, highly recommend.
June 30, 2023
Perfect follow up for book two! Must read
Phil Tucker is amazing. Taking us into a world where the apocalypse is happening yet building characters as a strength. I love how each person has their own identity as well as humor. Dawn of the void takes us deeper into the world where demons are starting to take over the world. James continues to grow and learn more about himself. More importantly, the relationships you build with his team makes this book all the better. Highly recommend!
Phil Tucker is amazing. Taking us into a world where the apocalypse is happening yet building characters as a strength. I love how each person has their own identity as well as humor. Dawn of the void takes us deeper into the world where demons are starting to take over the world. James continues to grow and learn more about himself. More importantly, the relationships you build with his team makes this book all the better. Highly recommend!
July 27, 2023
Required Reading
Universal Truth is, well, Universal. It has long been my opinion that fantastic fiction is Divinely inspired. Every book I've ever read has contained a little nugget of wisdom which I have gleaned and then moved on to the next. Phil Tucker is a scholar among scholars and a True Believer of a higher power. Not since C.J. Cherryh, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Jack L. Chalker have I come across an author that gives me this kind of spiritual thrill. I anxiously await the third and final installment of this ground breaking trilogy.
Universal Truth is, well, Universal. It has long been my opinion that fantastic fiction is Divinely inspired. Every book I've ever read has contained a little nugget of wisdom which I have gleaned and then moved on to the next. Phil Tucker is a scholar among scholars and a True Believer of a higher power. Not since C.J. Cherryh, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Jack L. Chalker have I come across an author that gives me this kind of spiritual thrill. I anxiously await the third and final installment of this ground breaking trilogy.
September 20, 2025
I'm not usually into litRPG because they don't feel real, but Phil Tucker does a great job with making me believe while giving a lot of action packed progression. How levels of society interacted felt real, and grounded all the more fantastic demons invading and super powers being granted system apocalypse stuff. It's gritty, the characters have interesting backgrounds and motivations. The reactions of a homeless person dealing with authority, then becoming authority, made it an especially captivating read and I blazed through the whole series
August 28, 2023
"Dawn of the Void Book Two" intensifies the saga as humanity faces Nemesis 3. James and his team stand strong in New York's chaos, but a dark truth emerges — they're mere pawns in a malevolent game.
This instalment excels in exploring manipulation and sacrifice. James grapples with leadership's weight, making impossible choices. The emotional depth of the characters remains a highlight.
The story's complexity sometimes borders on confusion, yet the expanding world-building and apocalyptic warfare backdrop are captivating.
This instalment excels in exploring manipulation and sacrifice. James grapples with leadership's weight, making impossible choices. The emotional depth of the characters remains a highlight.
The story's complexity sometimes borders on confusion, yet the expanding world-building and apocalyptic warfare backdrop are captivating.
June 3, 2024
This was even more action packed than book 1, however it bears some middle book problems. I thought the overall progression wasn't on par with book 1, and I wished for more detailed LitRPG elements within the middle part of the book. I liked the ending in particular, while I didn't enjoy the info dumping from the beginnings of the book. All in all, I thought the book needed more progression spread across the entire 550 pages, but it was still an enjoyable read.
November 14, 2024
GREAT BOOK
This book was just as amazing as the first. I get bored easily, I'm not much into the world-building details so I tend to skip pages and pages of that stuff. Give me great characters and action all day and I'm a fan for life.
I'm a fan for life.
Had to reread the scene about Bjorn - it was so good, I was reading too fast so had to go back for all the details I missed
This book was just as amazing as the first. I get bored easily, I'm not much into the world-building details so I tend to skip pages and pages of that stuff. Give me great characters and action all day and I'm a fan for life.
I'm a fan for life.
Had to reread the scene about Bjorn - it was so good, I was reading too fast so had to go back for all the details I missed
January 19, 2025
This is book 2 of a fantasy/sci-fi LitRPG trilogy with a system apocalypse focused on realism. James and company are fighting the monsters to protect New York City. James realizes that something needs to change and goes on a special mission near the end of the book that changes things up considerably.
I know it was necessary but I didn't really like the change up at the end. The depressing realism of this series was also getting to me.
I know it was necessary but I didn't really like the change up at the end. The depressing realism of this series was also getting to me.
June 7, 2023
Great follow up with a massive plot twist
This story is a cut above other system apocalypse stories, with the characters facing genuinely horrifying situations and decisions, and not just token danger that doesn't ever threaten anything. There are a few grammatical errors, but nothing unbearable.
This story is a cut above other system apocalypse stories, with the characters facing genuinely horrifying situations and decisions, and not just token danger that doesn't ever threaten anything. There are a few grammatical errors, but nothing unbearable.
June 20, 2023
I'm Absolutely Hooked
I really thought this series would be good light entertainment. But I was so wrong. Mr Tucker's writing skills have immersed me completely into an apocalyptic world I have never considered. It is truly a unique fight for the survival of humanity. I can't wait to see the conclusion.
I really thought this series would be good light entertainment. But I was so wrong. Mr Tucker's writing skills have immersed me completely into an apocalyptic world I have never considered. It is truly a unique fight for the survival of humanity. I can't wait to see the conclusion.
July 4, 2023
great read
Some of the best writing I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Story aside, the prose is excellent, and more often than not deeply thought provoking. I don’t understand how the writer could have so deeply experienced so many things in their life to know them this well. The story is good too.
Some of the best writing I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Story aside, the prose is excellent, and more often than not deeply thought provoking. I don’t understand how the writer could have so deeply experienced so many things in their life to know them this well. The story is good too.
July 6, 2023
Good book
Excellent story. Better than book one in a lot of ways and that ending was awesome. Finally felt good l, I was beginning to worry that it was turning too grimdark for my liking, but the ending was fantastic.
Typos... Lots of typos, an amount that's not forgivable at 5 stars. Sorry, but an editor is really needed to clear stuff up.
Excellent story. Better than book one in a lot of ways and that ending was awesome. Finally felt good l, I was beginning to worry that it was turning too grimdark for my liking, but the ending was fantastic.
Typos... Lots of typos, an amount that's not forgivable at 5 stars. Sorry, but an editor is really needed to clear stuff up.
June 5, 2023
Awesome!
This series is terribly well written. The pacing is great. Even though the plot and the desperation of the story drives the characters, they still shine through as real people. Very well done.
This series is terribly well written. The pacing is great. Even though the plot and the desperation of the story drives the characters, they still shine through as real people. Very well done.
June 7, 2023
Dear God an amazing book!
This series is amazing. The second book is wonderful and poetic in it's brutality. I love it, and would recommend it be a read by anyone who likes a series that doesn't pull its punches.
This series is amazing. The second book is wonderful and poetic in it's brutality. I love it, and would recommend it be a read by anyone who likes a series that doesn't pull its punches.
June 10, 2023
Read the first 2 books… in a word, fantastic! Read Phil Tucker before and always enjoyed his work. Didn’t think I’d enjoy this series as much as I did but once I got started, I couldn’t stop reading. Can’t wait until the next book arrives.
June 13, 2023
Loved it. The people seem so real, the story just flows so well, I couldn't put it down. I have no idea where Phil gets all his ideas from, but they are amazing.
I am thoroughly invested in this series and can't wait for the next book to come out in August!
I am thoroughly invested in this series and can't wait for the next book to come out in August!
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