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Dawn of the Void #3
Dawn of the Void Book Three
Even with his immense new power, James comes to realize that he is still playing into the hands of the System.
If they are to free earth and redeem the billions dead, James and his crew will have to do more than journey into the Pits of hell or slaughter countless armies of demons - they'll have to find the god-like forces orchestrating the apocalypse, break every rule, and utterly defeat them.
This is the final installation in the Dawn of the Void trilogy. Discover the exciting end to James's desperate attempts to save humanity before the unleashing of the Void.
Audiobook to be released on 11/7/23.
If they are to free earth and redeem the billions dead, James and his crew will have to do more than journey into the Pits of hell or slaughter countless armies of demons - they'll have to find the god-like forces orchestrating the apocalypse, break every rule, and utterly defeat them.
This is the final installation in the Dawn of the Void trilogy. Discover the exciting end to James's desperate attempts to save humanity before the unleashing of the Void.
Audiobook to be released on 11/7/23.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
332 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Phil Tucker
46 books1,234 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 88 reviews
August 10, 2025
Amazing Outing!
Different take on everything else I've read within the post apocalyptic genre and Phil Tucker has been certified as one of my current favorite top 10.
A bad assed, foul-mouthed demon death_dealing version of Scorio (called James Kelly in this one) from his fantabulous Immortal Great Souls trilogy on a steady diet of street living, hard liquor and ample amount of steroids trying to save humanity.
You get First contact, Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Progression Sci-Fi/Fantasy...an incredible amount of immersive world-building, big-ideas thrilling sci-fi speculative plot that's very well paced and also written with lovable and all too human characters and their attendant foibles.
Extremely highly regarded by me.
2025 Read
Different take on everything else I've read within the post apocalyptic genre and Phil Tucker has been certified as one of my current favorite top 10.
A bad assed, foul-mouthed demon death_dealing version of Scorio (called James Kelly in this one) from his fantabulous Immortal Great Souls trilogy on a steady diet of street living, hard liquor and ample amount of steroids trying to save humanity.
You get First contact, Post-Apocalyptic LitRPG Progression Sci-Fi/Fantasy...an incredible amount of immersive world-building, big-ideas thrilling sci-fi speculative plot that's very well paced and also written with lovable and all too human characters and their attendant foibles.
Extremely highly regarded by me.
2025 Read
August 18, 2023
Absolutely loved the series, saw Phil's write up about having to finish it early but I loved the shorter form story. Don't get me wrong I also love the 10+ book stories we see but it can be really hard to keep up with them when you've read like 6 of them and they're still coming out...
So in short, great series, great ending, it finished when I was still super into it, which is waaaay better than fizzling out into nothing!
So in short, great series, great ending, it finished when I was still super into it, which is waaaay better than fizzling out into nothing!
August 17, 2023
Best lit RPG I’ve read
First of all, this is an enchanting, well written adventure. The characters are very believable and entertaining. The story itself is unique and well paced.
Best of all filled Tucker tells a story with the beginning and an end . Most of these types of adventures spread out endlessly over book after book after book. Dawn of the void begins and ends, and is stronger for it..
Read this book!!! You will not regret it.
First of all, this is an enchanting, well written adventure. The characters are very believable and entertaining. The story itself is unique and well paced.
Best of all filled Tucker tells a story with the beginning and an end . Most of these types of adventures spread out endlessly over book after book after book. Dawn of the void begins and ends, and is stronger for it..
Read this book!!! You will not regret it.
October 4, 2023
Really wanted to rate this one higher but I can say I particularly enjoyed the final book in this series. Perhaps an additional book might have changed my mind but as it is I found it and the finale a little unsatisfying.
The first half of the book is largely full of battles, which is fine but the scale of them feels very disconnected from the characters. We get some throwback to Becca who I really thought would be the antagonist to the story, now that the team seemed to be so powerful it felt like her vengeance would come at them from the side. Unfortunately it went nowhere and was forgotten about, much like the characters in other parts of the world like the Japanese schoolgirl (though we do get a brief mention). We also had saw a weird moment with Jason near the end that really seemed to undercut the group dynamic they all praised just a few pages before.
The author displayed quality writing through all 3 books and I liked the overall idea of the story, but personally I think things as a whole started to spiral as things escalated. As a series, had a strong start but somewhat of a weak finish, I think a lot of people will enjoy it but not for me unfortunately.
The first half of the book is largely full of battles, which is fine but the scale of them feels very disconnected from the characters. We get some throwback to Becca who I really thought would be the antagonist to the story, now that the team seemed to be so powerful it felt like her vengeance would come at them from the side. Unfortunately it went nowhere and was forgotten about, much like the characters in other parts of the world like the Japanese schoolgirl (though we do get a brief mention). We also had saw a weird moment with Jason near the end that really seemed to undercut the group dynamic they all praised just a few pages before.
The author displayed quality writing through all 3 books and I liked the overall idea of the story, but personally I think things as a whole started to spiral as things escalated. As a series, had a strong start but somewhat of a weak finish, I think a lot of people will enjoy it but not for me unfortunately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
I'm going to be honest, this was a one star book for me.
The inevitability, the ending that was pointless, the twist that dessert it all, I absolutely hated it. The writing is fine, and the story is okay so most people will enjoy this. But this book ruined the series for me.
The inevitability, the ending that was pointless, the twist that dessert it all, I absolutely hated it. The writing is fine, and the story is okay so most people will enjoy this. But this book ruined the series for me.
August 28, 2023
Could be better
Spoilers ahead.
So as much as I enjoyed this series I'm not a huge fan of time travel. Yeah it let everything be fixed and go back to a good place but it just feels kind of... Lazy?
Spoilers ahead.
So as much as I enjoyed this series I'm not a huge fan of time travel. Yeah it let everything be fixed and go back to a good place but it just feels kind of... Lazy?
August 7, 2024
Very nice series!
April 5, 2024
I give this a reluctant five stars. The writing was great and the story was good, but it poorly wrapped up many threads. Other reviews go into more details, but a lot of threads were instantly wrapped up or ignored. The MC going back in time doesn't necessarily negate everything, but the longer the book went on the more disconnected I felt from him. Still, five stars for the final book in a solid series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
This series has been good top to bottom, my only issue was the last few chapters of the this one. It felt rushed and was confusing from the where the “Angel” back room was introduced. The whole part of the other planet was cool but the whole system overhaul was confusing and the battle with the seraph was even worse. Overall it was a good series and the last few chapters saved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2024
2 stars. Why? He crammed 3-4 books worth of plot development into one book. Practically in an instant, the gang went from being powerful to being immensely powerful as in thousands of times more powerful. And then they just deal with 5 waves of the next levels of demons. And then into the pit where weird weird stuff happened only for a quick resolution with very little explanation as who created the system etc. There was some explanation but not enough. Book one was really fun. Book two fun but less so. This one wasn’t particularly fun. It’s golf. A long story arc spoiled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2024
This one started off badass, then got a little strange, then took a huge turn into almost a completely different type of story. What was there was enjoyable, but then....the ending. 30 pages of exposition dump that lead to an utterly unsatisfying ending. Overall the series was enjoyable and still worth reading, but the culmination was a huge missed opportunity.
August 4, 2023
Disappointing end to the series
Title says it all. I won't give any spoilers, but the end definitely felt like it cheaped out. There were so many other ways that it couldn't ended that felt more satisfying... In the end it was just sad and lackluster to the extreme.
Title says it all. I won't give any spoilers, but the end definitely felt like it cheaped out. There were so many other ways that it couldn't ended that felt more satisfying... In the end it was just sad and lackluster to the extreme.
August 4, 2023
Interesting
Interesting philosophy. Swap God for the Elutharii. It still means someone elevated Homo Sapiens to Homo Sapiens Sapiens.
It still means it wasn't an accident but done on purpose. Without a designer there is no design.
Interesting philosophy. Swap God for the Elutharii. It still means someone elevated Homo Sapiens to Homo Sapiens Sapiens.
It still means it wasn't an accident but done on purpose. Without a designer there is no design.
August 5, 2023
Darkest
Massive power! Not enough. More POWER! Not enough.
This kinda ended abruptly, but also in a very satisfying way.
Worth the time.
Massive power! Not enough. More POWER! Not enough.
This kinda ended abruptly, but also in a very satisfying way.
Worth the time.
August 7, 2023
4.5/5! By far my favorite book in the series and a fantastic end to a great story. I have a lot of positives but a couple negatives .
First the plot worked a lot better in this book then in the previous ones. While I liked the previous 2 books there were times throughout each that made my eyes glaze over and bored me for stretches of it. The first book had long bureaucratic meetings and the second had endless ability power sets descriptions that ultimately weren’t that relevant (though the powers were cool). I say all that to say that this third book didn’t have any of that. The plot was engaging and the pacing flowed well throughout the entire thing.
You can tell that Phil Tucker decided against the long form serial format and decided to wrap things up by the way the story touched on so many things. Personally that’s where Phil Tucker shines in my eyes. Tightly written, plot oriented, imaginative and tense stories. This book delivered on all fronts.
The thing I was most excited for when I started this book was James giving out the reservoir cubes to the rest of his crew. It did not disappoint. Even though I’m still not much of a fan of the idea that everyone has the same powers, Seeing James and his friends go buck wild against the Nemesis throughout the city and in the pits was fun and gave be that dopamine hit that lit rag/Progressive fantasy does so well.
Now the argument can be made that the pacing was a little too fast. Thinking back on it a lot happened. I think the Becca traitor story line in particular was glossed over without a resolution. Also the last suicide mission feels like it was stopped mid way through to get to the conclusion. But despite that I enjoyed everything we got and every time we got a new development or twist, or idea from our crew to try to surprise the Gods above I was entertained and satisfied. Including the last thing James did.
I’ve heard people say they did not like the ending but I really enjoyed it more then I thought I would. I’ve never been a fan of the “it was a dream all along” or “everything is reset from the beginning” endings usually but it worked for me here. I like seeing James coming back with billions of unspent points and god like powers to help the world.
I hate that Serenity doesn’t remember cause their relationship means so much to me but I hope she and James and Jessica all find each other again. I love James and his friends and I’m going to miss hanging out with them as they try to survive.
(James fighting the Nemesis 8 queen and The angel vs Demon war was my favorite scenes in the book)
A couple Negatives:
-The A.I having a personality should have been hinted at sooner, as it is, it feels like it came out of nowhere
-Like I mentioned The Becca/Demon storyline was just dropped. I honestly think It should have been just dropped from the story entirely from the beginning.
-We also never got any catharsis with the Miriam and Jason conflict with James. After all we’ve been through with them I wanted a better resolution then what we got
-I think we didn’t get enough from Jessica either by the end. It felt like the plot tried its best to keep her around and find stuff for her to do but by the end it didn’t feel like we got a real ending to her story
-I know The author wanted to end the series but I do kind of wish we’d spent more time at a few of the locations at the end, the other planet, the black hole and even the pits themselves.
-The final confrontation had some amazing lines and dialogue but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for something bigger. I’m an action junky at heart after all.
-This is more of a question, but not that James got the Heart from Berlinger does that mean the apocalypse won’t happen at all? Seems weird that the God like beings would just allow James to get away with that. I did enjoy the happy ending though.
First the plot worked a lot better in this book then in the previous ones. While I liked the previous 2 books there were times throughout each that made my eyes glaze over and bored me for stretches of it. The first book had long bureaucratic meetings and the second had endless ability power sets descriptions that ultimately weren’t that relevant (though the powers were cool). I say all that to say that this third book didn’t have any of that. The plot was engaging and the pacing flowed well throughout the entire thing.
You can tell that Phil Tucker decided against the long form serial format and decided to wrap things up by the way the story touched on so many things. Personally that’s where Phil Tucker shines in my eyes. Tightly written, plot oriented, imaginative and tense stories. This book delivered on all fronts.
The thing I was most excited for when I started this book was James giving out the reservoir cubes to the rest of his crew. It did not disappoint. Even though I’m still not much of a fan of the idea that everyone has the same powers, Seeing James and his friends go buck wild against the Nemesis throughout the city and in the pits was fun and gave be that dopamine hit that lit rag/Progressive fantasy does so well.
Now the argument can be made that the pacing was a little too fast. Thinking back on it a lot happened. I think the Becca traitor story line in particular was glossed over without a resolution. Also the last suicide mission feels like it was stopped mid way through to get to the conclusion. But despite that I enjoyed everything we got and every time we got a new development or twist, or idea from our crew to try to surprise the Gods above I was entertained and satisfied. Including the last thing James did.
I’ve heard people say they did not like the ending but I really enjoyed it more then I thought I would. I’ve never been a fan of the “it was a dream all along” or “everything is reset from the beginning” endings usually but it worked for me here. I like seeing James coming back with billions of unspent points and god like powers to help the world.
I hate that Serenity doesn’t remember cause their relationship means so much to me but I hope she and James and Jessica all find each other again. I love James and his friends and I’m going to miss hanging out with them as they try to survive.
(James fighting the Nemesis 8 queen and The angel vs Demon war was my favorite scenes in the book)
A couple Negatives:
-The A.I having a personality should have been hinted at sooner, as it is, it feels like it came out of nowhere
-Like I mentioned The Becca/Demon storyline was just dropped. I honestly think It should have been just dropped from the story entirely from the beginning.
-We also never got any catharsis with the Miriam and Jason conflict with James. After all we’ve been through with them I wanted a better resolution then what we got
-I think we didn’t get enough from Jessica either by the end. It felt like the plot tried its best to keep her around and find stuff for her to do but by the end it didn’t feel like we got a real ending to her story
-I know The author wanted to end the series but I do kind of wish we’d spent more time at a few of the locations at the end, the other planet, the black hole and even the pits themselves.
-The final confrontation had some amazing lines and dialogue but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for something bigger. I’m an action junky at heart after all.
-This is more of a question, but not that James got the Heart from Berlinger does that mean the apocalypse won’t happen at all? Seems weird that the God like beings would just allow James to get away with that. I did enjoy the happy ending though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 27, 2023
Predictable but still satisfying
If the series continues it could get more in depth and fun. Let's now pull layers off and take us to some unexpected places. A good amount of world building allows some greater depth and a larger universe.
As-is it was entertaining enough if you come at it like a Marvel story line where you already know where things will go.
As far as the series goes I think book 3 went a bit fast. The build up and possibility of defeat was lacking compared to the other 2 books. I was never very worried for any of the characters. It was either going to be massive tragedy or everyone is fine. That's boring.
Bjorn and Becca while predictable in behavior has more buildup and time for some variability and options.
The world by book 3 is much larger and there are some great possibilities. They are barely explored though.
If this series is taken as a "marvel movie" i give it 4 stars. If it's taken as an original apocalyptic litrpg i give it 2.5 stars mainly because it went to fast and got way too predictable. Solving things too easy...
- interesting characters: 4 star
- character depth: 3.5 stars
- world building: 4 star
- mc balanced: 2 star
- surprising / unpredictable: 2 stars
- limiting tropes: 3 stars
- realistic world diversity: 2.5
What is it like: scale 1-10 (1 not very, 10 very)
- usa culture centric: 9.5
- Christian religious views: 7
- showcasing other cultures: 2
- showcasing other religions: 2
- accurate military representation: 4
- consistent world and rules: 6
- litrpg game feel: 6
- horror: 6
- gore: 6
- realistic human vs human response: 5
- room for speculation: 4
If the series continues it could get more in depth and fun. Let's now pull layers off and take us to some unexpected places. A good amount of world building allows some greater depth and a larger universe.
As-is it was entertaining enough if you come at it like a Marvel story line where you already know where things will go.
As far as the series goes I think book 3 went a bit fast. The build up and possibility of defeat was lacking compared to the other 2 books. I was never very worried for any of the characters. It was either going to be massive tragedy or everyone is fine. That's boring.
Bjorn and Becca while predictable in behavior has more buildup and time for some variability and options.
The world by book 3 is much larger and there are some great possibilities. They are barely explored though.
If this series is taken as a "marvel movie" i give it 4 stars. If it's taken as an original apocalyptic litrpg i give it 2.5 stars mainly because it went to fast and got way too predictable. Solving things too easy...
- interesting characters: 4 star
- character depth: 3.5 stars
- world building: 4 star
- mc balanced: 2 star
- surprising / unpredictable: 2 stars
- limiting tropes: 3 stars
- realistic world diversity: 2.5
What is it like: scale 1-10 (1 not very, 10 very)
- usa culture centric: 9.5
- Christian religious views: 7
- showcasing other cultures: 2
- showcasing other religions: 2
- accurate military representation: 4
- consistent world and rules: 6
- litrpg game feel: 6
- horror: 6
- gore: 6
- realistic human vs human response: 5
- room for speculation: 4
December 11, 2023
Rating 4.0 stars
This was a good conclusion to the series. I wasn't sure what to expect after the huge level up that James had at the end of the last book. That would completely change the dynamic going forward. It did and it didn't at the same time.
This was a good conclusion to the series. I wasn't sure what to expect after the huge level up that James had at the end of the last book. That would completely change the dynamic going forward. It did and it didn't at the same time.
October 28, 2024
One of the best LitRPG book series I've read. Real, three-dimensional characters acting in believable manner, an interesting protagonist that developes throughout the series, a story that keeps surprising you every other moment. Each time you think all is clear about the world the tables turn. There's no end of layers to unravel.
While the first two books were good System Apocalypse stories with refreshing injection of ideas about world and faith, this one starts hysterically great and goes even stronger going forwards.
Alas, even though the story is more or less coherent it fails short at the last moment. I don't know if the author wanted to end things this way or maybe he just grew bored of his story at some point, but despite it being polished it ends on a confusing note. I don't hate the ending, but I had to take away one star. It's confusing, anticlimactic and overall cheap.
Still, endings are hard, so I'll try to not be too harsh on the author. As it is the series is an amazing addition to fantasy literature, let alone LitRPG genre.
While the first two books were good System Apocalypse stories with refreshing injection of ideas about world and faith, this one starts hysterically great and goes even stronger going forwards.
Alas, even though the story is more or less coherent it fails short at the last moment. I don't know if the author wanted to end things this way or maybe he just grew bored of his story at some point, but despite it being polished it ends on a confusing note. I don't hate the ending, but I had to take away one star. It's confusing, anticlimactic and overall cheap.
Still, endings are hard, so I'll try to not be too harsh on the author. As it is the series is an amazing addition to fantasy literature, let alone LitRPG genre.
October 7, 2023
Amazing series
I think this series was exceptional. It was very smartly written. James, the main character, was very well written, fleshed out, human, relatable, weak, flawed, smart, rebellious and someone we all know.
I could tell this author had a plan from the beginning. These books were very well piloted through the storyline and the evolution of his main characters. I could tell the storyline had a destination. It kept me guessing. And a lot of books you know where they're going to go by the end of the first book.
I would highly recommend all three of these books to anybody who likes a good science fiction fantasy book as well as people who like lit RPG. I don't want to give anything away because I was actually surprised at the end of this book. And that doesn't actually happen that often. Read these books. You will not regret it.
I think this series was exceptional. It was very smartly written. James, the main character, was very well written, fleshed out, human, relatable, weak, flawed, smart, rebellious and someone we all know.
I could tell this author had a plan from the beginning. These books were very well piloted through the storyline and the evolution of his main characters. I could tell the storyline had a destination. It kept me guessing. And a lot of books you know where they're going to go by the end of the first book.
I would highly recommend all three of these books to anybody who likes a good science fiction fantasy book as well as people who like lit RPG. I don't want to give anything away because I was actually surprised at the end of this book. And that doesn't actually happen that often. Read these books. You will not regret it.
February 16, 2024
Wow, Phil. Just wow.
So book one was a pretty safe Judeo Christian apocalitrpg. Book 2 got tangled in the military gamer tropes. Then book 3...
Was suddenly like a whole other book, a book definitely written by the author of Bastion. Tropes got subverted, narrative does a huge uturn, and the symbolism takes a massive jump in consciousness.
I have no idea how you go from two books centered on individual responsibility and simplified American politics...
To framing the insignificance/significance of a single individual in a greater cosmic scale, while hinting at archetypal themes and flexible semantics.
But I enjoyed it thoroughly, thank you.
My only mild complaint is Yadriels dialogue got more and more jarring. But since I'm not American, maybe people really do talk like that and I just haven't experienced it 😅
So book one was a pretty safe Judeo Christian apocalitrpg. Book 2 got tangled in the military gamer tropes. Then book 3...
Was suddenly like a whole other book, a book definitely written by the author of Bastion. Tropes got subverted, narrative does a huge uturn, and the symbolism takes a massive jump in consciousness.
I have no idea how you go from two books centered on individual responsibility and simplified American politics...
To framing the insignificance/significance of a single individual in a greater cosmic scale, while hinting at archetypal themes and flexible semantics.
But I enjoyed it thoroughly, thank you.
My only mild complaint is Yadriels dialogue got more and more jarring. But since I'm not American, maybe people really do talk like that and I just haven't experienced it 😅
August 7, 2023
Thus far I've yet to be even mildly disappointed in Phil Tucker. Dawn of the Void 3 is a fantastic wrap-up to the trilogy.
All three in the series were a joy to read, with Mr. Tucker's usual whirlwind pace and ability to flesh out whole universes out of whole cloth.
The one request I would make is that the author consider doing an epilogue, as he takes us on such incredible journeys, with such endearing characters, it would be nice to have a glimpse into what comes after...
This was my first LitRPG, and it was a thrilling introduction to the sub-genre. As I'm now awaiting the next Immortal Souls book, I guess I'll go take a gander at Euphoria Online. I keep expecting to pick up his "learning curve" book, and have yet to find it.
All three in the series were a joy to read, with Mr. Tucker's usual whirlwind pace and ability to flesh out whole universes out of whole cloth.
The one request I would make is that the author consider doing an epilogue, as he takes us on such incredible journeys, with such endearing characters, it would be nice to have a glimpse into what comes after...
This was my first LitRPG, and it was a thrilling introduction to the sub-genre. As I'm now awaiting the next Immortal Souls book, I guess I'll go take a gander at Euphoria Online. I keep expecting to pick up his "learning curve" book, and have yet to find it.
November 24, 2024
4.5. I never write reviews because I suck at it, as you'll see, but I'm making an exception:
Phil Tucker is now the 2nd author whose dialogue genuinely made me laugh.
I like serious - preferably dark - fantasy and don't expect comedy. Even the few authors capable of infusing humorous dialogue in this genre (like Nicholas Eames, Scott Lynch, Sebastien de Castell, Michael J. Sullivan, Christopher Buehlman) never got a snort from me.
Side note: Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence are in a different category; the absurd genius of their stories cracks me up, but not the dialogue.
Although it was achieved in very different ways, only the dialogue of Phil Tucker and GRRM made me laugh.
Thank you for creating such a uniquely fun experience.
Phil Tucker is now the 2nd author whose dialogue genuinely made me laugh.
I like serious - preferably dark - fantasy and don't expect comedy. Even the few authors capable of infusing humorous dialogue in this genre (like Nicholas Eames, Scott Lynch, Sebastien de Castell, Michael J. Sullivan, Christopher Buehlman) never got a snort from me.
Side note: Joe Abercrombie and Mark Lawrence are in a different category; the absurd genius of their stories cracks me up, but not the dialogue.
Although it was achieved in very different ways, only the dialogue of Phil Tucker and GRRM made me laugh.
Thank you for creating such a uniquely fun experience.
August 28, 2023
"Dawn of the Void Book Three" concludes the trilogy with haste, leaving untapped potential. James battles god-like forces to save Earth, yet pacing undermines emotional depth, and plot intricacies feel condensed.
James remains compelling, but his internal struggles suffer amidst urgency. Brilliant action moments punctuate the rushed narrative with sky-high stakes and poignant themes of redemption.
While not as impactful as its predecessors, Book Three delivers closure. Despite its swiftness, it satisfies the quest to save humanity from the impending Void, making it a fitting end to the trilogy.
James remains compelling, but his internal struggles suffer amidst urgency. Brilliant action moments punctuate the rushed narrative with sky-high stakes and poignant themes of redemption.
While not as impactful as its predecessors, Book Three delivers closure. Despite its swiftness, it satisfies the quest to save humanity from the impending Void, making it a fitting end to the trilogy.
January 19, 2025
This is book 3 of a fantasy/sci-fi LitRPG trilogy with a system apocalypse focused on realism. The events at the end of book 2 changed the game and maybe this system is less rigged against humans now. James and company still have serious challenges as they face the pit while also dealing with humans that made deals with the demons. James focuses on trying to do something that the aliens/system do not expect.
This book does wrap up the series fairly well but I was not very satisfied with the ending. However I am glad this series was only three books and not drawn out more. The realism and "losing battle" feel of this series was rather depressing.
This book does wrap up the series fairly well but I was not very satisfied with the ending. However I am glad this series was only three books and not drawn out more. The realism and "losing battle" feel of this series was rather depressing.
April 28, 2024
Damn fine series
Okay so I first tried to read this series when the first book came out and I loved it, the action, the pacing, the new leveling system. Maybe not so much the constant emotional breakdowns the MC was having but I loved the story. But then I had to wait for the sequels which felt like forever so I moved on. I am glad that I finally came back to it. This was a damn fine series. Spoiler alert: I hate anything having to do with time travel. But damn even the ending was good in this series. And I usually don't say that.
Okay so I first tried to read this series when the first book came out and I loved it, the action, the pacing, the new leveling system. Maybe not so much the constant emotional breakdowns the MC was having but I loved the story. But then I had to wait for the sequels which felt like forever so I moved on. I am glad that I finally came back to it. This was a damn fine series. Spoiler alert: I hate anything having to do with time travel. But damn even the ending was good in this series. And I usually don't say that.
July 5, 2024
I burned through this trilogy pretty quickly.
It did not go how I expected.
I am not sure how I feel about the ending but it was a complete ending and I feel it streamlined more vs book 2, even with the side tracking.
There were potentially a few missing details and there could totally be a follow up book of short stories. Who knows what the future holds.
The writing was good, the lateral thinking was fun. There.was some depth behind the curtain.
This gives me great hope for the ending of IGS too!
It did not go how I expected.
I am not sure how I feel about the ending but it was a complete ending and I feel it streamlined more vs book 2, even with the side tracking.
There were potentially a few missing details and there could totally be a follow up book of short stories. Who knows what the future holds.
The writing was good, the lateral thinking was fun. There.was some depth behind the curtain.
This gives me great hope for the ending of IGS too!
August 2, 2023
Wow did not expect this to go where it did. Fantastic!
I'm not the biggest LitRPG fan, but I've been following this series with rabid interest. Just the right amount of character drama, crazy setting, couple interesting twists, and a clever Chekhov's gun usage.
My only nitpick is one antagonist is just forgotten about and I was hoping for a satisfying resolution. But, all in all, if you've made it to #3, you're in for a treat.
I'm not the biggest LitRPG fan, but I've been following this series with rabid interest. Just the right amount of character drama, crazy setting, couple interesting twists, and a clever Chekhov's gun usage.
My only nitpick is one antagonist is just forgotten about and I was hoping for a satisfying resolution. But, all in all, if you've made it to #3, you're in for a treat.
September 23, 2023
Really loved the system Phil created for this book. Book 3 was awesome. Small details that could have made it a slightly smoother read, but I understand the author had to rush this one out. Learning more into the backstory of our protagonist and what happened to his family was definitely something I had been waiting for! I wasn’t completely surprised by the twist at the end, but it was fun none-the-less! I love how he wrapped up this ending, though. It was beautiful
October 24, 2023
Unique and Riveting...
What a great series. The characters are incredibly strong and endearing. The plot is fast, twisting and unique. The conclusion ties thr plot up neatly though I would have loved to seen what happened next as the story just came to a quick hault but still the series I'd worth reading. I've certainly had some long nights reading, unable to put the current book in the series down. Would make a movie too! I'm off to find other books written by this author!!
What a great series. The characters are incredibly strong and endearing. The plot is fast, twisting and unique. The conclusion ties thr plot up neatly though I would have loved to seen what happened next as the story just came to a quick hault but still the series I'd worth reading. I've certainly had some long nights reading, unable to put the current book in the series down. Would make a movie too! I'm off to find other books written by this author!!
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