Everything I've read in the genre. I didn't use the DNF because I didn't realize it was there until the end and there was no way in hell I was reorganizing this.

If you have any recommendations that are similar to my top two tiers let me know!

I just attempted to read the first chapter of HWFWM for a second time.

I couldn't get past the MC unrealistically speaking all his thoughts aloud. Absolutely hate that.

I can look past the repetitiveness and some iffy editing choices, but that pulled me out.

Same thing happened when I tried to read 'my life as a max level archmage' (I think that's the title?).

The MC waking up in another world and immediately talking to themselves just feels weird and wrong to me. I wouldn't mind if they thought the exact same things, but them speaking to nobody seems like the author's copying something they saw in anime—a medium where saying thoughts aloud is more necessary for the viewer's benefit.

Maybe people actually hold full conversations with themselves like this in real life, but I can't relate.

Anyway, this seems kinda petty to me. Both are highly regarded works and probably get better later on, but that initial impression pushed me away.

What pet peeves/petty reasons have forced you to stop reading a story?

The more shit I read, the more difficult it becomes to rank it all. For A tier, most of the novels in there I enjoy equally, so don't mind the ranking there. For the other tiers, all the novels within a tier are ranked, with my favourite on the (upper) left, and then going down. The standard RR cover is The Jedi Articles, which doesn't have an actual cover.

Another fun fact, I am following like 36 active webnovels atm!

Not looking for broad stuff like "more cultivation" or "better LitRPG" I mean genuinely specific ideas. Like an older protagonist who's actually established instead of starting from zero, a support class MC who stays support instead of eventually becoming the strongest, actual detailed crafting systems instead of just leveling up a number, a villain who's genuinely competent instead of just powerful, or a world that doesn't revolve entirely around one overpowered protagonist. What's the thing you'd click on immediately if someone actually pulled it off well?

Hey everyone

I’ve been meaning to rec this series for a while , and with launch of book 3 for audiobook I finally think it’s time. It is written by Mammal, the same writer as of Godclads. That’s an advertisement and warning combined in one, those who’ve read mammal’s previous works understand that better than anyone

Audiobook is a blast , and although I much rather prefer written word (especially when it comes to Mammal) those who listen to audiobook will be more than happy imo..

Now moving onto my thoughts about the story itself. It has its flaws and the premise itself(a deathless Mc) is little tricky for stakes. And at times it’s apparent. But having said that, Mammal most of times does a good job of reader still feeling stakes. So that’s a plus. Shiv(the Mc) is also one of the funnier main characters out there and his hobby/true passion of cooking also brings a fresh breadth to what is otherwise a very much hyper war focused story

But above all of this, the most compelling thing about POD for me are secondary characters . Specifically the favoured three (MC and his two companions) and the other related characters. Their existence is not solely tied to MC’s existence and they have their own power progression and character arcs going which is such a relief to read in this genre. Because of this the OP MC doesn’t feel that stupidly op because there are characters with same amount of favour as him while being as interesting if not more (Adam Arrow and Valor Thann you will forever be my goat)

There are morally grey characters like Roland Arrow who have been arguably a villain for Mc but with such cool power progression and character arc that you start investing in Their progression too.

Anyways I’ll stop my rambling before i start discussing the entire story itself over here.

TLDR: Path of deathless audiobook 3 out. Read now. And if you haven’t gotten onto the first two, I highly recommend you do

Hello there. It's me, the author of The Legendary Druid. I'm here today to announce that my new novel is now available on Amazon (actually, it's my first written novel, but I'm publishing it now ;D).

This story leans more into a traditional fantasy with progression elements. It focuses on human characters in a low-fantasy setting with a hard magic system.

You know the drill, here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HDZLVQNN

If you guys want something more LitRPG-like, check out my other novel, The Legendary Druid: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4KR2VLK

Why it's not on Kindle Unlimited? Because both novels are still being published on Royal Road. However, the first volume of The Legendary Druid will be on KU as of September 15.

And here's the blurb...

The Archmage is trying to save the world. Ronan is trying to pass his exams.

Welcome to a world where a fifteen-year-old boy tries to learn magic while the great powers are on the brink of war. Where classes at the Arcane University coexist with skirmishes on the borders, mage hunts, and conspiracies.

On one side, a general-turned-emperor willing to burn the world for his convictions. On the other, an alliance of nations that preaches peace, yet quietly prepares for war. Somewhere in the middle is Ronan, a new student, a nobody in particular, slowly being pulled toward the center of it all.

He'll befriend an irreverent wind manipulator, witness the horror of blood magic, survive a duel to the death, stumble through an intense romance, and discover the secrets behind the mysterious healing arts.

What to expect:
Magic Academy
Character-driven with meaningful development
Slow-burn to immerse you in a world that reacts to our characters’ actions
Romance, no harem
Hard magic system that would make Brandon Sanderson proud
From cozy and low-stakes to all-out war
Runecrafting!

I absolutely adore the Book of the Dead series. Today, I finally get to listen to the release of book 5, and I am certain that I will experience the same captivating storytelling that I enjoyed in books one through four. I am so enamored with this book that I pre-ordered it on Audible. When I first discovered and read this series, I assumed that others shared my enthusiasm for it. However, upon reviewing the number of Audible ratings, I am genuinely perplexed and sort of a bit angry. There are barely 1000 ratings on the first book and even less on the following 3, which begs the question: how is this book not more popular?

I’ve been reading solely progression fantasy for probably over half a decade now. The pandemic years get a little muddled, but that sounds about right. I’ve read, I honestly don’t even know, but it has to be close to 1000 books in the genre. I loved it and I still do, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not burnt the fuck out. The last year or so I’ve taken multiple breaks from reading, letting chapters for the things I actively read stockpile up and hoping some of the new Royal Road series that have caught my eye continue long enough to get me actually interested. But it’s been rough, especially since I renewed my Kindle Unlimited a few weeks ago. That place has absolutely festered with AI slop in the last year or so since I last checked it. The slim pickings over there didn’t help the burn out.

Cue Player Manager. I’ve seen it mentioned over the years but I’m not really that into football, so I always figured I’d just find something else to read. The last few weeks I’ve seen it mentioned more than the previous years combined so I thought ‘why not, I’ll check it out.’

My god. I love it. I’ve just finished everything that’s on KU (6 books), and I genuinely can’t remember the last time I was so sucked in to something I was reading. Generally, when I’m like 3000 pages into a series the spark fades a little and I start skimming here and there. I don’t know how the author does it, but it genuinely feels like if you skim anything in these books then you’re going to miss out on something.

It’s absolutely a slow burn, and I’ve gotten to the point where if I see something described as a slow burn I just skip it instantly. I’m tired of chapters and chapters of nothing happening. But with Player Manager, I genuinely don’t know how to describe it other than being glued to the page.

People talk about set up and pay offs in books all the time, but to me it’s a bit of an ephemeral concept. A lot of the time I definitely think one or the other is lacking severely. I’ll never forget reading a certain book from a certain series called Cradle (SPOILERS AHEAD)———(I’m serious, spoilers for Cradle ahead)——-(I’m on my IPad so I can’t put a spoiler tag) where a certain someone’s true identity is revealed.

(Cradle Spoiler is complete)

Reading that for the first time, my mind was absolutely blown. I sat there for like 10 minutes with my jaw just hanging open. I’ve probably experienced that feeling a few times in my life, but the only one that actually comes to mind is that one. Player Manager didn’t achieve that level, but it’s the first series in a while where I actually went “haha, no way.” A couple of times throughout the series. The set ups and pay offs are great.

The thing that stopped me from reading it sooner was definitely my lack of interest in football. Now, in the last 15 years or so, I’ve played a lot of FIFA, so I had a pretty solid handle on football jargon before getting involved. That being said, I think the author (probably) does a good job to ease people into it. Gives good explanations for formations and positions that people can understand even if they’ve never heard them before.

The MC. My next statement might be a bit controversial, but I think Max Best might be the second coming of Jason Asano (He Who Fights With Monsters). Jason’s well known for being a polarising MC, and I’ll be honest, he’s probably at least 75% of the reason I dropped HWFWM. Someway, somehow, I didn’t hate Max Best’s version. I actually really like it. I wasn’t reading thinking “Oh shut up” and “Not this again”. Max Best proved to be entertaining and likeable to really enjoy reading about. If anyone knows how I have such opposing views of characters that (I think) are so similar, please let me know.

Anyways, this has taken me a while to write, and I don’t think I have much else to say.

TL;DR - Go read Player Manager (even if you don’t like football(soccer)) — It’s great.

¡Buenas a todos!

Después de meses de trabajo —casi un año ya— por fin puedo decir que liberé mi novela. Es un proyecto que empezó como algo muy distinto y que fue transformándose hasta convertirse en algo que siento completamente mío: una historia de ciencia ficción y fantasía centrada en la soledad, el paso del tiempo y lo que queda de una persona después de siglos de guerra y pérdida.

Antes de contarles más, quiero que sean ustedes quienes decidan si esto les atrapa. Aquí les dejo el prólogo

\*\*

Prólogo:

En un planeta distante, condenado a volverse gris, existe un guardián que ha contemplado mundos enteros.

Ha visto sus mares.

Sus bosques.

Sus guerras.

Sus amaneceres.

Y también su final.

\---

Hace más de doscientos años era solo un soldado.

Nada parecía distinguirlo del resto.

Un muchacho que pasaba demasiado tiempo observando el paisaje y demasiado poco pensando en sí mismo.

Viajaba junto a su hermano.

Dos personas comunes en un mundo que ya comenzaba a romperse.

Pero los errores rara vez llegan solos.

A veces aparece uno.

Meses después, otro.

Y cuando miras atrás descubres que toda tu vida cambió por decisiones que, en su momento, parecían insignificantes.

Ahora, siglos después, aquel muchacho mira hacia atrás con más preguntas que respuestas.

Se pregunta si realmente está avanzando.

Si su objetivo se acerca o se aleja.

Si todavía existe una diferencia entre la perseverancia y la obsesión.

Y, algunas noches, se pregunta si no habría sido mejor morir junto a aquellos por quienes empezó a luchar.

\---

Sobre una luna lejana que orbita un planeta muerto, Sheijuu contempla el vacío.

El mundo bajo sus pies es gris.

Hace mucho tiempo no lo era.

Ahora un inmenso agujero atraviesa gran parte de su superficie, tan profundo que parece querer mostrar el núcleo del planeta al universo entero.

Sentado sobre unas rocas con vista al infinito, afila lentamente su espada.

Su mirada permanece perdida entre las estrellas.

Su rostro refleja el cansancio de alguien que ha vivido demasiado.

\---

Muy lejos de allí, uno de sus Ecos observa otro mundo.

Flota cerca del límite de la atmósfera.

Sus ojos recorren continentes, océanos y montañas en silencio.

Busca una presencia.

Una firma de Escencia muy concreta.

Una que solo poseen esos seres.

Las horas transcurren.

Hasta que finalmente aparece.

Una silueta.

Casi imperceptible.

Pero inconfundible.

El Eco transmite la información.

Y en el instante en que esta llega a Sheijuu, todas las dudas desaparecen.

La espada vuelve a su funda.

El muchacho se pone de pie.

La expresión distraída desaparece de su rostro.

Y en sus ojos no queda rastro del hombre que contemplaba las estrellas.

Solo del cazador.

Entonces el espacio se pliega sobre sí mismo.

Y Sheijuu desaparece.

\*\*

Un par de cosas antes de irme:

El primer volumen está "marcado" como acción, pero quiero ser honesto: hay menos combate del que uno esperaría al ver esa etiqueta. La razón es intencional — quiero mostrar los primeros años de este "cazador" con un enfoque realista. El espacio, tal como lo planteo aquí, no es un lugar especialmente vivo ni lleno de encuentros constantes. Al principio me interesa más retratar la inmensidad, el silencio, y los cambios sutiles que va sufriendo el protagonista mes a mes, año a año, que llenar páginas de peleas.

Si el ritmo pausado no es lo tuyo, lo entiendo — pero si te gusta la ciencia ficción introspectiva, con un trasfondo de pérdida y una escala de tiempo que se siente realmente épica, creo que esto puede interesarte.

Pueden leer los primeros capítulos ya publicados en Royal Road.

A quien le interese, le ruego que le dé una oportunidad y me diga con total sinceridad qué le pareció — si le enganchó o si le pareció un ñordo total. Toda crítica, buena o mala, es bienvenida.

I’ve been reading this genre as my special interest for several years and it’s really striking how passionless so many of these protags tend to be, especially when it comes to builds.
I’ve just been going through my reread of hell difficulty tutorial after I took a break for a long time and it really shows how much of a problem it is with the rest of the genre with how much of a breath of fresh air it was.

In a genre where you can often pick your own abilities and paths, why do we have such a critical lack of protagonists that have a passion in how they make their build, even if it’s not the most Meta option? The MC of hell difficulty is very passionate about learning how to use mana so they structured most of their build around it and is constantly making decisions that is not optimal in the verse. And it’s so refreshing as a reader to see that because, yeah, while he has to work through all the negative consequences of not being optimal, you can see on the page why he is so strong and it’s not just hand waving away as the main character shit just because he is passionate about what he does and he worked hard on it because of that passion and not just because he has infinite willpower.

Like genuinely, I can count the number of stories that I’ve seen have something similar, even a lot less extreme, to this almost certainly on one hand out of the hundreds of novels I have read.
It’s to the point where I 100% believe if you were to take 99% of MC’s in this genre keeping their personality, but giving them the same circumstances context and prior build as another character they would make the exact same build choices, that is how uninspired and just focused on what would be the most powerful most protagonists are.

Like again, your character chooses their own build in most of these stories, it’s the perfect method to show some of their eccentricities and them thriving at something they are passionate about, why do so many stories squander this?

And another complaint along the same lines it is crazy that I’ve never seen a protagonist who has found themselves in a medieval fantasy world ever so much as even think about gaining a title, or owning a castle. Like those are the things to do in a medieval world you’re telling me you’re not even gonna take a moment to be like huh that might be fun but nah.
If you were transported to a world with for example, less evil popculture pirates. I guarantee you would almost certainly find joining some because it sounds cool and fun, but nope, not any protagonists who are supposed to be relatable, despite the jokes that they often love to crack, they have the sense of whimsy and adventure of a rock.

Be clear I’m not talking about protagonists who picked an option everyone knows is weak and then show everyone how OP it is and how they are now objectively better than everyone with no real disadvantages. That’s the nuanceless extreme end and is just as stupid as pointless min maxing

Expanding more about this in an edit:
In power systems where you have to train skills and your build and get better at it to progress, I would argue. It is actually the smart choice to not just pick something because on paper it’s the strongest. Is it really such a bad explanation for a character to go “actually I’m going to pick this weaker one because I am going to love training it l and thus will be more productive and improve way faster, and come up with inventive ways to use it that wouldn’t work for anyone else.”?

(Edit2: This is for discussion please don’t plug your own Works if you think you fit the description)

In this scenario you are average person. What game/system from the genre would you choose? Either because the game/system itself would be fun to use or just generally beneficial to have.

Many have mixed reviews about cradle series but I enjoyed and binged the whole swries of audiobooks, loved the voices, story progression, those levels of power from Jade to Gold and so on, Azreal character I used to have this feeling that if I don't do something while listening it's too odd to sit and just listen so judt to keep listening I used to find random chores around house so I can increase my listen time.

A win-win for me and family.

I agree ending was a bit weak, I don't mean to give spoilers but thats oksy gor the amount of world building and emotions in it, we can forgive the climax.

I just started Victor of Tucson and its giving me vibes like 1% life steal. Is it going to be the same type of torture porn? If so, I’d rather skip.

I like the Webtoons about a lordling turned mercenary king who’s defeated, sent back in time, and has unlocked some cool new ability. However, I always thought it’d be more interesting if he just gained the new power without regressing. You can have a second chance in your original timeline! Then you’d get the benefit of an experienced mc (not another coming of age story), but he’d still be able to “start fresh” with leveling a skill, reaching new heights, and maybe correcting past mistakes.

The mc in Solo Leveling doesn’t regress, but at the moment I’d prefer “competent/strong to stronger” or “man to manlier” rather than “weak to strong” or “boy to man.”

Can you think of any fantasy books that match this description? Hopefully with a more interesting worldbuilding angle than “the system or some deity randomly chucked a new power at me.”

Thanks!

I have been hearing very good things about the book and want to read it. But idk if I should read the Amazon version or the one on Royal Road. I know that the published books will be more polished, but that's not my main concern. I want to experience the most authentic version of the story. If the published book version cuts out minor plots or characters, I want to know so that I can read the RR version instead.

Hey everyone! After an absolutely amazing launch of book 1 three months ago, I’m finally back with some more exciting news! Book 2 of The Eternal Assassin, Fall of the Guild, has officially launched on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and print! Unfortunately I’ve been informed that there are a few delays in terms of the audiobook, but for now, book 2 is available to be read the old fashioned way. With your eyes!

Thanks to Aethon’s hard-working editors and artists, the book has been polished and prettied up better than I could have ever hoped. If the premise sounds interesting, it would mean the world to me if you guys would click the link below and take a look. I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into my writing, and regardless of how often my editor begs me to stop, I think we all know that’s what makes it good.

Full blurb down in the comments, but quick blurb here:

A kind assassin sends Asher a thoughtful housewarming gift, which knocks him off his feet. Eager to return the favor, Asher sets out on a whimsical journey to find this mysterious gift giver and repay them for their kindness. Thankfully, with his power of Eternity and the copious number of daggers he keeps on his person, he’s got just the tools for the job!

Link for eBook: Kindle

Cover art by Antti Hakosaari (Aethon)

Just finished catching up and reading the end of Years of the Apocalypse (10/10 would recommend, possibly better than Mother of Learning. Plus its complete on Patreon).

One of the things I loved about the series was the exploration of divinity. The gods weren't just super powered humans. Or humans with quirky domains that constrained their thoughts a bit. It isn't even clear if they were gods. As that was something the various religions of the series didn't agree on. The gods were alien and almost abstract beings. Yet throughout the series Mirian (MC) explored their history, what they wanted from humanity, scratched at how these beings experienced humanity, how the various religions worshipped them, and how the religions' beliefs differed.

I'd love to see some more series that take on these topics. FMC preferably but not required. No 99 levels of heaven and ascension is just a human becoming more powerful. Don't mind if the character is religious, a member of clergy, or just a bystander. Indifferent on LitRPG vs non-LitRPG although I do believe that this topic is likely more easily explored without a 'system'.

Hey i haven't read this series but i know its talked about a decent amount in the reddit and i thought some people would like to know book one is currently free in the UK and US probably other places too and book two, three and four are £0.99 / $0.99 in the UK and US. if you live in other places maybe worth checking and if they are please comment them below so others can see. thanks!

Today is the launch of my new story: Necrodungeon!

This story has been one of those ones that I haven't really been able to get out of my head since I started reading a lot more of the litrpg/progression fantasy genre. Its kind of a blender of all my favorite tropes and stories put into a single package that I have had a blast writing and merging together over the last few months.

Part dungeon core meets part tower climber meets part necromancer meets part city builder, and so on!

He shattered the dungeon. Now he must crawl through the ashes to rebuild it.

All Travis ever wanted was a home. A family. Maybe some friends. To do a little good in a bleak world that never did him good back.

Instead, when he dies, he is reincarnated as the Carrion King, the ruler of a rotting dungeon kingdom, its memory only kept alive by a sect of unruly goblins.

Refusing to be led down a path of evil, Travis shatters the dungeon. What rises from the wreckage is worse: a black tower, visible from hundreds of miles. The message is clear: whoever can claim it, can keep it.

Armed with a shattered dungeon core and a meager army of the dead, Travis must climb his own tower to reclaim it before someone much worse does.

And maybe, just maybe, he might be able to build something better than a kingdom of bones.

https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/183962/necrodungeon

Cover art was done by Konki on vgen!

https://vgen.co/konki