The author is clearly heavily influenced but RPG table top and video games, but fails to separate the story telling aspects of RPGs from the rule books.The characters are actively aware of game-like adventurer levels and even have levels for the monsters and dungeons. I felt like they were trying to teach me how to play a game, not telling a fluid story.
Plus the characters are inconsistant with how they treat the protagonist. Mostly treating a small child as if they were a young adult. No parent is going to tell their 4 year old to protect their mother. Just absurd.