Wow. Okay. So, of the four litRPG series I’ve tried this is one of the two I actually want to keep reading after the first book. I get bored easily so this isn’t to say the other series were particularly bad, they just had a habit of being overwhelmed by “too much set up” not enough “plot” or “rush plot”.
Edward is a sort of bland character in that he falls squarely into the reluctant hero who wears the mantel/title of a dungeon lord. His actions are predictable, guided by his mortality which is pretty much fair and again predictable.
That said the plot and style of the story, while not being anything particularly special, delivered the action, tension, and essence of a good litRPG. The layers of dungeon lords, world-building, natural enemies of humans and dungeon lords alike, the involvement of dark and light gods, skills, allies, and progression were each layered with a quite balanced effect that shows planning and skill.
I did not get bored. I did, however, find myself disturbed quite frequently. *Warning: Possible Spoiler*
The author’s decision to make a child, willingly or not, become such a horrific villain—was not something easily overcome. For those who don’t like when authors mess with children, psychologically or physically, (note—not in any form of sexual way), this may be a story you’d want to pass. While I question the necessity of one of the villains having to be a child, I do think Hugo managed to deliver the grotesque without taking it too far—barely, but this is only my opinion. Either way, I wouldn’t know the story simply for it.
*End Spoiler Content*
The side characters of this story were enjoyable and less bland than the main character in that I didn’t really know what they were going to do most of the time. I found the connection of certain characters to light/dark gods believable, even if infuriating, and the conclusion of Book 1 leaves plenty of tension to drive me into the next book. So all I can say at this point is, well-done author.
On the topic of voice acting. The spiders and mindbrood were—a little jolting and too theatrical for me personally, but it didn’t hate it. I would definitely say it makes some scenes in the story a bit more gut-churning, so if that’s what you were aiming for Author, well done.
If I had one critique, it would be that the story was a tad on the short side.