I enjoyed this book and finished the series, but the author takes the book way too seriously IMO. This first book, is the least serious of the series and it gets progressively more dark and gritty. Any book that tries so hard to ensure realism encourages skepticism and I find myself questioning everything, looking for plot-holes, and other various inconsistencies; this makes “suspending disbelief” nearly impossible which is a necessary component of fantasy-fiction.
If you’re looking for a fun read look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a dark and realistic approach of the LitRPG genre then this is right up your alley. Personally, I was sick of this series by the 3rd book. I prefer something that is more light-hearted and “feel-good”. If it wasn’t for Soundbooth Theater I would have abandoned this series before completion.