Below I will provide you with a short spoiler-free review.
Would I recommend this book?
First of all, YES! If you still have your monthly credit this is the right way to spend it. Life Reset is an excellent LitRPG novel, and as the first in what is sure to be at least a trilogy it promises a lot more entertainment. In this first novel we are introduced to the world and characters and the premises is laid out for the rest of the series. Like in most LitRPG novels, the main story plays out in a digital world, filled with rpg elements and some slightly altered references to other books, movies and games.
Tip and Top
As an exercise during my college years we needed to reflect on lessons of our fellow student-teachers by giving them a tip (point of improvement) and a top (what they did right). While listening, the only downside I found was that the book ended. Even after 24 hours of listening I was still hungry for more. As a gamer myself there are always parts in LitRPG novels that stand out as illogical or weird from a gamer’s standpoint. This however is not bothersome at all, as everything is well written and described with more than adequate knowledge of the gaming world. Another small point worthy of some criticism might be the slow pacing. I honestly didn’t notice it at the start, but a friend listening to the same book pointed this out to me. The differene might be that I finished the book within a few days, making it hard to see anything as slow-paced.
Besides that, the book hit all the right notes and sang a beautiful tune that rang true. I LOVED the main character and how badass he got at times. A smart guy making wrong decisions and then getting himself out of sticky situations, who doesn’t like that?
Narration
Once again Jeffrey Kafer’s performance was excellent. I am somewhat reminded of Luke Daniels’ narrations, but Jeffrey has his own style. He portrays the different characters by giving them a unique voice, strengthening their personalities. Right now he is well on his way to be listed as one of my favourite narrators. I can only hope he continues his work on the series and many more! Good work, Jeffrey!
What made this book stand out?
These days, it is getting kind of difficult finding good LitRPG books. I am glad that this is one of the good ones. The novel had several mechanics that made it stand out, but these are only found when reading the book. As I try to keep this spoiler-free so you can find all the goodies yourself, I will refrain from mentioning them. The main plot though, a number 1 player reduced to an ‘unplayable’ character was enough for me. I have always been a sucker for a good OP characters. The promise of a former number 1 player reduced to a mere goblin, swearing his revenge made me start listening to this book. Everything that happened after kept me listening.
Conclusion
Shemer and Jeffrey created some excellent work here which will hopefully gain the popularity it deserves. An excellent LitRPG novel that will leave you wanting for more (even after the initial 24 hour listen). I recommended it to my friends, they are listening to it as we speak, so with a clear conscience I also recommend this to you, hoping you will experience the same joy with this novel as we did.
Disclaimer;"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review." ** I was on the verge of buying it when I received the free offer, therefore I consider myself a lucky man.