As a simple disclaimer: “This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.”

After following the first 3 books of the series and following Maddie the NPCs rise to self awareness/nearly player level, this was a very different perspective as well. I did not expect the story to take the paths it did take but that only made it more interesting and more human.

**spoilers ahead**

Emma was well portrayed as a professional woman with a s____ty boyfriend and sister. Sadly a tale that does happen IRL more than it should. Having a consoling friend and getting hammered is a reasonable response.

Taking up the gift intended for a gamer and using it herself was all the more fun as I could see many non gamers trying to learn the newest RPG (MMO or not) and getting into it, taking frequent breaks and escaping only to get drawn back in sounds like any well made RPG I’ve played.

Great character and character building. Lots of personality in the series and many fun moments. I can easily recommend this series for a fun read.