The definitive fantasy/prog-rpg narrator, Travis Baldree, is amazing. I just never connected with the story or any of the characters, for some reason nothing seemed authentic. For instance, the MC periodically has flash-backs about his absent/abusive father that are just obvious pleas for reader sympathy. It feels like I’m reading a book written by a computer: “Insert relatable story to make the reader feel pity for MC.” — these flashbacks have no real connection to the story, it’s like they were all pasted in after the story was written. There are a few other examples like this in the writing of the story.
I think my main gripe is that none of the characters really seem like plausible people. They don’t make plausible decisions based on personality. So plot turns feel fake and hollow.
I stopped listening during the falling action because I can’t be bothered to spend the time to find out what happens.