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Ten Realms #1
The Two Week Curse
**SECOND EDITION**
Erik West is an ex-combat medic. He and his best friend, Marine recon sniper Jimmy 'Rugrat' Rodriguez, have been thrown into another world. They've become one of the "cursed." Now they have to figure out this fantasy world, where cultivation, skills, and abilities must be grown... or death awaits.
Ascension is just around the corner, whatever that means. But they'll need to master magic and temper their bodies to survive. In a world where your personal strength is your greatest value, Erik and Rugrat have to start from the bottom. But they've cut their teeth in conflicts all across Earth, and honed their skills over years of training while creating a bond and upholding their honors and oaths.
It's not a question of if they are ready for the ten realms, but instead are the ten realms ready for them? Get it now.
Erik West is an ex-combat medic. He and his best friend, Marine recon sniper Jimmy 'Rugrat' Rodriguez, have been thrown into another world. They've become one of the "cursed." Now they have to figure out this fantasy world, where cultivation, skills, and abilities must be grown... or death awaits.
Ascension is just around the corner, whatever that means. But they'll need to master magic and temper their bodies to survive. In a world where your personal strength is your greatest value, Erik and Rugrat have to start from the bottom. But they've cut their teeth in conflicts all across Earth, and honed their skills over years of training while creating a bond and upholding their honors and oaths.
It's not a question of if they are ready for the ten realms, but instead are the ten realms ready for them? Get it now.
564 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2018
About the author
Michael Chatfield
62 books1,335 followersA Canadian army veteran who enjoys long walks in foreign countries and some good beer with videos games at night! He writes character driven books for the simple joy of it.
He's written a Space Opera series called the Free Fleet as well as a Hard Military Science Fiction Series, Builder's Legacy and the Harmony War series continued in the Maraukian War Series.
He has written possibly the first complete LitRPG series Emerilia and followed it up with the LitRPG, portal and cultivation fantasy Ten Realms.
He also has the comedic epic fantasy Death Knight series.
Right now he's working on the Four Horsemen Series.
If you want to find him he usually haunts these places:
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
Twitter: @AuthMChatfield
Facebook: Michael Chatfield
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection
Patreon (advanced books, audio and swag): patreon.com/authormichaelchatfield
'Nothing is impossible, never forget that.'
He's written a Space Opera series called the Free Fleet as well as a Hard Military Science Fiction Series, Builder's Legacy and the Harmony War series continued in the Maraukian War Series.
He has written possibly the first complete LitRPG series Emerilia and followed it up with the LitRPG, portal and cultivation fantasy Ten Realms.
He also has the comedic epic fantasy Death Knight series.
Right now he's working on the Four Horsemen Series.
If you want to find him he usually haunts these places:
Website: http://michaelchatfield.com/
Twitter: @AuthMChatfield
Facebook: Michael Chatfield
Facebook Group: The Chatfield Connection
Patreon (advanced books, audio and swag): patreon.com/authormichaelchatfield
'Nothing is impossible, never forget that.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 520 reviews
November 9, 2019
I'm coming to believe that there's an inverse relationship between goodreads ratings and quality of the writing. I'm only still listening to this to collect those embarrassingly bad quotes.:
"Eric watched the report with dead eyes .
It was the same report he had seen before he went out on his last patrol.
He closed his eyes as tears appeared at the corners of his eyes."
Said it before, self publishing was a mistake.
Or the scene here he imagines his gravestone:
"Here lies Eric west. Used by many, loved by few.
And weakling."
edit: gave up pretty quickly after that, it has really no redeeming qualities.
"Eric watched the report with dead eyes .
It was the same report he had seen before he went out on his last patrol.
He closed his eyes as tears appeared at the corners of his eyes."
Said it before, self publishing was a mistake.
Or the scene here he imagines his gravestone:
"Here lies Eric west. Used by many, loved by few.
And weakling."
edit: gave up pretty quickly after that, it has really no redeeming qualities.
October 4, 2021
0.3/5 Listen. I am baffled by this having such a high rating. This book would have gotten at most a 1 star if I had read it in 8th grade. I'm 31 now. It just doesn't stand up to avid reading.
So why? Well first, the dialog (if you wanna call it that) is so unbearably unrealistic that it distracts from the reading. Characters exist simply to postulate what another character may have been thinking, which is typical in a fantasy, but it's done in such a generic way that it doesn't sound like the natural conversation or thought a third party would have had of a situation they were witnessing.
Second, the setting is illustrated in such a subpar way that often I couldn't picture where I should be standing as I took on the perspective of the characters. Contrast this to Aleron King's first couple LitRPG novels and it just feels like this book isn't trying.
So maybe you'd think that, having problems in dialog and setting may be made up by plot. Well, let me shatter that assumption right now. (Because it isn't). The plot is so weak that it was a struggle to get to the end of the book. You want me to believe that two former service members have sufficient leadership experience to go from leading squad sized elements to leading company sized elements with absolutely no snafus? I'm sorry, I've done the combat dance and I just can't. I also can't fathom a combat medic who wants to be a bare-knuckle brawler... huh? What combat sensible medic wants to take on the role of Tank? Doesn't make sense.
If that weren't enough, this book could stand to be edited. At least once. Probably a couple more times. There are so many errors or conflicting sentences that cannot be accepted even after multiple readings. Reading a book where the author just writes "He did..." sentences for entire paragraphs is every fantasy reader's worst nightmare (well, it's a component of it at least).
Anyway, suffice to say I 100% recommend never opening this book. It will not be worth your time.
To the author, I realize I just tore into your art, and on that end I am sorry. But you can do better and you deserve better from yourself. Additionally, fans of this genre deserve better. Do better.
So why? Well first, the dialog (if you wanna call it that) is so unbearably unrealistic that it distracts from the reading. Characters exist simply to postulate what another character may have been thinking, which is typical in a fantasy, but it's done in such a generic way that it doesn't sound like the natural conversation or thought a third party would have had of a situation they were witnessing.
Second, the setting is illustrated in such a subpar way that often I couldn't picture where I should be standing as I took on the perspective of the characters. Contrast this to Aleron King's first couple LitRPG novels and it just feels like this book isn't trying.
So maybe you'd think that, having problems in dialog and setting may be made up by plot. Well, let me shatter that assumption right now. (Because it isn't). The plot is so weak that it was a struggle to get to the end of the book. You want me to believe that two former service members have sufficient leadership experience to go from leading squad sized elements to leading company sized elements with absolutely no snafus? I'm sorry, I've done the combat dance and I just can't. I also can't fathom a combat medic who wants to be a bare-knuckle brawler... huh? What combat sensible medic wants to take on the role of Tank? Doesn't make sense.
If that weren't enough, this book could stand to be edited. At least once. Probably a couple more times. There are so many errors or conflicting sentences that cannot be accepted even after multiple readings. Reading a book where the author just writes "He did..." sentences for entire paragraphs is every fantasy reader's worst nightmare (well, it's a component of it at least).
Anyway, suffice to say I 100% recommend never opening this book. It will not be worth your time.
To the author, I realize I just tore into your art, and on that end I am sorry. But you can do better and you deserve better from yourself. Additionally, fans of this genre deserve better. Do better.
July 2, 2019
This one started a bit rough, but ultimately it came together. There are a few things that I had to overcome in order to enjoy this book:
1. One of the main characters is named Rugrat
2. The prose reminds me of something that came out of a google translator
3. There is a ton of exposition and a distinct feeling that things are happening because the plot needs them to rather than the characters organically discovering things by trial and error.
Despite these issues, I ended up actually liking this story quite a bit. Maybe I have a soft spot for characters that are wholesome decent guys fresh out of the military. I actually got quite a few similar vibes to Limitless Lands here. The main characters are military types with good hearts, the prose and dialogue have tons of room for improvement, and there is a distinct blend of things found in the story that is unique.
This story is a mix of leveling up like a standard rpg game and a cultivation style of compressing mana. It feels a bit cluttered and messy early, but it manages to throw so much random stuff at the reader that a few things can't help but stick and keep you reading. There is also a significant focus on the crafting and base-building elements here though there is plenty of fighting to be had as well.
It's weird that the author seems to be a British transplant living in Canada since this story really reminds me of something originally written in a different language that has been machine translated to English. I will at least read the next book in the series and see how things go from there.
1. One of the main characters is named Rugrat
2. The prose reminds me of something that came out of a google translator
3. There is a ton of exposition and a distinct feeling that things are happening because the plot needs them to rather than the characters organically discovering things by trial and error.
Despite these issues, I ended up actually liking this story quite a bit. Maybe I have a soft spot for characters that are wholesome decent guys fresh out of the military. I actually got quite a few similar vibes to Limitless Lands here. The main characters are military types with good hearts, the prose and dialogue have tons of room for improvement, and there is a distinct blend of things found in the story that is unique.
This story is a mix of leveling up like a standard rpg game and a cultivation style of compressing mana. It feels a bit cluttered and messy early, but it manages to throw so much random stuff at the reader that a few things can't help but stick and keep you reading. There is also a significant focus on the crafting and base-building elements here though there is plenty of fighting to be had as well.
It's weird that the author seems to be a British transplant living in Canada since this story really reminds me of something originally written in a different language that has been machine translated to English. I will at least read the next book in the series and see how things go from there.
January 24, 2023
This is an interesting isekai LitRPG because Chatfield has given a background with a couple of twists. The first is that people who disappear get two weeks notice. During those two weeks, they have access to their stats and by the time Rugrat and Erik get hit, there are some things known. Like the timing. So to start with, Erik and Rugrat can plan to take stuff with them and have a reasonable idea of how much will go. Being military planning types, they max out their carryon.
The second unique aspect is that Rugrat and Erik are very much military guys. They prepare, they execute, they take reasonable risks and do everything they can to mitigate known dangers. So a lot of this story is a think-piece for "what would happen if two modern soldiers had advance warning they would be zapped into the unknown? And how much would they tear up the fantasy world they fall into?" The answer to both questions is: a lot.
I enjoyed Erik and Rugrat very much. They're hardened warriors, but they have a kind heart and sense of right and wrong. They aren't looking to overthrow the embedded power structures. Well, except for the ones that come after them. I particularly liked Erik's background as a combat medic manifesting as a thoughtful healer as he figures out how to maximize his efficiency once he has access to magic.
The plot was adequate, though a little too ideal to showcase their unique training and talents. I liked it, don't get me wrong. Militarizing a village on the brink of a martial disaster was engaging and I became as attached to the villagers as Erik and Rugrat do. The story does fallout into three distinct phases, however. There's pre-village, village, and post-village sections, each with their major climaxes and quest beats. Again, this isn't bad, but it does make that final climax a little restrained (because the big emotional payload is saving the village).
I'm going to give this 4½ stars that I'm rounding up for how engaged I was. I look forward to the next and hope that Chatfield maintains the throughline established here.
A note about Chaste: Erik and Rugrat both like girls, but they're more-or-less in enemy territory and don't have time to mess around. And during villager time, they're way too busy teaching people practical skills. So there's not even any kissing or real yearning so I find this very chaste.
The second unique aspect is that Rugrat and Erik are very much military guys. They prepare, they execute, they take reasonable risks and do everything they can to mitigate known dangers. So a lot of this story is a think-piece for "what would happen if two modern soldiers had advance warning they would be zapped into the unknown? And how much would they tear up the fantasy world they fall into?" The answer to both questions is: a lot.
I enjoyed Erik and Rugrat very much. They're hardened warriors, but they have a kind heart and sense of right and wrong. They aren't looking to overthrow the embedded power structures. Well, except for the ones that come after them. I particularly liked Erik's background as a combat medic manifesting as a thoughtful healer as he figures out how to maximize his efficiency once he has access to magic.
The plot was adequate, though a little too ideal to showcase their unique training and talents. I liked it, don't get me wrong. Militarizing a village on the brink of a martial disaster was engaging and I became as attached to the villagers as Erik and Rugrat do. The story does fallout into three distinct phases, however. There's pre-village, village, and post-village sections, each with their major climaxes and quest beats. Again, this isn't bad, but it does make that final climax a little restrained (because the big emotional payload is saving the village).
I'm going to give this 4½ stars that I'm rounding up for how engaged I was. I look forward to the next and hope that Chatfield maintains the throughline established here.
A note about Chaste: Erik and Rugrat both like girls, but they're more-or-less in enemy territory and don't have time to mess around. And during villager time, they're way too busy teaching people practical skills. So there's not even any kissing or real yearning so I find this very chaste.
November 19, 2018
Fun story, but in need of some serious editing.
September 3, 2021
I’m invested in Erik and Rugrat.
I also want them to be my BFF’s. 🥺😏
I also want them to be my BFF’s. 🥺😏
October 10, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
Out of all the litrpg type books out there, this type is my favorite. Having the litprg elements happen in the real world instead of the online or the virtual world. I enjoy both the transported to a different world and the earth being changed into a world with mana and stats. Both of those are interesting because they combine the use of magic, alchemy, smithing with technology. This allow the author to create almost anything which will always be at least a little different from anything else written. This book is the transported to a different world type story.
The story follows 2 main characters, Eric and Rugrat. Both are former military who are currently working as private security in South Africa. They have been together for a long time and are brothers. The world has changed recently. People get afflicted with a condition which allows them to have litprg game mechanics, use magic etc, but 2 weeks later they disappear from the earth. After a combat situation where the rest of their team dies and Eric gets hurt, they are both affected by this condition. They spend their time preparing which means getting as many guns, ammo and equipment they can together before they are taken. The end up in the new world and have to learn how to survive and grow strong. Eric is the medic and Rugrat is the sniper scout. They break down their roles and what they are interested in accomplishing. Eric continues with healing and wants to learn alchemy. Rugrat continues with long range and smithing. Using the knowledge they have from earth they are able to advance much more quickly that other people. Knowledge is guarded tightly in this world and Eric and Rugrat have a lot of foundational knowledge from their time on earth.
The first 1/3 of the book is the typical story of getting money, advancing, getting stronger etc. Then they enter a dungeon and the next 1/3 of the story is more of a military action
The best part of the book is the brotherhood between Eric and Rugrat. Being able to joke around with each other and put each other down one minute and then completely have the others back regardless of the situation. Overall I enjoyed the book.
Out of all the litrpg type books out there, this type is my favorite. Having the litprg elements happen in the real world instead of the online or the virtual world. I enjoy both the transported to a different world and the earth being changed into a world with mana and stats. Both of those are interesting because they combine the use of magic, alchemy, smithing with technology. This allow the author to create almost anything which will always be at least a little different from anything else written. This book is the transported to a different world type story.
The story follows 2 main characters, Eric and Rugrat. Both are former military who are currently working as private security in South Africa. They have been together for a long time and are brothers. The world has changed recently. People get afflicted with a condition which allows them to have litprg game mechanics, use magic etc, but 2 weeks later they disappear from the earth. After a combat situation where the rest of their team dies and Eric gets hurt, they are both affected by this condition. They spend their time preparing which means getting as many guns, ammo and equipment they can together before they are taken. The end up in the new world and have to learn how to survive and grow strong. Eric is the medic and Rugrat is the sniper scout. They break down their roles and what they are interested in accomplishing. Eric continues with healing and wants to learn alchemy. Rugrat continues with long range and smithing. Using the knowledge they have from earth they are able to advance much more quickly that other people. Knowledge is guarded tightly in this world and Eric and Rugrat have a lot of foundational knowledge from their time on earth.
The first 1/3 of the book is the typical story of getting money, advancing, getting stronger etc. Then they enter a dungeon and the next 1/3 of the story is more of a military action
The best part of the book is the brotherhood between Eric and Rugrat. Being able to joke around with each other and put each other down one minute and then completely have the others back regardless of the situation. Overall I enjoyed the book.
July 7, 2018
Ummmm.... AWESOME!!
I liked Michael's other books but this was just amazing. I started reading it before bed and that turned out to be a terrible idea, fell asleep about 60% through phone still in hand. Woke up in a weird painful position and pushed on until I finished the book.
After a confusing first chapter that didn't feel very LitRPG I almost put it down, so glad I didn't as this has become my favorite LitRPG book.
It does suffer from Michael's traditional lack of an editor. Lots of spelling mistakes, grammar issues, randomly placed punctuation. But my grammar nazi tendencies were over ruled by the sheer awesomeness of the story.
You need to read this book. I hope Michael keeps up his traditionally fast release schedule because I need to know what happens next, the wait will be painful.
I liked Michael's other books but this was just amazing. I started reading it before bed and that turned out to be a terrible idea, fell asleep about 60% through phone still in hand. Woke up in a weird painful position and pushed on until I finished the book.
After a confusing first chapter that didn't feel very LitRPG I almost put it down, so glad I didn't as this has become my favorite LitRPG book.
It does suffer from Michael's traditional lack of an editor. Lots of spelling mistakes, grammar issues, randomly placed punctuation. But my grammar nazi tendencies were over ruled by the sheer awesomeness of the story.
You need to read this book. I hope Michael keeps up his traditionally fast release schedule because I need to know what happens next, the wait will be painful.
July 18, 2018
Damn good read
Where to start... this book should get 5 stars but it was rough not at all polished like the emerillia books were too many typos it was like reading the final rough draft. Could use a lot more polishing and refining. Next up the characters while I loved them they seemed a bit OP my main issue with the characters is that our number two rugrat while being in the book since page 1 he wasn't really introduced until 14% mark. In my experience officers dont use nicknames so to have his co in a Blackwater type company calling him only by his nickname was wrong to me. He could have introduced Erik and rugrat better. I've seen novice authors get blasted for typos and to have chatfield release something as unrefined as this it's a bit depressing. You are one of the top litrpg and gamelit authors it's almost as if your editors were drunk. I eagerly await book 2 but I hope you get the proofreaders into either AA or an elementary English course.
Where to start... this book should get 5 stars but it was rough not at all polished like the emerillia books were too many typos it was like reading the final rough draft. Could use a lot more polishing and refining. Next up the characters while I loved them they seemed a bit OP my main issue with the characters is that our number two rugrat while being in the book since page 1 he wasn't really introduced until 14% mark. In my experience officers dont use nicknames so to have his co in a Blackwater type company calling him only by his nickname was wrong to me. He could have introduced Erik and rugrat better. I've seen novice authors get blasted for typos and to have chatfield release something as unrefined as this it's a bit depressing. You are one of the top litrpg and gamelit authors it's almost as if your editors were drunk. I eagerly await book 2 but I hope you get the proofreaders into either AA or an elementary English course.
July 17, 2018
Is this really a M Chatfield book?
It seems that Chatfields account was hacked as someone who writes Chinese soap opera trash uploaded a body cultivation / king of the sword gods novel onto his profile. Is this seriously Chatfields work??? If this is his work then I’m not likely to read anymore of his novels. The inconsistencies within the so called plot line are laughable and the style of writing is childish. It doesn’t makes any sense that this is the same author that wrote the Emerilia series. I am extremely disappointed and have lost interest with this latest... travesty.
It seems that Chatfields account was hacked as someone who writes Chinese soap opera trash uploaded a body cultivation / king of the sword gods novel onto his profile. Is this seriously Chatfields work??? If this is his work then I’m not likely to read anymore of his novels. The inconsistencies within the so called plot line are laughable and the style of writing is childish. It doesn’t makes any sense that this is the same author that wrote the Emerilia series. I am extremely disappointed and have lost interest with this latest... travesty.
June 18, 2020
2.5 Stars DNF, It is really just the standard RPG with nothing really note worthy. I have liked other books by the author and this series may get better as it goes but I just found that it comes up a little short. The book does show some promise and I did not hate it or anything. If you love RPG type books than I would try this one if you wanted but I just found it average for the most part. I would like to finish by saying that I do believe a lot of work has gone into this book by the length of it a lone and others have give this a higher ratings than me so you may wish to check it out even with my average rating.
March 15, 2021
This book was suggested to me, so I had to check it out.
This book needs an editor.
Desperately.
I just stopped counting the number of repetitions, bad grammar, bad phrasing, overuse of superlatives, etc... It got to a point where I consciously decided to ignore them to continue the story.
The story started really well, if a bit corny. I liked the fact that the author took some time to try to establish the characters in their original setting, so we don't just get dropped with blank-slate MCs and a new world at the same time. Nice touch.
Unfortunately, by one-third of the book the plot starts losing direction. Lots of dead-end subplots, really glaring plot holes and Deus Ex Machinae just kept degrading the suspension of disbelief.
In the end, we're left with a shell of OPness where we're convinced that nothing will ever happen to the MCs no matter the level of their opponents. A common pitfall in LitRPG.
I'm not going to continue with this series, and it's a shame because it started quite well.
This book needs an editor.
Desperately.
I just stopped counting the number of repetitions, bad grammar, bad phrasing, overuse of superlatives, etc... It got to a point where I consciously decided to ignore them to continue the story.
The story started really well, if a bit corny. I liked the fact that the author took some time to try to establish the characters in their original setting, so we don't just get dropped with blank-slate MCs and a new world at the same time. Nice touch.
Unfortunately, by one-third of the book the plot starts losing direction. Lots of dead-end subplots, really glaring plot holes and Deus Ex Machinae just kept degrading the suspension of disbelief.
In the end, we're left with a shell of OPness where we're convinced that nothing will ever happen to the MCs no matter the level of their opponents. A common pitfall in LitRPG.
I'm not going to continue with this series, and it's a shame because it started quite well.
May 31, 2022
What I loved the most about this book is that there are more than one protagonist.
In many LitRPG books, you can find a protagonist surrounded by friends but the friends are never the protagonists on their own rights.
I love how Eric and Rugrat make a team. They support each other and act like brothers.
Also they both have their own preferences and goals but somehow they combine the goals to become one entity.
Many times it feels as if they won because the writer wanted them to. Too many things happened in their favor. But the fact, that they bring knowledge from Earth to Ten Realms and utilize it in a manner that gives them an advantage, wins me over each time.
Also, who doesn't love medics or crafters in fantasy. And this one has both!
In many LitRPG books, you can find a protagonist surrounded by friends but the friends are never the protagonists on their own rights.
I love how Eric and Rugrat make a team. They support each other and act like brothers.
Also they both have their own preferences and goals but somehow they combine the goals to become one entity.
Many times it feels as if they won because the writer wanted them to. Too many things happened in their favor. But the fact, that they bring knowledge from Earth to Ten Realms and utilize it in a manner that gives them an advantage, wins me over each time.
Also, who doesn't love medics or crafters in fantasy. And this one has both!
December 30, 2018
dude that was bloody brilliant!
Just read this. Buy it or whatever. There is a method our esteemed author applies to magic and world systems that never stop blowing me away. Especially Since so many people strive to create a world, and stop before the implications of their world systems, philosophical introductions, and rule changes fully unleash their story telling effects.
The Two Week Curse just breaks the rules of expectation and delivers a powerful story of developed characters, plot, and poise.
Warning: read it in one night. Couldn’t put it down.
Just read this. Buy it or whatever. There is a method our esteemed author applies to magic and world systems that never stop blowing me away. Especially Since so many people strive to create a world, and stop before the implications of their world systems, philosophical introductions, and rule changes fully unleash their story telling effects.
The Two Week Curse just breaks the rules of expectation and delivers a powerful story of developed characters, plot, and poise.
Warning: read it in one night. Couldn’t put it down.
April 5, 2019
3.5 It's good but it also is a bit too much It definitely could have used a bit more editing to fix the flow in the beginning
It's odd because it's a solid litRPG that contains a strong bromance and no misogyny which would usually be a 5 star for me but... I don't know I wasn't really invested.
It's odd because it's a solid litRPG that contains a strong bromance and no misogyny which would usually be a 5 star for me but... I don't know I wasn't really invested.
April 23, 2019
A really interesting book.
I enjoyed this book a lot! The author kept me engaged with the story and the characters are interesting and fun to read about. The pacing was good and the action scenes are well written. Overall I enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed this book a lot! The author kept me engaged with the story and the characters are interesting and fun to read about. The pacing was good and the action scenes are well written. Overall I enjoyed this book.
December 31, 2018
Plot: 12/15
Character: 12/15
Setting: 20/25
Dialogue: 4/10
Enjoyment: 30/30
Overall: 78/100 (3.9 stars)
Character: 12/15
Setting: 20/25
Dialogue: 4/10
Enjoyment: 30/30
Overall: 78/100 (3.9 stars)
July 18, 2018
A good start to a new series, but it has some easily fixed flaws
I enjoyed the Emerillia series so I wanted to check out this book. I enjoyed it but have two big gripes about the novel, they are admittedly very petty and do not impact the rating of the book. 1) He names one of the main characters Rugrat, and every time I try to imagine him in my head I see little rascals images. 2) The book need at least one more pass from a good editor, there aren’t too many glaring issues but I did have to reread quite a few sentences to make sure I understood them as it was intended.
Other than that it’s a very decent and quick read and that drags a bit in the middle when he goes from adventuring to world/ settlement building with absolutely no warning or foreshadowing. Even so read through that but as it does come full circle and ends up making future options for the story very tantalizing.
I enjoyed the Emerillia series so I wanted to check out this book. I enjoyed it but have two big gripes about the novel, they are admittedly very petty and do not impact the rating of the book. 1) He names one of the main characters Rugrat, and every time I try to imagine him in my head I see little rascals images. 2) The book need at least one more pass from a good editor, there aren’t too many glaring issues but I did have to reread quite a few sentences to make sure I understood them as it was intended.
Other than that it’s a very decent and quick read and that drags a bit in the middle when he goes from adventuring to world/ settlement building with absolutely no warning or foreshadowing. Even so read through that but as it does come full circle and ends up making future options for the story very tantalizing.
May 9, 2022
this book: 2 stars; series: 2.5 stars
Update: I'm happy to say that the series writing gradually improves and moves into 3-star range by book 7 and have update the rating accordingly. This series does uniquely succeed in giving a feel for the creation of an empire with hundred thousands of people.
Two war veterans Erik and Rugrat are teleported from Earth into a fantasy video game world and use an intense work ethic, firearms, and the author's intervention to become individuals of great power. The writing is hackneyed, characters shallow, world generic. As the series goes on it weirdly starts spending more time on bureaucratic matters -- like "what should the proper leasing arrangements be for property in our city center", for instance.
So, now the obvious question, why have I read all current books of this not-so-good series?
I am writing this in 2020 which has been a lousy year for a plethora of reasons. This series has a simplistic but good heart - a consistent message that people who work hard and care about each other and try to do the right thing will be rewarded for that. I found comfort in that. The heroes work not just to increase their own strength but also to increase the strength and improve the lives of the people around them. Even former enemies are very quickly forgiven and accepted if they change their ways. I can get behind that.
Update: I'm happy to say that the series writing gradually improves and moves into 3-star range by book 7 and have update the rating accordingly. This series does uniquely succeed in giving a feel for the creation of an empire with hundred thousands of people.
Two war veterans Erik and Rugrat are teleported from Earth into a fantasy video game world and use an intense work ethic, firearms, and the author's intervention to become individuals of great power. The writing is hackneyed, characters shallow, world generic. As the series goes on it weirdly starts spending more time on bureaucratic matters -- like "what should the proper leasing arrangements be for property in our city center", for instance.
So, now the obvious question, why have I read all current books of this not-so-good series?
I am writing this in 2020 which has been a lousy year for a plethora of reasons. This series has a simplistic but good heart - a consistent message that people who work hard and care about each other and try to do the right thing will be rewarded for that. I found comfort in that. The heroes work not just to increase their own strength but also to increase the strength and improve the lives of the people around them. Even former enemies are very quickly forgiven and accepted if they change their ways. I can get behind that.
July 17, 2019
It is very hard to find positive things to say about Mr Chatfield's outpouring. It is hard to know if his expressed love affair with American militaria is a ploy to attract more readers, which would be kind of sad, or if it is honest admiration, which would be kind of pathetic. I could not decide, and in any case, I could not find it in me to find it a welcome approach to writing.
Also, and this is perhaps ever less forgivable, is his woeful lack of vocabulary. I use the term outpouring advisedly, because to me it seems as if his work is not so much typed as vomited upon the screen without any attempt to edit or polish it. It is, it seems to me, as if Mr Chatfield has so little respect for me as a reader that he cannot even check what he has written to see if what he is writing is what he is meaning, whether it be misusing "instinctual" for "instinctive" or simply re-using a word in the same sentence when a pronoun would work perfectly.
It is clumsy, graceless writing, but unfortunately, it gets worse. The decisions of the protagonist even when they seem flawed, turn out to be the "instinctually" correct, the resolution being so embarrassingly bad that is hard not to physically cringe when reading it.
If there is a spoiler in this review, it is this. Reading the health warning on a cigarette packet would be a more engaging literary experience than this vile drivel.
Also, and this is perhaps ever less forgivable, is his woeful lack of vocabulary. I use the term outpouring advisedly, because to me it seems as if his work is not so much typed as vomited upon the screen without any attempt to edit or polish it. It is, it seems to me, as if Mr Chatfield has so little respect for me as a reader that he cannot even check what he has written to see if what he is writing is what he is meaning, whether it be misusing "instinctual" for "instinctive" or simply re-using a word in the same sentence when a pronoun would work perfectly.
It is clumsy, graceless writing, but unfortunately, it gets worse. The decisions of the protagonist even when they seem flawed, turn out to be the "instinctually" correct, the resolution being so embarrassingly bad that is hard not to physically cringe when reading it.
If there is a spoiler in this review, it is this. Reading the health warning on a cigarette packet would be a more engaging literary experience than this vile drivel.
November 7, 2019
Excellent Parallel Worlds and Xianxia Story
The story follows two affable characters, Rugrat and Eric. Rugrat is a wonderfully written redneck and Erik plays the role of an exasperated and loyal brother in arms.
The two main characters interactions between each other bring interesting banter to the different parts of the story that other wise progress too slowly. It’s a cultivation novel and the main characters often take a great deal of time learning more about the system and how they can leverage its powers.
The magic system in world combines well with the parallel world aspect, and the main characters thrive in their new environment. The stats, like in many other stories in this genre, serve as relatively arbitrary plot pieces that could be easily handled without the stats. The potential for growth and the magic systems interesting interactions with modern technology makes the magic satisfying to read about.
My favorite aspect of the story so far is the clashing of the honorable soldier mentality with the “might makes right” philosophy of martial arts cultivation novels. Though it’s clear the author heavily favors one philosophy over the other.
A great read, and an excellent novel to enjoy as an audiobook.
The story follows two affable characters, Rugrat and Eric. Rugrat is a wonderfully written redneck and Erik plays the role of an exasperated and loyal brother in arms.
The two main characters interactions between each other bring interesting banter to the different parts of the story that other wise progress too slowly. It’s a cultivation novel and the main characters often take a great deal of time learning more about the system and how they can leverage its powers.
The magic system in world combines well with the parallel world aspect, and the main characters thrive in their new environment. The stats, like in many other stories in this genre, serve as relatively arbitrary plot pieces that could be easily handled without the stats. The potential for growth and the magic systems interesting interactions with modern technology makes the magic satisfying to read about.
My favorite aspect of the story so far is the clashing of the honorable soldier mentality with the “might makes right” philosophy of martial arts cultivation novels. Though it’s clear the author heavily favors one philosophy over the other.
A great read, and an excellent novel to enjoy as an audiobook.
April 22, 2019
Unique
I've never seen a story like this. I've thought of one, but havent the story telling ability of Mr Chatfield. Thank you for writing this story.
If you like RPG, this story will be exactly what you wanted to read.
Two military men, one a sniper and the other a combat medic, are transported to a kingdom where they are challanged to learn, and to grow, as they venture from fight to saving villages and people (think Dungeons and Dragons in a real world setting).
This first level, or Realm, takes their physical abilities and their Earth learned skills to move through and improve conditions in the Realm.
Not all the battles are straightforward. Dealing with sneaky, back stabbing, scumbags challenges their abilities and shows them to be the best of the military - fighting like demons when needed but gentle and concerned when helping others heal, learn and improve their lives.
Next, for me, is book two. Since it's nearly 4am, I'll read it later today ;-)
I've never seen a story like this. I've thought of one, but havent the story telling ability of Mr Chatfield. Thank you for writing this story.
If you like RPG, this story will be exactly what you wanted to read.
Two military men, one a sniper and the other a combat medic, are transported to a kingdom where they are challanged to learn, and to grow, as they venture from fight to saving villages and people (think Dungeons and Dragons in a real world setting).
This first level, or Realm, takes their physical abilities and their Earth learned skills to move through and improve conditions in the Realm.
Not all the battles are straightforward. Dealing with sneaky, back stabbing, scumbags challenges their abilities and shows them to be the best of the military - fighting like demons when needed but gentle and concerned when helping others heal, learn and improve their lives.
Next, for me, is book two. Since it's nearly 4am, I'll read it later today ;-)
November 27, 2018
I was debating between a 3 or 4 star and settled on the 3.
While the story is entertaining, I took umbrage to the info-dumps and what seems to be the "Dave" effect in Chatfield's writing. By that I mean the main character in the Emerilia series being able to do anything and everything.
This just leads to internal inconsistencies that completely obliterate the willing suspension of disbelief of the reader.
The examples are many but a lot of them are spoiler-ish so I won't add them here, but ultimately we are left with a really interesting concept, with a good execution but plagued with long stretches of complicated concepts info-dumped to the reader. (The whole crafting scale is simply bonkers)
The original concept is strong enough though that I have already started on the second book to see where things will go.
While the story is entertaining, I took umbrage to the info-dumps and what seems to be the "Dave" effect in Chatfield's writing. By that I mean the main character in the Emerilia series being able to do anything and everything.
This just leads to internal inconsistencies that completely obliterate the willing suspension of disbelief of the reader.
The examples are many but a lot of them are spoiler-ish so I won't add them here, but ultimately we are left with a really interesting concept, with a good execution but plagued with long stretches of complicated concepts info-dumped to the reader. (The whole crafting scale is simply bonkers)
The original concept is strong enough though that I have already started on the second book to see where things will go.
May 1, 2020
This book had a lot of potential but it felt like Chatfield decided to be boring. The military hero worship and the white savior complex were bad enough but it was soaked through and through with wish fulfillment. Every character that were not the hero, worshiped or feared them it got really stale after the hundredth time. It was really hard to read until the Alva citizens arrived. But even then they fell into the same worship or fear pile. All the characters talk the same and it would have been cool if you were playing on them being "NPCs" but you made them all distinct, POV characters and it was just... bad. The book slightly improved the further it got along so I'm kinda hopeful to see where the series goes.
March 15, 2020
Oh man this was a fun read.
The way magic and the skills work is wonderful, and them using their knowledge of Earth to gain an advantage over it is thrilling.
Seem pretty OP but that’ll all come crashing down by the next book and I don’t agree with how they’re making their way forward. They know they can make spells and the like, why don’t they experiment with that more when everything else is experimented with?
Great dialogues, pace could be a bit faster and could use a bit more crafting but that’s just a personal reference.
9/10
It’s nice looking at a second book that’s even longer than the first and not feeling daunted but very excited.
The way magic and the skills work is wonderful, and them using their knowledge of Earth to gain an advantage over it is thrilling.
Seem pretty OP but that’ll all come crashing down by the next book and I don’t agree with how they’re making their way forward. They know they can make spells and the like, why don’t they experiment with that more when everything else is experimented with?
Great dialogues, pace could be a bit faster and could use a bit more crafting but that’s just a personal reference.
9/10
It’s nice looking at a second book that’s even longer than the first and not feeling daunted but very excited.
January 23, 2020
Excellent
Love the story, the (2) MCs instead of just one, I love how cultivation and litrpg was put together, leveling was great and wasn't rushed but they're not weak either. Benefits to learning and leveling don't seem overpowered. Light humor, description of battle a could be better but he took his time writing it out so that was great. Story oberall was great! Definitely a future recommendation to my friends. Michael Chatfield don't stop this series it's gold, make as many as you can!!! I'll be buying all of them hahaha
Love the story, the (2) MCs instead of just one, I love how cultivation and litrpg was put together, leveling was great and wasn't rushed but they're not weak either. Benefits to learning and leveling don't seem overpowered. Light humor, description of battle a could be better but he took his time writing it out so that was great. Story oberall was great! Definitely a future recommendation to my friends. Michael Chatfield don't stop this series it's gold, make as many as you can!!! I'll be buying all of them hahaha
July 28, 2019
Author is bad. Book has a decent premise and starts off ok.... but the author seems to forget about things he wrote earlier. Sometimes he writes useless dialog to fill word count in a chapter then completely contradicts what he wrote the next chapter. The book seriously reads as if the author had to fill word count per chapter and later had to cut a following chapters word count. Will never read another book by this author.
April 3, 2019
Wow really good. You have to like magical detail to really enjoy this.
March 25, 2021
okay, yes it's clunky but it's really hard to write a litrpg because you have to think of the scenarios like items, quests, weapon and etc. but also you have to think of what the characters should come from and what is their personality, ethnics and how will they develop because it's like coding a website for government with them watching your every move and you don't know how to code and you got commodore 64 to code with so yes the book is a bit clunky but it goes for show of the development of the plot and characters
and yes I used a weird analogy
and yes I used a weird analogy
September 20, 2023
I’d give this between 3.8-4⭐️ it was entertaining and the characters work strategically. Do I really believe they’d know all the things they know about city planning/government/complicated weapon construction/etc? Meh… maybe. It borderlines believable. That being said, it’s enjoyable.
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