Here's mini reviews for some of the books I read during Mar 2022. Give them a shot if they sound interesting.

The links lead to the book page on goodreads, from where I've also copied a portion of the blurbs for this post.

The Luckless by A.M. Sohma

Blurb

When Chronicles of Retha experiences a software malfunction, Kit—a disenchanted veteran player—is stuck in the game without a way to log off. Even worse, she’s trapped playing as the most defective character possible, an elf dancer that was meant to be a prank.

Review

I've read a few litrpg before, but I prefer progression settings without it being a game. I've read "Heart of Ice" before, so I was willing to give this series a try.

It was a fun read, thanks to the premise. I still didn't care for the real-world connection, but I enjoyed the in-game events. No stat sheets was a plus.

Characters and banter made this a breeze to read. Looking forward to the sequels.

The Desperate Quest by A.M. Sohma

Blurb

Kit and her party of misfit players have managed to collect two of the four seals that are required to face Malignus—Retha’s ultimate villain whose defeat may be the only way out of the game. Unfortunately for Kit—who is stuck playing as a defective elf dancer—the quest only grows more difficult.

Review

Having enjoyed the first book, I had expectations for the sequel. Overall I'd say it was indeed a good follow up. Part of it was the addition of a new side character and longer scene with Miles (who's isn't really a part of the team).

Around midway, I had a hunch about the climax and it somewhat did turn out that way. The ending nicely sets up the next part.

Air Awakens by Elise Kova

Blurb

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world.

Review

I found this a fast paced read, events kept me engaged to find out what happened next and as a result I finished the book in less than a day.

I liked the starting premise and the main characters (they grew on me as the plot progressed). I wasn't a fan of Vhalla getting injured all the time though and especially the events at the end left a bad taste.

Coffee, Milk & Spider Silk by Coyote J.M. Edwards

Blurb

What should a battle-worn 11-foot tall drider do when she's retiring from the Ember Guard and looking for a big change? Open a cafe, of course! Unfortunately, Gwen's skills are highly specialized -- she can contain a magical anomaly to protect the innocent without blinking, but taking inventory and tracking profits makes her sweat bullets. It’s not long before she wonders if patrolling the streets of Embervein wasn’t a safer bet.

Review

Enjoyed this nice little novella about retiring from guard work and opening a cafe. I especially liked the characters and the setting (a special region for monster folks, has internet, social media, start up culture, etc).

You Can't Prevent Prophecy by D.G. Redd

Blurb

An arrogant human warrior who thinks he's the Chosen One. A halfling who thinks she's a master thief, and wants to put big people in their place. A dwarven cleric desperately trying to get into heaven. All of them want the Eye of Aera, a magical artefact spoken of in ancient prophecies. But prophecies are malleable things, that can be bent to suit the needs of those with the knowledge and power to do so.

Review

This was a mix of satire about chosen one stories while telling a chosen one story. Shorter than usual epic fantasy novels, it was a fast paced read. The core team characters all had some weird quirks when they were first introduced and grew to be more likeable by the end of the book.

Some twists were nice. Overall, I'd recommend this book for those looking for a change from the usual darker tone of epic fantasy books.