A riveting and truly unique adventure story

I am an avid reader/listener of fantasy and science fiction novels, as well as a 20 year veteran of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons, 7th Sea, and many others. This series is both imaginative and exceptionally well told. The world goes far beyond what I initially thought it would be. I purchased the first book because I thought the description was interesting enough. Now that I am four books into this series (and eager for the next) I am absolutely enamored by the World building and character development. These books turn tabletop and fantasy cliches on their heads and deliver an impactful and inspiring story of swords and sorcery. The magic of this story truly spreads throughout the full series. I don't believe you have to be a tabletop player to enjoy this series, but I feel like it truly is a set of books built for anyone who has rolled the dice and chose the destiny of a character. Five stars is not enough for this series.



The narrator on the audiobook of this is wonderful as well. He brings the characters to life with uniqu and expressive voices. The narrator accomplishes what very few do, improving on the experience of reading by really bringing the thoughts and feelings of the characters off of the page in a natural and wonderful way.





The plot (just for book 1's beginning)

very minor spoilers ahead, nothing too bad though







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The story follows the (mis)adventures of a group of non player characters. When their town is under the threat of retribution by a mad king, this unlikely group of npc's don the equiptment of dead adventurers in order to finish their quest and keep their home town safe. Leaving their mundane and repetitive lives behind, they embark on a journey that reveals the heroes they are meant to be.



At the same time, the real life party of adventurers (whose previous characters died) roll up new characters and begin playing again, intent on completing their original quest and cause as much havoc as they can along the way.





I'd say this is mostly appropriate for younger readers as well, however some tabletop gaming experience goes a long way to understanding the kind of world this game takes place in.











TL;DR

book good. read it. rolling dice good. guy who reads book good. buy book.