Books read in May 2023

I feel like the clock and calendar have hit 3x on a fast forward. Here are May’s reads, and here’s also a crossing of my fingers that I can get these all on here, and finish my homework in time.

Hamma’s Last Prayer by A.F. Kay and B.R. Bea, #6.5 in the Divine Apostasy series, first in the Black Pyramid Legends series. Four stars, finished May 7, 2023.
Good ending.
I haven’t really liked Hamma, and this book took that feeling and ran with it. Yes, stakes in this quest were intense, but Hamma and new friends bonded beautifully. Archie is a new favorite. This was an entertaining side story, but Hamma barely solves a few of her issues. At least Blapy is making her confront her issues. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Hamma’s Last Prayer: A Divine Apostasy LitRPG Adventure (Black Pyramid Legends Book 1) https://a.co/d/3jkJthR


Life in the North by Tao Wong, first in the System Apocalypse series. Four stars, finished May 8, 2023.
I read this because of a different book’s bad review. That amuses me.
The main character has a motto I like, “What is, is.” That said, he seems to have had trauma all his life, in various forms. This book has an interesting progression, but the classes seem limiting, and the bad characters (looking at the cheater) are disgusting. They don’t even have a positive influence on the story, but make things worse. In the book, the idea seems to be, ‘how much can we push the main character before we gleefully enjoy him breaking?’ I’m unsure whether I liked this book. It was a great read, but the ending just lost me. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Life in the North: An Apocalyptic LitRPG (The System Apocalypse Book 1) https://a.co/d/71bxf3H


Tree of Aeons by spaizzzer, first in the Tree of Aeons series. Five stars, finished May 10, 2023. A favorite series.
Actually very engaging.
This is probably the first book I’ve read with a tree as the main character and primary focus. The story was much more engaging than I expected. It’s fascinating how he develops. Time flows both slow and fast, and there’s always something new and interesting that pops up. I will say I’m not sure about Horns after a while, because he seems to be becoming a bit intense. I also really like Meela, but I have the same distrust for the new researcher. I look forward to reading more. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Tree of Aeons https://a.co/d/8aNLJiT

Peace Spawner by Alvin Atwater, fourth in the Rise of the Cheat Potion Maker series. Five stars, finished May 11. A favorite series.
An explosion of progress.
Even with massive battles, Nate and his growing adopted clan have a wholesome adventure. Nate has responsibility kind of forced in his face. It’s easy to refuse involvement until things directly affect you. I’m extremely curious about the parents, and I’m curious what Aline has next. Will they be involved? Biting my nails in anticipation for the next book. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Peace Spawner: Rise of the Cheat Potion Maker 4 https://a.co/d/bTS0cfo

Dawn of the Void Book One by Phil Tucker, first in the Dawn of the Void series. Three stars, finished May 13.
Interesting spin on this litrpg apocalypse.
I like the idea of a broken homeless man finding his inner strength and healing and then becoming the lead in pushing back monsters. I also like the idea of a broken drug addicted woman finding her own inner strength and healing and being part of a kick*** pair. At the same time, this book was hard for me to love. There’s a lot of discussion about past trauma, there’s a lot of graphic violence. There’s also annoying politics. This was still an interesting, and new to me, storyline for a litrpg. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Dawn of the Void Book 1: A LitRPG Apocalypse Trilogy https://a.co/d/0EVxgXy

Human Insanity by KamikazePotato, first in the An Outcast in Another World series. Five stars, finished May 16.
Honestly? Wow.
I have to say that I spent a lot of emotional debate as to whether I liked this story. Rob is relatable. The fantasy world is bonkers, which only precedes to become more bonkers. Saved a bestie only to be stolen to a new world, survive all manner of traumatic new experiences, discover people —then find out there’s been genocide with questionable sources. The Deities in the background flipping coins add a hilarious few sentences. Rob’s end of the book was exciting and terrifying. The epilogue was sweet, and I agree it’s what Rob would have wanted. I’ve decided I definitely love the series. It’s so unpredictable, I’m eager to experience the next blindsides. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
An Outcast in Another World: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 1 – Human Insanity) https://a.co/d/5sXMdGr

Shared Insanity by KamikazePotato, second in the An Outcast in Another World series. Five stars, finished May 19.
It’s nice, in a traumatic way.
I can’t say I love the “system” aspects in this series compared to other series. I also dislike the fact that leveling doesn’t seem to increase human longevity. Despite this, I really enjoy reading this series. It makes me laugh and smile. It even has relatable PTSD moments (from a c-ptsd perspective). The build up to experiencing a bad skill, and the duration and aftereffects still shocked me. The potential love triangles are amusing, and I almost think a polyamory possibility would be interesting. Anyway, I loved reading this. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
An Outcast in Another World 2: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 2 – Shared Insanity) https://a.co/d/5clt20I

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, fourth in the Bridgertons series. Four stars, finished May 19.
I had my suspicions, but I had myself convinced I was wrong. This made me laugh a lot. Sweet, if frustrating romance. I dislike some of Colin’s behaviors and thoughts. Still, that added an aspect of realism. The characters are perfect, but written as people with flaws. Enjoyable read. Read from my library.
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton: The Second Epilogue.
This was included in the audiobook I checked out from my library through Libby app. This epilogue seemed pretty bizarre, and it seemed to have a future before a past. Still, it was sweet.
Again, read through my library via the Libby app.
Romancing Mister Bridgerton: Penelope & Colin’s Story, The Inspiration for Bridgerton Season Three (Bridgertons Book 4) https://a.co/d/abFJDEg

The Path of Ascension 3 by C. Mantis, obviously third in the series it’s named after…. Five stars, finished May 22. A favorite series.
War games and convoluted plots
Matt’s team, including some temporary additions, do a lot of growing up. I actually really love that mental health and it’s related treatments are important to this bookverse. I like Luna, and not just because of her name (my oldest’s name is Lunari). Luna is going to be a harsh task master. I agree with Matt that politics is mentally draining and exhausting. The war seems to be a combination of brutality, toddler squabbling, and almost every person looking for their own individual successes. Can’t say I like any of the new nobility. Well, as long as Albert and Juni are part of that. Fun read, and made me laugh. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
The Path of Ascension 3: A LitRPG Adventure https://a.co/d/2c1b7td

Rising Insanity by KamikazePotato, third in the An Outcast in Another World series. Four stars, finished May 25, 2023.
Topsy turvy and long
The book had me feeling like I was being wrung out emotionally, and that’s a good thing. I feel invested in the story. There were parts that seemed a bit long and dry, but the majority of the book was an adrenaline rush. I had hoped that at least one of a seldom seen group would be worth their existence, but alas I’m now priming my pitchfork with Elders Aleesia and Duran. Mayneth is absolutely hilarious. I want more of her blunt meddling. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
An Outcast in Another World 3: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Book 3 – Rising Insanity) https://a.co/d/cuzvTEY

Transformation by Seth Ring, fifth in the Battle Mage Farmer series. Five stars, finished May 26, 2023. A favorite series.
Unexpected but also expected and an fiery bull
I didn’t expect to see John travel. His rescue is touching, his growth is unsurprising but also had me feeling vindicated, and so much more. Ellie is absolutely amazing and heartwarming. John’s solution seemed obvious to me, but I didn’t expect how that confrontation would turn out. Highly enjoyed this book, and I don’t regret binge reading instead of sleeping. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Transformation: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Battle Mage Farmer Book 5) https://a.co/d/2T5G9sH

Reunion by J.D. Olson, second in the Electrifies series. Four stars, finished May 28, 2023.
Fun read
It’s interesting to see the new elementals have species’ drawbacks like pride and disconnect. Ione is as adorable as ever, and I loved reading her perspectives. This book raised questions about the twins’ mother. I’m sure that will play into the storyline eventually. And of course, the powerful individuals at the top are plotting. Reading this book had me clapping in excitement many times. Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Reunion: A LitRPG Apocalypse Adventure (Electrified Book 2) https://a.co/d/iLjK4Kb

I hope you find a new read! Blessed Be

Books read in February 2023

I dislike when I’m maudlin. I find myself in that headspace a lot though. Books usually help, but I’m being very flighty with books now, so this post might help. By flighty I mean that I currently have four books I’ve started reading and then I get bored, annoyed, or distracted and start another. So! Here are the books I read in February 2023.

Temper by Xander Boyce, second in the Red Mage series. Finished February 1,2023. Three stars.
Enjoyable but disjointed

I have to say that the historical fanatic passages at the beginning of these books drain a lot of enjoyment out of them for me. The story is pretty interesting, and it’s nice to see Drew’s team solidifying and taking some of the pressure off of him. So far I like the new guard, but I still have reservations on any characters with outside knowledge and impact. For whatever reason, context clues show that this dimensional version of Drew and Earth are being targeted possibly more heavily than others. Interesting read, but I’m not sure if I’ll read more yet.
Temper: An Apocalyptic LitRPG Series (Red Mage Book 2)

System Reborn Vol 1 by Kaz Hunter, first in the Apocalypse Reincarnation series. Finished February 2, 2023. Four stars.
Much shorter than I expected

Decent world building, but not much is seen yet. The characters I’ve met so far are interesting. This was a very short read, and ended abruptly for me. There is some first person and third person double speak—like the author missed a couple spots editing. That wasn’t huge, it just had me reread a couple passages multiple times to make sense. Editing aside (which can happen to any author) this was a fun read.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
System Reborn Vol 1: A LitRPG Adventure (Apocalypse Reincarnation)

System Reborn Vol 2 by Kaz Hunter, second in the Apocalypse Reincarnation series. Finished February 3, 2023. Four stars.
Entertaining read with sadness

The book is following multiple series of events and it’s exciting. Sloane levels fast. I’m curious at the change in monsters’ intelligence and the System seemingly forcing Sloane on a path of power. Looking forward to reading more.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
System Reborn Vol 2: A LitRPG Adventure (Apocalypse Reincarnation)

Eight by Samer Rabadi, first the the Eight series. Finished February 4. Five stars.
Absolutely exciting

The premise of this book seemed interesting so I had to read it. I love the mix of ages won wisdom and childlike curiosity. The deities and spirit in this are bizarre, mysterious, mischievous, and continually surprised me. I live the new friend, and the non-gendered language for beings of unknown gender. That is a small detail but a positive for me. The blend of Ollie’s previous life experiences and his embracing this new reality are paired extremely well. I’m excited to read more.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Eight: A LitRPG Novel of Magical Survival

The Way of the Hunter by Samer Rabadi, second in the Eight series. Finished February 5. Five stars.
Values clash

This book was deep in many ways. The story is beautifully complex and segues into each new event perfectly. Eight and his lichen grow up a bit together. Some of the lessons they learn and teach seem brutal, but are necessary. I don’t think a content disclaimer is needed, but there is dreamed harm and threats to children, for those who need to know to expect that. Eight is still a delightful complex combination of a new over powered child with the wisdom and experience his previous life bring. I’m not sure how to feel about some decisions made that shook Eight’s trust. He handles those in ways that are mature, and surprising. I am really anticipating reading more.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Eight 2: The Way of the Hunter, A LitRPG Adventure

Apocalypse Tamer by Maxine J. Durand/Void Herald, first in the Apocalypse Tamer series. Read and did not finish February 7. Two stars.

I did not finish this book. It has a cute and ridiculous storyline, but there are multiple references to Christianity in a way that just hit my Nope button. Other than that it was an enjoyable read. I only stopped when perspective shifted to another person. The fact that Basil finds his murderous pets to be adorable is a huge positive to this book.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Apocalypse Tamer: A LitRPG Adventure

Godkiller Mode by C.J. Carella, first in the Godkiller Chronicles. Finished February 9. Five stars.
Naive and OP

The book starts like a nightmare, but our plucky fmc is luckily the daughter of a soldier. It might be a little cliche to start with that, but it positively adds backstory. Caitlin does seem to be changing emotionally. That is completely understandable with this abduction and new and very traumatic way of life. I love how she continually steals power for herself, I kind of like her team, and the abilities she obtains kept surprising me. I loved this book.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Godkiller Mode: A LitRPG Adventure (The Godkiller Chronicles Book 1)

Magical Midlife Challenge by K.F. Breene, sixth in the Leveling Up series. Finished February 9. Four stars.
Cute and ridiculous as usual

This is a feel-good series for me. While there are some epic battle scenes, it was nice seeing the Ivy House crew and compatriots have some shenanigan filled relaxation time. The social norms for the basajuanak are very intriguing, and very eye opening. I kind of liked the murder-gnomes and I’m crossing my fingers that they can be tamed and added to the creepy doll warriors. It’s just hilarious, adorable, and deviously vicious.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Magical Midlife Challenge (Leveling Up Book 6)

Queen of Blood and Shadows by C.J. Carella, second in the Godkiller Chronicles. Finished February 11. Five stars.
OPing can be isolating

So first, I really despise Donna. She’s mad that she’s being told harsh truths and not being protected. Like Caitlin, that attitude just does not make sense to me. Seeing Caitlin and her friends power up and become closer is nice. Multiple incidents happen that are creating some isolating space between Caitlin and those around her. I really find Coyote and Shurupuk to be annoying.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Queen of Blood and Shadows: A LitRPG Adventure (The Godkiller Chronicles Book 2)

Rogue Goddess by C.J. Carella, third in the Godkiller Chronicles. Finished February 12. Three stars.
Waffling

The way this book ends made me angry. I dislike the enforced distance between Caitlin and her friends. I also hate that she has to play the puppet for a while. I’m starting to like the Arbiters a bit more, and I have a growing distrust and aggro for the Makers. One of the people disappointed me more than I expected, and Caitlin’s understanding is more mature than I could have been. The group is, in my opinion, weaker now and I’m not sure how they can go forward. I am looking forward to Caitlin causing massive chaos for this reality.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Rogue Goddess: A LitRPG Adventure (The Godkiller Chronicles Book 3)

Apocalypse Rising by D.B. King and Nick Law, first in the World End series. Finished February 15. Four stars.
Pretty exciting but also emotional

The small tidbits of backstory are captivating and inspire an empathy to Bain in me. I also hope to discover more. The end of the book shares each characters’ stats at the time the book ends, and I think a small summary of each characters’ backstory would be interesting there. I’m not sure what to think about the agents. I love Pasha. Now we just need a catlike being. This book was exciting because there was always another hurdle coming, even if resting. The premise for humanity breaks my heart. I can imagine prisoners excelling, but I can’t relate to the complete eradication of any “weak” class. This adds a unique twist to this bookverse, and one I hadn’t seen in LitRPG/GameLit series so far. I’m interested to see what happens next.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Apocalypse Rising: A LitRPG Adventure (World End Book 1)

System Reborn Vol 3 by Kaz Hunter, third in the Apocalypse Reincarnation series. Finished February 15. Five stars.
Ah sweet vengeance

Sloane is speeding through power advancement, and at the same time it seems his affection for the two people he’s gotten to know since resurrecting. There are still grammar issues, but the story is still exciting. The points of view are off quite a bit. I’m still loving this series and the thirst for vengeance is definitely appealing.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
System Reborn Vol 3: A LitRPG Adventure (Apocalypse Reincarnation)

Shade’s First Rule by A.F. Kay, first in the Divine Apostasy series. Finished February 16. Five stars.
Young characters but thrilling

I think I’m too used to reading about adults in LitRPG/GameLit books. There’s corruption, higher powers playing puppeteers, and a lot of new mysteries discovered with each secret learned. This ended on a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping that means a quick save in the next book. I really like Blapy, she’s got a chaotic good style so far. The characters this book focused on (main character and his new friend) are very young minded. Innocence, blind trust, naive through lack of experience, even when they’re strong based on power they still act their ages. It’s a positive aspect to the story. Another series to feed my reading obsession.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Shade’s First Rule (Divine Apostasy Book 1)

The Second Betrayal by A.F. Kay, second in the Divine Apostasy series. Finished February 18. Five stars.
The end had me screaming

I love the growth the characters make in this book. The expansion of Ruwan’s circle is necessary. It does suck that he feels he has secrets he can’t share. I didn’t expect the betrayal, nor the discoveries after it. I think I love dungeons after this.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
The Second Betrayal: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 2)

Uru’s Third Temple by A.F. Kay, third in the Divine Apostasy series. Finished February 19. Five stars.
Growth and strong obligations

Ruwan grows so much in this book. I really like Rami. The group finds out some of how far Uru has planned. It is extremely convoluted. Many of the experiences Ruwan has and subjects him to are beyond comprehension, but he’s pushing hard to be ready for whatever is going to happen. He feels responsible for so much, and sadly is because of other’s choices. I like that some enmity is healed.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Uru’s Third Temple: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 3)

The Fourth Secret by A.F. Kay, fourth in the Divine Apostasy series. Finished February 21. Five stars.
Politics

Ruwan has to navigate a lot of politics, and it is basically a toddler fight. That seems to be the same no matter if it’s in a book or real world (looking at my US representation). He manages to get a lot done. He forms some new relationships, and the epilogue had me laughing at the irony. There are philosophical issues in this. Ruwan will have to decide, and has been forced to contemplate, if the end justifies the means. The next adventure sounds more laid back, but I’m sure that will spiral into chaos since Ruwan is involved.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
The Fourth Secret: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 4)

Bastard by Alexey Osadchuk, first in the Last Life series. Finished February 22. Three and a half stars.
Three and a half

This book is interesting. Starting the way it did gave a little of a sad backstory. This flows well into MC’s new life. There are so many possible expectations. I am concerned with the build-up and dream about Thais. I hope this doesn’t go in a concerning direction. The “honor” system in this society is hilarious, and perfect for a mischief making guy with no compunction about murder. Kept me captivated.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Bastard (Last Life Book #1): A Progression Fantasy Series

Fermentation by Seth Ring, fourth in the Battle Mage Farmer series. Finished February 26. Five stars.
Cliffhanger

It’s cute the way John and Ellie are getting closer, even if John is slower than molasses. I’m kind of disappointed in the decision Katrine makes. There are big revelations discovered, and the end is a sad cliffhanger. Ferdie is hilarious. He collects minions like John does. They all sound terrifying, but also cute.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Fermentation: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Battle Mage Farmer Book 4)

Legion’s Fifth Vault by A.F. Kay, fifth in the Divine Apostasy series. Finished February 27. Five stars.
Talk about isolation

In a previous review I mentioned how Ruwan keeps being isolated from those around him. The absolute irony of the isolation in this is hilarious. I had hoped to like a character, but that ship sailed and they suck. I’m curious about Blapy’s experiment.
Read with Kindle Unlimited.
Legion’s Fifth Vault: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Divine Apostasy Book 5)

Rebirth by J.D. Olson, first in the Electrified series. Finished February 27. Five stars.
An actual rectification

I expected this to have a death variant heroine. The beginning of the book does have zombies, but the fmc is actually brought back alive. The system is snarky, the fmc is a loner on a path to being a major powerhouse, and she ends the story with allies, friends, and potential allies. I’m very concerned about the flashback of other’s experiencing the integration. Green villain is setting up a nasty villain arc. I am excited to see where these adventures go next.
Read with Kindle Unlimited, but the rest of the series is not in KU. They have a good price, so I have continued buying the subsequent books in the series as they come available.
Rebirth: A LitRPG Apocalypse Adventure (Electrified Book 1)

That brings an end to my February reads, and I enjoyed reading them. Hopefully, they will be fun to read for you as well.

Climate activists throw black, oily liquid at Klimt painting in Vienna

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2022/11/15/climate-activists-throw-black-oily-liquid-at-klimt-painting-in-vienna.html

These articles keep showing in the Google feed on my phone. I’m not rich, and money is only becoming not a struggle to budget now—in my thirties. I cannot even begin to express the rage, disgust, and disappointment this makes me have. What these “activists” are doing is NOT activism. This is terrorism. Destruction of property doesn’t encourage me to agree with this movement. Honestly, what I saw in the first article had me a tiny bit sympathetic, but still disgusted with the form their “protest” took. This is only widening a gap between classes. Why would people who own these art pieces, which many are on loan, decide to house them in unsafe conditions? It’s only a matter of time before a priceless (in my opinion) piece is damaged. The more often this happens, the angrier and less sympathetic I become. I’m an outsider looking on at both the protesters, museums/galleries, and those the protesters hope will pay attention to their pleas. This is not going to change anything. This might not seem violent to some, but it is. What becomes the next step when their protests aren’t acknowledged and they feel the need to create a larger spectacle?

My point is that protests like these only encourage people to choose sides. Find another way.