Please put thought into how your monetary system functions and keep a list of reference prices. This has to be the element of stories that most often breaks my immersion. Like giving away 3k taels of silver in the slums to find a person (not even hiding or any other condition that would make finding him expensive), when a meal cost 3 bronze (1000 bronze = 1 silver), is INSANE. It’s like going to a modern slum now with a half million in cash USD and handling it out asking for a single person. MC isn’t even that rich.

Am I alone in this being a major annoyance?

Heya, not sure if this is quite the place to post it, but here goes. I'm looking for my next read and I'm starting to get a little bit desperate. I like to listen to books while going about my day, driving, cleaning, what have you, but I also like to read in bed at night. I've not shortage of books to listen to during the day, but at night I like something a little more slow paced.

The last book I read at night was Alchemised by SenLinYu, and before that was Manacled by the same author. Both books are a delightfully slow burn, and despite the horrible content and subject matter, are relatively "cozy" to read. After that I tried to get into Bioshifter, but bounced off it hard. The premise of slowly turning into something terrible and trying to hide it from your colleagues was super interesting to me, but I found that the nature of the writing, being originally a web series meant to be read weekly was really sub part to read like a book.

That was a few months ago, and I've tried to read a few books since then, but not been able to stick to any of them. Some books I've tried were Steven King's "The Stand," along with "pet cemetery," as well as "Villain Core" by John Stovall, "Slow Burn" by Bobby Adair, and "AL:ICE" By Charles W. Lamb.

Hi everyone, sharing my current "tier" list and also hoping people can share other books that I might find interesting.

Tier List

My tier list feels a bit abnormal since I don't keep very clear rankings in my head between books. I either really like something, like it, or don't like it. Then there's the series that for one reason or another I fell off of and don't have much desire of returning to.

Ongoing Favorites: Hell Difficulty Tutorial, Path of the Berserker, 1% Lifesteal, Chrysalis, Dungeon Crawler Carl

Completed Series I Enjoyed: Cradle, Mark of the Fool, Mother of Learning

Other Series I'm Enjoying: The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound, Weirkey Chronicles, Primal Hunter, He Who Fights with Monsters

Dropped Later in the Series: Defiance of the Fall, Rune Seeker, Fury, Arcane Ascension, Path of Ascension

First Books I Didn't Connect With: Welcome to the Multiverse, System Universe, Bastion, Ultimate Level 1, We Hunt Monsters, Azarinth Healer

Additional notes: I really enjoyed Defiance of the Fall at first, but the series is starting to feel too slow and padded. Book 4 of 1% Lifesteal gave me a similar concern but I'll stick with the series for a bit. The world/characters in Rune Seeker are interesting but I found the battles too hard to follow and they didn't keep me engaged.

Things I'm Looking For

Generally slice of life isn't very interesting to me. I want just enough to see the characters celebrate their victories/relationships/progress but I want it to go right back to the progression/fights after.

I'm more interested in series with at least 3 books because I like getting immersed into a series for a bit. Open to series I should keep an eye on for when they get to three books.

I think I'm after books where the protagonist(s) have to suffer or work hard for power and have strong clear values. Interesting progression mechanics or power systems are also nice.

I retried reading it and it’s so good. Man I wish I wasn’t hating on it just cause the beginning. :(

Srsly it starts out mad outta nowhere and mc is cringe but it kinda grows on you. Like no duh he’d lose all seriousness he has no consequences.

I originally dropped it cause it be talm bout sum bs acting like I know what these words mean in this context. Like bro I didn’t live in genome world when it happened. But like after a bit it gets explained or you get enough context clues to figure it out.

I want to know if the behavior I’m about to whine about is a character flaw that later gets addressed, or if it’s a crutch the author is leaning on for exposition and conflict.

I’m on the second book of the I’m Not the Hero series and I’m overall in enjoying it. However, Maddy’s main character syndrome is grating enough that I’ve paused reading a couple of times (this post is being created during a break). To summarize my qualm, she’s way too pushy for how ignorant she is, and it’s making her a blatant hypocrite. Each time, I dearly wish Orrin would push back, but I also know there are plenty of valid reasons he wouldn’t, so I’m not currently arguing that he should.

So what I would appreciate from anyone who has read further in the series, does she get called out for her behavior, or should I mentally prepare myself to be occasionally irritated?

Hi, I need recommendations for books with sci-fi and magic, preferentially the MC uses Magic

thanks😃

excel, NU like sites, notepad etc.

I want a series similar to Quest Academy by Brian J Nordon, preferably with an audiobook version available, and even better if it's either a dual narrator, or female only narrator.

The main character would preferably not be a combatant and more of a support at the beginning.A focus on magic and crafting would also be enjoyable.

Some other books I've enjoyed, are:

* Azarinth Healer by Rhaegar

* Villains' Code

* Amazon Apocalypse by Marvin Knight

I recently happened to read Arrogant young master book while some parts where not that good.I really liked how he interacted with his disciples and how much he tries to meta game and forms an anti mc organisation. Any book similar to this

I also liked Cultivation Nerd

I’m deep in a project rn, really enjoying it. But I’m thinking of adding some stuff to it. I was talking to a guy who reads my chapters and gives feedback, and he pointed out that he really likes it when there are gods who are players who just have a different or stronger power system. I had mine as separate entities.

This got me wondering what tropes are popular right now. What do people want to see more of? Really just looking for some brain fuel for my creativity as I finish the next 20,000 words this weekend 😂

I love books based on Dungeons and Dragons (setting, magic systems, etc.). Like the Dragonlance books, or the Spells, Swords, & Stealth series by Drew Hayes.

However, the books are subtle about it. You can obviously tell Dragonlance is inspired by D&D but the characters aren't rolling to make a save. The turn-based combat and all the other D&D mechanics work when actually playing D&D but less so in a novel.

Until I read this. Everyone has character sheets with their stats, skills, spell slots, etc. People still rest to re-gain their spells, gain new spell slots as they level, certain spells are touch-based vs long-range, and all the usual D&D staples. Combat is still real-time though and no one is pausing to roll for initiative. There's a good balance between making a world based on D&D mechanics but still being able to write engaging battles.

After reading the book, I'd say the blurb is a bit misleading. The main plot is that the MC and his party join an annual dungeon crawl that's broadcast all around the world, ala reality TV, and the blurb mostly focuses on that. The MC's name isn't even mentioned in the blurb, let alone anyone else's. This made it seem like the book would be entirely focused about fighting through the dungeon and the characters almost an after-thought.

That wasn't the case though. The MC has a good backstory and has a well-developed personality. The book spends a lot of time fleshing out the main party, the interactions between them, etc. Tons of well-written banter, humour, quirky and interesting characters, etc.

I also liked that there was a reason for the dungeon crawl beyond the DCC-style "We got forced to join this deathgame that some advanced civilization made for entertainment, so we have to fight through the dungeon to survive". I won't spoil it but in this book, people voluntarily join the dungeon crawl and there's a greater purpose for its existence beyond just obtaining money and power for the organizers or participants.

If you're even remotely interested in D&D I'd recommend checking this one.

(I have no connection to this book or the authors, other than being a fan)

Howdy! I remember listening to a progression fantasy audiobook a few years ago and I'm trying to find it again.

Here's what I remember:

- It's a regressor story; the main character went through everything and is back at the start of the system apocalypse

- MC gets the unique "life orb" ability, which allows him to manipulate these floating orbs for battle and utility, but mainly allows him to respawn on death by consuming an orb on a cooldown.

- Setting was like an endless sea of apartments and high rise buildings at the start?

Most of the other details are hazy, but I'm very certain on the first two points! If anyone could help me find the name of it I'd be super appreciative <3

I want some honest critique on my flash forward prologue and the following chapter. The goal is to start publishing in a few months, I've got a good backlog but a lot of work to do on my technical writing. Ill be publishing weekly as a webnovel.

Burdened To Remember

Futures End

Blood barely crept from his wounds as the cold slowly froze them shut, and David’s eyes refused to stay open. An endless stretch of fallen trees and crushed rock lined the dirt, now stained red with blood.

So cold… Even the blood flowing down my arms is cold.

More wounds than he could feel covered his body. Ice chains coiled around him, leaving only his arms and head free, their grip just lax enough so he could still breathe. 

His eyes flicked between bodies he already knew were dead.

I can hardly even see anymore.

He barely made out four figures towering over the corpses. He faintly caught one of them muttering. “If I have to get my boots cleaned one more time.”

David choked on his own blood, “Will my men be remembered?”

The same figure let out a short bark of laughter, “Do you remember every time you clean your boots?”

Three of them started walking away, and the last figure stayed behind, downcast.

“Don’t be disheartened,” the figure smiled softly. “They wouldn’t understand.”

He pulled a broken sword from his storage ring, pressing it into David’s palm.

“A warrior shouldn’t die unarmed.”

He knelt, meeting David’s eye level.

“I’m glad we finally ran into each other again, though I wish it were under better circumstances. We didn't get the chance to talk last time. What is your name?”

Tears streamed down David's face as he whispered, "David.” The figure nodded, “Horace.”

He paused and put his hand on David’s shoulder.

“I hear you were kind to your men… It’s a tragic fate that I’d be the one to take your life.” 

Horace bowed his head.

“seems I was still too weak, and now I can never repay my debt to your friend.”

He looked back at the others as he stood.

“I feel we would’ve gotten along well in another life.”

As he started to walk away, he spoke just loud enough for David to hear.

“I will remember you, David...” He gestured to David’s soldiers, “And I’ll remember them for you.”

David watched him leave, stepping carefully around the bodies. A faint smile touched his face.

I was starting to worry that they’d be forgotten.

His vision dimmed, and as colors blended into a vague afterimage. He forced his eyes to stay open and caught a glimpse of his comrades' souls pouring into the sky like a hail of white ash.

He glanced the body closest to him. What should’ve been a bright head of vibrant blonde hair was red and riddled with dirt. 

A tear rolled down David’s cheek.

“I’m sorry, Jonathan,” he whispered, “We never should’ve gone to learn spirit arts…”

His eyes drifted shut, and his head slumped.

We were too ungrateful, leaving home… leaving Halt; we never should’ve left.

Just as he should’ve joined his men among the souls in the sky, a bright flash of silver light enveloped him. 

David’s eyes shot open. 

This light… Is it silver?

His fingers twitched, and he felt life flowing back into him.

This has to be…

He looked up at the souls in the sky.

“Jonathan!” He shouted hoarsely, reaching out as the silver light warped the air.

1. Memories Passed

Many years ago — Outer Region, August 10th, Year 2508

David and Jonathan fought their boredom as they began their seventh hour of chores.

“What do you think it’ll be like to fight in great battles?” 

Jonathan wiped the sweat from his brow. “What made you ask a question like that?”

David grinned, “We’re setting out tomorrow to learn spirit arts.”

Jonathan smirked, “What does that have to do with war?” he paused a moment, slapping David on the back.

“If we did fight in any great battles, it’d be side by side to the last breath.”

David nodded.

“That’s for sure.” He paused, snorting, “We’re shoveling this shit side by side.”

CRICK

David tweaked his lower back and cursed.

Jonathan chuckled.

“Right?” He shook his head, “To think the stench doesn’t even bother me anymore.”

David threw down his shovel and crossed his arms.

“Damn farm work never ends. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough.”

Jonathan looked away, already stifling laughter.

“Each time you complain, the pile grows.”

They tried to hold it in, but David eventually burst into laughter, followed shortly by Jonathan.

A hoarse voice scorned them.

“What’s with all the noise? If you like that shit so much, I ought to throw both of you knee deep in it.”

David hurriedly retrieved his shovel, and Jonathan instantly apologized.

“Sorry, Halt, we're almost done.”

Halt scoffed.

“I shouldn't have to keep telling you to call me Old Man.”

David quickly insisted they were almost done. 

Halt brushed the comment aside, pointing at the pile.

“Throw one of my shovels again and I’ll dye your proud long hair one shade browner.”

David swallowed nervously.

“It won’t happen again.”

Halt grinned.

“Supper’s ready at sundown, but for you, it’s ready when you finish up with your shit.”

He walked back to the cabin. The instant he was out of sight, David tapped Jonathan on the shoulder.

“Do you think the pile grows when we look away, too?”

Their laughter echoed through the fields until they noticed the cattle turning to look.

They cleaned themselves up and joined Halt for supper. Halt sat, arms crossed in front of cold food.

“Laughter doesn’t fill stomachs, nor does it keep the food warm.”

They gave no reply and ate quietly.

David picked at his food, slowly pushing it around his bowl.

Finally, he set his fork down, exchanging a glance with Jonathan.

Halt raised an eyebrow.

“Did you two forget how to eat?”

David’s grip tightened around his fork, and Jonathan gave a whisper of a nod.

“You’ll be fine without us… right?”

Halt set his fork down, and David awkwardly shifted his gaze away.

Halt turned to Jonathan.

“I might be imagining it, but was that genuine concern for my well-being?”

David sighed.

“Really, Halt? Do you have to mock every word I speak?”

Halt stopped eating, looking David in the eye, half smiling.

“I thought I told you to call me old man.”

David scarfed down his stew, bringing the bowl to his mouth, hiding his smile.

“Come on, Jonathan, we need good sleep. We leave in the morning.”

They went to their rooms and fell asleep before Halt finished saying goodnight.

The next morning

A rooster's crow fell on deaf ears.

Halt shook his head. “They only wake up if there's food,” he grumbled.

SMACK — SMACK

“I’M UP, DAMMIT!”

David scrambled to cover his head.

“My skull isn’t thick enough for this abuse.”

Jonathan propped himself up in the corner, stifling his laughter, deepening the dimple on his left cheek.

Halt scoffed.

“You’ve been looking forward to this for ten years — and today’s the day you feel like sleeping in?”

David launched his pillow at Halt.

“I had a lot of shit to do yesterday, in case you failed to notice.”

Jonathan motioned for David to hurry up. As they left, David punched Jonathan’s shoulder.

“Why didn’t you wake me before he came in?” Jonathan smirked, “Where’s the fun in that?”

Halt waved from the cabin until they vanished. David and Jonathan had only each other and the old man, whom they swore invented hard labor. 

As their laughter carried back on the wind, Halt recalled harsh decades of farming alone—until the day he found an overturned carriage. 

“Anyone alive?” No answer. Blood everywhere, monster tracks in the dirt. And in the center, two infants, unharmed. “This’ll be nothing but trouble…”

Halt sighed as their laughter faded completely, “I almost feel as though I miss em… Almost.”

He shrugged, turning around, “I ought to get some work done before Jonathan takes that test.”

Has anyone seen progression systems in stories beyond a System and Cultivation?

I'm playing with the ideas of Evolution (changing forms with new power levels) and Skill Trees (demonstrated by magical growing tattoos) but am looking for more unique progression measurement systems.