Nightmare Keep

Phil Tucker's ability to consistently churn out high quality books in a variety of subgenres never ceases to amaze me.

Death March was my introduction to LitRPG and I freakin loved it. Nightmare Keep pressed the accelerator even further and watching Chris level up while trying to save his friend kept me on the edge of my seat.

After killing the ogres and the wyvern, Chris was taken to see the dread lord, the undead being responsible for destroying the Cruel Winter guild. Chris is given the task of searching for the treasure hidden in Nightmare Keep. Which, coincidentally, is also where Lotharia is hiding after being overtaken by necrotic energy. But Chris isn't the only person the dread lord has hired, and the competition is deadly.

I have to admit that I was expecting Chris to explore more of the vast world of Euphoria Online. Instead, it looks like we might spend the entire trilogy in the former Cruel Winter city.

And you know what? I'm okay with that. In fact, I think it's better this way.

Instead of expanding the game world, Nightmare Keep delves into the characters and hints at the broader mystery behind Albertus Magnus and the AI's plans for the world. Even the character I hate the most (Brianna, obviously) is written to be somewhat sympathetic.

And as always, Vikas Adam (the audio narrator) breathes life into these already vivid characters.

If you're looking fun adventure with lovable characters and that immersive feel of an MMORPG, you're in for a good time with this book.