Redeemer of the Dead

Book two down, and it felt like a more complete story this time. The world has been established, the characters introduced and now we get to explore and experience this world along with John.

Thanks to much already being set, there was much more plot, tension and emotion attached to everything. It's well-rounded, the start mostly picking up where book 1 left off and not stopping from there. The big bad was more traditional in the sense there was a big bad, rather than just the world in general, which is how it felt in the last book. And it is very bad. Coming off that ending, I'm slightly shocked, although at the same time, I'm glad it happened... it highlights how visceral and tough this world that Tao Wong has built is. And whilst it's LitRPG, this world certainly is no easy and fun game to play.

The characters, outside of John, are taking much more form in my head. Being that this is told from the first person point of view, it does really feel like we only really know about the characters John cares to pay attention to. It makes you care for the characters John cares about and dislike those he dislikes as everything you read is through the main character's tinted world view. It's one of the reasons I love first pov books. The characters and relationships that can bloom feel so much more when you're in that character's head.

This felt like a step-up from book 1. I was glad that, whilst John's flaws were still at the forefront often enough, we're in his head after all, there was room for more. It really helped me not dislike John quite so much. In fact, I may even be close to liking him now!

And yes, I plan to start book 3 asap!