Into the Light: Axe Druid, Book 1

I thought Axe Druid was an interesting read, even refreshing in places and it kept the story moving on. This is less of a plot driven book than a character driven book, which I think might be part of the problem.For the first 80% of the book the main character (MC) doesn't appear to be the main character of the book. Instead, all his friends from one moment to the other seem to be the MC. It felt off to me, almost as if the first 80% should have been told from one of his friend's viewpoints instead of Zeke's. The last 20% are a different story almost, and although I don't want to give spoilers I will say that it seems to happen too easily, changing a character who is negative into one who is happy and light. I know it's a fantasy book, but I struggled with how quickly the change occurred.There is also a distinct lack of grittiness until the last battle. I never felt any of the characters were in danger during a single fight, despite their levels being relatively low (under level 20 until the end.) The last battle was different slightly, more epic in nature but still never left it in doubt as to who would win.The litRPG mechanics were fine while they were there. As has been mentioned in other reviews, the LitRPG mechanics disappear from the 67% mark until the very end. It's the authors choice to do this of course, but as a reader I felt it took me away from the developing story and into something that while helpful, ultimately didn't need to occur in order to propel the story forward.That brings us to how I think the story becomes scattered. Within the main plotline (and the LItRPG elements) the story is progressing well with clear targets. When the change comes about 2/3rd of the way through the book, it becomes a fantasy story that throws all the tropes we know at us, one after another. It was at that point that I felt the book lost its focus, the plot line diverting from one thing to another until we were finally back on track at the end of the book.I'll finish by saying that I probably will buy book 2, but ultimately I was disappointed with book 1 despite it's promise and the backing of Mountaindale press.3/5*

A good beginning. Somewhat erratic at times - from mature to "less so" in conversations and actions. A bit too stereotypical Marine at times, the jarhead image, that is. The MC often appeared to have *diminshed intelligence" - forgetful and even gawking at scenery when in-battle, which makes him very un-Marinelike.I personally enjoy a more intelligent and broad minded MC, that doesn't occasionally have irrational fits of anger.The series has good potential, with the primary world and additional planes. Warriors invited to another world to fight evil isn't a new concept, but the range of characters within this "band of brothers" is interesting. It does get a bit confusing - the book simulates a game world environment with a tutorial phase, grinding, and side quests, but transitions aren't always smooth.The RPG and game mechanism elements are fairly well done - enough information without being overbearing. Almost too many magical branches are being formed, with the author being forced to tell rather than show so as to not overwhelm the reader.I hope the author builds on the positives within future series books. It would be too easy to lose his audience in quests and side quests that stray from initial series themes.

- Do you like gaming?- Have you ever played a MMORPG?- Do you like fantasy settings/creatures- Are you a fan of magic and unique weapons?- Does humorous banter and intense action scenes interest you?If you answered yes to at least half of those questions I have a good feeling you will enjoy this book.The story follows an MC and his buddies as they go on a quest to save Brindolla. There is a lot of really good action and fun dialogue. Now, I’ve had the opportunity to read the three books that are in this series and I can tell you this. The writing in this series definitely improves with each book.The only complaint that I had in this book was that I wanted more info to care about the other characters. That being said, the author did a great job of addressing this in books 2 and 3.I’d recommend giving this one a shot, you should be able to tell within the first couple chapters if it’s for you. For me, it worked and I really enjoyed it. By the way, if you are an Audible listener, I’d recommend picking this up. B.J. Harrison (who I wasn’t familiar with before) does an outstanding job of narrating.

This reads like a really good campaign played by friends who've been through some real shit downrange but kept on trucking. I don't think anyone this side of John Ringo pulls that off without having been there himself, so props for that. Bonus points that not a single main character but the Starter Town innkeep is human. Fantastic character variety, enough that I'd appreciate some appendices or something at the end with more world lore on the different (sub)races and their culture and history. Combat scenes are well executed and the MC could just as easily be one of my buddies. I'm buying this and the rest.Con: One star off for some annoyance from lack of proper proofreading for typos and a lot of trouble keeping all the Party members straight in my head for most of the book. It's tough to balance that large an ensemble cast in the first book, but a few more chapters like the two person quest would have helped each of them stand out more sooner.

They say, don’t judge a book by its cover and to be honest, I did this book; finally took the plunge seeing as I had no other LitRpg to read and man what a ride! This book is what all LitRpgs should be like. Fleshed out characters, a solid world building. Crafting. Fights. Dwarven banter. Legendary creatures. Dragons. Seriously, just stop reading this review and just click buy because it’s worth it.

Excellent work that weaves real Earth folklore legends in with Fantasy rpg. This helps give the reader a solid, full blooded, world to explore and many familiar characters from that folklore. This has been a truly in depth, entertaining read. 10/10

This was an okay read and has promise. I’ll certainly read the next. It’s not sophisticated, ‘clever’ LitRPG, with fancy mechanics and the plot is simple and linear — but good fun. The prose verges on the verbal diarrhoea at times, which drops it to three stars for me — but your mileage might very well vary!

If I’m not gripped in the first couple of chapters, I tend to get bored, chapter one was slightly slow as it mostly is in most books. But my god what a book. I literally could not put it down. Absolutely fantastic

I picked up this book on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. Absolutely fantastic read! Classes were brilliant, story was amazing, stats were crunchy enough without being a burden to the story