Seven Story Publishing

1. Title: The Grand Game (Book 1)
2. Author: Tom Elliot
3. Genre: LitRPG
4. Summary: One man. Assassin. Caster. A new world. And a Game that is as brutal as it is complex.
   Michael finds himself in the realm of the Forever Kingdom, with no memory of how he got there and who he is. Even so, he must participate in the Grand Game and forge a new destiny for himself.
   
   Dropped into a dungeon of monsters, and strange magics, would you survive in a Game where to lose means death?
   Alone, and with little more than his wits to aid him, Michael must advance as a player, slay his foes, and gain experience. All while navigating the intrigues around him and discovering his purpose.
   
   A world of Powers, Forces, and mysterious factions. A Game with endless opportunities for advancement and power.
   Join Michael on his epic adventure as he deals with the Game’s challenges, the machinations of the Powers, and the ambitions of his fellow players.
   
   The start of an exciting new portal fantasy epic!
5. Publisher: Blooming Bull
6. Publication Date: 1st edition (June 25, 2021)
7. Page Count: 349

General Review

1. Description and Imagery: This story doesn’t rely on flowery language and brilliant prose to make its descriptions clear. The sentences are relatively short and straight to the point and the author includes enough information for the reader to envision the world around them, making for a novel that hooks you in from the very start.
2. Relatability of MC: If you’re a lone wolf type and don’t like people very much, this character is perfect for you. Michael never tried to make any friends from day one and decided to forge his own path, being a character of focus, calculation, willpower, and determination. Something all fantasy readers and writers aspire to be in their own lives.
3. Pacing: This story doesn’t take long to get to the exciting parts and rarely lets up for a reprieve or break in the action. The pacing of this novel mimics that of a video game (it is LitRPG) and is perfect for readers who have shorter attention spans and a high capacity for action and adventure.
4. Perspective: This story is written from a first person point of view which makes it easier for readers to relate and focus on the only character of interest most times, the MC! The author also does a great job describing other characters and making them as authentic as real people which brings the story to life.
5. Vibe Check: This story gives out lone wolf, dark and gritty vibes all the way. The perfect setting to read this would be late at night with the lights out (or a lamp if you have a physical copy) and is a book you can easily get lost in. I highly recommend this series!

Personal Review

I couldn’t recommend this series enough if I tried! This book starts off fast paced and is just a wild ride all the way. From the moment Michael wakes up in Erebus’ chamber with Stayne looking over him to the moment he leaves the sector in the end, this book is one thing after another with hardly a moment’s rest.

The author did a fantastic job illustrating the physiological feelings of Michael and writing in such a way that works in tandem with someone who is always on the move. Throughout the story, one could feel the constant mental and physical fatigue Michael was in as he dealt with Powers such as Erebus and Loken, the trickster who always keeps him on his toes and never does something without an ulterior motive.

The MC, Michael, is a character after my own heart as, from day one, he has chosen to forge his own path and deal with the consequences as they come. His calculated and meticulous nature throughout this book (and the series) is something to be aspired to in all our endeavors (although it may lead to paranoia). And, ever since he met the dire wolves, his path to power has taken on that of the ancients that ruled before them and leads down a rabbit hole so deep and intense that it leaves you wanting more no matter how much story you get.

Rating: 5 stars

Want More From Tom Elliot?

1. Tom Elliot: https://TomLitRPG.com
2. Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tom-Elliot/author/B098169B39?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
3. Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/tom_elliot
4. Facebook: https://facebook.com/TomLitRPG
5. Discord: https://discord.gg/xkgaTB25pZ
6. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/grandgame