Posted by So, I wanted something fun and easy and this title looked like the thing. I like LitRPG and it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read one. This was okay, lol.
Aliens have sent technology to Earth that grants humans powers much like video games. There are stat menus, you level up, you grind levels, and all the standard stuff for LitRPG/video games. The reason why Alien Race 1 sent the tech to Earth was so that humans could have a chance against Alien Race 2 that are coming to take over the world. It’s an odd setup, one that doesn’t make much sense, which is actually acknowledged by the characters. So, this feels like a hamfisted plot to make way for a lot of action and leveling. That’s fine with me, honestly. I picked this book looking for an action flick in book form and that’s basically what I got.
So, the main character, Anya Norwicki, is a snarky younger woman who just rage-quit her job because her boss is a douchebag. She’s hot-headed and impulsive which leads to decisions that sometimes work out and other times blow back in her face. Just the kind of person who should be given superpowers, impulsive people. She’s a good person, though, which makes her a bit relatable and someone you want to see win. Part of the technology that’s sent is an AI companion. I have always loved AI companions in books and movies. Particularly, when they’re way too literal which causes a whole lot of shenanigans and miscommunications. She and this AI definitely fall into that kind of relationship and it was the best part of the book for me. Anya wants to do right by the world and is earnestly trying to save it, but she doesn’t have a lot of time. Before she can decide whether or not it’s a good idea to go to the FBI, or if that will end up with her in a locked cell being dissected, the aliens come and start to fuck up Earth.
There’s so much action and it’s basically non stop once it gets started. She runs into other people on Earth who have been given these powers and tries to team up to save the world. That’s basically the book. I found some of the jokes really funny, some of them were okay and I smirked or at least inwardly chuckled, and then other times I was rolling my eyes really hard. I’d imagine this book could bounce hard if you’re not into the humor style.
6.5/10 or 3 stars on GoodReads.