Survival, magic and the unbreakable desire to save a spouse, make this into an action packed read full of heart.

Kiuno wakes up to find herself in the real life version of her favorite game. While the rumors and theories about how everyone was transported to this game are terrifying all on their own, this problem is shoved to the back of the line thanks to the basic need to first survive and win the game...if that's even possible. With a few new found friends, she starts the search for her husband, hoping he's survived not only the game's threats, but the unknown ones as well. When the run-in with a traveling group not only brings more information, but also reveals her ability to wield magic, things take a difficult turn. Kiuno not only has to head for the 'front line' of fighters, who are trying to win the game to save everyone caught inside, but she wears the stone, which identifies her as the mysterious magic wielder, who has the ability to save them all or destroy everything.

I'd read a novella, which belongs to this series, first but was left confused. After diving into the real first book, however, I'm now a fan. Kiuno is a thirty-something woman, who loves her husband and seems to be a pretty normal person, who simply enjoys gaming. She has a good head on her shoulders, knows basic survival skills thanks to a few camping trips, and is capable of learning. She's kind, listens, loyal and will give anything to protect those she cares for. And it's the later of these, which draws so many people to her side. She's a power-girl, who doesn't start out that way and is thrust into the position thanks to fate...and embraces it as well as she can. Which isn't always perfect, and that's what makes her a great heroine.

Kiuno has a knack for drawing others, especially men, to her side, and while she allows strong friendships to form, it never crosses the line into anything else. Her loyalty to her husband was inspiring and simply nice to see. And it doesn't hurt the story in any way.

Action is ever present because this is a dangerous world. It builds slowly as the levels in a game would, starting with a gentle realm and growing more deadly every step up. Creatures aren't the only threat as the author displays the ugly side of human nature and the desire to survive as well. Still, friendship is key and gives tons of hope. We get character depth, inspiration, a story that keeps the reader at the edge of their seat, and heroes/heroines who are easy to connect with and root for.

I'm giving this one two-thumbs up and looking forward to diving into the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy and read this one in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. ( )

People swept up from around the world who had only a game in common, thrust into a live recreation, fighting for their lives. Fast mostly entertaining read. I liked the different types of magic and how they manifested and the storyline was interesting. Didn't really engage with most of the characters. No cliffhanger but plenty to resolve in the next book. ( )

I have not received this book so that I could review it. I was supposed to receive it as a part of Library Thing's Early Reviewers group.

One of the better indie books I've read. Also the first lit-rpg I've read. I quite enjoyed it. The characters were all good, the story flowed very well, as did the prose. Lots of action and adventure and some tragedy as well. An excellent first novel. ( )

Leaves a lot unanswered, but I am assuming it will have a sequel based on where (physically, not emotionally) it left off. Since that is probably the case, I would have even broke this in two and there are two very distinct halves to the story. ( )