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Last Life #2
The Frontier
No one knows for certain what caused the Shadow to come into existence. Clerics say it was the gods laying a curse upon this world. Philosophers maintain that the Shadow of Strix is nothing short of a blessing and new milestone in human progress. But both sides agree that the Shadow will eventually swallow up this world and change it beyond recognition.
However, there are also the mages, and they think the whole debate is just so much hot air. They accept the Shadow as is with all its horrors and wonders. Furthermore, for the last several centuries, mages have risked their lives attempting to harness the Shadow’s Power for themselves.
Unsurprisingly, only a select few have access to knowledge about the Shadow’s magic. Max Renard understands that, so he chooses a different and more hazardous path. He decides to head for the frontier himself to experience the Shadow’s Power firsthand.
However, there are also the mages, and they think the whole debate is just so much hot air. They accept the Shadow as is with all its horrors and wonders. Furthermore, for the last several centuries, mages have risked their lives attempting to harness the Shadow’s Power for themselves.
Unsurprisingly, only a select few have access to knowledge about the Shadow’s magic. Max Renard understands that, so he chooses a different and more hazardous path. He decides to head for the frontier himself to experience the Shadow’s Power firsthand.
586 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2023
About the author
Alexey Osadchuk
39 books452 followersAlexey Osadchuk was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. In the late 1990s his family moved to the south of Spain where they still live today.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 16, 2023
Rating 4.0 stars
It took a little while to get back into this one. Nothing much happened in the first half of the book. Then things really pick up. Very good world building and an interesting magic system. I liked how this one turned out and I am looking forward to the next one.
It took a little while to get back into this one. Nothing much happened in the first half of the book. Then things really pick up. Very good world building and an interesting magic system. I liked how this one turned out and I am looking forward to the next one.
April 6, 2023
The writing and editing was pretty well done with this one. I think I only found four mistakes.
Now the only reason I got to read this one was because I received an ARC. Right now it's not on KU and in my opinion it's overpriced.
It's a great story though so if you can afford it don't miss out. I know that it takes quite a bit of money, time, and effort to get a book translated from Russian to English. Especially if you want a decent job done.
This is where folks like me come in. After it's all translated ARCs are sent out to select readers and we look for errors in the translation. Things like, The floor was covered in pets and pillows. This should read, The floor was covered in pelts and pillows. Or I came when it should be I said.
I'm telling you this because this did get published with a few mistakes because I simply forgot to check my email and so I'm a little bit behind.
Don't worry though! Even after publishing they are really good about going back and fixing mistakes that get published.
I'll try and get caught up soon! Thanks for following my reviews!
Now the only reason I got to read this one was because I received an ARC. Right now it's not on KU and in my opinion it's overpriced.
It's a great story though so if you can afford it don't miss out. I know that it takes quite a bit of money, time, and effort to get a book translated from Russian to English. Especially if you want a decent job done.
This is where folks like me come in. After it's all translated ARCs are sent out to select readers and we look for errors in the translation. Things like, The floor was covered in pets and pillows. This should read, The floor was covered in pelts and pillows. Or I came when it should be I said.
I'm telling you this because this did get published with a few mistakes because I simply forgot to check my email and so I'm a little bit behind.
Don't worry though! Even after publishing they are really good about going back and fixing mistakes that get published.
I'll try and get caught up soon! Thanks for following my reviews!
March 13, 2023
Some good world building
This isn't as strong as the first book, but we got some prep work and world building done for future novels. Of which, I look forward to.
This isn't as strong as the first book, but we got some prep work and world building done for future novels. Of which, I look forward to.
March 12, 2023
The saga of Max presses on, as he ventures forth to the frontier, known as the Shadow, and experiences many brief yet perilous adventures along this journey. Though it encompasses significant elements of the tale's narrative and character progression, it still acts as somewhat of an interlude to the main plotlines.
While sporadic at times, the journey is as much a pleasure to indulge in as the previous work. I can't help but appreciate the author's craft here, even small details were well crafted like the storyline following the tribe who I felt invested in after just a few pages.
The introduction of new locales and personalities added depth and intrigue to the tale, but admittedly it would have been neat to learn a few more answers to the shadow. This frontier region and the people or creatures inhabiting are full of captivating possibilities that beg for deeper exploration. Similarly, the addition of the Lutine was intriguing, though sadly their storyline seemed to be snubbed a bit. Nevertheless, it wouldn't be surprising if this character makes a return, considering how that storyline concluded.
All in all, I loved this work - it's my favorite read thus far this year and I wholeheartedly recommend it to those seeking a satisfying page-turner. I'm looking forward to picking up more works by this author in the future.
While sporadic at times, the journey is as much a pleasure to indulge in as the previous work. I can't help but appreciate the author's craft here, even small details were well crafted like the storyline following the tribe who I felt invested in after just a few pages.
The introduction of new locales and personalities added depth and intrigue to the tale, but admittedly it would have been neat to learn a few more answers to the shadow. This frontier region and the people or creatures inhabiting are full of captivating possibilities that beg for deeper exploration. Similarly, the addition of the Lutine was intriguing, though sadly their storyline seemed to be snubbed a bit. Nevertheless, it wouldn't be surprising if this character makes a return, considering how that storyline concluded.
All in all, I loved this work - it's my favorite read thus far this year and I wholeheartedly recommend it to those seeking a satisfying page-turner. I'm looking forward to picking up more works by this author in the future.
March 11, 2023
A fast-paced filler book
Let me prefix by saving I loved book 1. I was so excited for book 2 that I took the day off work so I could read it. Read the whole thing from 8:30 in the morning to about 2 o'clock. I'd frequently look down going "I'm already __% done with the whole book? But barely anything happened."
This book will unfortunately be very easy to summarize in the front of book 3. I will probably read the third book in the series but I most certainly won't be getting the day off to read it. A bit disappointed that book 3 is 6 months away when the difference in books 1 & 2 were a couple months but what can you do. I was expecting character power growth and it happened. I wasn't however expecting all non-filler to happen in the last 20% of the book. Felt a bit rushed in my personal opinion. The last 5% most of all.
Let me prefix by saving I loved book 1. I was so excited for book 2 that I took the day off work so I could read it. Read the whole thing from 8:30 in the morning to about 2 o'clock. I'd frequently look down going "I'm already __% done with the whole book? But barely anything happened."
This book will unfortunately be very easy to summarize in the front of book 3. I will probably read the third book in the series but I most certainly won't be getting the day off to read it. A bit disappointed that book 3 is 6 months away when the difference in books 1 & 2 were a couple months but what can you do. I was expecting character power growth and it happened. I wasn't however expecting all non-filler to happen in the last 20% of the book. Felt a bit rushed in my personal opinion. The last 5% most of all.
March 17, 2023
not bad
I love the magic system and continued development of the MC. The nuances of the “brute” and what each color represents is intriguing.
Was disappointed in his journey to the shadow lands. While the monster encounters were cool I was expecting him to discover some sort of epic place. It mentioned a few times these shadow lands occurred over magical places of power. Sadly it was quite anticlimactic. I won’t ruin it but it felt like a lost opportunity.
There are a lot of politics and such which some might gravitate towards. I don’t love that sort of thing much myself and felt it detracted from more enjoyable topics.
I love the magic system and continued development of the MC. The nuances of the “brute” and what each color represents is intriguing.
Was disappointed in his journey to the shadow lands. While the monster encounters were cool I was expecting him to discover some sort of epic place. It mentioned a few times these shadow lands occurred over magical places of power. Sadly it was quite anticlimactic. I won’t ruin it but it felt like a lost opportunity.
There are a lot of politics and such which some might gravitate towards. I don’t love that sort of thing much myself and felt it detracted from more enjoyable topics.
April 5, 2023
This was a good continuation to the series, though it felt almost like a setup for the next book more than a story that stood on its own. I still enjoyed this series' unique flavor compared to others, specifically the extra attention to the noble politics and rules.
There were a few events in this book that didn't quite satisfy me. Speaking generically to avoid spoilers - events unfolded realistically for the circumstances and such things are important too, but issues that resolve themselves rather than by our MC's direct influence just feel like a missed opportunity to me.
It's important to recognize that our MC, especially at the current stage of the story, is still a fledgling power in the grand scheme of things and there are greater forces out there. It just felt strange that a few specific complications played out the way they did.
Regardless, I'm looking forward to the third book.
There were a few events in this book that didn't quite satisfy me. Speaking generically to avoid spoilers - events unfolded realistically for the circumstances and such things are important too, but issues that resolve themselves rather than by our MC's direct influence just feel like a missed opportunity to me.
It's important to recognize that our MC, especially at the current stage of the story, is still a fledgling power in the grand scheme of things and there are greater forces out there. It just felt strange that a few specific complications played out the way they did.
Regardless, I'm looking forward to the third book.
March 15, 2023
More discovery of his past identity
In the first book, the main character appeared to almost forget himself while adapting and changing the life he took over. This book felt like he's allowing himself to actually be his past self. I like the allies he's attracting, and my curiosity for the different areas of this new world is only increasing. The first book was a fun read, and this book was even more captivating.
In the first book, the main character appeared to almost forget himself while adapting and changing the life he took over. This book felt like he's allowing himself to actually be his past self. I like the allies he's attracting, and my curiosity for the different areas of this new world is only increasing. The first book was a fun read, and this book was even more captivating.
March 13, 2023
Wonderful Series
I had purchased this book a while ago after I finished the first book. I was so happy when I found this book in my library.
The Author does such a fantastic job of telling a story and making sure that the story flows and no fluf in the later chapters. I don't know how many books I've read and they start out fine but then the author starts filling in the book with crap. He will take a chapter to tell what a good day it was or a chapter yo tell how the secondary character was feeling. This author knows how to tell a story.
If you're looking for a fun series with likeable characters give this one a try.
I had purchased this book a while ago after I finished the first book. I was so happy when I found this book in my library.
The Author does such a fantastic job of telling a story and making sure that the story flows and no fluf in the later chapters. I don't know how many books I've read and they start out fine but then the author starts filling in the book with crap. He will take a chapter to tell what a good day it was or a chapter yo tell how the secondary character was feeling. This author knows how to tell a story.
If you're looking for a fun series with likeable characters give this one a try.
May 5, 2023
4 Seers Do Not Need Guides Stars
The Frontier is the second book in the Last Life progression fantasy series by Alexey Osadchuk.
I do admit to feeling a mite let down by my own expectations of what the Shadow would hold. Don't get me wrong, u loved meeting the Lao and exploring the brut's and their colorful powers. I'm simply devastated that we have only spent one book's worth of time within its bounds.
Venona of Clan Frostwind, and their parting with our protagonist leaves me hopeful we will reencounter the inhabitants of this hidden pocket again. Experiencing the impact Max had on Sal and Togh during their short time together was a wonderful addition to the flow of this story. Most importantly, I find myself further embracing the wonderful loyalty Max has found in Bertrand, and his new inhabitant is finally repaying.
I do wonder what the King has in store for our cunning MC. I already find myself envisioning a future with Max on the throne... Along those lines, I'm curious of what will become of his current betrothal and fiancé...?
The Frontier is the second book in the Last Life progression fantasy series by Alexey Osadchuk.
I do admit to feeling a mite let down by my own expectations of what the Shadow would hold. Don't get me wrong, u loved meeting the Lao and exploring the brut's and their colorful powers. I'm simply devastated that we have only spent one book's worth of time within its bounds.
Venona of Clan Frostwind, and their parting with our protagonist leaves me hopeful we will reencounter the inhabitants of this hidden pocket again. Experiencing the impact Max had on Sal and Togh during their short time together was a wonderful addition to the flow of this story. Most importantly, I find myself further embracing the wonderful loyalty Max has found in Bertrand, and his new inhabitant is finally repaying.
I do wonder what the King has in store for our cunning MC. I already find myself envisioning a future with Max on the throne... Along those lines, I'm curious of what will become of his current betrothal and fiancé...?
August 15, 2023
I like the story, a lot.
I like the MC a little bit less, but that's perfectly fine. I don't need an MC to be a nice person.
All he needs be is interesting, because that's where the story is.
However, I don't like the writing. And this time I'm certain that it's not a translation issue.
Throughout the book, I've felt a certain distance in the way the story was narrated, like an unwillingness from the author to let the story take a life of its own. This resulted in a lot of telling instead of showing, a lot of abrupt time-leaps, a lot of (unnecessary in my opinion) retconning instead of doing proper setup, and a general feeling that we're on a timetable and the destination matters more than the journey.
I'm not a fan of that style. I like dialogue and social interaction. It was frustrating to systematically deprived of investment opportunities. It left me with a perception of the MC as a sardonic static observer of events that matter little, even though he has agency in them. That's not sustainable for me.
The audiobook narration was hit-and-miss for me. It felt adequate most times, but there was a certain nonchalant quality to it that tended to put me off the story at times.
Combine this with the on-the-clock writing style and both gripes kept feeding into each other throughout the book and working against my immersion.
Luckily the story won out in the end.
I will give the next volume a go when I find it, but I'm not sure I'll go further if the issue persists.
I like the MC a little bit less, but that's perfectly fine. I don't need an MC to be a nice person.
All he needs be is interesting, because that's where the story is.
However, I don't like the writing. And this time I'm certain that it's not a translation issue.
Throughout the book, I've felt a certain distance in the way the story was narrated, like an unwillingness from the author to let the story take a life of its own. This resulted in a lot of telling instead of showing, a lot of abrupt time-leaps, a lot of (unnecessary in my opinion) retconning instead of doing proper setup, and a general feeling that we're on a timetable and the destination matters more than the journey.
I'm not a fan of that style. I like dialogue and social interaction. It was frustrating to systematically deprived of investment opportunities. It left me with a perception of the MC as a sardonic static observer of events that matter little, even though he has agency in them. That's not sustainable for me.
The audiobook narration was hit-and-miss for me. It felt adequate most times, but there was a certain nonchalant quality to it that tended to put me off the story at times.
Combine this with the on-the-clock writing style and both gripes kept feeding into each other throughout the book and working against my immersion.
Luckily the story won out in the end.
I will give the next volume a go when I find it, but I'm not sure I'll go further if the issue persists.
March 19, 2023
Good but rather short.
I´m a bit torn about one scene at the begin of the book which describes that some antagonists were left drugged in a bordell to be raped and/or gangbanged as a "reminder". It seemed very harsh as they didn´t even do something as extreme themselves..
The motivation for the protagonist´s actions at Sardent, even before having any knowledge about the details of the victims involved, seemed rather forced to me.
Again, the monetary value system of this area seemed off to me. The prices and tips in this backwater seemed totally inflated compared to the stated income of people..
The timing of the confrontation at the end of the book is a bit too supernaturally fated for my taste.
I´m a bit torn about one scene at the begin of the book which describes that some antagonists were left drugged in a bordell to be raped and/or gangbanged as a "reminder". It seemed very harsh as they didn´t even do something as extreme themselves..
The motivation for the protagonist´s actions at Sardent, even before having any knowledge about the details of the victims involved, seemed rather forced to me.
Again, the monetary value system of this area seemed off to me. The prices and tips in this backwater seemed totally inflated compared to the stated income of people..
The timing of the confrontation at the end of the book is a bit too supernaturally fated for my taste.
April 13, 2023
I really love this story. By this book I was really rooting for Max in all his endeavors. All the characters are perfectly fleshed out and dimensional. At first, in the first book I thought the writing style was a little clunky but now I love it and can’t figure out what made me think that (although I suspect it’s because it is translated from another language). The story is still unique and interesting. I couldn’t put it down! When I got to the end of book 2 and had to preorder book 3 I was SO SAD!! I can’t wait to read it.
April 28, 2023
2.5 stars
A story translated into English, by a Ukrainian, who lives in Spain, with an abundance of French Names and terminology.
If that sounds like a mess, that’s because it is.
With that having been said, I will likely make myself get and read the 3rd book just to see what happens next.
I’ll think of it like enjoying a really campy movie for what it is, even though it is objectively bad.
A story translated into English, by a Ukrainian, who lives in Spain, with an abundance of French Names and terminology.
If that sounds like a mess, that’s because it is.
With that having been said, I will likely make myself get and read the 3rd book just to see what happens next.
I’ll think of it like enjoying a really campy movie for what it is, even though it is objectively bad.
August 4, 2023
Help me read more books
I received a review copy of this book.
This is a very good second book in the series. There's a bit more world building, new characters, and some mysteries explained. Also, the main character gets a bit stronger, but still not back to where he was before the first book kicked off in grand style.
It's a good story, and I'm now off to read the next book in the series.
I received a review copy of this book.
This is a very good second book in the series. There's a bit more world building, new characters, and some mysteries explained. Also, the main character gets a bit stronger, but still not back to where he was before the first book kicked off in grand style.
It's a good story, and I'm now off to read the next book in the series.
March 10, 2023
Fantastic
Just gets better builds on book one and goes into the frontier of death intrigue fights and a whole lot more, im not going to say anything else but read the book and enjoy if anything it is too long between books please support this writer as gems like this are hard to find in a sea of dross thats all the same.
Just gets better builds on book one and goes into the frontier of death intrigue fights and a whole lot more, im not going to say anything else but read the book and enjoy if anything it is too long between books please support this writer as gems like this are hard to find in a sea of dross thats all the same.
November 10, 2023
Fortune favours the bold.
As good if not better than Bastard , Max continues his plan for world domination , his trip to them frontier is fraught with danger and intrigue but with the help of his rapidly improving abilities he turns events to his advantage , looking forward to his first meeting with his uncle.
As good if not better than Bastard , Max continues his plan for world domination , his trip to them frontier is fraught with danger and intrigue but with the help of his rapidly improving abilities he turns events to his advantage , looking forward to his first meeting with his uncle.
January 8, 2024
Surprising
I tried book one on a recommendation from Amazon and somehow now heading into book 3.... :) it's not a usual litrpg there are no levels per say but the main character is fleshed out through the books as we go and the various threads keep intertwining. He seems to have everyone after him :)
I tried book one on a recommendation from Amazon and somehow now heading into book 3.... :) it's not a usual litrpg there are no levels per say but the main character is fleshed out through the books as we go and the various threads keep intertwining. He seems to have everyone after him :)
April 25, 2024
I get that this is a Gary Stu story - but I do not care one iota. I love it! It makes me smile and I like that I don't have to be all stressed out about the situations that Max lands himself in but instead I can be all, "Ooooh, I wonder how he'll get out of this one! *munches on popcorn*" It's awesome!
March 10, 2023
Excellent follow up
The book is an excellent follow up to the first book. The story flows nicely and the character development and plots are excellent. My only complaint would be that it finished too soon and now I have to wait several months for book 3...
The book is an excellent follow up to the first book. The story flows nicely and the character development and plots are excellent. My only complaint would be that it finished too soon and now I have to wait several months for book 3...
March 11, 2023
A great second book!
I loved the first book so I eagerly awaited this one. It does not disappoint!
What a fun rollercoaster ride! I love how smart the mc is and all the different shenanigans he gets up to. Loved it!
I loved the first book so I eagerly awaited this one. It does not disappoint!
What a fun rollercoaster ride! I love how smart the mc is and all the different shenanigans he gets up to. Loved it!
March 11, 2023
Really good book
I really like this series and would definitely recommend it. I started reading and got sucked end until it was done and I felt like I had just started reading. I am looking forward to the next book.
I really like this series and would definitely recommend it. I started reading and got sucked end until it was done and I felt like I had just started reading. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 11, 2023
Entertaining Read
This has become one of my favorite series. Max has gone to the shadow to make some coin and find magical treasure. Danger, power increase, and political maneuvering ensue. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
This has become one of my favorite series. Max has gone to the shadow to make some coin and find magical treasure. Danger, power increase, and political maneuvering ensue. I like the action, humor, and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
March 11, 2023
The author has hit his stride.
The first book was OK but the sequel was excellent. Read it in one setting. World building expands. We have a better read on the main character's personality. And it's fun. The trip "beyond" and his experiences was a good shake up.
The first book was OK but the sequel was excellent. Read it in one setting. World building expands. We have a better read on the main character's personality. And it's fun. The trip "beyond" and his experiences was a good shake up.
March 11, 2023
Slow beginning but
This second installment of the series was a little slow early on considering i waited patiently after enjoying the first book so much but i won't give any spoilers away just enough to say it was worth the wait...and now waiting for book 3.
This second installment of the series was a little slow early on considering i waited patiently after enjoying the first book so much but i won't give any spoilers away just enough to say it was worth the wait...and now waiting for book 3.
March 11, 2023
Great series!
This is a great series so far. Have to get use to how the characters talk but only takes a bit. Magic system looks to be unique and is easy to understand. Would recommend if looking for a quick read. Really looking forward to the next book.
This is a great series so far. Have to get use to how the characters talk but only takes a bit. Magic system looks to be unique and is easy to understand. Would recommend if looking for a quick read. Really looking forward to the next book.
March 12, 2023
Lots of action
This book is full of action scenes with plenty of blood and death. The main character gets progressively stronger and the enemy remains a shadow.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the third one.
This book is full of action scenes with plenty of blood and death. The main character gets progressively stronger and the enemy remains a shadow.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the third one.
March 12, 2023
Just as good as the first
So many times characters designed for a particular situation do not do well in a new story. Not here, this one is just as entertaining, and engaging as the first. Now I can’t wait for the next book.
So many times characters designed for a particular situation do not do well in a new story. Not here, this one is just as entertaining, and engaging as the first. Now I can’t wait for the next book.
March 15, 2023
There's a lot to like about the series
But It takes so long for books to come out that I've forgotten them. This one was a bit anti-climactic and didn't slate my expectations. It also wasn't free. I'm probably going to drop this one. The bang just isn't worth the buck.
But It takes so long for books to come out that I've forgotten them. This one was a bit anti-climactic and didn't slate my expectations. It also wasn't free. I'm probably going to drop this one. The bang just isn't worth the buck.
March 30, 2023
Review
I really enjoy the pacing of this series. And the MC is wonderful. Not quite the overpowered isekai champion but certainly hard to kill and getting there. Wonderful series.
I really enjoy the pacing of this series. And the MC is wonderful. Not quite the overpowered isekai champion but certainly hard to kill and getting there. Wonderful series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews