Shadeslinger Audiobook By Kyle Kirrin, Portal Books cover art

Shadeslinger

The Ripple System, Book 1 (A Fantasy LitRPG Series)

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Shadeslinger

By: Kyle Kirrin, Portal Books
Narrated by: Travis Baldree
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Corporate flameout Ned Altimer dreams of leaving his world behind. So, when Earthblood Online splashes onto the VRMMO scene, he dives in and never looks back.

His advantages are twofold: exclusive access to the game’s three-day Head Start period, and a ridiculously handsome talking axe named Frank who has knowledge of the game’s deepest secrets...if the magnificent Frank ever feels like sharing them.

But those advantages also make Ned a target. Once the Head Start period ends, his fellow players will stop at nothing to rip that suave, violent, yet disarmingly charismatic axe right out of his hands.

In 72 hours, the greatest manhunt in gaming history is set to begin.

It’s gonna be a lot of fun.

©2021 Kyle Kirrin (P)2021 Portal Books Action & Adventure Cyberpunk Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction Game Suspenseful Adventure Litrpg System

Featured Article: Level up with 25+ awesome litRPGs


LitRPG means Literary Role Playing Game. Simply put, it’s the book version of watching someone play a video game, usually one that’s set up like an MMO (massively multiplayer online) RPG. It’s a blend of sci-fi and fantasy, depending on how it comes to be that our main character ends up living inside a virtual reality. the point of LitRPG is not how we get there, but that we get to be in this virtual reality period, living life as a badass video-game character. Beat the grind and submerse yourself in these addictive LitRPGs.

Featured Article Level up with 25+ awesome litRPGs
Compelling Character Development • Witty Dialogue • Exceptional Voice Acting • Immersive Worldbuilding
Highly rated for:
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Update:
After the first 8 hrs, I actually quit listening to it, because I didn't understand all the hype and the MC and Frank were annoying me. A couple of days later I picked it up and gave it another try. I'm glad I did. The story, the MC, and the interaction with Frank th Axe got a lot better and understand everyone who says it is a more "realistic" betrayal of the MMO's we all play (or used to in my case). Kyle has a really good base for a strong series, and hope that the next book continues to build off the strength of the 2nd half of this book.

I am 8 hrs in and don't see what all the hype is about.

Guy buys his way to a 3 day head start in a new MMO game. He's not an elite gamer and has proven incompetence IRL and has no friends. Not even clan/guildies from previous games and thinks he's going to make changes in a new MMO world? Once MC gets in the game he shows he's not really a good gamer and makes stupid decisions without any thought.

At lvl 5 with 60cp in his pocket he thinks he's going to build an Inn in a desert town with an entire race trying to kill him. The back and forth between the MC and Frank, his axe, isn't entertaining or funny. It's kind of stupid actually. Frank doesn't add any real help or guidance. Plus he has to protect this magical axe from the entire population of EBO when they come online. In any real online game the MC will have this axe taken from him within 10-12 hours of the game opening to the public.

I just don't understand all the 5 star reviews and claims of this being one of the best books in this genre. It's mediocre at best.

I don't get all the 5 stars. (Updated: got better)

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I was interested in this book for many reasons. However I wasn't sure if I wanted to purchase or wait and see what happens. I spoke with the author via his Facebook group and ended up buying the book! I can't even begin to explain how good of a decision that was and I can't recommend this story enough. it's AMAZING! I'm also typically a picky person when it comes to the narrator but Travis killed it! Keep up the amazing work the two of you!

Story time

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Kyle Kirrin is a good writer and his story outline is similar to others in this genre; although the MC's backstory is unique. Actually, while the character is written as a caring person, his real world reclusive backstory is unappealing and his means of entering the game makes him somewhat of an unlikable character. There is a inanimate object with similar knowledge to Skippy with a personality of a warrior. The relationship between him and the MC is one of snarky acceptance but overdone. The book also suffers from stat-bane at times which often seems like filler.

With that said, I liked the book and plan to purchase the next book in the series.

Travis Baldree.really adds to the listening experience, as would be expected.

A good start but with faults

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Loved this on kindle and had to snap up the audio. Tons of crunch without getting bogged down—the author obviously plays games, which is great to see. The mc grows a ton over the course of the novel and all of the characters have depth but frank is my favorite. Getting to listen to Travis voicing him was worth the purchase all by itself

I need book 2!

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Frank is fantastic as a smart a## ax. He give out knowledge when needed and withholds it to make you think. Although, there are aspect of the MC I find appalling, he kind grows on you like moss. I will see how the next book in the series takes the story.

Gotta love Frank

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I came into this book basically blind, and I must say I was not disappointed! Really a very good story, and one of the first I’ve listened to that has an actual, classic style raid towards the end. Great characters, all in all, and Frank is absolutely hilarious. If you enjoy this sort of book, give it a shot, I think you’ll like it! Also, the narrator is fantastic! Well read, from beginning to end!

Excellent LitRPG

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I loved this audio! lots and lots of laughs and a supprising amount of action to boot!

super fun book!

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if you follow litrpg pick up this book. overall great gob to the author and narrator.

very good

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one of the best narrations I've ever heard. the voices and inflection were incredible. The book itself was fantastic and had me putting it on every chance I got.

Fantastic Narration

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Frankly, it's an amazing book
10/10 would recommend
Can't wait for book two
is this 15 words yet?

Amazing

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