Hell to Pay

Luke Chmilenko

Book 2 in the series:Ascend Online

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dark action narrative

new characters in litrpg

city under siege

futuristic technology

compelling character backgrounds

accessible and enjoyable writing

steady pacing with action sequences

thievery and betrayal plot

humor in narrative

light on game mechanics

well developed character transitions

complex plot with fresh perspectives

Who Would Like This Book:

If you're into vivid, action-packed adventures and love the LitRPG/GameLit genre, "Hell to Pay" is a blast! The world-building is impressive, and the fact that it branches out to focus on new characters (while still being connected to the core series) keeps things fresh and exciting. The audiobook narration is top-notch, adding extra immersion. This is great for folks who enjoy a mix of VR game mechanics and a fleshed-out real-world setting, but aren’t looking for an overwhelming amount of game stats. Even if you haven’t read the first book, you might find yourself hooked!

Who May Not Like This Book:

If your favorite part of LitRPG is geeking out over every stat sheet and loot drop, you might find this book a bit light on the crunchy details. Some fans of the original main cast may be disappointed by the shift in focus to side characters, and there are complaints about strong language being overused. Also, the series order can be confusing, and a few readers wanted this story spun off into its own separate series.

Exciting, dark, and character-driven: a strong detour for Ascend Online fans, though the shift in focus and sparse stats may not be for everyone.

About:

"Hell to Pay" in the series "Ascend Online" by Luke Chmilenko introduces new characters, such as Lazarus, Molly, Edith, and Ransom, who find themselves embroiled in a complex plot involving thievery, betrayal, and a city under siege. The story is action-filled, gripping, and darkly entertaining, providing a great continuation to the series. delves into the characters' backgrounds, their motivations, and their interactions, all set in a futuristic world outside of the VR game, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Characters:

Characters are compelling and well-developed, with some transitioning effectively from the previous book while introducing new, interesting personalities.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is accessible and enjoyable, with an engaging narrative and humor, albeit lighter on detailed game mechanics.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is engaging, combining the introduction of new characters and a dark, action-oriented narrative set in a unique city environment.

Setting:

The setting is a city that offers a fresh perspective within the genre, enriched by a well-developed depiction of future technology.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady with action sequences, though some readers noted issues with character introductions potentially affecting flow.

Notes:

The book series is called Ascend Online, authored by Luke Chmilenko.

The second book, Hell to Pay, shifts focus to new characters but retains a strong connection to the first book.

The author introduces a unique setting by exploring a city environment instead of the usual countryside.

The main antagonist is Edith, who collaborates with the Holy Ascendancy of Eligos to invade another territory.

The characters have interesting backgrounds; for example, Lazarus is a Half Giant Half Elf Bruiser.

The story involves complex plots, including robberies and character developments like the loss of Ransom's arm.

The audible version of the first book was well-received, with a great voice actor enhancing the experience.

The narrative had some strong language that was noted as excessive by some readers.

The series is appealing to readers unfamiliar with the LitRPG genre, making them interested in more works within this category.

There are plans for a third book, and readers express eagerness for its release.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include strong language, particularly the frequent use of the f-word, and themes of violence and death.

From The Publisher:

A new side novel set in the Ascend Online universe! 'Book 1.5'

Lazarus Cain is a member of the Grim Shadows, one of the Thieves Guilds in the city of Eberia. Unfortunately, Lazarus is having a bad day. Waking up in a torture chamber, suffering from amnesia, he'd be pretty much screwed if not for the mysterious, magical sigil burned into his chest.

Sometimes a really bad day should be shared with others, especially professional torturers.

Lazarus will need to use all his cunning and skill to work with his comrades, uncovering schemes within schemes, discovering that The Grim Shadows are not the only Thieves Guild in the city mired in conflict. What's more, the leaders of the other guilds, the Thief Lords, don't respond well to treachery...

May 2017

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397 pages

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Hell to Pay?

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