'Advent' in the 'Red Mage' series by Xander Boyce is a LitRPG novel where the world transforms into a real-life role-playing game with stats and upgrades, aiming to prepare humanity for an intergalactic war. The protagonist, Drew, is overpowered but with weaknesses and a strong rationale for his power. The story unfolds with Drew progressing through a complex magic system, upgrading spells, and facing challenges in a unique world filled with interesting twists to the standard LitRPG setting.

The narrative of 'Advent' balances action-driven plotlines with a detailed magic system and world-building, creating a compelling story that keeps readers engaged. introduces readers to an intriguing variation on the LitRPG apocalypse genre, offering a fresh take with a focus on survival, character progression, and a complex power system.

Characters:

Characters exhibit a mix of strengths and weaknesses, with the protagonist being powerful yet struggling with leadership, while side characters lack sufficient development.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines engaging narration with moments that can feel awkward, providing a mix of humor and deeper themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on an overpowered protagonist navigating a complex world filled with dangerous challenges, set against the backdrop of an intergalactic conflict.

Setting:

The setting is a transformed dystopian world starting in Washington, D.C., featuring intricate magic systems and survival challenges.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, with slower moments that may detract from tension, but generally improves as the narrative continues.

“Begin.” The word echoed throughout his skull. The large room, which had previously been lit by dozens of monitor screens and lights, went completely black. An image appeared before Drew, staying in t...

Notes:

The main character, Drew, is overpowered with significant magical abilities at the beginning.

Drew has a passive personality and often gets distracted by his thoughts.

He tends to defer to less competent authority figures, despite being more skilled than them.

Drew's social skills are described as mediocre, which is ironic given that he takes on a leadership role.

Advent (Red Mage) features a complex magic system that allows for upgrades and combinations of spells.

The author cleverly uses a unique skill system that adds depth to the LitRPG genre.

Characters sometimes forget their abilities, leading to frustrating combat scenarios.

Drew's character is relatable, with actions that mostly make sense within the narrative.

The narrative includes commentary on modern issues, which some readers found awkward in the apocalyptic setting.

Many readers found the mix of metric and imperial measurements humorous and entertaining.

The overarching story involves an intergalactic war, creating a larger conflict beyond personal battles.

The novel includes significant character twists that both enhance and frustrate the story.

Drew's progression and the surrounding survival elements are central to the narrative's appeal.

The series has unique elements that set it apart from common tropes in the LitRPG genre.

While the pacing picks up, some readers express concern about character development in future volumes.

The novel sometimes sacrifices tension in the fights, making them appear too easy for Drew.

It is set in Washington D.C. and starts with a system apocalypse turning the area into a dungeon.

Drew is characterized as the sole Red Mage, a unique position that increases his power and influence in the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Advent includes content warnings for language, violence, and themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Has Romance?

There are romantic elements present in the story, although they are not the central focus.

From The Publisher:

Drew Michalik was working in a top-secret facility in Washington, D.C. when the Advent began. As all electronics in the world simply ceased to work, blue screens filled with information appeared before him. Drew was given access to a mana interface and a limited number of reality-altering crystals called Xatherite. Following the instructions on his vision-impairing screens, he 'slotted' his Xatherite and changed his fate: he gained the ability to cast spells. Now alone in the dark, he must battle through the government bunker-turned-dungeon in a desperate bid for survival. Escape is only the beginning, the first of his many problems in the changed world. Drew will be tasked to not only survive... but to guide the rest of humanity safely through the anarchy.

Ratings (26)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (9)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (7)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (40):

Read It (27)
Want To Read (10)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (2)

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Advent?

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Advent

Xander Boyce

Book 1 in the series:Red Mage