Books Like...
'Survival Quest' in the series 'The Way of the Shaman' by Vasily Mahanenko follows the story of Mohan, a character convicted to 8 years of grinding in a VR RPG as a new way for the government to profit from prisoners. The plot revolves around Mohan navigating a virtual world where death holds real consequences, adding tension and a sense of suffering that enhances the storytelling. The interaction between fellow prisoners, NPCs, and the game dynamics drives the narrative, providing a unique and engaging perspective on the litRPG genre. Despite some initial slow pacing and awkward moments, the book offers a fresh take on the genre with unpredictable game elements and a protagonist who evolves through challenging circumstances.
The writing style of 'Survival Quest' is noted for its slight quirkiness and occasional errors, which, while not detracting from the overall meaning, may require some getting used to. introduces readers to a gaming environment that feels solid and immersive, with a dystopian backdrop that adds depth to the narrative. Through Mohan's journey, the author explores themes of struggle, consequences, and societal norms within a gaming world, creating a story that resonates with gamers and fans of the litRPG genre.
If you liked Survival Quest, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'AlterWorld' in the 'Play to Live' series by D. Rus is a captivating story about a man named Max who, diagnosed with a terminal illness, decides to permanently immerse himself in an MMO online game where players can live out their lives in a virtual world. The novel delves deep into the mechanics of this virtual reality world, exploring the details of items, buffs, stats, and other game-related elements. Despite some flaws like a cliffhanger ending and translation issues, the book introduces a unique concept of immortality within a game setting, blending reality with the sci-fi and fantasy elements seamlessly.
"It’ll be the question of what runs out first: your health reserves, your will to live in ever-growing agony—or your ability to finance therapy and medications. I hope you’ll excuse me for being so bl... - #2
Save:Start the Game in the series Galactogon by Vasily Mahanenko is a science fiction LitRPG novel that immerses readers into a universe where the boundaries between real life and game play blur. The book follows the protagonist's journey filled with constant pacing, gripping action, and a well-balanced mix of elements from both realms. Readers are drawn into a world where the protagonist's luck, the intricate world-building, and the engaging plot keep them intrigued from start to finish.
The book introduces readers to a futuristic setting with references to advanced technology and a virtual reality game that challenges the characters in unexpected ways. Despite some minor flaws like rushed plot developments towards the end, the book stands out for its smooth writing style, intriguing storyline, and the ability to keep readers hooked until the last page. With a mix of real-life complications, space opera elements, and a compelling plotline, Start the Game sets the stage for an immersive reading experience that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
A huge, semitransparent sheet appeared before my eyes, telling me how wonderful and carefree life for players in the empire was; however, I instantly waved it away. I hadn’t the slightest interest in ... - #3
Save:'Video Game Plotline Tester' in the series 'The Dark Herbalist' by Michael Atamanov follows the story of Timothy, a game tester in the Boundless Realm VR game world. Timothy, along with his disabled sister, embarks on a journey within the game, exploring different races and classes while uncovering bugs and facing challenges through their unique gameplay style. The plot is characterized by elements of gaming, sibling dynamics, out-of-the-box thinking, and facing both in-game and real-world obstacles. The writing style combines elements of LitRPG, teenage fantasy, and RPG gameplay, providing an immersive experience for readers.
In the job posting, there had been a rather unambiguous requirement that I must have: "Never played the game before." I suspect that, if I had answered "yes," the interview would have ended as quickly... - #4
Save:The Trapped Mind Project in the series Emerilia by Michael Chatfield follows the story of Dave, a reclusive trillionaire who escapes his mundane life by immersing himself in the virtual reality world of Emerilia. Through engaging with various characters and uncovering the secrets of Emerilia, Dave embarks on a journey of growth, friendship, and attempting to change the reality within the game. The book initially presents a slow start with detailed world-building and character introductions, leading to a thrilling big battle that sets up the story for subsequent books. The writing style is described as engrossing and intense, requiring readers to immerse themselves in the backstory and character interactions to fully appreciate the story.
His friends had long ago disappeared as he’d moved from barely making a living to a trillionaire. Some had felt annoyed he’d made it while they hadn’t. With others, there was such a disconnect, it was... - #5
Save:Eddie, the main character in 'Farmer' by Tom Larcombe, embarks on a journey as an average joe trying to make money in a virtual game world. The story follows Eddie's transition from RPG farming to actual farming, leading to unexpected adventures and changes in his life. The book combines elements of adventuring and crafting, providing a balance that keeps the story engaging without overwhelming the reader with technicalities. Despite some minor flaws, such as abrupt scenes and occasional slow pacing, the novel offers a refreshing take on the LitRPG genre by focusing on the love of gaming rather than high-stakes world-saving missions.
“That's what we're trying to fix. We've got everything covered, players should be able to go for a lot longer than that with our system. The problem was overloading of the brain. They didn't constantl... - #6
Save:'War Aeternus: The Beginning' by Charles Dean follows the story of Lee, a normal human from Earth who is transported to a world governed by RPG mechanics. Lee finds himself tasked with gaining faith points for the god of alcohol and crafting, navigating quests, and uncovering a sinister plot that threatens the inhabitants of this new world. combines action, adventure, and humor, with themes exploring divinity, faith, power, and the consequences of violence on one's perspective. The writing style is described as slightly off-handed, engaging readers in Lee's journey filled with awkward situations, swordplay, fried chicken, and bacon.
- #7
Save:'The Commander's Tale' in the series 'Limitless Lands' by author Dean Henegar is a LitRPG Fantasy novel that follows the story of Colonel Raytak, a 93-year-old war veteran gamer who gets a chance to restore his memories and intellectual abilities through a new medical pod in a virtual reality game. The book combines elements of military fiction, fantasy, and classic RPG gameplay, focusing on Lt. Raytak's adventures as a troop commander. The plot revolves around the protagonist's journey of rediscovery, town building, military command, and exploiting game mechanics, creating a unique and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
The writing style of 'The Commander's Tale' is praised for its heavy emphasis on the military aspect, detailed world-building, and engaging character development. Readers appreciate the blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and LitRPG genres, which adds depth to the story and appeals to a wide range of readers, including fans of military fiction and RPG players. The book is commended for its well-written narrative, likable characters, and immersive storytelling, making it a compelling read that stands out in the LitRPG genre.
- #8
Save:"Dungeon Born" in The Divine Dungeon series by Dakota Krout follows the story of Cal, a dungeon heart, who forms a unique bond with a character named Danny. The narrative alternates between the perspective of Cal and a group of adventurers delving into the dungeon, providing a fresh take on dungeon creation and exploration. is praised for its creative concept of trapping a soul in a soul gem to become the heart of a dungeon, making it a fun and intriguing read for fantasy enthusiasts and gamers alike. The writing style combines elements of humor, naivety, and curiosity, particularly in the characterization of Cal and Danny, creating an engaging and entertaining storyline.
I fell for an extremely long time, rock blurring past me as my fall increased in speed. Dropping too long really, as I began to worry that I would shatter when I landed. This was a serious concern for... - #9
Save:'The Crafting of Chess' by Kit Falbo is a standalone litRPG novel that follows the story of Nate, a gifted individual who navigates the virtual world of an online RPG to improve his circumstances. The book delves into Nate's journey of using his intelligence and hard work to succeed in a game that offers him a chance to earn money. Through well-developed characters, a unique perspective, and a focus on crafting, the story unfolds with a mix of excitement and emotional depth. The writing style balances a sense of wonder and possibility with impactful moments, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The dynamic relationship between the players and NPCs, the avoidance of genre tropes, and the well-crafted characters contribute to the immersive experience of 'The Crafting of Chess.' The book offers a refreshing take on litRPG by providing a proper story arc, fleshed-out characters, and a satisfying ending. With a focus on character development, crafting, and a different perspective on gaming, the novel stands out as an enjoyable and different type of litRPG that resonates with readers seeking a standalone offering in the genre.
“Checkmate!” I use a pawn that hadn’t been on the board eight moves ago, but twenty dollars is twenty dollars. I don’t normally cheat like that. I’d been preoccupied with my big plans and assumed that... 'How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps' by Suzy Jackson, Steve West, Andrew Rowe is a lighthearted and humorous fantasy novel that pays homage to classic video games like Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy. The story follows Yui, an aspiring adventurer who takes it upon herself to defeat the demon king, despite not being the legendary hero. With a mix of clever tricks, unconventional methods, and witty narration, Yui navigates through a world filled with game mechanics, leveling up, and challenging quests. The book blends elements of parody, nostalgia, and fantasy adventure, creating a unique and entertaining reading experience for fans of RPG games and fantasy literature.
The writing style of the book is described as witty, humorous, and nostalgic, with references to popular video games and a sarcastic tone that adds a layer of fun to the storytelling. The plot follows Yui as she embarks on a quest to defeat the demon king in her own way, subverting traditional hero tropes and exploring themes of friendship, determination, and unconventional problem-solving. With a mix of fantasy elements, game mechanics, and comedic twists, 'How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps' offers readers a light-hearted and engaging adventure that blends fantasy with humor and nods to classic gaming culture.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a Hero. There wasn’t much chance that I ever could have been, really. For whatever reason, Hero was an Advanced Class that only Farmers and Orphans could unlock, at least as fa...
