Books Like...
'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.
If you liked The Crafting of Chess, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
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... - #2
- #3
The novel 'The Crafter's Dungeon: A Dungeon Core Novel' by Jonathan Brooks is a subset of the LitRPG genre where the main character, Sandra, a woman turned Dungeon Core, embarks on a journey of crafting and exploring her new world. The plot is exciting all the way without any annoying endings, showcasing creativity in character development and world-building. The book introduces the concept of a Dungeon Core, where Sandra tries to make a difference in her world through her crafting abilities and interactions with different races.
The writing style of Jonathan Brooks is praised for its depth, realism in characterizations, and well-thought-out world-building. The book stands out for its unique take on dungeon core tropes, with a dungeon that aims to be helpful and creative rather than destructive. Readers find the storytelling engaging, with a focus on character growth and ingenuity, making it a compelling read for fans of dungeon core books.
Sandra cursed her fumbling fingers as she caught the small jewel-encrusted knife – by the handle, fortunately – before it could hit the ground, though she stumbled a bit and had to collapse to her kne... '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...- #5
'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.
- #6
'Dungeon World: A Dungeon Core Experience' by Jonathan Brooks follows the journey of Fred, a boy seeking revenge for his parents' murder while navigating a world where he must understand his unique identity as a mix between a human and a dungeon core. The story is a blend of Slice of Life Fantasy World and Action Dungeon crawler, as Fred faces challenges such as monsters, dungeons, and his own lack of control over inherited powers. With the help of allies like Eisa, Fred must combat powers greater than his own and unravel the mystery behind his parents' demise while adapting to a world he knows little about.
Fredwynklemossering, otherwise known as Fred to his friends (or, at least he’d like to think that if he had any), listened to his parents talking in what they thought was a super-secret mode of commun... - #7
'Game Start' in the series 'World Seed' by author Justin Miller is a LitRPG book that follows the story of a pro gamer who delves into a virtual reality game where game and reality merge. The protagonist faces challenges such as leveling up, managing money, and exploring a new magic system while dealing with a cliffhanger ending that leaves readers intrigued. The writing style is immersive, drawing readers into a world where characters are believable, the setting is solid, and the plot is fast-paced and fun.
So, where do I begin? I guess I can start with who I am, that’s always a nice way to begin things. My name is John Hulett, just turned twenty and am what many have decided to refer to as a NEET. Unfor... - #8
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 ... - #9
'Collecting the Goddess' in the series 'Chronicles Of KieraFreya' by author Michael Anderle follows the journey of Chloe, a wastrel from a high society family who gets the chance to invest in an advanced online game development and participate in a fully immersive test. Throughout the story, Chloe undergoes significant character growth and transformation, facing challenges and developing leadership skills as she navigates the game world with her companions. The plot is filled with intricate quests, challenging scenarios, and unexpected twists, drawing readers into a world where Chloe evolves both physically and morally, all while interacting with characters inside and outside the game.
The writing style of the book is praised for its engaging storytelling, well-paced plot, and easy readability. Readers appreciate the humor, snarkiness, and relatable traits of the characters, particularly Chloe, who is depicted as a funny, snarky, and relatable protagonist. introduces a new pantheon of gods and goddesses, adding depth to the narrative and creating a unique gaming experience for the readers. Despite some criticisms regarding character development and plot execution, the book is commended for its originality in the LitRPG genre, the entertaining interactions between characters, and the promise of further exploration in future installments.
- #10
Memories (Continue Online) by Stephan Morse offers a deep and introspective look at the relationship between technology and humanity. The main character is shaped by emotional struggles, questioning what it means to be a person beyond just a gamer. The story explores the blurry line between reality and the virtual world of VR, making it stand out in the LitRPG genre. Rather than focusing on typical gaming elements like levels and stats, the book emphasizes character development and psychological depth, providing a more relatable and thought-provoking experience.