Books Like...

'Origins' in the series 'A Summoner Awakens' by author Kerberos follows the story of Rowan Wilder, a student at an academy who is neither the best nor the worst, existing in the forgotten middle ground. The book introduces a unique card system and a tower climbing setting, where the main character embarks on a journey filled with mystery, conspiracies, and the quest for redemption. Through multiple points of view and detailed world-building, the author crafts a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged, showcasing a blend of fantasy elements and intricate character relationships.

The writing style of 'Origins' incorporates multiple POV swaps, detailed descriptions, and a deep exploration of characters' motivations and complexities. The book delves into the main character's past life, providing a fresh take on the Time Travel Isekai genre, where Rowan navigates a second chance at life with the goal of self-improvement, growth, and uncovering the mysteries of the tower alongside a diverse cast of characters and sentient summons.

'Spell Thief' in the 'Tower of Cards' series by J. Pal is a fantasy novel set in an alternate version of the 1700s, featuring a young Indian protagonist who embarks on a journey to climb a mysterious tower that has appeared in the Indian Ocean. The story unfolds with elements of tower climbing progression fantasy intertwined with colonial era politics, creating a unique backdrop for the characters to navigate. The world-building is praised for its strong foundation, innovative take on the system, and the engaging magic system that adds depth to the narrative.

The plot of 'Spell Thief' is filled with great character development, diverse cultural influences, and an intricate magic system that keeps the readers engrossed. Despite a few minor issues like editing errors and occasional slow pacing, the book is commended for its likable characters, believable motivations, and a well-crafted storyline that blends real-world terms with fantasy elements. The author, J. Pal, is lauded for creating a rich and immersive world that resonates with readers, offering a fresh and captivating take on the litRPG genre.

'Slumdog Deckbuilder' in the series 'Card Mage' by author Benedict Patrick is a unique coming-of-age fantasy story set in a massive city where the culture revolves around acquiring and battling magical cards in deck gangs. The protagonist, Hick, aspires to own a card and work his way into a gang to provide for his family and make a name for himself. The story follows his journey as he receives a unique card that could turn his dream into reality, while facing challenges from the authorities. The plot combines elements of poverty, card games, political intrigue, and religious pressure, creating a world where card battles have real consequences and power dynamics.

The writing style of the book has been praised for its detailed exploration of the card magic system, both in terms of card battles and the unique powers given to their owners. The battles are not just exciting fight scenes but also serve to progress the character arcs of the protagonists, reflecting their growth and confidence. The world-building is thorough, with descriptions of each card encountered by the main character adding depth to the narrative, while historical scrolls at the start of each chapter tease the origins of the card system, building the world like a deck card by card.

Jake's Magical Market by J.R. Mathews is a captivating and unique blend of genres that defies its initial labeling as a LitRPG. The story follows Jake, an everyman who finds himself amidst an apocalypse and transforms his life's misfortunes into a bustling market for extraterrestrial visitors. The author skillfully weaves a diverse range of plotlines—from Jake mastering a card system that acts as skills rather than traditional gameplay elements to exploring mystical runes. With a complex universe and a cast of relatable characters, Mathews crafts a journey filled with humor, action, and personal growth, inviting readers into a world that balances the dark with cozy moments.

"City of the Dead" in the series "The Alchemist" by Vasily Mahanenko is a coming-of-age tale set in a pseudo-medieval environment, primarily told from the perspective of a 10-year-old child. The story follows the protagonist, Tailyn, as he navigates survival in a village with few friends, facing challenges and mysteries in a world where magic, tech, and gaming intertwine. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, intriguing magic systems, and a unique take on a game world where NPCs have assumed player roles, and the primary AI functions as a God.

The writing style in "City of the Dead" is praised for its brilliance, featuring refreshingly complex characters with meaningful interactions. offers a mix of action-packed sequences, surprising character developments, and a well-crafted world-building that keeps readers engaged. Despite some pacing issues and occasional editing distractions, the narrative showcases a blend of suspense, adventure, and originality, making it a compelling read for fans of the litRPG genre.

Djinn Tamer: Starter (Bronze League) is a captivating blend of monster battling and personal growth. The story follows Jackson, a teenager facing real-life problems after the loss of his mother. Unlike typical carefree young adult fiction, this tale introduces the challenges of maturity and responsibility. The narrative is engaging, reminiscent of beloved franchises like Pokémon and Digimon, focusing on the singular bond between a trainer and their djinn.

The writing style is accessible and enjoyable, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot. Derek Alan Siddoway and AJ Cerna successfully balance nostalgia with fresh elements, creating an easy read for fans of the genre. Although some felt the main character was immature initially, the real-life issues and depth of the story kept readers interested. The book ends with a slightly rushed conclusion, but the overall enjoyment and anticipation for the next installment shine through.

"Master of the Hoard" in the series "Dragon Core Chronicles" by Lars Machmuller follows the story of Onyx Carl, a man reincarnated as a dragon, as he navigates a fantasy RPG world with a unique twist of being a dragon hoard instead of a dungeon core. The plot evolves around Onyx's journey of growth, both personally and in power, as he builds his clan, accumulates his dragon horde, and establishes defenses while facing challenges in a kingdom and dungeon building setting. The writing style immerses readers into a world where the protagonist's struggles, character development, and gradual conquest of the dungeon are central themes, providing a refreshing take on the isekai genre.

'Watcher's Test' by Sean Oswald follows the Nelson family as they are transported to a new world, where they must navigate dangerous challenges and conflicts. The story explores themes of family dynamics, character development, and the struggle for survival in a new and unfamiliar environment. The writing style includes elements of game references, fantasy tropes, and intricate world-building, creating a unique blend of genres that captivates readers.

In "Mageblood," the main character joins a virtual reality game with his friends, but unexpected abilities and events in both the real world and the game world start to unfold. The book explores the dynamic between the characters, their evolving roles within the game, and the mysteries that arise as the game becomes more real than they could have imagined. The plot seems to blend elements of virtual reality gaming, real-world consequences, and interpersonal relationships, creating a narrative that is engaging and unique.

The writing style in "Mageblood" is praised for its world-building, character development, and dialogue. Readers appreciate the balance between the real world and the game world, as well as the exploration of in-game mechanics and abilities that add depth to the story. The book is noted for its fresh take on the virtual reality game genre, with a focus on building a captivating world filled with potential and magic that keeps readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

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.