Serra Online

A LitRPG Adventure (The Castillion Chronicles, Book 1)

By: A. W. Northcutt

Narrated by: Aaron Shedlock

Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

All Ethan wanted to do was take his girlfriend to Pixelcon and watch the release coverage for Serra Online, a virtual role-playing game.

The game sounded better than Ethan could imagine, from new classes to unstoppable magics, but the icing on the cake was a chance to be one of the first to play it. After an easy decision to play a gladiator, he woke up in a new world separated from the one he loves the most.

Stephanie only went to that gaming convention to appease her boyfriend, and somehow ended up stranded in a strange world controlled by magic. Lost and traumatized, she has one goal, to find Ethan. For security? Maybe. For love? Possibly. To skin him alive for dragging her into this god-forsaken place? Most likely.

While both Ethan and Stephanie have the same desire, their paths back to each other could not be further apart. What will a tank do when he is separated from his pocket-cleric? What is a healer to do when she is lost in a cruel and unforgiving world? Get a dog and start a collection of plucked-out eyeballs, of course.

©2021 A.W. Northcutt (P)2021 Podium Audio

Average in most ways but worth a listen.

This book felt like an abridged version of The Land series by Aleron Kong.
I think this book hit some pretty common notes within the genre, so nothing, in particular, stands out. I did enjoy it but every component was pretty similar to other series that I have listened to.
I do like the main characters a lot and am anxious to listen to them develop. I think this could be a series that starts a little average but will become increasingly unique as the writer expands on the world.
The narration was good but not great. He has a good voice and is easy to listen to but doesn't have a large range. As a personal pet peeve, I hate when voice actors read everything verbatim. For example; saying the word "arg" instead of releasing a roar. It takes me out of the story and feels silly. I think there were many missed opportunities to put some more emphasis on a statement or put some real emotion behind the words.
I would give the book an R rating. There was swearing, combat, torture, and some sexual innuendo. the book has a quick pace so there are no moments that get drawn out.
Overall this book was only okay, but worth the listen. I will listen to the next book in the series in hopes that the writer develops a more unique voice and a more in-depth world concept.

Good book

Just in case you thought this was for children, there's a lot of foul language throughout. Kinda simple litrpg but not bad.

Great Addition to the LitRPG Genre!

From the Setting to the Characters, I loved this book! The world of Serra has been so beautifully described, it makes the reader feel like you are there. Serra Online embodies the essence of an MMORPG and brings it to life in an exciting tale of action and adventure with a splash of comedy. I loved the narrator's differing voices and heard the story in a whole new light in listening to it on Audible. Would highly recommend this to the LitRPG crowd as a "must-read". Can't wait to find out what happens to Ethan in the second book of the Castillion Chronicles!

Amazing!

I loved this adventure from start to finish! Northcutt has created a new world that sucks you in and traps you until the very end. Aaron is a wonderful narrator and brings this story to life as it deserves. Do yourself a favor and get this book!

Great first delve into LitRpgs

Fun, engaging story with a top notch performance by the narrator. As my first listen into LitRPG I didn’t know what to expect but it was a fun listen. LitRPGs as a genre seem like they can be clunky in an audio format when it comes to relaying stats to the audience, but it’s well done here where it doesn’t take away from the narrative.

I’ll definitely be listening to the sequels.

Excellent Story!

I enjoyed this book immensely! The story was well-thought and well-written. It kept me engaged and entertained all throughout. I liked how the game system was meticulously and seamlessly integrated into the story.

Aaron Shedlock was just brilliant! His performance seriously made everything better. He's very consistent and precise with all of the characters' voices.

Excellent writing and loved the narrator

World building was excellent. Characters were either likeable or hated. I was never bored. The book was very well written, with characters that grew into their persona. I enjoed their growth into greater than 2D personalities. They all had strengths and weaknesses to use and overcome. There are many unanswered questions that obviously will lead to future books. it did not follow a pattern of everything gets fixed at the end, which I liked. On that same note, there were no cliffhangers which I can't stand. I'm looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend.

Meh

The story was interesting to start, but I am not a fan of having to read, or listen to torture scenes. Also the main character was a bit of a mary sue. The main reason I barely got through this book though was the narrator. Ugh. Too much dramatic undertones in every sentance. Drawing attention to mundane details with over exadurated narration is in my opinion the worst thing a narrator can do. Describing everything in epic movie trailer narration is just exhausting and dumb.

Good but Not Great

I enjoyed most of this story however there were parts of it that made no sense. The largest such instance was when our Gladiator MC goes to hunt down the thieving traitor. It struck me as absurd that they would not even think to recover the "All So Powerful" Stolen Goods. Sure silencing the fool is a top priority but they don't even consider that the Bad Guy will still get his hands on the All Powerful Items. This is completely absurd.