Watcher's Test: A LitRPG Saga

Life in Exile, Book 1

By: Sean Oswald

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Length: 19 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

This isn't a game. This is his new life.

Dave has been wandering through life for a long time. His day job bores him and he never seems to be able to meet his family's expectations. The only escape he's ever had is his love of MMORPGs.

But when he becomes the subject of a test without even knowing it, he's portaled into a game-world called Eloria with no way out. It's a frequent daydream of his, however, in none of those dreams did his wife and daughter ever accompany him.

Now, Dave must balance protecting his family with exploring his dream...oh, and trying to stay alive. Monstrous beasts roam Elaria, worst of all, an undead army led by the vile Death Knight.

He'll have to adapt fast and learn to cooperate if he hopes to make a new home for his family. And just maybe, along the way, he'll find out why they're living a life in exile.

Experience the epic first installment of a litRPG saga perfect for fans of C. M. Carney, Blaise Corvin, and Charles Dean.

Narrated by Peter Berkrot (Alpha World, Earth Force).

©2020 Aethon Books (P)2020 Aethon Audio

This is what LirRPG is about.

I was given a chance to try this book and I’m so glad I did! This has to be one of my top three LitRpg books to date. It starts a little bit slow but by chapter 4 I was hooked. I will definitely be buying book 2 when it comes out.

Good start, give it a chance

I enjoyed this litrpg while it was new and different I truly still had some issues with it. I seriously hope that the author doesn't negotiate deals as a lawyer as his character does because this guy only gets the short end of the stick, whether contract, criminal or family law this guy needs to be more aggressive about to win.
I also don't understand that if he complains all the story about protecting his family and wanting a class why he didn't take the unique one of kind death knight class and become immortal to always be around to protect his family.
The other issues I have are little things, such as him failing to use all his gaming experience, but talks about that same experience in another breath. This can be worked out in the next book, but we will see. I look forward to seeing where this goes and if the MC starts using logic for his decision making rather than emotions such as leaving the family with level zeros or asking the same 13 year old to protect a younger 8 year old while not allowing him to level up to do just that.
Well overall I still think this is a good listen and worth the credit so give it a chance.

One of the best LitRPG's

I was hesitant to start this series but quickly changed my tune. This book was amazing and Peter Berkrot's narration was perfect! The story starts a little slow but thats typical as a first in the series since the author needs to provide some background and details about the world(s). I cant wait to start the next book (tomorrow).

Best for me so far!

I have read a few complaints about religion in the novel. Most novels have a higher power involved in some way. The Pacing, details and world building is done very well. The family dynamics and interaction with each other is a welcome change to LitRPG’s novels. A lot of aspects you will relate too and probably would make the same decisions. Very well written and can’t wait to start the next in series. In the end I care a lot about family which keeps me entertained to see their struggles turn into learning lessons for the better.

A Great Premise Is Only the Beginning

Like many avid readers of LitRPG, I'm always on the hunt for quality series to sink my teeth into. I was initially on the fence about this one due to some reviews that said that the "religious aspect" was way too played up (I did not find this to be the case at all after reading it). However, I took a chance because of the unique/interesting premise of a whole family trying to survive in a new game world, as opposed to just one person or two people.

Many people confuse "premise" with "plot" in my experience, so I'm wary of a books with an interesting premise that don't deliver. This was not one of those times. I must admit that the whole "watcher" thing at the beginning kinda turned me off, but the actual character and world development was beyond superb.

Of all the dozens of LitRPG books I've read, this one has the most meat on the bones when it comes to the actual value of the content. So beyond the entertainment value and everything we all love about LitRPG, as a father with children and a wife, I was able to really get into the characters shoes. The author's insights and motivations for the characters really rang with truth and pulled me in.

All in all, I would say he did a really great job at answering the question – "what would happen if an average family got pulled into a game world?" – all while delivering a thoroughly entertaining world/setting/system/ and plot.

AND the best part? The writing takes a noticeable leap in book 2! So not only is this one great, but it's gets better from here. Can't wait for book 3!!!

good begining to a series

book one of a series I hope goes many entries long held my attention good mix of comedy and drama with good description of action

Good book

I was a little curious about this from the negative reviews. They were wrong it was not too focused on Christianity. It was what any reasonable person does in their life that is religious in any way.
Good story and it kept me entertained the whole time. Not too linear.

Great start to a series

I wasn't sold on the pacing or the jarring jumps all over of the story with the different threads. However, I really respected the path the author chose to forge with the family dynamics. I will definitely listen to the next book.

Nice twist, Family Group vs solo adventure.

I like the family being taken it adds more to the story than just going out and gaining levels risking everything with minimal consequence like other LITRPGs, The whole "GOD" thing, I really dont see it. All DnD and Lits have Gods and angelic and demonic, I really dont see why those two are going on about it. I am excited to listen to the next book.

So much talking...

It's a good book, but there's so much talking among main characters...it's maddening! The father tries, but for the most part is so excited and thrilled to be living in a game that he often throws away common sense. Which leads to his family getting hurt. Still the story is good and performance is we excellent.