A Starbrite Man: A Cyberpunk LitRPG

Slumrat Rising, Book 1

By: Warby Picus

Narrated by: Todd Haberkorn

Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

In a magical dystopia, one young man would sell his soul to save his siblings—and the Starbrite Corporation is buying—in this all-too-real urban fantasy.

Seventeen-year-old Truth Medici scavenges for scraps to eat; weathers his parents' abuse; and battles derelicts, killer pimps, and demons in the soul-crushing stretch of desperation he calls home. Even the cops steer clear of the toxic Harban slums.

But just across the canal live the magical elite, with their wealth, flying carpets, gorgeous mages, and custom spell beasts, all thanks to the patronage of the almighty Starbrite Corporation. Getting there, and taking his three vulnerable siblings with him, is Truth's only dream.

When Truth's performance on the Starbrite Aptitude Test surpasses all expectations, it's the start of a new life. Granted use of the System Astrologica, his access to spells, cultivation tonics, and knowledge—not to mention real food—is limitless. But in Harban, even dreams come with a price tag . . .

Turns out, something more than power has been implanted in Truth. Something beyond his control. As the motto goes, "A Starbrite Man Is Always Ready." But for what? Truth is about to find out. Because he's not just fighting to break free from the slums and save himself and his sibs anymore. Now he's fighting the world itself.

The first volume of the hit cyberpunk fantasy series—with more than 900,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

©2023 Warby Picus (P)2023 Podium Audio

Urban High Fantasy magic religious philosophy

The title I gave this review doesn't cover how well written this book is, so I want to get that part out of the way first. The story and narration are masterful and there aren't any cringe moment where the tone and story don't match. I highly recommend checking this out. Also great RR and Patreon follow once complete.

Inspiringly original and downright prophetic

This is a hidden gem for sure. I whole heartedly recommend anyone who is a fan of this genre to give it a whirl because it’s unique fresh take on a niche genre of fantasy. This book was brilliant and narrated phenomenally as well. Only downside is lack of description.

Great voices and descriptions!!

I love the dialogues in this story and can’t wait for the next book. The world is also fun and moves at a good speed:

Comedy realness

I thought I was going to start some type of cyber punk litRPG but the more I read the less cyberpunk it was and more a cultivation story with some real world situation for some people but it was also funny. Can’t wait to hear the next one.

Damn creative and damn good

From someone who has read tons of litrpg, and all the classic sci-fi, fantasy, cyberpunk, I have to say that this book was awesome!

It was nothing like I expected, and it reminded me a little of everything. Somehow it all comes together into a story that is familiar but is creative enough to be something unique.

At times it reminded me of the average litrpg but then the wuxia genre would rear its head followed by hints of Space Opera. There are hints of Dune, Snow Crash, Foundation.

It’s pulpy and fast paced at times which can be jarring to some, but overall it’s damn good and damn creative.

Narrator has helluva range and brings the dialogue to life very well.

Amazing Narrator and Story!

The story was already great, but the narrator really breathed life into the characters in a way I haven't heard in my 100+ book collection. Anyone who is a fan of the Helldivers game series, Warhammer 40K, or the LITRPG genre in general will feel right at home in the chaotic fast paced tale.

I can't really understate how surprised I was by the execution. it's a real shame there aren't more reviews for this title.

The way Todd narrates the story.

Well narrated, Todd is great and how he portrays the story! Great story! I'll be wait for the next book!

Dark and gritty! Superb!

This is the first time hearing this narrator and I am amazed by his talent! Effort and diverse voices, mixed with believable emotional range. I will be watching his works from now on. Now the story is dark and an emotional roller coaster from start. I had to take some breaks every now and then. I enjoyed the mix of cyberpunk magitech mixed with high fantasy voodoo shamanism, the author mixes and matches different genres and timepieces to create this dystopian universe. The mix of litrpg/progression fantasy and cultivation is a very welcome addition. It is not without fault though, the transitions from scene to scene sometimes is jarring. Lack of description about the environment or the situation causes confusion. Overall I love the book, give it a try. To the author, please don't give him too much of a conscience. I love how realistic and gritty the universe is in terms of how people are really. It is a bleak world where power is everything. I hope he doesn't go full lawful good. I really do hate morality talk when I want the mc to be badass.

amazing and original work of art

something new and unique that hits all of the good aspects of a litrpg series

Outstanding

Got this one on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. Great world building and writing with just a sprinkle of litrpg. Would highly recommend.