The Man from Nag Hamadi: A Cyberpunk LitRPG

Slumrat Rising, Book 2

By: Warby Picus

Narrated by: Todd Haberkorn

A spellbinding adventure of biblical proportions awaits a young man coming into his powers in the epic second installment of this urban fantasy series.

Truth Medici has three questions: Can he rescue his siblings from the clutches of the evil Starbrite Corporation? What will it require of him? And where does he need to go next to make it happen? When he meets Justinian Merkovah—a strangely ageless spellcaster, teacher of religious law, and nomadic exorcist—he's one step closer to discovering the answers . . .

With his experience providing security to the rich and terrible, Truth accepts a gig as Merkovah's bodyguard. What better way for Truth to grow as a mage? And what better body to guard than one that can help rid him of the demonic System trapped inside his own?

Truth and Merkovah are soon joined by two of the latter's enigmatic students on a journey through an ancient land where both devils and angels lash out with fire, fury, and Old Testament devastation. Finally, Truth sees the world, previously kept hidden by Starbrite, as it really is. And he learns that magic—real magic—is far more powerful and strange than he ever imagined.

But one thing Truth has always known is that power comes at a price. And the price for Merkovah's help may be more than Truth is willing to pay. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much of a choice. Crops are failing; wars are heating up; even God has looked away in disgust. What can one slumrat hope to do in the face of all that? Except rise—and fight.

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

©2024 Warby Picus (P)2024 Podium Audio

Good sequel, but a lot of philosophy/theology

If you liked the first book, you will very likely enjoy this one too. It's a good addition to the series. I would have preferred a little less time spent on theology and philosophy. They were written into the story very well, but I preferred the pacing of the first book. The introspection definitely helps the character growth, which I appreciate, but I could have done with a little less of it. I still recommend this book, and will likely spend a credit on the next one, but I'm hoping for a little change of pace.

The Vinland Saga S2 of books

This book continues line-for-line directly after the end of book one. Gotta love that royal road editing.

As with everything post-death so far, this book continues to be much slower paced than what came before. We're now into the meat of the journey, and both the story and the main character need some time to sort themselves out, figure out who they are, and what they really want to be. Worldbuidling and character continues to be exquisite, and Truth needs to learn a lot before he's ready to take on Starbrite.

A lot of reviews claim that the genre of the story has shifted, and that what comes in this book is a romance novel instead of a cyberpunk thriller. This is technically true, but that is selling this book way too short. Truth has come to hate himself and what he's done, and now with no direct pressure to help the sibs, he's flailing around in the dark. Have no fear, we'll return to Starbrite and the realms of violence, but characters require proper motivation to be compelling, and right now Truth isn't motivated to do anything.

This book focuses on him learning to live without Starbrite, learning more about the world and magic system, and learning to love himself. In terms of plot, it almost 100% a filler arc. But it's full of character studies, philosophy, and deep trauma. He needs to be reforged in fire if he's ever going to be able to help the sibs again, and that fire is both self-love and romance. And damn if it's not some of the best romance I've ever read. These two have actual reasons to care about each other, respect and understanding of boundaries, and good chemistry. And I historically abhor any glimmer of romance in my books, so that's saying a lot.

It may not be the action packed thriller that the first one was, but it's a necessary step forward for our characters and our understanding of the world. In some ways, it reminds me of the second season of Vinland Saga. Character arcs over action scenes. If it's not your cup of tea, I'm pretty sure book three will be much more like book one, should you still be interested in the world. You'll loose much of the character, but that's your decision to make.

I highly recommend this book for everyone who liked the character of Truth in the first book. Book one may have been about Starbrite, but book two is about Truth.

ONE OF THE BEST FINDS IN 2024!!!

I cant belive this book doesnt have more reviews. The story is great, the narration is great. Typically im never into too much ranting but i think it works here, typically there just ranting about magic and that almost never makes sence to me but it does in this book for me. Im looking foward to the next book.

Too much preaching

Where to begin.... If you can ignore the constant sermon, this isn't a bad book. If book 3 has the same feature, this will be a dead series.

I get what the others are saying but...

Is there a lot of theological talk? Yes. Does it get mired down in it a bit? Also, yes. Is it still worth listening to? ABSOLUTELY. It's a fascinating world with very interesting characters. I'm looking for to the next installment!

Disappointing

Much different than the first book in the series. Too much theology and cheesy romance for my taste.

Theology/ cosmology

The story continues the pass is a bit slower but more contemplative with an emphasis one world building setting up the next arc. Highly recommended thoroughly enjoyed.

excellent story

love every part regarding the MC. the book went a bit heavy with the love and relationship stuff yet maintained a good balance

Cyberpunk with barely any cyberpunk

The first book was great. This one gets mired down in theology. Even as background noise it got annoying sometimes. The mc went backwards in development. He was strong, powerful, willfully ignorant and weak. It didn’t mix well, like water and oil. Well anyways I enjoyed some of it I guess.

Genre focus shifted

Okay Not a fan of the focus on romance or that the MC suddenly developed touch aversion, or the repeated reminder that the MC is a virgin. Just why?

Not that there’s a problem with those topic but it’s not the genre that I picked this series up for. What I was expecting is the promise of Sci-Fi, action adventure, magic combat against a dystopian evil overlord.

What I’m getting right now is the MC going through some kind of therapy session.

The world building is still detailed, and well written, the plot is compelling enough that I’ll continue the next book which hopefully gets back on track and focus on its listed genre that the targeted audiences came for.