Sublife Crisis

A Slice-of-Life Reincarnation Fantasy

By: Argus

Narrated by: Tess Irondale

Through an infinite number of lifetimes—and in the least likely of places—an immortal discovers what they value most in this contemplative fantasy novel.

Stuck in a cycle of endless reincarnations, Luri has experienced everything on offer—and more. Whether it's spending decades as a monk in religious contemplation or waging war across continents as a conqueror, they've absorbed knowledge, acquired skills, and grappled with all forms of emotion.

But despite the gifts their unique kind of immortality offers, Luri questions their existence, wondering if they really understand the meaning and purpose of it all. The only solace they have from their brooding thoughts is Bastion's: a multilevel, barlike haven in the realm outside of reality called "the Between."

Over and over, Luri and their fellow reincarnates appear in this space post-death, gathering to share tales of their pasts while drinking and playing board games prior to being reborn again. And the regulars, bonding over their stories and secrets, have become more of a family to Luri than any from various incarnations.

Now, regardless of the victories and defeats, the passions and the pain, and the long and limited years, this is the one home and family that Luri's found worth living and dying for—again and again . . .

The hit LitRPG fantasy tale—with nearly 300,000 views on Royal Road—now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

Tropes include: reincarnation, quests, found family, and second chances.

©2026 Forrest Taylor (P)2026 Podium Audio

Odd but good

the book is a bit weird but very good still, focuses a little bit too much on the internal thoughts and feelings of characters that you don't really build any relationship with right off the bat and the pacing is a bit slow, still good to zone out with and just listen to.

A different book and a nice change of pace

Set between lives in a kind of a rest stop between lives, nothing much happens on stage in terms of big events like catalclysms or daring rescues, but I never found it boring. Tess's voice shapes this often shapeless world and brings the characters to life despite the fact they are not alive in the usual sense. I became invested in Luri's desire to kit out the local gathering spot, Nothing much happens and I hung on each word. Luri has firmly held opinions about how things are and what should be, and soon I did too. Her insights grow and her insight deepens. It fills out to a wonderfully human story with humor and sadness and growth and comfort depite no charachter seeming very human in shape.An absorbing listen

A very pleasant suprise.

I probably wouldn't have picked up Sublife Crisis if I hadn't heard Tess Irondale reading excerpts on Discord. As always, her narration is outstanding, bringing every character to life with warmth and personality.
The story itself was a pleasant surprise. Rather than focusing on action, it's a thoughtful, slice-of-life fantasy about a group of friends who meet in an afterlife tavern between reincarnations. There are LitRPG elements and a sense of progression, but the real heart of the book is watching the characters grow as they learn from each life they live and share those experiences with one another.
The pacing is much more relaxed than most LitRPG or progression fantasy I've listened to recently, but it never lost my interest. Instead, it gives the characters room to breathe and the relationships time to develop.
By the time the final chapter ended, my reaction was simply, "Wait... that's it? I need to know what happens next!" That's usually a good sign that a story has done its job.
If you're looking for explosions and constant battles, this may not be your style. But if you enjoy character-driven fantasy with a unique premise, thoughtful progression, and excellent narration, I can definitely recommend it.

nothing happens while the MC finds something else to play.

the premise of this book is essentially sitting in a discord lobby talking to your friends while you figure out what to play next because the game that you're you were just playing. got an update and you don't like it. it's boring. nothing happens. does not feel like any of the other Argus books. it's a neat theory. it just is really not enjoyable.