Death Singer

By: Randy Ellefson

Narrated by: Ben Douglas

Length: 15 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Trapped in another world. Seven days to escape. Failure means death.

When Max awakens on a different planet, he doesn’t know how he got there or why he can’t get home. And a mysterious Life Counter is steadily descending towards zero.

Now he’s alone in a world unknown, where his skills as a bard might win him friends to survive. But it may already be too late—someone is hunting him and wants him dead.

Gaining skills as fast as he can, Max searches for answers and freedom. But if he can’t have either, he’s determined to find the power to defy death.

©2023 Randy Ellefson (P)2023 Randy Ellefson

A virtual world with a seven-day deadline!

In 'Death Singer' by Randy Ellefson, narrated by Ben Douglas, Max navigates a virtual world with a seven-day deadline for survival. Ellefson's storytelling, paired with Douglas's narration, seamlessly weaves mystery and urgency. A compelling listen for fantasy aficionados, the audiobook skillfully merges music and magic, ensuring an immersive experience from start to finish.

Good first listen for LITRPG

Found this story a little difficult to get started with but after the first hour or two I found myself thoroughly engaged and not wanting to put it down. You can say that it grows on you. Excellent world building mixed with real life drama makes for an engaging listen. Totally believable. Highly recommended.
I received this free review audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.

I wanna Rock and Roll all night

"Death Singer" by Randy Ellefson, narrated by Ben Douglas, is an enthralling audiobook that offers a captivating blend of the virtual and real world, seasoned with intriguing morality lessons and an exploration of how individuals deal with complex challenges. This review will delve deep into the immersive experience this audiobook provides, exploring its unique concept, character development, and the impressive narration by Ben Douglas.

One of the standout aspects of "Death Singer" is its ability to transport the listener into the world of VRMMORPG (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) like never before. It's a great entry point for those new to the RPG genre and a delightful journey for seasoned enthusiasts. The story starts at a steady pace, giving us the time to understand the world and its rules. It's a testament to Randy Ellefson's storytelling that even newcomers to the RPG universe can easily grasp the dynamics of the game.

The audiobook subtly weaves in morality lessons and ethical dilemmas that offer depth to the narrative. Max, the protagonist, is confronted with challenging choices that are not merely black and white. His unwavering commitment to his principles, despite these complex scenarios, makes him a relatable and admirable character. The story serves as a reminder of the profound impact of our actions, whether intentional or not, echoing themes relevant to real-life situations.

Max, the central character, is a compelling figure who undergoes remarkable growth throughout the story. His journey from a misunderstood guitarist to an evolving RPG character is both engaging and relatable. Randy Ellefson's meticulous attention to detail in constructing the gaming system and its various classes adds authenticity to the story.

What sets "Death Singer" apart from the crowd of LitRPG novels is its ability to craft antagonists that are more than mere stepping stones for the protagonist. These adversaries are given depth, making them unique characters in their own right. It adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, keeping the audience invested in Max's journey and the challenges he faces.

The audiobook excels in world-building, creating a Llurien Online filled with diverse races, each with their unique roles and moral inclinations. The world feels fully fleshed out, drawing inspiration from the best elements of tabletop games, gamelit, and video games. The rich lore of the game world contributes to a deep and immersive experience.

Ben Douglas's narration of "Death Singer" is a standout performance that enhances the overall listening experience. His ability to breathe life into the characters and convey the tension, excitement, and drama in the story is commendable. Douglas maintains a steady pace, allowing listeners to engage with the story without feeling rushed.

"Death Singer" by Randy Ellefson, narrated by Ben Douglas, is a classic LitRPG that effortlessly balances the elements of virtual gaming and real-world challenges. With engaging character development, ethical dilemmas, and a world filled with rich lore, this audiobook offers an immersive experience that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned RPG enthusiasts. Ben Douglas's narration further elevates the story, making "Death Singer" a must-listen for anyone seeking an exciting journey into the world of virtual reality gaming. Highly recommended!

Crunchy litRPG

Lots of stats and creature descriptions the plot
really gets moving about halfway through and stayed strong to the end.

good intro into a new world

it's a good begining a a new litrpg series but to many stats to really be an enjoyable listen for me would have preferred to read this one over listen narrator does an amazing job great distinct voices for all characters very interesting story

A good low stakes tale

Set-up: jerks attack a musician in a parking lot. The MC is put into a gameworld while recovering. Hilarity ensues.

This is good stuff. The real world material is logical and believable. The gameworld is interesting and believable. The incidental conflicts and connections between them are believable. A nice, enjoyable story.

I liked the MC, all his actions made some amount of sense, even as things got out of control.

Recommended.