Double-Blind: Gilded Tower

Double-Blind, Book 2

By: J. McCoy

Narrated by: Ramon de Ocampo

Length: 26 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Corruption. Power struggle. Malevolent deities.

All this is topped off by a mysterious golden tower that appeared overnight, drawing adventurers from far and wide. Still recovering from the events of Transposition and struggling with his nature, Matt sets out to rescue his best friend from the clutches of the mysterious organization that kidnapped him. He’ll need every trick in the Rogue’s playbook to stay ahead of the game, using infiltration, cunning, and his unique Ordinator ability to outthink and outmaneuver stronger and better-connected foes.

With both new players and the remaining fragments of government in pursuit, playing both sides comes with the territory, and leaning into his alternate identity’s villainous image will be key. Of course, there’s the obvious question: How long can you play the villain before you become one?

Book two of a LitRPG apocalypse series set in the real world, where the price of failure is death, and the prize for winning is beyond Matt's wildest dreams.

©2023 J. McCoy (P)2023 Recorded Books

Good 2nd round.

I like how the chapters continue from the first book. This book is setting up a big story arch. I hope it will maintain the momentum and quality so far.

Just a CORRECTION on my pervious review.

Somehow, the review shows the performance as 2 out of 5 stars. I don't know why or what I did wrong but it should have been 5 out 5.

This pairing of Jay McCoy and Ramon de Campo is imo perfection. It's a match I really hope will continue in many more future collaborations. It's a matched pair in the same league as Liegh Bardugo and Lauren Fortang, or Plum Parot with Rob Moreira.

Conquest, Consequence, and Complication

Everything in this book is wonderful. I love the way Matt deals with the various plates he has spinning, managing the people around him and deflecting suspicion and blame as best he can. Too often for comfort, solving one problem creates two more as things become ever more entangled. He's no longer the only mastermind in the shadows and while in many ways he's the least powerful, few can match his raw talent for manipulation. Psychological trauma is catching up with everyone, and more than one important character is way too close to breaking.

This book is just as intelligent and complex as the first, with grounded characters and high personal stakes. My sole criticism of book one (the overly dramatic claiming of region fourteen) has clearly been surpassed by the author, and I have to admit that I couldn't find a SINGLE flaw in the entire twenty-six hours of story. The narrator is just as good, with a wonderful range of dark, tense, or comedic deliveries as applicable.

I highly recommend. This series is easily one of the top five I have EVER read. Don't miss out on it.

P.S. A quote from the book that quite neatly summarizes several plot points: "If it happens to me, it's Deus Ex Machina. But if it happens to everyone? It's an arms race."

Psychology 101

Loved it...hoping for at least 4 more books...of the modern day king Auther and flip sided merlin....

stands apart from most books in this genre.

Complex story and characters no harem elements. The stakes feel more real than in most books like it. I am looking forward to the next one.

reunion

Great ending can't wait for more. I saw some great character development. The story is fun and makes for a great listen.

Can’t wait for the next book

I have so much in common with Matt looking forward to the next one and I hope it’s just as long

Wow!

This was excellent. Compelling story with a fresh perspective. The only complaint was the flashbacks didn’t always feel natural. However they always had a purpose even if it wasn’t shown till later.

SO GOOD!

Not even a few hours in and worth the wait for release!

Love this series and the author AND narrator who breathed life into it!!!

Good MC

Clever MC who is always thinking things through. Refreshing upgrade from most of the genre