Leap: An Isekai LitRPG

Taming Destiny, Book 1

By: S. L. Winter

Narrated by: Kevin Kemp

A desperate man is thrust into the dangerous, unknown wilderness, where even survival comes at a price, in this gripping adapt-or-die portal fantasy.

Markus Wolfe has lost his parents, his girlfriend, and now, his job. He's at his lowest point with nothing left to lose. Or so he thought. But when an apparition appears, promising Markus a mysterious inheritance, he's given the opportunity to discover what he's got to gain: a purpose.

Transmigrated into a vast wilderness with no signs of civilization, Markus is forced to rediscover who he is while fighting through confusion, fear of the unknown, and the very real threat of death. He had the courage to take the first step, which at least grants a point in his favor but he'll need more than that to succeed. His only objective is to outlive and outlast everything that's coming—for one year. But what's coming for him is absolutely beastly.

Armed with an extra-dimensional Inventory, a map, animal allies, and a new Tamer Class, Markus is ready for whatever this untamed world has in store for him. Almost . . .

Because the ravaging Jurassic predators circling their prey are beyond imagining, and so are the promises of Markus's mysterious benefactor, should he survive. Right now, it's a kill-or-be-killed world. Welcome, traveler. Best of luck.

The first volume of the hit LitRPG adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

©2025 S. L. Winter (P)2025 Podium Audio

Slightly Overwrought but Original Isekai

Although the writing is so dense (with introspection) it traps/strangles the flow of the story at times, this original take on an isekai is refreshing and brilliant. It's absolutely worth the listen if you enjoy progressive fantasy LitRPG-like isekais.
The progress is slow, the MC is not overpowered and struggles like any good hero does with small victories along the way. There is world building, a wide array of original fantastic magical creatures, crafting, and cute animals.
The writing is poetic, beautiful, and rich, but gets a little too bogged down in action sequences. I found myself skipping forward when this density felt out of sync with the dynamics of the drama. So maybe out of balance/out of place introspection.
There is also one hell of a cliffhanger at the end, but overall solid classic arcs with satisfying resolutions and decent side-character developments, First person 99% of the way, not the easiest form but it's done well.
The performance is sparkling and consistent, very easy to suspend disbeliefs and sink into the magic of the story. I hope Kevin Kemp is the narrator for the second book, and I hope it comes soon.

Pretty Good

It’s a good start and has promise. Main character is a little too introspective but it’s good character building.

Great story, but

the story is great, the narration is awesome. I really wanted to love this book based on these two factors. Unfortunately the MC made loving it impossible. I don't care that he isn't OP I don't care that he fumbles around making some rather stupid decisions especially at first, because he's overwhelmed. I mean ok he's an office worker thrown into a situation where some soldiers would be overwhelmed at first. What does irritate me to no end is how whiny and immature the MC is. constantly crying like a child over his loses. He's got to be in his mid to late twenties since he graduated university and then worked his job for five years so why is his emotional maturity at the level of an 16 year old. If the MC would just man up a little bit I'd love this book instead of like it but as it stands so far I would trust him to inherit a business let alone some all powerful wizards knowledge and whatever else comes with it.

A Fresh story

In this book the main character isn't overpowered, has a Hidden bloodline, Overbearing luck, or a genius. He is an average guy down on his luck lost in he path.the story is calm And slow as he's trying to find a new path in his new world.

more millennial writing

Everything you've come to expect from a millennial writer. Victim mentality and constant self doubt. The fight scenes are also pretty awkward.