Your audiobook is waiting…
NPCs
People who bought this also bought...
-
Forging Hephaestus
- Villains' Code Series, Book 1
- By: Drew Hayes
- Narrated by: Amy Landon
- Length: 26 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gifted with meta-human powers, Tori Rivas kept away from the limelight, preferring to work as a thief in the shadows. But when she's captured trying to rob a vault that belongs to a secret guild of villains, she's offered a hard choice: prove she has what it takes to join them or be eliminated. Apprenticed to one of the world's most powerful (and supposedly dead) villains, she is thrust into a strange world where the lines that divide superheroes and criminals are more complex than they seem.
-
-
A Nice Surprise with some Really Fun Characters
- By Small Mountain on 09-29-17
-
Second Hand Curses
- By: Drew Hayes
- Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Marc Vietor, Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When your fairy godmother threatens to enslave you with a curse - when a malevolent piper solves your rat problem but steals your children - when you seek revenge on the prince who turned you into a frog - who can you turn to in your hour of need? The band of scoundrels known far and wide as the Bastard Champions - the swashbuckling trio who travel a world of legend, seeking adventure and righting wrongs - as long as there's enough gold to be earned.
-
-
Fantastic
- By Carla on 11-22-17
-
Dungeon Born
- Divine Dungeon Series, Book 1
- By: Dakota Krout
- Narrated by: Vikas Adam
- Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For eons, conquering dungeons has been the most efficient way to become a strong adventurer. Although not everything is as straightforward as it seems. Several questions have always plagued the minds of those who enter these mythical places of power: why are there so many monsters? Where do the amazing weaponry and heavy gold coins come from? Why does the very air fill with life-giving energies? Cal has all of the answers to these age-old questions, for a very simple reason. He is a Dungeon Heart.
-
-
A Gem in the RPG/Fantasy Genre
- By SirMehr on 04-01-17
-
Super Powereds: Year 1
- Super Powereds, Book 1
- By: Drew Hayes
- Narrated by: Kyle McCarley
- Length: 26 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Knowledge is power. That would be the motto of Lander University, had it not been snatched up and used to death by others long before the school was founded. For while Lander offers a full range of courses to nearly all students, it also offers a small number of specialty classes to a very select few. Lander is home to the Hero Certification Program, a curriculum designed to develop students with superhuman capabilities, commonly known as Supers, into official Heroes.
-
-
Best Series In Recent Memory
- By Get Off My Lawn! on 10-08-16
-
Sufficiently Advanced Magic
- Arcane Ascension, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 21 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess. He never returned. Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.
-
-
Very good book
- By Jason N. on 07-20-17
-
Rogue Dungeon: A litRPG Adventure
- The Rogue Dungeon, Book 1
- By: James Hunter, eden Hudson
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Roark von Graf - hedge mage and lesser noble of Traisbin - is one of only a handful of Freedom fighters left, and he knows the Resistance’s days are numbered. Unless they do something drastic... But when a daring plan to unseat the Tyrant King goes awry, Roark finds himself on the run through an interdimensional portal, which strands him in a very unexpected location: an ultra-immersive fantasy video game called Hearthworld. He can’t log out, his magic is on the fritz, and, worst of all, he’s not even human.
-
-
Solid start to a unique series.
- By Tyler on 09-22-18
-
Forging Hephaestus
- Villains' Code Series, Book 1
- By: Drew Hayes
- Narrated by: Amy Landon
- Length: 26 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gifted with meta-human powers, Tori Rivas kept away from the limelight, preferring to work as a thief in the shadows. But when she's captured trying to rob a vault that belongs to a secret guild of villains, she's offered a hard choice: prove she has what it takes to join them or be eliminated. Apprenticed to one of the world's most powerful (and supposedly dead) villains, she is thrust into a strange world where the lines that divide superheroes and criminals are more complex than they seem.
-
-
A Nice Surprise with some Really Fun Characters
- By Small Mountain on 09-29-17
-
Second Hand Curses
- By: Drew Hayes
- Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Marc Vietor, Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When your fairy godmother threatens to enslave you with a curse - when a malevolent piper solves your rat problem but steals your children - when you seek revenge on the prince who turned you into a frog - who can you turn to in your hour of need? The band of scoundrels known far and wide as the Bastard Champions - the swashbuckling trio who travel a world of legend, seeking adventure and righting wrongs - as long as there's enough gold to be earned.
-
-
Fantastic
- By Carla on 11-22-17
-
Dungeon Born
- Divine Dungeon Series, Book 1
- By: Dakota Krout
- Narrated by: Vikas Adam
- Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For eons, conquering dungeons has been the most efficient way to become a strong adventurer. Although not everything is as straightforward as it seems. Several questions have always plagued the minds of those who enter these mythical places of power: why are there so many monsters? Where do the amazing weaponry and heavy gold coins come from? Why does the very air fill with life-giving energies? Cal has all of the answers to these age-old questions, for a very simple reason. He is a Dungeon Heart.
-
-
A Gem in the RPG/Fantasy Genre
- By SirMehr on 04-01-17
-
Super Powereds: Year 1
- Super Powereds, Book 1
- By: Drew Hayes
- Narrated by: Kyle McCarley
- Length: 26 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Knowledge is power. That would be the motto of Lander University, had it not been snatched up and used to death by others long before the school was founded. For while Lander offers a full range of courses to nearly all students, it also offers a small number of specialty classes to a very select few. Lander is home to the Hero Certification Program, a curriculum designed to develop students with superhuman capabilities, commonly known as Supers, into official Heroes.
-
-
Best Series In Recent Memory
- By Get Off My Lawn! on 10-08-16
-
Sufficiently Advanced Magic
- Arcane Ascension, Book 1
- By: Andrew Rowe
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 21 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Five years ago Corin Cadence's brother entered the Serpent Spire - a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire's trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers. According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire's goddess. He never returned. Now it's Corin's turn. He's headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.
-
-
Very good book
- By Jason N. on 07-20-17
-
Rogue Dungeon: A litRPG Adventure
- The Rogue Dungeon, Book 1
- By: James Hunter, eden Hudson
- Narrated by: Nick Podehl
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Roark von Graf - hedge mage and lesser noble of Traisbin - is one of only a handful of Freedom fighters left, and he knows the Resistance’s days are numbered. Unless they do something drastic... But when a daring plan to unseat the Tyrant King goes awry, Roark finds himself on the run through an interdimensional portal, which strands him in a very unexpected location: an ultra-immersive fantasy video game called Hearthworld. He can’t log out, his magic is on the fritz, and, worst of all, he’s not even human.
-
-
Solid start to a unique series.
- By Tyler on 09-22-18
-
Super Sales on Super Heroes
- By: William D. Arand
- Narrated by: Jeff Hays
- Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In a world full of super powers, Felix has a pretty crappy one. He has the ability to modify any item he owns. To upgrade anything. Sounds great on paper. Almost like a video game. Except that the amount of power it takes to actually change, modify, or upgrade anything worthwhile is beyond his abilities. With that in mind, Felix settled into a normal life. A normal job. His entire world changes when the city he lives in is taken over by a super villain. Becoming a country of one city. A city state.
-
-
Lot better than I thought it would be
- By Phillip hinch on 07-08-17
-
The Two Week Curse
- Ten Realms, Book 1
- By: Michael Chatfield
- Narrated by: Todd Menesses
- Length: 19 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Thrust into an unknown, unwanted situation, most would feel panic, fear anger, and fall into chaos. Erik and Rugrat are not immune to those feelings, but they have stepped into chaos so many times, it is simply a different challenge. Two weeks ago, Erik lost his legs and his arm. Today he got a message. "You have been randomly selected to join the Ten Realms. One may choose to ascend the Ten Realms, thereupon making a request to the Gods of the Realms. Only those who are Level 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 may ascend to the next realm. Fortune favors the strong!”
-
-
Perfection
- By charles on 01-17-19
-
The Trapped Mind Project
- Emerilia, Book 1
- By: Michael Chatfield
- Narrated by: Tristan Morris
- Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Austin Zane leaves behind his CEO position with RB Corp to play Dave, a half-dwarf in the virtual reality game Emerilia, trying to escape his life. What Dave doesn't know is that Earth as he knows it is really a virtual reality simulation and Emerilia is a world imbued with futuristic technologies to mimic early MMORPGs.
-
-
One of the Top Five LitRPG Stories
- By Don Gilbert on 03-05-18
-
The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant
- By: Drew Hayes
- Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Timid, socially awkward, and plagued by self-esteem issues, Fred has never been the adventurous sort. One fateful night - different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful - Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos of the parahuman world.
-
-
Fun for a While
- By sherri on 09-18-16
-
Guild Master
- A LitRPG Adventure (Tower of Power, Book 1)
- By: Ivan Kal
- Narrated by: Ryan Burke
- Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Morgan used to be a pretty normal guy. He went to college by day and played online games by night, leading his guild into new conquests - until he got hit by a car and a dude wearing a wet suit appeared in front of him. The man offered him a new chance at life in a world he had created, a world with similar rules to the games Morgan loved to play. There is the promise of great rewards and power, he says, if Morgan manages to complete the Tower of Power.
-
-
slow start.
- By Justin on 01-31-19
-
Reboot
- Afterlife Online, Book 1
- By: Domino Finn
- Narrated by: Justin Thomas James
- Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tad Lonnerman is having a crappy day stuck in crappy traffic late to a crappy meeting. On the bright side, his game development career is the only non-crappy thing he has going for him, so life isn't all bad. At least until he dies. Now Tad finds himself uploaded to a beta test of Haven, an unannounced hyper-immersive MMO where the dead have a second chance at life. It's not virtual reality, it's digital reality. A true afterlife online. Except Haven isn't exactly blissful paradise.
-
-
Amazing, better then the vast majority LITRPG's
- By Aaron on 12-27-17
-
Eden's Gate: The Reborn
- A LitRPG Adventure, Book 1
- By: Edward Brody
- Narrated by: Pavi Proczko
- Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Gunnar Long is transported into the first fully-immersive virtual MMORPG, he finds himself in a new world filled with magic, mystery, and adventure. No more 9-to-5 job. No more studio apartment. No more reality TV. Finally, he's in a place where he can call home, a place with people he can call friends. But as more people want to trade their real world lives to get inside Eden's Gate, the government of the outside world wants the "game" shut down at all costs.
-
-
very melancholy narrator.
- By Justin on 01-01-18
-
Summoner
- By: Eric Vall
- Narrated by: Joshua Story
- Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gryff never knew he was the most powerful summoner in the world until a rogue monster attacked his village. Now he's been recruited into the top magical academy, beautiful women are breaking down his dorm-room door, and the headmaster has big, big plans for him. Instead of summoners being maligned by society, Gryff is in a position to make them revered and honored.
-
-
story not very good
- By Darren Silvers on 01-21-19
-
Limitless Lands: The Commander's Tale, a LitRPG adventure
- Limitless Lands Series, Book 1
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Colonel James Raytak is about to die. The 93-year-old combat veteran is living his last days in a nursing home; his only hope for survival is an experimental Medpod life support system controlled by an artificial intelligence. Co-developed by the world’s largest gaming company, Qualitranos the AI will also control the soon to be released game Limitless Lands. Without its creator’s knowledge, the AI decides the best course of treatment is to import its patient’s consciousness directly into the game.
-
-
Unique take on LitRPG
- By thompson on 11-21-18
-
Pears and Perils
- By: Drew Hayes
- Narrated by: Matt Armstrong
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most people would be overjoyed to win $50,000 and the chance to star in a nation-wide commercial, even if it was just for a fast food joint like Camelot Burger. Then again, Clint Tucker has never been like most people. Ushered to the tropical paradise of Kenowai, he and the other winners undertake an island tradition for the cameras, one meant to free a local imprisoned deity. One with very specific requirements that have yet to be met. One that might just be a bit more authentic than any of them expected.
-
-
Hard to classify, reminds me of Anansi's Boys
- By Aaron Brown on 04-23-15
-
Arcane Kingdom Online: The Chosen
- LitRPG Adventure Series, Book 1
- By: Jakob Tanner
- Narrated by: Ryan Burke
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Log-in or die. Those are the only choices left for Clay Hopewell. Infected with the ZERO virus, he has less than 24 hours before he bites the dust. With no cure available, there's only one option left: digitally reincarnate himself in the most advanced virtual reality game ever, the mysterious and newly released Arcane Kingdom Online. But cheating death and gaining immortality isn't that easy. If Clay survives the risky cognitive upload process, he'll still have to contend with a fantasy world teetering on the brink of crisis.
-
-
eh...<br />
- By Andreas on 02-18-19
-
Delvers LLC
- Welcome to Ludus
- By: Blaise Corvin
- Narrated by: Jeff Hays
- Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Henry and Jason led normal lives in Seattle before they were abducted to another world. Their kidnapper, the vain, self-styled god Dolos, refuses to send them back unless they can accomplish an impossible task. Oddly, Dolos doesn't seem to care if they succeed or not. Luckily, Henry and Jason studied Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) on Earth. Unfortunately, a Japanese American EMT and a geeky IT programmer don't have many other useful skills on a sword-and-sorcery world like Ludus.
-
-
Like an R-rated Dungeons and Dragons cartoon
- By C.T. on 02-25-17
Publisher's Summary
What happens when the haggling is done and the shops are closed? When the quest has been given, the steeds saddled, and the adventurers are off to their next encounter? They keep the world running, the food cooked, and the horses shoed, yet what adventurer has ever spared a thought or concern for the Non-Player Characters?In the town of Maplebark, four such NPCs settle in for a night of actively ignoring the adventurers drinking in the tavern when things go quickly and fatally awry. Once the dust settles, these four find themselves faced with an impossible choice: pretend to be adventurers undertaking a task of near-certain death or see their town and loved ones destroyed. Armed only with salvaged equipment, second-hand knowledge, and a secret that could get them killed, it will take all manner of miracles if they hope to pull off their charade. And even if they succeed, the deadliest part of their journey may well be what awaits them at its end.
More from the same
What members say
Average Customer Ratings
Overall
-
-
5 Stars5,337
-
4 Stars2,869
-
3 Stars887
-
2 Stars145
-
1 Stars70
Performance
-
-
5 Stars5,782
-
4 Stars2,269
-
3 Stars576
-
2 Stars80
-
1 Stars31
Story
-
-
5 Stars4,901
-
4 Stars2,569
-
3 Stars992
-
2 Stars197
-
1 Stars71
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Miachi
- MD
- 01-23-15
Enjoyable if you manage your expectations
This book is written for a fairly narrow audience.
1) You must be fond of old school RPGs. Table top dice rolling is best, but something like a text-based MUD would be good, too. Me, I loved Gemstone III.
2) You must be able to laugh at yourself and your fellow players.
3) You must embrace the awkward phrasing that lots of players liked to use to create "character." Aye, 'tis true.
4) You must not be looking for anything deep or meaningful. This is a romp, and the author's tongue never comes fully out of his cheek.
If meet these criteria, then enjoy! This book is for you!
248 of 262 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jonathan
- Hyattsville, MD, United States
- 10-14-14
Charming and Cute
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
If you're a gamer, you may appreciate the meta-ness Hayes offers. Without giving away too much, NPCs takes some of the conventions and tropes of tabletop roleplaying and applies them to a world, treating them more seriously than Order of the Stick does - while still keeping a fairly light tone.
The story isn't grand or revolutionary, the characters aren't gripping, but the story still has its own charm and the prose is both readable and has a welcoming feel to it. There are three real action sequences in the book and the first two do get a bit long, because they are told from multiple characters doing their own thing on the battlefield. That said, this point didn't grow too onerous. Overall I enjoyed the book and would gladly read more by Hayes along this vein.
Would you be willing to try another book from Drew Hayes? Why or why not?
Yes - he has a pleasant writing style and a sense of humor that, while it doesn't make you laugh out loud, can still make you smile.
Any additional comments?
The narrator does a good job. His voice is pleasant, and all of the character voices are both distinct and enjoyable. I'd listen to more by him.
77 of 85 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- PretzelCoatl
- California
- 11-18-15
I'll be failing a test tomorrow because I couldn't
What made the experience of listening to NPCs the most enjoyable?
... stop listening to this.
I'm a huge fan of tabletop RPGs, and it's always interesting to see other peoples' takes on the game. This story was not at all what I expected. I expected a light-hearted romp through the genre that lacked depth but made up for it in entertainment value. What I got, instead, was substantially better. NPCs was a clever, if not ingenious, blend of depth, character development, personification, and sardonic pokes at the genre. The characters were well developed, and the performances of the characters, even the supporting cast, were unique and refreshing. Every character was distinct both in voice and in personality, and the motivations and driving forces behind every aspect of the story was superbly well-envisioned.
The plot was clever and intriguing, the concepts introduced into and by the story were fascinating, and, overall, the story was exceptionally well-written. It was, at times, a little dry, and the similes were corny and somewhat lacking, but the approach was exceptional, and the execution was delightful. I eagerly look forward to the sequel.
23 of 25 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cody Konior
- 05-12-17
So so
I'm a really big fan of Drew Hayes Fred the Vampire Accountant series.
This book though failed to hit the mark for me. It was a bit shorter than I'm used to but the story felt like it was dragging - and when the viewpoint switches it's extremely hard to follow. This happens a lot. I often found myself losing track of what was going on.
The narrator performance was pretty good. I can't tell though if there are contextual clues he missed out on passing on.
It has some interesting ideas, some cool characters, and such. But I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who didn't really really really like his style.
I'm tempted to get the 2nd book in this series (it seems to be a trilogy) but I'm a bit on the fence. My time would probably be better spent on a different series.
26 of 29 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- T. Hardy
- 08-12-16
Great concept but...
The concept of this book was a lot of fun. However, the execution fell flat for me. It built up the story but never really took advantage of the original idea. I'm not sure why the author chose to use the blended world concept at the beginning and then the end but it wasn't present anywhere else. I thought the characters were likeable though.
There was a strange background story at an awkward place toward the end of the book that I felt took something away from the climax.
The voice acting was really good. The characters were distinct and he kept the story moving.
All of that being said. I was entertained but I would think twice about getting another book in this series or by the author. I would listen to another book by the voice actor though.
30 of 34 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Interested buyer
- 03-12-15
Not what I expected
good listen, but only a small part of the book is about role playing, most of the story is a general adventure, which could be about anyone. enjoyed it all the same though
31 of 36 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Morten Sandø
- Børsa
- 09-01-16
this book is for roleplayers
And I loved it. Its not a epic awsome book. but it is a good.
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Laurel
- 01-12-16
Did that really happen? Fantasy games and fantasy fiction cross paths!
I have never played a fantasy style game, but I have enjoyed a wide variety of fantasy books. I love Robin Hobb and Dragon Riders of Pern and been thoroughly immersed in Game of Thrones and Wheel of Time. This book is an easier and lighter read, maybe young adult fiction. It was a pleasant break from walking dead and vampire types. The emphasis was much more on the good guys working together to grow and develop and win the day. It was a pleasant read. It didn't require a 200 hour life commitment, it didn't invade my life or haunt my nights. I needed something healthy and light. I will read the next one.
24 of 28 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Small Mountain
- Orlando
- 10-12-16
A Fun Read for a Gamer like Me
What made the experience of listening to NPCs the most enjoyable?
First of all, the performance by the narrator was fantastic. The voice acting was some of the best I've heard. As far as the story, the embedded RPG humor was fun, yet the story was serious to the ragtag NPCs who find themselves trying to survive the RPG module. The story was fun, funny and adventurous.
What did you like best about this story?
Hard to say. The premise and main problem were right up my alley. The story encompassed the feeling of how it might be to be an NPC in an RPG well. The characters went from flat to surprisingly complex as the story went on; I don't know if that was intentional, but if not it was a really great accident.
Any additional comments?
This book is surprisingly epic; I don't mean that only in the slang way, but in the fact that it had surprising depth and length for what I expected to be mostly a comedy on role-playing games. Still wish it were longer though. I bought the second book right away.
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Andrew
- 06-03-16
Great concept lacking depth
As a gamer, I enjoyed this plot concept. However, the writing felt simplistic; this could be viewed as a boon or detriment depending on your normal reading material. I would recommend it to other gaming friends as a nice way to kill 8 hours.
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DAVID EELES
- 01-31-16
great listen
loved it great listen, nice story will be getting the next in the series, brilliant
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 09-15-17
The concept is better than the execution
While the concept of the story is interesting, I can't but help feel that the execution could have been better. While there are some funny and ironic moments (mostly related to breaking stereotypes or recognizing player behaviour) it's not really a comedic book, which seems like a lost opportunity.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alex Kite
- 05-11-17
Struggled a little with the narrator.
Was still a good book with am interesting idea at the heart of the story. Was short enough that got through it in 2 or 3 days just didn't find myself caring for the characters didn't buy in and feel invested in the outcome. Would give the author and his books another chance maybe it was my mood at the time I started.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 06-14-17
Fun and a little bit meta
What made the experience of listening to NPCs the most enjoyable?
As someone who has a history I enjoyed the 'metaness' of the book. I could recognise the player characters as ramped up versions of characters in games I have played and the titular NPCs unaware of fantasy tropes were an enjoyable way to reflect on the absurdities of fantasy stories in general.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Paul
- 06-07-17
Interesting idea, mundane writing
Interesting ideas but I couldn't gel with the writing style, seemed aimed at a younger audience despite the occasional expletive.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Charlie Tomkins
- 04-27-17
Really enjoyable.
I thought the overall story was a good start to a series but in my opinion there were a lot of missed opportunities for comedy throughout.
Having said that, I thought the performance was very good and the characters well written. I'll be getting the sequel Asap.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Misspelt
- 04-24-17
Interesting take on D&D!
The NPCs strike back and outshine the players! Though if you roll like some of these players you can't expect much of a result. An interesting story with a definite unusual approach. To my mind it missed an opportunity: it pits NPCs alongside 'real life players' but there is so little interaction that it's almost a D&D story devoid of that twist. A little slow in places but generally moved along quite well. Very enjoyable and extremely well narrated. Worth a listen but really only if you're a fan of this genre.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs.
- 10-16-16
High highs, but a low baseline
An interesting premise that soon feels played out. Only when it twists at the end does the basis for the book seem worthwhile.
There are some clever references and great lines that Will make you chuckle if you're into RPGs, but I didn't quite connect with the characters, possibly because I wasn't mad on the voice of the narrator, specifically the voice he used for one of the main characters.
A decent read (a little short) and a sequel has a lot of potential if lessons are learned from the saggy areas of the original.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Elizabeth
- 12-29-15
Great adventure (and gaming) story
Would you listen to NPCs again? Why?
Yes - the narrator was very good and I think I'd pick up more references on a second listen.
What was one of the most memorable moments of NPCs?
It was in the final scenes, so I don't want to spoil the story.
Have you listened to any of Roger Wayne’s other performances? How does this one compare?
No, but will be looking out for them in the future: he narrated the book well and included a great range of character voices.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The characters' initial decision to leave, and Thistle's backstory.
Any additional comments?
Looking forward to getting the next book in the series!
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Zen
- 10-27-16
If you have ever played a Role Playing Game
Where does NPCs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Not the greatest book I have ever listened to but at the same time it left me with a smile on my face. It's easy listening, the plot isn't complex, the characters fit really well and the premise is good. I enjoyed it enough to buy the second in the series which is what you would hope a good story would encourage you to do.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- citta gazze
- 11-26-18
Great idea, execution could have been better
I thought it was a great idea, but I was expecting more - I thought the story was a bit two dimensional and the performance was sometimes a bit staccato, reminiscent of William Shatner's delivery. Nonetheless, the book got me hooked and I really enjoyed listening to it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 07-18-18
A quirky and cute story expertly performed
Roger Wayne performs this off beat tale with skill and a wonderful array of voices. There are RPG references to keep veterans happy but not so many that those unfamiliar with the phenomenon are left behind. I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely little story.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mira
- 04-24-17
Entertaining and Fun
This was a humorous, clever and exciting book. As a gamer, I could appreciate every aspect. may not be for those unfamiliar with gaming or d&d.
would love a other book like This one!
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mark Payne
- 03-21-17
Refreshing
An interesting take on Table Top Board Games, great story and fantastic delivery, looking forward to the next book.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mike
- 02-28-17
Engaging and fun for any rollplay fans
Would you listen to NPCs again? Why?
great story with some slower section. A fun listen for any fans of roleplay or fantasy games.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Matt
- 01-31-17
Drew Hays does DnD
Would you consider the audio edition of NPCs to be better than the print version?
Any book that can be listened to whilst in the car is a good version
What was one of the most memorable moments of NPCs?
Great characters that really captures the Dungeons and Dragons essence
Which character – as performed by Roger Wayne – was your favourite?
Grumph - he really felt and spoke like a half orc
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
very entertaining
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jim
- 09-30-16
Good enough for book two.
I loved the intro and character development. The story did plateau a little for me; it was interesting but just not as charismatic as it's beginning. Still a great little read nonetheless.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Luke
- 06-17-16
excellent- even if you've never played d&d before.
I thoroughly enjoyed NPCs, and finished it in one sitting. Highly recommended, even if you've never played Dungeons and Dragons before.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 01-27-16
D&D Love.
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
This book is every adventure you ever had with a hero who isn't a hero.
What did you like best about this story?
The characters.
Which character – as performed by Roger Wayne – was your favourite?
Thistle
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
For the D&D adventurer you aren't!
Any additional comments?
This book tugs at the heartstrings and the corners of your mouth.
4 of 8 people found this review helpful