Re-Start

Level UP Series, Book 1

By: Dan Sugralinov, Irene Woodhead - translator, Neil P. Woodhead - translator

Narrated by: Ramon De Ocampo

At 30 years old, Phil is an unemployed gamer who struggles to make ends meet. His only source of income is freelance writing (when he feels inspired enough to add another article to his less-than-popular blog). His wife has just walked out on him, leaving him without money, purpose, or food in the fridge.

On the day his wife dumps him, Phil receives a mysterious piece of wetware. A game interface seems to have been implanted in his brain, which allows him to see the world through the eyes of an RPG player.

Now that Phil discovers his real-life stats, he can see they're far below average. With 4 pt. Agility, 6 pt. Strength, and 3 pt. Stamina, his most advanced life skill is predictably gaming.

Luckily, real-life stats can be leveled up just like virtual ones. But will it help Phil get his wife back? Can he stop being such a couch potato? Would the new game help him become fitter? Or more successful? Can his gaming skills finally come in handy in real life?

Last but not least, can he find out who could have uploaded the mysterious game to his brain? And how is he supposed to deal with this unknown but apparently omnipotent force?

©2018 Dan Sugralinov; English translation copyright 2018 by Irene and Neil P. Woodhead (P)2018 Tantor

motivational entertainment

great writing, excellent translation from Russian. motivated me to quit stalling and get in gear. interesting view into the mind of a Russian male. A worthy book, will welcome the next volume in the series!

back on track

This book was awesome Let me go back to the gym start taking a look at everything I do in my day

one of the best Litrpgs out there

This was an interesting story which took a unique approach to the genre. It takes place in the real world, and the MC alone has the capability to level up. Even so, there are no monsters to fight, he levels up based on social interactions. it was enjoyable from start to finish.

The narration was spot on and a good match for the story.

Tbh. Hated this book at first

Mundane problem initially however about 3 hrs into book i started enjoying it as things made more sense and plot became clearer.

This is my first series by this author however i recently bought another series by author and instantly feel in love with the idea... compared to this one it took me hrs to get into the story once hooked however i tore through the rest books in just days cant wait for more on the level up series as a whole.

this was good

touched my feelings a bit. I like funny books. this wasn't as funny. it was still good.

What a motivational story!

Different from my usual picks but sooo worth it and glad I got it! Looking forward to the next book!

Beautiful

What an amazing book. Champion is playing is still my favorite series but this is a solid second place. Beautiful integration of humanity and litrpg. Will be reading the rest of the series ASAP.

Very Original

This book is a jewel. It brings a fresh look to lithograph as well as some good philosophy for life in general.
I’m addition, the writing is stellar, compared to several other litrpg audiobooks I’ve listened to where I cringed at the grammar quite often.
Enjoyed this book very much!

fun story

good translation to English, fun story and characters really wish I can get the next book to see what is going to happen.

conflicted

The narration was very good though I did increase the speed a little.
I liked the MC and several of the supporting characters. The coming of age and development was solid but it felt like a long set up to for future books with little happening in this one.
I am mixed in saying I enjoyed the book but also found boring and yet I will likely listen to the next one because I am intrigued.