Outpost

Monsters, Maces and Magic Series, Book 1

By: Terry W Ervin II

Narrated by: Jonathan Waters

Glenn, a college sophomore, has a Sociology 102 paper that requires spending time with an unfamiliar group or culture. Luckily, two hot girls from his class have the same idea: Attend the university’s game club to get reaction material for their papers.

A creepy game moderator shows up, ready to start a game of Monsters, Maces and Magic. Glenn doesn’t fret over the GM’s disturbing vibe, figuring it’ll lead to potential fodder for his paper.

Moments after rolling up his character and beginning the adventure, Glenn, his two classmates, and three other players are drawn into the game - literally. How and why they got trapped in the game, transformed into their RPG characters are important questions, sure. But simply surviving a world filled with horrific creatures, unknown magic, and perilous roads is first on the list.

©2018 Terry W. Ervin II (P)2018 Gryphonwood Press

Critic reviews

“Exciting and hilarious! It feels like a true game with friends.” (Dueling Ogres podcast)

Outpost didn’t disappoint!!

A very good start to a new series of books from Terry Ervin, as he often does Terry keeps you wanting more.

Johnathan Waters was a good choice to narrate this series, along with Terry’s attention to detail and Johnathan’s emphasis on these details I can’t wait to listen to Terry’s next book.

D&D with Life or Death Consequences

A fun but serious life or death fantasy adventure as 6 unsuspecting high school and college students, who are mostly strangers to one another, are transported into the Dungeons and Dragons-esq world of Monsters, Maces and Magic(M3). Many of the elements of tabletop role-playing are well portrayed in the book. One thing I found this "Trapped in Another World" book did that was interesting compared to others in the genre is while in this other world their personalities seem to be modified somewhat by their characters race, stats and abilities. This is done by giving them instincts to do things they don't think they would normally do based on their characters role or giving them limitations based on stats. I found this particularly interesting because it shows they aren't just themselves in another world but pushes the role-playing aspect of M3. It also adds a source of conflict within the party and in themselves to the existing friction from being grouped with people they don't know but must rely on in frequent life or death situations. Another aspect that was portrayed well was how they were unfamiliar with the fantasy world, its rules and its level of technology compared to other "Trapped in Another World" series where characters come off as perfectly adapted to the world they find themselves in. With Jonathan Waters great performance this was a very enjoyable experience and I am interested in future books in this series.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Fun start to a new series.

Outpost is the first book in the Monsters, Maces, and Magic series, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd really call it more a traditional fantasy novel than a true LitRPG novel. Actually what it reminded me of most was the old Dungeons and Dragons cartoon show from the 80s, with real characters getting sucked into a fantasy world. Now I know you saying, wait isn't that what most LitRPGs are? Yes and no. The characters in the book do get transported into fantasy world full of magic and mythical creatures, most of them becoming said mythical creatures, but the traditional LitRPG trappings of hit points and the like are only lightly touched upon. Regardless, it's a fun story from start to finish. Good characters, engaging story, and I definitely look forward to seeing what comes next for our adventures.

This is the second or third book I've heard performed by Jonathan Waters and he does a really good job of bringing the characters and story to life.

I received a copy of this audio title for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

5-stars...with some caveats

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Overall I really liked this story and LitRPG ihas become one of my favorite genres. The M3 storyline is quite good. The dynamics amongst the group of adventurer has a nice demographic slice to it. Plot line is well thought out and executed nicely.

Personally, I like to see more stats and data than this story contains (leveling up, xp accumulation, etc). If one thing did bother me, it was the constant switching between "real-life" and game names.

Looking forward to book 2.

When A Dungeon Master Takes a Creative Lit Course

This thoroughly entertaining sword and sorcery adventure takes a group of RPG gamers and throws them into an alternate universe where their adventure unfolds in live action (think Jumanji but in a quasi medieval setting). When one of the party is killed in a battle, the rest of the adventurers must undertake a quest (or two) to earn enough credit to have her resurrected.
I think every RPG player worth their salt has, at one time or another, wondered whether the could turn their latest campaign into a best selling novel, and this book, it appears the author decided to give it a shot.
The story is well written, the action is very fast paced and the adventurers go from one challenge to another, some of them funny and others deadly serious.
The audio version is well voiced, easy to listen to and follow.
All in all, this one was an enjoyable story.