Tallrock

A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure (Farming Livia, Book 1)

By: Xander Boyce

Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

An untapped frontier. Reaping and sowing. Redemption through growth.

Matt is running from a life that he no longer wants, and he’s found a solution. By logging in to the newest game, Livia, he gains chances that he can’t get anywhere else. Matt chooses to cut out a new life for himself on the edge of civilization, by venturing to the frontier town of Tallrock. As soon as he gains his class, the newly minted Cycle Mage has one goal: farming.

Now known in-game as Kastigan, he gains a starting bonus parcel of virgin land that he will need to convert to farmland from the ground up. Kastigan needs to decide what to grow, what animals to raise, and who to hire; all while dealing with a Legion Commander who hates him for no apparent reason, surviving in the wild land where monsters roam freely, and uncovering lost relics from a forgotten time.

If he succeeds, he will create a new home for himself. If he fails, he will lose not only his farm, but all the workers, crops, and beasts that he has spent every last penny to acquire.

©2020 Xander Boyce (P)2021 Mountaindale Press

unexpected results

I will be 100% honest I only got this audio book because of I saw Andrea was doing it in their discord post when it was released. I will say I thought it would have been a simple book about just ah farming and dealing with the local government because of taxes, I was surprised and over joyed to be wrong so thank you andrea for your hard work and showing this to me. And THANK YOU Xander Boyce for taking the time and effort to making such a great book.

a wonderful start

this one is a little different than most LitRPG. this one focuses a bit on the crafting and the set up. if you like stardew valley andstory of season then this is a book for you.

it did have a bit of the character trying to get over some grief. that was not for me. I use these books as escapism. I don't want that type of realism in my fantasy. but I easily skipped past those parts.

overall a good book. can't wait for book 2.

wholesome farming goodness

I really enjoyed this book. I have no idea why the idea of a farming litRPG sounded interesting to me, but it did. It really is pretty much just that, though I assume the story will grow in scope over time. Don't expect a climactic battle at the end, the whole conflict is "can the main character support themselves in the real world based on farming in the game?" Honestly the ending felt a bit abrupt - it just kind of ends. That being said, I can't wait for the next one to see the fledgling settlement grow. I kind of liked that the main character probably has a build that will let them kick butt in battle, but they are just interested in farming. sometimes I feel like killing things just to level up gets a bit gratuitous in some litrpgs, so it was nice to focus on gathering and growing plants. That being said, the world building has left various big questions open that could create really interesting future plot points, like what's the deal with the ruins of the ancient civilization? can they build a community of non-humans without suffering blowback from the humans? is the main character some sort of incarnation of the God of death? Anyways, I'm looking forward to the next installment.

solid start

what a book and what a narrator. a fun book, solid characters. great mechanics and an emotional plot. will def continue this series

Looking forward to the next one

A really nice story weave game play in with a futuristic world story that could take place now. As the title ssys, I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Ms. Parsneau does an excellent job bringing the characters to life.

I really like the direction.

I really liked this different take on the LITRPG cliches. The characters are all interesting and the uniqueness to them was refreshing. The performance was great also. My main gripes are that the story doesny really have any antagonist, and there is no buildup whatsoever. The overall plot is very monotone, like listening to Ben Stein. The book just ends suddenly, at a random spot, there was no buildup, and no climax, which felt a little unsatisfying. I do get that the MC's whole vibe of pacifism and peace lends itself to a story more geared that way, but I still believe it was lacking.

worth the wait

I have been waiting for this title to come out on audible for a while and I am looking forward to hearing the rest of the series.

A wonderful narrator for a new series from one of my favorite authors

Definitely a relaxing but fun, well written, well narrated story with likable characters and no “ugh I need a break from this” type moments. Xander’s other series is how I got into listening to LitRPG and Andrea’s stunning character voice range (this was the first book I’ve read of hers - I had to check it was only her narrating cause the old man voices are so on point) just adds icing to the wonderful story. I’ve listened to it at least 5 times through <3

Parsneu delights, and an MMO that could exist

In so many litrpgs there are weird tropes that would kill a game immediately or are impossible to implement, killing the foundation for me.

Warning: This book is essentially a "slice of life" book.
This isn't a book about a farmer who gets op, or a farmer who finds some amazing tool that solves everything. Its a fully fledged book about taming the wild in detail, if figuring out how to transport crops doesn't sound interesting to you be wary.

to be clear I did love rhe book lol

amazing farming story

This book was phenomenal. The story is do different and has so many pathways that are available. The fact that its frontier based and the mc focuses on farming and town building which is the main focus is just great. There isn't much action but farming, herbalism, alchemy, and beast bonding/taming really adds to the story. You can also start to see an enemy in the works but the mc is aware of the situation.

of course Andrea Parsneau is just amazing as normal.