The Trials of Tristholm

Rise of the Grandmaster Series, Book 2

By: Bradford Bates, Michael Anderle

Narrated by: Sean William Doyle

Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Tim's plan didn't include going toe to toe with one of the most powerful men in Promethia, but he had, and he won.

Wasn't winning supposed to make things easier?

Instead of getting to live on easy street, Tim's victory only increased his reputation as a man who could solve problems.

This time those problems had teeth.

Thankfully Tim hit level 10, and once he settled on his upgraded class their newest adventure could began in earnest.

Life in The Etheric Coast wasn't exactly what he expected, it was better. With new adventures and epic loot on the horizon, Tim was never more excited to see where his next quest would take him.

It was time for Tim to start his next adventure, and there was only one way to attack the unknown. "LeeeeeRoyyyyyyy!"

©2020 LMBPN Publishing (P)2020 Tantor

Lots of mental side quests but good enough

The only thing I can find at fault is the constant mental asides in the MCs head which sometimes makes it hard to follow the story. However, it’s still overall enjoyable.

It's really alright.

What Doug wronged you... we really get shit on enough by Hollywood already, lol. Anyway, I loved it, poor Doug... besides that, some repetitive statements which gets a bit annoying. We get it already, he cares that his family is doing well on the outside and he misses them! However, he's happy to be with his girl and new found family as well. That out of the way, I like the way this is going. However, again, the only reason I let the real world references slide is because this is a LITRPG, but this one was better, much more refined, still annoyed by some of the cliche references though. But the story its self is great!

Really good

Hooked like a drug, honestly this series is a hidden gem. I didn’t know what to expect from the cover alone but wow I’m glad to have found this

Good world building and story line

I really like the overall story, the way the characters interact and the great world building. However, after finishing the first book I had hoped we would stop hearing about how Tim (mc) had set up payments to go to his parents. How this wasn't what anyone would imagine him doing after graduating college but that it was the right choice for him. That helping the people in the slums move up in life is rewarding and not a handout. The times that the game npcs refernce movies from the "real world".
I've already purchased the next book in the series so hopefully this will change, if not I can't see myself continuing with the series.

pretty solid

the only real problem I have about this is the fights get over very quick.

blog on society ailments or litrpg

seriously get yourself a Blog. you're ruining and okay story. LOL better luck next time

It’s fine if you like MC opinions on every random topic

Its fine. Typical LitRPG. Fun mindless entertainment. But every 5-10 minutes there’s 2-3 solid minutes of Tim’s thoughts on life and his philosophies and it’s honestly so annoying and painful to listen to. It’s the absolute laziest character development I’ve ever heard. Instead of dialogue and actions defining who a character is, we get endless inner monologue which consists of some lame situation from his past life and him thinking something unfunny at the end and chuckling to himself as he reaches his destination. It’s the worst. It’s getting to the point where I may not be able to finish this one. Which is kind of sad because other than that it’s completely acceptable.

Cringe

I had a hard time dealing with a lot of the interactions. It feels like the characters are sex starved teenagers rather than college graduates.
A lot was covered in the book, even if it felt surface deep on some of the quests.
Im interested in seeing what all he does to build the slums, though.

lacking

Should of stopped after the 1st book. Author doesn't move the storyline fast enuf