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Permadeath #1
Desperate Times
It's 2100, Britain faces its greatest challenge as the remains of the European Combined Armed Forces (ECAF) dig in to repel the imminent ChinKor Republic invasion of Great Britain. Bombers and missiles destroy whole swathes of British cities and countryside and every eligible man and woman over the age of 16 has been conscripted to join the fight. Only this is in a VR game called World Domination, a game designed to eliminate civilian, technological, fiscal and environmental loss but to still cater for the warlike nature of humans. All of the troops are hard wired into their harnesses.
The rules were simple, survive 100 battles and you'd go free. Die 50 times and you'd receive a lethal dose of poison administered by the game, as war must always have consequences. Take on a Special Mission and you'll gain 1 extra life, mission credits and valuable power-ups and special weapons.
Only the rules have changed. The European High Command has decreed that soldiers who hit 49 deaths are to be kept permanently in the game. The 49ers is a regiment of last chancers, their commander, iColonel Ron Clark, is desperate to keep his people alive, and give them one last chance.
The rules were simple, survive 100 battles and you'd go free. Die 50 times and you'd receive a lethal dose of poison administered by the game, as war must always have consequences. Take on a Special Mission and you'll gain 1 extra life, mission credits and valuable power-ups and special weapons.
Only the rules have changed. The European High Command has decreed that soldiers who hit 49 deaths are to be kept permanently in the game. The 49ers is a regiment of last chancers, their commander, iColonel Ron Clark, is desperate to keep his people alive, and give them one last chance.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2016
39 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Sylvester
24 books47 followersMatthew has been reading and writing fantasy and science fiction since he first read the Hobbit at the age of 7.
Since starting writing, Matthew has created the LitRPG/LitFPS Permadeath Series, the alternative history dieselpunk Blaise Maximillian: Bitter Defeat series, Shadow Company - a military fiction series, and is currently working on the Devil's Run RPG with Red Scar Publishing.
He is also the author of the critically acclaimed 'Practical Taekwondo: Back to the Roots'.
Since starting writing, Matthew has created the LitRPG/LitFPS Permadeath Series, the alternative history dieselpunk Blaise Maximillian: Bitter Defeat series, Shadow Company - a military fiction series, and is currently working on the Devil's Run RPG with Red Scar Publishing.
He is also the author of the critically acclaimed 'Practical Taekwondo: Back to the Roots'.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 31, 2016
Really enjoyed it.
Enjoyed this book a lot. This was my first LitRPG book and I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had reading it. I tend to read myself to sleep at night. Definitely not falling asleep with this read! Can't wait for the next one!
Enjoyed this book a lot. This was my first LitRPG book and I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had reading it. I tend to read myself to sleep at night. Definitely not falling asleep with this read! Can't wait for the next one!
December 27, 2016
New view
Would have liked it more if it was longer.
Would have kept reading if there was more.
I do like it.
Would have liked it more if it was longer.
Would have kept reading if there was more.
I do like it.
December 27, 2016
Love military books and litrpg great combo.
Fast action and good situations keep you reading. I enjoyed the story. Well be getting the next one. Good work.
Fast action and good situations keep you reading. I enjoyed the story. Well be getting the next one. Good work.
December 27, 2016
It started off a little confusing, but then it picked up with the formation of the 49er group. I thought it was a very interesting concept and was executed fairly well.
February 28, 2017
An unusual take on the LitRPG genre, where the game world directly impacts the real one.
This isn't something that I've seen much of in the genre, and Mr. Sylvester calls it LitFPS (First Person Shooter), which is a sci-fi driven story with a military narration.
Some of the characters, especially in the first half of the story, can be hard to keep track of but that's understandable basis the story and how the 49ers came to be (Although I could do without the iRank on everything). Another thing I really enjoyed was the method of "leveling up", not necessarily the personal side of it - since that's mostly kept behind the scenes, but the gear and systems.
If there was one thing I would change would be bringing more of the game mechanics to the forefront. But that could be only me since I like to understand those things and "participate" in the decision-making process.
Will definitely pick up any follow ups.
This isn't something that I've seen much of in the genre, and Mr. Sylvester calls it LitFPS (First Person Shooter), which is a sci-fi driven story with a military narration.
Some of the characters, especially in the first half of the story, can be hard to keep track of but that's understandable basis the story and how the 49ers came to be (Although I could do without the iRank on everything). Another thing I really enjoyed was the method of "leveling up", not necessarily the personal side of it - since that's mostly kept behind the scenes, but the gear and systems.
If there was one thing I would change would be bringing more of the game mechanics to the forefront. But that could be only me since I like to understand those things and "participate" in the decision-making process.
Will definitely pick up any follow ups.
July 24, 2018
Great story when you don't have time to read a 500 page novel
I love short stories like this. I don't always have time to read a 500 page novel. The pacing was fast and kept me interested. Definitely a great KU read and I gave it 5 iStars. I've read many of Matthew's books and he never disappoints.
I love short stories like this. I don't always have time to read a 500 page novel. The pacing was fast and kept me interested. Definitely a great KU read and I gave it 5 iStars. I've read many of Matthew's books and he never disappoints.
November 26, 2018
Great start
This is an awesome start to a series. I love the authenticity of the interaction of squadmates and NCO’s. The concept of the virtual war is a cool one, and I’ll be reading the next book ASAP.
This is an awesome start to a series. I love the authenticity of the interaction of squadmates and NCO’s. The concept of the virtual war is a cool one, and I’ll be reading the next book ASAP.
August 18, 2017
Decent for what it is. Although not really a fan of the premise of the book.
October 23, 2017
Quick read. Fun.
July 8, 2018
I have to agree with other reviews.
What might have been a good novel was plagued with strange plot choices. I had trouble getting attached to the characters.
What might have been a good novel was plagued with strange plot choices. I had trouble getting attached to the characters.
December 28, 2016
Exciting and Innovative!
I enjoyed this this book immensely and look forward to the next. The action is fast paced, descriptive and keeps you hooked all the way through. Some great ideas with lots of potential, I can't wait to see what happens next.
I enjoyed this this book immensely and look forward to the next. The action is fast paced, descriptive and keeps you hooked all the way through. Some great ideas with lots of potential, I can't wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews