The Bookwyrm's Review of Immersion Online 2: The Zealot by Evan Klein

 

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Rating: 9/10

Synopsis

Mace is about to discover that sometimes when you hit the streets, the streets hit back! What the streets don’t realize is that Mace can take a punch and doesn’t mind punching back. In fact, he prefers it that way! Mace, along with his irascible (but charming) virtual assistant, Havervill, his sassy deputy Tinsie, and his stoic golem, Buddy will investigate several murders, the theft of a relic of mass destruction, and the kidnapping of the most famous woman in the game. To make matters worse, the city is suddenly plagued with zealots who want to drive the players from the game. Mace and his team need to figure out how all of these events are connected. With time running out, Mace must team with the Granson Gang, the most powerful league in the game, to undertake the first ever “dive” of a divine dungeon. It is deep in the depths of the dungeon where he will discover how all of these events are connected.

Review

I was impressed with the first book in this series, Noob, which I found to be a fun take on the LitRPG genre. I was curious what direction the author would take to continue the story, both in game and real world. I was amazed at just how creatively the new story elements are added in, as Mace finally makes it to the city of Grandview to take up his post as the constable of one of the city’s zones, in this case the Commerce Zone. It kicks off immediately with some wild action that really sets the stage for the world building the author wants to accomplish in the Game world. The city is a conglomeration of the cities you would see in fantasy worlds, with elements unique to gaming, as well as a certain sentience to the city itself simmering under the surface. It really gives the story a unique feeling, and you really get sucked into this aspect.

The characters are again so much fun. Mace, the protagonist, is ready to take up his new post as a constable in game, and his new deputy, a Pixie named Tinsie, is ready to help him lay down the law to the more lawless elements of the Commerce Zone. Mace is settling in nicely, and he has really gotten into the game play. His experience as a long time police detective has left him prepared for the job, and he is immediately put to the test, with battling groups disturbing the Zone’s peace, and he must track down the culprit for a series of murders and disappearances. His story arc really expands as he further levels up and leaves his mark on the town as the mysterious ghost in the machine seems to be getting more out of control.

The supporting cast I treat. Tinsie is such a fun character, and her mysterious past is explored as the story progresses, really fleshing her character out. The other constables are fun too, and we get some glimpses into what makes them tick as well. Another addition is Rhia, the relics dealer that Mace is drawn to, who has mysteries of her own to explore. We also get a peak into the Granson Gang, the game’s most powerful guild, who end up playing such an instrumental part of the final act of the story.

The villains are exceptionally well done. They are obviously meant to set up some story elements down the road, but are such a seething menace throughout the story, mostly from the shadows, that when they make their appearances, it’s a gut punch for the various characters. I am excited to see where this goes in future installments.

With all these elements, this book should have a broad appeal. Fans of LitRPG should find the character building and real world issues appealing, while fans of traditional fantasy should be able to immerse themselves into the more traditional fantasy elements, while not being overly distracted by the LitRPG game elements. This is a definite recommended read.