Listen free for 30 days
-
Limitless Lands: The Commander's Tale, a LitRPG adventure
- Limitless Lands Series, Book 1
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Series: Limitless Lands, Book 1
- Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £18.29
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Limitless Lands, Book 2: Conquest (A LitRPG Adventure)
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Placed in an experimental medpod controlled by an advanced artificial intelligence, 93-year-old Colonel James Raytak continues the fight to repair his failing body. Leading his forces inside the game of Limitless Lands is helping the AI to heal his mind, but new threats are looming on the horizon. Forces both in and out of the game have begun their plans of conquest. Colonel Raytak must rely on his soldiers, his friends, and decades of real-world combat experience to face these new challenges.
-
-
did it again!!
- By Morris on 15-02-19
-
Derelict
- Book 1, Repel Boarders (A LitRPG, Dungeon Core Adventure)
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As humanity expands into the stars, it discovers the universe is a hostile place. When Captain Slater of the USS Franklin is assigned to a deep-space reconnaissance mission, his ship is destroyed by an unknown alien race. Much to his surprise, Slater isn’t killed - he’s transformed. He is now a “derelict” - a consciousness bound to his old vessel.
-
-
Interesting take on a dungeon core book
- By Morris on 02-09-20
-
Limitless Seas, Book 1
- Privateer (A LitRPG Adventure)
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Vaguely remembering the accident that might have killed him, retired Navy captain Craig Larson is offered a chance at a new life. Choosing the body of a half-man, half-serpent creature called a naga, Larson must fight to secure a place for himself in this new world. Soon, he finds himself in a fight against pirates, thieves, and terrors of the deep, all of which seek to end his new life before it truly begins. But Larson is not easily deterred.
-
-
great return to the limitless land/seas world!!
- By sloth on 04-07-21
-
Dissonance
- A LitRPG Adventure (Unbound Book 1)
- By: Nicoli Gonnella
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 26 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Felix's life on Earth had become a series of dead-end jobs, ruined relationships, and rotating apartments smaller than most postage stamps. By all accounts, even his own, he was a coward. Too afraid to move forward, to take risks. Yet when given the chance to choose between risking his life or walking away from a deadly encounter, he didn't hesitate. Moments before his untimely demise, Felix was snatched from earth and thrust into a magical world known only as "The Continent". Empowered by the "System", he learns that he can strengthen himself through combat and dedication.
-
-
great book.
- By Ross Nicoll on 10-05-22
-
Cat Core
- Cat Core, Book 1
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau
- Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was just supposed to be a quick trip to the pet store for some cat food, but the universe had other plans for Florence Valentine. Good for nothing kids and some annoying store employees were giving her a hard time, and then things got worse when she was killed by a delivery truck. Instead of angels, pearly gates, and eternal rewards, a voice in her head keeps telling her that she’s become a dungeon core, whatever that is.
-
-
Slightly odd premise works really well
- By C. Rowlands on 29-11-21
-
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure
- He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 1
- By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell
- Narrated by: Heath Miller
- Length: 28 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It’s not easy making the career jump from office-supplies-store middle manager to heroic interdimensional adventurer. At least, Jason tries to be heroic, but it's hard to be good when all your powers are evil. He’ll face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, monsters...and that’s just on the first day. He’s going to need courage, he’s going to need wit, and he’s going to need some magic powers of his own. But first, he’s going to need pants.
-
-
Wow.
- By hudefa on 16-03-21
-
Limitless Lands, Book 2: Conquest (A LitRPG Adventure)
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Placed in an experimental medpod controlled by an advanced artificial intelligence, 93-year-old Colonel James Raytak continues the fight to repair his failing body. Leading his forces inside the game of Limitless Lands is helping the AI to heal his mind, but new threats are looming on the horizon. Forces both in and out of the game have begun their plans of conquest. Colonel Raytak must rely on his soldiers, his friends, and decades of real-world combat experience to face these new challenges.
-
-
did it again!!
- By Morris on 15-02-19
-
Derelict
- Book 1, Repel Boarders (A LitRPG, Dungeon Core Adventure)
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As humanity expands into the stars, it discovers the universe is a hostile place. When Captain Slater of the USS Franklin is assigned to a deep-space reconnaissance mission, his ship is destroyed by an unknown alien race. Much to his surprise, Slater isn’t killed - he’s transformed. He is now a “derelict” - a consciousness bound to his old vessel.
-
-
Interesting take on a dungeon core book
- By Morris on 02-09-20
-
Limitless Seas, Book 1
- Privateer (A LitRPG Adventure)
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Vaguely remembering the accident that might have killed him, retired Navy captain Craig Larson is offered a chance at a new life. Choosing the body of a half-man, half-serpent creature called a naga, Larson must fight to secure a place for himself in this new world. Soon, he finds himself in a fight against pirates, thieves, and terrors of the deep, all of which seek to end his new life before it truly begins. But Larson is not easily deterred.
-
-
great return to the limitless land/seas world!!
- By sloth on 04-07-21
-
Dissonance
- A LitRPG Adventure (Unbound Book 1)
- By: Nicoli Gonnella
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 26 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Felix's life on Earth had become a series of dead-end jobs, ruined relationships, and rotating apartments smaller than most postage stamps. By all accounts, even his own, he was a coward. Too afraid to move forward, to take risks. Yet when given the chance to choose between risking his life or walking away from a deadly encounter, he didn't hesitate. Moments before his untimely demise, Felix was snatched from earth and thrust into a magical world known only as "The Continent". Empowered by the "System", he learns that he can strengthen himself through combat and dedication.
-
-
great book.
- By Ross Nicoll on 10-05-22
-
Cat Core
- Cat Core, Book 1
- By: Dean Henegar
- Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau
- Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was just supposed to be a quick trip to the pet store for some cat food, but the universe had other plans for Florence Valentine. Good for nothing kids and some annoying store employees were giving her a hard time, and then things got worse when she was killed by a delivery truck. Instead of angels, pearly gates, and eternal rewards, a voice in her head keeps telling her that she’s become a dungeon core, whatever that is.
-
-
Slightly odd premise works really well
- By C. Rowlands on 29-11-21
-
He Who Fights with Monsters: A LitRPG Adventure
- He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 1
- By: Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell
- Narrated by: Heath Miller
- Length: 28 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It’s not easy making the career jump from office-supplies-store middle manager to heroic interdimensional adventurer. At least, Jason tries to be heroic, but it's hard to be good when all your powers are evil. He’ll face off against cannibals, cultists, wizards, monsters...and that’s just on the first day. He’s going to need courage, he’s going to need wit, and he’s going to need some magic powers of his own. But first, he’s going to need pants.
-
-
Wow.
- By hudefa on 16-03-21
-
Defiance of the Fall 4: A LitRPG Adventure
- By: TheFirstDefier, JF Brink
- Narrated by: Pavi Proczko
- Length: 22 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jump into a story that merges LitRPG elements with eastern cultivation. Class systems, skill systems, endless choices for progression - it has everything fans of the genre love! Explore a vast universe full of mystery, adventure, danger, and even aliens; where even a random passer-by might hold the power of a god. Follow Zac, as he struggles to stake out a unique path to power, as a mortal in a world full of cultivators.
-
-
Excellent Writing
- By Anonymous User on 25-02-22
-
The Tainted Crown
- Books of Caledan, Book 1
- By: Meg Cowley
- Narrated by: Jack Voraces
- Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The kingdom of Caledan is in turmoil after the queen’s murder. Her son and heir, Soren, is framed for the killing by his uncle, who seizes the legendary throne of the Dragon Kings and rules with an iron fist to crush rising dissent. Soren is a fugitive; his only friend a broken, old man. The dragons, ancient allies of the throne, may hold the answers, but their whereabouts is a mystery that died with the queen. If he can find them, will they be the allies he seeks?
-
-
Capturing Story, Great Naration
- By TJ on 12-04-19
-
Advent
- Red Mage, Book 1
- By: Xander Boyce
- Narrated by: Luke Daniels
- Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Drew Michalik was working in a top-secret facility in Washington, DC, when the Advent began. As all electronics in the world simply ceased to work, blue screens filled with information appeared before him. Drew was given access to a mana interface and a limited number of reality-altering crystals called Xatherite. Following the instructions on his vision-impairing screens, he "slotted" his Xatherite and changed his fate: He gained the ability to cast spells. Now alone in the dark, he must battle through the government bunker turned dungeon in a desperate bid for survival.
-
-
Kept me engaged.
- By Jack on 07-01-19
-
The Primal Hunter
- A LitRPG Adventure
- By: Zogarth
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 20 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was a day like any other when suddenly the world changed. The universe reached a threshold humanity didn’t even know existed, and it was time to finally be integrated into the vast multiverse. A place where power is the only thing anyone can truly rely on.
-
-
“A plan that could be roughly boiled down to just wing it”
- By J Smith on 06-04-22
-
Something
- Full Murderhobo, Book 1
- By: Dakota Krout
- Narrated by: Christian J. Gilliland
- Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Luke is an apprentice leather worker, training with his family to one day take over the business. He and his friends Andre, Taylor, and Zed have known each other forever, and swear that nothing will ever tear apart their friendship. Then the Royal Decree comes. With the Dynasty of Dogs invading, and strange monsters appearing in the Hollow Kingdom, a draft has been implemented. Everyone 17 or older is required to be tested for "Potential". If they have it, they will join the mysterious and renowned Ascender Corps. If not, they will be drafted into the Legion as a forced recruit.
-
-
Cool concept unfortunately wasted
- By Amazon Customer on 09-02-21
-
Unwritten Rules
- Genesis Online, Book 1
- By: Adam Horne
- Narrated by: Michael Goldstrom
- Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kevin was a young man enjoying his college life when a car jumped the curb and crippled his body. Unable to support himself and dependent on others to meet his needs, Kevin was slipping into depression when his best friend convinced him to play a new game called Genesis Online. The concept was simple: a revolutionary artificial intelligence controlled the game world and adapted it to the actions of the players. Even the developers didn't know what course the game could take as it evolved.
-
Master of the Hoard
- Dragon Core Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Lars Machmüller
- Narrated by: Steve Campbell
- Length: 14 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Carl was a regular construction foreman. Not the worst, not the best, and definitely not the thinnest. Even so, he didn't deserve that heart attack! He really didn't deserve being reborn into a dog-eat-dog world as a dragon. To be fair, it’s nice to be at the top of the food chain. Now Carl just needs to learn how magic works, which monsters are safe to eat, and why his hoard is so important to him. Dealing with change is hard enough, but he has enemy dragons incoming, hostile environments, and foes constantly trying to get bragging rights by taking down a dragon.
-
-
A great tale from a former bard
- By Nighteyes on 26-04-22
-
The Mayor of Noobtown
- By: Ryan Rimmel
- Narrated by: Johnathan McClain
- Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After dying and being reborn into a world that's built like a video game, Jim has found himself stuck in a very old-world style new-player zone for low-level adventurers. Unfortunately, the zone fell out of use centuries ago, and no one told the monsters they were supposed to take it easy on the Noobs. Even worse, the only new player around is Jim. Jim has been given an opportunity, and he'll do his best to take advantage of it.
-
-
MC references the "High ground" twice
- By JP OK on 13-05-20
-
Oh, Great! I Was Reincarnated as a Farmer
- By: Benjamin Kerei
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 17 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Accidentally murdered by a cleric in another universe during a botched resurrection, Arnold, a semi-pro gamer, wakes upon an altar to find himself incarnated into the overweight body of a farmer who could have been his fatter twin. He’s not the hero. He’s not the villain. He’s certainly not the chosen one who is there to save the world. He’s a clerical error. It could be a bad joke, but apparently, it happens so often that they have a standard procedure for returning you.
-
-
If you're on the fence! JUST DO IT!!!!
- By Morris on 20-09-21
-
The Two Week Curse: A LitRPG Fantasy Series
- The Ten Realms, Book 1
- By: Michael Chatfield
- Narrated by: Neil Hellegers
- Length: 17 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Erik West is an ex-combat medic. He and his best friend, marine recon sniper Jimmy "Rugrat" Rodriguez, have been thrown into another world. They've become one of the "cursed". Now they have to figure out this fantasy world, where cultivation, skills, and abilities must be grown...or death awaits.
-
-
there are a lot of problems with this book.
- By Anonymous User on 23-01-22
-
Brightblade
- A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Series, Book 1)
- By: Jez Cajiao
- Narrated by: Wayne Mitchell
- Length: 20 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jax is a pretty regular guy, has a job he tolerates, a girl he kinda, sorta loves...and he fights creatures from the UnderVerse in his sleep, leaving him covered in horrific scars when he wakes up. When his brother vanishes, and five years later he's kidnapped as well, he's given a stark choice by his asshat of a father: Go to the UnderVerse in reality, travel to the capitol of that ruined realm at the center of reality, and open a portal for the Noble Houses to return home...or die.
-
-
Ok story. Bad lit rpg
- By OB on 30-09-20
-
Jake's Magical Market
- By: J.R. Mathews
- Narrated by: Travis Baldree
- Length: 20 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jake is working at the neighborhood market under his apartment when the world ends. He expected nuclear war, a computer virus, or even climate change burning everyone to a crisp to bring about the downfall of civilization. But cruel and arbitrary gods from another world? Who would have guessed that? When these cruel gods shuffled Earth like a deck of cards, nothing was in the same place anymore. Monsters, dungeons, and magical items appear scattered across the globe. And suddenly, everyone has access to a new, strange magical card system that gives them magical powers.
-
-
A tale of two halves.
- By Ryan Pascall on 13-01-22
Summary
Colonel James Raytak is about to die. The 93-year-old combat veteran is living his last days in a nursing home; his only hope for survival is an experimental Medpod life support system controlled by an artificial intelligence.
Co-developed by the world’s largest gaming company, Qualitranos the AI will also control the soon-to-be-released game Limitless Lands. Without its creator’s knowledge, the AI decides the best course of treatment is to import its patient’s consciousness directly into the game.
Colonel Raytak must dust off his military training and lead his virtual troops in a fight to repair his broken body and mind while exploring the Limitless Lands.
What listeners say about Limitless Lands: The Commander's Tale, a LitRPG adventure
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anon
- 26-10-18
Looking forward to more...
Saw the ebook get a lot of traction on amazon but waited for the audio to come out and was pleased that I did.
Dean Henegar has brought a breath of fresh air into the LitRPG genre. It seem so many of these books are focused on sword and sorcery style RPGs. Limitless Lands seems to take its inspiration more from RTS games and has the MC in charge of a platoon of men rather than fighting alone or in a team of other players.
I cant wait to see how this mechanic plays out in further books as it could get really interesting as the MC is given more troops to command. Im thinking castle siege or large scale battles.
Jack Voraces did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. He had a distinct voice for every character and was able to play into the more emotional parts as well.
Looking forward to more from them both. When is book 2 coming….!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Morris
- 02-02-19
Amazing book! Defo in my top 5 litrpg
This book is amazing. I planned to listen it for a couple of hours each day and ended up binge listening it in one run. The plot follows a unique levelling system and the story is just as unique. I love the MC and can't wait to see how he develops in the later books.
EDIT: On my second read. Need more!!!!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- faye
- 02-08-20
Narration ruined it for me.
I'll be honest and say I can't really comment on the story; I didn't get very far...
The narrators voice is fine for standard narration, but as soon as he has to "voice act" it becomes very difficult to listen to.
Sorry Jack Voraces, just not for me.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- austin duffield
- 09-10-19
A great book for teenagers
A solid listen. Interesting ideas. Narration took some getting used to personally but this is, of course, always subjective. My 15 year old son loved it.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Troy
- 10-02-19
Great fun, slow start
This book starts a bit slow but after the first 1/2 dozen chapters I was hooked.
The book is an interesting mix of world building around Hayden’s Knoll, a frontier town in a game world and battle stories focusing on the main character, a veteran field commander.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cluster.0779
- 29-03-22
Wow, 1st time to this kind of genre of book
This is my first time to listening to this kind of book and I was very happy how it unveiled as a story. Jack Voraces made the book very easy to listen to.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- george plant
- 09-12-21
amazing!
Well read! the story is so good I want this game to exist in real life!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 03-02-21
Haha so headings are definitely not optional
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook and will likely get the next book in the series some time in the future. I enjoyed listening to the different perspective that the author presented in the book and will look into if there are any other audiobooks or books written by the author.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Abe
- 30-01-21
Enjoyable listen
Worth a listen if u like the genre. Can’t wait to start the next book. In fact it’s downloading as I type this.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- MKxSTARx
- 17-01-21
Fantastic book
Really loved everything about this book. I am going to bing all of them, I would totally recommend to anyone. enjoy.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Austin
- 13-02-19
Good book with a bad narrator.
The summary of the book describes the first couple chapters. I recommended you skip to chapter 5 if you know what virtual reality is.
I don't like this narrator. He sounds like he is trying to add inclinations and emotions to his words as he is reading them, instead of planning ahead as to how the conversation should go. It sounds vaguely like if a robot were trying to figure out how to emulate human speech patterns and only go it half right. His vocal range is decent and I was surprised at his first female voice but his normal narrator voice grates on my nerves. The sound effects added are more of a nuisance than a benefit
The story of "Dirks" seemed a bit extra and out of place.
The robotic/walkie talkie effect on nearly every character is aggravating. Old people sound young and young people sound old. The town mayor specifically sounds nasally and old despite being a college student. The only characters that fit are Colonel Datec and the young druid.
I may be complaining too much but these are all my opinions. You may find little or nothing wrong with the narrator.
The story is interesting and I like the unique classes. The plot isn't huge but it continues on at a solid pace. The idea and effort behind the book is genuine and I believe in the message. If you can get through the narrator, it is genuinely a good book.
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dewey Gough
- 30-01-19
Well worth a Listen!
Personally speaking ive listened to 90% of the LITRPG books on audible and can say that this book has a far different focus then most if not all the other ones. without giving to much away, it focuses mostly on military and the development of a unit and commander, with aspects of a developing loot system for units and some forshadowing to potential city building elements(although it could be minor).
The story itself is short, but well worth the listen especially for people that are a bit older, as the MC is an older man with a military background. The real world aspects develop well with the in game aspects creating a more complete story. The battles were okay but at least in my opinion the focus seemed mostly on the commanders perspective, so although the MC saw and was part of numerous battles the command was more of the MCs focus.
Finally the preformance, for some listeners the narrators choice of sounds and effects could be off-putting, an assessment i dont believe is fair in this genre as most narrators do it but to each their own. looking past those elements(regardless of opinion) the narrator was an outstanding choice for the role the MC plays and the general vibe of the story. To say he brings alot to the table in this story is an understatement, the narrator clearly worked hard to produce this and it shows. His voice even fits the MC perfectly.
Overall this book although different from most in the genre, is more than worth picking up if you are a fan, it brings a newer aspect and amazing preformance.
27 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dungeon Matt
- 11-05-19
Terrible narrator, good story
Unique take on the genre. Enjoyable story. The problem was the terrible narration. Weird sound effects that sounded like a 10 year old did them. Even mispronounced easy terms such as under fed. The narrator's poor performance was a distraction.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Tim
- 17-02-19
It is acceptable
I might have been a bit generous with the star rating but really I am making this review to get a few things off my chest.
Story: It is a litrpg in that it takes place mostly in a game but there really aren't alot of stat windows or character sheets, it is mostly quest pop ups and exp... It is kind of weird as it would make me forget it is supposed to be a game then remind me in the most mundane ways (Pop up window says would you like to complete this transaction etc.) I found it irritated me... and the story kept a steady pace but was a bit slow.
Reader: OK I think I read a number of reviews saying he is awesome and a couple of reviews saying he was terrible. I shal explain why both make sense. The story starts out with a timeline (think movies starting with news headlines that are updating you on what has been happening upcoming to the actual movie involving the actors) and it is read like a voiceover for those headlines. Understandable. However once the headlines stop, the narrator has gotten stuck in reading like that and is reading each sentence like it is a headline. Eventually he breaks out of this when doing different voices for the most part. But... I'm gonna do the rest pro/con:
Pros:
Unique voices for each character, you can usually tell who's talking without prompting.
Honestly he puts alot of emphasis in his character voices so I am reinforcing it so you understand as much.
Cons:
His narrator voice isn't very good.
underfed is under fed, not un derfed
I can see the character voices making the story for people and I can see the narrator voice ruining it for people. underfed was also quite irritating to me, it was funny at first when I realized what he was trying to say, but the word got repeated like 20 times in the next 2 hours.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Midwestbonsai
- 10-12-18
Fresh ideas for LitRPG, real-time and fantasy
“Limitless Lands” is a blending of a LitRPG, real-time strategy, and a fantasy world containing some unique and fresh ideas. Who would have imagined and army of Roman soldiers in a fantasy-like setting? It is the first book in the Limitless Lands series and a premiere work from author Dean Henegar. The audiobook edition is narrated by Jack Voraces, who appears to be a newcomer to the narration scene having three audiobooks listed on Audible at the time of this review. I found the author’s closing chapter impactful even though it was short, detailing his reasons and perspectives driving him to write the book; in many ways I which it had been the first chapter listened too. Overall, I liked the story and found enough fresh ideas to make it interesting and entertaining even though there were a few potholes along the way. I felt the author attempted to blend too many elements and genres which at times made the story more muddled, faded and disconnected from the core reasons people often listen to this genre. Additionally, I had issues with the overly used sound effects, character voicing, and production quality in the audiobook edition. Some of these audio problems may have taken away from the story itself instead of enhancing it. In such a crowded and rather hot LitRPG space, it can be hard to stand out. For me, the book was not bad, but it also was not to the standards that many now expect from the genre. If you are more a fan of military tactics and movements, this might be the book you are looking for. I thought the story diverged from many of the basic RPG fundamentals (stats, experience, etc.) for me to recommend it to people interested solely in LitRPG type books. There was some stats usage, but this was not the focus nor did one feel it was necessary nor impactful to the story’s outcome. I felt more like I was watching a real-time strategy game being played then an RPG, and I was never a fan of that type of game.
I enjoyed both the physical and virtual worlds the author created in the book. In the physical world we have a very utopian futuristic place where drones and robots are now the way wars are fought. Physical human military personnel are no longer required and many of those who remember wars involving humans are few and far between. Like many of our remaining World War II veterans today, the story’s main character is aged and finds himself in a rather different world. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR) and game immersion are the things that some use for both escape and entertainment. The new system being brought online may have the ability to not only entertain, but help in slowing the aging process of our ninety-three-year-old veteran. A way to keep him alive is by having the all-knowing AI, running the game, import the patient’s conscience directly into the game. Here the main character leverages his skills and knowledge of war to win the many battles he faces all the while his body and mind are sustained and even enhanced in the physical world. There were some good transitional periods where the story shifts between the physical and virtual worlds. As with many other books in the genre, we have nanobots, medical reasons, and a few other standard tropes, but again it felt well-thought out and planned.
I liked some of the extra detail the author included such as the time compression of those in the game from those outside. A language translation system being included to make conversations with others around the world much easier, and there is the concept of one earning and converting virtual currencies to physical real-world ones. The world consisted of goblins, dryads, wolfs, spiders, and halflings along with quite a few others one meets along the way. The writing style was detailed and descriptive allowing the listener to be dropped in to the story having a good visual understanding of both worlds. What felt somewhat different for me was the additional RTS components around town building and resource management. It simply did not seem to fit the mold of a fantasy-based LitRPG, and in some ways it worked, but in others it just seems like an odd fit. A town requiring one building to be constructed before another could be built just did not feel right. I felt there was a good balance of action, adventure, strategy, and even emotion throughout the story. As I said earlier, it was entertaining but at time too different for my comfort level.
I think one of the main issues I had keeping me from enjoying the book was its audio quality and narration. No offense to Jack Voraces, the narrator, as such quality production takes time and honing and I’m sure will improve as he performs more books. But it was a bit too much for me and I can say that it was more a distraction than help. Many of the notes I took while listening to the book related in one way or another to the audio. During very quiet times or silence, I could hear audio compression artifacts. These were not excessive, but quite noticeable. Some of the character differences and voicing felt forced and a few times confused with another during conversation. As with many male narrators, voicing of female characters was not fluid, nor did it feel natural. In situations like these, I would rather a narrator just read the portion of text and not attempt to voice it as a character. I understand this is not easy for most narrators to get right when dealing with the opposite gender. Lastly, I think the sound effects often overpowered the narration and I would have liked to have had them more in the background.
For parents and younger readers, the book had some graphic scenes of war and violence which is expected in a book of this genre. I do not recall any mature subject matter or vulgar language used by the author which is quite unusual and in my opinion a welcomed change. I believe the book could be enjoyed by both younger and older audiences.
In summary, the premise, story and world are solid. A few of the components I felt did not belong in a LitRPG and I would have liked to have had more integration and impact of the main character’s stats as I watched him grow. I just felt this was a bit lacking. My biggest concern was with the narration of the different characters, the overpowering sound effects, and the annoying background compression noise. The story is detailed, yet it seems to lack continuity. I hope future books in the series are more RPG focused. A good listen if you can get past the issues I found while listening.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author/narrator/publisher.
Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog.
[If this review helped, please press YES. Thanks!]
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ricky
- 18-10-20
A Different Take
I've read quite a few books in the LitRPG genre and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Oftentimes, the protagonist will somehow be transported to another world and will either stumble into an overpowered item or find a loophole, never before thought of. In this book the Raytak's class feels deserved, based upon his life experiences, and his choices/decisions do seem to align with how I would see a commander act/progress.
Some books in this genre go overboard with stat progression updates. There are some updates throughout the book which should be expected but I didn't feel that they were overdone.
The first hour or so of the book was a little slow while the initial premise was being established but once we're introduced to Col. Raytak, the book really starts hitting its stride and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
The narration in the beginning is a little rough at the beginning as well because the voice used for the book narrator was drastically different than most of the early characters. As I listened further and the book narrator voice became synonymous with the voice of Col. Raytak, the difference between the book narrator voice and those of the other characters completely stopped being an issue. Voraces did a good job making each characters' voice distinctly unique as well.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Aramis
- 13-10-20
Loved it! Binging the series now!
Loved it! It took me a bit to get used to the narrator but im glad I stuck with it. This is quickly becoming my favorite series, I have already purchased the second book
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- thompson
- 21-11-18
Unique take on LitRPG
Fun listen, good world building, new perspective with interesting mechanics, look forward to next book
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Shaina Rhatigan
- 12-11-20
Enthralled
I am newer to the LitRPG genre. This book has unfortunately set the bar super high now. This book has action in all the right places, and develop the characters very well. The performance from the narrator not only kept me attached the story, it has changed my perspective in what I look for when it comes to an audio book. I cannot wait to read the next one.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- HiViolet
- 11-10-20
old veteran reliving his hey day
an enjoyable heartfelt story about the recovery of a wizened veteran exploring a creative world. truly enjoyed it.
2 people found this helpful