The Completionist Chronicles - Review
Link to the author's (D. Krout) personal website
Book 1: Ritualist
Book 2: Regicide
Book 3: Raze
Book 4: Ruthless
Blurb: (From Book 1) The decision to start a new life is never an easy one, but for Joe the transition was far from figurative. Becoming a permanent addition to a game world, it doesn't take long to learn that people with his abilities are actively hunted. In fact, if the wrong people gained knowledge of what he was capable of, assassins would appear in droves.
In his pursuit of power, Joe fights alongside his team, completes quests, and delves into the mysteries of his class, which he quickly discovers can only be practiced in secret. Ultimately, his goal is to complete every mission, master every ability, and learn all of the world's secrets.
All he has to do is survive long enough to make that happen.
Review: Hear me out for this one. The opening that kick-starts the actual story is terrible. This is not an understatement, and I am kind of interested if it's been changed. If you're able to get past the terribleness that is the first 10 pages however, then you're in for a decent enough progression fantasy.
I like this series for the creativeness of the characters. The actual setting, a computer generated world, isn't too creative, but I think it's a good escape that a-lot of authors are using to build a world completely as they wish while cherry-picking the Earth-like aspects they want. Joe, the main character, isn't the most unique, but neither is he a complete 'average Joe'. This is kind of the strength and weakness of the book. The story revolves around Joe, and over-time you see his importance grow, but at the same time it's kind of unbelievable that it happens due to his non-uniqueness and the seeming lack of other competent people. Just close your eyes and ignore this though, and sit along while the author does a really good job of telegraphing plot points and then finding a creative arc that links the beginning and end.
In essence, the book's just fun to read, and the enjoyment of watching Joes adventures outweighs the at times sloppy writing. Also: My god finding the cover artist for these books was difficult, and I didn't even succeed in finding one for the first book.
Edit: I decided that it would unfair to give these books a recommend. I think you should give them a go if you're strapped for content or wanting something easy though.