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Craig Anderson
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Level Up (One Up Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Craig Anderson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,638 ratings
Virtual is Reality. What would the world be like if video game rules suddenly applied? Marcus is about to find out. After a freak accident he finds himself stuck between a game and the real world. He’ll need to fight his way through football hooligans, carnies and the dreaded RNG to get to the final boss and save the world. Anything less means it’s game over for good. Along the way he’ll learn new skills, chase epic loot and most importantly of all, Level Up! If you love light LitRPG you’ll be sure to enjoy this humourous take on the genre. Grab your copy now!
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    One Up Series
  2. Print length
    304 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 31, 2018
  5. File size
    2.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

★★★★ "I miss Terry Pratchett and this book made me think of his work. It's not the same humor, but it's such a refreshingly humorous out of left field take on the genre that it evokes the feel. Higher praise I can not give." - Jeff D
★★★★★ "It's nice to see a humorous take on the litRPG genre. It does a good job of pointing out the ridiculous rules, limitations, and quirks that video games need to make players deal with in order to keep some sort of structure." - Joe Z
★★★★★ "A great adventure, in the spirit of Douglas Adams if he had video games." - Terrain K
★★★★ "Monty Python meets LitRPG. This is a brilliant story, funny in all the right ways, reasons and places." - Kindle Customer

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079JFM67F
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (January 31, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 31, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,638 ratings

About the author

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Craig Anderson

Craig Anderson

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Craig Anderson can't stand writing about himself in the third person. I’ve been calling myself a writer for years, but most of my time spent writing is on a really long novel that no-one except me has read. I’m still not happy with it, and wonder if I ever will be.

I primarily write novellas because my house is too chaotic to get enough time to write 70k words! I love the shorter form books and the ability to capture a persons imagination and tell an interesting story that can be read in an afternoon.

I’m a Brit that lives in Canada, and I moved here via Australia, so no matter where I go people hear my bizarre accent and ask me where I am from. I have a beautiful wife, two kids under 3, two cats called Sydney & Mel, and a Brittany Spaniel called Jasper. Our house constantly looks like a tornado just passed through!

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,638 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this LitRPG book for its humor that makes them laugh out loud, well-written story, and quick pacing. The book features loads of pop culture references throughout, and customers like the characters. While the concept is based on an interesting idea, opinions about its execution are mixed.

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59 customers mention "Enjoyment"59 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as a fun RPG fantasy novel.

"...A good read." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the conquest part where the MC conquered their top fears. The carnival section was a favorite, too...." Read more

"...Overall, I had a fun time reading the novel. Don’t take it too seriously and you’ll have fine time too. Score: 7 out of 10" Read more

"...doesn't allow for much introspection or exploration, but it makes for a fun read and the author supplies plenty of humor, game+reality shenanigans,..." Read more

59 customers mention "Humor"56 positive3 negative

Customers find the book humorous, describing it as an enjoyable comedy-action story that repeatedly makes them laugh out loud, with one customer noting how it makes fun of various video game genres.

"...This book is a comedy adventure, not a epic fantasy. I'm also going to say the author tried to hard to add EVERY type of quest/game...." Read more

"The story is well written with good characters. There are spots of humor throughout and I seriously cracked up laughing a couple of times...." Read more

"...The carnival section was a favorite, too. Looking forward to continuing to read about his upcoming adventures." Read more

"...is well-paced, little fluff, action packed, and above all else, f-ing hilarious! I'll definitely be reading more stories from this author." Read more

46 customers mention "Story quality"38 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, finding it well written with a simple plot, and one customer describes it as a lighthearted hero story that brightens your day.

"The story is well written with good characters. There are spots of humor throughout and I seriously cracked up laughing a couple of times...." Read more

"...Word usage is Great. Outstanding wordsmithing. Storyline immersive and interesting. Characters fairly well developed. Editing 4.7 stars...." Read more

"...The book is well-paced, little fluff, action packed, and above all else, f-ing hilarious! I'll definitely be reading more stories from this author." Read more

"So the story is awesome on paper but it’s written in a way that isn’t great and honestly doesn’t make sense...." Read more

28 customers mention "Writing quality"21 positive7 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with one customer noting it is free of linguistic errors.

"...For the audible version I enjoyed the narrator." Read more

"...Editing 4.7 stars. one or two very minor word errors. Good formatting. Intended audience Teen to adult, Really all ages...." Read more

"...This is a YA writing style but the ages are grown adult and there aren’t any of the YA themes common to the genre..." Read more

"This is not a deep book, but it is a fun book. The writing is clean and flows very well, tight and fast you're carried along with little to no..." Read more

19 customers mention "Pacing"15 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as a fast read with a squirrel character that they find particularly engaging.

"...The book is well-paced, little fluff, action packed, and above all else, f-ing hilarious! I'll definitely be reading more stories from this author." Read more

"...The writing is clean and flows very well, tight and fast you're carried along with little to no meandering or wandering aimlessly...." Read more

"...Amusing, fast, fluffy read." Read more

"...funny but this book is basically about the dumbest and most pathetic teenager in the world who also happens to be the worst person at video games..." Read more

16 customers mention "Gaming references"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pop culture references, with one customer noting how it incorporates various video game and story elements, while another mentions how it blends different role-playing game concepts.

"...Outstanding wordsmithing. Storyline immersive and interesting. Characters fairly well developed. Editing 4.7 stars...." Read more

"...makes for a fun read and the author supplies plenty of humor, game+reality shenanigans, and moments of laugh out loud silliness to satisfy...." Read more

"...Rather than going into the game, the game comes into life. If you are looking for some good escapism, give this book a read." Read more

"I like the overlay of game and life. The huge spectrum of game type and rules really covered all bases." Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"12 positive2 negative

Customers like the characters in the book, with one noting that villains come in unexpected forms.

"The story is well written with good characters. There are spots of humor throughout and I seriously cracked up laughing a couple of times...." Read more

"...Storyline immersive and interesting. Characters fairly well developed. Editing 4.7 stars. one or two very minor word errors...." Read more

"...Villains come in unexpected forms, with amusingly deadly skills...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the characters and even those that were more caricatures seemed like familiar archetypes...." Read more

9 customers mention "Concept"6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's concept, with some finding it interesting while others note it becomes repetitive and predictable.

"...The book also has a tiny bit of philosophical questioning...." Read more

"...talks about how great they are at video games while stumbling with the most basic mechanics...." Read more

"...The heroes also have unique skill sets and viewpoints, after adapting to treating their normal world like a game...." Read more

"...characters, dialogue that frequently made me crack a smile, and a decently clever and internally consistent plot rolled out at a rapid pace...." Read more

I really enjoyed it
5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed it
Great isekai-like book where the main character trys a VR game, but it merges with real life.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Mike Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I didn’t grow up with RPGs but I’ve presently joined a D&D group so all the acronyms weren’t a mystery. I’m looking forward to the next book and how this plays out. I might not have enjoyed it as much if I hadn’t seen the Matrix several times but I did and I did. A good read.
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  • Adrienne
    4.0 out of 5 stars Ridiculous Comedy Adventure coming of age story
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    If you’re looking for a great or deep story… go elsewhere. If you’re looking for a lighthearted silly “save the world” plotline this is for you. It lost a star because the main character is such a … well… whiner. He is apparently a guy who’s played (and loved) video games his whole life, has the backbone of a jelly fish, and is horrible at actually “playing” the game. Let’s face it after the initial shock of realizing life is a video game, and that people respawn without incident, most life gamers would either go totally nonviolent or full murder hobo if they thought their life was on the line. This guy apparently hates every single quest line type and is just bad at playing. FORTUNATELY his side kicks carry him. His best friend is completely into it and could probably just do everything on his own, but like a good friend leads the main character around by the nose and tell him what to do. The MC is spineless, unhappy, corporate drone type person with a huge helping of your friend(s) are cooler than you. Lots of silly game references and an attempt to provide character growth via quests and attempting to not take anything particularly seriously helps this be a fun read. If I took this seriously I, as a gamer, would have to call crap that the main character has been a lifelong gamer and be that bad at everything. This book is a comedy adventure, not a epic fantasy. I'm also going to say the author tried to hard to add EVERY type of quest/game. Turn based, match 3, minigames, and on and on. This book was weird for me. I both enjoyed it and was irritated by it. The fun part is how it takes NOTHING seriously. Not really. Yes it's a coming of age story, but if it's ridiculous it likely to happen. Mangy squirrel pet, check! Walker wielding granny boss, check! Poo flinging, check! Heck let's throw in a treehouse for funzies! I'd say give it a read and see how you feel. For the audible version I enjoyed the narrator.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A crazy and fun adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The story is well written with good characters. There are spots of humor throughout and I seriously cracked up laughing a couple of times. Note: as I am currently a business data analyst, I may have found the Piviot Table funnier than others might. ;)

    The book also has a tiny bit of philosophical questioning. The last part of the book, after the epilogue, both had me laughing at times and wrapped up the final lingering question I had about the story's universe. I'm looking forward to reading the next book now.

    Note to the author: Mr. Anderson, after what he did, the squirrel should have been able to keep the change to his fur! Even if not the rest. Just my opinion. :) Thank you for a fun adventure.
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  • Slick Shopper
    3.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't finish it.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I understand he was trying to be funny but this book is basically about the dumbest and most pathetic teenager in the world who also happens to be the worst person at video games you can imagine.
    I can't stand these books where the main character is "special needs" and talks about how great they are at video games while stumbling with the most basic mechanics. We also have the joy of him overcoming his pant wetting fears from childhood. I couldn't finish it.
    There's not much RPG.
    The only reason I won't give it lower stars is that there are few typos and it's not poorly written.
    62 people found this helpful
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  • Kimberely Fordham
    5.0 out of 5 stars I loved Black Ring!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A pack of talented delinquents, following a vampire leader, who’s reigns until conquered? Yes! That it ended up being a noble squirrel with a skill called “Mange?” Brilliant! The fact that the MC was ultimately correct about believing in the simulation world belief, and the bro pair who had set it up and were betting on their choices, even funnier in a way. I really enjoyed the conquest part where the MC conquered their top fears. The carnival section was a favorite, too. Looking forward to continuing to read about his upcoming adventures.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Pebble missing
    4.0 out of 5 stars Liked it. Would recommend for a fun reading Experience. Even has a squirrel with Mange
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Would I recommend this book to a friend? YES
    Would I read this again in the future? YES
    Would I pre-order the next book without waiting for reviews ? maybe
    Would I read /look for other books by this same author ? YES
    Readability- 4.5 Good writing. Word usage is Great. Outstanding wordsmithing. Storyline immersive and interesting. Characters fairly well developed.
    Editing 4.7 stars. one or two very minor word errors. Good formatting.
    Intended audience Teen to adult, Really all ages.
    Writing skill Level. Good to above avg
    Worth the price? Yes
    Controversial issues -- None
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Glen Cheng
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pleasantly surprised!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    When I first started reading, I thought it was just a weak cross between Scott Pilgram, Ready Player One, and The Matrix...but it's soooo much more!

    The book is well-paced, little fluff, action packed, and above all else, f-ing hilarious! I'll definitely be reading more stories from this author.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reality warps in a Tron meets Terminator like battle between Office Drone Underdog and Horrible Boss
    Reviewed in Australia on October 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Stuck in a miserable office job with his boss giving him increasingly impossible tasks, Marcus escapes into his favourite RPG along with his best mate. When they run into the one that got away, they jump at the chance to help her test out a new VR RPG she is developing. Naturally they are soon fighting for Reality itself, as ultimate underdogs, against Marcus' Horrible Boss. Fast paced with generous dollops of humour, and a completed storyline without a cliffhanger. Satisfyingly ludicrous with surprisingly believable characters. Reminiscent of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. Also a Clean Read, for the Parental Units out there.
    Report
  • Book Butterfly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Ready Player One
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I was a teenager when Tron came out so have seen a lot of movies & read numerous books in this genre.
    Was looking for a light fun read during lockdown. Mr Anderson's book certainly was fun and I really enjoyed the spin of the whole story that for me was different to the usual format in this genre. The three main characters come across as ordinary, which really appealed to me. I enjoyed the interplay between them and the plot is well thought out. Nutbush really made me laugh, though feel Mr Anderson missed an obvious joke about city limits. Have already got the next book Grow Up to read, if I enjoy that as much I will be buying more of his work.
    Report
  • Andreanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Leveled up
    Reviewed in Canada on February 8, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Short read but very fast paced. Loved it, the storyline was good and I really like that squirrel, clearly the heart of the team!
    Report
  • Xavier
    5.0 out of 5 stars AWESOME
    Reviewed in Germany on July 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    After finishing Armada, I was looking for another book about games, and this one came recommended. It's a self-published, relatively short book, but it's a real gem!

    I was hooked straight from the start when a VR game "injects" itself into reality. The main character suddenly sees a HUD in front of him, and all the people in the world start acting as NPC's (bots) in a game. He has to solve a few quests, overcome his fears, and fight enemies along the way. You know, business as usual in any game. Only this time, it's real life. No retry option when you die.

    Oh, and "reality" is not what we think it is. Instead, the main characters discover that they live inside an ancestor simulation. (It does an outstanding job of describing the simulation theory in clear English! Mad probs!) The game has altered the simulation, introducing new capabilities to the players and bringing new physics.

    All of these things came up in the first few chapters and caught on with me big time! Does that make me a complete nerd? Probably. Okay, fine. Yes, I am!

    The book is filled with (nerdy) jokes about games, like the fact that the main character, which is a business analyst, has a unique skill to "pivot tables." I say no more! It also mocks the weird mechanics that are in most popular games.

    The only downside is that the main characters encounter a few too many "boss fights." After a while, it becomes a bit of the same thing, but luckily the author squeezes in enough jokes, so it doesn't bore you too much.

    I enjoyed this book. In fact, I loved it so much that I'll pick up the sequel, "Grow Up."
    Report
  • Elias Dantas
    4.0 out of 5 stars Slice of Life Gamelit with a twist
    Reviewed in Canada on September 24, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Really cool, really good slice of life story.
    Report

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