A Starbrite Man: A Cyberpunk LitRPG

Slumrat Rising, Book 1

By: Warby Picus

Narrated by: Todd Haberkorn

In a magical dystopia, one young man would sell his soul to save his siblings—and the Starbrite Corporation is buying—in this all-too-real urban fantasy.

Seventeen-year-old Truth Medici scavenges for scraps to eat; weathers his parents' abuse; and battles derelicts, killer pimps, and demons in the soul-crushing stretch of desperation he calls home. Even the cops steer clear of the toxic Harban slums.

But just across the canal live the magical elite, with their wealth, flying carpets, gorgeous mages, and custom spell beasts, all thanks to the patronage of the almighty Starbrite Corporation. Getting there, and taking his three vulnerable siblings with him, is Truth's only dream.

When Truth's performance on the Starbrite Aptitude Test surpasses all expectations, it's the start of a new life. Granted use of the System Astrologica, his access to spells, cultivation tonics, and knowledge—not to mention real food—is limitless. But in Harban, even dreams come with a price tag . . .

Turns out, something more than power has been implanted in Truth. Something beyond his control. As the motto goes, "A Starbrite Man Is Always Ready." But for what? Truth is about to find out. Because he's not just fighting to break free from the slums and save himself and his sibs anymore. Now he's fighting the world itself.

The first volume of the hit cyberpunk fantasy series—with more than 900,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

©2023 Warby Picus (P)2023 Podium Audio

The underdog makes it

Crummy parents crummy life looks after the siblings keep going achieves his dream. A life blows up again and he’s got a crawl out well this time at least he’s not alone.

A whole lot of something

Absolutely. Down-to-earth, dirty dark humor main character has no true social skills or intelligence. He's got love for his siblings and a whole lot of kick a$$

Inspiringly original and downright prophetic

This is a hidden gem for sure. I whole heartedly recommend anyone who is a fan of this genre to give it a whirl because it’s unique fresh take on a niche genre of fantasy. This book was brilliant and narrated phenomenally as well. Only downside is lack of description.

If you're a murder hobo and ...

you know it, clap your hands, if you're a murder hobo and you know it, clap your hands, if you're a murder hobo and you know it, then your headspace will woe it...

Warby Picus is a creative writer and this noir cyberpunk novel highlights that fact extremely well. There's no getting around that the MC is mentally unstable and "the system" exploited that fault to drive him into a one-dimensional killing machine, all the while convincing him he was helping his siblings. The author, along with an equally excellent performance by Todd Haberkorn work to keep the story compelling and, odd as it may seem, hilarious at times. The MC seems to be a mash-up between Halo's Master Chief and Kurt Russell in the 1998 movie Soldier.

What is really interesting is that the MC, for all the wrongs he committed, comes across as a tortured soul. One who can't be forgiven his past murders - as he, himself, accepts - one is left with a sense of pity for how he was exploited.

Looking forward to book 2.

amazing and original work of art

something new and unique that hits all of the good aspects of a litrpg series

Outstanding

Got this one on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. Great world building and writing with just a sprinkle of litrpg. Would highly recommend.

Damn creative and damn good

From someone who has read tons of litrpg, and all the classic sci-fi, fantasy, cyberpunk, I have to say that this book was awesome!

It was nothing like I expected, and it reminded me a little of everything. Somehow it all comes together into a story that is familiar but is creative enough to be something unique.

At times it reminded me of the average litrpg but then the wuxia genre would rear its head followed by hints of Space Opera. There are hints of Dune, Snow Crash, Foundation.

It’s pulpy and fast paced at times which can be jarring to some, but overall it’s damn good and damn creative.

Narrator has helluva range and brings the dialogue to life very well.

Amazing Narrator and Story!

The story was already great, but the narrator really breathed life into the characters in a way I haven't heard in my 100+ book collection. Anyone who is a fan of the Helldivers game series, Warhammer 40K, or the LITRPG genre in general will feel right at home in the chaotic fast paced tale.

I can't really understate how surprised I was by the execution. it's a real shame there aren't more reviews for this title.

The world the author created

Straight to the story and a little fast paced but if you’re like me you like fast. It grants the ability to pack a lot of story in a shorter amount of time. Can’t wait to start the second installment.

Great voices and descriptions!!

I love the dialogues in this story and can’t wait for the next book. The world is also fun and moves at a good speed: