Leap: An Isekai LitRPG

Taming Destiny, Book 1

De: S. L. Winter

Narrado por: Kevin Kemp

A desperate man is thrust into the dangerous, unknown wilderness, where even survival comes at a price, in this gripping adapt-or-die portal fantasy.

Markus Wolfe has lost his parents, his girlfriend, and now, his job. He's at his lowest point with nothing left to lose. Or so he thought. But when an apparition appears, promising Markus a mysterious inheritance, he's given the opportunity to discover what he's got to gain: a purpose.

Transmigrated into a vast wilderness with no signs of civilization, Markus is forced to rediscover who he is while fighting through confusion, fear of the unknown, and the very real threat of death. He had the courage to take the first step, which at least grants a point in his favor but he'll need more than that to succeed. His only objective is to outlive and outlast everything that's coming—for one year. But what's coming for him is absolutely beastly.

Armed with an extra-dimensional Inventory, a map, animal allies, and a new Tamer Class, Markus is ready for whatever this untamed world has in store for him. Almost . . .

Because the ravaging Jurassic predators circling their prey are beyond imagining, and so are the promises of Markus's mysterious benefactor, should he survive. Right now, it's a kill-or-be-killed world. Welcome, traveler. Best of luck.

The first volume of the hit LitRPG adventure series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

©2025 S. L. Winter (P)2025 Podium Audio

Slightly Overwrought but Original Isekai

Although the writing is so dense (with introspection) it traps/strangles the flow of the story at times, this original take on an isekai is refreshing and brilliant. It's absolutely worth the listen if you enjoy progressive fantasy LitRPG-like isekais.
The progress is slow, the MC is not overpowered and struggles like any good hero does with small victories along the way. There is world building, a wide array of original fantastic magical creatures, crafting, and cute animals.
The writing is poetic, beautiful, and rich, but gets a little too bogged down in action sequences. I found myself skipping forward when this density felt out of sync with the dynamics of the drama. So maybe out of balance/out of place introspection.
There is also one hell of a cliffhanger at the end, but overall solid classic arcs with satisfying resolutions and decent side-character developments, First person 99% of the way, not the easiest form but it's done well.
The performance is sparkling and consistent, very easy to suspend disbeliefs and sink into the magic of the story. I hope Kevin Kemp is the narrator for the second book, and I hope it comes soon.

Pretty Good

It’s a good start and has promise. Main character is a little too introspective but it’s good character building.

Great story, but

the story is great, the narration is awesome. I really wanted to love this book based on these two factors. Unfortunately the MC made loving it impossible. I don't care that he isn't OP I don't care that he fumbles around making some rather stupid decisions especially at first, because he's overwhelmed. I mean ok he's an office worker thrown into a situation where some soldiers would be overwhelmed at first. What does irritate me to no end is how whiny and immature the MC is. constantly crying like a child over his loses. He's got to be in his mid to late twenties since he graduated university and then worked his job for five years so why is his emotional maturity at the level of an 16 year old. If the MC would just man up a little bit I'd love this book instead of like it but as it stands so far I would trust him to inherit a business let alone some all powerful wizards knowledge and whatever else comes with it.

Whimp

First, I gave five stars regardless of my opinion of the book. This is because I don’t believe my opinion should affect an author’s livelihood.
However, I hated this book. I wanted to like it, and there were/are many reasons why it should be likable. Sadly, the protagonist is a total xxxxx (edited) timid person . I understand a main character being a little off center at the start of a story, but this one just leans into his weakness more and more as the story progresses. At some point a story needs a hero and not some whimpering, sniveling coward questioning if it’s morally correct to hunt his next meal.
Marcus never grows a pair. He should have jumped off his London apartment building and made room for an ACTUAL main character.

A Fresh story

In this book the main character isn't overpowered, has a Hidden bloodline, Overbearing luck, or a genius. He is an average guy down on his luck lost in he path.the story is calm And slow as he's trying to find a new path in his new world.

more millennial writing

Everything you've come to expect from a millennial writer. Victim mentality and constant self doubt. The fight scenes are also pretty awkward.

Nice book!

I'm only a few hours in but it's been great so far. When I finish this I definitely will be getting the second one in the series if it is out. Hopefully soon!
I might leave a more detailed review once I finish it.

Great start!

I am listening to Taming Destiny on Audible, but I first discovered it and the author on Royal Road. Though I'm only eight chapters in (about 5 hours), I wanted to be sure to review it early into its Audible release. I will continue reading. I apologize for any spoilers.

Story:
This story follows our MC, Markus Wolfe. He is a man offered a second chance at life in a world of magic. He accepts an invitation/inheritance (so to speak) and is transported to a wild, uninhabited realm where he must earn his way into a new life. Markus grapples with monsters, mysterious skills, and his own worthiness in this new world- quite a change of scenery for him.

Style:
This story is for crunchy LitRPG lovers. The focus, so far, has been on Markus trying to figure out how to level and apply skill points. Markus is a quick learner, and I'm starting to understand why he was chosen. Despite the crunch, the pacing is solid, intertwined with numerous encounters that allows the MC to try out his weapons and abilities. The author's writing is clean, with some introspective dark humor. The first-person voice is consistent and helps you understand what Markus is going through and what parts of his past have led him there.

Grammar:
British English is used consistently (I'm wondering if the Author is from Wales). The story is well-edited and professionally done, which is important to say about a story that originated on RR. I am not one to focus extensively on punctuation, but I was never taken out of the story based no the grammar.

Characters:
There are only three notable characters in the first 8 chapters. Markus Wolfe, the MC, and Lord Nicholas Titanbend of Azaarde. This is the guy that wants to grant Markus all of his powers, if only Markus can prove himself. The third and final character I want to mention is the large jungle cat creature (and offspring) that Markus just met. This creature can speak telepathically with the character.

My favorite parts so far has been the introduction of these "cats," and the brutality (and realistic) nature of the fights. This is how a dude would blunder through fights if he was suddenly transported to a murder world with wild animals. 5/5 in my book. Will continue to read/listen.

credit worthy listenn

the struggle is real, one man's journey to find himself. he who hunts monsters is doomed to become one. Stats where minimal and added to the story

This is probably my new favorite book

The next one in the series can’t come soon enough! The sooner the better, narrator also does an amazing job.